By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó The Board of Aldermen approved a capital improvement plan that prioritizes water and sewer projects for the next 10 years.
The state requested a plan, said Public Works Director Steve Rowland.
Rowland presented the plan at the board’s Monday meeting.
The town had a preliminary engineering report on the water and sewer system improvements prepared in October 2006. The plan was revised March 2007.
Issues the town is in the process of addressing include upgrading a sewer booster pump station and manhole inspections.
The plan takes into consideration the current development patterns.
The board also:
– Approved a resolution levying a tax on gross receipts derived from retail short-term lease or rental of heavy equipment.
This is something recommended by Rowan County and sent to the N.C. League of Municipalities, said Deputy Town Administrator Debbie Goodman.
The legislation removes certain heavy equipment from the property tax base but provides a means for replacing the lost revenue through a gross receipts tax.
Alderman James Furr wanted to know if this was a new law or a change in the old one.
Goodman said this was a change in the way it’s going to be handled.
The town does not currently have a business that would be affected by this change.
– Approved a rezoning request for property located at Mount Moriah Church Road from single family residential to general residential.
The property owner, Premier Holding Co., wants to rezone to make it more suitable for future development.
No one spoke during the public hearing.
– Approved fundraisers to assist the spouse of a firefighter who has been ill. The wife does not have medical insurance and the money raised would help pay utility expenses.
Town Administrator Reed Linn later said they’ve not decided yet what types of fundraisers to hold.
– Recreation Director Julie Noblett updated the board about the town’s participation in the N.C. League of Municipalities Wellness Initiative.
Each employee would fill out a form and have a fitness assessment. After the evaluation, the type of workshop that would benefit the employees would be determined.
The program includes workshops on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, aerobic exercise, stroke and several other health issues.
Noblett said the participants should be able to begin the program in January.
– Approved closing town hall at noon Nov. 25 for the South Rowan Christmas parade.
Mayor Dennis Brown said many from the town staff participate in the parade.
The board also approved paying $215 for its share of the Santa Claus float at the end of the parade. China Grove pays the other half.
The town will also have its annual Christmas caroling at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
– Received an update on the town’s Web site, which is being created by North Star Marketing-Communications Inc.
The town chose to contract with the Burlington company during its September meeting.
The company has taken pictures of the town and has received the majority of outlines from department heads.
Linn said North Star is also developing a town logo.