New Oriental manager arrives, noise demonstration set

February 26, 2009 by Jeff Aydelette

Currently a resident of Edenton, he serves as Director of Gates County Planning and Development Services. Cahoon said he is originally from the New Bern area and is looking forward to moving here.

The board agreed to call upon Cutler on an as-needed basis to assist Cahoon during the transition period, especially with budget preparation tasks.

As a consultant for the town, Cutler will earn $38 per hour, more lucrative compensation than his former salary. Commissioner Nancy Inger will work with the office staff to determine oversight parameters and the limits of Cutler’s involvement.

As Cahoon paid close attention, the board debated the merits of a ‘noise demonstration’ scheduled for this Sunday at various listening posts along the town’s waterfront.

These measurements, say opponents of hard-and-fast decibel limits, should be designed to detect and evaluate volume levels of live music performances.

But several commissioners want to measure music that flows from amplified compact disc recordings.

Commissioner David Cox called the availability of a band, who have volunteered to play on the grounds of the Oriental Marina Inn, “an unnecessary complication.” He agreed with Commissioner Kathy Kellam who pushed for a demonstration that features “the same music at all venues.”

Mayor Bill Sage expressed a desire to have “all types of music demonstrated.”

Offering something from a slightly different song book, municipal employee Lori Wagoner announced she recently discovered the town’s missing noise meter “tucked safely away in a drawer in the office” -- hopefully an omen that Sunday afternoon’s demo will end on an equally upbeat note.

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