By Joy Warren
An amendment to the Town of Elizabethtown Code of Ordinances was presented by Chief Hollis Freeman in reference to Chapter 32, Inspections to be made Quarterly and Semi-Annually.
The presented inspection schedule is in accordance with the 2018 Adopted North Carolina Fire Code, Section 106 Inspections. In no case shall inspections be conducted less frequently than described in the schedule below: Once every year: Hazardous, institutional, high-rise assembly except those noted below, Residential except one – and two-family dwellings, and only the interior common areas of dwelling units of multifamily occupancies. New and existing lodging establishments, including hotels, motels, and tourist homes that provide accommodations for seven or more continuous days (extended-stay establishments), bed and breakfast inns, and bed and breakfast homes as defined in NCGS 130A247 for the installment and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms and detectors in accordance with NCGS 143-138(b2). Once every two years: Industrial and educational (except public schools). Once every three years: Assembly occupancies with an occupant load less than 100, business, mercantile, storage, churches, synagogues, and miscellaneous Group U occupancies.
For unattended or vacant structures, the fire code official shall affix an order of notice on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises requesting an inspection in accordance with this section. This order of notice shall be mailed by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, to the last known address of the owner, occupant or both. If the owner, occupant, or both shall fail to respond to the order of notice within 10 calendar days, these actions by the fire code official shall be deemed to constitute an inspection in accordance with this section. Council approved the changes after the public hearing.
Proposed FY 2022-2023 General Fund and Water Fund Budget presentation was given by Sharon Penney. The tax rate will remain the same at 61.5 cent.
Several other ordinances were approved as presented. The Wastewater Treatment Capital project is to establish a budget to update and expand the town’s wastewater treatment plant. (NC General Assembly Appropriation $ 13,600,000.00, Total Revenue $ 13,600,000.00).
The Runway/Rehabilitation Capital project ordinance is to establish a budget for the design and bidding of the Runway and Apron Rehabilitation project at the Elizabethtown Airport (General Fund Appropriation $26,700.00, NC DOT Aviation Grant (36244.4.9.2) $240,300.00, Total Revenue $267,000.00).
The Airport Master Plan ordinance is to establish a budget to update the existing Airport Master Plan at the Elizabethtown Airport (General Fund Appropriation $33,082.00, Federal NPE Grant 36237.4.16.1) $297,737.00, Total Revenue $330,819.00).
A resolution to establish an additional member appointment to the Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission was presented. The June 30, 1986 Act created the Elizabethtown Airport and Economic Development Commission with 7 members all who are residents of the Town. In addition, there are two County of Bladen appointees who serve on the Airport/Economic Development Commission. The Town has been working diligently to bring more rapid growth to the Elizabethtown Industrial Park and the Airport Commission sees the need and necessity to have a board member that can contribute economic development expertise. The Council adopted the resolution as presented.
Town Manager Dane Rideout presented a request for the personnel policy to be amended to incorporate the following three new paid holidays for Town employees: Presidents Day, Juneteenth Day, Columbus Day. The additional holidays are in lieu of a cost of living increase. Employees will also receive a $1,000 bonus. Council approved the changes to the personnel policy as presented effective July 1.
Several Proclamations were presented by Mayor Sylvia Campbell and were adopted by the Council. Council designated May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, ” in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty”; and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week to recognize law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities.
As requested by Paula Brinkley of Newton Grove (TS Advocate), the Town Council adopted a proclamation declaring June 4th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day.
In other administrative matters, Council approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Policies; consent agenda items, and the monthly financial report as presented.
Kids Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the soccer field behind the Municipal Building.
The White Lake Water Festival Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m.
In observance of Memorial Day, the Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 30.
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