|
City Council Meeting Minutes
Click here for previous meeting minutes.
November 13, 2007
Due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday, the Bessemer City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 13, 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. City Manager Allan Farris and City Attorney David Smith were also present.
Call to Order
Mayor Best called the meeting to order. Rev. Donald Lesley, Associate Pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Ceremony led by Brownie Troop 89.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the October 8, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved by motion of Kay McCathen and second of Greg Farris.
Resolution of Support for Carolina Thread Trail
In a memo to the Mayor and City Council, Planner Kevin Krouse explained that the Carolina Thread Trail would be a regional trail network that would eventually reach 15 counties and over two million people.
More than a hiking trail, more than a bike path, the Carolina Thread Trail will preserve natural areas and will be a place for exploration of nature, culture, science and history. It will be for young and old, athlete and average. While not every local trail will be part, it will link the regionally significant trails and many regional attractions.
Council Member Jim Long added that Duke Power, Bank of America and Wachovia Bank have contributed up to four million a piece, plus land. Gaston and York Counties are the two counties that will be test subjects for the use of the planning funds. Following the reading of the Resolution of Support for the Carolina Thread Train by Mayor Best, it was unanimously adopted by motion of Jim Long and second of Kay McCathen. (Copy on file in Ordinance/Resolution Book at City Hall).
Budget Amendment
During the completion of the annual audit, the PARTF Grant Fund was closed. The former City Manager budgeted semi-annual loan payments for the pool project and the Oates Road Meter/sewer line from that fund. The finance officer recommended the following amendments to provide for loan payments to be made from the General Fund and Water/Wastewater Treatment Fund proportionately:
Section 1 to amend the General Fund
|
Acct. Number
|
Description
|
Increase
|
Decrease
|
| 10-6200-9210 |
Principal on BB&T Loan |
$ 91,515
|
----------
|
| 10-6200-9211 |
Interest on BB&T Loan |
$ 19,550 |
---------- |
| 10-3970-0600 |
Transfer from Capital Projects |
---------- |
< $ 111,065 > |
Section 2. To amend the Water/Wastewater Treatment Fund
|
Acct. Number
|
Description
|
Increase
|
Decrease
|
| 30-8100-9311 |
Principal on BB&T Loan (2) |
$ 9,151 |
---------- |
| 30-8100-9311 |
Interest on BB&T Loan (2) |
$ 1,955 |
---------- |
| 30-3970-0600 |
Transfer from Capital Projects |
---------- |
< $ 11,106 > |
Section 3. To amend the PARTF Grant Fund
|
Acct. Number
|
Description
|
Increase
|
Decrease
|
| 60-3984-0000 |
Transfer from Capital Reserve |
$ 122,171 |
---------- |
| 60-7220-9100 |
Debt Service Payment |
---------- |
< $ 122,171 > |
Section 4. To amend the Capital Projects Fund
|
Acct. Number
|
Description
|
Increase
|
Decrease
|
| 70-6900-9700 |
Transfer to GF Pool Project |
$ 111,065 |
---------- |
| 70-6900-9200 |
Transfer to W/WW Treatment Fund |
$ 11,106 |
---------- |
| 70-6900-9840 |
Transfer to PARTF (Pool) |
---------- |
< $ 122,171 > |
Agreement for School-Community Cooperation
The renewal of a two-year agreement for cooperative use of facilities between Gaston County Schools and the City of Bessemer City was discussed briefly. Jo D. Franklin advised the board that there generally is no charge for facility use unless a per-hour fee is necessary for the opening and or closing of facilities. Jim Long moved to approve the Agreement as submitted, seconded by Kay McCathen with unanimous vote.
City Flag Project
The City Manager reported that three companies had submitted estimates for City Flags and Banners. While the style and slogan had not been determined, the cost was estimated at $2,000 for ten to twelve banners and six flags. Staff is currently looking at flags and banners used in other towns in our region that will tie in with the vision plan for downtown development. Following discussion Howard Jones moved to proceed with the project, seconded by Jim Long with unanimous vote.
City Manager Report
Update on Water Purchase from Kings Mountain – The current cost of water purchased from Kings Mountain is $131,011 with only $34,000 budgeted.
FMC Water Pressure Increased – Under the direction of Public Utilities Director, the Public Works Department completed a project to increase water pressure to FMC from unacceptable levels. By installing different connections and additional piping, the City furnished FMC with the constant pressure they needed. Cost of the project is estimated at $10,000.
Test Well – A test well was attempted at Arrowood Reservoir on November 9-12 by McCall Brothers. After drilling to a depth of 750 and hitting only solid rock, the drilling was halted and the well was grouted and capped off. Councilmember Farris offered suggestions regarding a public/private partnership for the construction of a reservoir.
Martin Marietta Well Site – Recommended pursuing other water sources especially a new well at Martin Marietta Mine area. Following discussion, motion by Jim Long to explore the possibility of a well at Martin Marietta while continuing to look into other sources, seconded by Howard Jones with unanimous vote.
Reported Use of Sprinkler System – The water was turned off at Bessemer City High School Baseball field following a report of illegal water use and is under investigation.
Main Street Conference – Informed Council of the North Carolina Main Street Conference being held in Rocky Mount on January 30-February 1.
Council General Discussion
Jim Long reported on the MPO Conference he attended in Greensboro advising that the Highway Trust Fund was still in trouble and air quality is becoming a grave issue in keeping our Federal Highway money; County Police commended for the professional manner in which they handled the investigation of the tragic murder on Maine Street on November 12; no word from State regarding the rerouting of transfer trucks from Pennsylvania Avenue; Crowders Mountain Fire & Rescue hosting a Citizen Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 17 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Employee Christmas Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 21 at the Recreation Department; Attorney Smith reported that the $63,000 Ashley Place settlement had been paid; Mayor Best recognized and congratulated Councilmember Kay McCathen for recent induction into the Community Action Hall of Fame for her exemplary leadership and dedication for the advancement of the quality of life for low income North Carolinians; Howard Jones was congratulated on the celebration of his 80th birthday and given a card signed by the Council and City employees.
Adjourn
With 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
|
|
