Business at the Holly Springs Town Council's Sept. 1 meeting included an update on North Main Athletic Complex construction, recognition of those who helped in police K9 Storm's care and recovery from a serious infection, and more.
North Main construction update
Parks and Recreation Department Director Len Bradley updated the council on construction progress at the North Main Athletic complex. Four outdoor basketball goals recently opened and join tennis courts, some of which also are used for pickleball. The Town's recreation football program is using the stadium field while soccer, lacrosse and other sports are being played at the complex.
Construction continues, and Bradley said soon additional features will be ready for public use at the complex, including:
- a modular office building with public restrooms
- a second set of restrooms for the stadium
- a concrete walkway replacing the asphalt walkway between the stadium and soccer fields
- enhancements along Main Street
He said the Town also is looking into the possibility of adding:
- fans for the spectator seating area
- sound system modifications
- a playground near the stadium that will offer children a safe place to play that also is protected from foul balls
Bradley noted the Salamander's successful first baseball season. With 29 home games, about 41,000 people attended ball games at the stadium, making the Salamander’s attendance fourth in the Coastal Plain League.
A ribbon cutting for the facility is planned for Oct. 29.
Councilman Hank Dickson said he'd spoken with a former Wilson Tobs player who said "no other stadium really comes close" to the North Main Athletic Complex.
K9 Storm
Also at the meeting, Police Chief John Herring updated the council on police K9 Storm, who is recovering from surgery stemming from a rare fungal infection. He thanked the Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve for funding to assist with Storm's medical costs, doctors from Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital, and a surgeon from Veterinary Specialty Hospital – all who helped with Storm's care and recovery.
Eagle Scouts, Thunderhawks lacrosse teams and Chamber of Commerce
The Youth Lacrosse System Thunderhawks, four lacrosse teams that call Holly Springs home, were recognized following a successful summer travel tournament season. The four teams swept the 2015 Shake N Bake tournament.
Eagle Scouts thanked the Town for support as they completed recent projects at and near Womble Park. Eagle Scout Dylan Minyard completed a patio at the Hunt Recreation Center overlooking the adjacent soccer fields. The patio holds two steel picnic tables. Eagle Scout Jake Meier cleared brush, poison ivy and brambles from a wooded 75x35-square-foot area containing a historic grave marker near the Womble Park baseball fields. Eagle Scout Jason Wilke completed a viewing deck near the baseball fields. About 40 Eagle Scouts have completed local projects in recent years.
"Forty Eagle Scouts in a town our size is ... truly a blessing," said councilman James Cobb.
Bradley thanked Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Jim Cannata for his help with the Eagle Scouts and said assisting scouts with projects is a pleasure.
Scott Manning, the new Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce executive director, introduced himself and briefed the council on chamber projects, including participating in a town bus tour and organizing a job fair. He described Holly Springs as a vibrant, dynamic, growing community.
Other meeting business
The council approved construction of a professional office building to be located on 10.45 acres at Green Oaks Parkway's intersection with Thomas Mill Rd. in the Holly Springs Business Park. The project was planned for a specific tenant, Rovisys, an automation and information solution company, which plans to relocate its regional offices from Apex to this location. The two-phase project would result in two buildings with a total of 60,350 square feet of office space.
The council approved $20,000 for design and creation of a construction bid package that will take a sewage pump station on Main Street at the entrance to the Omni Industrial Park off-line. The pump station has been in use for more than 20 years. Its flow will be rerouted into a gravity manhole.
The council approved $41,000 for a street pavement condition survey and rating to evaluate the 118 miles of roadway the town maintains. In addition to surveying the roadways, the project would result in a prioritization for repair and maintenance work.
The council approved $30,000 for a potable water supply evaluation to update water demand projections and plan for future infrastructure improvements.
The council authorized up to $190,592 for installing reclaimed waterline along a section of New Hill Road during ongoing Twelve Oaks road construction.
The council approved funding for the Jordan Lake Partnership agreement, a group of local towns and counties that supports long-range water planning. The council also approved a baseball stadium rental agreement at the North Main Athletic Complex with Wake Technical Community College.
The council and staff discussed solutions for deterring parents from picking up children attending the Holly Grove schools in the Autumn Park neighborhood, instead of using the carpool lines at the school parking lots. Council members said the current situation is unsafe for children leaving schools and drivers.