Articles
It's been just two months since we were sworn in to serve on City Council in December, 2009. It's been a busy two months, filled with issues, meeting new people, honoring retirees, and traveling to see how other folks do things.
I've attended four receptions for retiring City employees: one fireman, one policeman, our Police Chief, and our Purchasing Officer. These public servants held an accumulated 81 years of service to our city, and I truly appreciate their hard work.
In December, I traveled to Hickory, NC, with my colleague from Spencer, NC, Delaine Fowler. Delaine is a newly-elected Alderwoman and invited me to go with her to check out Hickory's new Operation No Vacancy program. This program encourages businesses to set up in vacated mill buildings rather than building new structures, by offering fnancial grants to improve these older buildings. Operation No Vacancy was conceived by Hickory Councilwoman Sally Fox. We couldn't have had a warmer reception on that cold and blustery day. Hosting us at the meeting were Hickory's assistant city manager, a city planner, a realtor, and councilwoman Fox. We learned about the program in Hickory's City Hall, then traveled out to see the buildings that have been improved through the program. We wound up with lunch at The Tap Room. The program certainly seems to be working and may be a model for NC cities in the future. Hats off to Councilwoman Fox for her initiative.
In early January I took a "ride-along" with one of Salisbury's finest to see what a Friday night is like for our policemen. I'm indebted to Officer Aaron Safrit, who treated me like a princess. It was a fascinating 4 hours.
I've honored my commitment to meet with small business owners on Mondays. I've met with owners of a gun shop, two gift shops, a local medical practice, and a restaurant.
I had also committed to meet with a neighborhood each month of my service and met in January with the Park Avenue neighborhood association. If you'd like to be added to the list, please use the "contact me" button on this website and drop me an email.
I was pleased to be included in the Martin Luther King festivities in January. On Sunday, 10.January, we attended awards ceremonies at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Representatives from cities and townships throughout the county were there, as were 200 or so citizens. Dr. Nilous Avery is a dynamo! His energy and enthusiasm are infectious and we all held a glory-filled worship. GGEO!
MLK day on Monday, 11.January, started early with a breakfast at The Event Center, attended by more than 600 local people. The music and messages were phenomenal and the spirit in the place was amazing. I am thankful I was able to attend.
I wish I had a video of the Community Choir singing. Their director, Dr. Phillip Burgess was hopeful that about 30 of them would be able to attend and sing, and boy, was he in for a surprise. Sixty-plus choir members came to lift their voices. The joy on Dr. Burgess' face as he directed them, was a sight I hope I never forget.
We proceeded from the Event Center to the Freedman's Cemetery, where Dr. Grant Harrison, pastor of Soldiers Memorial AME Zion Church led ceremonies honoring those who preceded us in Salisbury. Dr. Harrison is thoughtful and intentional in all he does and this event was no exception.
From there, we joined the parade, which proceeded to a community gathering at the local civic center. This was more of a grassroots affair, with food vendors, musicians, dancers, and fun for all. The day was one I'll never forget.
At City Council, we've already begun to face some tough issues. When local business owners raised an alarm about a new fee for fire inspections, we acted quickly to rescind the fee and refund those fees that had been paid since its January 01 debut.
In January we heard the case about Shober Bridge on North Ellis Street. This bridge, a contributing structure to the North Ellis Graded School Historic District, has been discussed in our Council for over 20 years, and the time has come that we must face its rebuilding or its replacement. The current bridge can no longer support emergency vehicles. In fact, shortly after we heard the case, its normal bienniel inspection revealed some immediate problems, so the bridge is temporarily closed to all traffic.
A bridge at this site was key in General Stoneman's raid of Salisbury in the Civil War. Later, the bridge carried young African-American children to the first integrated classroom in Salisbury. Most or all of the components of the original bridges have long been replaced, but its distinctive geometry lends charm and history to the neighborhood.
Neighbors gathered to speak publicly in favor of rehabilitating the bridge rather than tearing it down and building a new, more modern bridge in its place. Council voted to form a committee to examine the issue, and I am proud to serve on this committee. We are currently waiting to hear from Norfolk-Southern Railroad so we'll know whether the bridge will continue to span two railroad tracks, or if it must be expanded to cross three. Soon as we receive this news, we'll meet to gather more information and begin to make a decision. In the meanwhile, I've met with 7 individuals as well as city staff in the process of trying to learn all I can.
Finally, just last week I sat on a panel for a showing of "Fresh: The Movie" at Catawba College's Center for the Environment. This event was co-sponsored by the Bread Riot, a local group encouraging support of local farmers and local food. I serve as secretary on that board. We were shocked when more than 200 people made reservations to see the film! I was joined on the panel by Dr. Chris Magryta, local pediatrician, Ms. Libby Post, nutritionist for the Rowan-Salisbury Schools, and Lee Menius, owner of Wild Turkey Farms.
In-between all this activity, I've attended 6 meetings for the three commissions for which I serve as council liaison: the Rowan-Salisbury Human Relations Council, the Community Appearance Commission, and the Municipal Planning Organization.
In January, I returned 32 calls, responded to 264 emails, attended 14 group meetings and had meetings with 12 individuals.
Here's what I learned in January: I have a lot to learn.
