Tyrrell Planning Board reports to commissioners

Published 10:56 am Thursday, January 4, 2018

The Tyrrell County Planning Board reported to the county commissioners in early December that one subdivision plat, creating one new lot, had been reviewed and approved since July 1. Total fees paid to the county were $200, and two exempt plats were signed outside of a planning board meeting.

In August, the board resumed discussion of the Subdivision Ordinance Article VII Sections 3-5. The discussions are aimed at updating its provisions.

In September, the Board approved a one-lot subdivision in Columbia Township. Clerk Sheryl Reynolds administered the oath of office to Steve Ralph [who succeeded Ray McClees]. The Board resumed discussion on the Subdivision Ordinance Article VII Sections 6-9, Article VIII Sections 1-3, and Articles IX and X.

Also in September, Tony Sawyer was elected chairman, succeeding Gail Lewis; and Butch Kirkman was elected vice-chairman, succeeding Sawyer.

No meeting was held in October because there was no new business to come before the Board.

In November, the Board started reviewing its recommended changes to the Subdivision Ordinance.

Board clerk Sheryl Reynolds spent approximately 30 hours since the last report answering or making phone calls on behalf of the planning board, assisting walk-in customers with planning board related issues, and the clerical duties that are a part of the planning board.

The planning board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the County Office Building located at 106 South Water Street. All meetings are open, and a public comment period is at the top of the agenda.

Board members are appointed by the county commissioners for three-year terms, beginning July 1. There are no term limits.

Members and their dates of first appointment are: Gail Lewis, April 2005; Tony Sawyer, March 2015; Butch Kirkman, July 2015; Roger Hudson, September 2016; and Steve Ralph, August 2017.

Hudson filled a vacancy, and his term expires June 30, 2018, as does Kirkman’s three-year appointment.