[0:00] That's a little bit better there. I pray that your day have been a blessed day

[0:03] all day long. So, at this time, I will ask that you

[0:07] turn off all cell phones or put them place them on silent. [clears throat]

[0:11] Excuse me.

[0:17] » I would I will now call this meeting of the Betha board of commissions to order.

[0:21] The time is 602.

[0:26] The date is September [clears throat] the 1st, 2026. At this time, we're going

[0:30] to have a roll call. Commissioner Jones >> here.

[0:33] » Commissioner Whitehurst >> here.

[0:35] » Mayor Promp Griggs >> here.

[0:37] » Commissioner Lily >> here.

[0:39] » Commissioner Conger [clears throat] >> here.

[0:42] » Madame Clerk, we do have a quorum. At this time, I would like for the board of

[0:46] commissioners to look at the agenda to see if there's anything unethical or

[0:50] immoral on the agenda.

[1:02] There's nothing unethical or immoral on the agenda that you see at this time.

[1:06] We're going to ask Mayor Promp Griggs to lead us in our invocation.

[1:11] » Let us bow our heads. Father, in the name of Jesus, we just want to say thank

[1:16] you for this day, a day that we never seen before. We thank you that our

[1:19] [clears throat] circles and our families have not been broken on today. We just

[1:23] like to say thank you. We ask that you would give us um safe passage in this

[1:28] meeting that we would do as business as men do in business and let us be well

[1:34] pleased with the outcome of our meeting on tonight in Jesus name. Amen.

[1:39] » Amen. >> Amen. At this time, we're going to ask

[1:42] one our very own our county commissioner, Commissioner Mary Perkins

[1:46] Williams to lead us in our pledge of allegiance.

[1:55] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it

[2:01] stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice

[2:08] for all.

[2:15] At this time, I would [clears throat] ask

[2:18] if I have a motion to approve the proposed agenda.

[2:22] » Mayor, if I can ask the board to entertain adding an item under old

[2:26] business. I refer the first item. That would be a report um from myself and

[2:32] representatives from the Pit County Inspections Department regarding our

[2:35] condemnation process where we're we're we're doing some condemnations to take

[2:40] down some dilapidated structures in town. [cough and clears throat]

[2:46] » Okay. Do I have a motion that we add to add the report for the Pit County

[2:52] inspection? >> So move.

[2:53] » Okay. Motion made by Commissioner Lily. Do I have a second?

[2:58] » A second. >> Second by Mayor Pro Tim Greg. [snorts]

[3:01] All in [clears throat] favor right hand. >> Any oppose? Motion carry unanimous.

[3:09] Okay. And that was added to old business.

[3:15] » For number one. >> No. For number one.

[3:19] All right. At this time, do I have a motion to approve the proposed agenda?

[3:24] » So move. >> Okay. Motion made by Commissioner Lily.

[3:27] Do I have a second? >> Second.

[3:29] » Second by Mayor of Commissioner Conger. [clears throat] All in favor by raising

[3:34] your right hand. Any opposed? Motion carried unanimous.

[3:41] Next to claim our attention will be item E, our consent agenda. Do I have a

[3:46] motion to approve our minutes from the special call meeting on July 14th, 2026

[3:53] and the minutes for the monthly meeting August 4th, 2026?

[3:58] » So move. >> Motion made by [clears throat]

[4:01] Commissioner Lily. Do I have a second? >> Second. Second by Mayor Pro Tim Griggs.

[4:06] All in favor raise your right hand.

[4:11] Okay. Can we put them back up? Make sure. All right. Okay. Any oppose?

[4:17] Motion carry unanimous. The next thing to claim our attention will be uh public

[4:24] comments.

[4:27] And uh first on our [clears throat] list, we're going to ask Miss Trisha

[4:32] Waroff.

[4:42] And we ask that you will you have five minutes um to for public comments. And

[4:47] just to let you know uh public comments provides an opportunity for residents to

[4:52] com comment on any item included on the agenda or to address the town board on

[4:58] any matter related to the town of Bethl. Comments are limited to five minutes. So

[5:04] we ask that you state your name and your address.

[5:11] All right. Good evening, friends. I'm Trisha Workah. I live 213 Railroad

[5:15] Street here in Bethl. And I am here to as a concerned resident about um

[5:23] planning and what we can do as a community and you guys as a board can do

[5:29] to be proactive regarding weather events that are we are [snorts] going to be

[5:35] just essentially having for the next few years. Um, I don't know how many people

[5:39] follow weather patterns, but we're walking into like an LU [clears throat]

[5:42] event, which we don't know how it's going to treat the world. We we are

[5:46] looking at a lot of struggles um globally from the impacts and I'm coming

[5:53] to you guys this week. We are under a heat advisory and I know a lot of

[5:58] residents in this town don't have AC and I'm asking what can we as a you guys as

[6:05] a board do? What can we as a community do to take care of our residents who

[6:10] don't have AC, who don't have access to cooling stations, who don't have access

[6:15] to ways to get out of the life-threatening conditions that we are

[6:20] going to be under far more far more regularly. And so, while we're only

[6:25] going to be under a heat advisory for a few days this week, it is going to

[6:28] become a more regular thing. we will have more heat extremes that are

[6:33] endangering lives. And I don't want those heat extremes to be endangering

[6:37] lives in our community if we can if we can prevent it. And so I'm coming to you

[6:43] guys to say, can we plan for that? What can we do this week perhaps to take care

[6:48] of our residents who are going to be struggling? What grants are available to

[6:52] help them get their houses up to where they need to be done? But I am inviting

[6:57] you guys as a board to start doing these things and researching this so we can

[7:01] make sure everyone in the community is taken care of. There's this saying that

[7:07] it goes the average Roman, they didn't know Rome was failing. It was just the

[7:12] local bridge went out one day and no one ever showed up to repair it.

[7:16] » [clears throat] >> And

[7:18] I don't want that to happen here in our community where things need to be get

[7:23] done, get to take things need to be taken care of and no one shows up to do

[7:28] it. Thank you guys for your time. Have a wonderful evening.

[7:32] » Thank you. Next [snorts] up for public comments, Mr. Jerome Brown and Miss

[7:37] Carolyn Mayo.

[7:43] Once again, we ask that you state your name and your address.

[7:48] » Good evening. I'm Carolyn Mayo. Um, we are the owners of Bethl Pharmacy, which

[7:54] is 7433 Main Street. Uh, Coffee Shop and More, which is 123 West Railroad Street.

[8:00] Bethl Hardware, which is 7389 South Main Street. Um, so,

[8:05] » and I'm Jerome Brown. >> [laughter]

[8:08] » Um we're here this evening to present to the board our project which is rule

[8:13] renewal. You're all aware of what we um what our plan is for Bethl. And um just

[8:19] wanted to kind of give you an idea of what the bigger picture is for Bethl in

[8:25] addition to all the rural areas that we plan on going into. So the project name

[8:30] is called rural renewal and um it represents where people eat, live, live,

[8:36] work, play and age. Those are those are the social determinants of health. We're

[8:41] a healthcare company and what we realized in rural areas is that um we

[8:47] need to rural areas need a better quality of life and that's what our aim

[8:50] is. So, the pharmacy provides access to medication. The hardware store provides

[8:58] um essential needs and tools that you may need for your home. Um and so you

[9:02] don't have to drive 20, 30 minutes away to get a screw that Mr. Brown always

[9:07] says. Um also the coffee shop provides entertainment. Um and that's

[9:12] [clears throat] ne necessary for your quality of life. Um the other things

[9:17] that we are planning in the future is the grocery store in addition to a

[9:21] boutique that's behind the hardware store. So all of those things affect a

[9:26] person's health and we are determined um to pro promote and also build in rural

[9:33] areas. We're not just wanting to do a stop or drivebys or um things that are

[9:40] not permanent, but we are planning on remaining in Bethl and then going in

[9:45] other areas. So, Mr. Brown, would you like to say anything before?

[9:49] » Yes, just a couple comments. So, the re renewal strategy is a big thing now. As

[9:54] you may know, uh of the hundred counties in North Carolina, 80 of them are rural.

[9:59] We're North Carolina have the second largest rural area in United States next

[10:02] to Texas. You hear that? The second largest rural area in United States next

[10:07] to Texas. So rural strategy and it says um I can't read the back of my shirt,

[10:12] but [snorts] it said what does it say? >> Rural renewal.

[10:16] » We believe >> and we got to believe in Bethl. So we're

[10:18] passionate about this one in 2023 article written about Bethl um on

[10:23] national magazine. We can give it to you all as well. So we're here for a long

[10:26] term. Um we're we want to do transformation. You know, one of the

[10:30] things that I know Scott and the mayor preach about is not coming make them

[10:33] stop but going forward. So it's a lot of work. It's a lot of financial

[10:37] requirements for the work to make it happen. We believe and we're doing it

[10:41] our own from that perspective. So rule strategy will be having these t-shirts

[10:45] around whatever to market to sell whatever. But rural renewal is what it

[10:50] all about. It won't make you all aware. Nothing special about it. Just a mindset

[10:55] you got to start with first. my mind feel differently then my body will act

[10:59] and my living condition will act so the social determinance of health is a major

[11:05] item that they're trying to address in the world and we want to do it here

[11:09] Bethl is the only town that has the things in place soon to be a city and I

[11:14] told the government soon to be the capital in a couple years [snorts] but I

[11:17] believe right mayor and Scott >> that's right

[11:19] » so you got to believe it so that's the mindset we have uh that miss Carol and I

[11:24] have it's great being here love it we commute

[11:26] um four, five, six times a day and we love it. My truck has 217,000 miles on

[11:32] it and it's only three years old. >> Four years old, right?

[11:36] » She beats me about it but all the time. But it's all Beth M. So that was it. I

[11:40] don't run out of time. Believe in the strategy. As my t-shirt says, we say

[11:45] rule renewal starts in Bethl and we thank you for your time and all the

[11:49] parties, all the cities, all y'all do come by our place. We appreciate the

[11:53] business no matter what because if we can keep that going, we can do more in

[11:56] Beth. We thank you all from our heart. >> And one more thing is um the reason why

[11:59] we have on these two shirts is because the we believe is all about community.

[12:04] It's not just Jerome and I that we believe but we we are we have um

[12:09] providing all of these for the town for the board so that you can be a part of

[12:14] what we're doing. It's not anything that we're trying to do individually, but

[12:18] this takes the communities and we it won't last unless the community believes

[12:23] in rural renewal. Um, and so that's why we're wearing these. We'll have them in

[12:28] different colors. U, we'd love to see the community put them on and wear them

[12:34] around town, wear them wherever you go because we want to see change, not just

[12:39] as Mr. Brown stated and the mayor and all of the board, it's just not a stop.

[12:44] This is renewing rule. Um the state does have a program this rural health

[12:48] transformation program. It's about 50 200 million that they've received

[12:53] already. Um but anyway, this is this is totally separate. So thank you for your

[12:59] time.

[13:05] » All right. Thank [clears throat] you, Mr. Brown. Miss Miss Mayo

[13:10] rule renewal. That's all right. Next to claim our attention is our

[13:17] public >> Yes, sir.

[13:19] » our public hearing. And at this time, we'll go into our public hearing. And

[13:24] I'll turn it over [snorts] to our entry man.

[13:27] » Yes. So, tonight we have the second public hearing on our community

[13:31] development block grant applications. This is the CDBG

[13:34] um- NR. NR stands for neighborhood revitalization. We held the um last

[13:40] public hearing at your last meeting on August 4th. Um so tonight we would

[13:46] invite anybody who has any comments regarding the town submitting its second

[13:52] um application. The application will be for the like amount of money that we did

[13:56] the first time, $950,000. Um I believe our intent and Ben you can

[14:02] correct me if you want to come to the podium. our consultant Ben Jones. Our

[14:05] intent would be to do four more replacement homes, I believe.

[14:08] » Um, and [clears throat] Mr. Jones has been um interviewing those

[14:13] who have asked to be contacted to see if they might qualify to be considered by

[14:19] the the committee, the housing committee that will be um making a selection,

[14:23] making a recommendation to the town board.

[14:26] Add anything else I may have missed? >> Um, I I think you covered it, but um

[14:30] I'll just uh ditto it. Um, just like uh our town manager said, this is our

[14:35] second public hearing. The applications for the community development block

[14:39] grant are due on October the 13th, and we are actively um working on surveys

[14:44] and identifying homes that will be considered for the uh community

[14:49] development block grant program. The town will be applying for the maximum

[14:53] amount, as he stated, $950,000. and um

[14:58] » and that will consist of all housing related activities.

[15:11] » Okay. Uh are there any are there any uh question from the board?

[15:16] » Yes, I have a question. um the houses or the properties that were chosen last

[15:21] year, do you have any idea when those um construction will begin on those?

[15:27] » I I currently uh don't have an estimated timeline. So, um the best I can give you

[15:34] is just kind of an update of where we're at. So, in June of this year, we

[15:38] submitted um all of our documentation to the state that they've requested and um

[15:44] essentially started a comment period for them to review. Um they've exceeded that

[15:52] amount of time and we're just waiting on them to respond. And um I've followed up

[15:56] with them on two occasions already. Um they responded recently and just said,

[16:01] "Thank you for your patience. We're working on it." And um so really we're

[16:05] just waiting on them and as soon as we get their approval then we'll be full

[16:09] steam ahead. >> So Commissioner White, just to repeat,

[16:11] we've we've submitted all the paperwork, all the documents. You've taken all the

[16:16] actions. Um we're waiting for their environmental reviews like Ben is saying

[16:21] and it's in [clears throat] their hands. As soon as we get that clearance, we'll

[16:23] be be ready to roll and get moving.

[16:27] » Yeah. Essentially what we're waiting on from them is um we the request for

[16:32] release of funds. So, we've done the environmentals, we've done [snorts] all

[16:35] the compliance plans, we've sent it all in, and we've said, "Hey, we've done it

[16:38] all. Do you agree? If so, we want to start spending our money." And so, we're

[16:42] just waiting on them to agree and say, "Yes, you've got release of funds." And

[16:46] then, as soon as we have that, then we can start doing uh, you know, asbestous

[16:50] inspections and surveys and all the things and then take the house plans to

[16:54] the residents so they can pick their new house and um, and then bid it out, put

[16:58] it out to a contractor. So soon as we get that, I mean, it'll just be a maybe

[17:02] a month or two turnaround before we have a contractor selected.

[17:06] » So you're going to bid it out to a single contractor or more than

[17:10] » it'll be a open bid process. So we will um advertise it in the newspaper and

[17:14] we'll [clears throat] also direct solicit um known contractors that work

[17:18] on these grant programs. probably a bid list of um you know six or seven

[17:24] contractors that I've worked with throughout the past and then obviously

[17:28] any other local contractors are invited if they would be interested in bidding

[17:33] then they can request a a bid. >> Ben, can you clarify? Will each house be

[17:38] a separate bid? A contractor won't bid one price on all four houses, but you

[17:44] you'll have a separate price for each house.

[17:46] » Correct. Yes, sir. We'll put them all out together, but each [clears throat]

[17:50] house will be its own line item and a individual contractor could win each

[17:54] house.

[17:58] [clears throat] >> Are there any other question from the

[18:00] board? Okay. At this >> I was just going to ask about that the

[18:05] housing selection committee. I know we talked about it a little bit the last

[18:08] time, right? Uh uh is that committee and I know we have

[18:14] some information in here about the size of it.

[18:16] » Is that pretty much uh in place in stone for that committee?

[18:23] » We have not formulated the committee since we had the one we had last year

[18:27] for the first application. And again, on that one, it was the mayor, myself at

[18:32] the time, um, Miss Griggs before she got on on the the board,

[18:38] » and Miss Margaret Witherspoon. >> Witherspoon.

[18:41] » We had a a citizen in the last board meeting who said they'd like to be on

[18:45] it. Um, [clears throat]

[18:49] » Miss Hall, >> Mary Hall. Yeah, Mary Hall. And um if

[18:54] the board is satisfied with that group, do the documents say that I appoint that

[18:59] committee or does the board appoint them?

[19:02] » I would have to review them. I think it's pretty it's not really a

[19:06] necessarily a board appointed thing. I mean, you could appoint the committee.

[19:09] It's >> okay.

[19:10] » It's just however the town wants to handle it.

[19:13] » If the board's comfortable with that, we we will go forward with with those

[19:16] people unless you've got additional people you would you would like to be

[19:19] appointed to it. We like to keep it kind of small to be manageable if possible.

[19:25] [clears throat]

[19:28] » So if somebody comes forward you will consider them.

[19:32] » Sure. >> Okay.

[19:34] » For the committee. >> Yes.

[19:39] my well I would say this would sort of be my concern because the committee

[19:44] would only be uh the town officials >> keep in mind the committee will make a

[19:52] recommendation we'll come back to you as a board you will then vote on whether

[19:56] you agree with the the houses being selected both for

[20:01] the the four primary houses and three or four alternates that we might have. So

[20:06] ultimately you you as the town board will

[20:11] stamp the approval of that list. So there's just advisory.

[20:16] So we'll come back. I think we were projecting October 6th the next meeting.

[20:22] » Does the well does the committee actually go out to inspect the

[20:25] properties? How does that work? >> Mr. Jones does the in-depth review of

[20:29] each of the houses. He takes pictures. He then provides a think last time we

[20:33] had a packet of photos, pictures printed out about an inch thick. He then reviews

[20:38] each of those houses with the committee and um I guess if we needed to go out we

[20:43] » So he will go out and do all the inspections and things.

[20:46] » Yeah. He literally goes in the house, correct?

[20:48] » Yeah. Yeah. We've been working on that. We've [clears throat] been here probably

[20:51] three or four days already and um we just have another probably another day

[20:56] or so to work through um trying to get through the rest of our our list. Um but

[21:02] yeah, we'll present we'll put all the photos together in a in a document

[21:08] whether like a PDF and whatnot and then present it to the board. They're able to

[21:12] review the photos of the homes and then also the applications that has the

[21:17] demographic information, the age of the resident, the number of residents, and

[21:21] so forth.

[21:27] » I'd like to say um can I Yeah. All it's not just the board that's on that

[21:33] committee. We do have residents >> that are on that committee.

[21:39] Correct. Any

[21:44] other question for Mr. Jones from the board? At this time,

[21:49] we we'll open it up to the public. Uh is there any question you have?

[21:57] » Come to >> If you come to the podium, please, and

[22:00] state your name and your address.

[22:10] My name is Mary Hall and I'm the one that wants to be on that board with

[22:14] them. So when he said he he got a list and he's already started.

[22:19] » Could you Could you state your address for us please?

[22:21] » Oh Mary Hall 3535 Smith Street, North Carolina 27812.

[22:28] I just want to know how do you pick the people that's on the list that he say

[22:33] he's been going to look at or whatever cuz somebody here I don't know. I'm on

[22:37] the board to help make a decision. So, I want to know how it start from the

[22:41] beginning. How do you decide who's on that list that we're voting to make a

[22:46] decision on?

[22:53] » Are you saying the list of names that he will give the committee?

[22:56] » Yes. >> So, originally starts with

[23:02] people. >> Ben, can you come to the podium? So,

[23:06] televised. >> Yeah. So, it um just essentially the way

[23:12] it's working in Bethl right now is uh any resident who feels that they meet

[23:17] the criteria of the grant um which would mean that they own their home, they live

[23:21] in their home, they're they're they meet the income requirements and their home

[23:25] is real property and that they have obviously apparent need for repair.

[23:31] they've been able to come to town hall and the town's been keeping a running

[23:36] list of people and then we've received that list and we've reached out to

[23:41] contact all those people. Um I think we have a few that we'd like to contact at

[23:46] this point and um we've reached out to them. Um if we don't get answers, we

[23:51] leave messages and then the ones that we that answer us um we set up a time to

[23:56] come to their home to view their home and to complete a survey. And then once

[24:02] we've completed that, those surveys will be uh presented to the housing selection

[24:07] committee and then they will review those surveys and the photographs of the

[24:12] home. And >> but that's not not that not cutting you

[24:15] off. That's not what I was asking. I was just asking about the list.

[24:19] » How do the people that's on the list be aware of how to get on the list? I

[24:24] haven't heard anybody mention it. I was at the last meeting.

[24:27] » Was it mentioned [clears throat] before the meeting?

[24:30] » 45 people on the list. [snorts] So they >> Yeah, we've had a lot of people sign up.

[24:34] We've advertised in the paper both of these public hearings. We've posted it,

[24:38] I believe, on our website. Um we've announced it here during during the

[24:43] board meetings. Um the CDBG in our program is not a new new thing for

[24:47] BETHL. This is this should we've had a lot of people throughout the year who

[24:51] who have called in to inquire, hey, when are you going to do it again? Can I get

[24:55] my name on the list? Um the purpose of a public hearing, advertising for a public

[24:59] hearing is to allow people to come ask questions like like yourself. the the

[25:04] bottom line of what the process Ben goes through and then the committee and

[25:08] ultimately the board is to determine hopefully those homes, those residential

[25:15] structures in the most need based upon low and moderate income threshold that

[25:20] that need this. Not that they want it, but they truly need it.

[25:24] » Okay. Well, I'm satisfied. I just wanted to know if I'm going to be on the board.

[25:28] I want to know what I'm dealing with. Thank you.

[25:31] » You're welcome. Yes, ma'am. Could you come to the

[25:34] podium, please?

[25:39] » Carolyn Mayo again. Um, the address, you need the address.

[25:43] » Yes. 7433 Main Street, Bethl Pharmacy. And um, and this question is regarding

[25:48] to Bethl Hardware, 7389 South Main Street, Bethl. Um, to the board and to

[25:54] um, what's your name again? Then as far as um any new bids coming in

[26:00] to build, are you accepting for construction or the developers? How

[26:05] what's that process like? And then the second thing is um is there a

[26:10] requirement to use any of the vendors here in Bethl, for instance, Bethl

[26:15] Hardware for some of the flooring? Um you know, anything like that? Is there a

[26:20] process or requirement to use some Bethl um small businesses?

[26:34] Keane, you want to make rent a judgement on that?

[26:38] » Well, I mean the purpose of public hearings

[26:44] um is a little large and widespread. I would it's my opinion that we just um

[26:54] answer this cont [snorts]

[26:59] it's it's sort of all part and partial. >> Yeah. The only reason I ask is because

[27:03] we're mixing public hearing from 26 grant and now we're asking questions

[27:07] about 25 grant. Um but uh no, there's not a requirement for them to purchase

[27:13] materials at any particular um vendor. Um but any local contractor um maybe if

[27:20] you have um contractors that purchase from you guys regularly, they would be

[27:26] invited to bid and um [clears throat and cough] and you know

[27:29] they could reach out and get a bid package and then but I'm sure that just

[27:33] naturally it being so convenient that the contractors probably will um reach

[27:38] out and buy material from you that they can buy.

[27:42] » Yeah. Thank you. Is there any other question

[27:45] [clears throat] from the the audience? If there's no other question, we'll now

[27:51] close this. The public hearing is now closed.

[27:55] Okay. Thank y'all so much. At this time, we'll proceed on to the old business and

[28:03] and first up we going to ask u I'mma turn it over to the manager and he's

[28:08] going to straight from there. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, board members. So

[28:12] tonight we want to just make a brief report regarding the um process of which

[28:17] the board has authorized and sanctioned. We I think probably two years ago you

[28:22] set aside a sum of money out of the fun [clears throat] balance to condemn

[28:27] vacant dilapidated properties in town and it's taken us a while to um get that

[28:32] program rolling. But we've identified well over a dozen structures and there's

[28:37] probably those are just residential. There's quite a few non-residential

[28:40] structures as well. But we have started the process. The town of Bethl contracts

[28:45] with Pit County inspections, Pit County government for all of our inspection

[28:50] needs. That also includes the the process to condemn properties that are

[28:55] dilapidated and need to be taken care of through that process. So, we've done two

[29:01] two properties so far. Um, we've gone through two two different public

[29:05] hearings. We have representatives from the P County Inspections Department

[29:08] here, Steve Allen and Renise Keys. Um the first one um is the structure here

[29:14] on Railroad Street, 191 Railroad Street. Um that one has been condemned and they

[29:22] have been given 60 days to um um Steve, you want to come come up? I don't want

[29:27] to misspe here, but that has been condemned. They did take out a

[29:31] demolition permit. Um their intent is to demolish it. If they don't demolish it

[29:36] within 60 days at then thereafter at some point the town will then have the

[29:40] authority sir >> to do what it needs to do to bring the

[29:43] house down. The sharks are down. >> Yes, sir. All right. So, I'm Steve

[29:46] Allen. Um I'm going to put 1717 um East Fifth Street to West Fifth Street,

[29:51] Greenville. Um, if I'm not mistaken, 191 um, Railroad

[29:56] Street, which is down the street, has been given a fact of finding from the

[30:00] hearing that states that they will be have till October 30th was the last

[30:05] Friday of the month to um, be actively working on the house to tear it down.

[30:11] Um, they're giving instructions not to do one, two before a weekend or

[30:16] whatever. I need to see active uh process. If at the time of day 30 or 61

[30:22] that they are not actively tearing it down, then it will fall into Bethl's

[30:25] hands to uh um continue with the condemnation and the demolition at their

[30:32] their speed, their their request orever how fast they need to have it done. So

[30:36] that would be turned over. Our second hearing um was scheduled. We had one

[30:42] last week for 190 Andrew Street. Um with it

[30:48] we had a little bit of um kickback because the homeowners are unable to be

[30:53] reached. One has passed away, one's in a nursing home. So that one unfortunately

[30:58] we're going to start over since they're not showing up. Hopefully in two weeks

[31:02] have an additional hearing from that to make sure all our tees are crossed and

[31:07] do eye dotted. So we we are trying to expedite um a lot of commendations. I

[31:15] think we had a list maybe 12 to 13. So that is a process and thanks to the help

[31:21] of uh Scott, we are moving forward kind of rapidly.

[31:24] » So we've we've given them a list of five additional properties. Now that we've

[31:28] kind of nailed this process down, um, and also we we intend to hopefully

[31:34] partner with the Bethl Fire Department, those structures that we can burn for a

[31:38] training exercise for the Bethl Fire Department and other departments they

[31:42] partner with for training exercises, we will burn down. There may be some that

[31:46] are are located too close to an adjoining structure that can't be burned

[31:50] down. In that case, you'd have to have them to tore down, per se. But if

[31:55] they're burned down, um that'll save the town substantial money. We will we'll

[31:59] have cleanup cost of the foundation and any debris that's left after that

[32:03] burning. But we're hoping to stretch our money and all the ones that we can burn

[32:07] down through a training exercise will burn down. So this ball is rolling and

[32:12] um we are hopefully going to see some properties cleaned up.

[32:16] » Yes, sir. >> Thank you.

[32:17] » So thank you. I don't know if the board had any questions. [clears throat]

[32:21] » Yes, I do. Is the list of properties available publicly

[32:26] » uh that that are are you're going to seek condemnation of?

[32:30] » Yes, we actually have a like a fourpage spreadsheet of um of properties. Not all

[32:35] not all the ones we were condemned, but there's condemnations on there. There's

[32:39] junk um help me here, Linda. Junk vehicles. There's ones with grass

[32:45] issues. Forget all the categories of the four.

[32:48] » I had high grass, excessive bushes, junk. as far as major rehab and tear

[32:54] downs. >> But yes, we have we had supplied that I

[32:56] thought to the board about a year ago, but we we need to update that because

[33:00] it's been a year, but we'd be happy to do that. And technically, that's a

[33:04] public record if somebody want to see it.

[33:06] » Okay. Thank you.

[33:09] And if I can get this in and it might need to be a a conversation for another

[33:13] time, but like uh when I was talking to people about the community development

[33:18] block grant and I was stopped by um some people were living in homes. Do we have

[33:23] uh any type of uh minimum housing standards like these people that are

[33:28] renting homes to people? Uh do we have anything in place for that

[33:33] kind of thing? >> We we do in the the town's code of

[33:35] ordinances. There's a whole whole section on that.

[33:39] » Okay. What we lack is truly a code enforcement

[33:43] » falser >> um to really bird dog all these issues

[33:48] whe there's a lot of things in the code of ordinances that um unless it really

[33:52] comes pushed to shove that kind of just go by get by whether it's a rooster

[33:59] crowing that was one issue that I I took on and it took a while of letters and

[34:04] knocking on doors and talking to them and then even finding

[34:09] of a minimal fee, but they finally did back their year get rid of that the

[34:13] rooster that was causing a an issue to the neighboring property owners. Okay.

[34:18] » And if I may add to it, and this is I'm going address this to the board as a

[34:24] board of commissioners, as you ride through the community through the town,

[34:28] you will see these dilapidated structures. You will see how your the

[34:33] citizens in Betha are living. And if you would make note of what you see, bring

[34:39] it back to the manager and myself, and we'll continue to do what we we've done

[34:44] as far as putting together a a list of of houses and just the overall condition

[34:51] of how the community looks. Uh that that's where we need you guys' help at

[34:55] to because there's there's some that it it that way it's [clears throat] still a

[35:00] hard decision when you got to sit down and look that okay well does this person

[35:05] needs to need u say to be on this list versus another person need to be on the

[35:11] list and at the same time we've had houses that's been here for years that

[35:14] have should have been turned torn down years ago

[35:18] » and nothing really took place and so we're We're we're beginning to move

[35:23] forward. Not only do we have houses, but we have buildings that need to be towing

[35:28] down that we're trying to move forward on. And um it's a it's a slow process

[35:34] and sometime it can be a little painful especially when you have a more than one

[35:39] sibling that's I guess oversee the property or whatever. But that that's

[35:45] where we at with that. Yes, sir. Um, we've talked about a code enforcement

[35:49] officer before, but we just never seem to get around to um hiring one. Um, you

[35:55] know, Mr. What's his name? >> M. Uh, Mr. Uman. [clears throat]

[35:59] Mr. >> Heyman. Yes. He, you know, he was a

[36:02] sheriff's deputy. >> Yes.

[36:03] » And he would be very very suited for that. But then that kind of died.

[36:08] » Well, actually, I've spoken with him. It hasn't died down yet. He just got to

[36:12] » take some time to come up here so that we can talk with the manager and then

[36:17] bring it to the board. Okay. Of what he he wants to do.

[36:21] » It's also wrapped around budget constraints too. How much

[36:25] » I understand that. Yes.

[36:34] » Are there any other questions in reference?

[36:37] Okay. All right. I'll let the manager you move forward.

[36:41] » Okay. So, the first formal item on old business is a local work group for the

[36:45] strategic economic development plan. You've heard twice on this already where

[36:49] you've adopted the um program documents to do this. The um Department of

[36:55] Commerce is asking the town to appoint a a small working group that would be

[37:00] meeting for a limited time to work on this. And you can see on the second page

[37:05] behind the the abstract the different suggested categories of people. Um

[37:11] internally we kind of brainstormed a number of people that we thought could

[37:15] serve on this. You'll see those names um that could very well be added to if you

[37:19] have other people that that you think um should be considered. I do believe um

[37:24] there were two names on here um Linda that we said we weren't able to get up

[37:28] with. Cassie Penland from um packagecraft and was it Tim Goddard?

[37:34] » It was Tim Goddard and Kevin Adams. >> Kevin and Kevin Adams. Okay. But

[37:40] everybody else was agreeable. Okay. Um [clears throat]

[37:44] I really need to get this ball rolling with um Department of Commerce to kind

[37:48] of get get this going. As you see on the bottom of page two, it said workg

[37:52] groupoup members should be prepared to meet in person for several meetings at

[37:54] town hall about an hour and a half a piece. participate in candid input and

[37:59] information, participate in a 10 to 15 minute confidential online questionnaire

[38:04] or phone video interview. So that will hopefully help help them help us create

[38:10] this plan for Bethl to to move forward. can

[38:18] I personally think it would be a good idea and you know to have um

[38:27] a couple of say teenagers or young adults

[38:33] um they're the future of >> Bethl

[38:37] » and you know what is it that would what would it take for them to want to stay

[38:42] to bring their families back you know to bring their families back to have their

[38:46] families here. Um, just something to think about.

[38:49] » Any names you might suggest? >> Uh,

[38:53] I give me some time and I can probably come up with a couple. Yeah.

[38:56] » Okay. >> So,

[38:58] » would the would the board be willing to maybe um, okay, this list and if there's

[39:03] other names you you may call in for us to add those. I mean,

[39:08] ultimately you would you'll adopt the strategic plan. So, at the end of the

[39:12] day, [clears throat and cough] it it's the the board's plan for the town.

[39:19] » Um, this is H1 in the agenda package on the top.

[39:30] H1

[39:41] Andy, do you have an extra copy? Each one.

[39:52] Go ahead.

[40:02] So you're saying uh to maybe approve this this list as it is presented here

[40:08] and then if it needs to be expanded. >> Yeah, expand. We could then report back

[40:14] to you on the next meeting if there's if there were additional people that were

[40:18] were added to it.

[40:22] This is a very time limited group. Um it's not like it's you know your

[40:27] planning board that will go on year after year after year.

[40:34] » I'd make a motion in order to approve the the list that's presented

[40:40] here. >> Okay. We have a motion uh to consider a

[40:44] list of people to serve as a local work group on the town's strategic economic

[40:49] development plan. Mayor ask would that also include any additional names the

[40:54] board may call in and suggest that motion or or not?

[40:58] » Uh yes sir. We could uh include that in the motion.

[41:02] » Okay. >> Okay.

[41:04] » Any additional people?

[41:08] [clears throat] >> Okay. You heard the motion made by

[41:12] Commissioner Jones. Do I have a second? >> Second.

[41:14] » Second by Mayor Promp Griggs. All in favor, I raise your right hand.

[41:20] » Mr. Mayor, I want to be on that group.

[41:25] » Is there a problem with that? >> Well, what it is, what we we're it's

[41:29] [snorts] not a problem. What we're doing is we are making a motion for the names

[41:33] that's already here and then >> uh later we add the names or consider

[41:39] the people that's okay. They're being brought forward.

[41:42] » We're trying to make the motion for the people the list that we have on the

[41:45] list. Now, >> that's what the motion

[41:48] You were going to say something's gone. >> No, [laughter]

[41:55] I might last for words. I I I don't see a problem with you being on the

[42:00] committee. Um I don't know if Commissioner Jones would want to amend

[42:02] his motion to include you >> or if we just deal with that afterwards

[42:06] or >> we can follow the lead. We can follow

[42:08] the lead of the mayor. >> Yeah, I think the the motion was to add

[42:12] any additional ones. Right. The motion is to approve the listing that we

[42:17] already have selected and then at a later time you can add the people. First

[42:21] of all, you have to get the ones you have to make the motion to approve the

[42:25] ones that's already up here and then go back.

[42:27] » Right. So, this motion would allow you, Commissioner Whitehurst, to call in and

[42:30] recommend that Mr. Fred Whitehurst be added.

[42:33] » Exactly. >> This is my call, but let's go on with

[42:35] this motion. >> Thank you, sir. All right.

[42:39] Okay. Uh [clears throat] >> second.

[42:43] » The motion was second by Mayor Pro Tim Griggs. All in favor by raising your

[42:46] right hand. >> Okay. Is there any opposed?

[42:53] Okay. No. Motion carry unanimous. Okay. Mr. White, you make sure you call in.

[42:59] » I called. >> So, well, I we've already voted on it.

[43:05] So, >> yes,

[43:06] » that's good. >> That's that's the end of the

[43:08] conversation. >> Yes, sir. Okay. But but [clears throat]

[43:11] for the future because we we we get presented just we get presented a list.

[43:16] We I I guess somebody makes up the list. >> Well well here here's what needs to

[43:21] happen, right? Is just like [clears throat] instant we call these

[43:25] people and talk to them about being on this on this list. And you know

[43:30] [clears throat] just because we get a name, we need to make sure that's what

[43:34] they want to do if they willing to serve on on this planning board. And when when

[43:39] they call in and at the same time to be honest with you when we bring the names

[43:45] be before the board we want to make sure that you guys agree or this board agrees

[43:51] that okay we are we are okay with the names that's being presented to us

[44:00] » because be honest with you we're living in a time now that that people want to

[44:05] be on things not so much to help but to but to deter you from doing moving

[44:09] forward with what you're trying to do.

[44:15] [snorts] >> You know, I'm just going to be honest

[44:16] with you as as it is. >> I have a question. Um, and the [snorts]

[44:22] people, this I don't know if it's a question or a suggestion, but the people

[44:28] that we appoint to these committees should be people that attend town

[44:34] meetings that are interested in the town that

[44:37] just not know come in and got people in the audience that are here all the time

[44:43] and they never get a chance to uh participate.

[44:49] We have people that are here, faces that we see are here all the time. And then

[44:56] it looks kind of funny and weird. Somebody that never attends for year

[45:00] after year. That's just a comment.

[45:07] And and I I like to say this here, and even though I don't have a vote on this,

[45:14] I'm looking at the fact that we want people to be on these boards that that

[45:18] truly have an interest in the town of Bethl

[45:21] » and not just because, okay, the the board is having a a selection of

[45:27] somebody to be on the board, but we want some people that's in the community

[45:31] that's taking a look at the community and and

[45:34] don't mind putting some time into the community.

[45:37] » And when I say timing [clears throat] into the community, I'm talking about

[45:40] that goes through the community. And it don't matter what side of the track you

[45:43] I'm going to call it like it is, >> right?

[45:45] » That the fact of it is is that we want people that's really looking out for

[45:49] both sides of the track. >> Because we have been a divided

[45:52] communities for too long. It's time to come together. And when we want people

[45:56] on these boards, considering that some of these are uh go from one year to two

[46:00] years to three years, that's a long time to have a person up there that don't

[46:04] really have an interest in Bethl, but just sitting on on on the board. So, we

[46:07] need people that really have an interest in Bethl to see Bethl move forward and

[46:11] not become stalemate and and be stagnant.

[46:15] » And I'm going to leave that alone, >> Mr. Mayor.

[46:18] » Yes, sir. >> If Jerome Brown's on that committee, I

[46:21] want to be on that committee. No sit.

[46:26] [laughter]

[46:28] » Mr. Brown, [snorts] I'm gonna be joining you.

[46:34] [laughter] >> All right. Next, claim my attention.

[46:38] » Okay. Next item is the 2026 CDBG NR program documents. These are the

[46:43] required documents that the town is must adopt in order to be eligible for um

[46:50] applying for the the CDBG funds. These 10 documents are very similar to what we

[46:56] went through a year ago or two years ago, whatever it was, we we applied on

[46:59] the first round. >> So, it's recommended to approve the

[47:02] documents as presented. >> Okay. Have you heard the recommendation

[47:07] of the manager? Do I have a motion to approve the presented 2026 CDBG-

[47:13] NR program application document? >> Motion.

[47:17] » Okay. Motion made by >> everybody.

[47:19] » Commissioner Lily. Do I have a second? >> Second.

[47:23] » Second by Commissioner Conger. All in favor? I raise your right hand.

[47:30] Any oppose? Motion carry unanimous.

[47:39] Okay, we're going to let the manager continue to move forward.

[47:41] » Okay, next item is a follow-up to the planning board appointments. So, in your

[47:44] last meeting on August 4th, you as a board selected the um individuals that

[47:48] you would like to serve on the planning board. As a second step, the um code of

[47:54] ordinances, as you revised it in section 151, sets terms to those um planning

[48:00] board members. And since you're starting out, they would be staggered terms.

[48:03] You'll have two individuals with a one-year term, two years with a two-year

[48:07] term, and three and three with a three-year term. And then [snorts] once

[48:10] these expire thereafter, they'll all be three-year terms. So, I'm suggesting in

[48:16] this abstract that in the the order in which the names were selected, um you

[48:22] had Jones, Blunt, Ibram, Cabara, Perry, Adams, and Cox. Those seven names that

[48:27] you just go, as you can see out outlined, year one, Jones, year one,

[48:32] Year one with Blunt, two years for Ibram, two years for Cabrera, three

[48:36] years with Perry, three years for Adams, and three years for Cox. Remember the

[48:41] Kevin Adams [clears throat] and Otis Cox are the ETJ members. We've sent a

[48:44] request to the county. They will be considering these at their meeting on

[48:48] September 14th, but um you can set the the term subject to the county

[48:53] commissioners appointing them.

[48:58] » Pardon me. >> Read them again. The full list of names

[49:01] or just the county commissioner ones? >> Full list.

[49:05] » County commissioner names. Okay. Kevin Adams. Um and Otis Cox.

[49:17] » Okay. Um you heard the the recommendation from the manager. At this

[49:22] time need a motion to set and approve the terms in order in which each member

[49:28] was selected as submitted in the aster. >> Do we have a motion?

[49:33] » I'll make if I make I'll make that motion, sir.

[49:36] » Motion made by Jones. Do I have a second?

[49:40] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner

[49:43] Lily. All in favor by raising right hand.

[49:49] All right. Any opposed? Motion carried unanimously.

[49:58] » Next, we'll move into item I of new business and we'll let the manager

[50:04] continue to lead off on that. >> So, your first item under new business

[50:07] is budget finance matters. You have a series of budget amendments and I'll

[50:10] read these off quickly. Um the fourth budget amendment of the year is to

[50:16] basically reappropriate the mural project revenues from fiscal year 2526

[50:21] that were unspent. Those will be going into this year's budget fiscal year um

[50:27] 2627. That was a total of $21,000. Budget number five creates the

[50:33] professional services line item. At your last board meeting, you selected Rivers

[50:36] Associates to be the town's professional engineer, setting aside $10,000 for

[50:41] their needed services on an asne basis. This takes $10,000 out of um fund

[50:47] balance for these [clears throat] services. Budget number six um

[50:52] reappropriates unspent funds again from the last fiscal year into the new fiscal

[50:56] year. These were the remaining funds for the stormwater utility rate study that

[51:01] Rivers Associates is working on. of the 40,000 was 5,121 that was still unspent

[51:07] that they'll be billing us for. Budget amendment number seven

[51:12] establishes a budget account to account for the revenues and expenses of our

[51:16] first CDBG NR grant at $950,000. Budget number eight um removes the

[51:24] firetruck loan proceeds and appropriates fund balance of $125,000 for the for the

[51:29] firetruck purchase. Um, as you see noted here, it says instead of internal loan

[51:35] um, within the town, the town's auditor, Greg Redmond, has suggested that the

[51:39] town annually move back the two budget appropriations within the fire

[51:43] department, the 10,400 and 11,243. Both of those were associated with um

[51:50] increase in the rural fire tax to to the the town's fund balance to repay this

[51:55] loan. There was really in talking to the auditor, there was really no way to to

[51:59] set up a loan with an interest interest rate. He just suggested at the end of

[52:03] each year moving that back amount until we pay ourselves back $125,000.

[52:08] So in effect, that's what that budget amendment would do. Um budget number

[52:13] nine um moves $10,000 from contracted

[52:17] services from law enforcement um to the skiff project. We had a couple um change

[52:23] orders on the back room renovation for law enforcement as well as town staff

[52:28] that we needed um some additional money on. There were funds within the law

[52:33] enforcement budget that I had basically over budgeted anticipating a higher

[52:38] increase being requested from the sheriff's office for the contract

[52:41] renewal. Um these expenses that we are trying to cover on change orders is we

[52:46] had had to tap a sewer line into Railroad Street to service that that

[52:51] room for water and sewer. We had exterior window wrapping on all the

[52:55] windows on the exterior of the building. Um the sidewalk out front had to be tore

[52:59] up to do the sewer line and we had a town hall door replacement. So again,

[53:03] that moves $10,000 out of that that line item into um the skiff line item. skiff

[53:10] is the overall budget code that we paid for the project out of. With that, those

[53:14] are the the budget amendments. >> Okay. Before I ask for a motion, I want

[53:19] to ask the town attorney being that we have six budget of adjustment that's

[53:25] needed and I need a motion. Can I just make a motion for all six to be

[53:29] approved? >> Um the managers just read off all

[53:33] » the the town manager I think did a really good job explaining it. it if if

[53:37] it would uh ultimately be up to to the board, but if the board consents, I

[53:41] think it would be appropriate to have one motion. Just make sure the motion

[53:45] identifies the budget in the budget number so it's clear. One vote for all

[53:49] all budget amendments. >> Okay.

[53:51] » Such as budget amendments four through through nine.

[53:54] » There you go. That that's that. Just make sure it's in the motion. Yes, sir.

[53:58] So, at this time, do I have a motion uh for budget amend to approve budget

[54:04] amendment number four through nine? >> I make a motion that we

[54:10] adopt the budget amendments from four to nine.

[54:16] And I make a motion that we go ahead and do it.

[54:18] » Okay. Motion made by Commissioner Lily. Do I have a second?

[54:22] » Second. >> Are there any any questions?

[54:27] If no question. Okay. The motion with the second by Commissioner Conger. Is

[54:32] there any question for the manager? There's no question for the manager. Do

[54:37] [snorts] [clears throat] all those in favor by

[54:40] raising your right hand. Okay.

[54:44] Any oppose? Motion carry unanimous. Thank you.

[54:52] Next to claim our attention will be the resolution honoring Dorothy Le Dorothy

[54:57] Leathers Harold. So this is an item I think the entire

[55:02] board was um emailed on this requesting that the town develop some type of

[55:07] letter rec resolution proclamation. We've done a resolution, gathered this

[55:12] information from the family um um from the details they provided us and dumped

[55:18] it into a little tool called AI and um spit out a a proclam a resolution that

[55:24] we then further um edited and created this for your consideration. I'd be

[55:28] happy to read it if you like or you can just adopt it.

[55:32] » Wish you as a board

[55:36] adopted. Okay.

[55:43] » Okay. At this time, do I have a motion to adopt the resolution honoring Dorothy

[55:48] Leather's Harold on the occasion of her 100th birthday?

[55:53] » So moved. >> Motion made by Mayor Pro Tim Griggs. Do

[55:56] I have a second? >> Second.

[55:58] » Second by Commissioner Conger. Is there any discussion?

[56:02] All in favor by raising your right hand. Any opposed? Motion carry unanimous.

[56:09] Thank you. Next to claim our attention will be the departmental reports and

[56:14] we're going to let the the manager continue to take the lead.

[56:19] [clears throat] >> Okay. So your first report is your

[56:20] monthly town's public safety report from P County Sheriff's Office who provides

[56:24] law enforcement on behalf of the town of Bethl. You can see in the last column of

[56:29] this report for July of 2026, the last month reported. Um, in terms of violent

[56:34] crimes, no murders, no sexual assault, no robbery. You did have one regular

[56:39] assault. Under property crime, one burglary, no larenies, no autotheft, and

[56:45] one arson. On the next page, you can see calls of

[56:49] calls for service day of the week. Um, this month looks like Tuesday was

[56:53] probably the the oddly enough one [clears throat and cough] is days

[56:57] compared to a weekend. And those I'll have on that report. On

[57:02] the next item, item B is your financials for um July 31st through July 31st. This

[57:09] is the first month of the fiscal year, first month of 12. And this would be for

[57:16] the first 31 days of the month. You can see that our revenues, we've collected a

[57:20] whopping 2% of our revenues, but obviously we're just beginning the year

[57:24] um per se. on expenditures. The overall expenditure we've spent about 10% of the

[57:29] budget. >> On your cash balance report, you can see

[57:32] the overall um total cash balance is 2,827,740.36.

[57:41] That includes, you know, both your Southern Bank checking account, your

[57:44] North Carolina Capital Management Trust Fund, um as well as the the other funds

[57:50] that we have monies in such as the this the skiff. We are anticipating uh

[57:55] $197,000 coming to us from the state to reimburse

[57:59] us for our RTG, that's the rural transformation grant expenditures. We

[58:04] had to spend those funds first. The I believe all of those funds were spent

[58:08] spent on this on Smith Street Park. So when those funds come in, we'll be able

[58:13] to add those to this total cash balance and get us back up over three million.

[58:19] » And with that, we could have a motion to adopt that.

[58:25] Do I have a motion to approve the financial report?

[58:28] » So move. >> Okay. Motion made by Commissioner Lily.

[58:32] Do I have a second? >> Second.

[58:34] » Second by Mayor Pro Tim Griggs. All in favor by raise your right hand. [snorts]

[58:39] Any oppose? Motion. Unanimous. [clears throat]

[58:43] » Okay. Your next board meeting date is Tuesday, October 6th. Um, one other item

[58:49] to mention. I've been asked to announce that the um right now the tenative date

[58:54] of the town's Christmas parade will be 1212 26 December 12th and I've been

[59:00] asked to um put a call out for parade volunteers. If anybody be willing to

[59:05] assist with the parade if you would contact town hall and talk to our clerk

[59:09] or deputy clerk. We would um appreciate any help we could get. The the town does

[59:14] coordinate this event on behalf of the the the residents in the town. So we we

[59:19] need your help if if possible. >> And [clears throat] Mr. Mayor, that's

[59:24] all I have. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Next up to

[59:28] uh for our departmental report, we're going to ask our commissioner Lily to

[59:32] put on his fire chief hat and talk to us about the fire department.

[59:36] » All right. Let me start off with um saying I like to thank the sheriff

[59:42] department because we've had some calls here lately with trees down and

[59:46] everything else and they've came out and helped us direct traffic or whatever we

[59:50] need to do. So, make sure you send it back. We thank them for that. I haven't

[59:55] got a fire department report for actual cause. Uh it's my fault. I was trying I

[1:00:01] was doing so much other stuff I didn't get it. But just to let you know, 21106

[1:00:05] is still got air problems. Uh hadn't got the guy to come fix it uh at this time.

[1:00:11] Uh so we're having to pump it up with the air hose that we have at the station

[1:00:16] before the truck can even leave the building. Uh it's been worked on twice

[1:00:21] already. Um and it has not been fixed and I've got somebody else getting ready

[1:00:26] to work on it. So hopefully they're fixed. Also, [clears throat]

[1:00:29] I brought it to um the town manager that the air conditioner in the office area

[1:00:36] and the bathrooms has quit. It's totally gone. Um we're trying to keep it cool

[1:00:41] enough with the new mini split we put in the meeting room. It's doing a good job,

[1:00:46] but in order to keep it cool enough, we can't do anything with the restrooms. Um

[1:00:51] so, if you happen to go to the fire department, try to use the restroom,

[1:00:54] it's going to be hot. Uh we're sorry about that. So hopefully we'll be able

[1:00:58] to take care of that in in the upcoming future. Um the daytime guys are doing a

[1:01:04] great job. They're keeping their station clean. They're keeping their trucks

[1:01:06] clean. Everything's up to par. Everything is uh been checked and ready

[1:01:11] to go. Also to remind you that we do have our ISO coming up June. Um and that

[1:01:18] is going to be a big uh uh big meeting. Uh I was told that the gentleman is

[1:01:25] going to retire and they're doing a trainee. Uh he will be here in June and

[1:01:29] they're going to be checking us for top to bottom. They haven't done that the

[1:01:34] last two times because it's always been the same guy doing it. So he pretty much

[1:01:38] knows us. He pretty much knows the station what we got which with this year

[1:01:42] we will have some much needed equipment. Hopefully uh uh we fly out the 22nd of

[1:01:49] September to go to is it >> Okala?

[1:01:55] » Yeah. Florida. Uh there will be four of us going out. Uh the mayor, I mean the

[1:01:59] town manager would be flying with us. And what that does, we go down and do

[1:02:04] the final inspections on the fire truck. If we see any scratches, any blooms on

[1:02:08] it, if they hadn't got something put in the right spot, then we'll write it up.

[1:02:13] They'll change it before it ever comes to us. Once it gets to Rocky Mount, um

[1:02:18] then we'll get the equipment off the old truck. We'll take it over. Then they'll

[1:02:22] put it on for us. Um and then hopefully by later part of October, middle part of

[1:02:27] October later, then it will be here at our station and then we'll take

[1:02:31] ownership of it at that time. Um so everything's looking good. Um again, um

[1:02:38] we do have some issues going on right now at the station, but other than that,

[1:02:42] everything's best we can.

[1:02:45] » Any question from the board for Chief Lily?

[1:02:51] » Oh, one more thing. September the 19th is our annual barbecue. We will be

[1:02:56] selling barbecue chicken, um uh potatoes, string beans, rolls, and

[1:03:02] stuff. So >> the date again

[1:03:04] » se September the 19th se

[1:03:10] [clears throat] >> time

[1:03:11] » and we fly out that following Monday. >> What time?

[1:03:14] » Uh from 11 to 2 or 11 until we sell it all. Hopefully we'll be able to sell 600

[1:03:19] plates. >> Uh we [clears throat] are selling

[1:03:21] tickets. So if you want to pre-by you can just get up with one of the people

[1:03:25] in the fire department. we'll sell you tickets or either uh you know we'll you

[1:03:30] come to the station that day and pick them up.

[1:03:32] » How much are tickets? >> Uh $12. [snorts]

[1:03:35] » I think that's what it was. Yeah, $12. So, but uh other than that,

[1:03:42] » that's a whole or half chicken? >> That's a whole half chicken.

[1:03:45] » Okay. >> A whole half.

[1:03:48] » A whole half.

[1:03:52] » All right. Next to claim my attention, we're going to ask at this time our town

[1:03:57] attorney. >> Can we do public works?

[1:04:00] » Okay, we do public public works. >> So, we have a public works report. Um,

[1:04:04] like to show you a quick video regarding a a project we've been working on seems

[1:04:10] like for forever. This deals with Smith Street Park. As

[1:04:16] you've may have seen, been out there, the the walking trail was leveled,

[1:04:21] graveled, compacted, then we've been waiting and waiting and waiting for the

[1:04:27] asphalt. >> And as of today,

[1:04:32] » will that play, Lind, or is that just a picture?

[1:04:36] » The [clears throat] asphalt. Okay, maybe it's just a picture, but the asphalt

[1:04:40] truck machinery crew is out there and it'll probably take several days to do

[1:04:46] that entire loop out there. >> Maybe there's several pictures,

[1:04:54] but they're doing a great job. They did a great job preparing the the path with

[1:04:58] the um the rock and having it compacted and making sure that it is level.

[1:05:05] And now we're going back with the the asphalt. Once the asphalt is put down,

[1:05:09] they will smooth the dirt along the edges of the path, clean it up and seat

[1:05:13] it. And um that phase of the work will be done. We'll then we will then be

[1:05:18] installing all of the remaining equipment that we have in storage,

[1:05:22] whether picnic tables, trash cans, exercise equipment, just the the

[1:05:27] remainder of the um the improvements that we've been long awaiting to to get

[1:05:32] in the ground out there. >> How Eight

[1:05:36] 8T. >> Yes.

[1:05:44] » Correct.

[1:05:49] » Miss Hall, that walker trail is waiting for you.

[1:05:55] Thank you.

[1:06:05] [clears throat]

[1:06:08] » All right. Next, we'll hear from our town attorney. [clears throat]

[1:06:15] Uh, thank you, [clears throat] mayor. Um, I thought what I would do tonight

[1:06:19] would be make a report that would supplement

[1:06:23] the email I think that was in your your packet. If I could, I'll start with

[1:06:28] this.

[1:06:33] Lawyers like our general statute. This is

[1:06:49] make me.

[1:06:53] » So, um

[1:06:57] in um in North Carolina, like in most most states,

[1:07:02] a municipality only has the authority given to it by statutes approved by the

[1:07:09] general assembly. So, you know, we can only and there are a couple minor

[1:07:14] exceptions. So we lawyers say there's always an exception, but basically what

[1:07:18] a town can do uh is um the it can use the authority given it uh by statute

[1:07:25] passed by the general assembly. So for example uh and this one actually works

[1:07:31] perfect on many different levels. What I've given to to you tonight is 16 160

[1:07:35] 16A >> Keen can for the for the benefit of the

[1:07:38] audience, can we let them know we're talking about the the former Gator issue

[1:07:42] which is also known as a modified utility vehicle.

[1:07:46] » Thank you. That that's correct. Um, my report tonight is that I mentioned to

[1:07:50] add to that email and that email that I sent to you dealt with the um, what I'm

[1:07:56] going to call the gator issue or the modified uh, utility vehicle some people

[1:08:00] call side by side. Um, and I'm going to get a little more into the history of

[1:08:04] it, but but thank you. That that's what that's what I'm what I'm discussing. And

[1:08:09] this particular statute that I've given to you tonight um 168 300.6 Six uh it

[1:08:16] says regulation of golf carts on streets. So uh by way of an example you

[1:08:22] can see the general assembly assembly said that a city may by ordinance

[1:08:28] regulate the operation of golf carts on any public street or road where the

[1:08:33] speed is 35 miles per hour or less. And under B, a an ordinance. By ordinance, a

[1:08:39] city may require the registration of golf carts, charge a fee, specify who is

[1:08:44] authorized to operate, da da da. The point is the the general assembly said,

[1:08:49] you know, when it comes to golf carts, we up here in Raleigh aren't going to

[1:08:53] pass a law that makes you have it or or or says you can't have it. We're going

[1:08:58] to let the we're going to let the towns decide if you want to have golf carts.

[1:09:03] And if you do, you need to adopt an ordinance regulating how you um allow

[1:09:08] golf carts and what procedure a property owner, a golf cart owner has so they can

[1:09:14] operate on your streets. So that's what the the the statute does. And um that

[1:09:21] that statute was passed in 2009 and in 2010 uh the town of Bethl adopted his

[1:09:28] golf car ordinance which is in chapter 75. So, one year later, we just like a

[1:09:33] lot of towns did, we adopted a golf cart ordinance that says if you want to put a

[1:09:36] golf cart on street that here's the things you've got to do. Um, so again,

[1:09:41] it sort of shows you uh General Cy says we're going to allow the towns to do it,

[1:09:46] but you have to adopt an ordinance. Now, as it relates to um um the current issue

[1:09:54] of side by sides or gators, um in the in the email I sent you in September of

[1:10:00] 2020, this issue came up before um I was a I was asked by the town to research

[1:10:07] the issue. Um and uh I found when I did my work in September of 2020 that in

[1:10:14] June of 2020, the general assembly enacted a session law which ultimately

[1:10:19] became became a law whereby three general statutes were amended to allow

[1:10:27] ultimately the use of modified um utility vehicles. And I've got

[1:10:39] This is a copy of the session law. If I could pass this out.

[1:10:45] [cough and clears throat]

[1:11:04] I think [clears throat and cough] and and you can see by this

[1:11:10] this was a session law. Um and if I I think it was yeah if you look to the

[1:11:17] second page you see it was a approved in June of 2020. And this session law

[1:11:23] modified three general statutes 20-4.0127

[1:11:27] 0127 which is the definition of section of of um chapter 20 and you can see it

[1:11:34] added in a definition for a modified utility vehicle and um se you see under

[1:11:40] section two another general statute 20-8712

[1:11:44] was also modified to allow you can see it says many trucks and modified utility

[1:11:49] vehicles this relates to fees that the could be charged

[1:11:53] and under the last one 20-1 121.1 operation of low-speed vehicles, mini

[1:12:01] trucks or modified utility vehicles. And I I just give you this to show you that

[1:12:06] this is when the general assembly said, you know, we probably need to do

[1:12:10] something about this idea of sideby-side gators. And so in 2020, they they took

[1:12:14] the the action needed to um allow those vehicles to be used on public streets.

[1:12:22] And if you'll allow me the very last handout, I promise.

[1:12:51] Yes, sir.

[1:12:56] what I have now given you this is the act this is the actual statute of 20-

[1:13:04] 121.1 is actually on the other sheet but it's

[1:13:08] got lines and oh it's hard to read so this is the more clear easier to read

[1:13:11] version and and this is where I mean I'll just read over some parts of it

[1:13:16] says operation of low-speed vehicle mini truck or modified utility vehicle on

[1:13:21] certain roadways the operation of low speed vehicles, mini trucks or modified

[1:13:25] utility vehicles is authorized with the following restrictions. Number one, if

[1:13:30] you read the second sentence, it says the mini truck or modified utility

[1:13:34] vehicle may be operated only on streets or highways where the posted speed limit

[1:13:38] is 55 miles per hour or less. So, you can't put a gator out on the interstate

[1:13:44] at 70 m hour. It's got to be 55 miles per hour or [clears throat] less. If you

[1:13:48] go to 2A, it says the modified utility vehicles shall be equipped with shall be

[1:13:55] equipped with and you can see this is that's a safety equipment. So in order

[1:14:00] to put um I'm going just call it the Gator that we all think we all know what

[1:14:04] type of vehicle I'm referring to side by side. In order to put that type of

[1:14:07] vehicle on a town street, it must have that following safety equipment. And it

[1:14:11] makes perfect sense why the general assembly says we don't want to put

[1:14:14] something out there that's driving at 55 miles per hour or less if it doesn't

[1:14:18] have certain safety equipment. So you you must have the equipment listed

[1:14:21] there. Number three, a low-speed vehicle, mini truck, or modified utility

[1:14:28] vehicle shall be registered and insured in accordance with and and that that is

[1:14:33] the requirement where if you want to operate a gator on uh public streets, it

[1:14:39] must be registered with DMV and it must have uh motor vehicle insurance.

[1:14:45] Once you meet these requirements, uh, as set up by statute, um, you're able to

[1:14:52] operate a gator on any public street in town, out of town, just has to be 55 on

[1:14:57] a road posted 55 miles per hour or less. Um

[1:15:02] the the general assembly for whatever reason I I can guess we could probably

[1:15:06] all guess decided that when it comes to a vehicle that has a larger engine can

[1:15:11] go faster that they decided that they weren't going to leave this to the town

[1:15:16] to to adopt its own ordinance to control that that vehicle on its streets. They

[1:15:22] said, "We, the state, are going to control the operation of a of a gator on

[1:15:27] a public street." And as long as you're registered with DMV and you you you

[1:15:32] know, you you've gone through what you need to through go through to get

[1:15:35] registered and you have uh insurance on the vehicle, you can operate on any

[1:15:40] public road. Um, I hope that helps. I I may have missed

[1:15:46] my mark, but but I think I'm just trying to sort of accentuate that golf carts,

[1:15:52] drive slow, don't go so fast. General Sim said, "We're going to let the towns

[1:15:56] decide whether they want golf carts driving around with you may have

[1:16:00] [clears throat] one golf cart or 300 golf carts riding around town. The town

[1:16:02] can control that." But but a but a vehicle that has this more powerful and

[1:16:06] and faster DMV, I mean, the the the the general assembly said, "No, no, no.

[1:16:11] We're going to control that. keep that with us at the state level. Um, be glad

[1:16:16] to answer any questions you may have of me.

[1:16:21] » Question for the board. >> I got one. Uh, and I've already asked

[1:16:25] this one time and we talked about it, but you know,

[1:16:29] last time this was brought up in what was it? 22

[1:16:33] » 2020 >> 20. Um, the sub the owner of one of them

[1:16:38] went to DMV and it was classified by CC's. Yeah.

[1:16:42] » And he said if it's 2400 and over, I think they would do it 2400 and under,

[1:16:49] they couldn't do it. So, and the ones that we're actually pertaining to is

[1:16:54] 2400 cc's and under >> under.

[1:16:57] » So, I mean, you know, so they're not as fast as they're not as big as the 2400

[1:17:02] cc's and over. So, how does how >> if you look at that session law I passed

[1:17:09] out to you >> when when this came up in 2020 and I was

[1:17:12] reading this um I think it was Tom Asbel reached out to me says keen this has

[1:17:16] come up do some research on it >> and I was reading over when I found out

[1:17:20] that here I was in September and the general assembly had picked this up in

[1:17:24] June just a couple months before I thought that was rather timely but under

[1:17:28] the definition section under section one if you notice right in the middle it

[1:17:32] says an engine displacement greater than 2400.

[1:17:35] » Mhm. >> So, when I read that, I mean, I I know a

[1:17:38] little bit about engines, I thought, well, that's a dag on big engine. If

[1:17:42] it's got to be greater than 2400cc, I that makes sense. In fact, I circled it

[1:17:46] and put a big question mark around it. But if you look, when they actually

[1:17:50] passed the law, this this um well um I I I did not bring that with me. I do have

[1:17:58] it in my my folder. Be glad to show you. when they approve this actual definition

[1:18:04] that's in the current version of the law, they took that 2400 out. There's no

[1:18:09] requirement. So, um I think they realized the mistake they made that that

[1:18:14] that was for some reason they were requiring a very large engine which made

[1:18:17] no sense because most Gators I don't think have the engine that size. So,

[1:18:22] that 2400 requirement is no longer there. It's not in the definition

[1:18:26] section. They they took they meaning the general assembly took that out. So I I

[1:18:31] mean um my I I don't have a Gator. I think if I

[1:18:37] went down tomorrow to the John Deere place to buy one and said, "Hey, I want

[1:18:41] to buy a Gator." They would probably say, "Yeah, you go put it on the

[1:18:43] street." And I would say, "Yeah." They would set it up just like if I was

[1:18:46] buying a new car that it would be registered with DMV and everything would

[1:18:50] be good to go and and and and would be handled. If you have a a a gator today

[1:18:56] that you bought years ago, um I I spoke um with uh Are you Mr. um Okay, Mr.

[1:19:04] Harris? He and I spoke on the phone. Hadn't met before, but I told him I

[1:19:08] thought that probably the thing to do would be to to to contact the John Deere

[1:19:13] dealership that he bought his vehicle from and say, "Listen, I bought it a few

[1:19:17] years ago, but I want to put it on the street. what do I need to do to make

[1:19:20] sure this thing will be registered with DMV and find out what they say this

[1:19:25] these are the things you need to do or add to I think he's done most of them I

[1:19:28] know he added on some additional equipment that didn't come initially

[1:19:31] with it but as long as you can get as it says in the statute as long as you can

[1:19:36] get your vehicle registered should be no issues and henceforth you

[1:19:41] know you don't have to deal with the town or the county or anybody it's just

[1:19:43] DMV did I answer your question yes sir okay

[1:19:48] Um, would you like to say anything Earl or come to the If you do come up here?

[1:19:56] As far as I know at this time, we've only received um three people that's

[1:20:03] actually got them that wants to ride them. Um, one of them is Mr. Charles or

[1:20:08] Harris. Um, and he does a lot with his more or less farming and stuff. And I've

[1:20:14] got two more that depending on what goes on tonight, you know, whether or not

[1:20:18] they come back and try to get it inspected. Um, one of them said that his

[1:20:22] is the bigger one. Um, and DMV said that they would uh register that one.

[1:20:28] » Okay. >> So, I hadn't heard on the other one yet.

[1:20:30] I put a call out to him. So, at this time, you know, I I don't know what

[1:20:34] they're going to do, but I do know that, you know, um,

[1:20:39] » he was the one I was talking about. yesterday.

[1:20:44] [snorts] >> State your name and address.

[1:20:47] » My name is Charles. Harris Jr. I live at 3761 Ceil Street. Been here for about

[1:20:52] five years. Uh getting back to you, mine's a little bit older.

[1:20:58] Uh they don't give me the numbers no more for them. That's the only thing to

[1:21:02] get it registered at DMV. I done gone through John Deere. Uh

[1:21:08] » with numbers, you know what a VIN? No, it's a it's they call it a certificate

[1:21:12] number and mine don't have it. Uh I got I got the bill of sale and the

[1:21:19] restoration where I bought it like a title. But mine my machine so old now

[1:21:25] the new ones is coming out where you like you said if you go to today and buy

[1:21:29] one. >> Yeah.

[1:21:30] » Yeah. They got it. >> Yeah.

[1:21:31] » So that's where I'm in a that's where I'm in a catch 22.

[1:21:35] » Did you Did you talk with your uh dealer? I talked to him right after I

[1:21:39] got off the phone with you. Yes, sir. I sit right there and called him and

[1:21:42] talked to him and and he called me back the next day and he said, "Ain't no way

[1:21:46] I can get you a number because they got to have that number to go to DMV with

[1:21:50] it." But that's where I'm at catch 22.

[1:21:56] Well, I I'll be the first to admit I've never dealt with this. I mean I mean on

[1:22:00] a on a on a you know here's a level where somebody's actually trying to deal

[1:22:06] with it in town. Um I I would say as an attorney that um I if if you meet the

[1:22:12] requirements in here it it should be able to be it to me it doesn't make any

[1:22:17] difference whether the vehicle the gator is one year old or 10 years old or 15

[1:22:21] years old. >> I went back to John Deere with the thing

[1:22:24] I [snorts] with the with the equipment I got on it.

[1:22:27] I spent the machine cost me $15,000 right to start with. Spent another

[1:22:33] [snorts] $1,000 to put the safety equipment on. It come with the seat

[1:22:36] belts and everything, but I didn't go and add brake lights and stuff myself. I

[1:22:43] carried it back to the deal and spent another $1,000 on it that had the brake

[1:22:47] lights and all that. So, if I ever decide wanted to sell it, Yeah. get rid

[1:22:52] of it. It ain't uh it ain't nothing that I put on myself. just put backward to

[1:22:56] deal >> at at the time when he bought it. I I

[1:23:00] don't know exactly when you bought it, but he said it was a few years ago. You

[1:23:03] couldn't legally ride them on the street. So, it was it was not even an

[1:23:06] issue at that time. You know, that the the dealers weren't thinking about what

[1:23:10] do we need to do? So, the question is, how do we get a vehicle that was sold

[1:23:15] pre um approval of use on public street to get where DMV will register it? I

[1:23:22] mean, I I'm a I'm a I'm an optimistic person by nature. There's got to be a

[1:23:27] way to get it to get DMV to register. >> If you ain't got that number, you can't

[1:23:33] you I've done talked to them. I've talked to the dealer. I cannot get that

[1:23:39] number. >> Did Did Have you talked to DMV?

[1:23:41] » Yes. You got to have that number with the You got to have the certificate

[1:23:45] number. When you when you buy the machines, the new ones you buy today,

[1:23:48] they they prevent they provide you with them numbers. Back when I would come,

[1:23:53] can't get it. He's already called the people at John Deere to see if they can

[1:23:58] get it. Can't get it cuz my machine's a little bit older than what the new ones

[1:24:02] are today when it when I bought it. Well, I I'd be

[1:24:08] more than happy to talk to Mr. Harris and see if if if there's anything I

[1:24:12] could do to help him. I mean, I on my dime, not on your dime, but the I mean,

[1:24:18] uh, this is the put on my lawyer hat, the the statute is clear. In order to to

[1:24:25] get out on the street, you got to be registered. And, um, I'm I'm I'm sure

[1:24:29] they're thinking about today moving forward, that's not a problem. General

[1:24:32] Assembly wasn't thinking 10 years ago or 15 years ago. But but I'd be glad to

[1:24:37] talk with them to see what we can possibly do because again, it makes no

[1:24:40] sense to me. If you've got everything that the statute requires, which is on

[1:24:45] this page right here, you you should be able to get it registered and and right

[1:24:49] on the street. I don't care whether it's one year old or 15 years old. Um but

[1:24:56] anyway, I I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have of me.

[1:25:00] » Any other question for our town attorney?

[1:25:06] Okay, if there's no question, thank you so much.

[1:25:12] Okay, at this time, uh, Commissioner Kong, you have anything?

[1:25:17] » No, just thank you for everyone for coming out.

[1:25:20] » Commissioner Lennon, >> u Thanks for everyone coming out and

[1:25:25] everything you do for the community. Please don't forget September the 19th,

[1:25:31] 11 to 2 at the fire department. Um, also I've said it at the last meeting and

[1:25:36] I'll say it at this one before we close out. Next year in December is Bethl Fire

[1:25:42] Department's 100y year anniversary. They've been here 100 years 100 years,

[1:25:47] excuse me. Uh, we are in process of getting some stuff up. We're going to

[1:25:51] get some shirts made. Uh, we're going to get some challenge coins made um and

[1:25:57] sell and and and all and uh to try to help us pay for everything we're going

[1:26:01] to do. But uh we will have hot dogs, hamburgers, basically like a open house

[1:26:07] at the fire department at the time. Might be a little bit cool, but anyway,

[1:26:10] you never know what North Carolina weather is going to bring. It could be

[1:26:13] 80° in December. So, uh but anyway, I think the date was December the 7th or

[1:26:19] the 9th. I'm not real sure on that, but I will get back and let everybody know

[1:26:24] the exact exactly date. It would be on a weekend when we do it. So, but anyway,

[1:26:29] again, thanks for what everybody everybody does and again, thanks to the

[1:26:32] sheriff department for helping us out and u and just being there with us.

[1:26:37] That's all I got. >> Mayor Pro Tim Griggs,

[1:26:42] » uh I just like to say I'd like to I'm glad to see everyone come out. I'm happy

[1:26:47] to know that you're interested in what goes on in your town. Whether everybody

[1:26:51] is for it or against it, I think everybody has a voice. And keep coming

[1:26:56] because it's not going to work unless we're together. It'll work for you this

[1:27:00] time, work for somebody else the next time. But just keep coming. Don't quit.

[1:27:05] Keep hitting at it. Let us improve. That's all I have to say.

[1:27:10] » Commissioner Whitehurst, >> I got something to say this evening. I

[1:27:13] don't normally talk. Um, back in January, a citizen raised the issue of

[1:27:19] gbody parts.com. It was a mess down there and it was an eyesore in our town.

[1:27:25] Um, the manager and the mayor contacted the owner, Mr. Brian Weaver. He's out of

[1:27:31] Indiana now. And, um, I've known Brian since he came to town in ' 07. We got

[1:27:38] together and um, what are we going to do about it?

[1:27:42] Um, we're trying to clean this town. He doesn't live here anymore, but he spent

[1:27:47] well over $150,000 to move those cars to clean that lot up.

[1:27:54] Now, we've had a lot of volunteer help. Um been down there cleaning the lot. If

[1:28:00] you I wish you'd go by and see it. It's looking like it should have. Um there's

[1:28:06] a couple of things going on there now. And and if somebody's got a suggestion,

[1:28:10] I'd appreciate it. We pulled 972 tires out of that building. I don't know a

[1:28:16] good tire from a bad one. They're sitting out over Well, you'll see them.

[1:28:21] You can't miss them. If there's anybody's interest in those tires for

[1:28:25] any reason at all, every tire that somebody takes, I don't have to get

[1:28:29] somebody to move. Also, there is a probably a tractor trailer load of

[1:28:36] furniture inside that building. It's decent furniture and there's a point at

[1:28:42] which we're going to have to bring a dumpster in. It's good furniture. If

[1:28:46] you're interested, please let me know. I don't want any money for it. There must

[1:28:53] be folks that we all know that could use um dresser drawers or sofa or bed or

[1:29:00] something like that. And all we have to do is go down there. we'll open the gate

[1:29:05] and if you bring you a tractor trailer, you're going to end up all full of

[1:29:10] furniture. But that is a man who he was here. He got here in ' 07. He left about

[1:29:16] four years ago. And he cares about what happens in Bethl. Now, he's a growler

[1:29:22] just like a lot of us are, but he cares about what happens in Bethl. And he

[1:29:26] spent a tremendous amount of money down there to clean that place up. So, if you

[1:29:33] go by, you know, give me a thumbs up on Facebook, would you? Okay. Thank

[1:29:40] [snorts] you, >> Commissioner Jones.

[1:29:42] » Well, I'm certainly glad to see everybody out as well. And I I would

[1:29:46] just like to if you know, they say it's bad when you start calling out names,

[1:29:50] but Mr. Mr. Brown, Miss Mayo, for the interest you've taken in the town and

[1:29:56] investments here to uh bring some life back to the town. We

[1:30:01] certainly appreciate that. So, >> pray it all goes well for you.

[1:30:08] [clears throat]

[1:30:11] » Okay. I guess it's up to me now. Okay. Um, I just like to say thank everyone

[1:30:16] for continue coming out for your support of me as mayor and support of this board

[1:30:20] of commissioners here. And as you go through the town, you look around, you

[1:30:26] see things are are looking up and we still have a lot

[1:30:31] of people that really have an interest in Bethl to bring things to Bethl. And

[1:30:35] all we have to do is just give them the opportunity to come and and express

[1:30:40] their ideas with Bethl such as Mr. Brown and Miss Mayo have done and uh Dr. more

[1:30:47] with the youth center over there and uh Miss Miss Reese and and Miss Barbara

[1:30:52] Flake from the library. They really have a great interest in um uh promoting the

[1:30:58] library and stuff. So, we we we just thank those all those people and anybody

[1:31:02] else that's coming to Bethl that's trying to help Bethl to move forward and

[1:31:06] and continue to bring the community together. Uh Miss Azora, she's done a

[1:31:10] great job on working on the buildings over on Smith Street there. They they

[1:31:15] look fantastic on Barnhill Street there. They're looking good. And hopefully we

[1:31:19] can get Smith Street looking like Barnhill Street eventually and stuff.

[1:31:22] And so I just want to say thank each and everyone for your support and and help

[1:31:27] us as a community to continue to work together and support one another and

[1:31:32] we're going to move continue to move forward. We thank the sheriff department

[1:31:35] for what they're doing and and coming throughout Bethl doing the patrolling

[1:31:39] and everything. And we got all uh we got uh first time with us here uh def uh uh

[1:31:45] deputy Maloney with us to tonight and uh she's getting a taste of Bethl. This is

[1:31:51] her first is it your first time coming to Bethl as

[1:31:55] » first contract. Okay. All right. And having said that, we we thank everyone

[1:32:00] to just keep us in your prayers and and and we still trying to get more and more

[1:32:05] people in the rural area to continue to come to the town because they may be

[1:32:10] just outside our ETJ. Whatever affects the town um still affects them also. And

[1:32:15] if you notice, we still got uh new homes that are study going up. And then just

[1:32:20] the overall look of the town is looking better. We got the mural that's up on

[1:32:23] the the uh hopefully we'll have the mental health center open real soon. and

[1:32:27] and things are happening around town. Great things are happening. The Smith

[1:32:31] Street Park uh that's being paved, worked on constantly and eventually

[1:32:36] that'll be completed and stuff and we're just moving from one project to the next

[1:32:40] and we thank our town manager for all he's doing and our town attorneys and

[1:32:44] this board of commissioners for working together to get things done. And having

[1:32:49] said that, um at this time, do I have a mo motion to go into our close session?

[1:32:59] I failed to mention uh earlier that we do have a closed session per the statute

[1:33:04] statute was mentioned in your um agenda package. I think we've got uh we're

[1:33:08] going to have a personnel matter and also an issue that we it relates to the

[1:33:12] attorney client privilege. Thank you, mayor.

[1:33:14] » All right. So, having said that, um we're going to close out. Do I have a

[1:33:19] motion to go into our >> closing? Motion made by Commissioner

[1:33:24] Lily. Uh, do I have a second? >> Second.

[1:33:26] » Second by >> Mayor Pro Tim Griggs. All in favor raise

[1:33:31] your right hand. Motion carry unanimous. We thank y'all

[1:33:35] for coming and be safe out there.

[1:33:42] » Called you out, didn't I? >> Huh?

[1:33:44] » I called you out. >> Do you guys have some kind of special

[1:33:47] love affair or something? What's up with that?

[1:33:49] » Must be my blessing. My son the bedroom. He just moved out of my house.

[1:33:53] » Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I'm I'mma think y'all. Can I get

[1:33:56] your number or you give me your name? >> Oh, I'm at Yeah. So he needs that make

[1:34:01] life big, brother.

Town of Bethel September 1, 2026 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Transcript