Village of St. Helena Council Minutes

July 20, 2023

6:30 p.m.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-Tem William Hunter, Councilwoman Kaye Knowles, Councilwoman Judy Katalinic, Councilman Neil Benton, Town Attorney Nathaniel Coleman, Building Inspector Louis Hesse, and Town Clerk Mary Bakan. Absent was Nancy Jones.

In the audience were Gerald Velie and Carey Childress.

Robert Barnhill opened the meeting and led the prayer.

Pledge of Alliance was said to the U.S. Flag, and a salute was said to the N.C. Flag by all.

Robert Barnhill asked if there is a motion to approve June 13, 2023 minutes.

Neil Benton made the motion to approve the June 13, 2023 minutes. Kaye Knowles seconded it.  It was unanimously approved.

Robert Barnhill asked if there is a motion to approve the financial report.

Kaye Knowles made the motion to approve the financial report. William Hunter seconded it. It was unanimously approved.

Neil Benton called the council’s attention to the June 22 special council meeting. Robert asked for a motion. Neil Benton said there are a few things that need to be changed in the minutes. On motion by Kaye and seconded by Judy, the minutes were approved with the changes.

William Hunter mentioned the field next to the town hall. William asked for help finding someone to mow it.

The council talked about the area around the intersection of Main Street and Front Street.

Gerald Velie wanted to know why the council is not holding a discussion about the planning board’s request that they get paid every month if there meet or not or if they show up or not. No action was taken.

Gerald Velie brought up the railroad bed. Louis Hesse pointed out that Gerald Velie could call the NCDOT about the guy putting a road over the railroad bed if he wants. Louis also pointed out that when a building permit is requested, it MUST have a legally access road to go into the property such as Bland Road (and not Front Street) or they CANNOT build a house there.

Nathaniel Coleman said he is resigning as the attorney for St. Helena. He thanked the council for the opportunity that they have given him but it is about time to move on.

Robert Barnhill asked if there is anything else. Judy Katalinic said that there are two applicants for the town clerk position and wanted to set a time for the council to interview them. It was decided to have the interviews on August 3, 2023 and the first applicant will be interviewed from 6 p.m. to 6:45 and the second applicant should be scheduled for 6:45 p.m.

On motion by Neil Benton and seconded by Judy Katalinic, the motion to adjourn was unanimous approved unanimously.