TOWN OF DUCK
TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MID-MONTH MEETING
The Town Council for the Town of Duck convened at the Duck Municipal Offices at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2006.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Neil Morrison; Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Thibodeau; Councilor Nancy Caviness; and Councilor Bart Smith.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Denver Lindley, Jr.
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Manager and Town Clerk Christopher J. Layton; Town Attorney Donald I. McRee, Jr.; Public Relations/Events Coordinator Kathy McCullough-Testa; Police Chief Dale Hamilton; Fire Chief Donna Black and Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec.
ABSENT: Planning Director Suzanne Cotellessa.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Morrison at 1:05 p.m.
Town Manager Layton stated that with the purchase of the Herron property, the Town needs to figure out where to go. He stated he took the liberty of suggesting a framework to incorporate the new property with the Municipal Property. He stated that the purpose of the discussion was to see if Council was comfortable with incorporating the property as well as other suggestions that may come up.
Town Manager Layton stated that the two (2) issues at hand are the incorporation of the Herron property into the existing plan and the actual design of a town hall. He stated they were not mutually exclusive and could be divided into two (2) distinct parts.
Town Manager Layton reviewed the preferred alternative and how the Herron property would be incorporated in the Municipal Property with Council and the audience. He proposed that Council turn the Herron property over to the Municipal Property Master Plan Advisory Committee to get their ideas on how the property would be incorporated into the existing plan. He stated the second piece would be the design of a town hall. He pointed out that the town hall would not have to be located in the existing footprint that the building is in now. He stated that the design of the town hall would set the standard for the other buildings on the park site. He proposed that the design of the town hall have two (2) phases – a needs analysis of what space would be needed and then approval through Council. He stated that once the space needs are brought to a consensus, an architect would come up with elevations for Council to review. He proposed adding an amendment to the contract with VHB and have them subcontract with an architect. Town Manager Layton stated that the estimated cost would be less than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for incorporating the new property into the Master Plan.
Town Manager Layton gave Council an update on the bid documents for Phase 1A of the Municipal Property. He noted that three (3) bids were received, all of which were extremely high.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked for definitive numbers for the bid project. Town Manager Layton stated that the original estimate for the project was $101,000. The highest bid was $235,000 and the low bid was $174,000. He stated the biggest difference in price was between gravel pave and straight gravel.
Councilor Smith asked if any of the phase included incorporation of pervious concrete or out of the norm type of products. Town Manager Layton stated it would incorporate geo-web gravel pave or grass pave. He stated he hoped to come back at the September meeting with an update and a recommendation.
Mayor Morrison asked if the project would include the parking area. Town Manager Layton stated that it would include some of the parking.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau thought that the whole reason for holding back on parking was due to CAMA. Town Manager Layton stated she was correct.
Councilor Caviness asked if the public parking spaces would be an issue that the Municipal Property Committee could look at to determine if some spaces should be moved to the new property. Town Manager Layton stated that he did not anticipate needing less than what was proposed on the Preferred Alternative, even with the new property. He stated that if Council wished, the Committee could look at the issue. He stated he is going to ask the Municipal Property Committee to start looking into providing recommendations for use policies for the entire park as well as parking policies and suggestions on how to deal with the parking.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the town hall would be approximately 6,000 square feet. Town Manager Layton stated she was correct and didn’t anticipate it to change. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the architect would tell the Council where the building would be best situated on the property. Town Manager Layton stated he did not give a lot of thought to the location of the building and felt it would go where the old building sits. He stated there is no reason why the new building would have to go where the old one is. He didn’t feel there was a rush to build a town hall at this time as the priority is on the rest of the park. He stated there would be opportunity for public input for the town hall. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked when a needs analysis is done, would Council give their input or would staff be the only ones providing input. Town Manager Layton stated that employees will start feeding input in and then it would go to Council for their input. He stated that Mayor Morrison had suggested starting visits to other town halls in other municipalities and asking what they would do different. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested staff and Council look at the Outer Banks Association of Realtors building.
Councilor Smith asked what the square footage was of the Herron building. Town Manager Layton stated he wasn’t sure but thought the total square footage was over 5,000 feet. He anticipated having a two (2) story building for a town hall on the site possibly in the same footprint as the Herron building.
Town Manager Layton stated that if Council was comfortable with the approach, the next recommended step would be to work something up with VHB to bring back to Council at a future meeting. It was consensus of Council to take the suggested approach.
Paul Keller of 125 Wiroans Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Keller stated he liked the idea. He stated that if the issue does come to the Municipal Property Committee, they would try to establish a maximum footprint of a town hall as well as a location.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau clarified that the Committee would be looking at the overall integration of the site with VHB and the architect would figure out where the town hall would sit. Town Manager Layton stated that the architect would be looking at the square footage and then it would be up to the Committee and/or Council to make the recommendation and final decision. He expected getting a footprint to work with, bringing it before the Committee to work with and then bring it all back to Council with some recommended alternatives. Town Manager Layton stated he may recommend making the front of the town hall area the public parking area and using the rear for employee parking.
Mayor Morrison asked if a vote was needed. Town Manager Layton stated he would work out some of the details and bring it back.
Town Manager Layton stated that he wanted to discuss the fate of the Herron’s building. He stated that the new building would be designed from scratch, meaning that the existing building would need to come down. He stated that the Fire Department would love to use the building for practice, but ultimately it would be up to Council on how the building comes down. He felt it was important that Council discuss the issue so the planning could begin.
Councilor Caviness thought that if the building was going to ultimately be demolished, it would be a benefit to the community to let the Fire Department use it for practice. Mayor Morrison felt if it was burned down by the Fire Department it would save money on hauling the debris away.
Fire Chief Donna Black was recognized to speak. Fire Chief Black stated that the building has great potential to train in without burning it down. She hoped Council would allow the Fire Department to train in the building. She stated that burning it down was a rare opportunity for the Fire Department with regard to training. Mayor Morrison felt it would not be a problem for the Fire Department to train in the building. Town Manager Layton stated it would require environmental and regulatory issues to be taken care of and Fire Chief Black had already started looking into what needs to be done. He felt that a Phase 1 environmental study would need to be done, which would cost approximately $3,000 to identify issues that are known and unknown on the site. He stated that the asbestos would need to be taken care of before the building could be burned.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that the rumor in Town is that the building is going to be burned. She suggested that it happen in the wintertime as well as having a public notice on the event. Fire Chief Black stated that it would be advertised to the public and would be done in the middle of winter.
Councilor Smith asked how fast an environmental inspection could be done on the property. Town Manager Layton stated it could be started by the end of August. Fire Chief Black stated that an inspection is lined up for the week of August 21, 2006 to determine whether the building could be burned or not.
Town Manager Layton stated that staff will start getting things lined up. He didn’t see any reason why the Fire Department couldn’t use the building for other training purposes. He stated that he would come back to Council with details as they become available.
Councilor Smith asked when the building comes down, would the pavement be dug up as well. Town Manager Layton stated that he did not anticipate doing that but it could be done. He thought it may be an unnecessary expense for now but could be incorporated later.
DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION OF OBTAINING THE DUCK VILLAGE OUTFITTERS BUILDING
Town Manager Layton stated that Bob and Tanya Hovey had made a generous offer of donating part of their building to the Town under the guise that the Town moves the building. He stated that he had taken an unprecedented step of recommending against receiving the donation. He stated that the decision comes down to individual preference of Council. He stated that there is nothing aesthetically deemed historic regarding the building by the State Department of Historic Preservation. He stated that he was concerned that if the building is moved, the Town would have to take a second look at how to incorporate it on the property. He stated it would not need to be used for restrooms, so another use would have to be found. He stated that the Town property should have a common theme with regard to the buildings and wondered if this was the first building on the site the Town would have to work with that. He wondered if that was what Council wanted to do.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that she appreciated all the background information that was provided to Council. She stated that she appreciated the issue coming forward and felt it should be given good thought as it was a unique opportunity to preserve something in Town. She stated that she would like to see the Town save the building and use it for something on the park property. She stated that she called a building mover to find out how much it would cost to move it and the estimate came back around $10,000-$15,000. She stated that she agreed with Town Manager Layton that there should not be two (2) separate buildings for restrooms. She thought that maybe the building could be used as a shed to house equipment for park maintenance. She thought a plaque should be put on the building stating it was one of the original buildings in Town. She suggested that the issue be put on the agenda for the September meeting so there could be more public input regarding saving the building before a decision is made by Council.
Councilor Smith pointed out that the house was built in 1945. He stated he would not call it an original structure of Duck, but that it happens to be one of the older buildings that are still standing. He didn’t think the year of 1945 constituted an historical structure that should be saved. He stated that he agreed with Town Manager Layton’s recommendation. He stated that by having this building on the property, the Town would have to retrofit the architectural theme of the park. He agreed that equipment could be stored in it, but wondered if the house was of such historical significance, should maintenance equipment be stored in it? He thought it was a neat idea but with the cost of moving it and putting it somewhere as well as building the support structure for it, the expenses would be fairly significant. He asked how long ago the addition to the building was built. Bob Hovey was recognized to speak. Mr. Hovey stated that it was built in 1998. Tanya Hovey was recognized to speak. Ms. Hovey stated that the deed date for the building was from 1920. Councilor Smith felt that the Town would not have a use for the building. He suggested if no one wanted to buy it, to take some of the hard wood out, make a piece of furniture from it and put it in the new town hall.
Councilor Caviness thought with the recent purchase of the Herron property, that the timing was not right for the Town to accept the donation of the building. She didn’t think it should be incorporated into the park property. She felt the first responsibility was to do what was originally planned for the park as well as getting the Herron property incorporated. She stated that even if the building had an historical significance, she didn’t feel the right place for it would be in the park.
Mayor Morrison stated that he and Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau had toured the building recently. He noted that there was not a back wall on the part of the building that the Hovey’s wanted to donate to the Town. He stated it would have to be rebuilt. Bob Hovey stated that the back wall is still there but that there is just an entrance that was cut in there. Tanya Hovey stated that it was not bolted and is on cinderblocks. Mayor Morrison stated that since the building is not considered historically significant, he was inclined to say that the Town needs to save every dollar possible for the park. He agreed with Town Manager Layton about having things at the park blend architecturally. He didn’t think it would be wise for Council to pursue the issue, nor would it be fair to the Hovey’s to hold them up if the Town did not intend to acquire the building. Mayor Morrison asked if a vote was needed. Town Manager Layton stated that if Council wished to do so, he would want one.
Councilor Caviness asked if the building was currently listed with a real estate company. Tanya Hovey stated it wasn’t. Mayor Morrison asked when the Hovey’s would begin their work. Bob Hovey stated they had planned to start October 1, 2006. Councilor Caviness pointed out that there was a listing in Council’s packets.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that she saw the building listed under Exit Outer Banks Realty when it was first listed. Tanya Hovey stated it was listed for approximately two (2) days. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau pointed out that the Hoveys could market the building but not through Multiple Listing Service. Ms. Hovey stated that it is not listed or in the newspapers. She stated that the Town could put cedar shakes on the building, take the drywall out and use the existing tongue in groove pine on the wall. She felt it would fit in better than building a new building.
Mayor Morrison stated that he hoped someone in Duck would be able to acquire the building and do something with it. Councilor Caviness thought the Town’s priorities were with the amenities that have been promised to the community. She felt they should move forward with those amenities. She felt the Town did not need the structure and didn’t think it was financially prudent to purchase it from the Hoveys.
Mayor Pro Tempore stated that even though the item was on the agenda, there hadn’t been a lot of public input on the issue. She pointed out that by taking a vote, it would be a decision that only Council would be making for the entire Town without the general public weighing in on it. She stated she had spoken to a few members of the Municipal Property Committee and they had mentioned it was the first they had heard about the issue. She stated that it would be interesting to hear what the general public’s thoughts were for the building. She stated that she appreciated it being put on the agenda but felt there should be more public input on it. She asked that the issue be tabled to the September 6, 2006 meeting. Mayor Morrison asked if she would want to have a public hearing. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated she didn’t but wanted to have an opportunity for more discussion on the issue. Mayor Morrison stated he had no objection to tabling the issue.
Town Manager Layton clarified that a public hearing would not be held for the September meeting but the issue would be added to the agenda for discussion. Mayor Morrison stated that the general public would only be able to speak about it during the Public Comments period of the meeting.
Councilor Smith stated he was against tabling the issue. He stated that the structure is very small and not that old. He stated that the only significant historical meaning it has it that it is one of the older structures in Duck. He pointed out that the Scarborough house was torn down with no one from the general public making any comment about it. He thought extending it to the next meeting would only accomplish what the present meeting was accomplishing except it would just add a public comment period. He pointed out that there cannot be a public hearing on the issue. He agreed that the public should be heard but noted that this meeting was advertised just as much as any meeting and no one showed up stating that the Town should buy the building. He agreed with Councilor Caviness’ comments. He thought tabling the issue until the September meeting would be a waste of time. He suggested Council vote on it and move on.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau moved to table the issue until the September 6, 2006 meeting.
Motion defeated 2-2 with Councilors Caviness and Smith dissenting.
Councilor Smith moved to decline the generous offer of the house at 1207 Duck Road by Bob and Tanya Hovey.
Motion carried 3-1 with Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau dissenting.
Mayor Morrison thanked the Hoveys for the offer and wished them luck with their new building.
Police Chief Dale Hamilton was recognized to speak. Police Chief Hamilton gave Council an update on the investigation involving the series of break-ins in the Four Seasons subdivision, noting that Sergeant Jeff Ackerman, Lieutenant Phillip Ferguson and Officer Jeff Deringer had received the Chief’s Commendation award for their hard work on the issue.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED EVENTS FOR 2006 AND 2007
Kathy McCullough-Testa was recognized to speak. Ms. McCullough-Testa stated that she had put together a proposed schedule of events for the Town for the remainder of 2006 and for 2007. She stated that this was done to ensure early planning for the events and to make sure publicity of the events could be accomplished. Town Manager Layton clarified that the schedule was drawn up as a starting point. He asked for Council’s direction on some of the items such as fireworks. Ms. McCullough-Testa went on to review the 2006 events with Council and the audience.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the holiday kickoff would be a unified event for the entire Town and if input would be received from the DCBA and merchants or would Ms. McCullough-Testa be planning everything. Kathy McCullough-Testa stated she had envisioned an event that would be Town-sponsored, such as Santa Claus riding on a fire truck and then getting the merchants involved on their own in doing things in that same timeframe.
Councilor Caviness asked what would be done. Kathy McCullough-Testa stated that the Town would have children come see Santa or having a community get-together. Town Manager Layton stated that it would be fleshed out as the time gets closer. He stated that this was identified as something that was lacking on the Outer Banks. He stated that he had hoped the Town could start something and build on it over the years. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt it was a great idea. Town Manager Layton stated that if Council had ideas to please funnel them in. He stated that the groundwork with the DCBA and other merchants have not occurred yet, so there may be even more ideas.
Mayor Morrison asked if Ms. McCullough-Testa had envisioned a one truck parade for Santa Claus. Kathy McCullough-Testa stated he was correct and thought it would grow over the years. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau pointed out that the Town of Manteo does their Christmas parade as a kickoff for that town.
Councilor Smith felt the Town needed to do an event like the trash festival that was done years ago, but on a holiday level. He felt the Town should get with all the merchants to kick things off on the same day and encourage them to bring merchandise out for people to see and possibly buy. He suggested a culmination of the evening with some type of event such as a band. Mayor Morrison suggested an illumination where everyone would turn on their Christmas lights at the same time. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt it would be good if every Town citizen had some type of lantern that would be turned on at the same time. Mayor Morrison and Councilor Smith felt the holiday kickoff was a great idea.
Councilor Caviness agreed but was concerned since the idea did not come from the merchants. She felt it was backward in that the merchants would want to pull something together and then ask the Town to participate in the event. She worried about the merchant’s reaction to outside things trying to force themselves on them. She stated it has not turned out well in the past. She stated that it was a great idea, but thought it would not be as successful as it could be if it didn’t come from the merchants first. Kathy McCullough-Testa stated she had met with the DCBA, Connie Story-Pearce and Brian Staub regarding having something that could be done together. She stated there is an interest with the merchants. She noted that she would be meeting with the DCBA at their membership meeting to go over things with them. She stated the merchants would not be surprised. Town Manager Layton stated that once the park is open, events could take place there. He didn’t feel the expectations were extremely high for this year. Councilor Caviness pointed out that the art show in Duck was a fiasco in the past as the merchants were not included in the festivities. She stated that she didn’t think having events in Town was not a good idea, but asked that caution be exercised and make sure the merchants take full ownership of the events so the Town could municipally do other things.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau thought Councilor Caviness’ comment were valid. She thought that the Town now has a liaison in Ms. McCullough-Testa that wasn’t available before to represent all of the stakeholders, merchants, residents and taxpayers in the community. She felt it was an ideal time to pull things together by letting everyone know what would be going on. She stated it was a matter of communication. Town Manager Layton stated that Santa Claus did not have to stop at just one shopping center. Mayor Morrison suggested that Santa have several stops along the way.
Mayor Morrison asked if there would be an issue with a Town Christmas tree. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt it should be a holiday tree. She asked what the problem would be. Town Attorney McRee stated it would come down to putting it on private property (the Town Park) or public property. Mayor Morrison wondered if it would be a problem in the future putting one up in front of the town hall. Town Attorney McRee didn’t think there would be an issue with putting up a holiday tree.
Kathy McCullough-Testa reviewed the holiday party for December. Town Manager Layton stated that the Sanderling Inn would be the easiest place but there have been complaints in the past. He stated he would not be opposed to holding it somewhere else. Deputy Town Clerk Kopec stated that it was suggested last year that the party be held somewhere outside of Duck. Council Caviness stated that by moving it outside of Town, it would exclude every firefighter in Town. Town Manager Layton stated he would plan to hold it at the Sanderling Inn again this year.
Kathy McCullough-Testa reviewed the events for 2007 with Council and the audience.
Councilor Smith asked if the annual Council Retreat could be held on two (2) days instead of one (1). Town Manager Layton stated it could be done.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested coming up with a stamp commemorating the Town’s fifth anniversary that would go along with the Town Seal. She stated the stamp could be used all year along. She suggested some type of party for the residents. Councilor Smith agreed and asked that it not be a square dance. Mayor Morrison asked when the Fire Department’s Pig Pickin’ would be held. Councilor Caviness stated it would be held in the fall. Councilor Smith stated it would be held in October. Mayor Morrison suggested a Town cook out. Town Manager Layton felt it was appropriate but wondered if a committee would be needed or not. Kathy McCullough-Testa suggested that Arbor Day and the Town’s anniversary be held near one another and combine it as one event. Councilor Caviness disagreed and stated the Town’s anniversary should be held on the actual anniversary – May 1st – by itself. Mayor Morrison agreed. Mayor Morrison stated that not many people were involved in this year’s Arbor Day event. Paul Keller pointed out that there is a choice for Arbor Day – the North Carolina Arbor Day or the United States Arbor Day. Ms. McCullough-Testa noted that North Carolina Arbor Day is in March of each year. Councilor Smith suggested the events could be promoted together but not held at the same time.
Councilor Smith asked what kind of ideas Ms. McCullough-Testa had regarding the spring trash clean up as Duck held the original trash fest in the past. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that there may be a fairness issue with the merchants again by doing a trash fest-type event. She suggested holding off on that. Councilor Smith suggested holding it at the Town property where Herron’s restaurant sits. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau pointed out that the trash clean up is a hard event to get people excited about. She stated that Council members are usually the ones that help out with the trash clean up. Ms. McCullough-Testa stated that what she envisioned for the trash clean up was to have people come to the Fire Department to get their supplies and have a lunch after the clean up was completed. Town Manager Layton stated that there would be an opportunity in the future to combine Arbor Day and the spring clean up in Town. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau and Mayor Morrison agreed with Councilor Caviness’ comments that the Town’s five (5) year anniversary should be an event that is separate from other events in the spring.
Councilor Caviness pointed out that 2007 will be the whole year of the Town’s anniversary. She felt there should be something to commemorate May 1st on the fifth (5th) and tenth (10th) year anniversary. She stated that anything that happens during those years would be part of the anniversary of Duck. She suggested coming up with a theme for the five (5) year anniversary that could be used in multiple events or community gatherings. She stated she liked Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau’s suggestion of a stamp to commemorate the event. She stated that she didn’t think the Town should just celebrate the one day but have it recognized for the entire year. Town Manager Layton agreed. He stated that the next question would be how to plan the event as well as if a committee would be needed. Councilor Smith felt that it would eventually become large enough to warrant a committee.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked what the committee would do. Councilor Smith felt they would serve in a brainstorming function – to bring together ideas from the businesses, from Council and from the other committees involved in the Town. He stated they would get ideas and then come up with an overall idea on how to celebrate the anniversary all year long. He felt it would be too much for one (1) person to do. He stated it could be a small committee as well. Mayor Morrison suggested that the original group that helped with incorporation be represented on the committee. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated she did not object to having a committee but liked the idea of having one (1) person direct the committee and make things happen. Town Manager Layton stated he would discuss the committee with Ms. McCullough-Testa and bring back their ideas.
Kathy McCullough-Testa reviewed the Fourth of July parade with Council and the audience. She stated it would be the same route as this year with no rain date planned. Town Manager Layton stated that the event after the parade could eventually be moved to the park property. Councilor Caviness questioned having an after event in any place other than the park property. Ms. McCullough-Testa stated she was concerned about electricity on the park property. She thought if the park was ready, things could be held there. Town Manager Layton thought that the after parade event could be held at the park property as opposed to the Waterfront Shops. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau felt staff should look at having an electrical box installed on the property since the water is already there. Councilor Smith pointed out that the Fire Department has a generator that may be an option to use for electricity.
Kathy McCullough-Testa discussed fireworks with Council and the audience. She stated that there is time to bring a barge in for a fireworks display on the Sound. She stated that with the five (5) year anniversary, it would be a nice tie in. She stated that it would have to be held on the Fourth of July. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated she was opposed to doing a fireworks display in Town. She didn’t feel the Town was ready for such a display since the park property would not be ready. Councilor Caviness agreed. Councilor Smith stated he has never liked firework displays. Mayor Morrison stated that he could not see how the Town could have a display right now. He thought that after the park was completed, it may be a possibility.
Councilor Smith pointed out that most people head to the beach to watch the fireworks in neighboring towns. He felt that if the fireworks were held on the Sound, it would take away from the community atmosphere of watching fireworks on the beach. Mayor Morrison asked what the cost would have been if there was a display in 2005. Town Manager Layton stated it would have cost approximately eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000).
Kathy McCullough-Testa went on to review the rest of the proposed events for 2007 with Council and the audience.
Mayor Morrison asked if the merchants would object to an art show at the park property. Councilor Caviness stated that if there was a better venue, it may not be objective. She felt that the art show was a duplication of the one that the Dare County Arts Council puts on every year in Corolla. She stated that she did not understand why the Town would want to do what the Arts Council does every year. She suggested contacting the Arts Council and inviting them to help with the art show. Councilor Smith pointed out that a lot of local artists will not participate in a Dare County Arts Council event as they do not want to be in the same show as other people. Councilor Caviness stated that the Town didn’t necessarily need to have an art show. She suggested the Town get away from art and maybe have some type of musical show. She didn’t think the Town should try to duplicate events that are held in other towns. Councilor Smith stated that the Town cannot allow the merchants to dictate what events could be held. Mayor Morrison suggested discussing this issue when Councilor Lindley was present. Town Manager Layton felt that once the park amphitheater was completed, many different events could happen there. He suggested contacting the DCBA and getting ideas from them.
Mayor Morrison asked how many seats the amphitheater will have. Paul Keller stated that it would have approximately three to four (3-4) rows of seats with the rest of it on the lawn. Town Manager Layton thought it would hold about one hundred (100) people. He stated that there would be seating for fifty (50) people. Mr. Keller pointed out that the gazebo will be big enough for a four or five (4 or 5) piece band.
Councilor Caviness felt that utilizing Columbus Day weekend for some type of Town event would be good. She suggested it be something other than what already exists in Town. She stated that a lot of shops have art already. She suggested capitalizing on music or some type of activity.
Town Manager Layton asked how events could be nailed down. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested Ms. McCullough-Testa look at what is going on Columbus Day weekend and see what the Town is up against. Ms. McCullough-Testa suggested a jazz festival. Councilor Caviness felt it was good idea. Town Manager Layton stated he would come up with some ideas and bring them back to Council.
Mayor Morrison thanked Kathy McCullough-Testa for her time as well as her work with the Fourth of July parade.
Councilor Caviness asked when the Council Retreat would be held. Town Manager Layton stated it is usually held the same week as when the mid month meeting would fall.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Morrison moved to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 4-0.
The time was 3:30 p.m.
__________________________
/s/ Town Clerk
Approved: ______________________
_______________________________
/s/ Neil Morrison, Mayor