St. Pauls’ Town Board Monthly Meeting November 2011
A regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of St. Pauls was held on Thursday, November 10, 2011 with Mayor M. Gordon Westbrook presiding. Commissioners present were: Sandra Cain, David Ayers, Jerry Weindel, Ghee Johnson, Sam McAllister and McClure Terry, Jr.
Other Town Officials present were: Chief of Police Thomas Hagens, Town Administrator Stuart Turille, Public Works Director Wayne McDuffie and Town Clerk Karen Davis.
The invocation was led by Pastor David Hodge.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Ghee Johnson.
Mayor M. Gordon Westbrook called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests that were present. The first item for consideration was approval of the minutes. Motion was made by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner Sam McAllister that the minutes be approved as written. Vote was unanimous.
Mayor Westbrook introduced Ms. JoAnn Anderson of Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Ms. Anderson gave the Board a handout of the strategic plan for SRMC. She also spoke about the different things that had been accomplished during the past several years.
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. to amend the “Vicious Dog Ordinance” and omit “unless such dog or cat is confined within the premises of the owner” and will now read:
Sec. 4-29. Vicious dogs and cats.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any vicious dog or cat within the Town. For the purpose of this section, the term, “vicious dog or cat: shall mean any dog or cat which has previously bitten a person or any animal in which a propensity to attack human beings or domesticated animals exists and such propensity is known or ought to be known by the owner or person in charge of such dog or cat.
Vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner David Ayers to table the discussion of Construction and Demolition Ordinance. Vote was unanimous.
Town Administrator Stuart Turille discussed Economic Development Strategy and Executive Marketing Strategy. A copy of the Executive Primer was included in the agenda. Mr. Turille discussed several aspects that he and the downtown merchants considered to bring businesses into Downtown St. Pauls and the surrounding area.
Mr. Jimmy Robinson was present to ask the Board for some ideas on how he could keep his computer lab open since his request for re-zoning was denied. The convenience store does not generate enough money to enable him to keep it open.
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. to approve a request from members of First Baptist Church for a no parking sign and yellow stripes on McLean Street. This is in front of the Fellowship Hall’s front door where the handicapped parking place is located. Vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Cain to approve a request from the Tree Committee to remove two (2) trees in front of the Methodist Church on W. Broad Street. These trees are damaging the sidewalk and creating a safety hazard. Vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Commissioner Sandra Cain and seconded by Commissioner Jerry Weindel to table the sewer grant writing proposal from Porter Scientific until the November 28 Board Workshop. Vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner Sam McAllister to appoint Sandra Cain, with McClure Terry, Jr. as alternate, as the Lumber River RPO Transportation Advisory Committee representative. Vote was unanimous.
Mr. Turille stated that our auditor, Bryon Scott, recommended a separate funds account for confiscated monies that have been in the Police Department for six years. Police Chief R. Thomas Hagens told the Board that the money was from a crime that had been committed and no one from the business could be found. Motion was made by Commissioner Sandra Cain and seconded by Commissioner Ghee Johnson to open a special account for the $4869.00. Vote was unanimous.
Other items discussed:
1. UNC program will conduct a Disaster Vulnerability Hearing on November 17th at 7:00 p.m.
2. The billboard on I-95 is in poor condition and needs repair. This was discussed at the COC meeting. Students are to clean, with Wayne clearing the weeds
3. Pursuing two tracks for property at 413 E. McLean Street
4. Need to change the signs at Sugar Park and Skateboard Park to show closing time of “sunset”. Also, need to put age limit for Sugar Park “12 years of age” and lock gate during after hours
5. Ownership transfer of property on Mill Street. Her daughter is seeking Power of Attorney to give Town a clear authorization letter.
6. Holiday Planning:
1. Veterans Day - War Memorial, November 11 at 11:00 am
2. Tree Lighting - November 25 at 6:00 pm
3. Thanksgiving Holiday - November 24 and November 25
4. Christmas Day Parade - December 3 at 3:00 pm
5. Christmas Party - December 14 at noon
6. Christmas Holiday - December 23 and December 26
7. Closed Session - Personnel - DMV
Police Chief R. Thomas Hagens stated that three more tasers were needed at $1000.00 each. After some discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Sandra Cain and seconded by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. to approve purchase of three tasers at $1000.00 each. Vote was unanimous.
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. to go into closed session to discuss personnel and property matters. Vote was unanimous.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion was made by Commissioner David Ayers and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Cain to come out of closed session and return to the regular Board meeting. Vote was unanimous.
Mayor Westbrook stated that the Board had been in Closed Session to discuss personnel and property matters with no action taken.
With no other business to discuss, motion was made by Commissioner Sandra Cain and seconded by Commissioner McClure Terry, Jr. to adjourn the meeting. Vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
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