By Joy Warren
Following the Executive Orders of the Governor of NC, the Town of White Lake Board of Commissioners met via virtual meeting Tuesday evening. Mayor Goldston Womble announced the Governor extended Phase 2 of the Reopening Plan and therefore a face to face meeting was not possible. Staff will monitor the 3-week extension to determine if the August meeting will be virtual or face to face.
Mayor Womble gave accolades to Police Officer Tim Hester who was credited with saving a life during a medical emergency call. Womble also praised the Fire Department for their quick response to a house fire in Turtle Cove early Saturday morning. He received many compliments about the department and their coverage of the fire, as well as all the other departments that responded in mutual aid. The house belonging to Billy and Dawn Pilland was hit by lightning and was a total loss. Staff have information regarding the needs of the family if anyone would like to assist them in their time of need.
Dr. Diane Lauritsen gave a brief report regarding the Lake Water Restoration Project. Information can be found on www.whitelakewatch.com.
The following were appointed as Town officers by Council: Mayor Pro Tempore, Tom Riel; Administrative Services Director/Town Clerk/Finance Officer/Human Resource Officer, Brenda Clark; Chief of Police, Bruce Smith; Revenue Collection Specialist/Tax Collector, Tina Merritt-Smith; Deputy Tax Collector, Nancy Singletary; Accountant/Deputy Finance Officer, Amber Glisson; Water/Wastewater Superintendent/Zoning Inspector, Tim Frush; Assistant Zoning Inspector, Lee Cain; Fire Chief/Safety Officer, Dale Brennan, Budget Officer, Mayor Goldston Womble; and Town Attorney, Cliff Hester.
In other administrative matters, Council approved Utility Releases ($123.11), Tax Releases ($220.42) and Tax Refunds ($9617); accepted the Tax Collector’s Full Settlement Report for FY 2019-20; approved amended professional services contract for Tetra Tech; approved the Coronavirus Relief Fund reimbursement agreement at a cost of $93,792.51; adopted the Payment Plan for utility operations under Executive Order 142; approved the proposal for Engineering Services for the Multi-Use Path Improvements Phase II ($88,000); and approved proceeding with advertisement for Town Administrator with salary based on education/experience.
Mayor Womble announced that the Town received a reimbursement payment in the amount of $338,680 for engineering services, materials, and other expenses for the Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project Phase I.
Joseph Roberts, MD, Vice-President of Medical Affairs with Southeastern Health advised the Town that Southeastern Regional Medical Center will not be renewing the lease on the building for the White Lake Clinic. The Board will be considering other options for the use of the building in the upcoming months.
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