[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-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",[32,75,87,98,110,122],{"_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",6086667,"mediaKeyId","2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a","parentId",2894403,"title","Council sets town manager salary at $125,000 after closed session","audioSeconds",29,"startMs",8179000,"endMs",8208000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=8179&end=8208","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_8179000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086667/North-Carolina/Council-sets-town-manager-salary-at-125000-after-closed-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086667-d46e81b03491e11e2f105c6e7a8d27e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=lczeogxdy8hUAV6W1zbc-df1EdGX9Hn9NSzu~c2A41QJr0t~Pki7sbE-t08OGOEtyqzeS7C1J9FGdV-nNzLKkGhDECgWITW-Ol5QdtyAhLKNs-mEb5tKlttiTS040AvCguYgiBU0~jZXHJ~Pz9psWXC1-BFfUxSX~C54UOc~qPq3AG9j0cAebZ~T7JBrS8ljVieAVGfNepF84ZsqP1SSvu7WS0Y66DcWJAIUGIADxuRZaiBSBqUrowvbFkT43dQlHDwLuEyQ-toXAA9OOVvNLeunD6~dYnyT8HAXS2MeZ0f55qKwqvDzPH7AI65gSkxYnZ24HwxLgnIAeyqgBqxwfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-08T12:06:07.753Z","article","After returning from a closed session to discuss a personnel matter, the Town of Oak Ridge Board of Commissioners voted in open session to increase the town manager’s annual salary to $125,000.

Why it matters: Compensation changes for the town manager affect personnel costs and the town’s salary structure and will be reflected in budget documents and payroll processing.

Action taken
Council moved and seconded a motion to set the town manager’s salary at $125,000 per year; the motion passed with the mayor calling for the ayes. Council acknowledged that the change will require a budget adjustment and that staff will implement the payroll and budget modifications necessary to effect the change.

Transparency note
The salary matter was addressed in closed session consistent with personnel exceptions in state public‑records law; the subsequent open‑session motion recorded the council’s public action to set the salary.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting July 11, 2024","oneSentenceSummary","Following a closed session, the council voted in open session to increase the town manager’s salary to $125,000 per year and acknowledged that the adjustment will have budget implications.","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},6086671,"Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue warns of heat‑related emergencies and spike in calls",127,584000,711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=584&end=711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_584000.jpg","/articles/6086671/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-Fire-and-Rescue-warns-of-heatrelated-emergencies-and-spike-in-calls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086671-b29dce05ddedc7ec6a7a9d95726fefb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=RG3WVc2UpvRHWRYLpb6uYTbq0HYlcY5Qrko0Nmrjrux7dGGoc8m~HnD3FSELmlvWtPNc0zazWWyiOH5uHGTphF1LB~qdMuxnSky8MkkhZhyQFT5c9TrCMgxQRumKDD8Q-UNaQdmksTnRX87oAI1VUR4LiNIht-QmC1qYE4N31DLUyLTNZ017wQMpM1V7vSg5AfCM5nTMwoi2yTv8ckJG8wm~DpvCXATzZ8rYYrHUuoQSEzPPnqPr3MaGuixLI-u4ZLZi~-qkU~0f47v2B9tufoC5TjlxIstzIrYIKsCOWRIEf2jrtHF5AUUiQJNr1VW0qxp6id-8hDB01oEp6PfPzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sam Andrews, representing Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue, told the council the department has seen an unusual increase in calls over recent days, including multiple wrecks along I‑73, numerous fire and carbon monoxide alarms across the district, and heat‑related rescues where people collapsed while working outdoors.

Advice from the department
Andrews urged residents to:
- Be careful when driving, particularly on I‑73 and nearby roads; the department has responded to several wrecks.
- Take heat precautions when working outdoors: start early or late in the day, hydrate with water and electrolyte‑containing beverages, take frequent breaks and seek shade if sweating or cramping.
- Avoid burning yard waste when it is windy since ember spread can create fast‑moving fires.

Outcome
The report was informational. Fire staff recommended residents use caution and follow heat‑safety guidance; no formal council action was required.","Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue reported a recent uptick in calls, particularly traffic collisions on I‑73 and medical rescues tied to heat exposure. The department urged residents to hydrate, avoid yard burning when windy and take precautions during high heat and humidity.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086675,"Parks update: new MyRec online reservation system launches; Heritage Farm Park open; Canine Capers donations presented",0,5255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=5255&end=5255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_5255000.jpg","/articles/6086675/North-Carolina/Parks-update-new-MyRec-online-reservation-system-launches-Heritage-Farm-Park-open-Canine-Capers-donations-presented","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086675-aec6986ef6c99c48f134ed10d671d661/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=mLPNBAqbioJStubtMep2BkHlPu6~pngB5K-PGGUba9DBM-LvyvwLX3GeDjLGZqOyY~ZV7hT7Of5ZUdyzxuo8h8ae70kU3s9ACwpU2U-L9bh5KhvrGLgTqDOf0bd97Na4txYumJmcX9opAGv~471hNbPsmrrkzf-0KnA6HGcAjom8JtBMqnYZ4YZOxsYw8Lc3LsyshrwwDpsRaGJgZVvVbqr4n9uONzXx8C6ObpexaI9xuAxqUJOn5TsOyt0BW1T0PHdylM2igMTe8~AZn85jw05ivWtER3xrh9CmX~vE3FZUJ67EhhjyjJki2PI4jDPkU3HG9y0p~zLYEAa~Vj-BGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and recreation staff demonstrated MyRec, the town’s new online reservations system, and highlighted the opening of Heritage Farm Park and recent special events. Staff and volunteers also presented checks from the Canine Capers fundraising event.

Why it matters: The new reservation system should simplify facility bookings for residents and reduce staff administrative steps. Heritage Farm Park is now open for programmed events and casual use. The Canine Capers fundraiser provides modest local philanthropic support for animal rescues.

MyRec demonstration and features
Parks staff (Genevieve and Ashley Royal) demonstrated how residents can create accounts, view facility calendars, see fee schedules and request reservations for picnic shelters, the amphitheater and fields. The system requires first‑time users to create an account, shows calendar availability, and routes staff approvals and payment notifications through the system. ORYA (the youth association) was configured separately to accommodate stipend‑based payment flows. Staff said already several reservations had been processed through MyRec and that staff will evaluate public feedback (for example, calendar privacy and name display options).

Heritage Farm Park and Canine Capers
Staff reported that Heritage Farm Park is open and that a grand‑opening event recently occurred. Volunteers from the Canine Capers presentation said the April 28 event raised “close to $4,500” to $5,000 (figures described by volunteers as approximate) to benefit multiple rescue groups; representatives were presented checks at the meeting.

Outcome and next steps
Staff asked for public feedback on MyRec (including whether calendar entries should display renter names). Parks staff will make adjustments based on privacy and operational needs and continue monitoring usage and reservation workloads.","Parks staff demonstrated MyRec, a new online reservations tool for shelters, fields and the amphitheater; the council heard a presentation awarding proceeds from the Canine Capers event and staff said Heritage Farm Park is open and active with events.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086681,"Three bids exceed estimate for proposed elevated water tank; council schedules special meeting for financing review",189,5040000,5229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=5040&end=5229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_5040000.jpg","/articles/6086681/North-Carolina/Three-bids-exceed-estimate-for-proposed-elevated-water-tank-council-schedules-special-meeting-for-financing-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086681-5f337bf25316ae74dc05cfa4a407fcc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=Y2f~INesRLVwi0fNBip7k~~BSbqBu0mvgkzPDh2iJ7Mi4oQoc64P~IzgdVJo5NyynlsCFcOpDSkGSGo4Jop6VUxg6G7misiMTuxZlIj0TaTfUhuUCiwft9dMYjlaGMAdoJIlJoceIdAPBILo3iLIVLBXad7I5MORGiAESq5Rli~bcQn6F17hwFWM4pluD2GwB8WflnVN~RSqMioLdYz848ZSGlhzEZ-foA8v7mSXlqgMFn43hT8MM-1xyMKkVJxKojNMT4SrhXy6hyD06tJklnhk~RzdSGCVcjSdkgkV9u2N4LXjTm49JpulYBMSlwoZT8Uu9-Vle3M1VXJwBcY0uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council reviewed recently received bids for a proposed elevated water tank that will support future municipal water service and fire suppression. The apparent low bid and two higher bids were substantially above the town’s professional estimate; council members requested additional analysis and scheduled a special call meeting to examine funding options and bid qualifications.

Why it matters: The tank is a major capital project that could enable future municipal water connections and improve fire protection. Bids well above the estimate increase the town’s financing and scheduling questions.

Bids and estimate
- Bids received (apparent low bid and two others; bids were being qualified by the engineer at the time of the meeting): Caldwell Tanks — $3,383,000 (apparent low bid); Maguire — $3,656,000; Phoenix Fabricators — $3,767,000.
- Professional estimator’s prior estimate: $2,500,000. The bids are therefore roughly $800,000 above that earlier estimate.

Council discussion and next steps
Councilmembers and staff said the town would not vote on a contract until the bids had been qualified and additional due diligence was completed. Members emphasized the need to identify funding sources for both the tank and the associated water main that would connect it to customers. Staff proposed a special call meeting with representatives from the Water Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee to review options, cost implications and funding strategies.

Outcome
No contract was awarded at the meeting. Council agreed to schedule a special call meeting to review bid qualifications, financing options and the potential operating costs of the tank if it were built before a water main extended service to customers.","The town received three bids for a proposed elevated water tank that were substantially higher than the engineer’s earlier estimate. Council members requested further due diligence and agreed to convene a special meeting to examine financing options before any contract award.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086685,"Council delays decision on park‑entrance master plan after bids exceed budget",870,4106000,4976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=4106&end=4976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_4106000.jpg","/articles/6086685/North-Carolina/Council-delays-decision-on-parkentrance-master-plan-after-bids-exceed-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086685-8be83cb541e8dd3160d31620321b0c53/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=VNNB43jZYt-PehmoquPHBDZqTduX46CWmCAapzFeiiqfXe6aXGwzGfeIg8gBkW-QqsY2oZRvcEFTNVMtktnBod5gcvCvL4p-6Rm16ZRafWleZGCsKotVHlt0Fw0oah15iS0R-HmMdnR4kPwQHlrX8laAz6JbuQHgZIoljXSxncPDTJtUuf7xVv2jUc9RTku6bbK48Lo-bolwuTBVmrTGIk~svveXqoLdefbHb909muVFdHsd2TAxSFj-1698l213vMOrFrRGi7Ud2HoCBw4T0NJ2cMtDJ6SFkam0bI-ddudMl4P03~BHVD7IXbYPw~4cV1ylhjBhxYOfVIP1WQY-Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members reviewed three contractor bids for construction work tied to the Heritage Farm Park entrance master plan and agreed to continue the item to the next meeting for further review and discussion.

Why it matters: The entrance work surrounds the historic farmhouse, adds sidewalks and landscaping, and is the public face of the new park. The bids exceeded the town’s prior estimate and the council discussed scope reductions and next steps.

What staff presented and the bids
- Staff described a two‑part bid structure: a base scope (farmhouse area, perimeter sidewalks, small four‑space parking area including accessible space and a loading/unloading spot) and an additive alternate (a small parking lot on Lisa Drive).
- Low base bid: WC Construction — $208,000; additive alternate (Lisa Drive parking) $79,000. Other base bids were $223,000 and $256,000; alternates ranged $79,000–$97,000.
- The town had budgeted $150,000 for this phase based on an estimate from the landscape architect roughly 15 months earlier.

Discussion and options
Council and staff discussed one high‑impact reduction offered by the apparent low bidder: removing the electrical conduit and ground‑mounted bollards from the base bid would reduce the base price by about $45,000 and reduce the alternate price by about $9,000. Staff said solar bollards could provide similar illumination without conduit and that the town could separately engage a local electrical contractor for a lower‑cost solution if needed. Councilmembers expressed concern about missing items if further cuts were made and noted additional landscaping around the house had not been fully costed.

Outcome
Council voted to continue consideration of the contract to the next regular meeting to allow additional review, cost comparisons and possible engagement with the town’s electric utility. No contract was awarded at this meeting.

Context and next steps
Staff will return with more information on value engineering, an electrical plan with cost estimates (including potential solar options), and any recommended scope adjustments. Council members asked that the item be discussed again next month and suggested the possibility of seeking other local contractors or alternate procurement approaches.","Three bids for the Heritage Farm Park entrance master plan came in above the town’s estimate. Council discussed value‑engineering options, including removing electrical conduit and mounting solar lights, and voted to continue consideration to the next regular meeting.",{"_33":123,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":124,"_41":125,"_43":126,"_45":127,"_47":128,"_49":129,"_51":130,"_53":131,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":132,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":133,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086690,"Oak Ridge council approves zoning changes, appointments and finance measures; manager pay increased after closed session",7924,272000,8196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a&start=272&end=8196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894403-3a431f68565a50a7d1cb032772d3496a/thumbnail_272000.jpg","/articles/6086690/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-approves-zoning-changes-appointments-and-finance-measures-manager-pay-increased-after-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086690-c12318d92b4584434a81defce6aa294a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770942281&Signature=k5pjspYlhgRyR4v-tCZEVOkmZJRVsYeWMKnjcURiFotIj-aulM35dPkHUvY5dym4Fa4zacJn9lVHMdh4xFNcobt7XD-8VOiX~LCaIqZtVwKuXPyfl0KHoVzcPpNkLLM0Z-TBWumoyKI0~KCmbybqA2PMAOy9h0dJLJFCCwps1TOWUClofwH0rVQ7XpRvea79vJXdRRNsWetvz-EwSZHYBDehq2iPfiG6TPyUZpwmCAtQ1~qILztjoVun~8iTEWp3LJSrvd7N9hA6s-AMpuhs4Nl5uTCyqU1HoIU9S57jiG3fIhgjZwKVitWQVfrUtK5FpAsZ6UUrCCsg-VcZ7RHVmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge Board of Commissioners voted on a package of zoning, appointments and finance items during its regular meeting. The council approved a text amendment to accessory‑building setbacks, two rezoning requests, reappointed and named volunteers to boards, approved several routine finance items and later set the town manager's salary following a closed session.

Why it matters: The zoning votes will change permitting for small outbuildings on rural properties and allow development proposals that had been pending. The finance votes — including a contract for the town audit and a modest budget amendment — set the town’s near‑term accounting and grant‑compliance posture.

Key votes and action summaries
- Text amendment (Article 7, Division 3 — accessory buildings): Council approved a change allowing side and rear setbacks to be reduced to 5 feet for accessory buildings 600 square feet or less on qualifying larger parcels (applicant request described in staff report). Outcome: approved (motion made and seconded; ayes recorded). The public hearing had no opposition.
- Rezoning, case 24‑02 (8525 Linville Road): The council approved rezoning described in the staff report; the planning board had previously recommended approval 3–2. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Rezoning (portion of 2101 Oak Ridge / Linville Road parcel to Limited Business): Council approved rezoning of the western portion of the property to Limited Business (staff recommended approval; planning board 5–0). Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Reappointment and appointment: Michael Bell was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment; Paul Magna Bosco was appointed as an alternate to the Water Advisory Committee. Outcome: approved (motions adopted; ayes recorded).
- Unsealing closed session minutes (11/02/2023): Motion to unseal the specified closed session minutes was approved. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Restricted funds moves: Council approved moving unspent amounts in several grant/restricted accounts (including Veterans Honor Green funds and a $20,000 conservation easement line item) into or out of restricted funds as described by staff. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Finance officer engagement/contract: Council approved the annual engagement letter for the town’s finance officer/firm, with an hourly rate increase described by staff. Staff said the contract change would not require a budget amendment. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Budget amendment: The council approved a modest budget amendment (~$19,160) largely to cover increases tied to special events and related adjustments identified in the finance report. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).
- Audit contract: Council approved the town’s annual audit engagement with the auditor identified in the staff packet. Outcome: approved (motion adopted; ayes recorded).

Meeting context and process notes
Several votes followed public hearings and staff presentations. For land‑use items, staff summarized the planning‑board findings and the council stated that it adopted the planning board’s written consistency statement by reference when voting. In most cases the transcript records only that council members voted “aye” and the mayor declared the motion carried. Where specific vote counts or roll‑call records were not read into the public record, the minutes do not list individual yes/no votes.

Quotations
Council members and staff framed votes as routine and based on staff and planning‑board review. For example, the maker of the rezoning motion said the planning board had provided a written consistency statement and the council “concurs and adopts the planning board’s finding of consistency.”

What happens next
Approved zoning amendments and rezoning ordinances will be implemented as directed by staff and recorded in the town’s zoning and land‑use files. Finance and audit contracts will proceed under the terms approved; staff will return with any required follow‑up actions if additional budget adjustments or contract qualifications are needed.","The Town of Oak Ridge Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine and land‑use votes including a text amendment to accessory‑building setbacks, two rezoning requests, appointments to town boards and several finance motions. Council later approved a salary increase for the town manager after a closed session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council sets town manager salary at $125,000 after closed session

Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue warns of heat‑related emergencies and spike in calls

Parks update: new MyRec online reservation system launches; Heritage Farm Park open; Canine Capers donations presented

Three bids exceed estimate for proposed elevated water tank; council schedules special meeting for financing review

Council delays decision on park‑entrance master plan after bids exceed budget

Oak Ridge council approves zoning changes, appointments and finance measures; manager pay increased after closed session