City Council

222 July 24, 2023 The City Council of the City of Rocky Mount met this day in a regular session scheduled for 4:01 p.m. in the George W. Dudley City Council Chamber of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building with Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker, Jr. presiding. Councilmembers present: André D. Knight, Reuben C. Blackwell, IV., Richard Joyner, T.J. Walker, Jr., Lige Daughtridge, Tom Harris and Jabaris Walker. Members absent: Mayor C. Saunders “Sandy” Roberson, Jr. 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; Michael Roupp, Assistant Chief of Operations; Darvin Moore, Fire Chief; 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; Chris Beschler, Energy Resources Director; Darryl Strother, Electric Operations Manager-Energy Resources; Kena Cofield-Jones, Director of Human Resources; Kream Mosley, Deputy City Clerk; Monica Brantley, 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 MINUTES Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Daughtridge, and unanimously carried that the minutes of the following City Council meetings be approved as submitted to the City Council prior to the meeting: • Regular Scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting held March 13, 2023; and • Regular Rescheduled Committee of the Whole meeting held April 3, 2023; and • Regular Rescheduled City Council meeting held April 3, 2023. The minutes of the Regular Scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting held March 13, 2023 are as follows:  223 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023, AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF THE FREDERICK E. TURNAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING WITH MAYOR PRO TEM T.J. WALKER PRESIDING: MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: T.J. Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Keith Rogers André D. Knight Peter F. Varney Reuben C. Blackwell, IV Kim Batts Richard Joyner Robert Hassell Lige Daughtridge Kenneth Hunter Jabaris Walker Archie Jones Tom Harris Elton Daniels Mayor C. Saunders “Sandy” Roberson, Jr. Kirk Brown Kena Cofield-Jones VIA ZOOM: Greg Cotten Sheila Morton, Latasha Hall NC League of Municipalities Cornelia McGee-Anthony Darius Chisholm, Tracey Drewery NC League of Municipalities Richard J. Rose OPENING OF MEETING Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. He acknowledged it being new City Manager, Keith Rogers’ first regular Committee of the Whole Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem shared that he was excited that NCBEMO decided to have their annual summer conference in Rocky Mount. NCBEMO DISCUSSION – Elton Daniels Assistant City Manager, Elton Daniels reported that the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials Association, NCBEMO is having their summer conference in Rocky Mount July 28th through the 30th. Mr. Daniels said that he will be working with a committee from the league. He introduced Sheila Morton and Darius Chisholm. He shared that some discussion topics will be affordable housing, food for medicine and downtown revitalization. Mr. Daniels stated that the conference coincides with the Down East Music Festival scheduled for that weekend also. He told all that BEMO is for appointed officials as well as elected. Mr. Chisholm gave his career summary and stated the as the new NC League of Municipalities NCBEMO liaison he is excited to help cities and town in North Carolina. Sheila Morton stated the conference was in Rocky Mount about 10 years ago and thanked all for agreeing to host. She said that she remembers there being an event at the Helen Gay train station, who was a member of Black Elected Officials. Ms. Morton shared that she is retired and continues to help plan the conference because of the love she has for it. She stated that BEMO has a community leadership luncheon, where they spotlight those who have done outstanding work. In addition to a luncheon where they give three $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school students. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Information only; no formal action CRIME STATISTICS - Robert Hassell Chief Robert Hassell presented a summary of city-wide crime numbers to the City Council for February 2023. It was noted that the presentation covers crime incidents throughout the City, currently and in comparison with the prior year during the same time period. The Council was advised that crime numbers are tracked by the FBI and shared with the Bureau of Justice Statistics for tracking purposes and the presentation includes investigation outcomes for violent crimes and related arrests. The presentation also included maps depicting areas of shots fired, incidences of aggravated assault and murder and highlighted efforts and successes of the Police Department to combat violent crime. 224 An overview of PowerPoint presentation provided to the Mayor and Council includes: • National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Part 1 crime comparisons by type were provided. Total crime numbers by months and years were reported as: February February Crimes/NIBRS Part 1 2022 2023 +/- YTD 2022 YTD 2023 +/- Total 141 150 9 294 344 50 • February 2023 crime numbers for murders, aggravated assault and shooting into occupied building(s)/vehicle(s) (map of locations provided): o Aggravated assault cases and investigations: ▪ Aggravated assault cases = 15 ▪ Aggravated assault victims = 33 ▪ Number cases with multiple victims = 4 ▪ Aggravated assault arrests = 5 ▪ Aggravated assault cases cleared = 1 o Case Dispositions (total = 15): ▪ Cases cleared by arrest = 1 ▪ Inactive cases = 3 ▪ Open cases = 11 o Crime Report: ▪ Murder, aggravated assault and shooting into occupied building/vehicle: total victims = 35 *Victims with injuries = 24 *Victims without injuries = 11 o Homicide: ▪ Total of Incidents = 2 ▪ Total of Victims = 2 ▪ Total of Closed Cases = 0 o ShotSpotter and Citizen calls City-wide: ▪ Shots fired = 56 ▪ Calls resulting in shell casings found = 27 ▪ Number shell casings found = 165 ▪ Number shell casings found (year to date) = 462 ▪ Number of Firearms Seized = 27 ▪ Number firearms seized (year to date) = 59 ▪ Weapon violation arrests = 6 Other Police Stats: • Calls for Service – 7,405 • On-View Arrests & Warrant Service – 99 • Traffic Accidents - 134 • Accident Property Damage – $591,802 • Traffic Stops - 434 • Citations Issued - 102 • Warnings Issued - 333 Community Events: • Coffee, Cops & Conversations • PALS Basketball Championship Game Councilmember Joyner asked Chief Hassell in incidents where there are multiple victims at one site if it was a community or social event. Chief Hassell replied that one was a shooting at a residence where seven people were watching a movie. He said another was a gathering with eleven people at a residence. Chief Hassell stated that the way  225 numbers are tracked, if someone could have been in the line of fire they are documented as a victim in that incident. Mayor Pro Tem thanked Chief Hassell for the department escorting the Rocky Mount girls back from the State Championship game. In addition to Councilmember Jabaris Walker for setting it up. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Information only; no formal action Council Discussion Mayor Pro Tem said that the dates and location for the retreat are set. He informed all that they need to work on the focus areas. Mayor Pro Tem Walker said that they will know how to prioritize as they look at the comprehensive plan for the City. He expressed that he is looking forward to moving the City onward. Mayor Pro Tem Walker thanked Peter Varney for his time as Interim City Manager. He asked Keith Rogers, City Manager if he had anything to say before the meeting was concluded. City Manager, Keith Rogers said that he is excited to get to work. ADJOURNMENT Without objection, the Mayor Pro Tem adjourned the meeting at 5:21 p.m. A printed copy of the PowerPoint presentations are on file in the office of the City Clerk. The minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Committee of the Whole meeting held April 3, 2023 are as follows: MINUTES OF A REGULAR RESCHEDULED MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HELD MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023, AT 5:30 P.M. IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF THE FREDERICK E. TURNAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING WITH MAYOR PRO TEM T.J. WALKER PRESIDING: MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: T.J. Walker, Mayor Pro Tem Keith Rogers André D. Knight Kim Batts Reuben C. Blackwell, IV Robert Hassell Richard Joyner Cornelia McGee-Anthony Lige Daughtridge Kenneth Hunter Jabaris Walker Archie Jones Tom Harris Elton Daniels Mayor C. Saunders “Sandy” Roberson, Jr. Kirk Brown Kena Cofield-Jones Greg Cotten Paula Carbone Abdul Baloch Latasha Hall Tracey Drewery Monica Brantley Richard J. Rose OPENING OF MEETING Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. He recognized State Representative Shelly Willingham, who was in attendance. City Manager Keith Rogers said considering the recent approval of the healthcare contract that wellness initiatives directly relate to the bottom line. 226 LIVEWELL UPDATE – Kena Cofield-Jones Director of Human Resources, Kena Cofield-Jones gave an update on LiveWell, the City’s employee wellness program. She shared what each of the program’s four pillars offers. Financial: • Money Mondays Physical Well-Being: • Let’s Move Series • Yoga • Line Dancing • Zumba/MixxFit • XMA • Speed Hoops • Fitness Walk Month Mindfulness: • Mediation • Chair Massages • Yoga • Breathing Exercises Nutrition: • Cooking to Live Well with Chef Cordell Kena Cofield-Jones stated that they are bringing programs to employees to help with their overall well-being and that impacts insurance. Mrs. Cofield-Jones shared that March 8th was national nutrition day and 350 juices and smoothies were provided to employees. She reported that, LiveWell has an online portal where employees can read blogs, watch videos and post about wellness. She said they can earn points, buy things from the store, and receive prizes. Established Partnerships: • YMCA • Fit4Life • Planet Fitness • BoxHause • First Baptist Church Kena Cofield-Jones stated that they are in conversation with Ripe Revival for a stable location in the City. Councilmember Knight asked what Ripe Revival would be doing. Kena Cofield-Jones replied that Ripe Revival has a mobile bus containing fresh produce and meat from local farmers. She said they have suggested prices, but customers can choose what to pay. Councilmember Joyner asked Mrs. Cofield-Jones to check with Parks and Rec because there is a mobile stand available from the Community Garden. The LiveWell program received the following 2022 awards: • Aetna Workplace Well-being - Gold • American Heart Association Well-being Works Better – Silver  227 Kena Cofield-Jones reported that they partnered with Parks and Recreation and purchased the My Sr. Center app. The app allows people to check in and the numbers can be tracked. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Information only; no formal action CRIME STATISTICS - Robert Hassell Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker stated Chief Robert Hassell provided information packets for the March 2023 Crime Report. He said that Chief Hassell would not be making a full presentation and asked if anyone had questions. Chief Hassell highlighted the PALS recognition banquet for the seven boys and girls basketball teams that RMPD sponsored. He shared that in March, Officers had lunch with students at Williford and Baskerville school. An overview of the PowerPoint presentation provided to the Mayor, Council and public includes: • National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Part 1 crime comparisons by type were provided. Total crime numbers by months and years were reported as: March March Crimes/NIBRS Part 1 2022 2023 +/- YTD 2022 YTD 2023 +/- Total 112 74 -38 428 438 10 • March 2023 crime numbers for murders, aggravated assault and shooting into occupied building(s)/vehicle(s) (map of locations provided): o Aggravated assault cases and investigations: ▪ Aggravated assault cases = 6 ▪ Aggravated assault victims = 7 ▪ Number cases with multiple victims = 1 ▪ Aggravated assault arrests = 0 ▪ Aggravated assault cases cleared = 1 o Case Dispositions (total = 6): ▪ Cases cleared by arrest = 1 ▪ Inactive cases = 1 ▪ Open cases = 4 o Crime Report: ▪ Murder, aggravated assault and shooting into occupied building/vehicle: total victims = 8 *Victims with injuries = 5 *Victims without injuries = 3 o Homicide: ▪ Total of Incidents = 1 ▪ Total of Victims = 1 ▪ Total of Closed Cases = 1 o ShotSpotter and Citizen calls City-wide: ▪ Shots fired = 49 ▪ Calls resulting in shell casings found = 10 ▪ Number shell casings found = 89 ▪ Number shell casings found (year to date) = 626 ▪ Number of Firearms Seized = 18 ▪ Number firearms seized (year to date) = 83 ▪ Weapon violation arrests = 0 Other Police Stats: • Calls for Service – 4,904 • On-View Arrests & Warrant Service – 68 • Traffic Accidents - 99 228 • Accident Property Damage – $430,400 • Traffic Stops - 338 • Citations Issued - 90 • Warnings Issued – 284 Community Events: • Read Across America • PALS Basketball Celebration • Lunch with a Cop • COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Information only; no formal action Mayor Pro Tem Walker reminded all that the Retreat is set for May 3rd – May 5th in Durham, NC. He also extended an invitation to an event he is doing, in partnership with the Downtown Development Department, “Young Professionals Roof Top Social”. ADJOURNMENT Without objection, the Mayor Pro Tem adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m. A printed copy of the PowerPoint presentations are on file in the office of the City Clerk. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA Request to add discussion/consideration of funding for the 2023 Down East Viking Classic. Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Knight that the addition discussion/consideration of funding for the 2023 Down East Viking Classic. COMMUNITY UPDATE BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Keith Rogers Jr. provided the following community update. The City Manager reported that: • Thanked all the employees from the various City departments for their rapid and effective response to last week’s tornado that moved through our northern part of Rocky Mount • Stated staff from the Fire Department, Police Department, Energy Resources, Public Works Department, and Development Services quickly provided assistance, including restoring power in areas that were damaged • Stated the City continues and stands prepared to assist our partners at Pfizer as well as the surrounding jurisdictions with the long-term recovery efforts • Informed the residents in the community, if their home had sustained damage from the tornado, the City may be able to help • Stated the City has multiple housing repair programs and review for applicants impacted by last week’s weather will be expedited; provided contact information for Alvina Jenkins in the Community Development Department at (252) 972-1100 for more information • Stated the City also has a utility assistance program available for customers who may be experiencing hardships, for more information on that program please contact the Customer Service Department at (252) 972-1250 • Stated today the Finance Department was awarded the GFOA Recognition for the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement Award for the FY 2022 audit report • Stated this award was created to recognize governments that go above the minimum requirements generally accepted accounting principles in preparing their annual  229 comprehensive financial reports and it is evidence of a spirit of transparency as well as full disclosure • Stated this award is a significant accomplishment and a positive sign for the City’s financial operations so he would like to commend the finance team for the great work in receiving this award again this year • Stated this weekend the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials (NCBEMO) will hold their summer conference at the Rocky Mount Event Center; this is an excellent opportunity for officials from around the state to see all of the positive things that Rocky Mount has to offer • Stated there will be multiple staff members that will be featured on different panels throughout the weekend that will be sharing their expertise on various topics from public safety to affordable housing to economic development • Stated that our National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday August 1st; residents are invited to join the activities at the Helen P. Gay Rocky Mount Historic Train Station from 6pm to 8 pm • Stated this is an annual event to enhance the relationship between the community and Police Department; there will be free food, a DJ, an inflatable play area for the children, and other fun activities • Stated the Police Department will be doing their backpack giveaway on Wednesday, August 9th at 6 pm at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex at 600 Independence Drive • Stated the City thanks everyone for their generous donations to that backpack giveaway and look forward to this year’s program being a continued success • Stated Downtown Live is back at the Imperial Centre for the month of August, the Main Event Band will provide music on August 3rd and on August 17th the featured band will be Silk Groove Revue • Stated Spider-man: No Way Home will be featured at the next Lawn Chair Theatre on Friday, August 11th and will air at dusk; reminded citizens this is a free event RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE ENERGY RESOURCES, FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN SAVING THE LIFE OF A FELLOW EMPLOYEE Andy Fusco, Chief Strategy Officer for ElectriCities presented resolutions to Energy Resources employees to honor them for their heroic and immediate actions taken to save the life of a fellow employee. Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker recognized the employees and read aloud a Resolution honoring the employees on behalf of the City Council. Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Jabaris Walker, and unanimously carried that the following Resolution R-2023-47 entitled RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE ENEGY RESOURCES, FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN SAVING THE LIFE OF A FELLOW EMPLOYEE be adopted: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE ENERGY RESOURCES, FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN SAVING THE LIFE OF A FELLOW EMPLOYEE WHEREAS, on Friday, the 2nd day of June, 2023 apprentice lineman Jonathan Ballard was seriously injured and rendered unconscious when he came in contact with an energized electric line while working in a mud hole approximately 54 inches deep to help restore power to a residence at 1955 Vance Street; and 230 WHEREAS, after de-energizing the line fellow Energy Resources Department employees Spencer Leonard, James Turner, and Joshua Nunn and 1st Class Contract Lineman, Thomas Godley began working to get Jonathan out of the mud hole which was made more difficult because Jonathan had sunk about a foot into the mud; and WHEREAS, the Energy Resources employees pulled Jonathan out of the hole using a rope around his body, started administering CPR and mouth to mouth, called 911, and put an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on his chest and had one successful defibrillation; and WHEREAS, at this point Fire Department employees from Battalion One, Rescue One, Ladder 22, and STO One arrived on the scene and found that Jonathan had no pulse; and WHEREAS, Police Department employees arrived on the scene and also provided assistance; and WHEREAS, the Fire Department employees after determining there was no pulse began CPR, and applied their AED, and began assisting with ventilation via bag mask, performed one successful defibrillation and achieved the return of spontaneous circulation; and WHEREAS, Edgecombe County EMS arrived on the scene and patient care was transferred to them for continued care and transport to UNC Nash Health Care; and WHEREAS, the heroic actions undertaken without delay by Energy Resources Employees as soon as they realized Jonathan Ballard had come in contact with the energized line and the follow-up actions taken by the Fire Department team and the Police Department saved his life and the City Council wishes to recognize and honor the City employees who worked together to accomplish this result; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rocky Mount that it recognizes, honors, and expresses heartfelt thanks to Spencer Leonard, James Turner, and Joshua Nunn from Energy Resources, 1st Class Contract Lineman, Thomas Godley and the employees of the Fire Department and the Police Department for the heroic action they took on the 2nd day of June, 2023 to save the life of their fellow employee Jonathan Ballard. Adopted this 24 day of July, 2023. Councilmember Daughtridge brought to attention that Jonathan Ballard’s mother was in the audience and requested for her to be able to stand up and be recognized. Tara Ballard stated she wanted to say on behalf of her and her husband, Chris, that they are very thankful these fine young men stepped up in such a terrifying situation and their efforts saved her son. PETITIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker 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:  231 Kathy Hawk • Stated she and her family love living in Rocky Mount • Stated a lot of the citizens in Rocky Mount cannot afford to pay their bills every month • Stated when she ran for school board she knocked on over 1,000 doors and a lot of people she met were so nice but her heart sank when she left their house because the living conditions were very poor to deplorable • Stated there was a woman in her 40’s without electric, heat, or any food in her home and another 61 year old woman in the same situation that was seen walking down the street pushing • Stated she proposes at least once a month a family in need receives a $250 credit on their electric bill and a $250 gift card to a grocery store and have the Council members to deliver them Ernest Taylor Jr. • Stated it was his pleasure to get the first black women elected to the City Council, Ms. Helen Gay, as he was her campaign manager • Stated he is a product of the sanitation workers here in Rocky Mount as his father helped build the building and worked for the City over 40 years • Stated during that time, based on his father’s income, it was hard to survive • Stated there are a lot of things the City can do for the sanitation workers and when the budget was done, the City should have thought about the sanitation workers but somehow they got left out of the equation Adrienne Copland • Stated she is here to speak about the current tax collection rate which is great • Stated it is calculated by taking the total amount of money that we are supposed to collect versus how much we actually get • Stated she would like to propose a better way of looking at that data by taking the collection rate of the parcels themselves we could see a bigger demographic spread of where we are collecting and where we are not • Stated even though some of these accounts that we are collecting may not owe a lot of taxes, they may owe grass and weed fines, having community code issues, below minimum housing codes and that is going to contribute to the blight and degeneration of our neighborhoods Arnie Jones • Stated he is here on behalf of Environmental Services and the situation that they are in • Stated he appreciates what the Fire and Police Department did in response to the tornados but sooner or later it will fall on the Sanitation Department to have to clean up • Stated they do not mind doing it as it is their job, but they just want their fair share • Stated he appreciates the City Manager coming out and speaking with Environmental Services • Stated he asked for a 25 percent increase and he would like there to be a common ground found with Environmental Services department Cooper Blackwell • Stated he would like to thank the Council and Public Works Department for the time and effort spend in the South Rocky Mount Community conducting the evaluation on the speeding near Starling Way • Stated the City got the study done quickly and have recommendations for neighborhood improvements that are on the Agenda today • Stated he would like to acknowledge the families that have been affected by the tornado in Rocky Mount, he is proud to see how collaborative and resilient the community has been 232 • Stated that 45 years ago the Sanitation workers spoke out and demonstrated their discontent with how they were being treated and today they are still expressing discontent • Stated in the past few years, there has been news about the staffing cuts and broken equipment and despite the deplorable conditions • Stated through all of this the sanitation workers have met our needs, but when are their needs going to be met Morrie Minges • Stated she would like to thank whoever came and picked up the litter in front of her shop on North Wesleyan Blvd. • Stated she would like to know how to find out the results when people bring issues before the Council • Stated she would like to know if the man whose children had the chickens got to keep them • Stated she asked at a previous meeting if someone could see about getting a second recycling container installed by the Food Lion near Gold Rock and now the one bin that was there has been taken away Theresa Alston Stokes • Stated she is here to request that a pedestrian button crosswalk signal be placed at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Raleigh Boulevard as that is a very busy area with a lot of pedestrians • Stated she would like to thank the City of Rocky Mount for having the much needed repairs done to the Denton Street Pool • Stated she would like to speak on behalf of the Environmental Service workers, she does not understand why they have to come here each and every meeting to plea for a raise • Stated she hopes there are not plans to subcontract the trash collections because that would take jobs away from our citizens • Stated she would like the City to please find the money and give the Environmental Services Division respect as well as the much needed raises Barden Winstead • Stated he is President of Downtown Renaissance Incorporated, often referred to as DRI which was formed in 1985 as a non-profit corporation to foster and promote the revitalization of downtown Rocky Mount • Stated on Thursday July 13th, the board passed a resolution on the five-point stormwater system repair, and they encourage the City to take action as soon as practical to repair and replace the stormwater lines so the threat to the structural stability of the affected buildings can be removed • Stated towards the end of August work will begin on a brand new mural on the wall on the corner of Marigold and Southeast Main Street right beside the Thelonious Monk mural • Stated they have a terrific design concept and a very talented and experienced mural artist on board for this project which will celebrate this theme of other talented famous musicians from the twin county regions and DRI is footing the bill for this Councilmember Knight inquired if there is an update on the stormwater lines and the amount of money that was put in the budget for that. City Manager Mr. Rogers stated he would get the information and send it to Council. Councilmember Knight stated if the City Manager knows the answer then he would prefer it to be given rather than waiting for  233 an e-mail days or weeks later. He stated that previous City Managers had the department head available to answer City Council’s questions in the event they were unsure of the answer. He stated that he hopes in the future that information will be provided when the question is asked but he will wait for the e-mail. Antoinette Cutler • Stated she is here to speak on behalf of the sanitation workers • Stated she is very proud of what the City has done since the storm came and destroyed the City; everyone took action very quickly • Stated she has heard promises being made that the sanitation workers would be taken care of and just as they have served us, the City needs to serve them • Stated they have deserved it for over 43 years Nathlyn Ohree • Stated she would like to thank Mr. Keith Rogers for meeting with the sanitation workers this week • Stated she would like to thank the City Council for the support that they provided to the community Love Walk as well as the members and volunteers • Stated she also would like to thank everyone for the support that they are giving the Love Walk committee for the city-wide celebration to be held on August 19th at Sunset Park where everything will be free • Stated she is concerned about her utility bills; in the summer months she does not use gas but there is a $14.98 charge on her bill for the gas • Stated she would like to know if that can be reduced in the summertime months as it is not being used Jackie King • Stated she would like to thank the City for what they have done in Battleboro to help out since the storm • Thanked Councilmembers Joyner, Blackwell, and Knight for what they have done and are still doing to try to get help for people • Stated she is here to advocate for the raise for the sanitation workers, she is in full support of giving their department a raise Sharon A. Evans • Stated she would like to thank the City for their support in the event the community had for the recognition of the elderly • Stated she has been asking for a list from the City about residents in her community concerning the owners and physical addresses and she still has not received one • Stated she has called to get publication in the bus terminal on Barnes Street and she has not received any information concerning that • Stated the sanitation workers were promised an increase and they have yet to receive it, it should not take 3 months to get that done • Stated even if the increase is given a month later, it should be retroactive back to July 1st Councilmember Knight inquired as to when Ms. Evans can get the information that she requested and asked Mayor Pro Tem to make sure that information gets to Ms. Evans. Ms. Evans additionally stated: • Stated there is a list of things that she has provided to the department head • Stated there are a lot of rental properties in her community and they requested speed cushions and the rules with the City is you have to have the property owners sign not renters 234 • Stated they have already been approved for the speed cushions but they need to know about the property owners in the Hillsdale Community Councilmember Blackwell asked if she has the list and stated it may be helpful to submit it again. He requested that Ms. Evans give the list to Mr. Daniels so he can work with City Manager Rogers on getting her the information she has requested. Councilmember Knight asked Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker if this was a policy that was adopted by Council that it had to be the owners and not the renters. Mayor Pro Tem responded that they need to check that because when speed cushions were done on Starling Way, he just got the residents. Councilmember Knight stated that they have been trying to get those speed cushions for a very long time and Mr. Jones can attest to it in their community meetings. He stated they are also being requested in Flagmarsh and Rosewood Avenue. He explained that it seems like it is a hindrance or a barrier when you don’t get the people who live in the area but the property owners. He stated when they put them in Ravenwood it was just a petition so he would like to know if the policy or ordinance has changed. Councilmember Blackwell stated that it was not communicated in Edgemont, the staff just stated they needed the petition completed and his understanding is it got done because they now have speed cushions. Councilmember Knight asked if Hillsdale is being slighted a speed cushion as they are being told something totally different. He requested that staff get a copy of what the policy is to every Council member so when the constituents ask then they can provide them with the correct information. He stated that this needs to be fixed or the policy be changed on speed cushions. He requested that Mayor Pro Tem get the policy to the Council. Councilmember Knight stated he had just arrived from the airport and requested everyone excuse him not being in business attire. He stated that he would like to say again unequivocally that he supports the 15 percent for the sanitation workers and the 6 percent for those employees who did not receive anything from the pay and comp study, those that received over 5 percent would be excluded. He explained that they have heard overwhelming support from the citizens and again from their sanitation department. He asked that the increases be looked at as he is hearing from employees across all departments that they are not happy that they did not receive anything from the pay and comp study. He explained again that he is in support of giving the employees a cost-of-living adjustment raise just as most of the other cities are doing. He stated he is pleading with Council members to please take any consideration and be expeditious about it. Mayor Pro Tem T.J. Walker thanked the public for coming out to speak. He informed everyone that there will be no August Committee of the Whole meeting, but they are looking forward to the discussion regarding the pay update in the meeting which will take place on the second Monday of September.  235 CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Jabaris Walker, and unanimously carried that the Consent Agenda, items 9A through 9F, be approved as follows and more specifically: A. AWARD OF DUTY BADGE/SIDEARM: That the award of Duty Badge and purchase of his sidearm (pursuant to his retirement with 7 1/2 years of service) to Senior Patrol Officer Kenneth Perry be approved. B. AD VALOREM TAX RELEASES: That the following tax releases be acknowledged and approved for release and/or refund: SCHEDULE A – acknowledge receipt of report of the following taxes under $100 approved for release and/or refund by the City Manager: YEAR BILL NAME/ADDRESS TAX COMMENT NO. EDGECOMBE COUNTY 2022 17686 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 36.27 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 161—165 ALBEMARLE AVE 2.36 INT ROCKY MOUNT NC 27801 TOTAL RELEASE: 38.63 2022 17689 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 44.28 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 112 ATLANTIC AVE 2.88 INT ROCKY MOUNT NC 27801 TOTAL RELEASE: 47.16 SCHEDULE B – acknowledge receipt of report of the following taxes under $100 approved for release and/or refund by the City Manager: YEAR BILL NAME/ADDRESS TAX COMMENT NO. EDGECOMBE COUNTY 2022 17687 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 179.30 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 171-169 ALBEMARLE AVE 11.65 INT ROCKY MOUNT NC 27801 TOTAL RELEASE: 190.95 2022 17688 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 398.73 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 206-16 ROSE & 108 ATLANTIC 25.92 INT ROCKY MOUNT NC 27801 AVE TOTAL RELEASE: 424.65 2022 17690 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 98.02 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 116 ATLANTIC AVE 6.37 INT ROCKY MOUNT NC 27801 TOTAL RELEASE: 104.39 2022 17691 ROCKY MOUNT BULLS, LLC 501.87 CITY EXEMPT PROPERTY 120 ATLANTIC AVE 32.62 INT ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27801 TOTAL RELEASE: 534.49 C. TRAFFIC ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS The City Council was informed this request is a result of a residential traffic management study completed and the traffic counts meet the guidelines for installation of an all-way stop. The City Council received the following recommendations from the Traffic Engineer: 236 • ADOPT All-Way Stop for the following intersections: - Starling Way at Ellen Drive (three-leg intersection) By consent O-2023-103 entitled ORDINANCE APPROVING INSTALLATION OF ALL-WAY STOP AT STARLING WAY AT ELLE DRIVE (THREE-LEG INTERSECTION) was adopted. D. FISCAL YEAR 2023 TAX SETTLEMENT (recommended for adoption) The City Council received a resolution from the Tax Collector of taxes collected for the Fiscal Year 2023 and authorizing the Tax Collector to collect 2024 taxes. Resolution No. R-2023-48 entitled RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT OF FY 2022-23 TAXES DUE AND COLLECTED was adopted. E. MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT/69 ADA RAMPS ON HAMMOND STREET The City Council was provided with a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the upgrading of 69 ADA ramps on Hammond Street with an estimated total project cost of $198,030.00. The City’s portion project cost will be a 20% match in the amount of $39,606. It was noted that the City also requested ADA ramp upgrades on (2) two state corridors, Church Street and West Thomas Boulevard. The agreement was approved and the Mayor was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. F. BIDS/WATER PURIFICATION CHEMICALS 2023-2024 The City Council was advised that bids were received and opened on June 21, 2023, for Water Purification Chemicals (2023-2024) after all necessary legal procedures had been implemented and the bid tabulation is on file in the office of the City Clerk as BD-2023-16. Bids were evaluated with the Director of Water Resources (No MWBE vendors responded to bid). Bid was approved @ a cost not to exceed $2,188,150.00; twelve- month contract periods with options to renew up to total of two (2) additional one-year terms. The Mayor and City Clerk were authorized to execute the bid contracts on behalf of the City as follows: 1) Liquid Ferric Sulfate – Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. - 350 tons @ unit price $2.697 per ton = $943,950; 2) Dry Caustic Soda – Univar USA, Inc. – 500 tons @ $721 per ton = $360,500; 3) Liquid Calcium Hydroxide – Polytec, Inc. - 700,000 lbs. @ $0.215 per pound = $150,500; 4) Hydrofluorosilic Acid (HFS) – Univar USA, Inc. – 22,500 lbs. @ $1.01 per pound = $22,725; 5) Dry Polymer – Brenntag Mid-South, Inc. - 15,000 lbs. @ $1.645 per pound = $24,675; 6) Calcium Thiosulfate – Water Guard, Inc. 60,000 lbs. @ $2.08 per ton = $124,800; and 7) Bulk Sodium Hypochlorite - JCI Jones Chemicals - 300,000 lbs. @ $1.87 per pound =$561,000  237 DOWN EAST VIKING CLASSIC FUNDING (added to agenda in open meeting) City Council was asked to consider allocating additional funding in the amount of $15,000 for the 2023 Down East Viking Classic. Council Comments Knight – • Stated he had been informed by constituents that funding for the event had been reduced by Nash County Tourism • Stated the event generates a lot of revenue for Rocky Mount businesses • Stated that the event is coming up and he wanted to make sure City Council had time to consider restoring funding for the event Daughtridge – • Stated he supports the allocation and believes Mayor Roberson has been looking into where the funding from tourism is going • Stated is appears the tourism money is not being put back in the City even though a majority is derived from the City • Stated he will be voting in support of providing the additional funding, but would like an update on where it will be pulled from Harris – • Stated he would like to know how much of the funds from the travel tourism comes back to benefit the City Blackwell – • Stated he is 100% in favor of filling the gap, concerned about the lack of respect Nash County has related to Rocky Mount • He stated if a majority of the funds are derived from Rocky Mount then they should be invested back into the community Daughtridge – • Stated he feels the City should ask the legislature allow the City to institute its own occupancy tax at the hotels that are within the city limits of Rocky Mount Councilmember Daughtridge called for the question. Motion was made by Councilmember Knight, seconded by Councilmember Joyner that the additional $15,000 in funding for the Down East Viking Classic be approved. Mayor Pro Tem Walker stated that there will be a pay update from staff at the September Committee of the Whole and he would like to keep the part time staff in mind also. Mayor Pro Tem Walker also wanted to make sure all of the Councilmembers were aware there are City recreational facilities without AC, one of them primarily being our Senior Center, and he would like for staff to look further at the recreation centers that don't have AC to make sure that we are properly planning to put those finances in the right place on our budget. 238 Councilmember Knight asked to make an announcement that Sensational Creation is doing a family and friends back to school celebration, July 29, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Oakwood Shopping Center. Mayor Pro Tem Walker stated that would occur at the same time as the BEMO Conference. CLOSED SESSION A Closed Session was requested relative to matters concerning attorney client privilege and economic development. Motion was made by Councilmember Joyner, seconded by Councilmember Blackwell and unanimously carried that the City Council enter into Closed Session at 5:29 p.m. The minutes of the Closed Session shall be filed as ESM-633 at the end of Minute Book 38 upon approval for release by the City Attorney. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, by consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. ______________________________ Kim Batts City Clerk