HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-01Minutes of the special Town Council meeting held June 19, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building.
There were present: Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Mayor
Council Members: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Pauline G. Mitchell, Daniel Talbert, Jr.
E. G. Black, Jr., Bettye H. Steger, James M. Neblett,
Kenneth G. Fleenor, Lane R. Penn
Staff: Gary C. Elander, Town Manager
David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager
Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney
Sherry Boyd, Finance Director
Gary Roche, Police Chief
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
Also Present: Nikki Shank
Trina Rupe
Dana Bishop
Debra Bivens
Carol J. Southern
Linda Buzzelli
Roy Buzzelli
Rachel Gregory
Elizabeth Gregory
David Moye
Chad Davis
Ron Worrell
Rusty Mitchell
Roger L. Brown
Jodi Worrell
Marshall Dowdy
Stephanie Elkins
Terry Elkins
Betty Moore-East
Melissa Looney
Deanna Purcell
John Leepor
Jill Ritter
E. R. Barr
E. T. Montgomery
M. R. Hudson
Jenn Burleson, Press
Tina Ratliff, Press
Lee Carter, Press
Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Councilman Penn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Worrell gave the Invocation.
Following roll call, Mayor Stewart advised that the purpose of the meeting was to hold a Public Hearing for the 2001-2002 Budget and requested a report from Town Manager Elander.
Mr. Elander presented a Fact Sheet summarizing the budget process and facts. (Included in the official minutes). He advised that revenues have grown by 2%, while expenditures have grown
by 5.5% and that money available for capital improvements is declining. Mr. Elander advised that the proposed budget shows:
1. No tax increase except in cigarette tax
2. Small increases in planning and zoning permits
3. Continuation of 4% merit increases for personnel
4. Proposed a General Obligation Bond Issue of $3,000,000 to retire a Bond
Anticipation note
He advised that Council is aware of the high turnover rate and job market conditions in some departments and is reviewing options to alleviate this deficiency.
Mayor Stewart highlighted Mr. Elander’s report and then, there being no questions from Council members, Mayor Stewart opened the Public Hearing at 7:22 p.m.
Linda Buzzelli addressed Council regarding raises for the Police Department employees. She advocated pay increases for the Police Department. She also spoke against a cigarette tax
increase stating that the Town already charges more for cigarettes than the County making competition difficult.
Next, Rachel Gregory addressed Council advocating pay raises for the Police Department. She presented Council with copies of her statement. (Included in official copy of minutes).
She stated that she had conducted a poll in the Police Department and that out of 23 respondents, 100% had to supplement their income, 2 have additional part time jobs and that 7 still
have trouble surviving with at least 20 hours of overtime added to their regular pay. She advised that many officers, including her father, cannot afford family insurance coverage.
Mrs. Marianne Mitchell addressed Council, applauding Ms. Gregory’s comments.
There being no further comments, Public Hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.
Next item on agenda was Public Safety Committee report.
Public Safety Committee Chairman Penn advised that committee met and discussed the Police Department joining the Cardinal Police Academy in Salem, Virginia. He called on Police Chief
Roche to detail summarize that discussion.
Chief Roche advised that the Police Department would like to join the Cardinal Police Academy in Salem, Virginia. He said that it offers more variety in training methods for less money;
has a more stable support staff; and has a variety of special schools to offer.
Chairman Penn advised that Committee recommends allowing the Police Department to join the Cardinal Police Academy in Salem, Virginia and carried on the following recorded vote:
Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye
Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye
Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye
E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Lane R. Penn - Aye
At 7:40 p.m., there being no further business, Council adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried.