Bessemer City News

City Council Minutes - February 8, 2010

February 8, 2010
The Bessemer City Council met in regular session on February 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Members Present
Mayor Bob Hovis; Council Members: Donnie Griffin, Becky Smith, Melanie Colvin, Joe Will, Kay McCathen and Dan Boling. City Manager Allan Farris and City Attorney David Smith were also present.

Call to Order
Mayor Hovis called the meeting to order. Council Member Joe Will opened the meeting with prayer and Mayor Hovis led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adjustment & Approval of February Agenda
The February agenda was unanimously approved by motion of Kay McCathen and second of Melanie Colvin with the addition of a Proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and a request for approval of overnight travel by the City Planner.

Special Presentations
The following Proclamations were read aloud by Mayor Hovis:
A) Black History Month Proclamation – A proclamation in honor of Black History Month urged all citizens to pay tribute to the noble struggle of African Americans and to encourage appropriate programs and activities that honor the significant contributions African Americans have made nationwide. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Dan Boling and second of Melanie Colvin.
B) Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness – A proclamation urging all citizens to celebrate Valentine’s Day by demonstrating random acts of kindness and encouraging kindness throughout the world. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Kay McCathen and second of Becky Smith.
C) Proclamation to Eagle Scout, Hayden Bridges – A proclamation in recognition of Hayden Bridges for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and for his outstanding work constructing the Nature Trail in Bessemer City Park for his Eagle Project. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Joe Will and second of Dan Boling. City Planner, Kevin Krouse presented the Council with pictures of the Nature Trail that was constructed by Hayden in the City Park. Council Member Dan Boling commented on the good Christian character displayed by Hayden
D) Boy Scouts of America Proclamation – A proclamation in honor of the Boy Scout’s 100th Anniversary
and in support of the designation of “Boy Scouts of America Day” on February 8, 2010. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Joe Will and second of Dan Boling. (Copies of all proclamations are on file at City Hall).

Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the January 11, 2010 meeting were unanimously approved by motion of Kay McCathen and second of Becky Smith.

Community Planning Project Phase 6 – Draft Implementation Plan
Mrs. Deb Ryan, Ryan-Harris & Associates reviewed the Draft Implementation Plan for the Mayor and City Council. The purpose of the Implementation Plan is to prioritize the initiatives developed throughout the planning process as described in the Strategic Vision Plan, Future Land Use Plan, Small Area Plans for Downtown/Edgewood Road Gateway and the Design Guidelines. The Implementation Plan is the sixth and final phase of the planning process that began back in November 2008. The prioritizing of initiatives was based on several assumptions; no new funding available until the new budget year beginning in July 2010; studies would be needed to explore the possibility of opening up Arrowood Lake to recreational use, developing a Revenue Generation Plan for Parks and Recreation and a Maintenance Plan for Public Works; spending would be limited in the next fiscal year given the country’s ongoing recession. Consequently, initiatives needing additional funding were grouped under a longer time frame than just one year to allow time for the local and national economy to recover. Finally, the last and related assumption was that small initiatives could have significant results. Many of the early proposals call for building partnerships, organizing volunteers and undertaking community based programming. With the assumption of limited funds and consequent feasibility, the initiatives have been subdivided into nine types of investments and spread over a ten-year period as follows: Ordinance Updates, Plans & Studies, Signage, Partnerships, Communications & Public Education, Events, Maintenance & Improvement, Capital Expenses and Personnel & Coordination. The Implementation Plan will be on the City’s website and Wikiplanning for public input. Discussion followed regarding the History & Arts Museum and the maintenance and cost involved in the planting of a large number of trees. The plan will be placed on the March agenda for adoption.

Farmers Market Discussion
City Planner Kevin Krouse addressed Council to ask for approval to proceed with the organization of a Farmers Market on City owned property. Mr. Krouse advised that with the help of citizens and staff the market could be a reality. Areas under consideration for the market are Virginia Avenue (across from Angels and the green park near the 11th Street underpass) and Pennsylvania Avenue. Criteria and procedures for the market will be brought back to Council in the future.

City Council Rules of Procedure
The “Suggested Rules of Procedure for a City Council” by A. Fleming Bell of the School of Government was presented for adoption following review and modification by the City Attorney. The rules, a modified version of Robert’s Rules of Order, were designed for use by a municipal council, especially small governing boards. They incorporate general principles of parliamentary procedure and applicable North Carolina laws. Following discussion regarding public comment, the City Council Rules of Procedure were unanimously adopted by motion of Becky Smith and second of Dan Boling.
Requests for Approval of Overnight Travel
Upon motion of Becky Smith, second of Kay McCathen and unanimous vote overnight travel was approved for 1) Donna Lumsden and Diane Jenkins to attend the NC Finance Officer’s Conference in Durham on March 3-5, 2010 and 2) Kevin Krouse to attend the NC Zoning Officer’s Conference in Cary on February 21 – 23, 2010.

Kiser Trust Fund Committee
Mayor Hovis provided Council Members with his suggestions for committee considerations in determining utilization of the funds from the Kiser Trust. He recommended that the committee be comprised of no more than ten members with City Staff providing support as needed. The following citizens were submitted for appointment to the Kiser Trust Fund Committee: Wayne Massagee, Robbie Putnam, Sunny Bolick, Eugene Bumgardner, Linda Willis, Tweety Stewart, Jim Long, Randy Wise, Tina McLauchlan and Kelly Madison. The Committee will be invited to attend the March Council meeting where they will be charged with the committee’s duties.

City Manager Report
In his written report, the City Manager provided the following updates: Water meter on Iowa Avenue has been replaced, the flashing light at 8th Street and Alabama has been repaired, the doors at the Community Center have been painted and the floors cleaned and waxed, the limbs on Logan have been removed, the pothole on Ashley Place Drive has been repaired, the potholes on Apple Lane are scheduled for repair, the gates at old waste plant have been locked and will be checked periodically, the storm drain on Helen Avenue has been cleared and washed out, a meeting has been scheduled with the County to discuss the Sales Tax Agreement.

Discussion of Open Items
Sales Tax Distribution Agreement: A meeting is scheduled with the County on February 9, 2010 to discuss and hopefully conclude the sales tax agreement; Substance Abuse Policy – Volunteer firemen can be subject to the City’s policy per Attorney Chris Whelchel.

Council General Discussion
Centralina Council of Governments announced that the City’s Community Planning Project is the winner of an Excellence Award in Planning and Sustainability. The City will be recognized for this project at COG’s Annual Board of Delegates Meeting on February 10. City Planner Kevin Krouse and Council Member Kay McCathen will accept the award; Joe Will and Becky Smith attended the Transportation Advisory Meeting; Donnie Griffin was thanked for his donation to Bessemer City High School to pay the tap fee at the new field house; the Community Foundation of Gaston County will host the 8th “Run for the Money” event in Gastonia on April 17 – Melanie Colvin advised of on-line voting where monies could be designated to non-profit groups, such as the Boys & Girls Club depending on the number of votes received; Joe Will elected as vice-chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee; what can the City and citizens do to help the Boys & Girls Club; thanks to Jo D. Franklin for the hard work at the Recreation Department; respect for Public Utilities Director, Lee Hayes; shrubs needed along S. 12th Street at newly remodeled business; consideration of opening City lake for picnics/fishing; place City logo on all City owned vehicles (by consensus of Council); Mayor Hovis expressed appreciation to the public for attending the City Council’s public meeting.

Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, motion to adjourn at 8:00 PM was made by Kay McCathen, seconded by Becky Smith with unanimous vote.

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