Town of Woodland Special Called Meeting
To Discuss the Armory
Date: October 26, 2020
4:00 p.m.

Board/Staff Present:

David Cooper – Mayor Pro Tem
Barbara Outland – Commissioner
Brian Christison – Commissioner
Ricky Morris - Commissioner
Donielle McDermott – Town Clerk
Raymond Eaton - ORC

Special Guest: Kim Richardson

Mayor Beale was absent.

Call Meeting To Order: Mayor Pro Tem Cooper called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. This meeting was called per the request of the special guest, Kim Richardson and his interest in purchasing the armory.

Kim Richardson introduced himself to the board. Mr. Richardson grew up in Woodland, but currently lives in Edenton, NC. He joined the military, including the National Guard and was once stationed at the Woodland National Guard Armory. Mr. Richardson said he is very interested in the armory because he believes in giving back to the community, and he knows how important it is to have something for the kids to do to keep them off the streets. Mr. Richardson had a string of ideas he would consider if he is able to purchase the building. These ideas include establishing an American Legion in order to keep the military presence and to get veterans involved, providing a program to offer skill building for local kids, a farmers’ market, SAT testing site, and also an education/tutoring site. These were just a few of the ideas Mr. Richardson had.

Mayor Pro Tem Cooper asked where the program resources would come from. Kim Richardson said there would be dues from members if this was to become an American Legion. Bingo could offer some revenue, and fundraisers would have to be held.

Mayor Pro Tem Cooper told Mr. Richardson that he admired his dedication, also stating that the town has been holding onto the armory because they want something positive to go there.

Mr. Richardson informed the board that because of his previous work in the armory with the National Guard, he already knows about the lead situation. He understands the work that needs to be done which would also include fixing the ac units. He estimates the cost for the abatement to be roughly $30,000 and the ac units to be $5,000 each. Mr. Richardson would like the lot across the street to be included in this purchase.

Mr. Richardson was asked who will partner with him in which he replied that he will be sole owner. However, he will be seeking resources for funding such as grants, and he will also be looking for volunteers to help. He stated he would need to be listed as a nonprofit for tax benefits.

Mayor Pro Tem Cooper told Mr. Richardson that the board wants to leave this town better than it was when we began. He likes Mr. Richardson’s ideas, especially that they involve all ages of life and he asked Mr. Richardson to get an offer to the board in writing for the board to review and discuss.

Commissioner Christison informed Mr. Richardson that after he submits his offer, and the offer is accepted, the town will more than likely do an upset bid process which would begin with advertising.

With no further discussion, Commissioner Christison made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:53 p.m. Commissioner Morris seconded and the motion carried.