City Council

133 May 8, 2023 The City Council of the City of Rocky Mount met this day in a regular session scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the George W. Dudley City Council Chamber of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building with Mayor C. Saunders “Sandy” Roberson, Jr. presiding. Councilmembers present: André D. Knight, Reuben C. Blackwell, IV., Richard Joyner, T.J. Walker, Jr., Lige Daughtridge, Tom Harris and Jabaris Walker. Staff present: Keith Rogers Jr., City Manager; Kim Batts, City Clerk; Elton Daniels, Assistant City Manager; Brad Kerr, Public Works Director; JoSeth Bocook, Interim Director of the Department of Development Services; Joel Dunn, Parks and Recreation Director; Archie Jones, Director of Human Relations; Brenton Bent, Water Resources Director; Gregory Cotten, Chief Technology Officer; Latasha Hall, Director of Business and Collections Services; Tracey Drewery, Interim Fire Chief; Michael Roupp, Assistant Chief of Operations; Darvin Moore, Division Chief; Kim Wittig, Administrative Fire Captain/PIO; Ken Hunter, Assistant to the City Manager for Budget and Evaluation; Robert Hassell, Police Chief; Abdul Baloch, Chief Internal Auditor; Mark Adcox, Video Production Specialist; Robin Cox, Communications Specialist; Cornelia McGee, Community and Business Development Director; Kena Cofield-Jones, Director of Human Resources; Kream Mosley, Deputy City Clerk; and Richard J. Rose, City Attorney. Security Officers: Corporal Clay Wilder, Sergeant Chris Williams, and Senior Police Officer Shawn Battle. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and requested all in attendance to stand for a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA Mayor Roberson stated he had received a request to amend the agenda to: • Remove items 8D and 8E from the Consent Agenda to be voted on separately Motion was made by Councilmember Jabaris Walker, seconded by Councilmember Jabaris Walker, and unanimously carried that the agenda be amended, as requested. COMMUNITY UPDATE BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Keith Rogers Jr. provided the following community update. The City Manager reported that: • Stated Downtown Live will kick off at 6 pm on Thursday at the Imperial Centre lawn, the entertainment will be provided by Jim Quick and Coastline • Stated that Lawn Chair Theater resumes at dusk on Friday at the Imperial Centre lawn with a free showing of Puss and Boots: The Last Wish • Stated next week, the play Steel Magnolias will be staged in the theater at the Imperial Centre, the showtimes begin at 7:30 pm from May 18th through May 20th, with a 2 pm matinee on May 21st 134 • Stated Tackle the Tar family fun night will be held at 6 pm on May 19th at Rocky Mount Stadium, there will be live music, food trucks and games RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 10-U ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2023 10-U SWAC STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The Mayor welcomed and congratulated the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department’s 10-U All-Star Basketball Team for winning the 2022 10-U SWAC State Basketball Championship. Motion was made by Councilmember Jabaris Walker, seconded by Councilmember Joyner and unanimously carried that the following Resolution R-2023-32 entitled RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 10-U ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2023 10-U SWAC STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP be adopted: RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 10-U ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2023 10-U SWAC STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEREAS, the Statewide Athletics Committee (SWAC) 2023 10-U State Basketball Tournament was hosted by Nash County Parks & Recreation at the Spring Hope Elementary School Gym on March 16-19 in Spring Hope, North Carolina and brought teams in from across the state; and WHEREAS, All-Star Team players are nominated by their coach and placed on a ballot to be selected by league coaches; these players are intended to be the best representatives of the league, not only in competition, but also character; and WHEREAS, on March 19, 2023, the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 10-U All-Star Basketball rallied to win the 2023 SWAC State Basketball Tournament for their age bracket; and WHEREAS, this win proved the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 10-U All-Star Basketball team to be the best of the best in their age group, being undefeated with a record of 8-0 in Sectional and State Tournament play and outscoring opponents 187-77 during the State Tournament weekend; and WHEREAS, this championship win marks the first time a Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation All-Star Basketball team has won a SWAC sponsored state basketball tournament; and WHEREAS, while there were outstanding individual players in the tournament, winning the championship was a total team effort from the following team members: Robert Arnold Jr, Aiyden Battle, Elijah Battle, Jamaal Boddie, Jr, Kayden Bryant, Noah Bryant, Prince- Jo’Siah Garrett-Smith, Kayden Howard, Princeton Pitts, Faheem Rone, Owen Vaught, Talib Walker, Xavier Wilkins; and WHEREAS, also contributing to the team's success were their coaches: Ghy Smith, Justin Howard, and Jesse Smith, and the team parents who provided unwavering support. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor C. Saunders Roberson, Jr. and the Rocky Mount City Council hereby congratulate the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 10-U All-Star Basketball Team on this great accomplishment and honor of winning the 2023 10-U SWAC Basketball Championship; and  135 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council, individually and collectively thank the members of the team, the coaches, staff and support personnel for the honor the championship has brought to the team and to the City of Rocky Mount; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be spread upon the pages of the minutes of this proceeding and a copy shall be presented to each team member, the coaches and staff and others who were instrumental in the success of their season. Each team member was presented with an official copy of the Resolution. RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 12-U ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2023 12-U SWAC STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP The Mayor welcomed and congratulated the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department’s 12-U All-Star Basketball Team on Winning the 2022 12-U SWAC State Basketball Championship. Motion was made by Councilmember Knight, seconded by Councilmember Jabaris Walker and unanimously carried that the following Resolution R-2023-33 entitled RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 14U ALL-STAR SOFTBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2022 SWAC 14U SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP be adopted: RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROCKY MOUNT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S 12-U ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2023 12-U SWAC STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEREAS, the Statewide Athletics Committee (SWAC) 2023 12-U State Basketball Tournament was hosted by Nash County Parks & Recreation at the Nash Central Middle School Gym on March 17-19 in Nashville, North Carolina and brought teams in from across the state; and WHEREAS, All-Star Team players are nominated by their coach and placed on a ballot to be selected by league coaches; these players are intended to be the best representatives of the league, not only in competition, but also character; and WHEREAS, on March 19, 2023, the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 12-U All-Star Basketball rallied to win the 2023 SWAC State Basketball Tournament for their age bracket; and WHEREAS, this win proved the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 12-U All-Star Basketball team to be the best of the best in their age group, being undefeated with a record of 7-0 in Sectional and State Tournament play and outscoring opponents 192-97 during the State Tournament weekend; and WHEREAS, this championship win marks the first time a Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation All-Star Basketball team has won a SWAC sponsored state basketball tournament; and WHEREAS, while there were outstanding individual players in the tournament, winning the championship was a total team effort from the following team members: Za’Marion Bullock, Zyair Fleming-Powell, Pierre Hewlin, Ty’Javion High, Zyon Howard, Shi’Khari McCrae, Tyzion Walker, Kameron Whitehead, Christopher Williams, Joshua Williams; and WHEREAS, also contributing to the team's success were their coaches: Norman Hewlin and Kenyatta Bullock, and the team parents who provided unwavering support. 136 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor C. Saunders Roberson, Jr. and the Rocky Mount City Council hereby congratulate the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department's 12-U All-Star Basketball Team on this great accomplishment and honor of winning the 2023 12-U SWAC Basketball Championship; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council, individually and collectively thank the members of the team, the coaches, staff and support personnel for the honor the championship has brought to the team and to the City of Rocky Mount; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be spread upon the pages of the minutes of this proceeding and a copy shall be presented to each team member and the coaches who were instrumental in winning this phenomenal championship. Each team member was presented with an official copy of the Resolution. POLICE WEEK/PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY The Mayor read a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 10 through 16, 2023 as Police Week and May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to Chief of Police Robert Hassell. The Mayor also presented framed proclamations in memory of Officer Alan Silver and Senior Police Officer Christopher Driver to their families. Chief Hassell, several police officers and the families joined the Mayor and City Council for a photograph. PRESERVATION MONTH The Mayor read a Proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2019 as Preservation Month in the City of Rocky Mount. He presented the proclamation to JoSeth Bocook, Interim Director of Department of Development Services. PETITIONS FROM THE PUBLIC The Mayor opened the meeting for petitions from the public and outlined guidelines for public petitions. He called on the following individuals for public comment and a brief summary of comments is outlined below: Carl Moore, III • Stated he is here to speak on the City’s personnel policy Chapter 6.60-6.74 Medical Insurance Coverage for Retirees and Certain Elected Officials • Stated on July 31, 2021, he went out on disability retirement as a Fire Captain • Stated he has been trying to get an answer from Human Resources about his medical insurance coverage and has been told the policy is being reviewed by the lawyers • Stated in March of this year, he began receiving calls from other disability retirees inquiring about the same issues • Stated they have been told that 30-year retirees have had their insurance canceled with no knowledge until attending their doctor’s appointments • Stated he would like to know who provides the oversight and accountability over the Human Resource Department and he asks that this benefit be continued as listed in the policy Councilmember Joyner asked if the City Attorney or City Manager could speak on this matter.  137 City Manager, Keith Rogers Jr. stated he would discuss the issue with Councilmember Joyner and the other City Councilmembers offline. Councilmember Knight stated he had a retiree contact him during open enrollment, but he thought it was only one or two affected. He stated he would like to know how many were left off the list and how it would be taken care of. Councilmember Knight requested to have the information prior to the next council meeting. The Mayor stated the matter could possibly be scheduled for a closed session at some point. Councilmember T.J. Walker stated he was unsure if Mr. Moore had a copy of the documents with him today or not, but he had seen them and would like Mr. Moore to provide a copy for City Council if he has them. Richard Petway • Stated he is with Emmanuel Chapel Church, and he would like to petition to close the street on Saturday, June 10th City Manager Rogers informed him that Mr. Daniels could provide him with the proper forms so his request can be processed. Morrie Minges • Stated she would like to know what happened with the family that had some chickens a while back • Stated she is glad to see the new photos of the City Council • Stated she would like to know when someone is going to start cleaning up Church Street Mary Berry • Stated she has several issues with the dog park that many other who use it are concerned about also • Stated that they locked all the outside gates that go into the dog park and now there is only one main entrance going to all three areas instead of each area having its own entrance/exit • Stated she feels you should never only have one way in and out of any place and there have been a few instances where someone has brought in a vicious dog that has attacked another dog Dr. Kim Koo • Stated that according to the various reports given at the recent retreat, things are looking up for Rocky Mount • Stated that the Federal Reserve just increased the interest rate again to 5.1% and there is no commensurate rise in people’s earnings • Stated that given the increasing hardships on folks, she would challenge the Mayor to change his priority from public security to alleviating poverty in Rocky Mount Mumtaz Shaik • Stated she noticed that a Councilman called on the City to keep residents informed of ongoing projects that cause etc., and magically the following day the front page of the Rocky Mount Telegram transformed itself into a page chalked full of newsworthy articles • Stated normally the front page is bogged down with crime, giving readers the impression that the City is crime ridden • Stated she urges the City Council to call for a cleanup of the crime-soaked front page of the Rocky Mount Telegram to restore dignity and respectability to the City 138 Councilmember Knight stated that many years back a group of citizens, the Chamber and other organizations met with the Rocky Mount Telegram, and they seemed to change how they were reporting information in our community. He stated he would like to see that placed on a future Committee of the Whole agenda. Nellene Richardson • Stated she is here to talk about the Love Walk which starts this Saturday at 10 am at the fairground • Stated they will be doing the Love Walks in all seven wards • She stated the Love Walk is about going out and knocking on every door in the City of Rocky Mount to find out what the citizens want, need, and desire by filling out a quick survey • Stated if anyone is interested in joining the Love Walk, it will be an annual event Adrienne Copland • Stated she attended the Homelessness Roundtable and it was a great meeting because there were so many organizations there that really had no idea about others and how they can collaborate and work together • Stated no one there knew about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which is an organization that receives donations, build beds (mattresses and linens included) and deliver them to the kids who are sleeping on the floor • Stated people can apply at SHPbeds.org, build days are available for volunteers as well as delivery days Joshua Robinson • Stated he is here to formally request a lease reduction at 150 East Thomas Street, the Mecca on Douglas in Rocky Mount • Stated that this request is in response to parking issues which have been unaddressed since February and brought on by Event Center overflow parking on the weekends • Stated that 90 to 95% of their revenue stream is their food trucks which biggest days are on the weekends • Stated his building as well as other tenants on the block have had ongoing parking issues • Stated his hope is that this City does all they can to help his local vendors that sell stuff in his store as well as the Mecca on Douglas by granting this reduction CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Councilmember Knight, seconded by Councilmember Joyner, and unanimously carried that the Consent Agenda be approved, as amended, and that the following items on the Consent Agenda [Items 8(A) through 8(C) - items 8D and 8E were removed], be approved as follows and more specifically: A. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT/DIRT STREET RECONSTRUCTION The City Council received a budget ordinance amendment requesting approval of $2,092,000 for Dirt Street Reconstruction. It was noted that the amendment appropriates $845,000 in the General Fund, $747,000 in the Powell Bill Fund and transfers $500,000 of existing appropriations in the Sewer Fund for related sewer distribution improvements. It was also noted that appropriations in the General Fund were made possible through use of restricted fund balance raised in prior years from a share of the Vehicle License fees dedicated for road resurfacing.  139 By consent, Ordinance No. O-2023-62A entitled ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022–2023 FOR DIRT STREET RECONSTRUCTION was adopted. B. TRAFFIC ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS The City Council was advised that the residents in the Edgemont Historic District had submitted a petition signed by more than 75% of the residents to convert three (3) two-way stop intersections to all-way stop intersections. City Council was informed the three intersections were identified due to irregularity and safety concerns. The City Council received the following recommendations from the Traffic Engineer: • ADOPT All-Way Stop for the following intersections: − Eastern Avenue and Holder Drive − Oakwood Drive and Holder Drive − Daughtry Street and Sycamore Street By consent, Ordinance No. O-2023-63 entitled ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT APPROVING INSTALLATION OF ALL-WAY STOPS AT EDGEMONT HISTORIC DISTRICT be adopted. C. REBID – BREAKAWAY LIGHT POLES That the rebid for Breakaway Light Poles be awarded Wesco Distribution @ total cost of $94,905 and a purchase order issued in accordance with City Council’s award. The bid tabulation is on file in the office of the City Clerk as BD-2023-12. Councilmember Blackwell stated he wanted to thank Brad Kerr and his team for their work to have the all-way stops put in place in the Edgemont Historic District. ANNEXATION NO. 328 - 9121 WEST MOUNT DRIVE – PIN 373920904637 (NON- CONTIGUOUS) The City Council was advised that on November 14, 2022 the petition for annexation was found to be sufficient. City Council was also advised that a public hearing was held on this annexation on December 12, 2022 and public comment was received. The Mayor stated the annexed property would become part of Ward 4 if approved. Motion was made by Councilmember T.J. Walker, seconded by Councilmember Blackwell and carried by a vote of 6-1 (Councilmember Harris opposed) that Ordinance No. O-2023-64 entitled ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT ANNEXATION NO. 328 – 9121 WEST MOUNT DRIVE – 373920904637 be adopted. ANNEXATION NO. 329 – 9041 AND 9053 WEST MOUNT DRIVE - PIN 3738 0099 1544; PIN 3739 2090 8350; PIN 3739 2080 9143; PIN 3738 0090 6177 (NON- CONTIGUOUS) The City Council was advised that on November 14, 2022 the petition for annexation was found to be sufficient. City Council was also advised that a public hearing was held on this annexation on 140 December 12, 2022 and public comment was received. The Mayor stated the annexed property would become part of Ward 4 if approved. Motion was made by Councilmember T.J. Walker, seconded by Councilmember Joyner and carried by a vote of 6-1 (Councilmember Harris opposed) that Ordinance No. O-2023-65 entitled ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT ANNEXATION NO. 329 – 9041 and 9053 WEST MOUNT DRIVE (PIN 3738 0099 1544; PIN 3739 2090 8350; PIN 3739 2080 9143; PIN 3738 0090 6177) be adopted. PUBLIC HEARING/STREET CLOSING/ S. WASHINGTON STREET AT CSX RAILROAD CROSSING The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to a petition submitted by the City of Rocky Mount to close S. Washington Street at CSX Railroad Crossing. Brad Kerr, Public Works Director, briefly explained this is just closing a small portion of right away which is essentially the driveway into the CSX property at the end of South Washington Street and it is being done at the request of the railroad to clean up the last of the City’s traffic separations projects. No one from the public appeared relative to the proposed street closing and the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Daughtridge and unanimously carried that Resolution No. R-2023-34 entitled ORDER CLOSING S. Washington Street at CSX Railroad Crossing be adopted. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS The City Council received the minutes and recommendations from Planning Board meetings held March 14 and April 11, 2023. The minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk. The following action was taken upon the recommendations of the Planning Board: A. PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING REQUEST The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to the following rezoning request recommended for approval and found in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Board: • Request by Butterfields Butter, LLC [Matthew McClure, representative] to rezone the ±3.07-acre parcel located at the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Sherrod Street and the unimproved portion of Parrish Street [PIN 376904442800] from R- 6MFA to I-2 JoSeth Bocook, Interim Director of Development Services, gave an overview of the request. Councilmember Harris asked how long trucks have been parking on that vacant area and why it is allowed when the zoning states it is not allowed.  141 Mr. Bocook stated he was not certain how long the vehicles have been parking on the site but the approval of the rezoning request would make the parking of the trailers in compliance. Councilmember Joyner stated that having Butterfield to begin cleaning up this area and do a great job with hiring has been excellent for his ward and he is extremely pleased. No one from the public appeared and the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Blackwell, and unanimously carried that Ordinance No. O-2023-66 entitled ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AND MAP OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT be adopted. B. PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING REQUEST The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to the following rezoning request recommended for denial by the Planning Board: • Request by DeLeon Parker, Jr. as a representative for the property owner Oak Level Ventures, LLC to rezone three parcels [PINs 373908986297, 373909899925U, 373908983727] having a total area of ±22.43 acres addressed as 1930 Bethlehem Road from R-100 to R-6MFACD City Council was notified that the petitioner has requested to postpone action on the matter. The Mayor stated he would allow the individuals that were there to speak if they would like to and recognized the following for questions/comments related to the proposed rezoning: Sharon W. McLaughlin • Stated she opposes the rezoning of 1930 Bethlehem Road • Stated she resides at 1940 Bethlehem Road • Stated the residents received a letter about the meeting today but they were not informed about the request to postpone the rezoning vote • Stated she he has lived at that property for almost 27 years and the land clearing is going to cause loss of natural habitat to animals that are in that area • Stated these animals losing there habitats may result in more accidents especially involving deer • Stated when the land is clear the rodents are going to move from the field to find food and shelter causing an increase in residential infestation • Stated the pesticides that have been used in this agricultural area will run off into the Maple Creek area Bob Michaud • Stated he resides on Pamela Lane and his property backs right up to the property requested to be rezoned • Stated he opposes the rezoning of 1930 Bethlehem Road as it is not going to help anyone in the area • Stated the residents do not really feel like they know what is going on and he just found out about the meeting being postponed as well • Stated if they raise the elevation of that property, his backyard, along with the neighbors would all be flooded • Stated he believes more research should be done as far as wildlife and the irrigation 142 Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Harris and unanimously carried to postpone the item until July 10, 2023. C. PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING REQUEST The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to the following rezoning request recommended for approval and found in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Board: • Request by James D. Gailliard as representative for the property owner Word Tabernacle Church to rezone four parcels [PINs 373920809143, 373800991544, 373800906177, 373920908350] having a total area of ±59.41 acres addressed as 9041 and 9053 West Mount Drive from Nash County R-30 to O-I Mayor Roberson stated that public comments will be heard tonight but the action requested will be to postpone the public hearing until May 22, 2023. The City Attorney, Jep Rose clarified that the public hearing will be postponed until May 22, 2023. Mayor Roberson recognized the following for questions/comments related to the proposed rezoning: Charlie Daniels • Stated he currently resides on a private road which faces the property on West Mount Drive and he opposes the rezoning • Stated his front door would be facing the 400 meter track along with the baseball field, soccer field, and complex • Stated this whole area is residential/agricultural and the piece of property in question is actually in the 100-year flood plain • Requested that the Councilmembers who have not visited the site to please drive through to review as the map does not do any kind of justice and he would like them to see the homes that this will impact • Stated there is going to need to be infrastructure that needs to be piped into this area, new sewer and water Sara Daniels • Stated she also resides in a house directly adjacent to the property on West Mount Drive and she also opposes the rezoning • Stated there are natural habitats that will be affected and they will no longer exist if there is a sports complex put next to her house • Stated they enjoy observing the animals in their natural habitat and they have already noticed the reduction since trees have been cleared • Stated there are floodplains back there and if there is a sports complex, a baseball field, a track and apartments put back there, the flood zone could be impeded • Stated there are low parts that do flood especially when hurricanes come along and if these things are built there, that flooding is going to increase and spill over into the West Mount area • Stated if you are bringing in sports complexes, you are bringing in groups of people all hours increasing the noise levels • Stated if you look at the other sports complexes in the area, there are no houses surrounding them  143 Gladys Winstead • Stated the size of this complex is going to be the approximate size of Golden East Mall • Stated West Mount Drive will have the only access to these properties and that amount of traffic going into this one-way access will result in traffic jams and accidents • Stated the residents of West Mount Drive will be adversely affected • Stated she thinks it is admirable what Word Tabernacle is doing for our youth, she thinks it would be more advisable to have it in a place where it is more easily accessible • Requested that Council votes no to the rezoning John Cheatham • Stated he pays property taxes in the City of Rocky Mount and his property is adjacent to these properties • Stated he is a small business owner and small business owners do not need competition from religious organizations that are being subsidized by taxpayers • Stated he is here to voice his opposition to the rezoning and the West Mount community is united in this opposition • Made the following inquiries: ▪ If this location is an economically disadvantaged area of Rocky mount ▪ If the West Mount Community needs this sort of economic activity in the middle of their residential community with the additional traffic and late power noise ▪ Will the underserved have access to this facility, if so how will they get there as there is no bus or shuttle service to this area ▪ What plans are there for sewage and water for this location ▪ Is the City going to fund the infrastructure at the City taxpayers expense to subsidize a religious institution ▪ How can this be positive for the local economy when it puts local businesses at a competitive disadvantage • Stated the houses surrounding these properties have families with small children and the potential for traffic and noise into the evening will be disruptive Kyle Johnson • Stated he stands in agreement with the rezoning of 9053 West Mount Drive • Stated he is a staff member at Word Tabernacle Church and he has family that lives in West Mount Community • Stated the property is currently being used to invest in local youth through the recreational facility • Stated we often say that we need more things for the youth and families to do but we don’t want them to come and say that they belong somewhere else • Stated rezoning this property will increase our ability to do that as a region because it will be a community space for recreation • Stated the rezoning will allow for families to find more recreational opportunities, populations to have preferred housing, and it brings closer access to amenities for people living in the area • Stated their goal is to include solutions to the concerns of the citizens • Stated management of City resources should not be a deterrent for development but it should help us create a plan for it which is the job and the goal of the City • States he hopes they will vote to approve the rezoning DeLeon Parker • Stated that he opposes the rezoning on West Mount Drive • Stated that in his professional opinion there is an issue with spot zoning 144 • Stated there are no other properties within a half mile to a mile that are commercially zoned and have traffic, the area around is uniformed residential and agricultural • Stated the existing traffic counts in West Mount are about 3,800 trips a day and the DOT estimates for an O-I2 you will see about 600 trips a day and the OI about 9,500 trips a day • Stated in the City Code of Ordinances, it talks about O-I2 being pedestrian accessible and since this is not contiguous to the City of Rocky Mount, you’re not going to be able to build sidewalks Tim Ward • Stated he does not live out in West Mount but he went out there today and noticed there are still building materials piled up behind that building that have never been cleaned up • Stated a lot of the trees are dead and there are overgrown weeds and it looks trashy • Stated the City funding the sewer and water to go out there will be a big expense and he would like to know what the City is going to gain and how long it will take to see the financial benefits • Stated there are more pressing issues in the City that money should be invested in such as repaving the streets Motion was made by Councilmember T.J. Walker, seconded by Councilmember Joyner and unanimously carried that the public hearing be postponed until the May 22, 2023 City Council Meeting. D. PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING REQUEST The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to the following rezoning request recommended for approval and found in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Board: • Request by James D. Gailliard as representative for the property owner Word Tabernacle Church to rezone the ±7.11- acre parcel located at 9121 West Mount Drive from Nash County R-30 to O-I2 Mayor Roberson stated that public comments will be heard tonight but the action requested will be to postpone the public hearing until May 22, 2023. The City Attorney, Jep Rose clarified that the public hearing will be postponed until May 22, 2023. Mayor Roberson recognized the following for questions/comments related to the proposed rezoning: Kyle Johnson • Stated this is reference to the annexation of 9121 West Mount Drive which is not owned by Word Tabernacle but by James and Angela Gailliard • Stated that local citizens have to commute to have events which can be here in our community • Stated that voting for the rezoning will provide a need for local citizens while accomplishing the goal of the City Council, increasing the amount of people coming to our city, creating an influx of money and business opportunity and giving a platform for local vendors and business owners John Cheatham • Stated once this property is annexed, there is no control over who develops it and what they can do with it within the limitations of the zoning  145 • Stated he does not doubt the intentions here are good, but no one knows that in three years the property will even have the same owners • Stated that property will become more valuable the instant it is rezoned especially with the infrastructure while the surrounding houses are going to decrease in value • Stated the goals and objectives are admirable but the residents in the West Mount Community are trying to protect their interests as well Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember T.J. Walker and unanimously carried that the public hearing be postponed until the May 22, 2023 City Council Meeting. ANNEXATION NO. 330/MASON & PEARCE PROPERTY [S. HALIFAX RD.] PIN(s) 373911670078U, 373911760759U, 373912766624U, 373912769624, 373912861673U, 373910453202U, 373911651836U (CONTIGUOUS) The Mayor called on the City Manager or his designee to provide an explanation of the feasibility study prepared in connection with the annexation. JoSeth Bocook, Interim Director of the Department of Development Services explained the report and concluded by recommending approval of the annexation. A copy of the report is on file with Annexation No. 330 in the office of the City Clerk. The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to Annexation No. 330, and no one appeared. Councilmember Harris posed the following questions: • Is there a vision of another access other than Halifax Road for the future residents of this 176-acre tract of land? • how many houses could possibly be placed in this acreage, subject to wetlands and everything else? Mr. Bocook responded that the City had not received any proposed site plans for the property but dependent upon plans an additional access could be a requirement and there are some protected wetland areas but with 176 acres, there is the potential for hundreds of houses. He stated the applicant was present and may be able to provide more insight. The Mayor recognized Grey Berry, representing Futrell Development. Mr. Berry stated they have access on Old Mill Road currently and are under contract for an additional 45 acres that will provide an access on Bethlehem Road. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion was made by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Daughtridge, and unanimously carried that receipt of the feasibility study be acknowledged and that Ordinance No. O-2023-67 entitled ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT/ANNEXATION NO. 330/MASON & PEARCE PROPERTY [S. HALIFAX RD.] PIN(s) 373911670078U, 373911760759U, 373912766624U, 373912769624, 373912861673U, 373910453202U, 373911651836U (CONTIGUOUS) be adopted. The City Council was advised that the property will be located in Ward 6. ANNEXATION NO. 331/ARROW ROAD (CONTIGUOUS) The Mayor called on the City Manager or his designee to provide an explanation of the feasibility study prepared in connection with 146 the annexation. JoSeth Bocook, Interim Director of the Department of Development Services explained the report and concluded by recommending approval of the annexation. A copy of the report is on file with Annexation No. 331 in the office of the City Clerk. The Mayor opened a public hearing relative to Annexation No. 331, and no one appeared. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion was made by Councilmember Daughtridge, seconded by Councilmember T.J. Walker, and unanimously carried that receipt of the feasibility study be acknowledged and that Ordinance No. O-2023-68 entitled ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT/ANNEXATION NO. 331/ARROW ROAD (CONTIGUOUS) be adopted. The City Council was advised that the property will be located in Ward 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, by consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. ______________________________ Kim Batts City Clerk