Town of Snow Hill in Greene County, North Carolina

Snow Hill Board of Commissioners
Monday, February 12, 2007 7:30 pm
Snow Hill Town Hall
201 North Greene Street
Snow Hill, North Carolina 28580

The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 7:30 pm on Monday, February 12, 2007 in the Snow Hill Town Hall with the following present: Mayor Don Davis; Commissioners Phyllis Burruss, Percy Edwards, Geraldine Shackleford, Allison Thomas, and Lorrine Washington; Town Clerk Mauren Baker, Town Administrator Bob Clark.

Town Clerk Mauren Baker called the session to order. She welcomed guests to the fifth annual State of the Town Address. Clerk Baker introduced Town Commissioners as they entered the Board room. All members were present and a quorum was declared.

Clerk Baker introduced the Honorable Mayor Donald G. Davis. Mayor Davis delivered the Fifth Annual State of the Town Address (copy hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of these minutes) to an attendance of 66 citizens.

The meeting was concluded with refreshments and fellowship.

THE STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS

February 12, 2007

Mayor Delivers State of the Town Address
The Mayor’s State of the Town Address
Snow Hill Town Hall
Snow Hill, North Carolina

7:30 P.M. EST

THE MAYOR: Good evening, residents, friends, family, and guests. Joining me here are the members of the Snow Hill Board of Commissioners [please stand when called]—Mayor Pro Tem Percy Edwards, Commissioner Phyllis Burruss, Commissioner Geraldene (Pat) Shackleford, Commissioner Allison Thomas, and Commissioner Lorrine Burney-Washington. Let us give them all a hand for the dedication that they continue to display in serving the residents of Snow Hill.

We have a wonderful team that keeps the Town running. Will the Town employees please stand? Let us give them all a hand.

It is always a pleasure introducing our new employees to the community.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to formally introduce—Michelle Strickland and Addie Odum.

Michelle is our revenue collector. She comes to us from the Town of Farmville, where she was a former employee. Michelle is a graduate from Greene Central High School and more recently, a graduate of Mount Olive College. She barely beat our newest employee—Addie—here. Addie Odum is a recent graduate of East Carolina University. She is moving to Snow Hill from Greenville because of her job, but also because she has plans of becoming Mrs. Addie Watson in the near future. It is my pleasure to welcome both of you to Snow Hill.

For over five years, Mr. Mike Sutton has led the Department of Public Works and Utilities as the Director. After over 33 years of serving the Snow Hill residents, Mike has decided that it is time to make a transition in his life. I am told that he plans to go fishing a little bit more. I am told that he plans to hit golf balls a little bit more. In other words, Mike is planning to retire.

Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and join me in extending our appreciation to Mike for his outstanding service to Snow Hill over the years. As any good retiree does, Mike has already made plans to go back to work. He plans to work part-time for Snow Hill as the Public Works Supervisor. Indeed, we are grateful to have someone of his magnitude on staff. And I must advise you that I received special permission from his wife Sandra, who is also our Clerk of Superior Court, to use their telephone to call Mike back in as much as I need to.

As Mike is making an enormous transition in his personal life, the Town is transitioning in the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. Dana Hill. Please stand. Dana has stepped up to serve as the new Public Works and Utilities Director. He has over 10 years of experience with Snow Hill and has served most of that as the Operator in Charge. When possible, a goal of the Town is to promote from within. Dana was well qualified, deserving of this promotion, and we acted quickly to keep him here in Snow Hill. Dana, thank you for agreeing to stay and lead the Department.

Another person that we must recognize tonight is Mr. Mike Price, one of our outstanding maintenance workers. After a health matter, Mike retired. We greatly appreciate him for his outstanding service as well to Snow Hill. My prayer is for good health and God’s speed.

I also recognize Ms. Stacy Stallings. Stacy has served as an intern with the Town. She has been instrumental in helping us with different tasks. Thank you, Stacy.

It is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Bob Clark, our town administrator, and Mrs. Ren Baker, our town clerk/finance officer.

I truly thank all of the employees for what you do for our residents.

Last year, I reported that a little baby boy was on his way into this world. This year I report that Justin Donald Davis has a half of a tooth [showing], and is approaching his first birthday—March 21, 2007. I also report to you that he has an extensive vocabulary. Justin is able to say, dada, hey, and now the latest, thank you.

I ask the First Lady to stand. Shawnte is not only a beautiful person, but she is an even better mother. I would ask Justin to join me tonight in saying thank you to his mother. Now, Shawnte, I ask if you would join me is saying thank you to Ryan for being a magnificent big brother.

We thank you for your overwhelming support provided during labor and throughout this first year.

Last year, I reported that the Snow Hill National Guard unit had deployed to Iraq. This year I report that the men and women of the Snow Hill National Guard have accomplished their mission and returned home safely. All returned home: 100%. We thank these brave men and women for their service to our community and country.

Before going any further, it would be most appropriate to pause to honor two people who are not able to join us tonight, but who should not be forgotten.

Last April, we loss a tremendous person in Walter Rabb. Walter was a former player of the Snow Hill Billies professional baseball team. Let us remember Walter tonight. A second person that we should remember is Julius Graham. Just a month before his second birthday, little Julius’ life was ended as a result of a dog attack. Let us remember him also, and most importantly, let us keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Last year, I reported that Snow Hill was stronger than we have been in our recent history. I looked you in the eyes and asked if you were better off. Ladies and gentlemen, I report to you tonight that we are even stronger.

Our strength comes from our ability to stay focused on the possibilities of the future and not to rest merely to changes from the past. Our future draws us nearer. Our future challenges us to be better. I believe that our future is much more promising than our past. In the past, I called for change. In our future, I call for transformation. In the past, I made pleas to change minds. In the future, I make a plea to transform hearts and lives. Here is why.

Our economy is very healthy. With continued small business growth, our tax base has increased by 18% in the last two years alone. So you ask, Mr. Mayor, what is the importance of this? The importance is that with this level of growth, tonight, I call for a three-cent tax cut. I would like to see the tax rate go from 38-cents to 35-cents next fiscal year. I ask for the Board members to support this effort. I would like for our residents to keep this money in your pockets.

Now, there are still some initiatives that will cost us, but until they are ready to be financed, I would rather for you to hold on to that money. When and if, we need it, then I’ll let you know.

As of today, Snow Hill has the second lowest tax rate in this area including Wayne, Greene, Pitt, Lenoir and Wilson Counties. With this three-cent reduction, Snow Hill will have the lowest tax rate in this area. As we practice fiscal responsibility and implement pro-business policies, our Town is strengthened.

We have increased our tax base without arbitrary forced annexations. In fact, we have created an environment that has encouraged those outside of our jurisdiction to become a part of Snow Hill.

We believe that it is important to be fair; therefore, we were faced with either paying all of our volunteers for serving on Town governing bodies or none. I thank the volunteer members of our governing bodies for remaining committed to helping Snow Hill even with the elimination of the stipend. Just know that a tax cut would not have been possible with the alternative.

While we have maintained a pro-business philosophy, we have not closed the door to our workers. Equally important to an increasing tax base is a declining unemployment rate. For the second consecutive year, I report that our unemployment rate has steadily declined. The rate has decreased nearly a half a percent in the last two years. The significance of this is that we have grown while coming out of the recession of the early 2000s.

We placed banners around the Town challenging others to discover Snow Hill. I report to you that more people are indeed, discovering Snow Hill. According to our State Demographer, our population has increased from last year’s projection of 1,564 to 1,597, which is about a 5% increase. The significance of this steady inclination is simple: people leave when they are not happy. This tells me that many of you are happy and others are coming to see what you are so happy about.

Indeed, these are happy days in Snow Hill.

Business development is good. Employment is good. Our population is increasing. Meanwhile, we have maintained an AAA bonding rating and healthy fund balances. I report to you that the general fund balance is anticipated to increase from 21% to 26%. These are pertinent indicators, which clearly show our fiscal responsibility and growth.

If you are still not convinced, then please allow me to share that: over 50 small businesses have located or expanded in Snow Hill within the last three years. We have grown without losing our hometown feel. This is why I gladly welcome DaVita [Dialysis], BWJ’s Auto Detailing, Victoriously Ours Variety Store, Elite Medical Transport, East Carolina Medical Transport, Tide Tamer, Worth Products, Sports Play USA, Security Mini-Storage, Style-X Salon, and Snow Hill Barbershop. While many businesses have come and a few closed, I would be remised to continue without paying tribute to Mr. Odell. Odell, a small business owner, faithfully cut hair in this community for years and until his health failed. To me, this is what living the American dream in Snow Hill is all about. We should all strive to live doing what we enjoy most up until it is time for us to transition into another life.

I am also glad for those businesses that underwent expansions including Diener Law Office, Greenridge Tennis & Swim Club, Rouse’s Body Shop, and Heritage Place.

After applying and being awarded $100K in a North Carolina Building Reuse Grant, we were able to encourage Tide Tamer and Worth Products to become a part of Snow Hill. They voluntarily annexed. It does not stop here because another commercial subdivision is on the way.

Business should continue to expand with the Snow Hill Development Commission being fully formed and up-and-running. They supported a reimbursement policy. The Board of Commissioners adopted it making way to entice developers to discover Snow Hill. I report to you that under the provisions of this new policy, a developer has already committed to developing a new housing subdivision called, The Hamptons.
This is why we work to increase our tax base, and why I want you to keep the money in your pockets. I just have one request: shop local. By shopping locally, we can begin to make this tax cut permanent.

While supporting businesses, I am committed to insuring that the voices and concerns of the residents, with regard to a business occupying the Paker Gosha building, are heard.

As the downtown area continues to thrive, the Board of Commissioners has remained committed to addressing parking. Last year, the Town purchased a lot directly behind the Town Hall to help us address parking in downtown.

Last year, I stated, ”You cannot operate a business or a household in the negative.” The sewer fund had a debt of $234K. The members of the Board of Commissioners and I inherited much of this debt—before coming into office. With last year’s rate adjustment, the debt was reduced by 35% or $83K. I would encourage the Board of Commissioners to stand fast with this pay for what you use rate schedule. At this rate, the sewer debt should be retired in the next two years. I thank Commissioner Burruss for her leadership on this issue and the members of the Public Works Committee.

Clearly, we have moved beyond just a change. We are now working to bring about a sustained transformation, which will lead to happiness and better life.

With a stronger Town, our community and neighborhoods have become even better.

The Community Center has served many in this community for over 30 years. I announce that a grant was resubmitted to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority calling to make much needed improvements to the Community Center. The enhancement project calls for a building expansion to provide seating for up to 300 people, new playground equipment, a walking track, fitness center, and paved parking lot. Over 30 community partners have supported this project.

Using Community Development Block Grant funds, we continue to make improvements in the Hart Street neighborhood area. Let me be clear, the neighborhoods requiring the most attention in our Town are located in this area. To me, it does not matter as much how we find ourselves in this situation, but fixing it. Based on my beliefs, if the least of those among us suffer, then we too suffer. Therefore, I believe that the right thing is to make a firm commitment to cleaning up this area. With this being said, recent actions were taken to condemn the Edwards Mobile Home Park. If you have visited this area lately, then you would understand that the Town is doing the right thing to commit to cleaning up Snow Hill.

Over the last few years, the Town has planted over 200 trees and completed a tree inventory. As the inventory has identified trees needing maintenance, we have begun to remove and prune trees in accordance with our inventory. I am also proud to inform you that we have been presented with our third Tree City U.S.A. and second Growth Award.

As we remain committed to making Snow Hill a walking community and interconnecting our neighborhoods, I have been working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to continue moving forward with a second phase of our sidewalk project. Speaking of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, I commend them for completing the Kingold Boulevard resurfacing project and allowing Snow Hill to host its regional Transportation Improvement Plan public hearing. With that we continue to call for an expansion of Kingold Boulevard. I also thank the Department for moving forward with an enhancement project, which will result in additional trees being planted around the community and beautification.

The Genesis Hills subdivision continues to grow with about 15 homes constructed.

With Valentine’s Day just two days away, it is couples like Mr. and Mrs. Zeb Wade that serve as a source of inspiration for us. This wonderful couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this last October. I challenge everyone to have a happy Valentine’s Day, so that you too might experience a 50-year anniversary and more.

The Greene Central graduates of the Class of 2006, who maintained a good standing in school, were able to go to college and send former Senator and now, [2008] Presidential nominee John Edwards the bill. I am glad that Senator Edwards made another trip last March to extend the College for Everyone program. Let us continue to encourage our students to be the best that they can and help our School System to exceed the goal of 80% of our students attending college.

A couple of years ago, I reported that our website was near completion. Last year, I called on our residents to click on www.snowhillnc.com. This year I report that in the month of January 2007 alone, the Town received 72,873 hits on our website from locations across the globe including Germany, Greece, Poland, China, France, and Israel. Clearly, this illustrates that we are operating in a global setting. Our competitors are not Kinston, Goldsboro, Wilson or Greenville but many across the world. This is why we must remain progressive-minded.

Last year, the Board adopted several policies designed to improve community support and Town operations. These policies include: (a) amendments made to the Personnel Policy increasing employee benefits, (b) organizational charts and revised job descriptions clarifying Town operations, (c) a United States Veterans Supplemental Burial Benefit policy providing burial benefits to members of our Armed Forces, (d) a Parks, Recreational Facilities, and Places Deposit Policy insuring optimum use of our public places, (e) an abandoned structures ordinance helping to alleviate liabilities, (f) a code of ordinance to include minimum housing standards insuring sufficient housing conditions across the Town, (g) an Enhancement Projects Reimbursement Policy promoting business development/redevelopment, (h) a cemetery ordinance amendment prohibiting the residential use of herbicides protecting the beauty of our cemetery, and (i) a Rules and Official Conduct Policy enhancing accountability among elected and appointed officers to Town governing bodies. It was a busy year!

Last year, there were numerous community activities including the: (a) Snow Hill Primary School Reading Parade, (b) Youth Extravaganza, (c) “Places of Worship: A Sacred Journey” held at the Greene County Museum, (d) Agricultural Festival, (e) Truck-or-Treat, (f) Fall Harvest Festival, (g) Latino Festival, (h) Holiday Extravaganza, and (i) our annual Christmas Parade. I believe that the Christmas parade was one of the longest in recent years. I was grateful that the North Carolina Cooperative Extension hosted its Southeast District Agricultural Tourism Spring Tour in Snow Hill. Many came to learn about our programs. Another special activity last year was Camp Moolah hosted by the Rosenwald Center for Cultural Enrichment during the summer. Students obtained a series of financial training. These children gained a deeper appreciation for money.

Clearly, there is something for everyone in Snow Hill. I encourage you to not just live in Snow Hill, but to discover the beauty of Snow Hill. I dare you to have fun in Snow Hill.

In spite of our successes, there have been a few challenges.

Last year, I reported that the State sent us an unfunded mandate. This year another unfunded mandate has been sent to us. We were told that in order to keep a rural volunteer fire department and Town volunteer fire department then we would need two of everything—two sets of turn out gear, pagers, etc. This was anticipated to cost nearly a half of million dollars to comply. Therefore, the Town made the tough decision to dissolve our volunteer fire department and contract services with the Snow Hill Rural Fire Department.

Nearly two years ago realizing the need to improve relations between the County and Greene County municipalities, we pushed and joint meetings were eventually called between the County and Greene County municipalities. These meetings proved to be helpful in fostering communication. Interestingly, the County recently opted to change a long-standing policy of honoring appointments submitted by the Towns. In other words, we honored the appointments made by the respective governing body. In fact, this practice has been done well before I entered office and continued for the five years I have been in office.

Last month, the County voted to adopt a policy mandating that all municipalities submit multiple names so the County Commissioners could select who they wish to represent Snow Hill and the other municipalities. After sending a letter to the County Board of Commissioners to rescind this action or explain the policy, neither was done. I say tonight this must be opposed because it takes away the voice of the people. I would think that the five duly elected Snow Hill commissioners should be able to decide whom they deem fit to represent Snow Hill. The County Board of Commissioners should not attempt to control Town appointments. For this reason, I have joined Mayor Luckett of Hookerton and Mayor Casper of Walstonburg in requesting for a special joint meeting to discuss these appointments.

It is so unfortunate that joint efforts to site the Greene County Recreation Complex and the Greene County Justice Center are overshadowed because of the positions taken on these County appointments. I would simply say that Snow Hill has honored County recommendations for extraterritorial jurisdiction appointments to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. While the County has focused on creating this new policy, it failed to make recent appointments to the Snow Hill Planning Board and Board of Adjustment within the time frame specified in the North Carolina General Statute.

Although it did not come without a fight, I commend the County Board of Commissioners for finally entering a 40-year lease agreement with the Town for Tank #3. I would hope that the County and Greene County municipalities are able to work together for the betterment of our communities. I cannot wait until the day that our thinking is in terms of we.

Snow Hill has made enormous strides in voter activism. We have broken records election after election. For this reason, I believe that the people of our community deserved the right to cast a vote either in favor or against mixed beverages. We pushed and the County finally authorized the residents to vote in a mix beverage election. With a failed County-wide mixed beverage measure, I now say to the Snow Hill Board of Commissioners that we must act in accordance with the North Carolina General Statute to authorize a Town mixed beverage election in this upcoming municipal election. We must allow the residents to vote on this measure.

We have a unique history. The last of the Tuscarora wars was fought at Fort Neoheroka. This is now the largest Native American mass gravesite in North America. Understanding this history, the Town partnered with the County to submit a grant to the Goldenleaf Foundation. Having concerns about human remains, artifacts, preservation efforts, groups protested at the Fort site. I report to you that efforts are underway to bring the stakeholders together to explore the best course of action. Meanwhile, I stand firm in saying that I support preserving the Fort and settlement sites, repatriating the remains, and increasing the awareness of the historical significance of the Fort and settlement sites.

Many Snow Hill residents have voiced concerns to me about group homes in our community. I simply say that the Town will insure strict compliance with our ordinance and fully enforce any violations. In addition, I believe that their must be much more oversight and compliance of group homes at the state-level. Unfortunately, the Town’s authority is restricted in this area. My commitment to our residents is to be fair and support high quality of life for group home residents. For this reason, I will continue to encourage residents and local providers to communicate. Meanwhile, I believe that it is important for all of us to increase our knowledge and understand of group home operations. By doing so, we are able to make better decisions about our community.

Efforts are underway to enhance Lion’s Park. However, during the planning process, we discovered that Lion’s Park was private property. I have been communicating with the landowners in attempt to coordinate an upgrade the park area. Also, skateboarding is popular in Snow Hill. In the absence of a skateboard park, the Town at-large becomes the skateboard park. For this reason, the Town is hoping to identify a site for a small skateboard park, so that skateboarders will have a safe and non-destructive area to skate.

Although the site selection process has created a challenge, we continue to discuss a public safety complex.

We must not allow our challenges to hold us back.

As we move ahead, I look forward to continued development. I am glad to support the efforts of expanding the study of the historic district and exploring the possibilities of a second district. I am glad to support street signs for the historic district and identify local historic sites. I am fully supportive of Fort Neoheroka being registered as a National Historic Site.

I look forward to additional banners being placed around Town and the formation of a leadership academy.

Snow Hill is a wonderful community.

However, you can help me to make Snow Hill an even better community. How? By catching the hometown spirit. Let us roll up our sleeves and continue working in a place we call home.

Whether realized or not, many across the State are watching Snow Hill. Many are watching you. People want to know what we are doing to get these results. The answer is simple: you.

May God bless you and our great Town.