THE FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY-SIXTH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN

VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
June 24, 2019 – 7:00 PM

Present: Mayor Tichy, Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, Alderman Andrews, Alderman Isley, Alderman Baldwin, and Clerk York.

Absent: Alderman Tichy

Mr. Reich gave the invocation.

A motion was made to approve the May 20, 2019 minutes by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, seconded by Alderman Baldwin.  Motion carries 5-0

Public Hearing on 2019-2020 Budget

Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, seconded by Alderman Crouse to go into a public hearing. Motion carries 5-0

Clerk York stated that property taxes will remain the same. There will be a 3% pay increase for the Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk. There will be an overall 2% increase in water and sewer rates. Water rates will increase from $5.59 to $5.70 and sewer rates will increase from $6.60 to $6.75.

Clerk York stated the system development fee for water is $75.00 and $$925.00 for sewer, for a ¾ inch connection. Any connections above 1” inch will need to refer to the system development chart ordinance passed last year.

Clerk York also stated the Board should consider an annexation fee to add to the scheduled fees for anyone wishing to be annexed into the village.  At this time, it is understood that such persons will bear any cost associated with the annexation.

Clerk York opened the floor for questions. There were no comments.

Approval of 2019-2020 Budget and Fees

Motion to approve 2019-2020 budget made by Alderman Baldwin, seconded by Alderman Isley motion carries 5-0

OLD BUSINESS

Village Website

Clerk York stated he is waiting on Elevon to issue the correct card processer. Everything else is ready to go.

ENGINEER REPORT

Mr. Reich stated that the sidewalk project should be starting within the next two to three weeks. There is one easement that is still out. The paving for 5A and 5B in Heritage Glen is supposed to start the week of the 4^th of July. Mr. Reich stated that advanced warning to the residents about not parking on the streets during the paving process would be given.

Montessori School

Clerk York stated that the school has decided not to connect to the water and sewer system. They will use well and septic. This will require a resubmission of plans and a new application for a building permit.

They have requested a return on the fees they paid for connecting to the water and sewer. Clerk York stated that most of the fees could be returned except for the building permit fee and about $1000.00 of engineering fees.

The total cost the Village has incurred is about $3080.00 but in keeping with other towns standards that cost is split in thirds thus giving the $1000.00 refund. There is not a plan review fee in place for the Village. In looking at the high end of other municipalities standards for review fees a refund of $1000.00 will be given.

The total charges of $8431.56 to the school breaks down this way; Water Line Inspection fees $1.50 per ft. costing $1789.50 total. Sewer Line Inspection fee $1.50 per ft. Costing $3009.00 for a total of $4789.50 in inspection fees. The System Development fees are $1000.00, Water tap above 2” including the meter and strainer $2443.16, meter set fee $175.00 and building permit fee $15.00

Clerk York stated that what was being refunded was the $1000.00 system development fee and the $4789.50 for inspections, making the total $5789.50

Water Tower Update

ORC Report

Mr. Allred stated the Birch station is running well. The Pond station had a mixer trip out a couple of times due to rags being in it. They have been cleaned out. Mr. Allred stated this is an ongoing problem with rags. Mr. Reich suggested that a notice be put in the water bills stating the types of rags being found in the system and warning the residents that they are not flushable.

The NC 62 station is working well. The distribution system THM test passed. The CCR report will be included in the water bills this month.

Mr. Allred stated he had flushed some hydrants in Heritage Glen.

NEW BUSINESS

Audit Contract 2019

Clerk York stated the Audit contract was similar to last years. A maximum of $13,800 to be charged, with the cost of the audit and writing of the financial statements adding $8500 for a total of $22,300.00

The cost is comparative to last year. The audit will start earlier this year than previous years. It should begin in September with a report to follow in October.

A motion was made by Alderman Crouse to accept the audit contract as presented, seconded by Alderman Baldwin. Motion carries 5-0

Animal Services Agreement

The new service agreement for Alamance County Municipalities uses a formula based on population and the number of animals brought in from that area for the yearly shared expenses. The Village currently pays $7453.00 and that will decrease next year to $4352.00 based on the new formula.

The new agreement is essentially stating that The Village agrees with the new formula for the evaluation of shared expenses. This is not an agreement for construction of the new building

A motion was made to accept the Animal Services Agreement as presented by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe, seconded by Alderman Andrews. Motion carries 5-0

Finance Report/Budget Amendment

Clerk York stated the total cash on hand is 2.6 million. There is a budget amendment for the general fund and the water and sewer fund.  Clerk York stated he is ensuring there is enough in each account to go through the end of the year.

Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Sharpe to approve the budget amendment to the general fund and water and sewer fund as presented, seconded by Alderman Crouse. Motion carries 5-0

OTHER BUSINESS 

Mayor Tichy asked if there were any updates on the property across from Heritage Glen. Clerk York said that Mr. Mattingly, the architect, had emailed him saying that they wanted a list of fees and a rezoning application. They intend to file for annexation into the Village. They intend to build about 39 homes on the 40 acres.

PUBLIC COMMENT

A question was asked about road repairs on Hwy 62. Mr. Reich stated that a couple of repairs had already been made. Mayor Tichy stated the road needed major repair work that will possibly be put in next years budget.

A question was asked about locating paint on Alamance Baptist loop Rd. Clerk York stated that a pipe under the road was going to be replaced.

Someone stated that a lot on HWY 62 near the post office needed to be mowed. Clerk York stated he would let the owner know about the grass.

Alderman Isley asked if the gutters and lights on the Town Hall building were going to be repaired. Clerk York stated he had spoken with Mike Davis earlier about the repairs and would make contact with him again to have it done.

Motion made to adjourn made by Alderman Crouse, seconded by Alderman Baldwin. Motion passed 5-0