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By Joy Warren
After missing the October Town Council Meeting due to Hurricane Matthew, the Elizabethtown Town Council resumed their regular monthly session Monday evening.
A large crowd was present to hear information regarding a Special Use Permit for a Solar Energy Generating Facility on M&M Street. South River Land LLC presented their proposal to the Council and public touting the low impact of a 44 acre Solar Farm on M & M Street with access off Quail St. It would be surrounded by a 6 ft fence topped with barbed wire and would house about 10,000 solar panels. Company spokeswomen, Beth Trahos, along with Design Engineer and an appraiser, spoke of the benefits of passive land use, unmanned facility, quiet, low to the ground, no dust, no odor, no need for Town or County services which would provide clean, green renewable energy for 700 homes. The speakers indicated it would be harmonious with its location and have no negative impact on adjoining property values.
Several citizens spoke questioning possible runoff and/or erosion once trees are removed from the property; having to look at solar panels out of their front yards; and how would the solar farm benefit the residents of this predominately black neighborhood. Other questions related to the risks of solar farms. The experts that spoke said the the greatest risks they have seen were from people breaking into the farms to try to steal copper wire and were electricuted. There have been some reports of power surges in nearby homes, but the engineer explained they have breakers that trip to remedy this type of problem. The Public Hearing was held open for further discussion on Monday, November 14th at 6:00 p.m.
A public hearing was held to hear public comments/concerns regarding an amendment to Chapter 51 of the Code of Ordinances referencing the Backflow Prevention/Cross Connection Control. Later in the meeting the Ordinance was approved as presented.
A third public hearing was for a Special Use Permit to establish a Public Charter School on NC Hwy. 87 East/Airport Road. Board Members for Emereau: Bladen Charter School presented their design plan for Phase 1 of their planned K-6th grade facility. They are planning to be completed by July 2017 and would house 308 students. This hearing was held open to the meeting scheduled for Nov. 14th.
The final public hearing of the evening was regarding a 90-Day Moratorium on Solar Farms. No public comments were made and the hearing was held open to the meeting scheduled on Nov 14th.
In other business, Council approved resolutions declaring Hire a Vet Week for November 7th – 15th; Youth Appreciation Week by Elizabethtown Optimist Club for November 13th – 19th; and a resolution to dispose of surplus property by the Police Department.
In administrative matters, Council approved a request for Aid for the new Terminal Building (Design Only) at the Airport; contracted with Design Lines Ltd. for Interior Design of Airport Terminal Building ($11,000); and approved Tax Releases and the monthly financial report.
Town Manager Eddie Madden gave an update on Leinwand Park Annex project. The walking path, parking lot paving, lighting, pinic area, playground, skate park and soccer fields have all been completed. Hopefully the full project will be completed by the end of the year. Council tabled the process of naming the park at this time.
Mayor Campbell recognized and praised the Town Departments for their hard work prior to, during, and after Hurricane Matthew. Public Works Director Pat DeVane said his departments main concern was lack of cell reception which affected their ability to communicate. He stated they were greatful for the assistance of the Cities of Maiden and Rutherfordton. Fire Chief West stated they had assistance from NC Department of Emergency Management and the NC National Guard. They also provided assistance to Lumberton, Fairmont, and Harrells. Police Chief Parrish stated they had assistance from Randolph and Gaston County Sheriff Departments who helped to provide patrols throughout the town. Mayor Campbell stated that a total of $596,250 in damages was reported to FEMA for the Town.
Council concluded the public portion of the meeting and went in to closed session to discuss Real Property Acquisition on King Street, Swanzy Street, and Nobie Street. The meeting was adjourned to next Monday night at 6:00 p.m. in order for the Planning Board to meet and public hearing discussions continued.
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