23 Mar March 23rd, 2015 Minutes
THE FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY FOURTH SESSION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMAN
VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE
March 23, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Present: Mayor Bundren, Mayor Pro Tem Tichy, Alderman Clemmons, Alderman Crouse, Alderman Tichy, Alderman Gregory and Clerk York.
Absent: Alderman Sharpe
Alderman Crouse gave the invocation.
Mayor Pro Tem Tichy moved to approve the February 23, 2015 meeting minutes. Alderman Crouse seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Flooring for the Town Hall
Mike Davis reported on the flooring project for the Town Hall. There is a coating that can still be applied to the flooring, if the Board prefers a shinier look. This could be done in one area or room first, before all the floors are treated, to make sure this is the desired finish. Mayor Bundren asked if this was a polyurethane coating. Mr. Davis responded that it is a wax. Mayor Bundren asked about the cost. Mr. Davis replied that the cost would be $275.00. Mayor Bundren informed that she had contacted White’s Cleaning Service. Mr. White’s work is perfect. He can apply three coats of wax, but wanted to make sure that wax could be used on the flooring. The Mayor expressed her concern about how the new flooring looks scuffed already. Mr. White’s estimate to do the waxing is $250.00. Considering the wear and tear on the floors, Mr. White’s opinion is that the waxing would only need to be done once a year. Mr. Davis added that once the floors are waxed, this process will need to continue. Mayor Bundren suggested that the Board members take a look at the scuff marks showing on the floor, and decide whether they would prefer a more polished look. Mr. Davis added that he would like Mr. White to look at doing a thorough wipe-down on everything, based on the recommendation of the air quality report. This involves wiping down all of the hard surfaces. Mayor Bundren asked if Mr. Davis’ cost quote included the wipe down. Mr. Davis indicated the wipe down cost would be additional to the cost of waxing the floors. He reviewed the costs of the project to repair the Town Hall so far. The plastic and insulation in the crawl space has been removed. Shockway has been sprayed on an 8 or 9 foot area, from the front of the building, across the whole width of the building. Shockway was recommended and provided by the air scientist technician. Mayor Bundren asked if this was supposed to take care of all of the mold. Mr. Davis replied that this was correct. Mayor Bundren asked if this would take care of any future mold, as well. Mr. Davis reported that no mold had been detected, in spite of recent rains. A lot of the problem was in the landscaped area, coupled with the downspout problem. Also, caulking all around the entire building will prevent water from getting between the veneer and the concrete. More of the cost items in the document were reviewed. Mayor Bundren asked if the insulation had been put back in the crawl space. Mr. Davis indicated the insulation would not be put back, until that area has ample time to air. Shockway has just been applied. Mr. Davis pointed out the reduced cost, from $2400 to $1984.50. The damp insulation has been disposed of properly. Marvin, the environmental technician, is willing to stop by and do another air test, since the seasons are changing, before he does the final official test. Mr. Davis recommended that the wipe down be completed, fogging of the attic be completed, and the cleaning of the duct system be done, before the insulation is replaced. The Mayor’s Office had the worst report. Marvin wouldn’t do anything more if that area received a favorable report. Mayor Bundren asked about the recommendation for the dehumidifier. Mr. Davis explained that Marvin suggested there be a monitoring system. This should not fall off the radar; Mr. Davis could provide an update with photos, after going underneath the building. The dehumidifier would work because the heating and air system is in the attic. There is a second price for a foundation vent, which could be installed. Some wiring would need to be done. This would continually move the air. This would be done, instead of using a dehumidifier. The plug-in device would have to be mounted. With the cost at $1490.00, this would not have to be done until the official final report is completed. There is also the duct cleaning and fogging of the attic. Mr. Davis expressed that he needed guidance from the Board on this and commented that this was a lot of information to absorb. Mayor Bundren added that she was glad the mold had been found when it was; this could have been much worse. She stated she would like to wait on sealing the new floors until the Board members have had a chance to look at this. If the decision is made not to seal the flooring, they will move forward with what Mr. Davis’ crew has planned for the flooring treatment. Mayor Bundren asked about the new decorative post and moving a post to a new location. Mr. Davis addressed this item. There has been an orange cone outside, where one of the poles is lying. Jeff and Mark, from Hall’s Electric, are talking of relocating the pole. Everyone agrees it would not be smart to put it back on the corner. Relocating it requires doing a 24-inch base, with a concrete hole that is 36 inches deep, relocating, and doing the wiring. Mr. Davis also noted the 2 uplights needed: one for the building and one for the flag, which have been damaged. They may have been hit by a lawnmower, but need to be repaired. There are some wiring issues there; water will continue to get into them. If the Board wishes to proceed with the foundation vent, an outlet will need to be installed downstairs. Alderman Crouse asked if the foundation vent was on a thermostat or a timer, or if it ran all the time. Mr. Davis responded that it had a thermostat, with a setting. It includes the thermostat, dehumidistat, and a 6 inch power cord which will require an outlet. Mayor Bundren asked about the total cost of $4493.00, for the moving of the decorative post, and repairing of the uplights. Mr. Davis informed that the post cost about $1200.00. The relocating and doing the wiring is the biggest part of the expense. He will check, but believes that the pole cannot be reused because it is damaged. If the pole does not have to be replaced, this reduces the cost. There is one light, Mr. Davis noticed, that is not working. Mayor Bundren observed that if the pole is not needed, it could be stored, to be used as a backup. She commented that this seemed to be expensive, and asked about the cost of doing just the uplights. Mr. Davis replied this would be just part of the service call, around $75.00, since the electrician would already be on site. The outlet will still be needed, if the Board opts to install the foundation vent. The consensus of the Board was to put the pole in storage. Mr. Davis summarized that they could check the lights, repair the two uplights, and install the outlet for the foundation vent. Mayor Bundren asked about the warranty on the foundation vent. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy commented that he has one in his crawlspace that has been running for 5 or 6 years. It runs all summer. Alderman Clemmons asked if Mayor Pro Tem Tichy sees an appreciable increase in his electric bill. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy responded negatively. He estimated it costs 4 cents per day to run it. He commented this is much less expensive than dealing with moisture related problems. Mr. Davis did not see a warranty in the paperwork at hand, but commented that, typically, there is a 1 year warranty. There was Board consensus to move forward with the crawlspace foundation vent at the cost of $798.17, in lieu of the dehumidifier, have the electrician cap off the electrical at the pole, and repair the two uplights. Mr. Davis asked for the Board’s direction regarding the air conditioning duct cleaning and the fogging of the attic. Mayor Bundren reviewed the related costs of $250.00 and $385.00. She asked for additional information about fogging the attic. Mr. Davis replied that the inspector found a higher count in the attic and recommended that it be fogged. This would be done at the same time that they do the heating and air duct. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy asked if the count they obtained in the attic was unsafe, or if it was just elevated. Mr. Davis answered that it was elevated. None of what is being dealt with is considered unsafe. Even what was in the crawlspace was not unsafe, though it was the highest count. Mr. Davis suggested that they get the air moving, and do the things they have just discussed. Then, after the foundation vent is installed and running, they can ask Melvin to do a quick test. If there is something of concern at that point, this may need to be revisited. That portion of the recommendations were tabled.
Clerk York announced that the regular cleaning crew would come on Wednesday. This will be their first time back since the renovations. Mayor Bundren informed that the new floors had just been cleaned on Saturday, by Mr. Davis’ crew. The Mayor expressed her concern that the floors still look scuffed. Mr. Davis reminded that if waxing is started, it must be continued, on a plan. Alderman Clemmons asked if funds were available, or if line items needed to be adjusted. Mayor Bundren noted the cost of $3802.17, not yet paid. Mr. Davis noted the balance of the larger bill, approximately $11,000.00. Clerk York asked if the bill for $11,000.00 included the $3802.17. Mr. Davis responded that it does not include that amount. Clerk York observed the total cost would be $14802.17. Mr. Davis explained that the $11,000.00 covered the flooring, the painting, and the warehouse storage at the discounted rate. They did not have to do the shoe molding, so that cost came off of the estimate of $11,680.00. Mayor Bundren clarified the amount that the insurance paid, $3965.00. She added to that amount the $2900.00 for the painting, plus the $225.00 for 3 months storage. He submitted a bill for approximately $18,000.00. Mayor Bundren summarized that, in actuality, the cost is $11,084.38 minus the $3965.00. Mr. Davis affirmed this was correct. Clerk York confirmed that these funds were available for expenditure. There is $18,000.00 remaining in Building Repairs and Maintenance. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy calculated this would be getting “close” with the additional expenses of electrical wiring and the foundation vent. Clerk York stated that funds could be moved from other areas of the budget, if needed. There is another $10,000.00 in capital. Mayor Bundren confirmed the timetable with Mr. Davis. He is holding off on installing the plastic and the insulation until a new baseline, with a new season, can be established. He thanked everyone for their patience. Mayor Bundren thanked Mr. Davis for attending the meeting.
ORC Report
Arnold Allred presented the ORC report. There was a power failure today at the Birch station. A limb hit the line and a fuse was blown. The generator ran and everything worked fine. The power company came and everything is going again. Other than that, the collection system is doing great. Regarding the distribution system, the THM/HA5 passed. Jerry has completed the water line repair. It was put back in service, initially, just in case it was needed for fire service. It was put back in service on Friday. Chlorine was checked, and today there are some reports of air in the line. When you get “milky” water, it’s due to air in the line. It will just take time to work this out. Most of the reports are on Liberty Drive. This is where the line makes a “T.” The water is fine; this will eventually work itself out. Clerk York observed that he has posted this information on Facebook. Rusty Saxon has looked at keeping the line clean from now on. He will take care of this. Mark Reich reported on the research that he has done. There is a device that will rotate, expand, and contract. He has asked Jerry to obtain a price. The device allows up to 6 inches of movement, contraction or expansion. It allows for rotation up to 20 degrees. If this is an expansion or contraction issue, that would certainly take care of it. Mr. Allred confirmed that everything was hooked back up by Wednesday. The signs, as discussed, have already been placed where the line is located. Jerry put two high max clamps on it, and put a new section of pipe in between that; it was back filled with gravel and dirt. They have been keeping a check on it. It was put “under pressure” at 120 pounds of pressure. No movement has been detected. You can’t see the pipe move. Mayor Bundren asked if this would have to be dug out, if the new device was installed. Mr. Allred replied that was correct. Alderman Crouse asked Mr. Reich what the device was made of. Mr. Reich responded it was made out of duct liner. It is a ductal component. He will check with Jerry on the price. Mr. Allred observed they will watch it for now. Mayor Bundren asked if they needed to talk further about the water loss. Mr. Allred stated that Burlington doesn’t record it to be as much as he recorded it. It will eventually catch up. He told Clerk York to go ahead and pay the bill, as is. Mr. Allred reads the meter every week, whereas Burlington reads the meter once a month. Burlington is getting a slightly different reading. Two different individuals are reading the meter for Mr. Allred and obtaining the same numbers. Mr. Reich believes they have transposed some numbers. Mr. Allred stated it will catch up eventually. Alderman Clemmons asked if Burlington would give the Village a price break. Clerk York answered that Burlington will look at the average, over a year. They will give the Village a break. Mayor Bundren asked Clerk York to stay on this. Alderman Clemmons added this is important, with the end of the year coming up in the budget. This has all come out of Water and Sewer area which is supported by households.
Report on Cabin Pump Station Project
Mark Reich announced that there was a pre-bid meeting last week. There were four bidders at the pre-bid meeting. It was a non-mandatory meeting. There have been several to pick up plans, probably about 9 or 10. Several have said they do not want to try to tackle the project. Some may have some bonding issues, as well. Jerry is looking at it. He is local, and small, and hopefully, he will give the Village a price. Several larger contractors are also looking at it. Generally speaking, if the larger contractors are looking at it, it tends to have a higher price. The bulk of this is the dosing tank and the siphon; this is where the money will be, in the project. Mayor Bundren and Mr. Reich have attempted to reach Mr. Kirkpatrick regarding the last easement. The Mayor spoke with Mr. Kirkpatrick by phone and he is present at the meeting. Mayor Bundren explained that Mr. Kirkpatrick has an issue with Mr. Senecal. Mr. Kirkpatrick’s son-in-law rented space from Mr. Senecal. He did not pay the rent and had signed over his equipment to Mr. Senecal in lieu of the rent. Mr. Kirkpatrick thinks that the Board can do something about this. Mayor Bundren explained that the Board has no jurisdiction over that. She has spoken with Mr. Senecal. She called Mr. Kirkpatrick back to give him an update. The two will not come together. Mr. Senecal is talking about thousands of dollars of back rent. Mr. Kirkpatrick is talking about thousands of dollars of equipment. They are going to have to resolve that issue personally. Mr. Senecal has never been on the Board. Alderman Gregory asked about the Board’s options. Attorney Koonts explained that the option is to file an eminent domain condemnation action to take the easement. Mr. Reich stated that the original offer was $209.00. He recommended increasing the offer. Mayor Bundren related that Mr. Kirkpatrick had stated the offer was not the issue. She referred to Mr. Kirkpatrick, who was present. Mr. Kirkpatrick expressed that he liked what the Board has done. He has no problem with the Village of Alamance. Mr. Senecal is part of Alamance. Mayor Bundren reminded that Mr. Senecal is not part of this project. Mr. Kirkpatrick stated that Mr. Senecal will benefit from the project. He has done Mr. Kirkpatrick wrong. He is part of Alamance. He can’t do business with anyone who is part of the situation that has done him wrong. The Board will have to do what they have to do. Attorney Koonts reminded that the project will benefit everyone in the Village, not just any one person. The process that the Board has to go through includes filing a lawsuit. As soon as it is filed, the project can move forward. The only question in the lawsuit is the value of the easement. The cost of filing the lawsuit and the service is $200.00-$300.00. Mayor Bundren stated she would rather give that money to Mr. Kirkpatrick, for signing alone. Attorney Koonts added that if Mr. Kirkpatrick felt the easement was worth more, he would have to hire an appraiser to give an opinion as to value. This is not the road the Village wishes to go down, at all.
It is a waste of time and money. Mayor Bundren asked Mr. Kirkpatrick if he would consider this, if the $300.00 cost of the court was added to the $209.00. Mr. Kirkpatrick replied that he didn’t want anything. Attorney Koonts informed Mr. Kirkpatrick that the Board did not have the ability to do anything about his problem with Mr. Senecal.. The court system does have the ability. Mr. Kirkpatrick stated that he could get the Fire Department to find $50,000.00 worth of problems with Mr. Senecal’s building. Mayor Bundren informed that the Board didn’t have control over this either, that belonged to Alamance County. This is the jurisdiction of the Alamance County Fire Marshall. The Mayor relayed the message from Mr. Senecal that he would accept the $12,000.00 owed in back rent, for the equipment. Mr. Kirkpatrick responded that he paid for the $50,000.00 worth of equipment. He asked who would let somebody go 12 months without paying rent. Attorney Koonts reminded that this was between Mr. Senecal and Mr. Kirkpatrick. The Board does not have the power to do anything about it. They are just trying to move forward with this project. It will benefit the whole community. The Board cannot fix the problem that Mr. Kirkpatrick has with Mr. Senecal. It would be easier on the Village to agree to pay Mr. Kirkpatrick an amount, in order for him to sign the easement. Mr. Kirkpatrick said he would sign the easement. Attorney Koonts said this was what the Board was looking for—the ability to get on the property to do the work, so that it improves the system for the town. Mayor Bundren thanked Mr. Kirkpatrick for being willing to sign the easement. The Board will compensate Mr. Kirkpatrick. At this point, Clerk York and Mr. Reich excused themselves to retrieve the easement documents for Mr. Kirkpatrick to sign.
There was no further Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
Scott Richmond, Time Warner Cable
Scott Richmond, from Time Warner Cable, addressed the Board. He had met earlier with Clerk York to discuss Time Warner presenting a proposal to the Village, regarding the lines and Internet connections. Currently, the Village is with A T & T. Mr. Richmond presented the proposal from Time Warner Cable. They are recommending SY as a good decision for the Village. This would provide faster, more reliable Internet, with a 35MG connection. It allows wi-fi for more users, and for video. It also allows help with domain names. Now, the Village domain name is @bellsouth. Time Warner provides the ability to host a domain such as @alamance.com or alamance.nc. Most towns now have their name after the @ sign. Time Warner provides a dedicated account representative, which would be Scott Richmond. They actually handle issues after the sale. Clerk York does not have an account representative at AT & T. Time Warner does have a toll free number, but Clerk York could always call Mr. Richmond. All representatives that work with accounts are available. Another option is the ability to provide the town, under the municipality agreement, free TV. Some towns are putting TVs in the lobby, with news or weather. If there is an event, or a power outage, people could come to the Town Hall for the news. Also, free guest wi-fi would be available. There would be a wi-fi modem separate from the Town’s wi-fi. There would be a guest login. All the services from Time Warner are bundled together on one bill. There would be significant savings for the Internet and the phone lines (including the phone lines at the pump stations). Mayor Bundren observed that when the power goes out at her house, her cable phone also goes out. She asked if that would also happen at the Town Hall. Mr. Richmond explained there is a difference between Residential Time Warner and Business Class Time Warner. One difference is the response time. Time Warner guarantees a 4-hour response time. Their lines are dedicated, on the business side. On the residential side, the lines are shared. There is an 8-hour power backup on the modem, on the business side. They would recommend wiring into the uninterrupted power system for the pump stations. If there is concern about the pump lines, they do not have to be part of this. To get the overall savings, it would be more significant to include all of the lines. Mayor Bundren asked Clerk York the cost amounts paid to AT & T for the pump stations. Clerk York stated that the cost is $45.00 per month, before taxes. With the taxes, the cost is approximately $54.00. The quote of $29.00 from Time Warner is pre-tax. Mr. Richmond estimated the taxes to be $11.50, with the excise tax. Clerk York stated that the AT & T cost is $235.00 per month for the four lines for the Town Hall. The Town Hall has long distance service and pays $7.95 per month for hosting the website. There is also a charge for UVERSE: $35.00 per month. That totals to $270.00 per month, with taxes and fees. The Time Warner line is a bigger line than what the Town Hall has now. Currently, Clerk York writes a check for $235.00 for the Town Hall per month, and $54.00 per month for each of the pump stations. Clerk York used to pay $650.00 per month, with the pump stations. In December of last year, he negotiated pricing with A T & T. Mayor Bundren observed that this likely was contracting, in order to get them to lower the pricing. Mr. Richmond explained Time Warner does 3 year contracts. Mr. Allred added that there are older units at the pump stations that may need to be upgraded. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy commented that two will be upgraded when Highway 62 is redone, and when the Cabin Station is eliminated. Mr. Allred agreed that the one at Cabin would be moved. Mayor Bundren asked Clerk York if the change would be worth doing for the Town Hall. Alderman Clemmons referred to Alamance County recently losing data. He shared that Dan Tichy, with expertise in this area, could do an audit of what the Village has. Alderman Gregory has the technical expertise. They could make sure that the Village has what it needs. If the Time Warner proposal fits in, it would make sense to do that. Scott Richmond said he would welcome the opportunity to provide the service. He provided the Board with his contact information. Mayor Bundren added the Board would be back in touch, once they know what the needs are. Alderman Clemmons commented that he liked the idea of getting the website address true to the place name. Mr. Richmond noted it’s similar to the portability of cell phone numbers. Alderman Clemmons addressed the future growth of the Village. In another 20 years, there will be more employees at the Town Hall. This will be the right thing to do. Mr. Richmond thanked the Board. Mayor Bundren thanked Mr. Richmond for his presentation.
Lawn Maintenance
Clerk York presented the quotes for lawn maintenance. Mr. Byrd’s price remains the same as last year. Mr. Apple’s quote is the same as last year. Mayor Bundren stated that she would like to hold off on this, rather than make a decision tonight. Clerk York explained that the contract ran out at the end of December. At some point, the grass will need to be cut. It is scheduled on a year-to-year basis. Mr. Byrd factors out what it will cost for the whole year, and then bills the Village every month. Clerk York offered to call Mr. Byrd and ask him to do a couple of mowings over the next month, while a decision is being made. Mayor Bundren observed that Mr. Byrd is keen on spraying and not weed-eating. Clerk York stated Mr. Byrd is not supposed to do this at the sign. Mayor Bundren added that Mr. Byrd has not weeded the beds. When they talked of additional services, they talked about maintaining the natural area. Mayor Bundren suggested the item be tabled. Alderman Clemmons reminded that an adjustment would need to be made. Clerk York said that Mr. Byrd will bill the Village for the exact service he provides at the rates he has broken down. If the Village decides to stay with Mr. Byrd, that will be factored back in. If the Village doesn’t stay with Mr. Byrd, he would just bill the Village. Alderman Clemmons added that the other contractor needs to know that it will be for one month less.
Finance Report
Clerk York presented the Finance Report. Two CDs matured—one in February and one in March. The first CD earned $670.64 in interest. The second CD earned $615.36 in interest. They are renewing at .65% and .7%. They were at the rates of .55% and .6% before. Interest rates will likely start rising as we get into the summer. Clerk York also presented a budget amendment to add $200.00 more to Internet, and subtract $200.00 from Training. There is $22.00 left in Internet, so that line will be over budget. Alderman Clemmons made the motion to approve the budget amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Bundren announced the resignation of the meter reader. She asked if Danny, who helps Arnold Allred, would be interested in the work. Clerk York has asked Rusty Saxon to provide a quote for the work. Danny could also provide a quote, if he is interested. Depending on Rusty’s price quote, Clerk York would like to add this to what Rusty currently does for the Village. Clerk York introduced the pay rate for the meter reader. Currently, Rob is paid $226.00 to read 360 meters. It is common practice to pay $1.00 for each meter that is read. His current rate is below what he would be paid elsewhere. This is not why he resigned. He does Whitsett, too, and has resigned from that. They have a sewer project going on in Gibsonville right now, and he is chair of public works, so he has given everything else up. He did agree that he would stay to do maintenance work “as needed.” He does a couple of hours per month, if needed. Mayor Bundren asked if Rusty Saxon could do that. Clerk York explained that Rusty lives in Jamestown. Rob is close by, if needed. He will keep reading meters until the Village gets someone else. Arnold Allred shared that the going rate is $1.00 per meter to read meters. He also offered to help with maintenance work.
Clerk York mentioned the vacancy on the planning board. He has had interest from two people. Mayor Bundren stated that, in the past, they have had Board members who were actually homeowners in the Village. She asked if someone who was renting in the Village would be considered. She wondered whether renters would have the same vested interest in the Village. The Mayor asked if this criteria needed to be continued, or whether it was too stringent. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy stated that homeowners definitely were a preference. It is more of a preference than an absolute criteria. The Mayor asked that Clerk York determine, when someone shows an interest in a Board position, whether or not they are a homeowner.
Alderman Clemmons addressed the need for a Budget Meeting. He said that early morning meetings have worked in the past. Alderman Crouse said it depended on his schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy stated he could come, whenever it was scheduled. Alderman Dan Tichy agreed that mornings would be better for him. It was decided to work with Alderman Crouse’s schedule. Alderman Clemmons suggested the meeting should be in mid-April. Clerk York reminded that the budget has to be presented in May. The May Board of Aldermen meeting will be on May 18th, one week earlier, because of the Memorial Day holiday. The Mayor asked Alderman Crouse to let Alderman Clemmons know what dates will work with his schedule. Then, Alderman Clemmons can send an email, informing the rest of the Board of the budget meeting date.
Clerk York informed that when the heavy equipment went through, following the water main break, it mashed the new stone in Rodney Riggins’ driveway. Mr. Riggins lives at the end of Pond Road, to the right, beyond the trailer park. He had just put stone down a month or so earlier. He has asked if the Village would put down another load of stone. The cost would be $350.00. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy stated he felt the Board should do this, since the equipment caused the problem there. Alderman Crouse asked Clerk York if he had ridden down there. Clerk York said he had looked at it. They had stoned the entire road. Halfway down, you can see it drop. It is flat from there, on out. Arnold Allred stated that they made sure the equipment was all unloaded on the Burlington side. They didn’t unload any equipment on that road. Even when they picked the equipment up, they stayed on the inside of the gate. Mayor Bundren asked if they didn’t even go on the road. Mr. Allred replied that they did go in the road. They hauled a small trackhoe on a flatbed. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy surmised that Mr. Riggins’ concern is that the flatbed, with the load, caused the stone to be packed. Alderman Crouse observed that Burlington’s gate is right at Mr. Riggins’ property. Burlington uses this right-of-way. Alderman Crouse asked Arnold Allred what he thought about the request. Mr. Allred stated he didn’t think it was damaged. Mayor Bundren expressed concern about setting a precedent. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy asked Mr. Allred to take a look again, and let the Board know if he changed his opinion. Alderman Crouse volunteered to also ride up there and take a look. Mayor Bundren concluded they will address this at the next meeting.
Clerk York reported that D.R. Horton has applied for four permits for homes. These are four of the lots in Heritage Glen Phase 5-A. They have paid the fees. There is a $500.00 water impact fee; a $500.00 sewer impact fee; and a $175 meter set fee. The total fees are $1175.00 for each home that is built. With the four lots, the Village has received $4700.00. The building permit fee goes to the General Fund, while the remainder goes to the Water and Sewer Fund. They are getting ready to do a fifth house. Mayor Bundren commented on the signs that D.R. Horton has placed. Alderman Dan Tichy asked about approval needed by D.R. Horton. He remembers approving Lot #1 when he was on the Planning Board, and seeing how the house would be situated. He doesn’t know if this is regular practice. Clerk York informed that Lot #1 was a separate plat. Lots #2-#19 was another plat. Once Lots #2-#19 were approved, that plat was approved. They don’t always tell you how the house will be situated. Clerk York has all of the site plan drawings. Interestingly enough, Lot #1 is not one of the lots they paid for. Clerk York reminded that D.R. Horton purchased the property from McPherson’s and have applied for the building permits. Alderman Dan Tichy informed that D.R. Horton purchased all the lots, except one, in Phase 5. He went through the whole closing process. Clerk York asked which lot was not purchased. Alderman Dan Tichy responded he didn’t know which one.
Clerk York announced that Highway 62 would be repaved. DOT will pave from the Interstate all the way to Guilford County. Alderman Crouse added that this will begin March 30, 2015. Alderman Clemmons suggested that this announcement be posted on Facebook so that residents are made aware of the paving project. Arnold Allred raised a question about manholes and the valve pumps. Alderman Crouse replied that DOT would raise those. He was not sure whether or not they would mill. Clerk York added that he would work with Mr. Allred, to talk to the appropriate person at DOT, and ensure that the manholes and valves are raised.
The City/County Meeting for October 2015 will be hosted by the Village of Alamance. This should be an interesting meeting since the municipal elections are this year. Candidates usually attend the meeting in an election year. So, there will be a few more in attendance at that meeting than usual. Mayor Bundren suggested they may need a location other than the Civitan Building. That may not be large enough. She suggested that the building at MacIntosh Lake could be a possibility. They will also need to choose a caterer.
Mayor Bundren informed that they have just completed work at the Highway 62 Pump Station, putting down new sod. Trucks were noticed parked on the grass there. The Mayor put notes on the trucks, asking them to please not park on the grass. She would like to place a “Keep Off the Grass” sign there. Clerk York asked for suggested details about the type of sign needed. Alderman Crouse suggested it just needed to be a sign to get their attention. Mayor Bundren asked Clerk York to obtain a price for the sign.
Mayor Pro Tem Tichy provided an update from the recent TAC meeting. Basically, due to funding, the bypass is now in the post-2031 timeframe. The work on Highway 119 is funded, but the funding for actual road construction is not in the pre-2021, so the actual construction will be beyond that time. It will be sometime in the years 2030’s before they even look at the bypass for Alamance. Mayor Bundren asked if Mayor Pro Tem Tichy expressed concern about the delay. She reminded the Board of the safety concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Tichy responded that all the projects are being delayed. There is very little active right now. The one interesting active thing going on now is that the rest stops are being rebuilt on the Interstate. They are using a historical theme for Alamance County, at both rest stops. The history of the mill villages is the theme. Old beams from Holt Mill will be incorporated by the architect in the plans. There will be new rest stops, but no new bypasses, for now. One of the Alamance rest stops is the second busiest in the state. There is one on I-95 that is busier than the one in Alamance County. Basically, they are looking at a state funding problem. There is no money, and projects are being pushed back.
Alderman Dan Tichy asked if the street name for Heritage Glen Phase 5 had been finalized. Clerk York answered that this had been finalized; the plat hasn’t been presented back for recording. He was contacted and provided the street name chosen. Mayor Bundren thanked Alderman Dan Tichy, commenting how the street name commemorates the Indian tribe. Alderman Tichy noted that it was the consensus of the Homeowners’ Board that the street name should have historical context. Mayor Bundren observed that the name was suggested by the Alamance County Historical Museum.
Public Comment
The question was raised about whether UVERSE was coming into Heritage Glen anytime soon. Mayor Bundren answered she didn’t have knowledge of this. Alderman Clemmons asked if there would be large, round cylinders in yards. Some communities are complaining about these large cylinders in their yards. Alderman Crouse stated he had seen this reported on television.
Alderman Crouse moved to adjourn and Mayor Pro Tem Tichy seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.