Lighting options considered for Doe Creek subdivision

CLOVERDALE — As the new Doe Creek subdivision prepares to be platted, how the properties within will be lighted garnered discussion during the Cloverdale Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Town Manager Jason Hartman first said HWC Engineering had sent in plans for the subdivision earlier in the day. With it ready to be platted, he said that HWC was planning to revise some of the construction. At the same time, the landscaping plan, as well as lighting, have not been addressed.

Hartman noted that the town has a minimum code for landscaping that can be followed. As for the lighting, he brought up the idea of hardwiring homeowners’ garage and front porch lights to be dusk-to-dawn, or to install lighted posts in front yards. This was opposed to installing street lamps.

Hartman said this option would save money for the current developer, as well as the town if the land is ever transferred to the town. Meanwhile, while an electric bill would be due from the homeowners, a homeowners association would enforce requirements to make each light unit consistent.

Hartman acknowledged that certain areas were street lamps could be needed. Still, he said that besides the potential cost savings, the overall aesthetic would be better on the whole and provide ample lighting.

To that, Councilman Greg Jay said it seemed to be minimal, whereas street lamps would provide wider lighting over a larger area. Ultimately, it was agreed that more consideration into the pros and cons was needed.

Regardless of which option will be determined, the council approved for Duke Energy to conduct a lighting assessment for the subdivision.

In other business:

• The council adopted its budget for 2022. A breakdown of the town’s different funds are as follows:

— Local Road and Street Fund: $80,000;

— Motor Vehicle Highway Fund: $252,000;

— Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund: $4,000, specifically for park equipment;

— Public Safety LOIT (Local Option Income Tax) Fund: $117,479, mostly toward vehicle maintenance and purchases.

• The council approved to declare the property at 335 Someday Way, which the town owns, as surplus to be disposed of. Town Attorney Richard Shagley said it could be auctioned off or that bids could be taken on it.

• The council approved to reimburse utility bills totaling $517.40 on the Whispering Winds subdivision. Hartman explained that the water and street infrastructure was taken over by the town last May, but that the lift station and lighting charges had still been in the developer’s name up to now.

• Two new ordinances were introduced by Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners. Ordinance 2021-4 stipulates that bulk water be charged at two cents per gallon, an increase from one cent previously. Ordinance 2021-6 stipulates the cost of purchasing a wastewater backflow flapper from the town at $150 with a sewer permit fee of $100.

• Maners swore in Darrin Cox and Jes Seipel as new reserve deputies for the Cloverdale Police Department.

Council President Rick Dearwester and Council Vice President Garry Bennington were absent at the meeting. Meanwhile, Cloverdale Police Sgt. Adam Hull filled in for Town Marshal Steve Hibler.

By vote, the council’s next regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16, a week later than usual. Maners and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Rebekah Kelly will be attending training for municipal clerks on Tuesday, Nov. 9.