Chadbourn taking applications for council

By GINNY HALEY

The open question facing Chadbourn Town Council is who will fill the vacancy created by the recent death of Mayor Pro Tem David Lawrence?

Council and Mayor Ken Waddell took some heat at Tuesday’s regular meeting from residents who expected council to name a replacement. Some wanted council to appoint Donald Ray Bass, who had the strongest showing among the candidates who lost the most recent election.

Larry Williamson is the other name that was publicly floated.

Waddell said that written applications for the council job would be accepted through Tuesday, March 21. Applications are available at the Chadbourn Town Hall and are to be returned to Manager Dottie Thomas or Waddell.

The application asks for name, address, telephone number and an answer to the question: Why do you want to serve on the Chadbourn Town Council? Council will consider the applications on April 4.

Council appointed Fax Rector as mayor pro tem.

In other business, council voted to deny a conditional use permit for Fatima Butler to operate a childcare and development center at 712 E. First Ave.

Neighbors and nearby property owners complained there was insufficient parking for the business. They also said that late night and early morning traffic along the quiet, dead-end residential street would be disruptive.

Some residents complained that Waste Management crews were digging holes on their property when operating the debris removal claw machine. Wade Jernigan of Waste Management said he would speak with operators about the problem.

Council approved $5,0000 under the Façade Improvement Grant Program to Jay Suggs for improvements to three of his rental buildings in the 100 block of First Avenue. The grant represents a minimum of a dollar-for-dollar match.

Mokisha Hicks’ application to maintain and operate Miller’s Sports Bar at 114 Marvin Drive was approved. Marvin Larrimore has leased the business establishment to Hicks. Questions arose from council and Police Chief Steve Shaw regarding intention of maintaining the business at its current size and the services offered. Both Hicks and Larrimore said there would be no change.

Council voted to give Thomas the authority to transform the former town hall building into a meeting space and a polling place. The back of the building is being renovated and paid for by employees to use as a workout facility. Town employees will do the renovation to council chambers and bathrooms, making materials the only expense.

Council also voted to spend money for the demolition of the Eskander Building on Brown Street.

Council also approved Shaw’s request for summer uniforms and equipment repairs.

Waddell also asked Fire Chief Randy Guyton to instruct his crews to be “gentle” when checking hydrants and flushing lines so as not to dislodge chunks of rust that foul residents’ water.

After the meeting, Thomas said town crews would start next week retiring old galvanized water lines and tapping houses into existing PVC lines. The work will be done by the town crew one house at a time, mainly along the east side of town starting at Elm Street.

News Editor Lee Hinnant contributed to this story.