Chamber president, chairman visit Oakboro

By Tiffany Thompson, Staff Writer

Thursday, August 7, 2008 August 07, 2008 02:20 pm

— Special guests for the Oakboro town council meeting Monday night were Tom Ramseur, president of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, and Steven Aldridge, chairman to the chamber board.
“We’re thankful for the support and relationship this town has shown to the Chamber of Commerce,” Ramseur said.
“We’re also proud of the economic developments this town has taken in bringing more jobs to the region.”
Aldridge reaffirmed Ram-seur’s gratitude and asked that Oakboro continue to provide support to the chamber.
Also during the meeting:
n A public hearing was held to allow residents to voice opinions for or against the proposed flood plain ordinance and FEMA maps.
After no one spoke on either side, the council voted to approve the ordinance and maps.
n The council also voted to approve the capital project resolution for the project with the McCoy’s Creek Pump Station.
After about three years of experiencing sewer spills from the pump station, the town determined it would be in their best interest to make repairs to the station as well as lay a parallel forced main.
The capital project resolution states the cost of the project, and from where the funds are coming.
Approximately $500,000 is provided through the Rural Economic Development Center, the USDA is providing a $1 million loan and the town is paying approximately $370,000 for the project.
n Council also voted to pass a resolution stating the water and sewer rates would be 1.5 percent of the median household income (mhi) for the first 5,000 gallons of use.
Larry Branch, town administrator, said the 1.5 percent was not a change from the current water and sewer rates but had to be officially stated for the application for loan assistance for the sewer improvements.
n Branch also announced a joint meeting would be held with David Fencl, senior planner with the North Carolina Division of Community Assistance, the planning and zoning board and town council on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
n Keith Dry, a resident of Oakboro, asked the council to consider changing the timing for the stop light at the intersection of Main Street and N.C. 205 because he believes only approximately two vehicles can pass through the light before it changes.
n Councilwoman Georgia Harvey announced the construction is well under way for the new concession stand at Oakboro District Park.
Construction for the amphitheater is pending project approval.
Councilman Terry Whitley also wanted to make the town aware that much of the materials and labor for the concession stand has been donated.
n Police Chief Joe Lowder informed the council that the police department responded to 170 calls in July, with the majority falling on July 4.
He also announced each of the officers with the department had ben trained at and successfully passed radar school.
n Lowder also informed the council that the department recently purchased a 2005 Chevy Tahoe, which cost $14,000.
He said he gets better gas mileage, approximately 15 miles to the gallon, than the Crown Victoria and Dodge Charger and cost less than both.
n Harvey requested the council look into moving a fence and a sign on Eighth Street that obstructs the line of sight for drivers of vehicles that are lower to the ground.
She also requested the right of way along N.C. 205 at Hill Street be mowed because the grass obstructs the line of sight as well.
n Mayor Joyce Little read an invitation from Albemarle Mayor Elbert “Whit” Whitley and Albemarle City Council to join them, along with the parks and recreation department, at Don B. Montgomery Memorial Park for the official ground breaking for the Roger F. Snyder Greenway on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
n Little also read a letter from Rick Jackson, corrections administrator for Lanesboro Correctional Institute, which thanked the town of Oakboro and those in attendance of the Fourth of July activities for the support shown to law enforcement officers.

Contact Tiffany Thompson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24 or snaponline24@carolina.rr.com.