St. Helena Council Notes

May 18, 2023

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Councilman Neil Benton, Councilwoman Kaye Knowles, Councilwoman Nancy Jones, Councilwoman Judy Katalinic, Village Attorney Nathan Coleman, Building Inspector Louis T. Hesse, and Village Clerk Mary Bakan.

In the audience were Sam Shore (from the Council of Governments), Alice Southerland, Dr. Naseem Nasrallah, Gerald Velie, and Carey Childress.

Robert called the meeting to order. Robert passed out the proposed 2023-2024 budget.

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

Kaye led the prayer.

The minutes of April 20, 2023 was discussed. Judy suggested two changes to April's minutes On motion by Nancy, and seconded by Neil, the minutes with changes were approved unanimously.

The financial report was discussed. The cost of the fire tax and waste were mentioned. On motion by Nancy, and seconded by Judy, the financial report was approved unanimously.

Louis talked about the public hearing for a text change in reference to the church located on Newroad Ave. On motion by Judy, and seconded by Nancy, it was unanimously to approve a public hearing on the text change.

Nancy brought up Sean Knowles. She wanted the town to hire Mr. Knowles as an accountant to oversee St. Helena’s finances. She said he will charge $250 dollars a quarter which comes to a total of $1,000 per year. On motion by Nancy, and seconded by Neil, the motion to hire Mr. Knowles as the town accountant was approved unanimously.

The subject of a new village clerk was discussed. Judy submitted an ad that she had done. Judy said that the last one had a bar that was way too high.

Dr. Nasrallah had an issue with his trash. Nancy said she will take care of it.

Gerald brought up the issue of reports and how it is a local issue. Judy disagreed and explains that we have to work with the state and county and sometimes information is hard to get. She mentioned the TR-2 and how we were worried that we weren’t going to get any sales tax because of software problem at the county level. Sam pointed out that the department of revenue and the D.O.T. are some on the state levels that the towns must work with.

Nathan mentioned that the planning board will meet in June about a subdivision.

On motion by Kaye, and seconded by Judy, it was voted unanimously to adjourn.