February 16, 2023

St. Helena Town Hall

6:30 p.m.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-Tem William Hunter, Council Member Neil Benton, Council Member Kaye Knowles, Council Member Nancy Jones, Council Member Judy Katalinic, Village Attorney Nathan Coleman, Building Inspector Louis T. Hesse, and Village Clerk Robbie Holly.

In the audience were Ms. Mary Bakan and Carey Childress- Planning board Secretary.

Robert called the meeting to order and Kaye Knowles led the prayer.

Allegiance to the U.S. Flag and a salute to the N.C. Flag were said by all.

Robert had questions about the repair of the building outlined in the January 2023 minutes. Louis Hesse explained the changes that will have to be made for it to be up to code. On motion by Judy, and seconded by Kaye, the minutes were approved unanimously.

The next order of business was the January financial report. Nancy questioned the payment for QuickBooks. QuickBooks is used by the Robbie Holly to handle bills and other financial matters. Ms. Holly said that last year, it was $600 one-time payment for software and the monthly payment for payroll. However, now it is $100 a month for everything because converted to QuickBooks online. Nancy said “That is way too high. I use QuickBooks where I work which consist of 15 employees and our bill is never that high.” The issue was discussed and Nancy said she would send an email about her billing. Robbie said she would look at the billing also. On motion by Kaye, and seconded by William, the motion to approve the January 2023 financial report was approved unanimously.

The next thing to discuss was the audit. It was discussed along with the auditor’s finding. (See January 2023 minutes for details). The issue of approximately nine thousand dollars that was budgeted but never came in was discussed. Greengo solar farms was brought up as a possible reason and who gets tax money Burgaw or St. Helena. Covid was also mentioned as another possible reason why the audit could have been short. Nancy asked if anyone had gotten any answers since last months meeting about the tax difference from either the Auditor or by calling the tax office. Nathan had reviewed all the paperwork from the Advalorem taxes from Burgaw and seen no big change or reason for the difference.  Nathan informed the council that he will miss next month’s meeting for personal reasons but he will send any information that he acquired about the situation.  Robert stated that the auditor sent a paper for the all the council members to sign to acknowledge that they have been informed of the situation. All signed except for Nancy who had a problem with it and wanted answers before she will sign anything. Nancy wants to know why auditor didn’t find the difference and inform us, especially with all the money the town pays them. With all that was going on, the audit was not review or approved by the council.

Judy brought up the upcoming election. She pointed out that the municipal election is this year and we should talk about whether we are going to allow absentee voting. She also pointed out that the Pender County Board of Elections had changed staff.  Nancy talked about those who are shut ins. Judy pointed out that during the last municipal election, Neil (who was running for office) could not vote for himself because he was out of town on Election Day. William and Neil said that they are for early voting but against mail-in voting. The absentee voting consist of  mail-in voting and early voting, the law states that  you can’t have one without the other. Kaye said she will vote for absentee voting. On motion by Judy, and seconded by Nancy, the motion to have absentee voting for the upcoming election was approved 3-2.

The next order of business was changes in the U.D.O. in regards to what is allow in residential areas. The council members went through their list and compared notes and the new list will be sent to the planning board to study and determine what changes needed to be made. Louis explained about the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes. Judy asked Louis if Kim could help the planning board since it deals with planning. Louis said he don’t see why not.

The estimate of fixing the rear door at the town hall was next. The council looked at the estimate submitted by Allen Wilson. It listed the estimate at $4,500 plus $75 an hour for customizing the frame work, floor repairs and screen doors. Discussion including what type of hand rails, the 5 feet by 5 feet landing, handicap accessibility, and covering for the door. Louis asked if there was flooring under the stage. Judy said no there is no flooring underneath the stage. Louis suggested that it we shorten the length of the stage for better movement entering and exiting the rear door. On the issues, William said “That will cost a lot of money and we should put a cap on what we spend on this building”.  Judy pointed out that she would like new steps and railings (but no landing) at the kitchen door because the steps are tilted a bit and could cause a fall which can cause St. Helena to be sued. Also she wants the partition to be removed in the girl’s bathroom so someone in a wheelchair can use the facilities. William suggested that we can make it a unisex bathroom and have it handicap accessible but leave the other bathroom as it is but make it unisex too. Judy agreed with William that it would be an ideal solution. Parking was brought up. The new town hall was brought up.  After much discussion, Robert asked Louis to get a hold of Allen Wilson and go over the details for a new, more precise quote.

Finally, the municipal dinner was brought up. It will be on March 31^st at the Burgaw Depot. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Middle of the Island is catering. Some of the foods that will be served will be roast beef, marinated chicken, spinach and strawberry salad, apple crisp, blueberry cobbler, and several side dishes. The topic of the guest speaker was brought up. Robert was thinking about Representative Beal and Judy recommended Carolyn Justice.

Louis purchased a new projector for the town hall that was approved a few months ago by the council.

Election notes:  Terms that are up this year. Robert, Kaye, William, and Nancy. Neil and Judy has two more years on their terms

On motion by Nancy, and seconded by Judy, the meeting was adjourned unanimously.