City Council Meeting Minutes
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 April 14, 2008
The Bessemer City Council met in regular session on April 14, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Members Present
Mayor Bob Hovis; Councilmembers: Jim Long, Becky Smith, Howard Jones, Marilyn Best, Kay McCathen and Wayne Massagee. Also present were City Manager Allan Farris and City Attorney David Smith.
Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hovis called the meeting to order. He then opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Marilyn Best and second of Howard Jones, the minutes of the March 10, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved.
Consent Agenda
The following items were approved unanimously by motion of Jim Long and second of Kay McCathen:
| A. |
Overnight Travel Request – approved request of the Public Utilities Director and the Public Works Director to attend the NC Rural Water Association Conference in Greensboro on May 13-15. |
| B. |
Items Declared Surplus – as requested by the Public Works Director, the following items were declared surplus for sale on GovDeals: 1989 Chevrolet truck, Ditch Witch digging attachment, (2) snow plows. |
| C. |
Request to Close Street for Festival Activities – approved the closing of the 100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue between 12th & 13th Streets on Friday, May 9 from 5:30 PM until 9:30 PM and again on Saturday, May 10 from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM. |
| D. |
Budget Work Session – scheduled 2008 Budget Work Session for Monday, May 19 at City Hall beginning at 9:00 AM. |
Planning Commission Appointments
Upon motion of Howard Jones and second of Wayne Massagee the following appointments were unanimously approved: Ellen Bullard and Jean Floyd were reappointed to another three year term as inside members; Mike Flanigan will be recommended to the County Commissioners for reappointment as an outside member for another three year term; Shilo Canipe who had recently moved inside the City limits was appointed as an inside member. All appointments are for three years and will expire in June 2011.
ABC Board Appointment
Upon motion of Howard Jones second of Wayne Massagee and unanimous vote Scott Wood was reappointed to serve another three-year term as a member of the ABC Board. (Term expires in May 2011)
Resolution of Intent –
Mickley Bridge Replacement Project and “E” Street Closing
Planner Krouse reiterated that Norfolk Southern offered $100,000 toward the City’s match in return for the closing of the “E” Street crossing. Danny Gilbert, Rail Safety Consultant for Norfolk Southern has reported that the contribution has been approved by management and the money will be released when the street is closed. In discussion with Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Krouse advised that the City would not close “E” Street until the Mickley Avenue Bridge had been replaced. Mr. Gilbert offered a suggestion that the City adopt a Resolution of Intent to close the street so that Norfolk Southern will either release or reserve the funds until the street is closed. The Resolution to close “E” Street does not close the street but only establishes Council’s intent to do so at a later date and after a public hearing is held. By motion of Marilyn Best and second of Jim Long the Resolution of Intent was unanimously adopted. (Copy on file in Resolution/Ordinance Book at City Hall).
Contract to Audit Account for FY 2007/08
By motion of Kay McCathen and second of Becky Smith, the contract of Collis and Associates, CPA’s to audit the City’s accounts for the FY 2007/08 was unanimously approved. Contract amount is $27,494.
Discussion on Purchase of Water from Kings Mountain
Mayor Hovis reported on a very productive meeting with Kings Mountain officials regarding past purchases and the possibility of purchasing additional treated water in the future. Mayor Hovis, Manager Farris and Public Utilities Director Lee Hayes met with Kings Mountain’s Mayor Rick Murphrey, Manager Marilyn Sellers and Water Superintendent Dennis Wells at City Hall on April 1, 2008. Kings Mountain understands that Bessemer City is very appreciative of the service they have provided us during our time of drought. Mayor Hovis also advised that he requested a comprehensive proposal based on volumes purchased per unit to include a volume sufficient enough to eliminate the availability fee that is currently being charged.
City Manager’s Report
| 1. |
Highway 274 Property – At the request of Greg Farris, Council discussed the possible sale of property located on Highway 274 adjacent to the Surf & Turf Restaurant at the March meeting. While it was the consensus of Council to proceed with negotiations for the sale, Mr. Farris had not submitted a written proposal to purchase the property. Council was asked to give some serious thought as to whether they really wanted to sell the property. There had been a suggestion that the property would be a good site for a Civic Center or other civic use.
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| 2. |
Water Discussion – Meeting was held on April 1, 2008. Mayor Hovis will brief Council on the meeting. |
| 3. |
City Trees – The pruning and fertilizing of the Christmas tree and the Spruce group has been completed. |
| 4. |
Budget Progress – Work continues on the budget for the 2008/09 fiscal year. Meetings are in progress with Department Heads to discuss their needs and wants. Everyone is optimistic about the budget and in spite of the tight year with the drought, staff believes the City will be in fairly decent shape. |
| 5. |
East End Tank – The contract on the East End Tank is in the hands of Phoenix Tank Company and the City expects to hear from them in the next few weeks. |
| 6. |
Mickley Avenue Bridge – The Planner continues to work on the bridge replacement project and has been in touch with the State trying to pin-point some details on the mechanics. |
| 7. |
Classification/Pay Plan – A final draft of the Plan is due around the 25th of the month. Becky Veasey (Maps Group) will make a presentation on the plan at the Budget Work Session. |
| 8. |
Condemned House – The issues regarding the house on South 8th Street have been addressed with the owner and have been, or are being, corrected. |
| 9. |
Gas Department Update from Texla Industries – Mark Maples reports surplus sales since September have totaled $15,000 in savings to the City by the selling off of excess capacity. This savings has been passed on to citizens in the form of a rate reduction. Additional capacity sales have been arranged for the coming months which should result in an additional saving of $600 per month. |
Council General Discussion
(The following items were brought up during general discussion):
Trucks on Pennsylvania Avenue (Manager Farris advised that signs had been ordered), Captain Dunivan was asked to look into a report of speeding associated with the request for the placement of a stop sign at 10th Street and Texas Avenue, Councilmember Long presented a TAC update, the Watterson property has been sold and the road extension should begin by next spring, Councilmember Jones expressed concern regarding action being taken on “Request to Speak” items, clock on Virginia Avenue has reset and is now correct, drug activity at Indiana & 12th Street, Down Home Festival on May 9 & 10, reminder that people should take care of their pets and while the County Police Report showed pet adoptions were increasing there is still room for improvement, Mayor Hovis asked the Manager to get with the Fire Chief and work on a policy/fee schedule to address false alarm fire calls.
Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, motion to adjourn at 7:40 PM was made by Jim Long, seconded by Wayne Massagee and passed..
– Janice M. Costner, City Clerk
– William R. Hovis, Mayor
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Bob Hovis
Kay McCathen
Marilyn Best
Howard Jones
Becky Smith
Jim Long
