Published in the Courier-Tribune on June 10, 2011
by Hugh Martin
Note: The actual submitted story follows the published copy.
STAR — The Town of Star commissioners have scheduled a public hearing on the 2011-2012 budget at the June 13 meeting in town hall on South Main Street at 5 p.m.
The estimated budget of $708,051 for the next fiscal year is an increase of $62,134 over the current budget. A copy of the budget is available for public viewing at the town hall.
Mayor Susan Eggleston has commended the town department heads for the way they have worked within the budget over the past year.
The proposed budget includes decreases in the police, street and garbage expenses and includes a 2 percent salary increase for town employees, who have not had a raise in four years.
At the May meeting, Commissioner James Parker asked for a 1 percent increase for the police department, but Eggleston said that police officers had already received an increase earlier this year following the resignation of former Police Chief Dempsey Owens, who was elected sheriff of Montgomery County.
The Star branch of the Montgomery County Library would receive $5,800, which is the same amount as last year. This amount would allow the library to continue operating on the same schedule without cutting any hours of service.
“Our library is a hidden treasure,” stated Eggleston. “Claudia (McIntosh) does a great job.”
Star will also have some grant monies passing through the general fund, including $264,000 for the new Frontier Logistics plant and $500,000 for the American and Carolina Growler companies. Frontier Logistics is a material handling company based in La Porte, Texas, that is in the process of locating a warehouse and transfer facility in Star.
Management Advisor John Gowan said that the town has already started working on processing reimbursements for the Frontier Logistics work.
Also included will be the $118,000 STEP grant and $20,000 from RAFI-USA to establish a farmers’ market beside town hall.
A $10,000 grant from Golden Leaf is still pending, but Eggleston told the board members that Star’s request was presently ranked number two for consideration.
Eggleston also said that an appraisal on the medical clinic building, which is owned by the town, had been received and will be discussed at the June 13 meeting.
(Submitted story follows)
Star board prepares for budget hearing
By Hugh Martin
STAR – Star commissioners have settled on an estimated budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The budget of $708,051.00 is an increase of $62,134 over the budget for 2010–2011.
A public hearing on the budget will be held prior to the regular June meeting next Monday, June 13 at 5:00 pm.
Mayor Susan Eggleston commended the town’s department heads for the way they have worked within the budget over the past year.
The proposed budget includes decreases in the Police, Street and Garbage expenses and includes a 2 percent salary increase for town employees. Commissioner James Parker asked if the police department could also receive a 1 percent increase. Eggleston remarked that police officers had already received an increase earlier this year following the resignation of former Police Chief Dempsey Owens, who was elected Sheriff of Montgomery County.
Commissioner Jennifer Fountain said that if there was enough to give the police department another increase then she would rather see employees receive a 3 percent increase. Town employees have not had a raise in four years.
The Star branch of the Montgomery County Library would receive the same amount, $5800.00, as last year if the proposed budget is passed. This amount would allow the library to continue operating on the same schedule without cutting any hours of service. “Our library is a hidden treasure,” stated Eggleston. “Claudia (McIntosh) does a great job.”
Star will also have some grant monies passing through the General Fund, including $264,000 for the new Frontier Logistics plant and $500,000 for the American and Carolina Growler companies.
Management Advisor John Gowan said that the town has already started working on processing reimbursements for the Frontier Logistics work. Frontier Logistics is a material handling company based in La Porte, Texas, that is in the process of locating a warehouse and transfer facility in Star.
Also included will be $118,000.00 for STEP and $20,000.00 from RAFI. A $10,000.00 grant from Golden Leaf is still pending, but Eggleston told the board members that Star’s request was presently ranked #2 for consideration.
Eggleston told board members that an appraisal on the medical clinic building, which is owned by the town, had been received. The appraisal will be discussed at next week’s regular meeting.
# # #
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Candor commissioners approve budget amendment ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on June 9, 2011
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR - During a brief meeting Monday night, Candor’s board of commissioners approved a budget amendment, awarded a pine straw bid, agreed to budget funds for a local council and heard an apology from their management advisor, John Gowan.
Gowan apologized for the way that last month’s informational meeting on the proposed bio-mass boiler for the Mountaire facility was publicized as a public hearing and some residents had a misperception of the project.
“It should not have been called a public hearing,” Gowan said. “If it appeared that we were trying to sneak something through, let me reiterate that we will follow all of the notice requirements. If you guys have taken any heat, let me apologize.”
Gowan said he, Town Clerk Tammy Kellis and Public Works Director Brice Hollis have had calls about the project every day.
“We want to be sure that we are all on the same page,” Gowan said.
The next public information meeting has not been scheduled.
On another matter, the board approved a budget amendment to pay $21,100.28 for VIPER-compatible radios for the police department. Police Chief Randy White told board members that the equipment had arrived and consisted of one base unit, seven mobile units, nine portable units and one spare. Funds to buy the equipment had been set aside in January 2010.
The second round of bids for the purchase of pine straw on town property was opened by Mayor Richard Britt. The higher of two bids was J.C. Comer at $1,310. Both bidders had bid $1,200 last month, resulting in the rebid.
Commissioners Tim Smith, Layton Booker, Leslie Thomas, Philip Hearne and Tim Privett approved a request from the Montgomery County Council on Aging for $1,000. The council presently oversees meal sites and home aide services to 14 senior citizens in the Candor area. The approved funds will be included in the 2011-2012 budget.
Consultant Ron Niland presented a draft greenway plan for the town’s recreation committee to review. Niland asked that the committee receive public input on the plan, which initially will address local greenway development and later tie in to the proposed Little River Trail.
A Recreation Master Plan for the town is included in the draft. Niland said that his goal was to have a completed plan to the board by August or September in order to allow sufficient time to write grant proposals. Niland also met with the board in a closed session to discuss land purchase for the fire department.
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR - During a brief meeting Monday night, Candor’s board of commissioners approved a budget amendment, awarded a pine straw bid, agreed to budget funds for a local council and heard an apology from their management advisor, John Gowan.
Gowan apologized for the way that last month’s informational meeting on the proposed bio-mass boiler for the Mountaire facility was publicized as a public hearing and some residents had a misperception of the project.
“It should not have been called a public hearing,” Gowan said. “If it appeared that we were trying to sneak something through, let me reiterate that we will follow all of the notice requirements. If you guys have taken any heat, let me apologize.”
Gowan said he, Town Clerk Tammy Kellis and Public Works Director Brice Hollis have had calls about the project every day.
“We want to be sure that we are all on the same page,” Gowan said.
The next public information meeting has not been scheduled.
On another matter, the board approved a budget amendment to pay $21,100.28 for VIPER-compatible radios for the police department. Police Chief Randy White told board members that the equipment had arrived and consisted of one base unit, seven mobile units, nine portable units and one spare. Funds to buy the equipment had been set aside in January 2010.
The second round of bids for the purchase of pine straw on town property was opened by Mayor Richard Britt. The higher of two bids was J.C. Comer at $1,310. Both bidders had bid $1,200 last month, resulting in the rebid.
Commissioners Tim Smith, Layton Booker, Leslie Thomas, Philip Hearne and Tim Privett approved a request from the Montgomery County Council on Aging for $1,000. The council presently oversees meal sites and home aide services to 14 senior citizens in the Candor area. The approved funds will be included in the 2011-2012 budget.
Consultant Ron Niland presented a draft greenway plan for the town’s recreation committee to review. Niland asked that the committee receive public input on the plan, which initially will address local greenway development and later tie in to the proposed Little River Trail.
A Recreation Master Plan for the town is included in the draft. Niland said that his goal was to have a completed plan to the board by August or September in order to allow sufficient time to write grant proposals. Niland also met with the board in a closed session to discuss land purchase for the fire department.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Will Star town employees get raises in a tight budget? ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on May 12, 2011
by Hugh Martin
STAR — As commissioners in the Town of Star begin working on the 2011-2012 budget, Mayor Susan Eggleston wants them to consider adding a few more dollars to the salaries of the employees of the town.
“Our town employees have not had a raise in three years,” Eggleston said. “I’d like for us to consider a raise of 1 or 2 percent, which is not even a cost-of-living increase.”
Eggleston said that she would like to see the town show their appreciation to the employees for the work they do.
“We want to be able to do this without jeopardizing the fund balance,” Eggleston said.
A 1 percent raise for all employees would cost the town $1,500 while a 2 percent raise would cost around $3,000.
Commissioners Richard Hinson and Alice Clemens both said that the town should look into the possibility of raises, while Commissioner George Kivett spoke to the contrary.
“I think I’m the only Democrat in Montgomery County that acts like a Republican,” Kivett said. “We need to be the custodians of the taxpayers’ dollars. I’d like to give everybody ice cream and cake, but we can’t.”
Commissioners will hold an open budget workshop on June 6 at 5 p.m. and the public hearing on the budget will be held on June 13 at 5 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
In other business, commissioners Clemens, Hinson, Kivett and James Parker:
• Approved a request from Dr. Nancy Gottovi, director of STARworks, for the town to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $600,000 for roof repairs on the north end of the facility. Gottovi said that the area to be repaired was needed to house new businesses.
• Heard a report from Commissioner Parker concerning an accident involving police vehicles of the Star and Biscoe Police Departments. Parker said that during a call at the Biscoe Wal-Mart, where the Star officer was providing backup, that the Biscoe officer backed his vehicle into the Star vehicle, causing over $400 in damage. The cost for repair was split between the departments.
• Heard comments from Commissioner Kivett in reference to a fence on North Main Street that needs to be repaired or removed. Public Works Director Wesley Brown will determine who owns the fence and contact the owner.
• Were told by Commissioner Clemens that a cleanup day at the new Heritage Center had been held and updated the board on the progress being made to prepare the site for use as a farmers’ market that is scheduled to open on May 31.
• Heard from Commissioner Parker that funds are now available for the police department to buy new radios. Police Chief Tracey Phillips will be responsible for ordering the new units, which will be compatible with the new VIPER radio system that is being installed in the county.
• Heard budget requirements from Town Clerk Robin Hussey. Mayor Eggleston asked board members to consider funds for the Star Library and the Council on Aging.
• Went into closed session to consult with the town attorney. No action was taken.
by Hugh Martin
STAR — As commissioners in the Town of Star begin working on the 2011-2012 budget, Mayor Susan Eggleston wants them to consider adding a few more dollars to the salaries of the employees of the town.
“Our town employees have not had a raise in three years,” Eggleston said. “I’d like for us to consider a raise of 1 or 2 percent, which is not even a cost-of-living increase.”
Eggleston said that she would like to see the town show their appreciation to the employees for the work they do.
“We want to be able to do this without jeopardizing the fund balance,” Eggleston said.
A 1 percent raise for all employees would cost the town $1,500 while a 2 percent raise would cost around $3,000.
Commissioners Richard Hinson and Alice Clemens both said that the town should look into the possibility of raises, while Commissioner George Kivett spoke to the contrary.
“I think I’m the only Democrat in Montgomery County that acts like a Republican,” Kivett said. “We need to be the custodians of the taxpayers’ dollars. I’d like to give everybody ice cream and cake, but we can’t.”
Commissioners will hold an open budget workshop on June 6 at 5 p.m. and the public hearing on the budget will be held on June 13 at 5 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
In other business, commissioners Clemens, Hinson, Kivett and James Parker:
• Approved a request from Dr. Nancy Gottovi, director of STARworks, for the town to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $600,000 for roof repairs on the north end of the facility. Gottovi said that the area to be repaired was needed to house new businesses.
• Heard a report from Commissioner Parker concerning an accident involving police vehicles of the Star and Biscoe Police Departments. Parker said that during a call at the Biscoe Wal-Mart, where the Star officer was providing backup, that the Biscoe officer backed his vehicle into the Star vehicle, causing over $400 in damage. The cost for repair was split between the departments.
• Heard comments from Commissioner Kivett in reference to a fence on North Main Street that needs to be repaired or removed. Public Works Director Wesley Brown will determine who owns the fence and contact the owner.
• Were told by Commissioner Clemens that a cleanup day at the new Heritage Center had been held and updated the board on the progress being made to prepare the site for use as a farmers’ market that is scheduled to open on May 31.
• Heard from Commissioner Parker that funds are now available for the police department to buy new radios. Police Chief Tracey Phillips will be responsible for ordering the new units, which will be compatible with the new VIPER radio system that is being installed in the county.
• Heard budget requirements from Town Clerk Robin Hussey. Mayor Eggleston asked board members to consider funds for the Star Library and the Council on Aging.
• Went into closed session to consult with the town attorney. No action was taken.
Candor says no to golf carts ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on May 12, 2011
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — Following an animated discussion on a proposed ordinance to allow golf carts to be driven on the town’s streets, Candor commissioners voted to not allow the vehicles to operate.
At the April meeting, Candor resident George Myers had asked the board to consider an ordinance that would allow golf carts in town, renewing a request he had made a year ago. Since that time the Town of Star has approved a golf cart ordinance, Myers said. The board had asked Town Management Advisor John Gowan, who holds the same position with the Town of Star, to adapt the Star ordinance to Candor.
Gowan had prepared an ordinance for the board to consider, but commissioners and Mayor Richard Britt all had reservations.
“I think this is a safety issue,” Britt told the board. “I think if someone wants to drive a golf cart in town then they need to legalize it to meet the same laws as any other vehicle on the street.”
Britt polled the commissioners individually on the proposed ordinance. Commissioners were unanimous in their feelings that safety would be the main issue for anyone operating a cart on the town’s streets.
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that someone was hurt or killed because of an ordinance that my name is on,” Commissioner Tim Smith said.
Myers, who lives in the Sandhill Acres subdivision in Candor, also had issues with some of the wording in the ordinance.
“The Star ordinance doesn’t require seat belts but this one does,” he said. He also felt that there was no difference between golf carts and tractors that use the roads. “They’re up and down the highway all the time,” he said.
The discussion grew heated when Commissioner Tim Privett, who also lives in Sandhill Acres, expressed his opposition to the ordinance.
“I expected you to be against it,” Myers said to Privett.
Before Privett could reply, Britt quickly admonished Myers for his comment and brought the meeting back into order.
Commissioner Phillip Hearne said safety was the key.
“Vehicles fly up and down some of these streets,” Hearne said.
Commissioner Leslie Thomas had concerns with the amount of tractor-trailer traffic on the roads in Candor and the huge difference in the volume of traffic in Candor and in Star.
“I’m worried about kids. Golf carts are fun to drive and anybody could jump on one,” she said.
Commissioner Layton Booker agreed that trucks would have a hard time avoiding a golf cart in the road.
In other business, commissioners:
• Rejected a request from Healthy Kids/Healthy Communities through FirstHealth to apply for a grant to build a community garden on town-owned property because the board could not identify a suitable site that would meet the requirements of the grant.
• Will re-bid the sale of pine straw on town-owned property because the two bids received were for the same amount.
• Made plans for the annual employee appreciation dinner on June 6.
• Scheduled a public hearing on a conditional use permit to allow FLS Energy to construct a biomass boiler facility on a 3-acre leased tract adjacent to the Mountaire facility for May 25 at 7 p.m. The biomass boiler will generate power to operate Mountaire’s chicken food processing facility.
• Heard that a billboard that had fallen during a recent storm would be removed within 30 days and could not be rebuilt because it did not meet current zoning requirements.
• Learned that construction on the walking trail at Fitzgerald Park would begin following the annual N.C. Peach Festival on July 16.
• Heard a report on a recent Robin Sage exercise in town from Police Chief Randy White.
• Received draft copies of a proposed personnel policy for the town.
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — Following an animated discussion on a proposed ordinance to allow golf carts to be driven on the town’s streets, Candor commissioners voted to not allow the vehicles to operate.
At the April meeting, Candor resident George Myers had asked the board to consider an ordinance that would allow golf carts in town, renewing a request he had made a year ago. Since that time the Town of Star has approved a golf cart ordinance, Myers said. The board had asked Town Management Advisor John Gowan, who holds the same position with the Town of Star, to adapt the Star ordinance to Candor.
Gowan had prepared an ordinance for the board to consider, but commissioners and Mayor Richard Britt all had reservations.
“I think this is a safety issue,” Britt told the board. “I think if someone wants to drive a golf cart in town then they need to legalize it to meet the same laws as any other vehicle on the street.”
Britt polled the commissioners individually on the proposed ordinance. Commissioners were unanimous in their feelings that safety would be the main issue for anyone operating a cart on the town’s streets.
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing that someone was hurt or killed because of an ordinance that my name is on,” Commissioner Tim Smith said.
Myers, who lives in the Sandhill Acres subdivision in Candor, also had issues with some of the wording in the ordinance.
“The Star ordinance doesn’t require seat belts but this one does,” he said. He also felt that there was no difference between golf carts and tractors that use the roads. “They’re up and down the highway all the time,” he said.
The discussion grew heated when Commissioner Tim Privett, who also lives in Sandhill Acres, expressed his opposition to the ordinance.
“I expected you to be against it,” Myers said to Privett.
Before Privett could reply, Britt quickly admonished Myers for his comment and brought the meeting back into order.
Commissioner Phillip Hearne said safety was the key.
“Vehicles fly up and down some of these streets,” Hearne said.
Commissioner Leslie Thomas had concerns with the amount of tractor-trailer traffic on the roads in Candor and the huge difference in the volume of traffic in Candor and in Star.
“I’m worried about kids. Golf carts are fun to drive and anybody could jump on one,” she said.
Commissioner Layton Booker agreed that trucks would have a hard time avoiding a golf cart in the road.
In other business, commissioners:
• Rejected a request from Healthy Kids/Healthy Communities through FirstHealth to apply for a grant to build a community garden on town-owned property because the board could not identify a suitable site that would meet the requirements of the grant.
• Will re-bid the sale of pine straw on town-owned property because the two bids received were for the same amount.
• Made plans for the annual employee appreciation dinner on June 6.
• Scheduled a public hearing on a conditional use permit to allow FLS Energy to construct a biomass boiler facility on a 3-acre leased tract adjacent to the Mountaire facility for May 25 at 7 p.m. The biomass boiler will generate power to operate Mountaire’s chicken food processing facility.
• Heard that a billboard that had fallen during a recent storm would be removed within 30 days and could not be rebuilt because it did not meet current zoning requirements.
• Learned that construction on the walking trail at Fitzgerald Park would begin following the annual N.C. Peach Festival on July 16.
• Heard a report on a recent Robin Sage exercise in town from Police Chief Randy White.
• Received draft copies of a proposed personnel policy for the town.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Candor residents want info on bio-mass plant ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on June 1, 2011
Errors are bolded and italicized,
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — A proposed bio-mass boiler facility that would generate thermal energy and electricity to operate the Mountaire Farms plant in Candor has adjacent landowners concerned.
They are questioning the safety and future use of the generator.
During a public hearing May 25, Candor’s Board of Commissioners heard presentations from Brownie Newman of FLS Energy, which would operate the facility. Newman made comparisons between the proposed Candor facility and a bio-mass facility that is expected to locate in Biscoe.
The Biscoe facility, according to Newman, would produce 32 megawatts of power; the Candor facility would produce less than one megawatt. Both facilities would use chicken litter as the primary fuel source.
Newman said Mountaire would make a $7.5 million investment, resulting in annual tax revenues of $40,000 to the town and $55,000 to Montgomery County.
Will Kisner, facility designer with Port-Land Systems, said the 18,000-square-foot building housing the generator would be a pre-engineered metal structure with a single smokestack.
Joe Sullivan of Trinity Consultants, an air quality emissions permitting company, noted the filtering system would be the most efficient available, calling it a “Cadillac system” for this type of operation.
Bill Bruton, who lives adjacent to the Mountaire Farms plant on N.C. 211, stated his concerns about the zoning action and permitting procedure. At present, there is no conditional use for a bio-mass facility in the zoning ordinances.
Bruton said that such a facility should not be located within city limits. In a memo Bruton sent to landowners and tenants near the Mountaire plant, he said the commercial real estate located along the N.C. 211 corridor “holds the most promise for a future valuation increase and tax base increase.”
Bruton also stated that “production of electric power is among the lowest-value land uses that exist,” effectively resulting in a permanent devaluation of the property in the vicinity of the boiler.
“That is why power plants exist only in sparsely populated unincorporated areas, or in the ‘armpits’ of northeastern cities,” Bruton said.
Citing the use of chicken litter as a fuel, Bruton added, “power generation facilities should be out of sight and out of smell of existing or future land development.”
Richard Broker, representing the owners of the vacant Commodore Homes building located immediately across N.C. 211 from the proposed site, expressed concerns about possible odors and property devaluations.
Kisner said that trucks hauling the litter would be sealed and pulled inside the building for unloading. Newman added that the trucks would be washed for bio-security with the effluent going into the municipal sewer system. The fly ash from the facility would be transported outside of the Town of Candor and sold to companies that would use the by-product in the manufacture of fertilizer.
Bruton expressed his concern of the emissions from the plant. Sullivan replied the facility would have to demonstrate compliance for the continuous performance of the filtration equipment.
Russell Hollers, who lives near the site, asked if the company had ever built one of these facilities before. Newman responded they had. (built a similar facility but not one with the same specifications.)
According to Newman, the facility would be highly automated, requiring a minimum of employees. Progress Energy will provide one employee during the day with two employees of the facility on-site to handle deliveries of the litter.
FLS will operate the facility for the first five years, after which Mountaire will take over operations.
Hollers asked what would prevent expansion of the facility to sell more electricity in the future. Newman responded that Mountaire would have no incentive to expand because it would not be economical.
David Harris, who operates a sod farm adjacent to the Mountaire property, said he has a positive relationship with Mountaire, but that he is concerned with breathing the particulates that would be emitted. Sullivan repeated the air quality standards required by N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Dr. David Bruton, former head of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, warned of the health uncertainties involved. He said the board should balance what they would receive against what they would not get because of devalued properties.
Becky Williams, former Candor mayor, asked if solar energy had been considered. Newman responded that it had, but that it would not produce enough heat to produce the steam needed for power generation.
In response to questions, Newman said that 45 (4-5) trucks would service the facility each day and that natural gas would be the ideal fuel, but it is not available in that part of the county.
A second public hearing will be scheduled to continue the discussion of the amendment of the zoning ordinance.
Errors are bolded and italicized,
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — A proposed bio-mass boiler facility that would generate thermal energy and electricity to operate the Mountaire Farms plant in Candor has adjacent landowners concerned.
They are questioning the safety and future use of the generator.
During a public hearing May 25, Candor’s Board of Commissioners heard presentations from Brownie Newman of FLS Energy, which would operate the facility. Newman made comparisons between the proposed Candor facility and a bio-mass facility that is expected to locate in Biscoe.
The Biscoe facility, according to Newman, would produce 32 megawatts of power; the Candor facility would produce less than one megawatt. Both facilities would use chicken litter as the primary fuel source.
Newman said Mountaire would make a $7.5 million investment, resulting in annual tax revenues of $40,000 to the town and $55,000 to Montgomery County.
Will Kisner, facility designer with Port-Land Systems, said the 18,000-square-foot building housing the generator would be a pre-engineered metal structure with a single smokestack.
Joe Sullivan of Trinity Consultants, an air quality emissions permitting company, noted the filtering system would be the most efficient available, calling it a “Cadillac system” for this type of operation.
Bill Bruton, who lives adjacent to the Mountaire Farms plant on N.C. 211, stated his concerns about the zoning action and permitting procedure. At present, there is no conditional use for a bio-mass facility in the zoning ordinances.
Bruton said that such a facility should not be located within city limits. In a memo Bruton sent to landowners and tenants near the Mountaire plant, he said the commercial real estate located along the N.C. 211 corridor “holds the most promise for a future valuation increase and tax base increase.”
Bruton also stated that “production of electric power is among the lowest-value land uses that exist,” effectively resulting in a permanent devaluation of the property in the vicinity of the boiler.
“That is why power plants exist only in sparsely populated unincorporated areas, or in the ‘armpits’ of northeastern cities,” Bruton said.
Citing the use of chicken litter as a fuel, Bruton added, “power generation facilities should be out of sight and out of smell of existing or future land development.”
Richard Broker, representing the owners of the vacant Commodore Homes building located immediately across N.C. 211 from the proposed site, expressed concerns about possible odors and property devaluations.
Kisner said that trucks hauling the litter would be sealed and pulled inside the building for unloading. Newman added that the trucks would be washed for bio-security with the effluent going into the municipal sewer system. The fly ash from the facility would be transported outside of the Town of Candor and sold to companies that would use the by-product in the manufacture of fertilizer.
Bruton expressed his concern of the emissions from the plant. Sullivan replied the facility would have to demonstrate compliance for the continuous performance of the filtration equipment.
Russell Hollers, who lives near the site, asked if the company had ever built one of these facilities before. Newman responded they had. (built a similar facility but not one with the same specifications.)
According to Newman, the facility would be highly automated, requiring a minimum of employees. Progress Energy will provide one employee during the day with two employees of the facility on-site to handle deliveries of the litter.
FLS will operate the facility for the first five years, after which Mountaire will take over operations.
Hollers asked what would prevent expansion of the facility to sell more electricity in the future. Newman responded that Mountaire would have no incentive to expand because it would not be economical.
David Harris, who operates a sod farm adjacent to the Mountaire property, said he has a positive relationship with Mountaire, but that he is concerned with breathing the particulates that would be emitted. Sullivan repeated the air quality standards required by N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Dr. David Bruton, former head of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, warned of the health uncertainties involved. He said the board should balance what they would receive against what they would not get because of devalued properties.
Becky Williams, former Candor mayor, asked if solar energy had been considered. Newman responded that it had, but that it would not produce enough heat to produce the steam needed for power generation.
In response to questions, Newman said that 45 (4-5) trucks would service the facility each day and that natural gas would be the ideal fuel, but it is not available in that part of the county.
A second public hearing will be scheduled to continue the discussion of the amendment of the zoning ordinance.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Candor prepares to consider golf cart ordinance ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune in April, 2011
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Commissioners for the Town of Candor should begin the process of considering an ordinance that would allow golf carts to operate on the town’s streets at their next regular meeting in May.
Candor resident George Myers addressed the board during the public forum segment at their regular meeting, held April 11. Myers stated his desire to see the board reconsider an ordinance that he had requested at an earlier meeting.
“I came before this board last year about allowing golf carts to operate in town,” Myers said. “Since that time the Town of Star has approved a golf cart ordinance.”
Myers said that since Town Management Advisor John Gowan held the same position with the Town of Star he could get a copy of that ordinance and make changes that would apply to Candor, to be presented to the board next month.
Gowan acknowledged that Star had passed that ordinance and that he would adapt the language and send copies to board members for their consideration.
Gowan then presented the board with some other issues that he felt should be taken into consideration by the board.
Gowan and Mayor Richard Britt had met with Cooperative Extension Agent Danelle McKnight about the possibility of including the Town of Candor Farmers’ Market Facility for use by a group of local farmers who have organized a local growers-only market. The Candor Farmers’ Market has been in operation beside the US 220 bypass since it was constructed in the 1980’s.
“There has never been a strong philosophy on how the market has been operated,” Gowan said. “Vendors have been allowed to set up and operate as they wish as long as there are no complaints.”
At issue is the rising interest in the availability of locally grown farm products that are actually presented and sold by the farmers who grow it. The rules of the new Montgomery County Farmers’ Markets Association do not allow the sale of products that are not grown by the vendor.
Currently, vendors at the Candor Farmers’ Market are allowed to travel out of state and truck in produce for resale.
Commissioners Phillip Hearne and Leslie Thomas both expressed a desire to see upgrades and better publicity for the facility.
Construction for the Candor Marketplace, a new facility to be located in downtown Candor, is scheduled to begin immediately. Gowan and Mayor Britt have met with the contractor to sign the contract for the facility, which will be constructed for $110,000.00. That amount falls within the $111,000.00 amount that was approved by the board during a special meeting held in March. It is hoped that the facility is completed in time for the NC Peach Festival, which is the third Saturday in July.
Gowan stated that Commissioner Tim Smith had requested the development of a personnel policy for town employees. Gowan said he hopes to have a policy ready by July 1.
In other business, Mayor Britt and Commissioners Hearne, Thomas, Smith, Tim Privett and Layton Booker:
• Approved the construction of a walking trail at Fitzgerald Park, to be paid for by a $4000.00 grant from First Health of the Carolinas;
• Approved the solicitation for bids to harvest pine needles on town-owned property;
• Heard a report from Police Chief Randy White on a recent DWI checkpoint in Candor during which several individuals who were wanted by law enforcement were apprehended, along with charges made for DWI, no operator’s license, and possession of controlled substances.
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Commissioners for the Town of Candor should begin the process of considering an ordinance that would allow golf carts to operate on the town’s streets at their next regular meeting in May.
Candor resident George Myers addressed the board during the public forum segment at their regular meeting, held April 11. Myers stated his desire to see the board reconsider an ordinance that he had requested at an earlier meeting.
“I came before this board last year about allowing golf carts to operate in town,” Myers said. “Since that time the Town of Star has approved a golf cart ordinance.”
Myers said that since Town Management Advisor John Gowan held the same position with the Town of Star he could get a copy of that ordinance and make changes that would apply to Candor, to be presented to the board next month.
Gowan acknowledged that Star had passed that ordinance and that he would adapt the language and send copies to board members for their consideration.
Gowan then presented the board with some other issues that he felt should be taken into consideration by the board.
Gowan and Mayor Richard Britt had met with Cooperative Extension Agent Danelle McKnight about the possibility of including the Town of Candor Farmers’ Market Facility for use by a group of local farmers who have organized a local growers-only market. The Candor Farmers’ Market has been in operation beside the US 220 bypass since it was constructed in the 1980’s.
“There has never been a strong philosophy on how the market has been operated,” Gowan said. “Vendors have been allowed to set up and operate as they wish as long as there are no complaints.”
At issue is the rising interest in the availability of locally grown farm products that are actually presented and sold by the farmers who grow it. The rules of the new Montgomery County Farmers’ Markets Association do not allow the sale of products that are not grown by the vendor.
Currently, vendors at the Candor Farmers’ Market are allowed to travel out of state and truck in produce for resale.
Commissioners Phillip Hearne and Leslie Thomas both expressed a desire to see upgrades and better publicity for the facility.
Construction for the Candor Marketplace, a new facility to be located in downtown Candor, is scheduled to begin immediately. Gowan and Mayor Britt have met with the contractor to sign the contract for the facility, which will be constructed for $110,000.00. That amount falls within the $111,000.00 amount that was approved by the board during a special meeting held in March. It is hoped that the facility is completed in time for the NC Peach Festival, which is the third Saturday in July.
Gowan stated that Commissioner Tim Smith had requested the development of a personnel policy for town employees. Gowan said he hopes to have a policy ready by July 1.
In other business, Mayor Britt and Commissioners Hearne, Thomas, Smith, Tim Privett and Layton Booker:
• Approved the construction of a walking trail at Fitzgerald Park, to be paid for by a $4000.00 grant from First Health of the Carolinas;
• Approved the solicitation for bids to harvest pine needles on town-owned property;
• Heard a report from Police Chief Randy White on a recent DWI checkpoint in Candor during which several individuals who were wanted by law enforcement were apprehended, along with charges made for DWI, no operator’s license, and possession of controlled substances.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
First Gold Rush 5K to be run in Star ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on April 14, 2011
by Hugh Martin
STAR – The Star Board of Commissioners met Monday, April 11 for their regular meeting and heard plans for the first annual Gold Rush 5K Race to be held in their town.
“This will be an annual event to be held in different sites across the county. We decided to hold the first years run in Star, ” Tricia Webb of the Montgomery County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) told the board.
The 5K Fun Run for runners and walkers will be on May 21.
Webb asked the board to assist the TDA to recruit volunteers to help with water stations, directions and to cheer for the participants. She wants to encourage local businesses to become involved by supplying items to include in the gift bags to be distributed to the runners. Entry forms are ready and banners are being prepared for the event. Commissioner Alice Clemens suggested that in future years, a 5K could become a part of the annual Star Heritage Festival, which is held the first Saturday in June.
“We can hold the run the Friday evening before the festival, the same way Candor has theirs for the Peach Festival,” Clemens said.
Commissioner Richard Hinson said he had been approached by a new citizen who had concerns about recycling opportunities in the town. Mayor Eggleston noted that the nearest recycling facility was at the convenience center in Ether, three miles away.
Clemens reported that she had learned on a recent tour of the Uwharrie Environmental facility that the only items recycled were those that were placed in the bins across the county. “Everything that is picked up by garbage trucks goes directly into the landfill,” she said.
Town Management Advisor John Gowan took the opportunity to inform the board that there may be some issues with the amount that the town is billed for garbage service.
“We are charged by the number of customers,” Gowan said, “and I’m not sure that the count is accurate.” Gowan said that a count was being conducted over a period of several weeks to determine the actual number of garbage containers that are being serviced in the town.
Cooperative Extension Agent Danelle McKnight gave the board an update on developments with the Rural Advancement Foundation International USA (RAFI) grant that had been awarded for use in developing the town’s Heritage Center. McKnight reported that a ceremony for awarding the grant would be held June 4 during the Heritage Festival.
McKnight introduced Shelia Menendez, manager of the Montgomery County Farmers’ Markets Association, who addressed the board about plans to begin a market in Star on May 31. Menendez told the board that the initial opening day for the group’s first market, which is held in Troy every Thursday afternoon, had been very successful and that they were excited about starting the Tuesday afternoon markets in Star.
In other business, Commissioners Clemens, Hinson, George Kivett, James Parker and Mayor Susan Eggleston:
■ Heard that the police department was back to full capacity and there are no longer any issues with officers needing to work overtime.
■Were told by Commissioner Kivett that the main street through town had deteriorated considerably. “The State of North Carolina is not doing what they should do, but they don’t have the money to do it,” he said. Public Works Director Wesley Brown said the state had been doing some surveying and he believed it was in preparation to begin work on the road.
Mayor Susan Eggleston reported that the medical clinic building owned by the town would be appraised by a local real estate agent; that the town is still in the running for a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, and that projects are moving forward.
Tentative dates were scheduled for 2011-2012 budget workshops.
Eggleston urged board members to become more involved with the town’s STEP Committee, which meets on April 18, and to try to attend the Montgomery County Commissioners meeting on April 19 to show support for funding of recreation programs.
by Hugh Martin
STAR – The Star Board of Commissioners met Monday, April 11 for their regular meeting and heard plans for the first annual Gold Rush 5K Race to be held in their town.
“This will be an annual event to be held in different sites across the county. We decided to hold the first years run in Star, ” Tricia Webb of the Montgomery County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) told the board.
The 5K Fun Run for runners and walkers will be on May 21.
Webb asked the board to assist the TDA to recruit volunteers to help with water stations, directions and to cheer for the participants. She wants to encourage local businesses to become involved by supplying items to include in the gift bags to be distributed to the runners. Entry forms are ready and banners are being prepared for the event. Commissioner Alice Clemens suggested that in future years, a 5K could become a part of the annual Star Heritage Festival, which is held the first Saturday in June.
“We can hold the run the Friday evening before the festival, the same way Candor has theirs for the Peach Festival,” Clemens said.
Commissioner Richard Hinson said he had been approached by a new citizen who had concerns about recycling opportunities in the town. Mayor Eggleston noted that the nearest recycling facility was at the convenience center in Ether, three miles away.
Clemens reported that she had learned on a recent tour of the Uwharrie Environmental facility that the only items recycled were those that were placed in the bins across the county. “Everything that is picked up by garbage trucks goes directly into the landfill,” she said.
Town Management Advisor John Gowan took the opportunity to inform the board that there may be some issues with the amount that the town is billed for garbage service.
“We are charged by the number of customers,” Gowan said, “and I’m not sure that the count is accurate.” Gowan said that a count was being conducted over a period of several weeks to determine the actual number of garbage containers that are being serviced in the town.
Cooperative Extension Agent Danelle McKnight gave the board an update on developments with the Rural Advancement Foundation International USA (RAFI) grant that had been awarded for use in developing the town’s Heritage Center. McKnight reported that a ceremony for awarding the grant would be held June 4 during the Heritage Festival.
McKnight introduced Shelia Menendez, manager of the Montgomery County Farmers’ Markets Association, who addressed the board about plans to begin a market in Star on May 31. Menendez told the board that the initial opening day for the group’s first market, which is held in Troy every Thursday afternoon, had been very successful and that they were excited about starting the Tuesday afternoon markets in Star.
In other business, Commissioners Clemens, Hinson, George Kivett, James Parker and Mayor Susan Eggleston:
■ Heard that the police department was back to full capacity and there are no longer any issues with officers needing to work overtime.
■Were told by Commissioner Kivett that the main street through town had deteriorated considerably. “The State of North Carolina is not doing what they should do, but they don’t have the money to do it,” he said. Public Works Director Wesley Brown said the state had been doing some surveying and he believed it was in preparation to begin work on the road.
Mayor Susan Eggleston reported that the medical clinic building owned by the town would be appraised by a local real estate agent; that the town is still in the running for a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, and that projects are moving forward.
Tentative dates were scheduled for 2011-2012 budget workshops.
Eggleston urged board members to become more involved with the town’s STEP Committee, which meets on April 18, and to try to attend the Montgomery County Commissioners meeting on April 19 to show support for funding of recreation programs.
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