Drexel mayor apologizes to Cub Scout leader

Drexel Mayor Dennis Anthony publicly apologized to Cub Scout Pack 225 leader Jacob Anderson on Nov. 2 for putting him in a difficult position during an exchange about the pack’s fundraising relationship with Moondog Pizza.

At the Board of Aldermen’s October meeting, Anthony discouraged the pack from holding fundraisers at the Morganton restaurant because it occasionally hosts drag shows. His comments drew criticism on social media, with some critics describing them as homophobic.

Anthony later issued a statement saying his comments were “poorly timed and placed for my official position.” He also commended Moondog Pizza and Anderson for their support of the Scouts.

“I want to apologize for putting you in the position that I put you in last month,” he said after calling Anderson to the public comment podium. “I just want you to know that you and Anna are doing a great job with these kids, and I just wanted to publicly apologize for doing what I did to you last month.”

Anderson thanked the mayor, saying, “I appreciate it immensely. I look forward to moving forward and continuing the partnership we’ve had with the town.”

The exchange raised questions about whether the Town of Drexel, the pack’s chartering sponsor, could dictate participation in fundraisers. Scouting America District Director Chris Scruggs said in October that the town has the authority to hire and fire pack leaders and can withdraw as the pack’s sponsor, but the extent of the mayor’s authority in those decisions was unclear.

Drexel Town Manager Bill Carroll said in October that no action had been taken and the mayor’s comments were simply his opinion.

Anderson previously told The Paper that fundraisers are conducted as needed and there were no immediate plans to hold one at Moondog Pizza.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The board held a public hearing on the town’s request for nearly $11 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for repairs and improvements to the Bryant Road sewer pump station. If approved, funding will go toward replacing more than 13,000 feet of deteriorated clay sewer pipe, repairing non-watertight manhole covers, and retrofitting abandoned treatment basins to reduce stress during flooding. The board approved the application.
• Carroll said the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is examining the town’s 100-acre industrial site for a brownfields agreement, which shields future owners from historic cleanup and environmental liability.
• The board recognized Town of Drexel Attorney Rod Wilcox, who is retiring. Wilcox has been with the town since 2015. Carroll said Drexel is seeking a new town attorney.
• The town received no further bids for two town-owned properties that a developer has offered to buy. Green Street, a firm that builds unique, energy-efficient homes, previously offered $24,000 for the property at 300 Mountain View St. and $36,500 for the property at 206 N. Main St. In October, the town approved a 10-day period during which other offers would be entertained. Having received none, the town voted to formalize Green Street’s offers and begin a due-diligence process.
• Demolition of a blighted trailer in the 400 block of Mountain View St. will proceed in late November.
• The board approved a private group to raise funds for placing candlesticks at each grave at Drexel Memorial Park during the Christmas season.
• The Drexel Police Department’s monthly report showed 623 responses, nine reportable incidents, seven closed cases, three arrests, 19 traffic citations, one warning ticket, two car accidents, and three other papers served.

The next Town of Drexel Board of Aldermen meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. at Drexel City Hall and will be followed by a tree lighting at Drexel Park at 7:30 p.m.