[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6087513,"mediaKeyId","2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78","parentId",2889660,"title","Oak Ridge adopts market-based pay adjustments covering 11 positions with $22,933 budget impact; town manager’s range left for later discussion","audioSeconds",220,"startMs",3580000,"endMs",3800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78&start=3580&end=3800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78/thumbnail_3580000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087513/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-adopts-market-based-pay-adjustments-covering-11-positions-with-22933-budget-impact-town-managers-range-left-for-later-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087513-7c49ddb753840875cdddf9544e24ae26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026645&Signature=A7E1nf6rjr4~O2Ua6DWLddR9XQ5PBcj~wkeXvJ8W3cgES~gmDtFzk6zKp7TyGCBhiN3M4z10ZNNGIycxvn~aK0mMMxgDuHfnVkEhPCSje0hpo-UD1pntvdBwLIopQn8SW2xjKRUAjCcChfeplC81VZLfmdjG42VodTGScfVHEQ-P4RxBIr~Y--kLR1QaQbJxzB0hOKhwVaGPS605Zf0BXNQQvduOVZDvAU9mwa-JPfWPtjwqraLCzZ2Mdp-NbqdSYlhSXSIC1fogkJuRwGsGgV99dX1MUGGVjQbRqTtE6q6ZygXad9VVpysGwVeAkyxPmFCjDqn-LwflbrJhgq30eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-07T04:09:41.3Z","article","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council approved staff-recommended, market-based adjustments to the town pay plan that will affect 11 positions and carry an estimated fiscal-year budget impact of approximately $22,933 (salaries plus benefits), following a presentation from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC).

Ann Taylor of PTRC presented methodology and comparative market data showing recommended grade adjustments intended to keep the town’s entry-level rates close to market averages. Town staff summarized deliverables provided in the report, including comparative tables and recommended grade adjustments and showed the estimated compensation impact if the council approves the changes.

Council action: Council approved the proposed grade adjustments and the associated budget amendment to implement them. Council members agreed to defer any immediate adjustment to the town manager’s pay range and to consider that separately at a later meeting; the manager’s range was excluded from the current approval at his and some council members’ request.

Why it matters: The adjustment aims to keep municipal pay ranges competitive to recruit and retain qualified staff. The council discussed the limited scope of the change (11 positions), the conservative 2.5% per-grade adjustment approach, and the choice to treat the town manager salary separately.

Ending: Council approved the adjustments and instructed staff to implement the changes within the adopted budget; separate discussion of the town manager’s compensation was scheduled for a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting April 3rd 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Following a market study by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Oak Ridge council approved recommended adjustments that affect 11 positions with a fiscal impact of about $22,933; council deferred any immediate change to the town manager’s pay range for separate consideration.","taxTitle","Town of Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina","taxId",57591,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087518,"Oak Ridge awards Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 construction contract to Parker Construction with contingency cap",934,2605000,3539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78&start=2605&end=3539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","/articles/6087518/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-awards-Veterans-Honor-Green-Phase-2-construction-contract-to-Parker-Construction-with-contingency-cap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087518-9a25e1f5a84ee133239572fe5275d6e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026645&Signature=FIGAjn6gwrGXwWlOzgxioAOclCBKJuX-4oiZPmihYxhoTfiQBfqb0AE6UoSy8JJompd9bq7-416zdPuQfzRbEcM0klXf-vy02B3d598rpoajb6jA7yG9YvA-ZrpZuM7MZ37nBnY0tR1pPXa8mLjCTu68ujfNVUEAyTUA-Ig4d0MIl3Al-ON9oKYU5xmtcvb57PEYoAVesKNzP4CKfD3cIK4-1x0GcZPrSaUiyUHvnqOG3WmesQaviUofwP79qx0OdWjnMFpKVVs9R6J6dkQoBauC1nuCrLSsRzkSja6H0pyJXMeg41aYNQp14M9KTPRvQfbt29aRkEzzrs7nWXYULA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge awarded the Phase 2 construction contract for the Veterans Honor Green to Parker Construction and approved a contingency structure so the project remains within the budget previously allocated by council.

Staff reported the town received four bids. The lowest responsible bid was $72,800; after value-engineering discussions with the landscape architect the scope was revised and a negotiated contract sum of $66,200 was presented. Town staff said the town had $50,000 budgeted in the current fiscal year and special-events fundraising had added $20,180, giving a total budget available of $70,180.

Council voted to approve the contract with Parker Construction at $66,200 and to authorize a contingency limited so the total would not exceed $70,180. Councilmembers discussed the contingency amount — some favored the standard 10% contingency, others supported capping to meet the existing budget. The motion to approve the contract with a contingency cap not to exceed the $70,180 budget passed by roll call after procedural reconsideration; the measure carried with the required supermajority present.

Why it matters: The contract awards construction of the memorial park’s second phase — including boardwalk and other elements — and secures available funds raised by the town and the special-events committee. The contingency cap means change orders will be limited to keep spending within the adopted fiscal allocation, though council and staff said additional funds could be considered if the special-events committee raises more money.

Contract details: Parker Construction contract amount $66,200 (negotiated alternate). Staff recommended a 10% contingency for change orders; council ultimately approved a contingency limit that brought the total not to exceed the $70,180 available in the budget. The town’s landscape architect vouched for the proposed alternate anchoring approach for the boardwalk and said it should be protective of nearby pine trees.

Ending: Staff said work could begin in May or June and be completed in about 60 days; council authorized the town manager to proceed within the approved budget and contingency limit.","Council awarded a construction contract for Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 to Parker Construction and approved a contingency capped to keep the total within the budgeted $70,180.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087523,"Oak Ridge council approves $10,000 design contract for Heritage Farm Park phase 2 amid debate over tennis vs. pickleball",974,2321000,3295000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78&start=2321&end=3295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78/thumbnail_2321000.jpg","/articles/6087523/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-approves-10000-design-contract-for-Heritage-Farm-Park-phase-2-amid-debate-over-tennis-vs-pickleball","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087523-3e84079bbeda27e1121f7582d84afefb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026645&Signature=DQvdNu2N5FDfkApi72d7WadwtuKNMQlJ5JbyvY5BwQoQED6WrXBfTKC73kSoE-7U5IUEAvMMEofe-ZGBHst3i04jplMdwp-uoOnVrkAkjzyg-fXB4ND2im~QO1ZRRXFeh0artLOfvBgtzx34cR651nYxolu-~-VENsy2at1MRWPihLqkIFBq5dlPb3OcIPCnuH3d4YkVKa58fDgErz~h02KtPhbTHJqAjvsvCN~QM0jzBGmkZMDEUMgAlo5nFvuZkUHKS12AaV7qw90mXrmwur0TiHmuYcF324whzVv4G6pPjW~cMl4DmPNgLURk-roCJP3QZ4wbNCJcRv72LzcmIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council voted to approve a proposal from McGill Associates to prepare a conceptual design and needs survey for Phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park, awarding the firm a $10,000 lump-sum design contract expected to be completed in 90 days.

Council also adopted the town’s 2025–26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at the same meeting. Councilmembers discussed how phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park—identified in prior master plans to include courts and other recreation facilities—should proceed amid limited funds and differing resident priorities.

Why it matters: Phase 2 design will determine the configuration and estimated costs of courts and other amenities, and the design will be used to seek grants and to inform budget and borrowing decisions. Several councilmembers said they wanted a design before committing to construction funding; others urged faster action to meet public interest in pickleball.

What the council approved: Bill Bruce, town staff, described the McGill scope as including a site assessment, a community recreation-needs survey, a stakeholder design workshop and a final conceptual design with cost estimates. Councilmember Stone and others said the design will answer outstanding questions about whether to provide tennis courts, pickleball courts or both, appropriate surfacing, drainage and noise-mitigation. Councilmember Snyder urged the council to withhold larger spending decisions until the design and reliable cost estimates are available. The motion to approve the McGill proposal passed by voice vote; council then approved the CIP document for 2025–26.

Cost and schedule: The design contract is $10,000 with a 90-day scope. Council members noted that construction costs could be hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the final layout; funding for the phase remains to be identified and could require grants or borrowing. Bruce said the design will be more detailed than a schematic but will not be sufficient alone to put the project out to construction bid; further engineering would be required if council decides to proceed beyond the conceptual stage.

Community input and concerns: Councilmembers and residents raised noise concerns associated with pickleball and worried about prior courts that required expensive repairs when not built to appropriate standards. Some residents and commenters encouraged quick action to provide courts for older residents; others urged patience to ensure durability and to avoid future renovation costs.

Ending: Council authorized the McGill Associates design contract and approved the CIP. Staff will return with the design outcomes and cost estimates that council members said are needed before committing to construction funding.","Council approved a $10,000 contract with McGill Associates to design phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park and adopt the town’s 2025–26 capital improvement plan; councilmembers debated the need for a community survey, costs and whether to prioritize tennis or pickleball courts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087528,"Residents urge Oak Ridge Town Council to oppose Williams Transco pipeline expansion, deliver petition and resolution",6298,836000,7134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78&start=836&end=7134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889660-215c2dd509353f71aa1ce8de754b2c78/thumbnail_836000.jpg","/articles/6087528/North-Carolina/Residents-urge-Oak-Ridge-Town-Council-to-oppose-Williams-Transco-pipeline-expansion-deliver-petition-and-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087528-efcb42b0401100a27cae6167491a2694/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026645&Signature=L7quqd0DcOHaXRgmEvHr2rNzeXPiAHWCrqFfnh9Z-YaK5e1DLPOrU48CU9aOnwqwroJKyUEa2gcJzREd4p2hdgZ8cYD3tY7wZFqSbJ0tva9s-2q1MHBeWet1MnPlGRM4gRehlztUHw1-moPk2AA45cA9Y50a4K7-643MuxrBj4Yid7jY1ShGzMQw3BtkDL4QMF4ggi~RdR7RwoAI63gcsx1H-mqf8EDPHrO4RWgigu1PJLkQ9XQqlOfKOLuxn4Cd~17SBZR7N8NZ5n35LHfNjPiP3SDhpLvhqc8WOD5J2gEOnFIBP8qWs11LQ1asIrNlTM1xc4f81Mpp9ENUl0o9UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents of Oak Ridge urged the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council to adopt a formal resolution opposing the Williams Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project and asked council to vote on a resolution at its next meeting.

Speakers at the public-comment period said the proposed pipeline expansion would run through or adjacent to neighborhoods, parks, churches and schools and raised safety, water contamination, property-value and historic-preservation concerns. Claire Spear, an organizer and advocacy professional from Hillsborough, presented a draft resolution and a 17-page petition of signatures she said were gathered locally and asked council to place the resolution on next month’s agenda. Spear read a core paragraph of the draft: \"Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved by the Oak Ridge Town Council that in consideration of the concerns shared above, that the Oak Ridge Town Council is recorded as being opposed to the Southeast supply enhancement project entering and being installed in Oak Ridge.\" (Claire Spear, public comment.)

Why it matters: Residents said the project would affect many daily uses of town property and private wells and posed what they described as public-safety and environmental risks. Multiple speakers cited the age of existing pipeline infrastructure, concerns about excavation near streams and ponds, and potential effects on property values and historic sites. Several asked the council to act beyond listening — to use its municipal authority and public voice to press for alternatives, additional study or compensation if the project proceeds.

What residents said: Ron Ray, who identified himself as a homeowner, described the prospect of land scarring and tree removal along a right-of-way and warned of a possible chilling effect on home values and business investment. Jane Foy, who identified herself as a pediatrician, said she was concerned about water contamination risks to children during installation and if a leak occurred. Chuck Salvin cited a 1,100-foot “blast zone” figure for a 36-inch pipe and said he lives within that distance; he urged the council to join residents in asking for protections or pursuing other options. Several faith leaders, including Reverend Shelby Miles of St. James AME and a representative of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, said their congregations opposed the expansion on safety and stewardship grounds.

Council response and next steps: Councilmembers discussed whether the item should be scheduled for fuller council debate. Councilmember Snyder said she would like a fuller discussion and asked for an environmental-impact-type review; she encouraged placing the matter on a future agenda out of respect for residents’ concerns. Several speakers, including Claire Spear and Deborah Sembala (who helped draft the resolution), asked the council to vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting so the town’s position could be shared with Guilford County and federal regulators. No formal council resolution or ordinance was adopted during the meeting; the request to place the item on a future agenda was made at the dais.

Context and limitations: Speakers referenced federal and state processes, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North Carolina statutory requirements; Claire Spear asked the council to request that FERC consider protections for water sources and to urge Williams Transco to investigate a no-build alternative. Councilmembers noted that some aspects of pipeline siting and federal approval fall outside municipal authority. Speakers also called on the town to press for remediation or replacement of an existing pipeline they said is more than 70 years old.

Ending: The council did not vote on a formal resolution at this meeting. Residents handed the council multiple printed copies of a draft resolution and a petition and asked the mayor and council to include a vote on a resolution opposing the project on next month’s agenda.","Dozens of residents pressed the Town of Oak Ridge to adopt a formal resolution opposing the proposed Williams Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement pipeline expansion through town property, delivering a petition and asking the council to put a vote on next month’s agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Ridge adopts market-based pay adjustments covering 11 positions with $22,933 budget impact; town manager’s range left for later discussion

Oak Ridge awards Veterans Honor Green Phase 2 construction contract to Parker Construction with contingency cap

Oak Ridge council approves $10,000 design contract for Heritage Farm Park phase 2 amid debate over tennis vs. pickleball

Residents urge Oak Ridge Town Council to oppose Williams Transco pipeline expansion, deliver petition and resolution