AGENDA

VILLAGE COUNCIL

SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

1.     Call to Order

2.     Moment of Reflection/Introspection

3.     Introduction of Visitors

4.     Approval of Agenda

5.     Approval of August 8, 2011 Minutes

6.      Wesley Chapel Community Issue

7.     Administrative Report

8.     Gladstone Academy Update

9.     Sidewalk Update

10.   RRRPO TCC & TAC Alternate Designation

11.   Carolina Thread Trail Committee Selection

12.   Fall Cook Out Discussion/Planning

13.   Waste Management Special Pickup Schedule (Bulk Waste/Leaves)

14.   Newsletter Items

15.   Letter of Endorsement for Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG)

         Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant

16.   Sewer Trunk Line Discussion

17.   Other Business

18.   Adjournment

VILLAGE NEWSLETTER

June 28, 2011

IMPORTANT ITEMS

This newsletter contains the following items:

1.  Announcement of a new Interim Police Chief

2.  Announcement of a new village Clerk

3.  Information about the purchase of the Gladstone Academy building

4.  Opening of Gray Stone Day School

5.  The new Village website

6.  Information about the Village’s new recycling program

7.  Information about the July 11 Public Hearing on the Stanly County Comprehensive Transportation Plan which contains a US 52 Bypass around Misenheimer.

8.  Information about Village sidewalks

9.  Information about a Thread Trail Planning Grant with Richfield and New London. The trail comes through Misenheimer.

Interim Police Chief : Tracey Wyrick who has been Police chief of the Village since our formation in 2003 has resigned to take a job as Head of the Law Enforcement Program for Montgomery Community College. Erik Mcginnis has been appointed Interim Police Chief. Erik has served on the Village police force for over four years and last served in the position of Captain. He recently completed his degree at Pfeiffer. We are fortunate to have Erik to continue the strong leadership we have come to expect.

Village Clerk: Paula DellaRusso who served as Village clerk for the past three years resigned in February. We advertised for a new clerk and had over one hundred ten applications. We were fortunate to have Pam Humphrey as one of the applicants. Pam has a CPA and much work experience, some of it with municipalities. She will serve as liaison between the Council and various entities. Generally her hours will be Monday through Friday 9AM to 1PM.  Please welcome her to Misenheimer.

Gladstone Academy: The Village recently purchased the old Gladstone Academy building on Wesley chapel Road. Gladstone Academy operated as an area school from 1880-1910. The building was built in the early 1890’s and served as a church after 1910.  The Village plans to first stabilize the building and property and then slowly work to restore the old building. It is a fitting acquisition and cornerstone for the Educational Village.

Gray Stone Day School: Gray Stone day school opened in their new building in January. It is a beautiful building and as a community we can be proud of the facility and the school. The accomplishments of the students and teachers are many and it has a reputation of being one of the finest schools in the state.

Village Website: The Village has a new website which may be viewed at http://www.villageofmisenheimer.com .  There is a lot of information on the site including Board members, contact information, zoning ordinances, minutes and maps. Upcoming meeting information and announcements of current happenings are also available.

Recycling: The Village decided to join Richfield and New London to bid garbage and recycling services. Waste Management won the bid and will begin services in July. Garbage will be picked up in the green canisters every week on Tuesday as usual.  Recycling has been extended to all households in the community and will be picked up in the brown canisters every other week on Thursdays.  An information sheet on the back of this newsletter provides more details about recycling. It is illegal to put so many things in the garbage and recycling is now a must.

July 11 Public  Meeting Concerning Stanly County comprehensive Transportation Plan: On July 11, there will be a public meeting at the Community Building for public comment on the Stanly County Comprehensive Transportation Plan.  DOT will be present to explain the Plan which contains a US 52 Bypass around Misenheimer. The bypass begins above Misenheimer and curves around the north side of US 52 through the tip of Pfeiffer’s property and then returns to US 52 along the general area of Culp Road.

Village Sidewalks: The Village plans to build sidewalks in the coming year using accumulated Powell money provided from gasoline tax money. Hopefully we will be able to extend sidewalks towards Richfield and along Wesley Chapel using public road right of way. Such use requires discussions with DOT

Thread Trail: The Village joined Richfield and New London in a Planning Grant Application for the Thread Trail. The Thread Trail is a fourteen county initiative for developing various trail types which are connected. We have asked for monetary support to plan an eleven mile hiking and biking trail beginning south of New London and continuing through New London, Richfield, and Misenheimer. The grant would allow the specific trail location to be developed. We will receive notification in September if we were successful.

Minutes

Village  Council

August 8,  2011

Present:               Michael Riemann, Mayor

Michael Herron, Mayor Pro-Tem

Peter  Edquist, Council Member

Jim  Gulledge, Council Member

Pam  Humphrey, Clerk

Call to Order:     Mayor Riemann called the meeting to  order at 7:00 PM declaring a quorum present.

Moment of  Reflection/Introspection:

Introduction of  Visitors:  Don Burris with Stanly  News and Press (recording the meeting) and Erik McGinnis, Village of Misenheimer Interim Police Chief.

Approval of  Agenda:  Edquist made a motion to  approve the Agenda for the meeting.  The  motion was seconded by Riemann and was approved by a 4/0 vote.

Approval of  Minutes from July 11, 2011 Regular Council Session and Public Hearing:  Gulledge made a motion to accept the July 11, 2011 Minutes with no revisions.  The  motion was seconded by Riemann and was approved by a 4/0 vote.  A minor typo was noticed subsequent to the  approval of the minutes.  It was  corrected and the Minutes were signed by the Mayor and Clerk.

Administrative  Report:   Mayor Riemann and Pam Humphrey, Clerk,  presented the Administrative Report covering July 12, 2011 through August 7,  2011.   The presentation included a recap of the  meetings attended by the Mayor, Clerk, Council member (Edquist-Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau), and Planning Board member (Henderson-Zoning  training coordinated by New London) and various reports completed and filed on  behalf of the Village.  The Mayor  reported that a quote had been obtained to make minor repairs and to paint the inside and/or outside portions of the Community Building and the Village Police  Building.  The quote came in higher than  expected.  More quotes will be obtained  to discuss at the next Council Meeting scheduled for September 12, 2011.

Mayor Riemann also commented on the new crosswalk planned  by DOT at Pfeiffer University.  The old  crosswalk will remain and the two lights will now be of a different variety, timed  to operate in tandem for pedestrians crossing NC Highway 52.  In addition, Mayor Riemann stated that the  Volunteer Fire Department requested to paint the pavement with a hydrant symbol  in order to quickly direct fire fighters to the water hydrants.  Council decided it would have no problems  with the hydrant marking as long as the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Pfeiffer University had no issues.

Mayor Riemann discussed the Village’s policy and response  to donation requests.  The Council stated  that they would prefer for the Mayor and Clerk to initially screen donation  requests with a preference for those within the Village limits to be given  preference for presentation to the Council.

The Financial Items listed in the Administrative Report  were discussed by Pam Humphrey, Clerk, later in the meeting as a part of the Financial Matters Agenda Item.

Police Report for July 2011:  Erik McGinnis, Interim  Police Chief, presented the July 2011 Misenheimer Police Report.  The report recaps campus and state citations,  reports filed, and fire drills.  Edquist  asked McGinnis if the Village can utilize the speed trailer more often.  McGinnis responded that the Police Department  is analyzing requests to utilize the speed trailer in specific locations.  Edquist asked McGinnis if there are any  grants available for another speed trailer.  McGinnis responded that traffic statistics determine grant eligibility  and that he would continue to research grant opportunities.

Discussion of  Police Car Purchase for FY 2011/2012: Erik McGinnis, Interim Police Chief,  presented a Vehicle Report to discuss the possible addition of another vehicle.  Proposed vehicle options under  the NC State contract are as follows:

Full Size Vehicles Estimated Vehicle Cost

2012 Ford Police Interceptor (Available Spring 2012 on  Taurus frame)                      $25,000

2012 Dodge Charger (Smallest vehicle)                                                                                $21,587  (2011 cost/$1,900 savings)

2012 Chevrolet Caprice (Largest vehicle)                                                                              $25,273

Consider a used NC Highway Patrol vehicle                                                                          No estimate at this time

Vehicle Outfitting  (In addition to the cost of the vehicle)

Striping                                                                                                                                 $     550

Lighting (Prefer Slick top inside the vehicle)                                                                      $     850 (Roof = $1,175/$325 more)

Siren & control box for lights                                                                                                 $     450

Radio (Compatibility with other law enforcement required)                                         $     875

Console                                                                                                                                      $     380

Security Screen/Partition                                                                                                      $     500

In Car Camera/DVD System activated with emergency light usage                            $  4,995

Total                                                                                                                                         $ 8,600

Full Size Vehicles using Slick Top Lighting                                                                            Estimated Total Vehicle Cost

2012 Ford Police Interceptor (Available Spring 2012 on Taurus frame)                                                                                                                                          $ 33,600

2012 Dodge Charger (Smallest vehicle)                                                                                             $ 30,187

2012 Chevrolet Caprice (Largest vehicle)                                                                                          $ 33,873

Full Size Vehicles using Roof Mounted Lighting                                                               Estimated Total Vehicle Cost

2012 Ford Police Interceptor (Available Spring 2012 on Taurus frame)                                                                                                                                         $ 33, 925

2012 Dodge Charger (Smallest vehicle)                                                                                            $ 30,512

2012 Chevrolet Caprice (Largest vehicle)                                                                                         $ 34,198

Additional Costs to consider:

Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) for CAD/Dispatch                                                                          $ 3,500 – $ 4,500

CopVue Camera-Officer wears the camera & manually activates                                              $     800

Current Village of  Misenheimer Police Vehicles in Service:

1997 Ford Crown Victoria   (approximate mileage  125K)  Would assign to dummy/light duty.

2008 Ford Crown Victoria (approximate mileage    27K)   Would assign to daily duty.

2004 Ford Explorer 4WD  (approximate mileage    71K)   Would assign to inclement weather, tow &  backup duty.

A recap of the discussion regarding this Agenda item is as  follows:

• Riemann commented that more information was necessary before a specific purchase recommendation could be made.  The Vehicle Report presented was intended as a starting point to begin the vehicle purchase discussions with the Council.  McGinnis intends to gather further information to present to the Council at future Council meetings.
• McGinnis commented that he had not been able to inspect each vehicle to compare features to Village requirements.
• Edquist recommended that the Village get a vehicle on order during FY 2011/2012.
• Riemann commented that the FY 2011/2012 Budget could accommodate a lease or financing purchase arrangement in the $7, 000 total payments per year range.  In addition, the FY 2011/2012 Budget could be adjusted to accommodate a purchase with no financing.
• Gulledge asked what the Village’s vehicle replacement measurement was.  McGinnis commented that the NC Highway Patrol replaces vehicles at the approximately 75,000 mile range.  The Village’s measurement is different due to the lower number of miles patrolled.
• McGinnis emphasized that the on board camera and recording equipment should be seriously considered.
• Riemann asked what other nearby law enforcement agencies utilized on board cameras and recording equipment.   McGinnis commented that the NC Highway Patrol, Badin Police and City of Albemarle Police utilize this type of  equipment.

Sidewalk Discussion:  Mayor Riemann presented the Sidewalk Recommendations document utilized at the July 14, 2011 Planning Board Meeting, the August 8, 2011 Sidewalk Project Cost Estimates (updated from the July 11, 2011 Planning Board meeting Sidewalk Project Cost Estimates), and the draft of the Minutes of the July 14, 2011 Planning Board Meeting to facilitate his presentation and Council discussions. Mayor Riemann recapped the following as it pertains to utilization of the Village Powell Bill fund balance of approximately $77,000.00 by June 30, 2012:

• Since the Village currently does not maintain any roads, Powell Bill funding will be discontinued for FY 2011/2012.
• The balance of our Powell Bill funds must be utilized on approved projects along public road right of way by June 30, 2012 or any remaining Powell Bill funds will revert back to the State.
• In order to possibly be eligible to continue to receive Powell Bill funds in the future, it is recommended that we consider taking over .13 miles of SR1599 from NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT).  It would be preferable to take over this road’s maintenance after it has been paved or improved by NCDOT.
• Richfield has agreed in principal to share the cost of paving a sidewalk in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) with the Village.  This area encompasses public right of way between where the Village ends at NC Highway 52 South at the Substation and where the Richfield town limits begin on NC Highway 52  South.  This would allow a sidewalk to be in place from Pfeiffer University beginning at Pfeiffer Chapel at Merner Terrace to the shopping center in Richfield. The ETJ portion of the sidewalk is not eligible to be funded from Powell Bill funds.  It is estimated that the cost of the Village’s share of the sidewalk in the ETJ would cost approximately $15,000.00 to $20,000.00.
• Richfield would also be responsible for sidewalk paving from their town limits on NC Highway 52 South to the shopping center.  Mayor Riemann will contact Richfield to confirm and if necessary request to formalize Richfield’s sidewalk paving commitment.
• Sidewalk recommendations allow for a five (5) foot cement paved sidewalk.  This recommendation will require requesting additional right of way and will require legal assistance.  Powell Bill funds do not allow for the payment of legal fees.  Legal expenditures are estimated to cost approximately $2,000.00 and would be paid out of the General Fund.  Riemann made a motion to approve $2,000.00 for legal expenses related to securing additional right of way for sidewalks.  Edquist seconded the motion and it was approved by a vote of 4/0.

Sidewalk recommendations are listed in the following priority:

1. Pfeiffer Place to the Substation                 $13,631 (Estimate for engineering and construction)

2. SR1599                                                           $11,085 (Estimate for engineering and construction) 3. Wesley Chapel Road South                        $82,641  (Estimate for engineering and construction) 4. Wesley Chapel Road North                        $32,736  (Estimate for engineering and construction)

• Priority 1 and 2 total $24,716.00 leaving  $52,284.00 for Priority 3 ($30,357.00 shortage).  Priority 4 is unlikely to be initiated.
• Comments were made by Council regarding sidewalk  needs down both sides of Wesley Chapel Road.  Herron commented that his long-term goal would be to eventually have  sidewalks on both sides of all streets in the Village to support safe  pedestrian movement.  Edquist mentioned  that sidewalks may not be needed the entire length of Wesley Chapel Road as  there are few residents that would benefit where the road becomes more rural toward NC Highway 49.  Mayor Riemann commented that an engineering  study would determine which side of Wesley Chapel Road would be best to locate  a single sidewalk.
• Comments were made by Council to consider  re-paving the existing sidewalk along NC Highway 52 South from Merner Terrace (past the rose garden) to Pfeiffer Place so that it would be consistent with  the new sidewalk from Pfeiffer Place to the Substation.  Sidewalk paving should also be consideredfrom the Pfeiffer Chapel to the end of the rose garden past Merner  Terrace.  This proposal would require  obtaining additional right of way from Pfeiffer University and property  owners.
• Edquist made a motion to modify and accept the  sidewalk project priorities as follows:

1. Pfeiffer Chapel to SubStation
2. SR1599
3. Wesley Chapel Road to Newport property with sidewalks on both sides of the street
4. NC Highway 52 North to David-Cyn Apartments

Gulledge seconded the motion and it was  approved by a vote of 4/0.

Selection of Zoning  Officer:  The Planning Board was  solicited at their July 14, 2011 meeting for input regarding candidates for the  Village Zoning Officer.  They deferred a  candidate recommendation to the Council.  Riemann commented that Erik McGinnis, Interim Police Chief, prefers not  to assume these duties at this time as he is focusing his priorities on Police  matters.  Riemann commented that he could  be the Zoning Officer for the next six months with the intentions that another  candidate would be solicited.  Edquist  commented that he preferred the combination of Police Officer and Zoning  Officer responsibilities from a Zoning enforcement perspective.  Gulledge made a motion that Riemann assumes  the responsibilities of the Zoning Officer for the next six months.  Edquist seconded the motion and it was  approved by a 4/0 vote.

Modify 2011/2012  Pay Plan and Position Classification Plan: The plans need to be updated to include a classification for a  Corporal in the Police Department.   Gulledge made a motion to accept modifications to both plans to  incorporate the pay rate and position classification of Corporal in to the  2011/2012 plans.  Edquist seconded the motion and it was approved by a 4/0 vote.

Gladstone Building  Issues: 

Mayor Riemann commented that  he had been to the Gladstone property to determine which trees to save and  which ones to remove.  He also indicated  that he had been able to gain access to the interior of the building to examine  its condition.  Per the minutes of the  July 11, 2011 Council meeting, $3,100.00 had been approved to remove debris and  trees.  In addition, the $3,100.00  includes grading and seeding.  Mayor Riemann noted that a large oak tree near the building needs trimming.  He also noted that there is trash inside the  building that needs to be removed.  These  tasks are not included in the approved $3,100.00.  Mayor Riemann noted that the FY 2011/2012  Budget includes $5,000.00 for the Gladstone property restoration and that the  $1,000.00 grant received during FY 2010/2011 from Wal-Mart is earmarked to be utilized for the Gladstone restoration.   This would allow no more than the $2,900.00  difference to be utilized for additional tree trimming and interior trash  removal.  Herron made the motion to  utilize the remaining $2,900.00 for trash removal, tree trimming and if enough remained, a restoration plan.  Edquist  seconded the motion and it was approved by a vote of 4/0.

The Council agreed that the grading and grassing work  should start early September, 2011.   Edquist remarked that steps should be taken to remove insects, snakes,  rodents, etc. from the property to facilitate its restoration.   Edquist commented that he would make contact with a restoration company that he had noticed while in Mocksville, NC to see  if they might be appropriate to help us develop restoration plans.

Financial  Matters: 

The following financial  matters were discussed:

• Pam Humphrey, Clerk, will research and draft a  written Cash Management Policy per the LGC-203 to present at the next Council meeting.
• Pam Humphrey, Clerk, has been added to the  signatories at the Bank of Stanly and is coordinating signing responsibilities with Burrage and Herron.
• Preparations have been made to begin the closing  of FY 2010/2011 with all parties involved.
• Enrollment for student scholarships have been  confirmed via phone, email, and/or the college’s Admissions Department.  Scholarship monies will be mailed out the  week of August 8, 2011.
• Stanly County has requested that we renew for  three (3) years our Blackboard Connect contract at a current cost of $108.87 per year.  Blackboard Connect is utilized  for telephonic notifications.  Herron  made a motion to approve the contract. Edquist seconded the motion and it was approved by a vote of 4/0.
• Pam Humphrey, Clerk, was given her Oath to serve  the Village of Misenheimer by Mayor Riemann.

 Other  Business:  There was no other  business to discuss.

Adjournment:  Herron made the motion to adjourn the  meeting at 9:10PM.  Edquist seconded the  motion and it was approved by a 4/0 vote.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2011 at 7PM at the  Community Building.