It is official. There will be an $8.5 million Community Parks Bond referendum on the November 2012 ballot. Personally, I hope you all will vote yes. The bond will be paid for out of the Town’s Capital Reserve, so it will not cost you anything extra.

On the Indian Trail citizen survey in 2008 parks were very high on the citizens’ wishes, and again on the survey of 2010. Indian Trail owns the land for a 51-acre park and also for a 140-acre park, in which you will get greenways where you can walk, jog, run and cycle.

In the larger park the greenway could be about  miles long. There also is the possibility of sports fields, a splash pond and playground for the children. The Indian Trail newsletter asked for input from you, the residents, so you can help design these two future parks.

Carolina Courts have agreed to purchase 3 acres of the 51-acre provisionally named Chestnut Park. Carolina Courts will start to grade the land this fall and by next summer the new building will be ready. The new building will be about 5,000 square feet – larger than the present building. Carolina Courts will attract roughly 150,000 visitors to Indian Trail annually, and combined with the roughly 600,000 patrons the Sun Valley 14 Theatre will attract, it will give a large economic lift to Indian Trail.

Severin Jacobsen
Indian Trail

Editor’s Note: Union County Weekly accepts Letters to the Editor on timely, local issues in western Union County. Email letters to Mike Parks at news@unioncountyweekly.com. Letters will be edited for grammar and length, and not all letters will be used.

I wanted to voice my opinion concerning the Marvin Creek gate and the attempt by a few residents to dissolve the township.

First, Marvin was founded primarily for one reason: to prevent the possible annexation of the area by Waxhaw and to a lesser extent Charlotte. These individuals did not want services.

Second, the land that your home resides on was farmed by one of these individuals and he became the first mayor of Marvin. The farmer’s name?  Mr. Joe Kerr.

Third, I think the vast majority of Marvin residents support your desire to limit traffic and to operate a working gate for the Marvin Creek residents. The issue is your methods. Currently, the gate limits access to state roads 3487 and 3488. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and area legislators have an issue with this. The Marvin Creek homeowners association can easily overcome this by working with the NCDOT and privatize the roads and assume the costs of maintenance. Example, the Long View homeowners association owns the development’s roads and maintains them.

Fourth, I would like to offer a piece of advice. Lower the tone of the discussion and stop the attempts to dissolve the town.  These actions alienate you and make you an easy target.

Marvin council ignores public comment

Marvin is now in the road business. The council voted to maintain three cul-de-sacs.  It’s unlikely Marvin can ever return them to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.  They only took .4 mile of road to receive Powell Bill Funds, but it does not appear most of the council understood the potential long-term liabilities. The only member openly opposed at the meeting was Councilman Overby.

About 50 Marvin residents attended.  Most adamantly opposed.  In fact, only one voiced support.  Councilman Overby distributed data for council members and the public to review.  His analysis showed that 9 out of 10 local towns maintaining roads either just cover annual expenses or spend more money than allocated by Powell Bill Funds.

Residents from Bridlepath, Innisbrook, Marvin Creek and Woodlake spoke during public comments.  Even former Mayor Don Kerr and former Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Suhre spoke.  All pleaded with Councilmen Burman and Salimao to reconsider taking over roads.  Unfortunately, Councilman Openshaw and Mayor Dispenziere were not present.

Neither Councilmen Salimao or Burman presented clear facts supporting their decision to take on roads.  They were so unsuccessful in convincing residents that most became very vocal in their opposition.  Residents were so upset after the vote that about 80 percent angrily stood up and left.  As they were leaving, one of the regular attendees stood up and stated: For those of you not usually in attendance, this is what happens. We continue to speak out during public comments and continue to be ignored by the council.

During closing comments Councilman Overby pleaded with residents to give Marvin another chance.  Councilman Burman indicated he felt the opposition resulted from a small group of residents out to get Marvin.

Citizens are only trying to educate and convince council to make sound decisions.  Marvin residents, please attend a meeting to see how your council governs.

Kathleen Horwitt

Marvin

Hello teaching assistants; farewell Dr. Davis 

We are writing regarding two important matters affecting our county’s education system; the successful joint efforts of parent-teacher organizations to save the Union County Public Schools’ teaching assistant positions and the retirement of our esteemed superintendent, Dr. Ed Davis.

The ongoing challenges to our county’s education system brought together concerned parents and educators in an unprecedented, yet ultimately favorable, way this year.  When faced with the probable loss of most teaching assistant positions and larger class sizes, it was heart-warming to see how many people from all corners of the county stepped forward to prevent it.  Parents and educators alike learned a lot in the process about the local and state governmental processes and how their decisions directly impact our children’s quality of education (or lack thereof).  In addition, the new connections formed between schools and clusters have already had positive results; PTAs and PTOs are working together, sharing best practices, and forming lasting relationships that will ensure advocacy for Union County Public Schools continues in the future.

Without the coordinated and passionate efforts of many across the county, we feel certain the teaching assistant positions would have been eliminated.  And in these lean economic times, it will likely be an annual struggle to maintain the high standard of education we’ve come to expect in Union County.

As reported by the recent independent audit requested by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, UCPS exceeds both in academics and in financial stewardship.  We believe many of UCPS’ recent successes are due to Dr. Davis’ fine leadership at the helm of Union County’s public school system, maintaining its status as the reason most people move to our county.  Dr. Davis, thank you for steering our school system so ably and admirably.

On behalf of our organization, we congratulate and welcome our new superintendent, Mary Ellis.  We look forward to working in concert with her, the Union County Board of Education, Board of County Commissioners, our state legislators, and the North Carolina Association of Educators in protecting Union County Public Schools.

Valerie Secker, Beth Warren, Jeni Kusherman, Nicole Lipscomb, and Lori Maple

Sandy Ridge Elementary School PTA Board and members of Protect Union County Public Schools

Now consider this: the current mayor pro tempore, the youngest councilmember, is not even a Marvin taxpayer. That’s right, folks. You don’t need to be a taxpayer to be a councilmember and spend other taxpayer’s money – at least not in Marvin you don’t.

These injustices and misrepresentations of taxpayers have to be rectified. These corrections are long overdue.  It’s like that line from the movie Network, “We’re as mad as hell, and we’re not going to take this anymore.”

Village residents, write to the council and demand they amend their bylaws to allow all council members an equal vote. Demand they amend their bylaws to dictate that only taxpaying, U.S. citizen, Marvin residents be eligible to serve in the village.  Of course, you might argue that your efforts will fall on deaf ears, since this council has shown time and time again whenever the public speaks out that they are not interested in hearing the voices of the people they are responsible to represent.

Thomas Jefferson said, “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” Let’s hold them accountable for their blatant irresponsibility. Let’s call them out on not listening to the public.  Or, better yet, I call the citizens of Marvin to rise up and clean house once and for all.  Let’s get a proficient and competent council.  Enough is enough – new elections are in 2013.

Lori Handler
Marvin

Members of the Marvin Village Council are intent on taking over roads in the Marvin Creek neighborhood.  As such, any repair and maintenance of those roads will be the financial responsibility of all Marvin residents – including you.

For that, we thank you.

By the time this letter is published, council will have made their decision whether or not to take over these roads in Marvin Creek.  Hopefully, they will have made the right choice; a decision for the village to take over roads defies all logic.

The village is hoping to receive funds from the Powell Bill, but have been advised by N.C. Sen. Tommy Tucker that those funds are not guaranteed (implying they may be phased out).  The village engineer has advised the difficulty in determining actual long-term costs involved in maintaining roads. Their inability to properly budget for the tiny path they call “Marvin Loop” has already been demonstrated.

But who cares? Your Marvin Village Council can always raise your taxes to secure these necessary funds.  In fact, raising taxes is the only way to secure future funding.

I am confident the council apologizes for not informing you of their intent ahead of time or even asking your opinion but apparently your opinion doesn’t matter. So, get out your wallets and give the village more of your hard-earned cash for Marvin Creek roads.

This incident adds to rising concerns regarding the motives of our village council.  Do they really represent the residents of Marvin or do they consider Marvin their “kingdom” upon which they can do whatever they want?

It also begs the question, why be a part of Marvin at all?

Dr. Richard W. Van Gurp
Marvin

During the council discussion of the budget, out of the blue, Christopher King suggested a 4-cent tax increase.  He had no plan for the increase, just said that it was needed. This created some interesting comments from several council members.  Finally, the mayor suggested that town manager Joe Fivas present options for the tax increase in the next council meeting.

So, on June 12, the council voted to approve the budget without holding another public hearing.  The only way a resident could express their opinion on the tax increase was to sign up for public comments, which limits the speaker to 3 minutes.  Interesting tactic.

Also in this June 12 meeting, Mr. Fivas presented a list of items that the 4-cent increase “could be used for” over the next 10 years. What I found interesting was there is no mention of adding law enforcement officers, which would benefit all town residents. The men and women of the Union County Sheriff’s Office who protect our town do a wonderful job. I think it is time that we expressed our appreciation for their service by providing additional officers and equipment each year for the next five years.

As for the tax increase without representation, I strongly encourage everyone who is opposed to the tax increase to email the council members expressing your discontent.   According to Councilman Robert Allen, “we have 34,000 people in Indian Trail.  So, I guess the happy people stayed home” from the June 12 council meeting recording in reference to the number of residents that spoke against the 4 cents, or 27.5 percent, tax increase.

Amanda Faulkenberry
Indian Trail

Indian Trail has increased the taxes by 27 percent, which is 4 cents per $100. That means your tax bill will increase $80 if your property value is $200,000, and $120 if your property value is $300,000. That $80 or $120 will most likely pay for the park bond and more. The garbage disposal services will be upgraded. We will get one 96-gallon can for solid waste (weekly), another 96-gallons for recyclables, no need to sort (bi-weekly). You will also get a third can if required for your yard waste, otherwise it will have to be bundled. There will also be a special service for the schools. All town events and parks will be served at no additional cost. The portable restrooms will be supplied for events at no extra costs.

Indian Trail is still by far the most inexpensive town in which to live in North Carolina. We have 31 town employees. Comparatively Monroe, now a smaller town than Indian Trail, has between 300 and 400 town employees. In short: You get a lot of bang for your bucks in Indian Trail.

Some people are never satisfied and complain that the Indian Trail administration is too large, the taxes too high and that the town wastes money on park events. Frequently they address the town council with all sorts of complaints. The fact is you can never get anything for nothing. The town council can’t favor one group over what serves the residents as a whole. My view is that Indian Trail has administered the tax money very well and to the benefit of all Indian Trail citizens.

Severin Jacobsen
Indian Trail

Unfortunately, attempting to divert attention away from the solemnity and dignity of the event was a disgraceful, self-serving political demonstration led by conspiratorial theorists Arthur Spurr and Jonathan Baer. There, these two right-wing extremists stood across the street from the VFW, and greeted the approaching Moving Wall motorcade with an inverted American flag, signifying dishonor and disrespect. Fortunately, such demonstration was short lived and met with quick rebuke from the VFW Post Commander. The two individuals were verbally reprimanded and refused entry onto VFW property.

As a Vietnam veteran myself, I applaud the actions of the VFW post commander. Yes, we live in a great country where freedom of speech abounds. And, yes, Mr. Spurr and Mr. Baer have the constitutional right to demonstrate and issue bizarre, exaggerated and provocative statements for their self-indulgent pleasures. However, there are times when one should set aside their political agenda, suspend their petty hatreds and biases, and quietly give full honor and respect to those who have sacrificed so selflessly for the good of others. It is these past, present and future heroes that we now salute and offer our heartfelt gratitude and respect.

Carlton Aldrich
Indian Trail

However, as Senator Tommy Tucker pointed out to the council members, the funds may not always be available. The engineer consulted by the village informed them there is no way to estimate the long-term costs of road maintenance. Marvin does not have a Department of Public Works and will be forced to contract out. The village will need to find money to pay for the maintenance of these roads.

It is likely to be by raising our taxes. Once the roads are taken over by the village, it is very unlikely that NCDOT will ever accept them back. How many responsible individuals would be willing to take on a liability with no way to estimate the long-term costs?

Marvin residents should contact their council members and direct them not to take over the maintenance of village roads. If we do not speak out, our taxes may increase because of poor decisions made by the current council. Please contact your representatives via the website at www.marvinnc.org.

Kathleen Horwitt
Marvin

“You had some of your park guests trespassing on Walden Pond private property yesterday at around 5 p.m. on Sunday.

There were two young men fishing in what you call your scenic view area on the southwest shoreline opposite my property. When I went over there in my boat to remind them of the private property nature of the lake, the dad came down to the shoreline from his car to ask me why they couldn’t fish while standing less than 5 feet from one of your signs, with a blue kayak at his feet, and his little daughter by his side looking up as if so say “Dad, the sign looks clear enough to me.”

When he said, “we’re not fishing” I pointed to the teenagers holding the fishing poles. They eventually left, after making me explain again why they couldn’t fish or boat. I didn’t bother telling him that he was setting a very poor example for his kids (on Father’s Day) by encouraging them to ignore the posted warnings.

Please talk to the council about putting in a split rail fence or other anti-trespassing barrier along that perimeter to discourage access to the water. You would still retain your scenic view, while preventing your guests from committing a crime. You have a responsibility as the property owner to keep people from trespassing.
Thanks for your prompt attention to this matter.”

The Town Administrator replied:

“I’ve just hired three young men for summer help at the park. They started on Sunday.  We’ve walked them through, showing them the boundaries and cautioned them with regards to the no fishing, wading and boating rules. I’ll be sure they see this email, too. I will also share your concerns and suggestions with the council.”

Raise your hand if you think that’ll work.

Paul Schneider
Walden Pond homeowner
Marvin

The June 30 filing deadline for the village to get approximately $80,000 in Powell Bill money to be paid October 2013 is quickly approaching. The council feels some action should be taken now to try to secure these funds from the state to maintain three Marvin Creek cul-de- sacs – Painted Turtle Court, Red Twig Court, and Turkey Hunt Court. Has the Village notified any of the taxpayers on these three streets? The answer is “no,” since I personally called many of them to inform them about this latest “money grabbing” maneuver by the village.

Taking over streets is a decision that will impact all taxpayers in Marvin.  Most people might think so what? The “so what” involves subcontracting out these services for maintenance, since Marvin does not have a department of public works. I think everyone can read on the Internet just how expensive road maintenance can be. The one time $80,000 payment will have to last a lifetime for these three roads. There is no guarantee the state will be providing more funds with the same low mileage street ownership criteria to qualify for more funds.

In prior years municipalities like Marvin did not have to own any roads, but did receive Powell Bill Funds. The money Marvin received was used to construct areas of the Marvin Loop. I sat at that meeting on June 12, only to hear just how much more the Marvin Loop actually cost the village. Overruns on the Loop and higher cost estimates for completion of the $1.6 million park, makes a taxpayer like me gasp hoping road maintenance does not prove to be another expensive “service” this council feels the taxpayers want. Voice your concern now!

Contact the Village, council members, talk to your neighbors and visit Marvin’s website at www.marvinnc.org

Alice Fraedrich
Marvin