Combs has returned for his second term as interim town manager in Warsaw and is accustomed to the way in which the town’s board handles business.
“As the interim town manager, I have developed the practice of periodic reports to the mayor and the town board,” stated Combs. “I feel it serves two important functions: It keeps the board and mayor informed as to the activities of their town government, and provides a frame of reference for the new manager when he/she is hired to review and reflect on what has transpired in the previous month.”
Combs informed the board that he had spent much of his time reacquainting himself with the town codes, ordinances and policies. He also stated that he had spent time with each division of town government to determine what projects we are currently working on, what they need from him and how can his office help in moving forward.
The interim’s report included armory renovation, with Combs sharing that he had met with the contractor and architect to discuss the project’s progress. He was informed the target date for completion has been set for Jan. 11, 2010 with both men feeling that date can be met. “Currently we have obligated $942,000 in construction costs, and $99,200 on engineering and architects fees. That totals $1,043,200 of the $1.1 million budgeted for the armory project. We anticipate a change order in the amount of $16,000 to $25,000 to level the existing gym floor which has been discovered, is severely sloped and should be repaired in the renovation process.”
According to the town manager’s figures that would still bring the armory renovation in under budget.
In the matter of new town manager recruitment, Combs informed the board that advertisement for the position will come out in the N.C. League of Municipalities letter in the middle of October and in Southern City the last of this month. He also stated that the ad is presently running on the league’s website.
The police department and law enforcement report given by Combs, stated that the new police chief, Mike Webster, had come aboard as of Oct. 1.
“He (Webster) has a lot of good ideas on how to organize the department to create a more positive presence for the department,” shared the manager. “The chief will be concentrating on community policing and working with other law enforcement agencies in the county. Currently the chief is short handed with a supervisory position open, the gang officer position open and a full time officer on military duty.”
Combs told the board they will be moving forward very quickly to hire someone in the captain’s position and the gang officer position. He also explained that the officer-on-duty position would be filled with a full-time temporary officer. “Until (the chief) has a full complement of personnel and the present staff and chief have become more familiar with each other, it may be difficult to do everything we would like,” said Combs. “But I can assure you, with the attitude and effort I have seen so far, we will get there.”
“We have had numerous problems with stray dogs and also foreclosed and abandoned property,” the acting manager continued in his report. “We have cleaned the streets and the area of abandoned properties. Many owners have been notified of violation and have started to have tenants.”
In his report, Combs said animal control problems are being addressed by the Department of Public Works and it appears the department’s actions are proving effective. “We have contacted many of the owners of abandoned or neglected properties and have informed them that if improvements are not made immediately, action will be taken in the court system either through enforcement or foreclosure process,” said Combs.
To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.
I'm just lying in wait for a good one.