Bailey Board of Commissioners holds lengthy session

BAILEY — A wide-ranging agenda led to more than two hours of open session when the Bailey Board of Commissioners met last week.

Among the major topics discussed during the July 15 meeting were ongoing concerns about wastewater management, reports from a recent walking audit, a law enforcement promotion and a land use controversy involving a home on the east end of Main Street.

ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS, WASTEWATER

Commissioners voted in unanimous fashion to approve a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Walter Wells to fold text amendments to the town’s planning and zoning ordinance — in addition to its general ordinance — into minutes of the board and individual ordinances that are posted online.

“The public record ought to reflect what we voted on,” Wells said of the policy change.

Also discussed was the need to repair the electrical wiring at Well No. 1, a sewer replacement on Elm Street and new valves for the spray heads at the town’s sewage treatment plant.

Long-running partners Envirolink and Top Notch Lawn Care were commended on their efforts to help the town manage lingering site complexities.

“We’re better than we were, we’re just not at the — we’re not at the end yet,” Wells remarked.

WALKING AUDIT

Miss Teen Bailey Taryn Reams and Paige Strickland presented findings from a walking audit that took place on April 6.

The report cited ease of food access, health and safety resources, restaurants, civic events, historical connections, opportunities for physical activity and schools as positives, while listing pathways, street crossings, traffic and safety as areas that need improvement.

The duo also suggested a reduced speed limit around Bailey Elementary School in addition to flashing caution lights and sidewalk signs to alert motorists of foot traffic in the area.

CONE EARNS PROMOTION

Longtime police sergeant Andy Cone was promoted to the rank of lieutenant by unanimous vote, making him a full-time member of the Bailey Police Department.

“Andy’s got 25 years of experience — he knows Bailey, he knows the citizens. He’s well liked in town,” Chief Adam Gelo said of Cone’s pedigree. “I think his enforcement skills speak for themselves — he uses good judgment, good discretion and understands what we’re trying to do as a department.”

Bailey’s rank structure now includes a chief, a lieutenant and two sergeants in supervisory roles.

TO BE OR NOT TO AIRBNB?

Perhaps the evening’s most discussed topic was a home situated near the intersection of Main and Deans streets that currently operates as an Airbnb rental property — or venue package, as presented by Code Enforcement Officer Shawn Lucas — in association with the neighboring Tu Casa Events Center.

“It’s not included in our zoning ordinance, from what I’m understanding,” Wells said of the property. “But he’s gonna operate as a bed and breakfast while he waits to get a text amendment done?”

Discussion ensued, centered primarily around a right and true definition of the marketplace concept, its standing within the North Carolina General Assembly and whether Airbnb bookings qualify as a temporary lease agreement, a rental or something else entirely.

Following much back-and-forth, the commissioners yielded to Lucas, who expressed a desire to  have more discussion with Town Attorney Mark Edwards before charting a course of action.

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