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Town hopes to act soon
Swansboro wants to aid Morris
By JIMMY WILLIAMS
Tideland News Writer
Though no action was taken, Swansboro Board of Commissioners met in a special session on Monday hoping to find a way to allow development of Charleston Park.
Mayor Scott Chadwick said the commissioners could act on the matter following their regular meeting tonight (Wednesday). The meeting was re-scheduled from Tuesday in order to present two awards, one to Swansboro Elementary School for being named a School of Distinction and the other to the recipient of the Sam Bland Community Service Award.
While the commissioners no doubt look forward to smooth sailing on those agenda items, dealing with Charleston Park is a thorny issue.
“My goal is to do something to get Hank Morris moving,” Chadwick said of the developer of Charleston Park, a residential development just off NC 24 near Sanders Ford.
The problem stems from the fact that Swansboro and the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority are at odds over how new development infrastructure is dedicated.
Because Morris dedicated the water and sewer lines in the development to Swansboro, ONWASA will not provide the utilities to Charleston Park. As a result of that denial, Morris filed legal action involving both ONWASA and the town.
Chadwick said the town has three options. One, it could give in to ONWASA. Two, it could return the dedication to Morris and at the same time file suit seeking to force ONWASA to adhere to a lease agreement that specifies lines are dedicated to the town. Three, the town does nothing.
Following Monday’s special meeting, much of which was in closed session, Chadwick said commissioners appear top be split between the first two options.
“We didn’t make a decision,” he said.
For its part, ONWASA, an authority made up of local governments in Onslow County for the purpose of supplying water and sewer, has found a way to exclude Swansboro from discussion on Morris’ lawsuit.
Chadwick, who represents the town on the ONWASA Board of Directors, said the authority discussed the suit at its meeting Thursday.
“They formed a subcommittee that turned out to be everybody but me,” he said.
The committee then went into a closed session for 90 minutes to hear from the bond counsel and the authority’s attorney on strategy, according to Chadwick.
“They intend to fight the lawsuit from Hank Morris,” he said. “The staff and the attorneys are now pitting us (authority members) against each other.”
In the meantime, it is costing Morris $300 a day in interest because he is unable to proceed with Charleston Park, according to Chadwick. And yet, adhering to the lease between Swansboro and ONWASA is critical to the integrity of the authority.
“There are no clear winners in this,” he said. “But if we don’t take a stand, we might as well throw out the capital lease.
“I don’t want to spend the money (on a lawsuit), but what is worth fighting for?”
Should the town lose that one aspect of the lease “ which specifically states that ONWASA respects town ordinances “ Swansboro would have no control over how wastewater treatment is allocated.
“They (ONWASA) will be the sole controller of where this county grows,” he said. And Swansboro is not the only authority member that could be affected. “(If) they think what is happening is (just) bad for ONWASA, they are not looking at the big picture.”
Though no action was taken, Swansboro Board of Commissioners met in a special session on Monday hoping to find a way to allow development of Charleston Park.
Mayor Scott Chadwick said the commissioners could act on the matter following their regular meeting tonight (Wednesday). The meeting was re-scheduled from Tuesday in order to present two awards, one to Swansboro Elementary School for being named a School of Distinction and the other to the recipient of the Sam Bland Community Service Award.
While the commissioners no doubt look forward to smooth sailing on those agenda items, dealing with Charleston Park is a thorny issue.
“My goal is to do something to get Hank Morris moving,” Chadwick said of the developer of Charleston Park, a residential development just off NC 24 near Sanders Ford.
The problem stems from the fact that Swansboro and the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority are at odds over how new development infrastructure is dedicated.
Because Morris dedicated the water and sewer lines in the development to Swansboro, ONWASA will not provide the utilities to Charleston Park. As a result of that denial, Morris filed legal action involving both ONWASA and the town.
Chadwick said the town has three options. One, it could give in to ONWASA. Two, it could return the dedication to Morris and at the same time file suit seeking to force ONWASA to adhere to a lease agreement that specifies lines are dedicated to the town. Three, the town does nothing.
Following Monday’s special meeting, much of which was in closed session, Chadwick said commissioners appear top be split between the first two options.
“We didn’t make a decision,” he said.
For its part, ONWASA, an authority made up of local governments in Onslow County for the purpose of supplying water and sewer, has found a way to exclude Swansboro from discussion on Morris’ lawsuit.
Chadwick, who represents the town on the ONWASA Board of Directors, said the authority discussed the suit at its meeting Thursday.
“They formed a subcommittee that turned out to be everybody but me,” he said.
The committee then went into a closed session for 90 minutes to hear from the bond counsel and the authority’s attorney on strategy, according to Chadwick.
“They intend to fight the lawsuit from Hank Morris,” he said. “The staff and the attorneys are now pitting us (authority members) against each other.”
In the meantime, it is costing Morris $300 a day in interest because he is unable to proceed with Charleston Park, according to Chadwick. And yet, adhering to the lease between Swansboro and ONWASA is critical to the integrity of the authority.
“There are no clear winners in this,” he said. “But if we don’t take a stand, we might as well throw out the capital lease.
“I don’t want to spend the money (on a lawsuit), but what is worth fighting for?”
Should the town lose that one aspect of the lease “ which specifically states that ONWASA respects town ordinances “ Swansboro would have no control over how wastewater treatment is allocated.
“They (ONWASA) will be the sole controller of where this county grows,” he said. And Swansboro is not the only authority member that could be affected. “(If) they think what is happening is (just) bad for ONWASA, they are not looking at the big picture.”
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of carolinacoastonline.com.
town employee wrote on Oct 21, 2009 9:02 PM:
" When is the "New Town Hall" going to become the Town Hall and not the personal town funded project for the mayor and parks and recreation committee? I thought the offices were to be moved by now? One more project the taxpayers paid for with little results. Can't wait until the new board is in place so the town can build more parks. How about encouraging businesses and industry to come to Swansboro so people can have jobs. Keep the historic district but let the other parts of town develop with modern stores, businesses, etc. After a good hurricane the historic district will be in the White Oak River anyways. One good house fire and the historic district will be gone as well. Wake up elected officials. How may town employees actually live in the town where they work? Very few, less than one hand of fingers. Why? Because they can not afford to live in the town limits. "
Smell the Roses Scott wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:28 PM:
" “They formed a subcommittee that turned out to be everybody but me,” he said.
Well Scott guess you must of felt like most of your workers of late and Mr. Allen!
“They intend to fight the lawsuit from Hank Morris,” he said. “The staff and the attorneys are now pitting us (authority members) against each other.”
Once again Scott, sounds Like the way you do business- Your way or no way!
I say so sad for Mr. Morris 300.00 a day, well thats what you get when you do business with Swansboro I guess- lesson learned dear Contractators and Developers...Beware Friendly Swansboro by the Sea not so Friendly any more---
PS Dear Employees good on you for speaking up! Watch you backs-- "
Well Scott guess you must of felt like most of your workers of late and Mr. Allen!
“They intend to fight the lawsuit from Hank Morris,” he said. “The staff and the attorneys are now pitting us (authority members) against each other.”
Once again Scott, sounds Like the way you do business- Your way or no way!
I say so sad for Mr. Morris 300.00 a day, well thats what you get when you do business with Swansboro I guess- lesson learned dear Contractators and Developers...Beware Friendly Swansboro by the Sea not so Friendly any more---
PS Dear Employees good on you for speaking up! Watch you backs-- "
Scott Chadwick wrote on Oct 23, 2009 1:12 AM:
" Again, I realize that the Swansboro Board of Commissioners and I cannot make everyone happy. While I no doubt receive way to much credit for the successes that we have had during the past two years (which by the way I always reflect to the entire Board and our staff), I certainly (at least by the three readers above) receive far to much blame for the things that make them unhappy. The price of real estate in Swansboro has not climbed to its present state during my two years in office and the "mess" that is ONWASA was not created by me. A call to Mr. Hank Morris will, I am confident, disclose that we have worked closely with Mr. Morris to remove him from our conflict with ONWASA. This is a complicated issue and our only concern is what is best for Swansboro and in the end all of Onslow County. I am certainly willing to discuss this issue with anyone. I offer no apologies for working hard to bring our citizens quality of life improvements such as great parks, wide open spaces, parking and facilities for art, music, and senior citizen and youth programs. My decisions are made publicly and I sign my real name to them. Many of those decisions are difficult but necessary, not at all what it must be like to offer your opinion unfounded in fact and reality and then sign it with a fictitious name. It is always easy to stand on principle when it doesn't cost anything. Finally, I welcome a meaningful debate because I don't have all the answers. In the end. I might not agree with you; however, I will respect your viewpoint and your right to have it. "
At what Cost wrote on Oct 23, 2009 9:49 AM:
" At what Cost wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:59 PM:
Scott You never answered these Questions on the 15th Maybe you could now and that would clear up some of the things that are going on:
" Is this action going on between Our town and ONWASA costing any money, like for lawyers, researchers and such? If so how much are we paying.
• Also are any of the developments that are on "hold" low to mid income housing?
• Where are these developments being placed
• What is the name of the persons who are developing this land?
• Why did we allow: Charleston Park to dedicate its infrastructure to Swansboro in a special meeting two weeks ago if we knew this was the case. That ONWASA would denied water and wastewater service for the subdivision.
•Was that us flexing our strong ARM saying we will do what we want?
•Did that action also cost us money.
•Will all this benefit our town in the long run and if so how will it do so?
•So if Halls Creek North officials follow the ONWASA utility ordinance in order to obtain water and wastewater service why can’t they be allowed to go on and get started?
•Or will letting them go ahead cost our town money?
•Last, Is this why Mr. Allen was removed from the board?
How about putting some of this in plain English for the people who will be paying for all the lawyers fees charged to the town? If none of these developments are going to be low income housing when will the town start looking at developers with the other side of the coin in mind.
I am not against or for this but just think something needs to be made clear to the general public which you represent. You are spending our money thus you should make clear to us what is going on? " "
Scott You never answered these Questions on the 15th Maybe you could now and that would clear up some of the things that are going on:
" Is this action going on between Our town and ONWASA costing any money, like for lawyers, researchers and such? If so how much are we paying.
• Also are any of the developments that are on "hold" low to mid income housing?
• Where are these developments being placed
• What is the name of the persons who are developing this land?
• Why did we allow: Charleston Park to dedicate its infrastructure to Swansboro in a special meeting two weeks ago if we knew this was the case. That ONWASA would denied water and wastewater service for the subdivision.
•Was that us flexing our strong ARM saying we will do what we want?
•Did that action also cost us money.
•Will all this benefit our town in the long run and if so how will it do so?
•So if Halls Creek North officials follow the ONWASA utility ordinance in order to obtain water and wastewater service why can’t they be allowed to go on and get started?
•Or will letting them go ahead cost our town money?
•Last, Is this why Mr. Allen was removed from the board?
How about putting some of this in plain English for the people who will be paying for all the lawyers fees charged to the town? If none of these developments are going to be low income housing when will the town start looking at developers with the other side of the coin in mind.
I am not against or for this but just think something needs to be made clear to the general public which you represent. You are spending our money thus you should make clear to us what is going on? " "
annaanne wrote on Oct 24, 2009 6:47 PM:
" I do not want the water company's appointed membership deciding where the growth will occur in Onslow County, let alone Swansboro. I want my elected officials to make those decisions. Remember, we have only one voice/vote on the ONWASA board. "
At what CostPlease Answer the Questions wrote on Oct 25, 2009 12:42 PM:
" So we are to be kept in the dark about anything until after the fact-
What is known
Place of development
Morris Name of developer
Mr. Chadwick is out of the loop via being left out of the closed session and can only guess as to what they talked about ,my guess it was about him--and our town!
so yet to be answered is:
• Also are any of the developments that are on "hold" low to mid income housing?
• Why did we allow: Charleston Park to dedicate its infrastructure to Swansboro in a special meeting two weeks ago if we knew this was the case. That ONWASA would denied water and wastewater service for the subdivision.
•Was that us flexing our strong ARM saying we will do what we want?
•Did that action also cost us money.
•Will all this benefit our town in the long run and if so how will it do so?
•So if Halls Creek North officials follow the ONWASA utility ordinance in order to obtain water and wastewater service why can’t they be allowed to go on and get started?
•Or will letting them go ahead cost our town money?
•Last, Is this why Mr. Allen was removed from the board?
EXTRA question:
When the Mayor gets sued or the Town I should say and we will how will that reflect on our water bills? Remember when we signed on to ONWASA we were told our bills would remain the same or even go down a dollar or two.. Well I dont know about you folks but mine is now up from 24 a month to my last bill 54.AND no one has moved in and I do not water my lawn..Something is rotten some place... PS... This is not Mayor Chadwicks fault-- but he does have to answer to us and keep us updated.. 30 year lease a long time to do business with people who controll our "bath times" and drinking water...I only hope something is done-
ANSWERS PLEASE-- IN A PUBLIC LETTER PLEASE SO WE CAN ALL READ PLEASE--SOME ONE?
annaanne spoken like a true believer-- Onslow county has never looked at us other than like a red headded step child-- just look at the way we never get monies for anything--if we had 2 on the board they would still treat us the same.. "
What is known
Place of development
Morris Name of developer
Mr. Chadwick is out of the loop via being left out of the closed session and can only guess as to what they talked about ,my guess it was about him--and our town!
so yet to be answered is:
• Also are any of the developments that are on "hold" low to mid income housing?
• Why did we allow: Charleston Park to dedicate its infrastructure to Swansboro in a special meeting two weeks ago if we knew this was the case. That ONWASA would denied water and wastewater service for the subdivision.
•Was that us flexing our strong ARM saying we will do what we want?
•Did that action also cost us money.
•Will all this benefit our town in the long run and if so how will it do so?
•So if Halls Creek North officials follow the ONWASA utility ordinance in order to obtain water and wastewater service why can’t they be allowed to go on and get started?
•Or will letting them go ahead cost our town money?
•Last, Is this why Mr. Allen was removed from the board?
EXTRA question:
When the Mayor gets sued or the Town I should say and we will how will that reflect on our water bills? Remember when we signed on to ONWASA we were told our bills would remain the same or even go down a dollar or two.. Well I dont know about you folks but mine is now up from 24 a month to my last bill 54.AND no one has moved in and I do not water my lawn..Something is rotten some place... PS... This is not Mayor Chadwicks fault-- but he does have to answer to us and keep us updated.. 30 year lease a long time to do business with people who controll our "bath times" and drinking water...I only hope something is done-
ANSWERS PLEASE-- IN A PUBLIC LETTER PLEASE SO WE CAN ALL READ PLEASE--SOME ONE?
annaanne spoken like a true believer-- Onslow county has never looked at us other than like a red headded step child-- just look at the way we never get monies for anything--if we had 2 on the board they would still treat us the same.. "
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concerned employee wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:50 PM: