The City of Pinehurst has a new alderman. The City Council unanimously appointed Dr. Michael Shahan to the council during its meeting Tuesday night. Shahan retired just over a year ago as the president of Lamar State College Orange.
Shahan is excited to be asked to serve his city of Pinehurst where he has lived about 21 years. “I’m very pleased that the city asked me to do this I hope I can be some help. I’m looking forward to learning what it’s all about,” Shahan commented.
As the new alderman Shahan takes the place on the council of his friend Dan Mohon who was appointed the mayor of Pinehurst in October. T. W. Permenter was also appointed to replace Mohon as the mayor pro-tem during Tuesday’s meeting.
The City Council conducted an evaluation of City Administrator Robbie Hood in a closed executive session. After reconvening in open session, the council approved a new contract for Hood.
Recognition of a longtime member of the Pinehurst Volunteer Fire Department was given to Captain and Chaplain Randy Anding. Fire Chief Shon Branham presented a plaque and a gift card to Anding for his 36 years of service as a first responder. Anding is retiring in the near future.
The City Council approved a resolution condemning a property at 924 28th Street. A public hearing conducted by Code Enforcement Officer Harry Vine showed the property has no utilities, has damage to various structures, and is filled with debris. The approved resolution gives the owner 90 days to either demolish the structure or perform extensive rehab on it.
An exception to the RV Ordinance was granted by the City Council. A property on Lark Street has a RV on it being occupied by family members whose home and business were affected by the flooding from Imelda. Vine did recommend approving the exception for 90 days which should allow the family to get back on their feet.
As city administrator Hood was approved by the council to begin the procurement process for engineering and administrative services on a General Land Office’s Community Development Block Mitigation Grant. A committee was appointed to develop a scope of work and later make recommendations to the council concerning the grant funds being awarded. Hood, City Secretary Debbie Cormier, and Council Member Sarah McClendon will be on the committee.
The city’s Emergency Management Coordinator Fred Hanauer recommended an agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. for debris monitoring services in the aftermath of the Imelda disaster. The council approved Hanauer’s recommendation.
Pinehurst is allotted 26 votes to cast for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Appraisal District. The City Council cast all of the city’s votes for its alderman T. W. Permenter who is one of the candidates.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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