As published in the Courier-Tribune on December 16, 2011
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — Town of Candor Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. to discuss police personnel. The meeting was called by Commissioner Wayne Holyfield, who made the motion to fire four of five Candor police officers at the regular meeting on Dec. 12.
The fired officers all collected the money that was owed to them by the town on Tuesday. The total $5,944.63 that was paid to the former officers included salary, accrued compensation time and vacation, as required by North Carolina law.
Commissioner Layton Booker requested that the Dec. 19 meeting also be an opportunity for public input, and is being called a “Public Question/Answer Period.”
Town clerk Tammy Kellis said the meeting is scheduled to be in the Town Hall meeting room, although it may be changed to a larger venue due to the overwhelming response from area citizens.
A notice will be posted at Town Hall.
The firing of four of the town’s five police officers — Chief Randy White and officers James Pierce, Grantland Jackson and Jeremy Blake — has developed into a firestorm that has polarized the town’s citizens and has been the leading topic of discussion around town, on social media sites and numerous television newscasts.
The one officer who was not terminated, Eddie Bagwell, was named interim chief and is now the only officer on the Candor police department.
Bagwell said that he is mainly concerned about providing police coverage for the town.
“My understanding from the police commissioner is that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is handling calls, but not patrolling the town” when he is not on duty, Bagwell said..
Bagwell would not comment any further. He said he had been instructed not to make any statements at this time.
Montgomery County Sheriff Dempsey Owens said Tuesday that his department does not have the manpower to assign a deputy to Candor nor have one on stand-by, but will respond in emergency situations.
Kellis said citizens have called about a rumored investigation by the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, but she said the town has not heard from the Attorney General.
At the regular monthly meeting held this past Monday night, the board of commissioners carried out their regular business meeting after the closed session and termination of the four officers.
Employees will receive annual bonuses of $300 for department head and $200 for all other employees. The holiday bonus was postponed from the July budget meeting because it could not be determined at that time whether Candor could afford the bonuses.
Kellis said lower than expected spending during the first half of the fiscal year saved enough to cover the bonuses.
The terminated officers will also get the bonuses because they were employed by the town when bonuses were approved, according to Ron Niland, management advisor for the town.
Commissioners Martin, Holyfield, Booker, Tim Privett, Phillip Hearne and Mayor Richard Britt presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing commissioner Tim Smith, who had served on the board for 12 years.
(Outgoing commissioner) Leslie Thomas, who had originally been appointed to fill a vacant position and was elected for a full term, was not present at the December meeting.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
MCC Trustees to vote on total tobacco ban ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on December 12, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY — A proposal to make the campus of Montgomery Community College 100 percent tobacco-free will be voted on by college trustees at their next meeting on Jan. 11, 2012.
MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk distributed the proposed policy at the October meeting of the board for the first reading and a vote in January. The board does not meet in December.
Kirk said the issue of a tobacco-free campus came up because high school students will be on campus regularly next year to take college-level courses. All facilities of the Montgomery County Schools system are 100 percent tobacco-free.
Tobacco is already restricted in MCC buildings, with designated areas available for tobacco use. If the policy is approved, it will prohibit smoking and use of other tobacco products by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities or property owned, leased or operated by MCC, including outside areas, on campus grounds, facilities or vehicles that are the property of the college.
The policy would also be in force at lectures, conferences, meetings and social or cultural events held on college property or campus grounds.
Student organizations are now prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies. The ban would expand to include events sponsored by tobacco companies, distribution of free, reduced-price, or fully-priced tobacco products, such as T-shirts and hats, on campus and all tobacco advertising.
The Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen’s Meet and the Stihl Timbersports Competition, which will be broadcast nationwide on ESPNU and the Outdoor Channel, will take place at the college in April. This event would not be affected because the policy would not be implemented until Aug. 1, 2012.
Student Government Association President Sharon Hurley told trustees that, as word of the policy has spread on campus, she had been hearing negative comments from tobacco users.
“I have had some students tell me that they will leave school if the policy goes into effect,” Hurley said.
Kirk asked Hurley, “Do you think they would really leave?”
Hurley responded, “I don’t know, but I would hate to think that someone would end their college career because they weren’t able to smoke a cigarette.”
Kirk said reaction to the proposed policy has been mixed.
An online survey administered by the college was completed by administrators, faculty, staff and students in which 64.3 percent of respondents said that they were not bothered by secondhand smoke on campus while 33.1 percent indicated that they were. The remaining respondents said they didn’t know.
Support for the policy was about evenly divided with 49.7 percent in favor, 40.1 percent said no and 10.2 percent said that they didn’t know.
The policy calls for MCC to provide students and employees with information on quitting. Over 65 percent of the respondents were in favor of a program to help people quit tobacco use on campus.
The policy states that students and employees who continue to use tobacco products will be subject to the disciplinary actions according to the Student Code of Conduct and MCC Board Policy.
by Hugh Martin
TROY — A proposal to make the campus of Montgomery Community College 100 percent tobacco-free will be voted on by college trustees at their next meeting on Jan. 11, 2012.
MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk distributed the proposed policy at the October meeting of the board for the first reading and a vote in January. The board does not meet in December.
Kirk said the issue of a tobacco-free campus came up because high school students will be on campus regularly next year to take college-level courses. All facilities of the Montgomery County Schools system are 100 percent tobacco-free.
Tobacco is already restricted in MCC buildings, with designated areas available for tobacco use. If the policy is approved, it will prohibit smoking and use of other tobacco products by students, staff, faculty, or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities or property owned, leased or operated by MCC, including outside areas, on campus grounds, facilities or vehicles that are the property of the college.
The policy would also be in force at lectures, conferences, meetings and social or cultural events held on college property or campus grounds.
Student organizations are now prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies. The ban would expand to include events sponsored by tobacco companies, distribution of free, reduced-price, or fully-priced tobacco products, such as T-shirts and hats, on campus and all tobacco advertising.
The Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen’s Meet and the Stihl Timbersports Competition, which will be broadcast nationwide on ESPNU and the Outdoor Channel, will take place at the college in April. This event would not be affected because the policy would not be implemented until Aug. 1, 2012.
Student Government Association President Sharon Hurley told trustees that, as word of the policy has spread on campus, she had been hearing negative comments from tobacco users.
“I have had some students tell me that they will leave school if the policy goes into effect,” Hurley said.
Kirk asked Hurley, “Do you think they would really leave?”
Hurley responded, “I don’t know, but I would hate to think that someone would end their college career because they weren’t able to smoke a cigarette.”
Kirk said reaction to the proposed policy has been mixed.
An online survey administered by the college was completed by administrators, faculty, staff and students in which 64.3 percent of respondents said that they were not bothered by secondhand smoke on campus while 33.1 percent indicated that they were. The remaining respondents said they didn’t know.
Support for the policy was about evenly divided with 49.7 percent in favor, 40.1 percent said no and 10.2 percent said that they didn’t know.
The policy calls for MCC to provide students and employees with information on quitting. Over 65 percent of the respondents were in favor of a program to help people quit tobacco use on campus.
The policy states that students and employees who continue to use tobacco products will be subject to the disciplinary actions according to the Student Code of Conduct and MCC Board Policy.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Two new commissioners, mayor sworn in Star ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune December 15, 2011
by Hugh Martin
STAR - Star Mayor Susan Eggleston began her second term and newly elected commissioners Eddie Bernard and Steve Lassiter took their seats during the regular meeting of the town board Dec. 13.
Bernard and Lassiter take the seats of George Kivett, who did not seek re-election after one four-year term, and James Parker, who had been a board member for 12 years.
Eggleston welcomed the new members and awarded a plaque of appreciation to Parker. Kivett has not attended meetings for several months because of health issues and will receive his plaque in private.
“It’s a low-paying, thankless job,” Eggleston said to the outgoing commissioners. “Nobody in town has their heart in Star any more than George Kivett.”
Parker expressed his appreciation for the support that he had received as a commissioner. “I’ve enjoyed serving the public,” he said.
Eggleston also expressed her appreciation for the support and patience that she has received during her first term.
“It’s been an interesting two years,” she said.
Commissioner Richard Hinson reported that he had been contacted about damage to some of the town’s Christmas decorations.
Public Works Director Wesley Brown attributed the damage to large trucks that he believes are purposely hitting the ornaments on Main Street through the town.
In other business, Hinson, Bernard, Lassiter, Jennifer Fountain and Alice Clemens:
* Heard a report from Eggleston on activities that took place throughout the community on Dec. 10, specifically the first Twinkletoes 5K, Cub Scout “Cubmobile” Race, the Star Elementary School Craft Bazaar and the annual Star Christmas Parade.
* Commended the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for doing a good job in general and during the activities.
* Planned a work session for 4 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Town Hall.
* Heard from Town Clerk Robin Hussey that she plans to advertise for bids to purchase the former medical clinic building. Two previous advertisements for bids received no response. Hussey is looking into the possibility of placing the property with a real estate agent in the event that the third advertisement is unsuccessful.
by Hugh Martin
STAR - Star Mayor Susan Eggleston began her second term and newly elected commissioners Eddie Bernard and Steve Lassiter took their seats during the regular meeting of the town board Dec. 13.
Bernard and Lassiter take the seats of George Kivett, who did not seek re-election after one four-year term, and James Parker, who had been a board member for 12 years.
Eggleston welcomed the new members and awarded a plaque of appreciation to Parker. Kivett has not attended meetings for several months because of health issues and will receive his plaque in private.
“It’s a low-paying, thankless job,” Eggleston said to the outgoing commissioners. “Nobody in town has their heart in Star any more than George Kivett.”
Parker expressed his appreciation for the support that he had received as a commissioner. “I’ve enjoyed serving the public,” he said.
Eggleston also expressed her appreciation for the support and patience that she has received during her first term.
“It’s been an interesting two years,” she said.
Commissioner Richard Hinson reported that he had been contacted about damage to some of the town’s Christmas decorations.
Public Works Director Wesley Brown attributed the damage to large trucks that he believes are purposely hitting the ornaments on Main Street through the town.
In other business, Hinson, Bernard, Lassiter, Jennifer Fountain and Alice Clemens:
* Heard a report from Eggleston on activities that took place throughout the community on Dec. 10, specifically the first Twinkletoes 5K, Cub Scout “Cubmobile” Race, the Star Elementary School Craft Bazaar and the annual Star Christmas Parade.
* Commended the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for doing a good job in general and during the activities.
* Planned a work session for 4 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Town Hall.
* Heard from Town Clerk Robin Hussey that she plans to advertise for bids to purchase the former medical clinic building. Two previous advertisements for bids received no response. Hussey is looking into the possibility of placing the property with a real estate agent in the event that the third advertisement is unsuccessful.
New Candor commissioners lead terminations of police officers ♥
Submitted to the Courier-Tribune for publication December 14, 2011. The actual published article may have been edited.
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Newly sworn town commissioner Wayne Holyfield wasted no time in what appeared to be a planned action to terminate the majority of the Candor police force.
Holyfield was appointed commissioner in charge of the police department by Mayor Richard Britt at the regular December meeting at which Holyfield and Rob Martin were sworn as new commissioners, replacing Leslie Thomas and Tim Smith.
In his closing words as commissioner, Smith reminded the new board members that they had been elected to serve all the citizens of Candor. “Commissioners aren’t elected to serve just the ones who voted for them,” he said before stepping away from the table after twelve years on the board.
Following Holyfield’s appointment as police commissioner, board member Phillip Hearne voiced his objection to the appointment, telling Britt that he felt it to be a conflict of interest.
Hearne asked to go on record as opposing the appointment because Holyfield is a Trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol stationed in Montgomery County. Addressing Britt, Hearne said, “I feel that it’s a conflict, but apparently you don’t because you put him there.” Hearne said his concern was that Holyfield also has a “working relationship” with Candor police and therefore should not be in charge of the department.
“Duties of the commissioners can be changed,” Britt replied. “If I see that there’s a problem it can be changed. I did it last year and I can do it again.”
Britt was referring to a change he made in 2010, moving Commissioner Layton Booker to oversee the police department rather than Commissioner Tim Privett due to tensions between Candor Police Chief Randy White and Privett.
Holyfield thanked the voters that elected him and immediately made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel.
Booker spoke up in opposition to the motion. “We approved the agenda at the beginning of this meeting and a closed session was not a part of it,” he said. “I don’t think it’s right to do that.”
“That’s a legal question that I can’t answer,” management consultant Ron Niland replied when he was asked if it was allowed.
At that point, Police Chief White asked that Holyfield be taken off as police commissioner, to which Britt refused.
White continued speaking, stating that Holyfield was backed by someone who had active lawsuits against the town and police departments. “It’s a conflict of interest,” White said. “It’s not fair to my men,” he said, indicating three uniformed officers of the department who stood at the rear of the meeting room.
“I cannot stand here and let someone put their thumb on us,” White continued. “I will answer to Layton (Booker) and Philip (Hearne) as usual,” he said. “He (Holyfield) tried to intervene in one of our cases that didn’t even apply to him.”
Niland, in an attempt to bring order to the meeting, told White that “this is not the time or place.”
Britt told White that his request was denied. “That’s not the way it is,” he said.
“That’s the way it will be,” White replied.
At that time Martin seconded Holyfield’s motion to go into closed session.
Upon a vote on the motion there was no opposition voiced. The board room was cleared of all spectators, who waited outdoors for an hour while the board was in closed session.
Upon resuming the open meeting, Commissioner Holyfield instructed Major Robert Lawing of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to maintain order in the room while he spoke.
“I want to make a motion to terminate, effective immediately, Police Chief Randy White, Officer Pierce, Officer Jackson and Officer Blake,” Holyfield announced.
His motion was seconded by Martin.
Hearne stated that he was strongly opposed to the action. “There has been no reason why these officers are being terminated,” he said. "Our attorney has not been consulted. This doesn’t feel right.” Hearne said that there had been no conflict and that he had always had a good relationship with the police department. He again referred to Holyfield’s appointment as a conflict of interest.
Booker also spoke up, stating his opposition. “There was no reason given for this,” he said. “This is opening the town up to all kinds of lawsuits. Our attorney has not been informed. I don’t want my name anywhere in it.”
Britt then spoke. “I want to say that I am totally against it,” he said. “I don’t feel it’s the right way, but the board has spoken.”
Britt then instructed Town Clerk Tammy Kellis to take a vote on the motion by having each commissioner state his name and his vote. Commissioners Privett, Holyfield and Martin each voted “Yes,” while both Hearne and Booker voted, “Absolutely not.”
Holyfield then made another motion, to appoint Officer Eddie Bagwell as Interim Chief of Police with the assistance of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. Martin again offered the second to the motion.
Britt asked, “Officer Bagwell, are you willing to do this?”
Bagwell responded, “Yes, for the good of the town.”
Again, each commissioner stated his name, followed by how they voted. Privet, Holyfield and Martin voted “Yes,” Hearne and Booker each voted, “Yes, under the circumstances.”
Holyfield then made a motion that the terminated officers would turn all equipment and accessories in to Major Lawing and Deputy Eric Morgan immediately. Again, Martin made the second.
Privett, Holyfield and Martin voted in the affirmative while Hearne and Booker said they would not vote on the motion. Clerk Kellis recorded their votes as being no.
White asked about the equipment that they had at their residences and was told that the terminated officers would be given time to turn any uniforms and other town property in as soon as possible.
Martin then made a motion that former NC State Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Jackson be “hired immediately at regular police pay.”
Discussion on proper hiring procedures overshadowed the motion.
“Has he even applied?” Hearne asked.
“I haven’t received any paperwork,” Kellis answered.
“There haven’t been any openings,” Martin responded.
Niland said that the hiring could take place pending background checks and proof of proper certification.
At that point the meeting was adjourned.
Former commissioner Smith approached the table and asked if there was any police protection in Candor. Britt told him that there was.
“Is Bagwell going to be on duty 24 hours a day?” Smith asked. Holyfield stated that he would be assisted by the Sheriff’s Department.
As he left the room, Teresa Lamonds, who had executed the lawsuit that White had referred to during the meeting, shouted at Smith, “Maybe the police will come to your house and you’ll get tasered!”
Following the meeting Hearne repeated his opposition to the actions that had just occurred. “I’m totally against this,” he said. “Here it is, Christmas time. These men have kids and family, and now they’re out of a job.”
CLARIFICATION: When commissioners Hearne and Booker stated that they did not want to vote on the motion for turning in the equipment, Town Clerk Kellis told them that she had to hear ir, to which they then voted "No." State law requires that a refusal to vote would actually be recorded as a "yes" vote. I apologize to Ms. Kellis for the error in the published article.
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Newly sworn town commissioner Wayne Holyfield wasted no time in what appeared to be a planned action to terminate the majority of the Candor police force.
Holyfield was appointed commissioner in charge of the police department by Mayor Richard Britt at the regular December meeting at which Holyfield and Rob Martin were sworn as new commissioners, replacing Leslie Thomas and Tim Smith.
In his closing words as commissioner, Smith reminded the new board members that they had been elected to serve all the citizens of Candor. “Commissioners aren’t elected to serve just the ones who voted for them,” he said before stepping away from the table after twelve years on the board.
Following Holyfield’s appointment as police commissioner, board member Phillip Hearne voiced his objection to the appointment, telling Britt that he felt it to be a conflict of interest.
Hearne asked to go on record as opposing the appointment because Holyfield is a Trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol stationed in Montgomery County. Addressing Britt, Hearne said, “I feel that it’s a conflict, but apparently you don’t because you put him there.” Hearne said his concern was that Holyfield also has a “working relationship” with Candor police and therefore should not be in charge of the department.
“Duties of the commissioners can be changed,” Britt replied. “If I see that there’s a problem it can be changed. I did it last year and I can do it again.”
Britt was referring to a change he made in 2010, moving Commissioner Layton Booker to oversee the police department rather than Commissioner Tim Privett due to tensions between Candor Police Chief Randy White and Privett.
Holyfield thanked the voters that elected him and immediately made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel.
Booker spoke up in opposition to the motion. “We approved the agenda at the beginning of this meeting and a closed session was not a part of it,” he said. “I don’t think it’s right to do that.”
“That’s a legal question that I can’t answer,” management consultant Ron Niland replied when he was asked if it was allowed.
At that point, Police Chief White asked that Holyfield be taken off as police commissioner, to which Britt refused.
White continued speaking, stating that Holyfield was backed by someone who had active lawsuits against the town and police departments. “It’s a conflict of interest,” White said. “It’s not fair to my men,” he said, indicating three uniformed officers of the department who stood at the rear of the meeting room.
“I cannot stand here and let someone put their thumb on us,” White continued. “I will answer to Layton (Booker) and Philip (Hearne) as usual,” he said. “He (Holyfield) tried to intervene in one of our cases that didn’t even apply to him.”
Niland, in an attempt to bring order to the meeting, told White that “this is not the time or place.”
Britt told White that his request was denied. “That’s not the way it is,” he said.
“That’s the way it will be,” White replied.
At that time Martin seconded Holyfield’s motion to go into closed session.
Upon a vote on the motion there was no opposition voiced. The board room was cleared of all spectators, who waited outdoors for an hour while the board was in closed session.
Upon resuming the open meeting, Commissioner Holyfield instructed Major Robert Lawing of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to maintain order in the room while he spoke.
“I want to make a motion to terminate, effective immediately, Police Chief Randy White, Officer Pierce, Officer Jackson and Officer Blake,” Holyfield announced.
His motion was seconded by Martin.
Hearne stated that he was strongly opposed to the action. “There has been no reason why these officers are being terminated,” he said. "Our attorney has not been consulted. This doesn’t feel right.” Hearne said that there had been no conflict and that he had always had a good relationship with the police department. He again referred to Holyfield’s appointment as a conflict of interest.
Booker also spoke up, stating his opposition. “There was no reason given for this,” he said. “This is opening the town up to all kinds of lawsuits. Our attorney has not been informed. I don’t want my name anywhere in it.”
Britt then spoke. “I want to say that I am totally against it,” he said. “I don’t feel it’s the right way, but the board has spoken.”
Britt then instructed Town Clerk Tammy Kellis to take a vote on the motion by having each commissioner state his name and his vote. Commissioners Privett, Holyfield and Martin each voted “Yes,” while both Hearne and Booker voted, “Absolutely not.”
Holyfield then made another motion, to appoint Officer Eddie Bagwell as Interim Chief of Police with the assistance of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. Martin again offered the second to the motion.
Britt asked, “Officer Bagwell, are you willing to do this?”
Bagwell responded, “Yes, for the good of the town.”
Again, each commissioner stated his name, followed by how they voted. Privet, Holyfield and Martin voted “Yes,” Hearne and Booker each voted, “Yes, under the circumstances.”
Holyfield then made a motion that the terminated officers would turn all equipment and accessories in to Major Lawing and Deputy Eric Morgan immediately. Again, Martin made the second.
Privett, Holyfield and Martin voted in the affirmative while Hearne and Booker said they would not vote on the motion. Clerk Kellis recorded their votes as being no.
White asked about the equipment that they had at their residences and was told that the terminated officers would be given time to turn any uniforms and other town property in as soon as possible.
Martin then made a motion that former NC State Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Jackson be “hired immediately at regular police pay.”
Discussion on proper hiring procedures overshadowed the motion.
“Has he even applied?” Hearne asked.
“I haven’t received any paperwork,” Kellis answered.
“There haven’t been any openings,” Martin responded.
Niland said that the hiring could take place pending background checks and proof of proper certification.
At that point the meeting was adjourned.
Former commissioner Smith approached the table and asked if there was any police protection in Candor. Britt told him that there was.
“Is Bagwell going to be on duty 24 hours a day?” Smith asked. Holyfield stated that he would be assisted by the Sheriff’s Department.
As he left the room, Teresa Lamonds, who had executed the lawsuit that White had referred to during the meeting, shouted at Smith, “Maybe the police will come to your house and you’ll get tasered!”
Following the meeting Hearne repeated his opposition to the actions that had just occurred. “I’m totally against this,” he said. “Here it is, Christmas time. These men have kids and family, and now they’re out of a job.”
CLARIFICATION: When commissioners Hearne and Booker stated that they did not want to vote on the motion for turning in the equipment, Town Clerk Kellis told them that she had to hear ir, to which they then voted "No." State law requires that a refusal to vote would actually be recorded as a "yes" vote. I apologize to Ms. Kellis for the error in the published article.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Troy police target speeders in school zone ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune December 13, 2011
Hugh Martin
TROY —Concern for walkers and elementary schoolchildren has led Troy police to focus on speeders on North Main Street and Russell Street. The Troy Board of Commissioners approved and suggested other speed-prone areas at the Dec. 5 meeting.
Town Manager Greg Zephir reported on the increase in the number of police traffic stops on two of the most heavily-traveled streets in town.
“During the last week many of you have probably noticed that the town’s police department has been performing traffic stops, specifically on North Main and Russell Streets,” Zephir said. “This is in response to numerous complaints that the department has been receiving about the high rate of speed people are traveling on these roads.”
Police Chief Kenny Allen told the board that the stops are an effort to bring awareness to the 20 mph zone.
North Main Street is designated as a 20 mph speed zone and Troy Elementary School is located on North Russell Street. Both streets have sections of the town’s measured walking trail along them. Some of the complaints about the speeding vehicles were made by citizens who use the “Troy Walks” program for exercise.
Zephir said there were also safety concerns for the schoolchildren.
“The Town of Troy, specifically the police department, does not want to issue tickets; however, staff had to provide a response with regards to the amount of complaints we had been receiving,” Zephir said. “Most, if not all, of those being stopped believed the speed limit was 35. ”
Allen was commended by Mayor Roy Maness for the work that the department was doing.
Commissioner Wallace Jones asked Allen if there were plans to target other zones after the current activity is complete.
“No, we’re not that formal,” Allen replied, “but we try to take a proactive stance.”
“We have problems with speeding throughout the town,” Wallace said.
Allen assured Wallace and the board that areas of concern were being addressed and that his department will continue to take care of any issues that need attention.
Hugh Martin
TROY —Concern for walkers and elementary schoolchildren has led Troy police to focus on speeders on North Main Street and Russell Street. The Troy Board of Commissioners approved and suggested other speed-prone areas at the Dec. 5 meeting.
Town Manager Greg Zephir reported on the increase in the number of police traffic stops on two of the most heavily-traveled streets in town.
“During the last week many of you have probably noticed that the town’s police department has been performing traffic stops, specifically on North Main and Russell Streets,” Zephir said. “This is in response to numerous complaints that the department has been receiving about the high rate of speed people are traveling on these roads.”
Police Chief Kenny Allen told the board that the stops are an effort to bring awareness to the 20 mph zone.
North Main Street is designated as a 20 mph speed zone and Troy Elementary School is located on North Russell Street. Both streets have sections of the town’s measured walking trail along them. Some of the complaints about the speeding vehicles were made by citizens who use the “Troy Walks” program for exercise.
Zephir said there were also safety concerns for the schoolchildren.
“The Town of Troy, specifically the police department, does not want to issue tickets; however, staff had to provide a response with regards to the amount of complaints we had been receiving,” Zephir said. “Most, if not all, of those being stopped believed the speed limit was 35. ”
Allen was commended by Mayor Roy Maness for the work that the department was doing.
Commissioner Wallace Jones asked Allen if there were plans to target other zones after the current activity is complete.
“No, we’re not that formal,” Allen replied, “but we try to take a proactive stance.”
“We have problems with speeding throughout the town,” Wallace said.
Allen assured Wallace and the board that areas of concern were being addressed and that his department will continue to take care of any issues that need attention.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Candor approves conditional use permit for biomass facility ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on or about November 10, 2011
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Following a public hearing at their November meeting Monday night, Candor Board of Commissioners gave their approval to a conditional use permit to allow the construction and operation of a biomass facility within the city limits.
NC CHP Owner 1 LLC, a North Carolina company, requested the permit to build and operate the plant, which will be sited on a 3.1 acre segment of the 140 acre Mountaire Farms feed mill complex in Candor.
The facility will burn wood chips to manufacture thermal energy in the form of steam that will be used in the chicken feed manufacturing process. Less than ½ megawatt of electricity will be produced for sale to Progress Energy in the process.
Brownie Newman, representing the applicant, said that of the more than 160 wood-fired boilers in North Carolina, this facility will be the cleanest.
Retired commercial banker Bill Bruton spoke in opposition to the project.
Attorney Bob Hornik of the Brough Law Firm in Chapel Hill moderated the hearing on behalf of the town.
In finding that the application met all seven provisions required by the conditional uses section of the town’s zoning ordinance the board voted unanimously to approve the permit.
In other business, Commissioners Tim Privett, Phillip Hearne, Tim Smith, Leslie Thomas and Layton Booker:
• Were introduced to Ashley Sherrill, who was hired November 1 as Assistant Director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Sherrill will become director on July 1, 2012 following the retirement of current Director Judy Stevens;
• Gave approval to a proposed Montgomery County Transportation Plan as it pertains to the town. The plan had been approved earlier by the Troy Board of Commissioners and will also be presented to the other three municipal boards in the county and the Montgomery County Commissioners;
• Approved a contract extension from October 31 to December 31 to Maxton McDowell CPA for auditing services;
• Heard suggestions from former mayor Becky Williams on the need for the town to develop strategic plans for sidewalk, street and street light expenditures;
• Approved a request from Commissioner Thomas that Gail Britt of Britt Catering be approved to provide sugar cookies and hot chocolate for 400 people during the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting at a cost of $350.00;
• Heard a report from Management Advisor Ron Niland that he had a meeting scheduled with the owner of the Candor Shopping Center to discuss the condition of the property;
• Heard another report from Niland that he and Public Works Director Brice Hollis had been working on the planning for a 1/5 mile walking trail at the town park.
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – Following a public hearing at their November meeting Monday night, Candor Board of Commissioners gave their approval to a conditional use permit to allow the construction and operation of a biomass facility within the city limits.
NC CHP Owner 1 LLC, a North Carolina company, requested the permit to build and operate the plant, which will be sited on a 3.1 acre segment of the 140 acre Mountaire Farms feed mill complex in Candor.
The facility will burn wood chips to manufacture thermal energy in the form of steam that will be used in the chicken feed manufacturing process. Less than ½ megawatt of electricity will be produced for sale to Progress Energy in the process.
Brownie Newman, representing the applicant, said that of the more than 160 wood-fired boilers in North Carolina, this facility will be the cleanest.
Retired commercial banker Bill Bruton spoke in opposition to the project.
Attorney Bob Hornik of the Brough Law Firm in Chapel Hill moderated the hearing on behalf of the town.
In finding that the application met all seven provisions required by the conditional uses section of the town’s zoning ordinance the board voted unanimously to approve the permit.
In other business, Commissioners Tim Privett, Phillip Hearne, Tim Smith, Leslie Thomas and Layton Booker:
• Were introduced to Ashley Sherrill, who was hired November 1 as Assistant Director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Sherrill will become director on July 1, 2012 following the retirement of current Director Judy Stevens;
• Gave approval to a proposed Montgomery County Transportation Plan as it pertains to the town. The plan had been approved earlier by the Troy Board of Commissioners and will also be presented to the other three municipal boards in the county and the Montgomery County Commissioners;
• Approved a contract extension from October 31 to December 31 to Maxton McDowell CPA for auditing services;
• Heard suggestions from former mayor Becky Williams on the need for the town to develop strategic plans for sidewalk, street and street light expenditures;
• Approved a request from Commissioner Thomas that Gail Britt of Britt Catering be approved to provide sugar cookies and hot chocolate for 400 people during the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting at a cost of $350.00;
• Heard a report from Management Advisor Ron Niland that he had a meeting scheduled with the owner of the Candor Shopping Center to discuss the condition of the property;
• Heard another report from Niland that he and Public Works Director Brice Hollis had been working on the planning for a 1/5 mile walking trail at the town park.
Troy awarded for excellence in financial reporting ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on or about November 10, 2011
By Hugh Martin
TROY – For the seventeenth time the Town of Troy has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States.
Troy Mayor Roy Maness presented the award to Cathy Maness, Town Clerk, during the November 7 meeting of the town board of commissioners.
“Not many towns get this award,” Mayor Maness said. “We’re proud of the job that has been done year after year, even before we ever knew this award was available.”
Town Clerk Maness said that she alone did not receive the award. “It’s a team effort,” she said.
In other business, Commissioners Angela Elkins, Bruce Hamilton, James Hurley, Chris Watkins and Wallace Jones:
• Were introduced to Ashley Sherrill, who was recently hired as Assistant Director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Sherrill will become director on July 1, 2012 following the retirement of current director Judy Stevens;
• Gave approval to a proposed Montgomery County Transportation Plan as it pertains to the town. The plan will also be presented to each municipal board in the county and the Montgomery County Commissioners;
• Approved a resolution to apply $5000.00 of a NC Rural Center grant to assist with some of the cost of grease buildup in the town sewer system;
• Approved a resolution to seek a Vacant Building Reuse grant from the NC Rural Development Center in the amount of $480,000.00 for use by Wright Foods in renovation of the facility they will occupy in the Troy Business Center. The town will provide a 5 percent match in the form of the value of adjacent land for future expansion by the company;
• Approved a façade grant of up to $1000.00 to Joann Blair Adams for renovations made to a commercial property on North Main Street;
• Approved December 26, 27 and 28 for the Christmas Holiday Schedule when all town offices will be closed;
• Learned from Town Manager Greg Zephir that Mayor Maness’ request for an investigation into gasoline price differences between the Troy area and surrounding had been taken over by the office of Congressman Kissell;
• Heard a report from Zephir on a proposed performance stage to be located in the downtown area;
•Thanked Zephir for his work on the recent banquet honoring the Troy Fire Department’s centennial.
By Hugh Martin
TROY – For the seventeenth time the Town of Troy has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States.
Troy Mayor Roy Maness presented the award to Cathy Maness, Town Clerk, during the November 7 meeting of the town board of commissioners.
“Not many towns get this award,” Mayor Maness said. “We’re proud of the job that has been done year after year, even before we ever knew this award was available.”
Town Clerk Maness said that she alone did not receive the award. “It’s a team effort,” she said.
In other business, Commissioners Angela Elkins, Bruce Hamilton, James Hurley, Chris Watkins and Wallace Jones:
• Were introduced to Ashley Sherrill, who was recently hired as Assistant Director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Sherrill will become director on July 1, 2012 following the retirement of current director Judy Stevens;
• Gave approval to a proposed Montgomery County Transportation Plan as it pertains to the town. The plan will also be presented to each municipal board in the county and the Montgomery County Commissioners;
• Approved a resolution to apply $5000.00 of a NC Rural Center grant to assist with some of the cost of grease buildup in the town sewer system;
• Approved a resolution to seek a Vacant Building Reuse grant from the NC Rural Development Center in the amount of $480,000.00 for use by Wright Foods in renovation of the facility they will occupy in the Troy Business Center. The town will provide a 5 percent match in the form of the value of adjacent land for future expansion by the company;
• Approved a façade grant of up to $1000.00 to Joann Blair Adams for renovations made to a commercial property on North Main Street;
• Approved December 26, 27 and 28 for the Christmas Holiday Schedule when all town offices will be closed;
• Learned from Town Manager Greg Zephir that Mayor Maness’ request for an investigation into gasoline price differences between the Troy area and surrounding had been taken over by the office of Congressman Kissell;
• Heard a report from Zephir on a proposed performance stage to be located in the downtown area;
•Thanked Zephir for his work on the recent banquet honoring the Troy Fire Department’s centennial.
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