By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
GRANITE QUARRY ó The Board of Aldermen recognized Police Sgt. Todd Taylor Monday for graduating recently from the N.C. Justice Academy’s yearlong management development program.
Town Manager Dan Peters said the course is difficult with its participants becoming a close-knit group.
Taylor completed the program Nov. 20.
Mayor Mary Ponds said the police and fire departments in Granite Quarry “always represent us well.”
“You can’t get too much education,” she added.
The board also recognized East Rowan High School junior Dalton Burleson as the town’s newest junior firefighter. He is a member, too, of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Explorer post.
In other Granite Quarry news:
– Plans are in the works for an April 10 “marathon run” to raise funds for restoration work at the Braun House. So far the police chief and town board have approved the closing of a portion of South Main Street for the run. It will have to be closed roughly two hours.
The N.C. Department of Transportation also must approve the temporary closing for that day.
– Peters reports that a deed transaction has been drawn which would transfer ownership of the Legion hut and property to the town. Peters met this week with an inspector who went over the condition of the 1951 facility.
No major problems have been found. While some asbestos might be present in the building’s floor and ceiling, it does not pose a concern unless it were to be disrupted or removed, Peters said.
The building’s heating and air-conditioning system is 15 years old. Some exterior brick veneer is cracked on the side and back, but the foundation and inner walls are solid and the roof is OK, Peters said.
The town board voted to move ahead with a deed transfer Dec. 15.
– Peters also reported that the town’s year-to-date budget has revenues about 8.8 percent ahead of expenses, although sales tax revenues are a concern and the police and fire departments are over budget because of vehicle maintenance costs.
“Our fleet is aging,” Peters said.
– The town’s four-person maintenance crew ó two full-time and two part-time workers ó recently attended a half-day flagger training workshop required by the N.C. Department of Transportation and sponsored by the N.C. League of Municipalities.
– The town board approved the closing of 15 feet of a 40-foot right of way on a portion of Brown Street. Mike Brinkley made the request.
In its action, the board accepted this section of Brown Street as a town street, as it was recorded in a plat. The closing of 15 feet of the right of way leaves 25 feet of right of way as the street, which is west of Cleo Avenue.
– An open house will be held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday for Granite Quarry’s new physician, Dr. David Caron, board certified in pediatrics and internal medicine. His office, affiliated with Farrington Medical Center and Novant Medical Group, is located at 115 Brown St., Suite 101.
– The town’s staff and volunteer Christmas banquet will be held Friday evening at Shiloh church.
– Ponds complimented the town on its Christmas decorations and all the lights the town and residents have along U.S. 52 coming from Salisbury. She said it was one of the prettiest entrances in the county. “I think it’s beautiful,” she added. “I come through with my head up, smiling.”