HAMLET – Starting off with old business, an update on the improvements at Jack Breeden Park in south Hamlet was encouraging. The repaving of the court has been completed and the fencing will be finished in the next couple of weeks, weather permitting.
The city manager asked the council’s wishes regarding other additions that have been mentioned at previous council meetings, such as a 18’x 21’ shelter with two picnic tables, all anchored by a concrete pad, benches for the ball court sidelines, four new basketball goals to replace the existing ones, and security lighting. The council was unanimous in giving the go-ahead to include all of those items so that the area could be finished out nicely. As Councilman Martin stated, “If we are going to do it, let’s do it right.”
There was discussion of a revision of the fee schedule for several items including: an increase in the fee for a preliminary review of a subdivision plat as it would have to be brought before the Planning and Zoning Board; an increase in the fee for a contractor to have a temporary hook up for a hydrant; and an increase in the fee for tampering with a city water meter for any resident who turns their own water meter back on after the meter has been turned off for non-payment.
Whether the city wants to allow chickens within the city limits has been a topic at recent meetings. Research has been conducted by the city staff to see what surrounding towns have in their ordinances; some are complex while others are simple. The consensus was to send the request to the Planning and Zoning Board for their November meeting to get their recommendation and then let the public speak at the council meeting in December to see what the thoughts and concerns are about the subject.
A concern was voiced over how much manpower is being used to pick up non-household debris in the city of Hamlet and then the subsequent cost to the city when the debris is taken to the county landfill. Public Works Director Billy Stubbs stated that it is taking four men two days per week to get the non-household debris collected. Building materials, furniture and televisions are examples of what make up the mixture that is picked up. It was suggested continuing to monitor this situation and revisit in upcoming council meetings.
Mayor Bayless read a proclamation recognizing the importance of our veterans and in observance of Veterans’ Day.
City Manager’s report: December 6 is the Christmas Parade and if anyone wants to get information or an application, please talk to Stephanie Thornsbury at the museum or call City Hall.
City offices will be closed November 12 in recognition of Veterans’ Day.
October 19 & 20 will be the Ghost Walk in Hamlet. Call Stephanie Thornsbury at the museum or City Hall for details and tickets.
The county manager has announced that spraying for mosquitoes will start Wednesday at dusk and continue throughout the week.
In comments of council, Councilman McQueen praised the commitment to getting the job done and willingness to do whatever was required by the city employees during the recent hurricane.
He commented, “This is the proudest I have been of city employees in years. They were out there while residents were safe and dry in their homes. Everyone worked as a team.”
Councilman Buie echoed McQueen’s sentiments in his comments. He added that the city of Laurinburg had called Hamlet for assistance and “No one hesitated to go; we took care of our city and our neighbors as well.”
The next Hamlet City Council meeting will be Tuesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
