MINUTES
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 1999

Mayor Margo G. Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. In attendance were Councilmembers Harrison C. Bristoll, Jr., Thomas A. Gross, Sr., Mabel Mumford-Pautz and J. Brian Kirby, W. S. Ingersoll, Town Manager, Joan Merryman, Stenographer, and guests.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Gross moved that the minutes of the meeting of September 7, 1999 be approved as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bristoll and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey announced that the Mayor and Council has cash on hand and in banks as of September 20, 1999 of $93,330.32.

Mayor Bailey called on the Town Manager for his report and a report on the condition of the Town since the hurricane. Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Mr. Capel and his crew are doing a great job. He said Mr. Sterling and the street crew worked during the hurricane and overtime Thursday night, Friday, Saturday morning and were working late on Monday night. He said there were so many emergencies with trees falling over, storm drains to clean out and try to keep clean, and debris to be removed. He said we are working with the people to remove materials that have been destroyed which means bulk trash to be removed. He said they have been to every spot in Town. Mr. Ingersoll said he gave a rough estimate of $10,000 to FEMA when they inquired about the amount of damage for the Town itself from the storm.

Mayor Bailey asked that people be patient. She said it has been a huge job for the Town's small crew and they have worked through the whole storm to keep the drains open, the streets open, and are continuing to clean up the Town. Mr. Ingersoll said there are a lot of trees down in the "Hollow" and we will work with the property owner on clearing that out. He said that area completely filled up with 20-25' of water. He said the drains were working as it cleared within an hour of the end of the rain. He said the Town worked on that storm drain last spring so the water would drain.

Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said people should be alerted to keep children out of that area because of the mud, water and unstable trees. It could be dangerous for children.

Mr. Ingersoll said that the County-Town tax collection was working well and we received the first check for real estate taxes from the County on September 10. He said the tax bills did not go out until August.

Mr. Ingersoll said the Council was given the Y2K Compliance Plan to review. He said the Town needs to adopt the Plan and forward it to the Local Government Insurance Trust in order to assure that we are defended against frivolous suits if there are problems with Y2K. He asked if there were any comments or questions on the Plan. There being none, Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the Y2K Compliance Plan be adopted, was seconded by Mr. Gross and carried unanimously.

Mayor Bailey announced that under the Smart Growth Initiative, the 4% mortgage money is still available and another $1,000,000 has been added to the Statewide pool of funds. She said these funds are available for home purchase, however, the loans must close by December 31, 1999.

Mayor Bailey reported that Linda Walls was working on the Hot Spot Grant expansion and it will be finished in October. Mayor Bailey said she was gathering the demographics for the expansion of the grant area.

Mayor Bailey reminded the Council of the executive session set for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 1999 to discuss a legal matter.

Mayor Bailey asked if there were any questions or comments. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz said she attended the COG luncheon on September 15, 1999. She said it was always informative to keep up to date with what the different Towns and the County is doing.

Mayor Bailey said if there were no further comments, she would take a motion to approve the bills. Mrs. Mumford-Pautz moved that the bills be paid as presented, was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Mr. Bristoll moved that the meeting be adjourned at 7:50 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Kirby and carried unanimously.

Submitted by:
Joan Merryman
Stenographer

Approved by:
Margo G. Bailey
Mayor