MINUTES OF THE WHITSETT TOWN COUNCIL
February 13, 2007
Whitsett Town Hall Building
The regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Whitsett was held at
7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at the Whitsett Town Hall. The following members of the Town Council were present: Mayor Richard Fennell, Mayor Pro Tem Andy Brown, Councilmembers Jerry Rice, Ken Jacobs, and Mark Stewart. Also present were Town Administrator Gary Deal and Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia.
Mayor Fennell called the Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and noted that a quorum was present. Councilmember Rice offered the invocation.
Mr. Warrick, President of the Whitsett Fire Board, presented a formal letter to
the members of the Town Council requesting permission for the Fire Department to hook up to the Town Hall’s septic system because the Fire Department’s system had reached capacity and is in need of major repair and relief.
Mr. Warrick further explained that this condition is largely due to two firemen now residing at the firehouse full time. Round-the-clock use of facilities has raised the water table to where the ground is fully saturated.
State and County both have inspected the site. Their evaluations conclude that even if another tank were installed on the firehouse property, it would not be remedial because the land is weak. It was suggested that the Fire Department pursue asking the Town Council to allow the Fire Department to share the Town Hall’s septic system since it is a commercial system with a 10,000-gallon capacity that, in the County’s opinion, would feasibly handle service to the firehouse. The firehouse and the Town Hall building share a water system, but not septic.
The Fire Department additionally proposed to take full responsibility for the connection. And, if the tank gets filled up, the Fire Department would be responsible for pumping out the tank in addition to any repairs or needed upkeep.
For both parties concerned, the Town Council thought it best to have some sort of draft contract drawn up to discuss these type issues, i.e., responsibility, liability. The Town Council also inquired about a diagram of the Fire Department’s system, which they understood existed; but, no one knew for sure.
Mr. Warrick respectfully asked for the Town Council’s consideration of the Fire Department’s request. Mayor Fennell in turn thanked Mr. Warrick for his time and presentation, and stated that further discussion on this agenda item would continue as the first item under “New Business.”
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Richard Fennell asked for any changes to the January 9, 2007 minutes; none made. Motion made by Councilmember Mark Stewart to adopt the minutes as presented; motion seconded by Councilmember Jerry Rice. Adoption carried by unanimous vote.
2. Water Study Report Update
Mr. Randy McNeill, from Davis-Martin-Powell Associates, Inc., took the floor
to review issues presented in a report submitted to the Town in October 2006.
Major issues outlined were: (1) rates the city of Burlington would charge Whitsett for the water Burlington would provide, (2) rates Whitsett should consider charging users hooked to a Town water system, (3) tap fees that
should be charged to offset water line cost, (4) costs associated with building
and operating a municipal water system, and (5) funding sources for financing construction and installation.
Funding sources range from a County grant of $100,000, a State emergency fund, revenue bond sales, to even a shifting of existing Town funds. Randy McNeill stated that the only guaranteed source right now for small-community water and sewer systems is the $100,000 from the County. That’s a start; and to date, he is not aware of anyone having used that vehicle, so maybe the Town should ask for more than the $100,000. In addition, Mr. McNeill cautioned the Council on transferring monies from the Town’s General Account to fund infrastructure.
The well testing in the vicinity of highways 61 and 70 intersection being conducted by the County should help to support the Town’s efforts for financing. In addition, there was discussion related to the investigation of underground tanks at the intersection of highways 100 and 70. Depending on those findings, the Town Council may have cause to ask the County to expand its testing of Whitsett wells; and thus, provide additional support in vying for grant dollars.
Meanwhile, documented contamination or potential contamination has caused the Town Council to accelerate its need for a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
One of the most important actions the Council could take is to develop a CIP. Mayor Fennell reiterated that the Town knows it has contaminated wells and where the water lines need to start. We also know that we need money to act, and have at least $100,000 available to the Town. The absence of a CIP is a major deficiency; and Randy McNeill encouraged the Town Council to move.
The Council will schedule a work session to take initial steps towards a CIP,
and asked Randy McNeill if he would be available to participate; he agreed.
3. Water Testing Update
Councilmember Ken Jacobs reported that the progress on the water testing initiative was in full swing. The preliminary letter had been sent to involved homeowners/property owners informing them of the County’s offer to collect water samples at no cost to residents or the Town. Councilmember Jacobs further stated that once residents had sufficient time to receive their letters, he hand delivered a letter to John Nantz at Guilford County Health Department with a final list of those wells to be tested. As soon as the County sets a date for their crew to come down and collect samples, another letter will quickly be sent to residents notifying them of the date and procedures to follow. The Town should soon hear from the County about the date.
Mayor Fennell asked for any other old business; and there was none.
1. Planning Board
Board Chairman Bob Maccia reported on several changes to the Sign Ordinance. First, an addition to the Sign Definitions under Animated Sign is being recommended. The inclusion of “including electronic messages” to the definition would clearly make electronic messages not permissible.
In addition, dates were inserted in the Sign Certificates section to reflect November 14, 2006 when the Town Council adopted the new sign requirements. This lays the ground work for Town Administrator Gary Deal to send letters to the three Whitsett businesses with nonconforming signs informing them of the newly-adopted requirements and the specific violation(s) relevant to their business. Although no action on the part of the businesses will be necessary at this time, should the signs be replaced in the future whether due to needed repair or by choice, the new signs will require a Town permit and must comply with the new ordinances.
Board Chairman Maccia made one final comment with regard to signs which specifically related to the Whitsett Mini-Mart. The Town Administrator and the Planning Board were in agreement on asking the gas station/mini-mart to restrict the number of advertising signs posted at the business for aesthetic reasons.
The next subject Board Chairman Maccia reported on was Lighting. Chairman Maccia explained that after months and months of work and numerous drafts of a new lighting ordinance, the Board had produced a comprehensive, yet perhaps
complicated proposal; and he was not ready to formally present recommendations to the Town Council without the Planning Board taking one more pass to consider simplifying the document.
2. Enforcement Committee
Enforcement Officer Gary Deal reported no activity.
3. Enforcement Officer
Enforcement Officer Gary Deal reported that one permit had been issued since last month’s Town Council meeting. The permit was issued to Cricket Communications for adding service to the existing tower located on the property of Melvin Brown on Gusenberry Road. Approval by Mr. Brown, which is filed along with the permit at the Town Hall, was secured prior to issuance.
4. Town Administrator
Town Administrator Gary Deal reported that Whitsett is participating in the Guilford County Scattered Site Housing Program which targets low-income homeowners needing funds to make home repairs that are structural, cosmetic and/or deal with water and sewer. The County will sponsor the program with funds provided by the NC Division of Community Assistance. About 7 low-income households would be eligible for assistance. Any Whitsett candidates should contact Guilford County Community and Economic Development Department directly for speedy processing of their request.
1. Fire Department Request
Mayor Fennell presented a draft of a resolution requested by the State Department of Transportation in support of adding Kelsey Court to the State Maintenance System. The State provided backup documentation that included their investigation report, the property owners’ petition to the Division of Highways
to be added to the State’s system, and relevant plats and aerial depictions of the area. This action would bring Kelsey Court in line with the rest of the Whitsett roadways already up to State standards.
A motion was made by Councilmember Ken Jacobs to adopt the draft resolution as presented; motion seconded by Councilmember Jerry Rice; motion carried by unanimous vote.
Councilmember Jerry Rice, who serves as the Town Council representative to the Planning Board, brought before the Council the issue of reporting ordinance violations. The subject had been raised at the February Planning Board meeting specifically with regard to junk cars and citing a particular property at the intersection of Brightwood Church Road and Kivette House Road.
The Enforcement Ordinance currently reads that only adjacent or neighboring property owners may submit a written complaint to the Town because they are “directly affected” by the violation. The concern, however, is more far-reaching than what the eye can see because residents may be “directly affected” by leaking of or the dumping of gas, oil, and other lubricants going into the water table. This then becomes a health issue—not far from the well contamination problems already at hand in Whitsett. Councilmember Rice would like to see different language that either counters what exists or defines it better; but, most assuredly would expand on the term “directly affected.”
The Town Council asked the Planning Board to take up this major concern at its March 7 meeting, and bring back recommendations to the Town Council.
4. Announcements
Mayor Richard Fennell reported that the historic road marker sign had been cast and is expected to be delivered to the Town Hall within the next week or so. Mayor Fennell said that he would like to see a ceremonial dedication of the “historic district” marker where the public is invited to share in the Town’s event.
5. Speakers
from the Floor
Mayor Fennell asked for any speakers from the floor; and there were none.
With no further business before the Council, Mayor Fennell invited a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Andy Brown; seconded by Councilmember Mark Stewart. Motion passed unanimously; and the February 13 Town Council meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
The next meeting of the Town Council will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2007,
at the Whitsett Town Hall.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Jo Hesson, Town Clerk Richard Fennell, Mayor
APPROVED: March 13, 2007