The five hundred and seventy-fifth session of the board of Aldermen, Village of Alamance

August 25th, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Present: Mayor Tichy, Mayor Pro Tem Isley, Alderman Andrews, Alderman Hunt, Alderman Crouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Cheap

Absent:

Invocation: Invocation given by Alderman Cheap

Approval of Agenda: Alderman Tichy motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Isley. Motion carries 6-0.

Approval of June 23^rd, Regular Meeting Minutes: Alderman Andrews makes a motion to approve the June 23^rd minutes, seconded by Alderman Crouse. The motion carries 6-0.

Public Comment

No public comment

OLD BUSINESS

Engineer Report:

Mr. Novelli states that the Street Repairs for FY 24-25 are still on schedule to be completed after the storm drainage is installed. Cardinal Lane Drainage Issue: Mr. Novelli states that negotiations have been completed, and they are working on executing the easement so that we can have the contractor remobilized and resume construction. Heritage Glen Phase 5C.2: Mr. Novelli states the contractors are back on site and have completed the roadway. Utility Building: Mr. Novelli states that Stonewall Construction has completed the building pad and is working on scheduling the completion of the grading, building, and fence. Weather permitting, the building is planned for installation the week of September 8^th, 2025. Water Quality Issue: All documentation, except for the funding requests, has been completed, and the funding request will be submitted once our cost estimate is finalized. The budget is being held up because the location of the force main cannot be determined. The sidewalk/driveway improvements: AWCK is currently re-bidding the project and will supply an update at the next meeting on the bids received. Drainage Complaint – 3534 Alamance Baptist Church Loop: Mr. Novelli states that two quotes have been received for the potential work repairs. AWCK recommends Countyline Wastewater Service for the price of $4,600. This quote includes digging up and replacing the existing 15” RCP Pipe, ABC backfill for the driveway and repairing the affected areas. The $4,600 would be a 50/50 split with Mrs. Fox and the Village, each paying $2,300. We anticipate an early October completion. Mayor Tichy requests a motion to proceed with the drainage repairs contracted with Countyline Wastewater Services. Alderman Hunt makes a motion to move forward. Second, by Mayor Pro Tem Tichy. Motion carries 4-2. Smoke Testing: The smoke testing machine has broken down, and the testing will be rescheduled for September 9^th.

ORC Report: 

Mr. Allred states that the Birch Pump Station is indeed in need of upgrading, and he appreciates our investigation into this matter. Everything is working well at Pond Station & NC 62. Distribution: Mr. Allred states that we conducted Lead & Copper samples at the beginning of August, which is a procedure we perform every three years. The samples were sent out, and we have already received the results that have been sent to the property owners of the collection site. No Lead and Copper showed up. THM HHA5 sampling was completed in August, and the HHA5s were high. Mr. Allred said that he has been in contact with the City of Burlington and has been told that they are working on it. The HHA5 results that came back are still within the limit, so no notification is needed.

Public Recreation Update: Alderman Hunt stated that the Public Recreation Committee met this month to discuss plans for applying for a grant of up to $50,000 from T-Mobile for the picnic shelter near the paddle access point that Alamance Parks and Recreation is installing. The plan is for all required documents to be submitted by September 30^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Adopt the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan: Mrs. Folwell stated that she received an email with the updated hazard mitigation plan. It is federally mandated that it be updated every 5 years. Being a part of this plan allows the village to apply for any federal aid in the event of a disaster of any kind. This is something that we are already a part of; we are just at the 5-year update point. Mayor Tichy requests a motion to submit an updated plan. Alderman Cheap makes a motion. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Isley. Motion carried 6-0.

Discussion on the Oak Grove Slave Cemetery: Mayor Tichy addresses the board regarding an inquiry about purchasing the Oak Grove Slave Cemetery for $1, along with assuming responsibility for the site’s maintenance. Alderman Tichy states that during the start of Phase 5 in Heritage Glen, a young man came to the HOA with an idea on how he could earn his Eagle Scout. He wanted to work with the Historical Museum by cleaning out the entire Cemetery and restoring it to its original state, as it would have been when it existed in real time. That includes grave ivy and the naturally growing trees, surrounded by rocks with no weeds. The young man worked towards these goals, and towards the end, COVID hit, but he was able to complete everything, except for obtaining an official sign. The museum was supposed to help with that; unfortunately, that never happened. The HOA landscapers were taking care of it at one point, but the care stopped after the HOA switched landscapers. It’s been an ongoing battle, going back and forth with what is supposed to be cleared and what cannot be, and not having consistent people going out there every time to maintain it. Alderman Tichy states he reached out to the Museum about taking it over as discussed, but unfortunately, they do not have the funds to maintain it. It is an official Historic landmark. Alderman Tichy informs the board that when the process initially started, it was a wooded area. When it was presented to the HOA, it was intended to be transferred to the museum, but this never occurred. Alderman Tichy states that, given its status as a Historical Landmark and a Cemetery, he feels there is better ownership available. Mayor Tichy states that, being a Historic site, it should be under public ownership- not the HOA. Mayor Pro Tem Isley states that he agrees with what Mayor Tichy has said, but he notes that it is unfortunate that, after all the work done to clean up the site, it has been left unattended and is not being maintained. Alderman Andrews states that her opinion is that we should honor and show respect to the people who took care of the village land and are part of the history behind the Village of Alamance. Rusty has provided us with a quote for an initial clear-out of the site, excluding the grave ivy, naturally growing trees, and the surrounding rocks for $2,800. Then we would establish a contract with him in July 2026, which would be for the year at $1,200. Alderman Tichy states that doing this will not cause any problems with the HOA. Mayor Pro Tem Isley addresses the Heritage Glen HOA and Alderman Tichy, asking them to pay $1,400 to the Village of Alamance to contribute towards the initial clearing. Alderman Tichy agrees to pay the $1,400. Rusty, Alderman Tichy, and Mrs. Folwell went down to the Cemetery together and went over everything Rusty needed to know to maintain the site properly. Mayor Tichy requests for a motion to acquire the Oak Grove Slave Cemetery from the Heritage Glen HOA for $1, and for the HOA to pay $1,400 towards the initial clean out. Mayor Pro Tem Isley makes a motion, seconded by Alderman Hunt. Mayor Tichy requests that the “Is” and ‘Nos” be recorded in this vote. Alderman Crouse and Alderman Cheap were opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Isley, Alderman Andrews, Alderman Hunt, and Alderman Tichy were all in favor.

Public Comment:

No public comment

Other Business:

Alderman Crouse informs Mr. Allred that there is a tree down, blocking the access to the bridge across from the pump station at the sanitary sewer manhole. The City of Burlington needs to be made aware.

Motion made by Alderman Crouse to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Hunt. Motion carries 6-0

Mayor Tichy____________________________________

Hannah Quigley, Clerk_______________________________