Meeting Minutes Glen Alpine Board of Alderman Regular Meeting August 11, 2020  Present: Mayor Benfield, R. Cox, S. Perkins, G. Meise, T.Suttles, T.I Helms, Attorney R.  Denton, Clerk M. Lalonde  CALL7 TO ORDER-Mayor Benfield NVOCATION-Mayor Benfield PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  APPROVAL OF AGENDA- Motion made by Perkins, all in favor APPROVAL OF DEPT REPORTS-Motion made by Meise, all in favor APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Motion made by Cox, all in favor APPROVAL OF TEXT AMENDMENT-Motion made by Suttles, all in favor  PUBLIC HEARING RIVER GLEN DEVELOPMENT-AISON Adams from COG entered the staff report into minutes, she recommended we approve changing the text amendment and  letting Mr. Blackburn move forward with River Glen Phase 4  PUBLIC COMMENTS-NO Comments River Gen Phase 4, all in favor  DECISION REGARDING RIVER GLEN DEVELOPMENI-Mation made by Meise to approve  Motion made by Cox to end public hearing, all in favor  PUBLIC COMMENTS: Frank Robinson- Mr. Robinson wants to express how important police and fire are to the community and feels that safety should be priority in our community. He wants to know why the Fire Dept Position has not been filled, and why were the funds frozen for the 5th officer in the last budget. Mr. Robinson says things need to be getting done, rather than just meeting over and over. He feels the officers should have dash cams, and the Fire Dept should be getting grants. Also, he mentioned some potholes that need repairing in River Glen and would like a monthly report of  expenditures.  Lindsey Michaels: Waiting to comment before board discussed the Grant.    OLD BUSINESS:  Beautification committee update: Meise reported that the beautification committee would like to do the following: order a lid and liner for the extra trash can-$139.35 Buy 20 crossties to replace old one in the gravel parking lot $300-350, install lighting for the War Memorial and Glen Alpine Signs $5024.00, and purchase a cabana to place in Fire Department Position: Chief Marlowe stated that the position had not been filled Cox: feels that every second counts in a medical/fire call and feels the position would be Perkins: agrees with Cox, and asks "if we don't approve this, are we going to refund tax Mayor: Stated that we have only lost $4500 in sales tax revenue due to Covid in 5 months and recommends that the board approve the position because all lives matter in Ronnie Taylor- Been retired from the dept for 8 years he used to run calls and now no Chief Marlowe stated that if we continue to miss calls it can drop our ISO rating Meise- stated that before the Town began to pay $10ac call, they did not get paid Suttles- stated if the position is approved, Chief needs to provide work instructions and  grassy area next to Post Office $3725.- board will vote later due to no approval from the board, he is asking approval tonight.  great.  money to citizens, for not providing service?"  an emergency.  one is here to run them, we need a medical responder  anything.  standards for the job.  NEW BUSINESS:  Tax Collection Agreement from Burke County-Board needs to vote to let Burke County Grant for Silver Creek Family Practice-Dr. Lindsey Michaels from the practice spoke, she stated that she is building a new practice on Lumberyard Rd, and they are in line fora $60,000 grant she is asking the town to pay $3000 of the grant. She also said that once she is in her new building another Dr is moving intol her old building. This grant is to Sewer Surcharge-Board is considering raising the sewer surcharge $1 per month to Fall estival/Halloween/Christmas Parade-Board discussed canceling restivals/parades Proposal to change Board Meeting Dates- Change meeting dates from the first Tuesday  continue collecting taxes for Glen Alpine.  cover salaries for the employees.  offset the shortage  due to Covid, will revisit the Christmas Parade later to the First Monday of the month beginning at 6pm.    Real Estate Offer- offer from CHS to purchase property on Linville St (gravel parking lot)  Board feels they need to wait for more information before deciding  ITEMS FOR DECISION:  Beautification Purchases-Motion made by Suttles, Passed! 5-0  Tax Collection Agreement from Burke County-Motion made by Suttles, Passed 5-0 Grant for Silver Creek Family Practice- Motion made by Perkins to approve, Passed 5-0  Sewer surcharge-Motion made by Perkins, Passed 5-0 Fall Festival/Halloween- Motion to cancel made by Cox, Passed 5-0 Fire Department Position-Motion made by Cox, Passed 5-0 Change Board meeting Dates- Motion made by Cox, Passed 5-0  Real Estate offer- Motion made by Perkins to hold off until more information available,  Passed 5-0  Perkins made a motion to go into closed session, Passed 5-0  Closed Session: Personnel  Perkins made motion to go into open session, Passed 5-0 Suttles made motion to adjourn, Passed 5-0