The Village of Walnut Creek Council met in Regular Session, December 12th, 2012 at 7:30 PM, 103 Village Drive.
PRESENT:
Mayor Darrell Horne
Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Ricker Councilman Tom Shaw
Councilman Russ Prys Councilman Stoney Sloan
Administrator Lou Cook Clerk Sharon Geelen
Chief Ken Barrett Attorney Phil Baddour
Residents in Attendance: Pat Diliberto, Larry Somerville, Ralph Smiley, Larry Kammler, Danny Jackson, Cliff & Carol Hardison
Mayor Darrell Horne called the meeting to order.
Councilman Tom Shaw led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Horne asked if there were any changes to the October Minutes or October Finance Report. There were no changes. Councilman Russ Prys moved to approve the October Minutes and the October Finance Report. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comments:
Pat Diliberto addressed the council regarding the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Planning Board:
Planning Board Chairman, Danny Jackson stated that after reviewing the proposed changes to the “parking ordinance” the Planning Board has decided to only make one change and that is to add the word “house” in front of “trailer” in the ordinance. Mayor Pro-Tem Ricker moved to approve the ordinance with that change. Attached here to. After some discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Manager Report:
Mr. Cook stated that trash pick-up the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s would be on Monday, December 24th and 31st. Recycling will not be effected and will still be picked up on Thursday of both weeks.
Mr. Cook discussed a meeting that he had with the John Gerber from North Carolina Division of Emergency Management regarding the community rating system for flood insurance and what the Village can do to improve our rating.
Council Minutes, Page Two
December 12th, 2012
Mr. Cook said he had been in touch with Senator Louis Pate’s office regarding the payment still owed to the Village from the state of North Carolina for Hurricane Irene reimbursement. Senator Pate’s office is working with Mr. Cook to ensure the Village receives their payment.
Mr. Cook stated that the LGC had approved the Audit for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. Mayor Pro-Tem Ricker moved to approve the Audit. The motion passed unanimously.
Clerk Report:
Mrs. Geelen reported that property tax payments were coming in at a good pace. She said she usually has the majority of them in by the end of December.
Police Chief Report:
Chief Barrett stated 2013 Boat Stickers were in and would be available for sale after January 1st.
Chief Barrett reported that a garage in the Village had been broken in to and an item was stolen. He reminded everyone to keep their garage doors closed even when they are home.
Chief Barrett said the Police Department in an effort to have higher visibility in the Village would be having random check points at the front and back entrances.
Committee Reports
Tom Shaw-Planning Board, Police Commissioner, Web Master
No Report
Greg Ricker-Lake Committee, Fire Department, Cable, Trash & Recycling
Mayor Pro-Tem Ricker announced he received a letter from Suddenlink regarding rates going up.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ricker reported that the Lake Committee met and Lake Wackena will be drawn down starting January 2nd, 2013 for a shorter period of time than in the past. The lake will only be partially drawn down, enough for residents to make any repairs they need to make.
Russ Prys-Water & Sewer Commissioner, Insurance
Councilman Prys reported that a resident with a high sewer bill requested a waiver based on the fact that they had to fill their in ground pool because of a leak. Councilman Prys stated that they would be charged for all of the water but would receive a waiver on a portion of the sewer bill as the water went into a pool and not the sewer system. Councilman Prys moved to approve the waiver. The motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Prys stated, although it is not required by General Statute, on January 17th 2013 there will be a public forum held at the Walnut Creek Country Club to discuss the sewer expansion project. Councilman Prys stated this project has been in the works for 10-12 years and is finally coming to the front of items for the council to address. Councilman Prys stated that Mayor Pro-Tem Ricker has been working on a power point
Council Minutes, Page Three
December 12th, 2012
presentation that will answer questions that residents may have. Councilman Prys stated that the sewer expansion project will affect 55% of the Village and they expect a large turnout. Councilman Prys stated that there will be panel of experts in their respective fields to answer specific questions. The speakers will include; the Village Attorney, Engineers, representatives from Foster Lake & Pond Management, a representative from the Wayne County Health Department, a local realtor and the Village Accountant. Councilman Prys said they would like to make it as transparent as possible so that people are informed.
Attorney Baddour stated the council will adopt a Preliminary Assessment Resolution during the January council meeting setting the Public Hearing and the desire to continue forward with exploring the sewer expansion project.
Councilman Prys stated that the Public Hearing regarding the sewer expansion project will take place during the February council meeting.
Stoney Sloan-Village Owned Property
Councilman Sloan reported the bushes and trees that died after the last lift station project would be replaced by the end of the week.
Councilman Sloan stated that the golf cart crossings have been re-painted and the Village Maintenance staff will be installing stop signs on the golf course for the golf carts.
Councilman Sloan said the Park and Recreation committee did not meet in November or December. He stated the Park & Recreation Committee received an estimate for construction of the footbridge that is significantly lower than the engineers estimate and still meets all the specifications. He also stated they are looking into signs for the Park area. Councilman Sloan said he had the draft back from the sign company and will share that with the committee at their meeting in January. They will be presenting their recommendation to the council at the January Council meeting.
Old Business:
Councilman Sloan stated the bid process for the Village Facelift Project only yielded two bids. The bids were very different. One was extremely detailed and higher in price; the cost of the other was significantly lower but was rather vague. Councilman Sloan requested he be allowed to go back to both companies and have them submit new bids that may be closer in content. In addition, there was a third company that arrived late to the open bidding, which he would like to get a bid from as well. Attorney Baddour stated that even though the council is not required to go through the formal bid process, he commended them for being vigilant in trying to get accurate bids for the project.
New Business:
None
Announcements/Correspondence:
None
There being no further business to bring before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
__________________________ _________________________
Clerk, Sharon Geelen Mayor C. Darrell Horne