MINUTES OF THE WHITSETT TOWN COUNCIL
November 13, 2007
Whitsett Town Hall Building
The regular meeting of the Whitsett Town Council was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday,
November 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 Cindy Wheeler. Also present were Town Administrator Gary Deal, Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia, and from Guilford County Government, Alyson Best.
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.
Mayor Fennell asked for any speakers from the floor; and there were none.
OLD BUSINESS
1.
Adoption of
the Minutes
Mayor Fennell asked for any changes to the October 9, 2007 minutes for the regular monthly meeting; and there were none. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Andy Brown to adopt the minutes as written; motion seconded by Councilmember Jerry Rice. Adoption carried by unanimous vote.
2. Guilford County Animal
Control Presentation – Ms. Alyson Best, Animal Control
Manager, Guilford County Health Department
Mayor Fennell asked Town Administrator Gary Deal to do the honors of introducing the guest speaker. As background, Gary Deal mentioned that Alyson Best was present as a result of last month’s meeting where Guilford County representatives solicited feedback from Whitsett Town Council and residents on the quality of County service provisions. Since a couple issues raised last month dealt with animal control and animal abuse, once the Guilford County reps relayed that message back to the County, the County commissioned an animal control staffer to deliver a presentation to Whitsett Council members, staff, and residents to ease concerns and to also educate and offer information relative to the Guilford County animal control program—its responsibilities, its objectives, its efforts.
Gary Deal further said that he had met Alyson Best at the recent meetings of the Animal Advocacy Coalition which were extremely informative and eye-opening as to the vastness of the animal control problem in the County and the diversified duties performed by the limited staff resources for animal control.
Alyson Best took the floor and added to Deal’s comments by first explaining that until 10 years ago the program was part of the Sheriff’s Office, but is now under the purview of the County Public Health Department. Her staff of 14 animal officers, who cover about 650 square miles in unincorporated Guilford County, runs an extensive 24/7 animal control operation.
Best proceeded with a visual presentation of the facets of the County’s program including such areas as animal vaccinations—citing very aggressive rabies vaccination clinics which have proved extremely successful; also, tracking of animal bites and their treatment via interface with physicians who are required to report incidents; investigations of animal neglect, abuse, or inhumane activities, e.g., cock or dog fighting; conducting welfare checks for water, food, shelter;
and rescue efforts for pets in distress or left in cars.
In addition to daily duties, the staff is heavily involved in community outreach efforts to educate citizens and participate in community events.
[A hard copy of Ms. Best’s presentation is on file as part of the official record.]
At the conclusion, questions and comments were welcomed and some topics that came forth from the audience dealt with the prospect of required licensing of pets, additional vaccination clinics, spaying and neutering, and wildlife control and protection.
3. Any Other Old Business
Mayor Fennell asked for any other old business; and there was none.
Planning Board Chairman Bob Maccia reported that since the November Planning Board meeting had been cancelled, there was no report to give.
2.
Enforcement Committee
Enforcement Officer Gary Deal reported that the Committee was still waiting to meet with Greg Niles of Guilford County on issues related to various properties
in Whitsett.
Enforcement Officer Gary Deal reported that since last month’s meeting, no clearance permits had been issued.
Town Administrator Gary Deal reported that he had emailed was in a waiting mode to hear back from County contacts, namely Commissioner Billy Yow and Betty Garrett of the Planning Department, regarding funds availability for a public water system in Whitsett.
Town Administrator Deal also reported that the new computer system had been installed with a 2007 operating system, an automated accounting system, a new email provider, and various other updated software applications. He added that to date the financial system was brought up to date and Town files had been transferred to the new system successfully.
Mayor Fennell asked for any items from Council members; and with no other members coming forth with issues, Mayor Fennell reported that he had become discouraged with his endeavors to find grant monies for a Town water system.
The possible contacts and sources that at last month’s Council meeting, Dr. Rudo recommended for assistance, had proven empty. Mayor Fennell explained, however, that he been in contact with Dr. Rudo concerning efforts for funds; and Dr. Rudo said he still remained optimistic about Whitsett receiving funds from various State organizations and would be back in contact with Mayor Fennell within a week.
2. Announcements
Mayor Fennell asked for any announcements; and there were none.
3. Speakers from the Floor
Mayor Fennell asked for speakers from the floor; and Eric Barber asked about the concrete work that was being done at the Fire Company. Town Administrator Gary Deal replied that the cracking repair had been a project in the works for about a year and half; and the Fire Company figured that there was money available to complete the job.
The concern of speed limits in Town was again raised. Whitsett Park Road was revisited as to surveillance to ensure posted speed limit; and the roadways of Brightwood Church Road and Coleman Road were added to the list. Town Administrator Deal will contact the Sheriff’s Office like before for their help
in patrolling areas and controlling violators.
With no further business before the Council, Mayor Fennell invited a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Councilmember Jerry Rice and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Andy Brown. Motion passed unanimously; and the November 13 Town Council meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Town Council will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday,
December 11, 2007, at the Whitsett Town Hall.
/s/ /s/
_________________________________ _________________________________
Jo Hesson, Town Clerk Richard Fennell, Mayor
APPROVED: December 11, 2007