The Henderson City Council ended its open session in approximately 35 minutes, making Mayor Pro-Tempore Ranger Wilkerson’s presiding debut the most remarkable in recent memory.
The main features of the meeting were:
* The council passed a resolution regarding Beacon Light Apartments stemming from a Community Development meeting on August 8. Although a copy of the resolution was not made available, it is believed that it stated a desire that the property be used for low- to moderate-income single-family dwellings rather than for apartment units in any future development.
Diane Barbario, chair of the Clean-Up Henderson Committee, spoke in favor of the resolution.
* An ordinance adjusting fees for code enforcement was passed. This ordinance raises administrative fees from $40 to $100.
* Ordinances for removal of abandoned furniture and other debris and the establishment of new handicapped parking spaces near the First Baptist Church were taken off of the agenda and sent back to committee at the request of council member Elissa Yount.
* Community Development Committee Chair Garry Daeke reported that his group is waiting for bids on a project manager for the David Streed CDBG Project.
* During the Human Resources Committee report, City Manager Jerry Moss informed members that advertisements had been placed in various media this past weekend in search of a new police chief. He said that there would be a group to do assessments of applications which would include a chief from outside of Henderson.
Moss also stated that he was looking at the interim chief position. He said he would have something in place before Henderson Police Chief Glen Allen leaves.
* During the City Manager’s report, Moss said that two families remain at Beacon Light. He anticipates that by Monday all residents will be out of the complex.
Moss related to the council that in discussion with Section 8 at Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunities, it was indicated that some money has been distributed. He said that families will get between $900 and $1,300, depending on need, and that the money would be in on Friday.
The two families still at Beacon Light are waiting for the financial assistance to facilitate their moves.
The city manager indicated that the only problem is that Sunday night was the last night that HUD will pay for security. Moss said that he has asked Allen to patrol the area heavily at night.
At a meeting held for Beacon Light residents on July 25, Ellen Dickason of the HUD Multifamily Housing Center in Greensboro told residents that security would be present until all families were out of the complex.
Moss also told the council that city staff is working on getting a “new customer” packet together containing information about recycling, trash collection, and other items of interest for new city water customers.
New city water customers are also potentially new city residents.
Code Compliance Director Corey Williams, who originated the idea, received compliments from council members Lynn Harper and Daeke.
Moss noted that there has been a recognizable improvement in attendance at the Aycock Recreation Center since brochures regarding the facility have been distributed.
The council went into closed session for a matter related to a lawsuit and a personnel matter.