Town Council Regular Meeting

Page 1 of 4 TOWN OF ST. JAMES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2025 The St. James Town Council met in Regular Session at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in the Earl Dye Council Chamber. Council Members Present: Mayor Jean Toner, Mayor Pro Tem David DeLong, Councilors Jim Board, Dennis Barclay, and Lynn Dutney Staff Present: Town Manager Jeff Repp, Finance Director Pauline Haran and Town Clerk Jamie Burns Others Present: State Port Pilot Reporter Eliot Duke and 21 residents. Absent: Councilor Board (excused) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Toner opened the meeting at 4:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE All in attendance joined Mayor Toner in honoring our flag. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved without any changes. Mayor Pro Tem Delong made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. Vote 4/0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Councilor Dutney made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which consists of the minutes from the January 30, 2025 Work Session, February 5, 2025 Regular Meeting, and February 13, 2025 Special Work Session. The motion passed unanimously. Vote 4/0 MAYOR/COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS – None OLD BUSINESS – None NEW BUSINESS 25-04 Motion Pursuant to NCGS 142-129(3)(6) to Award a Sole Source Contract to Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) in amount of $399,192.66 for the replacement of 498 streetlights. Town Manager Jeff Repp presented the details of the contract to replace 498 street lights (mostly fixtures, but some poles) throughout the town. He explained that the total cost of $339,192.66 includes $133,013.85 for materials and $42,063 for labor. Mr. Repp reminded the council that the town received a grant of $320,000 from the carbon reduction fund through the North Carolina Department of Transportation,  Page 2 of 4 TOWN OF ST. JAMES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2025 which will cover 80% of the project cost. The town will contribute approximately $80,000. Mayor Toner opened the floor for public comment on this expenditure, but there was none. Councilor Dutney made the motion to award a sole source contract to Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation in the amount of $399,192.66 for the replacement of 498 streetlights. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 4/0 25-05 Motion to Adopt Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing Donation of Surplus Computer Equipment to Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids. Town Manager Jeff Repp explained that state law requires the town to pass a resolution specifying the equipment to be donated before it can donate any surplus equipment. He noted that this is an annual resolution the council considers for donating surplus computer equipment to Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids, which reuses the equipment and makes it available to children in need in the school systems who can’t afford such equipment. Mayor Toner inquired about the quantity of computers being donated. Ms. Haran and Mr. Repp clarified that the donation includes two laptops, two monitors, one desktop computer, two small speakers, and three calculators. Mayor Pro Tem Dave DeLong made the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-02 authorizing the donation of surplus computer equipment to Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 4/0 25-06 Motion to Adopt Ordinance 2025-01 Creating Title IX General Regulations – Chapter 89 Fire Prevention Town Manager Jeff Repp presented the final version of the prevention ordinance, which the council had previously reviewed in work sessions. He explained that the ordinance primarily deals with restrictions on burning within the town. The town does not currently allow vegetative or yard debris burning because yard debris pick up services is available to residents. Mr. Repp highlighted that the ordinance does not prohibit fire pits, as previously discussed, due to legal complications in that the town council does not have the ability to grandfather existing fire pits. Mayor Toner added that a new item had been included in the restrictions: flamed luminaria and sky lanterns are now strictly prohibited. She emphasized the fire hazards in the area, mentioning recent wildfires in North Carolina and the potential risks associated with the abundance of pine trees in St. James.  Page 3 of 4 TOWN OF ST. JAMES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2025 During the discussion, Councilor Barclay inquired about the section regarding odors and smoke. Mr. Repp explained that while there haven’t been many complaints, the town would have the ability to address issues if they arise, potentially issuing letters to property owners or pursuing misdemeanor charges in severe cases. Mayor Pro Tem Dave DeLong made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-01 creating Title IX General Regulations – Chapter 89 Fire Prevention. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 4/0 PUBLIC COMMENT Jay Schach of 3183 Seagrass Court, representing the Seaside Board, sought clarification on the definition of campfires in the new ordinance and how it applies to propane heaters and fire pits. Mayor Toner confirmed that fire pits are permitted. Mr. Repp clarified that smoke from fireplaces could potentially be subject to complaints if it bothers neighboring properties. The town does not regulate firepits; however, the POA has provisions that firepits are allowed but are required to be propane. Nancy Magner of 3901 Hazelwood Court expressed concerns about the clearing of land near Highway 211 for commercial development. She worried about the negative impact on residents, including exposure to traffic, light pollution, and noise pollution. Mr. Repp explained that the current activity is bush hogging of the property, which is allowed and does not require a permit. He assured that future development plans would require proper buffering and landscaping between residential and commercial areas, per the town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Everett “Chad” Mitchell, also from Hazelwood Court, raised concerns about the exposure of unsightly structures, including a pump station and propane tank, due to the clearing. Mr. Repp suggested that this may be one of Brunswick County’s water wellheads and they would inquire with Brunswick County about potential screening options. Joe Pfaff, another Hazelwood Court resident, asked about regulations regarding clearing near the pond edge and requested an update on the “Saving the Unique Spaces” initiative. Mr. Repp confirmed that there were no specific distance requirements for clearing from the pond and provided an update on the grant application process for the conservation initiative. Marcy Newman of 3784 Club Cottage suggested that the town investigate whether the clearing activities align with what was permitted, noting that bulldozer use would indicate clearing rather than bush hogging. She also recommended looking into environmental regulations regarding buffers around water bodies. Nancy Magner returned with a final question about potential burning of cleared brush and trees. Mr. Repp explained that any open burning would require a permit from the Brunswick County Fire Marshall, and the town would notify residents if such activities were to occur.  Page 4 of 4 TOWN OF ST. JAMES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2025 ADJOURNMENT At 4:33 pm Mayor Pro Tem DeLong made a motion to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor. Vote: 4/0 Respectfully Submitted, Approved, _________________________ ______________________ Jamie Burns, Town Clerk Jean R. Toner, Mayor