OAK RIDGE town council
April 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT OAK RIDGE – Mayor Ann Schneider called the regular monthly meeting in Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman present. Finance Committee chair John Jenkins offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Joslin and other members of the Old North State Detectorists Club presented 19th century artifacts they recovered from two former farm properties in the town; the items, which included a Confederate saddle stirrup, two buckles and a button, have been mounted for display in Town Hall.
RESOLUTION, PRESENTATION
Sheriff’s Office. Cpl. J. Swaringen reported the District 1 sheriff’s office has responded to break-ins and thefts from more than two dozen unlocked vehicles in the Henson Forest neighborhood; investigators have identified a suspect in the incidents.
Arbor Day. Schneider proclaimed April 7 as Arbor Day in Oak Ridge, supporting national efforts to protect trees and woodlands. She noted the town has a Tree Committee and its efforts have led to Oak Ridge’s recognition as a Tree City USA for four years. Detectorists Club. President Rodney
PUBLIC SAFETY
Swaringen said on the same day earlier this month, four people visiting Triad Park in Kernersville reported the theft of
WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan, Martha Pittman and Spencer Sullivan voted on the following items during the April 7 meeting. Early in the meeting, Sullivan was elected to replace Doug Nodine, who resigned his seat last month.
4 0: Elect Spencer Sullivan to replace council member Doug Nodine 5 0: Appoint Jim Harton to the Water Advisory Board 5 0: Instruct finance officer Sam Anders to transfer $17,660 to the
restricted fund earmarked for developing the veterans’ site in Heritage Farm Park
5 0: Accept a proposal to provide Wi-Fi coverage to Town Park at a cost of $15,352 5 0: Approve a budget transfer of $850 to the Special Events Committee items from their locked cars. He urged motorists to put valuables out of sight even when their vehicles are locked.
were held over from last year.
Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Ken Gibson reported the department handled 54 calls last month, including 22 EMSrelated calls, eight motor vehicle accidents and numerous grass and woods fires. He urged people to refrain from burning outside when it’s dry and windy. Firefighters obtained 643 training hours.
5 0 to instruct Sam Anders, the
COUNCIL APPOINTMENT 4 0 to elect Spencer Sullivan,
The Town of Oak Ridge invites you
to learn more about plans for our commercial areas • VIEW a draft of new guidelines at www.oakridgenc.com • ATTEND a presentation on Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. Public comments invited. The plan will be considered by Town Council on Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in Oak Ridge Town Hall.
APRIL 21 - MAY 4, 2022
MANAGER’S REPORT Appointment
5 0 to appoint Jim Harton to the Water Advisory Board.
Voluntary annexation update. Town Manager Bill Bruce said the town has received 10 voluntary annexation petitions from property owners ahead of the April 15 application deadline. Town staff is also processing 25 petitions from The Northwest Observer •property Totally owners local since 1996 whose applications
Questions? Call (336) 644.7009 10
a former council member and mayor, to replace Doug Nodine, who resigned from the council last month. Following complimentary remarks by council members, Sullivan was sworn in by Town Clerk Sandra Smith. “Come on up; we’ve got a seat waiting for you,” Schneider told Sullivan, who immediately joined the four other council members in conducting town business.
Veterans Honor Green donations
town’s finance officer, to transfer $17,660 in first-quarter donations to the Veterans Honor Green to the restricted fund earmarked for developing the veterans’ site in Heritage Farm Park. Led by the Special Events Committee and boosted by matching funds from the town, contributions for the estimated $150,000 project now exceed $95,000, Smith said.
NEW BUSINESS
Wi-Fi service in Town Park
5 0 to accept a proposal to provide Wi-Fi coverage in Town Park at a cost of $15,352.
The bid by internet provider Netcom Cabling Inc. divided the work into three phases, starting with Wi-Fi coverage near the concessions stand, then at the amphitheater and playground, and then at the pavilion. The council decided to proceed with the three phases at the same time, reducing the cost by $750. “There will be some dead spots,” noted Kinneman, explaining that internet coverage won’t extend to the woods and some other areas of the park. Internet service will cost the town about $75 a month, he said. Saying she was playing “devil’s
