By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó The tough economic times have inspired one Landis resident to organize a community yard sale where the proceeds would be divided among the schools.
Charlene Nolt, along with Alderman Roger Safrit, presented the idea to the board Monday.
Nolt came up with the idea and Safrit has thrown his support behind it as a way to help the schools and promote good community relations.
Nolt wants a way for people to sell their crafts and for those who may be out of a job to make some extra cash. She plans for the yard sale to take place July 18 in the downtown area.
She said she’d like to rent 100 spaces, with Landis residents getting first choice on spaces. All spaces will rent for $5, she said.
Nolt said she’s gotten permission from several downtown businesses that will allow people to use their parking areas. She’s asked the town for its support and help with some of the details.
She would like the town to help provide portable toilets. Mayor Dennis Brown said the staff would look into finding some toilets and the town helping with the purchase.
Nolt also wanted permission to place fliers in electric bills. Town Attorney Rick Locklear said her direct mailings were a good idea but suggested another approach.
Nolt agreed to ask businesses to post the fliers and pass them out to customers.
Locklear also said he needed some time to look at the town’s or a specific business owner’s liability if someone were to get hurt during the yard sale.
In addition, he recommended Nolt get PTA members and other school staff to volunteer, since they will be reaping the benefits from the booth rentals.
Recreation Director Julie Noblitt suggested having the yard sale at one of the ball fields, since there is ample parking and bathroom facilities. Nolt feared that would take away from the community aspect and discourage businesses from participating.
One issue the board had was using the name Town of Landis Community Gathering.
Alderman Tony Hilton suggested just calling it the Landis Community Yard Sale. The board also agreed it was a great idea, but some issues need to be refined.
In other matters:
– The board adopted the proposed flood prevention ordinance after a public hearing. Resident Nadine Cherry was the only one who spoke during the hearing. She wanted clarification on the ordinance.
Alderman Craig Sloop explained the ordinance highlights areas that have flooded in the past 100 years and thus are susceptible to flooding.
The flood insurance rate maps had not been updated since 1978. The county suggested all towns adopt the ordinance.
– Cherry updated the board on the West Landis Community Watch, which has been meeting for four months. The group has discussed erecting community-watch signs and would like the board to help with the cost.
Mayor Brown asked Cherry how many signs she thought they needed. She said she was not sure. Brown told Cherry to speak with the police chief or some officers to determine how many signs they’d need for the west end area.
He suggested she present a proposal asking for specifics.