Salisbury, North Carolina

March 6, 2007

REGULAR MEETING

PRESENT:   Mayor Susan W. Kluttz, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem, Paul B.              

                       Woodson, Jr.; Councilmen William (Bill) Burgin; William (Pete)

                       Kennedy; Mark N. Lewis; City Manager, David W. Treme;

                       City Attorney, F. Rivers Lawther, Jr. and City Clerk, Myra Heard.

ABSENT:      None.

            The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kluttz at 4:00 p.m.  The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Woodson.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

            Mayor Kluttz led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

            Mayor Kluttz recognized all visitors present.  She recognized interns from Catawba College who are part of a “Theory and Practice of Leadership” class.  As part of the requirements for the class the interns have shadowed various people in the community.  Mayor Kluttz recognized Ms. Lauren Klopp who is working with Mayor Kluttz; Mr. Brett Wilhelm who is working with Police Chief Mark Wilhelm; and Ms. Brittany Bland who is working with Ms. Dianne Scott of Rowan Helping Ministries.  She also noted that Ms. Meagan Kittle, who is working with Councilman Mark Lewis at the Bank of North Carolina, was unable to attend the meeting.

RECOGNITION OF BRYAN ALSTON

            Mr. Dan Mikkelson, Director of Land Management and Development, introduced Mr. Bryan Alston who has accepted the position of Civil Engineer with the City.  Mr. Mikkelson noted that Mr. Alston previously worked for Winston-Salem and will be a good fit for Salisbury.  Mayor Kluttz welcomed Mr. Alston and stated that Council is delighted to have him on staff.

CONSENT AGENDA:

(a)        Minutes

            Approve Minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2007 and the special meeting of February 15-16, 2007.

(b)        Budget Ordinance Amendment

            Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2006-2007 budget in the amount of $13,800 to appropriate various donations to the Parks and Recreation Department.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006-2007 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE VARIOUS RECREATION DONATIONS

(The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 21, at Page Nos. 13-14, and is known as Ordinance No. 2007-05.)

(c)        Temporary Street Closing

            Close the 400 bock of East Bank Street and the 200 block of South            Shaver Street Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the Ohio Village Muffins vintage baseball game sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Thereupon, Mr. Kennedy made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented.  Mr. Lewis seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

ZONING MAP AMENDMENT Z-01-07, CITY OF SALISBURY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

(a)        Mr. Preston Mitchell, Senior Planner, indicated that zoning amendment Z-01-07 is a petition brought by the City of Salisbury to rezone seven (7) parcels from R-6 Duplex Residential and B-6 General Commercial to PSP Public/Semi-Public.  He noted that the PSP District is primarily for civic and governmental uses. 

            Mr. Mitchell reviewed a map of the property and pointed out that three (3) parcels are located at the corner of Council and Shaver Streets and two (2) parcels at the corner of Clay and Council Streets. The property also includes all of Fire Station 51 which fronts East Innes Street and runs through to Council Street.  He indicated that the six (6) properties that front East Council Street are zoned R-6 and the Fire Station is split zoned B-6 and R-6.

            Mr. Mitchell stated that the PSP District requires an eight (8) foot buffer yard against the B-6 District.  PSP requires a thirty (30) foot front yard setback, a ten (10) foot side yard setback and twenty (20) foot rear yard setback with a fifty (50) foot maximum building height.  The allowable size for ground signs is twenty (20) square feet with fifteen (15) square feet for a wall sign. Both have an allowable height of five (5) feet.

            Mr. Mitchell noted that the Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Plan call for protection and rehabilitation of existing viable neighborhoods and this site is adjacent to the Park Avenue Neighborhood.  The Park Avenue Neighborhood Plan encompasses the site in question and Mr. Mitchell noted that it called for rehabilitation for a structure formerly located on the site.  He indicated that the structure has since been removed and there is no conflict with the Park Avenue Neighborhood Plan, and the Park Avenue Neighborhood Board is in support of the petition for rezoning.

            Mr. Mitchell displayed photographs of the site and informed Council that the Planning Board found that the petition was consistent with the Strategic Growth Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and the Park Avenue Neighborhood Plan and recommend approval by a vote of 10-0.

(b)        Mayor Kluttz convened a public hearing, after due notice and advertisement thereof, to consider rezoning map amendment Z-01-07 to establish City zoning for Tax Map 019, Parcels 87-90, 92, 93, and 97 from R-6 (Duplex Residential) and B-6 (General Business) districts to PSP (Public/Semi-Public) district.

            There being no one present to address Council, Mayor Kluttz closed the public hearing.

            City Manager David Treme noted that this property is the site of the cooperative venture between the City of Salisbury and Rowan County to locate an Emergency Services site on the property.  He noted that the City previously agreed to participate with fifty (50) percent of the cost of the land.  The County will pay the remaining fifty (50) percent of the costs and would then own the property.  He stated that if Council is in agreement staff will notify the County in order proceed with the project.

            Mayor Kluttz commented that it will be a wonderful advantage to have this EMS site in the City and close to the interstate.

(c)        Mayor Pro Tem Paul Woodson stated that the City Council hereby finds and determines that adoption of an Ordinance to rezone properties as described herein is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Strategic Growth Plan and the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan and that adoption of the ordinance is reasonable and in the public interest.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Woodson made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending the official zoning map of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina, by rezoning approximately 2.3 acres encompassing seven parcels and identified as tax map 019, Parcels 087, 088, 089, 090, 092, 093, and 097 from R-6 (Duplex Residential) and B-6 (General Business) districts to PSP (Public/Semi-Public) districts.  Mr. Burgin seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, BE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 2.3 ACRES ENCOMPASSING SEVEN PARCELS AND IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP 019, PARCELS 087, 088, 089, 090, 092, 093, AND 097 FROM R-6 (DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL) AND B-6 (GENERAL BUSINESS) DISTRICTS TO PSP (PUBLIC/ SEMI-PUBLIC) DISTRICT.

(The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 21, at Page Nos. 15-16, and is known as Ordinance No. 2007-06.)

PUBLIC HEARING – 2007-2008 CDBG AND HOME FUNDS

(a)        Ms. Janet Gapen, Senior Planner, reviewed the 2007-2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Grant programs.  The programs are funded through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and seek to benefit low and moderate income persons and aid in the prevention of slums and blight.  Ms. Gapen reviewed the individual and area benefits from the previous year:

            Housing rehabilitation:

·         One (1) acquisition and rehabilitation – for resale

·         Five (5) owner-occupied rehabilitation projects

·         Three (3) emergency rehabilitation projects

·         Three (3) properties readied for new construction

            Home Ownership:

·         Three (3) families received down payment and closing cost assistance

·         Four (4) new homes completed and sold to eligible first-time homebuyers

            Area benefits:

·         New sidewalk – West Horah Street

            Public Service Funding:

·         $63,870 in grants to public service agencies

·         14.39% of CDBG funds

·         One thousand four hundred ninety-one (1,491) low to moderate income persons benefited from services provided

            Ms. Gapen informed Council that staff has not received notification of the exact amount of funds to be allocated for the upcoming year, but were instructed to use figures from last year for budgeting purposes.  She reviewed the 2006-2007 Budget:

            Ms. Gapen reviewed the citizen participation plan FY2007-2008:

(b)        Mayor Kluttz convened a public hearing, after due notice and advertisement thereof, to receive comments and proposals for funding for the CDBG and HOME grant programs:

            Ms. Connie Antosek, Community Care Clinic, 315-G Mocksville Avenue, thanked Council for their past support of the Community Care Clinic.  She requested funding for the Community Care Clinic’s Dental Care program.  She noted that the United Way Needs Assessment determined that medical care and dental care were some of the main concerns of Rowan County residents.  Ms. Antosek explained that the Clinic is a non-profit agency that provides medical care, dental care, and pharmacy services to the uninsured, low-income residents of Salisbury and Rowan County.  She stated that in 2006 there were over one hundred twenty-seven (127) dental clinics, providing dental care to over five hundred (500) patients, with fifty (50) percent of those patients being Salisbury residents.  She thanked Council for their support and consideration of this request.

            Ms. Elizabeth Patton, Family Crisis Council, addressed Council regarding funding for a Night Manager for the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.  She stated that this position is critical for the operation of the Shelter and is one of great support and influence for women who seek care. She added that nighttime is the most vulnerable time for women who have been victims of domestic violence.  She noted that she is requesting funding for eighty (80) percent of the Night Manager’s position.   Ms. Patton stated that the positive results of this position can be seen and noted that in 2005 there was a nine (9) percent rate of women who returned to abusive situations, but in 2006 it dropped to three (3) percent.

            Mr. Darrell Blackwelder, Master Gardener’s Association and West End Garden, addressed Council regarding continued funding for the West End Garden located on Brenner Avenue.  He stated that the garden has been used for approximately ten (10) years as a demonstration garden and this year there will be programs to work with commercial applicators and landscapers.  He noted that there are forty-two (42) Master Gardeners who volunteer to work at the garden and provide educational programs. He stated that they were able to reach over seven hundred (700) people last year and hope to reach even more this year.

            Ms. Dianne Scott and Ms. Brittany Bland, Rowan Helping Ministries, requested CDBG funds to be used for the Shelter’s part-time supervisor positions.  She informed Council that the Shelter numbers have increased, noting that this year there has been a twenty-eight (28) percent increase in the average guest per night.  Females staying in the Shelter have increased by forty-five (45) percent and overnight stays have increased by twenty-three (23) percent.  She stated that the average cost per night, per guest is $38.40 and the Shelter salaries per day, with benefits, is $525 per day.  Ms. Scott indicated that the Shelter has provided $510,665 in financial assistance to prevent people from coming to the Shelter. This equated to assistance for almost three thousand (3,000) families.  She stated that the Food Pantry averages one thousand (1,000) pounds of groceries per day in distribution.  Ms. Scott informed Council that with help through grants Rowan Helping Ministries will open a Shelter in the western part of the County and once it is in operation they hope to move into other areas.

            There being no one else present to address Council, Mayor Kluttz closed the public hearing.

            Mayor Kluttz commented that all of the presentations given to Council were very impressive and she expressed Council’s gratitude for the services these agencies provide.

PRESENTATION FROM DOWNTOWN SALISBURY, INC. – 2007-2008 BUDGET REQUEST

            Mr. Brian Miller, President of Downtown Salisbury, Inc. (DSI) Board of Directors presented the FY2007-2008 budget request for DSI.

            He reviewed the 2005-2006 Statistics:

·         Facades redone – 5

·         Building renovation – 2

·         Net job gain – 10

·         Net business gain – 6

·         Public investment - $2,900,000

·         Private investment - $3,709, 180

·         Total investment - $6,609,180

            1980-2006 Statistics:

·         $94 Million in investment

·         Gained three hundred four (304) new businesses

·         Gained nine hundred fifty (950) new jobs

·         Two hundred eighty-three (283) building renovations

            Accelerated investment in the last five (5) years:

·         1980-2000 - $62 million

·         2001-2006 - $32 million

            Municipal Service District Tax Base:

·         1989 - $31.5 million

·         1995 - $45.5 million

·         2007 - $70 million

            This increased tax base generates an additional $230,000 annually for the City.

            Recent projects:

·         Firehouse Urban Lofts

·         East Square Artists Lofts

            Current revolving fund projects:

·         The McNeely-Young Building

·         The Trexler Building

·         Hedrick Block Building – façade removal scheduled spring 2007

·         209-213 South Lee Street

·         Meroney Theater/Piedmont Players – future Black Box theater

            Downtown housing:

·         One hundred seventeen (117) units

·         Fifty (50) market rate

·         Sixty-seven (67) elderly subsidized

            New businesses:

·         Logans Reef, 109 East Innes Street

·         The Blue Vine, 209 South Main Street

·         The Salty Caper, 115 South Lee Street

·         Caniche, 200 South Main Street

            Local Artists:

·         Robert Crum – Painter

·         Michael Baker – Stainless Steel Sculpture

·         Whitney Peckman – Painter

·         Cheryl Goins – Potter

·         Syed Ahmad – Fused Glass

·         Keith Collins – Cascade Sculpture

·         Marietta Smith – RailWalk Art Gallery

·         Ferrel Moose – Painter/Mixed media

            East Square Visual Arts Group has formed and is planning cooperative gallery events this spring.

            Downtown Promotions/Events Spring 2007:

·         St. Paddy’s Night Out – Friday, March 16, 2007 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

·         Earth Night Out – Friday, April 20, 2007 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

·         Spring Night Out – Friday, May 11, 2007 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

·         Cheerwine’s 90^th Birthday Party – Easy Street, Historic Downtown Salisbury, Saturday, May 19, 2007 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

·         Pops at the Post – An outdoor concert by the Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Saturday, June 2, 2007 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

·         Arts on Easy Street – sponsored by Rowan Arts Council Saturday, June 16, 2007 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

            Mr. Miller noted that the events last year increased from fourteen (14) to twenty (20) events, with twenty-one (21) events planned for this year.

            Current Projects:

·         128 East Innes Street – Geof and Christine Wilson

·         Yadkin Place – Summit Construction/Jake Alexander

·         Kress Plaza – Joel Goodman, developer.  Five (5) residential condominiums, first floor retail or restaurant

·         117 East Innes Street – Michael and Diane Young, two (2) apartments, retail/office

            Mr. Miller indicated that DSI is requesting an appropriation of $94,500 for FY2007-2008, which is a five (5) percent increase from FY2006-2007.  He noted that DSI has operated at the same funding level for the past two (2) years while increasing program and staffing costs.

            Mayor Kluttz thanked Mr. Miller for his work with Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and noted that Council will do all that is possible once the budget is reviewed.

REPORT FROM STAFF REGARDING TRAFFIC SIGNALS ALONG SOUTH CHURCH STREET AT FISHER STREET, BANK STREET, AND HORAH STREET

            Ms. Wendy Brindle, Traffic Engineer, indicated that over the past several years signals have been evaluated and removed in the downtown area.  She stated that this helps not only with yearly maintenance costs, but also reduces replacement costs with fewer signals to replace.  She stated that staff has received many requests to have additional signals removed and added that the Downtown Salisbury, Inc. parking and traffic committee has also endorsed more signal evaluation and removal.

            Ms. Brindle informed Council that she has three (3) evaluations to present to Council:  Church Street at Fisher Street, Bank Street, and Horah Street.  She stated that to evaluate the locations volume counts were taken and none of the volumes collected met the warrants established by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  She added that staff also performed site visits to determine any concerns before removing the signals.  At the intersection of Church and Fisher Streets the volumes were almost equal at approximately one thousand eight hundred (1,800) per day on both streets which lends well to an all-way stop condition.  She noted that because there is limited sight distance with the on-street parking staff is recommending the evaluation of an all-way stop in lieu of establishing a through street.  She added that at this intersection Church Street is one-way and Fisher Street is two-way so the all-way stop will be a three (3) way stop.

            At the intersection of Bank and Church Streets the streets are one-way so the all-way stop would be a two (2) way stop.  Ms. Brindle stated that the volumes are about equal with approximately eight hundred fifty (850) vehicles per day on each street. Staff recommends evaluating the two (2) way stop at this location for sight distance reasons.  She noted that two (2) residents have contacted her expressing concerns about removing the signal at this location.  She added that if the signals are removed they will not be taken down because there is a ninety (90) day evaluation period and during this time data will be collected and staff will determine if the stops are working as they should before making a final recommendation to Council. 

            Ms. Brindle indicated that at the intersection of Church and Horah Streets staff is not recommending that the signal be removed.  She explained that Horah Street carries approximately two thousand two hundred (2,200) vehicles per day while Church Street carries approximately nine hundred (900) creating an inequity in volumes.  She stated that if the signal were to be removed and Horah Street became the through street, Church Street has limited sight distance.  She added that if a person traveled down Church Street and came to the previous all-way stops then approached the Horah Street intersection where there was not a stop condition, she felt it would mislead the driver’s expectations.  Ms. Brindle stated that staff recommends upgrading the detection for the signal at this intersection. She explained that the signal currently runs on a time-based coordination and staff would like to install vehicle detection devices along Church Street.  She noted that this will cost approximately $3,000 and it will be submitted in the budget.

            Ms. Brindle indicated that if Council concurs with these recommendations staff will proceed with the evaluations.  Once the stop signs are installed and the signals covered, the ninety (90) day evaluation will begin.

            Mayor Kluttz asked Ms. Brindle what the concerns were of the residents that contacted her regarding the intersection of Church and Bank Streets.  Ms. Brindle responded that the residents were concerned that people would not stop for the stop sign.  Mayor Kluttz commented that she is concerned with this particular intersection because of the sight distance in this area. She added that there is a daycare in this area with many small children being dropped off and picked up and asked Ms. Brindle if she feels the sight distance is adequate at this intersection.  Ms. Brindle responded that she feels the sight distance is adequate if the driver stops and added that this is why staff is not recommending a through street in this area.  She added that during the evaluation period if deficiencies are found the stop signs can be eliminated and the signals will become operational again.

            Councilman Kennedy commented that he feels that the four (4) stops are very effective.  Mayor Pro Tem Woodson agreed with Mr. Kennedy and added that traffic flows much faster with the four (4) way stops.

            By consensus, Council agreed to proceed with the evaluation of the all-way stops.

REPORT FROM STAFF REGARDING SPEED LIMITS – DOWNTOWN GRID AREA

            Ms. Wendy Brindle, Traffic Engineer, indicated that in Fall 2006 Council requested staff to review procedures for establishing speed limits throughout the City.  She noted that one of the recommendations was to review the urban minor thoroughfares, specifically in the downtown area where there is not a great deal of consistency in the speed limits.  She stated that staff used Kerr Street, Fulton Street, Long Street and Monroe Street as the boundaries for the downtown area.  She pointed out that Innes Street and Main Street are posted at 20 mph and staff recommends that they remain posted at this speed limit because of North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) standards for non-breakaway structures in the downtown area. 

            Ms. Brindle stated that Fulton Street is a minor thoroughfare and is posted at 30 mph. Staff also recommends that this remain unchanged because it provides easy access for vehicles from the north side of town to the south side as well as serves many residential properties.

            Ms. Brindle commented that in the North Square the streets are non-posted at 35 mph.  In the South Square there is a similar pattern with a few portions of streets being posted at 20 mph.  The East Square has approximately half of the streets posted at 20 mph and half non-posted at 35 mph.  She informed Council that staff is recommending that these three (3) squares be non-posted at 35 mph adding that this will help with sign clutter.  She noted that staff felt the character of the street in the downtown area is the biggest factor for how fast people will drive rather than a sign with the posted speed limit.

            Ms. Brindle pointed out that the West Square is posted at 25 mph and this was done after the residents petitioned for the speed limit.  She added that staff recommends leaving the speed as it is.

Thereupon, Mr. Lewis made a motion to adopt an ordinance amending Section 13-336, Articles X, Chapter 13 of the Code of the City of Salisbury, relating to speed limits – generally.  Mr. Burgin seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 13-336, ARTICLE X, CHAPTER 13 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS-GENERALLY.

(The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 21, at Page No. 17, and is known as Ordinance No. 2007-07.)

AWARD A CONTRACT TO COGSDALE CORPORATION FOR PURCHASE OF CUSTOMER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, WORK ORDER MANAGEMENT, AND FINANCIAL SOFTWARE

(a)        Councilman Burgin reported that he and several staff members visited the Orange County Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) to view software being proposed for customer resource management, work order management and financial records for the City of Salisbury.  The proposed software is from the Cogsdale Company and Mr. Burgin stated that he now has a higher comfort level with their software.  He noted that OWASA staff indicated that the Cogsdale Company’s response time has improved and the company has become stronger as they have worked together.  He added that OWASA is now considering the purchase of additional software modules.  Mr. Burgin commented that Salisbury is looking to purchase finance modules in addition to the software currently being used by OWASA.  He noted that the software works with Microsoft Office and a new employee with OWASA seemed to be able to maneuver through the software easily although she had only been employed six (6) months. 

            Mr. Burgin indicated that the software is not “out-of-the-box” software but the training and documentation for training are very good.  He added that the OWASA staff felt that over time the software has become more useful and powerful than when they first purchased it.  He pointed out that there will be the need for a full-time staff person committed to getting the software up and running.  There will also be additional yearly maintenance costs.

            Management Services Director John Sofley stated that the City currently pays a little over $30,000 for maintenance of the financial and human resources software.  He noted that the total maintenance cost for the new software will be approximately $95,000 but it includes several packages that the City does not have now.  He added that the two (2) systems are not comparable since the Cogsdale software is capable of much more than the current software.  Mr. Sofley stated that maintenance is based on twenty-five (25) percent of the purchase price, which is standard practice for the software market.  He added that staff has negotiated that the price of the maintenance will never increase over the life of the contract.

            Mayor Kluttz thanked Councilman Burgin for taking a day to travel to Chapel Hill to review the software.  She noted the need for one staff person dedicated to this software and asked if the City has this person available.  Mr. Sofley responded that Merenda Overcash will be responsible for the installation of the software. 

            Mr. Burgin commented that staff indicated when presenting the software plan that it will free up time for work on the website.  Ms. Sofley responded that currently there is one staff member who works almost exclusively on the finance and human resource systems and maintaining their integration.  He noted that under the new software this will no longer be needed so this staff person can be reassigned to work on the website.

            Councilman Lewis commented that it appears the software will have no net increase in full time equivalent (FTE) personnel and will cost approximately $60,000 more for maintenance per year above the capital expenditure.  He added that this will be absorbed by the General Fund and the Utility Fund.  Mr. Sofley responded that this is correct.

            Mayor Kluttz noted a capital project budget ordinance proposed for this purchase and questioned why this is being done now and not as part of the budget.  Mr. Sofley responded that when the City issued bonds at the end of 2006, $500,000 was identified for the purchase of the software. He added that the interest earnings money is revenue that is earned as the money is invested while waiting to be expended.  Mr. Sofley stated that these funds are not related to the annual budget.

            Mr. Lewis stated that technology continues to make each of us more efficient and if employees are still operating off of card based files it is not very efficient.  He added that the software will be beneficial to employees from a customer service and financial and accounting point of view.  Mr. Lewis commented that the current software is becoming outdated and must be replaced and this software will bring everything together into a total package.  He noted that even though he does not like spending this amount of money he feels the software is the right thing to do.  He added that, operationally, it will not have a significant impact on the annual budget because it is financed over ten (10) years by both the Utility and General Funds.

            Mr. Burgin commented that the operation of the City is the City’s business and this is a cost of doing the job.  He stated that although he does not like the cost he feels Council has done its due diligence and depends on staff that they have chosen the right software to meet the needs of the City.

            Mayor Pro Tem Woodson noted that staff has been working on this for quite some time.  Mr. Sofley responded that staff has spent approximately eighteen (18) months working to make a recommendation to Council.

            Mayor Kluttz stated that although this software is geared for the financial and work order operations this software will assist with better customer service and employees have proven to Council that they are enthusiastic about providing good customer service.

(b)        Thereupon, Mr. Burgin made a motion to award a contract in the amount of $815,590 to the Cogsdale Corporation for customer resource management, work order management, and financial software.  Mr. Lewis seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

(c)        Thereupon, Mr. Burgin made a motion to adopt a capital project ordinance in the amount of $815,590 to appropriate funds for customer resource management, work order management, and financial software to the Cogsdale Corporation.  Mr. Lewis seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

COGSDALE SOFTWARE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE

(The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 21, at Page No. 18, and is known as Ordinance No. 2007-08.)

AWARD A CONTRACT TO FOOTHILLS WATER AND SEWER, INC. FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WATER MAIN

            Mr. Jeff Jones, Senior Engineer, informed Council that the two proposed contracts before them (Foothills Water and Sewer, Inc. and Filbert Engineering Company) are for projects to be fully funded by the developer and the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

Thereupon, Mr. Woodson made a motion to award a contract in the amount of $696,414.60 to Foothills Water and Sewer for the installation of a water main to serve DRJ development’s proposed residential development and the new Shive Elementary School.  Mr. Lewis seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

AWARD A CONTRACT TO GILBERT ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SEWER LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN

Thereupon, Mr. Lewis made a motion to award a contract in the amount of $663,384.75 to Gilbert Engineering Company for the installation of a sewer lift station and force main to serve DRJ Development’s proposed residential development and the new Shive Elementary School.  Mr. Woodson seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson, and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE

            Councilman Kennedy noted that at Council’s last meeting Council gave approval for staff to contact individuals on a proposed list of names for appointment to the Comprehensive Bicycle Plan Steering Committee.  He stated that staff has contacted the individuals and confirmed interest from the following:

            Dr. Lynn Pitson

            Mr. Sean Myers

            Mr. Norde Wilson

            Mr. Gerry Wood

            Mr. Jack Owens

            Mr. Jerry Shelby

            Dr. Bret Busby

            Mr. Stanton Carter

            Mr. Randy Hemann

            Ms. Valerie Stewart

            Ms. Zorda Tucker

            Ms. Ester Burgess

            Ms. Michele d’Hemecourt

            Thereupon, Mr. Kenney made a motion to appoint these names to the Bicycle Steering Committee.  Mr. Woodson seconded the motion.  Messrs. Burgin, Kennedy, Lewis, Woodson and Ms. Kluttz voted AYE. (5-0)

            Mr. Kennedy noted that there are a few unconfirmed persons of interest and he will bring those names back to Council when staff receives confirmation from them.

APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

            Mayor Kluttz noted that Council will need to make appointments for its Boards and Commissions at its next meeting.  She announced that the application for Boards and Commissions has been placed on the City’s website, along with an information sheet for the different boards.  It can be accessed at www.salisburync.gov. Mayor Kluttz noted that citizens may also contact City Clerk Myra Heard at 704-638-5224 to receive an application.

            Mayor Kluttz requested Council members ask those that they recommend for an appointment to a Board or Commission to complete an application in order to have all information that is needed.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER

(a)        Planning Board

            Council received the Planning Board recommendation and comments from the February 27, 2007 meeting.

(b)        Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Ordinance

            City Manager David Treme recommended that discussion and action regarding the Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Ordinance be postponed until the March 20, 2007 Council meeting.

(b)        Approve 2007- 2008 Council Goals and Outcomes

            City Manager David Treme presented and reviewed the Outcomes and Goals for FY2007-08 as developed at the City Council Retreat held February 15-16, 2007.  Council offered suggestions for additional names of team members for several goals as well as which Council members would serve on teams for various goals.

                    Complete

                 On-track

                           Deferred

               Low Cost/Budgeted

                      Big Dollars

     One Year Tactical Plan

          CITY OF SALISBURY                 

City Council

Outcomes & Goals – FY 2007-08

Revised at Goal Setting Retreat February 16, 2007

Adopted by City Council March 6, 2007

Outcome 1:  Create a culture of excellent customer service within the City organization 

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive customer service plan within the City organization –       

      Joe Eagle, Melissa Taylor, Customer Service Design Team, Management Team,      All City Employees, Consultants

Outcome 2: Improve neighborhoods and safety for all areas of the City

1.   Implement the Jersey City neighborhood plan –   

            Joe Morris, Dan Mikkelson, Janet Gapen, Steve Weatherford, Stephen Brown,       Chanaka Yatawara, Lynn Raker, Bryan Alston, Craig Powers

2.   Identify and initiate an “impact project” as part of the North Main Street Small Area         Plan –    

      Janet Gapen, Joe Morris, Preston Mitchell, Randy Hemann, Kenny Roberts

3.   Address gang activity in Salisbury through gang awareness, education, information sharing and enforcement – Todd Sides, Chief Wilhelm, Police Department Management Team, Kenny Roberts, Karen Wilkinson, Project SAFE Salisbury, Karen Carpenter, Sheriff’s Department, Rowan-Salisbury Schools

Outcome 3: Enhance and support a creative enterprise economy with the best educated workforce, the most competitive infrastructure, an environment for creativity and innovation, a positive business climate, and supportive government in Salisbury and Rowan County

1. Prepare and implement a Fiber To The Home business plan –   

      Mike Crowell, Council Committee, City Manager, John Sofley, David Richards,   Consultants, Randy Tinsley

2. Continue a unified community image which exemplifies our communities’ cultural, educational, historic, environmental, entrepreneurial, technological and arts attributes –     

Joe Morris, Councilman Lewis,  Dan Mikkelson, Lynn Raker, Tony Cinquemani, Elaney Hasselmann, Randy Hemann, Jason Walser, Tourism Development Authority, Consultants

3. Support Rowan County in the promotion and development of the Rowan County airport and explore the creation of an Airport Development Zone –   

      City Manager, Mayor Pro Tem Woodson, Councilman Kennedy, John Sofley, Joe             Morris,             Preston Mitchell, EDC, Rowan County

4. Create a Cultural Action Plan to strengthen and unify Salisbury’s cultural resources – Mayor Kluttz, Councilman Lewis, Gail Elder White, Joe Morris, James Meacham, Betz Bigelow, Lori McMahon, Randy Hemann, Karen Wilkinson
5. Initiate actions to increase the occupancy tax rate from $.03 to $.06 in Salisbury – Councilman Burgin, Councilman Kennedy, Joe Morris, Gail Elder White, James Meacham, Randy Hemann

Outcome 4: Provide quality Parks and Recreation services

1.      Complete master plans for individual parks –   

           Gail Elder White, Parks & Rec. Advisory Board, Parks & Rec. Staff, Preston          Mitchell, Consultants, Rodney Harrison

 Outcome 5: Implement Salisbury Vision 2020 Plan

 
1. Consider adoption of the City of Salisbury Land Development Ordinance –  

      Joe Morris, Councilman Burgin, Councilman Lewis, Dan Mikkelson, Patrick          Ritchie, David Phillips, LDOC

Outcome 6: Attract, retain and develop high quality City employees

1.      Implement strategies to recruit employees from diverse populations –    

            Renay Caldwell, Ruth Chaparro, Human Resources Staff, Design Team,    Community Stakeholders

2.      Develop strategies to attract and retain quality employees –  

            Karen Ingram, Human Resources Staff, Design Team

3.      Implement employee training and development plan –   

            Joe Eagle, Management Team, Design Team

Outcome 7: Partner with Rowan-Salisbury Schools

1.      Meet with School officials to determine needs with which the City can assist –   

            Mayor Kluttz, Councilman Burgin, Management Team

Outcome 8: Improve overall strategic management of City and departments

1.   Incorporate the “Good to Great” concepts into the City’s culture as a foundation for Salisbury becoming a High Performance Organization including the successful completion of all strategic plans –   

      City Manager, Melissa Taylor

Outcome 9: Improve and enhance Downtown Salisbury

1.      Conduct a downtown ADA compliance audit –   

Deb Young, Steve Weatherford, Richard Kelly, Councilman Lewis, Melissa Taylor, Tony Cinquemani, Randy Hemann, Joe Morris

2.   Seek legislative authority for regulating demolition within the Downtown Historic District – Janet Gapen, Mayor Kluttz, Salisbury City Council, Joe Morris, Randy Hemann, County Legislative Delegation

Outcome 10: Streamline development review process and ordinances

1.   Develop, present and adopt State-mandated plans for Backflow Prevention and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) programs -