St. Helena Regular Council Meeting

Thursday, January 18, 2024

6:30 p.m.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-Tem William Hunter, Councilman Neil Benton, Councilman Gerald Velie, Councilman Carey Childress, Councilwoman Judy Katalinic, Planner Stephanie Moore, Building Inspector Louis Hesse, and Village Clerk Mary D. Bakan.

In the audience were Ms. Emily Baker, Ms. Alice Southerland, and Ms. Anne Childress (mother of Carey Childress)

Mr. Barnhill called the meeting to order and led the prayer.

Allegiance to the American Flag and the Salute to the N.C. Flag was said by all.

On motion by William, and seconded by Carey, the minutes of December 21, 2023 (with corrections) were approved unanimously.

In reference to the financial report, William asked why Futrell Landscaping was getting paid for cutting grass in December. Robert explained that the town has a contract with them.

On motion by William, and seconded by Gerald, the December Financial Report was approved unanimously.

Robert Barnhill announced that St. Helena has got a check from the ABC board in the amount of $1,482.91.On motion by Gerald, and seconded by Carey, it was unanimous to accept the money.

The next item of business was the Conflict of Interest Policy. Judy explained that it is requirement if we want to get the direct grant from the state for $50,000. She also pointed out that St. Helena had to do one for the federal government when she was doing the ARP funding. William, after much discussion, and seconded by Judy, the resolution to adopt the policy was approved unanimously.

Robert brought up the hiring of the part-time attorney and town clerk. On motion by Carey, and seconded by William, it was unanimous to hire Ms. Emily Baker.

On motion by Neil, and seconded by Gerald, the council voted unanimously to hire Mr. Corbett as our part-time attorney.

Robert Barnhill requested that we have a special meeting to plan growth in St. Helena. After much discussion, the special meeting would be held on January 27, 2024 from 9 a.m. to noon at the town hall.

Robert Barnhill asked if there were anything else. Louis brought up the Sanchez’s subdivision request. On motion by Gerald, and seconded by Neil, it was approved unanimously. Louis also mentioned that the council must have a public hearing on the “five year rule”. On motion by William, and seconded by Neil, it was unanimously to have a public hearing at the next regular council meeting.

A question was asked about wetlands and Osgood Creek. The question was if a bridge can be put over Osgood Creek for someone to use as a road to a subdivision. Louis and Stephanie went to the computer and pulled up GIS and overlay the wetlands map. Stephanie and Louis pointed out if it is wetland, then the landowner must get a permit from CAMA.

The next topic was the septic system. Neil mentioned a 50 foot leech (?) line and 18 inches of gravel. It was decided to run a pipe from the town hall, across the ditch and have the leech field in the field next door. Various options were discussed. William suggested that the town put the septic tank in the back corner of the field next to the town hall. On motion by Carey, and seconded by William, the council approved getting estimates for the cost of putting in a new septic tank in the nearby field.

Lastly, William brought up two bids. Both bids were from Tyson Simpson. One was for cutting the nearby field and the other is to cut around the town hall. The bid to cut the nearby field was $175 (every other month) and that included cutting the ditch banks. The other bid for cutting around the town hall (plus weed eating) and he will charge $55 every two weeks during grass growing season. On motion by William, and seconded by Neil, it was unanimous that we hire Mr. Simpson to mow the side field. On motion by Gerald Velie, and seconded by Neil Benton, it was unanimous to hire Mr. Simpson to cut the grass at the town hall.

On motion by Neil, and second by William, the council meeting was adjourned unanimously.