June 20, 2024 Council Minutes

6:30 p.m.

St. Helena Town Hall

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

In the audience were Alice Southerland and Pender County Manager Michael Silverman.

Robert Barnhill opened the public hearing on the 2024-2025 Budget. There were no comments.

On motion to close the public hearing was made by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Hunter. The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council.

A motion to accept the May 2024 minutes was made by Mr. Childress and seconded by Mr. Hunter.The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council.

A motion to approve the amended 2023-2024 budget was made by Mr. Hunter and seconded by Mr. Childress The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council.

A motion to approve the May 2024 Financial Report was made by Mr. Hunter and seconded by Mr. Benton. The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council.

A motion was made to approve the 2024-2025 budget by Mr. Childress and seconded by Ms. Katalinic,. The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council.

A motion to recieve the $50,000 direct grant from the state by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Benton. The motion was passed by the St. Helena Council. Mr. Benton gave an update on the new septic tank.

Mr. Hesse gave an update on what is going on in St. Helena. He requested a public hearing on rezoning for Nash Equipment (O & I>B2). It was approved  by the St. Helena Council to have the public hearing on July 18. 2024.

Mr. Hunter gave an update in possible ditching along Fairfield Drive.

In discussions about Bland Avenue, Mr. Hunter stated that the road should be at least 26 feet wide and with six inches of “road rock”.

In reference to the property located next door, a motion was made by Mr. Hunter and seconded by Mr. Childress to put in a 30 foot pipe where it crosses over into the field because of poor drainage. It was passed by the St. Helena Council.

In reference to the family subdivision, Mr. Hunter wanted to increase the waiting time from two to three years for the off springs  who recently got  a the subdivision plat. On motion by Mr. Hunter and seconded by Mr. Childress, the motion was passed 4 to 1.

Mr. Hunter brought up Wall’s Trash and Recycling and asked Gerald to get a quote.

On motion by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Hunter, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made. The motion was passed by The St. Helena Council.