“Pocket Parks” almost ready!

Martin St. and Pineland St.

Third St. and North St.

The first “pocket parks” in Sanford are taking shape.  City work crews are installing a special mulch, as an impact absorber, at the park located on Martin Street and Pineland Street. Equipment installation crews are finishing up the assembly process at the park located on Third Street and North Street. 

It’s great to see this idea finally taking shape.  The seed for the “pocket park” concept was planted at the National Congress of Cities Exposition, held in New Orleans, in 2007.  On display there were several vendors with displays of recreational equipment, and illustrations of various parks of different sizes, located throughout our nation.  This is when Council began seriously discussing the pros and cons of our city, and the roll it should play in parks and recreation. 

In early 2005, then Ward 2 council member Cornelia Olive did discuss putting up a basketball goal at the Third Street location.  Several neighbors had concerns that a basketball court at that location would not be a wise decision.  The county Recreation Department had removed several goals from other areas for various reasons.  The cost to resurface and prepare the court, etc. was also a deterrent.  This idea never went any further, however it did make Council think just a little about the lack of parks in our city.

Years ago, the City and County agreed that the County would handle all the parks and recreation for Lee County.  As the years passed, several parks were abandoned by the County and that property reverted back to the City.  The City also acquired several small lots through FEMA buy outs, land gifts to the City, land transfers from the County, etc. For one reason or another, most of these lots may not be sold. The City leases out some of this property.  The ones that are not leased are regularly maintained by the City. 

The decision was made to invest in our neighborhoods with a series of small parks.  These parks would be designed to accomodate younger children considered to be pre-teens.  In early 2008, the City Council moved $75,000 from a curb project on Steele Street to fund the first two “pocket parks.”  Additionally, several green space areas would receive park benches, etc. in other areas.

This will be a slow, learn as we go, process.  Anallyzing all the pros and cons of the first parks, so we may improve, if need be, on future parks.  Different areas may require a different concept.  Some areas may need more, and others just a little.  As with these first two parks, neighborhood imput will be very important. Investing more into nieghborhoods, and improving the quality of life in Sanford, is an important goal of City Council.  Hopefully, this will be another step in the right direction.

If you have any questions, please call City Manager, Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

B.R.A.C. How Much Growth….Are We Prepared?

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) decided in 2005 to move the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the headquarters of the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) from Fort McPherson, Georgia, to Fort Bragg.

 

What does this mean to Sanford & Lee County? The total projected BRAC related net population growth for Ft. Bragg and the surrounding region is projected to be 40,000. Lee County’s growth is projected at approximately 6,000 people by 2013.  This consists of about 5,500 civilians and 500 active duty personnel.  The majority of these active duty are high ranking military personnel. 

 

The expansion at Ft. Bragg is expected to be complete by 2013. Our population will grow each year, from now to 2025, as more phases are completed in Ft. Bragg.  At that time, our county population is projected to exceed 66,000 people in 2013, and 80,000 people by the year 2025.  City and County staff, and elected officials, along with other representatives, have attended numerous meetings concerning BRAC and how this increase in population will affect our community. 

 

These sessions review data and help identify issues facing Sanford and Lee County. They also present strategies for accommodating the impact of this new “military-related growth.” These topics include:

 

Economic Impact

-Population, Employment, Disposable Income, Defense Industry Sect

Housing

–Inventory, Affordability, Anticipated Demand, Multi-Family Units

Education

–Responsible Parties, Growth, Future Needs, Funding, Time-lines

Information & Communication

–Internet Access, Cable, Satellite, Infrastructure Connectivity

Water, Sewer & Solid Waste

–Future Needs, Rates, Funding, Time-lines

Public Safety

–Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS

Health Care

–EMS, Hospital Services, Public Health, Future Needs

Hospitality & Cultural Resources

–Lodging, Meeting Spaces, Parks & Rec., Culture & Arts, Future Needs

 

Growth is on the way and will affect our quality of life in Sanford and Lee County.  Properly managed, this growth can be very positive for our community.  It must be properly managed and planned. A large industry locating in our community, combined with this projected growth could present us with many new and complicated challenges.  It is very important that we are prepared.  There are many individuals from our community working very hard preparing for this projected growth.

 

In October a “Plan of Action” will be released for Lee County from the BRAC Task Force.  How government reacts, and secures funding for this growth, will be very important.  This is another key element of looking down the road and preparing for the future. I believe BRAC will be very positive for our community.

 

You may view the very informative BRAC report at     www.bracrtf.com/

 

If you have any questions concerning this issue, please call Bob Bridwell at 919-775-8236 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587. 

 

Front Yard Fences

Would you like a 6 foot, chain link, barbed wire fence in the front yard beside your house?   That is exactly what is happening in different neighborhoods in Sanford.  There is currently no ordinance regulating this type fencing. Unless your neighborhood has  restrictive covenants regulating fencing, this could happen in many areas of the city.

 

There is no doubt the aesthetic value of  homes and neighborhoods decline with this type fencing.  It also sends a negative tone to the neighbors, and to the people passing by, to see a barbed wire fence in a front yard. The important question we must ask is why these residents feel they need this type fencing?  

 

There could be many different reasons:

• Is safety the concern?  Do these residents not feel safe in their home?

• Are these residents trying to keep something inside the fence?  Do they have pets that could possibly be a danger to the rest of the neighborhood?

• Are these residents from other cities or environments that commonly have these type fences? 

 

 

This is a very complicated issue.  All of the above reasons must be considered.  City Council began addressing the issue of fencing in 2006.  During this period, an ordinance was almost brought before Council for a vote.   Revisiting the different details continued to move this issue backward instead of forward. There are many things that must be considered when discussing this subject.

 

Things that must be considered: 

• What types of fencing will be allowed?

• What heights would be acceptable?

• What about decorative fencing?

• How will walls on property lines be classified?

• What would the setbacks be for front yards, side yards, and back yards?

• Would existing fences be grandfathered or would there be a sunset date for removal of the fences out of code?

 

There are many, many questions that need to be answered.  East Sanford  seems to have the majority of front yard fences.  This problem is beginning to move to other areas of the city. I could not imagine a six foot, chain link, front yard fence in any neighborhood in Ward 1.  I do not believe they should be in any areas zoned residential, however this could happen in most neighborhoods.

 

I have asked that this subject be revisited by Council as soon as possible.  There will be more discussion on this issue very soon.  If you have any questions or comments, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.  You may also contact any Council Member. Their contact numbers are located on the city web site.  www.sanfordnc.net.

 

Comparing a Cities Tax Rate

 

Property owners in Sanford and Lee County recently received their 2008/2009 Property Tax Notices in the mail.  Did you ever wonder how Sanford’s tax rate compares to other cities?  That is a good question. Depending on what you are looking for will determine if this is a good answer.

Most city property tax rate comparisons are broken down by population.  Sanford’s population category is based on cities with a population of over 25,000 people, and below 50,000 people. The chart shows the city, the tax rate, and the estimated population as of 2007.  It is what the chart does not show you that is important and must be considered.

All these cities are growing.  At what point cities are in their growth cycle is a determining factor when comparing cost.  A city with a population of 25,000 may have needs that are very different than a city with a population of 40,000. Is their infrastructure in disrepair or have they repaired, and replaced, throughout the years?   Is their city sprawling outward thru annexation, or is their density increasing with the majority of development inside the existing city limits?

The Town of Cary reduced their 2008/2009 property tax to .33 cents. This is great news and shows how a high population density actually saves money. Infill instead of sprawl means there will be more people paying into the system allowing people to pay less.

Utilities could play a large part in determining cost.  Some cities are what are referred to as “electric cities.” These are cities that are their own electric company. They sell power to the citizens, as Progress Energy does to the citizens of Sanford. 

Commercial growth is also very important.  A city that draws retail shoppers from surrounding areas has a greater revenue stream than that of a ”bedroom community.” A large industrial and/or commercial tax base is very positive for the community as a whole and especially the residential property owner.

Fire protection must be a consideration.  The cost for fire protection may be included in the city tax rate, or may be assessed as separate fire districts within the city limits.  Is the Fire Department completely full time, or do they use volunteers as well? Do they own or lease their equipment?  What level of fire protection and fire rating is provided by each city? These are all determining factors when considering cost.

The bottom line is that every city is unique.  Their many different taxes are structured in ways that best fit their city. They all have different wants and needs, and these needs are continually changing.  The planning from the past will determine the cost of preparing for the future.   In Sanford’s case, I believe that our city planned well in the past.  The wants and needs of the citizens will determine the cost now, and in the future.

If you have any questions concerning the city budget or tax rate, please call the Hal Hegwer, City Manager at 919-775-8201.

 

Restrictive Covenants….are you protected?

              

There are many neighborhoods throughout the city of Sanford.  Some are new, well planned projects that have green space, sidewalks, decorative lighting and more.  These developments were reviewed by the Planning Department and must be in compliance with the Sanford/Lee County UDO. (Unified Development Ordinance) The UDO was adopted in 2006. It ensures all building and development in Sanford and Lee County comply with this strict set of rules and guidelines. Above and beyond the UDO requirements, almost all of these new neighborhoods have a set of restrictive covenants.

These restrictive covenants can cover many issues.  Examples of covenants would be to limit the number and type of indoor and outdoor pets, regulate fencing, landscaping requirements, satellite dish placement, regulate the number of automobiles allowed at a residence, regulate where automobiles may be parked, etc.  There are many good covenants, and there may be a few bad ones also. 

Covenants are designed to help a neighborhood remain attractive, and help the neighbors live in harmony.  In newer developments, restrictive covenants are documented with the property deed and recorded.  Hopefully, individuals are advised of these restrictive covenants when discussing the possible purchase of property in the development. If not, all covenants should be disclosed during the closing process when purchasing the property.

Older neighborhoods, developed in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, may have had restrictive covenants attached to their property. Unfortunately, in most cases these covenants were never recorded, and/or had a sunset period for these restrictions.  In either case, the property owners are left unprotected by any type neighborhood restrictive covenant. They must now rely on city ordinances to help keep harmony, and protect the esthetic value of their neighborhood.

The City Council and staff work very hard to protect all neighborhoods throughout the city.  This is done by setting guidelines or ordinances.  These ordinances are enforced by city staff and Code Enforcement.  This is a never ending and evolving process.  What may have been acceptable to the majority several years ago… may be unacceptable to the majority today.

Council is constantly confronted with new ordinance possibilities and challenges.  Interior furniture on front porches, homes with tall fences on property lines (front yard included) with barbed wire, cars parked in the front yard, storage buildings in the front yard, satellite dishes in the front yard, are just a few.  Some residents want the rules relaxed and others want stricter guidelines.  In 2006, Council began to strengthen many existing ordinances and has since adopted several new ones.  Other possibilities are still in the discussion stages.  This is an effort by Council to continually improve the esthetics of neighborhoods and the city as a whole. 

A cleaner, safer city is the goal. We are making progress……..believe it or not……..one step at a time.

If you have any questions concerning your neighborhood or the city, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587 or the council member from your ward. 

 

 

Street Repair

There’s always a few bumps in the road here and there, but just who is responsible for smoothing them out?

The city is responsible for the majority of neighborhood streets in Sanford.  Approximately every three years, the city conducts a street study. This includes information on the volume of traffic and specific needs, etc. for each city maintained street located in Sanford. Engineering uses this information and selects streets for repair or resurfacing. Bids are then taken for the proposed resurfacing or patching for the selected streets.  The number of streets that will receive attention depends upon the budgeted money for the year and the cost of materials, etc.  Remember, asphalt is a by-product of petroleum. Higher fuel prices mean less paving per budgeted dollar.  A large portion of the money used to pay for this resurfacing comes from the state. 

The city has a “hot patch” truck that they use for small patching and pot hole repair.  City crews use over 2400 tons of asphalt on average each year.  This is over and above resurfacing projects or work done by subcontractors.

Many state streets can be identified by center lines.  Except for the obvious streets like Horner Blvd., Wicker St. and Hawkinws Ave., (which needs resurfacing terribly) they also include Cool Springs Rd., Franklin Dr., Dalrymple St., and many others.  Some neighborhoods that were annexed by the city still have state maintained streets.  These streets are not “up to city standards” and will not become the responsibility of the city until the required maintenance is preformed, the standard raised, and agreed upon by the city and DOT. Stoneybrook Dr. and Foggy Mountain Loop are good examples of these streets. Resurfacing schedules for these streets are done by DOT. (Department of Transportation.)

In any case, you may call the city and report any street in the city limits that needs any type repair.  The city will contact DOT if the street is not maintained by the city. Normally, city crews are quick to correct any pot holes or problems that are reported on city maintained streets. If it is a state maintained street, depending on what state crew is required to make the repairs, it may take weeks, or months.  Especially if the end of the budget year is near and funds are low. Either way…Please report all street issues so repair can be made.

If you have any questions concerning any street issue please call the Street Superintendent, Magna Halloway at 919-775-8326

 

National Night Out in Sanford

This is the 25th aniversary of the National Night Out program.  Each year, on the first Tuesday night in August, cities across the U.S. host this event.  There are also several locations hosted in Lee County outside the Sanford city limits. (Outside city events not organized by City of Sanford.)

Councilman Walter McNeil brought this great idea to Sanford many years ago.  It first began as just a few neighborhoods taking part.  This year there are 29 groups from many different neighborhoods in the city making plans for the event. 

This is a great time for neighbors, local police officers and fireman to learn who lives in their neighborhoods.  Discuss ways to have a safer neighborhood and enjoy some good food and fellowship. 

This is also an opportunity for a question and answer session with your council member.  So if there is something on your mind, or a project you’d like to know more about……this is the perfect opportunity to get answers. Although there has not been a great deal of support from Ward 1residents for allowing chickens in the city……this will be one of the topics that I will be discussing with residents. 

If you need more information on National Night Out please call City Clerk Bonnie White at 919-775-8364.

Hope to see you soon! 

 

Water & Sewer rate Info.

Proposed water & sewer rates as compared to surrounding counties.

Inside city rate on top- outside city rate on bottom.

*CCF  is 100 cubic feet.  A cubic foot of water is 7.69 gallons.  4CCF customer is typical residence of 2 people.  7  CCF is typical for a resident of 4 people.

The city of Sanford has supplied water to both city residents and county residents since purchasing the county water system in 2005. City Council is currently reviewing a water and sewer rate increase with the intent of using this revenue to pay for improvements to the current water and sewer systems.  The projected cost of expanding our system is 70 million dollars.  

Our sewer plant is permitted to discharge just over 6 million gallons of treated water into the Deep River each day.  In 2007, city engineers requested an increase in the discharge amount up to 12 million gallons per day from the State.  This would serve the projected needs of the city for the next 20 plus years. 

Preliminary indications suggested the possibility of an increase of up to only 9 million gallons per day. This would have been only a short term fix and the city would have to begin looking at the possibility of an entirely new plant, at another location, within the next 2 to 3 years.  This process would have to begin while adding on to the current plant. It takes 15 years to start a sewer plant from scratch and begin treating sewage.  The cost of a new plant would be over 150 million dollars.

The city water plant is constantly being upgraded to comply with the changing State water quality guidelines.  Improvements to the water system, such as looping lines to create redundancy, seems to be a never ending process.  The goal is to ensure that there is always plenty of drinking water at all times. 

Sanford was fortunate to have water last summer when many other cities were rationing their supply.  The city currently sells “bulk” water to several surrounding counties.  This is sold at a discounted rate.  Since the cost of operating the water plant is basically a fixed cost, any “bulk” sales of water helps our city.  The more we sell the cheaper it is to produce and the better it is for the residents on the system.

Sanford’s possibly projected water and sewer rates will still be less than our neighboring counties. It is almost impossible to compare water and sewer systems since every situation has so many different variables to consider.  The age of the system, capacity, demand, etc. all are important factors.  The average cost increase for water and sewer throughout the State is 5 to 7 percent. 

 We have a very unique opportunity to expand our plant and be prepared for the future.  If Bristol-Meyers had decided to build in Sanford our growth could have very well stopped .They would have required almost all of the remaining permitted sewer capacity.  Since that time, the expansion planning process has begun. By the time a new industry would require such a large capacity, hopefully we would have plenty to offer.

If you have any questions concerning this issue or would like more information you may contact City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201.

 

Changing signs…

 

Top picture shows old street marker. Bottom shows nes street marker.

You may have noticed the new street marker signs, located on different street corners, throughout the city.  This is a result of a new process the Street Department is using to produce the signs.  This new process improves the signs visibility, is much more durable, and saves production time and money. 

In the past, street markers were installed on top of the same sign pole as stop signs.  The State Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer allows this practice on State maintained roads and is requiring “stand alone” signs at these locations.  Many of these signs were removed by the DOT and damaged in removal process.  That is where most of the new signs are being installed at this time. 

There is no plan to replace all the signs right away.  The old signs, while not as visible and attractive, are serviceable and do the job.  As signs are damaged or become worn they will be replaced.  Replacements are not limited to corner signs.  Signs that hang across intersections will slowly be changed to the new look.  The city currently replaces this type sign at a rate of 2 or 3 a week. 

If you have any questions concerning these signs or any street issue please call the Street Superintendent, Magna Halloway at 919-775-8326.