Don’t expect an early night for the Henderson City Council on Monday.
Returning to action after a three-week break, the council has an agenda packed with issues that could flare into extended discussions.
Samuel Smith, the Shank Street resident who apparently paid a city sanitation fee for 18 years even though he lives just outside the city, has signed up to address the City Council for the fourth time. The council has refused to pay him more than $2,200 to cover the 15 years of sanitation fees beyond the three years he has already received.
At its last meeting, the council agreed to forgive about $390 in late fees to save Smith from the threat of having his water disconnected, but he said after the meeting he would fight on to get his money back. He has the support of council member Mary Emma Evans and Mayor Clem Seifert.
In case Smith’s case isn’t enough of a utilities problem for the city, Brady Maddox of 255 N.C. 39 Loop Road is scheduled to speak before Smith about sewer charges.
Another big issue for Evans, alcohol on city property, will be back.
The Land Planning and Development Committee will present its proposed policy banning alcohol on “city property,” making exceptions for any events already approved. The policy is written to allow the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to hold Alive! After Five at the Operations & Service Center on April 28 and Sept. 15.
Chamber President Bill Edwards now is asking for permission to hold another Alive! After Five session, presumably with beer for sale, downtown on Breckenridge Street on June 23.
It was Alive! After Five that inspired the original debate over alcohol on city property, and, depending on the order of actions, Alive! After Five could provide the first test for the new policy. The policy does not specifically address streets.
The Land Planning and Development Committee, chaired by Elissa Yount, also will present its proposed policy on the rental of the armory grounds along Dabney Drive. The armory itself is closed for safety reasons.
Evans also is requesting information on two other matters:
* A cap on rental property in the city and/or a policy prohibiting the eviction of tenants without notice.
* Minority hiring practices, an issue she has brought up several times in respect to promotions and salaries for city employees.
Also on the agenda:
* The Finance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, fresh off three nights of budget presentations last week, is due to schedule further budget meetings this week. Bernard Alston’s committee has yet to hear about the city administration’s spending, the budget requests from outside agencies or revenues.
* Code Compliance Director Corey Williams is bringing two houses to the council to get approval for their demolition — 1010 Orange St. and 725 Roberson St.
* The one public hearing is the third attempt for Jerry Chesson to seek approval of the rezoning of 0.84 acre at the corner of West Andrews Avenue and Beckford Drive from a high-density residential district (R-6) to a highway commercial district (B-2). The Planning Board turned Chesson down, and the council twice has postponed the hearing at his request.
* City Manager Eric Williams will demonstrate the city’s revamped Web site, which is scheduled to go live Friday. The presentation is expected to last 30 minutes.
* City Engineer Frank Frazier has a comprehensive map of road resurfacing needs and will discuss the council’s desires regarding the use of state Powell Bill money for those projects this year. Unused Powell Bill money makes the city’s general fund balance look healthier. Including that money, Henderson was $388,000 short of an acceptable fund balance June 30, 2004; without it, the city was short more than $600,000.
* Perhaps because no City Council meeting would be complete without some Embassy Square-related issue, the city staff might sound out the council on parking regulations around the project, especially on Wyche Street.
The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Beckford Drive.