Lake Waccamaw held a brief monthly meeting to kick off the new year. At the first 2024 session, town leaders set a date for the public hearing for the land use plan developed in conjunction with the Cape Fear Council of Governments (COG). Discussions and motions about a 401K plan for town employees and lighting at Elizabeth Brinkley Park were also topics of the evening.
A land use plan is in motion for the area for the first time in 20 years. Lake Waccamaw has been working closely with the COG to make decisions regarding the use of property owned by the town.
“The final touches are being put on that this week, so we need to set that meeting out for about two weeks from now,” expressed Town Manager Damon Kempski.
The board voted to have a public hearing on Friday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., and documentation will be available to those interested in the plan at Town Hall.
The lighting at Elizabeth Brinkley Park maybe costing the Lake at upwards of about $300 per month, but it’s a bill they are willing to pay for local Dixie Youth ball players.
Commissioner Karl Bracey has proposed a contract that outlines the use of amenities at the park that could possibly save the town some extra costs in the long run.
“This is a way we, as a town, can safeguard ourselves where the park is concerned,” he stated.
The agreement suggests that traveling ball teams and organizations gain preapproval for events by filling out forms at Town Hall. They must have the appropriate insurance and present a copy to town officials. Upon approval, keys will be given out to unlock the concession stand, press boxes, and lights. Anyone other than Dixie Youth ball teams will be charged a $75 a day fee for the use of the park and will be asked to sign a waiver. The fee will help offset the power bill at the recreational facility, and breaker boxes for lighting will be locked and secured when otherwise not in use.
A motion was made to accept Bracey’s recommendation, and it was passed unanimously by the board.
A 401K plan for town employees will begin as soon as possible at Lake Waccamaw. Town Clerk Meredith Parker crunched some numbers and found that $13,000 would come from the municipality’s general fund, $9,000 would come from the water and sewer fund, and 3 percent would need to be contributed by the staff member to match the plan.
Commissioners Theresa McKeithan and Terry Littrell were delighted to hear the good news, and Littrell made a motion to accept Parker’s findings.
“I’m for it,” commented McKeithan.
“This is for the folks. This for our people, and it’s a whole different story to me,” said Littrell.
The motion passed with flying colors, thus making retirement benefits a reality for Lake Waccamaw employees.
