Date post: | 09-Apr-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | the-garner-citizen |
View: | 218 times |
Download: | 0 times |
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 1/29
Town of Garner
Town Council
Work Session Agenda
November 30, 2010 - 6:00 P.M.
The Garner Town Council will meet in a Work Session at 6:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in the Town Hall Council Meeting Room to
discuss the following:
Dinner will be provided at 5:15 p.m. for Council Members and Staff inthe adjacent conference room.
A CALL MEETING TO ORDER
B DISCUSSION
1. Peacock Pond BMP, Feasibility ReportPresenter: Frank Powell, Town Engineer
Doug Jewell, Jewell Engineering
2. Fire Department Bi-Monthly UpdatePresenter: Matthew Poole, Fire Chief
3. Proposed Sign Ordinance ChangePresenter: Brad Bass, Planning Director
4. Review Statement of Expenditures for First QuarterPresenter: Lin Jones, Finance Director
5. Fiscal Policy GuidelinesPresenter: Lin Jones, Finance Director
6. Proposed Changes to Town Charter Giving Mayor the Right to VotePresenter: Ronnie S. Williams, Mayor
7. Proposed Changes for Street Lights to LED LightingPresenter: Ronnie S. Williams, Mayor
C REPORTS
1. Garner Historic Auditorium Focus Group UpdatePresenter: Sonya Shaw, Parks & Recreation Director
2. ConAgra Redevelopment Initiative UpdatePresenter: Tony Beasley, Economic Development Director
3. Economic Downturn UpdatePresenter: Lin Jones, Finance Director
D ADJOURNMENT
Note: The Work Session does not include any Public Hearings or Public Comments during
said meeting. Usually no actions are taken; this is only a discussion session.
Page 1
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 2/29
TOWN OF GARNER
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Hardin Watkins
Town Manager
FROM: Frank H. Powell, Jr., PETown Engineer
DATE: November 23, 2010
SUBJECT: Peacock Pond BMP
Feasibility Report
The Engineering Department has been investigating the possibility of using the Peacock Pond
located between NC 50 and Rand Mill Road, as a water quality treatment best management
practice (BMP). Initially the intent was to potentially use this pond as a BMP for the regionalStormwater Retrofit Program. Later there was interest in using this pond as a stormwater BMP
for the proposed downtown redevelopment. It was determined early on that there might be somestate and federal regulatory issues that could affect the conversion of the pond into a water
quality BMP. As such Jewell Engineering was engaged to assist the Town with this effort. This
effort has been going on for several years and has involved numerous meetings and
conversations with DWQ and Army Corp of Engineers representatives. After much investigationand discussion with the regulatory agencies it appears that it will not be feasible to convert the
Peacock Pond into a water quality BMP. Mr. Doug Jewell with Jewell Engineering will be at the
work session to make a short presentation and answer any questions.
Item B-1
1 of 1
Page 2
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 3/29
MEMORANDUM
TO: Hardin WatkinsTown Manager
FROM: Brad Bass, AICPDirector of Planning
DATE: November 23, 2010
SUBJECT: UDO Amendment Regarding Sign Regulations
Background
The Planning Staff briefed the Town Council at their October work session regardingcomplaints we had received regarding signs. The majority of the concerns involved off-
premise signs advising residential subdivisions and on-site signs advertising large constructionprojects. Council directed staff to develop possible amendments to the UDO sign regulationsfor further review and discussion.
Findings
The types of signs that are being reviewed for possible changes in the UDO sign regulationsare listed below.
- Construction Identification Sign
that names the project, developers,contractors, and others associated with the construction, sale, or lease of theproperty is allowed (temporary sign permit, limited to one-year, with a
renewable option). Signs must be removed within ten days after the finalcertificate of occupancy has been issued. They are required to be on-premiseswith no more than one such sign per site, and it may not exceed 32 square feetin area or six feet in height. Such signs cannot be erected prior to Town planapproval of the project identified.
Item B-3
1 of 5
Page 3
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 4/29
- Off-Site Subdivision Signs
temporary sign permit. They cannot exceed 32 square feet in surface area, andcan only display the name of and direction to the development.
allowed on private property directing the publicto a subdivision or multifamily development with the property owner’spermission. These signs are limited to one year through the issuance of a
Suggested Amendments
Attachment One highlights suggested changes to the UDO temporary sign regulationsregarding construction identification signs and off-premise subdivision signs. Theamendment clarifies renewal options available for each type of sign and set limits onthe amount of time they may be posted. Attachment Two
is a table summarizing how
other municipalities in Wake County regulate these signs. If Council wishes to move forwardwith a formal text amendment to the UDO regarding temporary signs as discussed herein,then a request to set a public hearing for January 3, 2011 should be placed on December 6,2010 Town Council agenda.
Should you have questions, please advise.
Item B-3
2 of 5
Page 4
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 5/29
ATTACHMENT ONE
UDO Text Amendment Regarding Temporary Signs
I. Miscellaneous temporary and permanent signs. The following temporary andpermanent signs are permitted in addition to any allowed in above, and allrequire a sign permit.
1. Temporary signs.
a. Construction site identification signs, naming the project,developer, contractors and others connected with theconstruction, sale or lease of structures, and related information,are permitted. Not more than one such sign may be erected per site, and it may not exceed 32 square feet in area or six feet inheight. Permits for such signs shall be limited to one-year, with an
annual renewable option, provided such signs are not erectedprior to site, Special Use or Conditional Use approval of theproject identified and are maintained in good condition andappearance as determined by the Planning Director . Any suchsign shall be removed within ten days after the issuance of thefinal occupancy permit or after ten (10) years has passedwhichever occurs first. Renewals beyond the ten (10) yearmaximum time period may be granted only in limitedinstances at the discretion of the Planning Director if he orshe finds conditions such as extreme financial hardships,changes in project ownership status or similar issues arepreventing the sale or completion of the project. Such signs
shall be removed from property within ten (10) where a site,Special Use or Conditional Use permit approval has expired.
b. Signs or banners advertising special events must be on privateproperty and shall not be permitted within public rights-of-way.Permits for such banners or signs shall be limited to 30 days andno more than three times each year. Any such banner or signshall be removed within ten days after the event was advertised.
c. Signs or banners advertising the initial opening of a businessestablishment may be permitted on private property. Not morethan one such sign or banner per site is permitted at any one time;
such sign or banner shall not exceed 32 square feet in area andshall meet all other requirements. Permits shall be limited to 30days from the date of issue.
d. Signs on private property directing the public to a subdivision or multifamily development are permitted, provided that the propertyowner's written permission for such use of his land accompaniesthe permit request, that the sign does not exceed 32 square feet insurface area, and that the sign bears only the name of and
Item B-3
3 of 5
Page 5
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 6/29
direction to the development. Permits for such signs are limited toone year with an annual renewal option provided such signsare maintained in good condition and appearance asdetermined by the Planning Director. Any such sign shall beremoved within ten days after the issuance of the finaloccupancy permit or after ten (10) years has passed
whichever occurs first. Renewals beyond the ten (10) yearmaximum time period may be granted only in limitedinstances at the discretion of the Planning Director if he orshe finds conditions such as extreme financial hardships,changes in project ownership status or similar issues arepreventing the sale or completion of the project.
e. Signs providing direction to a U-pick farm operation or agriculturalmarket are permitted. Any such sign shall not exceed 32 squarefeet in area. Permits shall be limited to a maximum of 60 daysfrom the date of issue and require the written permission of theproperty owner or his agent for such use of his land.
Item B-3
4 of 5
Page 6
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 7/29
ATTACHMENT TWO
Construction Site Identification Signs
Municipality Size Permit
Required
Duration Removal
Holly Springs 6 sq ft Yes Construction 15 days end of construction ordevelopment.
Fuquay-Varina
64 (all signs)32 (one sign)
Yes Based upon number of lots18 months first 506 months/addl. 50
Expiration of Permit
Morrisville 32 (residential)64 (all others)
Yes Construction Permit to Occupy
Apex 64 sq ft (non-residential)32 square feet
(residential)
Yes 6 months may berenewed additional 6months
Issuance of C.O.(Commercial)100% Sold to builders or
private owner (residential)Raleigh 32 (non-
residential)15 (residential)
Yes Construction 15 days after a certificateof compliance is issued.
Cary Same as groundsign
Yes Construction C.O. Issue Date or FirstC.O. for Subdivisions
Wake Forest 32 square feet Yes Undefined Undefined
Knightdale 4 (Residential)32 (Others)
No Construction 30 days after a C.O.
Garner 32 sq ft Yes 1 year with a renewableoption
10 days after the issuanceof final occupancy permit
Off-Premise Directional Subdivision Signs
Municipality Number Size Duration Notes
Holly Springs n/a n/a n/a Not Permitted
Fuquay Varina 5 6 square feet Weekends Only
Morrisville Based on Lots 6 square feet Weekends Only Permits Required
Apex 1 4 square feet Until Lots Sold
Raleigh n/a n/a n/a Not Permitted
Cary undefined undefined Weekends Only Open House Signs
Wake Forest undefined 2 square feet Allowed Property Owner'sPermission req'd
Knightdale 3 4 square feet Removed 7 days
after Sale, Lease,or Rental
Garner 1 32 square feet One Year *
* Garner also allows small directional real estate signs on the weekend, but is the only municipality
surveyed that allows for larger off-premise signs. The only thing permitted on the sign is the nameand direction of the development.
h:\pla-02\sign_memo_11-23-2010.doc
Item B-3
5 of 5
Page 7
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 8/29
TOWN OF GARNER
MEMORANDUM
To: Hardin Watkins
Town Manager
From: Lin Jones
Finance Director
Date: November 23, 2010
Subject: Analysis of Departmental Expenditures through October 31, 2010
The financial report for October 31, 2010 indicated that several departments have expended
more than 33% of their total budget. I have analyzed each department’s expenditures and
identified reasons for these variances.
My analysis revealed several reasons for the expenditures exceeding 33% of the budget.
Items identified were:
1. Major one time expenditures including capital outlay, insurance premiums and
other contracts that were paid prior to October 31
2. Expenditures included 34.6% of expected payroll. We have processed nine of
twenty-six payrolls through October 31. (This adjustment is identified as“Salaries over 33% expected amount” on the attached analysis)
3. In the Inspections Department, salaries include payroll for two months, accrued
vacation and early termination benefits for employees included in the reduction
in force policy
4. Payments for contracts that were entered into but not completed during the year
ending June 30, 2010. Additional funds will be budgeted for the carryover
purchase orders.
I have attached an Analysis of Budget to Actual Expenditures for each department that
reflects these items. In this analysis I have reduced the budgeted and actual amounts for each of
item that was identified. I have also adjusted the budgeted amounts for large items that have not
been purchased. After adjustment for these items the total departmental expenditures throughOctober 31 were 31.13% of the adjusted budget.
This analysis does not include amounts for economic incentives, payments to the fire and
rescue departments, transfers to other funds and debt service.
I will continue to monitor departmental expenditures.
If further explanations are needed please let me know.
Item B-4
1 of 6
Page 8
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 9/29
Carry Over Adjusted Percentage
Budget Purchase Orders Budget Expended to Date Expended
Town of Garner
Analysis of Budget to Actual Expenditures
July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
Town Council 917,489.00 5,750.00 923,239.00 445,147.52
Purchase of Rescue Truck (324,891.00) (324,891.00)
Subsidized Programs (59,525.00) (59,525.00) NC League Dues (15,914.00) (15,914.00)
Triangle J Dues (9,673.00) (9,673.00)
Contingency (336,502.00) (336,502.00)
580,987.00 5,750.00 176,734.00 35,144.52 19.89%
Attorney 89,945.00 89,945.00 14,427.00 16.04%
Total Town Council 670,932.00 5,750.00 266,679.00 49,571.52 18.59%
Town Manager 557,364.00 557,364.00 136,743.90
Insurance & Bonds (not paid) (181,750.00) (1,430.00)
Reallocate Temporary Salary 6,620.00
557,364.00 - 382,234.00 135,313.90 35.40%
Town Clerk 173,000.00 173,000.00 52,257.44
Reallocate Temporary Salary (6,620.00)
173,000.00 - 166,380.00 52,257.44 31.41%
Personnel 694,631.00 6,700.00 701,331.00 334,647.87
Workers Compensation Insurance (251,000.00) (236,947.04)
694,631.00 6,700.00 450,331.00 97,700.83 21.70%
Safety 8,475.00 8,475.00 1,987.00 23.45%
Total Town Manager 1,433,470.00 6,700.00 1,014,040.00 287,259.17 28.33%
Finance Administration 561,204.00 2,520.00 563,724.00 197,809.17
Equipment (2,520.00) (2,520.00)
Professional Services
Software Maintenance Agreement (36,958.00) (36,958.00)
Debt Capacity Study (25,000.00) (25,000.00)
561,204.00 2,520.00 499,246.00 133,331.17 26.71%
Item B-4
2 of 6
Page 9
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 10/29
Carry Over Adjusted Percentage
Budget Purchase Orders Budget Expended to Date Expended
Town of Garner
Analysis of Budget to Actual Expenditures
July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
Purchasing 250,866.00 250,866.00 85,702.51 34.16%
Total Finance 812,070.00 2,520.00 750,112.00 219,033.68 29.20%
Total Economic Development 370,296.00 15,002.00 385,298.00 126,537.00 32.84%
Planning Administration 274,233.00 88,594.00 362,827.00 71,879.95 19.81%
Land Use Permits 175,462.00 4,200.00 179,662.00 61,289.72 34.11%
Community Planning 182,649.00 182,649.00 100,241.54
Garner Road Overlay (70,907.00) (70,907.00)
182,649.00 - 111,742.00 29,334.54 26.25%
Total Planning 632,344.00 92,794.00 654,231.00 162,504.21 24.84%
Inspections 744,734.00 744,734.00 290,671.00
Salary - Employee #1 (24,482.00) (24,482.00)
Salary - Employee #2 (27,440.00) (27,440.00)
Benefits - Employee #1 (3,447.00) (3,447.00)
Benefits - Employee #2 (3,864.00) (3,864.00)
Salaries over 33% expected amount (10,098.00)
Total Inspections 744,734.00 - 685,501.00 221,340.00 32.29%
Engineering 504,188.00 123,862.00 628,050.00 242,345.81
Hwy 50 Sewer Line (79,083.00) (79,083.00)
Total Engineering 504,188.00 123,862.00 548,967.00 163,262.81 29.74%
Information Technology 966,031.00 45,922.00 1,011,953.00 295,691.00
Equipment (153,500.00) (55,146.00)
Total Information Technology 966,031.00 45,922.00 858,453.00 240,545.00 28.02%
Item B-4
3 of 6
Page 10
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 11/29
Carry Over Adjusted Percentage
Budget Purchase Orders Budget Expended to Date Expended
Town of Garner
Analysis of Budget to Actual Expenditures
July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
Police Administration 1,623,396.00 6,154.00 1,629,550.00 567,147.00
Outside Employment Self supporting (148,000.00) (52,986.00)
Police Attorney - Reflect 4 months payment (8,000.00) Salaries over 33% expected amount (19,641.00)
1,623,396.00 6,154.00 1,481,550.00 486,520.00 32.84%
School Crossing Guards 38,426.00 38,426.00 8,070.40 21.00%
Investigations 861,646.00 861,646.00 318,732.00
Salaries over 33% expected amount (13,084.00)
861,646.00 - 861,646.00 305,648.00 35.47%
Operations 4,151,959.00 4,653.00 4,156,612.00 1,474,176.73
Raleigh Dispatch fees paid 6 months (31,874.00) Wake 800 mhz fees paid 6 months (7,102.00)
Software Maintenance Fee (13,475.00) (13,475.00)
Salaries over 33% expected amount (45,987.00)
4,151,959.00 4,653.00 4,143,137.00 1,375,738.73 33.21%
Total Police 6,675,427.00 10,807.00 6,524,759.00 2,189,061.13 33.55%
Public Works Admin 392,111.00 392,111.00 137,614.00
Travel - all conferences attended (2,355.00) (2,359.70)
Salaries over 33% expected amount (5,493.00)
392,111.00 - 389,756.00 129,761.30 33.29%
Street Maintenance 943,994.00 54,846.00 998,840.00 313,780.00
Salaries over 33% expected amount (3,056.00)
943,994.00 54,846.00 998,840.00 310,724.00 31.11%
Powell Bill 530,784.00 6,895.00 537,679.00 182,619.00
Salaries over 33% expected amount (5,472.00)
Equipment not purchased (5,400.00)
530,784.00 6,895.00 532,279.00 177,147.00 33.28%
Snow Removal 3,925.00 3,925.00 558.08 14.22%
Item B-4
4 of 6
Page 11
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 12/29
Carry Over Adjusted Percentage
Budget Purchase Orders Budget Expended to Date Expended
Town of Garner
Analysis of Budget to Actual Expenditures
July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
Public Grounds 954,557.00 5,000.00 959,557.00 322,843.56
Salaries over 33% expected amount (8,272.00)
Equipment (26,000.00) (19,553.00)
954,557.00 5,000.00 933,557.00 295,018.56 31.60%
Solid Waste 1,651,065.00 1,651,065.00 417,122.89 25.26%
Public Facility 579,514.00 70,386.00 649,900.00 217,377.42
HVAC Renovation (40,000.00)
Salaries over 33% expected amount (3,009.00)
Roof Repairs (20,085.00) (20,085.00)
579,514.00 70,386.00 589,815.00 194,283.42 32.94%
Fleet Maintenance 321,548.00 321,548.00 116,150.98 Salaries over 33% expected amount (4,770.00)
321,548.00 - 321,548.00 111,380.98 34.64%
Total Public Works 5,377,498.00 137,127.00 5,420,785.00 1,635,996.23 30.18%
Parks & Recreation Administration 192,569.00 15,603.00 208,172.00 64,457.77
NGMS Landscaping (10,628.00)
Salaries over 33% expected amount (2,621.00)
192,569.00 15,603.00 197,544.00 61,836.77 31.30%
Celebration & Events 409,877.00 1,300.00 411,177.00 123,437.00
Salaries over 33% expected amount (1,372.00)
Equipment not purchased (10,800.00)
409,877.00 1,300.00 400,377.00 122,065.00 30.49%
Marketing 80,238.00 1,435.00 81,673.00 18,594.65 22.77%
Sports and Fitness 665,881.00 2,265.00 668,146.00 250,991.32
Salaries over 33% expected amount (5,115.00)
665,881.00 2,265.00 668,146.00 245,876.32 36.80%
Item B-4
5 of 6
Page 12
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 13/29
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 14/29
TOWN OF GARNER
MEMORANDUM
To: Hardin Watkins
Town Manager
From: Lin Jones
Finance Director
Date: November 18, 2010
Subject: Adoption of Fiscal Policy Guidelines
During their preparation of the Town’s debt capacity study, Davenport & Company
stressed the importance of adopting fiscal policy guidelines. These guidelines will influence and
guide the financial management practice of the Town. Adhering to these policies is recognized as
the cornerstone of sound financial management. During our conversations with the bond rating
agencies they also stressed the need for adopting fiscal guidelines. They also inquired about the
Town’s policy and if it had been adopted by the governing body.
The adoption of these policies will:
1. Contribute significantly to the Town's ability to insulate itself from fiscal crisis,
2. Enhance short term and long term financial credit ability by helping to achieve
the highest credit and bond ratings possible,
3. Promote long-term financial stability by establishing clear and consistent
guidelines
4. Direct attention to the total financial picture of the Town rather than single issue
areas,
5. Promote the view of linking long-run financial planning with day to day
operations, and
6. Provide the Town Council, citizens and the Town’s professional management a
framework for measuring the fiscal impact of government services againstestablished fiscal parameters and guidelines.
The Town is currently in compliance with the recommended guidelines. While we
have followed these guidelines in the past, I recommend formal adoption of the attachedguidelines
Please let me know if you have questions.
Item B-5
1 of 10
Page 14
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 15/29
Fiscal Policy Guidelines
Town of Garner,
North Carolina
Item B-5
2 of 10
Page 15
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 16/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
Adopted: __________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Objectives 3
Capital Improvement Budget Policies 4
Debt Policies 5
Reserve Policies 6
Budget Development Policies 7
Cash Management and Investment Policies 8
Item B-5
3 of 10
Page 16
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 17/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINES - OBJECTIVES
This fiscal policy is a statement of the guidelines and goals that will influence and guide the
financial management practice of the Town of Garner, North Carolina. A fiscal policy that is
adopted, adhered to, and regularly reviewed is recognized as the cornerstone of sound financial
management. Effective fiscal policy:
• Contributes significantly to the Town's ability to insulate itself from
fiscal crisis,
• Enhances short term and long term financial credit ability by helping toachieve the highest credit and bond ratings possible,
• Promotes long-term financial stability by establishing clear andconsistent guidelines,
• Directs attention to the total financial picture of the Town rather thansingle issue areas,
• Promotes the view of linking long-run financial planning with day to
day operations, and
• Provides the Town Council, citizens and the Town’s professional
management a framework for measuring the fiscal impact of government services against established fiscal parameters and
guidelines.
To these ends, the following fiscal policy statements are presented.
Item B-5
4 of 10
Page 17
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 18/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET POLICIES
1. The Town will prioritize all capital improvements in accordance with an adopted capital
improvement program.
2. The Town will develop a 5-year plan for capital improvements and review and update the
plan annually. Additional projects can be added to the CIP at any time, but funding forprojects added in this manner are subject to normal operating budget constraints.
3. The Town will coordinate development of the capital improvement program withdevelopment of the operating budget.
4. The Town will maintain all its assets at a level adequate to protect the Town's capitalinvestment and to minimize future maintenance and replacement costs.
5. The Town will identify the estimated costs and potential funding sources for each capital
project proposal before it is submitted for approval.
6. The Town will attempt to determine the least costly and most flexible financing methodfor all new projects.
Item B-5
5 of 10
Page 18
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 19/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
DEBT POLICIES
General
1. The Town will confine long-term borrowing to capital improvements or projects thatcannot be financed from current revenues except where approved justification is
provided.
2. The Town will utilize a balanced approach to capital funding utilizing debt financing,
draws on capital reserves and/or fund balances in excess of policy targets, and current-
year (pay-as-you-go) appropriations.
3. When the Town finances capital improvements or other projects by issuing bonds or
entering into capital leases, it will repay the debt within a period not to exceed the
expected useful life of the project. Target debt ratios will be calculated annually andincluded in the review of financial trends.
4. Where feasible, the Town will explore the usage of special assessment, revenue, or otherself-supporting bonds instead of general obligation bonds.
5. The Town will retire tax anticipation debt, if any, annually and will retire bondanticipation debt within six months after completion of the project.
Tax Supported Debt
6. Direct net debt as a percentage of total assessed value of taxable property should notexceed 2.0%. Direct net debt is defined as Town-issued debt that is tax-supported.
7. The ratio of direct net debt service expenditures as a percent of total governmental fundexpenditures should not exceed 15% with an aggregate ten-year principal payout ratio
target of 50% or better.
8. The Town recognizes the importance of underlying and overlapping debt in analyzing
financial condition. The Town will regularly analyze total indebtedness including
underlying and overlapping debt.
Item B-5
6 of 10
Page 19
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 20/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
RESERVE POLICIES
1. Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balances will mean funds that remain available for
appropriation by the Town Council after all commitments for future expenditures,
required reserves defined by State statutes, and previous Council designations have been
calculated. The Town will define these remaining amounts as “available fund balances.”
2. The Town of Garner will strive to maintain available fund balance in the General Fund at
a level sufficient to meet its objectives. The Town will target an available fund balanceat the close of each fiscal year equal to at least 30% of the General Fund Operating
Budget; at no time shall the available Fund Balance fall below 25% of the General Fund
Operating Budget. Available fund balances in excess of the target 30% of General FundOperating Budget may be appropriated from time to time for pay-as-you-go capital and
other one-time uses.
3. The Town Council may, from time-to-time, appropriate fund balances that will reduceavailable fund balances below the 25% policy for the purposes of a declared fiscal
emergency or other such global purpose as to protect the long-term fiscal security of theTown of Garner. In such circumstances, the Council will adopt a plan to restore theavailable fund balances to the policy level within 36 months from the date of the
appropriation. If restoration cannot be accomplished within such time period without
severe hardship to the Town, then the Council will establish a different but appropriatetime period.
Item B-5
7 of 10
Page 20
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 21/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
1. The Town will develop its annual budgets in such a manner so as to incorporate historic
trend analysis for revenues and expenditures with an adjustment for current financialtrends and developments as appropriate.
2. One-time or other special revenues will not be used to finance continuing Townoperations but instead will be used for funding special projects.
3. The Town will pursue an aggressive policy seeking the collection of delinquent utility,
license, permit and other fees due to the Town.
4. The Town Council will receive a financial report no less than quarterly showing year-to-
date revenues and expenditures.
5. Budget amendments will be brought to Town Council for consideration as needed.
Item B-5
8 of 10
Page 21
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 22/29
FISCAL POLICY GUIDELINESTown of Garner, North Carolina
CASH MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT POLICIES
1. It is the intent of the Town that public funds will be invested to the extent possible to
reduce the need for property tax revenues. Funds will be invested with the chief
objectives of safety of principal, liquidity, and yield, in that order. All deposits and
investments of Town funds will be in accordance with N.C.G.S. 159.
2. The Town will use a Central Depository to maximize the availability and mobility of cash
for all funds that can be legally and practically combined.
3. Liquidity: No less than 20% of funds available for investment will be maintained in
liquid investments at any point in time.
4. Maturity: All investments will mature in no more than thirty-six (36) months from their
purchase date.
5.
Custody: All investments will be purchased “payment-versus-delivery” and if certificatedwill be held by the Finance Officer in the name of the Town. All non-certificated
investment will be held in book-entry form in the name of the Town with the Town’sthird party Custodian (Safekeeping Agent).
6. Authorized Investments: The Town may deposit Town Funds into: Any Board approvedOfficial Depository, if such funds are secured in accordance with NCGS159 (31). The
Town may invest Town Funds in: the North Carolina Capital Management Trust, US
Treasury Securities, US Agency Securities specifically authorized in GS-159 and rated nolower than “AAA”, and Commercial Paper meeting the requirements of NCGS-159 plus
having a national bond rating.
7. Diversification: No more than 5% of the Town’s investment funds may be invested in a
specific company’s commercial paper and no more than 20% of the Town’s investment
funds may be invested in commercial paper. No more than 25% of the Town’s
investments may be invested in any one US Agency’s Securities.
8. Allocation: Investment income will be allocated to each participating fund or account
based on a fair and equitable formula determined by the Finance Director.
Item B-5
9 of 10
Page 22
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 23/29
9. Reporting: The Town Council will receive an investment report at the end of each monthshowing current investment holdings.
Item B-5
10 of 10
Page 23
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 24/29
Garner Historic AuditoriumFocus Group Summar y
11.22.10
Background
Garner Parks and Recreation Department staff hosted several focus group meetings,
during the month of October 2010, in an effort to gather public input concerning the
future direction of Garner Historic Auditorium. Focus groups included local citizens,
auditorium event attendees, event promoters, auditorium renters and user groups,
programming partners, downtown revitalization association, theater managers,
consultants, and the parks and recreation advisory committee.
Additional focus groups will be conducted to include more business owners, seniors
living at Old School Commons and local arts, music and drama teachers in Garner areaschools. These will be conducted in early December 2010.
Background information on Garner Historic Auditorium was shared with each focus
group detailing current Auditorium budget, staffing, and events, along with recent
research gathered on area theatres.
Focus Group Discussions
Several topics were discussed with focus groups aimed at collecting data on the Auditorium’s overall perception, programming, marketing/advertising, management
options/staffing and facility enhancements. The following section lists common themes
discussed among focus group participants:
Overall Perception o f GHA Most people don’t know about it
There’s always been a struggle with programming
Lacks vision- Needs to be a big vision set to do something great
It should be something that gives back to the community and not be all about the
money Senior apartments
Needs new signage
People know the name
People don’t realize public is invited
Arts should provide opportunities for residents
GHA has a sense of place already, more people need to experience it
Item C-1
1 of 6
Page 24
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 25/29
Have elected officials ever discussed goals for GHA
Town needs to put dollars behind the facility
Underutilized
Nice and open space, nicely decorated, intimate
Needs its own website
Plan events with consistency for the entire year
The Name - Garner Historic Auditorium Does not say what it really is - performing arts center
Should be associated with arts and creativity for branding
Historic reminds you of old
There are benefits to having historic in the name (grants)
Changing name is a diversion- focus should be on what’s on stage to define who
you are
Grant opportunities exist for historic facilities- keep the name
Gets in the way Adds flavor
Historical to entertainment; change names YES
Programming Define your niche
More music
Turn musical programming into production; youth theater series
Include youth- high school- students in discussion for new youth programs
Multicultural programming series- outreach to various communities
Host various competitions- gospel, band, dance Be inclusive in programming
Move high school performances to GHA
Sponsor various series- speakers, children, arts, political debates, performing
troupes
Don’t program anything- Hire a consultant to develop a strategic plan with
Council, Management and Staff
Set up for failure until a vision and financial support is provided
Yearly Artist fees for numerous venues ranged from $75,000-$250,000 (average
yearly performance fees budget)
Refine rental process
Slow down and plan
Utilize Arts Council as a resource- United Arts of Wake County
Niche will take time to develop and everyone will not like it
Senior citizen programs and matinees since a large number live in Garner
Summer camp music programs
Create an orchestra program for low income children
Item C-1
2 of 6
Page 25
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 26/29
Don’t get into booking large performances if you don’t have the dollars to support
it
Marketing Need more flyers like parks and recreation summer event insert in News and
Observer Department’s brochure quality needs improving
Market GHA at July 3
Work to build reputation
rd
Greeters at entry door dressed in uniforms, vests or coats
Auditorium is buried on parks and recreation website- hard to find- needs
independent site
Feature of GHA on website and WTOG monthly
Develop an Arts Advisory group to come in quarterly to review operations,
marketing, programming, etc.
Garner Citizen ads are not large enough for GHA events
Put event posters throughout the building
Hire PR agency to assist with publicity
Need marketing money to leverage ads and attract sponsors
Review data to track where event attendees are coming from
Recognize competition from other Town events
Market to a variety of people
Build email database for information distribution
Staffing and Man agemen t Options Will lose the soul of the facility by outsourcing to promoter/promotion company;
need to keep sales/promotion separate from normal manager duties
Manager will have a heart for the facility and work to develop its identity and
carry forth the vision
Better working with a staff person versus an outside person
Need to establish a mission so that GHA tradition remains
Promoters will provide more staff, lose out on personal touch and control of
venue booking
Ticket prices will increase with using a promoter
Need staff to build programming to capacity, develop successful performanceseries
Can’t run facility without full-time staff
There will be value added if Town can increase Lead Technician position’s hours
Great staff – kind and responsive with an emphasis on good customer service
Item C-1
3 of 6
Page 26
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 27/29
Auditorium Manager Skill Set Needs Dynamic
Grant Writer
Someone to go out and sell the venue
Works well with promoters
Passionate about facility Aggressive
Dedicated and love for facility
Knows about small town theatres
Diplomatic and decisive
Marketing and Sales background
Theater background and theater management experience
Knowledgeable about business contracts
Empower manager to make decisions
Position needs to be exempt- professional position (salaried)
Creative and familiar with Garner
Knowledgeable, artsy and thinks outside the box
New ideas and possibilities
Facility Enhancem ents New sign- larger, brighter
Directional signage from main highways into town
More lighting in front, sides and rear
When walk in door- WOW!
Show starts when you drive up
Entryway needs awning
Landscaping needs improving
Get billboards on highway to promote venue
Building across street unattractive
Town needs to purchase surrounding property for future expansion
Additional parking-overflow parking for sellout crowds
Parking in rear does not feel safe
Create separate entrance for residents
Move keypad from main lobby door
Clearly define parking; difficult at night
Future Recomm endations
As a result of focus group discussions, the following section details initial
recommendations for moving programming forward at Garner Historic Auditorium.
Item C-1
4 of 6
Page 27
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 28/29
These recommendations will hopefully establish the foundation for successful
programming.
Staffing
Fill the vacant Auditorium Manager position with expanded responsibilities
Review Lead Technician position for possible upgrade to Facility Supervisor with
additional responsibilities
Create a part-time, temporary Theater/Administrative Assistant position
Work with special event planners and coordinators to recruit potential renters for
weddings, reunions, etc. at GHA
Continue working with current event promoters to book shows at GHA
Recruit additional volunteers to serve as lobby hosts and greeters; determine
attire- coats, vests, etc.
Marketing
Develop independent website for GHA
Develop an overall marketing plan for GHA
Develop various GHA brochures for rentals, concerts, and special events
Post special event posters, flyers and brochures throughout building to market
upcoming events
Utilize target marketing techniques to increase awareness of audience; add zip
codes to current surveys
Continue building email database via ticket purchases
Consider rebranding GHA with name change, yet keeping historic piece (Garner
Historic Theatre/Garner Historic Performing Arts Center, etc.) Recommend marketing budget to support future programming needs
Facility Enhancem ents
New GHA sign
Directional signage for parking lot and facility entry
Directional signage for major roads leading to GHA
Purchase surrounding property to expand parking area
Additional lighting for front and rear parking lots
Awning and additional lighting for main entry to GHA
Remove, trim, or limb up trees from front of facility to increase visibility fromGarner Road and replace with appropriate sized trees
Enhance alternate front entries to encourage use by residents; move key pad from
main entry; remove (or trim) trees and shrubs, add lighting
Remove landscaping along building front and replace with appropriate plantings
and shrubs
Schedule date for Town Council members to walk exterior of GHA
Item C-1
5 of 6
Page 28
8/8/2019 Garner Town Council Agenda, Nov. 30, 2010
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/garner-town-council-agenda-nov-30-2010 29/29
Programming and Operations
Define our niche and determine programs of success
Work with Town Management, Council and Staff to determine future vision;
depending on costs, hire a consultant to help establish this vision
Continue communicating with NC Presenters Consortium Work Group
Consider Foundation for GHA
Determine potential performance series programming and budget
Review current rental guides and applications
Establish better communications with residents
Use of event parking signage to direct traffic info front parking lot
Focus Group Attendees
Dana Stephenson, Helen Phillips, Lillie Sanders, Tim Stevens, Cheryl Ward, Tammy
Kennedy, Doris Allen, Shaffy Booth, James Booth, Lisa Stanley, Tom Browne, Martha
Browne, Aleisha Sanyika, Harold Garner, Mark Hensley, Evan Barnette, John Norris,
Scott Honeycutt, Beth Honeycutt, Frances Stanley, Wren Peele, Stephen Whetle, Marti
Hall, Sarah Preston, Cary P&R ; Noelle Scott and Sara Heiser, Cabarras County Arts
Council & Davis Theater; Stephen Barefoot, Thalian Hall, Wilmington; Jamie Katz,
PineCone; Renee Anderson, Halle Cultural Arts Center; Ray Jordan, Sampson County
Agri-Expo Center; Heidi Stump, The Clayton Center, John Hodges, Tom Giroux,
Eleanor Oakley and Ginny Zehr of United Arts Council of Raleigh/Wake, LymanCollins, Town of Cary; Neal Padgett, Faye Gardner, Carol Schriber, Amaka Flynn, Derek
Nunn, Rochester White, Nathan Cottrell, Jack Mixell, Kim Cattani, Gra Singleton,
Cherry Gay, Sonya Shaw
Item C-1
6 of 6