City Council

MINUTES WENTWORTH TOWN COUNCIL May 3, 2022 7:00 pm Wentworth Town Hall 124 Peach Tree Road, Wentworth NC The Wentworth Town Council held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the Wentworth Town Hall, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 7:00pm. Council Members Present: Mayor Dennis Paschal Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Conner, Daryl Crowder, Cheryl Moore, Dennis Paschal III Council Members Absent: A quorum was met. Staff Present: George Murphy Sr., Town Administrator Yvonne Russell, Town Clerk & Finance Officer Others Present: Ellis Martin, Attorney, Fox Rothschild LLP – Town of Wentworth Jason Brooks- Rockingham Co Emergency Management Article I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Dennis Paschal, Jr. called the meeting to order. Article II. INVOCATION Mayor Paschal gave the invocation. Article III. APPROVAL OF TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA A. Requests and Petitions of Citizens B. Approve/ Amend Agenda Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “To approve the Agenda as written”. Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 1 Article IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Town Council Meeting – April 5, 2022 Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “The minutes stand approved as written”. Councilmember Daryl Crowder seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Article VI. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. Article V. PUBLIC HEARING(S) A. Case W2022-01: Rural Family Occupation Special Use Permit for Construction Business Office Applicant: Venus and Joseph Carter Identification: Tax PIN 7986-00-71-7483 Location: 631 Camp Dan Valley Rd, Wentworth Mayor Paschal opened the public hearing. At this time, Councilmember Dennis Paschal, III was not present; however, there was a quorum of Council present. Antony Lynn Cochran, Planner noted that the Town Clerk had just made him aware that the Planning Board is supposed to decide whether to approve or deny Special Use Permits. Mr. Cochran said that was his misunderstanding and he would check the Zoning Ordinance. (Note: The Wentworth Planning Board voted to recommend approval at their April 19, 2022 meeting.) Council proceeded with the public hearing. Mr. Cochran reviewed the Staff Report. There were no questions. Mayor Paschal made MOTION, “We approve Case W2022-01: Rural Occupation Special Use Permit for Construction Business Office; Applicant Venus and Joseph Carter; location Tax PIN 7986-00-71-7483, 631 Camp Dan Valley Road.” Councilmember Crowder seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The Staff Report and Supporting Documents for Case W2022-01 are herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 2 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 3 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 4 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 5 Article V. PUBLIC HEARING(S) B. Case W2022-02: A Request for Rezoning from Residential Protected (RP) to Residential Agricultural (RA) Applicant: Robert Davila Identification: Tax PIN: 7987-00-61-4622 Location: 144 Dee Dees Drive (off Ashley Loop Road), Wentworth Mayor Paschal opened the public hearing. At this time, Councilmember Paschal was not present; however, there was a quorum of Council present. Mr. Cochran reviewed the Staff Report. He noted the Wentworth Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Town Council. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We approve Case W2022-02, a request for rezoning from Residential Protected to Residential Agricultural. The Town Council has reviewed Case W2022-02 and adopts the following statements as required by NCGS 160D: 1. After considering Town of Wentworth adopted comprehensive plans, the Town Council approves Case W2022-02. This action is consistent with the adopted Town of Wentworth Land Use Plan. This zoning amendment is supported by the intent and descriptions of the Residential Land Class. A. The permitted uses in the Residential Agricultural district are compatible with the character of existing developments on adjacent parcels and in the neighborhood; and B. The proposed rezoning conforms to the guidelines and goals of the Town of Wentworth Land Use Plan Residential Land Class and future land use map. 2. The Board considers its action in adopting the proposed zoning amendment to be reasonable because: A. The size of the parcel is appropriate for the Residential Agricultural District; B. The proposed uses allowed in the district are appropriate for the land, considering its effect upon the landowners, neighbors and community; C. The subject property abuts others that are currently zoned Residential Agricultural and Residential Protected. Nearby parcels are zoned for a mix of residential and agricultural uses. The Residential Agricultural rezoning is conforms with the zoning characteristics of the area. 3. On balance the following factors: (1) the size of the tract in question, (2) the compatibility of the zoning action with the comprehensive plan, (3) the benefits and detriments resulting from the zoning action for the owner of the newly permitted property, the neighbors, and the surrounding community, and (4) the relationship between the envisioned permitted uses and the uses currently present in adjacent tracts weigh in favor of approving the proposed zoning amendment.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The Staff Report and supporting documents for Case 2022-02 are herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 6 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 7 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 8 Article VV. OLD BUSINESS There was no Old Business. Article VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Proclamations 1. Older Americans Month – May 2022 Mayor Paschal recoginized Angela Staab, Ashley Cooper, and Megan O’Neal from the Rockingham County Planning Committee for Older Adults. Mayor Paschal read the proclamation. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We approve this Proclamation.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: At this time, Councilmember Paschal was not present; however, there was a quorum of Council present.) (Note: The Proclamation for Older Americans Month – May 2022 is herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 9 Article VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Proclamations 2. National Day of Prayer – May 5, 2022 Mayor Paschal read the proclamation. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We adopt this proclamation for the Day of Prayer.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: At this time, all five Council members were present.) (Note: The Proclamation for the National Day of Prayer, May 5, 2022, is herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 10 Article VII. NEW BUSINESS B. Consideration of Hazard Mitigation Plan Presented By: Jason Brooks, Emergency Management Coordinator Mr. Brooks explained that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is a regional plan and includes all of the municipalities in Rockingham County. It was originally written in 2015, and the Town of Wentworth adopted it in 2015. Rockingham County updated the Plan in 2020. Mr. Brooks said, “At that time FEMA did not require the individual municipalities to adopt it, just the County as a whole.” He explained, “Now FEMA has come back and asked if the towns would adopt it, and basically what it does is it allows FEMA to look at your town and say if you’ve been hit by a disaster, you’ve adopted and have a Hazard Mitigation Plan. It allows them to treat funding a little differently than for those that don’t.” He added, “It does not obligate the Town to any type of response to a disaster, or how you would treat a disaster. It is all based on how my office along with FEMA would come in and assist with any type of reimbursements or public assistance for the community or the citizens.” Mayor Paschal read the Resolution to Adopt the Northern Piedmont Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We adopt the Resolution to Adopt the Northern Piedmont Hazard Mitigation Plan.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The Resolution to Adopt the Northern Piedmont Hazard Mitigation Plan is herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 11 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 12 Article VII. NEW BUSINESS C. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for Public Emergencies (Code Red) - Presented by Jason Brooks, Rockingham Co. Emergency Management Coordinator The Code Red contract amount has increased. This year, the Town of Wentworth’s share will be $694.00. Mr. Brooks noted that the County requested the renewal date be changed from June to July 1. The County will incur the cost to change the renewal date. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We approve the Memorandum of Agreement for Public Emergencies (Emergency Notification System) (Code Red).” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The Memorandum of Agreement for Public Emergencies (Emergency Notification System) (Code Red) is herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 13 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 14 Article VII. NEW BUSINESS D. Consideration of FY 2021-2022 Budget Amendment No 3 Yvonne Russell, Town Clerk & Finance Officer, reviewed the amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Budget. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We approve Budget Amendment No 3 for FY 2021- 2022.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The Budget Amendment No 3 for FY 2021-2022 and a memo from Ms. Russell and are herein incorporated and made a part of these minutes.) Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 15 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 16 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 17 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 18 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 19 Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 20 Article VII. NEW BUSINESS E. Submission of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, and Scheduling of Budget Hearing George Murphy, Town Administrator reviewed the Budget Message for FY2022-2023. Mayor Paschal announced the proposed budget is available for inspection in the Town Clerk’s office and on the Town website. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We set the date for the public hearing at our next meeting which is June 7, 2022.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Article VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS No one signed the speaker register for public comments. Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 21 Article IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Paschal made the following announcements:  The next regular meeting of the Wentworth Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:00 pm at the Wentworth Town Hall.  The next regular meeting of the Wentworth Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 7:00 pm at the Wentworth Town Hall.  The Wentworth Town Hall will be closed Monday, May 30, 2022, in observance of Memorial Day. Article X. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We move into Closed Session Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11. (6) Personnel.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the Councilmembers moved into closed session. Mayor Paschal asked Attorney Ellis Martin and Town Clerk Yvonne Russell to join Council in Closed Session. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We move into Open Session after a two minute break.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and Council moved into Open Session after a two minute break. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “The Town of Wentworth Personnel Committee will perform all employee evaluations from now on.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “The Town of Wentworth restructure its Administrative Office to include the following two positions: Town Clerk/ Budget- Finance Officer and Accounting Clerk I/ Deputy Clerk. The position of Town Administrator shall be eliminated, and George Murphy, Sr.’s last day of employment by the Town of Wentworth shall be May 17, 2022. As an exception the Town of Wentworth Employee Handbook, Mr. Murphy shall be paid for accrued but unused vacation time.” Councilmember Crowder seconded the motion. The motion carried with a vote of three to two. Mayor Dennis Paschal, Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Conner, and Councilmember Daryl Crowder voted in favor. Councilmembers Dennis Paschal III and Cheryl Moore were opposed. Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 22 Article XI. ADJOURN Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “We adjourn”. Councilmember Paschal seconded the motion, and the meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted By: Approved By: _______________________ __________________________ Yvonne Russell, NCCMC Dennis Paschal, Jr. Town Clerk Mayor Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes May 3, 2022 – pg. 23