St. Helena Council Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2025

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-Tem Neil Benton, Councilman Carey Childress, Councilwoman Judith Katalinic, Councilmember Gerald Velie, Councilwoman Shirley Jacobs, Village Attorney Robert H. Corbett, Building Inspector Louis T. Hesse, Planner Stephanie L. Moore, and Village Clerk Mary D. Bakan.

The meeting started with a public hearing at 6:25 p.m.

The public hearing was closed at 6:35

Mayor Barnhill called the regular meeting to order.

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

Mayor Barnhill led the prayer.

Mr. Barnhill introduced Ms. Jacobs who has applied to fill Mr. Hunter’s vacant seat.

On motion by Ms. Katalinic, and seconded by Mr. Childress, the Minutes of January 16,2025 were approved by Council.

On motion by Ms. Katalinic, and seconded by Mr. Benton, the January 2025 Financial report was approved by Council.

The next topic was the rezoning of property next to St. Joseph Church. On motion by Ms. Katalinic and seconded by Childress, it resulted in a split vote with Mr. Benton and Mr. Velie voting against it. Mr. Barnhill broke the tie and the rezoning request was approved.

On motion by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Benton, the council approved the new FEMA ordinance.

On motion by Ms. Katalinic and seconded by Mr. Childress, the 2023-24 audit was approved.

Mr. Hesse gave a short review of what was going on.

Ms. Moore talked about a possible special use permit request.

Mr. Benton brought up the handicap ramp. The council discussed the issue and decided to approve the $750 for new material but refused to pay the remaining balance until the job is completed and needed approval of the building inspector.

On motion by Mr. Childress and seconded by Ms. Katalinic, the council approved the contract with TSPA (auditor).

On motion by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Benton, the Council appointed Ms. Shirley Jacobs to fill Mr. Hunter’s seat.

Mr. Barnhill asked her to come forward and he gave her the oath of office.

On motion by Mr. Velie and seconded by Mr. Benton, the council adjourned at 8:05 p.m.