HAMLET – On the evening of August 14, the chairs in the meeting chambers of the Hamlet City Council were full—for awhile. After the meeting was called to order by Mayor Bill Bayless and the invocation given by Reverend Chris Hawk, the minutes from the July meeting were approved.
Despite the large number of people seated in the chambers with their water bills in their hands, only four people addressed the City Council with personal concerns about the increase in the water bills in August. The first lady exclaimed she “about fell out” when she opened her bill. A couple expressed concern about a $30 increase in their water bill. A gentleman from East Rockingham said he was there to speak as a representative for people that were on disability and had financial problems, saying that they would not be able to pay their water bills.
City Manager Jonathan Blanton addressed each of their concerns, explaining the need for the rate increase, and that the consumers had received notices in the mail for three months prior to the August bill going out. He also said that he would be glad to send someone out to check to make sure there wasn’t a leak in the system that could be a reason for the increase in water usage. “The Hamlet water treatment plant is over 100 years old and the sewage treatment plant is more than 40 years old. There has been no water rate increase in 10 years. The city cannot continue to operate in a deficit—the deficit in this department was $400,000 last year. Upgrades are needed for the Hamlet facilities, and those need to be addressed sooner rather than later. We are looking out for the future of Hamlet.”
Moving on to new business, Tommy Overby with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality presented an award to Robert Brown of the Hamlet Water Treatment Plant for excellence in operation of the plant and its water quality. Brown also expressed his appreciation to Danny Nesbitt (who was present) and all of his staff who operate the plant around the clock and keep the water quality so high. Councilman Jesse McQueen added that it was a shame that the large group of citizens who left after the discussion about the water bill increase didn’t see the award presentation. There was also discussion about a proposal from Wooten Company for waste water treatment plant improvements (which will occur in four phases). The cost for the proposal is $17,500 and was approved by the council.
Chuck Cobb, serving as chairman of the 2018 Seaboard Festival, and Chris Carpenter, treasurer, gave an update on the plans for the festival scheduled for October 27. Many folks are working hard to make sure it is a success, and Cobb thanked the city for its assistance. The 5K run, car show, crafters, vendors, a variety of entertainment—all this and more are part of the day-long event. Currently, they have 124 vendors lined up and 150 spaces sold. “Thinking back about the history of the Seaboard Festival, we know it is a big reflection on the city itself,” said Carpenter. “We know now that we need more volunteers, and we are requesting that members of the City Council think of people who may have helped in the past and to come back to the next meeting with some names of others willing to help with the festival.”
Considerable discussion was held about a burned home at 1305 McDonald Avenue. It is a safety hazard and the owner passed away, leaving the property to a person who has not expressed interest in repairing the home or maintaining the property. The appropriate people have been contacted about the home, and a motion was passed to demolish the house and clear the property.
An agreement was approved for the recognition of city fire and EMS as a wilderness search and rescue resource, as all the needed equipment is already part of their inventory. There was also a review of some zoning map amendments which impact Richmond Community College, and a request for a cellular tower across the street from the Public Works building.
An approval for the reappointment of Wanda Auman to the Hamlet Housing Authority Board passed, and David Quick and Dewey Browder were appointed to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board. A motion was made and approved of the tax settlement for the fiscal year of 2017-2018 of 94.25%.
Mayor Bill Bayless read a proclamation recognizing the month of September as Chiari Malformation Awareness Month. This is a structural defect in the base of the skull and the cerebellum which can impact people of all ages.
Closing remarks were shared by City Council members, many which centered upon the recent water bills increase. They agreed that the city cannot continue to operate at a deficit, this last year being $400,000, so the increase was necessary. “We just have to be more conservative,” said Jonathan Buie.
If you have any concerns with your water bill this month, feel free to call City Hall at (910)582-7983 and they will do their best to address your concerns.
