Council reduction delayed for another month
Lake Santeetlah – Water system repairs for the town will cost $248,000.
As part of the May 14 council meeting, town officials acknowledged that an increased cost for electricity – necessary to keep chemical pumps running during repairs – spearheaded the final tally, which was originally estimated to be $185,000.
The town will secure a 10-year loan for $200,000, while $34,000 will come from this year’s general budget reserves and the remaining $14,000 will be paid out of the 2020-21 fiscal year budget.
Likewise, a $34,000 budget amendment – also to be paid from general reserves – was needed for well house repairs. The repairs are moving along smoothly.
Additionally, a fifth and sixth well were located while the town was moving the chlorine system from well house No. 4, which will soon be torn down. The fifth well was once active and could be used again if necessary, but the state of the sixth well is uncertain.
Charter amendment
The heavily discussed town charter amendment – which could see the size of the town council reduce from five members to three – will be presented in a public hearing after the next scheduled council meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11.
Council member Roger Carlton noted opposition to going down to three members, while council member Diana Simon expressed a desire to hear public feedback on the matter.
Other happenings
The meeting also featured the following items and discussions:
* Final plans for revamping the front entrance have been received, with $40,000 set aside in the proposed 2020-21 budget for the renovations. The upgrades could be made in three phases: retaining wall, paving, and plants and signage.
* Security cameras could soon be installed at the front entrance. Blevins Electric provided a wiring estimate of $1,260, while the cameras would cost $3,000. Two fiberglass poles – 19 feet in length – will cost $1,228, and three cameras would be put in place, pointing down Thunderbird Trail, Santeetlah and Nantahala trails, and at the exit gate. WiFi will also be needed.
The motion to purchase the poles passed unanimously. It was noted that the budget has $1,600-$2,000 leftover under “security” that could pay for the poles.
* Kevin Haag was unanimously appointed as an alternate member on the Lake Santeetlah Planning Board.
* Town Administrator Kim Matheson presented the financial report, informing everyone that as of April 30, the town had a general account balance of $77,158.74; the water operating account balance is $33,132.69; and the amount of taxes collected throughout April was $1,157.41.