EDENTON – The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will take up a rezoning request that the Planning Board rejected, a change to the county’s Christmas holiday schedule, and a Republican Party nominee to fill a soon-to-be-vacant seat when it meets Monday.
The board will receive a nominee —Alton Lane — from the Republican Party Executive Committee to replace Commissioner Chris Evans, who resigned effective Nov. 1. Under N.C. General Statute, the board asked Evans’ party to put forward a name for its consideration. See our story here.
Commissioners will also hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 1823 Virginia Rd. from A-1 to B-1 (General Business). The Planning Board did not approve the request. The application, staff report and supporting documents are included in the agenda packet.
Security at the Public Safety Center is also on the agenda. Commissioners will consider approving a locking and camera system for the Veterans and Planning and Inspections entrances. The agenda says people have been entering through those doors and reaching the rear of the Tax Office, which has become a safety and security concern. The recommended system would let staff unlock doors remotely for known visitors and ensure people go to the appropriate offices rather than restricted areas.
The board will consider extending the Senior Center’s longer hours through November. At its Sept. 21 meeting, commissioners approved keeping the center open until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday on a trial basis during October. The center has asked that the arrangement continue for another month.
The NC Cooperative Extension Chowan County Center will present its annual report.
The consent agenda includes the naming of Commissioner Ellis Lawrence as voting delegate and Commissioner Tony Shaffer as alternate for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Legislative Goals Conference; a $465.42 tax refund to T. Damon for an overpayment; and the sale of two surplus items through a GovDeals auction: a 2000 Ford Econoline and a Bell & Howell 16mm projector.
On the holiday schedule, the board will decide whether to keep the county’s current policy or adopt the State of North Carolina’s schedule. Under the county’s existing policy, offices close for only two days when Christmas falls on a weekend. The state schedule allows three days regardless of which day Christmas falls on. According to the agenda, all neighboring counties follow the state schedule and give employees three days.
County Manager Kevin Howard will update the board on pending matters, and commissioners will give reports on the external boards they serve on. Under timely and important matters, the board will view an NCACC video on the property tax amendment.
Last note: A closed session will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Chowan County Public Safety Center, 305 W. Freemason St. The board will meet behind closed doors under state law provisions covering confidential information, attorney-client privilege, economic development and contract negotiations. The regular meeting follows at 6 p.m.
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