TOWN OF ROWLAND, NORTH CAROLINA
ROWLAND TOWN HALL
August 9, 2016, Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Rowland Board of Commissioners with the following members present: Honorable James A. Hampton Sr., Mayor; Commissioner Marvin Shooter, Mayor Pro-Tem; Commissioner Betty Boyd, Commissioner Jean Love, Commissioner Paul Hunt.
Also present were David Townsend, Town Clerk; Lt. Lee Davis, Police; Elizabeth Brown, Admin. Assistant; Faye Carlyle, Finance Officer; Attorney Rob Price, Town Attorney, and Steve Richardson, Mechanic. There were (4) four guests present for this meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hampton determined that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m. Mayor Hampton welcomed all those present. The invocation was presented by David Townsend, Town Clerk. Mayor Hampton led The Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Boyd made the motion to approve the previous meeting minutes for July 12, 2016. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously approved by a show of hands.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. David Townsend said that he was talking to 2 (two) contractors who are willing to talk to Mr. Subode about clean-up of the Family Inn Property. There has been no information regarding the installation of Credit Card equipment. Lumbee Bank uses “First Data” and they have not been forthcoming with any information. He talked with Lumbee Bank today. They are to provide another source.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Hunt reminded the other Commissioners of a statement he remembered in a previous presentation by the ABC Officer, Bob Hamilton, who came to the March 23, 2016, Commissioners Meetings. He said the Town may want to re-write some of our ordinances so that we will have better control on the sale of alcohol in the Town. He suggested we consider this and perhaps develop an ordinance that would best serve the Town of Rowland. Attorney Price said that if we need to make changes to our ordinances, we would have to have a Public Hearing. Commissioner Hunt suggested that David Townsend, Town Clerk, check with the Town of Lumberton regarding their ordinances and restrictions regarding this possibility.
Mayor Hampton said that there is a grant offered by the Governor’s Highway Safety Intervention Program for the addition/employment of new police officers. The Commissioners were aware of the program. A suggestion was made to David Townsend to check on this possibility.
Mayor Hampton also suggested a grant for basketball goals. David Townsend asked about installation of those goals. Commissioner Love asked for more information from the County Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Hampton said that Ricky McKinnon was a contact for the Parks and Recreation Department. David Townsend is to research this program as well.
Mayor Hampton asked about the possibility of renovation of the upstairs portion of the Town Office Building with the prospects of rental offices/residences, etc. To accomplish this would also require a grant. Commissioner Shooter said anytime anyone can get a grant to help Rowland with these types of projects they did not need to go before the board. “Just do it.”
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Administration: Back Pack Buddies: Last year the Town and Midway Church partnered with the school agency to provide these services. David Townsend was told that the cost of providing these meals is $125.00 per child. In the past, there was a grant that helped to provide these meals each week. However, this year, the grant is not available. The administrator of the program is asking for a donation based on the given information. Commissioner Love said she did not feel that we should fund this program because we already donate to the schools. Mrs. Betty Hunt said that she could try to get the colleges to make a donation on the sorority level.
Legal: Attorney Price handed out information he had gathered at the request of the Commissioners. He quickly went over the information with verbal explanations. Commissioner Love made a motion to table any action or discussion until after more study on their part, until the next regular meeting. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Police: None available.
Public works/streets/sanitation: Two new tires had to be purchased for the Suburban; and more parts for the sewer line repairs.
Water/Sewer: None available.
Commissioners/Mayor: Commissioner Boyd said she had received some complaints about the tires being stored at the place of business on Hwy 301. Mr. Townsend was asked to contact the county about resolution of tire storage and disposal. The chief complaints were about the mosquitoes.
OPEN COMMENT
FROM
THE PUBLIC
Mr. Bruce Mitchell commended Mr. David Townsend for his successful efforts regarding the cleanup on 611 W. Chapel Street. The attending body of the meeting agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Betty Boyd made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jean Love. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
