The Town of Sims would like to wish our residents a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
In observance of the Independence Day Holiday, Town Hall will be closed Monday, July 5 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 6 at 9am.
Family Food Basket Donation
Mayor Miranda Boykin presents a $1000 donation to Ms. Rebecca Dew of the Family Food Basket for their continued service to our community and surrounding area.
At the June 14, 2021 Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Town of Sims Board of Commissioners donated a check in the amount of $1000 to the Family Food Basket, which serves members of our community and surrounding areas. This donation helped the Family Food Basket purchase a new freezer to store food which will be given out to families in need.
The numbers of families this organization serves has increased yearly, particularly this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between January through September of 2020, they served food to 3,124 families in our area! They not only provide food to those in need, but also provide utility and medication assistance. If you need assistance or would like to donate to the Family Food Basket, please visit their webpage for more information: http://www.familyfoodbasketministry.org They are located at 6321 Old Raleigh Road, Sims, NC, which is at the corner of Stott’s Crossroads. Their phone number is 252-291-0093.
The Town of Sims Board of Commissioners greatly appreciates all the Family Food Basket does for our community and our residents!
Ms. Rebecca Dew of the Family Food Basket
Covid 19: Executive Order 219
As part of North Carolina’s effort to encourage more North Carolinians to receive COVID-19 vaccines, Governor Roy Cooper announced $4 Million Summer Cash and College Tuition drawings to motivate those who have not yet been vaccinated — and thank those who have. Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education. Executive Order 219, which has concurrence from the North Carolina Council of State, authorizes the drawings.
North Carolinians 18 and over who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings for a chance to win a $1 million cash prize. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be automatically entered into four drawings to win $125,000 towards post-secondary education. The $125,000 can be used at any post-secondary institution and is awarded in the form of a NC 529 account.
“This is your shot at a million. Regardless of who wins, there’s no way to lose,” said Governor Cooper. “A chance at a million dollars is pretty good motivation. But even if your name isn’t drawn, the worst you’ll do is get strong protection from a deadly virus.”
The $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College Drawings will run from June 23 through Aug. 4. All North Carolina residents 12 and older who have been vaccinated with at least one dose are eligible, some restrictions may apply. Those vaccinated on or after today’s announcement, Jun10, will be entered twice for each drawing increasing the chance of winning for the newly vaccinated. Drawings will take place every other week on Wednesdays with the first drawing on June 23. New entries will close at midnight on the Sunday prior to the Wednesday drawing. Winners will be verified and then announced.
“Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccination is a winner,” said Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “They protect themselves, their loved ones and others from severe illness, hospitalization and death. Millions of people have already taken the vaccines. These summer cash drawings add another reward to the many that come with getting a COVID-19 vaccination.”
The drawings are part of the state’s Bringing Summer Back get-out-the-vaccine campaign to increase awareness of the availability and safety of COVID-19 vaccines and encourage North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they can. The vaccines have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective for anyone 12 and older.
North Carolina joins other states that announced million-dollar drawings to promote vaccinations. Ohio, the first state to launch such a program, reported a 28 percent increase in vaccinations among those 16 and older in the first two weeks following the announcement.
The $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College drawings will use federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to fund the program. The drawings will be supported by the North Carolina State Lottery Director. The scholarship funds will be managed by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.
Learn more about the $4 Million Summer Cash and Summer Cash 4 College Drawings at SummerVaxCash.com. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and the state’s Bringing Summer Back initiative, visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or dial 1- 888-675-4567.
Program rules: https://nclottery.com/promo/Summer-Vax-Cash-Rules
To view the Executive Order, click here and to view the Frequently Asked Questions info, click here.
2020 Water Quality Report
The 2020 Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) is now available for the Town of Sims. The document can also be viewed under the ”More/Documents” tab from our home page and is available at Town Hall.
For more information, please call Town Hall at 252-237-4226. Thank you!
Town Hall Closed- Monday, May 31, 2021
The Town of Sims Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2021 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, June 1 at 9am.
Please take time this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed, giving their lives, for our freedom.
Public Hearing- Monday, June 14, 2021 at 6:00pm
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE TOWN OF SIMS
NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Sims will hold a public hearing at the regular Board meeting of the Town of Sims on June 14, 2021, at 6:00 PM at the Sims Community Center located at 6402 US Hwy 264 Alt Sims, North Carolina, on the proposed adoption of text amendments to the Zoning Ordinances to comply with the new NC General Statute 160D. As a result of this hearing, changes may be made in the request as advertised, reflecting objections, debate and discussion at the hearing.
The text amendments are in response to the new NC General Statute 160D which consolidates current city and county enabling statutes for development regulations into a single, unified chapter to clarify local government authority. Local governments are required to amend their development ordinances by July 1, 2021, for consistency with the new statutes.
For municipalities, compliance with the state statutes is necessary to retain zoning and development authority. Over the past several months, the Zoning Administrator and Planning Board have been evaluating current zoning processes and requirements to ensure compliance and make improvements to the processes and standards for higher quality development with more effective public participation.
The proposed text amendments are designed to bring the Zoning Ordinances into compliance, bolster development standards, create efficiency in processes and foster more genuine public participation. For more information, contact the Town of Sims at 252-237-4226 or info@townofsimsnc.com
COVID 19: Executive Order 215
During a press briefing on May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order rescinding previous mandatory capacity and gathering limits, social distancing requirements, and most mandatory mask requirements. Exceptions include a mandatory indoor mask requirement on public transportation, in child care, in schools, in prisons and in certain public health settings. Additionally, private business may still require patrons to wear masks. To view Executive Order 215, click here.
Special Meeting Notices
The Town of Sims will be holding a Special Meeting for the Planning Board on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 6pm at the Community Center. The topic for discussion will be the proposed zoning ordinance changes for 160-D updates.
The Town of Sims will be holding a Special Meeting/ Budget Workshop for the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 6pm at the Town Hall. The topics for discussion will be the proposed zoning ordinance changes for 160-D updates and proposed budget for 2021-2022 as well as budget amendments for 2020-2021.
COVID 19: Executive Order 209
Governor Cooper has issued Executive Order 209, a further easing of restrictions, effective at 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2021 and will remain in effect until June 1, 2021 at 5:00 p.m., unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded.
Here are a few of the changes effective with this order:
This Order lifts the requirement that Face Coverings be worn outdoors anytime that social distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot consistently be maintained from non-household members. Under this Order, Face Coverings are no longer required in any outdoor setting.
The indoor mass gathering limit is raised to one hundred (100) persons and the outdoor mass gathering limit is raised to two hundred (200) persons.
Please read the FAQ for Executive Order 209 for more information.
Special Meeting Notice
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
The Town of Sims will be holding a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6pm at the Community Center. The topic for discussion will be the Final Plat and an Annexation Agreement for Phase I of Stapleford Park.
The Planning Board will meet at 6pm with the Board of Commissioners Meeting following immediately after.
Public Hearing Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF THE TOWN OF SIMS
NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Sims will hold a public hearing at the regular Board meeting of the Town of Sims on May 10, 2021, at 6:00 PM at the Sims Community Center (old Town Hall) located at 6402 US Hwy 264 Alt Sims, North Carolina, on the proposed annexation of the following property: being that property comprised of approximately 19.79 acres located on Flat Rock Road (2773-60-8908.000).
All interested citizens are invited to appear and be heard.
2021-2022 Budget Workshop
Town of Sims
2021-2022
Board of Commissioners Budget Workshop:
Saturday, April 10
at 9:00am
at Town Hall.
Workshop will pertain to budgetary items for the upcoming year and Subdivision Regulation Requirements.
Town Hall Closed Friday, April 2
Town Hall will be closed Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen Monday, April 5 at 9am.
We would like to wish you a Happy Easter!
COVID 19: Executive Order 204
Governor Cooper has issued Executive Order 204 further easing restrictions. The Executive Order goes into effect Friday, March 26, 2021, at 5:00 pm and shall remain in effect through 5:00 pm on Friday, April 30, 2021 unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded by another applicable Executive Order.
Here’s a convenient one-pager from NCDHHS showing the new COVID-19 Restrictions and more FAQ information.
Public Meeting Notice: Neuse River Basin Flood Risk Management Project and Feasibility Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Wilmington District, is hosting three public involvement meetings to gather information and receive feedback on its progress for the Neuse River Basin Flood Risk Management Project and feasibility study. The meetings are organized by geographic region, and will be held virtually via a Facebook Live Stream. They’ll be covering our geographic area of the Neuse River Basin on March 31, 2021.
WHEN/WHERE: This meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and can be accessed virtually through a live-stream on the Wilmington District's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/USACE.Wilmington or at the specific link below. Face masks and social distancing are required at all optional in-person locations:
March 31 event link: https://fb.me/e/hKTUGlW3E - City of Kinston, City of Goldsboro, Town of Seven Springs, City of Wilson, and Lenoir, Wayne and Wilson Counties. Participants will have the option to attend the meeting in-person, during the same time, at several locations:
o Kinston - Community Center, 2602 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC, POC: City Manager's office, (252) 939-3111. Limited to 25 attendees.
o Goldsboro - Jeffrey's Building, 134 N. John Street, first floor conference room, POC: Mr. Berry Gray, Planning Director, Wayne County, (919) 731-1630. Limited to 10 attendees.
o Wilson – Wilson County Agriculture Center, 1806 Goldsboro Street SW, Wilson, NC, POC: Mr. Josh Pate, Director of Soil and Water Conservation District, (252) 237-5147, ext. 3. Limited to 25 attendees.
For more information, please read the press release.
COVID 19: Executive Order 195
Governor Cooper has issued a new Executive Order regarding COVID 19 to take effect at 5pm, Friday, February 26, 2021. Executive Order 195 lifts a number of provisions of the Modified Stay at Home order and eases certain restrictions on businesses and gatherings. The Order increases the mass gathering limit for indoor gatherings, increases the capacity limits for certain businesses, and permits alcohol sales for on-site consumption until 11:00 p.m. While the Order eases certain restrictions, other public health restrictions remain in effect to continue to protect against the spread of the virus. This order ends at 5pm on Friday, March 26, 2021, unless otherwise directed.
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding EO 195, please click here.
Town Hall Closed for Renovations- Friday, February 19
Town Hall will be closed Friday, February 19 for renovations. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will reopen on Monday, February 22.
Thank you!
Public Hearing- Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6pm
The Town of Sims will be holding a Public Hearing to discuss the information below on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 6pm and the Sims Community Center. The System Development Fee pertains to new development in the Town of Sims. A Board of Commissioners meeting will immediately follow the Public Hearing. We are still taking Public Comment on this topic through Friday, February 26. Please see our previous post for Public Comment for more information.
Notice of Public Hearing
The Town of Sims will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Sims Community Center located at 6402 US Hwy 264 Alt to receive comments on the following items:
To consider adoption of a System Development Fee Schedule for water and sewer services
To consider adoption of a Capital Reserve Fund for revenues generated by System Development Fees
For more information contact Town Hall at 252-237-4226 or go to www.townofsimsnc.com. All interested citizens are invited to attend. As a result of this hearing, changes may be made in the request as advertised, reflecting objections, debate and discussion at the hearing. Board of Commissioners Meeting to immediately follow Public Hearing.
45-Day Public Comment Period: System Development Fee Report
The Town of Sims is considering adopting a Utility System Development Fee. We authorized Green Engineering to conduct a study of the statutes allowing for a fee to reserve funds for needed future repairs and improvements. The study was initiated because of the Town’s need to address the impact of new growth development in and adjacent to the Town’s present corporate limits, and to assist town with new revenues essential to offset the impact of new growth on existing internal utility facilities.
The study was completed by Green Engineering at the end of December and the town is required to post it for review and comments for the next 45 days starting Wednesday, December 13. On Monday, December 11, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to re-affirm its intent to continue with this process and to educate the citizens on the cost of building the 2 systems, the life span of critical parts of the 2 systems, and the need to reserve funds for their replacement at some point in the future. In addition, all fees must be set aside to use specifically for the purpose of maintenance or to purchase additional capacity and must be collected at a specified time when the Building permit is obtained (procedure to be determined), and a capital reserve fund may be set up by the town to collect such fees.
The resolution also calls for a 45-day public comment period and public hearing. Comments should be made in writing to town hall via email, drop box, mail or dropped off at the drive thru window during office hours. All comments will be reviewed and given to Green Engineering, Town Administration and/or the Town Attorney for evaluation. Public comment will end at 5pm on Friday, February 26. The Notice of Intent also sets a public hearing for March 8 at 6pm to discuss this fee, with a Board of Commissioners Meeting to immediately follow.
Submittals for the 45-day comment period can be made in writing by email to info@townofsimsnc.com; in writing and submitted by mail to PO Box 161, Sims, NC 27880; in writing and put in one of our two drop boxes (one to the left of the front entrance and one to the bottom right of the drive-through window); or in writing and submitted during office hours at the drive-through window. All public comments must be received by 5pm on Friday, February 26, 2021.
A copy of the report can be found here. The proposed fee schedule, which has been updated to show up to a 4 bedroom residence, can be found here. The Resolution of Intent of the Town of Sims to Develop and Adopt a System Development Fee can be found here.
COVID 19: Executive Order 188 and NCDHHS Directive
On January 6, 2021, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 188, which is an Extension of the Modified Stay At Home Order. It extends the latest order (EO 181) set to expire on Friday, January 8 and extends it through 5pm on January 29, 2021. This order includes the curfew from 10pm - 5am, with a few exceptions. Click here to access a copy of Executive Order 188. For FAQ about EO 181 which was extended with EO 188, please click here.
In addition, the NC Department of Health and Human Services issued a Secretarial Directive regarding COVID 19 on January 6, which is effective immediately. Please read the directive here and FAQ sheet about this directive here.