Roanoke Rapids City Council during its work session Tuesday night discussed several matters that will be brought up in more detail at its January 17 regular meeting.
One of the issues is crafting a new interlocal agreement for inspection and code enforcement services.
In a memo to the council prepared for the work session, City Manager Kelly Traynham wrote that during the last few years, Halifax County’s need for plan review and inspection services has increased to routine weekly services.
The effect, she wrote, “ … Has put significant demands on the city’s planning and development department staff. Currently the inspection needs from Halifax County and the town of Weldon exceed the city’s human resource capacity, which threatens the ability to comply with mandated timelines established by law under the North Carolina State Building Code.”
In 2009 the city and county entered into an interlocal agreement and the original intent was for the city to provide temporary assistance for occasional absences, vacations or emergencies.
“The 2009 Interlocal Agreement for Inspection Services needs to be reviewed and updated to ultimately replace and supersede any former agreement (or agreements) with specific attention to rates/fees,” Traynham wrote. “The city has amicably assisted in meeting the requests for services and desires an agreement to address the needs with an improved understanding of the expectations and demands of city human resources, vehicles, and equipment.”
Traynham told the council the matter is something that needs to be discussed with the Halifax County Intergovernmental Association.
Councilman Wayne Smith said under the 2009 agreement “there’s no way we’re breaking even. If we get into a mutual agreement we need to break even or at least make a little profit.”
Pedestrian feasibility study
Planning and Development Director David Wise told the council the department is applying for a pedestrian feasibility grant which would identify the areas where there is significant need for sidewalks to accommodate residents with the infrastructure to be mobile in a safe walking environment.
If awarded, the city would get $60,000. No local match is required, Wise said.
A resolution will be considered at the regular meeting.
Renewal of the inter-jurisdictional agreement with the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District
Traynham said in a memo that since 1933 the city and RRSD have used this agreement for the district’s wastewater treatment and collection system. “The agreement provides an avenue for the RRSD to become aware of potential industrial users of the collection system and wastewater treatment plant.”
The agreement is up for renewal every five years.