Pastor Michael Chambers petitioned the council on the ministry's behalf. The inn offers various services to the community, including 12-step recovery programs and homeless assistance. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Samaritan Inn is expanding into another building to offer more services to women. Wadesboro's director of Public Services, Hugh James, estimated the cost of the sewer tap at $650.
"I would recommend we seriously consider doing this," Wadesboro Town Councilman Lawrence Gatewood said. He made the motion to do so and Councilman Bob Blalock seconded it.
"I'm glad you're expanding and understand the need for women and children for shelter," Councilwoman Lynn Horton said.
However, she expressed concern about how the town would treat such requests in the future. This was the second time in three months the town offered to take care of the costs of a water or sewer tap.
The motion passed unanimously.
Local businessman Jefferson Rivers addressed the council about the private club he wants to open in the former Shoe Warehouse building next to Arby's on U.S. 74. He was told the business was not properly zoned but his research indicated this was incorrect, he said.
The area is zoned general business, which is what his club would need. Rivers has owned and operated Big Rex's Trucking for 15 years and has owned and operated other clubs in the past.
One of these clubs was previously located beside Harvest Ministries, from 1998 to 2000.
Rivers said he has been trying to get his zoning permit to move forward with his business plans.
"I feel like they're giving me the runaround," he said. "We can't keep waiting."
He plans to open a private, members-only club that would offer alcoholic beverages and entertainment like music from live bands, karaoke or promotions from local radio stations. He said the business, which would be called "Impressions," would charge $10 for a membership.
"I should have been able to walk into the town hall and get my permit," he said.
"You're getting the runaround because we're trying to protect this county," Councilman Ed Emory said.
Rivers pointed out there were already parties taking place at Harvest Ministries and after-hours at Twin Valley Country Club. However, those establishments do not sell alcohol.
Rivers said his facility would have 10-15 employees, including a private security team known as Excalibur, and be open each Friday and Saturday along with holidays.
Addressing concerns about drunk drivers leaving the club, he said he had the right to refuse service to any customer and could be held liable if a customer under the influence left his establishment and injured or killed someone.
Gatewood pointed out he relied on alcoholic beverage sales to make his money.
"I'd rather run this race like a turtle," Rivers said.
Regarding concerns about safety inside of his club, he said there would be metal detectors.
Rivers said a man was shot and killed in the parking lot of his club Christmas 1999. However, earlier in the meeting, he read off a sheet of police reports that had been made on the grounds of Harvest Ministries, by way of comparison.
"If a business [like this] is run right, it can do well," he said. He added sometimes things happen that are out of anyone's control.
Gatewood said he was concerned about traffic leaving the club. While Rivers did not directly address this concern, he said earlier in the meeting there were an estimated 50 to 55 parking spaces available for customers.
"I'm not asking for no handouts," Rivers said. He offered to have the club put on some sort of probationary period.
Town Manager John Witherspoon said such a private club was allowed on the property, assuming all of the proper documentation was procured. The council took no action on the matter.
"That bothers me. It really concerns me," Gatewood said of the club after the meeting.
Rivers will need to obtain a zoning permit, a business license and an ABC permit in order to open his business. He hopes to open Impressions at Thanksgiving.
Horton thanked the council for the honor of filling the late Sam McLendon's seat. She did not run for re-election. She was appointed to the seat March 2, after McLendon's death Feb. 12.
Blalock also thanked the council for the opportunity to serve the town, in the event of losing his seat after the Nov. 3 election.
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