Smithfield
Town Council report from April 7 session |
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Council members present: Mayor Andy Moore, David Barbour,
John Dunn, Travis Scott, David Stevens
Absent (voluntarily): Marlon Lee, Steve Rabil, Roger Wood
MAYOR WANTS TO SEE LOCALIZED CORONAVIRUS DATA
Near the close of Tuesday night's meeting, Mayor Andy Moore expressed frustration about not getting more detailed information from county officials about the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic. He said he is frequently asked how many cases have been reported in Smithfield. "I cannot answer that question, and as mayor it concerns me that I cannot answer that question," he said, adding that it's "my personal opinion" providing a local case count does not violate federal HIPPA laws protecting patient privacy.
EAST
RIVER SUBDIVISION TO INCLUDE WETLANDS
The council approved a revised plan for the second phase of the East River residential subdivision beside Buffalo Road that allows for "constructed wetlands" for stormwater management instead of an existing pond near the Neuse River. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has ruled that pond to be inadequate, noted Stephen Wensman, the town's planning director. Following a lengthy discussion by telephone with developer Reid Smith of One27Homes, the council's approval came with requirements that $5,000 be contributed up front by the developer to a reserve fund for maintenance of the wetlands and that $1 from each payment by residents to the subdivision's homeowners association be added to that fund. The first phase of East River includes 18 single-family houses that are nearing completion.
The council approved a revised plan for the second phase of the East River residential subdivision beside Buffalo Road that allows for "constructed wetlands" for stormwater management instead of an existing pond near the Neuse River. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has ruled that pond to be inadequate, noted Stephen Wensman, the town's planning director. Following a lengthy discussion by telephone with developer Reid Smith of One27Homes, the council's approval came with requirements that $5,000 be contributed up front by the developer to a reserve fund for maintenance of the wetlands and that $1 from each payment by residents to the subdivision's homeowners association be added to that fund. The first phase of East River includes 18 single-family houses that are nearing completion.
TOWN TAKES OVER MAINTENANCE IN BELLA SQUARE
The council approved
maintenance by the town of public improvements in
the new Bella Square residential subdivision in West
Smithfield. That includes streets --- Bella Square
and Altimont Drive --- as well as walks, storm
drainage, water and sewer lines. Maintenance of a
stormwater-control pond will remain the
responsibility of the developer and the
subdivision's homeowners association. Gencom/Genesis Living Inc.
purchased the failed Boyette Farm Subdivision
and obtained the town's permission to modify
the original plans in 2009. At that time most
of the public improvements had been installed
but not accepted by the town. Since then,
Gencom/Genesis Living has completed sufficient
upgrades to qualify the streets and utilities
for maintenance by the town.
The council approved an easement agreement with property owner Allen Wellons to allow erection of a Welcome-to-Smithfield sign at 3195 Buffalo Road near the Highway 70 Bypass. The new sign will be part of the town's wayfinding project that has recently installed directional signage on major roadways. Additional signs in the works include a "service organization" sign on East Market Street near Outlet Center Drive, four more welcome signs, and Downtown parking signs. Also planned is a wayfinding kiosk or two for pedestrians Downtown.
MARKETING BOOKLET FOR SMITHFIELD APPROVED
The council gave its approval to publication of an information and marketing booklet about Smithfield. "Staff has heard requests from council and citizens that the town needs to better tell our story," Public Information Officer Tim Kerigan noted in a memo accompanying Tuesday's agenda. Cost of producing 10,000 copies of a full-color, 24-page booklet will not exceed $8,000, Mr. Kerigan said. The expense will be covered by Economic Development Initiative funds in the current town budget.
FOR POLICE: DODGE DURANGO IN PLACE OF CHARGER
The council approved the purchase of five new Dodge Durango SUVs instead of Dodge Charger sedans for the Police Department at a total cost of $160,000. Police Chief Keith Powell explained in a memo to the council that the Chrysler Corporation has canceled production of all V-6 rear-wheel Chargers normally purchased through a state contract with Performance Automotive of Clinton. "I have researched other patrol vehicles on the market and the Dodge Durango falls into the budgeted amount," Chief Powell noted. (An SUV is a Sport Utility Vehicle.)
SPLASH PAD CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS POSTPONED
Without explanation, the council removed from Tuesday's agenda a request from the Parks and Recreation Department for authorization to enter into negotiations with a contractor for designing and building a splash pad at Smith-Collins Park.
ELECTRICAL
LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY
The council proclaimed Saturday, April 18 as Electrical Lineman Appreciation Day in Smithfield in accord with a national observance established by Congress in 2013. The town's proclamation notes that "electrical linemen are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events" and work on Smithfield's power lines around the clock if necessary "to keep the electricity flowing" as they "put their lives at risk... with little recognition from the community regarding the danger of their work."
An archived recording of Tuesday's meeting on the town's website>