Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners May 27, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor William Justice, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner Joseph Brown, Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf and Commissioner Tamara Pieratti. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and Mayor Justice led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board regarding items listed on the agenda. No comments were made. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, the agenda and the below consent items were adopted unanimously. - March 25, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes - March 25, 2025, Closed Session Minutes - April 8, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes - April 8, 2025, Closed Session Minutes - ONWASA Administrative Service Agreement - Tax Refund Request totaling $503.86 Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations Recognition of Isabella Smith – Military Child of the Year Mayor Justice presented a proclamation honoring Isabella Smith, a 17-year-old junior at Swansboro High School, recognized as the 2025 Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year for the United States Marine Corps. Isabella Smith spoke briefly about her award, stating that it was a reflection of Swansboro and the opportunities provided for military children in the town. She emphasized that she had been in Swansboro for most of her life and had benefited from programs like the student-to-student program at her school. Swimming Pool Committee Presentation Matthew Prane, the Pool Committee Chair, presented a detailed overview of the committee's findings and potential options for developing a swimming pool in Swansboro. He discussed various cost estimates, ranging from a $13 million three-pool facility to a $7.5 million outdoor 8-lane programming pool. Prane also presented a more affordable option using a Mega Page 1 of 3 InstaPool, which could cost around $60,000 for the pool itself, with additional expenses for staffing, maintenance, and other necessities. Prane emphasized the need for programming to drive the design of the pool and requested guidance from the board on location, budget, and the town's vision for the project. He presented potential revenue streams, including memberships and swim lessons, suggesting that the pool could potentially become a sustainable business model for the town. Board members asked several questions about the proposal, including concerns about the durability of the Mega InstaPool, potential locations, and more detailed cost breakdowns. The board suggested scheduling a future workshop meeting with the pool committee to discuss the project in more depth. Board Appointments Town Clerk Fender reviewed that due to a vacancy there was an appointment opportunity for the Alternate seat on the Historic Preservation Commission and there were two interested applicants. On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Brown, with unanimous approval, Brad Phillips was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission alternate seat. Public Hearing Proposal to Extend an Economic Development Incentive Grant to JOED Town Manager Barlow shared that pursuant to NC General Statute Section 158-7.1, holding a public hearing to extend an economic development incentive grant to Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership (JOED) was required. He reviewed that the town of Swansboro and Onslow County each proposed to appropriate $250,000 to JOED as a required local match for receipt of a North Carolina Industrial Development Grant of $1,813,500. The grant would be used for site improvements at the property referred to as Project Coffee, located at the intersection of Highway 24 and Belgrade Swansboro Road. The public hearing was opened at 6:51 pm, no comment were made. On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Commissioner Pieratti, unanimous approval was given to authorize execution of the Non-Profit Agency Reimbursable Grant Contract between the Town of Swansboro and Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership, Inc. (JOED), for execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Town of Swansboro and Onslow County Board of Commissioners and adoption of Resolution 2025- R5. Page 2 of 3 Business Non-Consent Monthly Financial Report as of April 30, 2025 Finance Director Sonia Johnson presented the monthly financial report for April 30, 2025. Key Takeaways were: • Total excess revenues over expenditures in the general fund were $503,961 with encumbrances and $630,830 without encumbrances • Overall expenditures were at 65.62% of the budget Updates on stormwater and solid waste enterprise funds, town debt, and current cash and investment accounts were provided. Future Agenda Topics Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comments. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. No new items were added. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board for no more than five minutes regarding items not listed on the agenda. No comments were made. Manager's Comments Town Manager Barlow shared that progression of the Main Street dock’s grant application, highlighting the Town was invited to submit for a full application, indicating a promising step towards securing funding. The Riverview Boardwalk grant proposal was not accepted this year; however, the Town would continue to seek support in subsequent cycles. Board Comments Board members conveyed their appreciation to the staff, residents, and presenters for their hard work and participation during the meeting. Commissioner Doug Eckendorf shared a letter from the County Commissioners intending to strengthen ties with Swansboro to boost operational efficiencies and advance local services. Mayor Justice acknowledged all contributors to the well-received Memorial Day service hosted at Bicentennial Park, specifically thanking local businesses, town departments, and the Military Affairs Committee for their efforts. He encouraged residents to reach out with queries or feedback, reinforcing the board’s openness and willingness to engage with the community. Adjournment On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Eckendorf, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Page 3 of 3  5/29/2025 Regular Meeting May 27, 2025 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 1 public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 2 1  5/29/2025 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  5/29/2025 Recognition of Isabella Smith – Military Child of the Year Presenter: Mayor William Justice 5 Swimming Pool Committee Presentation Presenter: Mathew Prane– Pool Committee Chair 6 3  5/29/2025 Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee Committee Chair – Matthew Prane Members: Renee Casiagno Laura Holland Scott Evans Brooks Barnett Drowning Prevention – Diversity Inclusion – Dedication to Fitness 7 Drowning Prevention – Diversity Inclusion – Dedication to Fitness Background – What brought us here? 8 4  5/29/2025 9 Sustainability – Programming MUST Precede Design Costs: Revenue Streams: Revenue Summary: • 6 lane Mega-Insta-Pool: $60,000 • Membership Trgt Goal Year 1 = $-18,840 • Concrete Pad: $36,000 300 x $250 = $75,000 Year 2 = $58,320 • Options: Fence & Deck or Inground??? • L2Swim = $87,360 Year 3 = $77,160 • Insurance (Annual Quote): • Swim Meets = $15,000 • Kids Tri = $4,500 • Liability: $10,000 • Total Potential Revenue • Workers Compensation: $3,500 = $181,860 • Supervisor/Lifeguards/Instructors: $81,900 • Pool Operating costs (Electric, H2O Maintenenance, Heat): $9,300 • Total Year 1 Costs: $200,700 Drowning Prevention – Diversity Inclusion – Dedication to Fitness 10 5  5/29/2025 Summary / Key Takeaways • 576+ Kids L2S / Summer – Drowning Prevention Measures Achieved! • Sustainable through PROGRAMMING • MORE Special Events • MORE Outdoor Fitness Classes (For all Ages) • Outdoor Concerts and Movies • Community Centered Health and Wellness • Possibilities are only limited by your imagination If we don’t shape the future, we’ll be shaped by it. Drowning Prevention – Diversity Inclusion – Dedication to Fitness 11 Board Appointment Presenter: Alissa Fender, MMC– Town Clerk 12 6  5/29/2025 PUBLIC HEARING Proposal to Extend an Economic Development Incentive Grant to JOED Pursuant to NC General Statute Section 158-7.1, the Town of Swansboro and Onslow County propose to appropriate $250,000 each to Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership (JOED) as the required local match for receipt of an NC Industrial Development Grant in the amount of $1,813,500, which is the estimated cost of public street and utility improvements. Recommended Action: 1. Hold a public hearing. 2. Motion to authorize execution of the Non-Profit Agency Reimbursable Grant Contract between the Town of Swansboro and Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership, Inc. (JOED) 3. Motion to authorize execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Town of Swansboro and Onslow County Board of Commissioners 4. Motion to approve Resolution 2025-R5 Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 13 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Financial Report Presenter: Sonia Johnson – Finance Director 14 7  5/29/2025 TOWN OF SWANSBORO FINANCIAL REPORT (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) REVENUES EXPENDITURES LOAN PAYMENTS INVESTMENTS 15 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) GENERAL FUND $7,000,000 $6,003,187 $6,000,000 $5,600,075 $5,499,226 $5,000,000 $4,586,670 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 23/24 FY 24/25 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $503,961 16 8  5/29/2025 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) (ACTUAL) GENERAL FUND $7,000,000 $6,003,187 $5,600,075 $6,000,000 $5,372,357 $5,000,000 $4,252,208 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 23/24 FY 24/25 (ENCUMBRANCES NOT INCLUDED) Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $630,830 17 (PURCHASE ORDERS) ENCUMBERE SPENT % DEPT. BUDGET YTD ACTUAL D BALANCE April 30, 2025 GOVERNING BODY 48,595 29,439 2,170 65.0% ADMIN SERVICES 432,052 339,306 2,032 79.0% FINANCE 315,178 229,475 940 73.1% LEGAL 59,300 47,713 ‐ 80.5% PUBLIC BUILDINGS 439,973 301,449 1,994 69.0% FIRE 2,190,782 1,359,070 17,716 62.8% PERMITTING 288,270 262,803 955 91.5% PLANNING 86,293 66,683 ‐ 77.3% POLICE 1,442,156 879,378 75,383 66.2% PUBLIC WORKS‐STREETS 1,498,086 827,997 1,505 55.4% POWELL BILL‐STREETS 191,791 117,262 ‐ 61.1% PARKS & RECREATION 492,086 244,379 17,629 53.2% DOWNTOWN FACILITIES 132,226 93,468 1,224 71.6% EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 15,708 13,088 1,737 94.4% FESTIVALS & EVENTS 134,635 98,473 2,729 75.2% NON DEPARTMENTAL 612,764 462,374 854 75.6% TOTAL 8,379,894 5,372,357 126,869 65.62% ** 18 9  5/29/2025 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) STORMWATER ENTERPRISE FUND $160,000 $135,084 $140,000 $122,374 $120,000 $100,000 $96,264 $80,000 $63,582 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 23/24 FY 24/25 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $38,820 19 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND $450,000 $400,396 $400,000 $360,355 $348,303 $350,000 $294,451 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 23/24 FY 24/25 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $52,093 20 10  5/29/2025 TOWN OF SWANSBORO LOAN REPORT (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) Item Principal Interest End Date Annual Debt Service Balance Rate DEBT Town Hall/Tanker $241,087 2.69 03/21/2028 $84,724 Public Safety Facility C $0.00 PAID IN FULL 2.58 12/22/2024 Fire Truck Sleeping Quarters SERVI E $92,139 $50,000 2.08 2.43 11/01/2026 12/14/2026 $47,512 $26,823 Grapple Truck/Town Hall $47,106 1.72 6/25/2025 $47,917 Generator Vehicles(Police & Fire $45,894 1.84 7/15/2026 $23,377 Department) & Software Cab Tractor/Dump Truck $208,276 4.82 4/3/2029 $58,491 Jet Vac Truck, Police Vehicle, $570,000 4.40 12/31/2029 $129,183 (2) Fire Chief Vehicles Total Debt $1,254,502 $418,027 21 TOWN OF SWANSBORO CASH & INVESTMENTS REPORT (AS OF APRIL 30, 2025) CASH & INVESTMENTS BANK BALANCE INTEREST RATE First Citizens Bank $306,994 .05% NC CMT-General $6,174,200 4.22% TD Bank $9,578,548 4.18% (SCIF Funds for EOC & Sidewalks) 22 11  5/29/2025 GRANT UPDATE Budget YTD Expenditures Encumbrances Unencumbered American Rescue Plan Act Fund $1,102,599 $1,064,939 $37,660 $0.00 Swansboro Bicentennial Park Boardwalk Extension $386,650 $384,314 $0 $2,336 Emergency Operation Center $9,497,347 $27,840 $0 $9,469,507 Emmerton School Repairs $499,000 $184,805 $0 $314,195 Stormwater Master Plan $400,000 $208,361 $0 $191,639 Total Outstanding Grants $11,885,596 $1,870,259 $37,660 $9,977,677 23 Any Questions ? 24 12  5/29/2025 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Future Agenda Items Future agenda items are 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. Action Needed: Discuss and provide any guidance. Presenter: Alissa Fender, MMC – Town Clerk 25 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 26 13  5/29/2025 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Town Manager Jonathan Barlow 27 BOARD COMMENTS Mayor William Justice Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf Commissioner Joseph Brown Commissioner Patricia Turner Commissioner Tamara Pieratti 28 14  5/29/2025 ADJOURN 29 15