Greenevers board reviews infrastructure, community projects

GREENEVERS — Commissioner Rozena Bivens was sworn into office early in the evening at the Jan. 12 meeting in Greenevers. The meeting continued with project updates from Town Clerk Emma Brinson including partial completion of the water and sewer extension, fire hydrant replacements, and renovations starting on well houses and the water tower. Mayor Diane Brown questioned why $10,000 of the town’s funds had to be used for parts to fix two hydrants when 18 hydrants are in need of repair or replacement.

In November, Brinson shared that the N.C. Municipal ARP funding included mass grant writing to assist towns. The town approved seeking their assistance in the hopes of funding fire hydrants, stormwater, sidewalks, small business, public housing and recreation. At the time, Brinson said this opportunity would most likely help with grants for sidewalks and recreation. After working with them, she was able to affirm in the January meeting that she was correct. Though the town is likely to welcome grant funds for sidewalks and recreation, Brown was discouraged to see no other funds discovered for the town’s more pressing needs.

In other updates and news.

• The planning board set a meeting with Carlton Gideon for 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 to review plans concerning the subdivision annex.

• Designation of a town representative for the East Carolina Council was discussed, but no commissioner committed to the role.

• The board also discussed drainage problems on Lillian Moore Road and how much the town is responsible for. An estimate was given for part of the work, but it came in high. The board requested Brinson seek more estimates. A tax release was approved in order to separately bill the actual owner of the property in question.

• Financial reports were shared, and the board discussed ordering leather office chairs to move the board meetings back to town hall.

• A grease buildup in the community center’s pipes prompted the board to discuss repairs and maintenance.

• The planning board decided to close the center’s gates at night to prevent extended parking. Concern over recent violence and misuse of the lot has caused the town to decide it needs to protect its property.

• The board discussed other repairs needed including replacement of the 10-year-old toilets in the building. The meeting adjourned shortly after this discussion.