Commissioners deny spring water request

Commissioners denied the request to allow for the sale of spring water by Table Rock LLC at their Wednesday, Nov. 12 meeting. The issue was discussed at the previous commission meeting as well with citizens filling up the main courtroom and an adjacent courtroom for the Oct. 28 meeting.

“My concerns regarding the proposed use include 1) it could be detrimental to the use and development of adjacent properties, 2) it could adversely affect the health of Pike County citizens due to possible negative effect on water service and quality in Pike County and 3) the possible hazard from the vehicular movement, namely the ingress and egress of delivery trucks, to the location,” said commissioner Ken Pullin. “Based on these concerns, I move to deny the application 25-06 for a special use permit for the bulk sale of spring water.”

The motion passed by a 4-1 vote with chairman Briar Johnson in opposition.

Commissioners heard from county manager Rob Morton about a recent request for Impact Fee refunds. Morton said the fee paid in connection with the request for a refund does not meet the eligibility requirements for refunds as outlined in the county’s code.

“This request does not meet the eligibility for a refund according to the county’s ordinance, so I recommend denial,” said Morton.

The request was denied by a 4-0 vote with commissioner Pullin abstaining from voting due to his friendship with the petitioner.

The county also:

• Heard an update on road projects, including that reclamation work is nearly complete on McKinley Road. It was noted the next road projects include Woodcreek Road, Old Zebulon Road and Blanton Mill Road, in that order. The county manager noted he would provide a list of roads for future improvement including the proposed cost, length of road and how many houses.
• Approved the second reading of the Text Amendment to the Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 166, Solar Farm Ordinance. It was noted there were no substantial changes since the first reading.
• Approved the 2024-25 Final Budget Amendments and resolution and authorized chairman Johnson to sign related documents.
• Approved declaring a 2007 Sterling Dump Truck as surplus and authorized selling it along with other equipment previously declared surplus.
  • Approved a 2025 lease and resolution for a 140-15 motor grader through Caterpillar Financial Services. It was noted that at the previous meeting, commissioners authorized the buy out of a motor grader at the end of the lease term and the county would be able to recoup the net revenue. It was noted that a new motor grader is needed and the 60 months of around $3,700 per month was less than the previous motor grader and sufficient funds are available in the public works budget for the lease.
• Heard the county must have an audit completed by the end of the year and that the process is underway.
• Appointed Heather McLendon to the Pike County Agribusiness Authority to fill a three-year unexpired term, set to expire Dec. 31, 2027.
• Approved the alcohol license for pouring beer, wine and distilled sprits at Slices Pizzeria in Zebulon.
  • Approved the alcohol license for pouring beer, wine and distilled spirits at Pedros in Zebulon.
• Approved the alcohol license for retail sales of beer and wine at The Rock Store in Meansville.
• Approved the alcohol license for pouring beer, wine and distilled spirits at Barnstormer’s Restaurant in Williamson.
• Approved the alcohol license for retail sales of beer and wine at Zebulon Whistle Stop in Zebulon.
  • Approved the alcohol license for retail sales of beer and wine at Hunters Corner in Williamson.
• Approved the alcohol license for retail sales of beer at Cadies Corner in Zebulon.
• Set the date for the Employee Christmas Luncheon for Dec. 19 with an allocation of $20 per employee.
• Heard a question from commissioner James Jenkins as to why assessor board meetings are not broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel. He was informed by the county manager that was not a requirement of the county code for that board.
• Heard from chairman Johnson about how the senior center has received 100% rating from the Department of Public Health for several years in a row, even with the facility being an older building. He also thanked county clerk Angela Blount for having training for several days in the previous week and then driving back to Pike County where she worked for several more hours in the office to ensure commissioners were well prepared for the meeting and to handle other business.