Dear Friends,

In recent years, increased stormwater contamination and point source discharges have contributed increasingly high levels of bacteria and nutrients, threatening to ruin the health and beauty of the Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Water Supply Reservoir. Today, the Lake is "listed" as impaired, a status that requires the State to take certain actions to try and improve the condition of the water.

Because the lake is officially "impaired," the General Assembly ordered that rules be developed to clean it up, but the deadline set to do that has already been extended once. The Falls Lake Stakeholder Project is open to the public and has been working for years trying to develop a science-based set of rules that is sound, practical and achievable. The thousands of hours already devoted to the stakeholder and technical advisory process should -- and do -- mean something; we are ready to make hard decisions that will change the course of history for Falls Lake and point it on a course for recovery. Recently, the state Division of Water Quality asked for another two-and-a-half-year extension; a delay of that magnitude is simply unacceptable.

Click here to tell Falls Lake Watershed State Senators that two-and-a-half years is too long to wait for clean water

In addition to decreasing the length of any extension granted to a maximum of one year, interim measures must be provided that will take significant steps to protect and improve Falls Lake until the rules are in place...but some stakeholders stand to benefit from stall tactics, blind to the fact that Falls Lake become more sickly during each day that passes without protective measures in place.

If you drink from, fish in, swim in or simply care for Falls Lake, you are a stakeholder in the outcome of the Falls Lake rules. You have a right to ask - or even demand - that this vital resource be protected for the health and well being of yourself, your children, and your grandchildren.

The voices supportive of delay are many and they are loud - Falls Lake NEEDS your voice to survive and the NC Senate needs your support to make the right decision.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO TAKE ACTION

· Forward this message to a friend

· Twitter the e-letter address

· Visit our webpage to learn more about the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy

· Come to the next Falls Lake Stakeholder meeting on July 16 from 1-4 pm

Thanks in advance for voicing your opinion. I greatly appreciate your attention to protecting the Neuse River Basin!

Cheers,

Alissa Bierma

Upper Neuse RIVERKEEPER^®

Real progress is being made for protecting the drinking water of Wake County!
In the past week...

The Jordan Lake bill was sent to Governor Perdue for her signature, following approval by both the NC House of Representatives and Senate. After 12 long years of negotiations, this legislation permits actions to begin for protecting this important, but polluted, drinking water reservoir. "This new law will put all the sources of pollution onto a path to cleaning up Jordan Lake," commented Grady McCallie, with the NC Conservation Network, who worked hard on the legislation.

Also, progress on Falls Lake: Wake Senator Josh Stein hosted a key meeting of Triangle legislators and municipal leaders, including Wake Rep. Jennifer Weiss and Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker. These key leaders from Wake, Durham, Orange and Granville Counties, are developing steps to get Falls Lake rules and development practices in place sooner to clean up this criticial water source. We expect legislative action soon! Falls Lake provides drinking water to almost half a million people in Wake County.

WakeUP Wake County was in the press on Falls Lake! WakeUP spoke out for Falls Lake on WRAL. Click here to view. And WakeUP's Karen Rindge, co-authored a pubished op-ed, "Let's not wait to save Fall Lake" with the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper, Alissa Bierma. Click here to read.

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

Friday, June 26, 2009

ITEM 1. EASTERN REGIONAL CENTER FAMILY FUN DAY EVENT

The Eastern Regional Center Fun Day event will be on Saturday, June 27^th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

ITEM 2. PUBLIC SAFETY DAY – SATURDAY, AUGUST 22^ND

The Wendell Police Department (in partnership with the Wendell Fire Department and Eastern Wake Emergency Medical Services) will hold its inaugural Public Safety Day on Saturday, August 22^nd from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the rear parking lot of Hephzibah Baptist Church. Various public safety agencies will be on hand to display a wide array of tools, equipment and vehicles. There will be exciting activities for the whole family. It is intended that this event will be conducted in the future on an annual basis. Attached is a flyer promoting the event.

ITEM 3. RECREATION NEWS

1. The cracks on the tennis courts were being repaired this week, and the courts should be available for play by the weekend.

2. The Wendell Parks and Recreation Department will host the 8 and Under, 10 and Under and 12 and Under Girl’s Softball District Tournaments at Carver Field and the Doug Proctor Field from July 6^th to about July 12^th.

3. Tiger Martial Arts of Knightdale will host The Korean Tigers, a professional Tae Kwon Do demonstration team from Korea, at the Wendell Community Center on July 18^th at 6:00 p.m.

ITEM 4. OTHER

1. The town’s paving contractor hopes to start some prep work on the resurfacing contract sometime during the week of June 22^nd.

2. The Wendell Historical Society is looking for volunteers to help with its July 4^th celebration. Interested individuals should call Jenny Melton at 365-8100.

ITEM 5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

06/27 11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Eastern Regional Center Fun Day Activities @ ERC, Zebulon

07/03 Town facilities closed for July 4th holiday

07/04 3:00 p.m. Wendell Historical Society July 4th Event @ downtown Wendell

07/06 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

07/06 – 07/12 8U, 10U, and 12U Girl’s Softball District Tournaments @ Wendell Park & Carver Park

07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

07/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/03 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

08/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

08/22 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wendell’s “Public Safety Day 2009” @ Hephzibah Baptist Church parking lot

08/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

09/07 Town facilities closed for Labor Day holiday

Hi. I'm JJ Scott, recent NCSU graduate student and board member of WakeUP Wake County. I got involved with WakeUP because I am concerned about what my community is going to be like in 5, 10, 20 years from now. I'd love to meet you and hope you will join me for:

A conversation on...

Growth and Development in the Triangle

Hosted by: WakeUP Wake County and

Emerging Tar Heel Leaders

Please join me and other area young professionals at Sitti in downtown Raleigh for drinks, appetizers, networking and an conversation with:

• Greg Hatem, Empire Properites and WakeUP Board Member
• John Kane, Kane Realty and developer of North Hills
• Mitch Silver, Raleigh City Planning Director
• Melanie Wilson, former Wake County Planner

Wednesday, July 1

6 pm for drinks; 6:30 for the panel discussion

Sitti Restaurant

137 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh

For more information, email me at: john.jj.scott@gmail.com

Event sponsored by: Emerging Tar Heel Leaders, Sitti, Mez Restaurant and WakeUP Wake County

We need your voice to help protect the groundwater of North Carolina - as well as the lives of those who depend upon it for drinking, bathing, and other daily necessities.

Take Action NOW. Comments are due by 5 pm TODAY!

Please send a letter to the NC Groundwater Standards Coordinator. It only takes ~2 minutes.

Also:

• Tell your friends
• Forward this message to a friend
• Twitter the e-letter address

About the Triennial Review of NC's Groundwater Standards

For the most part, the changes made during this round of Triennial Amendments are positive: they have added a few key standards and improved some that needed to be adjusted to more stringent, up-to-date levels.

However, there are also some concerning amendments, especially related to the use of “practical quantitation limits” or reporting limits as many labs call them, that are significantly HIGHER (ie, weaker) than the actual health based standard proposed.

It is likely that the State will receive comments mostly from municipalities and industries that OBJECT to the new, more stringent standards, so your statement of support for these proposed new standards could be at least as important as any concerns that you express about other issues.

Take Action NOW. Comments are due by 5 pm TODAY!

Thanks in advance. I greatly appreciate your attention to protecting the Neuse River Basin!

Cheers,

Alissa Bierma

Upper Neuse RIVERKEEPER^®

Neuse RIVERKEEPER^® Foundation

112 South Blount Street, Suite 103
Raleigh, NC 27601

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

Friday, June 19, 2009

ITEM 1. PLANNING WORKSHOP TODAY

The planning group working on evaluating and making land use recommendations for the Poole Road corridor started this morning. This analysis and report will serve to bridge the area between the town’s primary corporate limits and its satellite to the west. The idea is to prepare a foundation for joining “the two Wendell’s” together as one community. The panel will return with a report and presentation about one month after the workshop.

ITEM 2. PRESS RELEASE ABOUT DRUG ARREST

A press release about a drug arrest made this week involving a large amount of cocaine is included with the Friday Memo. The arrest was a part of a multi-agency effort taking place on the 264 Bypass.

ITEM 3. EAST WAKE EXPRESS BUS SERVICE SURVEY RESULTS

Based on feedback from recent Triangle Transit surveys, Triangle Transit may make the arrival times at WakeMed/downtown Raleigh a bit earlier in the morning and the departure times from downtown Raleigh/WakeMed a bit later in the evenings. Originally three trips in the AM peak (6-9am) and three trips in the PM peak (4-7pm) between downtown Raleigh and up to three Park-and-Ride lots in Wendell and Zebulon were planned for the Zebulon/Wendell-Raleigh Express.

Also, a “FAQ” section has been added to the website based on some questions that came out of the surveys. To find-out more, click here.

ITEM 4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

1. ANNEXATION UPDATE – The NC League of Municipalities distributed a League Bulletin on June 18^th, providing an update on annexation legislation. The House Judiciary II Committee met on Thursday and discussed a committee substitute for HB 524 – Annexation – Omnibus Changes was discussed. The NCLM is analyzing the new version of the bill.

The substitute bill preserves the essential elements of annexation authority and does not include any requirement for a referendum on city-initiated annexations; however, the bill would make major changes to the state’s annexation laws and would make it significantly more difficult for cities and towns to undertake annexations. The NCLM has serious concerns about some provisions of the bill, particularly water and sewer requirements that will make it much more difficult to annex, especially for small cities and towns.

2. SENATE BILL 758, “Transfer Secondary Roads to Counties” – Sens. Dan Clodfelter and Bob Rucho wrote an opinion piece in the June 17^th edition of the Charlotte Observer in which they advocated for SENATE BILL 758 (the article is available online here). In this bill, they are trying to give the responsibility for the maintenance of secondary roads to local governments. They state that by trying to develop and maintain both a backbone of major transportation arteries across the state and keep up with the needs of county- and city-level secondary roads, NCDOT is no longer able to do either job very well. They advocate for the return of 64,000 miles of secondary roads should be returned to county and city responsibility.

A copy of SENATE BILL 758 and its history is available online here.

ITEM 5. OTHER

1. The town’s paving contractor hopes to start some prep work on the resurfacing contract sometime during the week of June 22^nd.

2. The Wendell Historical Society is looking for volunteers to help with its July 4^th celebration. Interested individuals should call Jenny Melton at 365-8100.

3. The Wendell Parks and Recreation Department will host the 8 and Under, 10 and Under and 12 and Under Girl’s Softball District Tournaments at Carver Field and the Doug Proctor Field from July 6^th to about July 12^th.

4. Tiger Martial Arts of Knightdale will host The Korean Tigers, a professional Tae Kwon Do demonstration team from Korea, at the Wendell Community Center on July 18^th at 6:00 p.m.

ITEM 6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

06/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
06/27 11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Eastern Regional Center Fun Day Activities @ ERC, Zebulon
07/03 Town facilities closed for July 4th holiday
07/04 3:00 p.m. Wendell Historical Society July 4th Event @ downtown Wendell
07/06 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
07/06 – 07/12 8U, 10U, and 12U Girl’s Softball District Tournaments @ Wendell Park & Carver Park
07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
07/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
07/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
08/03 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
08/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
08/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
08/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
09/07 Town facilities closed for Labor Day holiday

Wendell Police Department

15 E. Fourth Street

P.O. Box 828

Wendell, N.C. 27591

Telephone (919) 365-4444

FAX (919) 365-6603

In a combined criminal enforcement effort on US264 highway on June 17, 2009, the Wendell and Zebulon Police Department announce the following arrest:

David Avellaneda Pineda 29 of Sanford, NC was charged with trafficking cocaine by transport, trafficking cocaine by possession, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance.

Rodolfo Duque Rivera 30 of Concord, NC was charged with trafficking cocaine by transport, trafficking cocaine by possession, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance.

A kilo of cocaine (1000 grams or 2.2 lbs) was recovered from a vehicle being operated by Pineda. Both subjects were transported to the Wake County Jail where they were placed under a $1,000,000 secured bond.

The arrest included assistance from outside agencies including High Point, Archdale, and Durham.

Sergeant J. Gill

Wendell Police

Thursday, JUNE 18, 2009 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Need donations for the troops (examples):

• Dental supplies

• Toiletries

• Shaving supplies

• Sanitary supplies

• Non perishable snacks: coffee, tea bags, crystal light, Capri suns, popcorn, cookies

• Stationary supplies

• Newspapers and magazines

• Playing cards

• CDs of music

• Baby wipes

Bring donations to Wendell Post Office

Refreshments will be served

SHARE YOUR SOLDIER’S PHOTO WITH US!!!

See Judith Pate at Wendell Post Office

Also, Judith Pate has 100 bibles for the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy and needs a name and address of a member of each of the above military branches serving abroad to distribute these bible to fellow members of the military.

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

Friday, June 12, 2009

ITEM 1. JUNE 15^TH PLANNING BOARD MEETING

The agenda for the June 15^th Planning Board meeting is at the end of the Friday Memo.

ITEM 2. JUNE 19^TH PLANNING WORKSHOP

As previously mentioned, volunteers in the area of land use and transportation are planning to be in attendance on June 19^th to offer their expertise to the town. The group hopes to assist Wendell in evaluating and making land use recommendations for the Poole Road corridor. Much of the area under consideration falls within the jurisdiction of Wake County, and Wake County’s input will be sought during this process. This planning opportunity, at no cost to the town, will assist in the town’s efforts to show the County and State that preparations are being made to serve and plan for growth in this Short Range Service Area. This analysis and report will serve to bridge the area between the town’s primary corporate limits and its satellite to the west. The idea is to prepare a foundation for joining “the two Wendell’s” together as one community.

The panel will return with a report and presentation about 2-4 weeks after the workshop.

ITEM 3. UPDATE ON TOWN RESURFACING

The town’s paving contractor hopes to start some prep work on the resurfacing contract sometime during the week of June 22^nd.

ITEM 4. CONVERSION TO TIME WARNER BUSINESS CLASS PHONE AND DATA

A contractor is still working on the conversion of phone and data lines for the town’s buildings to Time Warner. The lines have all been installed between the town’s buildings, but additional work is required in the buildings, themselves. Staff hopes to have the conversion to digital phone and data services completed by July 1^st.

ITEM 5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOCUS GROUP

The following citizens were appointed to the focus group to meet with Holland Consulting about marketing issues:

• Sid Baynes

• Ginna Gray

• Terry Hodges

• Bruce Lynch

• Paul White

The members of the focus group should be contacted by Holland Consulting next week.

ITEM 6. VOLUNTEER INTERN

Josh Privette is going to work as a volunteer intern on a part-time basis for the Town of Wendell this summer. Josh is graduating from East Wake High School this week as the valedictorian of his school and will be attending NC State as a Political Science major in the fall. Josh is considering a career in local government management. Josh begins work next week. He will work some in each department in order to get a broad overview of local government.

ITEM 7. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

1. ANNEXATION – The House Judiciary 2 Committee is planning to address the annexation issue at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and again on Thursday at 10:00 am in Room 421, Legislative Office Building. The NC League of Municipalities supports HB 727/SB 472 – Annexation Changes, which would enact 20 changes to address legitimate concerns of citizens while retaining fairness of annexation for in-town residents and annexation as tool for managing growth.

2. LOCAL PROPERTY TAX DEFERMENT FOR HOMEBUILDERS – Today, Mayor Broadwell sent letters to Rep. Jackson and Sen. Blue to express his opposition to legislation introduced in the House (House Bill 852), which would defer tax liability on builders’ inventories. With the legislation, there would be a maximum of three years of deferred taxes on newly constructed homes that are for sale. The deferral applies only to the home – not land, additions, renovations, remodeling, etc. – and the taxes become payable when the home is sold.

If ratified, this legislation would be effective for FY 2009-10 and could reduce the tax levy related to "growth" that Wendell and other local governments can legally collect. Our best estimate is that this would affect roughly $2 million in property in Wendell, which represents approximately $10,000 in revenue for the town in FY 2009-10. This legislation could affect $686 million in property and cause a loss of $3.66 million in revenue for Wake County and its municipalities.

3. ROSA GILL CHOSEN TO FILL HOUSE SEAT – The leadership of the Wake County Democratic Party picked Wake County School Board Chairwoman Rosa Gill on Thursday to serve out the term of state Rep. Dan Blue. For more information, click here.

ITEM 8. OTHER

1. Chamber President Bruce Lynch stated that at least ten vendors are expected for the Farmers Market this Saturday. The hours of the Farmers Market are from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

2. The Cingular temporary cell tower arrived at Wendell Park on Wednesday. The company is scheduled work on the site on Tuesday, June 16. There may be some activity around the site over the weekend.

3. The Wake County Magistrate Office advised the town this week, stating they are suspending the practice of having a magistrate conduct business one-half day in Wendell on Fridays. Due to budget cuts, staffing issues, and other issues, all available manpower is needed in Raleigh. The county advised that they may look at starting this program again at some point in the future.

4. All employees were invited to a productive lunch-n-learn program this week concerning employee benefits with JRW and Associates, the town’s new insurance broker.

5. The Wendell Parks and Recreation Department will host the 8 and Under, 10 and Under and 12 and Under Girl’s Softball District Tournaments at Carver Field and the Doug Proctor Field from July 6^th to about July 12^th.

ITEM 9. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

06/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

06/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

06/27 11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Eastern Regional Center Fun Day Activities @ ERC, Zebulon

07/03 Town facilities closed for July 4th holiday

07/04 Wendell Historical Society July 4th Event @ downtown Wendell

07/06 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

07/06 – 8U, 10U, and 12U Girl’s Softball @ Wendell Park

07/12 District Tournaments @ Carver Park

07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

07/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/03 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

08/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

08/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

09/07 Town facilities closed for Labor Day holiday

________________________________________________________

PLANNING BOARD AGENDA

The Regular Meeting of the Wendell Planning Board

Monday, June 15, 2009 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:

• 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.

• Each individual is limited to a time of three (3) minutes in which to express his or her concerns.

• Individuals making public comments are expected to be courteous to the Planning Board.

6. Approval of Minutes:

1. May 18, 2009 minutes

7. Action Taken at Previous Town Board Meetings

• Draft Stormwater Ordinance

8. UDO Update

9. Discussion, Consideration, and Action on the Following Items:

A. Draft Stormwater Ordinance

10. Adjourn to Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

Sam Laughery, Chairperson Lee Batson, Vice Chairperson

Want to swim in Falls Lake? Think again.
This month two Falls Lake beaches have been closed due to high levels of bacteria. And this is the water we drink. Both Falls Lake and Jordan Lake -- Wake County's drinking supply reservoirs -- are rated as "impaired." That means they're polluted, from stormwater run-off and overgrown with potentially toxic algae.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR WAKE SENATORS IN THE NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND ASK THEM TO CLEAN UP THESE LAKES! Send an email or call them in the next few days and ask them to: (you may cut and paste from this email):

• Please support House bill, HB 239, which will put rules in motion to clean up Jordan Lake. Also, please bring HB 239 to a vote of the full Senate as soon as possible (attempts are being made to weaken the bill right now!). It has taken 12 years of negotiations to get here and it is time to act.
  
• For Falls Lake, please support Wake Senator Josh Stein's recommendations to move up the deadline and establish interim guidelines for developing rules to clean up Falls Lake. The state has already been given a year extension to establish rules for improving Falls Lake water quality. Action is urgently needed to set guidelines to clean up the lake!
  

Contact Wake NC Senators: Richard Stevens, Dan Blue and Neal Hunt at richard.stevens@ncleg.net; dan.blue@ncleg.net; neal.hunt@ncleg.net

Background on Lake issues:

Jordan Lake - Within just 20 years, Jordan Lake became badly polluted. Twelve years later, rules have been negotiated between the state, municipalities and other stakeholders to direct action to help clean it up. Unfortunately, some in the NC General Assembly and at the NC Dept. of Transportation don't want these rules to proceed and are trying to weaken the proposed rules. A compromise was recently negotiated between upstream cities and downstream water consumers and clean water advocates. This compromise legislation, HB 239, passed the NC House of Representatives, and now the NC Senate will consider this compromise.

Falls Lake - Falls Lake and the streams flowing into it have been declared impaired/polluted. Rules were supposed to be developed for cleaning up Falls Lake by July of this year. Well, the state isn't meeting the deadline and wants to move their deadline all the way to November, 2011! It could take many years for these rules to be developed and implemented too -- just like Jordan Lake! Meanwhile, the lake is getting worse and Raleigh's Public Utility must use more chemicals to keep it clean to drink. WakeUP is communicating with city and state officials about getting moving with the rules. We also need incentives to encourage stormwater protections of the lake NOW, until the rules are developed. Wake Senator Josh Stein got a bill passed in the NC Senate that would do just that - SB 1020. Many thanks to Senator Stein!

*** To Support WakeUP's advocacy for cleaner drinking water and protections as Wake County grows, please consider donating $20 TODAY! Click here to donate for clean water!

Monitoring Rules Public Hearing

Monday, June 15 at 7:00 PM

Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh

The NRF, along with Waterkeeper Alliance, Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, Cape Fear Riverkeeper and White Oak-New Riverkeeper Foundation, recently petitioned the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to institute rules requiring swine facilities in NC to monitor waterways running through their waste sprayfields.

This is a very important step in our efforts to invalidate the industries claim that they are not polluting the waters of our state. Certainly, we encourage you to speak if you like - and we can help you with comments should you want to participate - but just your presence would be greatly appreciated. We need to have as many people in the audience showing their support for the rules.

We look forward to seeing you then!!

Larry Baldwin	Alissa Bierma
Lower Neuse RIVERKEEPER®	Upper Neuse RIVERKEEPER®

Background and Information

Dotting the eastern North Carolina landscape are close to 4000 waste lagoons, or storage pits, where hog and poultry operations store raw urine and feces until conditions present themselves for the operators to spray the waste onto fields. Most of these fields are transected with drainage ditches that directly connect to public trust waters. Even during the best of climatic conditions, animal waste high in nutrients and fecal bacteria can make their way into streams and rivers via surface or shallow subsurface runoff. Some sprayfields are underline by drain tiles, or artificial drainage systems, which discharge directly into ditches and then to waterways.

At close to 10 million hogs, North Carolina is the number two producer of swine in the United States behind Iowa. The state now houses more hogs than people, with most of the negative environmental and health impacts occurring in the Cape Fear, Neuse, and Tar-Pamlico River basins. One can begin to comprehend the management challenges of hog waste from 10 million animals by realizing that on a per capita basis, swine produce about 10 times the fecal waste as an average human being, producing roughly 13 million pounds of waste per day for the North Carolina herd.

Now the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission has agreed with NC Waterkeepers that industrial animal operations should be required to monitor waterways running through their waste sprayfields. Such water quality monitoring will be a highly effective and reasonable way for the state and the industry to determine if current practices are protective of the state’s water resources. All other industries must monitor their waste discharge to insure that our waters are protective. It is past time for this industry to be held to similar standards.

Tell the NC Environmental Management Commission:

- To support and approve the NC Division of Water Quality’s monitoring rule that was drafted via a stakeholder process

- This rule embodies a targeted and workable alternative that protects North Carolina’s economy, its environment, and the health if its citizens.

- Through a demonstrative and preventative plan, monitoring of waste discharge from industrial animal feeding operations can efficiently and effectively reduce the environmental and human health impacts caused by animal waste discharges.

NEWS: Wake Closes Beaverdam Beach Due to High Bacteria Levels

Wake County has closed the recreational swimming area at Beaverdam Beach on Falls Lake due to elevated levels of bacteria, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards...The lake is not closed to fishing. County staff suggests that citizens call their recreational lake facilities to find out if they are open to swimming. Citizens are also reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, and thoroughly shower after swimming, tubing or skiing in area lakes.

This is the second time in under a month that Wake County has closed one of their Falls Lake swimming beaches due to high bacterial counts.

Tired of a sick and tired Falls Lake?

Contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to support Version 3 of House Bill 1099 to Amend Environmental Laws which keeps the pressure on to complete the Falls Lake Rules by September 2010.

Feel like talking to more than one person? Drum up support for Senate Bill 1020: Upper Neuse Basin Clean Water Credits which provides credit to governments that proactively implement stormwater and development protection measures prior to completion of the rules.

Action Needed by Wake County Citizens!

What has hundreds of paws, makes hundreds of people smile and needs thousands of aluminum cans to stay healthy

In the last month the N&O has covered a number of stories on the degradation of water resources (ex. "Mud, stench spoil Lake Lynn” and “Silt takes toll at Shelley.”) The existing correction and enforcement agencies simply don’t have the resources to stay ahead of the damage curve. Now Wake County has proposed to cut two FULL-TIME positions from the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) – an agency whose goal is to ensure healthy watersheds and healthy communities.

Everyone understands the need for cuts during this economic downturn, but cutting services and positions that protect our environment is a short-sighted approach that we will all pay for dearly in the future.

At 2:00 pm on Monday, June 15, Wake County will officially adopt their FY 2010 Budget, but there is still time to weigh in and tell them that cutting funding that helps protect the lake or stream in your neighborhood is not a solution; it's a problem. Please help protect the SWCD from significant cuts during the adoption of the FY10 budget!

Take Action NOW!

• Ask questions or provide feedback on the budget by emailing budget@co.wake.nc.us or calling 919-856-5480
  
• Send a prepared letter to the Board of County Commissioners
  
• Send a self-drafted email to the Board of County Commissioners
  • Harold Webb, Chair, Dist 5
    
  • Joe Bryan, Dist 1
    
  • Tony Gurley, Dist 3
    
  • Lindy Brown, Vice Chair, Dist 2
    
  • Paul Coble, Dist 7
    
  • Stan Norwalk, Dist 4
    
  • Betty Lou Ward, Dist 6
    
  • Susan Banks, Clerk to the Board

Learn more about the Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as this issue at: www.neuseriver.org

June 2009

Children's Programs

Family Preschool Story Time
Join Ms. Kathy for weekly story times including flannel boards, songs, rhymes, books, and art.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Quilt It!
Discover the southern tradition of fabric art and make a sampler!
Wednesday, June 3 @ 4:30

The Magic of Music
Learn how to read notes and carry a tune!
Wednesday, June 10 @ 4:30

Airborne Antics
Featuring the radio controlled planes of East R/C of Zebulon.
Wednesday, June 17 @ 4:30

Fun with Ronald McDonald
Don't forget your camera!
Wednesday, June 24 @ 4:30
Adult Programs

Monday Afternoon Book Club
First Monday of each month!
June book -
Dewey: a small town library cat who touched the world (Vicki Myron)
June 1 @ 1:00

In the Spirit African American Book Club
First Tuesday of each month at East Regional Library.
June book - Didn't See This Coming (S.C. Dickens)
Come meet the author!
June 2 @ 6:30

Computer Classes
Second Thursday of each month! Registration required. Call 365-2600.

Introduction to Word
Thursday, June 11 @ 9:00 a.m.

New Books for July!
Request today! Call 365 - 2600 or email
Linda.Wilkes@co.wake.nc.us

Resurrecting Hot Pursuit Jericho's

ROTH Moon Shimmer

Check out the links below for more reading suggestions!

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New Adult Nonfiction!

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Board of Commissioners Friday Update

Friday, June 5, 2009

ITEM 1. TRIANGLE TRANSIT EAST WAKE EXPRESS SERVICE ROUTE SURVEY – COMMENTS BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 12^TH

Triangle Transit, along with its partners in Raleigh, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon is requesting final feedback on draft schedules, routings, and stop locations for two new proposed express bus routes to eastern Wake County. One of the routes will be between Knightdale and downtown Raleigh; the other between Zebulon, Wendell, and downtown Raleigh. Both of these routes are tentatively scheduled for implementation in September 2009.

The Zebulon/Wendell-Raleigh Express would have three trips in the morning peak (6-9am) and three trips in the afternoon peak (4-7pm) between downtown Raleigh and up to three Park-and-Ride lots in Wendell and Zebulon. Potential Park-and-Ride lots could be located at Five-County Stadium, the old Winn-Dixie in Zebulon, and 4th Ave. in downtown Wendell. The route would also serve WakeMed Hospital on New Bern Ave. and the State Government complex in Raleigh.

To date, Triangle Transit and its partners have received more than 625 surveys about the proposed new service and had 53 participants attend a series of transportation forums earlier this spring.

To see detailed information about the proposed routes and provide your feedback by Friday, June 12th, click here. Those without internet access can view printed informational materials at the Town Hall in Knightdale, Wendell, or Zebulon or at the Eastern Regional Center and can leave a message for Triangle Transit’s service planners at 919-485-7526.

A tentative route map for the planned Triangle Transit East Wake Express Bus Service (serving Wendell and Zebulon to points in Raleigh) is available here.

ITEM 2. UPDATE ON THE FARMERS’ MARKET

Chamber President Bruce Lynch reports the Farmers’ Market continues to be a HUGE success. The market had an increase to four vendors on Saturday, and one or two additional vendors are expected this Saturday. Please continue to support this wonderful initiative.

ITEM 3. UPDATE ON URBAN LAND INSTITUTE (ULI) PROJECT

Because of criteria set by the Urban Land Institute, the June 19^th workshop will not be a ULI sponsored event. However, volunteers in the area of land use and transportation are still planning to be in attendance to offer their expertise for the workshop, as planned.

As previously mentioned, the group hopes to assist Wendell in evaluating and making land use recommendations for the Poole Road corridor. Much of the area under consideration falls within the jurisdiction of Wake County, and Wake County’s input will be sought during this process. This planning opportunity, at no cost to the town, will assist in the town’s efforts to show the County and State that preparations are being made to serve and plan for growth in this Short Range Service Area. This analysis and report will serve to bridge the area between the town’s primary corporate limits and its satellite to the west. The idea is to prepare a foundation for joining “the two Wendell’s” together as one community.

The panel will return with a report and presentation about 2-4 weeks after the workshop.

ITEM 4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The NC League of Municipalities reports that it expects the House Judiciary II Committee to take up the annexation issue next week. The NCLM supports HB 727/SB 472 – Annexation Changes, which would enact 20 changes to address legitimate concerns of citizens while retaining fairness of annexation for in-town residents and annexation as tool for managing growth.
The Senate Finance Committee has appointed an Annexation Subcommittee to deal with annexation bills, and that subcommittee is also likely to discuss the issue next week.

ITEM 5. REQUEST OF CAMPO SUPPORT FROM DOT SECRETARY CONTI

NC Department of Transportation Gene Conti has requested the support of all Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations in obtaining funding for the widening of Interstate 85 and the replacement of the Yadkin River Bridge in Davidson and Rowan counties.

Ina recent memo, Mr. Conti stated,

I-85 is the most direct and heavily traveled route between Richmond and Atlanta, and it plays a critical role in regional, statewide and interstate mobility. The 54-year-old bridge has exceeded its design lifespan and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. If the bridge is not replaced in the near future, a multi-million dollar rehabilitation would be required to keep it open to traffic. Closing the bridge would impact vehicle mobility, disrupt interstate commerce and inhibit regional economic development.

Despite its importance, NCDOT has not been able to fund this $300 million project due to budget and equity formula distribution constraints. It remains a top priority, and we need your help as we continue to seek a viable funding alternative.

This matter will placed on the agenda of CAMPO’s Technical Advisory Committee’s June 17, 2009 meeting for discussion and action.

ITEM 6. OTHER

1. Mayor Broadwell reports the Triangle J Council of Governments Anniversary Event (which had been planned for Wednesday, September 23^rd) is being delayed. The TJCOG plans to consider rescheduling the event to another date in the fiscal year.

2. At the Triangle J's Board of Delegates meeting on May 27^th, the FY2009-2010 budget was adopted. As a part of the budget, and to assist with the economic situation, the board approved a one-time dues reduction of 5% for the FY2010 fiscal year.

3. How’s your throwing arm? Mayor Broadwell, Manager Bone and Planning Director Teresa Piner will be assisting in a fundraiser at Wendell Baptist Church on Saturday, June 6^th. Each has agreed to be in the dunking booth. Manager Bone will be in the dunking booth from 12:00 to 12:30, and Mayor Broadwell will be in the booth from 12:30 to 1:00. Planning Director Teresa Piner will be in the dunking booth from 1:00 to 1:30.

ITEM 7. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

06/08 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

06/15 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

06/22 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/03 Town facilities closed for July 4th holiday

07/04 Wendell Historical Society July 4th Event @ downtown Wendell

07/06 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/20 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

07/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/03 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

08/10 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

08/17 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

08/24 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

09/07 Town facilities closed for Labor Day holiday