19 Dec December 19th, 2016 Minutes
THE FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTIETH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN
VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
December 19th, 2016
Present: Mayor Tichy, Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, Alderman Isley, Alderman Carouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Jones, Alderman Andrews, Attorney Koonts, Mark Reich, and Clerk York
Alderman Crouse opened the meeting with an invocation.
Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe moved to approve the November 28, 2016 meeting minutes and Alderman Carouse seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Historic District Commission
Tabled until January meeting.
Water/Sewer Capitol Reserves
Tabled until January meeting.
Village Website
Tabled until January meeting.
ORC Report
Mr. Allred reported that the collection system at the Birch station was working well, but there is a problem with the mixers at the Syphon station and the NC 62 station. Tim Eaton has been consulted on the matter, he recommends that both units be pulled out to be inspected. Mr. Allred is waiting to see if construction will do that, as the parts should still be under warranty. Mr. Allred stated that 172 new automatic read meters have been installed. He hopes to finish the install before the first of the year.
Mr. Allred and Clerk York stated that a sewer line, on Mr. Senecal’s property, that has been stopped up, is being looked at to determine if it is a private line or a public line. The line was cleared by Mr. Jerry Warren, for the Village, who scoped the line and saw that tree roots were the cause of the issue. Mr. Reich showed the Board members maps of the Village sewer lines to help determine whose responsibility the line should be. While there is no clear determination by map, there are indications that it is a private line based on the size of the line, which is 4 inches. The original plan shows an 8-inch line connected to the mill with 4-inch service lines connected to the houses. Mr. Reich feels confident that it is the old service lines connected to the mill houses, which would make them a private line, but further investigation is needed to confirm this thought.
Mayor Tichy explained that most of these lines pre-date the Village, as the Mill had its own sewer system and its own sewer plant which was taken over by the Village when the Mill shut it down. This explains why there is not very accurate documentation on some of these lines. Mr. Reich suggested the Village have Mr. Warren run a camera in the lines to better explore them and see if the lines do tap on from the 8-inch line from the old Mill, indicating they are coming from the mill houses, making them private lines. Mr. Reich informed the Board that there were no recorded easements, that he could find, stating that these were public lines.
NEW BUSINESS
Watershed Ordinance/Riparian Buffer Ordinance- Public Hearing
Mayor Tichy made a motion to go into public hearing on the Watershed Ordinance/Riparian Buffer Ordinance, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Sharpe and Alderman Isley, motion carries 6-0. Mr. Reich reminded the Board of the changes made to the Riparian Buffer and Watershed Protection Ordinance. The General Assembly passed a rule revision that reduced that prevents local governments from exceeding the minimum buffer requirements unless a scientific study is conducted. The Riparian Buffer Ordinance and Watershed Protection Ordinance have been updated to reflect this change. The Watershed ordinance now refers back to the Riparian Buffer Ordinance in regards to watershed buffer requirements. Page 18 of the Riparian Buffer Ordinance now shows that piping under a stream, under a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is an allowable activity. There were no questions from the Board or audience so Mayor Tichy made a motion to go out of public hearing, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe and Alderman Isley, motion passed 6-0. Mayor Tichy made a motion to adopt the changes, seconded by Alderman Isley, motion passed 6-0.
Color Landscapes Contract for Snow Removal
Clerk York stated that the contract this year with Color Landscapes had the same pricing as last year for snow removal. Alderman Tichy made a motion to approve the contract, as presented, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, motion carries 6-0.
Approval of Board Meeting Dates for 2017
Mayor Tichy made a motion to approve the dates, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, motion carries 6-0.
Finance Report
Clerk York stated that there are 2 CDs at Carolina Bank, one for 12 months and the other for 13 months. There will not be another CD to come up until March. Carolina Bank has stronger penalties than Carter Bank had, for removing a CD early. Clerk York stated that there was a six- month penalty to pay with Carolina Bank, where Carter Bank was only a 30-day penalty, for early removal. It is something to consider moving forward. Clerk York stated that the federal funds rate had an increase, so it may be a good idea to put one more CDs in the Bank. Mayor Tichy stated the Board would discuss creating another CD at the January meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
It was noted that the flooring in the Mayor’s office needed to be sealed, where the desk had been sitting. Clerk York stated he would call Whites Flooring and let them know. Mayor Tichy acknowledged Clerk York and Mrs. Folwell for their work with a Christmas card.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Alderman Tichy moved to adjourn and Alderman Andrews seconded. The motion passed unanimously.