Johnston County
Board
of Commissioners report from March 4 sessions |
 |
Commissioners present: Chairman
Ted Godwin, Tony Braswell, Jeff Carver,
Patrick Harris, Butch Lawter, Chad Stewart,
Larry Wood
Absent: None
No more "private parties" at Ag Center
The County Commissioners amended the Auditorium Use Policy at the Johnston County Agricultural Center to allow rentals only to "public purpose activities by schools, public service organizations, volunteer groups, non-profit and civic organizations, chambers of commerce, and county agricultural and economic development partners." The new policy specifically excludes "private social functions such as weddings or parties" as well as "for-profit commercial or business activities." Commissioners were told that bookings for private events already made will be honored.New airport policy on
protests decried
Chuck Fager of North Carolina Stop Torture Now made yet another appearance before the board, this time to take issue with newly adopted rules regarding protests at Johnston County's airport. Stop Torture Now has held several protests there since 2005 against so-called "rendition flights" by Aero Contractors (based at the airport) in the wake of the 9-11 attacks on U.S. targets --- and "all have been peaceful," Mr. Fager noted. The new policy, recently adopted by the Johnston County Airport Authority, requires protesters to secure permits and sets forth rules that "are pretty much intended to outlaw protests at the airport," Mr. Fager declared. He suggested amending the policy to include a statement that airport authorities "shall at all times respect the First Amendment rights of citizens to peaceably assemble and petition for redress of grievances." Commissioners' Chairman Godwin said the board would "consult with our counsel" regarding Mr. Fager's concerns.
Here's a link to the document presented by Mr. Fager to commissioners that cites specific points of contention in the new airport policy>
Fewer apartments near
Interstates
Commissioners voted unanimously to reduce the density of multi-family housing units allowed in county zoning districts around Interstate highway interchanges. Up to now, 15 apartments per acre have been permitted. The new rule reduces that number to eight units per acre. During a public hearing on the change, Donald Maynard said the new rule will likely stop a pending sale of property he owns near the interchange of I-40 and NC 42 in Cleveland Township. The new restriction, he said, "would not allow developers a profitable deal." Wade Corbett said farmers as well as developers prefer subdivisions with higher, not lower, housing density. "As we decrease the density, that will contribute to urban sprawl," he said. Commissioner Stewart countered that present-day residents of fast-growing suburban communities want rural housing developments with less density, not more, to ease the impact on roads and schools and other public services.
Update on nursing and
adult-care homes
Jimmy Parker, chairman of the county's Nursing Home/Adult Care Home Community Advisory Board, updated commissioners on its activities. He said the 16-member board makes four visits annually to Johnston's five nursing homes and 10 assisted-living facilities, and one visit each year to 10 "family care" homes with six or fewer residents. Most common issues observed, he said, are "inadequate staffing" and "lack of, or inappropriate, activities" for residents. Even so, "we find most residents are satisfied with the care they receive," Mr. Parker said. And, "we do not see waiting lists" for beds since facilities have occupancy rates of 90 to 95 percent, he added.
Appointments made to two
boards
Commissioners appointed David Grady of Kenly to fill a vacancy on the county's Board of Equalization and Review, which hears tax-appraisal appeals from property owners. Other members are Glen Hinnant, Keith R. Langdon, Brenda Langman, Jeffery C. Lee, Thomas A. Stevens, and Don R. Wells.
Commissioners appointed Shepard Barbour Jr. --- a farmer in western Johnston's Pleasant Grove Township --- to a three-year term on the Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board. Other members are Don Holloman, Harold R. Hughes, Cookie Pope, Myron Smith, Jeremy P. Smith, John R. Suggs, James Thomas Vinson Jr., Betty O. Woodall, and County Commissioner Larry Wood.
Girl Scout Week March
11-15
Commissioners proclaimed March 11-15 as "Girl Scout Week" in Johnston County. Chairman Godwin read aloud a portion of the board's proclamation to "applaud the Girl Scout Movement ... for providing girls with a safe, inclusive, all-girl space where they can hone their skills and develop leadership abilities."
For the board clerk's summary of these and other matters before the commissioners this week, visit this page on the county's website>