NEWS R I V E R B E N D F R O M T O W N H A L L

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1 R I V E R B E N D NEWS F R O M T O W N H A L L INSIDE THIS EDITION MAYOR S REPORT PAGE 1 MANAGER S REPORT PAGE 2 WRD/PW REPORT PAGE 3 COMING EVENTS PAGE 4 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE PAGE 5 LEAF & LIMB SCHEDULE PAGE 5 ETCETERA PAGE 6 WELCOME, SPRING BY MAYOR JOHN KIRKLAND Spring has finally come to Eastern North Carolina. The trees are in full leaf and the perennial spring flowers have bloomed or are about to bloom. The plants around are, as always, very attractive with thanks to the Garden Club and particularly to Janet Nawojski and the time she has spent in planting and tending the Memorial Garden. This work certainly reflects very positively on the Town s appearance. In June, the Council will vote to adopt the Town s annual budget. This process has involved the Town Council and the Manager and staff working through the details of the document preparation. The approved budget guides the activity of the Manager as he directs the staff throughout the fiscal year. The State Treasurer s Office monitors the entire budget process for every North Carolina municipality and each budget is subject to an independent audit. The River Bend Budget document is posted on the Town s web page. The Parks and Recreation Board members are already working on the details of the annual July Fourth celebration. This is always a very popular event and well attended by residents and visitors on this special American Holiday. The volunteers and staff working together make this event festive for all who attend. This article has made reference to our volunteers. The Mayor s Council meeting report for this month also discusses volunteers. That reference notes the annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and the important role all volunteer organizations play in the composition of the Town s Fabric which is enjoyed by citizens. The volunteer organizations are diverse and present residents with a range of interests that are available for their participation. This is the season to observe the beauty of nature displayed throughout Town and recognize that this attractive appearance is the result of the cooperative effort of the staff and volunteers working together. Enjoy spring. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 1

2 TOWN MANAGER S REPORT BY TOWN MANAGER DELANE JACKSON One fairly common situation that we deal with in the zoning department in River Bend concerns restrictive covenants and Homeowners Association (HOA) rules. Specifically, we are often called on to help enforce restrictive covenants that are in place on private property or rules that are a part of the HOA. In both cases, the Town of River Bend does not have the authority of enforcement. The Town of River Bend is a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina. We, and every other town in the state, has a Town Charter and are given powers by the State. Our powers are codified in the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) and then are more specifically spelled out in our local Town Ordinances. Town Ordinances have the same effect as law. State law confers on River Bend the ability to adopt local ordinances in accordance with the NCGS. Once the Town Council has adopted a local ordinance, it becomes a part of our Code of Ordinances. When that happens, we have the power to enforce it. Obviously, the Town Council has no role in adopting HOA rules or establishing restrictive covenants on private property. Covenants and HOA rules are not a part of the Town Ordinances. Therefore, the town cannot enforce either of them. Many times, they appear very similar to Town Ordinances or even address similar issues, but we can only enforce rules that are specifically a part of our Town Code of Ordinances. There are many subdivisions in town that have restrictive covenants or rules attached to every lot within the subdivision. Those covenants are recorded, along with the deed, in the Register of Deeds Office. Those rules were not written by, required by nor are they enforced by the Town of River Bend. The public is responsible for pursuing the enforcement of those rules. Typically, a property owner in the subdivision or It is important to note that Town Ordinances supersede any HOA rules or restrictive covenants. Covenants and HOA rules are not a part of the Town Ordinances. Therefore, the town cannot enforce either of them. a member of the public must seek enforcement through the courts. Typically, the enforcement process is spelled out within the covenants. It is important to note that Town Ordinances supersede any HOA rules or restrictive covenants. For example, if restrictive covenants require a minimum house size of 1,500 square NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 2

3 feet and the Town s Ordinance requires a minimum of 1,800 square feet, then the home must be a minimum of 1,800 square feet. The same theory applies to HOA rules. A person cannot avoid following the Town s Ordinances simply because their HOA rules are less restrictive or permit some activity. When we are faced with these issues, we can only suggest that the resident contact their HOA or follow the methods prescribed in their covenants. We simply do not have the legal authority to enforce rules, regulations or restrictive covenants that we are not authorized by the NCGS to enforce. Our Town Charter and our Code of Ordinances are posted on our town s website. REPORTING AFTER HOURS WATER-SEWER EMERGENCIES Dial at Dial 9 and follow the directions to contact the on-call duty operator. Enter your phone number at the sound of the tone. The automated system will inform you that your page has been sent. Our utility operator will return your call. If you do not receive a call back within ten minutes, please notify the Police Department at They will get in touch with the on-call utility system operator. WRD/PW APRIL REPORT BY BRANDON MILLS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS In April, Public Works cleared a couple of blockages that were impeding the flow of stormwater runoff to the river. The blockages were removed with the use of our high-pressure water jetter. Routinely, we check catch basins and pipes that discharge to the river to alleviate most backups. We also built a couple new picnic tables to put in our parks. These were built to replace some that had deteriorated. Herbicide was applied to the walking path to remove unwanted weeds/grass. We generally do this three times per year to control the unwanted growth on the walking path surface. One stop sign and one speed limit sign were also replaced this month. The ones that we replaced had become faded, and needed replacing. Water Resources finished flushing the Town s water system on schedule. Flushing went well with no problems noted. As a reminder, we flush the system to remove minerals that, over time, adhere to the pipe walls, or settle out in our main lines. Also, during this process, we flow test all of our hydrants and do a maintenance check on them to insure they will work properly in the event of an emergency. There were several hydrants that had bushes/shrubs planted around them, almost making them unusable. We will be trimming the brush away from around them ASAP. As a reminder, we flush the system to remove minerals that, over time, adhere to the pipe walls, or settle out in our main lines. If you have any questions concerning the Water Resources/Public Works Department, please call us at , Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. After hour s water and sewer, emergencies can be reported by dialing the at NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 3

4 You will be instructed to the dial 9 and follow the directions to contact the on call duty operator. You will then be asked to enter your phone number at the sound of the tone. After entering your phone number, the automated system will inform you that your page has been sent. Please, be patient and our utility systems operator will return your call. If you do not receive a call back within ten minutes, please notify the Police Department at , and they will get in contact with the on-call utility systems operator. SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY FAIR Saturday, June 2 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. brought to you by River Bend CERT Council Meeting June 21 7:00 p.m. Council Work Session June 14 7:00 p.m. CAC Clean Up Day Wednesday, June 26 8:00 a.m. Town Park Town Commons Volunteers Welcome Community Watch Wednesday, June 20 7:00 p.m. July 4th Parade & Celebration Wednesday, July 4 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 4

5 RIVER BEND NEWS FROM TOWN HALL is published monthly by the River Bend Town Council for the residents of the Town of River Bend. MAYOR John Kirkland TOWN COUNCIL Gene Bauer Bill Camp Buddy Sheffield Irving Bud Van Slyke, Jr. Bill Wanamaker TOWN MANAGER Delane Jackson TOWN CLERK Ann Katsuyoshi FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR Margaret Theis POLICE CHIEF Sean Joll DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Brandon Mills ASSISTANT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Allison McCollum GRAPHIC DESIGN & TYPOGRAPHY Kathleen De Young Contact Us: 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC Leaf & Limb Collection Schedule for Residents may begin placing their yard debris street side on the dates indicated in parentheses Zone 1 Pick Up Begins July 10, 2017 July 5, 2017 September 11, 2017 September 6, 2017 November 6, 2017 November 1, 2017 January 15, 2018 (includes Christmas trees) January 10, 2018 March 12, 2018 March 7, 2018 May 14, 2018 May 9, 2018 Zone 2 Pick Up Begins July 17, 2017 July 12, 2017 September 18, 2017 September 13, 2017 November 13, 2017 November 8, 2017 January 22, 2018 (includes Christmas trees) January 17, 2018 March 19, 2018 March 14, 2018 May 21, 2018 May 16, 2018 Pinecones, pine straw and leaves must be bagged. For additional important information about River Bend s Leaf & Limb collection program, please see our Ordinance online at Town Council 2018 Meeting Dates Work Session...January 11 Regular Meeting...January 18 Work Session...February 8 Regular Meeting...February 15 Work Session...March 8 Regular Meeting...March 15 Work Session...April 12 Regular Meeting...April 19 Work Session...May 10 Regular Meeting...May 17 Work Session...June 14 Regular Meeting...June 21 Work Session...July 12 Regular Meeting...July 19 Work Session...August 9 Regular Meeting...August 16 Work Session... September 13 Regular Meeting... September 20 Work Session... October 11 Regular Meeting... October 18 Work Session... November 8 Regular Meeting... November 15 Work Session...December 6 Regular Meeting...December 13 Budget Meetings Budget Session...March 20 Budget Session...March 27 Budget Session...April 3 Budget Session...April 10 Budget Session...April 17 Budget Session...April 24 All Council Work Sessions and Regular Council Meetings will be held in the River Bend beginning at 7:00 p.m. All Council Budget Sessions will be held in the River Bend beginning at 4:00 p.m. *Green type indicates a completed leaf & limb collection NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 5

6 etc. TOWN OF RIVER BEND 2018 Golf Cart Registration Golf Cart Registration 101 Town ordinances allow for residents to drive their properly equipped golf carts on River Bend streets provided that they are inspected by and registered with our Police Depart ment. If you plan to drive your golf cart on the roadways, you must display the 2018 registration decal. Inspection and registration are required annually. The registration fee for each golf cart is $10. For additional information and to make your inspection reservation, please call the River Bend Police Department at Registration is Required for all Dogs and Cats All River Bend dogs and cats must be registered annually. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Registration is $10.00 per pet. Owners must present proof of rabies vaccination at the time of registration. Pet I. D. Photos Now Available The Town of River Bend is now offering residents the opportunity to link a digital photo of their registered pets to our Animal Registration database. When you register your pet this year, you may submit a photo by , or staff can scan a photo for you if you prefer. This photo database will help reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly in the event a pet becomes lost. The service is voluntary and free of charge. River Bend dogs have their own exercise area where they can play with other canines. Situated between the Town Park and Ritter Field, the dog park gives dogs a chance to run while their owners socialize. The park is open from sunrise to sunset for dogs with proof of current vaccinations. Separate exercise areas accommodate large and small dogs. For complete list of rules applicable to dog park use, please visit for a brochure or view details on our web site at Dog park rules are also posted at the entrance to the park. NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 6

7 etc. continued Sign up for our Emergency Notification System and receive timely notifications by phone, , text messages and more. SIGN UP NOW at riverbendnc.org this service provided by the Town of River Bend through Blackboard connect River Bend has a functional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). For more information about this group, or to volunteer, please contact the CERT liaison, Police Officer Ernest Thomas and/or visit our web site. If you have a medical condition for which you require any type of special medical care during a dis aster or if your medical condition requires assistance to evacuate during a disaster, you may wish to apply to Craven County for their Special Needs Registry. The River Bend Police Department can provide you with the appropriate form and provide some basic information about the County s program. THIS AREA OBSERVED BY COMMUNITY WATCH CITIZENS RIVER BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT River Bend has a very active Community Watch program, supported by our Police Department. If you are interested in volunteering, call the River Bend Police Department at River Bend has a skateboard park to meet the needs of some of our more athletic residents. A signed parental approval form is required and helmet use is strictly enforced. For more information about the skateboard park, visit our web site or call the River Bend Police Department at NEWS FROM TOWN HALL JUNE 2018 PAGE 7