Stokesdale, North Carolina
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Stokesdale, North Carolina
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TOWN OF STOKESDALE PO Box 465 STOKESDALE, NORTH CAROLINA
The regular meeting of the Stokesdale Town Council was held in the Town Hall at 8416 US Highway 158 on Thursday, April 19, 2007.
Mayor Randle L. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. The following members of Council were present: Mayor Randle L. Jones, Mayor Pro Tem John W. Flynt, Mickie Halbrook, Bobby Richardson and Powell Shelton.
Others present included: Les Eger, Guilford County Planning Department; and Carolyn Joyner, Town Clerk/Finance Officer.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Council considered the proposed agenda. Bob Wray asked to be placed on the agenda to discuss the idea of a museum for the Town of Stokesdale. Mayor Jones suggested that Mr. Wray should be added as the Item #1 under New Business. Mr. Flynt made a motion to approve the agenda as presented with the additional item. Ms. Halbrook seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the agenda was adopted.
Mr. Flynt made a motion to suspend with the reading of the minutes and approved them as presented. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the minutes of the Special Meeting of March 7, 2007 and the regular Council meeting of March 15, 2007 were approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for Museum for Stokesdale: Bob Wray said that a group of Stokesdale citizens would like to work on a project which would provide a museum for the Town. He indicated that he has spoken with some of the Council Members and he would like confirmation, approval, and discussion from Council on the idea of a committee. There has not been a meeting of interested persons.
Mayor Jones indicated that there are artifacts and documents that exists and it would be nice to have a place to display them. Some items have been donated to the Town and can be displayed when a new Town Hall is built. He feels that it is a worthwhile cause. Mr. Wray indicated that if Council feels that it is a worthwhile project, then he would like to put together the first meeting and bring back ideas to Council for their review and evaluation.
Mr. Shelton noted that he felt that it is a worthwhile project and asked for more details about what the project would involved before Council votes on the project. Mr. Wray said that he had discussed it with some members of the Veterans Monument committee and others that have the same desire. He feels that more information will be available after the first meeting. He has talked with several people in Town about giving the group a location until the Town has its own facility. Mayor Jones indicated that it was sufficient to say that you have received positive feedback from the Town.
Report from Guilford County Sheriff’s Department: A representative of the Sheriff’s Department was not present.
Planning: CASE #07-03-STPL-01809-SP: SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A MODEL AIRPLANE FLYING FIELD. Located on the west side of NC HWY 68 N approximately 800 feet south of DORSETT DOWNS DRIVE (SR 4879) in Oak Ridge Township. Being Guilford County Tax Map 1-60, Block 113, Part of Parcel 9, approximately 28 acres. Owned by Jenoise J. Barrow. (A request to withdraw the case has been submitted.) Mr. Eger indicated that the Town has received a request to withdraw the request. The case was heard by the Planning Board and one of the applicants was present at the meeting to formerly request the withdrawal. Mr. Keith
Book 9, Page 1478 Ferris indicated that he was the President of the Kernersville RC Aircraft Club and asked that the special use permit request be withdrawn. Mr. Flynt made a motion to approve the withdrawal. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. All Council members present voted aye and the withdrawal of the case was approved.
CASE #1-07: TEXT AMENDMENTS TO STOKESDALE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE. Amendment to Section 1-11.2, Map Certification, to change identifying signature from the Mayor of Summerfield to the Mayor of Stokesdale; and, Section 5-13.2(G)(1), Flag Lots, to grant final approval to the Planning Board.
Mr. Eger indicated that the first amendment was to correct the wording in the Ordinance to read “Mayor of Stokesdale” rather than Summerfield. Mr. Eger noted that the second item was Section 5-13 G 1.)Flag Lots (not (6) as shown on the agenda) and it was to give approval authority to the Planning Board rather than it being forwarded to Council.
Mayor Jones opened the Public Hearing. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the text amendments. Mr. Flynt made a motion to adopt text amendment to the Stokesdale Development Ordinance to section 1-11.2 to change identifying signatures from the Mayor of Summerfield to the Mayor of Stokesdale. Mr. Shelton seconded the motion. Council voted 5-0 to approve the text amendment.
Mayor Jones made a motion for the changes to be made in compliance with the text amendments for Section 5-13.2 (G) (1) flag lots as set forth before Council. Mr. Shelton seconded the motion. Council voted 5 -0 to approve the text amendment.
Mr. Eger noted that next month he will introduce the planner who will be working with the Town. His name is Trevor Nuttal and he worked with County three years ago and has worked with the City of Asheboro since that time as a planner. His wife, Holly Matthews a former planner and zoning investigator for the County, works in another department now.
Watershed Allocation: Anthony Vaughn: Mr. Vaughn addressed Council by noting that there has been discussion about the Watershed allocation for a number of years regarding the development of business, particularly in the central business district. All development in the Reidsville watershed would be affected. The majority of the Reidsville watershed area that is in Guilford County is in Stokesdale. It is between NC 65 and US Hwy 158. There is a small area of the Town that is considered in the Dan River watershed. His firm has worked on two cases with watershed issues. As the Town developed years ago, businesses were built on small parcels of land and watershed regulations in the Reidsville WS III watershed area with existing impervious is grandfathered. If you had over 24% impervious existing before the adoption of the Ordinance, then you would be allowed to keep the land but you could not increase the impervious without installing some type of watershed protection device. In some cases, you cannot exceed 50% even with a device He noted that Tim Veneable had to install a device called a sand filter. The devices are called best management practices and you can use any that are approved by the State. The watershed rules are administered by the Guilford County Watershed Division, Warren Simmons, watershed engineer and Shea Bolick assistant. The State of North Carolina allows the 10/70 option which says that up to 10% of the watershed can be developed up to 70% impervious. Impervious is paving, roofs, and gravel. This would allow some of the downtown business to develop up to 70%. He would like to see the Town consider this option and determine what area would be considered. He noted that there is a copy of some information that the Town of Oak Ridge when they requested an allocation from the State.
Mr. Flynt noted that he had spoken with Mr. Bolick and he had recommended that the Town may want to look at non-residential zones. If, for example if CCB burned down, then they could not rebuild. There may be old established businesses that need to be protected. He said that Bill Fulp wanted to add a bathroom at the Stokesdale Service Center and it was almost impossible to do this. Mr. Flynt suggested a letter, under the Mayor’s signature and with Council’s blessing, to County Manager, Mr. McNeil, would start the process for the appropriate paperwork to be submitted to the State and to people downstream such as the Town of Reidsville. He estimated that 100 acres meet the needs of the Town for a very long time. Mr. Flynt felt that it is something that should be done for the downtown businesses and it would not change residential areas. Basically it is changing from Guilford County regulations to State Regulations which are less restrictive than the County. He felt that a letter should be sent to the County Manager to start the process. Book 9, Page 1479 Mr. Eger said that he felt that this was a part of the discussion during the adoption of the Land Use Plan. He noted that everyone could not afford to install a watershed device such as the one installed by Mr. Veneable several years ago. With this in place, it would make it easier for businesses to come back. He noted that Norman Westmoreland and had issues with this same problem.
Mayor Jones made a motion for Council to have Mr. Trevorrow review the matter and to draft a letter for Council to consider at the next regular Council meeting. Mr. Vaughn could attend the next meeting to make any comments. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion was approved.
Set Public Hearings for Text Amendments for Flood Insurance and Flood Insurance Rate Maps & National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): The Clerk noted that the Flood Insurance and Flood maps must be adopted before the June meeting. The NPDES could be delayed until the June meeting. Council may want to consider asking for a meeting with Mr. Simmons, Guilford County Watershed Engineer. Council has had the stormwater text amendments for several months since Mr. Niles had attended a previous meeting. The Clerk noted that the ads are large and a budget amendment will be needed. Mr. Trevorrow had reviewed the ad. The Flood Maps have been reviewed by FEMA. The County has passed their text amendment. Mr. Eger noted that the Flood maps have been updated by the Federal Government and the Flood Study goes with it. The Clerk indicated that the text amendments must be approved by Council in order for the Town to be eligible for Flood Insurance.
Mayor Jones made a motion to set public hearings for text amendments for the Flood Insurance and flood rate maps and the NPDES and to advertise as required by Statute and set the hearing date for the next meeting which is May 17. Mr. Flynt seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried.
Mr. Shelton made a motion to amend the 06-07 Budget Ordinance by $2,000 for the cost of the advertising for the public hearings. Ms. Halbrook seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried.
Consider an Interlocal Agreement for Enforcement of Local Post-Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance: The Clerk noted that Mr. Niles had provided Council with a list of items that must be completed in order for the County to administer the Storm Water duties on behalf of the Town. One of the items was a contract with the County for providing those services. The County has prepared an agreement for Council’s consideration. The Clerk noted that the letter from Mr. Niles indicates that the service will cost $5,000 per year and the Town will make two payments so that it will be similar to the contract for planning services. Mr. Trevorrow has reviewed the contract and he had no issues with it. The Clerk also noted that the County will retain any fees that are collected for the service.
Mr. Flynt asked Mr. Vaughn if every subdivision and site plan will be required to submit watershed information. Mr. Vaughn said that he felt that all development will be treated as though it was located in watershed and plans will be submitted and reviewed.
Mr. Flynt made a motion to approve the agreement based on a $5,000 fee with the necessary language being approved by Mr. Trevorrow. Mayor Jones seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the contract was approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Request for Proposals – Operator for Town Water System: Mayor Jones noted that three proposals were received and they have been reviewed and the individuals have been interviewed. The matter is before Council to accept one of the proposals.
Mr. Shelton asked if any more information has been received from any of the applicants. The Clerk noted that they have inquired as to when a company will be selected. Mr. Shelton said that he felt that their was something hidden because of the difference in pricing.
Mr. Flynt made a motion to enter into a contract with Meritech to be the water service provider for the Town of Stokesdale based on the proposal that was submitted. Mayor Jones seconded the motion. Book 9, Page 1480 Mr. Flynt noted that there is a significant difference in the contracts and one thing from Meritech may have been the cost of repair and overtime. Yates has done most of the repairs for the Town and they are local and they are familiar with the system. He also said that Mr. Merritt had impeccable credentials in terms of degrees in chemistry and the licenses that are needed and necessary to operate the system Mayor Jones noted that Meritech is the lowest proposal.
Mr. Richardson had contacted Miles Stanley at Countryside Manor and he highly praised Meritech. The former company that they used had let them down on State requirements and they had to pay the difference. Mayor Jones noted that all of the proposals were professional. Mayor Jones said that Mr. Flynt’s motion was to award the contract to Meritech Inc. and that he had seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. Mayor Jones thanked all of the companies that had presented proposals and noted that it was good to have that type of interest in the Town.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS: Long Range Finance Committee: Mayor Jones had spoken with the architects and they are working on the Town Hall plans. They have been working on new elevations and interiors and are trying to match the outside with the interior. They have proposed a meeting on April 26 at 6:30 PM and will have additional information at that time.
Stokesdale Parks & Recreation Board Report: A report was not available.
Land Use Plan Review Committee: Mr. Flynt reported that the committee is meeting twice a month on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. The group is planning to update the Future Land Use Plan for Stokesdale and consider some possible changes to the Ordinance. They plan to present a draft to Council in July.
Budget Committee: Ms. Joyner noted that all Budget Requests must be submitted to the Budget Officer by April 30. The Committee has not set a meeting date.
Departmental and Administrative Reports: Finance Report: March, 2007: The Finance Officer noted that assets have increased over the previous month. The Water Enterprise Accounts Receivable has not changed since reports have not been received from MLP. Checking account transactions for General Fund includes a payment of $1,484.10 to Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects; $12,500.00 to Guilford County Finance Department for Planning Services; and stipends were paid to Council for first quarter. Accounts payable include an invoice for the maintenance agreement on the copier in the amount of $270. The General Funds Savings Account shows the deposit of planning fees and a Utilities Franchise Tax Distribution of $39,470.62. The Water Enterprise Savings Account shows the deposit for several meter/tap fees for Angels Glen and one new tap on B&G Court. Since the monthly reports were not received from MLP, the checking account transactions do not show any deposits. The City of Winston Salem was paid $6,252.76 for water and billing for the placement of ads for the RFP for the water system operator. Water Enterprise Accounts Payable include invoices from Yates Construction Company for the installation of new meters and taps.
Insurance Renewal with NCLM: The League had provided the current limits that are being carried by the Town. If Council wishes to no longer use NCLM, they must be given a 45-day notice before the policy can be cancelled. Mayor Jones made a motion to continue with the same policy. Mr. Flynt seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion was approved.
Administrative Report: Invitation to Council to participate in the Summerfield Founders Day Parade: The Clerk indicated that Council members were invited to participate in the Parade.
Clerk’s Vacation Request: Mayor Jones made a motion to approve the Clerk’s vacation request. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the request was approved.
The Clerk noted that she had attended a meeting on the Jordan Lake Rules which are changes in the watershed rules that are pending. Over one half of the Town of Stokesdale will be impacted by the change in rules. Estimated costs to local governments to met the requirements for stormwater retrofits on existing development is $403,000,000. All Book 9, Page 1481 local governments in the watershed will be required to install retrofit storm water controls on existing developed lands. Retrofit programs must begin within four years of the effective date of the rule. Piedmont Triad Council of Governments is coordinating and assisting the local governments that are affected by these rules. PTCOG strongly urged governments to attend the town hall meetings that will be held in Raleigh and to talk with their representatives about this issue. A second component is the implementation of stringent rules on development in the future. Real estate agents present at the meeting estimated that the rules, if approved, would add thousands of dollars to the cost of each new home that is built in the area.
Mayor Jones made a motion to send a letter in opposition using the draft letter and to send a second letter on the Town Letterhead to the individual representatives indicating that this would be an undue burden to Stokesdale that with the population and tax burden would be excessive for retrofits as called for in this proposal, Council would be opposed to these rules. Mr. Flynt seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried.
Legislative Action: Addition of Charles Place Drive to the State Road Maintenance System: Mr. Flynt note that school buses will be able to use the road and the road will be maintained by the State. Mr. Flynt made a motion to adopt the resolution consenting to the addition of Charles Place Drive to the State NCDOT Maintenance system. Mr. Shelton seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. A copy of the Resolution is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
Rescinding/Declaring Speed Limits on a portion of NC 68; Daltonshire Drive; Keating Drive: The Clerk noted that the only difference from the previous ordinance was a different road number with the speed limit remaining at 25 MPH. The new number for Keating Drive was SR 4826 rather than SR 4827 which would be an amendment to Ordinance #56. The second request was an amendment to delete Athens Road since it has been removed from state maintenance and to reference Clintwood Drive with the speed limit remaining the same. Mr. Flynt asked if the speed limit could be reduced. Mr. Flynt said that the speed limit was too high, that he felt with the school and the fire department wreck that occurred at this intersection, the speed limit should be reduced from Prince Edward Road to some point north of Town. Mayor Jones said that he felt that the Town cannot dictate the speed limits but can request a DOT review. Mayor Jones said that NCDOT would do studies of the area and Council can adopt the Ordinance and request a review of the speed limit. Mr. Richardson said that he felt that it should extend from Prince Edward to Lester Road. Mayor Jones asked Mr. Flynt to put together a letter since he was familiar with the situations. Mr. Flynt made a motion to adopt Ordinance #56, an amendment to the speed limits on Bartonshire and Keating Drive to 25 miles per hours. Mr. Shelton seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. A copy of Ordinance Number Fifty Six – Amended is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
Mr. Flynt made a motion to adopt Ordinance #40 which address the speed limits on NC 68, changing it from Athens Road to Clintwood Drive with the speed limit at 50 mph and to also send with it a letter to NCDOT requesting a reduction in the speed limit to 35 MPH from Prince Edward to Lester Road and NC 65. Mr. Flynt will draft a letter for Mr. Trevorrow and Mr. Shelton to review the draft. Mr. Shelton seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. A copy of Ordinance Number Forty – Amended is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
Other Business: Consider adopting National Day of Prayer Proclamation: Mayor Jones noted that Council has adopted a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer for a number of years. He made a motion to adopt the proposed Proclamation for the National Day of Prayer. Ms. Halbrook seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. A copy of the Proclamation is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
Auditor for FY 06-07 Audit: The Clerk noted that the proposal submitted by Cannon & Cannon had included estimated costs based on a three year contract but each year a contract must be completed. Mayor Jones made a motion to select Cannon & Cannon as auditors for Fiscal Year 06-07. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye and the motion carried. Book 9, Page 1482
Announcements: Mayor Jones read the announcements listed on the agenda.
Comments from the Floor: No one came forward to be heard.
Comments from Council: Mr. Shelton noted that he and Mr. Richardson attended the security meeting at Pine Needles today. He said that they gave a brief explanation of the operation. He was impressed with the measures that have taken to eliminate hazards.
Mr. Flynt noted that there was a good crowd at the Vulcan Materials Community Day and he suggested that Council send a letter of thanks on behalf of the Town to the management of Vulcan expressing our appreciation. He said that about $7,800 was raised and Vulcan has have been a good corporate citizen and he felt that Council should show their official support. Mayor Jones said that he was unable to attend but some of his family attended and he had heard from others who were favorably impressed with what Vulcan did. They have been a good corporate citizen here and have done a lot for the community and formal recognition from the Town would be appropriate. Mr. Shelton said that it was an excellent day and he suggested a letter to Mr. Viers would be appropriate.
Mr. Flynt indicated that Fidelity Bank has made a request to their corporate headquarters for a substantial donation for the Revolutions, the Stokesdale Youth Football program. It may have helped that Council supported them. Mayor Jones said that their letter may have been different from what Council sanctioned and efforts are being made to work on the wording.
Adjournment: Mr. Shelton made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Halbrook seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
_________________________________________ Carolyn L. Joyner
Approved:
_________________________________________ Randle L. Jones, Mayor
Book 9, Page 1483
APPROVED BY COUNCIL: June 21, 2007 Official Copies of the Town Council minutes are available at Town Hall for a nominal copy fee.
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