OFNEIT BBd CARO!  TOWN OFI NEWLAND 05/02/2023 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING  ATTENDING:  Mayor: Derek Roberts  Alderman: Kenny Caraway, Gail Haller, Christie Hughes, James Johnson Guests: Rick Flowe (N Focus Representative), Republic Representative Tracy  Lauren Turbyfill  Nestes, Republic Representative Don Phelps, Virgina Foxx, Teresa Foxx, Kenan Foxx, Nathan Gittner, William Costner, Lily Kincaid, Sandy Lewis, Dane Phillips, Cobbie Palmer  Staff: Town Administrator Bill Bailey, Town Clerk Jennifer Beam, Police  Captain Michael Fields, Public Works Supervisor Gary Lewis, Melisa Borkowski, Finance Officer Jessica Buchanan, Town  attorney Gerald McKinney  The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., reminded everyone of ethics awareness, and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. James made ai motion to approve the April minutes; Christie seconded the motion, and all agreed by a show of hands and stating aye. James made a motion to adopt the agenda. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed by a show ofhands and stating  aye. AGENDA: NF Focus  Bill quickly summarized N Focus planning and zoning and introduced N Focus representative Rick Flowe. He said he would like to bring in a specialist who is familiar with North Carolina's system and has an abundance of local knowledge. He said that because zoning takes a while, it would be wise to have the conversation right away. Rick began by discussing his expertise in    planning and zoning and then went on to dispel some: misconceptions. Zoning, according tol him, is more about establishing rules and specifications than it is about regulation. For Rick, planning and zoning lay the groundwork for structures in North Carolina and are more concerned with the community's character and aspirations for its future development. Rick emphasized the value of ac comprehensive plan that takes into account all of the moving pieces in a community and said he thought moderation was the key to success. Lauren questioned Rick about the cost of developing a comprehensive plan. Rick went on to say that he was unable to give aj price since Patty Raider runs the business and a development ordinance generally takes a year and a halfto complete. Rick said there is mapping involved and a lot more that goes into it. Therefore, Patty usually sets things up over a period of approximately three budget years or three fiscal years. Rick stated that the company should doi it in an enjoyable and beneficial way: rather than trying to carve down their prices, and that Patty Raider will likely have something about the cost by the  end oft the week or possibly the next week to send to Bill.  Republic  Republic stated that everyone at the previous meeting had more questions than they could possibly address, sO they invited Don Phelps, their senior municipal and job manager, who has a little more expertise in the municipal sector. Tracy discussed Republic's history, why Republic was a wise choice, and one of the town's best possibilities. She said Republic prioritizes safety and sustainability and that franchises have six costs, including fuel, depreciation, tires, and labor. She stated that the town's contract expires at the end of. June and that she wanted everyone to know how much Republic gives back to the community by employing over 30j people and paying taxes, but not Newland. She stated that the Town of Boone's dumpster pricing is double what they charge Newland, and their residential collection pricing is competitive. She suggested signing a one-year extension and having workshops to create an RFP in September to be competitive by October. She told the board that due to supply chain challenges and inflation, it would take someone until then to buy the necessary machinery and also provide a competitive price, but nevertheless, Republic is still dediçated to serving the town safely and at the lowest cost. Derek wanted tol know ifthe extension covered the town switching tol Republic exclusively. Tracy confirmed that this is the definition of a franchise, and she offered to give the General Statutes. Additionally, she mentioned that it was in the contract that was finalized in 1998. Derek explained that this is the reason he used the word "mafia" and that he was shocked and amazed that the town signed that. Tracy mentioned that she could probably name close to 2,600 towns all throughout the country that had the same contract. Derek stated that he owns two small businesses that have been very successful for quite some time, but he cannot comprehend how Republic has the power to tell our townspeople what trash service they can use. just because of Tracy went on to explain that if we do not sign this contract with Republic, the town will lose access to a free service worth six thousand dollars, which entails that Republic will no longer pick up trash at the town hall or the library at no additional cost. Since this benefit will be taken away if the town does not sign with Republic, the town will need to factor this cost into its budget. Derek asked Mr. Costner his thoughts on whether he believed it acceptable for people in  what thel board signed.    the community to only bej permitted to use. Republic. William Costner said he was not okay with it, but the town does get a benefit. Tracy said yes, the town gets a benefit, and the town provides the lowest cost to the customers, and it was bid out. Derek said he didn't know if there was anybody competitively bidding back then. Tracy said that there was Highland and several more, and she could get that information. Kenny said he'd like to see that information. There was an energetic conversation about the RFP and opening it up to let residents come and talk about it. Derek said he's had people agree with Mr. Costner, but he sees both sides. Derek said he doesn't want to force his town's residents to use Republic because it's cheaper. Derek then says that Republic is great in one of his businesses, so he's not complaining. Don said Republic's fees for the township won't change whether it's ai restaurant or al hardware store, but others will. Tracy suggested the town enter an open market first, then call Boone to determine pricing. James asked what republic charged residentially. Tracy said they charge $17.00 a month with once-a-week pick-up, and that Republic is giving the municipality plenty of1 leeway to research and come back with the best recommendation. Lauren asked Tracy for dumpster prices. Tracy said that is aj part oft thej privacy contract and would vary on collections per week, but your regular 8-yard dumpster is $4.01 per yard with a once-a-week pick-up. Lauren questioned what residents would pay for breaking the exclusivity pact. Tracy estimated double, stating that Republic invested $350,000 on  a vehicle, parts, carts, and dumpsters to serve the neighborhood.  Appalachian waste  Dane introduced himself and his partner, Cobbie. He discussed Republic's increased fees and dumpster trash pickup. He stated that he wants to better our community and assist the people because he grew up here and his children are growing up here. He indicated that he cannot compete with Republic but that he will do anything the municipality requires and that Appalachian Waste Management has everything necessary to make the changeover from Republic, including four-wheel-drive trash trucks capable of picking up in the winter. James asked what Dane's prices were. Dane stated that their monthly costs for an eight-yard dumpster with weekly pickup are $250. And they would make certain that it was clean with no additional fees, and residential pickup would' be $35 per month. James askedi ifDane had customers in town now and what kind of comments they had when they began service with Dane. Dane said customers have complained about missed pickups and overcharges. Lauren asked if Dane's density increased, would he be able to cut his costs? Dane said yes. Tracy stated that things like hydraulic spills and unsightliness around dumpsters could be included in a contract with Republic. James asked Kenny to talk about his experience with Republic. Kenny stated that there was an overflowing dumpster in town that had been parked in a handicapped parking spot for three months. The bin was overflowing with building materials, and there was debris on the sidewalk. He added that he and the Republic driver had an argument and that he had toj phone the police department. Tracy expressed her appreciation to Kenny for sharing his story. Derek asked ifhe could get a motion to move forward with this as an open competitive situation. Jamey made ai motion that on June 30th we terminate and do not renew the Republic contract, and we leave the trash service for the citizens and the businesses of Newland up to them. Kenny seconded the  motion. All agreed by a show ofhands and stating aye.    William Costner  The Newland Volunteer Fire Department's William Costner expressed his worries about communication between the town and the fire department. He stated that there were some comments implying that the Newland Fire Department may have provided water to some individuals. William inquired as to the accuracy of these remarks. Derek stated that the town is working on a budget and that the town will meter the fire department not to bill the fire department but to keep track ofhow many gallons the fire department is using because the town is losing roughly 900,000 gallons per year. Bill stated that the town is just trying to figure out how much the fire department uses in a year sO that it can deduct that amount from the amount that the town can't figure out where it is because there could be leaks in the system, and his concern is this huge gap between what we say we bill and what we say we pump, but the town was not asking the fire department to do this in case of emergency. Bill predicted that the meter William Costner stated that the fire department is willing to work with the town, but they could fill up on High School Road rather than at the station. He also stated that the fire department has many ways to get water that the town will never know about, but they have nothing to hide and they're here for the town. Bill expressed confusion because Mr. Costner said he did not mind the meter, but ift the town made the fire department use it, they would go somewhere else to fill it up. Mr. Costner added that the town wasn't going to force them to do sO but that the fire department would work together with the town, and he agrees. Kenny explained to Mr. Costner that the town iss seeking to acquire a basic concept of a yearly average so that it can deduct that number from the 900,000 to get a sense of what they're looking for. There was a great deal of conversation regarding filling up in an emergency and filling points. Derek asked Mr. Costner if1 he could go According to Mr. Costner, the Newland Volunteer Fire Department was not distributing any water at the time. Bill and Gary asked ifMr. Costner would be interested in watching the tape. Mr. Costner responded affirmatively when asked ifhe would bei interested in viewing a video of the Newland Volunteer Fire Department hauling water. Bill said that the fire department was not the one hauling it, but rather they were giving it offt to aj private entity. According to Mr. Costner, this information was new to him. Derek asked ifit was al hydroseeder being filled up. Gary said yes. Mr. Costner expressed his gratitude to Gary for the video and inquired about the destination oft the water. Derek said that it was Angelo's truck, despite the fact that Angelo is not ai resident of the area. Mr. Costner assured everyone that he would handle the situation and stated that the Kenny stated that again, the town would not get the total number from the meter. Mr. Costner said they will do the best they possibly can to meter the water, but in the heat oft the moment, itis tough. James asked if Mr. Costner could prevent the others from filling up individuals. Mr. Costner said that he had previously spoken with them but that he was unaware that they had actually done this. Kenny expressed his faith that Mr. Costner would be able tol handle the matter, Mr. Coster voiced his concerns about the rumor that utilizing water from outside oft the district in the town of Newland for structural fires was forbidden. He inquired as to whether or not there  would most likely screw onto thel hydrant.  back to his first question.  town should send an invoice to the person.    was any truth to this. Jamey, Derek, and Bill stated, that it is something that has never been brought up before. Bill stated that the town will not dictate the fire department's boundaries. For the sake ofi improved communication, Derek suggested that Mr. Costner hold a meeting with the town once a month. Derek shared that the town board has nothing but high praise for Mr. Costner, but that the board has a lot of problems with some of the leadership personnel, and that the town is interested in making the donation, but there will be contracts involved. Derek replied that there is a need for some additional communication because he thought Mr. Costner was aware oft the problem regarding the water. Mr. Costner stated that he was aware of the situation, but not to that level. Mr. Costner suggested that any inquiries, criticisms, or complaints should be given to either the chief or himself, regardless ofwhether the citizens oft the town approve ofhim ornot. He stated they arei not making any changes to their chief, and he's doing a great job. Mr. Costner was asked by Derek if there was going to be a problem if the town added training twice a year to get the roadways clean, and he responded that maintenance ofl large fire hydrants is not their job; rather, it is the obligation of the town. Jamey indicated that the town's maintenance department would handle it. Kenny suggested the town and the fire department work together for the benefit of the citizens. Mr. Costner replied that any inquiries should be  directed tol him, and he would be happy to answer them.  Utility Releases  Jennifer indicated that there were utility releases totaling $6445.21 that were transferred into our new accounting system from Alpha, our previous accounting system. These accounts were determined to be inactive because people have moved or passed. Bill mentioned that many of these people have passed away, and their estates have been taken care of; however, the town has not taken care of the accounts, and there is no way to locate these individuals. He stated that the town could pay an attorney to help them skip trace everyone, but that would cause the town to spend more money than what the people are obligated toj pay. Jennifer mentioned that she began with 7,345.21 cents when she first began, but she was able to apply other deposits that were already on the accounts as well. Jennifer and Bill have both mentioned that the majority of the releases are from as far back as 2013 and that this means that they are not current. Derek asked what Bill would like to do. Bill stated that they would like to write them off. Derek asked if he had the motion to do what Bill was asking. Christie made ai motion to release the utility bills in the amount of $6445.21. Kenny seconded the motion. All agreed by a show of hands and stating  aye.  Tax Advertising  Jennifer stated the tax advertising total this year is $30,784.00, with High Country Polaris accounting for $10,800.00 of that total. Bill stated that he is asking permission to advertise. Kenny asked about the cost of advertising. Jennifer said the cost of advertising would be added to the account. Kenny made a motion that the town go ahead and advertise taxes. James  seconded the motion. All agreed by a show ofhands and stating aye.    Tax Releases  Jennifer stated that tax releases for this year were $512.43, and there is no way to contact these people. She stated that the amount of $512.43 is after penalties and interest have been added on. James made a motion to release the taxes in the amount of $512.43. Gail seconded the motion.  All agreed by a show ofhands and stating aye. Payroll/Howard Simon  Bill stated that the company that handles our payroll is ADP, which provides us with software and files our tax forms for the town and the individuals, but he has had many problems with them, Ifhe gets an agent to answer the phone, he can't get a resolution to any oft the issues. As a result of his frustration with them, he searched for and found a vendor that is here in the United States. He indicated that the town's annual cost for using ADP is $4,675.55, but that the town's annual cost for using Howard Simon would wind up being $2,900.00 for the same services. He would like to propose to the town that they switch, obtain a better time clock that actually functions, and receive customer support that truly responds to their problems. James made a motion to drop ADT and switch to Howard Simon. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed by a  show ofhands and stating aye. Theresa Foxx  Theresa mentioned that she has been attending the board meetings for nearly two years now, and throughout that time she has observed various problems. She stated that she finds it quite unsettling that eight employees have departed the town in the past two years, and she would like the board to shed some light on the matter. She also stated she missed ai meeting when there was a discussion about putting liquor by the drink on a ballot for the citizens. She stated that in that meeting there was no discussion or communication except to vote no, and she would like to know why. She indicated that she would like the subject tol be brought up again before the board, and this time she would like for them to vote toj put the question of offering liquor by the drink as an option on the ballot and allow the 514: registered voters oft the town of Newland to make the decision. Lauren expressed that she was under the impression that the number was thirteen. Derek asked if the board knew why employees were leaving. Gail said that she was unaware of the reason. Kenny indicated that it was their decision to do sO. James stated that they left for more money. Derek mentioned that when he first became mayor, there was a significant issue with the manner in which the board was treating the staff, and he was able to get the board in order. He stated the board should go to the administrator with questions, not the employees, but he does want to applaud the board because they have done much better. Derek mentioned there was an issue, but the town is making significant efforts to correct the situation. Derek went on to the next topic of conversation, which was about selling liquor by the drink, and he agreed. Theresa stated that although she believed it would most likely be defeated in    Newland, she still believed that it should be put on the ballot sO that the residents could make the decision. There was a brief discussion regarding the prior meeting on the topic. Lauren stated that she would like to conduct additional research on the voting process in order to ensure that only those who reside in the town limits ofNewland are eligible to vote on the issue. According to Kenny, the topic was a surprise to the board on that particular night, Jamey acknowledged that he was not present but stated that he supports holding a vote on the matter. There was some brief discussion regarding the rules and regulations that apply to ABC stores. James put forward a motion to allow voting on alcoholic beverages by the drink. Rick recommended to Bill that he come up with a resolution to prevent backlash. Kenny said we need to involve businesses as well. James withdrew his previous motion and made a motion to let Bill do a resolution to present to the board at the next board meeting for the possibility ofl liquor by the drink going on thel ballot. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed by a show ofhands and stating aye.  RFQ  Bill stated the town did get the AIA grant and he needs permission to advertise Jamey made ai motion to approve. RFQ for the AIA grant. Christie seconded the motion. All  agreed by a show ofh hands and stating aye.  Public Comments None. Public Works  Gary spoke about the work order program. He stated it's in the budget and it will be somewhere around $3,000 a year. He also stated the town needs tol look at getting someone to do ani infrared scan on our treatment plant. He: is working on getting a schedule down for mowing and getting someone qualified to spray round-up. Christie and Lauren thanked the public works crew for  their hard work on Saturday.  Finance  Jessica spoke about moving the National Bank funds because the Linville Branch closed and that the town will have to go to thel Boone branch pull it and put it into First Citizens. She stated she had talked with the auditor and shel highly suggested not moving the accounts until July. Derek asked if we ever got our funds back from UCB. Bill said we did not and our next step is to give to issue to the lawyer. Jessica filed our semi-annual sales tax refund report and thet town is  getting around $4,000.00 back. Police Report    Police Captain, Michael Fields, gave the reports. There were six motor vehicle accidents, three assaults, four verbals of speech, one domestic, five trespassing complaints, eleven medical calls, six drug complaints, six ongoing investigations, and two arrests. The new officer was sworn in two weeks ago. Chief, Michael, and Chris went through Intox during the first oft the month.  Administrators Report  Bill stated that' The Church of Jesus Christ asked ift the town would be willing to swapi property so they have the grass area where wel have the events and the town has aj playground. They're roughly the same size. They'rel looking to build a community center and it's much better ift they build: it outside the flood plain than inside the flood plain. It would be open to the public type of Community Center. Derek asked ifLauren was permitted to votel because she was a member of the church. Lauren stated she talked with Bill, and he said she could because she is not a deacon. She said that she believed the town was saving face by exchanging properties because our property is now a liability due to costly park maintenance. Derek asked Mr. McKinney, the town attorney, whether Lauren could take part in the decision-making. process because she is a church member. According to Lauren, her church doesn't. keep a list ofits members; she just simply attends there the same way she would attend al ball game. According tol Bill, she must be disqualified under ethical regulations ifs she has ai financial stake in the outcome, such as if she serves as the church's financial officer. Kenny said that even though the park requires al lot of maintenance, the general public must be involved because they use it. Derek said the town is going to build a town park and a dog park somewhere else. Gary said there's plenty of park space int town.. According to Christie, there are already two parks in the town that residents can use in the meantime, and repairs to the current park will be expensive. Everyone agreed it would be a good idea tol look into it. Bill spoke about Robert Taylor Group taking over the town's benefits Because our current provider is hard to communicate with. Lauren asked ift the employees are going tol be negatively impacted in any way. Bill said no because they are proactive so they're going to come to us and communicate better, Bill stated he thinks iti is beneficial to the employees because it makes it al little bit simpler for them to understand. Alderman Caraway had to leave for a family matter. Lauren asked ifthere was any exclusivity. Bill said the town will have a contract for a year and then it can be changed. He also stated they are only managing our benefits not changing our plan because the town has a grandfathered plan. Jamey made ai motion tol let Bill: replace the old system with Robert' Taylor Group. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed James made a motion to go into a closed session. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed by a After returning from a closed session, James made a motion to move Ciara Mackenzie Tipton to the position ofTown Clerk. Gail seconded the motion. All agreed by a show ofhand and stating aye. Gerald asked for a motion to let] Mr. Brinkley know he has until July 1st to pay the full amount High Country Polaris owes in taxes. James made a motion to allow the owner oft the High Country Polaris building until. July 1st toj pay the full amount. Gail seconded the motion.  by a show ofhands and stated aye. show ofh hands and stated aye.    James made ai motion to adjourn the meeting. Christie seconded the motion. All agreed by a  show ofhands and stating aye, The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.  Town/Clerk, Mackenziel Tipton dD  Mayor,  Roberts  A    OFNEIT  TOWN OF NEWLAND 05/02/2023 BUDGET WORKSHOP  HCAROL  ATTENDING:  Mayor: Derek Roberts  Alderman: Kenny Caraway, Gail Haller, Christie Hughes, James Johnson  Lauren Turbyfill  Staff: Town Administrator Bill Bailey, Town Clerk Jennifer Beam, Finance  Officer Jessica Buchanan, Police Captain Micheal Fields, Public  Works Gary Lewis  Bill stated he had accurate figures for the two years prior and approved figures for the current year. Bill discussed the amount asked for in the current year and emphasized the significant expenses. He said that to keep up with the expense ofl living, the budget for this year includesa 2% cola. He said there was a 3% increase the previous year, sO 5% for both years. For the sake of transparency, he added, hel had shifted the utilities to each department. Because the staff was already doing the majority of the cleaning, he also removed the cleaning contract. In order to ensure that the town is covered in the event of any terrible circumstances, he indicated that he wished to add aj policy and procedure program (Lexipol) and a legal services program to the police department budget. The policy andj procedure program would cost $15,800.00 to set up and another $6500.00 per year after that. This business would uphold its standards and practices and offer additional benefits like online training. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility ofreceiving al K9 and mentioned that the police department had asked for ai new vehicle. He said that the radar equipment also needed an upgrade, sO that was also included ini the police Bill said that the town's revenue doesn't increase very much and that a significant tax cut last year had ai major impact on the budget this year. Inflation, he stated, is at 5%, gas prices are up, and pretty much everything else's prices are up as well.. As a result, the town has no purchasing power, especially in light ofl last year's roughly third reduction in the property tax. Everything we buy costs more, he said, and therei is less money available tol buy it. Bill stated some things could be consolidated, which would cut down some. Kenny asked ift this budget included at tax increase. Bill said no. Bill stated that his objective is to have an adoption hearing at the. June meeting. Jamey requested that we discuss the minor upgrades to the boardroom's equipment. Bill mentioned that he would prefer toj purchase microphones, speakers; and monitors in place of recording on thej phone; the cost of doing so, with the streaming service included, would be  department budget.    roughly $24,000. Jamey stated that he is unsure if we actually require all ofthat. Kenny said he agrees with Jamey. Derek stated that we do need to address the system complaints at some point. Jamey claimed he didn't understand the need for' TV: monitors. In order for Bill to do a presentation without using $400 worth ofpaper, hei indicated that we dontnecessarily need to buy the monitors, but we do need to start doing things electronically. Bill stated that wei need a better system so] people can hear and sO the minutes can be recorded faster. Lauren said she would break it down into what we: need most, such as first getting a screen ofs some sort sO people could do presentations and second being more clear ini the videos. She proposed segmenting the procedure into steps. Bill agreed to return with al breakdown ofthe equipment. Jamey inquired about the: repair sector. According tol Bill, the roofis deteriorating, and the gutters need tol be fixed. Even ifnot all oft these repairs must be made at once, they must be attended to. Derek asked where the estimated $20,000 came from, Bill stated that hej just needed to put something in as aj placeholder. The roof would cost around $20,000.00 and the Jamey questioned the $10,000 salary oft the local attorney. Bill said there's no contract, but the attorney will be present. Jamey questioned the necessity oft the Lexipol service for the police. Bill said he highly recommended it. Jamey asked about the new vehicle. Bill mentioned one that has to be replaced because itl has been damaged numerous times, and the chief also needs ai new truck. Jamey said toi figure outi ifLexipole or the vehicles are more needed. Christie said there'sa car with 90,000 miles on it. Bill stated that the chief's truck has 102,000 miles, Jamey inquired about the K9's $12,000 price tag. Bill stated that it is for all oft the dog-care equipment and training. Derek asked how much a K9 wasi ifit wasn'tgifted. Michael said $19,000.00. Derek said that last year they said they would get a dog. Jamey inquired about the K9 grant. Bill stated that the grant was only for the dog, not the dog plus all ofi its accessories, but if we were to receive it, we might be able toj put it to use. Derek said that last year it was said that the town would gett the dog grant or not. Christie inquired as to whether front-wheel or four-wheel drive wasi required for the police department's replacement vehicle. Bill mentioned that the Durango is roughly $10,000 less expensive than the Tahoe and that he preferred four-wheel drive. Jamey asked about the tag office budget. Bill said the biggest thing was the two percent COLA, and he can't replace Spectrum for the tag office yet. He said there was a miscellaneous fee of$100.00 for any incidental repairs and such. and a repair cost of $250.00 for the graffiti on the window trim. Lauren asked about the cleaning contract. Bill said he thinks it's best ifwe do the cleaning ourselves, and he thinks we should release. Jamey inquired about the 75,000-dollar proposal for public works. Bill said this will get them halfway through the repair list, with potholes being a high priority. He added that the public works budget is slightly lower than usual because he divided the costs ofutilities and public works, followed by salaries, to get an idea of what they are truly spending. Jamey asked about the work order program. Bill said that it would be smart to implement a system that tracks work orders and keeps better track oft them. Gary said it's important to be aware ofwhen things are. happening and that thej programs were less expensive than he had anticipated. Jamey inquired about Southern Software's price. Bill said the cost will be split between utilities and public works. Jamey asked how much the work order total was. Gary said one was. 2850.00 and the other was 3200.00 for a year. Lauren inquired about the backhoe being sold. Bill said it's nice but a little too big, and the town would bel better off with an  gutters around $2500.00.    excavator. But the cost remains the same. Derek advised getting rates and signing up for CAT rentals. Kenny inquired about the fire department's contract. We do have a contract, according to Bill, but he couldn't tell: ifit was up for renewal. Kenny was curious as to whether the fire department offered any services to the community. Bill said he didn'tknow. Kenny said they need to make a decision tonight, and the town needs to get something in return ifwe are paying them. Bill said that while they perform tasks for us, we: must meter the water because they provided water to aj person, and that isi in violation oft the law. Derek stated that we must include any additional terms in the contract.. According to. Bill, the only contract he has seen is for $5000. Kenny stated that an amount needs to be chosen. There was al lot of discussion on estimated figures, water metering, and the fire department serving Newland. At three-to-two vote resulted: in the decision to estimate the expense at $5000. Kenny inquired about the $28,200 budget for part-time help. Bill said they have used some ofith but not all ofit, and they are trying to get caught up. He stated there is only a $200 difference from last year's budget. Lauren asked about the street lights. Bill reported that the bid was $376,000 for all 681 lights and that one light costs $5600. Thei installation, outlets, and concrete base are all: included in this cost. Jamey requested that Bill utilize 3% cola rather than 2%. Christie verified that the money was there. Bill  said yes.  The meeting concluded at 6:00 p.m.  Town Clerk, Mackenzie Tipton' d  Mayor, Derek Roberts