Monday, December 7, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Larry McMahon, Mayor Harry Beeker, Mayor Pro Tem James Lilly, Commissioners Beverly Johnson, Alphonzo Rush, Henry Thompson, Sr., Harold Thompson, Town Administrator Dwight Smith, Town Clerk Pam Lisenby, Police Chief Randy Smith, Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson
Absent: Director of Field Operations Mike Thompson, Fire Chief Tim Huneycutt
The regular monthly meeting of the Norwood Town Council was held on Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Norwood Town Hall. Mayor Larry McMahon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., welcomed the visitors and prayed.
Administrator Smith stated that the agenda needed to be amended to read as follows:
AGENDA ITEMS
4) Stanly County Land Use Plan
5) Loss Control Policy
6) Presentation by Mayor Pro Tem Lilly
7) Swearing In Ceremony
8) Organizational Meeting
9) Position Appointments
Commissioner Henry Thompson made a motion to amend the agenda as listed above. Commissioner Harold Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
No Public Concerns were voiced.
Mayor McMahon called for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as follows:
1) The minutes of the November 2, 2009 regular meeting of the Norwood Town Council were approved on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lilly, seconded by Commissioner Harold Thompson, and passed 5-0.
2) A budget update was accepted on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lilly, seconded by Commissioner Harold Thompson, and passed 5-0.
3) A treasurer’s report was accepted on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lilly, seconded by Commissioner Harold Thompson, and passed 5-0.
Mayor McMahon called for a motion to enter a public hearing. Commissioner Henry Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
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AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA ITEM #1 – PUBLIC HEARING – GRANT FOR NORWOOD MEMORIAL PARK
Administrator Smith stated that Norwood Memorial Park had been in existence since 1975 with very few improvements made since that time. Smith stated that the following improvements needed to be made: more parking, Community Building improvements, volleyball courts, new softball field, one-way street to help alleviate congestion when school is in, lighted fields, landscaping, etc. Smith added that a walking trail had been suggested, but was questionable because of lighting and protection.
Smith stated that this was the first of two public hearings required in order to apply for a 50/50 hard match PARTF grant to make improvements to Norwood Memorial Park, adding that the preliminary estimate for the work was $500,000. Smith stated that Norwood could possibly use the land as part of the match since it was owned by Norwood. Smith also said this could possibly be split between two budget years.
Administrator Smith said a disadvantage existed in that Stanly County did not yet have a County recreation plan completed and the PARTF application was due the end of January.
Robbie Cohen stated he was in favor of the proposed improvements, adding he would like the Board to also consider a gymnasium or some sort of shelter. Cohen said Aquadale had no gym and Norwood’s gymatorium was carpeted and not suitable for basketball. Cohen added there were great liabilities and immediate concerns at Norwood Memorial Park now with the sidewalk cut out, bricks missing on columns, tilting bleachers and terrible fire ants. Cohen stated that the fire ants could be professionally eradicated by an exterminator, but it was rather expensive.
Commissioner Johnson submitted a letter from a local young man who was in favor of the grant.
Sam Songer stated it would be an improvement to the Town to upgrade the park.
Mayor McMahon stated Norwood could not attract any big tournaments unless these improvements were done.
Commissioner Johnson stated Norwood needed to think 20 years “down the road” and “do it like it should be done”.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilly said, “if we do it, let’s do it right”, adding prices would not get any cheaper.
Commissioner Rush stated he felt a gym was “out of Norwood’s reach”.
Commissioner Harold Thompson relayed a story of several individuals who built and owned a sports complex off Highway 74 with basketball courts and concession stand inside, adding they were making a considerable profit renting it out.
Mayor McMahon stated that Norwood needed to look to the future, but since it was a matching grant, it might be wise to try to put it in two budget years in order to do what needed to be done.
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With no further comment, Mayor McMahon called for a motion to close the public hearing and return to regular session. Commissioner Henry Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
No action could be taken on Agenda Item #1 as it was the first of two required public hearings.
AGENDA ITEMS
AGENDA ITEM #2 – FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
Administrator Smith presented the following slate of Norwood Fire Department officers for 2010 as elected by the department during a recent meeting (which Administrator Smith attended):
Chief – Tim Huneycutt
Asst. Chiefs – John Lambeth & Brian Hardman
Captains – Andrew Cauble & Tommy Diggs
Lieutenant – Tim Franklin
Secretary – Charles David Harris
Administrator Smith also recommended that the Fire Department secretary receive $5.00 per fire call because of the extra work required by the position.
Commissioner Rush made a motion to accept the above slate of officers and award the secretary $5.00 per fire call. Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #3 – RECYCLING UPDATE
Administrator Smith stated that the Board had agreed they wanted two recycling bins in town but he wanted them to see some pictures first.
Smith showed a picture of the bins placed by Green Pieces at East Albemarle Elementary School in Albemarle. Smith stated the bins could be waterproofed for $600.00 each with the owner paying ½ of this charge. The bins would belong to the owner.
Mayor McMahon asked if Norwood could get an organization to come to town to collect aluminum cans and sell them.
Administrator Smith stated that Green Pieces would empty the bins weekly with no contract and no charge. Smith suggested trying this for a while and then switching if not satisfied.
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to try this for six months and see the response. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #4 – STANLY COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
Administrator Smith stated that Stanly County was in the process of updating their Land Use Plan and that Norwood may be losing several thousand acres of land in the growth area. Smith added the plan had not been adopted and was in the early stages. Smith then introduced Michael Sandy, Stanly County Planner, to discuss the agenda item further.
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Michael Sandy distributed small maps and displayed a large map showing the proposed adjustments in the sustainability areas. He stated that there would be another county meeting in January to work on the changes. Sandy said he had met with Administrator Smith and Zoning Officer Hinson several times.
Commissioner Harold Thompson asked if the County’s Land Use Plan would overrule Norwood’s Land Use Plan. Administrator Smith said it would not affect Norwood’s plan within the Norwood town limits.
Administrator Smith said the proposed changes would take growth acreage away from Norwood in certain areas. Sandy stated that the growth areas were being “trimmed up” according to information from the past few years and the County would focus on the designated areas for industry.
AGENDA ITEM #5 – LOSS CONTROL POLICY
Administrator Smith stated that each Board member had earlier received a copy of the proposed Loss Control Policy.
Commissioner Johnson suggested a separate meeting be scheduled to discuss this policy. Administrator Smith agreed that a work session would be appropriate.
Mayor McMahon stated that he had received word that the scattered housing grant was not funded for Norwood. Administrator Smith reminded Board members this was not the grant involving the Eastover pump station.
AGENDA ITEM #6 – PRESENTATION BY MAYOR PRO TEM LILLY
Mayor Pro Tem Lilly presented a clock to outgoing Mayor McMahon and thanked him for his service to the Town of Norwood.
BOARD CONCERNS
Commissioner Johnson stated it was dark in the area of the old Norwood Yarn Sales building and asked if there were any street lights out.
Commissioner Harold Thompson said he understood there had been a water break over the weekend. Administrator Smith said it was a very serious break of a 12” line that should have been repaired before it was, adding four households were without water. Smith said the danger was that the Michelin tank went from 28 ft. to 7 ft. and the alarm sounded. Smith said the leak was repaired Saturday night and Sunday morning and a “good lesson was learned on how to handle things”.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilly asked if Administrator Smith could get someone from the Fire Department to show up for the Town Council meetings.
Mayor McMahon stated he had truly enjoyed serving Norwood.
ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE
Administrator Smith presented the following items to the Board:
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1) Regarding the Edgewater sewer and water projects, they are “moving along nicely”.
2) Regarding the Lake Shore pump station project, Smith said this was the “centerpiece of the whole works”, adding that construction of the line was good. He stated the problem was in getting the proper kind of generator that can run 48 hours without refueling. Smith said the project would not meet the deadline.
3) Regarding the Mary Branch sidewalk project, the bridge has finally been approved and is ready to go. The State financing is still in place (80/20 grant), but Smith said the State is not wanting to count the cost of the bridge in the project. Smith said $69,000 had been paid for planning and would constitute the Town’s 20% match. Smith added there was one more easement to acquire.
4) Regarding the Eastover pump station project, the improvements are working fine and there have been no overflows except when the electricity went off in the area. Smith said the State would probably require a generator, but the Rural Center grant would pay for half of it.
5) Regarding the Berry Hill area sewer, Smith presented a new schedule as follows:
November 30, 2009 Submit Revised PER
January 29, 2010 Obtain PER Amendment Approval
February 26, 2010 Submit Revised Plans
April 30, 2010 Receive Approval
May 9, 2010 Advertise for Bids
May 27, 2010 Open Bids
June 3, 2010 Award Contract
June 24, 2010 Begin Construction
November 26, 2010 Substantial Completion
December 30, 2010 Final Completion
6) Regarding the champion baseball and softball team signs recently taken down by NCDOT, they have been put up again and moved six inches off the right-of-way.
7) New Christmas decorations will be in the 2010/2011 budget.
8) The new police car has been delivered and is being used.
9) Regarding Sparkles Business Center zoning, Administrator Smith said he had worked on this, but the best thing to do would be to wait a while.
10) Repairs will be made to the concession stand at Norwood Memorial Park.
11) Administrator Smith asked Board members if they would like to apply for a federal Trails Grant, stating Norwood would not stand a good chance of being funded. Commissioner Johnson stated she would rather focus on the park grant right now, to which Mayor Pro Tem Lilly added, “Let it go”.
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12) Administrator Smith stated Norwood could rent the stage that Oakboro Fire Department uses at their Fourth of July celebration for $1,740 for three nights. He added this could not include sound equipment which would cost approximately $1,000. Smith stated this was an attractive and good stage and asked Board members to think about it until next meeting.
13) Smith asked for reimbursement for an amount charged to his personal credit card to secure rooms for the NCLM Conference in Greenville. This was necessary because the town credit card was close to the expiration date and could not be accepted.
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to permit the reimbursement, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lilly. The motion passed 5-0.
14) Smith stated that several things had been done in the Vincent Road area as a result of the recent meeting with citizens of the area, such as getting items out of the ditches and cleaning them so water would run. Smith said he was trying to get an easement to take the sharp curve out going from Lilly Street to Vincent Street. The police have determined where some extra street lights need to be placed. Men in the area will remove the metal from an old, abandoned mobile home and the Norwood Fire Department will burn it as training.
AGENDA ITEM #7 – SWEARING IN CEREMONY
State Representative Justin Burr was present to administer the Oath of Office to incoming Mayor Harry Beeker and returning Councilmen James Lilly and Henry Thompson (see attached Oaths of Office). At this point, Mayor Larry McMahon stepped down and Mayor Harry Beeker presided over the meeting. Mayor Beeker thanked all the guests for being present, adding he was encouraged by their presence. Mayor Beeker promised to do his best as Norwood’s Mayor.
AGENDA ITEM #8 – ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Mayor Beeker stated the first order of business was to elect a Mayor Pro Tem. Commissioner Henry Thompson nominated current Mayor Pro Tem James Lilly. Commissioner Harold Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
Mayor Beeker stated that a representative should be appointed to the Rocky River Planning Organization. Commissioner Henry Thompson nominated Commissioner Harold Thompson as representative and Commissioner Johnson as alternate. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
Mayor Beeker asked for nominations for a representative and alternate to the Centralina Council of Governments. Commissioner Johnson nominated Commissioner Henry Thompson as representative. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
Commissioner Rush nominated Commissioner Johnson as alternate COG representative. Commissioner Johnson stated she would like for Commissioner Rush to remain the alternate representative. Commissioner Rush stated that would not be feasible because of a health condition. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly seconded the motion that Commissioner Johnson be named as alternate. The motion passed 5-0.
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AGENDA ITEM #9 – POSITION APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Beeker stated the following appointments needed to be made for 2010:
Dwight Smith – Town Administrator, Tax Collector, Personnel Director, Planning Director
Pam Lisenby – Town Clerk, Finance Officer
Randy Smith – Chief of Police
Mike Thompson – Director of Field Operations
Bryan Bowles – Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Virgil Hinson – Zoning Officer
Commissioner Rush made a motion to make the appointments listed above. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
With no further business to discuss, Mayor Beeker called for a motion to close the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Henry Thompson. Motion passed 5-0.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Norwood Town Council will be Monday, January 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
LARRY McMAHON, Mayor
HARRY BEEKER, Mayor
PAM LISENBY, Clerk