AGENDA Sawmills Town Hall Tuesday, January 19, 2016 6:00 pm  Regular Meeting of the Sawmills Town Council  1. Call To Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Adopt. Agenda 5. Approve Meeting Minutes 6. Public Comment 7. Recognitions: A. Recycle Rewards 8. Financial Matters:  Mayor Joe Wesson Associate Pastor Randy McCall Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson Mayor. Joe Wesson Mayor Joe Wesson  A. December 15, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes  B. Sawmills Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Awards A. Caldwell County Government Channel Donation B. Deputy Finance Officer Appointment C. Banking and AP Check Signatures A. Council Committee Appointments B. Public Comment Policy C. Board of. Adjustment Vacancy A. SBEA December Progress Report B. Codel Enforcement Report C. Comprehensive Steering Committee Report D. DuffDrive Sewer Progress Report E. Council Comment 11. Closed Session; Attorney/Client Privilege  Discussion:  10. Updates:  12. Adjourn    Page lof7  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015  TOWN OF SAWMILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  6:00 PM  COUNCIL PRESENT Trena McRary Kirby Joe Wesson Gerelene Blevins Jeff Wilson COUNCIL ABSENT Johnny Wilson  STAFF PRESENT Christopher Todd Julie Good Terry Taylor  CALL' TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby called the meeting to order.  INVOCATION: Preacher Ed Warren gave the invocation.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby led the Pledge of  Allegiance.  ADOPT AGENDA: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked for a motion to adopt the Joe Wesson made a motion, and Gerelene Blevins seconded, to adopt the December 15,  December 15, 2015 agenda. 2015 agenda. All were in favor.  APPROVE NOVEMBER 17, 2015 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked for ai motion to approve the November 17, 4 2015 regular meeting Joe Wesson made a motion, and Jeff Wilson seconded, to approve the November 17, 2015  minutes.  regular meeting minutes. All were: in favor.  APPROVE NOVEMBER 17, 2015 CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked for a motion to approve the November 17, 2015 closed session Jeff Wilson made a motion, and Gerelene Blevins seconded, to approve the November 17,  minutes.  2015 closed session minutes. All were in favor.  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked if anyone had any    December 15, 2015 Page2c of7  questions or comments at this time.  Sue Hall, who owns several rental properties in Sawmills, stated that on August 13, 2015 she filed a complaint about a property adjacent to her rental property at 4805 Helton Road and Mrs. Hall also came and spoke with Council in October. Mrs. Hall stated that her renter has complained about a smell coming from the neighbor's property. Additionally, Mrs. Hall Mrs. Hall stated that in September she received a letter from Town Planner Elinor Hiltz stating there was a violation on her rental property. due to inside furniture being located outside. Mrs. Hall stated that there had been a work order placed with the Town and that the Mrs. Hall stated that there are 4 (four) untagged vehicles on the adjacent property. Mrs. Hall stated that she has talked to Town Planner Elinor Hiltz twice and has talked to several people and nothing has been done about the violations. Mrs. Hall also stated that there are numerous untagged vehicles located on Crest Lane that should be investigated. Mrs. Hall would like the Council to take what she has said into consideration not just for her and the adjoining property owners, but for the general betterment of Sawmills.  complained about junk cars and trash in general on the adjacent property.  couch had been scheduled to be removed.  RECOGNITIONS:  RECYCLE REWARDS WINNER: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby announced Mr. Dennis Greer, as the December Recycle Rewards winner. A credit of twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) will be added to his sanitation bill. Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby stated  that his certificate would be available at the Town Hall for pick up.  No Council action was required.  YARD OF THE MONTH WINNER: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby announced Mrs. Mary Wicker as the December Yard of the Month winner. Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby stated that her certificate would be available at the Town Hall for pick up.  No Council action was required.  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked if anyone had any  questions or comments at this time. No one wished to speak.  HONORING OF OUT GOING COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mayor Elect Joe Wesson presented Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby and Councilman Johnny Wilson with a  certificate for their service on Council.    December 15, 2015 Page3 3 of7  No Council action was required.  OUTGOING COUNCIL COMMENTS:  Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby wished to thank the public for voting for her, SO she could have the pleasure to serve the Town of Sawmills. Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby stated that she has learned a lot of things which, she had no clue took place, and about what you have to do while serving on a Council. Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby wanted to thank and appreciate every person that came to the meeting. Kirby offered a word ofadvice to new council members that were coming on, to just keep their minds open and think of the whole town because there are a lot of people in the Town that you have to cover. There are close to 5,100 (five-thousand one-hundred) people in the Town and you have to think of the whole Town and not just a portion of the Town. The Council has to go by the ordinances and laws, and it is al lot to overcome and consider, Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby stated that she wanted everyone to know how much she appreciated the  opportunity to serve the citizens oft the' Town of Sawmills.  COUNCIL ADJOURN: Mayor Pro Tem Trena McRary Kirby asked for a motion to Jeff Wilson made a motion, and Gerelene Blevins seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All  adjourn. were in favor.  OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS: Town Clerk Julie A. Good administered the Oath of Office to incoming Mayor, Joe Wesson and incoming Council  Members, Jeff Wilson, Joe Norman and Keith Warren.  CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Joe Wesson called the meeting to order.  ADOPT AGENDA: Mayor Joe Wesson asked for a motion to adopt the December 15, Joe Norman made a motion, and Jeff Wilson seconded, to adopt the December 15, 2015  2015 Agenda.  agenda. All were in favor.  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Joe Wesson asked if anyone had any questions or  comments at this time. No one wished to speak.    December 15, 2015 Page 4 of7  ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS:  SEATING ARRANGEMENTS: Mayor. rJoe Wesson asked Council to be seated as follows  (from left to right): Joel Norman Keith Warren Gerelene Blevins Town Attorney Mayor Town Administrator JeffWilson Open Seat Town Clerk  APPOINTMENT OF OPEN COUNCIL SEAT: Mayor Joe Wesson stated that as ai result of the November 2015 election, there is now a vacant seat. Council will need to appoint a qualified resident to the open Town Council seat. This individual will serve the remaining 2 Gerelene Blevins made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to appoint Reed Lingerfelt to the open Council seat. Joe Norman and Jeff Wilson opposed. There was a tie vote. The Town Clerk Julie A. Good gave new Councilman Reed Lingerfelt the Oath of Office.  (two) year term.  Mayor broke the tie by voting for Reed Lingerfelt.  ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM: Mayor Joe Wesson stated that as a result of the November 2015 election, Council would need to elect a new Mayor Pro Tem. Reed Lingerfelt made a motion, and Gerelene Blevins seconded, to appoint Keith Warren as  Mayor Pro Tem. All were in favor.  COUNCIL ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT: Town Administrator Christopher Todd stated that every Council member should have a copy of the Code of Ethics prepared by Town Attorney Terry Taylor and adopted by Town Council on August 17,2010. Town Administrator Christopher Todd also stated that every Council member should also have the Standard of Conduct prepared by Town Attorney Terry Taylor. Town Administrator Christopher Todd asked that each Council member read the form. Each new Council member should be prepared to sign the Standard of Conduct form and return it to  the Clerk.  No Council action was required.    December 15, 2015 Page5of7  FINANCIAL:  ADOPT BUDGET WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: Mayor Joe Wesson asked for a motion to Jeff Wilson made a motion, and Reed Lingerfelt seconded, to adopt the proposed FY 2016-  adopt the proposed FY 2016-2017 budget workshop schedule. 2017 budget workshop schedule. All were in favor.  FY 2014-2015 AUDIT PRESENTATION: James Lowdermilk and Rick Hammer, with Lowdermilk, Church & Co., L.L.P., presented the Towns FY 2014-2015 audit to Council. Mr. Lowdermilk and Mr. Hammer stated that the Town received an unqualified audit and commended staff and Council on their efforts to maintain a strong fund balance.  No Council action was required.  DISCUSSION:  PRIVATE STREET ACCEPTANCE POLICY REVIEW: Mayor Joe Wesson stated that in July 2014 the Town adopted a street acceptance policy. Mayor Joe Wesson also stated that there are a few private streets, either unpaved, or do not meet minimum standards in the Town. For the Town of Sawmills to take over a private street, the street must be in the Town limits and not a State maintained highway. A signed agreement must be submitted with 100% of the adjacent property owners signatures and the property owners will be responsible for 50% of the construction bid amount to bring the street up to the Gerelene Blevins made a motion, and Reed Lingerfelt seconded, to remove the responsibility of the property owners to pay 50% of the construction bid amount. Keith Warren was in favor, Jeff Wilson and Joe Norman were opposed. The motion carried with a  Town'st minimum standards.  spilt vote.  ELMORE DRIVE-PRIVATE STREET ACCEPTANCE: Mayor Joe Wesson stated that the Town of Sawmills has the ability to take over the maintenance of private streets, through the Private Street Acceptance Policy. Once accepted, a private street becomes a Town street. During 2014, the residents and property owners of Elmore Drive submitted a petition for street acceptance for the Council to review. At that time, due to concerns by both Council and residents, the street was not accepted by the Town Council. Elmore Drive is a private street accessed from 321A and adjacent to Sawmills Hardware Store. Gerelene Blevins made a motion, and Joe Norman seconded, to proceed with the survey of    December 15, 2015 Page 6of7  and obtain easements for all property owners on Elmore Drive. Keith Warren and Reed Lingerfelt were in favor, JeffWilson was opposed. The motion carried with a split vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor. Joe Wesson asked if anyone had any questions or comments Mike Mull, of Mullhouse Kennels, wanted to thank Council for moving forward with the Elmore Drive project. There are 2 (two) business and 5 (five) residents on Elmore Drive. Mr. Mull stated that he and his business have been at the end of Elmore Drive for 40 (forty) years. Mr. Mull stated that he has maintained Elmore Drive for the time he has been there and has spent thousands of dollars with no help from the Town of Sawmills. Mr. Mull stated that he has paid a lot oftaxes in the 40 (forty) years he has been on Elmore Drive and  at this time.  he just wanted to thank Council for moving forward with this project.  UPDATES:  SBEA NOVEMBER PROGRESS REPORT: Town Administrator Christopher Todd stated that Sherry Long, from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, has enclosed  aprogress report for the SBEA project 12-C-2443.  No Council action was required.  DECEMBER CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT: Town Planner Elinor Hiltz stated that there is only one code enforcement case still open. Steven Killian at 4801 Helton Road has 4 (four) vehicles without tags on his property. Mr. Killian has until December 18, 2015, to remove the vehicles or he will be fined $50.00 (fifty dollars) a day back dated to  December 14, 2015, until the vehicles are: removed.  No Council action was required.  COMPERHENSIVE STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT: Mayor Joe Wesson stated that the Town Planner Elinor Hiltz has enclosed a status report from the December 1, 2015  Steering Committee meeting. No Council action was required.  DUFF DRIVE SEWER PROJECT REPORT: Town Administrator Christopher Todd stated that Lisa Helton, from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, has enclosed a  progress report for the DuffDrive Sewer project.  No Council action was required.  COUNCIL COMMENT: Mayor Joe Wesson asked if anyone on the Council had any    December 15,2015 Page 7of7  questions or comments at this time.  Joe Norman thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and voting for him.  Keith Warren wanted to thank his Lord and Savior for letting him be here. Keith Warren also wanted to thank everyone for coming out and hoped everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Keith Warren also wanted to thank Preacher Ed Warren to come out and he also Gerelene Blevins stated that the citizens elected the Council to help them and she is a person who does not believe in doing stuff to hurt other people. Gerelene Blevins stated that she tries to be as fair with one as she is the other. Gerelene Blevins also wished everyone a very  wanted to think his wife.  Merry Christmas.  Jeff Wilson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Reed Lingerfelt wanted to thank everyone for coming and wishes we would have this type of crowd every meeting. Reed Lingerfelt wished everyone a Merry Christmas and don't forget the season is about Christ not about the gifts you: receive or the gifts you give. Mayor Joe Wesson stated that it is an honor to serve the citizens of this Town and he thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to be their Mayor. Mayor Joe Wesson stated he wants to be a Mayor for all citizens of this Town. Mayor Joe Wesson also stated that he appreciates everyone coming to the meeting. Mayor Joe Wesson stated that he thought Council did a great job during the meeting and he wanted to thank the Lord for giving him the guidance in the past several years that he has given him. Mayor Joe Wesson wished everyone a very Merry Christmas. Mayor Joe Wesson would also like to encourage  people to come out to the Council meetings.  COUNCIL ADJOURN: MayorJ Joe Wesson asked for ai motion to adjourn.  Reed Lingerfelt made a motion, and Joe Norman seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All  were in favor.  Julie. A Good, Town Clerk  Joe Wesson, Mayor    AGENDA ITEM 7A  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Recognition: Recycle Rewards Program  Discussion:  The Town of Sawmills would like to congratulate Bill Absher on winning the Recycle Rewards Program for the month ofJanuary. Mayor Joe Wesson will present him with a Certificate of Appreciation. A twenty-eight dollar ($28.00) credit will be added to the current sanitation bill.  Recommendation: No Council action is required.    AGENDA ITEM 7B  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Recognition: Sawmills Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Awards  Discussion:  Mayor. rJoe Wesson will be presenting awards of appreciation to the following Sawmills  Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department members:  Firefighter of the Year First Responder of the Year Officer of the Year Officer of the Year  Firefighter Grant Newton Firefighter Grant Newton Firefighter Bruce. Austin Firefighter Keith Gibbons  Recommendation: No Council action is required.    AGENDA. ITEM 8A  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Financial Matters: Request for a Donation To Caldwell County Government Channel  Discussion:  The Town has received a request from Caldwell County Government Channel for a donation to support the cost ofupgrading and repairing their recording and broadcast equipment. Caldwell County estimates the project cost at approximately $171,000 for the upgrades and repairs. Currently the Town of Sawmills appears in approximately 2% ofthe total programming on the government channel, as estimated by the county. The channel acts as a method to distribute  information and highlight activities in the local community.  The Town ofHudson has agreed to donate $10,000 over a two year period. The Town of Granite Falls has agreed to donate $4,000 during this fiscal year. Lenoir has not yet decided what  amount they are planning on donating.  See attached channel usage as presented by Caldwell County.  Recommendation:  Staffrecommends Council discuss this matter and decide how they wish to proceed.    A N E a  a de 9  à r    AGENDA ITEM 8B  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Financial Matters: Deputy Finance Officer Appointment  Discussion:  In the event that the Finance Officer, Karen Clontz, is not available the Town will need a Deputy  Finance Officer to fulfill her duties pursuant to NCGS $ 159-25(b):  "Except as otherwise provided by law, all checks or drafts on an official depository shall be signed by the finance officer or a properly designated deputy finance officer and countersigned by another official of the local government or public authority designated for this purpose by the governing board. Ifthe board makes on other designation, the chairman of the board or chief executive officer oft the local government or public authority shall countersign these checks and drafts. The governing board ofa unit or authority may waive the requirements ofthis subsection ift the board determines that the internal control procedures ofthe unit or  authority will be satisfactory in the absence of dual signatures."  Recommendation: Officer.  Staffrecommends Council appoint Town Administrator, Christopher Todd, as Deputy Finance    AGENDA ITEM 8C  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Financial Matters: Banking and AP Check Signatures  Discussion:  Due to recent changes on the Council, new signature cards will need tol be on file at the bank. The bank requires a new signature card whenever there are changes in the staff and/or Council. Two (2) signatures are required for accounts payable checks and the safety deposit box. First Citizens Bank - Checking - A/P, Safety Deposit Box, Public Fund CD's  CommunityOne Bank - Public Fund CD's  The following Council and Staffh have authorization to sign on behalfoft the Town with regards to  banking transactions:  Joe Wesson - Mayor Christopher Todd- Town Administrator Karen Clontz - Finance Officer  There is typically an additional Council member authorized to sign on behalfoft the Town with  regards to banking transactions.  Recommendation:  Staff recommends Council appoint an additional Council member to be on file with First  Citizens Bank and CommunityOne Bank.    AGENDA ITEM9A  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Organizational Matter: Standing Council Committee Assignments  Discussion: Mayor.  Enclosed with this memo is a copy of the Standing Council Committees as appointed by the  With the appointment of Councilman Jeff Wilson and Councilman Reed Lingerfelt to the Intergovernmental Committee, Councilman Jeff Wilson is the delegate and Councilman Reed  Lingerfelt is the alternate to the WPCOG Policy Board.  Recommendation: No Council action is required.    Town of Sawmills  Standing Council Committees for 2016-2018  Public Works Committee Roadways & Streets Water Resources Wastewater Drainage Right-of-Ways Solid Waste  Keith Warren  Gerelene Blevins  Parks & Recreation Committee Parades, Festivals, & Special Events Civic Organizations Planning & Development Committee Land Use Regulations Zoning Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Code Enforcement Law & Finance Committee Administration Budget Appropriations Audit Performance Public Health & Safety Intergovernmental Committee W.P.C.O.G. N.C.L.M. Community Colleges Chamber of Commerce Institute of Government ntergovernmental (County/State) Personnel Committee  Reed Lingerfelt  Keith Warren  Jeff Wilson  Keith Warren  Joe Norman  Reed Lingerfelt  Jeff Wilson  Reed Lingerfelt  Gerelene Blevins  Joe Norman  *The Mayor is a member of all Standing Council Committees  Updated: January 2016    AGENDA ITEMS 9B  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Discussion: Town of Sawmills Public Comment Policy  Discussion:  Please find attached a' Town of Sawmills Public Comment Policy.  Recommendation:  Staff recommends Council approve the Town of Sawmills Public Comment Policy.    TOWN OF SAWMILLS  POLICY ON COMMENTS ATTOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS  The Town of Sawmills wishes to encourage public participation and promote opportunities for public engagement. As such, the town will include with each draft agenda of a regularly scheduled meeting, a maximum period of thirty minutes for comments from members of the public in attendance, which may be reduced by the Council due to various factors such as, length ofmeeting, the time normal business on the agenda concludes, whether there is a Closed Session scheduled, whether one or more Council Members have other conflicts and are unable to remain In order to comply with G.S. 160A-81.1, the Sawmills Town Council hereby establishes a Public Comment Policy to allow members of the public an additional opportunity to address the Council. In addition to public hearings, a special time is set aside for the purpose of receiving comments and suggestions from citizens. All comments made during the Public Comment 1. Persons who wish to make a statement during the Public Comment period, will register on a sign-up sheet available 30 minutes before the start of the meeting indicating their name, address and telephone number with topic they wish to discuss. They shall also indicate the Town Representative with whom they have previously discussed the matter, if anyone.. No one will be allowed to have his or her name placed on the list by 2. Each person who signed up to speak will have 31 minutes for his or her statement. 3. Speakers will be acknowledged by the Mayor in the order in which their names appear on the sign-up sheet. A person may speak only once during the period allowed for all 4. Speakers shall address the Town Council from the podium, and will begin their statement 5. Statements are to be directed to the Town Council as a whole, and not to individuals. Public comment is not intended to require the Council to provide any answer to the speaker. Discussions between speakers and members of the audience will not be 7. One speaker will be acknowledged at a time. In the event, a group of persons supporting or opposing the same position desires to be heard, in the interest of time, a spokesperson shall be designated to express the group's concerns. Speakers are able to yield their time 8. After the speaker has made his or her statement, he or she will be seated with no further 9. The Town Council may refer the matter to the Town Administrator, the Town Attorney oro other appropriate person to investigate and report back to Council at a later date.  past a certain time, etc.  period shall be subject to the following procedures.  telephone request to town staff.  comments.  by first stating their name and address or organizational affiliation,  allowed.  6. Speakers will be courteous in their language and presentation.  tot their spokesperson. debate, dialogue, or comment.  TOWN OF SAWMILLS Public Comment Policy:216241.1    Adopted this the  day of  20  TOWN OFSAWMILLS  By:  Mayor  Attest:  Town Clerk  TOWN OFSAWMILLS Public Comment Policy:2162411    AGENDA ITEM9C  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Discussion: Board Of  Adjustments Vacancy  Discussion:  With the appointment of] Reed Lingerfelt to Council, there is now a vacancy for an alternate on  the Board of Adjustments.  Recommendation: Adjustments.  Statfrecommends Council decide whom they wish to appoint as an alternate on the Board of    AGENDA ITEM 10A  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Updates: SBEA December Progress Report  Discussion:  Sherry Long, from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG), sent the attached  progress report for the SBEA Project 12-C-2443.  Recommendation: No Council action required.    MAYOR Joe Wesson TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Christopher Todd  TOWN COUNCIL Keith Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Gerelene Blevins Reed Lingerfelt Joe Norman Jeff Wilson  OFSAVIR  ) Gom a  &)  CORPORATED  TO:  Joe Wesson, Mayor Keith Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Gerelene Blevins, Councilwoman Reed Lingerfelt Joe Norman, Councilman Jeff Wilson, Councilman Sherry Long, WPCOG Progress Report on SBEA 12-C-2443 January 6, 2016  FROM: SUBJECT: DATE:  The Department of Commerce is requiring ai monthly progress report for Small Business Entrepreneurial Assistance (SBEA) Project CDBG 12-C-2443 be provided to the Sawmills Town Council each month. This report must also signed by thel Mayor Pro-tem and submitted to thel Department of Commerce by the 10th day of each month. The  following activities occurred in December, 2015:  McGee Wood Products hired three (3) new employees in December, 2015. All of the new employees meet the  income eligibility criteria.  he Wiaern  Joe Wesson Mayor  psxiomosmilisem  The Town of Sawmills does not discriminate ont thel basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or maritals status,          AGENDA ITEM 10B  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Updates: Code Enforcement Monthly Report  Discussion: the town. Recommendation: No Council action required.  The attached report shows the progress that Planner Elinor Hiltz continues to make throughout        AGENDA ITEM 10C  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016  Updates:  Comprehensive Steering Committee Report  Discussion: January 5,2016. Recommendation: No Council action required.  The attached report is a summary of the Comprehensive Steering Committee Public Meeting of    OFSAWM  MAYOR Joe Wesson TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Christopher Todd  TOWN COUNCIL Keith Warren, Mayor Pro-Tem Gerelene Blevins Reed Lingerfelt Joe Norman Jeff Wilson  "COAPORATED  MEMO  TO: Christopher, Town Administrator FROM: Elinor Hiltz, Town Planner DATE: January 12, 2016  SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting January: 5  Deborah Murray oft the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission spoke for an hour about the meaning of] Economic Development and Caldwell County's economic status. "Economic Development" is the practice of encouraging growth that will add to the tax base, which usually means industry. "Basic sector" growth provides jobs, and jobs provide the need for services. The term "basic sector" refers to the principle that one goods-producing. job creates three service jobs. Industrial workers need places to live and shop and eat; service jobs fulfill that need. This concept has implications for Sawmills because the citizens say they want restaurants, doctors offices, and grocery stores. Perhaps if Sawmills adds one. more major employer then the desired  commercial development will fall into place. Sawmills strengths according to the EDC are: The 321-A "industrial corridor" Highway 321 Lots oflarge tracts of1 land  Lots ofhouses (representing a large consumer market and a large pool of potential workers) The EDC is meeting the goals that it set out to achieve in Caldwell County-one of which was to fill vacant industrial buildings. (Others were to diversify the economy and raise unemployment). Since most of the eligible vacant industrial buildings are now filled, from here on EDC clients must look for undeveloped or "greenfield" sites. Sawmills has a number of large tracts with potential. Sawmills or the surrounding communities will need to provide housing for future workers  earning approximately $60,000 a year.  40761 USI Highway 321-A * Sawmills NC * (828)396-7903 *( (828)396-8955 fax  http/www.lownolsawmills.com  The Town of Sawmills does not discriminate on the basis ofs age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or marital status.    AGENDA ITEM 10D  MEMO DATE: SUBJECT:  January 19, 2016 Updates: DuffDrive Sewer Progress Report  Discussion:  Lisa Helton, from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG), sent the attached  progress report for the Duff Drive Sewer project.  Recommendation: No Council action required.    MAYOR Joe Wesson TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Christopher Todd  TOWN COUNCIL Keith Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Gerelene Blevins Reed Lingerfelt Joe Norman Jeff Wilson  OFSAWM  POAPORATED  TO:  Joe Wesson, Mayor Keith Warren, Mayor Pro Tem Gerelene Blevins, Councilwoman Reed Lingerfelt, Councilman Joe Norman, Councilman Jeff Wilson Lisa Helton DuffI Drive Area Sewer Project January 5,2016  FROM: SUBJECT: DATE:  Thel Department of Commerce is requiring a monthly progress report for Duff Drive. Area Sewer Project CDBG # 12-C-2506 be provided to the Sawmills Town Council each month. This report must also signed by thel Mayor and submitted to the Department ofCommerce by the 10+h day of each month. The following is an update of the project for  the end of December, 2015:  Jobi is 97% complete  CDBG funds in the amount of $891,532.05 spent to date (88%). Main line and most trunk lines are completed. 30 service connections need to be: made.  Clean up underway-fslowed down because of ground being sO wet because ofl lots ofrain in December.)  lam  Mayor  4076 US Highway 321-A * Sawmills NC (828)396-7903 *(828)396-8955 fax  PssmlsanN  The Town ofSawmills does not discriminate ont thel basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, or marital status.