Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners January 24, 2022, Regular Meeting In attendance: Mayor John Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Frank Tursi, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner Harry PJ Pugliese, Commissioner Larry Philpott, and Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway. It was noted that Mayor Pro Tem Tursi participated remotely as allowed by NCGS 166A-19. Governor Cooper had declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 5:37 pm. Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board regarding items listed on the agenda. There we no comments offered. Adoption of Agenda On a motion by Commissioner Philpott, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the Agenda and Consent Items below were unanimously approved. -December 13, 2021, Organizational Meeting Minutes -Tax Refunds Riley, James Milton $174.27 Military Black, Matthew S $153.70 Military Bronk, Karl Andrew & Carrie Margaret $16.63 Military Samuels, Joshua Mark & Nicole Marie $26.14 Tag Surrender Shaw, James Edwin $37.43 Tag Surrender -Resolution Supporting Main Street Extension Improvements Presentation Onslow County Tax Revaluation Onslow County Tax Administrator Harry Smith reviewed his presentation (attached herein) relating to the upcoming revaluation in of property in the county. He reviewed that over time values changed at different rates which causes inequities. The purpose of the revaluation is to equalize property values, not to increase tax revenue. The last revaluation was in 2018 and has been conducted every 4 years since 2010. In response to inquiries from the Board and the public, Mr. Smith clarified the following:• The time to complete the process is unknown but has begun and is ongoing to finalized Page 1 of 5  • There were no details related to how many property sales recently that were associated with people retiring or relocating • Value established from this will stay in place for 4 years Business Non-Consent Schedule of Fees Amendment-Planning and Development Manager Webb reviewed that at their January 18, 2022, regular meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed several example fee structures from other communities around the State and made a recommendation to amend the Schedule of Fees as follows: • Change the Historic District COA Application Fee from $400.00 to $200.00 • Add the Historic District Demolition Fee $2,000.00 • Change the Historic District Minor Work Application Fee from no fee to $50.00 • Add After the Fact Penalty (Historic District) $500.00 Major $100.00 Minor Mrs. Webb indicated it was her understanding that the demolition fee was created in attempt to discourage demolition in the historic district. After discussion it was decided that the demolition fee would be reconsidered at the next board meeting, and staff was asked to invite the Chair and Vice Chair form the Historic Preservation Commissioner to attend. Planner Jennifer Ansell joined the meeting via zoom and offered further details related to the proposed fees. She clarified that the Historic Board agreed to lower the COA fee after review of other areas processes and felt that a fee for Major was appropriate. Establishing penalties for Major & Minor Work completed without approval was also intended to discourage homeowners from doing work without approval in the Historic District. On a motion by Commissioner Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Philpott, the fee schedule amendments were approved unanimously as follows: • Historic District COA Application Fee $200.00 • Historic District Minor Work Application Fee $50.00 • After the Fact Penalty (Historic District) $500.00 Major and $100.00 Minor. The demolition fee of $2,000 would be reconsidered at the February 14, 2022, regular meeting. Page 2 of 5 Financial Report - December 31, 2021 Finance Director Johnson reviewed details from the monthly financial report, attached herein. Budget Ordinance Amendment #2022-6 Parks & Recreation Director Anna Stanley reviewed that a budget amendment was needed due to additional funds that were received for the 2021 Flotilla boat prizes. Downtown restaurants donated the funds and specifically requested that they go toward improving the prizes for boat winners. The donated funds totaled $1750. It was requested that $1750 be received and transferred to Festival & Events/Flotilla Expenses for Flotilla prizes and payout. On a motion by Commissioner Tuner, seconded by Commissioner Philpott, Budget Amendment $2022-6 was approved unanimously. Future Agenda Items Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity is provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. It was noted that the Board would be having a special meeting on January 31st to establish their list of goals to address at their Planning Retreat on March 2nd at the Hampton Inn. The facilitator secured for the retreat was Lydian Altman from UNC School of Government. Public Comment Douglas Eckendorf of 113 Cormorant Drive shared that he felt the Board of Commissioners should not give the Historic Preservation Commissioner so much power and urged them to use caution on things that come from that board. In response to that comment, Commissioner Conaway clarified for him how the Historic Commission Preservation operates, they were and “Advisory Board” and only made recommendations, and the Board of Commissioners take those and evaluate them. He recommended Mr. Eckendorf attend one of their meetings. Jonathan McDaniel of 114 Elm Street thanked the Board for their decision to enact the new Downtown Traffic flow. He was very happy to see one-way streets in effect. Manager’s Report/Comments Manager Webb added the following comments to the brief that was provided in the Agenda Packet. Page 3 of 5 The Causeway Living Shoreline project construction could begin in September/October/ November 2022 timeframe. Downtown Traffic flow project completed. All one-way street markings and signs in place, and new traffic pattern was in effect. NC DCM Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) Grant process was delayed by Dewberry due to COVID case increases. Public meeting for input would be late February early March. Emmerton School Grant – awaiting further details from Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Stormwater Outfall at end of Walnut Street was in its final phase of design and the engineer indicated they hoped to get started on the project by the end of February. Sidewalks – Phase 1: Complete. Phase 2: Incomplete due to some funding and 2 easements still not secured. Phase 3: We have not prepared survey/design on this section yet, so costs may vary more related to this priority Visitors Center Improvements – The State Historic Division had shared the structure lost contributing status when it was relocated to its present location in 2008. Staff has reached back out to them for guidance on what could be done to get that status back. News Release would be coming announcing that the Fire Department ISO rating remained the same. Board Comments Mayor Pro Tem Tursi thanked the Public Works Department for all their work in getting downtown ready for one-way traffic direction. He recommended that the town look into “gussying up” the crosswalks. Mayor Davis shared that the Board needed to get busy on discussing the use of the State funds designated for the Emergency Operation Center. He shared that the Traffic Movement change downtown was great but had concern with signage at the intersection of Front Street at Main Street and Moore Street, he felt that the right turn option was not clean and may need to be better identified. He additionally thanked Spencer Marsinek with the Swansboro Baseball Association for their New Year’s Eve Event, Public Works staff for all they did to get the one-way streets marked and sign in stalled, and Anna Stanley for her efforts on raising money for the Flotilla prizes. Page 4 of 5 Commissioner Pugliese mentioned that the one-way direction of Moore Street should be monitored. He also inquired on the status of the Moore Street Public Access grant; Manager Webb advised she would be meeting with Randy Swanson next week. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Philpott the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. Page 5 of 5  Regular Meeting January 24, 2022 1 1. Please turn cell phones to “off” or “vibrate”. 2. The Board offers the public three opportunities to speak during the meeting: A comment period is offered at the beginning and end of the meeting. Please note that a separate opportunity is provided for those items requiring a public hearing. Public Hearing(s) – There are no public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 3. Under the ZOOM Meeting Platform, individuals wishing to make comments should “raise their hand” from their computer. At the appropriate time, Major Davis will acknowledge those with comments. 2 1  PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board for items listed on the agenda. 3 AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Action Needed: Motion to Adopt the Agenda as prepared (or amended) and approval of the Consent Items 4 2  Onslow County Tax Revaluation Presentation Presenter: Harry Smith, Onslow County Tax Administrator 5 2022 Onslow County Revaluation 6 6 3  PRESENTED BY ONSLOW COUNTY __________________ APPRAISAL DEPARTMENT Harry Smith Tax Administrator Kevin Turner Appraisal Supervisor 7 7 What is Reval? The process of conducting a mass appraisal of all real estate parcels in the County, in order to create a fair and equitable tax base. 8 8 4  Why Do We Do It?  The Assessors Office is responsible for valuing all types of property subject to taxation: Real Estate, Personal Property, and Motor Vehicles.  Over time, real estate values change at different rates, causing inequities in the tax base.  The revaluation process is designed to adjust all property values back to current market values, creating equity and a fair distribution of the tax burden. 9 9 Onslow County Reval History  Conducted every eight years by Octennial Plan through 1992  Advanced cycle in 1990’s to do 6 year reval, then 4 years thereafter  Current resolution is for 4 year reval beginning in 2010 and continuing every 4 years thereafter 10 10 5  1/24/2022 Revaluation Process  Review property Characteristics  Collect, verify, and analyze sales data  Develop Schedule of Values  Statistical testing  Mass Appraisal Guidelines  IAAO  NC Department of Revenue 11 11 Revenue Neutral Disclosure  Adopted in 2003 Legislative Session  Must be included in Budget Document for Comparative Analysis 12 12 6  13 13 Parcel – 153376 2018 Assessed Value-$237,750 NBHD-2014 Twp: Jacksonville Sold 08/31/2021 -$327,000 37% INCREASE 14 14 7  Parcel – 024922 2018 Assessed Value-$122,870 NBHD-2375 Twp: Jacksonville Sold 09/16/2021 -$180,000 46% INCREASE 15 15 Parcel – 047106 2018 Assessed Value-$128,220 NBHD-1109 Twp: Richlands Sold 09/16/2021 -$185,000 44% INCREASE 16 16 8  17 17 Parcel – 052632 2018 Assessed Value-$309,250 NBHD-500 Twp: White Oak Sold 09/09/2021 -$400,000 29% INCREASE 18 18 9  Parcel – 021168 2018 Assessed Value-$43,020 NBHD-543 Twp: White Oak Sold 09/14/2021 -$101,500 136% INCREASE 19 19 Parcel – 053478 2018 Assessed Value-$113,640 NBHD-4148 Twp: Hubert 145 Glenwood Dr. Sold 09/13/2021 -$165,000 45% INCREASE 20 20 10  Parcel – 021754 2018 Assessed Value-$213,940 NBHD-4350 Town: Swansboro 657 Shore Dr Sold 12/30/2021 -$330,000 54% INCREASE 21 21 Parcel – 008072 2018 Assessed Value-$435,050 NBHD-4350 Town: Swansboro 419 Elm Street Sold 05/19/2021 -$805,000 85% INCREASE 22 22 11  Parcel – 026689 2018 Assessed Value-$183,790 NBHD-4353 Town: Swansboro 203 Elm Street Sold 06/30/2021 -$350,000 90% INCREASE 23 23 Parcel – 059316 2018 Assessed Value-$203,000 NBHD-4361 Town: Swansboro 502 Main St Ext Sold 09/10/2021 -$270,000 33% INCREASE 24 24 12  Parcel – 044301 2018 Assessed Value-$219,700 NBHD-4385 Town: Swansboro 114 Bonita Sold 11/03/2021 -$337,000 53% INCREASE 25 25 26 26 13  Parcel – 073403 2018 Assessed Value-$154,950 NBHD-3312 Town: Holly Ridge Sold 09/17/2021 -$228,000 47% INCREASE 27 27 28 28 14  Parcel – 035212 2018 Assessed Value-$588,340 NBHD-3057 Town: NTB Sold 09/09/2021 - $975,000 66% INCREASE 29 29 Real Property Valued at market value only during revaluation year. Personal Property Personal property is revalued on an annual basis. The purpose of the revaluation is to equalize market values and ensure equitable assessments within Onslow County. 30 30 15  Assessed value of taxable property - FY 2021 11.02% 2.24% Residential 0.81% 3.77% Commercial 0.21% Industrial 13.79% Present Use Personal Property Public Service Co. 68.15% Registered MV 31 31 Revaluation Timeline  February 15, 2022 – Target Date to Mail Value Notices  March 1, 2022 – Begin Informal Review Process  May 2, 2022 – Board of Equalization and Review will begin to conduct appeal hearings 32 32 16  MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ? 33 33 What if I disagree with the assessed value? •Informal review with the property owner. •Formal hearings will be conducted by the Onslow County Board of Equalization and Review. •North Carolina Property Tax Commission is a division of the Department of Revenue. 34 34 17  How to support your view •Have a recent copy of a fee appraisal (within the last year) used for the sale, refinancing of a mortgage, or home equity loan. •Pictures to show conditions inside and outside of the property. •Comparative sales in the neighborhood. 35 35 Why did my property value change from last year? •The values used for last year’s tax billing were established in the last revaluation in 2018. •The 2022 revaluation values will be based on sales of Real Property which occur in 2021. •The purpose of the revaluation is to equalize property values, not to increase tax revenue. 36 36 18  How much will my taxes change? • The revaluation establishes total assessed value of all properties in Onslow County. • The amount of taxes are influenced by the revenue requirements of the county budget. • The tax rate is determined by the Board of County Commissioners. 37 37 When will the new value take effect? The effective date of the new assessed value is January 1, 2022. This value will be the basis for the tax bills mailed in July 2022 and due in September of 2022. 38 38 19  Additional Questions ? 39 39 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Schedule of Fees Amendment-Planning and Development At their January 18, 2022, regular meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed several example fee structures from other communities around the State and made a recommendation to amend the Schedule of Fees. Recommended Action: Amend the Schedule of Fees as proposed Presenter: Jennifer Ansell – Planner 40 20  NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Financial Report Presenter: Sonia Johnson – Finance Director 41 TOWN OF SWANSBORO FINANCIAL REPORT (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) REVENUES EXPENDITURES LOAN PAYMENTS INVESTMENTS 42 21  TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) GENERAL FUND ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $390,282 43 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) (ACTUAL) GENERAL FUND (ENCUMBRANCES NOT INCLUDED) Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $540,994 44 22  (PURCHASE ORDERS) (PAID YEAR TO DATE) ENCUMBERED SPENT % DEPT. BUDGET ACTUAL BALANCE December 31, 2021 GOVERNING BODY 27,422 11,051 1,142 44.5% ADMIN SERVICES 410,302 179,059 858 43.9% FINANCE 253,881 133,994 - 52.8% LEGAL 42,000 24,118 - 57.4% PUBLIC BUILDINGS 406,657 142,447 19,628 39.9% FIRE 796,411 389,749 16,426 51.0% PERMITTING 259,117 115,942 116 44.8% POLICE 1,043,180 523,090 3,960 50.5% PUBLIC WORKS-STREETS 197,114 83,440 36,805 61.0% POWELL BILL-STREETS 105,081 7,832 24,154 30.4% PARKS & RECREATION 338,538 146,719 33,137 53.1% CHURCH STREET DOCK 13,708 2,198 1,000 23.3% EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 66,185 60,000 4,160 96.9% FESTIVALS & EVENTS 117,804 57,919 8,319 56.2% NON DEPARTMENTAL 398,158 325,396 1,008 82.0% TOTAL 4,475,557 2,202,955 150,712 52.59% ** 45 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) STORMWATER ENTERPRISE FUND ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $36,218 46 23  TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $53,455 47 TOWN OF SWANSBORO LOAN REPORT (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) Item Principal Interest End Date Annual Debt Balance Rate Service DEBT Town Hall/Tanker $534,076 2.69 03/21/2028 $84,724 Public Safety Facility $120,000 2.58 12/22/2024 $45,160 Fire Truck SERVICE Equipment/Vehicles $223,427 Paid in Full 2.08 1.87 11/01/2026 11/01/2021 $47,512 $51,783 Sleeping Quarters $125,000 2.43 12/14/2026 $29,253 Grapple Truck/Town $183,700 1.72 6/25/2025 $47,917 Hall Generator Vehicles(Police & Fire $110,700 1.84 7/15/2026 $23,377 Department) & Software Total Debt $1,296,903 $329,726 48 24  TOWN OF SWANSBORO CASH & INVESTMENTS REPORT (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021) CASH & INVESTMENTS BALANCE INTEREST RATE BANK First Citizens Bank $5,173,633 .03% NC CMT-General $100,004 .01% 49 Any Questions ? 50 25  NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Budget Ordinance Amendment #2022-6 Additional funds were received for the 2021 Flotilla boat prizes. Downtown restaurants donated the funds and specifically requested that they go toward improving the prizes for boat winners. The donated funds totaled $1750. Requesting that $1750 be received and transferred to Festival & Events/Flotilla Expenses for Flotilla prizes and payout. Recommended Action: Motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #2022-6 Presenter: Anna Stanley – Parks Director 51 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Future Agenda Items The purpose of this memo is to provide the Board with matters that staff anticipates/proposes for upcoming meetings. It should be noted that these items are tentatively scheduled for the specified monthly agenda but are subject to change due to preparation of materials, public notice requirements, etc. In providing this memo each month, we hope it will also provide opportunity for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas, which will allow staff the opportunity to plan accordingly. Action Needed: Discussion and guidance to staff on future agenda items. Presenter: Alissa Fender – Town Clerk 52 26  PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 53 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Paula Webb, Town Manager 54 27  BOARD COMMENTS Mayor John Davis Mayor Pro Tem Frank Tursi Commissioner Pat Turner Commissioner Harry “PJ” Pugliese Commissioner Larry Philpott Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway 55 ADJOURN 56 28