MOUNT AIRY, NORTH CAROLINA REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor David L. Rowe, Commissioners Jim Armbrister, Shirley Brinkley, Dean Brown, Jon Cawley, and Steve Yokeley APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA: On motion by Commissioner Brinkley, seconded by Commissioner Brown and passed unanimously, the amended agenda was approved. CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Yokeley requested item A. under Consent Agenda to be removed and placed in the appropriate place on the agenda for discussion. On motion by Commissioner Brinkley, seconded by Commissioner Armbrister and passed unanimously, the following items were approved by way of consent agenda: RESOLUTION #2017-040-ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT OF UNPAID TAXES: A RESOLUTION ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT OF UNPAID TAXES RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-040 WHEREAS, the Revenue Collection Assistant II, in her capacity as Tax Collector, has submitted a report on unpaid 2016 Taxes, which constitute a lien on real property as required by G.S. 105-369(a); and WHEREAS, G.S. 105-369(a) provides for the advertisement of such taxes: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT: Section 1. Section 2. In accordance with G.S. 105-369(a), the Revenue Collection Assistant II is hereby authorized, empowered, and commanded to advertise unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year that are liens on real property at least once between March 1 and June 30. This resolution shall become effective upon approval by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Mount Airy. Adopted and approved this the 2 nd day of February, 2017.
RESOLUTION #2017-041-MAKING MOUNT AIRY FIREMEN S LOCAL RELIEF FUND TRUSTEE APPOINTMENTS: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-041 WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Statutes require the Mayor and Board of Commissioners to appoint two representatives as Trustees of the Mount Airy Firemen s Local Relief Fund; and WHEREAS, the General Statutes specifically prescribe the makeup of the Trustees of the Mount Airy Firefighters Supplementary Pension Fund; and WHEREAS, it is desirable that the trustees of these two funds be comprised of the same individuals in order to promote and secure the overall welfare and benefit of members of the Mount Airy Fire Department in relation to the Mount Airy Firemen s Local Relief Fund and the Mount Airy Firefighters Supplementary Pension Fund; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the City of Mount Airy has received a recommendation from Pamela M. Stone, Trustee for the appointment of two boardappointed representatives at this time: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Zane D. Poindexter and Scottie D. Wolfe are hereby appointed by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners to serve as Trustees of the Mount Airy Firemen s Local Relief Fund. Approved and adopted this the 2 nd day of February, 2017. RESOLUTION #2017-042-SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR REQUEST TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 920 REEVES DRIVE: RESOLUTION SETTING PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-042 WHEREAS, the City of Mount Airy has received a request from Mark Hauser to rezone a.212 acre parcel located at 920 Reeves Drive from R-6 (General Residential) to B-2 (General Business; and WHEREAS, the Tax Identification Number for this parcel is 5929-07-58-8104; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board of the City of Mount Airy has recommended approval of the rezoning of this property and has recommended the request to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT: Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. That a public hearing be scheduled for February 16, 2017 to hear public comment on the above listed item. That notice of the public hearing shall be published in the Mount Airy News, a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Mount Airy, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the public hearing. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 2 nd day of February, 2017. (end of consent agenda) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 19, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes: Commissioner Yokeley stated he asked this item to be removed from consent because he would like to request that the public forum during the January 19, 2017 Regular Meeting be done verbatim because there were a lot of passionate comments that he feels needed to be included in the minutes. He asked this to be prepared and brought back to the board for approval. Commissioner Cawley suggested that all minutes (including closed session minutes) should be verbatim from this meeting forward. Commissioner Brinkley made a motion that all minutes, including closed session minutes, be verbatim from the January 19, 2017 meeting forward. Commissioner Armbrister seconded it and it was passed unanimously. CERTIFICATES AND AWARDS: Recognition of Community Police Officer Gerald Daniel: Mayor Rowe recognized CPO Gerald Daniel for receiving the D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year Award from the NC D.A.R.E. Officer s Association. Mayor Rowe also presented CPO Daniel with a Certificate of Recognition. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Black History Month Proclamation: Mayor Rowe declared the month of February as Black History Month in the City of Mount Airy and presented the proclamation to the Surry County Branch of the NAACP s President, Faye Carter. PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor Rowe opened the public forum for comments regarding any business not on the agenda.
Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I just have a small problem I want to see if commissioners can help me out with. I own a piece of property on the north end of town. It s about Mayor Rowe: Your name and address please. Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): My name is Greg Slate and my address is 2271 Wards Gap Road. My uncle owns some property and I got a son that is fixing to start his family here in Mount Airy and I own a piece of property on Wards Gap-it s on the north end of town. I went over to the county to-i had two pieces and I had to put them together before I could set a home up on it-i went over and they told me that I was going to get a septic tank perk test to make sure the land perked, which I thought was what I was supposed to do. They tell me that I am in the ETJ and I talked to the city guy and he said the only thing I could put there was a doublewide. I was wanting to buy my son a 14 x 80 or a 16 x 67, which I done made a deposit on one, and the guy from the city said I got to put a doublewide there-i can t put up a singlewide. I think, you know, I am outside of the city limits-it is in the county but they tell me that I am in this ETJ. My understanding was there would be no more forced annexation in Mount Airy. I just want to know why I can t set on my property a singlewide-vinyl siding, shingle roof, nice home-to start my son here in Mount Airy because he has always lived here and was born and raised here in Mount Airy. Now, he can t even set his home up to start his family and I ve got pictures of singlewides all up this road-matter of fact, two houses above where I own this property that we ve got cleaned off, a beautiful place, a guy just set a singlewide about three years ago. I come back down the road and see all kinds of trailers and singlewides all up and down this road, which are nice some of them are and I have some pictures a couple of them I would say I wouldn t want to live on them. Then I noticed that I live in the city limits and two houses above me on the left, there is a 14 x 80 singlewide with vinyl siding right in the city limits and the property I got is outside the city limits. I just want to know if you can t help me out to where I can start my son s family here in Mount Airy. I have pictures if you want to see them. Commissioner Brinkley: Mr. Slate, if I may speak Mayor, standard procedures are we listen at the forums and take all of this in and hear what you ve got to say and we are not supposed to respond at this point and I apologize. Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I ve always been one-my daddy told me if I talk to somebody face to face, they would talk back to me and let me know what they think. Commissioner Brinkley: These are not our rules. These were set before I came on. Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I was born and raised here in Mount Airy. I work here in Mount Airy-I worked in a hosiery mill, I work for Ben Cooke and been at Cooke Rentals for 17 years. Mr. Cawley knows my children-they all went to Mount Airy Schools and now my oldest one is, I am not going to say made a boo-boo, but he is going to be a daddy. I ve got to accept that-it is going to be my grandson and where this singlewide I
was setting up is right beside his grandfather, which owns the property and is 80 years-old. So my son can kind of watch after Pa and have his family start there too. He looked at me last night after I told him what they told me and he said, Well don t they want us to live in Mount Airy? I said, Well, I don t know. You own your property, looks like you should be able to do a little bit of what somebody can t tell you, you can t do. I understand if it was a piece of junk but I am buying a $50,000 home to set up there. I can t afford $150,000 stick built home. He is starting out-he is young and his wife to be is still going to college and carrying a little baby so you know, I am just trying to help them get something started. Commissioner Armbrister: That brings up an ongoing question, if I may speak Mayor. Mayor Rowe: Yes sir. Commissioner Armbrister: During these public forums, frequently we recognize things that could be commented on and possibly even handled-i don t expect this to be handled todaybut where on our agenda do we respond to someone that has brought forth something like this. It isn t part of the agenda and could require a lengthy discussion. I personally have had issues with our ETJ because they don t have a voice within the city officially as a voter and also have a different rural type area that you are dealing with where our ordinances are all basically drawn up for the city atmosphere. I have a conflict with that myself. Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I did a little bit yesterday. Commissioner Armbrister: What you are saying, if it is up to me, I would like to do some more research on it, look at the ETJ, look at the zoning, which we are under discussion right now anyway through a request and have someone from the city to get back with you at least to let you know what we are doing to take a look at your issue for a possible remedy or not. Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I appreciate all you commissioners for letting me speak to you today. Commissioner Brinkley: Mr. Slate, why don t you give someone your phone number-write it right here for me so I can make sure someone gets it. Ok? Commissioner Cawley: Mr. Slate, is there a time period that your deposit is Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): I am good. The gentleman is working with me on there s two different ones. One of them is a 14 x 80 and the other one is a 16x 76. He is working with me on the deal because he owns quite a few and I am just wanting to get my son something maybe by the baby is supposed to be here by August and I know there ain t no way with the way Ben s working me now that I can get off and get it all done but, I would like to get it done by mid-summer if there s any way possible. Commissioner Brinkley: Ok.
Commissioner Armbrister: Let me interject some common sense into that issue and put it up for consideration and debate with our Planning Department and find out where we stand on that issue. Sir, have you been in contact with our Planning Department? Greg Slate, 2271 Wards Gap Road (city resident): Yes sir. I talked to a Will Linville and he told me that the only thing that I could set up there, and he is just going by the ordinances, is a doublewide. I really don t want to set a doublewide up there because you know, later on and I hope it don t happen-i hope his grandfather out lives us, but one of these days he will end up in his grandfather s house and he might do away with the singlewide then or you know, he might keep it for his little brother to come along. It is kind of a family thing that we ve had this land and this is what we had it for but then when I go to find this out, they say you can t do this-you ve got to do this. I appreciate every one of you listening to what I had to say. Commissioner Brinkley: Thank you. Mayor Rowe: Thank you sir. Anyone else who wants to address the board? Speaker from the floor-resident of Shay Street (non-city resident): I am a resident of Shay Street. I bought my house five years ago and four years ago we moved into it. The seller told me when we bought the house he said I ve got two wells. One s a deep well and it s a bad well so we drilled a shallower well and got good water out of it. After being there for a couple of years, I ve come to realize that the deep well was bad water and the shallower well was barely better. It all looks like that when it isn t filtered. It comes out of the tap like that and we my neighbor Mr. Goings and I were talking about this over a period of a couple of summers and I finally put a petition together. He took it around the neighborhood to about 18 to 19 homes that are up there on Shay Street and he got 18 signatures on it. That is almost 100% of everybody up there that wants to try to do something about that water supply. I have the petition in my pocket. You are welcome to get a copy of it if you like. We ve petitioned the County-we live in the County and it s my understanding that they ve forwarded a request to you guys here in Mount Airy to help share the cost of that installation of the water supply. Ms. Angel, our newest neighbor on Shay Street has water problems just exactly like that and they ve had the water analyzed and Ms. Angel, would you like to come up and share the results? Robin Angel, 213 Oak Ridge Drive (non-city resident): Currently, I reside at 213 Oak Ridge Drive but I am looking at purchasing 220 Shay Street. This is a water sample of the iron analysis that we had. We also have two wells at the property-a shallow well and a deeper one. The shallow well, from my understanding, is completely dry and this is coming from the only well that we have-that is the deeper well which is down in the contaminated levels. We have had someone from Virginia that my husband spoke with who was a well expert and they said there wouldn t a well that he can t fix. He came and looked at ours and said ma am, there s nothing I can do for that. So, they had concentration levels of iron-we are just concerned as a property owner with, you know, a small child. That s our useable water-that is our laundry, shower, you know, if you had the guts to drink it, that s your drinking water. But obviously,
that s not water that s healthy from my point of view. And I did send out emails to the Commissioners-I do appreciate your prompt response and I got emails and phone calls from each of you and I think that shows your willingness to help us to deal with this problem at Shay Street and Kimberly Drive, so thank you for that. But I know it s a County/City kind of conflict or finance issue involved and I just think that as quickly as possible needs to come to a consensus on how those residents in that area can be helped. I mean nobody should be it shouldn t be a privilege to have water-it should be a right. So that is how I feel about it and I am really hoping that something can be moved forward from here. Commissioner Brinkley: It s on discussion afterwards if you want to stay-you can stay. Speaker from the floor-resident of Shay Street (non-city resident): I ve got a copy of the petition if you guys would like to have a copy of it. Commissioner Brinkley: Is this a copy? Speaker from the floor-resident of Shay Street (non-city resident): That is a copy-you can have that. Yea. And some of us will stay for discussion later. Commissioner Armbrister: Please do. Speaker from the floor-resident of Shay Street (non-city resident): Thank you. We sure do appreciate your help. Yvonne Green, 1520 Edgewood Drive (non-city resident): First of all I would like to inquire about the transparency of the local government-the website. I know on the website, it s listed that the Mayor s term ends December 5, 2019. As of this morning and the previous weeks, it s still listed as that so that s not the case that I am told, but that s what is listed on the website. And I also wanted to inquire about has there been or will there still be a special committee formed to work on race relations in the community and just where are we on that matter. And lastly, I want everyone to know at the last meeting, Citizens Unite for Love and Community was represented here and there s been a little bit of backlash. I just want everybody to know we are not a hate group-we aren t trying to pick on anybody. We our goal is to address social issues and promote fair representation for everyone by our city leaders. We will continue to be present at the meetings-we want to work with everybody. This is for our community. We are willing to work with the Board of Commissioners to promote harmony in the community and I think that s something that we should all want. We do have a permit for a march February, 18 th. This is primarily to promote voter registration and people s awareness and involvement in our local government. I think it s fair to say our message is we will not tolerate discrimination of any kind in this community. We are putting together the format as I speak, we have people working on it, which will include inspirational speakers and singers, volunteers to help with voter registration, flyers and other ways of getting this out to let people to know about the event and like I said, I thank you and I hope this is something that we can all work together on.
Lizzie Morrison, 325 South Main Street (city resident): I am here to represent Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. and I want to first of all thank you all so much for approving the Whittling Wall. That s such an exciting project and I am really excited to see that get going. And second of all, I would like to express my support for the parking lot improvement of Brannock and Hiatt and Old North State Winery parking lot. It is really needed there. It is quite a dangerous parking lot as it is and I think it is time that lot gets redone. Thank you. Randy Collins, Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce President: Good afternoon. I am the President and CEO of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and with me today I want to introduce to the commissioners is an intern that is working at the chamber. Alyssa Niten is from North Surry High School so don t frighten her about what goes on here. She will be working with the Chamber for the next few months. Like Lizzie who spoke before, the Chamber wanted to give you our thoughts on the improvements proposed for the parking lot. Our office is at 200 North Main and we appreciate that being on the agenda and discussed. It s an important part of Main Street. Overall, I am just here to say that we support the project-we think it s a good idea and obviously the current state of the lot is as you all know, is uneven, it s unsafe and I think it s a bit of an eyesore for the citizens and tourists. I am glad that you re addressing it. If no improvements are made in the lot, obviously, it s not going to go away-it will continue to deteriorate. I m not an attorney, but in my humble opinion, I think it s a possible liability for the city if someone is walking on the surface and falls and injured-we don t want that. And as you know parking on Main Street is limited. We are stressed about parking some days, especially on busy days during the busy tourist season. We don t have a lot of big lots for people to park and that particular lot s used a lot. The merchants on that section of Main Street, I think, are grateful that the lot is there and their customers can park there and even when the street parking is full. If just cosmetic repairs or patchwork work is done, we think that s more short-term. The long-term solution that you re proposing I think that s a great idea to excavate the site and make that make those improvements. We want to point out there s obviously the operation of the Autumn Leaves Festival that we run-that is a an important part of the festival for us. We put some important people there and some vendors so we want to make sure that the space is safe, it s clean and stable, you know, and we aren t the only event that hosts things there-there are other organizations that host events there. And I just want to say thank you for addressing this issue and we understand it s a considerable cost but we think it s an investment in Main Street and we appreciate that. Thank you. Mayor Rowe: Anyone else wish to address the board? All right, seeing no one, we declare the public forum closed. With no further speakers, Mayor Rowe declared the public forum closed. OLD BUSINESS: 2016 Annual Fire Department Report: Chief Poindexter was present to answer any questions that the Board had in regard to the 2016 Annual Fire Department Report. The Board had no questions or concerns regarding the 2016 Annual Fire Department Report.
RESOLUTION #2017-043-AWARDING NORTH MAIN STREET 400 BLOCK PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: On motion by Commissioner Cawley, seconded by Commissioner Armbrister and passed unanimously, the following resolution was approved: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-043 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONRACT FOR NORTH MAIN STREET 400 BLOCK PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS TO SOWERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. WHEREAS, this project is to rehabilitate the existing municipal parking lot located on North Main Street between Brannock & Hiatt Furniture and Old North State Winery; and WHEREAS, work includes undercutting and repairing the failing asphalt, adding granite curbing, and installing new landscaping/sidewalks; and WHEREAS, bids were received on January 18, 2017 with results as follows: Contractor Total Bid Sowers Construction Company, Inc., Mount Airy, NC $182,327.00 PCS Construction Services, Inc., Mount Airy, NC $302,333.79 WHEREAS, it is recommended that the contract be awarded to Sowers Construction Company, Inc. for the amount of $182,327.00. In consideration of contingencies, staff recommends the amount be increased to $200,000; and WHEREAS, funds are available for this project in this current year s budget; and WHEREAS, decorative lighting and landscaping (estimated at $30,000) are not included in the above contract amount. Funds for these components are also available in this year s budget: Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby award the North Main Street 400 Block Parking Lot Improvements Project to Sowers Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $182,327.00 and in consideration of contingencies, the Board of Commissioners shall increase the amount of the project to $200,000.00. Section 2. Section 3. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the Mayor to execute all documents necessary for the above mentioned project upon review and approval by the City Attorney. This resolution shall become effective upon approval.
Approved and adopted this the 2 nd day of February, 2017. BOARD TO DISCUSS SHAY STREET/KIMBERLY DRIVE WATER LINE EXTENSION: Jeff Boyles: Issues were discussed during the public forum. This area is off of Reeves Mill Road. They have had a lot of water quality issues and we were notified by the county that they had done studies. They enlisted The Lane Group to do a construction cost survey. I think it was 17 taps-with the cost estimate, it is $130,000 more or less; $8,000 or so per tap. Apparently the county went out and did their own survey and mailed out 24 surveys and received 16 responses. Twelve of those responses said they would commit to paying $30-$40 a month. The city s cost would be half of the total cost, which is around $70,000. You take the city s share and use that $35 average monthly cost, times 12 respondents who said they would be willing to pay that, times 12 months a year equals $5,000 per year. Divide $5,000 into the city s shared cost and you get a payback of approximately 13.8 years. Commissioner Brown: I would like to say that I have worked with these folks who brought the water in and I talked with the City Manager several times. This is property of the county and they have first responsibility. I would like to make a motion that we send this back to the county to work out some of the financial problems and look for some grants. While I was working on this, I found a grant that might work from the State that might help pay for some of this and save us some money and you folks some money too. I do think we do need to get moving on it and this is a suggestion from the City Manager. Commissioner Brown made a motion that we pass this back to the county and get them to write some updated proposals using some of the grants they can find. Commissioner Yokeley seconded it. Commissioner Cawley: Am I safe to take from that-out of the 24 people that were given a survey, 12 of them aren t interested in receiving city water? County Commissioner Larry Johnson may have the answer to that. County Commissioner Larry Johnson: No sir, I don t think so. Some haven t moved in yet, so that would change. My personal opinion if the city and county would work together I feel like you need to make it mandatory to hookup. I was unfamiliar to your fees-is that what your fees will be per month? My own guess if those figures were right and everyone participated; it will be a business deal for you. I estimated about an eight-year payback if everyone participated and that is if we paid for it all. What we said to begin with that we would match what Mount Airy would do being it is your water and you would eventually reap the benefits of it after your initial investment. We are willing to share if this is the case. It should have been presented that it was a 50/50 deal-the business deal for you all. That was our first discussion and what we presented. I would suggest a good deal for them would be a mandatory hook up for all homeowners. Commissioner Cawley: Commissioner Johnson, we as a city board have no authority to cause mandatory hookups, but you as a county do. We can only do mandatory hookups within city limits.
Hugh Campbell: County laws are different and I am not sure I can answer if the County can or not. County Commissioner Johnson: We would love to help them in any way we can. If we are willing to do 80% and proposed to them they would have to pay the 20% or whatever, our beginning stages were that we would go 50/50 with the city. Commissioner Cawley: These tap on fees-did you factor that into your coming up with the eight-year payback? County Commissioner Johnson: If you figure the $140,000 at 24 homes the tap on fees, were those included in the $140,000? Jeff Boyles: Tap on fees for water is $800 per resident. Commissioner Cawley: Here is my thinking I want to help these people have clean watertake the revenue for the city away from it. As the City of Mount Airy, it isn t fair for me to take the money away from it because it isn t my money. The possibility of us being able to help them as the city has to be understood that we are going above and beyond. Sometimes when people talk about the city helping, they do so forgetting that the city is a very significant player in the county. A lot of that half that you are talking about spending on the county s side is coming from the city. It concerns me when people don t think that the city ever does anything unless the city does more than the county s willing to do. I want us to find a way to do it-i will go on record as saying that. I hope that we are able to get grants. I think we probably should make a commitment to do it even if we don t get grants but it isn t because it is going to be a good business deal for the city-it is because it is the right thing to do. County Commissioner Johnson: He has already mentioned a couple other streets that are close by. We have already had some inquiries about a street close to it and they didn t get enough to sign on to make it presentable. I have a feeling that could change. If I am not mistaken, there are a few more lots on this street that could be added with more homes. I appreciate you saying you want to do the right thing and help the people-we do to. Our first proposal was to go with you 50/50 on whatever you wanted to do-if you want to help with a fourth of it-that was a start. I will report back to the county once you make a decision and we will go from there. Maybe we can tweak some things together-sit down and discuss in a Liaison meeting. Commissioner Brinkley: When a person taps on, do we have a means that if they can t pay it all at one time, they can pay it over a period of time? These people need to be aware of this because it costs. I was forced annexed in 2008 so I know it costs money. There is no forced annexation anymore due to the General Assembly putting a stop to it. I am with Commissioner Cawley in wanting to get you water. The other thing I am going to bring up is there is a development off of Highway 52 called Fairfield Forest. They have no water-they have the same problem. I was called five years ago to look at it-there are 55 homes out there. Something needs to be done-people shouldn t have to come to the city and the county and
show us this kind of water. If we are aware of it, you and us, we need to do what is right. I know it costs money but you know what, that is what the taxes are all about and these people here and those in Fairfield Forest need real water. I am ready to do something and make sure these people get their water. County Commissioner Johnson: At the present time, the city has a good supply and from what I have been told, you would like to sell some. Whatever you decide I will report back. Maybe we can sit down soon and if we can look at grants, that would be great. Commissioner Yokeley: I want to thank Commissioner Johnson for coming and thank you for your support. It is nice to have a good working relationship with the county. If you would go back to the county board and tell them that if they will do the mandatory connections, I think there would be a lot more areas that we could supply city water to. I think that even if we could get half of the residents there, it definitely needs to be done. Mandatory hookup would be beneficial to everyone. County Commissioner Johnson: I will discuss this with our attorney Monday night. Mayor Rowe: I think that if 50% more would hook on, it would cut the payback period in half. That is a doable thing, in my opinion. County Commissioner Johnson: I feel like more than 12 will maybe they don t think we are getting anywhere so they didn t respond. This has been going on for a while. Commissioner Armbrister: Regardless, I think there are basically two separate issues-one being on the business end and then the humane end and of course the humane end would prevail. On the business end, from two points-the city residents will be putting in tax money in both the city and county for this project and that consideration by the county commissioners would be excellent so I am glad to see you will take that back. I am not sure things have been represented well. In the wording twelve respondents stated they are willing to commit a $30 to $40 monthly payment for connection to a public water system, a connection is not $30 to $40 monthly to connect-that is your tap fee-so the wording there isn t right. Also, we don t know what it is going to be monthly and if we accept this wording or figures in this, those residents aren t getting a true picture of what their bills may be because we don t know, so we don t need to have that on paper. If water is available to those residents, whether they want to hook up or not, can we attempt to try to find a way to bill those that do not hook on? Hugh Campbell: We can t charge even a charge in lieu of connection. Outside of the city limits, we don t have the authority. Commissioner Armbrister: So as it stands right now, it really isn t a good business arrangement, but we want to make it happen. I am in full support of seeking grants and taking the information back to the county commissioners to see what they would like to say in addition. But my other side of the fact is time frame how long do we need to let this go on. If we get into a two-year grant process and be turned down or not be able to come to an
agreement on the finances, we are going to have to be ready to make provisions to make this stuff happen in a proper time frame. I will be supportive of anything that will bring this thing to fruition within this next year, if that is practical. Commissioner Brown: I want to ask Commissioner Cawley to reword my motion. Commissioner Cawley: I would like to amend Commissioner Brown s motion to state that we will commit half of the total cost for the Shay Street/Kimberly Drive waterline extension project, with the hopes of being able to accomplish it through grants, and to try to have the project completed by the end of 2017. Commissioner Yokeley: I would like to say that I am very well aware of the water situation at Shay Street-have you talked to the property owner of the first lot on the right? They plan to build a new house soon and I know they would be very interested in connecting to city water, so that s one additional hookup. I am ready to go with even half-you need it very badly so I hope we can accomplish it for you. Commissioner Brinkley: I would like for us to bring this back to the board next time and then the following time-have follow ups on how this is going. I don t want it to go by the wayside. Also, I believe Commissioner Brown and myself, we are ready to sit down and talk in a liaison committee-we haven t had one in a while. Hugh Campbell: The County will have to explore mandatory connection. Commissioner Cawley made a motion to commit half of the total cost ($69,575) for the Shay Street/Kimberly Drive waterline extension project, with the hopes of being able to accomplish it through grants, and to try to have the project completed by the end of 2017. Commissioner Brinkley seconded it and it was approved unanimously. BOARD TO DISCUSS WHITTLING WALL OWNERSHIP REQUEST: Hugh Campbell stated the board has a proposed license agreement before them. The terms of the agreement would allow the city, for a term of 50 years, to install statues along the wall on Oak Street. The property owner is Main Street Granite, LLC, which is a NC Limited Liability Company-the same entity that owns the Bark & Meow building. They also donated the property for the Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park and now the city and Main Street Granite are in discussions to allow this 50 year license agreement for the installation of the statues. The terms would be for $1.00 a year. The city would be required to keep insurance on the statues and insurance for injury and property damage along the part that it is leasing. If there were damage to the wall, it would be in the discretion of the property owner to fix it-the city would have the option to repair the wall but would not be compelled to do so. It is an option to repair if the city feels like it is cost effective and a benefit to the city to make the repairs. The city could do that but would not be compelled to do so-it is up to the land owner to make that decision as the owner of the wall and that property. The city doesn t have final approval from the property owners but the indications are they are willing to sign the agreement. They have at least verbally indicated they are willing to sign it and grant the city this and
grant the city this license to install the statues with no real liability to the city in regards to maintenance and upkeep of the site. Commissioner Brinkley asked what happens when the owners of the property pass/sell the property? Hugh Campbell stated the agreement will be recorded in the Register of Deeds office so this would be a part of their property in their chain of title going forward so it would be binding upon them and their successors for as long as the city wants to use it for this purpose. Commissioner Armbrister asked if vandalism done to a statue is covered by insurance. Hugh Campbell stated that often times, insurance has exclusions for vandalism but he doesn t know the answer as to what the insurance policy would be. The insurance carrier did say that the city can insure objects of art outdoor displays against damage but he doesn t know the particulars of the policy. Commissioner Armbrister stated he would like to look into the policy with the city s insurance company. Commissioner Cawley said it would be accurate to say that if there was an act of vandalism and the perpetrator was caught, then they would be responsible through the court of law. Mayor Rowe stated he worries about the public nuisance factor-the city will have these statutes with the potential for someone to climb on and fall off. He believes this is something they should think about-find out about how much that extra insurance would cost for the coverage. Commissioner Cawley made a motion to adopt the proposed license agreement subject to final approval by the City Attorney and City Manager. Commissioner Brown seconded it and it was approved unanimously. REMARKS BY OFFICIALS: Commissioner Brinkley: Would like to try to help Mr. Slate with his issue of placing a singlewide on his property in the ETJ. Great to see representation in attendance for the Black History Month Proclamation. Appreciates those in attendance who live on Shay Street. She is happy they are helping with this and would like to address Fairfield Forest sometime in the future. Addressed Ms. Green s question-there are meetings being held regarding race relations. Believes that people are opening up and looking at each other through Christ s eyes and believes that things will move forward in a positive way for the community. Commissioner Armbrister: Proud to be able to recognize February as Black History Month. Appreciates comments during the public forum. Happy to be able to recognize CPO Daniel for D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year. Very few receive this award-this is a great accomplishment. He would like for Planning Department staff to look into the issue that Mr. Slate has regarding placing a singlewide on his property in the ETJ. Commissioner Yokeley: Thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month. Congratulations to CPO Daniel for his achievement.
Commissioner Yokeley made a motion to move Certificates and Awards and Special Presentations above Public Hearings on the meeting agendas from this point forward. Commissioner Brown seconded it and it was approved unanimously. Commissioner Brown: Thanked the representatives in attendance for the Black History Month Proclamation. He appreciates all they do. Thanked those in attendance with the Chamber of Commerce. Thanked County Commissioner Larry Johnson for attending. Commissioner Cawley: Congratulations to CPO Daniel. Congratulations to Jessica Roberts for receiving the Triad Business Journal s 40 Under 40 award. Thanked everyone for their input in making the community a better place. Hopes they can help Mr. Slate with his issue regarding placing a singlewide on his property in the ETJ. Loves being in the Citizens Police Academy classes. Appreciates all the Mt. Airy Police Department does. Thanked Chief Poindexter for his 2016 Fire Department Report. Glad to live in a place where others want to visit. Hugh Campbell: No comments. Nicki Brame: No comments. Mayor Rowe: Congratulations for CPO Daniel for the D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year award. Thanked Faye Carter, Anise Hickman, and Dr. Evelyn Thompson for being in attendance and representing Black History Month. There is great dialog being held in the Hope for Our City meetings. He has learned that they are all on common ground. Mount Airy is a great city. He is glad to live here and is excited to moving forward. With no further discussion, Mayor Rowe declared the meeting adjourned. Approved and adopted this the 2 nd day of March, 2017. ATTEST: David L. Rowe, Mayor Melissa N. Brame, City CLerk