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The Farmville Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom with Mayor John O. Moore presiding. Present for the meeting were Commissioners Brenda Elks, Jamin Dixon, Alma Hobbs, David Shackleford, and Bert Smith; Town Attorney Christopher Edwards; Town Manager David Hodgkins and Town Clerk Amy B. Johnson.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Commissioner David Shackleford offered the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag lead by Commissioner Elks.
Citizen Presentations
Mayor Moore stated there were no citizen presentations at this time.
Town Manager’s Comments
Town Manager Hodgkins had the following comments:
- Still dealing with adverse effects of COVID-19 and making progress on the Town Hall construction project
- Pitt County is still working on the allocation of the “Cares Act” money to the cities and towns
Financial Report
Finance Director Amy Johnson provided the financial report for the month of June, 2020.
Changes/Additions/Deletions to Agenda
Mayor Moore asked if there were any additional changes to the agenda. There were no changes.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Elks welcomed Madison Ray, the upcoming president for Future Farmers of America at Farmville Central High School, to the meeting this evening.
Public Hearing
1. Structure for Demolition- 3514 Crestwood Drive (Parcel #21484)
Code Enforcement Director Paul Ellis requested permission to demolish the property located at 3514 Crestwood Drive (Parcel# 21484).
Mayor Moore declared the public hearing open at 6:39 p.m.
There being no further comments, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing at 6:40 p.m.
Commissioner Elks made a motion to proceed with the demolition and adopted Ordinance (2020) 958, An Ordinance Directing the Building Official to Demolish the Property Herein Described as being Dangerous and Unsafe and Directing that a Notice be Placed Thereon, and that the Same May Not Be Occupied Until Demolished. The motion carried unanimously.
2. To Amend Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits
Planning Director Justin Oakes presented a proposed ordinance amendment to Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Farmville. Oakes stated this amendment to the Fire Protection and Prevention Ordinance adds definitions, as well as regulations, on Outdoor Fire Places and Outdoor Fire Pits.
Mayor Moore declared the public hearing open at 6:44 p.m.
There being no further comments, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to adopt Ordinance (2020) 959, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Chapter 94, Fire Protection and Prevention, to Add Movable Outdoor Fire Places and Fire Pits and Permanent Outdoor Fire Places and Fire Pits. The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Consent
3. Approval of Minutes
To approve the minutes from the following sessions:
- June 1, 2020 Regular Session
4. Ordinance Amending the FY 2019/2020 Budget Ordinance – Year End
Adjustments
To adopt an ordinance amending the FY 2019-2020 Budget Ordinance to cover any final budget over-expenditures.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs,HHSSSS the Board approved/adopted the following:
- Approved the minutes from the June 1st regular session
- Adopted Ordinance (2020) 960, An Ordinance Amending the FY 2019-2020 Budget Ordinance
The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Decision
5. Proposed Ordinance to Permit Chickens Within the Town (draft for review only)
Planning Director Justin Oakes presented a draft amendment Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances, the Animal Ordinance. Oakes stated this amendment would remove poultry from the Livestock category, as well as create a new section of Fowl, including a variety of regulations such as a minimum lot size, maximum number of chickens allowed, restrictions on roosters, and pen/cage placement that property owners must meet in order to have chickens. Oakes further stated no action is requested at this time. He asked for review by the Town Board.
Commissioner Elks suggested reducing the minimum lot size acre to allow chickens.
6. Personnel Policy Amendment- Social Media Policy
Town Manager Hodgkins presented a proposed amendment to the Town Personnel Policy which adds a Social Media Policy. Hodgkins stated with an increase in employees wishing to express themselves on the internet via social media it is important that these expressions are not identified as opinions of the Town or impose on the rights of others.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the amendment to the Personnel Policy by adding the Social Media Policy. The motion carried unanimously.
Citizen comments
Mayor Moore asked for citizen comments at this time.
Steven Hardy-Braz expressed his appreciation for all Town Departments during this pandemic and their efforts on continuing to work through it. He also expressed his appreciation for Chief Greene and his creation of a positive community policing culture within the Police Department.
Closed Session
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board adjourned into closed session at 7:13 p.m. pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss matters relating to personnel. The motion carried unanimously.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board returned into regular session at 8:18 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve a 2% merit raise for the Town Manager, effective 7/2/20. The motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment
On motion by Commissioner Shackleford, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.