R I V E R B E N D NEWS FROM TOWN HALL www.riverbendnc.org The Town has launched a new website, and if you have access to a computer, I invite you to visit the new site at www.riverbendnc.org. In the present age we have all come to rely on the availability of information that we obtain from the computer. Like so many other aspects of life, orgaNEW TOWN WEBSITE BY MAYOR JOHN KIRKLAND nizations and processes develop by an evolutionary method of growth. The ﬁrst appearance of a web page that addressed the Town was initiated by Messrs. Dave Wallace and Al Kish. These gentlemen performed as web masters for the page for a number of years. In time it became obvious that detailed information about Town governance needed to INSIDE THIS EDITION MAYOR’S REPORT PAGE 1 TOWN MANGER’S REPORT PAGE 3 WRD/PW REPORT PAGE 5 COMING EVENTS PAGE 6 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE PAGE 7 LEAF & LIMB SCHEDULE PAGE 7 ETCETERA PAGE 9 GARDENING ROUNDTABLE PAGE 11 ZUMBA KIDS PAGE 12 be expanded, and the expanded development and posting was transferred to the Town staff. For a number of years, Manager Drew Havens was the primary individual posting to the web site, and he expanded the “The first appearance of a web page that addressed the Town was initiated by Messrs. Dave Wallace and Al Kish. In time it became obvious that detailed information about Town governance needed to be expanded, and the expanded development and posting was transferred to the Town staff. ” site to include Town Ordinances and also links to ofﬁcial county and regional sites. Prior to his move from River Bend, Manger Havens tasked Kathleen De Young, our Deputy Town Clerk, to assume the task of updating and modernizing the “site.” Kathleen is a talented individual and one who works hard to produce a work that has been tested and is as free from error as possible. She has spent a great deal of time in the development of the product that is now available to you at www.river- NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 1 bendnc.org. You will ﬁnd the “site” has great utility to you. I am conﬁdent that you will also agree it will represent the Town well when individuals want to see what our Town looks like and what it has to offer. In this role it may well serve individuals trying to make a decision on relocating to this area. If you agree with the comments that I have made in this article, the next time you are in Town Hall please express your appreciation to Kathleen. I will quickly add that every member of the Town staff is hard working and they try very hard to provide the best service possible and they also deserve an expression of appreciation. The year 2015 has certainly gotten off to a fast and busy start at Town Hall. Recently, the Town used our e-news system to offer an information piece concerning the Town’s Facilities Enhancement and Development Strategy (FEDS). The e-news is a system that the Town uses to distribute information to our subscribers. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT However, the content is available only to those who BY TOWN MANAGER DELANE JACKSON sign up for it. If you wish to subscribe, simply go to our web site and follow the instructions. You are not required to supply a name, only an e-mail address. The whole process takes less than ﬁve minutes. I have been informed that a mailing has been circulated to our residents discussing insurance for your water line. It offers you an opportunity to purchase an insurance policy for your water lines. That mailing is in no way associated with, nor endorsed by the Town of River “The e-news is a system that the Town uses to distribute information to our subscribers. If you wish to subscribe, simply go to our web site and follow the instructions. You are not required to supply a name, only an e-mail address. The whole process takes less than five minutes.” Bend. However, as the mailing states, it is factual that the Town’s responsibility for water line maintenance ends at the public right-of-way. Any leaks or damage between the right-of-way and the residence is the owner’s responsibility. We do not repair leaks on private property. Another issue that arises from time to time relates to street lights, speciﬁcally, streets lights that are not working properly. The Town of River Bend does not own any street lights. We do pay a monthly rent to Duke-Progress for each street light. Naturally, from time to time those lights burn out and need to be replaced. We do NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 2 not replace those. Duke–Progress has to schedule a repair crew to do that work. There are around 3,000 residents in Town and it is much more likely that one of you will notice a street light being out before we will notice it. We pay a ﬂat monthly fee for each light regardless of whether or not it is working properly. There is a simple way for you to report “out” street lights directly to Duke-Progress. Just go to our web page and follow the instructions. To properly report the outage and expedite its repair, you will need to provide the pole number, which is located on each pole, and a physical address that is close to the actual utility pole. The pole number is usually a 5 to 6 digit combination of letters and numbers, such as “RTX37”. They are normally black digits on a yellow back ground. If you cannot report “There is a simple way for you to report “out” street lights directly to DukeProgress. Just go to our web page and follow the instructions.” it on line, report it to Town Hall and we will handle it. Some of you have asked about the previously discussed expansion of our dog park. Last year, the Town sent a survey to each registered owner of a pet asking for input on that project. Only 60 surveys were returned. They were split nearly 50-50 for and against an expansion. The Council has decided to re-visit that topic in the near future to make a ﬁnal decision. In the meantime, I will be preparing plans and updated cost estimates for them to review. I will remind you that it is your responsibility as the pet owner to clean up after your pet. Please do so. Everyone will greatly appreciate that. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the Christmas holidays with family, and friends. Christmas is always a wonderful time of year. This month Public Works assisted the CAC with Christmas decorations. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed them as much as we did. The aerator WRD/PW DECEMBER REPORT BY BRANDON MILLS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS in the front entrance pond had to be pulled out and repaired. This fountain helps keep the oxygen level up in the entrance pond, and helps prevent the water from becoming stagnant. Odors and mosquito infes- tations would be higher without this constant aeration. Mike Steffa of the Public Works Department repaired the fountain. The tree work around the Plantation Drive median that was budgeted for in this year has been completed. The trees that were NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 3 removed had been evaluated by a representative of the state forestry service, and their removal was recommended. I would like to thank Lou of Tarheel Tree for a job well done. This month Water Resources had three sewer service blockages. These blockages came at a time when our high pressure sewer jet was down. Two of the three blockages were cleared with a sewer line snake. A contractor had to be called for the third when our staff was unable to clear it. The problem with the jet was the valve body that creates the pressure had failed. We ordered the necessary parts and rebuilt the valve body in house. Water Resources also had several sewer lateral cleanouts that had to be repaired. I ask that all citizens who are on the sewer system to watch out for the white caps protruding up in their yards when they are mowing. These caps allow us access to the sewer line in case of a blockage. When these caps are broken, it can allow stormwater runoff and debris into your sewer service line. This could cause a blockage to your home, and the excess “I ask that all citizens who are on the sewer system to watch out for the white caps protruding up in their yards when they are mowing. These caps allow us access to the sewer line in case of a blockage. When these caps are broken, it can allow stormwater runoff and debris into your sewer service line. This could cause a blockage to your home, and the excess flow from the storm water runoff will cause us problems at our wastewater treatment facility.” ﬂow from the storm water runoff will cause us problems at our wastewater treatment facility. So please be careful around these utilities. If you have any questions about the Water Resources/Public Works Department, please call us at 638-3540, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. After-hours water and sewer emergencies can be reported by dialing Town Hall at 638-3870. You will be instructed to then dial “9” and follow the directions to contact the oncall duty operator. You will be asked to enter your phone number at the sound of the tone. After entering your phone number, the automated system will inform you that your page has been sent. Please, be patient and our utility operator will return your call. If you do not receive a call back within ten minutes, please notify the Police Department at 638-1108. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 4 Council Retreat February 3, 2015 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Council Work Session February 12, 2015 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Gardening Roundtable February 17, 2015 6:30 p.m. Town Hall sponsored by RBCOG Council Meeting February 19, 2015 7:00 p.m. Town Hall ZUMBA! Wednesdays Jan.7 - March 18 6:30 p.m. River Bend Town Hall Karate Classes Mondays & Fridays 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. River Bend Town Hall contact Police Chief Matthews 638-1108 ZUMBA Kids! Saturdays Feb. 28 - May 16 6:30 p.m. River Bend Town Hall NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 5 Leaf & Limb Collection Schedule for 2013-2014 Residents may begin placing their yard debris street side on the dates indicated in parentheses RIVER BEND NEWS FROM TOWN HALL is published monthly by the River Bend Town Council for the residents of the Town of River Bend. MAYOR John Kirkland TOWN COUNCIL Luci Avery Brenda Garvey Barbara Maurer Buddy Sheffield Irving “Bud” Van Slyke, Jr. TOWN MANAGER Delane Jackson TOWN CLERK Ann Katsuyoshi FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR Margaret Theis POLICE CHIEF Ryland E. Matthews DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Brandon Mills ASSISTANT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Chris Harmon GRAPHIC DESIGN & TYPOGRAPHY Kathleen De Young Contact Us: 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 252.638-3870 www.riverbendnc.org Zone 1 Pick Up Begins July 14, 2014 July 9, 2014 September 8, 2014 September 3, 2014 November 3, 2014 October 29, 2014 January 12, 2015 (includes Christmas trees) January 7, 2015 March 9, 2015 March 4, 2015 May 13, 2015 May 6, 2015 Zone 2 Pick Up Begins July 21, 2014 July 16, 2014 September 15, 2014 September 10, 2014 November 10, 2014 November 5, 2014 January 19, 2015 (includes Christmas trees) January 14, 2015 March 16, 2015 March 11, 2015 May 18, 2015 May 13, 2015 Pinecones, pine straw and leaves must be bagged. For additional important information about River Bend’s Leaf & Limb collection program, please see our Ordinance online at www.riverbendnc.org. Town Council 2015 Meeting Dates Work Session ..................................January 8 Regular Meeting ............................January 15 Council Retreat .............................February 3 Work Session ..............................February 12 Regular Meeting ..........................February 19 Budget Meeting..................................March 3 Budget Meeting................................March 10 Work Session ...................................March 12 Budget Meeting................................March 17 Regular Meeting ..............................March 19 Budget Meeting................................March 24 Budget Meeting................................March 31 Budget Meeting....................................April 7 Work Session .......................................April 9 Budget Meeting..................................April 14 Regular Meeting ................................April 16 Council Retreat ..................................... May 5 Work Session ...................................... May 14 Regular Meeting ................................. May 21 Work Session ...................................... June 11 Regular Meeting ................................. June 18 Work Session .........................................July 9 Regular Meeting ..................................July 16 Council Retreat .................................August 4 Work Session ..................................August 13 Regular Meeting .............................August 20 Work Session ............................ September 10 Regular Meeting ....................... September 17 Work Session ................................. October 8 Regular Meeting ........................... October 15 Council Retreat ........................... November 3 Work Session ............................ November 12 Regular Meeting ....................... November 19 Work Session .............................December 10 Regular Meeting ........................December 17 All Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings will be held in the River Bend Town Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. All Council Retreats will be held at the Ofﬁces of Sumrell, Sugg, Carmichael, Hicks and Hart, PA, 416 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC beginning at 5:00 p.m. All Council Budget Sessions will be held in the River Bend Town Hall beginning at 4:00 p.m. *Green type indicates a completed leaf & limb collection NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 6 TOWN OF RIVER BEND etc. 2015 Golf Cart Registration 101 Town ordinances allow for residents to drive their properly equipped golf carts on River Bend streets provided that they are inspected by and registered with our Police Department. If you plan to drive your golf cart on the roadways, you must display the 2015 registration decal. Inspection and registration are required annually. The registration fee for each golf cart is $10. For additional information and to make your inspection reservation, please call the River Bend Police Department at 638-1108. River Bend Animal Registrations for 2015 are due by March 31, 2015. All River Bend dogs and cats must be registered annually. Ofﬁce hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Registration is $10.00 per pet. Registration is Required for all Dogs and Cats Owners must present proof of rabies vaccination at the time of registration. The Town of River Bend is now offering residents the opportunity to link a digital photo of their registered pets to our Animal Registration database. When you register your pet this year, you may submit a photo by e-mail, or staff can scan a photo for you if you prefer. This photo database will help reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly in the event a pet becomes lost. Pet I. D. Photos Now Available The service is voluntary and free of charge. River Bend dogs have their own exercise area where they can play with other canines. Situated between the Town Park and Ritter Field, the dog park gives dogs a chance to run while their owners socialize. The park is open from sunrise to sunset for dogs with proof of current vaccinations. Separate exercise areas accommodate large and small dogs. For complete list of rules applicable to dog park use, please visit Town Hall for a brochure or view details on our web site at www.riverbendnc.org. Dog park rules are also posted at the entrance to the park. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 7 etc. Sign up for our Emergency Notiﬁcation System and receive timely notiﬁcations by phone, e-mail, text messages and more. SIGN UP NOW continued at riverbendnc.org this service provided by the Town of River Bend through Blackboard connect River Bend has a functional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). For more information about this group, or to volunteer, please contact the CERT liaison, Police Ofﬁcer Brandon Rohrs and/or visit our web site. If you have a medical condition for which you require any type of special medical care during a disaster or if your medical condition requires assistance to evacuate during a disaster, you may wish to apply to Craven County for their Special Needs Registry. The River Bend Police Department can provide you with the appropriate form and provide some basic information about the County’s program. THIS AREA OBSERVED BY COMMUNITY WATCH CITIZENS River Bend has a very active Community Watch program, supported by our Police Department. If you are interested in volunteering, call the River Bend Police Department at 638-3870. RIVER BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT 638-1108 River Bend has a skateboard park to meet the needs of some of our more athletic residents. A signed parental approval form is required and helmet use is strictly enforced. For more information about the skateboard park, visit our web site or call the River Bend Police Department at 638-1108. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 8 TO D continued of RIVER B E N etc. W N 2010 Wild 101 Wood Storage Our Wildwood Storage Facility offers a variety of indoor and outdoor storage areas to meet all of your storage needs, including parking spaces for RVs and boats. For more information, call 638-3870, ext 216. River Bend Police Chief Ryland Matthews teaches karate classes twice weekly for students of all ages and experience levels. The classes take place on Monday and Friday evenings. Please contact Chief Matthews at 638-1108 for additional information. Karate Training at Town Hall ZUMBA Comes to River Bend Wednesday Evenings January 7 through March 18 6:30 p.m. ZUMBA JAN. 7 – MAR. 18 Space is Limited! To Register: Contact Sharon Wilkerson [email protected] 252-259-4575 Presented by River Bend Parks & Recreation ZUMBA for kids Saturdays February 28 through May 16 10:00 a.m. Space is Limited! To Register: Contact Sharon Wilkerson at: 252-259-4575 ZUMBA FEB. 28 – MAY 16 NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 e-mail: [email protected] Presented by River Bend Parks & Recreation PAGE 9 The Arbor Day Foundation awarded the Town of River Bend the Tree City USA designation for a third consecutive year. River Bend is one of only 76 communities in North Carolina to achieve this designation. To learn more about Tree City USA, visit our web site. etc. continued As Piedmont Natural Gas plans expansion of their system, they take into account requests for new customer service. If you are interested in Natural Gas Service, let them know you want their service. Like any other business, they need to invest where there is a higher likelihood of some return on the investment. INTERESTED IN NATURAL GAS? You can express your interest by calling Piedmont’s customer service number and telling them your address and telling them that you would like Piedmont Natural Gas to serve River Bend. The number to call is: 1-800-752-7504. Thank You! The River Bend Town Council and staff offer a warm and sincere thank you to all the River Bend residents who thoughtfully donated food for the 2014 Holiday Food Drive to benefit RCS. Town staff delivered 14 large boxes of food to RCS. River Benders are good hearted people who can always be counted on to help others in need. Thank You! Holiday Food Drive a Success In accordance with the Town of River Bend Code of Ordinances, § 13.01.006, “Regulation of Solicitors,” the Town is currently updating its lists of residents who would like to receive solicitations at their door. Solicitation List Update Door-to-door solicitation will be permitted only at those addresses on the list. To add your name to the list of those wishing to receive solicitors please call the Town Clerk at 638-3870, ext. 202 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Residents who do not wish to receive solicitors need do nothing. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 10 NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 11 NEWS FROM TOWN HALL – FEBRUARY 2015 PAGE 12