by Blake Proctor
Mayor Perry Blanks called the June 14th East Arcadia Council meeting to order at 7.10 pm. The board was one member shy, as Councilmember Pamela Graham had been detained several minutes at her place of work.
With Town Clerk Josephine Smith still out ill, Deputy Clerk Marie Miller was on hand to record the minutes. Mayor Blanks opened the meeting with the invocation, followed quickly by unanimous approval of the Consent Agenda.
On a motion by Councilmember Horace Munn and a second by Councilmember Carlee Carter, the contract to install new water meters was awarded to KBS Construction from Lumberton; that winning bid was for $44,325.
Jermaine and Katrina Brown, representing the semi-pro Carolina Bengals football team, asked permission to utilize the town ballfield for team practices; no games would be played, and practices for both the team and cheerleaders would be held in the evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
Following their presentation, there were substantial comments from the Council, and the Browns answered many questions. In the end, the Board approved the request, and East Arcadia will now be the training facility for a semi-professional football team.
Also requesting to speak was town resident and County Commissioner Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins. Dr. Munn-Goins spoke on behalf of the Planning Board in favor of the State-mandated Planning & Zoning Ordinance; she informed the Board that an industrial prospect was interested in the possibility of locating within East Arcadia.
She cautioned, however, that in order to attract companies like this, not only would the town have to adopt this ordinance, but would have to expand its water services and also introduce sewer services. She emphatically stated that East Arcadia would have to retain a Town Manager, even if only on a part-time basis.
Before Dr. Munn-Goins began a second topic, the Board approved a motion to hold a public hearing as quickly as possible on the adoption of the draft Planning & Zoning Ordinance. A date will be announced.
Dr. Munn-Goins then turned to the matter of recreational activities and facilities: She informed the Council that both softball and T-ball were getting under way, and that additional equipment was needed; also of need were sponsors for team uniforms.
Ms. Brown advised her and the Board that the Bengals’ training would in no way interfere with the Town’s regular recreational activities.
Under the Finance Committee Report, Councilmember Lillian Graham presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 all-Funds budget to the Board.
The General Fund budget consisted of $90,455 in Revenues, of which $49,670 would come from ad valorem taxes; Expenditures budgeted at $85,425 increasing Fund Balance by $5,029 at the end of the FY 2022.
Water Fund Revenue for the upcoming year was budgeted at $101,350, with an even $100,000 coming from water bills. Expenses of $101,350 created a balanced budget.
The Powell Bill Fund anticipates Revenue of $11,929 in the coming year, with expected Expenses of $11,050. The remaining $879 will be added to Powell Bill Fund Balance for future streets work.
A motion was then made and approved to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget as early as possible, possibly at the same time as that of the Planning & Zoning Ordinance.
Councilmember Munn reported under the Streets & Roads Report that overhanging limbs on the town’s secondary streets needed to be cut back; this activity would probably require a track hoe.
Under the Parks & Recreation Report, Councilmember Pamela Graham reported that the fencing around the gym had been completed and the contractor had presented his final bill.
Mr. Munn reported under the Water Report that the water leak at NC 87 had been repaired; it was found to be a leaking valve rather than a more costly break in the main.
Having no further business to conduct in the open meeting, the Board voted at 8:05 pm to go into closed session for a discussion of personnel; this reporter requested that he be informed of the end of the executive session, but no phone call was forthcoming.
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