[{"_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",6086684,"mediaKeyId","2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3","parentId",2894400,"title","Council hears update: Heritage Farm Park athletic fields delayed by infestation; town attorney urges closed-session discussion","audioSeconds",114,"startMs",1032000,"endMs",1146000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3&start=1032&end=1146","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3/thumbnail_1032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086684/North-Carolina/Council-hears-update-Heritage-Farm-Park-athletic-fields-delayed-by-infestation-town-attorney-urges-closed-session-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086684-c9717a268855c122ffbf97f0a001cf66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101906&Signature=mF93APZ27U7LKBFZxnx5dkoxYFgjYozAdtoTH6XncovsIKyQMcJvD1syjQSOHLzZbRu3i~iH5wo8KVBaTg8Wo-JqqbAk-hNQh-xQu00Zgawk~lVnWsd-~k03gabMAVgMOy8DVh-Z2HjDpybsc5~hgkUjwct2LHv-GmTl-JhcQGrzsgWaN8ucaDAXpqwb0g53Sdhqn-X-148aEH7-iL2r3dj9CkajH-Vyn4ItVwA5ax8s83TR9qliFR68d~tq1U4qNkXZvKV4ti8kyuhp982QEv-a426PqomoP~XdQ9VKqOoDZ1TxuTOTXcWJzXsZjjNaRuh6yNcC~FVgv3X1IjpU5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-08T00:51:45Z","article","Town staff told the Town of Oak Ridge council on Oct. 3 that completion and turnover of the Heritage Farm Park athletic fields is delayed after staff observed what they believe to be an armyworm infestation on the turf.

“Our intention is to open the fields in spring of 2025,” the town manager said, adding that the contractor remains in possession of the fields and that town staff notified the contractor and the construction administrator about the infestation a week earlier. The construction administrator is based in Hickory and, according to staff, had been unreachable because of power outages; staff said they expected the contractor to treat the problem that week but had not confirmed results at the time of the meeting.

A council member noted the contract’s scheduled completion date and suggested assessing penalty provisions for delay. In response, Mr. Thomas (identified in the meeting as the town’s attorney) said the matter is a legal issue under the terms of the contract and recommended that any discussion of penalties or enforcement be handled in closed session to protect the town’s position.

Councilmember Stone asked that a closed session with the town attorney on this matter be placed on the Nov. 7 agenda; the council agreed there were no objections to scheduling that closed session for further discussion.

No formal contract action was taken during the Oct. 3 meeting. The town manager said staff would update the council when they have confirmation from the contractor whether the infestation was treated and when the construction administrator can provide a status report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting October 3, 2024","oneSentenceSummary","The town manager reported that suspected armyworm infestation and unfinished contractor work have delayed turnover of the Heritage Farm Park athletic fields; the town attorney recommended discussing potential contract remedies in closed session.","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},6086689,"Residents warn that recording committee meetings could reduce volunteer participation",201,739000,940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3&start=739&end=940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3/thumbnail_739000.jpg","/articles/6086689/North-Carolina/Residents-warn-that-recording-committee-meetings-could-reduce-volunteer-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086689-307f21969b22e513271800a74845d30d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101906&Signature=Vjq0KTH-3y1MPF0UnXcjIs-hCH46cQETrMZuzOJj-HmNIvuUNB5YJUCgg-5DcaC2~86wEcKITQsL7zVmot-lPvS8GMoAmeb39wN8QIDE80ty9yDNhzT8n6akxhrtkKv6gnKl5sUzHf6yk~A873iUPfNOu56ccW16P1CNrWRfBGQ9HbM7brnfKdmvYJ5TPmjYdB7f5BXEcIUahDGRDuutsHWb57teVZyG~hsqPcQvirkezYFFFb9EGno4FUMO3gNqSvt~agZJwQXIvY77EMMxmAPSACD23b2lqPTKWWl2Mk8R6T54vLFvSawwpQyj718Iqlzqmt6zg3pYZ9HofPDePQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Oct. 3 Town of Oak Ridge meeting multiple residents urged council members not to require audio recording of town committee meetings, arguing that compelled recordings would shrink the volunteer pool for events-run committees.

Ben Walraven of Pepper Road told the council he has volunteered on the Special Events Committee for about six years and said many regular volunteers oppose recording. “Most of the volunteers that attend the monthly meetings are against taping the SEC meeting,” Walraven said. He said a survey of volunteers showed recording would discourage participation and that nearby municipalities do not require recording for equivalent committees.

John Jenkins, identified as a resident of Ashton Park Drive, echoed that position and urged the council to give committee members a say before adopting any recording policy. “I would suggest that quickly, fairly quickly, that you contact the committee chairs and ask them to poll their members on whether or not they would be in favor of or opposed to the meetings being recorded and have them report back to the council,” Jenkins said.

Speakers warned that the Special Events Committee organizes community staples such as the Fourth of July bike parade, Veterans Day observance, Memorial Day events and the Light Up the Night program; they said reducing volunteer participation would either shift responsibilities to town staff or risk losing events.

The council closed the public comment period and continued with other agenda items. No formal policy change or vote on recording committee meetings occurred at the Oct. 3 meeting.","Several residents spoke during public comment to oppose a proposed policy to audio-record town committee meetings, saying recording would deter volunteers for the Special Events Committee and similar volunteer boards.",{"_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},6086693,"Oak Ridge fire department reports mutual-aid deployments and urges caution on brush burning",207,308000,515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3&start=308&end=515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3/thumbnail_308000.jpg","/articles/6086693/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-fire-department-reports-mutual-aid-deployments-and-urges-caution-on-brush-burning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086693-fb0dce3583cc08f487f1ab3446787b15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101906&Signature=PHUNLE10uV3OttmI86wr6R4FbfbjWxPdwo1G0bzrK5JXDpE0Nf3apXvXV37F-hhVPw5yio-yI8Z9ZKk78KX8-jphxxMTFMEUa~bvLOZIYBTGkx92FOjxBfWj9067SRVo3WNGLbWW~RKkKYTOCebqmNQcvnpBhvMIp~81ta-B1ok6HOk2lbus5UeTqQBjfHFU8IvwPSVEE4U0np7kEPWMGT7ot6COOrDAGTjfEXJAf9dqMjVJfxn0gytAAzXwMseeILzwoTTWPXD3YBwbcx34yjxawon3wNPBRi9aNuvN3OJm6sqnVOVZf-VNWlCQ4APu3yFPLQEPpiXhXlYTp0rwwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant Fire Chief Sam Anders told the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Oct. 3 that the Oak Ridge Fire Department has been actively preparing personnel and equipment for mutual-aid deployments following hurricane damage in western North Carolina.

“Departments across the county will give make a list of names and equipment that is available,” Anders said, describing a coordinated system in which county emergency management and the fire marshal’s office organize requests so resources are deployed efficiently. Anders said Guilford County and Cone Hospital had already sent personnel and that county emergency management was coordinating deployments.

Anders urged residents to be careful when burning brush, saying: “Please, if you're going to burn brush, number 1, go on the North Carolina website for Forestry Service. You can get a permit that notifies the communications and notifies our station.” He cautioned that smoldering burns can produce low-hanging smoke that reduces road visibility and aggravates respiratory conditions.

The fire department also is preparing for fire prevention week and community outreach: Anders said the department has been assembling goody bags for children and encourages residents to visit the station when crews are not on calls. He reported the department is rostering a UTV and personnel that could be deployed to the mountains as part of the county/state coordination.

Anders also noted the department's barbecue facility is temporarily unavailable while a tower was rebuilt and said staff are working to secure a suitable replacement location; he said the department plans to host a barbecue once a safe cooking facility is available.

No formal council action was taken on these informational items; the council heard the report and moved on to public comment.","Assistant Chief Sam Anders told the council the department is rostering equipment and personnel for mutual-aid deployment to western North Carolina and urged residents to obtain forestry burn permits and avoid smoldering burns that produce dangerous smoke.",{"_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},6086696,"Oak Ridge council appoints ETJ representative, accepts finance report and delays agenda item",804,203000,1007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3&start=203&end=1007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894400-e4bcec827af840894c675c8da65f30c3/thumbnail_203000.jpg","/articles/6086696/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-appoints-ETJ-representative-accepts-finance-report-and-delays-agenda-item","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086696-7eca7ec2d03b67784d486c5fabe0a804/orig.mp4?Expires=1771101906&Signature=DN5ehRu77Bchsi6uKde6Jqo2SIDiZ9RoNch0iRsfYjPVHMs4mfcv1pYC8~1d9sjNFG6Odorh7iwaWVvIQsH-gFf-Qp8WXpgv-RXBMX5p~xtckVJPgWG3px4vVBmtOvNXySWIy2Se~ji2NGIknGASixvBC3i17BavpsPdut53~CAHmFgD8ukQTfGFLffb3P6MvFB7SSHDyfY1Y2RumZNU2EdOecxk5KZs-noR0KG0O80qywauwl3rNGhdAwwTdKepKCRbKqjP3V9Ew8GafbfL1PkvNsn7s4YYCCApEy5tczTL2Qb6klxrEliZ9OP~kpDS6ew3shzRhkfpBBaMGYHN4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Oct. 3 approved appointments to two advisory panels, accepted the finance officer’s monthly report and a budget amendment, and agreed to postpone one agenda item until the council’s Nov. 7 meeting.

Town Manager (name not specified) asked the council to approve Clay Flint as the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) representative to the planning and zoning board and Ty Lindsey as an alternate to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; the council approved the appointments after a motion and second. The council also approved the minutes of its Sept. 5 regular meeting.

The finance officer (Bill) presented the monthly financial statement showing about $3,284,000 in assets, $70,000 in liabilities, and fund-balance commitments of roughly $1.3 million. The council moved to accept the finance officer’s report and separately approved a budget amendment to incorporate grant draws and project expenditures.

The finance presentation said the town received $441,000 from a grant described in the meeting as the Partish grant to fund Heritage Farm Park work and that the farmhouse community project has $496,033 in anticipated expenditures. The finance report said approximately $305,000 of that project funding would come from ARPA funds and that the town was about $12,000 over that ARPA allocation as of the meeting; the council approved a budget amendment to reconcile those amounts.

Early in the meeting a council member moved to approve the agenda with the removal of item 9; after discussion one item on the agenda was postponed to the Nov. 7 council meeting and the agenda was approved as amended.

All the routine motions reported in the meeting were made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tallies. Where the meeting record names a mover or seconder it is recorded in the minutes; the audio transcript does not provide a roll-call vote count for these motions.

The approvals restore a vacant ETJ seat and an alternate role on the parks board, and the budget amendment aims to align grant draws and prior-year expenditures with the town’s fiscal records. Council members said they welcomed the new volunteers and asked staff to continue reporting updates on the Heritage Farm Park work.","At its Oct. 3 meeting the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council approved two board appointments, accepted the monthly finance report and a budget amendment, and agreed to postpone discussion of one agenda item to Nov. 7.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears update: Heritage Farm Park athletic fields delayed by infestation; town attorney urges closed-session discussion

Residents warn that recording committee meetings could reduce volunteer participation

Oak Ridge fire department reports mutual-aid deployments and urges caution on brush burning

Oak Ridge council appoints ETJ representative, accepts finance report and delays agenda item