Webster commissioners agree to join NC Impact Initiative, approve keypad and printer purchases

The Webster Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 6 to participate in the NC Impact Initiative’s "Our State, Our Home" affordable-housing planning program and approved purchases to improve Town Hall security and office equipment.

Michael Poston, representing the NC Impact Initiative’s "Our State, Our Home" program, told the board the initiative treats housing as part of a broader set of community issues including health, workforce and the local economy. "It is more complicated than finding a home," Poston said, noting studies that link substandard housing to health problems and citing that in North Carolina there are 43 available rentals for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. He said the county plans to apply for a grant to participate in an 18-month strategizing process and invited Webster to join the planning project if the county’s application is accepted.

The board approved a motion to participate in the program; Commissioner Danell Moses moved, Commissioner Brandon Core seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The commissioners also acted on two facility and equipment requests. After discussing previously reviewed vendor quotes for keypad locks, the board authorized up to $2,500 for electronic keypad locks for Town Hall doors and related installation. Commissioner Moses moved the authorization and Commissioner Core seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Separately, the board declined five-year rental/service proposals from Ricoh and Xerox as too costly for Webster’s printing volume and approved a one-time purchase of a high-capacity laser printer and accessories (Brother brand discussed) for up to $2,000; Commissioner Brandon Core moved the purchase and Commissioner Moses seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Other business included a discussion of Planning Board staffing to replace the seat vacated by Sarah Stalhman; the board concluded there are sufficient alternates and will address chair appointments at the Planning Board’s organizational meeting. Commissioners also reviewed community items: Commissioner Core reported the Webster Historical Society will hold caroling on Dec. 21 and that volunteers distributed an estimated 713 pieces of candy at recent Halloween activities. Mayor Tracy Rodes said she has been contacted by FEMA and news outlets to assess town impacts and met with Allen Renn of FEMA.

The board approved consent items including financial statements for September and October (monthly expenditures $6,372.82; revenues $9,300.19; account balances reported as $150,912.81 and $315,836.63). The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.; the next business meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Webster Town Hall.