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City Council Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2007
The Bessemer City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Members Present:
Mayor Marilyn Best; Councilmembers: Jim Long, Greg Farris, Howard Jones, Joe Will, Kay McCathen and Wayne Massagee. Interim Manager Allan Farris and City Attorney David Smith were also present.
Call to Order
Mayor Best called the meeting to order. Rev. Wayne Love, Pastor of St. James Baptist Church opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Ceremony by Jr. Girl Scout Troop 12.
Special Presentations
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Medical Assistants Recognition Week – Mayor Best read a Proclamation proclaiming the week of October 15-19, 2007 as Medical Assistants Recognition Week. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Kay McCathen and second by Wayne Massagee. (Copy on file in Proclamation Book at City Hall).
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Fire Prevention Week – Mayor Best read a proclamation proclaiming the week of October 7-13, 2007 as Fire Prevention Week and called upon the citizens of Bessemer City to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work and school. The proclamation was unanimously adopted by motion of Kay McCathen and second by Wayne Massagee. (Copy on file in Proclamation Book at City Hall).
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Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the September 10, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved by motion of Greg Farris and second of Kay McCathen.
Requests to Speak/Opportunity for Public Comment
Mrs. Elyse Hillegass, Executive Director of the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce addressed the board on the Economic Development Division (EDD) of the Chamber. The purpose of the EDD is to generate private sector and municipal funds to invest in the marketing of Gaston County through the efforts of Economic Development Commission (EDC). Mrs. Hillegass advised that basically the EDD was established in 2003 to recruit and keep jobs in Gaston County and asked the City to consider participation in the economic development of Gaston County.
Mr. Duane McCallister, EDD Chairman, accompanied Mrs. Hillegass and reviewed how membership funds were utilized in the marketing of Gaston County for mission trips, trade shows, employment advertisements for industrial projects, etc. He also advised that the $5,000 membership level receives a seat on the Board of Directors for the Gaston Chamber of Commerce and invitations to attend all marketing trips. The EDD currently has forty-two members and presentations are being made to all municipalities in the County in an effort to promote membership and support.
Appointment of Voting Delegates to NCLM Annual Business Meeting
The League of Municipalities Conference is being held in Fayetteville this year on October 14-16.
Council appoints voting delegates to attend the annual business meeting which is to be held on Tuesday, October 16 where delegates will discuss and adopt the 2008 advocacy agenda and elect officers for the NCLM Board of Directors. Upon motion by Wayne Massagee and second by Kay McCathen, Councilmember Jim Long was appointed to serve as the City’s delegate and Interim Manager Allan Farris was appointed to serve as alternate.
Municipal Agreement & Resolution for Bridge Inspection
Discussion was held on the agreement between the Department of Transportation and the City for the inspection of bridges on the Municipal Street System in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Upon motion of Jim Long, second of Greg Farris and unanimous vote, the Agreement was approved and the Resolution adopted requesting the Department of Transportation to inspect and prepare an analysis of all public bridges on the Municipal Street System in Bessemer City.
Cemetery Committee Appointments
At the August meeting, Council members were advised of three vacant seats on the Cemetery Committee and asked to consider appointments for the October meeting. Current committee members are Jean Floyd, Fran Goode, Juanita Sapoch and Howard Jones (Council representative). Staff members are Allan Farris, Jamie Ramsey, Adora Alford and Janice Costner. Following a brief discussion the following appointments were made: Bob Noblett (N. 12th Street) and Ellen Bullard (E. Washington Avenue).
Request for Sound Amplification Permit
Danny Reece and Bob Wise of Creekside Community Church requested a Sound Amplification Permit to host a Fall Celebration Block Party @ Wilson Apartments (Bay Tree Lane) on October 27, 2007 from 3:00 PM until 6:30 PM. Plans for the Block Party include a Christian Band to play in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Upon motion by Jim Long and second by Joe Will, the Sound Amplification Permit was unanimously approved.
Interim Manager’s Report
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Mickley Avenue Bridge – Council was updated on the on-going negotiations with the State regarding replacement of the Mickley Avenue Bridge. The City’s cost for the project is estimated at $225,000 with financing limited to three years at 0% interest. Further information will be provided at a later date. |
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Truck Traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue – In reference to a citizen complaint received at the September meeting regarding transfer trucks using Pennsylvania Avenue, the Interim Manager requested permission to consult with the Department of Transportation regarding the creation of a truck route utilizing 12th Street, Alabama Avenue and 13th Street. Howard Jones moved to approve the truck route subject to approval by the Department of Transportation, seconded by Jim Long and passed unanimously. |
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Citizen of the Year – The Chamber asked for nominations for the 2007 Citizen of the Year Award that will be announced at their annual dinner on November 8 at 6:30 PM at First Baptist Church. Interim Manager Allan Farris recommended nominating Jim Hodge for the award. Among Mr. Hodge’s contribution to the community were his service to the Relay for Life project and the Boys & Girls Club.
Motion to nominate Mr. Hodge for the 2007 Citizen of the Year award was made by Jim Long, seconded by Kay McCathen with unanimous vote.
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Announcement of Image Committee Co-Chairs
Mayor Best announced that following Margaret Franklin’s resignation as Chairman of the Image Committee due to a family illness, Nora Carpenter and Melba Kiser had agreed to serve as Co-chairs of the committee.
Council General Discussion
Update on Highway 274 widening project; projects being planned to raise funds for transportation projects; Joe Will explained why County tax payments are mailed to Charlotte; complaint of fire truck being washed.
Closed Session – GS 143-318.11(A)(6)
Motion to hold a Closed Session for a Personnel Matter under General Statute GS 143-318.11(A)(6) was made by Howard Jones, seconded by Jim Long with unanimous vote.
Upon return from Closed Session, Mayor Best reported that a personnel matter had been discussed with no action taken. Motion was then made by Howard Jones to officially appoint Allan Farris to the position of City Manager with a 10% increase in salary, plus the continuation of a $200.00 monthly car allowance and all benefits available to City employees. Motion was seconded by Wayne Massagee and passed unanimously.
Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM was made by Jim Long, seconded by Wayne Massagee and passed.
---Janice M. Costner, City Clerk ---Marilyn H. Best, Mayor
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