Council pauses work on newly purchased 17-acre parcel until deed issues resolved

Councilmember B.B. Haigler raised questions about a 17-acre parcel the town recently purchased behind the fire station, saying the pond on the property needs to be cleaned up before the council decides how to use the land. Haigler and Councilmember Arnold Price offered to collect information on constructing a temporary drive and access to the pond; Haigler recalled a cost estimate from about two years ago of roughly $20,000 to clean out the pond.

Town Attorney Joe McCollum told the council the property had not "closed" because he needed to resolve a Deed of Trust lien on the title; he expected the deed to be recorded within the next month. Jerry Clontz said he opposed spending money on the property until the deed was recorded, and the council discussed how to obtain bids for work if and when the title is clear.

Mayor Elizabeth Long said the council would go into closed session with the town clerk, finance officer and attorney attending; after reopening, Bradley Purser said the council and the Fire Department would meet to align plans so both parties are "on the same page" about the town’s recent land purchase. B.B. Haigler said he would contact Eddie Barnhardt and ask him not to plant the newly purchased property behind the fire station.

Procedural business at the meeting included the council’s approval of the agenda and the March 12, 2012 minutes, and the council scheduled a budget workshop for Monday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall.