Monday, June 6, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Harry Beeker, Mayor Pro Tem James Lilly, Commissioners Beverly Johnson, Henry Thompson, Sr., Harold Thompson, Raymond Skidmore, Town Administrator Dwight Smith, Police Chief Randy Smith, Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson, Clerk Pam Lisenby, SNAP Representative Erica Benjamin; Code Enforcement Officer Tim Swaringen
The regular monthly meeting of the Norwood Town Council was held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Norwood Town Hall. Mayor Harry Beeker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., welcomed the visitors and prayed.
No public concerns were heard.
Mayor Beeker called for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as follows:
The minutes of the May 2, 2011 regular meeting of the Norwood Town Council were approved on a motion by Commissioner Harold Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed 5-0.
2) The minutes of the May 14, 2011 special meeting of the Norwood Town Council were approved on a motion by Commissioner Harold Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed 5-0.
3) A budget update was accepted on a motion by Commissioner Harold Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed 5-0.
4) A financial report was accepted on a motion by Commissioner Harold Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, and passed 5-0.
Mayor Beeker called for a motion to enter a public hearing for the 2011-2012 proposed Town of Norwood budget. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA ITEM #1 – PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2011-2012 BUDGET
Administrator Smith presented the proposed 2011-2012 Town of Norwood budget as follows: General Fund - $1,663,600; Enterprise Fund - $922,800. Smith stated the budget included no property tax increase, but did include a 5% increase in water and sewer rates. Administrator Smith summarized the proposed budget and answered questions from Council members.
Mayor Beeker asked if anyone wished to question or comment on the 2011-2012 Town of Norwood proposed budget. There being none, Mayor Beeker called for a motion to close the public hearing and return to regular session. Commissioner Harold Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
Back in regular session, it was stated there would be a special meeting of the Norwood Town Council on Monday, May 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. to adopt the 2011-2012 Town of Norwood budget.
Mayor Beeker then called for a motion to enter a public hearing for two zoning issues. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly so moved, seconded by Commissioner Henry Thompson. The motion passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEMS
AGENDA ITEM #2 – PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING – AMENDMENT TO TEXT TO ALLOW TATTOO SHOPS, SWEEPSTAKES OPERATIONS AND ADULT-ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS IN HB & GB
Administrator Smith and Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson presented a request from the Norwood Planning Board to amend the Norwood Zoning Ordinance text to make tattoo shops, sweepstakes operations and adult-oriented entertainment establishments permitted uses in both Highway and General Business zoning districts with a conditional use permit. Smith reminded Board members they had adopted two stringent ordinances for such facilities, but the facilities were not included in the Zoning Ordinance.
No comments from the audience were voiced.
AGENDA ITEM #3 – PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING – AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 124 & 125 OF ZONING ORDINANCE
Administrator Smith and Zoning Officer Hinson presented proposed amendments to Sections 124 and 125 of the Norwood Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the enforcement as recommended by the Norwood Planning Board, adding that the amended text would clarify penalties and remedies of violations of the ordinance. Smith said the proposed amendments would give the Code Enforcement Officer authority to assess penalties without going to court.
Tim Swaringen, Norwood Code Enforcement Officer, was also present at the Board meeting.
No comments from the audience were voiced.
Mayor Beeker then called for a motion to close the public hearing and re-enter regular session. Commissioner Skidmore so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
Regarding Agenda Item #2, Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the Norwood Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow tattoo shops, sweepstakes operations and adult-oriented entertainment establishments in both Highway and General Business zoned districts with a conditional use permit. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
Regarding Agenda Item #3, Commissioner Skidmore made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to Sections 124 and 125 of the Norwood Zoning Ordinance (see attached). Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #4 – BOARD CONSIDERATION OF NEW SIGN FOR “SUGARPLUMS”
Administrator Smith stated that “Sugarplums”, a new consignment store in Norwood located on South Main Street, had been given a temporary zoning compliance for their sign because it appeared to meet zoning regulations, adding that the Town Council, however, had to give final approval of any changes to structures or signs in the business district.
Commissioner Skidmore made a motion to approve the “Sugarplums” sign and the zoning compliance. Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #5 – PRESENTATION BY CENTRALINA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Administrator Smith introduced Rebecca Yarbrough of Centralina Council of Governments. Ms. Yarbrough discussed a State grant promoting community redevelopment and revitalization, particularly relating to the re-use or redevelopment of older industrial or abandoned commercial properties, adding the grant would require no match.
Ms. Yarbrough presented a “Memorandum of Understanding for CONNECT Consortium Membership in Support of the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Program”. Commissioner Harold Thompson made a motion to authorize Mayor Beeker to sign the said document. Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. A copy of the document is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof.
AGENDA ITEM #6 – SENIOR MEALS
Administrator Smith stated it was time to renew the contract with Stanly County Senior Services for the nutrition program for seniors at the Community Building. Smith said an average of 18 persons were eating at the site each day, 28 meals delivered, and two or three persons being brought to the Community Building on the SCUSA van. Smith said Norwood was paying $1,750 per year for the meals and $2,800-$3,000 to SCUSA for transportation.
Smith asked Board members if they wished to continue this program. It was the consensus of the Board to continue the program.
AGENDA ITEM #7 – UPDATE ON EASTOVER PROJECT
Administrator Smith said the Eastover project was being delayed due to non-funding of the Community Development Block Grant by the federal government.
AGENDA ITEM #8 – BERRY HILL SEWER
Administrator Smith said this project seemed to be moving along since Ms. Hennett of N.C. Grants & Loans had written a letter to NCDENR threatening to cut off the funds. Smith said that, according to Ms. Hennett, the Preliminary Engineering Report should be out by the end of July and the project bid in September or October.
AGENDA ITEM #9 – MARY BRANCH SIDEWALK
Administrator Smith stated there was 60 days left to complete this project, but Norwood had applied for another extension. Two bridge estimates have been submitted: $13,000 and $17,000.
BOARD CONCERNS
* COMMISSIONER JOHNSON
1) Concerned about bicyclist safety and asked Police Chief Smith to conduct a workshop.
2) Asked about signs with corrected street numbers. Administrator Smith said they were ordered.
* COMMISSIONER HAROLD THOMPSON
1) Discussed turning lane problems in front of Darrell Almond Park.
2) Asked about the park lake fountain. Administrator Smith said the check had been sent, but the fountain was not back yet.
3) Asked if an appraisal had been done yet on the former “Dink’s” building. Administrator Smith said this had been done and would be discussed in the Administrator’s Update.
4) Asked if the owner of Main Street Grill had been told about a rent increase yet.
5) Asked if Norwood Fire Department went to Zell Harkey fire alarm on Memorial Day.
* COMMISSIONER SKIDMORE
1) Asked if a letter could be written to the owner of the brick house on Pee Dee Avenue about the condition of yard.
2) Asked if Darrell Almond Park was being closed at 9:30 p.m. as stated on the park sign.
3) Asked if the Town Hall water cooler could be repaired.
4) Asked if Norwood magazines had been sent to Justin Burr.
ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE
Administrator Smith discussed the following items:
Estimates to repair shelter over grandstands at softball field: $5,500-$5,800 for metal; $3,100 for 30-year-shingles. It was the consensus of the Board to go with the 30-year shingles on the grandstand shelter roof and concession stand roof. Frankie Colson will install shingles. Terry Eudy is making repairs to concession stand.
Sam Songer was hired to fix leaks in the Community Building kitchen. Repairs will also be done to the stalls in the ladies’ bathroom.
Received a few good comments about first summer concert. Trying to get next band to move starting time to 4 or 5 p.m.
New Town Hall phone system installed.
BRS submitting daily activity report on Shinn Street water line project.
Smith feels good about Main Street grant.
Iron Horse gave $55,000 - $75,000 as a certified market price for Dink’s building.
Air-conditioning at library, fire department and museum went out, but was still under warranty.
Regarding New Finish voluntary annexation, John McHenry of Benchmark told Administrator Smith the process could be dropped right now if the Town Council desired. Smith will visit Bradleys and ask for an answer by a certain date. If no response, their money will be returned and they will be charged outside water/sewer rates. Mayor Beeker said he thought the Town should have a new policy beginning July 1 that everyone inside town will have inside rates and everyone outside town will have outside rates.
Work is behind on pocket park.
The pier and bridges at Darrell Almond Park will be stained the same color as the gazebo.
With no further business, Mayor Beeker stated that the meeting would be adjourned until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011.
NORWOOD TOWN COUNCIL
Monday, June 20, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Harry Beeker, Mayor Pro Tem James Lilly, Commissioners Beverly Johnson, Henry Thompson, Sr., Harold Thompson, Raymond Skidmore, Town Administrator Dwight Smith, Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson, Clerk Pam Lisenby, SNAP Representative Erica Benjamin
The regular monthly meeting of the Norwood Town Council was reconvened at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011 at the Norwood Town Hall. Mayor Harry Beeker presided and re-opened the meeting. He then turned the meeting over to Administrator Dwight Smith
1) Administrator Smith presented a list of budget amendments prepared by auditor Sam Turner to clean up the 2009/2010 budget for audit. Commissioner Harold Thompson made a motion to approve the budget amendments. Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. A copy of the budget amendments is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof.
2) Administrator Smith presented a budget amendment to cover the $164,000 cost of the Shinn Street water line project, stating that $41,000 from the Bank of Stanly Lake Shore pump station loan would be used, along with $100,000 from Enterprise Fund checking. He said the budget amendment would need to be for $23,000 from savings.
Administrator Smith presented a budget amendment of $1,000 from the playground equipment line item in Parks & Recreation to the physical improvements line item in Parks & Recreation for work at the old park.
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the two budget amendments presented by Administrator Smith. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
3) Administrator Smith presented a short budget process review.
Mayor Beeker then called for a motion to close the meeting. Commissioner Harold Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
HARRY BEEKER, Mayor
PAM LISENBY, Clerk