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S’fi eld Dec. 13 Town Council meeting
Dec. 13 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:
as reported by CHRIS BURRITT
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SUMMERFIELD – Mayor Tim Sessoms called the monthly meeting in Summerfield Community Center to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett present.
DeVaney offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
4 1 to approve the consent agenda, which included the meeting agenda, approval of open session minutes of the Nov. 10 meeting and the town’s agreement for Seegars Fence Co. to erect a fence for the town’s dog park at a cost of $32,858. The lowest of three bidders, the Greensboro-based company will install 1,347 feet of black vinyl-coated chain link fence standing 5 feet tall, according to the project’s quote summary.
DeVaney voted against approving the consent agenda because of a change to the meeting agenda. A few minutes earlier, Robinson had requested the council delay for a month consideration of the appointments of Linda Wendelken to the Board of Adjustment and Tara Peterson and Ron Collier as alternates on the Planning Board.
Earlier, DeVaney and Doggett interviewed the three candidates and were prepared to give a recommendation for each of them.
Later in the meeting, Don Wendelken, Linda’s husband, said he was puzzled by the delay in considering the nominations, especially since the town is struggling to recruit volunteers to serve on committees and boards.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Garbage pickup. Republic Services is raising its annual price for picking up garbage and recycling by 4.05%, effective Jan. 1. The quarterly rate for service will increase to $56.37, finance officer Dee Hall said.
The increase reflects a jump in the Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Williams DeVaney and council members Jeff Davis, Janelle Robinson, Reece Walker and John Doggett voted on the following items during the council’s Dec. 13 meeting. Mayor Tim Sessoms was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie. 4 1: (DeVaney opposed) Approve the consent agenda 5 0: Approve the rezoning of 3.75 of nearly 44 acres at 6317 U.S. 158 for the development of three residential building lots 5 0: Approve the rezoning of 2.8 acres on N.C. 150 to limit the commercial uses of the property 5 0: Amend the town’s unified development ordinance to eliminate what town staff described as unintended consequences related to the scenic corridor area overlay districts
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Goard stands with the plaque he received at Summerfi eld Town Council’s Dec. 13 meeting, after council and staff members shared words of appreciation for his 10 years of service to the Town of Summerfi eld.
consumer price index, as allowed by Republic’s contract with Summerfield. Parks and Recreation director. Council members and town staff applauded Parks and Recreation director Jeff Goard for 10 years of service with the town. It was noted that for some families, participating in sports is their first – 10 DEC. 15, 2022 - JAN. 4, 2023 The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 and sometimes only – interaction with Summerfield. He represents the town
well, council members and town staff said.
Goard proved to be “a lifesaver” in taking charge of Summerfield’s parks a decade ago, Town Manager Scott Whitaker said, adding that as responsibilities have been added to Goard’s job, he’s basically “on call constantly.”
As a member of a small, closeknit town staff, Goard “is the glue that binds us,” Hall said.
Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO Summerfi eld resident and fi refi ghter Grant Page (center) receives a plaque presented by Town Council member and fellow fi refi ghter Reece Walker in appreciation for his 26 years of service to Summerfi eld. To Page’s left is his wife, Cameron.
“You’re one of those unsung heroes of the town,” Davis added. Retiring Summerfield firefighter. The council also recognized Grant Page, retiring as a driver for the Summerfield Fire District after 26 years of service.
Page’s service reflects his willingness to embrace the requirements of the job “that get harder every year,” said Michael Page, his cousin and a Summerfield fireman. “We’re proud of him. That’s a lot of years of service.”
Page has “always had a heart for service,” said Darlene Page, his mother. She thanked the fire department and the community as a whole for supporting her son, and said, “Summerfield is Grant’s village.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it responded to 143 incidents in November, including 83 EMSrelated calls, 29 fire-related calls and 31 other calls. Firefighters installed 25 child safety seats. Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 270 calls for service in Summerfield last month, resulting in 22 formal case reports. Incidents included the theft of more than $1,000 in meat products from Food Lion on U.S. 220 and theft of the catalytic converter from the town’s work truck parked at Town Hall.
Later in the meeting, Whitaker said town staff is exploring additional security measures at Town Hall.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Gail Dunham reiterated earlier criticism of town staff, suggesting they should be more responsive to her public records requests and should conduct more business in public.
In response, Sessoms said residents would have an opportunity to express their views during three public hearings later in the meeting. Whitaker said supporting documents for the meeting’s agenda are posted on the town’s website.
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