[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6089587,"mediaKeyId","2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc","parentId",2872526,"title","Votes at a glance: Oak Ridge Town Council actions","audioSeconds",2006,"startMs",404000,"endMs",2410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc&start=404&end=2410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc/thumbnail_404000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6089587/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Oak-Ridge-Town-Council-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089587-291331b793df3483b4a4a89cff51bf26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770767986&Signature=DlQR4EnssgBz3V27qNI8zze2dwnaiXL8QQuvXifkkYeCi0HklsyctMOPwCZMmYSR5ZvhzXYGv7ZkkaPJn3L8jac8aMHedzHJr2oQOyf1dtMoG8M2XABMM-wq~J0SyukKWicc0W9uCNokbW2M0KgtDmDsH-pHO5X1RPWUP1yHInSuYN-G23-X5GW3Ns-AUjs11tlgHEWv0OdxaeEdm4Tz7kSblTPJaLFmo7FzR2UXr4m2ZP7FjkLO-IGuZ5NKV1f6E5Kk1gZKvCgv85WehmRL7~wBpgPVXOrbjl7nqSv4hIjOxNUTJAmIworUTFRbyqAu0yKzWyVjyTa3A3y6YzCzXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-04T01:17:41Z","article","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council recorded the following formal actions during the meeting. Where the transcript named a mover or seconder those names are shown; where names were not explicitly read in the record the transcript indicates a motion and a second were made and the outcome is listed.

- Continue public hearing (text amendment) to May 1: Motion to continue discussion of a zoning text amendment to the council’s regular meeting on May 1. Motion carried (ayes). (Transcript motion at 00:36:25; continued to May 1.)

- Approve appointment of Brad Rentz as alternate to Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Adjustment: Motion to approve; second recorded; motion carried (unanimous). (Transcript motion at 00:36:55.)

- Approve Town of Oak Ridge 2025–26 Capital Improvement Plan: Motion to approve the CIP (2025–26); motion carried (ayes). (Transcript motion at 00:38:20.)

- Approve McGill Associates proposal for Heritage Farm Park Phase 2 design: Motion to approve the $10,000 design contract with McGill Associates; second recorded; motion carried. (Transcript motion at 00:43:24.)

- Approve town salary classification market analysis and recommended range updates (Piedmont Triad Regional Council): Motion to adopt PTRC recommendations for pay-range adjustments (affecting 11 positions); motion carried. Council deferred discussion of the town manager’s salary range to a later meeting. (Transcript motion at 01:02:13.)

- Award Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 construction contract to Parker Construction: Motion to award construction contract, base bid $66,200, with contingency limited so total does not exceed $70,180; motion carried after reconsideration and a supermajority vote. (Transcript discussion and final action at ~01:19:00–01:23:00.)

- Budget amendment to record prior-year project spending (security-camera/accounting cleanup): Motion to amend FY2024–25 budget to account for prior-year project expenses; motion carried. (Transcript motion at 01:46:00.)

- Approve finance officer’s monthly report and financial statements: Motion to approve the finance officer’s report; motion carried. (Transcript motion at 01:49:00.)

- Approve minutes (March 6, January 7, February 27 joint BOA/Town Council): Motion to approve minutes; motion carried. (Transcript at opening of meeting.)

Where vote tallies were recorded in the transcript the summary above reproduces the outcome. For some motions the transcript shows only voice votes; tallies are recorded where the clerk read them aloud.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting April 3rd 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions and final outcomes recorded during the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council meeting.","taxTitle","Town of Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina","taxId",57591,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089592,"Oak Ridge awards Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 contract to Parker Construction at $66,200; council caps contingency to match budget",955,4205000,5160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc&start=4205&end=5160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc/thumbnail_4205000.jpg","/articles/6089592/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-awards-Veterans-Honor-Green-Phase-2-contract-to-Parker-Construction-at-66200-council-caps-contingency-to-match-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089592-0cc7738ae07c81d8324edbcbf4093200/orig.mp4?Expires=1770767987&Signature=NhWkRHfRq1Njye9bYHUWIQsBdsjChv26AmjMsaL~j17tDIfSxOc~bEHHkCnJls8YUi-lXNtHhZec5qkUiKo4L-OBH9Y0eH~SSGWaNGqI03zFw9LymsZmAtYm54LJRE2AWf0m0nI2OxoOX1OL1L-iQpMZrip2~n6WMchI4-c3lmBrpaNQ9ZkB7psCsMN6fvj3YqRUFY4ga8-eRiOr3lmY9RCt0GvI1lEA-zHUi2eBfDAcBAc5P048OB7oBfI7QR1Q3BUiuk46fDH7atbGXH7yp8ILwk7gUXxlweh-~fHi6j8TSzl4Cm~m8gONyL0DCt5Lf~AgX1eFLrH-KknLZw7jNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge awarded construction of Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 to Parker Construction after the lowest responsible bid was value-engineered down to $66,200. The council also limited contingency so the total would not exceed the project budget of $70,180, which includes $20,180 raised by the special events committee and grant funds.

Town staff reported that four bids were received and the lowest responsible bid was initially $72,800; a value-engineered alternative recommended by the landscape architect reduced the contract amount to $66,200. Staff requested a 10 percent contingency in case of minor change orders; the project budget, however, totaled $70,180. Council members debated whether to accept a standard 10 percent contingency or to cap contingency to keep the project within the existing budget.

Courtney Harton, speaking for the Special Events Committee, said the committee had continued fundraising and that the project should not be slowed. Staff clarified the contingency would be town budget authority in case of change orders and was not a contractor request. After discussion, the council approved a motion to award the contract at $66,200 with the contingency limited so the total would not exceed $70,180. A later motion to reconsider the contingency passed and the item ultimately carried with a supermajority vote.

Town staff said construction could begin in May or June and the contractor anticipated completing the work in about 60 days. If the special events committee raises additional funds, the council would have to authorize use of those funds. The town’s landscape architect supported the value-engineered choice as appropriate for the site and for protecting nearby pines.

The council’s approval moves Phase 2 of the Veterans Honor Green project forward; staff will administer the construction contract and any change orders within the contingency cap approved by council.","After receiving four bids, the council awarded the Phase 2 construction contract for Veterans Honor Green to Parker Construction at a negotiated $66,200 and set a contingency cap so the project stays within the $70,180 available budget; the item passed after debate and a reconsideration motion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089597,"Oak Ridge approves $10,000 design contract for Heritage Farm Park Phase 2; debate centers on pickleball, cost and noise",1091,2529000,3620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc&start=2529&end=3620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc/thumbnail_2529000.jpg","/articles/6089597/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-approves-10000-design-contract-for-Heritage-Farm-Park-Phase-2-debate-centers-on-pickleball-cost-and-noise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089597-e7220c8a741ab27fc971c3eadfa113ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770767987&Signature=VQtvlY24NpfP~GPFNWXjQ6pXl0K9rFK~KxOVE2Q3c32CHXikK7Ulp7wUISrbxDiXJcmMCu1hqAa7mRQWfkbcwdmwk13CaH3xzc7IbQ3orU48kbJHZm7ExEowl1~lTVq19vpWbv3aVI99kgWfein5y6ccLYvDv7a6DeZYDhs~JChHYl9fnqGt19XqScUjonZmutDvDY9p-3eApgTP1IoHw0pkWunK83PfzgbjsawOWs-DRqlmQtOUhvg3crTuH6pZk2Q7HndAOhy1A6SCc14tFUlRdK-8xGpjNmp0hnKcb9VMzMNmSa-jsWpZSBy4WAdSndQ-SPWuD1Qa53sR-tdQFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council voted to approve a $10,000 contract with McGill Associates to design Phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park, a planning step the town says will produce a community recreation needs survey, a stakeholder design workshop and a conceptual design with cost estimates.

The vote followed extended council discussion about whether the town should move forward with the design now, whether a citizen survey should be delayed until more residents return from vacation, and whether the Phase 2 plan should prioritize tennis, pickleball or a mixture of courts. The contract’s scope lists a 90-day schedule and an explicit goal of making the design grant-eligible.

“On Heritage Farm Park 1, we budgeted that at 1.7 and we spent $5,300,000 for walking trails, playgrounds, parking lot and two fields,” Council member Stone said during the discussion, noting that past spending shows the town has invested heavily in park infrastructure. Town staff outlined the McGill scope: a site assessment, a community-recreation needs survey, a design workshop with stakeholders and a final conceptual design with cost estimates. The design phase is not a bid-ready engineering package; additional engineering work would be required before construction bidding.

The council divided on whether to delay the survey and design. Some members argued that design details are necessary to produce reasonable cost estimates and to avoid having to redo courts shortly after construction; others said the parcel is shovel-ready and the town should move rapidly to get a design and then pursue funding. Council member Harton urged patience to avoid later rework: “Until we know what the design is going to be, we really have no idea what it’s going to cost,” he said.

Advocates for pickleball argued the sport’s rapid growth and the park’s need for active recreation for older residents. Opponents raised noise and drainage concerns tied to improperly constructed courts in other nearby projects. Staff noted that the updated master plan and surveys will be needed to qualify for grants such as the specified Part F grant.

McGill Associates was the firm selected earlier for the park’s initial engineering through a competitive RFQ; the new $10,000 contract is an extension to develop a grant-eligible design package. Town staff said the work would produce conceptual drawings and cost estimates that could be used to decide whether to proceed to engineering and construction in phases. If council approves engineering and construction later, additional budgets and public review would be required.

The vote to approve the McGill proposal passed; council members who supported the motion said the design and survey will provide the information needed to make a fiscally responsible construction decision. Those who voiced caution emphasized noise mitigation, proper surface and drainage design, and staged funding to avoid future repair costs.

Next steps: McGill will begin the site assessment and stakeholder engagement; staff said the design and survey would be completed in approximately 90 days. Council retains authority to approve any subsequent engineering, bidding or construction contracts.","The Town Council approved a $10,000 McGill Associates contract to deliver a Phase 2 design for Heritage Farm Park that will include a community recreation survey, conceptual design and cost estimates; council debate focused on whether to include pickleball, noise concerns and timing of a public survey.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6089602,"Oak Ridge residents urge council to oppose Williams Transco pipeline expansion",6544,836000,7380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc&start=836&end=7380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2872526-e53b5eb06d80c42bf8cd91d95f7557fc/thumbnail_836000.jpg","/articles/6089602/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-residents-urge-council-to-oppose-Williams-Transco-pipeline-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6089602-623c39c4c162c4a8215ebb64fabbd071/orig.mp4?Expires=1770767987&Signature=ZCPeuDttDDFMPzIHxBQKiG0xfV56tUHYPMhwDLPoqnnp9m9v1jobX9DicNVlgRyUWLnXKbI9eU6ZU4PkApXc6hAWzjpOrQz~UQhhaOLeQ7WNUnowFPCvE6GHkzjFpnmSiAZym9Qzk~VMFSor22S~XARdcpurVrJ0zfs~GLBprPXkA1b6G1JYeDs3c4MRPJLTyuYpMkSQ6COQPdYalfsNSOlWz~ynGUX5~0~yQ6qZkNyJHZ4vodIZolqxxY2B6o17RtDnZrnKS63zhntsRnOmpe2Fdckpk3baq-dX6TGOFwequ8eWY7zIll5aC87Elw7vb7QDRHlm64wFcNUoariR7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Oak Ridge residents asked the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed Williams Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, saying the pipeline expansion would pose safety, water-contamination and property-value risks to neighborhoods, schools and churches.

The comments, delivered during a public-comment period dominated by the topic, urged the council to adopt a formal position and to forward that stance to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and state officials. Community members also handed the council copies of a petition and a draft resolution of opposition signed by residents and supporters.

The request for a resolution was framed as both a public-safety and a land-use concern. “Oak Ridge First Baptist Church opposes the proposed expansion of the transcontinental gas pipeline due to the increased risks it poses to its members, Oak Ridge Town residents, and members of the surrounding communities,” said Austin Goldman, reading a statement on behalf of First Baptist Church, and adding that the church’s opposition is “on the basis of safety and not economics.” Several speakers asked the council to urge Williams Transco and federal regulators to consider no-build alternatives and to require full compensation for property owners, citing Chapter 48 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process.

Speakers described the existing pipeline as more than 70 years old, said some residents live within what they called a 1,100-foot blast zone, and noted schools, churches and parks near the proposed route. “We are requesting that the Oak Ridge Town Council, as our neighbor, please keep us safe,” said Joe Semball, who asked the council to pass a resolution and to press county and state officials to act. Several speakers called for an environmental-impact review and urged the council to use its voice to press the operator for thorough study and remediation of the existing line.

Claire Spear, who identified herself as an organizer and advocacy professional, delivered a three-point rationale for why a local resolution matters, citing examples where municipal opposition led state officials or operators to reexamine pipeline projects. “If William Transco knows that you’re skeptical of the project, they’re going to have to be on their best behavior,” she said, and handed the mayor and clerk copies of a draft resolution and a petition of signatures and comments from residents.

Speakers who live or work adjacent to the pipeline — including residents of Stonehenge, Pate Drive and Merriman Farm Road and representatives of Saint James AME and Oak Ridge Military Academy — described concerns about construction dust, groundwater contamination, risks to historic properties and disruption to homes and businesses. Pediatrician Jane Foy said she was especially worried about contaminant risks to children: “Children are much more sensitive to these kinds of environmental contaminants than are adults,” she said.

Council members did not take a vote on a resolution that evening. Council member Miss Snyder said she would like a full discussion of the issue and encouraged an environmental-impact-style review; she did not say whether she would support a resolution. Town staff acknowledged the council could add the request to a future agenda. Organizers asked the council to place a resolution on next month’s agenda so the council can vote after digesting the petition and text submitted by residents.

The council did not adopt any formal position during the meeting. Residents who sought the resolution left copies with the town clerk and asked the council to coordinate with the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and state regulators if the council chooses to act.

The public-comment session on the topic lasted for more than an hour and included both local property owners and representatives of religious congregations and advocacy groups. Speakers asked the council to use whatever local regulatory or advocacy levers it has — including formal resolutions — to press the operator and regulators to address safety, water and property impacts.

If the council places a resolution on a future agenda, the text the citizens provided asks the council to urge FERC to take into account protection of domestic water sources, public safety, residences, park property values and historic resources, and to request Williams Transco fully investigate no‑build alternatives and adequately compensate affected property owners in accordance with the statute cited in the draft (Chapter 48, North Carolina General Statutes).","Dozens of Oak Ridge residents told the Town Council they oppose the proposed Williams Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, citing safety, water, property-value and historic-preservation concerns and asking the council to pass a resolution of opposition and forward it to county and state officials.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Oak Ridge Town Council actions

Oak Ridge awards Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 contract to Parker Construction at $66,200; council caps contingency to match budget

Oak Ridge approves $10,000 design contract for Heritage Farm Park Phase 2; debate centers on pickleball, cost and noise

Oak Ridge residents urge council to oppose Williams Transco pipeline expansion