HAMLET – Teresa Taylor of the Briarwood Subdivision off of Hylan Ave in Hamlet addressed the Hamlet City Council about her concerns stemming from a party that got out of hand on June 30. According to Ms. Taylor, there were actual shots fired in the direction of residences. She stated she called the Hamlet Police department to report the activity and other neighbors did as well.
Ms. Taylor said she has lived in Briarwood for many years and raised her children there so she doesn’t want to see this type of unwelcome activity continue. She also pointed out 2 potholes she says have been in the subdivision for quite some time and would like to have repaired. Johnathan Buie was very responsive to her comments and asked that “anyone in this (council) room who can, take care of these issues, there is no excuse why we can’t.”
A quasi-judicial hearing was next on the agenda involving Greentegrity/ESA Solar Special Use permit for their solar farm on Hwy 74 across from the old Coca-Cola plant. The company would like to put solar panels on 25 acres of the 224 acres it owns in Hamlet. The closest residence would be 120 feet from any solar panels per the request from Greentegrity. The council was presented with an impact study from an appraiser and a proposal from an engineer outlining the safety of the materials that will be used in the solar farm. Councilman Buie complemented the presenters on the thoroughness of the decommissioning plan as well. The request for the special use was passed unanimously by the council.
RichmondCC requested a single solar array for the Richmond Early college earth/science program and the electric utility substation program at the college level. It would be located in the rear of the campus behind the Forte building and the EUS lab. The students would be able to study how power is generated, how different weather conditions affect the amount generated and how that power deteriorates over time. The power generated will go into a bank of batteries. The council approved the ordinance and waived the $150 processing fee for the college.
City Hall has gotten several calls concerning the cost of water for the filling of swimming pools and the fact that currently sewer is charged along with the water charge. Other municipalities, including the City of Rockingham, have been contacted to see what their procedure is and most have a form for a 1 time adjustment for the water charge only, no sewer included. It was suggested that the meter be read prior to filling and immediately afterward to determine an accurate amount of water used to fill the pool.
In the City Manager’s report, Jonathan Blanton stated that because of several issues with the recording of the council meetings as it was previously done, tonight will be the first time a live stream on Facebook will be available for those who wish to view the council meetings that way. He also thanked all the departments in the city who “came together for the common good” in the firework display this year.
Other business: Mayor Bayless read a proclamation for the Capital Highway High School and Monroe Avenue High School Reunion and approved the tax releases.
