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TOWN OF COLUMBIA BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Joint Meeting with Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners

February 2, 2015

The Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen met in special joint session with the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners, Monday, February 2, 2015, at 5:PM in the Conference Room of the Columbia Municipal Building. Aldermen attending were: Mike Crowder, James Cahoon, Mildred Ogletree, Ray Marner and Sandra Owens. Mayor F. Michael Griffin presided.

Tyrrell County Commissioners attending were: Leroy Spivey, Carl Willis, Nina Griswell, Larry Hill and Thomas Everett.

Mayor Griffin and Chairman Spivey called the meeting to order. Mayor Griffin asked Alderman Owens to offer a prayer for the two Boards. He welcomed those attending including the Tyrrell County Commissioners.

County Manager David Clegg reported on progress to refurbish Veteran’s Park, including county and town responsibilities. He referred to the joint memo of understanding that facilitated the construction grant and said the NC-DENR Division of Coastal Management Grant has been signed so that work can begin in the Spring. He noted that both the town and county committed $5,000.00 in-kind toward the park upgrade.

Alderman Cahoon and Commissioner Everett talked about the desire to have some interpretative graphics and messages at the park. They cited earlier discussions about the Branning Lumber Mill, the rail road bridge, solders who left for WW II aboard the train, Union forces raiding Columbia during the Civil War and the Esther Randal that burned and sank at dockside as interpretative material.

By consent, additional work will be done on developing historical documentation for display in the park.

Mayor Griffin reported that the process is under way to annex the property that will house the new nursing home. He announced that there will be a public hearing in March and action can be taken after that time. He reported that action would be taken later in the evening to recombine the two lots and that the Board had already amended the Columbia Zoning Ordinance to allow a nursing home in the B-2 Zone.

Mayor Griffin asked the county if they would consider asking the town to annex all of the county-owned property near and around the Tyrrell Hall site. He explained that the town limits in that area is like a puzzle with pieces missing. He also noted that if the

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county sells additional property for development in the area, annexation will be a requirement for providing municipal sewage service.

Complaints about inconsistent garbage and recycling pick-up were voiced by the town. Mr. Clegg explained that a follow-up meeting with the garbage contractor will be held in March. He reported that recycling has increased.

Mayor Griffin and Commissioner Everett talked about the North Road Street flooding and deteriorating street condition. It was reported that NC-DOT will fund Rivers & Associates to design the proposed drainage and roadway improvement that were recommended in the earlier flooding study. The county and town will follow-up with Sterling baker of NC-DOT.

Commissioner Hill expressed concern about Elementary School Road that is being used as a detour while sewer replacement occurs along NC-94/South Broad Street. He noted that the truck traffic is damaging the road surface and edges, and that the road is sinking under the weight of too many trucks. He also expressed concern that the Fonsoe Street Bridge that is off-limits to trucks and buses is being used as a short cut detour.

It was noted that NC-DOT will begin a replacement project on the Grindle Hill Bridge after the town completes its sewer work, meaning even more abuse on Elementary School Road.

It was noted that NC-DOT plans to remove the Fonsoe Street Bridge should be given a second look in view of the volume of detour traffic now being experienced. Mayor Griffin said that the town has asked for a public meeting prior to any final plans to address the aging and badly deteriorated bridge. Alderman Ogletree said the neighborhood served by the bridge should be asked for their thoughts.

Discussion on the Mary Marner house at the corner of Scottsville and Rowsom streets followed. The structure was foreclosed for taxes in October of 2013 and is jointly owned by the town and county. Options for getting rid of the collapsing structure were shared. Mr. Clegg suggested getting the Tyrrell Volunteer Fire Department to burn it. Commissioner Everett suggested the town arrange to auction the property with the condition that the house be demolished and removed within 60-90 days-of-purchase.

It was noted that the town and county are in the process of foreclosing on two other properties, both heavily fire damaged. After more discussion Town Manager Rhett White and Town Attorney Dwight Wheless were directed to develop a plan for dealing with the properties.

Alderman Ogletree asked the county to consider securing a sign welcoming motorists to Tyrrell County on US-64. She explained that the existing sign if simply a county line sign while neighboring counties have larger informational signs. Mr. Clegg

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said the county now has the digital image for the Tyrrell County logo and is working with NC-DOT to secure more appropriate and attractive signs. He noted that new signs identify Tyrrell Hall and the Tyrrell County Visitor’s Center.

It was agreed that another quarterly joint meeting will be held at a date to be determined.

Chairman Spivey adjourned the County Commissioners Meeting and Mayor Griffin adjourned the Board of Aldermen Meeting.

This the 2nd day of February, 2015.

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F. Michael Griffin, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Rhett B. White, Clerk