Page 14 of Book 21

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TOWN OF COLUMBIA BOARD MINUTES MAY 2, 2016

The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Columbia met in regular session at 7:PM, Monday, May 2, 2016, at the town’s Conference Room. Aldermen attending were: Lloyd Armstrong, James Cahoon, Mildred Ogletree and Sandra Owens. Mayor F. Michael Griffin presided.

Mayor Griffin called the meeting to order and asked Alderman Cahoon to offer a prayer for the Board.

Upon motion of Alderman Ogletree, the motion to approve the consent agenda was unanimously approved. This included:

1. Minutes of April 4, 2016 regular Meeting Minutes 2. Tax Release – Trung The Tran $50.87 3. Water/sewer downward adjustment – Stacey Brickhouse $21.66

Mayor Griffin announced the Public Comment Period and invited comments from the public. Jack Bishop, owner of Scuppernong Vineyards and Winery, requested permission to use the town’s 15-passenger van to transport vacationers from Edenton to Somerset Place to Columbia and return to Edenton, as an experiment to see if there is enough interest to secure a private trolley operator. He explained that the idea follows meetings with Edenton and State tourism officials and will parallel an effort with the limousine service from the beach that will bring visitors to Columbia for a day. He said the request is for one or two months and one day each week.

Town Manager Rhett White pointed out that insurance and liability are concerns but that the town’s insurer indicated the loan or rental of the vehicle is possible. Town Attorney Dwight Wheless advised that a written agreement spelling out the conditions for using the van would be necessary. He said the liability risk should be transferred to the user.

Upon motion of Alderman Cahoon, the Board voted unanimously to consider lending the van subject to developing a suitable written agreement and directed Mr. White and Mr. Wheless to prepare something for the Board to consider.

With no additional comments, the public comment period was closed by Mayor Griffin.

Sheriff Darryl Liverman presented the April Law Enforcement Report. He indicated 477 law enforcement calls/complaints were responded to during April, including 391 business checks and 25 security checks. Ten citations resulting from traffic Page 15 of Book 21 actions were issued, including four speeding violations. The two deputies assigned to the town traveled 1,647 miles while on patrol.

The Board considered the renaming of the short dead-end street now known as Cypress Street that runs west from S. Broad Street as Cedar Street. It was noted that a similar street that runs east from Ludington Street is named Cypress Street and shows up on 60 year-0ld town maps. It was explained that the two streets named Cypress Street are causing confusion when emergency services personnel are dispatched. It was also explained that some earlier Powell Bill and historical maps show the street intersecting with S. Broad Street as Cedar Street.

Upon motion of Alderman Ogletree, the motion to rename the street was unanimous.

It was reported that contracts from the State are still awaited that will finalize the Building Renovation and Reuse grant to be used to modify the building recently occupied by Stiletto Manufacturing, Inc. Agreements with the building owner and boat builder can not move forward until the State documents are signed by the town.

Mr. White reported that work is set to begin on replacing the Grindle Hill Bridge on NC-94. He said NC-DOT has promised ample detour signage to minimize problems with the street being closed for four months.

Mr. White reported that he has talked to the responsible owners/representatives of the two dilapidated houses on Rail Road Street that are slated to be torn down. Both individuals agreed that they want to demolish the structures and clean up the lots, rather than having the town do the work and then bill the owners for the work.

Mr. White reported on tax collections to date. He said that collections are at 91.3% of billings, compared to 91.59% last year on the same date.

He noted that general fund budget revenues are at 79% of budgeted amount while overall expenditures are at 74% of budget. Water/sewer revenues are at 89% of expectations while expenditures are at 47%. It was noted that several large debt service payments will be made later in May and in June which will change the water/sewer budget picture dramatically.

The status of the CDBG-IF and CDBG-SBEA grants were discussed. Both projects will be closed out in June. Upon motion of Alderman Armstrong, the vote was unanimous to correct an error in the CDBG-SBEA agreement with Capt’ Neil’s Seafood to read 70% of created jobs to benefit low moderate income individuals, instead of 10%. Page 16 of Book 21

The Town Manager then presented the proposed 2016-2017 Columbia Town Budget. He proposed no tax increase above the current year. attachment # 1

Upon motion of Alderman Owens and unanimous vote, the Budget Hearing was set for 7:15 PM, Monday, June 6, 2016.

Mr. White reported that a shopping cart from Dollar General was fished out of the river earlier in the day and that Ray Barnette is no longer employed by the town. He said a recent meeting of the Albemarle RPO indicated that no highway projects are funded for the 14-county Division One area this year. He said a major effort will be needed next year to get the Alligator River replacement bridge on the state DOT work schedule.

The Manager discussed the town sign ordinance, noting that businessmen complain that signs are inadequate while others complain that there is too much sign clutter. It was noted that the sign ordinance was developed a decade ago and it may be time to take another look at the ordinance. By consent the Board directed the Columbia Planning Board to review the sign ordinance to see if it is adequate or if changes are needed.

Upon motion of Alderman Armstrong and unanimous vote, a Resolution approving the Columbia Water Supply Plan was unanimously adopted. attachment # 2

Alderman Owens stated that the conditions of Elementary School Road and North Road Street are continuing to deteriorate. Both are State maintained roadways.

Alderman Ogletree said a sign indicating “Library” is needed on US-64/Scuppernong Drive as a way-finding measure and as a way to illustrate the community intellectual development. She expressed concern about the ZEKA virus and lack of planning by the State to address the mosquito born illness. It was explained that the town will spray again this year but no longer gets any State support for mosquito control.

Alderman Ogletree suggested that lights mounted higher along the boardwalk might deter some of the recurring vandalism. Seven light fixtures are currently damaged and must be replaced.

She also suggested that the old School Bus Garage should be torn down. The Manager will contact the School Superintendent about the building.

Alderman Cahoon asked if any progress has been made by Albemarle RC&D on plans and funds for cleaning the North Boundary Canal. Mr. White said he would see RC&D officials later in the week. Page 17 of Book 21

Alderman Armstrong reported that the Tyrrell Volunteer Fire Department Board voted to not support the proposed Tyrrell County fire tax district.

Upon motion of Alderman Armstrong and unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Griffin.

This the 2nd day of May, 2016.

______F. Michael Griffin, Mayor

ATTEST:

______Rhett B. White, Clerk