MINUTES

 

Town of Blowing Rock

Board of Commissioners

 

May 27, 2008

 

The Town of Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners continued their FY 2008-2009 budget work session on Monday, May 27, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. The work session was held at Town Hall located at 1036 Main Street, Blowing Rock.  Attending were Mayor J.B. Lawrence, Commissioners Bobby Ball, Keith Tester, Albert Yount, Phil Pickett and Tommy Klutz.  Others in attendance were Town Manager Scott Hildebran, Finance Director Nicole Norman, and Town Clerk Sharon Greene.

 

Mayor Lawrence called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

 

FUNDING UPDATE

 

Mr. Hildebran advised once the outstanding demolition lien, property taxes and utility bill was paid on Tri Bal properties (which were expected in the next few days) and BREMCO credits were received, the demand on Fund Balance for paving would be reduced.  The estimated revenue expected was around $25,000.00.

 

Mr. Hildebran said $5,000 from Public Works material/supplies had been moved to sidewalk repair to clearly distinguish the $25,000 provided by the TDA to sidewalks.

 

Commissioner Klutz expressed his desire for $150,000 to be allocated to the street department for special paving projects.  He felt with rising costs for materials the Town needed to advance quickly through the paving schedule.  Commissioner Klutz felt this could be accomplished with an increase of 1.5 cents in property taxes. 

 

Mr. Hildebran then presented Council with a handout regarding bids for paving.  He noted three bids had been received.  He also advised the proposed paving was based on the priorities established in Town Street Pavement Plan.

 

The Quail Hollow sewer project was also discussed with Mr. Hildebran stated the paving of that area would be done as soon as a test was done on the new lift station for that area.  Mr. Hildebran said the Town had advanced the schedule approximately 5 years with this project in order to supply residents of that area with sewer.  He stated there were several property owners who wanted to hook to the sewer line once the Petrie project was finished.

 

Commissioner Klutz reiterated the fact that more work was needed on the ditch lines around town.  Mr. Hildebran conveyed as streets were paved the ditches were also paved.  Mr. Klutz expressed again the need for additional funds to be allocated toward street paving and felt there should be a tax increase.  Other members of Council agreed there was a need for paving and additional street improvements, but with the rising gas prices, the increase for the water interconnection, and other economy issues this was not a good time for a tax increase.  Mayor Lawrence said this was an admirable request but this was not the time to increase property taxes.

 

Commissioner Yount expressed the need for the street department to be more aggressive towards repairing potholes, sinking area, etc. Commissioner Tester stated there were many areas in town that needed street improvements, but this was a multi-year process.  Mr. Tester suggested the Town Engineer and Public Works Director tour the town looking for the more critical areas for ditch improvements and report back to Council by October 1.

 

Commissioner Klutz stressed this was an on-going problem that continued to be more expensive each year.  Commissioner Yount stated there was no way to fund this without a tax increase.  Commissioner Tester made a motion to proceed with the paving schedule as planned for this fiscal year and accept the low bid from Greer Paving.  Commissioner Ball seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.  Street Pavement Schedule Exhibit A

 

Next, Mr. Hildebran presented Council with and Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement between the Town of Blowing Rock and Watauga County regarding their $500,000 rural center grant for the emergency water interconnection.  He also stated that Town Attorney Moseley had reviewed the document.  A motion was made by Commissioner Ball and seconded by Commissioner Pickett to enter into the agreement with Watauga County.  Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement Exhibit B

 

Mr. Hildebran gave Council a handout regarding rain barrels from Rain Barrels, USA stating the prices would be $78.00 for a 60-gallon barrel and $89.00 for the 80-gallon barrel. He stated that Public Works Director Johnny Lentz would place an order for citizens later in the week. 

 

Commissioner Klutz felt an old connection from many years prior at Bolick Creek should be restored, he felt that possibly 400,000 gallons per day could be retrieved for town use.  Mr. Hildebran stated a stream inflow study would be needed at a cost of approximately $20,000 as well as other issues would need to be addressed before this could be done.  Mr. Hildebran stated he would call Lee Spencer with the Regional Water Supply to see if this was feasible.  He conveyed the State was looking for a regional solution to the water situation.  Commissioner Yount asked that Mr. Hildebran report his findings to Council regarding this issue.

 

Mr. Hildebran reminded Council of the health insurance meetings to be held on June 11th and 12th.

 

He also stated Edgewood Cottage planned a grand opening ceremony in the near future and had requested this property be exempted from the no alcohol allowed on town properties rule.  Mr. Hildebran advised this would be coming before Council at their next regularly scheduled meeting. 

 

Commissioner Tester inquired if the “No Thru Trucks” signs on Chestnut applied to UPS delivery.  Mr. Hildebran stated it did not.  A motion to install a “No Thru Trucks” sign on Ransom Street was made by Commissioner Klutz, seconded by Commissioner Ball.  Unanimously approved.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

 

 

MAYOR  _______________________________

                  J.B. Lawrence

 

 

Attest:  ________________________________

               Sharon Greene, Town Clerk

 

Attachments

Street Paving Schedule Exhibit A

Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement Exhibit B