Bude votes to partner with Franklin County on pavement project

The Bude Board of Aldermen has agreed to partner with the Franklin County Board of Supervisors to undertake some much-needed repairs along Gerard Street leading to the American Industrial Transport (also known as AITX) site in the county’s industrial park.

District 4 Supervisor Pat Larkin spoke to the town’s leadership during its Tuesday, April 5 meeting about the municipality picking up some of the cost of asphalt for the project.

“The town has roughly $175,366.60 in its county-managed tax fund,” Larkin said. “We want to resurface the street because (AITX) is going to do some expanding and will wind up employing 10 to 15 more people in Bude.

“We estimate that this work for Bude will take 10 to 12 loads at a cost of about $70 per ton ... so we’re looking at $8,400 as the town’s share.”

Additionally, he noted the county will also have “skin in the game” for more street improvements with plans calling for the resurfacing of the road between the Bude Apartments near AITX to the dump site.

The asphalt costs for that part of the project would come from the supervisors’ county-wide road funds.

Larkin further stated the county would cover the time, cost and labor associated with hauling the paving materials to the job site and would oversee the installation.

The town’s board voted unanimously to partner with the county on the needed paving project.

“As soon as it warms up, we’re hoping to have all the pothole problems on this stretch gone,” Larkin added.

On the economic development front, he noted there was positive news in that a business was looking to move to the area with the potential to employ 10 to 15 people within the next year.

“There are at least two other businesses-industries looking to set up in the same area — near the Bude water tank on U.S. Highway 84 at Highway 184,” Larkin said. “I’m proud to say that we’re seeing some things happen in Franklin County.”

That particular comment drew applause from Bude aldermen, who noted they want to work with the county in trying to recruit business in locating locally to improve the area’s overall quality of life.

In other business, the Bude Board of Aldermen:

• Unanimously approved a “code of conduct” policy related to public behavior during the course of future aldermen meetings.

The policy spelled out that meetings, while open to the public, shall be conducted with professionalism — both from board members and those individuals in attendance.

“Business cannot be conducted with continuous outbursts and conversations from the general public,” the policy stated. “This is not the time for grandstanding, interruptions, disagreements, unruly, disruptive or threatening (behavior).”

The policy goes on to state those wishing to address the board during its monthly meetings must contact town hall prior to the session to be placed on the agenda — no later than the Thursday prior to the meetings held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Those recognized to speak during the meeting will be given three minutes to state their views.

“Citizens not on the agenda will not be allowed to address the board,” the policy continued.

The measure also addressed corrective actions against those who violate the policy, which can include having police escort individuals from the building.

• Discussed the need for a municipal debit card that would be utilized to pay for expenses that arise, such as prepaid travel for elected officials and town employees to attend conferences and training sessions.

Town Clerk Kim Vaughn said she has been personally covering such costs and has sought reimbursement afterwards.

The panel voted unanimously to approve the acquisition of a debit card that will be tied to the town’s general fund.

• Approved a letter of agreement with Dungan Engineering related to services the firm will provide on a Natural Resources Conservation Service-funded ditch stabilization project in the town.

• Authorized the payment for services rendered by Dungan Engineering on behalf of the municipality in the amount of $2,765.62 for work tied to an NRCS project and $7,330 for efforts connected with a sewer-related Community Development Block Grant.

• Voted to spread upon the minutes the completion of revenue and expense bookkeeping reconciliations for February.

• Approved the town’s monthly claims docket along with March payroll for municipal employees.

• Authorized the observance of the annual “Juneteenth” celebration as an official town holiday in Bude — meaning municipal offices will be closed and employees will be off for the one-day observance during June.

The Bude Board of Aldermen will hold its next monthly business meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 2 at town hall on Railroad Avenue.