Columbia Board of Aldermen to Review Water Adjustments, Ferry Update, and Law Enforcement Report Monday
COLUMBIA — A round-up of Tyrrell County news…
The 34th annual Scuppernong River Festival is Saturday! We will have more coverage of the event ahead. For a schedule of events, click this link.
Festival’s parade is Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. Schools, churches, civic groups, municipalities and others are encouraged to join in with their bands, floats, cars, go-carts, boats, 4-wheelers, horses, and fire trucks.
Make plans to participate or watch the parade Saturday morning — line-up begins at Columbia High School on US Highway 64. The parade participants need to be lined-up by 9:30 a.m. and the parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Please register by October 8th.
The Columbia Board of Aldermen will meet in regular session at 7 p.m. Monday, October 6, in the town’s conference room at 103 Main Street, with a full agenda that includes reports from law enforcement, animal control, and the fire department, along with several updates on town operations and public services. More on that in a minute.
Speaking of Town Council, two women with deep ties to Columbia are vying to lead the small Tyrrell County town as its next mayor: Sandra Owens, a seasoned public official and longtime resident, and Helen Teresa Ayers, a newcomer to politics with a strong focus on community, health, and jobs.
See our related story about these candidates who want your vote in November.
Back to Town Council — Mayor Owens will call Monday’s meeting to order, and the board is expected to first consider a consent agenda that includes approval of the September 2 meeting minutes and several minor water and sewer billing adjustments. The agenda lists a downward adjustment of $57.55 for Tyrrell County (US64) and an upward adjustment of $103 for Erica Glass related to a non-sufficient funds payment.
The board will then open the public comment period, giving citizens the opportunity to address local issues or share concerns before moving into departmental reports.
Tyrrell County Sheriff Kevin Sawyer is scheduled to deliver the June law enforcement report, followed by Animal Control Officer Chrissy R. Tarpley, who will brief the board on animal control issues within the town. Fire Chief Monica Mauffray will present a fire department request, as well as separate reports on calibrated auto-street repairs for the town’s 2006 Ford truck and the budget and fiscal report.
A report from Dr. Nick Didow is expected to update the board on Harbor Towns initiative, that features Columbia with points along the Albemarle Sound, though this newspaper wishes it was more like the ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Town officials will also discuss the ongoing transfer of the Free ‘n Easy property, and Johnny Spencer of Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company will brief the board on the town’s meter read system.
Later in the meeting, the board will hear the tax collector’s report from Donna Combs, ordinance updates from Alderman Owens, and a manager’s report. Town Attorney Will Crowe will deliver his legal update before the board enters a closed session to consult with the attorney.
The meeting will conclude with announcements, including notice that Town Hall will be closed Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day.