Candidate Joe Hallatschek Talks Funding, Flooding, and Working with Cumberland County's Towns

Joe Hallatschek: welcome to a special session on the Carolina Cabinet. I'm Peter Papis. Joining me in the studio is Joe Halichek, a candidate for the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisor.

Peter Pappas: welcome to a special session of the Carolina Cabinet. I'm Peter Pappas. Joining me in the studio is Joe Halichek, a candidate for the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Well, that's a mouthful. Joe retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after a com career in public works. Since twenty twenty, he has served on the City of Faybles Stormwater Advisory Board.

Joe Hallatschek: Joe retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after a career in public works. Since 2020, he has served on the City of Fayetteville's Stormwater Advisory Board, and since 2018 on the Citizens Committee that advises the Fayetteville area's regional transportation planners. This race is at the very bottom of your ballot. It's nonpartisan, so there's no DRR next to anybody's name. Seven candidates are running for two seats, including one incumbent, and you get to vote for two. Jeremy Stanley has already sat in his chair and Blaine Waterford comes on next week.

Peter Pappas: And since twenty eighteen on the Citizens Committee that advises the Fayetteville area's regional transportation planners. This race is at the very bottom of your ballot. It's nonpartisan, so there's no DRR next to anybody's name. Seven candidates are running for two seats, including one incumbent, and you get to vote for two. Jeremy Stanley has already sat in this chair and Dwayne Waterford comes on next week. Early voting is open right now through October thirty first, and election day is November third. So, Joe, welcome to the cabinet. All right. It's great to be here.

Joe Hallatschek: Early voting is open right now through October thirty first and election date is November third. So, Joe, welcome to the camera. All right, it's great to be here. Good to have you. And I've only I met you a couple times. seemed like a pretty solid guy, but let's start with some easy ones. how did you end up in Cumberland County? And how long have you been here? So I came to Cumberland County Fayel in twenty January twenty seventeen. So I was part of a

Peter Pappas: Good to have you. And I've only I met you a couple of times. you seem like a pretty solid guy, but let's start with some easy ones. how did you end up in Cumberland County and how long you've been here? So I came to Cumberland County, Fayville, in twenty January twenty seventeen. Okay so I was part of a army headquarters in San Antonio that was told to downsize, and so they took the headquarters and divided it into three. And so I was the part that came to support forces command.

Joe Hallatschek: Army headquarters in San Antonio that was told to downsize. And so they took the headquarters and divided into three. And so I was the part that came to support Forces Command. And so that's how I came to Fort Crag as part of installation management command. And so I had public works oversight over twenty six Army installations, Forces Command, some Army Reserve and

Peter Pappas: And so that's how I came to Fort Bragg as part of Installation Management Command. Okay. And so I had public works oversight over twenty six Army installations, forces command, some Army Reserve, and and so I started that in January twenty seventeen. Okay. So that's what, nine years? Nine years. A year ever since. Then I retired in October of twenty four. Mm-hmm. And since then I've been volunteering for the city on various committees and

Joe Hallatschek: And so started that in January twenty seventeen. Okay, so that's what, nine years. Nine years in then I retired in October of twenty four. And since then I've been volunteering for the city on various committees and and now that I'm fully retired, I'm stepping up my game to go from the city level to the county level. Okay. Okay. So in the army, what was your first duty station?

Peter Pappas: And now that I'm fully retired, I'm stepping up my game to go from the city level to the county level. Okay. Okay. So in the Army, what was your first duty station? First duty station was Fort Riley, Kansas, first engineer battalion. I started off as a combat engineer, did the airborne ranger, did all that fun stuff until about nineteen

Joe Hallatschek: First duty station was Fort Wilett, Kansas, first engineered battalion. I started off as a combat engineer, did the airborne ranger, did all that fun stuff until about nineteen.

Peter Pappas: ninety. Does a shield, does a storm, had a couple close calls. And I thought, mm, a little bit dangerous in this time to start working on the engineer license.

Joe Hallatschek: 90, does a shield, does a storm, had a couple close calls, and I thought a little bit dangerous in this time to start working with an engineer license.

Peter Pappas: And I had young family and I was at Fort Orwood, California, and training soldiers to go overseas to war. And so I studied, got my engineer license, and so I don't have an injured degree, but I've got a civil engineer license. And so as long as I get my professional development hours every year, I can keep my license. Excellent. So you are running for soil and water, so I gotta ask, what's growing in your yard

Joe Hallatschek: I had a young family and I was at Fort One, California, and training soldiers to go overseas to war. And so I studied, got my engineer license, and so I don't have an injured degree, but I've got a civil engineer license. And so as long as I get my professional development hours every year, I can keep my license. Excellent. So you are running for Swan and Water, so I gotta ask what's growing in New York? Right now that you're proud of or embarrassed about. Okay, so what's growing in my yard right now is

Peter Pappas: right now that you're proud of or embarrassed about? Okay, so what's growing in my yard right now is

Joe Hallatschek: a bunch of contractors vehicles that are renovating my kitchen. Okay, so we started about four weeks ago and they're still working. It's only supposed to take two weeks, but as an engineer I understand that you don't know you don't know until you start

Peter Pappas: bunch of contractors vehicles that are renovating my kitchen. Okay and so we started it about four weeks ago and they're still working. It's only supposed to take two weeks, but as an engineer I understand that you don't know what you don't know until you start

Joe Hallatschek: Renovating and so that's where we are. Yeah, okay, you're old enough to remember the money pit with Tom Nakes. When he started laughing. Two weeks, two weeks. That's always the contractor's mantra it seems like. So are you a KF River guy or a beach guy?

Peter Pappas: renovating and so that's where we are. Yeah. Okay. You're old enough to remember the money pit with Tom Hanks. I do with Tom Hanks. When he started laughing. Two weeks, two weeks. That's always the contractor's mantra it seems like. So are you a Cafe River guy or a beach guy?

Joe Hallatschek: Interesting. So I would say Cape Fear River. I grew up on Long Island, New York, and so that's along the beach, so I had that growing up, but I really love the rivers and more so the mountains. Okay. All right. So just in case there is such a thing, best R E you have in mind.

Peter Pappas: Interesting. So I would say Cape Fear River. I grew up on Long Island, New York, and so that's along the beach. So I had that growing up. but I really love the rivers and more so the mountains. Okay. All right. So just in case there is such a thing, best MRE you had in the military. What's what's the s the go to for the soldiers? And so although ham so I I came in when we had sea rats, you know, the little cans. Okay. Okay. And so little known secret except for those that spent a lot of time with sea rats, they're the ham and eggs has got pears and it's got peanut butter. And so that's really the best thing about ham and eggs is not that, but it's the peanut butter and the pears. It's a great combination of love and ever since. Were there crackers in that thing too? Yes, always crackers. Always crackers.

Joe Hallatschek: So that's got a two question. And so although ham so I I came in when we had sea rats, you know, they're little pants. Okay. Okay. And so the known secret, except for those that spent a lot of time with sea rats, the ham and eggs has got pears and has got peanut butter. And so that's really the best thing about ham and eggs is not that, but it's the peanut butter and the pears. It's a great combination. I love it ever since. Were there crackers in that thing too? Yes, always crackers. chocolate powder cocoa powder in fact so that's why you're out there making notion. yeah we call them ranger cookies. So you take the cocoa powder and you take the the cream and the sugar with from the coffee packet and you heat it up and then you get ranger cookies. Okay. Do what you gotta do. So you told the observer you're stepping up from the stormwater board to the county. what did the board actually fix and what made you want this? Hey so so when I started off in the Stormwater Advisory Board

Peter Pappas: chocolate powder, cocoa powder. Okay. So you're my way, you're out there making milk. Well yeah, we call them ranger cookies. So you take the cocoa powder and you take the the cream and the sugar with from the coffee packet and you heat it up and then you get ranger cookies. Okay. Do what you gotta do. So you told the observer you're stepping up from the Stormwater Board to the county. what did the board actually fix and what made you want this seat? Hey so so when I started off in the Stormwater Advisory Board.

Joe Hallatschek: We've developed the ordinance that we currently have today. Spent a lot of time working on it. Now I had previously worked in the Storm More Advisory Board in Harrisburg as part of another volunteer effort I did when I first retired from the military. And I lived there in 2005 to 2008.

Peter Pappas: we developed the ordinance that we currently have got today. Spent a lot of time working on it. And I had previously worked in the Stormworth Advisory Board in Harrisburg as part of another volunteer effort I did when I first retired from the military. And I lived there in two thousand and two thousand and five to two thousand and eight. And so I cut my teeth on Harrisburg as we developed the ordinance. And so here, stepped into the Stormore advisory, did another ordinance here and even better than what we did before because now we know more.

Joe Hallatschek: And so I cut my teeth on Harrisburg as we developed the ordinance. And so here, stepped into the stormwater advisory, did another ordinance here, and even better than what we did before, because now we know more. Okay. And so been there, we started it, we've enforced it, we've even found contractors in violation of levy fines. And so we've done that, and then we've also, part of the property tax is a storm order of property tax part of that.

Peter Pappas: Okay. And so I've been there, we started it, we've enforced it. We've even found contractors in violation of levy fines. And so we've done that. And then we've also part of the property tax is a storm mortar property tax part of that.

Joe Hallatschek: And we've gotten a fund where we can fund projects and so all around the city of April, places that used to flood no longer floods. We've made a big difference. I'm pretty proud of that.

Peter Pappas: And we've gotten a fund where we can fund projects. And so all around the city of Fayetteville, places that used to flood no longer floods. We've made a big difference. And pretty proud of that.

Joe Hallatschek: So have you spent your career with the Army Corps of Engineers in Public Works? What did that job actually look like for you and what's a project you're proud of? So I started with the Army Corps of Engineers in the military in the Memphis Corps of Engineer District.

Peter Pappas: So and you spent your career with the Army Corps of Engineers in public works. What did that job actually look like for you and what's a project you're proud of? So I started with the Army Corps of Engineers in the military in the Memphis Corps of Engineer District. And that is a civil works district. So we didn't do military construction and build buildings like the barracks at Fort Bragg. we worked on the river. And so it was flood control, building river control mechanisms like levees.

Joe Hallatschek: And that is a civil works district. So we didn't do military construction and build buildings like in Paris and Fort Brown. we worked on the river. And so it was flood control, building river controlled mechanisms like levees. And so I did that for basically four years. And I really enjoyed that. A couple of floods that we worked through and I learned a lot about river maintenance as far as levees and controlling floods. So that's something I'm very proud of. Later on in my career

Peter Pappas: And so I did that for basically four years. And I really enjoyed that. A couple of floods that we worked through, and I learned a lot about river maintenance as far as levees and controlling floods. So that's something I'm very proud of. Later on in my career, when

Joe Hallatschek: And I left the Corps of Engineers per se and came back to the real army, although I kept on Engineer Brass, as a common engineer.

Peter Pappas: I left the Corps of Engineers per se and came back to the real army, although I kept my engineer of brass as a combat engineer,

Joe Hallatschek: later in my military career as a lieutenant colonel,

Peter Pappas: later in my military career as a lieutenant colonel.

Joe Hallatschek: I was a director of public works in Germany at a large military installation. And that's you build, you operate, maintain real property, and that was a lot of fun. I know you can build stuff as a army engineer, but I thought you guys give shit off too. So I did that as my first part of my military career. and that's it comes into the close calls that I had. Okay. So we we were getting ready and getting soldiers ready to go to

Peter Pappas: I was a director of public works in Germany at a large military installation. Okay. And that's you build, you operate, maintain rural property, and that was a lot of fun. I know you can build stuff as a army engineer, but I thought you guys blew shit up too. So I did that as my first part of my military career. and that's the comes into the close calls that I had. Okay. So we we were getting ready, getting soldiers ready to go to to the Gulf back in the first desert storm and we were

Joe Hallatschek: Gulf back in the first desert storm, and we were doing things at the combat safety level, which means you get it done. And we improvise a lot of demolitions and had a couple postcalls, and I said, you know, I got a young family at home. I can't grow old doing this in time. But you fertilize your diesel and push and blow up a lot of stuff. Sure can. So

Peter Pappas: Doing things at the combat safety level, which means you get it done. And we improvised a lot of demolitions and had a couple close calls. And I said, you know, I got a young family at home. I can't grow old doing this in time did you have some danger license? Some old country boys saying, Hey, y'all, watch this with the fertilizer and diesel can make push and blow up a lot of stuff. It sure can. So the engineering background though. So we always think our farmers are

Joe Hallatschek: The engineering background though, so we always think our farmers I mean

Peter Pappas: I mean, I always defer to a farmer when it comes to certain things, but what does an engineer know about soil and water that a farmer may not know? And what does the farmer know that you don't? Well, a farmer would know that in order to get water to run downhill, all you need is one inch drop over a hundred feet.

Joe Hallatschek: I always defer to a farmer when it comes to certain things, but what does an engineer know about soil and water that a farmer may not know? And what does the farmer know that you don't? Well, a farmer would know that in order to get water to run downhill, all you need is one inch drop over a hundred feet.

Peter Pappas: Okay. And so the drainage stitches that are prevail prevalent all over the Mississippi, they get water to go from the farm.

Joe Hallatschek: And so the drainage stitches that are prevail prevalent all over the Mississippi, they get water to go from the farm out to the levee to be pumped over the levee into the river. Well all the farmers know that. One inch per hundred feet. so that that's the basis. You've got to introduce slope to get water out.

Peter Pappas: out to the levee to be pumped over the levee into the river. All the farmers know that. One inch per hundred feet. so that that's the basics. You gotta introduce slope to get water out. And and in the Corps of Engineers, we've of course we've taken it to a bigger level. we help farmers on their land, also do clearing and snagging for the creeks in the rivers that lead into the navigable river.

Joe Hallatschek: And in in the Corps of Engineers we've of course we've taken it to a bigger level. we help farmers on their land also do clearing and snagging for the creeks in the rivers that lead into the navigable river to help the water get off their land so they can farm or raise livestock. Okay, okay. Well most people in Cumberland County they couldn't tell you what this board does, so

Peter Pappas: To help the water get off their land so they can farm or raise livestock. Okay. Okay. Well, most people in Cumberland County, they couldn't tell you what this board does. So here's thirty seconds. Tell what this board does. Well, soil and water. So the soil part, we help the farmers and livestock farmers improve the soil that they've got. So whether it's by doing soil testing to tell them what they need, help them determine a cover crop, helping them figure out the rotation.

Joe Hallatschek: starting seconds how long this part is well soil and water so the soil part we help the farmers and livestock farmers improve the soil that they've got so whether it's by doing soil testing to tell them what they need help them determine the cover crop helping them figure out the rotation based on the condition of the soil and also there's we have got grain drills to help the farmers actually do no-till farming so that's a soil part

Peter Pappas: based on the condition of the soil. And also there's we have got grain drills to help the farmers actually do no till farming. So that's the soil part. The water part, we help the farmers either keep the water on the land that they want for ponds and irrigation, clearing ponds, improving ponds, even putting in wells. And then also that's to keep the water there to make the more drought resistant or to help them get the water off. Right. Where it's like ponding and they

Joe Hallatschek: The water part, we help the farmers either keep the water on the land that they want for ponds and irrigation, clearing ponds, improving ponds, even putting in wells. And then also that's to keep the water there to make them more drought resistant, or to help them get the water off. Where it's like ponding and they don't want standing water in the land. We help them figure out ways to get it off, to get it su to somewhere so we can eventually get it to the peak field. So on our water, on or off, slope.

Peter Pappas: Don't want standing water on the land. We help them figure out ways to get it off, to get it s to somewhere so we can eventually get it to the Cape Fear. So on or water on or off slope towards where you want it to go. Okay. That's it. Great. All right. So this is a very high paid, sorry, very unpaid nonpartisan board. Three of the five supervisors are elected and two are appointed by a state commission. So what can three elected people actually change

Joe Hallatschek: Towards where want to go. that's it. Great. Alright. So this is a very high paid, sorry, very unpaid, nonpartisan board. Three of the five supervisors are elected and two are appointed by a state commission. So what can three elected people actually change?

Peter Pappas: in your opinion?

Joe Hallatschek: So as part of my campaign, I made an appointment to all the towns in Kamura and and go to the town halls and produce myself and ask for their support.

Peter Pappas: So as part of my campaign, I made it a point to go out to all the towns in Cumberland County and and go to the town halls and introduce for myself and ask for their support. In the process of doing that, I did my homework, find out what the town is about, what agriculture they got, what livestock they've got, what challenges they've got with stormwater. And so as I've done that, I I've figured out that of the four major programs that Sol and Water Manage, there's at least one program that every town can use.

Joe Hallatschek: In the process of doing that, I did my homework. Find out what the town is about, what agriculture they got, what livestock they've got, what challenges they've got with swell mort. And so as I've done that, I I have figured out that of the four major programs that soil and water manage, there's at least one program that every town can use. Now some of the towns already know that.

Peter Pappas: Now, some of the towns already know that. Like I went out to

Joe Hallatschek: living and they had gotten for the stream flow restoration program, they got seventy-eight thousand one hundred dollars a couple of years ago to help them clear out the lower little river. So that they already know the program. and the other towns, they may or may not know the programs that well. So that's where I can come into play and I can help them out. So rather than me becoming an expert

Peter Pappas: Linden and they had gotten for the stream flow restoration program, they got seventy-eight thousand one hundred dollars a couple of years ago to help them clear out the lower little river. So that they already know the program. and the other towns, they may or may not know the programs that well. So that's where I can come into play and I can help them out. So rather me becoming an expert.

Joe Hallatschek: and and getting to know all the constituents and telling them what possibly they need

Peter Pappas: and and getting to know all the constituents and telling them what possibly they need. I'm

Joe Hallatschek: working through the town council. Town councils, you've got four to six members that are town commissioners and a mayor. And they know the land, they know the people, and if I get them involved and get them educated, I think I could better support the the the county by doing that. Okay. So it's my knowledge most of the district's money comes from state

Peter Pappas: working through the town council. Town councils you've got four to six members that are town commissioners and a mayor. Mm-hmm. And they know the land, they know the people. And if I get them involved and get them educated, I think I could better support the the the county by doing that. Okay. So to my knowledge, most of the district's money comes from state

Joe Hallatschek: cost share programs and the state's technical assistance money needs a fifty percent match from the town.

Peter Pappas: cost share programs and the state's technical assistance money needs a 50% match from the county. So are you expecting to go to the county commissioners and ask for more than that? And what would you tell a taxpayer who says, well, I've never even heard of this board? So would you go and what would you tell a constituent? Good question. So so the programs that the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District manage,

Joe Hallatschek: So are you expecting to go to the county commissioners and ask for more than that? And what would you tell a taxpayer who says, Well, I've never even heard of this for? So would you go and what would you tell the station? Good question. So so the programs that the Cumberland County Soiling Border Conservation District manage Some them are actually 75% cost year. It's 25%

Peter Pappas: some of them are actually 75% cost share. It was 25%

Joe Hallatschek: from the actual farmer you built on it. And 75% is kicked in by by the county. Okay. so that's actually a pretty good proportion. and as far as the funding, I think I saw when I looked it up last year.

Peter Pappas: From the actual farmer, people that want it. And 75% is kicked in by the county. Okay. so that that's actually pretty good proportion. and as far as the funding, I think I saw when I looked it up last year, the county put up $112,000 and leveraged $2.4 million. So that's a really good return on your investment. So the way I see it on the cost share.

Joe Hallatschek: County put up a hundred and twelve thousand dollars and leverage two point four million. That's a really good return on your investment. So the way I see it, on the cost share, if there's money that we are putting up and getting that much return, it's a good deal. Okay. So how could you explain that to a constituent?

Peter Pappas: if there is money that we are putting up and getting that much in return, it's a good deal. Okay. So how could you explain that to a constituent? Well, they don't have to pay additional taxes for any of this. Okay. It's already there. They like hearing that. We like hearing that. That's right. So it's not any additional money. The money's already there. And you know, it's being generated through the taxes that's being paid, and it's not like they got to do without. It's already there. And so the more we educate the people, the town commissioners,

Joe Hallatschek: Well, they don't have to pay additional taxes for any of this. Okay. It's already there. They like to hear that. We like hearing That's right. So it's not any additional money, the money's already there. And you know, it's being generated through the taxes that's being paid, and it's not like they gotta do without. It's already there. And so the more we educate the people, the town commissioners on what the programs are, the more that they can leverage to get additional support for the town. Well, let's pick one program that you push the hardest.

Peter Pappas: On what the programs are, the more that they can leverage to get additional support for the town. Well, let's pick one program that you would push the hardest. cost share for farmers, the program for homeowners and churches, farm water supply, or clearing stream debris. And why would you pick that one? So I would say based on what I've seen, clearing stream debris, so the stream flow.

Joe Hallatschek: cost share for farmers, the program for homeowners and churches, farm water supply, or clearing stream debris. And why would you get that? So I would say based on what I've seen, clearing stream debris, so the stream flow restoration assistance program is probably the one that could do the do the most good. When I went to Spring Lake and I went to the town hall,

Peter Pappas: restoration assistance program is probably the one that can do the do the most good. when I went to Spring Lake and I went to the town hall,

Joe Hallatschek: I got to listen to a presentation by a contractor that they hired to work on their water system. And so as they make great improvements on the water system, the city of Springer Lake, they're gonna take their

Peter Pappas: I got to listen to a presentation by a contractor that they hired to work on their water system. And so as they make great improvements on the water system, the city of Spring Lake, they're gonna take their funding that they've got and they're gonna work on other things like stormwater management. And so the more stormwater management that they do,

Joe Hallatschek: funding that they've got and they're gonna work on other things like stormwater management. And so the more stormwater management that they do, they're gonna push more water downstream. And so they've got three creeks in the river that the stormwater goes to. Well as soon as they make improvements in their stormwater, those three creeks and that river is going to start needing some stream flow assistance, possibly even clearing and snagging it. Otherwise they're gonna back up and the stormwater improvements that they're gonna make won't work. So

Peter Pappas: They're gonna push more water downstream. And so they've got three creeks in the river that the storm water goes to. Well, as soon as they make improvements in their stormwater, those three creeks and that river is gonna start needing some stream flow assistance, possibly even clearing and snagging. Otherwise they're gonna back up and the stormwater improvements that they're gonna make won't work. So that's

Joe Hallatschek: That's one example. Do we have a big problem on tape here with with debris and stuff? 'Cause to my knowledge, is it it's not super deep.

Peter Pappas: one example. Do we have a big problem on the Cape Fear with st with debris and stuff? 'Cause to my knowledge, is it it's not super deep. is from what I understand. It's not deep and it's got a lot of garbage in it. Yeah, it's got a lot of garbage. And so I actually looked into there. I went to Eastover for a town hall meeting. And one of the town commissioners mentioned that they were seeking some federal funding from the Corps of Engineers to get some work done.

Joe Hallatschek: What I understand it's not deep and it's got a lot of garbage. Yeah, it's got a lot of garbage. And so I actually looked into there. I went to Eastover for a town hall meeting and one of the town commissioners mentioned that they were seeking some federal funding from the Poor Engineers to get some work done.

Peter Pappas: And so I thought, you know, I need to get smart on that. So I looked up what the Corps of Engineers can provide. And with respect to the Cape Fear River, well, they've got a program and it's called Section Two O five.

Joe Hallatschek: And so I thought, you know, I need to get smart on that. So I looked up what the Corbin's years can provide and with respect to the Cape Fear River. Well, they've got a program and it's called Section Two O Five. And it only provides up to five hundred thousand dollars to do clearing and snagging for rivers that meet their requirements. Well, the Cape Fear River here in Fail exceeds that by an extraordinary amount. So the next thing I looked into, who is responsible? Exceeds at how in the size or in the cost. Okay. Far more than that. What would five hundred thousand dollars look like? Is that like a half a mile? probably half a mile. And this stretch that needs to be cleared is far more than look.

Peter Pappas: And it only provides up to five hundred thousand dollars to do clearing and snagging for rivers that meet their requirements. Well, the Cape Fear River here in Faithville exceeds that by an extraordinary amount. So the next thing I looked into, who is responsible? It exceeds in how? In the size or in in the cost. Okay. And I'll take far more than that. What would five hundred thousand dollars look like? Is that like a half a mile? probably half a mile. Really stretch that needs to be cleared is far more than that. Okay. All right. So then looked

Joe Hallatschek: at

Peter Pappas: at what else is possibly out there. And so the North Carolina Department of Transportation, if there's any debris pushing up against a bridge that's owned by North Carolina Department of Transportation, is their responsibility to clear out. And then looked at it a little bit further. And and as I looked into why it would need to be cleared out, what's the economic benefit? Why would the taxpayers' money be better spent doing that as opposed to anything else? So what do you benefit when it's all cleared out and then

Joe Hallatschek: what else is possibly out there. And so the North Carolina Department of Transportation, if there's any debris pushing up against a bridge that's owned by North Carolina Department of Transportation, it's their responsibility to clear it out. And then look at it a little bit further and and as I looked into why would it need to be cleared out, what's the economic benefit? Why would the taxpayers money be better spent doing that as opposed to anything else? So what do you benefit when it's all cleared out?

Peter Pappas: And the answer is don't know. Now, if there's a danger to a bridge owned by N N C D O T, then clearly it needs to be fixed. And they have the responsibility to do that. And same thing for like a railroad. but as far as clearing it out for aesthetic purposes, you know, the Corps of Engineers would not do it because the benefits really aren't there, the economic benefits. Well,

Joe Hallatschek: answer is don't know. Now if there's a danger to a bridge owned by NC DOT, then clearly it needs to be fixed. And they have the responsibility to do that. And same thing for like a railroad. But as far as clearing it out for aesthetic purposes, you know the Corvingers would not do it because the benefits really aren't there, economic benefits.

Peter Pappas: you're dumping stormwater into it. So, I mean, if you have a bunch of garbage in it.

Joe Hallatschek: You're dumping stormwater into it. So I mean if you have a bunch of garbage in it, does that not slow down the flow of how much storm water we can dump into the river? So Or does it just flood? I mean

Peter Pappas: Does that not slow down the flow of how much stormwater we can dump into the river? So or does it just flood and it well then the stormwater actually, the program, the soil and water conservation has got the stream bank restoration assistance program can do clearing and snagging on the creeks in the rivers leading up to the Cape Fear to reduce any backflow and potential upstream flooding.

Joe Hallatschek: Well then the storm water actually the program the Soil Water Conservation has got the Stream Bank restoration citizens program can do clearing and snagging on the creeks and the rivers leading up to Cape Fear to reduce any backflow and potential upstream flooding. So that program's already there. Okay. And and some of the towns have used it and there's opportunity to use it even more.

Peter Pappas: So that program's already there. Okay. And and some of the towns have used it and there's opportunity to use it even more. Okay. All right. So any opponents have any ideas that you actually like?

Joe Hallatschek: So any opponents have any ideas that you actually like?

Peter Pappas: I know we're not supposed to, you know, bring up opponents. I'm not gonna bring up their names, but anybody have an idea that you heard, you're like, okay. Well, the one thing I heard from one candidate talk about was getting to know the farmers and and understanding their issues that they've got. And I thought.

Joe Hallatschek: not supposed to, you know, bring up the t I'm gonna bring up their names, but anybody have an idea that you've heard, you're like, okay. Well the one thing I heard from one candidate talk about was getting to know the farmers and and understanding their issues that they've got. And I thought,

Peter Pappas: No, I have only been here not even ten years. And so that's clearly an area that I can't exceed in because I just don't know the area. And I did not grow up as a farmer. I grew up on a different area of the

Joe Hallatschek: I've only been here not even ten years and so that's clearly an area that I can't exceed in because I just don't know the area. And I did not grow up as a farmer. I grew up on a different area that I area to country and so I just don't have that expertise in my back pocket. But the town councils, they do. And so the more I get to know them and because I'm gonna leverage what they know about their people and their land to help me figure out how best to help them.

Peter Pappas: area of the country and so I just don't have that expertise in my back pocket. But the town councils, they do. And so the more I get to know them and because I'm gonna leverage what they know about their people and their land to help me figure out how best to help them. Right. That's fine. I mean you want somebody to make the introduction, right? That's exactly right. Let them introduce you. So you sat on the city's stormwater board since twenty twenty

Joe Hallatschek: That's fine. I mean you want somebody to make the introduction, right? That's exactly right. You sat on the city store motorboards since twenty twenty.

Peter Pappas: and outside the city limits, where does all that water still go where it shouldn't after a big storm? And can this board actually what can it actually do about it? Good question. So we've got a one to end list, this is what I call the the list that we compiled of all the areas within the city of Faville where there is flooding.

Joe Hallatschek: Outside the city limits, where does all that water still go where it shouldn't after a big storm? And can this board actually what can it actually do about it? Good question. So we've got a one-to-end list, which is what I call the list that we compiled of all the areas within the city of Faville where there's flooding. And so as we look at that list and we apply funding, we start prioritizing. So the way we prioritize it is the area that's flooding that has the most effect on residents.

Peter Pappas: And so as we look at that list and we apply funding, we start prioritizing. And so the way we prioritize it is the area that's flooding that has the most effect on residents, we fund first. And so it doesn't matter where it is in Fayetteville, if it affects 10 land homeowners and this next one does maybe five, we'll do the one that that's 10. And so as we've done that, we've affected the most amount of people in Fayetteville.

Joe Hallatschek: we fund first. And so it doesn't matter where it is in Fayetteville, if it affects ten land homeowners and this next one does maybe five, we'll do the one that that's ten. And so as we've done that, we've affected the most amount of people in Fayetteville in the last couple of years and it's been a really good improvement. Now areas that are flooding where there aren't any residents, they can continue to flood because right now the impact on the community is not that great. But eventually we'll get there.

Peter Pappas: In the last couple of years. Yeah. And it's been a really good improvement. Now areas that are flooding where there aren't any residents, they can continue to flood because right now the impact on the community is not that great. But eventually we will get to that. Okay. So we have a problem here with farmland turning into subdivisions, solar farms and maybe possibly data centers. The lovely data center issue. I hate this damn thing. So the county's data center moratorium, it goes through December fifteenth. the board has

Joe Hallatschek: So we have a problem here with farmland turning into subdivisions, solar farms and maybe possibly data centers. The lovely data center issue, I think it's anything. So the county's data center moratorium, it goes from December 15th. the board has so your board has no zoning power. So should supervisors, if elected, speak up at the County Commission about this topic?

Peter Pappas: So your board has no zoning power. So should supervisors, if elected, speak up at the county commission about this topic?

Joe Hallatschek: so with respect to stormwater, so these data centers will and I'm gonna talk from the stormwater advisory board perspective. As we increase the previous

Peter Pappas: so with respect to stormwater, so these data centers will and I'm gonna talk from the stormwater advisory board perspective. As we increase the impervious l

Joe Hallatschek: space in Fayville, there will be a tax associated with it such that it doesn't overwhelm the city with respect to school money.

Peter Pappas: space in Fayville, there will be a tax associated with it. So I said it doesn't overwhelm the city with respect to stormwater.

Joe Hallatschek: And as I've seen some of the data center campuses, there is a significant amount. So as they get approval to be built, there needs to be something erosion control involved with their construction permit. And then after they are established, there should be some definite best management practices that are in place

Peter Pappas: And as I've seen some of the data center campuses, there is a significant amount. So as they get approval to be built, there needs to be some things, erosion control involved with their construction permit. And then after they are established, there should be some definite best management practices that are in place

Joe Hallatschek: Well, don't they most developments nowadays you see a retention pond with with

Peter Pappas: such that it doesn't overwhelm the city. Well, don't they most developments nowadays you see a retention pond in the

Joe Hallatschek: millions of Canadian fees that are passwords? But is that not part of our building permitting process now? So it is. And so the the amount of runoff before construction

Peter Pappas: millions of Canadian geese that are little bastards. But is that not part of our building permitting process now? It is. And so the the amount of runoff before construction

Joe Hallatschek: has got to be equal or less than after construction. So in other words, when you're done constructing, you can't have more runoff than you had before. Right. And so every construction plan has got to come up with some design

Peter Pappas: has got to be equal or less than after construction. So in other words, when you're done constructing you can't have more runoff than you had before. Right. And so every construction plan has got to come up with some design

Joe Hallatschek: to make sure that the runoff isn't greater, whether it's a retention pond or a swale or some other what we call B and Psych some other B and P it's up to the developer to figure out. And it has to be maintained for time. Okay. Okay. And

Peter Pappas: to make sure that the runoff isn't greater, whether it's a retention pond or a swale or some other what we call BMPs. Some other BMP, it's up to the developer to figure out. And it has to be maintained through time. Okay. Okay. And so basically the retention pond is there to do what then? It's to hold the water to let it soak into the the groundwater, which actually is a good thing 'cause then it replenishes our water supply. Okay. All right. So in Gray's Creek, this state

Joe Hallatschek: So basically the retention pond is there to do what then? It's to hold the water to let it soak into the the groundwater, which actually is a good thing because that it replenishes our water supply. Okay. So in Grace Creek, the state the state's September settlement in Timor's set aside $135 million to keep replacement water flowing to well owners.

Peter Pappas: The state's September settlement with Keymores set aside $135 million to keep replacement water flowing to well owners. This board doesn't regulate any of that, but do you think it needs to have a role or is that somebody else's fight? So this this is where the PWC Public Works Committee, they they they have got the the oversight for water supply. And so that's not within the purview of the soil and water conservation. I look at it, I'm aware of it.

Joe Hallatschek: This board doesn't regulate any of that, but do you think it needs to have a role or is that somebody else's file? So this this is where the PWC Public Works Committee put they they have got the the oversight for water supply. And so that's not within the purview of this whole water conservation. I look at it, I'm aware of it. I've talked to a couple landowners that are in Grace Creek, so I understand what what's being done and why. but that water supply is not something that we do.

Peter Pappas: I've talked to a couple of landowners that are in Gray's Creek. So I understand what what's being done and why. but that water supply is not something that we do. Now what we can do with respect to water quality is help with erosion control and pollution control of the water going over the farmers' lands, going into the creeks, eventually going to the Cape Fear, which is where P W C gets most of the water from. Right. Well, what kind of a role would you guys have with

Joe Hallatschek: Now what we can do with respect to water quality is help with erosion control and pollution control of the water going over the farmers' lands, going into the creeks, eventually going to the Cape Fear, which is where B W C gets most of the water from. Right. Well, what kind of a role would you guys have with I mean I just said it over the farmers land, I'm thinking pesticide.

Peter Pappas: I mean, I you just said over the farmer's land, I'm thinking pesticide and God knows what they use to in these crops. I mean, would you have any s d does soil and water cover any of that? Yes, there is. So the soil and water conservation district has got the ability to test soil to let farmers know what chemicals are in there so that they're over fertilizing more pesticide than they need, we can certainly test and let them know. Okay.

Joe Hallatschek: God knows what they use to these crops. I mean, do you have any s the the soil and water covered in the back? Yes, there is. So the Sol and Water Conservation district has got the ability to test soil to let farmers know what chemicals are in there so that they're over fertilizing, more pesticide than they need, we can certainly test and let them know. Okay,

Peter Pappas: Okay, 'cause I mean that's more we have we get to drink or we have to filter at least. Right. so here's

Joe Hallatschek: okay. Right. so There's one close to you. Fort Bragg needs the land around it to stay open. We need a buffer. What can a comp conservation district do for the farmers who live next to the post? Actually, at that point, there is no ability for the county to affect the the

Peter Pappas: one close to you. Fort Bragg needs the land around it to stay open. We need a buffer. What can a com conservation district do for the farmers who live next to the post? actually at that point, there is no ability for the county to affect the the

Joe Hallatschek: landowners' ability to put the farm next to Fort Bragg. I mean, if they're there, they own the land, clearly it's their land to to

Peter Pappas: landowners ability to put their farm next to Fort Bragg. I mean, if they're there, they own the land, clearly it's their their land to to use. there is a compatibility use zone that Fort Bragg manages to make sure that there isn't encroachment on the training area. Right. And so that that's a program that Fort Bragg manages to make sure that there's no impact on the training areas. And so currently if there is a problem

Joe Hallatschek: There is a compatibility use zone that Four Bragg manages to make sure that there is an encroachment on the training area. And so that that's a program that Fort Bragg manages to make sure that there is no impact on the training areas. And so currently, if there is a problem, it's resolved with the landowner. But frankly, this is the program that's been going on for years. And if necessary, Fort Bragg has got the ability to buy land to to create a buffer, sure.

Peter Pappas: it's resolved with the landowner. But frankly, this is a program that's been going on for years. And if necessary, Fort Braggett's got the ability to buy land to r to create a buffer. Sure. So let's make it simple. So could you name one creek, one road or one farm in this county that you could drive me to so we would under I would understand better the problem that soil and water faces.

Joe Hallatschek: So let's make it simple. So could you name one creek, one road or one farm in this county that you could drive me to so we would I would understand better the problem that soil and water faces. a good example would be in a lower little river that goes under Highway eighty seven in Spring Lake. So if you go through there you can see that the the debris that is currently in the look lower little little river and that it's at a point where if Spring Lake put in a project to get it cleared and snagged, it would probably

Peter Pappas: a good example would be in a lower little river that goes under Highway eighty seven in Spring Lake. So if you go through there you can see that the the debris that is currently in the little lower little little river and that it's at a point where if Spring Lake put in a project to get it cleared and snagged, it would probably

Joe Hallatschek: we prioritize and most likely be see funding in the future. 'cause another hurricane is very soon gonna come and if you pee the water away enough it'll cause upstream flooding.

Peter Pappas: be prioritized and most likely be see funding in the future. 'cause another hurricane is eventually gonna come. And if you impede the waterway enough, it'll cause upstream flooding. And so Spring Lake has gone through that. they've done a lot of a lot of good clearing and snagging to get it good, but there's always room for improving. So what's stopping that? I mean, so are you saying that the town needs to be asking for these things or is this maybe soil and water needs to be finding areas like this and

Joe Hallatschek: And so Spring Lake has gone through that. they've done a lot of a lot of good clearing and snagging to get it good, but there's always room for improvement. So what's stopping? I mean, so are you saying that the town needs to be asking for these things or is this maybe soil and water is to be finding areas like this and going for them? So the town would now make a project and soil and water would prioritize it and and rack.

Peter Pappas: Going for the money. So the town would ha nominate the project and Sol and Water would prioritize it and and rack and and recommend funding in some priority list in the in the out years. Okay. right now Spring Lake is working through a lot of other funding priorities and they're doing a great job. And so I'm sure this is something that they're eventually going to get to. But right now their public works and their engineering, they're working on the water supply for the city and for the town, they're doing a great job.

Joe Hallatschek: recommend funding in some priority lists in the and the out years. right now Spring Lake is working through a lot of other funding priorities and they're doing a great job. And so I'm sure this is something they're eventually gonna get to. But right now they're public works and their engineering, they're working on the water supply for the city and for the town, they're doing a great job.

Peter Pappas: Yeah. Well, you know, if everything's a priority, then nothing's a priority. So they have to pick one or two and get going. So

Joe Hallatschek: Well you know if everything's priority in office priorities they have to think about it. So

Peter Pappas: so before I let you go, what's the one thing you'd like somebody watching to take out of the last half hour we spent together? I would say that the the solar and water conservation district has got the ability to provide funding for projects in in our local towns. There's four programs that are managed, and the more the town commissioners understand it.

Joe Hallatschek: So before I let you go, what's the one thing you'd like somebody watching to take out of the last half hour we spent together? I would say that the the Solan Mortar Conservation District has got the ability to provide funding for projects in in our local towns. There's four programs that are managed, and the more the town commissioners understand it, the better they'll be able to leverage the funding that's out there. Okay.

Peter Pappas: The better they'll be able to leverage the funding that's out there. Okay. Well, Joe, I appreciate you being here. we always you're gonna have the kind of conversation that people they say that it doesn't happen anymore, but we did have it here. Where do people find you for your campaign? So I've got a I've got a Facebook set up for my campaign. Okay. And it's Joe Haljick for Soul and Water Conservation District. So it's out there. I've got I've got less than a hundred followers.

Joe Hallatschek: Well, Joe, I appreciate you being here. we always we're gonna have the kind of conversation that people they say that it doesn't happen anymore, but we did have it here. Where do people find you for your campaign? So I've got a I've got a Facebook setup for my campaign and it's Joe Haljick for Sol and Water Conservation District. So it's out there, I've got less than a hundred followers, but I make it a point to post whenever I go out and do something like every town hall that I go to.

Peter Pappas: But I make it a point to post whenever I go out and do something like every town hall that I go to.

Joe Hallatschek: And and so far I've gotten some real good feedback that is helpful campaign. Okay. Well and folks you need to go Google it. that's kind of the point of why I'm saying that, but we do have your name properly spelled on screen, so at least they can Google it properly. So look, Joe, the door's open, come back after November, win or lose, and tell me what you have learned from your experience. So by all means. With all due

Peter Pappas: And and so far I've gotten some really good feedback and it's helped my campaign. Okay. Well, and folks, you need to go Google it. that's kind of the point of why I'm saying that. But we do have your name properly spelled on screen. So at least they can Google it properly. So look, Joe, the doors open. Come back after November, win or lose, and tell me what you have learned from your experience. So by all means. With all Due respect. Thank you for being here today and I appreciate your time. Have a good afternoon. All right. Thanks for having me.

Joe Hallatschek: respect, thank you for being here today and appreciate the time. Have a good afternoon. All right, thanks for having me.