St. Helena Council Minutes

March 21, 2024

Present were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-tem William Hunter, Clerk Mary Bakan, Councilman Neil Benton, Planner Stephanie Moore, Councilman Carey Childress, Councilman Gerald Velie, Councilwoman Judy Katalinic, Building Inspector Louis Hesse, and Town Attorney Robert Corbett.

In the audience was Alice Southerland

The meeting was called to order and Mayor Barnhill led the prayer.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and a salute to the North Carolina Flag was said by all.

On motion by Mr. Velie, and seconded by Mr. Hunter, the minutes of February 15, were approved unanimously with minor corrections.

On motion by Mr. Hunter, and seconded by Ms. Katalinic, the February 2024 Financial report was approved unanimously.

Under old business, Mayor Barnhill went over the audit and noted information on page 16 (ARP), page 20 (earmarked cash), Page 26 (general fund and solid waste disposal tax), page 27 (starting amount and ending amount for the 2022-2023 fiscal year), page 30 (tax level). He also pointed out that there is no long-term debt.

On motion by Ms. Katalinic and seconded by Mr. Hunter the council approved the audit.

Next order of business was the 2024-2025 Audit contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., P.A.

Mayor Barnhill said that we don’t need two auditors. On motion by Mr. Barnhill and seconded by Mr. Benton, the council unanimously agreed that Mr. Knowles services will no longer be needed and Mayor Barnhill asked Ms. Bakan to send Mr. Knowles a letter stating that his services are no longer needed. Ms. Bakan reported that the

town has not received his bill as of yet.

It was then brought up by Mr. Velie that Ms. Bakan should work more hours since there is a lot to do. He suggested 20 hours a week and Ms. Bakan deserved to be paid for those hours. The amount of the pay raise was left in Mayor Barnhill’s hands when he creates the new 2024-2025 budget.

On motion by Mr. Hunter and seconded by Mr. Childress, the council unanimously approved the audit contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Co.

Mr. Velie brought up the visiting clerk who met with him and Mayor Barnhill. Mr. Velie thought she should get paid for her time and travel. Mr. Velie suggested $50 dollars. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Benton thought $100 dollars would be better.  On motion by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Hunter, the council unanimously approved sending the visiting clerk a check for $100.

Next thing that was discussed was the municipal dinner to be held in Surf City on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A list of those who were going was made.

Mr. Corbett went over how a closed session should be handled. He also explained about making a motion and approving the minutes to be closed.

Mr. Hunter brought up cleaning the ditch located on Fairfield Drive. Also mentioned was replacing the driveways pipes. On motion by Mr. Benton and seconded by Mr. Childress, it was unanimously to get bids.

Mr. Benton brought up that the septic tank permit was approved. Three names were mentioned on who to get bids from. Mr. Benton will contact them.  Mr. Hunter also wanted Mr. Benton to get bids on a new town hall sign. It was stated that the sign should not exceed $500. On motion by Mr. Benton, and seconded by Mr. Hunter, it was unanimously approved to get bids for both the new septic tank and a new sign.

Mr. Moore said St. Helena will have a planning board meeting next month.

Mr. Hesse gave an overview of building activities in the St. Helena Area.

On motion by Mr. Velie, and seconded by Mr. Hunter, the meeting was adjourned unanimously