City Council

TOWN OF WENTWORTH MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING WENTWORTH, NORTH CAROLINA April 2, 2024 7:00 p.m. The regular monthly meeting of the Wentworth Town Council was held on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 at the Wentworth Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. 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: Yvonne Russell, Town Clerk/ Finance Officer Hunter Wilson, Accounting Clerk/ Deputy Clerk Others Present: Sheriff Sam Page – Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Jenny Edwards, Director – Rockingham Co. Arts Council (via Zoom) Brice Baker – Rockingham Co. High School 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 There were no Requests or Petitions of Citizens. Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 1 of 21  B. Approve/Amend Agenda Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “To approve the agenda as written.” Councilmember Dennis Paschal III seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Article IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Town Council Meeting 1. March 5, 2024 Councilmember Paschal made a MOTION, “The minutes stand approved as written.” Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Article V. OLD BUSINESS There was no Old Business. Article VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration of Grant from Rockingham County Arts Council to the Town of Wentworth- $2,750 by Jenny Edwards (via Zoom) Ms. Jenny Edwards, Director of the Rockingham County Arts Council, began, “Thank you for having me here tonight. I work with the Rockingham County Arts Council and this year our Board voted to provide arts funding to every municipality in Rockingham County. What we are hoping to do is build strong relationships with the Arts Council and the municipalities. We know and appreciate that Wentworth contributes between 1 and 2 thousand dollars annually to the Arts Council. That funding helps us match with the North Carolina Arts Council…We had a long relationship with the city of Eden, primarily through Cindy Adams, through grassroots funding. Cindy has applied for grassroots funding every year…The Arts Council increased the amount of grassroots funding we receive this year, so our Board decided that we need to expand our outreach into other municipalities…So far the city of Reidsville has asked us to reach out directly to the schools and grant our funding there. The city of Eden accepted the funding without hesitation for Hispanic Heritage day… The town of Madison accepted the money and are using it for a Native Arts Day on the Dillard Elementary School trail. The town of Stoneville is considering on accepting the funding. Mayodan accepted the funding and are investing it into three workshops in Downtown Mayodan. Ultimately we are hoping to spark the arts in Rockingham County. We would like to offer this to the Town of Wentworth as well. There are a couple of funding restrictions. This funding is coming from the Multicultural Grant funding that the State gives to us, which means it supports artists of color. The money has to be spent by January 30th or it goes away. There is a dollar for dollar required match. Those matches are easily made through staff time and venue donations…” Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 2 of 21  Yvonne Russell, Finance Officer, asked Ms. Edwards if June 30th was meant instead of January 30th. Ms. Edwards confirmed and acknowledged that January 30th was a mistake. Mayor Paschal inquired if Wentworth's funding could be directed to schools. Ms. Edwards confirmed. Councilmember Paschal inquired about the deadline for spending the funds. Ms. Edwards clarified that the funds must be spent by June 30th. Councilmember Paschal inquired about the dollar-for-dollar match for staff members and whether it included staff members from the Town of Wentworth or the school system. Ms. Edwards, in response, clarified that it could include either or both. Councilmember Paschal then asked if staff members from the Arts Council would qualify for the match. Ms. Edwards replied that their staff time would not be counted; however, if the Council decides to direct its funding to the schools, the Town's $1,000 investment in the trail at Wentworth Elementary would serve as a cash match to the $2,750 needed. This would leave only $1,750 to be matched through staff time. Ms. Russell asked how staff time is valued in dollars. Ms. Edwards explained that it's the total cost, including salary, retirement, taxes, and other benefits paid by the town to its staff and the same goes for the school system. She confirmed that they have never encountered any issues in matching staff time to dollars. Councilmember Paschal asked, “Does this have to be some sort of specific event, or can it be a project?” Ms. Edwards responded, “It could be a project, but it has to support an artist of color.” Ms. Russell asked for clarification on the trail at the elementary school. Ms. Edwards explained, “Yes…We are working to create a piece of art from material that we recover off the side of the trail…that would then be installed on the trail.” Ms. Russell asked if the Town of Wentworth could join in on that, and staff could help with installation. Ms. Edwards confirmed. Ms. Edwards also mentioned the idea of Town of Wentworth creating an art program for the students, which could also be installed on the trail. “Also, if the Town Council is uncomfortable with that one-on-one match and has any concerns, you don’t have to accept the full $2,750…You could just accept $1,000 of it and we have already got the match. I do hope that you accept the whole thing because I am very confident that the match will be easily made.” said Ms. Edwards. Mayor Paschal asked, “The match is made in personnel’s time, correct?” Ms. Edwards confirmed that the match could be made in personnel time or cash. Mayor Paschal continued on, “I just don’t want to encumber personnel…so if we went with $1,000 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 3 of 21  match, we could just pay $1,000 and not have to encumber Yvonne and Hunter, correct?” Ms. Edwards confirmed. Ms. Russell said, “And you’ve already encumbered that $1,000 with their funding request from this current fiscal year so they would match it with $1,000.” Ms. Edwards agreed and went on to explain, “So, the Arts Council would grant $1,000 to the Town Council. If you wanted to go to Wentworth Elementary School, then we would work with an Artist for the Art Program at Wentworth Elementary. Since the Town has already granted the $1,000 to us, we are doubling your funding…” There was no further discussion. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “we accept the $1,000 grant from Rockingham County Arts Council.” Councilmember Daryl Crowder seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Article VI. NEW BUSINESS B. Presentation of Funding Request from Brice Baker (RCHS Senior Project) for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025: $5,000 by Brice Baker Mayor Paschal welcomed Brice Baker to discuss his request for funding for his RCHS Senior Project. Mr. Baker began, “My name is Brice Baker. I am a senior at Rockingham County High School and this is my presentation about helmet caps for the football team. For starters, I want to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity to speak in front of you. It seemed intimidating at first, but I am thankful for the opportunity. The guardian cap is a shell in the helmet, which is a layer of bubble mesh. It is a one-size-fits-all…for impact reduction. There is no real evidence that it stops concussions but it does extremely reduce the impact to the brain through the helmet. They are worn by 300 colleges, 1,000 high schools, 750 youth programs, all 32 NFL teams, and all 9 Canadian Football League teams in high contact positions like the offensive line, defensive line, running backs, linebackers, and such. The expected life of one usually depends on the level of competition, but for a high school, it should last a couple of seasons.” Mr. Baker continued on to explain the budget of the funding request, “There was a slight change. Originally, the website said helmet caps were $70 each…After talking to someone at Guardian Technologies, it was concluded that if I buy in bulk, a unit of 70 is going to cost $58 each. So, 70 guardian caps in one color plus shipping to the high school is going to be just under $4,200. Any donations are greatly appreciated and will be used solely for guardian caps. I’ve played football my entire life. I’m a product of Rockingham County High School football and I’m on my way to play division I football in college. I understand the pain of juggling practice, classes, and life outside of school. Knowing you’re reduced of the risk of an injury while practicing allows one to play more fearlessly to feel more prepared for games on Friday nights. Rockingham football has picked up some Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 4 of 21  steam in the past few years. The Cougars went to the playoffs throughout the last seven years…There’s a new coach and staff coming in this year so it’s in the team’s best interest to help them keep the ball rolling. Friday nights at 180 High School Drive from August to November needs to be the place to be to get some popularity.” Mr. Baker finished and asked if there were any questions. Councilmember Paschal expressed admiration for Mr. Baker's efforts in presenting to the Town Council. He asked if the 70 helmets would include both Junior Varsity and Varsity. Mr. Baker confirmed. Councilmember Paschal inquired about Mr. Baker’s statement regarding the lifespan of the helmets. Mr. Baker responded that other high school teams say they last a couple of years unless a tear occurs, etc. Councilmember Paschal inquired if Mr. Baker had sought help from other organizations for his senior project funds. Mr. Baker responded that the Rockingham Football Boosters were willing to assist. Councilmember Paschal asked Ms. Russell which entity the approved plan would go through - the Football Boosters or the school. Ms. Russell responded that she would collaborate with the school and decide how they would like to proceed. Councilmember Crowder mentioned that it may be better to go through the Football Booster Club. There was no further discussion. Mayor Paschal explained to Mr. Baker the routine of deciding funding requests and that Ms. Russell would be in touch. The Council thanked Mr. Baker. Article VI. NEW BUSINESS C. Consideration of General Fund Budget Amendment No. 2 for FY 2023 – 2024 – Yvonne Russell, Finance Officer Ms. Russell reviewed the memorandum concerning Budget Amendment No. 2. Councilmember Paschal made a MOTION, “To approve the General Fund Budget Amendment No. 2 for Fiscal Year 23-24.” Mayor Paschal seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: The memorandum for Budget Amendment No. 2 is herein incorporated and made part of these minutes.) Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 5 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 6 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 7 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 8 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 9 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 10 of 21 Article VI. NEW BUSINESS D. Consideration of Amendment to the Financial Cash Management Policy – Yvonne Russell, Finance Officer Ms. Russell reviewed the proposed amendment to the Financial Policy in Section A. (b.) (14). Mayor Paschal said he thinks that raising the amount from $1,500 to $3,000 would be beneficial. Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “To increase the amount of the Financial and Cash Management Policy for expenditures of specific items costing more than $3,000 per each item.” Mayor Pro Tem Conner seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. (Note: A copy of the proposed amendment to the Financial Policy is herein incorporated and made part of these minutes.) Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 11 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 12 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 13 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 14 of 21 Article VI. NEW BUSINESS E. National Day of Prayer 2024 Proclamation Mayor Paschal read the National Day of Prayer 2024 Proclamation. (Note: The National Day of Prayer 2024 Proclamation is herein incorporated and made part of these minutes.) Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 15 of 21 Article VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Paschal welcomed Sheriff Sam Page to speak. “First off, I hope everyone had a great Easter. It was a great weekend. I hate to see the cold weather come back. I have a few notes I want to make you aware of. On April 11th Zion Baptist Church in Reidsville is having a community unity meeting at 6:00 pm. Many people will be coming to talk about some of the issues in our community. I noticed in the back you had a flyer about Powwow. They are going to do an event over at Morehead High School. That is on April 27th at 10:00 am. I went there last year. They had beautiful costumes and dancers of all different ages. It was great. ‘Up with Christ, down with crime.’ You may have seen some signs around recently. Pastor Stokes has just started an organization. I met with them along with the Sheriff from Guilford County, and talked about what they are seeing and what we are seeing. The primary concern is child trafficking in North Carolina; how to identify and help victims of child trafficking. Also, community crime issues in general. Louis Galloway at the House of Refuge in Eden works with homeless people during certain times of the year. I think they are talking about opening another place in Reidsville during the same period, so we will have a facility in both Eden and Reidsville. The kids from Wentworth Elementary just got back from Washington D.C. I know that must have been an exciting trip. I hope they had some good weather while they were there. Other than that, thank you for your support.” Mayor Paschal inquired about the ‘Up with Christ, down with crime.’ Signs. Sheriff Page said he has Pastor Stokes's phone number if he needs it. Mayor Paschal shared that he got hissing from the Reidsville Bible & Book store. The Town Council thanked Sheriff Page. Article VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Paschal gave the following announcements:  The next regular meeting of the Wentworth Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Wentworth Town Hall.  The next regular meeting of the Wentworth Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Wentworth Town Hall.  The National Day of Prayer is May 2, 2024. A prayer service led by Pastor Travis McGuirt will be held at the Wentworth Town Park picnic shelter at 12:00 pm. Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 16 of 21 Article IX. BUDGET WORKSESSION: FY 2024-2025 Ms. Russell reviewed the budget worksheet and announced the state's decision of a 4% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and 3% merit raises. Town Council agreed. Councilmember Paschal asked about updating any sound systems or devices that are used in the Council Chambers in regards to technology & software support. Ms. Russell explained that there are issues regarding technology that is currently used and that it would be beneficial to look into that. The Town Council decided on funding request amounts:  Law Enforcement Equipment - $2,869.00  ReDirections - $2,458.00  SADD - $2,500.00  Code Red - $786.00  Help Inc./Square One - $5,000.00  Committee of 100 (Food Drive) - $1,000.00  Project SAFE Rockingham Co. - $782.00  LOT 2540 - $6,000.00  Fine Arts Festival Association - $1,000.00  MARC - $8,000.00  RCMS Band - $2,500.00  Rockingham Co. Arts Council - $1,000.00  Wentworth PTA Ball Program - $8,000.00  RCHS Football - $3,000.00 (Note: A copy of the Budget Worksheet is herein incorporated and made part of these minutes.) Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 17 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 18 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 19 of 21 Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 20 of 21 Article X. ADJOURN Mayor Paschal made a MOTION, “To adjourn.” Councilmember Crowder seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried. Respectfully Submitted by: _____________________________ Hunter Wilson, Deputy Clerk & Accounting Clerk Approved by: _____________________________ Robert Dennis Paschal, Jr., Mayor Town of Wentworth Council Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2024 Page 21 of 21