25 Apr April 25th, 2011 Minutes

THE THREE HUNDRED-NINETY FIFTH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN

VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
April 25, 2011 – 7:00 PM

Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Sharpe, Alderman Crouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Clemmons, Alderman Slaughter, Alderman Jones, Clerk York.

Absent: Mayor Bundren

Mayor Pro-Tem Sharpe presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Bundren.

Alderman Crouse gave the invocation.

Alderman Clemmons moved to approve the March 28, 2011 meeting minutes and Alderman Tichy seconded. The Motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Plaid Day

Clerk York, Chair of the Plaid Day Committee, said he wanted to set up a meeting soon to begin planning for Plaid Day. He will email the Board of Alderman and last year’s committee members to set up a meeting and share ideas for this year’s Plaid Day. Alderman Crouse asked about the date for Plaid Day 2011. Clerk York said Plaid Day is usually held on the fourth Saturday of September, which would be the 24th this year.

CDBG PROJECT

Mark Reich provided an update, saying all the services are in except the last two. These are for the duplex on the southern end of the Loop Road. These will be completed on Wednesday and the paving contractor will be working on Monday. Final cleanup will be next week. The project is still under budget. The contract amount is $240,000 and there is still some contingency money that hasn’t been used. Alderman Crouse asked about some digging being done between the road and the pond, behind the Evans property. Mark Reich answered that the service line was being run on the easement obtained from Mr. Evans. It was agreed that Mr. Evans be tied on, in obtaining the easement. This is what is in process. The question was raised from the audience about how much of the Loop would be repaved. Mark Reich replied that if you travel the northern end of the Loop to the hard left, with the pond on the right, the repaving would begin from that point to where the road turns back to the left going up the southern side of the Loop. Boring was tried underneath the road from the “long side” of the road and rock has been hit at nearly every point. It was decided to go ahead, open cut and patch. Mark Reich said he would talk with Michael Walser to see if funds were available and could be used to pave over some of the other patches on the Loop. If not, Powell Bill funds may have to be used later to resurface that road. Mark Reich said the western end of the Loop would be in very good shape once the project is completed. Alderman Clemmons commented he felt that this should be made as good as possible, once the project is completed. Mark Reich said there will be a good patch, but it may be beneficial to come back and do an overlay. If CDBG funds could be used for this, that would save the Village some money down the road. Mark Reich will follow up with Chris and Michael on this, to see if this could be added to the project. Alderman Clemmons noted that this depended on whether this was a legitimate part of the project. Mark Reich said there was no question regarding where the sewer line was run up the road, that was covered.

Report on Cabin Pump Station Project

Mark Reich said work was still being done on the Cabin Pump Station Project. He may need to get a few more forms to Clerk York. Hopefully, all the information will be back from the environmental agencies. With that information, the PER can be completed.

ORC Report

Arnold Allred began the ORC Report with the distribution system. There has been a State Inspection done on the water system. Cliff Whitfield came and met with Arnold and Clerk York, to check records. Everything was fine. There are changes coming. The City of Burlington is preparing to begin using chloramines. This introduces ammonia in with the chlorine, beginning in July. This will involve more testing for the Village of Alamance: PH, ammonia testing, monochloramines and total chlorine. This testing will impact Clerk York more than anyone else, as this will require four tests per day, five days per week. Alderman Clemmons asked what would happen if there wasn’t anyone present to do the testing. Arnold Allred reported that someone else would have to come and do the testing. Clerk York noted that Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe has done the chlorine testing on Christmas Day for the last two years. He observed that when the fifth phase of Heritage Glen is completed and the population of the Village exceeds 1000, chlorine testing would have to be done on the weekends as well.

Arnold Allred said the reason for the chloramines is to lower the THM and HAA5 levels. Alderman Clemmons said the Village had been having problems with these. Mr. Allred said Burlington has made the decision to use chloramines, and that most of the state is using chloramines now. Alderman Crouse asked if there would be a fine for the Village, if testing was missed. Mr. Allred replied affirmatively. Alderman Clemmons asked how much the fine would be. Mr. Allred said there would be reminders by the inspectors at first. If tests continued to be missed, the inspectors had the power in hand to fine.

Alderman Clemmons asked where the testing would be conducted. Mr. Allred said the testing would be on the oldest water. The Village of Alamance only has to test one point. Alderman Jones asked if this required human tests or if there could be other monitoring. Arnold Allred said monitoring systems for these tests were very expensive. Clerk York said that there would now be 5 daily tests which would involve more time. Alderman Jones asked Clerk York how long it would take him each day to do the testing. Clerk York said that was not yet known; he estimated 30 minutes per day. Alderman Crouse asked about testing locations. Mr. Allred replied that all the testing could be done at the Town Hall, the way the system is set up, as this is the oldest water. All testing must be done on site. The initial cost will be approximately $1000.00, to get all of the equipment needed. Alderman Clemmons asked if this had been included in the new budget. Clerk York responded affirmatively. Mr. Allred said another $1200.00 per year would be needed to keep all the files updated. Testing will not be required until July. Alderman Crouse asked how the test results would be reported—online or by phone call. Mr. Allred reported the information would be entered on a spreadsheet and sent to the State at the end of the month. If test results were out of the range, a call would be made to the City of Burlington to let them know, since it is their water. Alderman Jones asked if this was also done with the HAA5. Mr. Allred replied this was always done. Alderman Tichy asked if the HAA5 testing would still be required. Arnold Allred replied affirmatively. He said there is a lot of literature available on the website about chloramines. Mark Reich asked a question regarding meters. Mr. Allred replied this could be done for local records, but the State is looking at the oldest water. Alderman Jones asked about the hydraulic study and software program added. Mark Reich responded that flow was looked at, not residual. He said this could be updated and included. Arnold Allred said that is what he does—the residual chlorine. Alderman Jones said he was referring to resident time, where the most resident time is; if that is where tests should be done then that is where tests should be done. Mr. Allred replied the system is cut into two systems right in front of the Post Office. The oldest water on both systems would be in this area. Rob Shepard Drive is very close to this. The Baptist Church is pretty close to the other one. From speaking with Mr. Whitfield, he would be satisfied with testing at this pump. Basically, the Village would be making sure that what Burlington is selling is meeting the requirements. Mr. Allred said that in checking chlorine residuals, everything looks good on the system; everything is really moving along. The inspection went well, with no problems.

Regarding the Birch Station, the generator has been installed. The inspection has been completed. Gas has been installed; the generator will be started up tomorrow. After a six month period, the oil has to be changed. It will cost $115.00 to change the oil for the six month period. The yearly service required by the State will cost $135.00. Alderman Jones asked if this involved a contract for an amount of time. Mr. Allred said he normally initiates when generators are to be checked. The generator will test itself once a week, automatically. An alarm will be received to notify him that the generator is running. Mr. Allred also reported on the Cabin Station, saying everything is looking good there, still with some grease problems being worked on. There was an instance with a flow that stuck recently.

The NC 62 Station has a pump that is not pumping. They are considering pulling the pump out. Mark Reich mentioned putting in an emergency pump at this station, rather than an emergency generator. This would give the Village a third pump at that station, in case the other two pumps go out. An emergency generator would not do any good in that type scenario. Mark Reich said he would compare the cost of a third pump to the cost of a generator. He also mentioned plans that Ben York has located from 2008. These plans called for an emergency generator; this was never installed. Arnold Allred said he is hesitant about pulling the pump out. He pumped it down last year and took photos. He said he is apprehensive about pulling the pump out, because if the check valve is messed up, the other pump will not work either. Mark Reich said that when this station was first designed, it was designed for much heavier pumps, either 30hp or 50hp pumps. There are 7.5hp pumps in there now. He said part of the problem could be in the control panel itself. Perhaps a control panel sized for 7.5hp pumps is what is needed. Several Aldermen agreed this could be the problem. Clerk York asked how this could be causing the problem with the pump. Mark Reich said the 7.5hp pumps were three-phase; everything is “over designed” and this could be causing the pump to overheat. Clerk York noted that this hasn’t been a problem for five years, asking why this wouldn’t have happened before. Alderman Clemmons asked if this would be done away with, if gravity feed plans were implemented. Mark Reich said that was the case. Arnold Allred said that, in the meantime, that station would be down to one pump. The State would not allow that. Arnold Allred suggested that the pump around be done, with the part purchased to pump around the check valves, and a temporary pump be dropped in, with a hot hose to the manhole. Alderman Jones asked how the backup pump would be driven. Mark Reich said the backup pump would de diesel driven. Alderman Jones asked if there were concerns about diesel. Arnold Allred said the only thing about diesel is that the tank had to be filled and there is not an unlimited supply of fuel. Mark Reich said backup pumps would either be electric or diesel. Alderman Jones asked if the backup pump would kick in on high level, saying he liked this better than a generator, because the pump would work whether it was a pump problem or a power problem. He asked if the backup pump would be sized so that it could pump as much as two pumps. Mark Reich said this could be done. Arnold Allred said the temporary pump would do the pump around for now. Alderman Jones said he didn’t think the oversized old panel mattered, as long as they resized the overloads for the smaller motors. He suggested changing out the fuses on the main disconnect. Arnold Allred said the inspector would not allow that; it has to be sized to that size wire. If the disconnect was changed, everything would have to be changed. Arnold Allred said he thought they should hold off on pulling the pump. Alderman Jones asked about the original rails at the 62 Station. It was observed that these rails have been taken out. Alderman Crouse said the rails need to be put back in. Arnold Allred said this was addressed last year and it was decided not to do this; it was not a pump problem, rather an electrical panel problem that was fixed. Alderman Jones asked about the status of the gravity feed project. Mark Reich said this was being studied now. Alderman Clemmons asked about the cost for the temporary pump. Arnold Allred said the temporary pump that was done last year, set up for a week, cost $2000.00. There is a $200.00 set up and some other costs. He said a bypass pump could be set in and readied to go for around $3000.00. Clerk York addressed the budget issues. Alderman Jones asked if this would be the time to correct the rail, and check the valves. Arnold Allred replied affirmatively, but said there would be unknowns until the pump was set-up and the problem could be determined. Alderman Jones said the goal should be to fix everything while the expense is being incurred to pump with an alternate source. Arnold Allred said they would bypass everything from the end of the station, through the pump, all the way to the top. Alderman Jones asked if the adapter was also being tested. Arnold Allred said this system would be tested too. Alderman Clemmons summarized the discussion, noting this would cost $2000- $3000. Arnold Allred said more concrete costs could be obtained from Godwin Pumps. Alderman Jones asked if there would be the need for an emergency meeting. Alderman Tichy said that Arnold Allred was needing $2000-$3000 to set up the bypass pump, so there would not be a problem when the pump was pulled, and not be able to pump. Alderman Clemmons asked about the cost for a week. Arnold Allred said the last one he did cost $2000.00. Alderman Clemmons asked how long Arnold thought it would take. Arnold Allred said he thought this could be done in a week’s time, to see what would need to be done. Alderman Tichy clarified that the other work, such as rails, would take longer to build. Clerk York said that, with this bypass pump, everything would be pumped out, and that this will allow for seeing how the system is configured, to get an idea if the problem is with the pump, the control panel, or the check valve. He asked Arnold Allred if this would help to definitely diagnose the problem. Arnold Allred said that was correct; they could not go down there now. Alderman Jones asked about the depth of the pump. Arnold Allred said it was pretty deep. Clerk York asked if this was the way to diagnose the problem. Arnold Allred replied affirmatively. Clerk York said that no matter what was done at this point, it would be over budget. Alderman Clemmons asked if there was a way to borrow from the General Fund, and keep from getting out of sorts with the State. Clerk York said he could ask about this, noting that it wasn’t really a capital expenditure. He said as far as the State was concerned, the Village needed to take in enough money to cover operations. Alderman Tichy asked, on that basis, if the Engineering Study was part of Water and Sewer or if it could be put in the General Fund. There was consensus that the Engineering Study was part of Water and Sewer. Clerk York explained further that when a project is started in future years, that could be looked at as Capital Expenditures. He said he would need to talk with Sharon Ameson (?) to learn how to set that up, to borrow money, from the accounting perspective. Then, on paper, it would look the exact same way, whether money was borrowed or spent from the General Fund for Capital Expenditures. Clerk York said that if money was borrowed, this was taking on more debt, there would have to be permission from the LGC. He said he wasn’t sure if there was a threshold for this, or how it related to borrowing from the General Fund. Clerk York said he would be glad to find out about this. Alderman Clemmons said that this was a good example, in looking at the budget, of why the Village needed to continue to work on getting Water and Sewer fixed. The Village has more than it needs in the General Fund, but there is a need to keep the State happy. Though now, the Village is just receiving a letter, there may be something down the road where the Villages loses out because they haven’t taken care of the State’s recommendations. Alderman Clemmons suggested approving two weeks for the bypass pump. Alderman Crouse said that Godwin has a good pump, but MSP and Sunbelt are hungry for work now. He said he has had competitive bids from them, in relation to other jobs. Several hundred dollars might be saved. Clerk York said he also has had quotes from Charles Ludworth (?) and others from last year. Alderman Jones asked Arnold about the time needed and whether he would do the work, or a contractor would be used. Arnold Allred said the work would be contracted out. Alderman Jones asked how much it would take for the analysis. Alderman Clemmons said he also was trying to get a dollar figure. Alderman Jones suggested $5000.00 would give Arnold something to work with. Arnold Allred said the Village was looking at $10,000.00 per day if there was an overflow into the creek. Alderman Jones said he would rather do this on “our terms.” Alderman Clemmons made the motion to approve expenditure up to $5000.00 to put in a temporary pump to determine the problems and issues with the NC 62 Pump Station, and get it fixed. Alderman Jones (?) seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Alderman Jones asked Arnold Allred if he could keep his time separate, so the Board would know how much this one project will cost. Alderman Clemmons asked Clerk York if he would send emails to keep the Board members informed. Alderman Crouse asked Arnold Allred to think about the rails and all costs needed to get the 62 Station the way it needed to be. Arnold Allred said this had been discussed last year, but no action had been taken. He said he will look at these costs, obtained last year, again. Alderman Jones suggested the Inspector be asked what it take to derate a panel. Alderman Tichy said this had to involve a fuse. Alderman Clemmons asked when the incident with the pump happened. Arnold Allred said it happened last Wednesday or Thursday. Alderman Clemmons asked what would the Village have done if this had happened next Wednesday; how this would have been handled by the Board. There was consensus that a special meeting would have been called. Alderman Clemmons said the Board needed to think about a standard way to handle a situation like this. Arnold Allred said that Clerk York and he usually talk and have Jerry come to look at the problem. There is a plan in place for this, but not for Board approval of cost. Clerk York said that he tries to plan for pumps and pump failures in the budget. He said he can go back and look at costs in the past. The only process right now, regarding immediate expenditures, would be to call a special meeting for Board approval. Alderman Jones observed that Charles Bateman had said Clerk York had authority to spend money as long as it is in the budget. Alderman Clemmons said if this had happened next week, they would have had to call a special meeting. Alderman Jones said he still thought Clerk York had the authority to spend the money, without calling a meeting, as long as it was in the constraints of the budget. Clerk York explained his understanding of the authority to spend lesser amounts, as approved in the budget, such as $500.00 or $1000.00. Board approval is needed for larger expenditures, over $1000.00. In an emergency situation, no rules are being broken when Clerk York moves forward to take care of what is needed. Arnold Allred said in an emergency situation, they have worked well, in being able to pull pumps, get them fixed, and get them back in. Mark Reich asked what Clerk York would do in the event of a spill today. Mark Reich said Clerk York would call someone to come get it fixed, then call the Mayor and others to inform them about the spill. Clerk York said there are procedures for emergency meetings that don’t require any advertising; the meeting is held and then the notification is given. Clerk York said he would review these procedures and get this information to the Board. Clerk York said he felt confident about doing what would need to be done in the event of a spill. He said there are Emergency Response Plans in place, for example, if some problem happens at midnight, including who should be called and who does the work. Arnold Allred referred to the water line break, saying Clerk York had to get someone in that day to get the work done. Clerk York said it was required to have emergency personnel on call. Arnold Allred said he would get to work on the plans for the temporary pump.

Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe asked if there was any other Old Business. Alderman Tichy said that he has asked Clerk York to forward the paper from Burlington about the effect of the changeover on the water treatment. He said he received his paper from Burlington, saying it apparently affects him because the changes affect treatment of fish tanks, aquariums, ponds, reptiles. All the creatures in his pond would be dead if he refilled it, in July, with water directly from the hose. Burlington has published this information with their current bills and Alderman Tichy received it at work. The changes also affect a few other classes of people. Alderman Tichy asked Clerk York to make sure the Village of Alamance residents receive the information, saying it could be published in the newsletter. Alderman Tichy said people with fish tanks could get very upset, if the treatments weren’t right. Clerk York said he received a copy of the paper from Burlington in the main water bill. He said this information would be included in the newsletter.

NEW BUSINESS

Josh Johnson, AWCK, Grant Application

Josh Johnson noted that the Board had discussed the 319 Grant for Stormwater Funding for the Jordan Lake nutrient strategy at last month’s meeting. Josh said that he had since met with Chris and the Mayor and sent in the grant application to receive comments. The comments were received back last week, most of them being benign. They have said before that they like the grant application and thought it was a good idea. The Village of Alamance is not a Phase 2 community, so the grant really lends itself to the Village of Alamance. Josh Johnson said the grant is 60% money from the state, with a 40% match. Included in the 40% match can be in-kind services on the part of the Village. This can include Clerk York’s time, Board of Aldermen time, volunteer time—all of this can be counted at whatever rate designated. Based on a recommendation from the Division of Water Quality, he is defining all the time as $10.00 per hour. He has an estimate for Clerk York’s time. The total request is for $27,358 from the Division of Water Quality. The Village would have a cash match of $11,517 and an in-kind match of $6720. This is from 2012, 2013, and 2014 for Jordan Lake. Josh Johnson said the grant involves a couple of aspects that are more than minimum compliance for Jordan Lake. DWQ wants to see some kind of monitoring done at the local level, even if it is just a simplified monitoring process. This gives the local community the ability to know the health of the water. Josh Johnson said this was a good idea especially if the Village is asked to clean up streams in the future. Additionally, there is some extra field time. There will be some cost for the grant administration; there is an estimate in the application. Josh Johnson said he has the latest copy if anyone wanted to look at it. It is 15 pages on the spreadsheet, if anyone is interested. Alderman Clemmons said that the volunteer hours could be considered as cash. The more that can be organized, for example, a Scout troop walking the streams to observe, the less cash that the Village will be out of pocket. Alderman Clemmons said this is what DWQ wants; they want people to be educated. Josh Johnson said the other requirements are: public education, illicit discharge detection/elimination, mapping of the stormwater system, maintenance program, retrofit program, the buffer program will be rolled in with everything, recordkeeping and reporting, half of the new construction ordinance and program (the other half will have to be done this year before the grant). Alderman Clemmons asked about the amount to spend. Josh Johnson said the Village would save $12,000-$15,000 by doing it this way. Alderman Clemmons said this is something the Village has to do and this is a way to save money. Alderman Jones asked for an example of illicit discharge. Josh Johnson answered that paint was an example; people putting paint into a storm drain and it runs off into the creek. Clerk York asked about the line item for $10,000. Josh Johnson said that in 2012, it would cost $4500, $3500 in 2013, $3500 in 2014. On top of this would be the volunteer time accounted; these volunteer limits were set low because it was better to know the worst case being committed to. Alderman Jones asked if the County was required to do any of this. Josh Johnson said the County is required to do everything listed from Public Education, forward, in the list. Josh Johnson said there are several different ways to pay for this—one is through the General Fund. Another is paying for it through a fee. There are a couple of different kinds of fees—a flat fee, a fee based on impervious areas, on the amount of land (which is much more complicated). Most small communities have set up a flat fee because it is nice and simple. It’s less defensible, but nice and simple.

The question of signatures for the grant application arose. Several aldermen said this was done at the last meeting. Josh Johnson said the Mayor needed to write a letter detailing why the grant was being applied for and why AWCK is doing the work. Alderman Clemmons said he made the motion to pursue the Stormwater Grant application at the last meeting. The minutes were consulted. After some discussion, it was decided that signatures were not immediately needed.

Approval of Fence Contractor

Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe noted that the price of the fence came in higher than expected. Clerk York said the lowest quote for the fence was $800.00. He said he wanted to make sure the Board was aware of the cost before moving forward. He said the $800.00 quote is for 7 feet of fencing. Other quotes were $875.00 and $980.00. Atlas Fence quoted $792.00; A & M quoted $875.00; Alamance Fence, which actually put in the fence there, quoted $980.00. Alderman Clemmons said he had recommended Atlas Fence because they did a good job at his house. Alderman Clemmons made the motion to proceed with the fence. Alderman Tichy seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Plat for Elizabeth Couch

Clerk York said the Planning Board had met earlier in the day and approved the subdivision. The larger subdivision is three acres. It is being cut off, and plans are to put a modular home there at some point. Clerk York submitted that the subdivision itself meets the Zoning Code. The Planning Board voted to approve it. Clerk York affirmed that it is a ETJ. Alderman Jones asked about restrictions of a modular home being placed there. Clerk York said that mobile homes are restricted. His understanding is that as long as it has a foundation, it is something that is largely assembled on-site, and is something that can’t be picked up and moved later on, it is allowable. Clerk York said the unit has wheels that will be removed and will be set on a brick foundation. Clerk York said he has told people the structure must meet North Carolina building code and be on a foundation. He reminded the Board that the subdivision is a separate issue altogether. Alderman Crouse made the motion to approve the plat as presented. Alderman Jones seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval to Close Portion of Rob Shepard Drive for “Dog Day In The Village”

Clerk York reported that Dog Day in the Village will be May 14, 2011, which is a Saturday. DogTown Training Academy will have a dog festival with vendors. There will be a “pooch parade” from Dr. Patterson’s driveway down Rob Shepard Drive. Clerk York has spoken with the Sheriff’s Department. There will be no problem with having a Deputy come out to close the road for thirty minutes, 9:30am-10:00am. Alderman Clemmons asked if the area businesses would be informed. Clerk York said this had already been taken care of, with a signed notice. Alderman Clemmons asked about parking. Clerk York said they would park in Dr. Patterson’s lot and could park in the public Town Hall lot. Clerk York said he was just making sure about liability, noting there is not much traffic on Rob Shepard Drive on Saturday. Alderman Jones said he has heard lots of good things about DogTown Training Academy and that it’s a good asset for the community. He said he hopes they will do more events. Alderman Clemmons made the motion to approve the closing of Rob Shepard Drive for the Dog Day in the Village. Alderman (?) seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Fees for Division of Community Assistance to Revise Zoning Ordinance

Clerk York said that the North Carolina State Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance, will look at Zoning Ordinances and suggest revisions. He said that the Zoning Ordinance for the Village of Alamance is not as clear as it needs to be. The majority of the Zoning Ordinance sets up the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, the procedures for zoning vested right, nonconforming uses, definitions, and district regulations. Clerk York said that the Division of Community Assistance has a copy of the Zoning Ordinance. He wants to talk with them about some of his concerns; for example, the question of road frontage. How much is required for road frontage—10 feet, 60 feet, 100 feet? People with experience can cite standards, but Clerk York would like to know exactly what the ordinance says. This would not be an overhaul of the ordinance. Clerk York said the process would be talking with the Division of Community Assistance for proposed revisions, then taking this to the Planning Board to have them look at it. This would not likely involve any major changes; this would have the people skilled in these matters make sure that the Village has a Zoning Ordinance that is clear to understand. There are fees involved. This includes travel to the Village of Alamance (40 cents per mile) if necessary, a per diem of $17.30 per meal, if attendance of an evening meeting is required. These would be the only fees the Village would incur, as there are no consulting fees or hourly rates. Clerk York said he would like to be able to provide clear answers to questions relating to the Zoning Ordinance. Alderman Jones asked Clerk York if the Planning Board knew that he was working on this. Clerk York said that Gerald knows. He observed that this will not be an expensive project. Several aldermen spoke positively about the idea. Alderman Clemmons made the motion that the fees be approved for the Division of Community Assistance to look at the ordinance and make suggestions to advise the Planning Board. Alderman (?) seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Finance Report

Clerk York provided the Finance Report. He noted the 6-month CD that was purchased. There was a question about the interest rate. Alderman Clemmons responded that the rate is 1.05%. Clerk York said that this is because this CD is under $100,000. He said that he talked with someone at NC Capital Management Trust. Nothing is being earned at Wachovia; the last rate was .05%. At NC Capital Management Trust, the rate was .25%. Someone at NC Capital Management Trust expects that interest rates will go up over the next year. The President of Philadelphia Fed said that he expects rates to go up to 2 1⁄2% by next year. Clerk York said that this would be a big jump—from 0% to 2 1⁄2%. He said the CD is 6-month, the CD last month was also 6 months. The CD next month will also be 6 months. The next CD won’t mature until September. By then, it should be known if rates are going up. Alderman Jones asked if this was worth the effort. Alderman Clemmons said this is why the CDs are set up for 6 months, instead of 90 days. It wasn’t worth the travel costs for Clerk York for the 90 days.

Other Business

Clerk York said a meeting time needed to be set up to over the budget. The budget has to be presented by the May meeting, by law. Alderman Clemmons said that Clerk York has put together a good, fair budget that needs to be tweaked. It has been sent to the Mayor for her review. Alderman Clemmons said a meeting needs to be set up, but the Village is in a good position and very fortunate. Clerk York said he would determine a time for the meeting after talking with Mayor Bundren. Alderman Clemmons observed the budget meeting was a breakfast meeting last year and said this would work for him. He said the Village is in a good position, definitely, on the General Fund. Work still needs to be done on the Water and Sewer budget, but it’s a lot better than in previous years. Clerk York said that he had to adjust this down a little. For the last four months compared to the same four months the year before, half the amount of water was purchased. Comparing March 2011 to March 2010, 67% of water was purchased. Alderman Tichy asked if more water was being purchased, was it being sold, or lost. Alderman Jones asked if there was another leak. Clerk York said that water loss is very low. He was thinking of how much money is sent to Burlington. Last year, $86,000 was spent; this year, the Village is on track to spend $67,000-$68,000. He said he hopes next year’s expenditure will be $61,000, or as low as $58,000. To put this into perspective, he said, that’s $25,000 in savings. Alderman Tichy said that if more water was being purchased from Burlington, the revenue side of the budget should also be up. Clerk York said he would look at the billing, saying that water loss is still fine. Water loss is pretty much “zero.” Clerk York said that projections for revenues are “spot on.”

Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe reported that she has been approached on a couple of items that she needed to mention. There is a house in the area that is discharging its household wastewater, not into the septic tank, but out in back of the house. Alderman Clemmons remarked that this is not allowed. Clerk York asked about the location. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe said the house is on Birch, but is one of the houses that was bypassed. Alderman Jones suggested the County Health Department be contacted. Clerk York said that he would relay the information to the Health Department. Mayor Pro Temp Sharpe asked if Birch Lane was set up for transfer trucks. She said there is a transfer truck that is using Birch Lane frequently. Clerk York asked if there was a sign on Birch that said this was not allowed. He said he would check on the sign. Alderman Jones asked about the concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe cited both safety and road damage. Alderman Crouse said if the trucking company could be determined, the dispatcher could be called. Alderman Jones said the truck is likely trying to avoid the school traffic.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Alderman Clemmons moved to adjourn. Alderman Tichy seconded. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously.