Candor chief can hire officers ♥

As published in the Courier-Tribune February 15, 2012

Hugh Martin

uwharrieorganics@yahoo.com

CANDOR — At the regular meeting on Feb. 6, the Candor Board of Commissioners were advised by management consultant Ron Niland that Police Chief Johnny Fulp will have the authority to hire town police officers. Any applications or offers to anyone prior to Fulp’s hiring have been rescinded.

Fulp was hired as chief at the January meeting of the board. Candor now has three vacancies created when the chief and three officers were summarily fired at the Dec. 12 meeting. Newly elected Commissioner Wayne Holyfield made the motion to fire the officers at his first board meeting and was supported by also newly elected Commissioner Rob Martin and Commissioner Tim Privett. After a long closed session and against the advice of Niland and Mayor Richard Britt, the motion passed. Commissioners Phillip Hearne and Layton Booker opposed the action.

In response to public reaction, the commissioners held an information meeting, but did not answer questions posed by residents, Hearne and Booker. Commissioner Holyfield attended the public meeting, but was not present at the regular meetings in January or February. Britt said Holyfield was excused for medical reasons.

On another matter, the commissioners decided to go ahead with the installation of signs at the Candor Farmers Market, which is adjacent to U.S. 220 Bypass/Interstate 73/74.

Two bids were received on the project and the board accepted the bid of $6,800 submitted by Global Graphics of Mocksville. An earlier request that bids be sought from a local company yielded a bid of $23,200.

Global has previously done signage work at the Candor baseball field.

The signs will be installed on the roof of the Farmers Market building to be visible from the highway and promote the market to travelers on the highway.

Commissioner Hearne said he would like to see the signs installed before the growing season begins in the spring.

In other business, Commissioners Hearne, Martin, Privett, Booker and Mayor Britt:

* Tabled a discussion on a request for information about Internet sweepstakes cafes in town. Niland said the issue is being reviewed in the court system and any local action may not be needed.

* Were informed that bids are being sought for the replacement of overhead doors at the fire department. Hearne stated that the present doors are damaged and outdated.

* Heard an update on the bidding process for the installation of a paved walking trail at Fitzgerald Park.

Town offices will be closed Feb. 20 in observance of President’s Day.