A meeting of the Town Council was held on July 24, 2006. Present were Mayor Wes Foy and Council Members John Boone, Phillip Hise and Rocky Buchanan. Staff in attendance included Richard Canipe, Darlene Johnson, Dave Lindsey, Elbert Stamey, Coy Hollifield, James Ramsey, Billy Summerlin and Dale Blevins. Other attendees included Kay Goins, Nathan Hall (Mitchell News-Journal), Jon Deese, Linda Miller and Dave Cooley.

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Foy called the regular meeting to order at 5:30 PM and Rocky Buchanan gave the invocation.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Phillip Hise moved to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2006 regular meeting. Rocky Buchanan seconded the motion, which carried with three in favor.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD – No Comments

APPOINTMENTS
Linda Miller, on behalf of Mountain View Correctional Institution, requested a solicitation permit for August 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Locust St. for Special Olympics. John Boone moved to grant the permit. Rocky Buchanan seconded the motion, which carried with all present in favor.

PUBLIC HEARING - none

DEPARTMENTS:

MAIN STREET
The Storytelling Festival was very well attended and successful. Our State Magazine has expressed an interest in featuring the festival as part of an article on NC Storytelling Festivals.

WATER/SEWER
New water samples will be obtained this week.
All the parts have been received to get the new well in operation.

POLICE DEPT.
Chief Coy Hollifield introduced Jon Deese, the new auxiliary officer.
James Ramsey will look into the feasibility of using a solar battery for the radar sign.

PUBLIC WORKS
The well should be on-line within the next three weeks.
Elbert will address the weeds at the median near the 50’s Diner and Fortner Drive, and the brush on Balsam Ave.

PARKS & REC
Pool attendance is slowing and the last session of lessons has begun.
Dale recommended that the filter sand be treated rather than replaced this year.

FINANCE
The 2005/2006 fiscal year is closed, the audit should begin soon.
2006 property tax bills should go out within the next 30 days.

ISSUES
Trusses are ordered for renovations to the older mausoleum. The offer on the property adjoining the cemetery has been accepted and the property has been purchased.
Richard requested Council’s recommendations for street paving. Streets identified as needing repairs are Reservoir, Pendley, Overlook, Pine, Balsam, Ollis and Hilltop.

MANAGER'S UPDATE
A letter concerning the grease ordinance has been sent to businesses, schools and churches within the problem area.
Richard is working with the hospital and Rural Center regarding needed improvements to the water system in the area of the hospital.
A Rural Center Redevelopment Grant will provide funds for a sidewalk on Link St. and possibly along Greenwood Rd. across from Ingles.
McGill & Assoc. is working on a preliminary engineering report for a belt press for sludge.
Council discussed the current sidewalk ordinance.
Council discussed budgeting yearly for remodeling of the fire dept. area when the new department is complete. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned upon motion of Wes Foy.