By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — The town board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint former public works director Bob Wood as interim police chief.
Former Police Chief Brian McCoy resigned a week ago after two years. McCoy said he inherited family land in Statesville that he would likely have to give up if he moved to Rowan County.
Wood, who has served in a number of capacities in Landis that include law enforcement and government positions, has been a reserve officer with the Landis Police Department.
In 1971, he began as a police officer in Kannapolis and later moved to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office in 1978.
In 1989, Wood was named public works director and retired from the position in 2004.
In 1993, Wood took over for the retiring town clerk. In 2000, the town board added the title of deputy town administrator.
Wood will serve as interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found. The board did not discuss its plan for hiring a chief.
The board also:
• Denied a request from the China Grove town board to change the speed limit on parts of North Main Street.
China Grove wants to set a more consistent speed limit of 35 mph throughout areas of town, including along Patterson Street where the limit changes from 35 mph to 45 mph and back to 35 mph.
The change would “provide for a more even flow of traffic” and best promote “public safety,” the China Grove ordinance said.
On Main Street from Thom Street to the China Grove town limit on the south side of town, the speed limit varies between 35 mph to 25 mph. Along parts of Main Street from Food Lion north, the speed limit goes from 45 mph to 35 mph.
Landis Alderman James Furr said he couldn’t be more opposed to the ordinance.
Furr said today’s vehicles are “more efficient at the 45- to-55-mph range.”
He said it was a burden on the average vehicle driver.
A few aldermen mentioned China Grove’s recent approval of a low speed vehicle ordinance.
In August 2010, China Grove allowed vehicles like golf carts on certain roads and public streets, but not to exceed 28 mph.
Landis Alderman Tony Hilton said he’d rather see Powell Bill funds used to extend the sidewalk near Food Lion rather than discuss speed limits.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.
The Landis Board of Aldermen also:
• Adopted a resolution for reimbursement of $24,200 for the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety program for federal funding. The money awarded will pay for salary and benefits for an officer.
The agency awarded the money typically has to establish license checkpoints and other speed campaigns.
• Approved a Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun donation from Dave’s Gunsmith for the Special Olympics. The gun will be used in a raffle the Landis Police Department is spearheading for its annual Special Olympics fundraising campaign.
• Approved reduction to the monthly renewable energy charge rates.
The fees help fund renewable energy efforts required by state legislation enacted in 2007. The law requires electric utilities to generate a portion of their power supply from renewable sources.
Residential electric customers currently pay 55 cents per month, but with changes will pay 42 cents. Industrial customers currently pay $31.42 per month, which will change to $21.42.
Commercial rates have not changed. Commercial customers pay $2.21 per month.