Oak Ridge Town Council meeting

OAK RIDGE town council WHAT they voted on, April 7 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS and HOW they voted:

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.

RESOLUTION, PRESENTATION

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 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.

PUBLIC SAFETY

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.

Swaringen said on the same day earlier this month, four people visiting Triad Park in Kernersville reported the theft of items from their locked cars. He urged motorists to put valuables out of sight even when their vehicles are locked. 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.

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.

Questions? Call (336) 644.7009

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

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT

 4 0 to elect Spencer Sullivan, 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.

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 10 APRIL 21 - MAY 4, 2022 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 staff is also processing 25 petitions from property owners whose applications were held over from last year. Veterans Honor Green donations

 5 0 to instruct Sam Anders, the 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

Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider Oak Ridge Town Clerk Sandra Smith (left) swears former council member and mayor Spencer Sullivan into offi ce at the April 7 town council meeting after the council unanimously elected Sullivan to serve the remainder of Doug Nodine’s council term; Nodine, who has been battling health issues, resigned his seat on the council last month.

advocate,” Schneider suggested the town delay adding Wi-Fi coverage in the park until after construction of a cell phone tower on Oak Ridge Military Academy property, which she said may improve service for surrounding customers.

Kinneman said cellular service from the new tower wouldn’t benefit users of devices such as tablets and laptops that rely upon hot spots to connect to the internet. McClellan said Wi-Fi coverage would ease transactions for food vendors during festivals and Oak Ridge Youth Association volunteers posting scores.

Pittman said Wi-Fi equipment in the park would create a base for additional services, such as technology to enable the hearing impaired to better enjoy concerts.

Sullivan recommended town staff post signs identifying areas of the park where Wi-Fi is available; which could also reinforce that coverage doesn’t reach all corners of the park.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 A representative of Triad Hindu Temple on Alcorn Road invited the community to attend the temple’s food and cultural festival Saturday, April 9. The event featured 11 vendors selling food, plus dancing and other activities.  Phyllis Clodfelter recommended the historic Redmon house in Town Park be renovated as a welcome center, a museum or a venue for family reunions and weddings.

“We have this heritage that can be saved and enjoyed by a lot of people,” said Clodfelter, a lifelong Oak Ridge resident. She added the house represents the town’s farming and rural character and suggested rocking chairs be placed on the porch as part of the restoration.  John Browning complimented the Special Events Committee for its efforts to construct Veterans Honor Green in Heritage Farms Park.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

 5 0 to approve a budget transfer of $850 from the town’s fund balance to the Special Events Committee to purchase additional luminaries for the holiday display in the park. Buying the luminaries now will lock in the current pricing, according to Anders.

COMMUNITY UPDATES How Far Down The Path Can You See?

It’s always time to think about tomorrow. And all the tomorrows to follow.

It takes vision to protect what you’ve built up. That’s where First Citizens Wealth Management comes in. We’re this country’s largest familycontrolled nancial company, with a third generation of leadership guiding us into the future. It’s the same vision that can help you see where your nances should be taking you – today, tomorrow and down life’s pathway. First Citizens Wealth Management. Forever First.®

rstcitizens.com/wealth

INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

Conservation Easement Committee. Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government Vice Chair Ron Simpson reported the agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does committee has scheduled an informa- not guarantee future results. tional meeting for May 11, 4-6 p.m. at First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Town Hall to inform the public about Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens the town’s efforts to preserve property Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. and historic structures by offering grants Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/ to enter conservation easements. SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services. Special Events Committee. Chair Patti Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC. Dmuchowski reported the committee The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 has begun selling engraved brick pavers ...continued on p. 47 APRIL 21 - MAY 4, 2022 11