Leaf pickup to begin soon in Burlington
Comet staff report

Public Works Commissioner Les Johnson reported at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Burlington Town Council that dirt and weeds have been cleaned from street curbs. He also reported that Ron Carman is tentatively scheduled to begin maintenance work at the wastewater treatment plant. Concrete and building repairs will be done as well.

Leaf pickup will begin soon, and information has been mailed to Burlington residents.

President Bob Davis advised that due to the county's financial condition, the Carroll County Animal Control Program may end on Dec. 31 due to lack of available funds.

Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Dyer, Burlington's representative on the Carroll County Animal Control Board, reported that board is scrambling to develop an alternative plan. They are contacting all local and county government entities to survey interest for an independent program.

The Council will not commit until estimated costs are presented. Dyer indicated that she will report back at the October Council meeting.

Positive public feedback has been received regarding additional police protection. Davis said that reports are on file showing various hours that the town is being covered and those files are available for public inspection.

Davis commended Marshal Jill Hammond and Deputy Kevin Hammond for completing FEMA Continuing Education Training.

Park board representative Ruth Ann Lewis reported recent work being done included the sealing of pavement, installation of ornamental lamp posts, striping for parking, and water and electrical lines installed at the new shelter house.

Davis said that he and Dyer will participate in a program to work with the Census Bureau to correct Burlington residents' addresses that have been a problem in recent years. He emphasized the importance of having correct census information and how it affects local government.

Davis advised that the 2008 budget was adopted. The town was found to be in total compliance in a recent State Board of Accounts audit. Davis commented that auditors were pleased with the town's records and complimented Dyer.

Kiwanis Club's request to use the town's tax exempt status for a local grant was approved.

Ken Smith, Municipal Civil Corporation, provided upcoming available grant information.

Dyer reported that a new Dell computer and printer have been received through a grant from the State Court Administration for the judge's use, at no cost to the town.

The next meeting will be Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.