Town of Maggie Valley

Regularly Scheduled Board of Aldermen Meeting

June 21, 2005

MINUTES

 

Members Present:       Mayor Jo Pinter         Aldermen:       Linda Taylor

                                                                                                Roger McElroy

                                                                                                Phil Aldridge

                                                                                                Mark DeMeola

Staff Present:              Manager Bob Shepherd, Attorney Chuck Dickson, Finance Director Shayne Wheeler, Captain Jason Moody, Public Works Dave Holt, Police Officers Cabe Carver and Tim Henson, Planning Director Kevin Byrd, and Town Clerk Vickie Best

Approximately 40 people in attendance

 

Meeting Called to Order

Mayor Pinter called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom with the invocation given by Manager Shepherd.

 

Mayor Pinter thanked everyone for his or her thoughts and prayers for her Mother during her time of serious illness.

 

Manager Shepherd recognized Ms. Wheeler fore being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.  Few municipalities have won this award and it is a tremendous honor for Ms. Wheeler and the Town as a whole. 

 

The audience applauded Ms. Wheeler’s achievements.

 

See Attachment 1

 

Consent Agenda

            a. Town Sanctioned Civic Association Bingo

            b. Resolution No 05-18 Cooperation with County of Haywood in Sewage             Permitting

            c. Minutes: 4/5/05

            d. Budget Amendments 04/05

RESOLUTION NO 05-18

 

Resolution Concerning Cooperation With

County Of Haywood In Sewage Permitting

 

WHEREAS, both the County of Haywood and the Town of Maggie Valley are charged with ensuring the safe disposal of sewage by either septic system or municipal treatment where available;

 

WHEREAS, both local governments wish to protect the environment, especially the quality of water in the Maggie Valley watershed;

 

WHEREAS, the high water table and soil types in the watershed make septic systems problematic in many instances;

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Maggie Valley has invested heavily in public wastewater treatment and an extensive collection system to properly treat wastes before release into Jonathan Creek;

 

AND WHEREAS, there is a substantial extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the Town in which builders are not required by ordinance to connect to the Town’s collection system, as well as much adjacent area to the Town that can feasibly be served by the Town’s system;

 

NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley do hereby request that the Haywood County Board of Commissioners adopt a policy requiring connection to the Maggie Valley system if property boundary is within 100 feet of the Town system before issuing permits;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Maggie Valley Sanitary District, requesting their support of this request; and that copies be sent to each town in Haywood County.

 

Ordinance 386

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund - Building

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                            

Revenues           Building Permits              $40,000              12,391                      52,391 

                           (05-00-3343)

                           

 

Appropriations   Salary                                 $36,000             8,437                       44,437                             

                           Social Security                        2,775               531                         3,306

                           Retirement                               2,550                379                        2,929

                           Vehicle Fuels                             600                 500                       1,100

                           Office Supplies                          500                 600                        1,100

                           Telephone & Postage                600                  880                        1,480                          

                           M&R Vehicle                            400               1,064                       1,464

Ordinance 387

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund - Police

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                            

Revenues           GHSP - Traffic                $0.00                  5,767                      5,767 

                           Safety Grant (05-00-3433)

                           

 

Appropriations   Governors Hwy Safety   $0.00                  5,767                       5,767                             

                           (05-43-4202)

Ordinance 388

 

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund - Administration

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                                     

Revenues            ½% Local Sales Tax        $25,000               6,147                     31,147

                             (05-00-3235)

                           

 

Appropriations   Festival Ground                57,700                 6,147                     63,847                             

                             (05-40-6120)

Ordinance 389

 

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund - Administration

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                                     

Revenues            2004 Ad Valorem Tax     $717,945              25,000                  $742,945

                            1% Local Sales tax             66,000               11,500                      77,500

                           

 

Appropriations   Professional Service          15,000                  36,500                     51,500                             

                            

Ordinance 390

 

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund - Planning

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                                     

Revenues            ½% Sales Tax                  $30,000               4,369                     34,369

                            05-00-3232

                            ½% Sales tax                     30,000               2,731                     32,731

                            05-00-3233

 

Appropriations   Professional Service          4,000                  7,100                     11,100                              

                            

Ordinance 391

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

Festival Fund

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                            

Revenues           Transfer from General      $57,700                6,147                    63,847 

                              Fund (06-00-3985)

                           Investment Earnings         $1,000                  1,625                    2,625

                               (06-00-3831)

                           Misc Revenue                         500                    888                     1,388

                                 (06-00-3839)

 

Appropriations  Profession Service             3,127                     6,060                      9,187   

                              (06-61-4190)

                          Capital Outlay Land Imp   20,000                  2,600                      22,600                              

                              (06-61-4593)

Ordinance 392

 

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

Sewer Fund

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                                     

Revenues            Tap Impact Fees                $130,000            13,250                     143,250

                             (04-00-3714)

                           

 

Appropriations   Contract Testing                  $16,800             10,000                      26,800                             

                            Sewer Interest                         6,700               3,250                        9,950

 

Ordinance 393

 

An Ordinance Amending the FY 2004/05 Budget Ordinance

 

Be It Hereby Ordained by the Town Board of Aldermen of the Town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, that the Budget Ordinance for the year 2004/05 is amended as follows:

 

General Fund – Police

 

                                                                                  Increase

                             Description                                Previous          (Decrease)              Amended

                                            

Revenues           1% Local Sales Tax         $66,000                7,361                      73,631 

                           Cops Grant                      $0                          2,505                        2,505

                           Investment Earnings        $3,400                  3,838                         7,238

                           Solid Waste Tax              $76,528                 3,046                       79,574

                           Insurance Settlement        $0                            473                            473

 

Appropriations   Salary                                $198,000                7,600                    205,600                              

                           401K                                       8,200                1,580                      9,780

                           Social Security                      17,796                1,263                    19,059

                           Retirement                             13,750                  965                     14,715

                           Medical Insurance                 72,345                4,315                     76,660

                           Vehicle Fuels                           9,969               1,500                      11,469       

 

 

Alderman Taylor asked that the minutes reflect that she received a notice but did not get the notice.

 

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH CORRECTIONS TO THE MINUTES NOTED.

ALDERMAN TAYLOR SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

 

Public Hearing: Budget for Fiscal Year 2005/2006

Mayor Pinter opened the public hearing at 5:45 p.m.

 

Council conducted five budget workshops going over each line item.

 

Wade Reese, 70 Soco Road: Mr. Reese stated that he represents approximately 30 million dollars in motel/ hotel owners.  In Mr. Reese’s opinion the problem with the 2005/2006 budget is the spending that took place in the 2004/2005 budget. Monies were spent on the festival grounds that were not budgeted, therefore the shortfall this year.  Mr. Reese stated that he stands behind the board and is willing to do whatever it takes to move forward.

 

With no more comments from the floor, Mayor Pinter closed the public hearing at 5:50 p.m.

 

Alderman McElroy addressed the audience stating that Council has spent many hours reviewing the proposed budget.  Staff was directed to present a budget with “no fat” and feels that a lean budget is what is being proposed.  Alderman McElroy, like the other council members does not like having to raise taxes.

 

Alderman Taylor stated that last year the department heads did not participate in the budget process. Council appointed a budget committee, but the shortage of time, and lack of participation, affected the results. There was great hope that Ghost Town would sale and the tourist industry would observe an increase in business.  The surrounding towns are “holding the line” due to the upcoming re-valuation.  The Mountaineer mistakenly reported an increase of two cents rather than the three-cent increased tax rate. Several business owners have spoken with Alderman Taylor about the financial difficulty they are experiencing due to the lack of tourist. Alderman Taylor spoke of her surprise that there were not more comments from the community.

 

Alderman DeMeola expressing his concerns, also acknowledging the financial difficulty businesses are experiencing. The staff and Council have worked very long and hard on the proposed budget, presenting compelling factors, all in the interest of bettering the community.  

 

Alderman Aldridge responded that he had missed one budget meeting during the entire process.  Alderman Aldridge felt the Town should not look at the reopening of Ghost Town as a solution.  If Ghost Town were to reopen, it would take two to three years to begin seeing tourism start to increase.  The Town has not raised taxes in a long time.  The Town even stepped back several years ago and lowered the tax rate. It is an unfortunate burden to carry, but the Town has to grow and the Town Government has to be pro-active.  The Town must strive to find a medium for both businesses and the residential community.  The Town is anticipating 200 to 250 new homes to come into the Maggie Valley within the near future.  Alderman Aldridge stated that the Town needs to come up with creative ideas to bring activity to the Valley. “We will be better off in the long run.”

 

Alderman Taylor felt the money coming in through growth should be used for economic development rather than the budget grow. 

 

The Board agrees that economic development is vital and are willing to appoint an economic commission.

 

Alderman McElroy stressed that fact that providing infrastructure encourages growth.

 

Mayor Pinter felt that Council should look at the Strategic Plan and set goals; all- the- while planning for the future rather than the upcoming year.

 

As for planning, Alderman McElroy reminded Council that this is the first time Maggie Valley has had a Capital Improvements Plan.

 

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BUDGET AS PRESENTED.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

ALDERMAN TAYLOR OPPOSED

MAYOR PINTER REFRAINED FROM VOTING.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Mayor Pinter explained that by not voting it would be considered an affirmative.  Mayor Pinter felt this was the appropriate action due her absence during a portion of the budget workshops and out of respect to her Council that did attend the workshops. Mayor Pinter was absence because of illness in her family. 

 

Public Hearing: Continuation of Solid Waste Collection/ Consider Award of Contract: GDS

Mayor Pinter opened the floor for public comment at 6:05 p.m.

 

Mr. Don Printz, a resident living on Lisa Lane addressed Council opposing the continuation of garbage collection.

See Attachment 2 

 

Bev & Otis Sizemore: opposes Solid Waste Collection

See Attachment 3

 

Jasay & Ann Ketchum: opposes Solid Waste Collection

See Attachment 4

 

Pat Tilley of 93 Nature’s Way addressed Council in support of garbage pick-up. Ms. Tilley’s health has declined over the last year, so garbage pick-up has been very helpful to her family. As for the fee, Ms. Tilley felt that it was “part of life”, she pays $13 per month in Raleigh for solid waste collection.

 

Manager Shepherd informed Council that several residents in Brannon Forest Subdivision want trash pick-up because it is a service generally expected within a municipality and it is a service that people pay for whether it is included with the monthly water and sewer statement or payable with property taxes. 

 

Mr. John Frick, a Stoney Ridge Subdivision resident stated that part –time residents do not want the service adding that “this is suppose to be the land of the free” and the service should not be mandated.

 

With no further comments from the floor, Mayor Pinter closed the Public Hearing at 6:16 p.m.

 

Council acknowledged the difficulty of making a decision because are pros and cons to both sides.

 

The GDS Inc. bid is based on the number of people served. There is a lot more garbage collected in the summer due to part-time residents, vacation rentals, and residents having company.  A fee of $7.60 per month is considerable low.

 

In regards to commercial solid waste collection, most businesses have long-term contracts with different companies. Commercial collection should remain as a free market.

 

Several people from the audience asked that garbage collection be put to a referendum.

 

Alderman Taylor felt that part of the problem was timing.  Garbage collection on Mondays is difficult for renters because garbage has to sit through the weekend.  Councilman Taylor went on to remind the Alderman that ¾’s of the questionnaires that were returned were against trash pick-up.

 

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION FROM GDS INC.

 

Alderman Aldridge admitted that there is a lot of controversy regarding the issue but also there are people that want the service, especially people that are not physically able to take their trash to the convenient center.  Alderman Aldridge stated his interest in recycling and how recycling is “a way of life” in other locations.

 

Statistics show that where there is garbage pick-up service there is less trash along the roadsides. The commercial dumpsters are not overflowing with residential trash as often now.  

 

Alderman DeMeola acknowledged Mr. Printz and his compelling argument. Councilman DeMeola stated that he wish there was a way to deal with the issue rather than discontinuing the service.  At this late hour, it would be hard to discontinue the service.  Alderman DeMeola  asked that staff investigate the possibility of putting solid waste collection to a referendum when the contract expires.

 

Alderman Taylor felt there would never be a consensus.  The garbage trunks destroying roads inside subdivisions disturb people.

 

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

ALDERMAN TAYLOR OPPOSED.

MAYOR PINTER OPPOSED.

MOTION CARRIED BY  MAJORITY.

 

Council took a brief recess from 6:45 p.m. until 6:56 on motion by Alderman Taylor

 

Public Hearing: Future of the Zoning Board of Adjustments

Mayor Pinter opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m.

 

Wade Reese, 70 Soco Road, addressed the board stating the he felt the Zoning Board Chairman Jay Ring was out of control. “Mr. Ring told the town attorney that he had more knowledge about law than the attorney did in a public meeting. Mr. Ring hired an attorney to threaten the town with a lawsuit, swore in two people to sit on the board after the vote had been rescinded, has publicly talked about granting Jim Blyth a variance for high-density housing, and has been abusive to the town employees. Mr. Ring voted for a variance when he is the builder, which is a clear conflict of interest.”  

 

Ron DeSimone, June bug Lane, stated that he is an ETJ member on the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Mr. DeSimone also represents the Haywood County Home Builders Association on political affairs. A separate impartial board is needed for people to have the opportunity to appeal. Maggie Valley needs two separate boards.

 

Robert Lindler, 178 Stoney Ridge, addressed Council to keep the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustments separate. The Aldermen voted to zone the Stoney Ridge area Residential 1 at the recommendation of the Planning Board.  The area does not meet any of the Residential 1 standards therefore; several homeowners have had to come before the Zoning Board of Adjustments for variances to build carports/porches to their units. The Zoning Board members were able to make a reasonable request a reality for those homeowners.

 

Sue Kennedy, 186 Stoney Ridge Loop, stated that Maggie Valley needs a Zoning Board of Adjustments especially since the zoning of the last annexed area was poorly done. Ms. Kennedy submitted a petition with 47 signatures urging the Town Council to keep the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustments separate.

See attachment 5

 

John Frick, 194 Stoney Ridge Loop, stated that Maggie Valley needs a Zoning Board of Adjustments in order to get things resolved.  The next step after the Zoning Board is a Court of Law.

 

Otis Sizemore addressed Mr. Reese’s earlier statement explaining that he was planning to build a duplex behind his business located on Soco Road.  Mr. Sizemore was required to go before the Zoning Board for a special exception.  Mr. Ring was not under contract or had any money changed hands. Mr. Ring offered to refrain from voting but the other board members felt there was no conflict of interest. Mr. Sizemore stated that he is  a mason and challenged anyone saying he did anything improper.

 

Mayor Pinter added that if Chairman Ring had not had voted Mr. Sizemore would have still been granted the special exception by unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Ring addressed Council stating that he has no interest in personal gain. Mr. Ring wants an impartial, unbiased, Zoning Board of Adjustments.  The Zoning Board has strived hard over the last five years to perform a job that citizens expect. The members do their due-diligence on each case that comes before them. The Board continues to educate themselves through reading materials, attending seminars, and watching training videos.

The Zoning Board has struggled to have a quorum since the inception of the board. In January Alderman McElroy attended a Zoning Board meeting and commended the board members.  There was a disagreement about duties as stated in the ordinance.  The Planning Board and Zoning Board had a joint meeting and after deliberation it was determined that the Zoning Board needed to relinquish that power. Therefore, the ordinance was revised and the Planning Board again reviewed and approved subdivisions.

 

As for swearing in Garrett Anderson and Connie Dennis, one or the other was present the night of the vote to appoint them and the Mayor congratulated the other person. The meeting in which the vote was rescinded was illegal. The clerk did not notify the appointees. Mr. Ring contended that the clerk has never sent formal notice. “A Quasi-Judicial Board is not to be manipulated.” Mr. Ring added that Tammy Brown and Saralyn Price were appointed to the Festival Board when they were not interviewed. Mr. Ring felt there was a lot of wrongdoing going on in Maggie Valley and now this had turned into a personal vendetta against him. Mr. Ring asked that Council let the Zoning Board of Adjustment continue as is, and conduct the Town’s business.

 

See attachment 6 from the Stoney Ridge Homeowners Association 

 

Mayor Pinter closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.

 

Alderman McElroy stated that he had never been in favor of abolishing the Zoning Board. Councilman McElroy felt that if Chairman Ring had come to the board instead of going about things as he had, the situation would never have come to this.

 

Alderman DeMeola agreed, acknowledging that he too felt the boards should remain separate. A public hearing was needed so these issues can be addressed and resolved. Alderman DeMeola asked that the attorney advise them if the Zoning Board is a legal board right now.

 

Attorney Dickson responded that the appointments have been rescinded leaving the Zoning Board open to scrutiny.  Attorney Dickson also felt that the meeting in which the vote was rescinded was a legal meeting.

 

Councilman DeMeola felt that it would be in the Town’s best interest to dissolve the Zoning Board and then re-appoint the members after the public hearing.

 

Alderman Taylor felt the Town would be left open to a lawsuit if such actions were taken.  Alderman Taylor has not received any complaints about the Zoning Board.  From listening to the tapes of the meetings, Alderman Taylor did not think Mr. Ring had been abusive to the employees.

 

Alderman Taylor asked the employees present, if they felt they had been abused.

 

Ms. Price spoke from the audience asking that the employees be left out of it.

 

Alderman Taylor withdrew her question. Alderman Taylor stated that she had been instructed by Alderman McElroy not to talk to the employees and not to call Attorney Dickson but it appears that the other board members have had contact with the Attorney and talked with the employees.

 

Alderman Aldridge felt there are issues that need to be addressed among the boards. “The Town can not continue to be torn apart like this.”

 

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE  MADE A MOTION TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT TO DISCUSS ISSUES AND TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS BEFORE TRYING TO DISSOLVE THE BOARD.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA ASKED THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO STATE THAT THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE AGREED TO THE AMENDMENT.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA SECONDED THE MOTION.

 

Alderman Taylor felt the appointments to the Zoning Board should be ratified and the Town move forward.  As earlier stated, the Zoning Board has a hard time getting a quorum in order to conduct meetings.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE’S MOTION DIED FROM A LACK OF ACTION.

 

Alderman McElroy would like to resolve the question on whether the Zoning Board is conducting business legally when the appointments were rescinded.

 

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL THURSDAY JUNE 23RD AT 5:30 P.M. TO TAKE WHATEVER ACTION DEEMED NECESSARY.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Zoning Board of Adjustment Alternate Member Application

Council will discuss the interview process and establish guidelines at the next meeting.

 

After further discussion, Council decided to interview Mr. Tomlinson and possibly Ms. McElroy at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday June 23rd.

 

Planning Director’s Update: Kevin Byrd

Mr. Byrd asked that a public hearing to be scheduled for the newly amended subdivision ordinance.  The Planning Board conducted an informational meeting to gather input from the public prior to bringing the amendments to Council. No one attended the advertised meeting.

 

Mr. Byrd distributed copies of the proposed subdivision ordinance

 

Several Planning Board members attended a training session that covered several informative topics.

 

ALDERMAN MCELROY MADE A MOTION TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE JULY 19, 2005.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Planning Board meets again on July 6, 2005. 

 

Maggie Valley Strategic Plan won and award for being the best plan for a municipality this size.

 

Request to use the Festival Grounds: Storm in the Mountains Living History

Request to use the Festival Grounds: Spring Farm Fest

 

Mr. Wade Reese addressed Council stating that the PRFAC has approved both events. 

 

Storm in the Mountains is a non-profit organization educating people through living history.  Storm in the Mountains and the Spring Farm Fest paid the $100 application fee.

 

Farm Fest (tractor show) representatives were happy to be in Maggie Valley and donated a refrigerator and a pop corn maker to the Town.

 

Council had discussed allowing each non-profit organization three events with a 50/50 spilt of the profits.  Fifty percent of zero is zero.   Alderman Aldridge felt it better to have something happening on the grounds rather than the area set vacant.

 

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EVENTS ON A 50/50 SPLIT.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Manager’s Report

Staff will begin writing letters to the Brannon Forest Residents informing them of the timeline for annexation.  Attorney Dickson will review the letter before the mailings begin.

 

The RFQs have been mailed out for the new police department.

 

In an effort to get a better price on fuel, bid requests were mailed to see what kind of response the Town would get.

 

The Haywood County Council of Government have put two task forces in place.  One task force will focus on recreational needs while the other focuses on transportation.

 

ALDERMAN TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT ALDERMAN MCELROY TO THE RECREATION TASK FORCE BECAUSE OF HIS LONG TIME INVOLVEMENT IN GREENWAYS.

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE, DEMEOLA AND MAYOR PINTER VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

 

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT ALDERMAN TAYLOR TO THE TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE BECAUSE OF HER INVOLVEMENT WITH NCDOT.

 

Alderman Taylor agreed to serve as interim and alternate with Mayor Pinter.

 

ALDERMAN ALDRIDGE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

Public Comment

Dan Massey addressed the Board asking why the Board is considering putting lighting on the festival grounds when last years expenditures are the reason the taxes were raised three cents this year.

 

Alderman Taylor responded that Mr. Reese’s numbers were not a direct correlation with the festival grounds.  The Town has a balanced budget and will continue to have a balanced budget. Alderman Taylor added that lighting or a building was not budgeted for in this fiscal year.  The Town Hall needs space for offices and records storage before some of the other issues can be addressed at the festival grounds.

 

Patricia Tilley addressed Council stating that she wants something for the three-cent tax increase. The Town does nothing for Valley Creek Run Subdivision.

 

ALDERMAN TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION AT 8:27 P.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PERSONNEL.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

ALDERMAN TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO COME OUT OF CLOSED SESSION AT 8:32 P.M.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

ALDERMAN TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING UNTIL THURSDAY AT 3:00  P.M. TO INTERVIEW FOR AN INTERIM TOWN MANAGER.

ALDERMAN DEMEOLA, ALDRIDGE, AND MCELROY VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

MAYOR PINTER VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

 

        Mayor Jo Pinter                                                 Town Clerk Vickie Best, CMC