Alderman Allen Reed resigns, Drexel seeks replacement

After serving just two years of the 4-year term to which he was elected in 2023, Drexel Alderman Allen Reed has resigned his seat, citing ongoing health issues as the reason.

Reed announced that he was stepping down — effective immediately — in a letter which was read by Mayor Dennis Anthony at the beginning of Monday night’s regular December meeting of the board.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Drexel and its residents,” the letter read, “but for now I must make my health my No. 1 priority.”

Anthony explained that anyone wanting to replace Reed on the board may turn in an application from now to the end of December.

At that time a committee — made up of three town residents and two aldermen — will review those applications, interview prospective candidates, then make a recommendation to the full board of aldermen.

Reed’s attendance had been very sporadic over the past year, and he was present only by cellphone at most meetings.

Town Manager Bill Carroll said he had been asked by town residents if the board could adopt some sort of attendance policy that would require an alderman to resign if he/she missed a designated number of meetings.

Carroll explained that under North Carolina law, “there is no mechanism to force someone to attend,” and that the ballot box is the only remedy in such a situation.

Prior to Reed’s spotty attendance over the past year, the late Alderman Terry Yount also missed many meetings due to health issues during his final two years on the board.

After acknowledging Reed’s resignation, the board took a moment to pay tribute to outgoing Alderman Tim Franklin.

Franklin chose not to run for reelection in November, citing a need to devote more time to his family and the demands of launching a new business.

“I just want to thank Tim for his service and leadership to this town,” said Anthony. “He has been a great asset to this board.”

Burke County Clerk of Superior Court Crystal Carpenter then swore in newly elected Alderman David Harmon, and Jennifer Yount who was elected to complete the final two years of her late father’s term on the board.

Also sworn in by Carpenter were Anthony and incumbent Alderman Scott Coe, both of whom were reelected to four-year terms in November.

Upon a motion by Harmon that was seconded by Yount, Coe was elected on a unanimous vote to another term as mayor pro tem.

Other highlights from the meeting, which was conducted quickly so the board could attend the lighting of the downtown Drexel Christmas tree, included:

INDUSTRIAL SITE UPDATE

Carroll said the grading of the 100-acre site is proceeding according to schedule and should be completed by the end of the year.

Workers did hit an old gas line on the site in mid-November, but the issue was resolved quickly with no injuries.

R.O. HUFFMAN CENTER

Carroll also reported that the renovation of the Cranford Banquet Room at the R.O. Huffman Community Center is nearing completion and a ribbon cutting and grand opening for the room will be held soon.

The board of aldermen will be meeting in the room at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m.

BURKE RIVER TRAIL

Burke River Trail Executive Director Beth Heile updated the board on efforts to bring the trail into Drexel.

One method, she said, would be to bring the trail from McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese, across the campus of Heritage Middle School, and into Drexel via a sidewalk on Oakland Avenue.

Heile said plans are progressing for a reconfiguration of the Downtown Drexel Park, including the installation of a permanent stained glass art project prepared by Drexel native Dan Hoyle.

Heile estimated that it will be two to three years before the trail actually reaches downtown Drexel but that the trail will eventually prove to be positive factor for every downtown in the county.

PENNIES

And finally, reacting to a growing shortage of pennies in the marketplace, Carroll explained that the town will have a new policy for those who pay their utility bills in cash.

The amount of the bill will be rounded up to the next 5-cent mark, he said, but the overage will be credited on the following month’s bill. That credit will be visible on both the receipt and the next month’s bill.