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Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss highlights from the regularly-scheduled September 9, 2019, Henderson City Council Meeting.
Approving the Sixth Amendment to the Kerr Lake Regional Water System (KLRWS) Agreement
This amendment, approved by the Henderson City Council and partners Warren County and the City of Oxford, extends the KLRWS contract out for ten years from the previous expiration date of 2037.
According to Frazier, this extension was necessary due to the length of the 20-year project loans that are still a work in progress.
“We are talking about expanding and upgrading the water plant. To make that happen, we are looking at 20-year loans. The contract with the Kerr Lake Regional Water partners would have expired before some of the loan terms, so the partners agreed to extend the ending date of the contract,” he explained.
As for progress on water system upgrades, Frazier said the KLRWS partners have applied for the second phase of the overall $40 million project.
“We’re working with our contractors and engineers now and firming up the prices and cost of the project. It’s a big project with an overall cost of $40 million – $19 million spent in the first phase. The KLRWS has applied for the second phase. The City of Henderson was able to get $3 million in grants, with Warren County also receiving $3 million in grants and $2 million in zero percent interest loans,” said Frazier.
Approving Rent Increase and Continuation of CSX Transportation, Inc. Lease Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding with Vance-Granville Community College and the City of Henderson Regarding Use of the Kenneth K. Roberson Training Center (Henderson Police Training Center)
The City of Henderson has a long-standing partnership with Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) for the rent of a facility for the purpose of law enforcement exercises including handgun, firearms and in-house training.
According to Frazier, the training facility located at US-158 Business in Henderson is currently leased to VGCC for their Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) programs.
The approved increase in rent will allow the City to continue its partnership with the college while covering costs for improvements made to the facility.
“We’ve made a lot of improvements over the years and are trying to utilize the facility more, regionally and state-wide,” Frazier said.
Consideration of Approval of Amending Sanitation Ordinance to Garbage and Trash Collection Policy
An agenda item that was ultimately tabled by the City Council until further information is presented, Frazier said this proposal pertained to the possibility of charging a fee to dispose of a “large number” of yard waste bags, typically leaves.
By way of explanation, Frazier said that one yard with 30 – 40 bags of leaves, for example, could negatively impact Waste Industries tight pickup schedule.
Frazier also reminded listeners that the City prefers all yard debris to be placed in clear, plastic bags to distinguish it from the trash. “One of the reasons for this is that the landfill does not allow the co-mingling of yard waste and regular trash,” he said.
Clear bags are available for purchase at the City of Henderson Operations Center, 900 S. Beckford Drive.
Work Session: Consider Amending the Current Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
In a work session that followed the regularly-scheduled meeting, the Council discussed proposed updates to a local flood ordinance that has “been on the books since 1987,” according to Frazier.
While the rules and regulations for what qualifies for FEMA assistance and grants after a flood remain “very restrictive,” Frazier said improved mapping completed after the destruction of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 makes it easier to determine if your home or business is located in a flood zone.
Proposed changes to the ordinance mirror changes recommended by the State of NC, and will keep Henderson eligible for assistance if a qualifying situation occurs.
“I feel like there are fairly minor changes from our existing ordinance, but these were sent from NC Public Safety’s Risk Management Office and we have to comply so we can remain accessible to flood insurance that helps our citizens in case of a flooding event,” Frazier explained. “Changes proposed to the Council are consistent with new regulations and measures brought forth from the State.”
To hear Frazier’s interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.