Board of Commissioners Tuesday, February 27, 2024 05:00 PM

Board Members

John Davis, Mayor | William Justice, Mayor Pro Tem | Larry Philpott, Commissioner
Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner | Douglas Eckendorf, Commissioner | Joseph Brown, Commissioner
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I.Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge

II.Public Comment

Citizens have an opportunity to address the Board for no more than three minutes per speaker regarding items listed on the agenda.  There is a second opportunity at the end of the agenda for the public to address the Board on items not listed on the agenda.

III.Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items

The Town Clerk respectfully submits to the Board, the Regular Agenda and the below consent items, which are considered to be of general agreement and little or no controversy. These items may be voted on as a single group without Board discussion “or” if so desired, the Board may request to remove any item(s) from the consent agenda and placed for consideration separately.

III.Consent Items:

  1. a.Tax Refund Requests
    The Onslow County Tax Collector recommends refunds of the below listed taxes totaling 
    $1,059.45.


    Vehicle Tax

    Johns, Wendell Bonner                $46.08                Tag Surrender
    Puca, Michael Robert Jr.                $209.04                Tag Surrender
    Hawkins, John Simmons Jr. & Bohon, Lora Shehan                $43.34                Tag Surrender
    Kolb, Melissa Kathryn & Patrick Lawrence                $527.36                Military
    Oconnor, Melody Ann                 $108.78                Military
    Oconnor, Melody Ann & Oconnor Frank Paul                12.39                Military
    Hulsey, Kevin Randall                $112.46                Military

  2. b.Budget Ordinance Amendment #2024-6

IV.Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations

  1. a.Eastern Carolina Council Introduction & Update
    Presenter: David Bone – Executive Director, Eastern Carolina Council

  2. b.FY 22-23 Audit Report
    Presenter: Gregory T. Redman, CPA

  3. c.Recognition of Town Clerk, Alissa Fender
    Presenter: Mayor John Davis

V.Public Hearing

VI.Business Non-Consent

  1. a.Application for COPS Hiring Program Grant
    Presenter: Dwayne Taylor – Police Chief

    The US Department of Justice provides grant opportunities through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to hire officers and enhance the level of Police Services provided by the Town of Swansboro.

    Recommended Action: Approve the Police Department to seek federal grant funding to fund one police officer position, with 25 percent responsibility on the town for salary.

  2. b.Splashpad Enhancement-Project Update
    Presenter: Anna Stanley – Parks & Rec Director

    The Splashpad Enhancement Project will be to add five feet of concrete around the splashpad area, include a seating wall around half of the splashpad, and add a patio area with large shade structures and seating options (benches, picnic tables). The concrete patio area will connect to the playground area. The concept is to provide a cohesive area while still having splashpad separate from the playground.

    Recommended Action: Provide guidance whether to continue with original design of a large shade structure or pursue costs of permanent shelters and come back to the board with options of each type of shading.

  3. c.Request to Proceed with Cost-Recovery Program
    Presenter: Jacob Randall – Fire Chief

    The cost of emergency services is continuously increasing. After evaluating the service users, not residents of Swansboro or Onslow County, further exploration of cost-recovery revenue programs was initiated. Further administrative support and changes are required before officially starting the cost-recovery process. 

    Recommended Action: Guide staff on pursuing the recommended cost-recovery program through Fire Recovery USA with billing methods 1, 2, or 3 to allow for drafting the proposed UDO, Fee Schedule, and Service Agreements for future approval.

  4. d.Acquisition of Replacement Fire Apparatus
    Presenter: Jacob Randall – Fire Chief

    On February 13, 2024, a request to acquire two replacement fire apparatus was presented and tabled for further information gathering. A more in-depth presentation of the apparatus needs request was presented at a special meeting on February 19, 2024. The apparatus acquisition would replace the 2001 E-One International Engine and the 2003 E-One Typhoon Aerial.

    Recommended Action: Motion to approve Resolution 2024-R3 (Engine & Tractor Drawn Aerial – Tiller) OR Resolution 2024-R4 (Engine & Mid-Mount Aerial), outlining the commitment and intent of the Town of Swansboro and the Town of Swansboro Fire Department purchasing apparatus, a KME – Engine and Aerial, through Safe Industries with an overall project budget for acquiring the apparatus and all associated equipment of $3,400,600, not to exceed $3,500,000.

  5. e.EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee Update
    Presenter: Keith Walsh, Chair

  6. f.Monthly Financial Report as of January 31, 2024
    Presenter: Sonia Johnson – Finance Director

  7. g.Future Agenda Topics
    Presenter: Alissa Fender – Town Clerk

    Future agenda items are shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity is provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas.

    Recommended Action: Discuss and provide any guidance

VII.Items Moved from Consent

VIII.Public Comment

Citizens have an opportunity to address the Board for no more than five minutes regarding items not listed on the Agenda.

IX.Manager's Comments

  1. a.Projects Brief

  2. b.Department Reports

X.Board Comments

XI.Closed Session

  1. a.Recommended Action:  Motion to enter closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege.

XII.Adjournment