Mayor Julia Meacham in a meeting this morning read the board a letter which was a response to a letter Weldon City Schools Board of Education Chair Pattie Cotton sent to the town September 13.

Cotton's letter addresses concerns she raised at last week's town board meeting.

In responding to Cotton, Meacham says in the letter, “ … The Weldon Town Board unanimously feels that any individual on the town board is free to express their opinion like any other citizen as long as the subject does not involve issues that are under discussion by the town board in closed session.”

The letter continues, “They further feel that the Weldon Town Board and the Weldon City School Board serve two entirely different functions and the Weldon Town Board will not comment on decisions made by the Weldon City School Board of Education.”

During last week's meeting Cotton went over information contained in a joint statement issued with the Roanoke Rapids school system and challenged apparent comments made by Meacham that she supports merger.

At last week's meeting Cotton requested a resolution opposing school merger.

“What are we requesting?” Cotton asked. “A clear answer to the following: Does the mayor's public support of the (University of North Carolina Center for Civil Rights) report represent this full board or a personal one? If not the full board, we request a resolution that reflects the full board's support of our school district. Such action will place this board in step with all other municipalities in the county.”

Conversely, Cotton said, “If you have made a decision without consideration of our report, we respectfully ask that you revisit your action after reviewing information given tonight. For all reasons stated, I urge this council to oppose this ill-conceived plan and support your school district in its ongoing efforts to boost student achievement.”

In another matter this morning the board approved an ordinance to regulate boarding up structures.

The ordinance explains state statutes give towns and cities the authority to enact such a measure. “ ... There is convincing evidence that boarded up structures within the town and ETJ limits are a threat to the public health and safety, causing, among other adverse secondary effects, attraction to vagrants, children, vermin and increased crime.”

The proposal requires no owner shall board up a structure without registering it no more than 48 hours after boarding it up. The application includes the name, address and correct phone number of the applicant, the owner’s plan for occupancy, repair or demolition and a plan for regular maintenance during the period the property is boarded up.

The registration will expire in six months. Anyone who has boarded property before the effective date must comply within six months.

The owner will have 10 days after notice is received to correct violations noted by code enforcement.