Town of Snow Hill in Greene County, North Carolina

MINUTES
Snow Hill Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 26, 2006–9:30 am
Snow Hill Town Hall
201 North Greene Street, North Carolina 28580

The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners regular meeting convened at 9:30 am on Wednesday April 26, 2006 in the Snow Hill Town Hall with the following members present: Mayor Don Davis; Commissioners Phyllis Burruss, Percy Edwards, Geraldine Shackleford, Lorrine Burney-Washington; Town Clerk-Finance Officer Mauren Baker; Town Administrator Bob Clark, and Interim Town Attorney Jim Cauley. Citizen Martha Lura Glossip was also present.

1. Call to Order—Mayor Don Davis sounded the gavel and called the meeting to order.

2. Prayer—Commissioner Edwards offered prayer.

3. Pledge of Allegiance—The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

4. Roll Call —Mayor Davis reported that Commissioner Thomas had a meeting conflict and would not be present. She was excused by consent of the Board. Commissioner Washington arrived in time for roll call. The Mayor declared a quorum present.

5. Consider Approving Meeting Agenda—Motion was made by Commissioner Edwards, seconded by Commissioner Shackleford and carried unanimously to approve this agenda with the following modifications: Add Item 7.a.5—Telecommunications; 7.a.6—update on the revised Late/Service Charge Fees.

6. Consider Approving Meeting Minutes—Motion was made by Commissioner
Washington, seconded by Commissioner Burruss and carried unanimously to approve the April 10, 2006 regular meeting minutes as presented.

7. Report of Officers:

a. Mayor: Mayor Davis introduced the following 5 personnel policy items for discussion (copies hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of these minutes). Discussion followed and the Mayor suggested with the absence of Commissioner Thomas that these items would be continued to the next meeting for additional discussion and consideration:

1. Introduction of Snow Hill Personnel Policy Amendment #1: Travel Management

2. Introduction of Snow Hill Personnel Policy Amendment #2: Pension Plan

3. Introduction of Snow Hill Personnel Policy Amendment #3: Burial Benefit

4. Introduction of Snow Hill Personnel Policy Amendment #4: Dress and Appearance

5. Introduction of Snow Hill Personnel Policy Amendment #5: Telecommunications

6. At the request of Adolph Thomas, President of the South Greene Water Corporation, the increased Late/Service Charge Fees will be delayed until the June billing cycle. Mayor Davis stated that the South Greene-Town of Snow Hill Water Service Contract expired on August 7, 2005, and that contract negotiations for FY 2007 will be underway.

b. Town Administrator:

1. Greene County Suzuki Program survey —Mr. Clark asked that all Program surveys be turned in
2. Mr. Clark will be attending Regional Water 2030 Meeting & $8M Infrastructure Grant Workshop on May 4, 2006 at Wayne Community College
3. Mr. Clark asked for authorization to verify status of Greene County’s prior action in regards to water tank maintenance. He stated that there is no written agreement—just a gentleman’s agreement—and that the terms of the agreement are unclear. He noted how there was documentation the County Board of Commissioners was receptive to Mayor Davis’ request to continue the 50% cost sharing or $30,000 per year for three years.
4. Update on surplus—Bids for surplus items will be opened May 16th.

c. Fire Chief:

1. Update on Department consolidation—Chief Dana Hill came to the table for his report. He provided copies of a proposed contract with the Contentnea Volunteer Fire Department to provide fire protection to the residents of Snow Hill. He will present the same proposed contract to the Board of Directors of the Contentnea VFD within the next week.

2. Chief Hill requested that the Board support the recommendation of the Multi Public Safety Facility Taskforce to use the Old Junior High School site for the proposed new fire station. He stated that the location of the fire station dictates ratings for insurance purposes and it is important to have a central location. Discussion concluded that the Old Junior High Gym located on this property does not provide a safe environment for our young people and that the building should be raised to provide space for the new station and parking. Upgrades at S. Greene Gym could better serve the recreational needs until a new county gym at the new park is available. There would be ample room for growth of the senior center. Modern communications systems used to summon fire fighters eliminates the need to have a loud fire alarm at the new station. The Chief explained that the Town of Snow Hill does not use the siren as a warning system.

d. Finance Officer: FY 2005-06 Budget Amendment #4 was presented to the Board of consideration (copy hereby incorporated by reference and made part of these minutes).
The report of the Finance officer was received by consent of the Board.

8. Reports of Boards, Commissions, Committees and/or Taskforce: Greene County Jail Taskforce (status report)—Mr. Clark reported that the taskforce is back on track working with the architect on the plans for the Greene County Justice Center, that will house 76 beds. Male and female prisoners will be housed in segregated facilities.

9. Unfinished Business and General Orders: 2006-2007 Town Council Strategic Plan—In the absence of Commissioner Thomas, this item was continued until the next meeting.

Mayor Davis requested that the Board add 3 minutes to the meeting time at 11:29. By consent the Board granted the request.

10. New Business:

a. By consent the Board authorized Town Administrator Bob Clark to verify status of Greene County’s prior action in regards to water tank maintenance

b. By consent the Board will support the Old Junior High School area for proposed fire station site as recommended by the Multi Public Safety Facility Taskforce

c. Consider Budget Amendment 2006-02—Motion was made by Commissioner Washington, seconded by Commissioner Edwards and carried unanimously to approve FY 2005-06 Budget Amendment #4 as presented by the Finance Officer (copy hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of these minutes).

d. Consider entering a closed session to discuss a location or expansion of industries or other businesses pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) and a personnel matter pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6)—By consent the Board tabled this item as the time for the session had expired.

11. Program: N/A

12. Announcements and Public Comments—There were none.

13. Adjournment—Motion was made by Commissioner Washington, seconded by Commissioner Edwards and carried unanimously to adjourn this session of the Town of Snow Hill Board of Commissioners.