CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor John M. "Jay" Donecker

Mayor Pro-Tem John Gentry

Councilman John Henderson

Councilman George O. Rucker

Councilman W. Clark Turner

Councilwoman Joan Zdanski

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:

Councilman James K. Festerman

CITY STAFF PRESENT:

D. Kelly Almond, City Manager

Angela G. Stadler, City Clerk

William F. McLeod Jr., City Attorney

Michael J. Pearce, Community Development Director

David Bracken, Fire Chief

Terri J. Stamey, Assistant City Manager

Mayor Donecker called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. Father Christopher Davis of Holy Infant Catholic Church, Reidsville, provided the invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

The audience then rose to give the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

PROCLAMATIONS:

RECOGNITION FOR THE REIDSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S "FILL THE BOOT DAY" FOR MDA ON JUNE 28, 2003.

Fire Chief David Bracken, along with several of his firefighters, came to the front for the reading of the "Fill the Boot Day" proclamation by Mayor Donecker. (A COPY OF THE PROCLAMATION IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.) Chief Bracken said his department is proud to be a part of what MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) is trying to do. He noted that the McQuade family that lives in the area has a child affected by this disease. The Fire Department is glad to help such a worthy cause, the Chief said, encouraging everyone to come out and show their support on June 28th. He added that donations would be accepted at the fire station prior to that day.

RECOGNITION OF "A DAY OF UNITY" ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2003.

Mayor Donecker then read a proclamation recognizing "A Day of Unity" in Reidsville, highlighted by a gospel concert to be held Sunday, June 22, at the Penn House. (A COPY OF THE PROCLAMATION IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.) Accepting the proclamation on behalf of their sponsoring groups were Dick Frohock, Chairman of the City's Human Relations Commission, and Harry Brown, Director of the Reidsville Parks & Recreation Department. Also present was Garry Percell, who helped coordinate the event. Mr. Frohock noted that Mr. Percell, a former member of Chairman of the Board, was currently of the band, Anointed Vision, one of the groups scheduled to perform. He noted that Ms. Kristy Jackson as well as some "surprise guests" would be on the program. Noting the tight budget year, the war situation and the loss of jobs, Mr. Frohock stated, "We're all people. We're all suffering." Mr. Brown thanked the Council for the proclamation as well as for the Council's support and the support of the Fire Department, the Police Department and Judy Yarbrough of the Penn House. He urged people to come out and bring their lawn chairs.

RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SMALL CITIES AND TOWNS DAY ON JUNE 20, 2003.

Mayor Donecker noted that the last proclamation was recognition of Small Cities and Towns Day on June 20, which would be sent to the National League of Cities to show the City recognized the day. (A COPY OF THE PROCLAMATION IS HERE IN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

The Mayor asked if Council members had any Consent Agenda items they wanted to be pulled for individual consideration? None were offered.

Councilman Turner then made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gentry and unanimously approved by Council in a 6-0 vote, to approve the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 1 - APPROVAL OF THE MAY 12, 2003 BUDGET WORK SESSION MINUTES AND THE MAY 13, 2002 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.

With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 6-0 vote, the Council approved the May 12, 2003 budget work session minutes and the May 13, 2003 regular meeting minutes.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 2 - APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 2003 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN.

With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 6-0 vote, the Council approved the Resolution to Approve the Rockingham County 2003 Solid Waste Management Plan.

The Resolution as approved follows:

Resolution to Approve the Rockingham County 2003 Solid Waste Management Plan

WHEREAS, good planning for solid waste management will help protect public health and the environment, provide for improved solid waste management systems, better utilize our natural resources, and control the cost of solid waste management; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.09A(b) requires each unit of local government, either individually or in cooperation with other units of local government, to develop a 10-year comprehensive solid waste management plan and to update the plan every three years; and

WHEREAS, the last plan update was approved in 2000 and an updated plan is required to be completed by June 30, 2003; and

WHEREAS, the City of Reidsville is represented on the Rockingham County Solid Waste Planning Committee and has been actively involved in the planning process;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Reidsville hereby approves the Rockingham County 2003 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.

Adopted and effective this 11th day of June, 2003.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 - APPROVAL OF BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 17, WHICH APPROPRIATES A CONTRIBUTION RECEIVED BY THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR FOOTBALL CAMP.

With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 6-0 vote, the Council approved Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 17, which follows:

BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 17

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville adopted a budget ordinance on June 12, 2002 which established revenues and authorized expenditures for fiscal year 2002-2003; and

WHEREAS, since the time of the adoption of said ordinance, it has become necessary to make certain changes in the City's budget to appropriate a contribution received by the Recreation Department:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville that the budget ordinance as adopted on June 12, 2002 is hereby amended as follows;

Section 1. That revenue account no. 11-3613-7800, Football Camp Contributions, be increased by $1,150;

Section 2. That expense account no. 11-6123-2609, Football Camp, be increased by $1,150:

This the 11th day of June, 2003.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 - APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO THE SPEED LIMIT ON MARK ROAD, FROM GIBBS DRIVE TO THE CITY LIMITS, A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET.

With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 6-0 vote, the Council approved the NC Department of Transportation's recommendations to change the speed limit on Mark Road from Gibbs Drive to the City Limits. (THE RESOLUTION AS APPROVED IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)

- End of Consent Agenda -

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

CONSIDERATION OF TEXT AMENDMENT T2003-4 TO PERMIT DWELLINGS AS AN ACCESSORY USE IN LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (I-1) AND HEAVY INDUSTRIAL (I-2) DISTRICTS BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT.

In making the staff report, Community Development Director Michael Pearce noted that Text Amendment T2003-4 would give staff more flexibility in the Zoning Ordinance. Currently the Zoning Ordinance does not allow residential uses in any industrial areas. He said he was thinking about a particular situation on Market Street, which is zoned industrial, where someone could put an apartment upstairs in this building to help defray some of the cost.

Currently the City allows dwellings as an accessory to a permitted use in Central Business and General Business zoning districts by Special Use Permit (SUP). Staff is recommending this be amended so that dwellings as accessory uses also be allowed in the City's two industrial districts (I-1 and I-2) by SUP. Pearce said the property owner would still have to come before the Board of Adjustment, which would need to find the four findings of fact and determine that it is a good use for that area.

Planning Board recommended this change unanimously, he added.

Mayor Donecker opened the public hearing at 3:10 p.m. and asked if there was anyone to speak in opposition to this text amendment? No one came forward. He asked if there was anyone to speak in favor of this text amendment?

Mr. William Williamson of 121 SE Market Street said he was in favor of the amendment. He said if this was approved, he could get the top of his building renovated for apartment use.

The public hearing was closed at 3:11 p.m.

Councilman Henderson made the motion, seconded by Councilman Rucker and unanimously approved by Council in a 6-0 vote, to accept the recommendation from Planning Board as written.

The Text Amendment as approved by Council follows:

Amendment T2003-4

AMENDING THE CITY OF REIDSVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V, DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, TABLE OF PERMITTED USES, AND SECTION 3, SPECIAL USES, SUBSECTION 3.8, REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL USE PERMITS OF THE CITY OF REIDSVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Reidsville; North Carolina, that the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Reidsville be amended as follows:

Part I. #9; That Article V, Section 2, Table of Permitted Uses, Dwellings Accessory to Non-Residential Permitted Use be amended to include the following:

That Dwellings Accessory to Non-Residential Permitted Use be permitted in I-2 and I-1 Districts with a Special Use Permit.

Part II. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption by the City Council of the City of Reidsville, North Carolina

ADOPTED this the _______ day of _________________, 2003 by the City Council of the City of Reidsville, North Carolina.

CONSIDERATION OF TEXT AMENDMENT T2003-5, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A QUORUM OF 70% OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE REIDSVILLE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT WITH A MINIMUM OF SIX MEMBERS NEEDED TO BE PRESENT TO HEAR AND DECIDE A CASE.

Community Development Director Michael Pearce made the staff report on proposed Text Amendment T2003-5. He noted the difficulty the City has had recently in getting a quorum of the Board of Adjustment. The BOA currently has eight "static" members, Pearce explained, noting that the State Statutes only say "at least 3." Membership on the BOA is 10, but currently there are only eight members serving on the board. That means to meet the eight-member quorum, the board must have perfect attendance, he said. That just hasn't happened recently, Pearce said, stating that at least one person hasn't been able to come to recent meetings. Some counties have alternates, he said, but he didn't think this was viable because of the trouble in getting regular members. He said staff also didn't want to set the figure for quorum too low.

Staff had recommended a special variance stating that at least six members needed to be there to hear and decide a case. The Planning Board had unanimously recommended the text amendment, which would reduce the quorum to 70% of appointed members, no less than six members.

Pearce noted that since he's been here, he's never had less than seven members to attend a meeting.

Mayor Donecker opened the public hearing at 3:13 p.m. by asking if there was anyone in opposition to the text amendment? No one came forward. He asked if there was anyone in favor of the text amendment? No one came forward, and the public hearing was closed at 3:13 p.m.

Councilman Turner made the motion that Text Amendment T2003-5 be approved, which would require a quorum of 70% of the members appointed to the Reidsville Board of Adjustment with a minimum of six members needed to be present to hear and decide a case. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Zdanski and unanimously approved by Council in a 6-0 vote.

The Text Amendment as approved follows:

Text Amendment T2003-5

AMENDING THE CITY OF REIDSVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE X, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, SECTION 6, VOTING OF THE CITY OF REIDSVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Reidsville; North Carolina, that the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Reidsville be amended as follows:

Part I. That Article X, Section, Voting be rewritten in its entirety as follows:

A quorum shall consist of 70% of the appointed members of the Board, but no less than 6 members. The concurring vote of four-fifths (4/5) of the total members of the Board shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any administrative official charged with enforcement of this ordinance, or to decide in favor of the applicant any matter upon which it is required to pass under this Ordinance, or to grant a variance from the provisions of the Ordinance.

Part II. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption by the City Council of the City of Reidsville, North Carolina

ADOPTED this the _______ day of _________________, 2003 by the City Council of the City of Reidsville, North Carolina.

#9;
APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS TO EXTEND THE CITY'S SEWER SYSTEM FOLLOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 8" SEWER LINE AND NECESSARY MANHOLES BEGINNING AT AN EXISTING MANHOLE APPROXIMATELY 155' NORTHWEST OF THE WEST END OF LINDSEY STREET, THENCE 155' SOUTHEAST TO THE WEST END OF LINDSEY STREET THEN 415' EAST ALONG LINDSEY STREET.

In making the staff report, City Manager Almond noted that this assessment roll involved a sewer line on Lindsey Street. He said this was the final step in the assessment process.

Mayor Donecker opened the public hearing at 3:15 p.m. by asking if there was anyone to speak in opposition to the resolution? No one spoke. He asked if there was anyone wishing to speak in favor of the resolution? No one came forward. The public hearing was closed at 3:15 p.m.

Mayor Pro Tem Gentry made the motion, seconded by Councilman Rucker, to approve the resolution as presented. The motion was unanimously approved by Council in a 6-0 vote.

The Resolution as approved follows:

RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENT ROLL
AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville has on this day held a public hearing, after due notice as required by law, on the Preliminary Assessment Roll for the sewer extension constructing an 8" sewer line and necessary manholes beginning at an existing manhole approximately 155' northwest of the west end of Lindsey Street, thence 155' southeast to the west end of Lindsey Street then 415' east along Lindsey Street; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council has heard all those present who requested to be heard, and has found the said Assessment Roll to be proper and correct;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville that:

(1) The Assessment Roll for the sewer extension constructing an 8" sewer line and necessary manholes beginning at an existing manhole approximately 155' northwest of the west end of Lindsey Street, thence 155' southeast to the west end of Lindsey Street then 415' east along Lindsey Street is hereby declared to be correct, and is hereby confirmed in accordance with G.S. 160A-228, and the assessments shown thereon are hereby levied pursuant to authority granted by G.S. 160A-216, as follows:

(2) The Reidsville City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver to the City of Reidsville Tax Collector the said Assessment Roll, and the Tax Collector is hereby charged with the collection of the said assessments in accordance with the procedure established by law.

OWNERS ASSESSED #9; PIN # FRONTAGE AMOUNT

City of Reidsville 7994-08-99-0797 #9; 462.00 $5.082.00

Lem M. Pickard 7994-08-99-3925 #9; 100.00 $1,100.00

City of Reidsville 7995-20-90-1107 #9; 295.00 $3,245.00

Patrick Curry 7995-20-90-3117 #9; 120.00 $1,320.00

(3) The City of Reidsville Tax Collector is hereby directed to publish on the 2nd day of July, 2003, a notice of confirmation of the Assessment Roll, which notice shall set forth the terms of payment of the assessments.

Adopted this 11th day of June, 2003.

CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004.

City Manager Almond described the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2003-04 as "bare bones" and "austere." He said in some respects it was an easy budget to put together because it's "easy to say no" to everything. He thanked the department heads because, knowing it was a tight budget year, they made very reasonable and realistic requests. They didn't ask for a lot of "nice to haves," he said.

The City Manager said he thought the proposed budget would be able to continue or maintain the current level of services. The only new position in the budget is for a School Resource Officer (SRO) at the SCORE Center, which is relocating from Wentworth to the old Reidsville Intermediate School. The SRO position at the SCORE Center will be an employee of the Police Department, he noting, stating that the School Board had made that decision.

The proposed budget includes one fee increase, City Manager Almond said. It is recommended that the monthly sanitation fee be raised from $2.50 to $2.58, mirroring the increase in the landfill fee. All other fees and charges will remain the same, including water and sewer rates.

City Manager Almond noted that he is also recommending a 67-cent tax rate. He said his calculations show a 67-cent tax rate to be a small decrease from the revenue-neutral tax rate of 67.5-cent per $100 valuation. He said if one figured it another way, a revenue-neutral tax might be considered something else. He stated that this was a "philosophical" decision of the Council. The City Manager noted his calculations were based on taking out the growth and development the City had experienced over the past year to arrive at the 67.5-cent neutral-revenue tax rate.

The City Manager said he was including in the budget all of the State revenues that it was felt would remain in the State budget. He referred to $237,000 in hold harmless monies, which are still included in the Senate and House versions of the State budget, which have yet to be finalized.

In terms of capital investment, he noted that this proposed budget included the lowest capital level the City has had in some time. City Manager Almond reiterated his belief that the City would be able to maintain its current level of services for its citizens, but he added that staff would have to "work a little bit smarter."

Noting that he had just gone over the highlights of the proposed budget, he asked Council of they had any questions?

Mayor Donecker asked if the City Manager wanted to mention merit raises? City Manager Almond said he had made the change in the Resolution of Understandings, which he would let speak for itself. He said he was recommending that the performance-based pay levels remain at 1 1/2%, 2 1/2% and 3 1/2%, the same as this current year. In the past, those levels have been 2 1/2%, 3 1/2% and 4 1/2%.

Mayor Donecker opened the public hearing at 3:19 p.m. by asking if there was anyone to speak in opposition to the proposed budget?

Ms. Brenda Durham, President of the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, came forward. She stated that she was not speaking in opposition to the budget but was there to offer alternatives.

She noted that Chamber had requested of the City sharing of promotional costs. That had not been included in the proposed budget, and she asked Council to reconsider that decision. She said she would be happy to get Council members a copy of the Chamber's proposal if they had not seen it.

Ms. Durham also noted that the proposed budget again included funding for the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development. She stated that the City of Eden had developed its own position, that of a director of business and development, who had been doing a fantastic job. She suggested the City promote the City itself with such a position as an alternative so that Reidsville would be able to compete on an even basis, especially in light of the changes that are coming about.

Mayor Donecker then asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak in opposition or in favor of the proposed budget? No one else came forward. The public hearing was closed at 3:20 p.m.

- End of Public Hearings -

CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF A BUDGET ORDINANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 AND THE RESOLUTION OF UNDERSTANDINGS ACCOMPANYING THE BUDGET ADOPTION.

Councilman Henderson made the motion to accept the budget as presented to Council, which was seconded by Councilwoman Zdanski.

City Manager Almond asked the Councilman if that motion included approval of the Budget Ordinance and Resolution of Understandings, to which Councilman Henderson replied in the affirmative.

Therefore, the motion, offered by Councilman Henderson and seconded by Councilwoman Zdanski, was to accept the budget as presented to Council, including approval of the Budget Ordinance and Resolution of Understandings.

During the discussion phase, Mayor Donecker stated that with a 67-cent tax rate, the Council is allowing a tax rate increase to occur. He said personally he would like to see the tax rate at 66 cents, which he felt was revenue neutral. He said he understood the feelings and reasoning behind the 67-cent tax rate, but in these tough economic times, he didn't feel the City should have a tax increase.

The motion was then approved in a 5-1 vote with Mayor Donecker voting in opposition.

(A COPY OF THE BUDGET ORDINANCE AS APPROVED IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)

The Resolution of Understandings as approved follows:

RESOLUTION OF UNDERSTANDINGS ACCOMPANYING THE BUDGET ADOPTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Reidsville has adopted an annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2003-2004, which raises revenues and authorizes expenditures for the operation of the City; and

WHEREAS, during deliberations on said budget, certain understandings were reached concerning the operation of the City and it is the intention of the Mayor and City Council to outline those understandings;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville that the following understandings are hereby defined:

1. Landfill Fee - The monthly landfill tipping fee shall increase from $2.50 per month to $2.58 per month effective July 1, 2003. This increase is necessary in order to recoup the City's costs of landfill fees which are expected to rise according to the increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2. City Employment - Full-time City employment is established at 175 positions. The budget includes one additional employee, a School Resource Officer for the Second Chance Opportunity Resource Education (SCORE) Center. Anticipated revenues to help fund this position include a contract with the Rockingham County Consolidated Schools System to reimburse the City for 83% of the salary of the position.
3. Performance-Based Pay Program - The current Performance-Based Pay Program is continued with levels of pay adjustment at 1 1/2%, 2 1/2% or 3 1/2% based on evaluations.
4. Sworn Officer Progression to Job Rate - Sworn officers in the Police Department will continue to be eligible for movement toward the job rate for their position. The length of time in grade to reach their job rate will be seven years based on a 3 1/2% top performance-based pay level.
5. Fees & Charges - All existing fees and charges will remain the same as they currently exist.
6. Greensboro Water Sales Revenue - This budget anticipates selling more water to Greensboro than the minimum required purchase of 2.5 million gallons per day. The budget includes a transfer from the Water Fund to the General Fund of $1,280,000, which is approximately 16% more than the minimum required purchase.
7. Pay and Classification Study - Funds are included in this budget to conduct a Pay and Classification Study for the sworn officer positions in the Reidsville Police Department. This study was deferred during Fiscal Year 2002-2003 because of the lack of availability of funds. Also included in this budget is approximately $69,300 to implement any recommendations that may be made by this study.
   Health Insurance Rates - Rates for group health and dental insurance were established by the City Council in May of 2003 to remain the same. The City Council recognizes that if a "worst-case scenario" takes place in health insurance claims, the City has a potential additional liability of $100,564. However, this is not likely, and the City Council considered this when setting the rates.
8. Lease-Purchasing of Capital Items - The City Manager has recommended, and the Council approves, lease-purchasing a new fire engine for the Fire Department. This is to replace one of the 1990 front-line vehicles. The City Manager and the Finance Director are authorized to execute the necessary paperwork to effectuate this lease-purchase agreement based on a seven-year payback period.
9. Sewer Fund - It is understood that the Sewer Fund has been very closely budgeted, particularly relating to estimates of user revenues. The Council recognizes the necessity of keeping a close eye on this item and possibly revisiting the issue of sewer rates during mid-year.
10. Powell Bill Receipts - One of the lesser-recognized aspects of the budget of the State of North Carolina was taking funds from the Highway Fund. The effect of this was to reduce the amount of money in the Powell Bill allocation, which is given to cities and towns each year to maintain streets based on receipts from the fuel tax. During Fiscal Year 2003-2004, it is anticipated that the City's receipts for Powell Bill funds will be $65,000 less than last year. As a result, the resurfacing budget in the Street Department has been reduced by that direct amount.
    Reidsville Downtown Corporation Contribution - For the first time in approximately 13 years, the City's contribution to the tax-supported Reidsville Downtown Corporation is increased from $5,000 to $8,000. This is a recognition of the increased "ad valorem value" of City-owned properties in the downtown area, which would be taxed if they were not government owned.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS:

City Manager Almond then distributed the ballots for board and commission appointments.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS.

AngelouEconomics meeting set.

Ms. Brenda Durham, President of the Reidsville Chamber of Commerce, returned to the podium to remind Council that the Comprehensive Economic Development Grant study group, AngelouEconomics, would be back in the County on June 23 at the Agricultural building in Wentworth. Hours will be from 2-4:30 p.m. Angelou will be bringing back its first recommendations on things to work on in the County. She stressed that the City of Reidsville needed to be well represented.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.

New Electoral Districts.

Referring to his printed report, City Manager Almond stated that the Justice Department has approved the City's new electoral districts, and the new districts are in the hands of the Elections Board to make those changes before the October elections.

Penn House.

Again, referring to his printed report, the City Manager said the Penn House has "never looked better" and is working well. He said he attributed that to Judy Yarbrough, noting he has heard very, very few complaints about the facility since she has been running it for the City.

Boards/Commission Advertisement Policy.

City Manager Almond noted that some questions have been raised about the way board and commission members are appointed. Currently, the positions are not advertised as vacancies until they become vacant. However, due to the timing of the process and Council meetings, that means that sometimes board members have to go off the board for a month before they can be re-appointed. To alleviate this, it was suggested that positions be advertised a month before they become vacant.

Councilwoman Zdanski, citing as an example the Historic Preservation Commission, asked what would happen to those members who have served two terms and an additional month of advertisement is needed? City Clerk Stadler said the process would remain the same, but the advertisement would just start a month earlier.

It was asked whether Council needed to offer a motion on this? City Manager Almond said that wouldn't be needed, staff only needed direction on this issue.

News & Record Reporter Introduced.

The City Manager then introduced Ms. Lanita Withers, a new reporter with the Greensboro News & Record who will be covering the City of Reidsville. She noted that she had only been on the job for eight days. Ms. Withers was born and raised in Reidsville and was the recipient of the Reidsville Rotary Scholarship, it was noted.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS.

City Clerk Angela G. Stadler announced the following board and commission appointees. Ms. Nancy Horton of 2207 Doe Run, Reidsville was appointed unanimously 6-0 to the Human Relations Commission.

Councilman James Festerman was appointed to serve as the City's representative on the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development with three votes. Mayor Pro Tem Gentry received two votes and Councilman Henderson received one vote. (A COPY OF THE BALLOTS ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)

COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS.

Mayor Pro Tem Gentry - The Mayor Pro Tem noted that on June 19th from 4-6 p.m. at Caterfest, Bob Murphy from the State Office of Urban Development will be discussing the Main Street program and how to improve downtown businesses, etc.

Councilman George Rucker - The Councilman noted that on June 14th, there would be Kid's Day out at Lake Reidsville. The July 4th celebration will be a one-day event on the 4th, but July 5th is the rain date, he noted. Baseball teams are running behind some 30 games due to the weather. Some games are being made up on Sundays so he encouraged Council members to come out to some of the games. He concluded by thanking the City Manager and department heads for their efforts on such a tough budget.

Councilwoman Zdanski - The Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held last night, and the Councilwoman extended an invitation to the realtor roundtable discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the Penn House. The topic will be the value of the historic district and the "necessary evils" one has to go through. At the Commission's meeting, a Certificate of Appropriateness was awarded to 605 Montgomery Street for a multi-purpose building at the church there. She said Council may have been aware of the bronze plaques going up for the historic districts. She again encouraged them to attend the realtor roundtable discussion. The Chamber had a meeting on Wednesday, but she had been unaware of it, Councilwoman Zdanski said.

Councilman Turner - No report.

Councilman Henderson - The Councilman noted that Chairman Frohock and Harry Brown had given the information about the "Day of Unity" at the Penn House. He noted that he was unable to attend the Appearance Commission meeting on May 22 due to another commitment.

Mayor Donecker - The Mayor noted that there would be a public hearing today involving Clean Harbor's Class 2 Permit modification with NCDENR at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express.

It was noted that Project Homestead had named its Duke Street apartment complex as "Marcellus Place" and the community center had been named after the Council's John Henderson. Councilman Henderson noted it had been a surprise.

Councilman Turner made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gentry and unanimously approved by Council in a 6-0 vote, to adjourn at 3:35 p.m.

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