AGENDA #5k

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:       Interim Report on Petition regarding Assistance to Edenton/Chowan County for Hurricane Relief Efforts

 

DATE:             October 27, 2003

 

 

This interim report responds to a petition on September 22, 2003 by Ms. Katherine Kopp requesting the Town Council consider adopting Edenton/Chowan County for the purpose of supporting their Hurricane Isabel recovery efforts (Attachment 1).

 

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

 

Town staff has researched the available information on damage reports and needs in the Edenton area and obtained the following information:

 

Edenton, population 5,394, is the county seat and the only incorporated town in Chowan County. The town is located on Edenton Bay at the head of the Albemarle Sound. Chowan County has a population of approximately 14,526.

 

Town and County staffs from the area report the following information about the status of hurricane damage and recovery efforts:  

 

• Chowan County sustained approximately $195 million in damage.

 

• Over 330 households displaced due to storm damage.

 

• The U.S. Forest Service estimates Chowan County lost 40 percent of the trees.

 

• Electric power has been restored to most areas.

 

• Debris removal contractors are working to remove debris.

 

• The Interfaith Disaster Relief Agency is coordinating community and volunteer efforts for the area.

 

• A hurricane relief fund is established and is expected to be used for building materials and reconstruction projects.

 

• A number of residences are uninhabitable and residents need temporary housing. FEMA trailers have not yet arrived in the area.

 

Attachment 2 is an article from the News and Observer stating the effects of the storm.

 

On Wednesday, October 22, 2003, Mayor Kevin Foy spoke with Mayor Roland Vaughan of Edenton. Mayor Vaughan reported that the primary problems facing the community are related to residential damage. Assistance with home repair will likely be the greatest need in the near future.

 

Mayor Vaughan indicated that Edenton needs more time to assess the damages before making a determination on assistance needs. It was agreed that Mayor Foy would contact Mayor Vaughan in approximately three weeks to discuss possible assistance. Mayor Vaughan expressed appreciation to the Town Council and citizens of Chapel Hill for the offer and concern. 

 

ATTACHMENTS

 

1.         Follow up email from Ms. Katherine Kopp (p. 3).

2.         Copy of News and Observer article Tuesday, October 14, 2003 (p. 4).