Richmond Hill Councilman Russ Carpenter opened Tuesday's city council meeting by recounting how, even in the worst of times, people rise to the occasion and help their friends and neighbors in need.
Carpenter was referring to the actions of locals after the recent devastating effects associated with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
“Just a month ago Hurricane Matthew hit the coast with devastating effects. But something positive came in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew,” he said. “During and immediately after the storm, and even now, neighbors, friends and sometimes strangers, sprang into action to help others. Sometimes even when they themselves had experienced loss. This ignited a profound sense of community which Richmond Hill, Pembroke and Bryan County are known for.”
Mayor Harold Fowler added his “heartfelt thanks” to everyone who went above and beyond during the recent crisis as the council passed a proclamation thanking businesses and individuals who contributed.
Charles Heino, of Enviroworx told the council that the public works department had removed 217 truckloads of yard debris not counting The Ford Plantation, which could account for another 75 to 100 loads. Approximately 6,900 cubic yards of debris have been removed.
“We have made the first round through town and as of Monday have started the second round,” he said. “We completed Mulberry today and have a team moving into Richmond Place and Richmond Heights. Once the debris removal is complete we will start straightening signs that fell or were moved by the winds of the storm.”
In planning and zoning actions, council approved the final plat of Creek Valley Townhomes at 1743 Harris Trail Road, which will include 59 units.
The city also approved a lighting assistance agreement with GDOT for the roundabout lighting at the future I-95 and Belfast Keller Road interchange. The city passed a resolution that said, in part, the city would be responsible for providing the lighting and its ongoing maintenance.
Several residents of the White Oak Subdivision spoke to the council regarding their concerns about the way their homeowner dues are being spent and appropriated by the their homeowner's association. They were dissatisfied and said her attempts to resolve the matter had not been successful and asked the council to step in see if they could assist them.
Mayor Fowler explained that while the city had no legal authority over the homeowners association, they would look into the matter.
The council also passed a resolution recognizing the contributions made by retired educators and named Nov. 6 as “Retired Educator Day” in Richmond Hill.