MINUTES

Village of St. Helena Council Meeting and Public Hearing

October 17, 2013

Present were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Ron Rampone, Neil Benton, Jim Davis, Nancy Jones, William Hunter, Attorney Nathaniel T. Coleman, and Louis T. Hesse.

Others present were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Mack Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Baker, Charles White, Judy Katalinic, Gina Rampone, Kathy Hone, Jackie Davis, and Alice Southerland.

Mayor Barnhill called the public hearing to order and read the following:  Village of St. Helena “Notice of a Public Hearing”  The Village of St. Helena Council will hold a public hearing October 17th 2013 at 6:25 PM at the Village Hall (305 East Main Street) to consider rezoning property owned by Charles White.  The property consists of approximately 50 acres and is generally located off of the road on the East side of Front Street about l/4 mile South of Burgaw/Village border.  If approved, the proposed rezoning would change the zoning classification for the subject property from I-1 (Light Industrial District) to R-20 (Residential-Agricultural District).  For more information, call the Village inspector at 910-604-0912.

Charles White spoke that he had 85 acres.  He was requesting 50 acres to be rezoned from I-1 to R-20.  He was leaving 35 acres industrial.

Louis Hesse said that the Planning Board discussed this rezoning and unanimously agreed to recommend the fifty acres be rezoned to R-20 since the land is adjacent to property which is already zoned R-20 agreeing this would not constitute spot zoning.

There were no objections from the audience.

On motion by Neil Benton, and seconded by Ron Rampone, the public hearing was adjourned unanimously.

Mayor Barnhill called the regular meeting to order and prayed.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Nancy Jones, minutes of September 19, 2013 were approved unanimously.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Ron Rampone, the financial report was approved unanimously.

Louis Hesse mentioned contracts approved for inspectors.  This includes Chris Moore.

Mayor Barnhill shared estimated figures on how much taxes would be generated from homes if all the property to the corner would be rezoned R-20.  This was discussed and sent to the Planning Board.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Neil Benton, to rezone the fifty acres from I-1 to R-20 was voted two for and three against (Davis, Rampone, Jones).  The motion failed.

Charles White spoke about talking to a Raleigh attorney on this matter.  He then said that he was a peaceful man and that he felt he was being treated unfairly.  He wanted the council to reconsider.

Mrs. Mack Bell asked what was the reason for opposing the rezoning of the fifty acres?

Nancy Jones said that planners felt we needed an industrial area.

Mrs. Bell stated that Burgaw couldn’t even get industry.  She wanted to know the rationale for opposing the rezoning .

Jim Davis stated that he would consider rezoning all of the property in question all at one time.

Ron Rampone questioned if Charles was planning to build a house?

Charles White said that he was not considering a development.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Nancy Jones, the motion stated above was rescinded unanimously.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Neil Benton, the rezoning of the fifty acres from I-1 to R-20 was passed unanimously.

Jim Davis questioned Charles White about his plans.

Charles White has possible plans to divide the property into l0-acre sections.

Louis Hesse is to go to Planning Board to consider the rest of the property to be rezoned residential.

On motion by Jim Davis, and seconded by Nancy Jones, it was unanimous to schedule a public hearing for the November meeting if the Planning Board would recommend the rezoning.

Mayor Barnhill mentioned that he had to correct a waste report for Raleigh.  He also mentioned that he sees a lot of blue recyclable carts being put out.

Jim Davis mentioned the painting of the interior of the hall and pressure washing the outside.  $300 was needed for the washing and $200 for blinds and supplies.

On motion by Neil Benton, and seconded by Nancy Jones, $500 was approved unanimously.

To justify the action of the council on the rezoning the attorney emailed the council members and proposed that the following paragraphs be included in the 10/17/2013 minutes.

The Mayor proposed, and the Council has adopted, a plan to rezone as much as practical, the I-1 and O&I districts in north central St. Helena to residential districts.  The Council has found this plan reasonable and in the public interest.  The Council acknowledges that at this time there is little, if any, interest shown from any industries wanting to establish a location in St. Helena and there is little likelihood of there being interest in industry in the foreseeable future.  This is at least in part because there are incentives in nearby communities being offered to attract industries that St. Helena is not able to offer at this time.  Therefore, the Council has decided to rezone these areas to residential districts, which are more likely to be used productively and increase tax revenue.

Consistency Statement of Council Regarding Adopting the Zoning Amendment Proposed by Charles White on 10/17/2013:

Because Mr. White’s 50 acre parcel is part of the land that is intended to be rezoned to residential property, the adoption of the proposed zoning amendment is  consistent with the adopted plan and the action taken is reasonable and in the public interest because it furthers the public policy as stated within the plan.

On motion by William Hunter, and seconded by Ron Rampone, the meeting was adjourned unanimously.