Bessemer City News

City Council Meeting Minutes, May 2008

May 12, 2008
The Bessemer City Council met in regular session on May 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Members Present
Mayor Bob Hovis; Councilmembers: Jim Long, Becky Smith, Howard Jones, Kay McCathen and Wayne Massagee. Councilmember Marilyn Best was absent. Also present were City Manager Allan Farris and City Attorney David Smith.

Call to Order, Prayer ad Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hovis called the meeting to order. Jim Long opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Hovis.

Special Presentation
Mayor Hovis read a Proclamation declaring May 15, 2008 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and the week of May 11 – 17, 2008 as Police Week in Bessemer City. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Jim Long and second of Wayne Massagee. (Copy on file in Proclamation Book at City Hall).

Approval of Minutes
By motion of Howard Jones and second by Kay McCathen, the minutes of the April 14, 2008 meeting were unanimously adopted.

Consent Agenda
The following items of the Consent Agenda were unanimously adopted by motion of Jim Long and second of Kay McCathen:

A.    Schedule Public Hearing on Proposed Budget – Council scheduled a public hearing on the proposed FY 2008-09 Budget to be held at the June 9, 2008 meeting. Oral and written comments will be received from interested citizens at that time.
B.    Review of Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Municipal Agreement -
The TIP Municipal Agreement, Project U-3405 was presented for Council’s review. The agreement covers improvements to NC 274 (Gastonia Highway) from SR 1484 (Maine Avenue) to West of NC 275. The project has a let date of March 17, 2009 and the agreement must be approved and returned six months prior to that date. The agreement will be placed on the June agenda for final discussion and approval
Interlocal Agreement with Gaston Urban Area MPO
Planner Kevin Krouse presented a recommendation to the City Council regarding the possibility of a future expansion of the Southridge Industrial Park. Mr. Krouse has identified a Southern portion of Bessemer City along I-85 between Crowders Mountain Road and Edgewood Road as prime land for industrial development which is reflected on the current Zoning Map. Mr. Krouse stated that we need to plan now for access to the property by identifying a suitable corridor for a new access road. Plans for a new access road will (1) preserve and protect future right of way needs and (2) aid in industrial recruitment. Mr. Krouse coordinated with the Gaston MPO on this project and obtained the funding from the Gaston MPO on an 80/20 cost share basis to prepare a Functional Design for the Southridge Parkway Extension. USInfrastructure in Charlotte, NC submitted a proposal to do the Functional Design in the amount of $20,725 of which Bessemer City would be responsible for $4,145. An Interlocal agreement with the Gaston MPO was approved by motion of Howard Jones, second of Wayne Massagee and unanimous vote to allow USInfrastructure to begin working on the functional design. The Gaston MPO will invoice Bessemer City in the amount of $4,145 for our 20% share of the cost to do the work.

Proposed Water and Sewer Extension Policy
The City’s current water and sewer policy was put into place three years ago and was designed to address who pays for water and sewer extensions in new subdivisions. The policy was somewhat unclear and did not address all the scenarios in which utility extensions were made. In a search of municipal policies across the state, it was found that extension policies vary considerably based on Councils desires and a city’s ability to provide services. In October 2007, the City contracted with Centralina for assistance in the preparation of a new Water and Sewer Extension Policy to meet the needs of Bessemer City. It was the City’s desire to have a simple, easy to understand policy that addressed every scenario in which an extension would be made. A committee was formed assisted by Greg Francis of Centralina. Mr. Francis was present to review the new draft policy with the Council. Following his review, the City Attorney asked for clarification on some unclear language in “Section 5” regarding Involuntary Annexation.
The policy will be placed on the June agenda for final consideration.

Discussion of LED Sign for City
The Planner had contacted the Mayor and City Council several weeks prior to the Council meeting to gauge their interest on a new LED sign to replace the existing BCHS marquise sign at 12th Street and Virginia Avenue. At the meeting he advised that this type of sign is not only aesthetically pleasing but would provide the best communication tool the City could have. The sign is controlled by a remote computer that would be installed in City Hall to allow immediate changes in the message. Two sign designs were presented for review. Cost of the sign is estimated in the $15,000 - $19,000 range. Color and sign style were discussed and it was the consensus of Council that the Planner proceed with a final plan and cost.

Council General Discussion
(The following items were introduced during general discussion):
Down Home Festival was very successful and Friday night was a plus; great fireworks display; thanks to festival committee (especially staff) and everyone who worked toward its success, including the County Police; everyone loved the Friday night event; Edgewood Road getting bumpy near entrance to Southridge Business Park; Skyland Drive ditch needs attention; brush trucks repaired and back in operation; dog-fighting arrest and the need to stiffen or create an ordinance regarding treatment of animals (the City Attorney will work with the Planner on this issue) ; ask Meter Readers and City crew to report concerns regarding animals; keep up with District Attorney’s office regarding outcome for those charged with animal cruelty; following a lot of hard work the budget is balanced and ready to be picked up from the Manager’s office.

City Attorney Report
Attorney Smith reported on the status of the Fairways Advertising Billboard Case. This case came about when Fairways moved and then re-erected a billboard after their permit expired and therefore the sign did not comply with the sign ordinance. The matter came before the Board of Adjustment for a hearing and the board ruled that the City Planner’s interpretation of the ordinance was correct. Fairways appealed their decision and the case is now working its way through the system and should be heard in the next sixty to ninety days.

Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, motion to adjourn at 8:00 PM was made by Jim Long, seconded by Wayne Massagee and passed.

Janice M. Costner, City Clerk William R. Hovis, Mayor