Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
GREENEVERS — Mayor Diane Brown swore in Roszena Bivens as a new commissioner at the town board meeting on July 14, at the Greenevers Community Center.
Wendy Henderson then addressed the board on behalf of the Duplin County Department of Social Services (DSS). Her presentation included the various ways that DSS services can help the community, including food assistance, energy bill assistance, and medical transportation. Henderson encouraged the community to contact DSS by either applying online at NC.gov , visiting 423 N. Main Street, Kenansville, or calling 910-296-2200.
Town Clerk Emma Brinson provided updates on various projects. No bids were received for the pump house rebuild, prompting the planning engineer to seek approval for an individual contractor. Well generators have been delivered and are being attached to existing well houses. New meters and lids are pending a response from the DOT. The 2023 CDG home rehabilitation project has completed title searches and will soon contact homeowners to discuss plans and begin the bidding process. A truck and a maintenance yard are currently up for sale, but no serious offers have been received yet.
Employee benefits were discussed due to the expiration of the health benefit trust. Delta Dental, Metlife, and USAA have secured replacement insurance starting July 1, but overall health insurance options remain open. The board discussed continuing to look at more options.
“Employees are more interested in getting help with retirement than they are with health insurance,” Town Clerk Brinson said.
A draft of the subdivision ordinance was discussed. Bivens, who is also on the Planning Board, said that they are looking through the process to create a subdivision, but training is needed. She also told the board that it would have to appoint a subdivision administrator for the work. Brown recommended contacting The Eastern Carolina Council of Governments for training and clarification on the needed qualifications for a subdivision administrator.
An internal control policy was discussed to help meet the concerns of state audits for all ARP funding projects. The new policy will be ready for adoption at the August board meeting. Compliance forms necessary for USDA Rural Development funding were also discussed. Brinson planned to meet with USDA representative, Stephanie Hardison, to present the necessary paperwork and provide a walk-through tour of the funded projects in August.
Financial reports showed a net income of $25,660.66 for the month.
A proposal for services from Clear Gov was discussed. The board expressed skepticism for the business concerning changing rates on their services. The program provides translation of documents for local government transparency to constituents. The board felt there was no need for the services “in such a rural area,” so it would “not be a good use of the town’s money.”
The board approved sending letters to constituents regarding a 2.5% increase in water and sewer charges starting Sept. 1. The letters will also address their responsibility concerning replacing driveway tiles. Letters are going to be sent out in enough time for constituents with questions to attend the August board meeting.
Workshops with Strategic Planning will be held in Fayetteville on Aug. 20-21. The workshops would help the town develop plans for grant funding for infrastructure. A new vendor for cleaning ditches will be invited to the August meeting, and quotes for community center cleaning services are being sought.
Additionally, two non-profits are hosting backpack giveaways at the Community Center on Aug. 16 and 17. The fire department announced the purchase of a new truck and the hiring of three part-time firefighters. The fire department is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the fall.
