By Erin Smith
The Clarkton Town Board received a brief update regarding the installation of security cameras in various locations in the town. Town Commissioner Jerome Myers asked Town Commissioner Tim Tart about the status of the cameras.
“Are they (the security cameras) functional yet?” asked Town Commissioner Myers.
“No,” replied Town Commissioner Tart.
Town Commissioner Tart did say the company had two representatives that worked two days last week. He also stated the company does not return his telephone calls seeking updates on the installation process.
The town voted to install the camera system which was purchased from Tyco in Raleigh at a cost of $150,000. The system, which is supposed to consist of 16 cameras, was to also be monitored at an additional cost of $25,000 per year.
BladenOnline.com has reached out to Tyco in Raleigh to learn more about the installation and when the company expects to complete the installation. The company had not responded as of press time.
In other business, during the Public Forum, the board heard from citizen Melody Cribb regarding a letter she received from the town. She explained to the board that during the Labor Day weekend she obtained permission from her father, Town Commissioner Tart, to dispose of some debris near the town’s sewer plant. Cribb said Clarkton Public Works Director Chris Hall contacted her on September 3rd about the debris and asked her to remove it “because it had paint on it.” She said she again inquired with Town Commissioner Tart who told her “not to worry about it.”
Cribb told the board there is also debris at the site from the former bank building which was also coated in paint.
Cribb said Hall stopped by her place of work recently and again reminded her that the debris needed to be removed.
The discussion then became heated as Town Commissioner Tart stated that Hall should have contacted him regarding the matter before sending the letter to Cribb. Town Commissioner Myers stated that since Mayor Arthur Whedbee had signed the letter, it made the action legal. Cribb then stated Hall had threatened to contact law enforcement if the debris was not picked up. The letter gave her 30 days to remove the debris.
It was decided to continue the discussion in closed session for personnel matters. When the board returned to open session, no action was taken on the matter in open session.
*The board also approved the bills for the town for the month.
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