Old Business
Two weeks ago the Council tabled a resolution to sell a city owned building, the “Old SBN Building”. The Council offered no official reason for tabling the resolution two weeks ago. Speculation has been rampant as to the reason. Most observers thought the reason for tabling the sale revolved around hazardous materials such as lead based paint and asbestos insulation within the old building. Tonight the mystery was revealed as nothing more than unpaid back taxes. According to the county’s on-line tax database, the owner of Prestigious Housing Inc, owes almost $27,000 on nine properties for the years 2011 through 2013. Two years ago the county instituted a requirement that buyers of county owned property must confirm their personal and business property taxes are current. One of the few things the County is ahead of the City. Monday night the City Council passed a resolution requiring buyers of City owned property to “represent that all Ad Valorem Property Taxes owned by the buyer, or any business entity the buyer or shareholders, or members, have an ownership interest in have been paid in full.” Additionally, the Council further amended their ordinance requiring the buyer to pay for upset bid notice and closing costs. Council Member Kearny expressed concern that the additional cost would impede prospective buyers. Mr. Zollincoffer explained that the City is only recovering its costs for selling the property instead of placing that burden on the city’s tax payers. Mr. Kearny agreed with the reasoning voted in favor of the resolution with the other Council Members. On June 9th we will learn if the buyer paid all past due Ad Valorem Property Taxes (plus interest) and is still interested in purchasing the abandoned building. (Audio time stamp 2:35 – 12:08)
New Business
Three of the four resolutions in the new business category were approved with little discussion. The Council approved a resolution to apply for a BJA Justice Assistance Grant Program from the US Department of Justice. If awarded the almost $17,000 grant is split 60% for the City and 40% for the County. Chief Barrow said the City will use its $10,161 to replace three in-car cameras in three police cars. If you plan to ride as a passenger in a police car, dress and act appropriately you’re on camera. The Council approved the resolution to reengage William L Stark & Co as financial auditors for their third year. Listening to two Council Members questioned the cost of the audit; I realized that our elected officials are lack expertise in financial governance that is common knowledge in corporate America. The final new business resolution approved by the Council is in part caused by the new light poles downtown and the sign ordinance. The new poles are not equipped to hold banners used to promote Relay for Life. The only place for a banner is the CSX Railroad bridge over Charles Street. Although the Council approved the request, CSX has ultimate authority to allow the banner on their bridge. Maybe next year the banners can fly across opposite ends of Garnet Street on approved supports built with private funds for just such a purpose.
The Council tabled the resolution authorizing execution of an agreement with the NC DOT to widen Chavasse Avenue. When Mr. Zollincoffer asked Mr. Frazer if there was a resolution “on those five little words,” the room fell silent. The five little words are buried deep in the details, of the agreement between the City and the NC DOT. In simple English the agreement says that NC DOT is not responsible for damage and/or liability in connection with the right of way acquired for project activities performed pursuant to this agreement “including construction of the project.” Mr. Zollincoffer said NC DOT has complete responsibility for the construction part of the widening of Chavasse Avenue and those five words make the City responsible for damages caused by construction. Council Member Insoce moved to table the resolution to allow the former state representative Jim Crawford an opportunity to convince the currently empowered NC DOT officials to change their thinking.
(Audio time stamp 12:10 – 35:00 minute marks)
Reports
During the reports segment Mr. Griffin extended a hearty thank you to Mr. Allan Gill, Director of Parks and Recreations, as he prepares to retire. For the past 30 thirty years, Mr. Gill has been the city’s point man for parks, recreation and the Aycock Recreation Facility. Is Mr. Gill retirement the catalyst for the City’s idea to relinquishing control of parks and recreation to the county? (Audio time stamp 42:00 – 43:05 minute marks)
Work Session
The work session started around 7:10 pm and ended before 9 pm and covered only one topic adopting an implementation plan of the 2014 Henderson Classification and Pay Study with Personnel Policy. It is not possible to summarize an almost two hour presentation that was a summary of classification and pay study, the first one in twenty years. Much thought was given to scanning the contents of the 2 inch thick binder into a massive PDF for everyone on HiH to read. Hopefully, after the Council approves the Classification and Pay Study with Personnel Policy (the official title) the document will be posted on the public side of the City’s website. In the meantime the Council will review classification and pay study during one or more of their budget review sessions. Remember budget review sessions are open to the public and start on May 19th at 6 pm in the City Council meeting room. (Audio time stamp 43:00 – 3.00 minute marks)