St. Helena Council Meeting Minutes

May 15, 2025

St. Helena Village Hall

Attending the meeting were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Mayor Pro-Tem Neil Benton, Councilman Carey Childress, Councilwoman Judith Katalinic, Councilwoman Shirley Jacobs, Village Attorney Robert Hugh Corbett, Building Inspector Louis T. Hesse, and Village Clerk Mary D. Bakan. Absent were Planner Stephanie L. Moore and Councilman Gerald Velie. In the audience was Alice Southerland.

The meeting was brought to order at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Barnhill led the prayer.

Allegiance to the U.S. Flag and a salute to the N.C. Flag were said by all.

In reference to the Public Hearing held on April 17, 2025, a motion made by Judith Katalinic and seconded by Neil Benton, the minutes was approved by Council.

On motion by Carey Childress and seconded by Neil Benton, the regular minutes of April 17, 2025 were approved by Council.

On motion by Neil Benton and seconded by Judy Katalinic, the April financial report was approved.

On the proposed budget, there were questions about Powell Bill and Lawn Maintenance.

Carey Childress (who is in charge of Roads, cutting, and signs) presented a list of increased costs for various things to be done.

Cutting the town streets will be $400 (if requested), and the cutting of the field next to the town hall will be $225 (times 4 Times a Year). On motion by Judith Katalinic and seconded by Neil Benton, the council approved the increased costs.

On motion by Ms. Katalinic and seconded by Neil Benton, it was approved that the village pay for Shirley Jacobs’ “Ethics Training” at a cost of $75.

Carey Childress asked for a closed session to discuss “Council Personal Conduct”. Carey Childress tabled it until next month.

Louis Hesse gave a LONG list of what is going on in St. Helena in regards to building.

On motion by Neil Benton and seconded by Judith Katalinic, the council approved Jonathan Hesse as our substitute building inspector.

On motion by Carey Childress and seconded by Judith Katalinic, the May Council was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.