Glen Alpine Board of Alderman Meeting Minutes  October 9, 2023 6p pm  Present: Mayor Benfield, Clerk Reed, S. Perkins, T. Helms, M. Lewis, J. Miller  Call to Order- Mayor Benfield called the meeting to order at 6pm Approval of Agenda- J. Miller made motion to approve the agenda; Pass 4-0 Approval of Department Reports- J. Miller made motioni to approve dept reports; Pass 4-0 Approval of Minutes- Motion made by T. Helms &. J. Miller to approve Minutes; Pass 4-0  Public Comments:  Janice Harrison: commented that the police department specifically Officer Trull was appreciated because he found her screen door opened and was concerned so he stopped tor make sure: she was ok Nancy Duckworth: she is a resident here in Glen Alpine. She stated that shei is against closing the Police Department. She has had: several incidents where she has needed an officer at her house and R. Cox has made several visits to her house because. she needed help. She believes it would be stupid to close the EMS. She is familiar with how important having emergency personnel int town is. Ms. Duckworth. said she knows several individuals on thel board andi ini the town and she loves everyone in Glen Alpine. Luke Boone: commented that he appreciates the Mayor and Clerk, and the Board for holding the meetings and running the town thel best way, we know how because he stated it'sa a thankless job. He said the board has two vacancies and Mr. Swink, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Marlow and himself are all running for those positions and its awesome to live in a country where have the right to vote. He wanted to take this opportunity to make a couple requests. He said starting off the meeting with prayer and he said he knows several people who would be willing to participate in leading the prayer once a month. Also open the meeting with Pledge of Allegiance. He stated he had spoken with several people with the teachers association and they would have no problem having at teacher and/or a student from each grade lead in thet town int the pledge. He asked if the town supports anything with the local elementary school? He mentioned there are al lot of kids in Glen Alpine who don't have resources to attend extra activities and the teachers are using their own money to help these kids. He stated he would like fort the town to Tim Suttles: He asked first if we have found out anything about thet trees in the road on Lail Road. He said he spoke to the clerk two months ago and she said she would check but nothing has been done.  and she sees them all ride through thet town regularly.  donate al little money to the PTO to help these kids.  Mr. Benfield: He said the state has been contacted but nothing has been done. Tim Suttles: Asked Mr. Benfield if they said they would take care ofit? Mr. Benfield: Ihave no idea what they said I just know we contacted them.  Tim Suttles: The other comment Iwould like to make is for everyone to think about if your driving down the road and yous see a policeman sitting there. What is thei first thing you do? Two minutes later you get blue lighted and told your speeding. He believes that is not a reason to give somebody: as speeding ticket. Hes said "he" was given a speeding ticket, he didn't show himself and told the Town Clerk that he wanted    tos speak to the Chief but he was offt that day. They have three days to pay these tickets andi that was the third day. He called Rodney and asked fora a return phone call but as oft today he hasn't called him back. Mr. Suttles stated that was sorry. He mentioned its not his money, he's a young kid and he thinks it should be given back to him. He said he has hit his brake lights a million times whenl Isee a police officer  sitting on the: side of the road. NEW BUSINESS:  FESTIVAL UPDATE  Mr. Benfield said it was as success. We had a good turnout. He added Fire Department did pretty good on  the bbq. He said we'll discuss it again next year and see if we want to doi it again. Mrs. Harrison asked ift the music could start at 6pm instead of 7pm.  Mr. Benfield commented that they have to play a 31 hour set. That's what we pay fori is sets.  SIDEWALKS ON LINVILLE STREET  Mr. Helms made motion to provide bids for repairs at next meeting. Table the decision for next months  meeting. Pass; 4-0  AUDITI DRAFT  Mr. Benfield stated that the audit had been completed and would be presented at the next meeting  scheduled for Nov. 13. ITEMS FOR DECISION:  HIRING PROCESS FORI POLICE OFFICER  Michelle Lewis made the motion that the website be updated to add thej job posting. Tommy Helms  seconded. Pass; 4-0  SECURITY SYSTEM UPGRADE  Michelle Lewis made the motion to approve this and use ARP money. Tommy Helms seconded. Pass; 4-0  ADDING SHORE LINES FOR FIRE TRUCKS  Michelle Lewis made motion to approve the request to add lines and use South Mtn Electric. since the  circuits were included in their bid. Sheila Perkins seconded. Pass; 4-0  POLICE VEHICLES ON GOV.DEALS  Sheila Perkins made the motion to approve the request. 2006 Ford Truck, Reserve at $2500, 2012 Ford  Taurus, Reserve at $2200. Tommy Helms seconded. Pass; 4-0  Meeting adjourned