Newspapers / The Chowan Herald (Edenton, … / May 22, 2019, edition 1 / Page 2
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A2 THE CHOWAN HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 22,2019 VALHALLA Continued from Al generations. Ricky Nixon is owner of Nixon’s Fishery after taking it over from his fa ther. He has seen changes in the fishing industry that now make relying solely on the state fishing industry for his com pany’s survival impossi ble. In short, they know the Chowan River. They, along with several others who have lived or worked on the river for years, are concerned that Chowan County’s plan to put a diffuser pipe that would discharge waste- water from the Valhalla Water Treatment Plant into the river. The group met May 2 at Leon Nixon’s Banquet Hall to discuss the issue. The proposal The proposal — esti mated to cost $4.5 million — goes about five miles from the Valhalla Water Treatment Plant’s unlined waste pond to Harris Landing. It will extend about 2,000 feet into the Chowan River, where a 40-foot long, four-valve diffuser apparatus will be located. Greg Churchill, of Rivers and Associates Inc., the project’s engi neering firm, said the 8- inch pipe would be un derground and use the roads’ rights-of-way whenever possible. When asked why the county chose Harris Landing as the discharge site, County Manager Kevin Howard said the site was one of three given by a previous engi neer. Tire other proposed sites include near the US 17 bridge and along Mid way Drive, off NC 94, about 8 miles from the Valhalla Water Treatment Plant. The commission ers decided the other two proposals weren’t eco nomically feasible, Howard said at a forum about the project held in March. If the Valhalla plant dis charges effluent at its full capacity — 189,000 gal lons per day for the 2 mil lion gallons of potable drinking water it makes — the effluent, which has sodium ions it, would dif fuse into the Chowan River’s water enough to be within state standards at about 6 meters from the valves, according to Groundwater Manage ment Associates Inc., which ran the computer models on the project. Currently, the plant BUDGET Continued from Al Commissioner Bob Kirby noted that Weiss helped the Center Hill- Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department during its recent barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser. “I like to give back to the community,” Weiss said. “It’s a way to meet with people and let them put a face to the voice.” Goodwin went on to present his annual report from the Sheriffs Office, Jail and 911 center, which covered 2018. The sher iffs office has 19 sworn positions, with 25 part- time deputies. During 2018, the sher iffs office answered 6,046 calls, served 851 criminal papers and 928 civil pa pers. Deputies spent 148 days in court. The sheriff’s office maintained 976 con cealed handgun permit records and issued 342 permits in 2018. The sheriff also runs GOODWIN Continued from Al Investigative Service. Goodwin has over 23 years of experience in leading medium- and large-scale organizations in Criminal Investigations / Counterin telligence Operations, Counter Espionage, Nu clear Weapons Treaty In spections, and Dignitary Protection within the Naval Crimin>al Inves operates at about a little less than half of its full ca pacity. Earlier this month, the Chowan County Com mission agreed to con duct. a feasibility study about building a regional water treatment plant. Such study would delay work on the proposed Valhalla project, but the issue of sending effluent to the Chowan River still remains. River flow Nixon said he prefers the proposal to build an 8 mile pipe to Midway Drive, for about $8.5 mil lion, about double cost of the proposed Harris Landing project. He noted that his fish ery is the only one still on the Chowan River. His business processes over 300,000 pounds of catfish a year. The Chowan River is a slow moving river. “Where the pipe is pro posed, it’s not going to go anywhere,” Nixon said of the diffused effluent. The Chowan River, from Holliday Island to where it meets the Albe marle Sound, is a dead zone, Nixon and the other fishermen noted. According to the group, further upstream, basi cally from the NC-Vir- ginia border to Holliday Island, the river is about a half a mile wide and deeper, which causes the river to move quickly. Once it passes the is land, the river becomes to 241 miles wide and is more shallow. “Once it gets to that point where it widens and gets shallow, it gets stagnant. That’s why the water turns green,” said Herbert Byrum, a fisher man from Cannons Ferry. “When you add stuff (to the river), it only makes the situation that much worse. “If you turn out the plant waste, it will be dead in the water,” he said. Stanley Tynch’s father always told him that the Chowan River is like a whirlpool. If you set a net on one side of the river and then one on the other side, you’ll see that the current flows down- stream on one side and upstream in the other. The middle is kinda still. “When you see a float ing log in the Chowan River, it sits there,” he said. “But in the Roanoke River, logs float down- stream. (The discharge) shouldn’t be put any where in the Chowan River.” the jail and 911 center. Ten full-time dispatchers answered 44,463 calls in 2018. The jail has nine full-time employees. In other business: * The commission au thorized disposal of as sets through Gov Deals. The items include several vehicles and the Eden ton-Chowan Rec Depart ment boat parked in the Edenton Harbor marina. Howard said that the staff will set the prices for the items, which most likely will sell during the web site’s cycle, about 30 days. * The commission ap proved several budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. They in clude adding discre tionary income — $246,000. The amend ments also include a stream-debris removal grant for Soil and Water and an AW.A.R.E. dona tion for a doggie play- ground at the Tri-County Animal Shelter. * The commission pro claimed May as Older American Month. Crimewatch Chowan County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Demetrius White, of Whitemon Lane, was arrested May 6 on charges of do mestic criminal trespass, cyber-stalking and misdemeanor larceny. John Nathan Mills Jr, of Dakota Trail, was arrested May 7 on a charge of mak ing harassing phone calls. Crystal Star Crawley, of Brayhall Road, was arrested May 7 on two charges of school attendance law violations. Christopher Aylesworth, of Oneida Trail, Arrowhead Beach, was arrested May 8, on a felony charge of larceny and a charge of obtaining property by false pretenses. Kenneth Lee Bryant, of White Oak Drive, was arrested May 11, on a charge of communicating threats. Ebony White-Blount, no address given, was arrested May 10, on charges out of Pasquotank County for failure to appear: driving while intoxicated and reckless driving to endanger. Incidents Deputies investigated an April 30 re port of financial card fraud on Gilberts Beach Road. Deputies investigated a May 2 report of vandalism and destruction of property on Albemarle Drive. Deputies investigated a May 3 report on vandalism and destruction of property on Woodland Drive. Deputies investigated a May 8 report on vandalism and malicious damage to real property on River Road. Deputies investigated a May 8 report of vandalism and malicious damage to real property on Virginia Road. Deputies investigated a May 8 report of vandalism and malicious damage to real property on Coffield Road. COUNCIL Continued from Al Rezoning from R-5, Resi dential to CU-CN, Condi tional Neighborhood Com mercial — zoning changes approved by the Town Hall and Planning Board. The change comes with concerns about traffic and parking patterns. In the past, when that property was used as a church or a retail establishment with limited hours, parking and traffic patterns on North Oakum were relatively un affected. However, this new establishment seeks more consistent hours six days a week. If the busi ness is a success, that could affect traffic flow in that neighborhood. During the public hearing, Lori Ann Curtin expressed her concern about safety is sues arising from changing traffic patterns and the stor age of merchandise. “Oakum Street is a ma jor corridor to the down- town area of Edenton and to the police station,” she said. “This north Edenton neighborhood is supposed to be residential, but some how commercial keeps creeping in. ... Adding traf fic to this neighborhood is going to create a signifi cant safety concern.” To address concerns about traffic flow/parking, the store will have handicap parking in front while the main parking will be to the side of the main building. Also, council prohibited pods and large shipping containers from being stored on the property. April Garman said the busi ness has other places they plan to utilize for the stor age of merchandise, so the site will be unaffected. In other matters, council approved many changes local ordinances so as to better comply with the Unified Development Ordi nance. Town Hall’s Plan ning Director Elizabeth Bryant has been working with Dale Holland, a noted planning consultant, on up dating the UDO based on recent changes in state law and court cases. As to the UDO, there is a such a thing called a “granny pod.” No, it is not one an alien pod that lands in a person’s backyard and spits out a senior citizen. Rather, a granny pod is a 300-square-foot small cot tage, temporary in nature, that may be used to house someone who needs a little more medical care and at tention. And if that person moves out of the pod, that structure must be removed from the property so as not to be considered a perma nent structure. Another change that was included involves lo cating any future tattoo parlors within industrial zones and away from high visibility zones. Property updates Council gave its blessing to deferring action aimed at condemning historic Hannibal Badham house at 116 E. Gale St. for another 60 days so as to give the property owner time to remedy the situation. The Town has worked with the owner Bernard Overton since 2011, how ever he died about two -tigative Service (NCIS). He also has extensive background in leaderslup and management in gov ernment and business star tups and development. After his military ser vice, he served in gov- years ago. His wife Mary Overton of Maryland now is managing the property. She asked for the town’s assistance in helping her find a contractor who can give her an estimate of costs to fix the items the city identified as needed to be repaired to stabilize and save the structure. Speaking of saving a fa miliar structure, Mayor Roland Vaughan answered a question from Joe Leotta of West Gale Street during the public comment por tion of the meeting about Hotel Hinton. Located by the 1767 Courthouse, the property has been vacant for many years — a tragedy since it appears to be a great location with easy access to downtown and the beauty of the courthouse green. Vaughan said property developers are seeking fi nancing that is needed for the project, so it is a posi tive step forward. Develop ers have reached out to three banks. “That has been the miss ing piece for the develop ers,” he said. “They needed a primary lender in their fi nance package and up un til now, they have not been able to locate, find or en gage a lending institution. But they are very confident and feel very positive that from these three banks that there will be a partner emerging. I think it will be fairly soon, quite honestly. The dialogue with the de veloper has been more fre quent and positive than other time in the course of this lengthy project.” As to the Conger Build ing where a proposed brew pub is potentially planned, councilman Craig Miller asked the question that is on many people’s minds — where are we at? Though pub developer/entrepre- neur John Glover has until June 30 to close the deal, Town Manager Anne-Marie Knighton said she is nudg ing him and his architect to file the paperwork needed to move the project for ward that has been talked about for more than three years. “Do you think things can happen within that time frame (by June 30)?” Miller asked. Knighton said, “It’s going to be tight, but they are supposedly working on it.” Another structure of note — Miller asked what Town Hall is doing about the housing code viola tions reported at 313 E. Church St. Bryant said the building inspectors are in constant contact with the property owners regarding the long list of items that are being addressed at the boarding house. Leotta also asked about the water infrastructure project that will bring Edenton’s drinking water in compliance with the state law. The town’s wa ter system remains in viola tion of state law because it contains elevated levels of trihalomethanes, a byprod uct of the chemical process to disinfect drink ing water. Tri halomethanes, or THMs, are considered a carcino genic. That said, don’t be alarmed because high THM levels in the town’s ernment as a Chowan County commissioner, Eastern Regional Director to the Office of the Gover nor and NC Ferry Division director. Goodwin is a graduate of East Carolina University. water don’t pose an emer gency, but customers — particularly those with spe cific health concerns — need to know about them. Knighton said the con tract was awarded and construction started for the Beaver Hill water treat ment plant that is slated to be finished in September. “We appreciate your pa tience,” she said. “It’s been a challenge mainly obtain ing the various state per mits that have been re quired for the project, but all that is behind us now — full speed ahead.” Last note — after the meeting, Miller reassured Taco Bell fans that the pop ular restaurant is only a few months behind sched ule, but the project is still very much on track so that someday soon, there would be no need to make a run for the border to buy a 12-pack of tacos along with bean and cheese bur ritos, hold the onions. Odds and ends In other matters: * Council gave its bless ing to health and dental coverage policies, pending some of the finer points. Rand Williams, the broker with the Sorin Group, who assists Town Hall with health insurance renewals, talked about which com pany offers the best and most affordable deal. Pending X, Y and Z, First Carolina and Guardian ap pear to have council’s nod. * Council approved fil ing an application to USDA Rural Development for fi nancing street repairs and resurfacing. Town Hall’s budget is approximately $750,000 plus engineering, bidding, construction ad ministration and contin gency, for a total budget of $950,000. A 20-year loan at 2% would require an an nual payment of $58,098. Once the application is filed and Town Hall gets approval from USDA, it will bid the project and CHOWAffHERALD (USPS 106-380) Published Every Wednesday Adams Publishing Group Entered as a second-class matter August 30,1934 at the Post Of fice of Edenton, North Car olina, under Act of March 3, 1870. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Daily Advance home delivery area $30* (Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, parts of Gates) Elsewhere in continental United States $47 ♦Plus applicable sales tax. Activation fee of $2.99 will be collected with all new subscriptions. Deactivation fees may apply for early cancellation. To place a classified advertisment, call our Customer Care Center at 252-329-9505. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: The Chowan Herald • P.O. Box 207 • Edenton, NC 27932 Telephone: (252) 482-2623 Fax: (252) 482-4410 nlayton@ncweeklies.com TOWN OF EDENTON GARBAGE COLLECTION MEMORIAL DAY 2019 MONDAY, MAY 27TH HOLIDAY TUESDAY, MAY 28TH EASTSIDE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION WILL BE PICKED UP WEDNESDAY, MAY29TH RECYCLABLES WILL BE PICKED UP THURSDAY, MAY 30TH YARD WASTE WILL BE PICKED UP WESTSIDE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION WILL BE PICKED UP FRIDAY, MAY 31ST WESTSIDE SOLID WASTE COLLECTION WILL BE PICKED UP then file application with the NC Local Government Commission for approval. Town Hall is aiming to be on the NC Local Govern ment Commission’s September meeting. Once Edenton receives approval from LGC, council can for mally award the bid to the successful contractor. With any luck, Edenton might qualify for a small amount of grant funds for this project. * Council gave its bless ing to file an application to USDA for financing Fire Mobile Command Unit and three police vehicles. Town Hall is optimistic that it will be awarded grant funds — possible 25% to 50% grant and the remaining a low interest loan. The Fire Mobile Command Unit is pro jected to cost $45,000 and the Police Vehicles around $30,000 each (fully equipped with lights, ra dios, etc.). * Assistant Town Man ager Tammy Woodley will serve as the acting Town Manager while Knighton is on medical leave between May 16 and June 10. * Council endorsed a resolution in support of House Bill 399, Historic Preservation Act of 2019: Councilman Sambo Dixon requested this resolution be added to the agenda be cause of the importance of Historic Tax Credits to the community. * Destination Down town Edenton Director Jennifer Harriss offered the agency’s annual report. After hearing the report that detailed some of the fine things Harriss is spear heading that have been chronicled in these pages many times, Dixon echoed what many council mem bers and civic leaders say about Harriss — “she’s rock star” on these matters and she is well known on the national level for her projects and energy.
The Chowan Herald (Edenton, N.C.)
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