BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
BROOKER — As the fiscal year comes to an end, preparing a budget for FY 2024 is high on the agenda for all locales. Brooker’s interim clerk, Charlene Thomas, read the resolution at the mandatory public hearing. The final reading will be held immediately before the regular October town council meeting.
The finances for 2023 left the town in a comfortable position for moving forward, but Mayor Gene Melvin acknowledged that ARPA funds are almost spent and will not be available again. He said the town has used the funds wisely on numerous important projects.
Melvin questioned County Commissioner Diane Andrews whether there was a chance for county’s ARPA funds to help Brooker get a fire station back in place. He said he hopes the county is using the funds as carefully as the town used theirs.
Andrews responded that she asked but was told that it would not be a qualified expense under ARPA guidelines. She noted the current struggle the county is undergoing to fund the existing fire stations and suggested that private funding may be one way for Brooker to finance the department.
County Commissioner Carolyn Spooner visited the last council meeting to arrange for a strategic planning workshop, and Mayor Melvin posed the same question to her. He relayed the dire need for a fire station since Brooker is at the far end of the county and there is now the charter school to consider.
Code enforcement conundrum
The public comments brought forth a lifelong resident faced with a code enforcement citation to clean up the property. The elderly resident said she has been working to comply, but the $1,800 cost for outside help was beyond her means. She said she was paying $400 to get the process started, but she was hoping there might be assistance available.
Melvin let her know that there were no funds available from the town and helping her would mean they would need to do the same for everyone. He suggested she contact him privately. He said he will help personally, and he will see what he can do to get her some physical help from the community.
Finally, the 71-year-old woman asked if she would be allowed to continue living in her camper after all these years. She assured that her waste has always been connected to a septic tank, and she cannot afford a new home. Melvin said she will need to contact zoning to answer that question. Time is of the essence since a hearing is set for early October.
Water improvements required
A broken water main on C.R. 231 was a problem for a couple of residents. One said the washer and toilet filled up with dirt. There was no pressure loss that would require a boil water notice but the samples at that spot were still coming out muddy even after repair and flushing.
It seems the hydrant needs to be flushed first but that requires more pressure than available. The two blow out valves required to properly flush the system would cost about $3,400 and could be purchased from the remaining $15,000 of ARPA funds.
Maintaining high quality municipal water standards is an ongoing challenge. Melvin recalled a time when he got notice of a pipe burst while he was vacationing in Georgia.
It was suggested that the town go ahead and install new meter stumps to all 55 lots in Bragg’s Branch, even though there are currently only two homes being constructed. The reason was the brittle nature of the PVC pipes installed in 2007 when the subdivision was parceled out. For a little over $100 each, the PVC could be replaced with more resilient pipe.
Clerk Thomas suggested an increase in the cost of meter installation from $1,750 to $2,000 to cover the cost of new meter stumps throughout Bragg’s Branch and any other new construction. A grant is being sought for replacement of outdated existing meters.
In other business, there was talk of painting the tennis courts with pickle ball lines or utilizing an old pad for the purpose, much to the delight of Council Member Linda Bennett. Apparently, there is keen local interest in the popular sport, and steps will be taken to make it happen somehow.
Brooker Community School announces Academic Fair
Brooker Community School’s Academic Fair promises to be an exciting opportunity to explore the school, meet its dedicated educators and discover the its educational programs. It will take place Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Highlights will include:
Campus tours: Take a guided tour of the campus and see its state-of-the-art facilities, classrooms, libraries and recreational spaces. Learn about the modern learning environments where your child will thrive.
Meet the teachers: Connect with the passionate and experienced teachers. They will be available to discuss their teaching methods, classroom activities and answer any questions you may have about your child’s education.
Curriculum insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum. Discover how they tailor their teaching approach to meet the unique needs and interests of their students, fostering a love for learning.
Special programs: Learn about special programs, extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities. Find out how BCS encourages students to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom.
Parent-teacher collaboration: Explore ways you can get involved in your child’s education through an active parent-teacher association and volunteer opportunities.
Student exhibits: View exhibits and displays showcasing students’ achievements, projects and creative works. It’s a chance to see the results of the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Admissions information: If you’re considering enrolling your child at Brooker Community School, the admissions team will be available to provide information on the application process, enrollment deadlines and any other inquiries you may have.
Q&A sessions: Engage in open discussions and Q&A sessions with school administrators and staff. They will address any concerns and provide clarity on their educational approach.
Community building: Connect with fellow parents, students and community members. Building a strong and supportive school community is a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy.
Refreshments: Enjoy light refreshments and snacks while you mingle with educators and other families. It’s a great opportunity for informal conversations and networking.
Brooker Community School’s Academic Fair is an excellent chance to get a firsthand look at the vibrant and enriching learning environment. Whether you’re a prospective parent considering enrollment or a current family eager to engage more deeply with our school community, you are welcome.
