City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone.

Good evening. Good evening everyone. Hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful day. It was just a great beautiful day. It's so good to see everybody here. I'm William Harris. I am your mayor. My roots run deep here in Fugquway Vina. I was born less than two miles from this very spot where I'm standing. I was raised here in Fugquway Vina and went to school here as well. I've experienced the good and the bad of what it means to live here. I've experienced the sting of racism during a time when this town was no different than any other town in the south struggling for its identity. I experienced the fresh healing that comes from people helping me right here in Fugquway Verina. I have experienced and witnessed changes in Fugquway Vina as it has grown and struggled with the demands to honor the rights of every citizen. So, it's truly my honor to be standing before you tonight as the mayor of my hometown, Fugquway Vina, to deliver the state of the town address. First, I'd like to say we are growing. The state of Fugqua Arena is strong and it's growing. Growth brings responsibility. growth, especially rapid growth, strains systems. In growing towns like Fugquway Arena, residents often feel change is happening to them, not necessarily with them. Our job as leaders and as a community is to make sure that as we grow, we protect what makes this town, Fugqu Arena, so

special, a dash more. Tonight I want to share the strategy to keep Fuqua Vina a dashboard. We know that responsible growth is not something that happens by accident. It's something we manage. The decisions we make today will shape what Fugquway Arena looks like 5 10 20 years from now. Sometimes we have to look back to look toward the future. So, we'll be looking back at our accomplishments over the past year and more importantly at the why behind those successes and the principles that guide us as we build a brighter future for Fugquway Vina. More people are choosing to live here. Families are discovering what we have long known. This is a wonderful place to live, to raise children, to build a business, and to thrive. Every year more people choose to call Fugquway Arena home. They come from the qual they come for the quality of life we value here in Fugquway Arena which are safe neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, beautiful parks, and most of all a sense of community. But that opportunity comes with responsibility. Today, our town stands at a at an important moment in history. As a new mayor of a midsize town like Fugway Arena, I realize that my first year is a real opportunity to set priorities that produce visible results to build a long-term momentum as we move forward. But before we dive in, I'd like to introduce the dedicated individuals who serve alongside me on the town board.

I'd like to introduce Mayor Proim Marilyn Gardner, Commissioner Charlie, Commissioner Brian Haynes, Commissioner Chris Voron, and Commissioner Larry Smith. Fquaverina also has many citizen boards that contribute time and talent to our town. I'd like to acknowledge uh those members of the planning and zoning board. If you're here, would you please stand? Members of the board of adjustment. Member of downtown Fway Arena Downtown Association. Oh, welcome. Members of the Chamber of Commerce. Thank you. Welcome. Welcome. We're happy to see all of you here. We appreciate it. Let's give them a hand. Well, we have an exciting video for you tonight. And without further delay, you will get a chance to debut our year's video which recaps the town of Fuqua Verina's accomplishments and progress from the year 2025. So get your cameras ready as we travel on a special trip. In this vast and everchanging habitat, life unfolds in steady rhythms, guided by instinct, routine, and the pursuit of essential nutrients. Creatures of all kinds, including commuters, first responders, and families on the move, navigate their

environment with purpose, resilience, and the occasional dramatic sigh. Today, we observe a year of extraordinary adaptation and remarkably organized progress. Welcome to the wilds of Fugquway Verina. Watch now the daily commute. A majestic migration that unfolds like clockwork. No doubt due to completing six major transportation projects with five more on the way. A carefully coordinated effort rarely witnessed in the wild. $8.1 million in grant funding helps to ensure the continued growth of this thriving urban ecosystem. Few species display devotion like the guardians of Fugquway Verina. Ever vigilant, ever prepared, the fire department achieved the nearly mythological ISO class one rating. A rare signal that training is strong, equipment is ready, water supply is reliable, and emergency response across the community is exceptional. For residents, this level of preparedness often means lower homeowner insurance premiums. Even the most cautious homeowners approve. The police department earn accreditation achieved by fewer than 1% of agencies nationwide. This distinction reflects rigorous standards in training, policy oversight, and accountability, helping to ensure safer and more trustworthy policing throughout the territory, especially in high density pedestrian regions. To support these guardians, the town invested $3.89 million and four new fire

engines. Machines so polished, fingerprints are strongly discouraged. Quiet. If you're careful, you will see that a study is now underway to determine the future habitat of the police department. Researchers observe carefully, mindful of the delicate balance between officer and pastry. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the fire department. 100 years of service, resilience, and exceptionally strong boots. Every flourishing domain depends on water flowing beneath the surface, unseen but essential, much like the internet router no one remembers until it stops working. Major facilities continued toward completion. The terrible creek expansion in 2027, the Sanford water plant expansion, and the Haret County expansion in 2028. the patient methodical ballet of pipes. In 2026, a 17-mi conveyance line will be bid, ensuring reliable water delivery across the ecosystem. And soon, Fugquway Varina will raise a 1 milli elevated tank, improving water pressure and providing a sweeping view of the surrounding region. Oh, look. A familiar and quaint creature emerges. The weekenders excite us, drawn instinctively to McWall's entertainment center, where jobs are created, generating revenue and inspiring competitive bowling stances previously unseen. Some approach this ritual casually, others

with a level of intensity researchers are still trying to understand. Nearby, Aviator Brewery spreads its wings across 60,000 square ft, becoming a popular gathering point within the downtown habitat. Target arrives in March of 2026, restoring balance to the shopping ecosystem. Migration experts advise a measured approach as these structures were not designed for vehicular entry. A new wake health will serve more than 9,300 patients annually, often following the universally recognized call of the wild. Hey to you all, witness this.

Hey, hey, y'all watch this. A 91 room true by Hilton rises next, offering a reliable resting place for traveling families and migrating grandparents. Academy Village begins to take shape. Home to the future Lowe's foods, significantly shortening the distance between residents and wellplanned dinners. Life here is not just growing. It is prospering. Supported by a remarkably active population, adults remain highly active within the habitat, often rediscovering muscles they forgot existed. Creative expression flourishes as residents explore talents they always suspected were there. Or maybe not. The hilltop needed more townpore community center quickly became a thriving hub expanding opportunities for all ages. Deep in the concrete jungle, a familiar migration occurs twice each year. The food truck rodeo drawing thousands to the verina parking lot where nearly 40 food and beverage vendors gather. And these inhabitants observe the lioness. She raises her head out of fear. No. She extends a warm welcome to a cold pint. Her and all locals have learned to graze peacefully. As participation grows and new initiatives take shape, financial strength remains steady. Supported

by careful planning and discipline, national recognition for budget excellence and the continued preservation of AAA bond raiding stand as evidence of that balance. As our expedition concludes, we witness a community not merely surviving but booming. In the wilds of Fugquaverina, cooperation shapes the terrain as surely as time itself. Here, progress is not an accident. It is a natural phenomenon. Great job. Great job. As more people have come in, I'd like to also represent friends of the arts center, if you're here, as well as members of the parks and recreation advisory board. If you're here, would you please stand? Thank you. members of the black his history stakeholders group if any come if anyone is here and I I'd like to recognize the most important person to me in Fugquway Arena my wife Mita

thank you thank you so much thank all of you for for being here tonight. I really, really appreciate your presence. It means such a great deal. As you just saw, 2025 was a year of remarkable progress. But what truly makes Fuqua special isn't just what we accomplish, but how we accomplish it. It's the spirit of working together with a shared commitment to building a brighter future for everyone. Now, let me be clear. The success of this town does not come from the mayor or the commissioners alone. It comes from residents who care about their neighborhoods, volunteers who give of their time, business owners who invest here, teachers, public safety personnel, fire and police officers, and other professionals, and community leaders who serve every day. We have great volunteer examples such as the Fugquway Verina Jeep Club who make sure that uh for the past few years all of us us commissioners have had an opportunity to ride in the uh Christmas parade. The vision shared by the town of town board, our management team, and every member of our staff is to see Fugquway Arena thrive as a dynamic, welcoming and caring community where opportunity and a sense of belonging are within reach for us all. That future is guided by our strategic plan. It's a compelling vision that outlines our future progress. Building on years of success, this plan charts our course for the next five years, ensuring we continue to deliver on our promise of an exceptional quality of life here in Fugquway Arena.

We're deeply committed to fostering economic and cultural opportunities, ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods, and delivering exceptional municipal services, all contributing to an unmatched quality of life. And we're driven by a simple yet powerful mission to improve life one initiative at a time. Always striving to be a dash more. Always striving to be that quality city with a small town feel. So tonight, I want to share how we're living up to that commitment through the core values that guide us. They were included in the video. I'll go over them again. The core values are quality of life, an effective government and governance, safety and security, economic vitality, preserving character and identity, and of course, fiscal strength. We are committed to building a Fugquave Arena where quality of life isn't just a standard, but it's a source of pride. In the coming year, we'll be investing in that vision to protect our quality of life by revitalizing South Park Community Center, expanding recreational opportunities at Fleming Loop, and planning a new park near Willow Spring Elementary School. And this fall, we'll celebrate the completion of the Austin Ridge Greenway. This year, we will also advance $57 million in transportation infrastructure projects to include road sidewalk expansion, traffic flow improvements, and park maintenance. We are committed to protecting our green spaces as well, our parks and natural

resources and encouraging mixeduse development so that people have the opportunity to live in and or near downtown, thus reducing traffic and preserving our town's character. In the area of effective government, we are committed to a government that is open, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our citizens. For us, effective governance means serving the people of Fugquway Arena with honesty, integrity, efficiency, accountability, and transparency. As our community grows, so do the demands for services and facilities. That's why we'll be breaking ground on the public service center expansion, exploring options to expand the police department facility, and beginning the planning for a fifth fire station. With a dedicated staff of approximately 400 employees, these investments are vital to maintaining the service levels our residents expect and deserve. In the area of safety and security, you know, feeling safe in our homes and neighborhoods is fundamental, and the town's commitment to safety and security has always been unwavering. We will continue to invest in our police department and fire personnel by providing them with the resources, the equipment, and training necessary to maintain Fugqua Verina's reputation as one of the safest towns in North Carolina. Utilities are also a top priority. We're making strategic investments in modern water and wastewater infrastructure, hundreds of millions of dollars in critical projects to ensure access to these vital resources now and for

generations to come. in the area of economic vitality. Economic vitality is critical. It's critical to sustaining our quality of life and funding the services our residents deserve. This year we will be updating our economic development strategic plan, building on the success of the past five years and working on attracting high-tech highwage jobs and bringing conferences and conventions to Fugquway Vina. A key priority this year will be hiring an economic development director to lead these efforts and help us build a more diversified and prosperous future. The town appreciates our strong partnerships with the Fugquway Arena Chamber of Commerce and the Fugquway Arena Downtown Association and their work to continuously attract and retain businesses and to encourage entrepreneurship. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the area of preserving character and identity. Fugquway Vina's unique charm and rich history are at the heart of what makes our town special. We're committed to retaining a strong sense of community that defines us. Our historic downtown districts are the heart of our identity. Preserving their charm while encouraging thoughtful revitalization is a priority. This means continuing our strong partnership again with the Fugquway Arena Downtown Association, establishing clear downtown maintenance standards, undertaking a downtown streetscape study to improve our downtown environment, and upholding the guiding principles of our land use plan in the area of fiscal strength. Fiscal

strength, as you know, is essential for a thriving Fugqua Arena. This town, this board, and town management are committed to making smart strategic investments that benefit our community for years to come and protect taxpayers dollars. Our exceptional budgeting practices have earned us numerous awards and we proudly maintain the highest quality bond rating from both standards and pores and Moody's investors services ensuring our town remains financially stable and resilient. We recognize that growth must serve everyone. It's a big challenge. Fquina isn't just growing. We are building a future rooted in those principles outlined tonight. Quality of life, effective governance, safety and security, economic vitality, fiscal strength, and the preservation of our unique character. These values aren't simply aspirations. They are the cornerstone and the road mapap for a brighter future. We envision a fugqua arena where opportunity thrives, where families feel safe, and where our sense of community grows stronger with each passing year. Where there is a balanced range of housing to include workforce housing, starter housing, and senior friendly living. where there is a strong community culture that supports community events, cultural festivals, downtown events that promote foot traffic and connection in public spaces, i.e. the Fqua Arena Arts Center, farmers market and outdoor dining spaces.

We also have this vision and we look for where there is a focus on what residents experience daily like traffic congestion. And we're looking at how to move people through and around town safely whether they are driving, walking, biking, or traveling to work and to school. We envision a town where we maintain strong relationships between the mayor and the town board and the residents and we encourage civic pride in our community. We envision a town where we support small businesses and local entrepreneurs. We create walkable commercial and retail space where we continue to coordinate and collaborate with other levels of government and encourage partnerships to attract environmentally safe commercial industries that fit our community values. And lastly, we are committed to building a community where everyone feels they belong. Our diversity is one of our strengths. The future of Fugquway Verina will be shaped by people from different backgrounds, different ideas, and different stories. All working together to build a better town. This isn't a vision that town government can realize on its own. It demands the energy, the ideas, and the dedication of all of us. Our goal is simple. to grow responsibly, to protect our quality of life, and to leave this town better for the next generation. I'm optimistic about where we're headed because when I look at our community, I

see people who care deeply about this place we call home. And that gives me the confidence in the future of our town. If we remain focused on these strategies, the state of Fugquway Arena will remain strong, not just today, but for generations to come. So, thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to this remarkable community. I'm incredibly proud pr proud to serve as your mayor and I'm confident that together guided by these principles and our strategic plan we can build a fugquave arena that truly stands apart a town that is dynamic welcoming caring and always a dash more. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you all very much. Thank you all for being here tonight. We will break for a few minutes to reset the room for tonight's board meeting. You're welcome to stay, but thank you again for your attendance. We'll take a break now.

He is all in. Good evening everyone. It's good to see so many people here. Uh we certainly welcome you to our meeting this evening and I'm going to call the meeting to order. Our first order of business is the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. I've asked Mayor Pro Tim Marilyn Gardner to give us our invocation and Commissioner Chris Vorum will do our pledge of allegiance. Let us please stand.

Let's bow. Most gracious heavenly father, we thank you for this opportunity for us again together to serve our town and gather in in your love. We thank thank you for all the many blessings we celebrate tonight as we review the this year in that has just passed. We are so blessed and we give you the credit and give you the glory. Dear Lord, we ask your your direction and your that you continue to hold this wonderful community in your arms as we look forward to another year of challenges and celebrations. We we thank you for the leadership that we have in place and we all ask your guidance as we move forward. Please bless us in your holy name. Amen.

Amen. Thank you. Pledge of allegiance. All right. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Thank you. At this time, I will ask town manager Adam Mitchell to review the meeting protocol for public participation as it relates to this meeting. So, please give him your attention.

Thank you, Mayor. Good evening. This on here. There we go. Thank you, mayor. Good evening. Uh good evening, board members. It's good to be with you tonight. Tonight's town board meeting is both in person and livereamed on the town's YouTube channel and Facebook page. Tonight's meeting contains a public comment period and one scheduled public hearing. The public is invited to comment in person. When it is the appropriate time, Mayor Harris will call on those wishing to address the town board. All attendees that have appeared in person to address the town board during the public comment period should provide your name and address on the green registration sheet by the podium prior to the public comment period beginning. All attendees that have appeared in person to address the town bo board during the scheduled public hearing should provide your name and address on the white registration sheet by the podium. We ask all those wishing to address the town board either during the public comment period or a scheduled public hearing to begin their comments by clearly stating their name and address for the public record. The public is asked to keep all comments to three minutes so that all that wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. To be respectful of those that may have different views on matters addressed by the town board, we ask that all in attendance respect of the decorum of the meeting by refraining from clapping, making loud noises, and generally showing support or displeasure for comments made during the public comment period or public hearings. Police Chief Smith will be asked to escort from the boardroom anyone not respecting the process and it is the discretion of the mayor as presiding officer to continue the public comment and or public hearing period if the meeting protocol is not followed. And this concludes the protocol for tonight's meeting.

Thank you very much, Town Manager Mitchell. Our next item of business is item 3 A, approval of the minutes for the February 17th 2026 Town Board of Commissioners regular schedule meeting and the February 5th through 7th, 2026 Town Board planning retreat. Do I hear a motion to approve those minutes? Mayor, I move to approve the minutes of the February 17th, 2026 Town Board of Commissioners regular schedule meeting and the February 5th through 7th, 2026 Town Board planning retreat. Second. Second. It's been moved and properly seconded that the minutes be approved. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I.

I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you so much. The next item is item 4A, presentation and resolution law enforcement retirement police K9 dash. Chief Smith, mayor, commissioners, it certainly is uh good to be here this evening. Um, tonight brings some excitement but also a little bit of sadness. As you can see, we have police K9 Dash with us here tonight, who is being recognized uh for his retirement and honored for his outstanding and distinguished service to the Fugquway Police Department and community. So, Dash is going to turn 10 years old this year and the police department recommends his retirement effective today, March 9th, 2026. So, Dash was acquired by the town in September 20 of 2017 and is the first K-9 in the history of the Fugquway Verina Police Department. And that is one of the things that makes this retirement so special. This was accomplished during Chief Laura Fontock's tenure who established the K9 program. Dash has served for eight and a half years with the Fuqua Arena Police Department and has formed an exceptional and effective partnership with Corporal Matthew Jessis, who is his handler. During their time together, they have responded to over 360 incidents, completed over 940 hours of training, participated in more than 45 K9 demonstrations and community presentations, assisted other agencies on over 30 calls, seized over 760 grams of

narcotics during service, responsible for a seizure of over $3,500 in illegal proceeds. s and successfully tracked and apprehended numerous fleeing suspects, contributing to community safety. Dash's presence enhanced public safety and strengthened department community relationships. He and Corporal Jessa served as positive ambassadors during community events and educational demonstrations. So tonight, I would like to hand out a few awards. One will be to K9 Dash for his service and one will be to Corporal Jessis and K9 Dash for their partnership and what they have done to help make Fuqua Vina a safer place. So tonight, Dash is being awarded the community service accommodation and ribbon, K-9 ribbon, 5-year service ribbon, Kalia ribbon, the US flag ribbon, and the police accommodation ribbon. So, this is what we have for K9 Dash tonight.

Beautiful. So, that'll be for you. And then also as I mentioned, Corporal Jessis and K9 Dash will be receiving the police commendation which is one of our awards within the police department for their teamwork and making Fugquway Vina a safer place. Oh, great.

Congratulations. And before I begin with my comments, because I do have some other things to say, I know Corporal Justice had a few comments that he would like to make and address mayor and the board. Good evening.

Good evening. I just want to thank Chief Smith and his administration and former police chief Fontock and her administration for all the support of the K9 program. It's one thing to have a dog in town, but to have the leadership support you and the needs as the dog develops through training and equipment means a lot. Additionally to all the police officers here and the police department employees, thank you for being supporters of supporters of Dash and myself. Uh as we grew and as we're out there working, having a dog is great tool, but if the officers don't believe the value the dog adds, it doesn't do anything. So having officers call us to assist and having those officers be willing to train with us and really just consider how canines can become part of the operation. Um and like the boots on the ground aspect means a great deal to us. If you look at our K9 program from about a 30,000 foot overlook, we're relatively young program. Uh other agencies have one dogs, two dogs, eight plus dogs. And those agencies have handlers. They've been working dogs for 15 plus years. They've selected dogs. They've trained dogs. They've retired dogs. And tonight, retiring our first dog as a town that's had a successful and a full working life is something to celebrate. And hopefully that'll be a platform for the Can program to continue to grow on is the experience and hopefully maybe even eventually the expansion of it. To the board and the town, thank you for your support. I know it means a great deal to Dash and I. You may not see it as much as the police officers do as his impact, but we know that you guys supporting us and supporting the budget needs for the canines and all those other considerations, it means a lot to us. So, thank you for that continued support. To the citizens and the community members, Chief Chief Smith read some of those stats. So, just rest assured if you see a police, K-9, people arena cruiser, just know we're working hard to

protect you, your property, and bringing to justice anybody that thinks they can commit crimes or run away without consequences. And that's part of our job. So, just know that we're out there working hard for you. And additionally, thank you for your support as a community from the very start of it, raising money to get the necessary equipment like a vest and a first aid bag, and then inviting us to be part of your lives through the community demonstrations. It's really great to have a dog with a great name like Dash be the first one retire, but just be a part of the community so much. Having a K9, it's like any other piece of special equipment that we have. You can't lock it in a locker or put it on the charger and just wait until the next time you need it. It's a living, breathing animal. It's with us 24/7. So, I would be remiss if I didn't thank my family for their support. uh my wife Janna and my three sons, they have taken just as much as the sacrifice as I have by having K9 Dash and a K9 with us in our backyard, taking care of it every single day, the training that's needed to go into it, the call outs, the staying late at work, all those things. So, thank you to my family for being supportive uh to our needs, but also allow me to pursue one of my goals of working a K9. Lastly, of all the stats that Chief Smith shared, there's one that is very hard to record and it doesn't show up on any budget or any stat sheet or any monthly report. And that's when an officer's on the side of the road in the middle of the night with the subject. And that person may not be showing it, but they're thinking about assaulting that officer. They think about fighting. They think about running. But then they see that car with a canine sticker on it. or they hear that canine bark from the back seat and they change their mind because they know what the canines are capable of and how well trained they are and everything goes into it and they say, "I'm not going to take my chance tonight. I'm not going to assault that officer. I'm not going to try to run." And to me and my family, that means the world and it's worth its weight and gold. Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Corporal Justice. As you can see, there's a lot of Dash fans standing behind me. Um, they love Dash. He's definitely bring us a lot of joy and he's done a great job and he has lived up to the town slogan. He has been a Dash Moore. So, um, I would just like to express gratitude to K9 Dash and Corporal Justice for their service and contributions to the town. It is not easy being a K9 handler. Like Corporal Justice said, they are with the dogs 24/7. They care for them, they bathe them, they brush them, they exercise them, they do everything. So, there's a lot of hard work that goes into it and a lot of dedication. I'd like to wish Dash a happy, restful, and well-deserved retirement. And under North Carolina General Statute 17F-21, the statute provides the option for a retired service animals custody to be transferred to the officer who was primarily responsible for the animals care. Corporal Justice meets all requirements under the law and has formally requested to adopt Dash upon retirement. And I would like to go ahead and read that resolution. Whereas K9 Dash began his service with the town of Fugquway Vina on September 20th, 2017. And whereas after eight and a half years of distinguished service to the town of Fugquway Vina and the Fugquway Verina Police Department, Dash will retire effective March 9th, 2026. And whereas North Carolina General Statute 17F-21 provides that a unit of local government may transfer ownership of the animal when the service animal is no longer

needed for public service. And whereas Matthew Jessis had normal custody and control of the service animal during the service animals public service to the unit of local government. Now therefore be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Fquaver Vina, North Carolina the following. Matthew Jessis is hereby awarded ownership of the following service animal. dash German Shepherd born on September 3rd, 2016 for the price of $1. This resolution of the town of Fugquway Verina Board of Commissioners is hereby adopted this 9th day of March in the year 2026 in Fugquway Verina, North Carolina and will be signed by William Harris, mayor of Fugquway Verina. So tonight there does there is a recommended motion and that motion the recommended motion is to adopt the resolution awarding ownership of K9 Dash to Corporal Matthew Jessis upon Dash's retirement from the town of Fuway Verina as presented and recommended.

Do I hear a motion to that? So move second. It's been moved and second that u the ownership of K9 Dash to Corporal Matthew Justice upon Dash's retirement from the town of Fugquway Arena as presented and recommended. Uh do I hear uh all those in favor of the motion? Let it be known by saying I unless there's any further discussion. I any oppose? Good. Motion passes.

Thank you so much. Uh, Chief Chief, I I have some gifts for Dash. I'd like to uh real nice gifts for for his plate, a little food to eat, and as well as something to chew on. Now, I I would present it to Dash, but I don't think that would be a problem. I'm not going to shake Dash's hand. So, when you get that

Oh, he he knows. He's shaking. He's wagging his tail. He knows. He's looking at that bag. Wow. He is really falling in bed.

That is great. The next item is item 4B, recognition of the 2026 Winterfest competition, the Police Department Law Enforcement Explorers Chief Smith, you're up again. Thank you.

We got a lot more in attendance tonight, too. We're celebrating something else special. So, great. That's great. That's good. So tonight we're going to recognize our law enforcement explorers who recently attended the Winterfest 2026 competition in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, February 6th through the 8th. They competed in five scenario-based events and one physical fitness challenge. And just to clear up any suspense, we didn't come in last in any single event. Okay, it was a good thing. All right,

they actually did exceptionally well. A few of the achievements and I'm going to ask them to raise their hand when I call their name out. We got second place in the accident investigation and that team was made up of Alex, Eastston, Harper, and Riley. Okay, one of you just hold that for me. We also got second place in crisis negotiations and that team was made up of Ryland, Harper, Ammani, and Molly. Okay, great. So, that was a fantastic job. We got another plaque to put on the wall. And then out of the physical fitness results, there were 77 participants in the men's competition. And Blake got 10th place.

All right. Kaden, my son, got 17th. All right. Very proud of him. Cullen got 20th. and Eastston got 34th. So, they did very well. Very proud of them. Great. That's good. In the women's competition, there were 45 participants and Harper placed fifth. All right. Dez placed 17th. All right. And Maggie placed 22nd. Okay.

So, again, very, very proud of them for that. The Law Enforcement Explorers program is not only a source of pride for the department, but an essential investment in the future of policing in our community. The program provides hands-on realworld training and leadership opportunities preparing young men and women to become the next generation of law enforcement professionals. The Explore program is a powerful recruiting tool. Currently, we have seven of our town's police officers who were once explorers themselves, exemplifying the program's effectiveness in developing dedicated and capable public servants. This is all great information and we're all celebrating it. However, these achievements would not be possible without the dedication of the Fugquway Arena Police Department staff who devote their time to instruct and mentor our explorers every week. A special thanks to Captain Richard Connorly, Lieutenant Anthony Hodes, Lieutenant Brett Kaine, Sergeant Megan Doxy, Master Officer Anna Gino, and Officer Bryce Rosty who commit their time every week and then some to make this happen right here. So, thank you for your dedication to the Explorers program. I am so proud of everybody. Congratulations to our explorers for their determination and outstanding performance. Their hard work today is shaping law enforcement leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing even more explorers join our ranks as sworn officers in the future. Thank you.

Thank you. Yep. Y'all want to come up here and wrap it around and face back this way? Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. That's great.

Congratulations everybody. Proud of you. Can you can I can see

Okay, you're good. Thank you all very much. Thank you all very much. That's really cool. Awesome.

Item 4 C is the National Procurement Month. I have a resolution, a proclamation here that I will read. Procurement is the essential process through which our government secures the goods and services that directly impact the quality of life for Fugqua Vena residents. I'll let them. Whereas effective and efficient procurement practices are crucial to maximizing the value of public funds, fostering transparency, accountability and trust in government and promoting fair competition and innovation. And whereas National Procurement Month offers a unique opportunity to highlight the vital role that procurement professionals play in ensuring the successful delivery of public services and to recognize their dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. And whereas the town of Fugquway Arena is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in all aspects of our operation with procurement playing a vital and key role. Now therefore, I, William H. Harris, mayor of the town of Fugquway Vina, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as National Procurement Month in Fugquway Arena and express our sincere gratitude to our procurement professionals for their hard work and

dedication while encouraging all citizens to join us in acknowledging the significant contributions they make to our town's success. Thank you so much. For those of you who are in the procurement profession, if you are, would you please stand? Any one here? Mr. Mayor, we have with us tonight Tiffany Marshman, who is our uh procurement manage manager uh for the town, purchasing manager for the town, and of course, uh Mark, our finance director, and perhaps they would be uh willing to get a photo with the town board for procurement. Mark,

please, please come. Please come. Sure. Certainly. Thank you all. Thank you all so much for what you do. Thank you. So important. Thank you. Appreciate what you do. Thank you. Yes, sir. Make sure you get a dollar for dash.

That was good. Thank you all so much. That was good job. Okay. All right. Now we move to item five, public comments. At this time, the town clerk will call on individuals that are in attendance and have registered to address the town board prior to the meeting. The public comment period is a time for the public to address the town board about any matter that is not the subject of a scheduled public hearing. Those speaking are asked to begin by clearly stating your name and address for the public record. Please limit your comments to three minutes in order that all who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. Town clerk Wilder, do we have anyone signed up for public comments?

Yes, we have two people. Not all right. That's what I want to talk about. Uh, I believe tennis. You think so? I think so. It's a nice racket. I know. Well, I would hate to volley you with that racket. I know. It's a conversation piece for sure. Got a big sweet spot.

It's Laura Wyant and I'm at 300 Benwell Court. Um, good evening. Thanks for having me. Um, I'm Laura Wyant with um, Western Wake Tennis Association. We're the nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the spirit and growth of tennis in western Wake County which includes Fugquway Arena. Couple things that I wanted to talk about. Um the first thing is that tennis is arguably the healthiest sport on the planet. And I say that because of the research that's been done. Um it provides many physical, mental, and social benefits. My favorite research study showed that tennis players live on average 9.7 years longer than somebody who's sedentary. um that was the number one activity and that's just playing two to three times per week. The next activity down was badminton also a racket sport at 6.2 but still three years um less than than tennis. Another thing that's really important about tennis is um or just in understanding tennis is that it's much more of a program sport versus a walkup sport. um more like soccer and baseball and um I think FQina has done a really good job of doing some programming um for youth tennis and um now you're also adding abilities tennis which is tennis for intellectually disabled athletes and it's an amazing program and you should be proud of that. Western tennis does help you find uh volunteers for that because a lot of volunteers are needed. Um you also have a very large um senior group. Tennis is for five fiveyear-old to 95 plus plus. you've got a very large um senior group that plays um tennis on your courts. Um you do have courts that I would consider unprogrammable um just because there's no restrooms available and we would never program on anything that that doesn't have restrooms. The high school courts that you have joint use, there's a lot of courts, but they're really better for just um walk up play. Um and and I know the senior group does does use those courts. Um there is a ton of growth and demand for

tennis and if you see empty tennis courts I hope you don't think that there's no demand for it. It just means that they're not programmed. Um, so I know you're growing a lot here in Pugway Arena, but tennis is al also growing. And I have a statistic here that I think you'll that will prove the demand. And that is in uh 2019, your neighbor in Holly Springs at their Ting Park 8 facility court had 25 adult league teams. And each adult league team has has 13 to 15 players. So that's pretty good. 2025, they had 99 adult league teams. That's a 400% growth. And unfortunately, the people in Fugquway Vina need to leave Fugquway Verina because there's really no um courts available because you really don't have many um programmed uh courts for programming. Um but I have good news. Um if you're consider building a a programmable facility, and I would consider a 6 to8 court facility programmable, um USA does come in with money and I just saw a report today that Sanduski, Ohio got $200,000 for six courts. And in this area we have southern that would also give you money. So I would expect somewhere from 200 to $300,000 to do a sixcore facility. And then you're going to add 9.7 years to to people's lives. And I am going to follow up by email. So anyway, thanks for letting me speak.

Thank you very much. Really appreciate all that you do. Thank you.

I see you had you had some some friends back. Would you please stand if you are with um Miss uh from the western your tennis were were people here with you? Yeah. All right. Great. Thank you very much for coming. I really appreciate it. Yes. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Okay. We have uh Ray O'Brien. Ray, thank you.

Ray O'Brien at 468 Timber Meadow Lake Drive here in Fugquway. Uh, Mr. Mayor and board members, I'm mostly here for two reasons. One, we've talked a lot about quality of life tonight, and uh, that's something that me and my volunteers work on all the time for the citizens of Fugquway with the food pantry. So tonight we have our director and our our co-directors both in present tonight and many of our volunteers uh that are also here tonight but they're actually a very small amount compared to the number of volunteers that we have over 50 that uh work at the food pantry all the time. So if they would stand up and at least be recognized.

Oh yes. Oh yes. Oh yes. Thank you. And uh the reason we're all here is because there's a motion that you all have tonight to uh reszone our area. We've acquired some property we needed to get reszoned so that we can build our own food pantry. We've been 25 years in the building we're in that we've been leasing and uh it's quite old and in very small uh for our needs. Way too small for our needs because we've outgrown it in the last 25 years. So, uh, I just wanted to address that and we're all here to support that and so we can share when that motion passes. So, uh, thank you very much for your time and, uh, good luck to you all. Thank you.

Thank you for being here. Thank you very much. Anyone else, Madam Clerk? No. Okay. Now we'll move to item 6A conceptual design selection library park director Cox John. Thank you.

Good evening board. The purpose of this agenda item is to consider the selection of a preferred conceptual design for Library Park. The Armed Services Memorial Concept 3 was recommended by management and staff at the town board's February 17th meeting. At that time, the town board tabled conceptual design selection to allow additional time for consideration. Concept 3 will improve the user experience at Library Park through the addition of amenities while reflecting the community's desire for unprogrammed community gathering spaces in downtown Fugquway. In addition, this concept provides the opportunity to honor military veterans and those that have made sacrifices for the country, something requested in community feedback for this master plan as well in part facility master planning processes in recent years. Management staff recommends selection of design concept 3 and advancing this design development to construction drawings. This recommendation is um made subject to the town board desiring to make the necessary level of an investment to achieve the proposed investment. As a fiscal note, the town board established a project budget of $1 million in FY25 for design and enhancements to Library Park. 214,000 has been committed to the library park design. An additional 1,150,000 is anticipated to be required to complete construction. Construction cost will be refined during the design process and funding will be identified in the FY27 budget. The recommendation by motion is to approve concept three, the armed services memorial as a recommended final conceptual design for Library Park project as presented and recommended. and I'll be happy to answer any questions the board might have.

Any questions for Director Cox in regards to the library park conceptual plan? Any comments?

Uh yes. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh just uh um you know, since we've had time to think about uh look at all the concepts, think about hear from community as well. Um uh just just for me, this is me speaking uh not anybody else. Uh I think it would be best if we just um cuz I heard the concerns of two of our board members and uh some other community members about this park. Uh uh you know, we want something there. Uh but I don't think we are right now ready to decide fully what needs to go there. Um I think you know one issue I know needs to happen is that the structure there needs to be repaired. So I would suggest uh fixing the shelter there. Um and since we are um we continue to acquire property and look at this look at our Piny Woods uh park um and long-term looking at having to find a temporary place for our follow me fway. think we should push some of that money that was allotted to Library Park over to uh the Piney Woods project for uh another project. Um I know I was talking to management and other people about um I know sooner or later we'll be um the mouse and some of the buildings there and having an amazing walkway that goes down between the buildings to walk up to u a temporary park would be an amazing feature um right here on our main street. So, those are a few of my thoughts. I don't know what everybody else has to say, but those are a few of my thoughts.

Any other comments?

Well, um Mark Matthews and I attend the meetings of the the um museum board of directors. Uh since I am liaison with between the town and that the town board and that board and um Mark has been a staff person liaison there that's been very helpful too. Um we did mention to them that you know that it was on the agenda and and uh talked a little bit about it. Um and uh they were their comments were very positive. I just wanted to say that um and we mentioned to them that there was a an idea that it might be a military recognition opportunity there and they seemed to there were very positive comments about that too. So, I would like to relay those things from the museum board. Um, I think they liked the idea of um, you know, more places in our downtown area for for um, people who are spending time downtown to be able to sit and spend time and um, you know, more passive um, things going on to, you know, just to to oper off offer those opportunities for people to meet and greet one another as they enjoy our downtown. So that those I just wanted to be sure to mention that we did bring that to that board and there were positive comments.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments?

Also, Mr. Mayor, um this is Brian Hayne speaking again. Put that on the record. Uh I just feel like um I I love the U memorial, military memorial. Um, you know, I want to see that happen in Fugway cuz it's needed, but I just feel like Library Park is not the suitable place for it for me. I think it needs I have some other suggestions where it could go. I feel like that's a little too congested to be able to have say a celebration or something if we did want to have something for uh for our veterans. Um, so I think I I want the veteran memorial and I'm here to support or support the veteran memorial. Um, but I think we should find another location for it. kind of

I'll give you some comments. Commissioner Mer any I

I'm I'm kind of in a similar uh mindset I think as Commissioner Haynes and kind of where I'm at. We had two very different um concepts and I just don't feel like either one um was right. And so we've come up with this third concept. And you know, it to me it feels a little forced. Um, and for a spot as important as downtown, I don't want to force it. Um, I think we need to do something similar to Commissioner Haynes said is basically let's back off from it for a while. We've got some We do need to stabilize the shelter and do some things, but I'd rather just um focus on some other parts. We've got more stuff for parks than we've got money. And if we've got something everybody's not feeling really um positive about or convinced, I say let's just hold off for a little while. I think Piney Woods Park, we know that the um Centennial Park's going to go away and we need a place for our concerts and so we can start preparing that um for the future. As far as the Veterans Memorial, I'm not sure the best location for it. Um, but I think we need to do a better job of involving um some of our veterans and specifically the American Legion is the largest American Legion post in the state of North Carolina and I think we need more feedback from them uh just to um make sure that we're not doing something that wouldn't be appropriate. So to me, because of those things, I feel like I'd

rather uh put this on hold, I'd say, for a year and revisit it next year and allocate the funds that we've got set aside towards something like uh the Piney Woods Park. That's where I'm at. I would just I've already said something but I would like to say one more thing and that is uh that I for that space if I do think that it's important that we stabilize or or replace that um aging shelter. Okay.

Because it it is used there a lot of you know a lot of people have they they plan their own little meetings there and lunch. Everybody brings their lunch and they celebrate a birthday party or something. And that goes on all the time. So, I I I would like to see us use that spot just if we could just put some places for people to hang out or, you know, or spend time together. Just some seating. We don't have enough places in our downtown for people to just sit and enjoy. And I know we got a big plan for getting a lot of that. But in the meantime, we probably need to put some tables and and seats and some things that people just might enjoy in the meantime.

Not and and maybe not not put a lot of money into a a big plan, but just try to capture that um kind of serve that need. Okay. Okay. Any other comment? Commissioner Smith, Commissioner V.

Um thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor, I I I I tend to agree with what I've heard been said so far tonight. It was the concept that our parks and recreation department has presented is very nice, but I'm concerned at one of the points that was raised that we are going to have to sooner rather than later reallocate some space for our very successful concert series. I think that's something that's going to be unex I ain't going to say unexpected, but we're going to have to do something to make that happen. as to the uh memorial, the military memorial. I was having conversations with people back when I was police chief want us to do something and I think we have to do something sooner rather than later. But again, I I think I share the same concerns that Commissioner Haynes and Commissioner have that that is this the right place for it? And so if you take that out then we've got an incomplete plan here that I don't think I'd be ready to vote for yet. And so and then the last thing that was said I think by one one of the other commissioners is that um we have a lot of competing needs in parks and recreation right now. And while we're doing well, as the mayor presented in our in our state of the town address, it is I think money can be tight sometimes trying to hit every single one of these parks that we want to hit. So, I think we have a immediate need to fix the the parks that need repair there, but also we need to quickly start planning where we're going to start having concerts at. And like I say, maybe put this off for a little while because we definitely want to upgrade that park, but now might not be the best time when we all haven't quite agreed to what it needs to look like. Okay.

So, I I think I would join in with those two commissioners, Commissioner Eco and Commissioner Haynes, and saying maybe we should hold off temporarily, not for very long timing. maybe come back, have time to discuss a military veterans memorial, maybe look at some other locations, but also look at what we're going to do with the concert series. That's been a very big success for our town. Yes. And we want to make sure that we do that set up somewhere first class for that to continue to be be happening. So, I I I was prepared to go with it tonight, but these these two have brought up very good arguments tonight that made me set up and take notes. So, I think I'm tending to follow their lead on this right now. Okay. Thank you for those comments. Commissioner Voron, you have any

Sure. Well, it sounds like we're not going to approve uh plan three tonight, but I I would agree with some of the other comments that we we do need to do something about that shelter there if if we can uh somehow address that. That would be I think appropriate. M town manager Mitchell.

If I could um appreciate number one, first of all, I appreciate the feedback from the board. I think it's always helpful for management and staff to uh hear some consensus around uh some direction and feeling about a project. Um I want to just give a little bit of uh rewind and background on the uh the genesis of this and the timing of it. Um Library Park uh came forward as a concept from management and staff uh really while the downtown generational plan was still under development. And the u the main goal was to uh recommend an investment in a downtown park to to the board. Um and library park given its age seemed to be a a logical spot for for that investment. U since then the downtown generational plan has been adopted. Um we identified Piney Woods Park as a future potential downtown uh central park site gathering place. something uh way more grand in size and and in development in the future than the smaller library park would would ever be able to be just because of property constraints. And um and we've made some investment uh in that in in the uh the area there through the purchase Thank you. through the purchase of property. And so some things have changed since the original um concept of of doing some improvements to Library Park that I think are valid for you to factor and consider because the reality is is that we do have more um park uh goals than we have resources to be able to accomplish. So, you really do um and we'll talk more about this at the at the budget workshop, but you really do are are going to be in a position where you're going to have to begin thinking about prioritization uh unless we can find the pot of gold at

the end of the rainbow, which might be challenging to do. And so, um I don't think it is, um unreasonable for you to uh be thinking along the lines that you've spoken about tonight. I will say that uh one uh excellent point that has been brought up tonight is when the downtown mixeduse project uh goes under construction, we will lose access to Centennial Park at that at at that time and that will be here sooner than than later and we will be faced with the challenge of where uh might um follow me to Fugquway concerts go from there. Now, we do have some options like the Verina parking lot, but there's always been sort of this goal to uh be able to um divide and and offer events on both sides of downtown. We don't want to be verina heavy or fugway heavy. We want to try to to to separate that. So, um I do think uh as a potential alternative the funds that we have allocated already for some greater concept of library park improvement if the board isn't ready for that type of investment there right now because we're not convinced that that is the right answer for that footprint. Um then I think a very reasonable and logical uh alternative would be to allocate those resources plus what other resources that we were planning to identify in the fiscal year 27 budget towards some sort of plan for uh activating the land that we own prior to um you know waiting a decade when we're ready to do the to do a grander plan. we have this land over here and it it makes sense to be able to activate that land if we have financial resources to do that and so moving from one project to another is not um an unheard of concept

in in government in local government. Um, you know, so we can begin thinking if that is the the wishes of the board about how we um we've got plans already for next year's budget to improve um the property that's on the corner of Academy and Maine and make it more of a gateway into our land that we already own. We could do some sort of I think Commissioner Haynes mentioned it, some sort of nice pathway. Perhaps add some historical elements of our community to that pathway that leads back to a um a concert lawn if you will, you know, a concert lawn space that we could have follow me to Fugquway concerts. We would dress it up. We wouldn't just make it gravel, part gravel and part grass and part weeds. We would actually grade the property and dress it up and make it an event lawn if that was the desire of the board. So, we can plan around that. We don't I'm just speaking from the top of my head, but we we have resources that are dedicated to this project. We can certainly reallocate that if we're if we're not ready at this time to do some sort of bigger improvement like concept 3. I absolutely 100% agree with you that it is not an option. The old uh um uh picnic shelter must come down and we need to replace that. And so we do have some again funds allocated in a project fund for the bigger project. We can take some of those to rebuild the uh a newer picnic shelter there. Perhaps add some benches or additional pic picnic tables, things for people to gather around to enjoy lunch or snack or just to visit. We can also look at some other lowcost potential um amenities or features there that doesn't require a big grading and redevelopment of the land but can be uh furniture type um elements that we could have. Maybe you know bench swings out there could be an interesting element or

some other type of um furniture fixture that the public might enjoy that are low cost but that can uh can add an little bit of additional element there. and then whatever resources we have left over we can look at doing perhaps something there that that solves another problem of ours that is that is coming forward which is the uh the follow me to fugquway concert space. So I I just wanted to provide some context that um you know when we started this this idea of investing in a in a downtown park um that was before we had sort of the bigger vision of what what would happen across the street. Now that that's come into focus, I think it's definitely reasonable to balance the scales and weigh both of them and and ask yourselves if we can only do one because we only have a finite amount of resources, which one makes sense in the more immediate? And I think you've made a good argument for that tonight. Well, I feel like also in the in the meantime, I mean, I I love planning how we can entertain people and make use of the land that we have before we, you know, because it's going to take us a while to, you know, build this dream. So, I do think it's good that we can do some things like that. And uh just the shelter it maybe we could think about, you know, when they have school groups at the museums, they they like to gather somewhere for lunch and and they don't go out and buy lunch, you know, they bring their little box lunches or their bags or whatever. But if we could there were a few things we could do in that space that would help that other park a little bit and maybe we could be open more. I don't know. they, you know, maybe we could work on something that would support that park as well because also I love the idea of a small playground area in this that would take some of the some of the children that are not ready to enjoy a historic museum

park that really enjoy a playground more right next door, you know, where they could.

Now, I will I will say that if we're starting to get into the conversation of playgrounds now, we're starting to eat up, you know, chunks of money. And so I I think that I think that if we're going to um if we're going to move away from uh a good portion of the elements that are in this this concept um we just you know we uh my recommendation would be to stick to the other than the shelter and the and the seating spaces we stick to sort of lowcost solutions so that we leave ourselves options with uh with the with the other space as well. Okay. But I think this is I think this discussion has been very helpful.

Yes, it has. I agree. And and should if the if it's not the wishes of the town board to proceed forward with concept three, u you're on the record with giving U management I believe I've I see I well maybe you should say what your consensus is around moving forward, but I don't we don't need a motion to approve uh plan three if that is not the wish of the board. Well, it sounds like what we're we we want something done, a sophisticated design. We're not ready for for that yet. Something more practical as the shelter is something that I'm hearing each commissioner has an interest in doing to further promote, you know, public gathering. And we can do that if we repair the shelter. It doesn't have to be as sophisticated as what uh conceptual plan three is proposing. And so,

so do we need to get a motion to effect or Well, Mr. Mayor, what I would uh suggest then is u with that direction um yes, you the board could make a motion to the effect of a of a but I think I've got the direction um and the consensus around that. I think that um you know, my recommendation would be we we have the resources in place that we can go ahead and advance that now. That doesn't have to wait. And then uh by April 23rd when we come back for the budget workshop um we'll have a recommendation for how the the remaining balance of those resources might be used at another space.

Okay. Okay. Would that be a need for us to see another design at all a concept? Uh no sir not at this location. All right. Anybody has a need to you just Okay. And I Yes sir.

I'm sorry. also addresses I know it was a concern at the last meeting about the uh I don't know if they were technically considered heritage trees but in the concept somebody had concerns one of the board members had a concern about the trees being removed because in the concept it said that all the trees would have to be removed and put new trees back so I think that addresses this issue too by being able to move forward without taking those trees down as well that's a good thing and that that gives a shade that gives the young people shade because I know there's a big uh homeschool community that goes out there every single day. Uh I'm usually in the barber shop and I see them going by uh about 30 40 kids going out there and they play football and have their social time. So definitely want to get that structure fixed and if we can add the benches like Mayor Pro Tim said a few little things like that they'll be very low low cost I think that'll be something that people will be pleased with.

Great. Great. Well, thank you all for your comments. Uh Director Cox is that gives you enough direction as well. It does. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Appreciate it so much. Thank you. You got us talking. That's good. Great discussion. Thank you.

Now we'll move on to public hearings. Uh item 7A, zoning map amendment, Malden Watkins surveying. Public hearings are a time for the petitioner to present his or her request and for the public to give input and voice their favor or opposition to the request. If you wish to speak and are physically in attendance, please step forward to the podium one at a time. Provide your name and address on the registration log at the podium and clearly state your name and address for the public record. We ask all those addressing the town board to please limit your comments to three minutes in order that all who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. And now we have the zoning map amendment. Malding Watkins Surveying PA 2020 West Academy Street uh PIN 0656879758-REZ2025-16 um Director Davidson. How you doing?

I'm doing well, thank you. Good. All right, thank you.

I am submitting the agenda abstract and supporting documents into the official record of the town. The purpose of this agenda item is to consider a requested zoning map amendment for a total of.992 acres located at 220 West Academy Street from the downtown town center 1 DC1 zoning district to the office and institutional conditional zoning district. The requested zoning map amendment is consistent with the 2040 community vision land use plan and supports several of the land use plans policies promoting downtown growth and infill development. In addition, the proposed zoning condition prohibits certain uses, ensuring the future use of the property is harmonious with the downtown context. On February 16th, 2026, the planning board unanimously recommended approval. The suggested motion tonight is to approve REZ 202516, a zoning map amendment for 220 West Academy Street from the downtown center 1 zoning district to the office and institutional conditional zoning district as it is reasonable and in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and staff. I'm available if there are any questions.

I've got some questions. I want to make sure I'm kind of understanding what we're doing. What is the purpose for I I guess I'm first of all wondering why does the current existing zoning not um work

right so the downtown zoning is a very urban zoning and it has some additional building requirements both facade standards and physical structure so it would require a two-story building um it has additional glazing and and things like that that are meant to be right up against the street very urban um which may not fit this use very Well, so luckily the land use plan sees office and institutional, right? Office use is also appropriate in the downtown area, but it would give them a little more flexibility to really have the form follow the function of the building. Um, what about um DC2? It would it not be appropriate? No, the the downtown both DC1 and DC2 basically have the same facade and building requirements. Okay.

They used to be a little bit different, but they were kind of blended together several years ago. Does the but we don't have any what would be the facade requirements? So the facade requirements in the O and I district that they will be under will still require we have a specific list of primary materials. So it'll still require masonry and it will prohibit things like metal and there will be a requirement for 30% glazing along the front academy street frontage. So that just like any of our other commercial buildings. I'm sure I don't know that I understood understand what you mean by that. 30% windows glass. 30% glass. 30% glass. Okay.

And that is across all of our commercial standards. That's a commercial standard in all of our commercial districts, which ONI is considered one also. Okay. Any other questions by board members for planning director Cox? Okay, the hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment? Good evening, Mr. Mayor, board members. I'm Wayne Molden with Molden Work Survey. Good evening.

I hear you tonight. 134 North Bank Street here. Uh we put this resoning together for the food pantry that you have before you tonight. Uh basically the staff has covered all the areas. Uh if you're as old as I am have been around here, this is the the property is the site where KB Johnson Oil used to be. Uh their existing site is right next door. They're written a unit. They've been fortunate enough to buy the piece of property and want to build their own facility out here. Uh it's a need that's growing in the town. They're getting more and more services. More and more people are are visiting the food pantry now and they need to enlarge their area. Uh as far as the DC1 DC2 stuff goes. Uh really what we are reszoning for is we need to back the building up off of the road to give the people in the town room to get off of the street and into a parking lot. Our plan is to have like I don't want to say a drive-thru, but like a carport shelter on the back that in bad weather people can drive through. They don't have to stand out in the rain as it is now where they have to run from the building out to the cars in the bad weather in the rain. So, we're hoping to eliminate some of that. And if you have any questions, I'd be glad to try to answer.

Wayne, I'm curious. Um I assume you know the town has recently purchased the property behind it kind of behind it. Yes sir. And I don't know if that's a railroad old railroad railroad that kind of separates them but has there been any discussion between the town and the food pantry about trying to tie these properties together with cross access or anything? Uh, not that I'm aware of, but I'm sure if you look at that map, as cut up as is, there's going to be quite a bit of property that the food pantry owns that they're really not going to be able to build or use on. Yeah. And I'm sure they'd be more than happy to talk with anybody at the town, right? About working something out,

Mr. Mayor. Time manager. Okay. Yeah, that that is not a conversation we've had yet, Commissioner Adcock, but it is something that we plan to do after the board made its determination on the zoning when it got to site plan phase.

Um the part of the reason I'm asking the question is I don't um I I don't have a problem with the um one-story building. um the downtown as the town has put a lot of money just in as you know in downtown and one of the things that was done was we did this overlay of uh DC1 which requires mixeduse multi-story development that's not what is going to happen here food pantry wants I get it they want to do a one-story thing I just want to make sure we bought the town has bought the spent taxpayer dollars to buy the property next store. I just main thing I want to make sure is that um there's if if we can get some cross access, I think that would be good. I'd

be more than willing to talk and um think it needs to be some there. And the other thing if you look at the downtown plan, it talks about our historic assets and things. I would like the building, whatever they build to kind of have some nod to the, you know, historical architecture that that it fits in so to speak. So those are kind of where my head is on it. I don't know if I staff can put any of us ideas together when they come to talk with all I want to make sure is that the town and the food pantry are being partners and working together on right. Well, we don't want to do nothing that's going to mess up the town. I mean, we're they're going to be members of the town. Yeah. Right. In downtown. And it needs to be something there that's nice and the town's proud of them. Yeah, I agree.

Well, and the town is pretty grateful to the food pantry for what they've provided over these years, too. So, right. just working together would make sense. Yeah. And the reason I'm asking the questions is that's kind of what I figure my job is. You know what I mean? Well, that's fine. Ask all you want. Yeah. And um I just want to make sure that my goal is to work together. And if the town can help the food pantry, I want the town to help the food pantry. And if we can help the town, we'd be more than glad to help the town. Okay. Anyone else? That's great. That's great. Partnership is so important now. It is. All right. Thank you. Yeah. Right.

Anyone else wishes to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment?

Hello.

Hi. My name is Peggy Day. I'm at 3127 Jones Lake Road and I'm one of the co-directors at the Fugquay Verina Emergency Food Pantry. We have been had our doors open for 24 and a half years and we have served low-income families for that whole time. We currently serve over 435 families every month and these families can come only once a month to receive food and it's not the same families every month. Um, I'm told that the poverty level in Fugqua Verina is 8.8%. And with the projected uh growth of Fugqua Verina, I was told the number 70,000 at one point. If you do the math, the numbers will only increase. We work out of a,900 square foot building with lots of nooks and crannies. Um, we have a huge amount of requests to people to volunteer with us. We don't have the room for them. uh we have dozens of applications that we can't say hey come in and help us because we are so cramped in the space that we're at. We are looking to build a larger facility so that we can house food without renting pods to help us and so that more people can volunteer there. Did anyone have any questions?

Thank you very much. Thank you for your support.

Appreciate you. Thank you. Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment? I'm back. Ray O'Brien, 468 Timbermetal Lake Drive here in Fugquway. uh to address uh Commissioner Adcock's concerns, uh we had worked a little bit with the town and tried to even look at different places we might be able to build that might preserve that area for the park in the future. Uh but it none of it was tentable, none of it was large enough, none of it would work for our traffic flow. Uh so we we had we really settled on this. We need that 9.9 acres or 0.9 acres to build on for sure. Uh we definitely want to incorporate this into the park. Uh we don't want to interfere with the park at all. We want to be a part of the community and part of that. Uh share our parking lot. Uh cut through. We'd love to have a cut through ourselves because we'd like to have access from more than one direction. Uh and if that becomes possible once the town buys more property over there, that might be something we'd very much like to look at. So, uh, yeah, we we look forward to working with the town, uh, the O andi zoning, uh, just made so much more sense because of the facade, because of the placement too close to the street for traffic flow. Uh, and the areas across the street from us were also O and I zoned. So, we felt like we were even zoned in correctly because we aren't really part of downtown Central. were off to the side the same as the bank and some other things that are there in that same area which were zoned O and I instead of downtown center. So, uh we thought that the even the zoning should have changed in that area and we're right there on the railroad tracks

which restricts us as well. But very much look forward to working with the town uh on this and being a part of the park and maybe even get the growers market in there also as part of the park. and they've been a big supporter of the food pantry as well. So, yes, I I definitely look forward to working with you all. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment? Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment? The hearing hearing is now closed. Any more discussion by the board?

So I I'm just got a kind of a weird I wanted to ask the attorney about that railroad spur to see if he knows anything about it and I guess my thought is um assuming that that is railroad right away. What are the chances of us acquiring that from the railroad? And if not for a since we the town owns the property next door and it's for a public park for public purposes. Um if there's some ambigu ambiguity about it, could the town use imminent domain to acquire it? I'm just curious if there's any insight or knowledge about it.

Right. I do have a little bit of background on the spur. I know back when KB Johnson Oil and Gas owned that property, Mr. Johnson had had conversations with North Southern at the time to buy that back because he used that back when they had an oil tank there to back the train up and empty the oil out. That's what that spur was there for. But the tracks have been gone for a long time off of that, but it's still owned by the railroad. I think you probably got a better likelihood now that Corman is involved to maybe restart that conversation. I know we went we got nowhere with Norfol Southern back when we had those initial conversations and you can't exercise eminent domain against the railroad. You cannot. No. Wow. We can try.

We try. I'm pretty sure I I'll have to I'll I'll study up on that but I'm recommener adock just u about cross access and um commercial facade standards if you would Mr. Mayor is if Pam can maybe stand up and just speak to what our land development ordinance says regarding commercial facade standards and cross access requirements. My point by asking is I think we have some provisions that would bring us to the table anyway within our code. But

right so commercial development does require cross access to the adjacent parcels. Generally speaking, the the only development that is exempt from that is industrial just because industrial uses aren't necessarily good neighbors to each other. But that would be a requirement that would be triggered with a site plan submitt. Okay. And then as far as commercial facade standards, we have those in the O andI zoning district or for commercial. Yes. As well, and those are identified. They're probably too many to to list right here in the moment, but they are identified in our land development ordinance as well that yes, the food pantry would have to uh adhere to as a part of our code, right? Yes, the downtown are just a little more specific, right?

But yes, that there are commercial article H goes into all the commercial facade standards that would be required that would include um the percentage to 30% glazing and glass windows, doors, things like that. Um, we have a list of permitted materials which are are very permanent, right? Our stone, brick, things like that. It also prohibits plastics, vinyls, corrugated metal, things like that. So, we have those standards again that apply to all of our commercial districts. O and I included. Okay, great. And and then mayor, we could obviously in in conversation with them work towards getting something that is in line with the character of our downtown, which it sounds to me from their comments this evening they would want to do as well. Yes. Yeah. Yes.

Uh also, Mr. Mayor, uh just uh you know, just thinking and and thinking it through and listening to all the uh thoughts. You know, we definitely want to be a partner in this uh project. We're just trying. I know one thing for me I don't mind making a motion to approve this but uh just you know looking long term for I know some of us were talking we want to at some point in time we already see the concept of what it possibly will look like because that will better help us be able to figure out how we can partner and make this relationship to where we have the you know egress and uh you know different different u in inlets and outlets and also you know u just making sure that we can work together to make this to where it's a great flow for I know y'all have the big days of uh Thanksgiving and Christmas where I know often times our um we have to use some of our law enforcement to come down and help kind of move traffic and everything. So, making sure that we have that parking and and that uh access to where we'll be able to get more people off the streets and not kind of block up West Academy 42. So, you know, we're just ready to see the plans all together, see how we can all work together to make this a equitable u uh project for y'all and make it uh be able to help the community. So, that's that's that's my thoughts. You know, I'm just ready to see a plan. I think some of us are talked. We're just ready to see what it's going to look like. So, how we can incorporate to make it work together.

And I I do think that if it was probably anybody else, we'd probably say, you know, this is kind of a unusually a lot of times when we have unusual requests to get the board feeling a little more comfortable, we'll ask for a site plan or elevations or things like that. The main thing I want to do is just make sure that the food pantry understands that we want to be partners and hopefully work together and if there are ways we can help each other, let's do it. And I want to make sure that those communication lines of communication are open because there may be opportunities where we can really help the town can really help the food pantry and vice versa. I don't know what, but I just want to make sure we're not just operating in our own little silo. There may be opportunity for us both to really uh benefit each other.

It's great. Great. Any other comments? Commissioner Vman, Commission, Commissioner Smith. Mr. Mayor, seems like it would really be important with moving traffic for both areas. I mean, for the park and for the, you know, I've been over there, too, when you all have been trying to run through the rain and deliver stuff and we we Yeah. Everybody wants to be successful here and I think working together is the answer. Well, I've worked there a few times and I've never seen any more dedicated people. Absolutely.

Working there. I was just a absolutely amazed at the dedication and commitment and then the numbers of people who came through and how hard they worked to make sure that those individuals received what they wanted with dignity. I thought that was so important. So, I just want to thank you for that. Uh, what is your pleasure? Do I hear a motion?

Mr. Mayor, make a motion to approve RAZ 2025-16, a zoning map amendment for 20 uh 220 West Academy Street from the downtown center 1 uh zoning district to the office and in institutional conditional zoning district as it is reasonable and is in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and staff. Second. It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I. Any opposed? Eyes have it. Thank you so much. Thank you, planning director. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all that you do.

Thank you. Next item of business is the Give me just a minute here. I want It's the consent agenda. Yeah. The consent agenda. Consent agenda. What is the board's pleasure on the items on the consent agenda? Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion that we cons approve the consent agenda items 8A through 8K as presented and recommended. Secondary second. It's been moved and second. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I.

Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Next, we move to item 10, administrative reports. Item 10 A, South Park Community Center conceptual design selection. Director Cox.

Thank you, Mayor. The purpose of this agenda item is to consider a selection of a preferred conceptual design for South Park Community Center. The South Park Community Center design and renovation initiative is outlined in the 2024 comprehensive systemwide parks, recreation, and cultural resources master plan with design funding allocated in FY26 operating budget and construction funding planned in FY27. In partnership with HH Architecture, town staff developed two conceptual renderings for improvements to the facility located at 820 South Main Street. These concepts aim to enhance aesthetics, improve building circulation, upgrade acoustics, elevate the user experience, provide additional program space, expand the fitness area, and establish a clearly defined main entrance to the building. These concepts were presented to the town board of commissioners on February 17th and subsequently shared on Let's Talk FV for public feedback. A total of 82 responses were received with a pro uh approximately 74% favoring concept 2. The concepts were also reviewed by the parks, recreation, and cultural resources advisory board on February 9th and the Fugquway Teen Council executive board on February 16th. Both boards unanimously uh selected concept 2 as the preferred option. Town management staff recommend concept 2 as the preferred design because it meets the renovation goals by expanding the fitness room, improves circulation and user experience throughout the building, clearly defines the main entrance, leverages additional program space, and enhances acoustics and customer service at the front desk by relocating the front desk, creating a dedicated lobby and adding a gym lobby to help isolate sound. As a fiscal note, the town board

allocated a budget of $200,000 in FY26 for the design of the South Park Community Center renovations. Of this amount, 44,900, has been committed to the facility assessment and conceptual design phase. Additional design funding is expected to be required on the space of the scope associated with concept 2. Construction cost estimates will be refined during the design process and funding will be identified in FY27 budget. The recommendation by motion is to approve concept two as a recommended final conceptual design for South Park Community Center project as presented and recommended. And I'll be happy to answer any questions the board might have.

Any questions? Mr. May Mr. Mayor, uh, Director Cox, um, uh, after reading survey responses as well as Facebook responses on the town of Fug A Verina, can you address um, um, the need for the change of the flooring in South Park, I think that's been a question that's came up a lot. Uh, addressing that. U I will speak to at the phase that we currently are. Right now, we are in a concept phase. So, we have not started to identify final finishes, you know, what kind of flooring we're going to have in the gymnasium or in other spaces, what kind of fixtures, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, wall colors, all of those will be determined and identified uh through the design phase.

Any other questions for director cop? Mr. Mayor, I have one quick question. And I think I'm understood him to say that we had allocated 200,000 for the design phase of and you've spent about 45,000. We have so far, but you anticipated more to be spent as you refine the concept to design. Is it still going to stay within the $200,000 for the design phase? We will most likely need to adjust that budget to align with the scope of work that's being designed. Okay. All right. I think it's very unlikely that it will stay within that and we are working through that with the fiscal year 27.

Okay. All right. Thank you. Yes sir. And just as added context, when we uh approved the initial design fee, it was for the initial conceptual design phase uh with uh the intent to negotiate a market competitive fee or scope and fee that's a lot better aligned with scope when a preferred concept is selected and that would be our intent. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions?

What is your pleasure? Do I hear a motion? Mayor, uh I move that we approve concept two as the recommended final conceptual design for the South Park Community Center project as presented and recommended. Second. It's been moved and second that uh we approve concept two as recommended. Is there any discussion? If not, all in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I. I. Motion carries. Thank you. Next item of business is our manager's report.

Thank you, mayor. A few things to brief the board on this evening. The town of Fugquway Verina and the city of Raleigh, as many of you know, co-hosted the annual teen council team building and leadership conference on Saturday, February 28th that was held at the Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center. Teen councils and adviserss from nine communities participated including Fugquway Arena, Raleigh, Wilson, Rocky Mount, Lake Norman, Winston Salem, Fagatville, Salsbury, and Hickory. And we were the host, and it was a great turnout. I think Commissioner Haynes, you might have been over there for a period of time. Whole day. A whole day. Saw a cooker out there. I think

the event brought together 93 teens and over 30 adviserss who engaged in a variety of Mission Impossible themed team building games designed to connect youth from across North Carolina. Uh feedback from the participants and the visitors was highly positive. Of course, they loved our new Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center facility. The conference's success was supported by more than 10 full-time parks and recreation and cultural resources staff along with Commissioner Haynes who provided a grilled lunch featuring burgers, hot dogs, fries, and snacks. Pelicans also contributed an afternoon treat for all attendees. It was a great event. Another sign of just continued growth and strength within our teen council. A lot of interest uh here in our community. We're very proud of that. Very proud of our staff that serves as adviserss for that. Wanted to thank you, Commissioner Haynes, for your your involvement as well. Summer camp registration for the parks, recreation, and cultural resources department opened on Saturday, February 21st at 7 a.m. All nine weeks of camp at both South Park Community Center and the Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center filled in under two hours, totaling 648 participants. And due to the program's popularity, eager families began lining up as early as 3:00 a.m. to secure their spots. It's like Christmas shopping, it sounds like, almost. So, very, very fortunate to have a popular uh popular program, and our parks and rec staff do a great job of of offering a popular program. The Arts Center is gearing up for performances by Bachelors of Broadway on the 20th and the hometown favorite Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra on the 28th. Performing artist educator Kevin Spencer will be at the arts center for a residency beginning March 23rd working with special needs staff, families, and students from Fugquway Vina and the surrounding area. Anyone interested in being included can contact the arts center for details. Another

great series of programs offered by our art center. James Jordan and Brian Craft from the street department uh traveled for an indepth street sweeper maintenance training. This training provided in-depth and hands-on training for critical maintenance tasks that prolong the life of street sweepers. As you know, our street sweepers uh hit the town streets and they oftent times uh can get grit and grime and the and the uh uh uh mechanics of the street sweeper which can uh deteriorate the life of the sweeper. And so to understand the maintenance of that and how to prolong the life and the expense of having to purchase street sweepers is critical to our program. And so we want to thank those two members of our team for uh going and getting that training and education. The second annual Citizens Fire Academy kicks off tomorrow evening and we'll take the participants through a behind thescenes look at the fire department over the next seven weeks. The fire department staff and the new recruits are excited and ready to get started. We would like to congratulate Andrew Spain and Reese Register who have completed all of the necessary requirements and have been promoted from firefighter one to firefighter 2. And battalion chief Dustin Grimes, his wife Melanie, and big brother Luke welcomed a new recruit to the fire department family on March 3rd with the birth of Blake Matt, and all are doing very well. So, we want to congratulate them. Officer Thomas Bruno and the police department took his oath of office on March 5th. Officer Bruno brings valuable experience to the department and we are pleased to welcome him aboard. Carmen Harper began her internship with the Fugquway Verina Police Department in February. She is a senior at North Carolina Central University where she where she is completing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Originally from Simpsonville, South Carolina, Carmen is eager to pursue a career in

law enforcement. So, we want to welcome her aboard. The police department was recently honored by the North Carolina Special Olympics, receiving a an award for placing fourth in state fundraising, and we're proud to announce that the department raised $81,791 for Special Olympics here in North Carolina. On February 20th, our police department participated in the second annual hoopin with a cop event at Herbert Akens Road Middle School created by officer Derek Wilson. This event has been highly successful in building positive relationships between police officers and the youth in our community. And the 9inth annual Citizens Police Academy kicks off this Thursday with 20 participants who will learn about a variety of law enforcement topics and operations over the next 11 weeks. In our inspections department, Paul Wise passed his level two mechanical state exam last week, so we want to congratulate him on that career achievement. On February 26th, the town of Fugquway Verina Engineering Department had the pleasure of teaching nearly 40 first grade students at South Lakes Elementary School about storm water pollution and simple ways they can keep Fugquway Verina clean. The town wants to extend our sincere thanks to the South Lakes Elementary School staff for inviting us to and share this important message with their engaged and bright students there. So that was both fun for the kids and for our staff. Since service started January 5th, the Microlink bus service has provided 2,135 rides and covered 10,765 miles. It has a 4.9 star rating out of five and Wake Tech remains the most requested destination. Our public utilities, planning, and engineering directors attended the annual uh Triangle Community Coalition meeting on

February 25th. Um, Mayor William Harris passed uh I'm sorry, employee. We have two, excuse me, you didn't pass your your uh your grade 2 collections operator certification, but employee William Harris did. I did not. And is quickly progressing through the North Carolina Rural Water Association's apprenticeship program. It says employee It did. And I thought that was a mistake.

Members of Mayor, you have to study a little harder. Members of staff, management, and the FBDA board of directors will be attending the annual Main Street Conference this week in Newburn. Uh we are narrowing down a list of final candidates to interview for the economic development director position. Our human resources staff attended the annual uh human resources conference in North North Carolina conference in Raleigh this past week. It was a great educational opportunity where they learned more about topics such as health and wellness, AI with a human touch, the fun side of integrity, career progression, and leading organization change. All while building relationships with other HR professionals. During the conference, our very own Robin Savage was elected as treasurer elect of the North Carolina chapter and Karen Wener was awarded an academic scholarship. She will be graduating later this spring. Our safety and risk manager, David Taylor, has rolled out the mandatory annual HR training to all departments and employees have 60 days to complete this training. Topics include bystandard intervention, cyber security, spill prevention, core principles of customer service, hazardous communication, and bloodborne pathogens. And our HR director, Wendy Moody, assisted Nash County by participating as an assessor in their hiring process for an HR director position last week. And finally, the finance department has been uh significantly involved in budget, budget, and budget. That's the focus for these last couple of weeks and will remain the focus until our budget workshop on April 23rd. In your agenda materials, you'll find the financial quarterly report for the second quarter of fiscal year 26. Please familiarize yourself with that. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact myself or either Mark Matthews or Mark Stevens, our finance director. Uh, also our annual Easter egg hunt will

be Saturday, March 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Fleming Loop Park. Fingers crossed for for good weather. And the FDA will also host their downtown candy hop that same day from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown. So, lots of candy. Make sure our citizens buy toothpaste and toothbrush for your kids. All right. And with that said, Mr. Mayor, that that's all my comments tonight. I'm happy to answer any questions that you or the town board may have. Any questions to the mayor? To the manager, I'm sorry.

Any questions for the manager? If not, uh, Commissioner Haynes, any comments?

Uh, yes, sir. Uh, I guess we're looking forward to Target opening uh this week, by the end of this week. So, a lot of people, it's a buzz around that. Everybody's asking every day, see all the cars in the parking lot, what's going on? Can we go in? So, excited to see that uh opening up this week. Um just so many things that happened today. Um definitely we we being able to uh make sure that our amazing person gets uh Dash to take home and you know that that was that was awesome to see. Uh that that just was that just does your heart good seeing stuff like that where we can you know keep keep Dash in town and everything like that and his family loves Dash. So that's just amazing we'll be able to do that. Um I had a great time at Herbert Akens Elementary School for their read across America. We had a great time in uh the kindergarten class reading a book about caring. That was uh always a great time. The kids uh the kids they love giving you hugs when you read good. So I I read a little I guess I read kind of good cuz they came up running giving hugs. Teachers like they usually don't do this. So I was like well that was a good thing. Um I definitely want to uh thank the uh public utilities water and sewer. Um I I actually spent about a half a day with them uh recently out um uh they were outside of my house and um I went out just asking them they were doing uh going through fixing the uh pipe and they said that talked about how the uh smoke uh testing helped so much to find those uh infrastructure issues that we had and they've been repairing them all over town. So uh they they they definitely gave me a lot of input and uh feedback. So that was great. Spent time with them. Had a good time. We were out there laughing and having a good time as well, but they work very hard. So, definitely thank you for all they do. Um, one of the biggest things I've been seeing just this week and the weather was been nice, is just seeing how vibrant downtown has been. Uh, if you've ridden through downtown this last weekend cuz the weather was beautiful. There were so many people out walking. Uh, you know, we have new businesses

opening, people are going in those. Uh, just you see it. So you see that the future is bright uh in our town and see when we start to add our uh mixeduse facility next door and all this stuff where it's going to just become more and more vibrant where everybody's going to be walking more and that that's why I was so adamant on making sure we have a place for our follow me the fugquway uh festival and everything else to make sure we keep that vibrancy going on our downtown. Um, last thing uh uh definitely uh um um uh town manager talked about it, but I just want to applaud uh the parks and recreation staff for the hard work they did given a first class teen council uh conference. Uh many of the people u said this actually was the best conference they ever been to, which was amazing to hear that this was our first time doing it. uh and all of the activities actually were done and put on and actually orchestrated by the teen council. I was confused with some of the activities, but we figured it all out. We had uh paper rock scissors uh tournaments and everything else. Uh I had a great time with uh our special events uh coordinator uh out cooking hot dogs and hamburgers and turkey burgers and black bean burgers. You know, a lot of these kids have all this other stuff you can't eat regularly anymore. But we had a great time. Uh um uh but like I said uh they put on a first class uh from top to bottom. The staff was just amazing. Um I mean they work hard. I mean u they were there early. They were there earlier than I was. I think they some of them got there at 6:00 that morning. Um and they are you know we want to I'm put this out there. We need to get True by Hilton built so we don't have to co-host anymore and we can host this conference because they are ready to come back to the uh town of FA Arena and they love the facility. Uh they got tours all day from the advisers walking around and seeing and uh Raleigh was very impressed. They took it back to some of their directors showing uh what FQ Arena

has down here. So uh definitely hats off to parks and recreation staff and our amazing team council. Uh and also had a great time at Coffee with a Cop. Got to meet some of the management the uh regional director of Bojangers while we there at Coffeeville Cop. So that was great to make that connection as well while we were there um last week. So that's all Mr. Mayor. All right, great. Uh, Commissioner Adcock, let's hear it. I don't have any additional comments. Well, how you how do you plan to collect that dollar for Dash? I'm leaving that up to the finance folks. You all heard that, right?

Thank you, Charlie. Appreciate it. Uh, Commissioner Smith.

Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, I was out of town. a good part of the since the last meeting. So, I missed out on a few of the ribbon cutings, but I did want to take a minute tonight just to recognize uh the police department's explore post and the work that they did. Um that's something that was around even back when I was the chief and I got to travel to Gatlinburg on multiple occasions and watch the the uh the competitions and it was just neat to see how many young people were still involved in that program. I will tell one story. I was at the first time we ever got a first place plaque. I was there and it was in the accident reconstruction investigation just like your second place and I was wanting us to win one so bad. Fire department had won several and I wanted us to get one and when they named it we had won that one. I didn't really realize how excited I was going to get and even at my age I jumped up out of the seat like I was at a basketball game and I think everybody in the fire department sat behind us laughing at me. But I thought it was just it was that exciting to me. But it is a great program and we've seen some people come along and join our department. I think Chief Eintock got to hire the first one that came out of these sport post. Uh they were all young when I left and and you grabbed one of them at least, but several of them. That's been nice. Even my grandson went through the program, went through the competition. Although he went to the other side, went to the fire department, he still, I think, had that public service love that he got hanging out with the Fugquway Renip. And the last thing I'll say, it's just remarkable to see to the people, um, Lieutenant Kane and and and Lieutenant Hajes that's been involved with this thing going way back to my tenure, through Chief Vontock's tenure, and now into Chief Smith's tenure. Uh that's just dedication by some of our police officers to invest in the young people in our community. And just to see those two guys still here doing the same thing with the young people in our community

just is I don't know just exciting to see and it's just uh rewarding to see those guys continue to work with the young folks. Great. So that's a little bit longer than I wanted to go but I was just really excited to see all of out here tonight. Good job. Appreciate all y'all doing over there.

Thank you for those comments. Commissioner Vorin. Sure. So, it's been quite a while, I guess, since our last meeting, and so quite a few events have happened since then. Uh, I'll just kind of flip the calendar here and try and remind myself of everything that's been going on. But uh see on Friday, February 20th, uh assistant manager Matthews and I attended the regional day at the Central Pines uh regional council and there was just a lot of good information there about kind of growth in the area, including the history of RTP and how the triangle had really how we had kind of grown from a tobacco state to now a very industrial and very researchoriented uh community and area around here. Uh, one of the kind of the one of the talks of that day was about data centers and of course data centers are a very controversial issue these days. Anytime they're brought up, everyone says no, we don't want that here. Uh, and it was kind of interesting. The speaker, you know, it was from Lowden County, Virginia, where that's outside of DC. And of course they had, you know, tons and tons of data centers there to support kind of the government, federal government infrastructure. But I think what I took away from that was that he was saying that we need to start thinking maybe of of data centers as kind of an infrastructure thing because, you know, we all use we all use our phones and we all use, you know, we got all sorts of tech right in front of us here. And so it's kind of he kind of pointed out the irony of how people are complaining about data centers online on Facebook and you know this is what's supporting and facilitating those arguments. So that you know that was a really good thing and we got to meet lots of people there as well and a couple county commissioners and thank them for you know supporting um um some of the grant money for the parks as well. Okay. So uh I think actually a couple days after that was the black

history stakeholders panel discussion and I want to thank all the panelists who were there including mayor prom. It was just it was very powerful uh to see and you know there's some of course painful history that was discussed by the panel but it I think it was so important that people see that you know from people who lived it and I want to thank them for you know going back and remembering and and presenting and sharing that with us because you know it it couldn't have been easy necessarily to to have to go through and do that but it's so important you to to hear what the people who had lived through that had to say. Uh you know, you can watch documentary after documentary. It's just just not the same seeing it in person. And and one I think the big thing I took away from that, you know, there was some very powerful stories and the immediate reaction, you know, is can be very different from when you reflect on what was said. And so I want to I want people to take a moment and maybe when whenever you hear something powerful like that don't you know try not to react immediately but reflect. I think it's important to uh to to take that time and you know you get you get more out of it and it it's you know it it was a it was a great event and I want to thank the art center for for putting that on. Um let's see uh Central Pines again. and I went to a new board member orientation. So, uh, Mr. Mayor, you had appointed me to the, uh, as a board member for that. And so, it was good to meet uh, meet some of those guys up there. And I think our next meeting is in April, so I'll be able to discuss that then. Um, and then, of course, Beans and Bumpers Chili Cookoff. That was a great event last Saturday. It was nice and hot there. I want to thank the police out there. I saw I saw a chief out there. Uh, he I think I got there at the end of the day,

so he had been staying out in the sun. And just so thanks to of course everyone thanks to everyone who was um of course who cooked all that chili and the vendors who were out there and of course thanks to the officers who who spent the day and keeping it safe and actually I was able to talk to some of the sanitation workers out there who was help keeping it clean. So thanks to them too. Um I think that brings us up to today. Um and I think I'll conclude there. Well well thank you. Appreciate your comments. You've done a lot this past month. Thank you. We did have a long a long time between that last meeting and and and the arts center has been on fire. They had so many things going on. Mayor Pro Tim Gardner. Yes.

Oh, I'm sorry. I jumped in before I got recognized. I apologize was out of order. No, that's okay. I'm excited. It's good to be excited. This was an exciting meeting tonight and then it's just been crazy busy with all the wonderful things going on in this town. Um, I enjoyed the ReadAcross America. I filled in for the mayor and I got a special needs class and they were precious. Wonderful. And I came out and I said, "Don't you have another one I can go read to?" And they said, "No." They had filled all the places, but they would call me next year. Great.

So, you'll still have room for you. I'm sure they they I I'm glad I made that list. Um, the art center has had the Johnny Cash Experience which was pretty amazing and Little Women musical. So many talented people and beautiful voices in that presentation. It was it was really really wonderful. Um and then and then uh I would like to thank the the um stakeholders group the the Black History Month stakeholders group for inviting me to be part of that presentation um on that on this um the Sunday in at the art center. It was an amazing experience. It was uh conversations that we should have had long ago, but now we've started them and uh a lot of young people that had lots of questions and wanted to see more and hear more. So, it uh I've gotten just numerous texts and uh comments from people that just thought it was pretty amazing. and that uh group of people that that the you know uh Cassandra Flowers, Katina Bun, I I'm I shouldn't try to name names because now I can't remember um the gentleman who was the moderator. It was it was just uh an amazing afternoon and I I'm glad I'm glad we did it. I will that be something that will be available on the town website. Is there any kind of Oh, okay. Good. Because I think uh I think something like that it it's it's like you said, looking back on, you know, being able to put some perspective on something like that, I think is helpful. I look forward to going I going

back and seeing it myself in totality. Um but it it was beautifully um crafted. The the the program was beautifully crafted. So it it it started and and then it started with some painful things and then it just ended with a lot of um a a lot of you know a lot of uh good feelings about how far we've come. Still got a ways to go but it was and the mayor knocked it out of the ballpark with his final comments. It was just a a nice day and um another wonderful uh accomplishment for that committee that's done such a great job. Um I think that's just about just about there was another jazz concert. That's the other thing. Christian Tambbor who um a few years ago came to Moren and tell me if I'm wrong Moren but I he suggested that he could build a jazz uh interest in a jazz program in Fugquway Arena if she would give him a chance and he fills that auditorium pretty much every time he comes now and it and it's everyone is different but they're all excellent they're just and and it's a different group of people that I see there every time but it's still uh just about full. So, that was really good, too. So, we just got to keep all these good things coming. It It's been wonderful this last few few weeks, and we even throw a primary in there, did something political in the middle of it.

Thank you for all of your comments. Uh, I'm just going to do a list of of of places where I've I've been. And I just want to uh thank u Teresa Wilder for doing such an excellent job of keeping me pointed where I need to be when I show up. I said uh all I do is just go where Teresa sends me and people are surprised. So, thank you Teresa and Susan. Thank you for your help tonight with the uh the comments on on the state of the town address. I really appreciate your help. Over the over the past few weeks, I've been pretty busy and I'll just outlined a few things that I've done. I don't even remember the dates because it's been like that. So, y'all just bear with me. I attended a panel a panel discussion for the new mayors of Wake County. It was sponsored by the Triangle Coalition. I also attended the essentials in government in Chapel Hill. two days of training for uh elected officials and mayors. I felt like I needed a refresher and so I did that for two days and then Campo training trying to learn the the ins and outs of transportation and I'm part of the executive committee and the training learning all the acronyms and learning the connection between uh the department of transportation and our future and how those relationships are so crucial to what we do as a town and how we So I did that. Also attended my first Wake County MA mayor's dinner which was held at Ray's uh restaurant. And then I had a had a opportunity to attend pieces of gold sponsored by the Wake County schools which is just outstanding. I mean over 900 young children performed at the

Marietta Martin Center. It was just a great great night. And then of course I participated in in the Black History program and probably one of the highlights this past week I met with Sheriff Willie Row and he had so much u so many positive comments to say about the Fugquway Verina Police Department that he was very very very impressed. And I shared this uh feedback with Chief Smith. He was very very press impressed with the recent response and the professional handling of some some very serious issues that occurred here in Fugquway Arena and uh he's very excited about collaborating even more and he understands that we have the commitment of a very professional law enforcement uh department here in Fugquway Arena and he has a great deal of respect for our department. also attended uh the of course the swearing in that was that's already been mentioned about officer officer Bruno and I attended the coffee with the cop and um mayor's association which was held in Pinehurst uh last month I did that and then the beans bumpers chili cookout I went through there and I just got enthralled with the cars I mean good gracious alike oh I'm sorry but anyway pretty cool.

They were really cool. It was just It was just great. It was a great day. It was everything was nice and I just had an enjoyable time. And then tonight, the culmination with the opportunity to deliver the state of of the town. I was just elated that um I had the opportunity to do that and had the support and to be part of this town at this time and this stage in my life. It's really really really been an exciting time and I'm I'm elated when I come into the building because when I see the staff, everybody's up and they're smiling and and the morale is great. I think that contributes overall to the management here in the town and it's just great to see that and it spills over it spills over into the community and the way people come in when they are served. So I just want to thank you for that. Um, those are my comments and town manager, I know we have a close session tonight.

Yes, sir. Close session is recommended pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 31811A5 property acquisition. Do uh do I have a motion that we go into close session? So moved. Second. All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. We'll go. Y'all have a nice night. Thank you so much for attending.