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BEULAVILLE — Wendy Henderson addressed the Beulaville town board on behalf of the Duplin County Department of Social Services (DSS) at the board’s monthly meeting last week. Henderson’s presentation highlighted the various ways the community can benefit from DSS services.
“Our goal is to provide eligibility for public assistance programs as well as help alleviate human suffering, protect children, disabled adults, and elderly adults to help them become self-sufficient,” Henderson said. Some of the services available that she listed included food nutrition, Work First, medical assistance, daycare assistance, low-income energy assistance, crisis assistance, program integrity, medical transportation, and social services. Henderson encouraged the community to contact DSS either by coming in person to 423 N. Main Street, Kenansville, or by calling 910-296-2200. Henderson left pamphlets at the town hall and answered questions from the board about services available for specific groups, such as refugee assistance.
Interim Town Manager Lori Williams and Public Works Director Ricky Raynor then summarized their report on services used and gave updates on the water line project. They reported that the project is almost done with tie-ins and will start cutting all the old lines next.
“Within two to three weeks, they should be cutting up asphalt, cleaning it up, and pouring concrete,” town officials said. Concerns about potholes were addressed, and it was clarified that some of the areas of concern were outside of the town limits. Chief of Police Jamie Rogers reported that the Beulaville Police Department will have two positions opening on July 21.
Williams then requested and received board approval to submit disbursement requests to the state on behalf of the Division of Water Infrastructure-funded projects, CDBG grant assistance from Adams Company, and Town Attorney Justin Hunter to continue his services. Mayor Hutch Jones asked for clarity on communication with the public concerning code enforcement, sign regulations, tickets, recycling bins, and the transition to County Animal Control for animal problems. Williams reported that communication has been improving, less tickets are having to be written, and the town’s updated website (with access to all the information) will be available soon.
The board discussed the pros and cons of food trucks and whether or not an ordinance should be considered to limit their activity in the town because of how they may negatively impact existing businesses. Williams stated that there were no zoning issues involved, and no laws prohibiting their operation as long as they had the landowners’ permission. Attorney Hunter believed there might be options available to help regulate food truck businesses. Hunter and Williams agreed to meet later to discuss possible legal solutions.
The board then discussed a cleared lot on W. Church Street that remains partially uncleared following demolition.
Public Works said the lot debris had been buried and has settled. He affirmed that the only option is to keep hauling in dirt to cover it and level it out.
During the meeting, public comments were invited, and a constituent inquired about recycling bins. Mayor Jones announced that the blue recycling bins are delivered weekly for an additional fee of $1.50 per month. The new service started on July 9. The bins are the same size as the trash bins and are used to collect recyclables in bulk. These recyclables are transported to a facility in Jacksonville for sorting and recycling.
Both trash and recycling bins are collected by automated trucks rather than individual labor. Therefore, residents should place the bins 12-24 inches away from the road to ensure the trucks have enough space to pick them up.
