The first Valdese Council meeting after Hurricane Helene brought on its own wave of impacts.
In a long-string motion on Monday night, Councilman Glenn Harvey motioned to:
The first Valdese Council meeting after Hurricane Helene brought on its own wave of impacts.
In a long-string motion on Monday night, Councilman Glenn Harvey motioned to:
During the meeting, Police Chief Marc Sharpe presented his vision for the department and what he called “ugly truths”: high turnover rate of officers in the past 10 years, outdated and unusual cameras, lack of updated technology, and needed facility requirements.
Sharpe reported that the department needs an interview room and a secured sally port (a secured entryway) to be used for different interviewing processes. Currently, the officers use their body cams for interviews, but the justice system now requires officers to have audio and video recordings of witnesses and informants.
He also reported that the town “duck-tapes some form of solutions” and moves “the field goal” when the facility is a much-needed base for keeping employees and staying current with modern criminal justice processes.
Although the council approved this motion, Weichel will need to draft the appropriate documents and the discussion will be revisited on Oct. 24 at their facility workshop.
Later in the night, Mayor Charlie Watts read the letter of resignation from Ward 2 Councilman Paul Mears, effective Monday, Oct. 7. Mears had moved from his Valdese residence on Thursday, Oct. 3, to the Silver Creek area in Morganton.
Filling the vacant position, Harvey motioned to appoint Roger Heavner who has been a resident for 22 years and has an extensive background in project management.
The motion was unanimously approved; however, Councilwoman Rexanna Lowman opposed the appointment, citing a lack of transparency and resident involvement.
Finally, Planning and Zoning Director Larry Johnson, a 45-year employee of the town, turned in his letter of resignation. His retirement will take effect at 5 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Read the in-depth story in The Paper’s Saturday, Oct. 12, edition.
Saydie Bean may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2011, or saydie@thepaper.media.
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