Residents press Coats on drainage and waterline delays as downtown revitalization draft advances

At the Aug. 12 meeting residents used the public forum to press the board on recurring drainage issues. Lila Lanier, 144 N McLean St, presented photos and video and alleged stormwater was entering her yard from a neighboring property with storage buildings; she also expressed dissatisfaction with Public Works’ handling of the problem. Gale Spears said she had “contacted a lawyer and was prepared to move forward if the town did not work with them,” citing repeated drainage trouble and limited resolution to date.

Town Manager Nick Holcomb told the board the waterline project was moving slower than hoped: only two blocks had been completed in about a month, prompting staff to push for extra crews during tie‑ins to speed work. He also said draft downtown revitalization concepts had been shared with local businesses and property owners and received roughly 90–95% positive feedback; the board could expect a schematic for approval in September. Police and parks staff provided routine operational updates, including Police Chief Ken Storicks introducing new officer Joe Fuerch and Parks Director Mark Whitman reporting on field improvements and fall registrations.

Following a closed session under NCGS 143‑318.11(a)(3), the board approved reimbursement of $300.16 for mileage to a former Parks Director and then adjourned. Residents’ drainage complaints were recorded for follow‑up; the manager noted the Soil and Water Conservation Director could provide technical (non‑engineered) assistance for Sunny Acres drainage concerns.