Minutes

 Spruce Pine Town Council

February 13, 2006 - 5:30 PM

A meeting of the Town Council was held on February 13, 2006.  Present were Mayor Wes Foy and Council Members Phillip Hise, Gregg Henline, John Boone and Rocky Buchanan.  Staff in attendance included Richard Canipe, Darlene Johnson, David Lindsey, Coy Hollifield, Michael Briggs, James Ramsey, Steve Turbyfill, Billy Summerlin, Stacey Hughes, Andy Woodard and Steve Parsley.  Other attendees included Phil Byrd, Teresa Summerlin and children, William Summerlin, Sr., Michael Hall (Mitchell News-Journal), Steve Murphy (WTOE), Kay Goins and Dave Cooley.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Foy called the regular meeting to order at 5:30 PM and Phillip Hise gave the invocation.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Rocky Buchanan moved to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2006 regular meeting.  John Boone seconded the motion, which carried with four in favor, Phillip Hise abstaining. 

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

No comments were made.

PUBLIC HEARING - none

DEPARTMENTS:

FINANCE

·         Property tax late notices have been mailed.

MAIN STREET

• Advertising is on schedule for the blacksmith festival scheduled for April 29^th.
• A grant has been submitted which, if received, would be used to help pay the fees for David Holt at the Storytelling Festival.

WATER/SEWER

• Work on the electrical and plumbing of the new well pump house continues.

PARKS & REC – (Dale Blevins absent)

PUBLIC WORKS – (Elbert Stamey absent)

·         Mayor Foy commended the Public Works Crew for their hard work during the weekend’s snow storm.

POLICE DEPT

·         Chief Hollifield updated the Council on a proposed 12-hour schedule for the police department.  The new schedule will be implemented with the next payroll.

·         Interviews continue for the vacant officer’s position.

·         The officers of the department presented a certificate to Detective Billy Summerlin naming him as the 2005 Officer of the Year.  The Council commended Billy on his performance.

CLOSED SESSION

Rocky Buchanan moved to enter into closed session, citing GS 143-318.11(a) (4) – To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.  Phillip Hise seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Upon return to open session, Town Attorney Lloyd Hise described the purpose of a resolution of condemnation of 10.83 acres owned by Mitchell Lumber Company.  The property is necessary for access roads and parking for the proposed expansion and renovation of Spruce Pine Community Hospital.  Attempts to negotiate between the hospital and Bud Phillips have been unsuccessful. 

ACTION

Rocky Buchanan moved to adopt a Resolution Authorizing Condemnation Action.  Phillip Hise seconded the motion, which carried with four in favor, Mayor Wes Foy opposed.  Gregg Henline moved to deliver a Notice of Intent to File Action to Condemn Property and Notice of Condemnation to Frank W. Phillips, Jr. (Bud Phillips).  John Boone seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  Said resolution and notice of intent are incorporated by reference and attached to these minutes.

Rocky Buchanan stated that only because all efforts to negotiate had been exhausted was the condemnation action necessary.

APPOINTMENTS - none

ISSUES - none

MANAGER'S UPDATE

• Phillip Hise moved to provide water at outside rates with no annexation to Andy Woodard on Rockledge Rd.  John Boone seconded the motion, which carried with all in favor.
• Richard recommended the Essentials of Municipal Government class to the entire council.
• The consensus of the Council was to award an Employee Appreciation Certificate twice per year, perhaps with a half-day or full day off with pay.
• Staff will pick up the 6-wheeler to push snow on sidewalks from Mitchell County Communications.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned upon motion of Phillip Hise.