The Liberty Leader Newspaper

 

Liberty is a small, quiet, friendly rural Town in the Piedmont region that is convenient to everywhere and everything. We are 20 minutes from Asheboro and the North Carolina Zoo; 20 minutes from Burlington and some great outlet stores; 20 minutes from Greensboro and more excellent shopping and other amenities; 30 minutes from High Point and some fantastic furniture stores and bargains; and, not far from Raleigh, the state capital, Winston-Salem or Charlotte and all these Towns have to offer.

Lets not forget the other rural communities that makes this a great area to live, shop or just visit. These being Staley, Julian, Climax and Snow Camp.

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Incorporated: January 30, 1889
Location: 35.853° N Latitude 79.572° W Longitude
Elevation: 790 Feet above mean sea level
Land Area: 3.074 Square Miles
Time Zone: Eastern (Daylight Savings)
Zip Code: 27298
Area Code: 336
Fire “ISO” Rating = 4
Population (July 1, 2004): 2,747 (State Estimate--Ranked 185th in NC for population)

Minutes of the The Liberty Town Council Meeting
Held on February 25, 2008 at 7:30
To Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation, given by Council Member Pike Johnson.
Approval of Minutes
Council Member James Lee Humble made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 2008 meetings. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
RCEDC Annual Update
Ms. Bonnie Renfro of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation presented the annual update for 2007. Several investors have considered Liberty, but companies are becoming “leaner” and there has not been a good match as far as building and location. Norfolk Southern Railroad has agreed to allow a road to cross the tracks in the Liberty Business Park which will open up other areas for development.
Budget Development Calendar (FY 08/09)
The timeline for the FY08/09 Budget Calendar was approved when Council Member Pike Johnson made a motion to approve. Council Member Tracy Whatley seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous vote.
Budget Amendment
The Budget Amendment for the Providence Grove High School sewer lines was approved when Council Member James Lee Humble made a motion to approve. Council Member Pike Johnson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Posting of “No Trucks” on North Reece Street
Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to approve the posting of “No Trucks” on North Reece Street to eliminate the damage caused by vehicles in excess of three axels. Council Member Pike Johnson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Town Managers Report
Town Manager Roger Davis enclosed a copy of the letter he submitted to Lyndo Tippett, Secretary, N.C. Dept. of Transportation, urging funding for the East Liberty 49 Bypass project. He has requested all Council Members to do likewise to show the Towns interest in this project. The final approval for Well #9 has been received and at 9:30 am Wednesday, February 27, 2008 the well will be reactivated. Council is urged to come participate.
Citizen Comments
Kevin Bowman has asked the Town Council for support in the Celebrate Liberty’s Children project. While programs are available to citizens, location, travel, and childcare prohibits some citizens from utilizing these resources. Mr. Bowman is asking The Liberty Town Council to give support in writing and recommendation to agencies to make programs more centrally located.
Closed Session
Council Member Pike Johnson made a motion to go into closed session to discuss a Personnel matter. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Council Member Pike Johnson made a motion to come out of closed session of economic matters. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Minutes of the Council Meeting of
The Liberty Town Council
Held on January 28, 2008 at 7:30

PresentMayor: The Honorable John K. Stanley

Council: James Lee Humble, Tracy Whatley, Carolyn Vickrey,
Keith Slusher, Pike Johnson

Town Manager: Roger Davis

Town Clerk: Bridget Langley

Staff: Recreation Director, Martin Rierson; Police Chief, Jerry Brown; Public Works Director, Randy Welch

To Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Council Member Keith Slusher led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation, given by Council Member Pike Johnson.

Approval of Minutes
Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to approve the minutes of the December, 2007 meetings. Council Member James Lee Humble seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Public Hearing – Habitat for Humanity

Mayor Stanley called the Public Hearing to order to consider the rezoning application submitted by the Habitat for Humanity for 4 lots located along South Fayetteville Street. Mr. Reynolds Neely was present and reported the general lot pattern and development in the area supports residential use of these properties. The request is supported by Land Development Plan text, is generally in the public interest, and is a reasonable use of the property.

Having heard no opposition from the Council or Citizens, Council Member Keith Slusher made a motion to approve the request by Habitat for Humanity. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Public Hearing – Town of Liberty

Mayor Stanley proceeded with the next Public Hearing opening the floor for comments regarding the application submitted by the Town of Liberty to rezone the parcel of land between 423 & 425 West Swannanoa and West Brower Avenue. Mr. Reynolds Neely reported the request generally conforms to the Land Development Plan text and map, is in the public interest, and provides a reasonable use for the property.

Having heard no opposition from the Council or Citizens, Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to approve the request by The Town of Liberty. Council Member James Lee Humble seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.


Regular Session

Audit Report for 2006/2007

Mr. Steve Hackett, with the firm of Maxton McDowell, CPA presented the 2006/2007 Audit Report for the Town. Mr. Hackett reported the audit went smooth and had few adjustments. He pointed out the Town has a healthy fund balance by government standards and there were no issues or concerns at this time.

Budget Amendment #3

Council Member Pike Johnson made a motion to approve the Budget Amendment #3 for a donation made of $11,000.00. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Appointments to Planning Board

Council Member Tracy Whatley made a motion to reappoint Sandra Martin, Mike Fogleman, and John “Grant” Gale to another 3 year term ending January 2011. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Lifting of Water Restrictions

Council Member Tracy Whatley made a motion to lift the Mandatory Water Restriction but enact a Voluntary Water Restriction for the use of watering gardens, lawns, trees, parks, playing fields and other recreational areas, and for non-commercial washing of motor vehicles. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Proposed Irrigation Meter Rates

With the lifting of Water Restrictions, irrigation meters will be unlocked. Council Member Keith Slusher made a motion to charge irrigation customers the same rate as home use. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Town Managers Report

January 2008 has had 6 major water leaks in 6 days which involved a 6” and an 8” pipe. The Public Works Department has been up and out all through the night taking care of these leaks and even enlisted the help of Staley Plumbing in some situations.

Council Comments

Council Member Keith Slusher said he has been approached by several residents’ inquiry into the pickup of Christmas trees. Randy Welch, Public Works Director said the Department lagged behind due to the repairing of water lines but he was happy to report they are now all picked up.

Minutes of the The Liberty Town Council Held on September 24, 2007
Present
Mayor: The Honorable John K. Stanley
Council: Carolyn Vickrey, James Lee Humble
Keith Slusher, Tracy Whatley
Town Manager: Roger Davis
Town Clerk: Bridget Langley
Town Attorney: Bill Flowe
Staff: Recreation Director, Martin Rierson; Public Works Director, Randy Welch

To Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Council Member James L. Humble led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation, given by Council Member Tracy Whatley.

Approval of Minutes
Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 2007 meeting. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion which passed unanimously

Public Hearing
Town Manager, Roger Davis explained this was a quasi-judicial public hearing on a request by J.R. Developers for a special allocation from the Sandy Creek watershed 10/70 program in order to construct a 7,000 sq. ft. retail sales (Advance Auto) store on the corner of West Swannanoa and North Reece Street. The project will create 29.621 sq. ft. of impervious surface with the building and parking footprint.

Mr. Joe Byrd was recognized as the spokesperson for J.R. Developers and after being duly sworn, testified that the proposed construction met the four general standards required by applicants for approval of special uses:

1. It will not materially endanger public health and safety
2. It meets all required conditions and specifications
3. It will not substantially injure the value of adjacent property
4. It will be in harmony with the area in which it is located.

Mr. Reynolds Neely, the towns Planning and Zoning Administrator was present for any questions.


Regular Session

Approve SNIA (JR Developers SUP)
Based on the testimony given and evidence submitted by Mr. Joe Byrd, Council Member Keith Slusher made a motion to approve the SNIA request with the condition of submission of engineering site plans complying with Section 850 B & C of the Watershed SNIA. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Board Appointments
Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to reappoint Ed Butler and Frank Routh for another two year term on the ABC Board. Council Member Tracy Whatley seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Council Member James L. Humble made a motion to reappoint Warren Dixon, and Susan Primm along with appointing Judy Butler for a 2 year term on the Patterson Cottage Committee. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Flood Insurance Program
Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to submit the FEMA application and to adopt the Resolution of Intent to enact and maintain in flood areas consistent with the criteria set forth in Parts 59, 60, and 65 of the National Flood Insurance Program Regulations. Council Member Tracy Whatley seconded the motion with passed unanimously.

Resolution Approving Financing Terms of Fire Truck
Council Member Keith Slusher made a motion approving the resolution awarding the financing of the 2001 Freightliner Pumper to BB&T with an interest rate of 4.11% for 12 years. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion with passed unanimously.

Codification of Ordinances
Council Member James L. Humble made a motion to set October 22, 2007 for a Public Hearing in which to adopt the Codification of the Ordinances. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Surplus Items
Town Manager, Roger Davis submitted a list of items and equipment from the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments and asked the Council to declare them Surplus Items to be eligible for sale or disposal. Council Member Keith Slusher made a motion to declare the list Surplus. Council Member James L. Humble seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Proposed Recycle Center Lease
Council Member Tracy Whatley made a motion to approve the Randolph County Recycle Center at the Kimry Place based on written confirmation of a shorter lease and no charge for recyclables. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Town Managers Report
Every three years, Eastern Randolph High Schools homecoming parade is held in Liberty. This year the parade is planned for Friday, October 19, 2007 at approximately 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The temporary closing of North Fayetteville Street from Swannanoa Ave. to Newberry Ave. along with Depot Street from West Swannanoa Ave. to West Starmount, West Starmount to North Fayetteville Street, East Highfill Ave. from North Greensboro to Faust Street and West Bowman Avenue at North Greensboro Street to North Fayetteville Street is requested. Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to approve the street closings. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

The next County Commissioners meeting will be held on October 1, 2007 at which the County Water System will be discussed.

Adjourn
There being no further business to discuss, Council Member Carolyn Vickrey made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Keith Slusher seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

 

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