Board of Commissioners

TOWN OF BURGAW BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING DATE: October 28, 2020 TIME: 12:00 PM PLACE: Historic Train Depot BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kenneth Cowan Mayor Pro-tem Wilfred Robbins Commissioners Jan Dawson, Bill George, Vernon Harrell, James Murphy STAFF PRESENT IN PERSON: James Gantt, Town Manager Kristin J. Wells, Town Clerk Andrea Correll, Planning Director Stephanie Moore, Permitting Technician The meeting was called to order by Mayor Cowan at 5:30 PM. The purpose of this meeting was to allow public comment regarding the plans and designs of Courthouse Avenue. The invocation was led by Commissioner Murphy and the pledge was said by all. Commissioner Robbins made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harrell and carried by unanimous vote. Courthouse Avenue Improvement Project Gary Warner, Design and Planning Director with WithersRavenel, gave an overview of the project and commented on the ideas that were shared throughout the day from various groups during the work sessions. See attached summary provided by Mr. Warner. Public Comments regarding the project Nicki Richmond, South Dudley Street, said she and her family moved to Burgaw from Wilmington and have been residents for about a year. She said she is excited about the future of Burgaw. Ms. Richmond asked what the goal is for the project. Ms. Correll said the goal of the project is to make a prototype street of what we desire Burgaw to look like so that it can be used as a model in capital budgeting for the rest of downtown. John Westbrook, owner of Burgaw Antiqueplace, commented that he was very impressed during his meeting earlier in the day with the group from WithersRavenel. He said he feels good about what is going on and the town has hired a very talented person to help with the project. Mr. Westbrook said he “wants to see something happen.” Sam Guidry, 1086 Penderlea Highway, commented he is on the Planning & Zoning Board and thanked the board and staff for moving forward with this project. After comments from the public, Mr. Warner said he would like everyone present to participate in exercises and write down comments on how they envision downtown and Courthouse Avenue. He also advised everyone of a survey that have been set up to ask for input from citizens, family and friends. Mr. Warner said once tonight’s activities are complete, and after the survey runs a few weeks, he and his team will compile the information and bring it back at a later date to share with the board. Comments from the Board Mayor Cowan commented that feedback for this project is very important. Commissioner Robbins said this project has been talked about for years and it’s time to get it done. Commissioner Dawson said there have been several comments already made on things she would like see done with the project, with underground utilities being on the top of her list. She said this street is a connecting street between SPECIAL BOC MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2020 PAGE 1 of 2 two beautiful buildings, the courthouse and depot. Commissioner Dawson agrees the town should pursue funding and move forward with the project. Commissioner Harrell asked Mr. Warner when there might be a preliminary plan ready. Mr. Warner said it would probably take four to five weeks. There were brief comments about gas tanks located underground in the project area. Commissioner Harrell said he would rather not disturb the pavement. Mr. Warner said this would need to be discussed. Commissioner George commented he loves Burgaw and wants to continue attracting people like it used to when he was younger. He said he feels this project is going to be a great asset to the town. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Harrell made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dawson and carried by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 PM. After adjournment, the board members and the public participated in exercises to share thoughts and ideas about the project. _____________________________ Kenneth T. Cowan, Mayor Attest:_____________________________ Kristin J. Wells, Town Clerk SPECIAL BOC MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2020 PAGE 2 of 2