04/15/17 — Internet parlor hearing Monday

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Internet parlor hearing Monday

By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on April 15, 2017 11:35 PM

The Goldsboro City Council will hold a public hearing Monday for proposed ordinance changes for internet sweepstake businesses in the city.

The hearing will be held during the council's regular meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall at 214 N. Center St.

The changes include limiting internet sweepstake gaming locations as a conditional use in general business zones. Currently, the businesses are allowed to operate in shopping centers, highway business, general business and general industry zoned areas.

The businesses are also proposed to be at least one mile from an existing sweepstake operation and be at least 500 feet from a residence, church, school, playground, day care and public park.

The changes are being considered due to concern from the council about the increasing interest of new internet sweepstake locations in the city, including some near residential areas.

No action is planned by the council, and the possible changes will be reviewed by the Goldsboro Planning Commission April 24. The planning commission will send its recommendation to the council, which could act on the proposal during its May 8 meeting.

Also during Monday's meeting, the council will consider:

* Contracts for repair work to hurricane-damaged pump stations. The contracts include $203,000 with the T.A. Loving Co. for repairs at the Big Cherry pump station, $119,000 with T.A. Loving for repairs at the Little Cherry station, $40,190 with Nationwide Electrical Services for 117 pump station repairs, and $33,000 with Pearson Pump for Westbrook station repairs.

* Authorizing the sale of $5.5 million in general obligation public improvement bonds, which includes $3 million for construction of the multisport complex and $2.5 million for street resurfacing and other road improvements.

* Authorizing the sale of $9.7 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refinance the remaining $2.15 million in outstanding 2008 street bonds and $7.55 million in 2010 sewer bonds. The change is expected to produce between $312,000 and $450,000 in savings for the city through reduced interest rates.

The council will also meet at 5 p.m. for a work session in the City Hall annex, at 200 N. Center St. During the meeting, the council will receive presentations and discuss extended bus service hours, a new stormwater fee and proposed increases in fees at the Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course.