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Henderson seeks grants for police equipment, funds sewer monitoring and expands code enforcement
Summary
Council ratified a $83,657 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant application, authorized a $97,065 body‑camera grant application, approved funding for sewer infiltration/inflow monitoring and established a full‑time code compliance inspector position to address rising nuisance and minimum‑housing cases.
Henderson City Council on Nov. 19 approved staff requests to pursue public‑safety grants, to fund sewer infiltration and inflow (I&I) monitoring, and to convert a part‑time code compliance position to full time.
The council ratified a Bureau of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods grant submission for $83,657 to fund police overtime, training and computer equipment (Resolution 18‑74). Police Chief Marcus Barrow also briefed the council on a proposed $97,065 grant application to the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission to purchase 52 body‑worn cameras and a supporting server; Chief Barrow said training and policies would follow ICA and CALEA guidance and staff anticipated minimal ongoing hidden costs beyond standard upgrades. Council authorized submission of that application by approving Resolution 18‑75.
On sewer infrastructure, City Manager Frank Frazier described recent sanitary overflows during an extremely wet season and said staff proposes purchasing 18 wireless micro detectors to monitor manhole flows during dry and wet conditions. Council approved transferring funds from the Sewer Fund and Capital Reserve to a CIP for infiltration/inflow reduction (Ordinance 18‑58); staff reported the city had incurred several $2,000 fines from the State related to overflows.
On code enforcement, Development Services Director Corey Williams described heightened activity: the department has roughly 60 minimum‑housing cases and about 100 active nuisance cases. Council approved Resolution 18‑71 and Ordinance 18‑56 to authorize a full‑time Code Compliance Inspector; staff estimated the FY19 six‑month cost at about $12,400 if the position is filled in January, with a full 12‑month cost (including benefits) estimated at $40,000–$50,000.
Council also approved Ordinance 18‑54 directing removal or demolition of the derelict structure at 802 E. Andrews Avenue after an enforcement process beginning in May; staff noted the property owner is delinquent on taxes and demolition costs will be assessed as a lien on the lot. A resident speaker raised concerns about suspected drug activity in the High Heels subdivision; councilors acknowledged the concern and said they would continue efforts to address it.
All measures passed unanimously. Implementation steps assigned included procurement of monitoring equipment, pursuing grant awards, posting and hiring the compliance position, and scheduling demolition work where necessary.
