August 18, 2015
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Jacksonville was held Tuesday, August 18, 2015 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Present were: Mayor Sammy Phillips, presiding; Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Lazzara and Council Members: Jerry Bittner, Randy Thomas, Bob Warden, Angelia Washington and Jerome Willingham. Also present were: Richard Woodruff, City Manager; Ronald Massey, Deputy City Manager; Gayle Maides, Finance Director; Glenn Hargett, Assistant Manager for Communications and Community Affairs; Wally Hansen, Public Services Director; Mike Yaniero, Director of Public Safety; Susan Baptist, Director of Recreation Services; Carmen Miracle, City Clerk; and John Carter, City Attorney.
*A video of the Council Meeting is presently available for review on the City’s website. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sammy Phillips called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Randy Thomas led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION
Mr. John Carter pronounced the invocation. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilman Warden, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Lazzara, and unanimously approved to adopt the agenda as amended to remove Item #3 a Resolution Declaring Property Surplus and Authorizing Donation and to add Consent Item #6 the 2015 Permanent Checking Station Grant Award Acceptance.
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION OF STAR AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL
VISUAL APPEARANCE
The Recognition subcommittee of the Environmental & Appearance Advisory Committee recommended the new home of Tyrone and Kim Willingham for this prestigious
award. The home, located at 108 LP Willingham Parkway was a visual benefit to the downtown area.
Mayor Phillips presented the Star Award Recognition to Councilman Jerome Willingham and Todd Williams of New Line Construction on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Tyrone Willingham who were unable to attend.
PRESENTATION IN RECOGNITION OF FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY
GRADUATE – CAPTAIN RONNIE DORN
Mayor Phillips recognized Captain Ronnie Dorn and congratulated him for completing the FBI National Academy on June 12, 2015. This was a rigorous ten week course and was comprised of men and women from all over the world. The program was dedicated to improving standards for law enforcement and better preparing officers to meet criminal challenges in their communities. Captain Dorn, a twenty year veteran of the Police Department, received his framed certificate from Mayor Phillips and Chief Mike Yaniero, Public Safety Director.
PUBLIC SAFETY PROMOTION – SWEARING IN OF LIEUTENANT NORMAN DAVIS
The current promotional succession at Jacksonville Police Department created a vacancy at the rank of Lieutenant. The candidates participated in an extensive process consisting of a formal presentation and a series of oral interviews. Mayor Phillips reviewed the qualifications and past services of Norman Davis who had been selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant. Mayor Phillips administered the Oath of Office and family members pinned his badge and insignia.
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING - FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The City of Jacksonville recently received notification that the Finance Department had been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest level of recognition given in the area of governmental accounting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a local government and Finance Department.
This was the 24th consecutive year that the City of Jacksonville received this recognition. The City recognized the hard work and dedication of the Finance Department for this outstanding achievement. Mayor Phillips presented Mrs. Gayle Maides, Finance Director, with the Certificate.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Phillips recessed the meeting at 7:30 PM for a short break. Mayor Phillips reconvened the meeting at 7:35 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Ed Blizzard, 209 Audubon Drive, thanked Mr. Woodruff and the Mayor and City Council for allowing fourteen families from the Branchwood area to be able to maintain Branchwood Park. He encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the park and was grateful to the City for having brought the playground back.
Mr. Fernando Schiefelbein read from a prepared statement recognizing those who had worked to provide a memorable experience for the 4th Marine Division Final Muster. See attached Exhibit A.
ADOPTION OF CONSENT ITEMS AND MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilman Bittner, seconded by Councilman Thomas, and unanimously approved to adopt the consent items as amended to remove Item # 3 - a Resolution Declaring Property Surplus and Authorizing Donation and add Item #6 - 2015 Permanent Checking Station Grant Award Acceptance and to adopt the minutes of the July 21, 2015 Special Workshop Meeting and the July 21, 2015 Regular Meeting as presented.
CONSENT ITEMS
ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – DOWNTOWN WATER TANK
On June 7, 2011, City Council authorized an Asset Management Program with Utility Services Group (USG). This concept allowed one company to be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of an elevated water tank over an extended length of time at a fixed price. By entering into this type of contract, it allowed the City to anticipate a smaller fixed annual operating expense over a longer period of time rather than spending a large amount in one year when major maintenance was done and provided routine maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis.
Staff recommended that the Downtown Water Tank be added to the contract with Utility Services Group. This contract included a detailed maintenance schedule for both interior and exterior cleanings and yearly inspections with major maintenance work scheduled to take place in the first year.
Council authorized the City Manager to execute the contract with Utility Services Group to add the Downtown Water Tank to the City’s Asset Management Program.
AMEND NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS
Public Safety requested the addition of two seasonal part-time employees (part-time, non-benefited positions) to conduct polygraph examinations in support of the hiring of new personnel and other security issues for Police Services
For many years the Police Department had full-time personnel trained to conduct polygraph tests. These tests were primarily utilized for internal affairs matters as well as processing of new employees. In order to certify personnel, it took approximately 3 months of training and cost the City approximately $17,000.
Recently the City's personnel who were certified to conduct the polygraph examinations resigned from the City to accept employment in other locations. As part of the 3E process, the Public Safety Director and staff reviewed the process and determined that it would be more cost-effective to add two seasonal part-time positions rather than training a full time police officer at the cost of $17,000. The two potential part-time employees are former police personnel who are currently certified in polygraph examinations. They would not receive full-time benefits and would work on an as needed basis as this would be their only task. It was projected that Public Safety would expend approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per year under this part-time employment arrangement.
Council approved the ordinance authorizing the part-time positions in the FY 15/16 budget in the Public Safety Department
Ordinance 2015-21, Bk. 12, Pg. 350
TAX RELEASES, REFUNDS, AND WRITE-OFFS JUNE 2015
The County/City Tax Collector and the City’s Finance Director recommended releases, refunds, and write-offs of property taxes. The detailed list of these tax releases and refunds (that is, the listing by property name, amount, reason, etc.) was available in the Finance Office for
review. The tax releases, refunds, and write-offs as recommended by the City/County Tax Collector totaled respectively, $5,791.10, $4,541.92 and $0.07 ($10,333.09).
Council approved the tax releases, refunds, and write-offs.
RELEASE OF NON-PERSONNEL CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
The Non-Personnel Closed Session Minutes of September 17, 2013, listed in the Staff Report were reviewed by the City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager and were recommended for release, in accordance with Resolution 2003-01 and N.C. General Statutes
Council authorized the release of the listed Closed Session minutes.
2015 PERMANENT CHECKING STATION GRANT AWARD ACCEPTANCE
The Injury Prevention-Programs-Grants Division of the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshall and the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program announced the funding of the 2015 Permanent Checking Station Grant. Jacksonville Fire & Emergency Services was seeking authorization to accept the funding from the 2015 Permanent Checking Station Grant.
The Fire & Emergency Services Department planned to purchase supplies used for conducting child passenger safety seat inspections. The grant allocation was $846.92, which would be put toward the cost of purchasing supplies. This was a non-matching grant.
Council authorized the City to accept the grant funds offered by the 2015 Permanent Checking Station Grant and adopted the Budget Amendment.
Ordinance 2015-22, Bk. 12, Pg. 351 PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one present desiring to speak at this public comment section. REPORTS
CLEAN AND GREEN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Councilwoman Washington, on behalf of the Environmental and Appearance Committee, reminded everyone that September was the City of Jacksonville’s cleanup month. She encouraged all citizens to help with the September effort. The Committee was also exploring options to recognize the Sanitation, Streets, and Parks Divisions for their role in the Clean and Green efforts in Jacksonville.
She also had the opportunity to attend the National League of Cities National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Highlights of the
conference focused on economic development in terms of establishing partnerships in low economic communities and helping to build entrepreneurships in a diversified workplace. There was also a presentation about how communities could bring themselves together and take a proactive approach to collaborate with their police officers.
MUNICIPAL CLERK OF THE YEAR
Mayor Phillips stated he had the pleasure of travelling to Durham this past weekend to attend a ceremony in which our City Clerk, Carmen Miracle received the honor of being named the Municipal Clerk of the Year by the North Carolina Municipal Clerk’s Association. He congratulated Mrs. Miracle on this recognition.
SENATOR BURR LUNCHEON
He reported that he had also had the pleasure of meeting Senator Burr on Friday while attending a luncheon held in the Senator’s honor.
JACKSONVILLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Mayor Pro-Tem Lazzara stated the work was continuing on the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Destination Study which was authorized by the Authority. A portion of the report may produce durable and sustainable overnight stays in our lodging facilities. When the report was complete a copy would be brought forward to share with Council.
Mayor Pro-Tem Lazzara also complimented Mr. Schiefelbein on his report for the 4th Marine Division’s Final Muster. He was proud to say the Division had received a “Hero’s Welcome” as the Motto of the TDA stands. The TDA had helped provide the funding for transportation for the muster so they were very pleased and honored to have them here.
Mayor Pro-Tem Lazzara said he also had the opportunity to present a Proclamation to the Pink Heals at their event held on Saturday August 15. The event supported raising money for women's illnesses and was well attended. He thanked the public safety officers and firefighters that were there representing the City at this wonderful event.
CIVIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
As the City’s representative to the Onslow County Civic Affairs Committee, Councilman Bittner reported that at their most recent meeting, the Committee debated an evening event for the Annual Freedom Fountain Observance this year. From the success of the program last year a group of radio stations had offered a concert at no charge as part of the festivities. This would
allow the Committee to close the front of City Hall to host a family friendly event. Regarding the Patriot Day 911 Observance this year, the 2nd Marine Division Band and Jacksonville High School Orchestra were scheduled to perform. The Observance would be held at 8:15 AM at the 911 Memorial and the Lejeune Memorial Gardens on Friday, September 11, 2015. The Committee was also considering options to combine the 9/11 Ceremony in the future with activities recognizing those men and women who had served in the Armed Forces who are no longer with us. He also reported that the Committee also completed its work on the Civic Index and a copy would be coming to the members of the City Council.
Councilman Bittner expressed his pleasure at Mrs. Miracle’s recognition as the North Carolina Clerk of the Year and congratulated her on the award.
RESOLUTION ON 13TH AMENDMENT AND FREEDOM
Councilman Willingham said that he had also attended the NBC-LEO conference mentioned by Councilwoman Washington. He stated this December would be the One Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the adoption and ratification of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery. He said he had participated on a policy committee which passed a Resolution that would be forwarded to the National League of Cities to recognize the ratification as a National Holiday. The Resolution also recognized the commitment this country made to fight for freedom and a lot of that was generated at the 2nd Marine Division in New River Air Station. The Resolution also looked to the relevance of today as human trafficking continued to be a problem nationally and internationally, and also looked to the freedom of children not to fight in wars. So while the Resolution commemorated the past, it looks to be relevant to the future and freedom.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Mr. Woodruff stated with school starting back he wanted to remind the public that the City offered before and after school programs for young people. There were still openings available at The Commons Elementary, Commons Recreation Center, Jack Amyette, Bell Fork Elementary, and New Bridge Middle School. (The monthly rates for residents and non-residents may be obtained on the City’s website.
WOOTEN PARK
Mr. Woodruff advised crews were conducting water line maintenance in Wooten Park, therefore, the restrooms would be out of service from August 25th - August 27th.
DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE
Mr. Woodruff reported the City has now assigned three more contracts to bring family living back into the downtown area. Three public/private partnership homes have already been purchased and within the next thirty days three more homes will be under construction in the downtown area. Also, on Friday, August 21st the City Street Department and crews tore down the 56th vacant and dilapidated home in Jacksonville.
Mr. Woodruff presented a short video regarding the success of National Night Out and thanked Officer Ashley Weaver for her hard work for the event.
FOOTBALL JAMBOREE
Councilman Willingham commended the Sports Commission for their work on the Football Jamboree. He said it was impressive and the participants all had a wonderful time. He thanked everyone who worked so hard to bring it together.
Mayor Pro-Tem Lazzara agreed and said it was also important to note that the cooperation from the Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was tremendous and helped to make this happen for the second year in a row.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Thomas, seconded by Councilwoman Washington, and unanimously adopted to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 PM.
Adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in special session this 8th day of September, 2015.
______________________________
Sammy Phillips, Mayor ATTEST:
______________________________ Carmen K. Miracle, City Clerk
