BLADENBORO — During a routine board meeting Monday night two hearings were also held, one for an amendment to a code of ordinances and a rezoning of three properties located on East Poplar Street.

The ordinance change allows the town a system to handle properties that are habitual nuisance violation offenders.

“Right now the process restarts after 90 days,” Town Administrator Blake Proctor explained. “We have to have a whole new start from the beginning.

“The new ordinance is for habitual violators.”

Proctor said it will allow the town to keep it all in one envelope saving the town money in long run.

“So in other words, when someone doesn’t cut their grass we don’t have to wait that 90 days,” said Rodney Hester.

“That’s exactly it,” said Proctor.

Ordinance 19-105 modifies Bladenboro town code chapter 94, section 94.04, titled Habitual Violators.

Anyone cited for the same violation two times in any five consecutive months, or three times in any 12 consecutive months “shall be pronounced a habitual violator by the Town Administrator or his/her code enforcement designee.” After that a certified letter will be sent informing them of that status.

Once that has been down the town is allowed to mitigate said violation without notice and proceed with whatever steps that are deemed necessary to resolve the situation, and possibly place a lien against the property in accordance with the policy in place.

Strides are being made in working on the renovation of the Police Department.

“We are working on painting right now,” said Chief William Howell.

The board unanimously voted to put in new carpet in the north side of the station, and Howell said that they will get stuff moved over so that the carpet can be put in.

“The cost will be $1,565.26,” said Proctor.

Proctor was able to reduce the town’s cost by $450, from the initial estimate of $2,015.26.

Multiple change orders were also in place for the Bryant Swamp Canal debris removal project, with some of the changes tabled until the next meeting.

Maintenance Director Andy Coleman expressed that there were some areas with flooding from recent rain, and that those areas needed more attention sooner rather than later. There are also other repairs that are needed at the maintenance shop as well, including repairs from termites and water damage. Those were also approved by the board.

“We also wanted to recognize Charles and Emma Benton for their dedication to coming to the town meetings,” said Mayor Rufus Duckworth.

He said that they were exceptionally regular in their attendance and assistance to the town, and needed to be recognized.

Emily M. Williams | Bladen Journal
Discussion Monday by board members and staff to include (from left) Melanie Hester, Blake Proctor, Greg Sykes, Jeff Atkinson and Rodney Hester updated progress on cleaning out the Bryant Swamp Canal.
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_bboroboard.jpgEmily M. Williams | Bladen Journal
Discussion Monday by board members and staff to include (from left) Melanie Hester, Blake Proctor, Greg Sykes, Jeff Atkinson and Rodney Hester updated progress on cleaning out the Bryant Swamp Canal.

Emily M. Williams | Bladen Journal
Bladenboro Mayor Rufus Duckworth (left) presented certificates to Charles and Emma Benton for their continued dedication to the town and attending the town meetings.
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_recognition.jpgEmily M. Williams | Bladen Journal
Bladenboro Mayor Rufus Duckworth (left) presented certificates to Charles and Emma Benton for their continued dedication to the town and attending the town meetings.

Emily M. Williams

Bladen Journal

Emily M. Williams can be reached at 910-247-9133 or ewilliams@bladenjournal.com.