Update of August 3, 2010 Board Meeting

The montly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen had it's ups and downs, but for the most part it was business as usual. The City of Lumberton is still wading through the issues of water bills, and they are trying to find out why we are having so many problems with the reading of the water meters. Our city clerk, Stephanie Mullings, was in top format last night. I must commend her on the way she handled the issue that was presented to the board. She quoted her reason as well as the state law supporting her reason for the changes that were made. However, I think there is a flaw in the law because it should just classify snow-ball stands as transient businesses and not mention anything about being in operation for six months. Because there was a valid question that arose from this matter, and it was How does the city know that this person is only operating for six months? Also, I would like to commend Alderman Rogers on how he stood up for the City of Lumberton. While others were campaigning for the Lamar County officials, Quincy called a spade a spade. He stated that the decisions that were made at the county level were malicious and not in the best interest for the citizens of Lumberton. He stated that he is tired of the county using the City of Lumberton as a political punching bag, and that this city, as a whole, should attend the next Lamar County Board of Supervisors meeting to demand some answers. For those of you that read my post from yesterday, you know that I made some predictions about how the meeting would go, and for the most part, I was correct. But there was one agenda item that still has me scratching my head. Alderman Johnson called for the reorganization of the Lumberton Planning and Zoning Committee. He stated that his reasons were because city officials have not been involved in the meetings of the LPZC and that city officials needed to set some goals for the committee to follow. Like Nell stated at the meeting last night, this move appears personal. Last month, Crider wanted to disband the LPZC and this month Johnson wants to reorganize the LPZC, but neither wanted to compensate the LPZC for the work they do. Interesting. I'm confused as to what type of reorganization he want to make within the LPZC, and it's ridiculous to think that an elected officials would want to put an end to the Planning and Zoning Ordinance, which would essentially leave the city open for any and everything. This city paid a lot of money to get a comprehensive plan and it is in place for the next 25 years. Now, during my stint on the LPZC, I was not pleased with many of the items that were included in the comprehensive plan. For instance, the issue regarding manufactured homes. I felt that since we live in a small, Southern city, that we should be more flexible in regards to manufactured homes. I don't know if that was something Alderman Johnson wanted to reorganize or not because I didn't get a clear understanding of his motive for the agenda item. The comprehensive plan is somewhat restrictive, but the members of the LPZC have the authority to recommend a variance for certain businesses and home owners, but a variance can not be given when businessmen take it upon themselves and start storing and selling products without getting approval from the LPZC and from the Board of Aldermen.