On Thursday, the Robbins Board of Commissioners thanked the fire and police departments for a successful Farmers Day.
“Everything went smooth,” said Commissioner Nikki Bradshaw. “Sunday morning, we came through town, and it looked like we had nothing. That is how it’s been for every Farmers Day that I can remember. They do such a great job, and thank you to everyone involved.”
Town Manager Clint Mack thanked the Robbins Police for making several key arrests before the annual event.
“RPD spent about two weeks gathering intel, crunching warrants, crunching data, and targeting packages of problem people and getting them locked up before the event,” said Mack. “Knowing who they were and knowing where the drugs might infect literally becomes a sales initiative, and busting them before the event is what being proactive does.”
In other business, Mack discussed meeting with members of the Ellie Jean Project. The Ellie Jean Project’s mission is to build parks for all by building playgrounds for children with disabilities and non-disabled children. They upgraded parks at Carthage Elementary School and Hillcrest Park.
“Their final project after six years, and they want to do it in Robbins,” said Mack. “They like Milliken. They know it needs upgrading. We have money aside, and we have equipment, and they want to be a part of it. They have committed the rest of their funds and hooked us up with the Kiwanis Club in Southern Pines, who has offered to match it.” They will present to the board in the near future.
The board of commissioners voted to approve three ARPA budget amendments. Mack requested to use the ARPA funds for the library and public works.
The library asked for funds for bathroom repairs, including changing tables. They also requested funds for brickwork repair and a supplemental salary for a cleaning person. “Stuff like changing tables should be in there if they are going to have parents there,” said Mack.
The public works department needs new equipment. “The chlorinator went out a few weeks ago,” said Mack. “We are supplementing it by hand, and it’s time extensive. Repairing the lab’s roof that needs to be temperature-controlled is another requirement of the public works department. One public works’ truck that was purchased in 2007 broke down last week, bringing the department down to two trucks and a dump truck. The purchase of a $37,000 Ford Ranger would give the department three trucks. We would use the other trucks for maintenance and the Ford Ranger more for meter reading.”
A public hearing was called for three amendments. The town is discussing zoning for slaughterhouses, accessory structures, and industrial use. The public hearing will be on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Robbins Fire Department.
The town delayed repairing sidewalk trip hazards until next year after a water line project. The water line project would replace some sidewalks.
“We’re going to save a lot of money if we wait until next year, but I know we have an affordable sidewalk project for downtown,” said Mack.
“Would it be worth doing some that won’t be torn up?” asked Bradshaw. Mack explained it would be about half, and the company would like to do an entire project.
Commissioner Lonnie English brought up potholes on Rockingham Street and Virginia Ave. They worked on Virginia Ave. last year; the plan is to have more holes filled this month.
Police Chief Ben Haddock recognized an outgoing officer. They recognized Officer William Jackson for his dedication and one year of service with the department. Jackson, who was hired on Aug. 3, 2022, completed his last day on August 5. Jackson is leaving to attend highway patrol school.
“He has done outstanding,” said Haddock. “He has become a better officer. He went to officer safety school. He has gotten drugs off the streets and drunks off the street. He has been an all-around community officer.”
Feature photo: Robbins Board of Commissioners during its meeting on Aug. 10.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
