By Karen Hall

Editor

The biggest issue before Chapel Hill's Board of Mayor and Aldermen at their meeting Monday might have been when to reschedule their fireworks display, joked Town Administrator Mike Hatten.

"They have been paid for," Hatten said, noting he had received several telephone calls about when to have the fireworks. He said suggestions included the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, or sometime during the Tractor Pull (July 19-20).

"We could combine it with our Burn-the-Note Party," said alderman Pam Elliot. "I say Labor Day weekend."

"Labor Day weekend would be my suggestion too," said Mayor Carl Cooper.

Hatten pointed out Chapel Hill residents working as volunteers at the Tractor Pull wouldn't be able to enjoy the fireworks if the display was presented then.

The motion to hold the fireworks display on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the same place, behind the Forrest baseball field, was unanimously approved.

The time will be earlier, because on Aug. 31 the sun sets at 7:16 p.m. (On July 4, it set at 8:08 p.m.)

In other business, the board discussed enclosing an area behind the fire hall to use as an impound lot, and Hatten promised to bring quotes for fencing to the next meeting.

Hatten told the mayor and aldermen he was in discussions with Verizon about putting a cell phone tower at the town's water plant. This would require rezoning the land from R1 to B2. He reported they were talking about a five-year lease, with a payment of up to $1,000 every month.

"We could earmark that money to go to the park," Hatten said.

"The planning commission did recommend it," added alderman Marion Joyce.

"Negotiate the best deal you can get from them," recommended Cooper. "That's tax-free money."

"Let's pass it (the rezoning) on the first reading, then listen to the citizens," said Joyce. "If there's a public outcry we won't pass it on the second."

Alderman Thomas Lawrence III agreed, stating, "Accept it on first reading, but give residents ample notice" of the public hearing that will have to be held on the proposed zoning change.

Only Elliot voted against the zoning change.

Hatten reported he is also negotiating a new contract with Waste Management to provide garbage pick up service for the town. Under the previous contract, Waste Management was charging $11.73 per household per month, but the town was only billing the residents $10.50. Now, Hatten said, Waste Management will drop their charge to $10 per household per month for a three-year contract. He intends to continue charging $10.50, to make up for undercharging in the past.

"They're still interested in helping us out with something for the park," Hatten added.

Moving on to other business, Hatten reported, "Chief (Kenneth) Runk has been terminated; he is no longer our fire chief."

Rumors have circulated than Runk misused his ability to spend money on the town's behalf. A new purchasing policy has been signed and dated by all town employees, Hatten told the mayor and aldermen.

Aldermen also reviewed a proposed ordinance prohibiting solicitation within the city limits, but tabled it until next month.