Town Council Special Meeting

Page 1 of 3 TOWN OF ST. JAMES SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES February 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM The St. James Town Council held a Special Meeting on February 24, 2025 in the Earl Dye Council Chamber. Mayor Toner opened the Special Meeting at 2:00 PM. Council Members Present: Mayor Jean Toner, Councilors Lynn Dutney and Dennis Barclay. Staff Present: Town Manager Jeff Repp and Town Clerk Jamie Burns Absent: Mayor Pro-Tem David DeLong and Councilor Jim Board (Excused), Finance Director Pauline Haran Others Present: State Port Pilot Reporter Eliot Duke CALL TO ORDER Mayor Toner opened the meeting at 2:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE All in attendance joined Mayor Toner in honoring our flag. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Toner asked for a motion to approve the Agenda. There were no changes or corrections to be made. Councilor Dutney made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Vote: 3/0 NEW BUSINESS a. Motion to Adopt Resolution #25-02 Stating the Intent of the Town to Accept Donation of 500+ Acres of Real Property. Town Manager, Jeff Repp stated that Resolution 2025-02 is a resolution Stating the Intent of the Town of St. James To Pursue Inquiry Into Accepting Donation of Real Property. In late 2024 the town was approached by the nonprofit organization, Unique Places to Save inquiring whether the town would be willing to accept six parcels of land totaling about 500 plus acres on the south side of 211 (currently owned by Reserve Development and St. James Properties) with the understanding that there would be a conservation easement placed on top of the land. The resolution, prepared by the town attorney, would express the willingness of the town to accept the donation if Unique Places to Save is successful in acquiring the grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund. Mr. Repp stressed that acceptance of the land comes with the land conservation easement on top of it, so passive recreation (such as hiking and biking trails) is the maximum use. These would be items to be discussed by the town in the future. Today’s issue is simply the acceptance of the land with the conservation easement. Mr. Repp stated that he would answer any questions council may have. Mayor Toner stated that properties going into conservation have very limited uses. Only 14 of the 500 acres would be developed as a park. The rest would remain wetlands and the only thing that would be done there is stormwater management.  Page 2 of 3 Mayor Toner asked for any public comment in regard to the resolution. Resident Tom Petrash of 3813 Ridge Crest Drive asked about maintenance and if any work or money is required to maintain the property. Mayor Toner stated that they have discussed talking to the Army Corp of Engineers regarding putting in some stormwater management conveyances. There is a small pond on the property that they would like to expand two to three acres to assist with stormwater management. Resident Marjorie Burnside of 3701 Fairfield Way inquired about the location of the parcels and asked if this is where the new shopping center would be. Mayor Toner stated that the parcels being donated are across the street from town hall on the south side, not the location of the new shopping center. Mr. Repp stated that maps of the projects could be found on the town website. Mayor Toner stated that people are confusing the area being donated with the development that will occur near the town hall facility. Mayor Toner reviewed the map of the land to be donated, as well as the area where commercial development will be occurring. Resident Jon Schul of 2861 Moorings Way asked if there is a downside for the homeowners in St. James, such as taxes that the community would need to pay. Mr. Repp noted that once the property is turned over to the town they are tax exempt so they wouldn’t have to pay any property taxes. The only financial impact to the town would be the loss of approximately $3,200 a year in current property taxes the town collects off it as private property. Resident Phyllis Booth of 3065 Somerdale Court asked about the fire district for the property to be incorporated into the Town of St. James. Mayor Toner indicated that the property is in the St. James Fire District. There was a discussion regarding property taxes versus fire fees. Resident Joe Pfaff of 3905 Hazelwood Court, inquired about the number of parcels being turned over to the town since there are six parcels shown on the map. Mr. Repp stated that only four are being turned over to the town (Parcels 2, 3, 4 and 6) which are the larger parcels shown on the map. Unique places to Save may be getting the other two parcels (1 and 5) but they are not planning on turning those over to the town. All parcels are controlled by the Reserve Corps and the development. Mayor Toner asked for a motion since there were no further questions. Councilor Dutney made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-02 Stating the Intent of the Town of St. James to Pursue Inquiry into Accepting Donation of Real Property. There was no discussion or questions from the council. Vote: 3/0 Adjournment At 2:24 pm, Councilor Dutney made a motion to adjourn this meeting. All were in favor.  Page 3 of 3 Respectfully Submitted Approved Jamie Burns, Town Clerk Jean R. Toner, Mayor