Grifton Board Meets

By Mitchell Oakley

GRIFTON — The Grifton Board of Commissioners waived a $100 deposit for using the town commons for a church bake sale.

Ardathy Spikes asked the board to waive the deposit for her church at the commons area located on Queen Street. “Do the people who drink and throw trash around out there at all times of the day and night pay a $100 deposit,” she asked commissioners? “We’ve got a small church and we’ve got $30 in the treasury. We don’t have $100. I don’t have a problem with filling out an application.”

Commissioners seemed dumbfounded that the $100 deposit was required at the town commons, an area totally accessible to the public. Commissioner Bill Smith said he would like to see the town’s policy examined and Commissioner Ralph Thaxton said he would like to get rid of the fee.

The board voted to waive the $100 fee for Ms. Spikes’ church until the board can review the policy.

Ryan Lassiter, a member of Grifton Boy Scout Troop 24, informed the board of his effort to earn the Eagle Scout rank. Lassiter, who has been in the scouts 11 years, says he must produce a project that helps the community. He says he plans to get 45 donors at the Rescue Squad Building in a much-needed blood drive. Lassiter says he needs 55 people to show up and give on February 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. He pointed out that only three blood drives have been held here in the past five years. “There is a blood shortage in the region,” Lassiter said. He told commissioners that he had a sign-up sheet if they wanted to participate.

The board approved participating in a Pitt County Sheriff’s Department grant application for OSSI’s Data Sharing program. The Sheriff will make application for the funds through the Governor’s Crime Commission, seeking a grant with a 25% local match. Grifton Police Chief Warren Morrissette said the software will enable the police department to have immediate access to shared information, including pictures, criminal information and also give the ability to communicate directly with other departments. The town’s share, if the grant application is approved, is a total of $1,782.00 over a two-year period, about $1,300 which has to be paid in the first year. It was explained that if the grant is approved, the monies will not be budgeted until the next two budget years. The issue was adopted unanimously.

Discussion of the 2004 Land Use Plan was delayed for another meeting while board members continue their review.

The board also decided to delay a HOME grant project until the next meeting.

The 2004 Master Greenway Plan was formally adopted unanimously by the board.

An update on Contentnea Creek Overlook Park and Contentnea Creek Trail and RV Park was provided. Mayor Tim Bright said the board has to consider adopting rules and regulations for the two areas. The rules come from other areas with similar sites, Mayor Bright said, and were reviewed by the Creekside Committeee and legal staff. He said some adjustments were made. Commissioner Richard Hill said he had just gotten the rules and regulations at 6:30 of the meeting day and wanted time to read and ask questions. He moved to table and the board voted unanimously to do so.

Grifton hops to hear from NRWASA on a per gallon water rate after its meeting on February 26. Town Administrator Michael Peoples said the board should learn how the scope of work will be reduced since Greene County and Farmville won’t be participants and how that affects the cost per gallon to the remaining participants. Grifton can still get out of the arrangement with NRWASA if those costs are more than projected.

In fact, Peoples said discussions continued with Greenville Utilities Commission and he’s hopeful about hearing more definitive information from them by February 26 as well.

 Initial participants dropped out to see what the cost per 1,000 gallons is.  Still negotiating with GUC and we’re awaiting further information. Expecting more definitive information on February 26.

It was also noted that a public form on education would be held in Grifton at the Chamber meeting at 7:30 a.m. on March 9, 2004.

The board entered closed session on a legal matter.

Earlier in the meeting the board adopted the following items in their consent agenda:

-Scheduled their 2004 Board of Commissioners Retreat Friday, February 27, 2004, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grifton Town Hall.

-Appointed Michael Peoples for appointment to Eastern Carolina Council of Government General Membership Board.

- Approved  a variety of budget amendments. Among the most expensive amendments was $6806.82 for civic center repair from the capital project-flood facilities fund; $14,116.42 contributed from other funds, including $5000 from professional services-administration, $1,000 from supplies, $3,000 from police communications, $700 from uniforms, $3,000 mosquito supplies-streets, $416.43 for uniforms, workshop and $1,000 for phone for the library.

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