Wendell News Outlet

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

ITEM 1. THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY
The town offices and facilities will be closed on November 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

ITEM 2. BANKING PROPOSALS RECEIVED ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH
The Town of Wendell requested proposals for banking services to be contracted for a period of three years, beginning January 1, 2009. Proposals for the provision of banking services for the town were received on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. The following is a list of banks that submitted proposals:
• First Citizens Bank
• KS Bank
• BB&T
A recommendation on this matter is scheduled for the December 8th Board of Commissioners meeting.

ITEM 3. UPDATE ON BROADCASTING OF BOARD MEETINGS
The video from the November 24th Board of Commissioners meeting was shown on East Wake TV once on Tuesday, November 25th. The manager asked Knightdale Town Manager Gary McConkey to remove the video from broadcast because of the feedback from the speakers / microphones. This problem should be rectified by the December 8th meeting, so the December 8th meeting will likely be shown in regular rotation on East Wake TV.
Gary complimented Chief Johnson on how quickly he was picking-up the nuances of running the video equipment.

ITEM 4. TWO NEW PUD APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
The Planning Department received two new PUD applications this week – one for the NORCOM / Greene Mazzeo property (in conjunction with the Village of Wendell / Food Lion Shopping Center) and one for the property south of Wendell Park (the former Baptist property). The potential projects are for mixed-use development. These applications could come before the Board of Commissioners sometime in the January – February time frame.


ITEM 5. JOINT STUDY COMMISSION ON ANNEXATION
The Joint Senate and House Study Commission on Municipal Annexation will hold its first meeting on Thursday, December 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Room 544 of the Legislative Office Building in Raleigh. Mayor Broadwell, Mayor Pro Tem Connolly and Town Manager David Bone already plan to attend. Please let the manager know if you would like to attend, as well.

ITEM 6. WORK ON LIONS CLUB ROAD WATER TANK
According to CORPUD, low chlorine and poor water circulation have historically been issues with the Lions Club Road tank. CORPUD took the tank out of service a few months back to evaluate the situation and design a fix. The tank is currently online. CORPUD has completed the design and issued a contract to Dellinger to install a recirculation pump for the tank to keep the water fresh and maintain good chlorine residual. The contractor has ordered the pump equipment, which has a delivery time of several weeks. Once the equipment arrives, CORPUD will need to briefly take the tank out of service to perform the work. Wendell residents should not notice a change in their water service.

ITEM 7. CORPUD COMPLETES SWITCH TO RADIO READ METERS
The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department (CORPUD) has completed installing approximately 174,000 new water meters at homes and businesses in the city’s utility service area. The new meters will allow for more accurate and efficient reading for utility billing purposes. Receiving the new water meters were residential and business customers in Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon. The project also involved installing backflow prevention devices on some residential properties.
CORPUD initially didn’t expect the water meter installation to be complete until 2012, but was able to finish the project four years ahead of schedule because more money was allocated for the work. The project cost $29 million.
The new automated meter reading system has many benefits for the City of Raleigh and its water customers. The new meters have radio units that enable CORPUD to read meters remotely, placing less physical demands on meter readers who had to manually lift meter box lids to read the meters. Other advantages of the new automated meters is that they can be accurately read even when the water meter box is hidden or covered by leaves, snow, vehicles or other objects.

ITEM 8. INAUGURAL WENDELL CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR
The inaugural Wendell Candlelight Christmas Tour is being held on Saturday, December 13th from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. The tour is being sponsored by the Wendell Historical Society with the assistance of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. Live music and refreshments will be provided at various locations. Maps will be provided with directions to each home. Tickets are available at Wits End and the Chamber office.


ITEM 9. OTHER:
A. Time Warner Cable is working with the Wendell Chamber of Commerce to schedule a time with downtown merchants to discuss the opportunity to hook onto a fiber optic communications system when the lines to serve the town buildings are installed.
B. Wednesday, January 7th has been tentatively chosen as the date for the Town of Wendell Employee Appreciation / Safety Breakfast. Commissioner Thompson and Manager Bone plan to prepare the meal.
C. The Chamber’s "Charms of Wendell" art exhibition will be displayed in the Wendell Woman's Club building on Cypress Street from Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25, 2009. This exhibit will showcase original fine art pieces that depict our people, landscapes, town views, unique buildings in Wendell.
D. As part of its ongoing Local Elected Leaders Academy, the NC School of Government will offer a one-day training session entitled, “Good Growth: Chance or Choice”, on February 24, 2009 in Raleigh. Click here for more information on this workshop. Commissioner Baynes is already registered for this workshop.

ITEM 10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

11/27 – 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday (town offices closed)

12/01 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

12/04 10:00 a.m. Joint Study Comm. on Annexation @ 544 Legislative Office Building

12/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/12 10:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Town of Wendell / Wendell Falls / Universal Chevrolet Christmas Party @ Wendell Community Center

12/13 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wendell Historical Society Candlelight Tour @ Historical Homes

12/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

12/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/24 – 12/26 Christmas holiday (town offices closed)

01/01 (Thursday) New Year’s Day (town offices closed)

01/05 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

01/07 7:00 a.m. Employee Appreciation / Safety Breakfast @ Wendell Community Center

01/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

01/19 (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (town offices closed)

01/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

01/23 – 01/25 Wendell C of C “Charms of Wendell” Art Exhibit @ Wendell Women’s Club

01/26 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

Give counties funding options for growth‏

From: Karen Rindge, WakeUP Wake County (info@wakeupwakecounty.com)
Sent: Fri 11/21/08 4:31 PM

Between state budget shortfalls and the economic crisis, funding for infrastructure needs -- like schools, water and transit -- will need to be more creative. WakeUP Wake County has long advocated for more local options to help pay for growth's needs. Meg Gray, policy analyst at the NC Budget & Tax Center, explains this well in her op-ed printed Nov. 19 in the News&Observer.... read on:
Give Counties More Taxing Options

North Carolina's counties are under the gun. Fast-growing areas are struggling to build schools as construction costs escalate. Water and sewer systems in rural counties have reached a dangerous point of disrepair.

At the same time, state lawmakers are increasingly transferring to local governments the responsibility for road maintenance and construction -- costs the state has traditionally paid. And counties are trying to meet growing demand for public transportation.

This is happening as the souring economy has increased needs and decreased revenue. But counties' hands are tied, because the legislature has failed to provide them with a slate of options for raising the revenue needed in a way that works for their communities.

Moreover, in 2007 the state began requiring county officials to hold referendums on new sales taxes and real estate transfer taxes.

On Nov. 4, 16 counties held tax referendums, and all failed. Overall, 23 counties have held referendums on the real estate transfer tax; all have failed. In the 50 counties that held public votes on sales taxes, only eight have passed.

DURHAM MAYOR BILL BELL RECENTLY SUGGESTED that the state should give counties permission to levy an additional tax to support public transportation without using the referendum process. In his words, "At some point, when issues are big enough and important enough, elected officials ought to be trusted to carry [them] out."

He is absolutely right -- local leaders need a slate of revenue options they can implement without using the referendum process.

They, after all, are the community's elected representatives and should have the power to make taxation and investment decisions -- for which their constituents will hold them accountable. If each county had a variety of tax options, it could customize a system that would generate adequate revenue to meet needs and be fair in distributing the responsibility for paying taxes.

For example, a local income tax would be relatively stable during these tough times. Plus, income taxes are fairer than sales taxes, because they require wealthier residents to pay more, while low-income families may not have to pay the income tax at all.

This may be a good option for rural counties that don't want to increase property taxes for fear of how that would affect farm owners, and that don't want to increase the sales tax because it would hurt low-income families.

Or, what if counties had a way to tax road use to help pay for construction and maintenance?

A vehicle utility fee would enable local governments to tax property owners and renters based on how much traffic their properties generate.

Homes generate a little; shopping malls a lot. Such a system would use the same data civil engineers now collect to monitor traffic patterns, so getting it up and running wouldn't be overly complicated. Then, counties would have a dedicated source for roads and public transit.

THEN THERE'S THE MUCH-MALIGNED REAL ESTATE TRANSFER FEE, which can be a smart option for fast-growing counties. In recent elections, county leaders were at a tremendous disadvantage when it came to selling the idea to voters. While opponents (in particular, the N.C. Realtors Association and the N.C. Homebuilders Association) were free to raise and spend unlimited money, run ads and send out mailings, county leaders were allowed only limited engagement in their support for the referendums.

Ads portending the downfall of the local housing market and personal financial Armageddon were ubiquitous. Leaders tried to make their case in the news and at community meetings, but they were often drowned out.

The vast majority of voters in these elections heard only one side of the story -- and it was a side that didn't feel compelled to stick to the facts. The referendum process cannot work when one side is at such a tremendous disadvantage. It also robs county leaders of the ability to do their jobs.

A more sensible plan would be to allow county leaders to create a tax structure they believe works for their community, and then let voters hold them accountable for how they choose to raise and spend the money.

By giving counties a slate of tax options, county leaders could make better decisions and better serve their constituents. And all of our counties could better manage the new responsibilities they face.

It's time for the state to untie the hands of local elected officials and let them make revenue and spending decisions.

Meg Gray is a public policy analyst at the N.C. Budget & Tax Center, a private organization in Raleigh.

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

November 21, 2008

ITEM 1. AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 24TH
The Audit Committee (made-up of Mayor Broadwell, Commissioner Thompson and Attorney Cauley) will meet at 6:30 p.m. on MONDAY, November 24th in the conference room in town hall. This meeting is a precursor to the Audit presentation, which will be a part of the November 24th Board of Commissioners meeting.

ITEM 2. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH
A Board of Adjustment meeting was held on Thursday, November 20th. The purpose of the hearing was to consider a variance request submitted by Sadie Elizabeth (Betsy) Rountree for property located at 3032 Bufftree Lane for §154.125 as it relates to expansion of nonconforming structures and §154.33 as it relates to setbacks.
The Wendell Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve Ms. Rountree’s variance request. Ms. Rountree plans to add a bedroom to her existing home, however due to the location of the existing home, the addition would extend into the rear yard setback. The property is located outside the corporate limits but within the town’s ETJ.

ITEM 3. MEETING WITH TRIANGLE TRANSIT HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
Town Manager Bone and Planning Director Teresa Piner met with representatives of Triangle Transit, Knightdale and Zebulon on Tuesday to continue discussions about a potential East Wake Express Bus Service. The board of commissioners endorsed this concept with a resolution adopted July 14, 2008.
If started, this bus service would run in the mornings and afternoons and would stop in each of the three towns before stopping in downtown Raleigh. A stop at WakeMed has also been discussed. The idea for this potential service is to give commuters who work in Raleigh a public transportation alternative.
Staff will keep the board aware as this prospect continues to develop.

ITEM 4. PRESENTATION FROM BRICK INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE HEARD AT NOVEMBER 17TH PLANNING BOARD MEETING

Mr. Patrick Burns, of the Brick Industry made a presentation to the Wendell Planning Board on Monday November 18, 2008. Mr. Burns covered “Why Masonry Ordinances Are a Growing Trend”, a study conducted by the University of Michigan on the benefits of brick to a community and case studies of four towns in the southeast which have adopted masonry ordinances. A synopsis of Mr. Burn’ presentation is as follows:

1. Why Are Masonry ordinances a Growing Trend?
• Brick Homes Have a higher Resale Value
• Brick Commercial Buildings have a Higher Profit Margin
• Increase in Tax Base
• Brick is a Sustainable, Green Material
• Brick Produces a Safer, Fire Resistant Community

2. University of Michigan Case Study
• Discussed Michigan University Study of Four Chicago Area Municipalities, tow of which did not have brick or masonry ordinances and two that did have brick and masonry ordinances and the impacts on those communities.

3. Reviewed Masonry Ordinances of four Southeast Communities
• Slidell LA, Gallatin TN, Gardendale AL, and Coweta County GA

Mr. Burns’ presentation is attached to the Friday Memo email.

ITEM 5. FREE SOD FOR T-BALL FIELDS
This week, the Recreation Department staff and volunteers placed about 60 pallets of sod on the new area on the left side of Wendell Park for T-ball. The sod was taken from the Carolina Mudcats stadium for free. The Mudcats field and drainage system is being rebuilt, and the existing sod was not going to be reused. Parks and Recreation Director Brinkley Wagstaff worked-out a deal to get the sod for free, and the town just had to pay for the sod to be harvested and transported.

ITEM 6. INAUGURAL WENDELL CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR
The inaugural Wendell Candlelight Christmas Tour is being held on Saturday, December 13th from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. The tour is being sponsored by the Wendell Historical Society with the assistance of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. Live music and refreshments will be provided at various locations. Maps will be provided with directions to each home. Tickets are available at Wits End and the Chamber office. A flyer advertising this event is attached to the email distributing this memo.

ITEM 7. OTHER:
A. The Wendell Women’s Club held its annual Town Employee Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday. The food was great and was greatly appreciated by the employees. The town staff looks forward to the event every year. Town Manager David Bone spoke to the club members during their meeting after the lunch.
B. The town offices and facilities will be closed on November 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
C. The Town of Wendell is in the process of requesting proposals for banking services to be contracted for a period of three years, beginning January 1, 2009. Proposals for the provision of banking services for the town are due by 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. A recommendation on this matter is scheduled for the December 8th Board of Commissioners meeting.
D. The Chamber’s "Charms of Wendell" art exhibition will be displayed in the Wendell Woman's Club building on Cypress Street from Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25, 2009. This exhibit will showcase original fine art pieces that depict our people, landscapes, town views, unique buildings in Wendell.
E. As part of its ongoing Local Elected Leaders Academy, the NC School of Government will offer a one-day training session entitled, “Good Growth: Chance or Choice”, on February 24, 2009 in Raleigh. Click here for more information on this workshop. Commissioner Baynes has already expressed a desire to attend this workshop.

ITEM 8. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

11/24 6:30 p.m. Audit Committee Meeting @ Town Hall

11/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/27 – 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday (town offices closed)

12/01 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

12/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/12 10:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Town of Wendell / Wendell Falls / Universal Chevrolet Christmas Party @ Wendell Community Center

12/13 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wendell Historical Society Candlelight Tour @ Historical Homes

12/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

12/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/24 – 12/26 Christmas holiday (town offices closed)

01/01 (Thursday) New Year’s Day (town offices closed)

01/05 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

01/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

01/19 (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (town offices closed)

01/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

01/23 – 01/25 Wendell C of C “Charms of Wendell” Art Exhibit @ Wendell Women’s Club

01/26 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

Kannon, Kathryn

Kathryn Kannon, 82, of 210 W. Academy Street, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008 in the Kannon Homeplace in which she was born on May 3, 1926 to the late Isaac George Kannon and Zahayia Samara Kannon, immigrants of Hamana, Lebanon. Kathryn graduated from Wendell High School in 1943. Together with her family, they owned and operated Kannon's Clothing since 1916. She was proud of the fact that Kannon's Clothing is into its third generation and the oldest family-owned business in Wendell. Together with her brother, the late Ed Kannon, sister, Jeanette Kannon Knuckley and her late brother-in-law, Lewis Knuckley, they carried out the vision of their father, Isaac Kannon.
Although she never married, she thrived on caring for the Knuckley and Kannon families and all her nieces and nephews. She was affectionately known to all who knew her as "Aunt Kat".
Kathryn was a charter member of St. Eugene's Catholic Church in Wendell. She was one of the founding members of the St. Eugene's Ladies Guild and very active and supportive of all church activities throughout her life.
She will be remembered as a pillar of her community where she met and clothed friends and all those in need. Aunt Kat's kitchen was always open to entertain everyone with food and fellowship. Kathryn was a member of the Tuesday Morning Bridge Club for 40 years. Kathryn loved giving back to her community by serving on the Wendell Planning Board, Wendell Chamber of Commerce and the Wendell Historical Society along with her generosity to many charities. She was a benefactor to the Wendell Senior Citizens Center and recipient of the Wendell Revitalization Award.
Prayer service 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.
The family will receive relatives and friends immediately following the prayer service and other times at the home, 210 W. Academy Street, Wendell, NC 27591.
Funeral mass 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at St. Eugene's Catholic Church, 608 Lions Club Road, Wendell, NC 27591. Burial, Greenmount Cemetery, Industrial Drive, Wendell, NC 27591.
Surviving: sister, Jeanette Kannon Knuckley of the home; nieces, Mary-Kathryn K. Phillips (Mickey), Boo K. Jefferson (Jay), Joe Ann K. Wright (Dick); nephew, George Knuckley (Emily); special great nieces and nephews, Brandon, Lewis and Kathryn Wright, Mary-Kannon and Hannah Jefferson, Edward, Samara and James Knuckley; other special nieces and nephews, Rose Marie Farah, Samuel J. Hagley, Patricia H. Bouharoun, Mary Elizabeth K. Smith, Ann K. Nassif, Frances K. Abbott, Frankie Kannon, Zahayia K. Partin, Brenda K. Todd, Georgia Ann K. Seely, Peter Kannon, Deborah K. Trynor, George Kannon, Isaac Kannon; sister-in-law, Georgia Kannon; special housekeeper and Caregiver of 51 Years, Edna Boone.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Farris Kannon, Frank Kannon, Ed Kannon, Mitchell Kannon, Joe Kannon, and George Kannon; sisters, Mary Kannon Hagley and Rose Kannon Silek; nephew, Frankie Silek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Eugene's Catholic Church Building Fund, 608 Lions Club Road, Wendell, NC 27591.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.
Published in The News & Observer on 11/18/2008

Wendell Board of Commissioners Friday Update

November 14, 2008

ITEM 1. PLANNING BOARD MEETING – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH
A copy of the November 17th Planning Board Meeting agenda is on the last page of this Friday Update. For this meeting, staff has arranged for Mr. Jeff Walker, from the brick industry, to make a presentation. Staff would like to invite all interested parties to attend. Matt Dobson, a representative of the vinyl industry, is scheduled to make a presentation at the December 15th Planning Board meeting.

ITEM 2. RFP FOR BANKING SERVICES DISTRIBUTED WITH NOVEMBER 25TH DEADLINE
The Town of Wendell is in the process of requesting proposals for banking services to be contracted for a period of three years, beginning January 1, 2009. According to the RFP, the town will retain the option to renew the contract for two additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement of the financial institution and the town.
Proposals must be received by the Finance Department by 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008.
It is anticipated the staff analysis of a financial institution submissions will be completed by December 1, 2008, with a recommendation to be presented to the Town of Wendell Board of Commissioners on December 8, 2008. Once the recommendation is approved by the Board of Commissioners, the town will notify all banks of the outcome and meet with the winning bank to establish a contract for services. The Town of Wendell will be ready for full services to begin on January 1, 2009.

ITEM 3. FARMERS MARKET MENTIONED AT ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
The annual chamber banquet went well on Tuesday, November 11th. Mike Greene was congratulated for his two years of service as chamber president. Bruce Lynch was welcomed as the new chamber president.
At the banquet, Bruce Lynch announced that a chamber committee plans to start a farmers market in Wendell beginning on the first Saturday in April. Tentatively, the market is scheduled to operate on Saturdays during the spring, summer and early fall.

ITEM 4. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 20TH
There will be a meeting of Board of Adjustment on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wendell Courtroom. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a variance request submitted by Sadie Elizabeth Rountree for property located at 3032 Bufftree Lane for §154.125 as it relates to expansion of nonconforming structures and §154.33 as it relates to setbacks.


ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 24TH
The Audit Committee (made-up of Mayor Broadwell, Commissioner Thompson and Attorney Cauley) will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24th in the conference room in town hall. This meeting is a precursor to the Audit presentation, which will be a part of the November 24th Board of Commissioners meeting.

ITEM 6. CHAMBER ART EXHIBIT – JANUARY 23RD – 25TH
The "Charms of Wendell" art exhibition will be displayed in the Wendell Woman's Club building on Cypress Street from Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25, 2009. This exhibit will showcase original fine art pieces that depict our people, landscapes, town views, unique buildings, and the many interesting things that make Wendell, North Carolina, such a wonderful place to live. The opening reception will be Friday, January 23.

ITEM 7. OTHER:
A. A notice has been received from AT&T that the company is pursuing a cable franchise in parts of North Carolina, including Wake County. This notice will be included in the “Reading Material” section of the November 24th agenda packet.
B. As part of its ongoing Local Elected Leaders Academy, the NC School of Government will offer a one-day training session entitled, “Good Growth: Chance or Choice”, on February 24, 2009 in Raleigh. For more information on this workshop, click here.

ITEM 8. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

11/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

11/20 7:00 p.m. Board of Adjustment Meeting @ Town Hall

11/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/27 – 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday (town offices closed)

12/01 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

12/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/12 10:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Town of Wendell / Wendell Falls / Universal Chevrolet Christmas Party @ Wendell Community Center

12/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

12/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/24 – 12/26 Christmas holiday (town offices closed)

01/01 (Thursday) New Year’s Day (town offices closed)

01/05 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

01/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

01/19 (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (town offices closed)

01/19 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

01/23 – 01/25 Wendell C of C “Charms of Wendell” Art Exhibit @ Wendell Women’s Club

01/26 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

PLANNING BOARD AGENDA
The Regular Meeting of the Wendell Planning Board

Monday, November 17, 2008 Wendell Courtroom
7:00 p.m. Wendell, North Carolina

1. Meeting Called to Order
• A quorum of seven members of the Planning Board is required before taking official action

2. Welcome and Recognition of Guests

3. Chairman and Board Members’ Comments

4. Adjustment and Approval of the Agenda

5. Public Comments:
o Individuals interested in speaking during the public comments time will need to sign up prior to the beginning of the meeting. The signup period will begin thirty (30) minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting and conclude at the beginning of the meeting.
o Each individual is limited to a time of three (3) minutes in which to express his or her concerns.
o Individuals making public comments are expected to be courteous to the Planning Board.

6. Approval of Minutes:
A. October 20, 2008 minutes

7. Action Taken at Previous Town Board Meetings
• ZM08-01 from R30 to R7CU
• Preliminary Plat, C2 of Wendell Falls
• Preliminary Plat, Rec Site of Wendell Falls

8. UDO Update

9. Discussion, Consideration, and Action on the Following Items:
A. Presentation on the Brick Industry by Jeff Walker

10. Adjourn to Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

Sam Laughery, Chairperson Lee Batson, Vice Chairperson

November 12, 2008

Upcoming Events

Neuse River Foundation’s Annual Meeting - Tomorrow

Come learn about our accomplishments for the year, meet new staff, and find out what’s in store for 2009!! All current and perspective members are welcome.

November 13, 2008 - 5:30 p.m., Craven County Library


Neuse River Foundation’s 4th Annual Film Festival

* January 9th in Durham
* January 10th in Raleigh
* January 16th in Oriental
* January 17th in New Bern
* January 22nd in Kinston
* January 24th in Smithfield

Some films are new and others come from filmmaker archives, some are funny and others are serious, but they all have one thing in common--WATER. This year’s films include: Descending the Dragon, Gimme Green, Sand Dancer, and more!

Tickets are available now—just in time for the Christmas season—and seating is limited. Click here for more information or to reserve your spot now!


Upper Neuse Updates

Starting on Stormwater in Durham
Durham’s Environmental Affairs Board is creating a Subcommittee for the formulation of Stormwater Protection Plans, Watershed Recovery Plans, and Water Quality Monitoring Plans. An informational meeting for all interested parties will be held December 3, 2008 at 7:00pm in City Hall’s 2nd Floor, Committee Room (101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701). Attendance at that meeting presents no obligation to serve on the CPG. For more information about the meeting or the CPG, please call Michelle Woolfolk, City of Durham Stormwater Services, at (919) 560-1328 ext. 253.


Getting the Mud Out in Raleigh
Last week, the Raleigh Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (SMAC) began to firm up their recommendations on new standards for erosion and sediment control. The next step is providing a recommendation to the City Council for adoption. This probably won’t be a short process, but it will be worth every minute; erosion and sedimentation are big problems in the Neuse River watershed. Thanks to staff and the committee for all their hard work!


State rules may trump local cleanup plans
Restoration of Ellerbe Creek has to do with more than eco-friendliness. For Durham taxpayers, it potentially has to do with hundreds of millions of dollars. And it has to do with more than Durham; Ellerbe Creek's health affects the drinking water of more than 430,000 people in Wake County…(Durham News, 11/8/08) Click here to read the full story.


2007-08 Annual Wastewater/Sewer System Reports are out

* In the City of Durham, 690,718 gallons spilled or overflowed in FY 2007-08 (yuk!) The main cause was blockage from grease buildup; do your part by calling 560‐4386 to get your FREE “Fat Trapper” residential grease collection unit.
* Durham County Triangle WWTP had only one spill impacting the Neuse this year, in December 2007, during which 6,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into the Stirrup Iron Creek drainage area (also due to a grease-based blockage).
* The Apex report is available here.
* The Cary report can be found here.
* The Hillsborough report can be found here.
* The Goldsboro report is here.
* Many jurisdictions are still working…


Low-Down on the Lower Neuse

Officials Blame People for Fish Kill Problem

Each year, thousands of dead fish wash up along the shoreline of the Neuse River. Officials say it’s a normal and natural occurrence, most years. But this year is different…Lower Neuse Riverkeeper, Larry Baldwin, says it’s…“raw hog waste, both the solid and the liquid mixed together are being pumped out into these fields…” (WNCT, 11/6/08)

Read the full story and see the news footage here.

We Speak for the River.

Event: Historic Wendell's 1st Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour

Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Time: 3pm - 8pm

Where: Historic Wendell, NC

We invite you to join us for a beautiful December evening
of visiting Wendell's finest historical homes decorated
in all their holiday splendor.

Music and refreshments will be provided at various locations
Maps will be available with directions to each home

Ticket Price: $ 12 (Day of Event at historic Post office: 101 East 4th Street)
Advanced Sales: $ 10
Wendell Historical Society Members: $8
Children 10 and younger FREE

Advanced ticket sales at the following locations:
Wits End: 5 North Main Street, Wendell
Wendell Chamber of Commerce: 115 North Pine Street, Wendell

Music and refreshments will be provided at various locations
Maps will be available with directions to each home

For more information:
Jenny @ 365-8100
Lee @ 366-1242
Chris @ 365-5714

Thanks..Chris Smith

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

November 7, 2008

ITEM 1. VIDEOTAPING MEETING ON MONDAY – PLEASE SPEAK INTO THE MICROPHONES
As previously discussed, the town plans to start a series of dry runs on videotaping meetings at the November 10th meeting. It may take a few meetings to get the kinks worked-out before we actually broadcast the taped meetings.
One concern that we have is the quality of the microphones that we currently have in the courtroom. Please try to lean forward into the microphones on Monday so that we will have a higher quality sound recording of the meeting.

ITEM 2. REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ARCHER LODGE INCORPORATION
Item #6 on Monday’s agenda involves a request of support from the Archer Lodge Municipal Exploratory Committee in its drive for incorporation. The manager met with Carlton Vinson, the president of this organization, today (Friday, November 7th). Mr. Vinson plans to be at the meeting on Monday to say a few words about the request.

ITEM 3. TOWN HALL CLOSED ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH FOR VETERANS’ DAY
As you are aware, the town hall and other town facilities will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th for Veterans’ Day.

ITEM 4. CHAMBER BANQUET - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
The annual Wendell Chamber of Commerce banquet will be on Tuesday, November 11th (Veterans’ Day). The event will start at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m.

ITEM 5. PUBLIC MEETING FOR HAZARD MITIGATION UPDATE – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH at 9:00 A.M.
As you are aware, the Town of Wendell has begun the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, which is updated every five years, will be the blueprint for reducing property damage and saving lives due to disasters that may affect Wendell in the future. This plan is also required in order for the Town of Wendell to receive certain types of state and federal disaster relief funds and reimbursements.
There will be a meeting held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 9 a.m. in the Wendell Courtroom to kick-off the public planning process for the 2008 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Elected officials are invited to attend this meeting and actively participate in the planning process as the town seeks to involve its citizens in the formulation of this plan.

ITEM 6. POSSIBLE URBAN LAND INSTITUTE PROJECT
ULI–the Urban Land Institute is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the institute now has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service.
As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places.
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
Planning Director Teresa Piner has been discussing a potential pro bono ULI project in Wendell with ULI member Mitch Silver (Raleigh’s Planning Director). Last Friday, Mayor Broadwell, Manager Bone and Mrs. Piner met with Mr. Sliver and other members of a technical advisory committee of the local ULI chapter to discuss the potential of a project in Wendell to examine potential strategies for tying-in Wendell Falls to the primary corporate limits.
If Wendell’s project is selected, ULI will bring a group of professionals from multiple disciplines for an intense, one-day session to review the project scenario and offer suggestions.
Staff will keep the board informed as to whether the Wendell project is selected.

ITEM 7. NCLM MEETING ABOUT JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION
Mayor Broadwell and Manager Bone attended a meeting Thursday hosted by the NC League of Municipalities discussing the upcoming Joint Legislative Study Commission on Municipal Annexation. League staff spoke about four main areas of concern involving the annexation process that may be addressed in the study commission:
(1) Improving communication to citizens,
(2) Easing financial impacts to citizens,
(3) Changing standards to qualify areas for annexation, and
(4) Incentives for municipalities to annex low income areas.
Rep. Dan Blue and David Lawrence (the “annexation guru” from the UNC School of Government) spoke at the meeting. Also at the meeting, participants discussed ideas for potential changes to the annexation regulations.

ITEM 8. BORING HOLES IN PINE STREET
A recent mystery was solved by numerous phone calls made by staff recently. Multiple holes were found in a section of Pine Street. As it turns out, the holes were drilled by PSNC staff in search of a leak in the gas line. Apparently, an odor was reported a couple of weeks ago in this area, and PSNC cored the holes in search of the alleged leak. PSNC has stated that it will take care of the repairs.

ITEM 9. OTHER:
A. A copy of the NC League of Municipalities’ publication, “100 Years of Serving and Celebrating Cities and Towns”, was received at town hall this week. Two historical pictures of Wendell are on page 73 of the book. The caption for the book quotes Ray Hinnant from the town web site. Stop by the manager’s office to review the book. Also, the NCLM has a limited number of extra copies. Let us know if you know of any organizations that may be interested in receiving a copy.
B. It looks like East Wake Soccer Association will be using Wendell Park a little less in the spring. Some of the games that have been played in Wendell will now be played on a Town of Zebulon field. This will be the first year that the association has games in Zebulon.
C. The town plans to start a series of dry runs on videotaping meetings at the November 10th meeting. It may take a few meetings to get the kinks worked-out before we actually broadcast the taped meetings.
D. The new Wendell Falls web site is up and running. Click here to check it out.
E. Staff has arranged for Mr. Jeff Walker, from the brick industry, to make a presentation on November 17th to the Wendell Planning Board. Staff would like to invite all interested parties to attend. Matt Dobson, a representative of the vinyl industry, is scheduled to make a presentation at the December 15th Planning Board meeting.
F. As part of its ongoing Local Elected Leaders Academy, the NC School of Government will offer a one-day training session entitled, “Good Growth: Chance or Choice”, on February 24, 2009 in Raleigh. For more information on this workshop, click here.

ITEM 10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

11/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/11 (Tuesday) Veterans Day (town offices closed)

11/11 6:00 p.m. Chamber Banquet @ Wendell Community Center

11/13 9:00 a.m. Stakeholders Meeting – Hazard Mitigation Plan update @ Town Hall

11/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

11/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/27 – 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday (town offices closed)

12/01 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

12/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

12/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/24 – 12/26 Christmas holiday (town offices closed)

01/01 (Thursday) New Year’s Day (town offices closed)

01/05 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

01/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

01/19 (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (town offices closed)

01/19 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

01/26 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

October 31, 2008

ITEM 1. ENGINEERING FIRM SUBMISSION RESPONSE TO RFQ (REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS)
Various engineering firms submitted responses to the town’s RFQ (Request for Qualifications) on Tuesday. Nine firms made submissions. The five finalists will make presentations to the Board of Commissioners at the November 10, 2008 meeting. Each firm will have a maximum of 30 minutes with the board. There is NO prescribed format for presentations; however, the firms are asked to limit their presentation to 15-20 minutes in order to leave 10-15 minutes for questions from the board. Each firm will have a total of 30 minutes with the board.
The tentative schedule for presentations on November 10th is as follows:

7:30 p.m. Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates

8:00 p.m. The Wooten Company

8:30 p.m. Break

8:45 p.m. McKim & Creed

9:15 p.m. Withers & Ravenenl

9:45 p.m. Kimley-Horn

ITEM 2. HANOR LANE WORK / DISRUPTION OF SERVICE DELAYED
The disruption of water service in the Hanor Lane / Marshburn Road area (which was mentioned at the October 27th board meeting) was delayed this week. This work will be rescheduled in the near future.

ITEM 3. BROADCAST OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETINGS
Video cameras were recently installed in the courtroom. The town plans to start a series of dry runs on videotaping meetings at the November 10th meeting. It may take a few meetings to get the kinks worked-out before we actually broadcast the taped meetings.
One concern that we have is the quality of the microphones that we currently have in the courtroom. The microphones are not made to a high enough quality to suit our needs with videotaping the meetings. Until we try taping a meeting, we do not know how poor the audio quality will be. We plan to submit a grant application through EWTV for new microphones in November. If EWTV’s grant application is funded, we may receive new microphones as soon as January.

ITEM 4. PUBLIC MEETING FOR HAZARD MITIGATION UPDATE – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH at 9:00 A.M.
As you are aware, the Town of Wendell has begun the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, which is updated every five years, will be the blueprint for reducing property damage and saving lives due to disasters that may affect Wendell in the future. This plan is also required in order for the Town of Wendell to receive certain types of state and federal disaster relief funds and reimbursements.
There will be a meeting held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 9 a.m. in the Wendell Courtroom to kick-off the public planning process for the 2008 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Elected officials are invited to attend this meeting and actively participate in the planning process as the town seeks to involve its citizens in the formulation of this plan. (An invitation to this meeting will be at commissioners’ seats at the board meeting on Monday.)

ITEM 5. OTHER:
A. The Public Works staff is training with the new leaf machine as time allows. Staff wants to make sure operators are comfortable with the equipment before fully utilizing the equipment, so you may see staff using the old equipment over the next few weeks.
B. The new Wendell Falls web site is up and running. Click here to check it out.
C. Staff has arranged for Mr. Jeff Walker, from the brick industry, to make a presentation on November 17th to the Wendell Planning Board. Staff would like to invite all interested parties to attend. Matt Dobson, a representative of the vinyl industry, is scheduled to make a presentation at the December 15th Planning Board meeting.
D. As part of its ongoing Local Elected Leaders Academy, the NC School of Government will offer a one-day training session entitled, “Good Growth: Chance or Choice”, on February 24, 2009 in Raleigh. Click here for more information on this workshop.
E. The annual Wendell Chamber of Commerce banquet will be on Tuesday, November 11th (Veterans’ Day). The event will start at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m.

ITEM 6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

11/03 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

11/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/11 (Tues.) Veterans Day (town offices closed)

11/11 6:00 p.m. Chamber Banquet @ Wendell Community Center

11/13 9:00 a.m. Stakeholders Meeting – Hazard Mitigation Plan update @ Town Hall

11/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

11/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

11/27 – 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday (town offices closed)

12/01 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

12/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

12/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

12/24 – 12/26 Christmas holiday (town offices closed)

01/01 New Year’s Day (town offices closed)