CALENDAR OF UPCOMING MEETINGS

(All City meetings are open to the public)

 

CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids

City Council Regular meeting will be held on

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 5:15 p.m.

at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall

700 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

 

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 Roanoke Rapids Public Library Now Offers Digital eBooks, Audiobooks and Video

Best-selling and classic titles available anytime, anywhere

(Roanoke Rapids, NC) – February 28, 2017 – Roanoke Rapids Public Library has expanded its services with eBooks, digital audiobooks and streaming video available to enjoy from the library’s website. Library cardholders can borrow popular digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting the library’s website www.youseemore.com/roanokerapids/ and clicking on the Overdrive tab.

Users may browse materials on the collection’s website, borrow titles with a valid library card, and start reading, listening or watching on all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Nook®, Android™ phones and tablets, and Kindle® [U.S. Libraries]. Many titles can be enjoyed immediately on any device with an internet browser or downloaded into the free OverDrive app. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees!

“I am glad the Library now can offer this service to its patrons,” said Jeff Watson, Head Librarian. “This collection will give readers the choice of print or digital for how they chose to read. The Library will have an open house in the near future to provide a demonstration to the public for those who are interested in using this service.”

This new service, powered by OverDrive, is free for users with a library card. Instructions for use will soon be available at the Library or you may call the Library at (252) 533-2890 for more information. Patrons will need a valid library card, provide an e-mail address, and establish a four-digit pin to get started.

About OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading global digital distribution platform, supplying the industry’s largest catalog of eBooks, audiobooks, periodicals and streaming video to libraries, schools and retailers worldwide. We support all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Nook®, Android™ phones and tablets, Chromebook™, and Kindle® (U.S. only). OverDrive offers all digital media on a single platform, and offers APIs to streamline a seamless user experience. OverDrive Read, the breakthrough EPUB and HTML5 browser-based reading experience, now supports fixed layout and narrated eBooks. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com

Media Contact:

Jeff Watson, Head Librarian

Roanoke Rapids Public Library

(252) 533-2890

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 City of Roanoke Rapids Now Requires a Business Registration Certificate

Changes to legislation that regulates privilege licenses in 2015 severely impacted the city’s ability to maintain accurate demographic and contact information regarding businesses that operate within the city limits. This information is crucial for Roanoke Rapids Fire and Police Departments so that they can respond to emergencies and conduct fire and safety inspections as required by the State of North Carolina.

Effective July 1, 2016, all businesses engaged in or conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain a registration certificate is $20 for all businesses.

Authorized by the N. C. General Assembly and the Roanoke Rapids City Council, this requirement helps City officials achieve several very important objectives:

• To promote public health, safety, and welfare, and to continue to monitor business activity within the city limits.
• Rapids city limits. Equipped with this information, City officials are able to take steps to ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business conducted.
• To provide accurate information regarding local businesses to Police, Fire, 911, county tax authorities and citizens.

In addition to complying with city regulations, businesses benefit from being registered with the City in several other ways. Many banks and lenders require proof that a business is valid to open an account or secure a loan. Potential clients or customers often need assurance that the business is legitimate and properly registered. Having a registered business can make you eligible to receive supplier discounts that you would not receive otherwise. Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate allows a business to satisfy all of these needs.

For more information, please review the Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 118: Business Regulations on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Business registration certificates must be obtained by August 1, 2016. In 2017, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.

 

Itinerant Merchants and Peddlers Must Obtain Permit from City of Roanoke Rapids

Effective July 1, 2016, all itinerant merchants and peddlers conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Permit from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain this permit is $20.

A reflective safety vest will be required for any individual peddling goods from place to place. The individual must supply his/her own safety vest.

North Carolina general statutes allow local governments to adopt ordinances that regulate, restrict or prohibit the activities of businesses that operate within the city limits. This authority helps City officials in their efforts to:

• Protect the public from fraud or other crimes by monitoring and regulating transient business activity within the city limits.
• Maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public and protect citizens from undue invasions of privacy, annoyance or harassment.
• Ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business being conducted.

This permit does not apply to any bona fide charitable, educational, religious, cultural or governmental institution or organization when the proceeds of the sales are used directly for the charitable purpose of said institution or organization.

For more information, please review Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 119: Itinerant Merchants, Peddlers and Vendors on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. Permits must be obtained by August 1, 2016. In 2017, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.

 

PRESS RELEASE - RECYCLING CONTAINER

The City of Roanoke Rapids now has a recycling container at the Public Works facility located at 1313 Hinson Street.  The public will have 24-hour access to this facility for combined recyclable materials.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (252) 533-2846.

 

 

BRIEFS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES: Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at 533-2840 for committee information.

• Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
• Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ Member)
• Canal Museum Advisory Committee
• Beautification Committee