Town Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening and welcome to the town council regular meeting of May 5th, 2026, also known as Cinco de Mayo. Yesterday was also known as May the 4th be with you day. Tomorrow, I guess it's just May 6, but it'll be another beautiful day in Garner. Thanks so much for being here. Uh let's call the meeting to order, and I'll ask the town clerk to please call the role. Okay. Mayor Gupton here. Council member Dinger here. I'm sorry. Mayor Pro Tim Dinger here. Council member Matthews here. Council member Singleton here. Council member Stallings here. And council member Vance here.

And this evening the pledge of allegiance and the invocation have been arranged for us by council member Elmo Vance. And I think he's going to delegate some of this. Mr. Vance. Uh yes, sir. I will. Yes, sir. I'm going to do the pledge of allegiance. and Reverend Chaplain Long will do the invocation. So, we all stand, do the pledge.

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. Good evening. Please join me in prayer. Our heavenly father, we thank you dear Lord for this day of life you've given us. We thank you for our health. We thank you Lord for the opportunity to assemble here for this uh council meeting. Lord, we pray your blessing upon it, upon the council, Lord members as well as those uh presenting items for uh conversation and for ideas. We pray Lord that you uh bless this time that everyone speak with civility Lord and that the uh the progress of gardener would be would continue to be uh doing great and that uh people would be happy when they leave here Lord that they were here that they attended that they presented and that they were a part of all of this. Lord, we also pray, Father, for those that are out serving our community at this time. Lord, pray, Father, that you would keep them safe, Lord. And we thank you for their service and their protections they provide, Father. Pray now, Lord, that you would uh bless this time in Christ's name. Amen.

Amen. Thank you. Thank you, sir. And that brings us to item B on the agenda, which is the adoption of the agenda. Council members have had a chance to look this over. Uh is is there a motion to accept the agenda? So move second.

There's a motion by Mr. Stalins and second by Mr. Matthews. Uh all in favor of adopting the agenda, please signify by saying I. Any opposed by nay? Hearing none. That carries unanimously. Thank you. That brings us to item C, which is one of a couple of important proclamations this evening. Uh the first one is about public works. The second is about police. And I always like to say uh that safety is job one for our town. And these are at least twothirds of the folks that deliver that along with fire and rescue and other essential workers. Uh that being said, I'd like to read the proclamation uh and then we'll do a little presentation and get some comments from council members as well. This is the proclamation about National Public Works Week, which is May 17th through 23rd this year. It reads, "Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of the town of Garner. And whereas these infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation's transportation, water supply, water treatment, and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens. And whereas it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in the town of Garner to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities. And whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National

Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. Now therefore, I, Buddy Guptton, mayor of the town of Garner, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 through 23, 2026 as National Public Works Week. I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies and activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, managers, and employees to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all. And I think I'm also going to call upon our public works director, Mr. Forest Jones. if you would uh make a few comments here. Uh you kind of do this stuff every day, I think.

Yes, we do. And thank you. Um so again, mayor, members of council, thank you so much for recognizing National Public Works Week. This year, as you said, this is the 66th year this has been celebrated. This year's theme is rooted in service, empowered by community. And I think that's a very fitting for what we do. You know, you you don't get in the in the local government business to really necessarily make a lot of money. You do it because you love to serve people. And that's what we I'm proud to be able to stand in front of you tonight uh and just uh have this opportunity to share the important work that our team does every day to help our community to continue to run. Um we have as um also thank you for your continued support and the council support of our department over the years. We certainly appreciate that and we and we feel it. Uh and we thank you so much. This year we we you'll be receiving an invitation soon uh for our national our annual public works week day that we'll have a rodeo. We'll have some activities and events to do, a lunch to celebrate and recognize our employees and hope you're able to come by and celebrate with us for a few minutes at that. That's all that I have. So, thank you for the time and the recognizing us this evening.

Thank you. Wait right there. We'll do the presentation and as I make my way to the podium if we will start with Mr. Matthews for any comments or questions you might have for Mr. Jones. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, congratulations again. You know, we say police, fire and rescue, and public works. is all the part of the emergency system and uh because you guys do an invaluable service. You don't believe let a tornado come through and you see you in action and uh I look forward to that rodeo. I I attended it last year with some of the staff and they allowed me to get up there on one of those uh machines and picks up things you put and they realized I didn't know what I was doing and got me out right quick. But it was a lot of fun. So look forward to going to that again. Thank you.

Don't even think about it. I was going to say something, but I'll be right back. So, I get a picture this morning from a citizen. A gutter lid was down off of Buckingham. I sent this forwarded this to Mr. Jones. I said, "Hey, citizen, turn this in. The address was on there in Buckingham." Gave a quick response back. He says, "We'll go reset the gutter lid." That's how quick how quick and fast they work. And uh I I think I said this before, but public works does the grunt work. And uh it's greatly appreciated all the things that you do around town. uh we we we don't hadn't got caught up in the snow much recently, but this year you had guys working in the snow and ice and working around the clock. So, so I greatly appreciated all the work that you do and thank you. Thank you.

Thank you for all the work that you do. The seen, the unseen, like you said, public service is hard work. You don't get into public service to make a lot of money. You get in to serve the people and y'all serve the people well. So, thank you for all you do. Thank you. Yeah. I always take the opportunity to remind people that you all are responsible for the beautifification of all of our parks and the maintenance of all of that too. It's a little unique here in Garner that public works takes that and not parks and wreck. Y'all work like this though. So it is a partnership.

Yeah. So we thank you for that. And also they don't a lot of people don't understand how central you are to so many events that go on in town stay getting up early, staying late hours and I've been a part of some of those events and when you guys are done cleaning up it's like the event didn't even happen. So, we appreciate that. Um, the long hours your your folks bring every every day. Thank you. I echo everything that's been said here tonight and for us to the public works team to everyone engaged with you all. You do a lot of work that's not seen and you do a tremendous job with it and for emergency responses and everything that's going on. Your work is really appreciated. Thank you so much. And then the recognition is well deserved.

Thank you so much. It's my pleasure to present this. And are there any members of your team who could be part of the photo op? No, my team my team elects not to stand in front of people. They're out there serving. They know they're serving people. They're out there serving and rehabbing, getting ready for service tomorrow. And we do have a few that are still working this evening.

All right. As you say, it's not about the glamour. It's about serving people. Well, thank you for standing in. We have a photo op as mandated by our public information. Absolutely. Wow, talk about a night for proclamations. Now we have the National Police Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. And I have the pleasure of reading this proclamation. Whereas the Congress and the President of the United States through public law 87-726 signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 proclaimed May 15th as National Police Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. And whereas public law 103-322 signed by President William Clinton in 1994 directs that the flag of the United States on all government buildings be displayed at half mass on May 15th of each year. And whereas the members of the Garner Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the town of Garner. And whereas it is important that all citizens know and understand the

duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression. And whereas the men and women of the Garner Police Department unceasingly provide a vital public service. Now therefore, I, Buddy Gupton, mayor of the town of Garner, North Carolina, do call upon all citizens of the town of Garner, and upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to observe the week of May 15 through 16, 2026 as National Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all of our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion, to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities, and in so doing have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens. Further, I call upon all citizens of Garner to observe May 15, 2026 as peace officers Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who through their courageous deeds have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty. And let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes. In witness hereof, I have set unto my hand and cause the great sale of the state of North Carolina to be affixed this fifth day of May. And it's my honor to present this to you, uh, Chief Adams, if you would come to the podium, perhap. And I'll be making my way over there while Mr. Vance and the rest of the

council members think of the comment they might want to make after this. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, council members. Uh, first of all, I'd like to request next year that I go before Forest because he's a tough act to follow. Uh,

no, every year when we um recognize this week and that day, I think it's important to look back on the previous year's uh numbers. There were 111 law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty last year. That was actually 25% less than the previous year. So hopefully we're doing something right, going in the right direction. Fatalities due to firearms and traffic incidents decrease compared to the previous year, which went a long way into reducing those numbers, but still too many. It really underscores the importance of evaluating training tactics and our wellness program to make sure that we're doing the best we can to prepare our officers and also to support the community that we serve. We're just extremely thankful for your support uh for the support of our administration, our management, uh fellow department heads and other departments in town. We work together really well. Um but we couldn't do what we do without the support of our community and you've seen that and the numbers with the um the surveys that are done. We have a great deal of support in our community and that's felt and we appreciate it. Um but we we very much appreciate you recognizing this um this week next week. Um it means a lot to us. Um I'd also like to recognize officer Jamie Patnau. she's going to come up for a photo op. Uh but she's you see her almost every week here keeping us safe. So um just thank you Jamie and thank you to all our officers and their families. Obviously the families have to uh endure a great deal um when we're working this profession. So uh we appreciate the families of the the officers as well. So

thank you. Yes. to the Ghana Police. Want to honor the officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for service of this community and want to reach out and say thank you to all those who are currently serving so diligently in the town of Garner and appreciate everything that you do. Thank you. Thank you.

Yeah. Uh thank you all for everything you do every day. There's really sort of this mutual safety mission in the town. When you all feel safe, the community feels safe. when the community feels safe, everybody's safer when they feel connected and are looking out for each other. So, I appreciate everything that you all do to enhance your safety through community outreach and engagement um and and uh you know, really just all of our hearts go out during this time um for the memorial and those who've not come home. So, we hope never to be on that list.

Thank you, sir. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for those who given the ultimate sacrifice to make sure that our community is safe. Um, and thank y'all for just continuing to do the hard work running in the line of fire every single day to make sure that people are safe and sound and make sure this community is safe. So, thank you so much and thank you to all the officers that that serve.

Chief Adams, I've uh been serving here for a long time and and noticed the outstanding service the years I've served. But when I was growing up here, I remember we had a really good police department and and we continue to to strive. Y'all y'all continue to strive to do the best you can. You're up to date with technology. You one of the first ones in in the Triangle area to to go out and get the body cams and sort those out. Uh I can remember when Garner was the first department in Wake County to have computers in the car many years ago. And so uh and dash cams. So we've always tried whether chief was in always tried to keep up with what they thought would would serve the best. So and I know you continue that. So thank you and thank you department for all the hard work and dedication y'all do.

Thank you sir. Chief, I can say a whole lot but I'll condense it down. Uh you happen to be the chief of the best of the best in Wake County. And there's no doubt in my mind about that. Agreed. And it's always a pleasure to see all the officers out there, the ladies and the guys, and they're networking with people and hanging out with kids and giving. It's it's a good public relations you guys got going. And I think I can speak very confidently this board say anything you guys need, we got your back and we truly mean that. Thank you for what you do.

Thank you, sir. They just may And thanks again to both of those departments who do all of their share and then some when it comes to helping out the town. Uh that brings us along now to the presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Uh our main presenter will will start out with town manager Jodie Miller and I think we may hear from Sarah Warren, our budget director as well. It's all yours may.

Yes. Good evening, mayor, members of council. As part of tonight's budget presentation, it's my pleasure to introduce our new budget video for the FY20 fiscal year 27. Uh this is the premiere of the video that our very talented communications team put together. After we review the video, uh then we'll go into the formal presentation of the FY27 recommended budget. Hello everyone. I'm town manager Jodie Miller and I'm excited to share a quick behindthe-scenes look at Garner's annual budget. Our budget team and I wanted to reach out to you to share our community's proposed game plan for fiscal year 2027. It's a plan that helps build and maintain town infrastructure, supports public safety, keeps our parks and recreation amenities beautiful and ready for you to enjoy, and invests in the future we're building together. This year, our team has worked hard to balance needs, opportunities, and resources in a way that reflects what matters to you. We've listened, planned carefully, collaborated across departments, and we kept a focus on what matters most in our community. Ultimately, this is your budget. So, let's take a quick look at what we've planned. Hi, I'm budget director Sarah Warren, and I'm honored to present this overview of the FY27 budget. The recommended budget for FY27 totals 97.9 million. It includes using onetime fund balance revenues and a 2.5cent property tax rate increase for a home valued at $400,000. The proposed tax rate increase would add $100 to the homeowner's tax bill. Property taxes are the town's main source of revenue and provide the fiscal foundation for ensuring the delivery of essential services such as public safety, inspections, solid waste collection, street maintenance, and more. Still, we do not take the proposed

tax rate increase lightly and are aware of the impact that property taxes have on our residents. The proposed FY27 tax rate of 54.5 includes 45 cents to support the operating budget and 9.5 cents to support the debt service fund which funds the town's capital projects. This represents a 7.2 million increase from the FY26 amended budget. The recommended budget also proposes fee increases for parks, recreation, and cultural resources, including the implementation of weekday rentals at the Garner Senior Center and user fees for Jurgen Park. These fees allow for the town to remain in line with our regional partners and will enable us to maintain the quality of our recreational programming and amenities. The budget includes funding for projects supported through the 2021 bond program, including the completion of Jones Sausage Road improvements, the South Garner Greenway extension, open space at Metobrook Park, and downtown infrastructure projects. The fiscical school year 27 recommended budget also covers the operating impacts of Jurgen Park, the town's much anticipated signature athletics park, which will open this fall, and the opening of a much awaited splash pad at White Deer Park. In addition to supporting these exciting projects, the budget also continues funding for civic engagement and community support activities such as the Garner Youth Council and Civic Academy, both launched in this current year of fiscal year 26. The proposed budget also maintains the town's commitment to finding affordable housing solutions and provides ongoing funding for preserving home and support for the creation of the Garner Housing Advisory Committee. The FY27 recommended budget supports our most important resource, our staff. Garner is recognized as an employer of choice in the region and has gained that reputation through a multifaceted compensation benefit approach. The FY27 recommended budget

includes an update to the town's classification and compensation plan to ensure Garner remains a competitive employer in the region. Providing highquality and affordable health insurance for town employees remains a priority. So, the recommended budget includes funding to cover a 5.2% increase in the town's health insurance plan. The recommended budget funds several new positions that will strengthen public safety, bolster town infrastructure, enhance fiscal responsibility, and maintain excellent service delivery. These positions include a crime analyst to oversee development of a real-time information crime center in our police department. A position in the fire rescue department to support ongoing data needs that inform operational decision-m, strategic planning, and community risk reduction. A fire inspector to improve fire safety services and ensure compliance with fire codes. a stormwater utility supervisor who will help establish and manage a new storm water utility that ensures superior service levels and ongoing maintenance and repair of storm water infrastructure. A grants administrator to help leverage external funding and align partner resources with community priorities. An executive assistant and parillegal to support the town's executive leadership and two public works positions to continue the support of opening of Jurgen Park.

That's a quick look at our proposed FY27 operating budget. We encourage you to stay uptodate on the development of the budget and to offer your input by visiting our budget portal at garnerc.gov/fy27 budget. We look forward to working together with you to continue moving Garner forward. We'll see you around town. All right, that is the world premiere. Give us just a second to switch over. All right. The town of Garner has many great attributes, including its engaged citizenry, dedicated elected officials and staff, and highquality services and amenities. These attributes create a thriving and inclusive community that needs to be maintained and nurtured. The FY27 recommended budget provides the investment framework for continuing to embrace opportunities, address challenges, and create a shared vision for the future. Mayor, members of council, I present for your review and consideration the recommended budget for fiscal year 27 totaling $97.9 million. The FY27 budget reflects the town's greatest asset, its people. As of April 1st, the Garner Planning Department estimates our population totals 46,218, an 8% increase over the same time last year. This significant population growth requires that we thoughtfully and strategically invest in FY27 and beyond. The FY27 recommended budget was developed following using the following

PR principles. One, limiting property tax increases. Two, addressing required expenses. Three, fulfilling ongoing project commitments. Four, leveraging partner resources. And five, maintaining the town's compensation strategy. The recommended budget also aligns with council's goal of a forwardthinking strategic tax rate and includes fully implementing the recommendations of the 2026 classification and compensation study. The FY27 recommended budget includes using one-time fund balance revenues and a 2.5 cent tax increase to achieve the goals priorities. The proposed tax rate of 54 12 cents includes 45 cents to support the operating budget and 9.5 cents to support the debt service fund which funds the CA town's capital projects. This represents a 7.3 million increase to the FY26 amended budget, which strengthens the foundation of our community by investing in people, infrastructure, and services that allow Garner to thrive. The recommendation to increase property taxes is not made lightly, but rather after careful review, strategic analysis, and consideration of our priorities and goals. Based on updated Wake County data information, the additional two and a half cent increase results in an in an average annual increase of $100 for a home in Garner valued at $400,000. This increase enables the town to meet the ongoing demands of growth while remaining mindful of the impact on our taxpayers. Annual budgets reflect a community's values, priorities, and aspirations. The recommended budget funds town obligations, ongoing expectations, and demonstrated needs requested by town staff. The FY27 budget continues to be respons to responsibly plan for future operational and capital needs by

building on the town's adopted multi-year framework. The recommended budget also supports our efforts to become a high-erforming organization focused on continual learning and growth. As Garner's population grows, so do expectations for service delivery. And the additional 2 and a half cents on our tax rate enabled continue investment in people and places that may garner a town where people want to live, work, visit, and play. At the same time, a softening housing market will slow property tax growth, creating additional pressure on this critical revenue source. The town's sales tax revenue has performed strongly over the past years, but the national economy and current events are driving consumer decision-making, which may impact this important revenue in FY27. Actions and events not directly under the town's purview are creating significant budget challenges for fiscal year 27. With service demand continuing to rise, the town must carefully balance fiscal restraints while maintaining service levels and meeting community expectations. Included in the recommended budget are proposed administrative fee increases for inspections to help recover the cost of processing various development related services and engineering fee increases for reviews and inspections. This budget also proposes fee increases for parks, recreation, and culture resources, including the implementation of a weekday rental at the Garner Senior Center and user fees for Jurgen Park. These fees allow the town to remain in line with our regional partners while still giving Garner residents affordable access to services and recreation amenities. In addition to using the one-time funding and proposed tax rate increase, the recommended budget includes a grants administrator to help leverage external funding opportunities and align partner resources with community priorities. A a grants administrator plays a key role in

identifying, securing, and managing external funding opportunities that support the town's priorities. By strengthening the town's capacity to pursue and manage competitive funding, a grants administrator can help offset local costs, advance strategic initiatives, and expand service delivery without putting an additional burden on taxpayers. The tax rate includes 9 and a half cents dedicated to the debt service fund, a strategy adopted in FY25 that supports the current capital bond program while building capacity to address future capital needs associated with public safety and services facilities. The FY27 recommended budget funds projects supported through the 2021 bond program, including the completion of Jones Sausage Road improvements, the South Garner Greenway extension, Meadow Brook Park phase one, and downtown infrastructure projects. The budget also recommends funding to address vacant and underutilized structures structures on town property that pose health, safety, and maintenance needs. As the town becomes a more diverse community, it is critical that we invest in inclusive and high-quality services that benefit all residents. In the 2026 National Community Survey, residents responded include included the following. 82% rated the town as excellent or good at valuing and respecting residents from diverse backgrounds. 80% rated the town's recreation programs and classes as excellent or good. 74% rated the town excellent or good regarding emergency preparedness and 65% rated their overall confidence and garner government as excellent or good. This was up significantly from the 2024 results. The FY27 recommended budget accounts for the operating impacts of two of the town's signature parks. Jurgen Park, the town much anticipated athletic park, will open this fall. This budget includes the final investment in operating impacts that will support the

ongoing maintenance of the park and required staffing. In addition, operating funding has been included to support the opening of the long- aaited splash pad at White Gear Park. This exciting amenity will serve at serve a wide range of ages, enhancing the quality of life for residents as a fun, familyfriendly venue. Increased funding for public art has also been included in the recommended budget to allow for the completion of the Avery Street Art Park adjacent to the Garner Performing Arts Center and to main overall support for the town's public art initiative. This budget also includes continued funding to support civic engagement activities such as the Garner Youth Council and Garner Civic Academy, both launched in FY26. These highly sought-after programs provide residents with a unique opportunity to become engaged with the town while building and developing community advocates for Garner. The town has continued its commitment to housing affordability, including support of the affordable housing task force's efforts and hiring of a housing community development specialist. The town's work around housing affordability will continue at FY27. Efforts will include ongoing funding for preserving home to assist in the maintenance and repairs of existing homes, strategic planning engagement, and the creation of the Garner Housing Advisory Committee, which will serve as an advisory board to the town council on housing related initiatives. I'm proud that the recommended budget includes continued investment in our employees, the foundation of town government. Garner continues to be an employer of choice in the region using a multifaceted compensation and benefits approach. This involves an update to the town's classification and compensation plan as recommended by our consultants Baker Tilly. The recommendations indicate that the town's compensation strategy which includes regular pay studies, ongoing market adjustments, and merit pay and merit pay is working to ensure that Garner stays competitive

stays as a competitive employer in the region. The FY27 recommended budget includes 956,000 to fund the recommended option from Banker Tilly of a 2% increase for most positions in the current plan. The FY27 budget also includes an additional pay period in December of 2026, which will be addressed through the town's modified acrruled accounting process and utilizing lap salaries. The FY27 recommended budget includes continued funding for the town's performance merit pay for employees which enables employees to earn up to 4% annually increase annually. The merit system coupled with the recommendations from the classification and compensation study will continue to support the compensation strategy adopted in fiscal year 24. The recommended budget incorporates a five and a half 5.2% 2% increase for the town's health insurance plan through the North Carolina health insurance pool. All auxiliary health related benefits will continue to be offered at the FY26 rates. Maintaining highquality, affordable health insurance for town employees remains a priority for FY27. Investing in employee development continues to serve as an effective retention strategy strategy for sustaining a talented and committed workforce. Funding has been allocated across the organization to support ongoing continuing education requirements, helping ensure that the town retains highly qualified and skilled employees. Combined with the continuation of the town's educational assistance program, these investments guarantee that employees have the knowledge and capabilities necessary to perform their roles efficiently and effectively. The FY27 recommended budget allows the town to continue to strengthen operational and community infrastructure. The council has consistently supported the town's stormwater program and at the February strategic planning retreat, council directed staff to continue its efforts

towards storm water utility implementation in fiscal year 28. The study to establish a storm water utility and rate structure to provide enhanced service levels as well as ongoing maintenance and repair of storm water infrastructure will be completed in FY27. The recommended budget also includes one storm water utility supervisor who will lead utility implementation efforts. In addition to the storm water utility, the recommended budget includes funding for infrastructure investments needed at the site of the future public works center. This work establishes the foundation for a future public works campus that enables the town to meet the service demands of our growing community. The FY27 budget continues council's priorities of maintaining a safe and resilient community that supports all aspects of public safety. With the availability of innovative technology, the Garner Police Department has employed existing tools to help solve numerous high-profile crimes. The budget allows for additional resources, including advanced technology and an additional crime analyst, which will enable the development of a real time uh information crime center. This new division will position Garner as a regional leader in leveraging innovation and real-time data to support and enhance public safety. The FY27 budget also includes an additional position in the fire rescue department to support ongoing data needs that provide timely, accurate, and necessary data to inform operational decision-making, strategic planning, accreditation maintenance, and community risk reduction. The addition of both of these positions will continue to reaffirm and support our nationally accredited police and fire departments which are highly valued by our community. The town is also leveraging our partnership with Wake County Fire Services to fund equipment as well as technology and rebranding efforts associated with the recent fire

department merger with the town. The FY27 recommended budget includes additional funding to support fire turnout gear, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, which will all be cost share with Wake County. In addition, the county has agreed to cost share access control upgrades at fire facilities along with rebranding needs across the department to align the department with the town standards. The department includes adding a fire inspector in the in inspections departments to improve fire safety services and ensure compliance with fire codes. As the community grows, the need for inspections and safety education increases. The fire inspector will perform inspections of businesses and homes, identify fire hazards, and ensure fire safety rules are followed. This role will help reduce fire risk and enhance public safety. This position would be funded through building inspection fees which must be used for the inspections department expenses. The FY27 recommended budget also bo bolsters internal operations by including an executive assistant and parallegal to support the town's executive leadership. These positions provide complex highle administrative and programmatic support to both the town manager's office and legal services enhancing organizational efficiency, coordination, and responsiveness across the town. Funding is also included to support our newly formed strategic initiatives department. This new department leads high priority projects that advance the town's long-term goals and improve organizational effectiveness. It works across all departments to coordinate planning, drive innovation, and ensure that key initiatives are delivered efficiently in alignment with the town's strategic vision. The department includes oversight of the town's housing affordability efforts and initiatives, a new operational focus added in FY26. Presenting the recommended budget to council and the community starts the process for council's discussion and

deliberation of the FY27 budget. The council is scheduled to have a budget work session on Friday, May 15th, and a second public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th. In addition, the budget comment portal continues to be available on the town's website for resident feedback and comments. The recommendations included in the FY27 budget are fundamental investments in our people, both the safety, livability, and quality of life for our residents and the competitive compensation and benefits for our employees who deliver these core services. While I'm proud that we can fund these foundational investments, there are additional priorities important to support a growing community that we are not able to address in this budget. I look forward to working with council to identify opportunities to address these priorities throughout the year. Thank you for the opportunity to present this priority focused and forwardthinking budget. I appreciate the diligence of our dedicated department heads and staff in contributing to a balanced budget while addressing service demands and council's priorities. I'd like to acknowledge and thank the budget team which includes Sarah Warren, Celeste Gorcell, Josh Fishmore, David Beck, John Hodes, and Matt Pool for all their efforts and dedication to develop this recommended budget. I look forward to our continued discussions on the recommended budget over the next several weeks. together we can invest in and create a community where great things continue to happen. Thank you for your time and attention this evening.

Thank you very much. I'd just like to make a few follow-up observations on this. Uh some of them should be pretty obvious, but I I won't I won't want to hit them again. This is the first official or public presentation of the budget. Uh number one, our council members did receive the big book of the budget last week. We've been looking at that and thank goodness we have some very sophisticated and sharpeyed council members who look at this from many different angles to help us with the big decisions and the little details. So, we're very we're very grateful to them. Uh, and even though this is the first time we're seeing this in publicly, there's not just hundreds of hours that went into this, it's thousands of staff hours have gone into this. There are two or three staff members that work on this year round analyzing how we spend our money, trying to predict what we'll need and keep us between the ditches. So, my hats off to all of the folks in the budget division who put this together. That's a great thing. Uh, also, it took me a little while to figure out this fiscal year 27 thing. I said, well, this is 26 and it becomes effective July 1st. But it's all based on when the fiscal year ends in 2027. Okay? So, don't don't be confused. This will this will go into effect July 1st if we can get it all passed and adjusted like we want. Uh, and one of the many hurdles that our staff has had to overcome is the uncertain environment we have uh because of changes at the North Carolina General Assembly. We talked about some exemptions to property tax that certain projects have taken. Uh there's also a movement of foot for the state legislature to limit towns and counties in setting their own property tax rates. So it's a changing environment. We may see it change in the next year or two and we have to predict and work within that changing environment. And the last thing I want to point out, there's still no garbage fee there. There's one of only we're one

of only two municipalities in Wake County that do not have an additional garbage fee in addition to the property tax. I think ours is much more fair. Uh the the the the higher value homes pay more than their share so that the lower value homes with probably the lower income people have less of a burden on that one little thing. So thanks for all the good things you're doing there. Uh the video is great. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's true, uh a video is worth a thousand pictures and it really helps get it across. It did a great job on that. Uh there are many next steps you've outlined. The 15th will be an all day work session on the budget by the town council and key department heads. We'll be back at town council on the 19th. The the portal is open for input. We welcome input from the from the all the residents, all the taxpayers. So this is a big ongoing project. This is the recommended budget. There will be lots of scrutiny, lots of discussion. There's lots of steps left. So, we will get some observations by council members here tonight. Uh, but we're not here to approve this tonight. This this is just the very first step of looking at it. And then we'll have many other opportunities for input. There will be a public hearing for more input from residents as well. So, saying that, I'm going to call on Mr. Matthews and work down for any other observations or or early questions that we might have. Mr. Matthews.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Great presentation. I do like the video and the notes that went along with it. And uh thanks to the entire team for putting all this together. I've had a few days to go through a lot of this stuff and still making highlights and uh and uh but uh in my opinion it's well thought out and trying to move our community forward. Uh second but if I have any questions I'll reach out to staff and ahead of time and share those and uh give you a heads up on it. So, but thank you for what you have done. Thank you, Mr. Singleton.

Yes. Thanks for the presentation and the stylish video. And if a picture's worth a thousand words, this young lady in the top right hand corner here, that's a great picture right there. I know that was July 3rd or what, but that's a great picture. Um, and looking at the budget and uh look forward to our uh work session next week, a week from Friday, the 15th. Excellent. Mr. Collins, uh, similar um, thank you for the presentation. look forward to our work session on the 15th. Mr. Dinger.

Yeah, thanks for the presentation and the information. Um, also want to say very appreciative of the added time we've had this year as council to engage with staff on the budget starting at the retreat. I think it's given everyone opportunity to hear absorb and hear and and shape the budget. So, I think we're a lot further along than we have been in previous years and you're going into our work session on a good a good footing for a lot of healthy conversation. Uh did spend a fair amount of time with the budget this past weekend now that it's final. Um looking at last year's budget and looking at unfunded requests and um really kind of looking to see where we can have some more conversations about things. And I think that there's not a big appetite for tax increases, but I think we have to talk through the direct uh application of those funds and I think that makes all the difference in having that conversation. So, um I also want to hats off to the town manager and the strategic initiatives department. Um I think that was in your brain a long time ago. Um but it's good to see that coming online and seeing the results. I think we've seen the results just on council and the streamlining of a lot of processes. So, I'm glad to see that's formalized in one place and has taken on some things that fall kind of in in a difference in kind of the glue in between everything else and some other projects. So, I'm glad to see that in there and moving forward. So, looking forward to next week.

Thank you, Mr. Vance. Uh yes. So, thank you so much for placing a lot of information in a condis fashion and easy easily to understand. I'm looking forward to the uh budget work sessions on the 15th and also the public hearing on the 19th. Thank you very much. Thank you. Uh any other observations from from your van there, town manager? No other observations. Just want to thank council for your time and attention this evening as mentioned in the budget message. Uh this sort of kicks off the the second phase of the budget process, which is council's discussion and deliberation. And and so we look forward to working with council uh so that we can get to a place where council's comfortable approving a budget for fiscal year 27. So thank you.

Excellent. Thanks. We look forward to working on this continuously. Thanks for the great job and the great kickoff here. Thank you. Uh that being said, that brings us to item D on our agenda, which is petitions and comments. I'm going to ask our town clerk if anyone has signed up to speak this evening. Yes, sir. We have two speakers this evening.

Okay. Then I will be glad to read the little preface to our petitions and comments. This portion of the meeting is to receive comments from the public on items not included in this agenda regarding matters that are germanine to town policies or business or subjects within the town council's real or apparent jurisdiction. Individuals or group spokespersons must sign up with the town clerk prior to the start of the meeting. The council is interested in hearing your concerns, but will not take action or deliberate on subject matter brought up during the petition and comment segment. Topics requiring further investigation will be referred to the appropriate town officials and may be scheduled for future agenda. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. I think you know the drill. And with that being said, who is our first speaker?

Our first speaker is Katie Cardinus. Yes. if you would come to the podium, introduce yourself with name and address. Thank you. Thank you.

I got my back up here. Good evening. Katie Caranas, 1609 South Avenue in Garner. Good evening. Tonight I come to you to highlight solutions to a community problem that affects all of us. The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of an exiled leader whose concern about the broken walls of Jerusalem led him back to his native land for a project that was way too big for one person. It is an example of coming together to build up and not tear down. Which is why I come to town council many times, not at all to criticize the council or saying negative things, but to invite collaboration. Housing insecurity is a community challenge that affects individuals, families, our education system, businesses, and government at the local, state, and federal levels. It requires a community response. Each of us putting down our proverbial swords of defense to pick up tools that help build a stronger community for everyone. As the congregation of Lord of at Lord of Life Lutheran Church always says, everyone belongs, no exceptions. I think you realize that I have been engaged in many ways, right? Come on, feedback on that one. Last fall, Iworked with community community advocates at the annual community violence intervention conference. In March, I spoke with Deborah Ross at the Second Street Shelter event where $850,000 was given by the federal government to help renovations at her only emergency shelter in the county. Last week, I spoke with Representative Monica Johnson Hustler and Senator Lisa Graphstein at the North Carolina Housing Day event at the legislature. Here in Garner, we now have our newly hired community um housing and community revitalization

um spe community development specialist who will hopefully be able to create an affordable housing advisory board soon. That is a step in the right direction. So, thank you. The town of Carrie has affordable housing on their ag had affordable housing on their agenda last week. They approved an additional $5.3 million for affordable housing. This there's a lot happening across our county as many of us come together with our tools to build a community that is welcoming to all residents. We are making progress. In closing, I would like to invite you personally to the Housing Olympiad event on Wednesday, May 20th, for which you have already received email invitations. And thank you, Gray, for responding so quickly. It is being held at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, the future site of the Timothy Ash Carr Center, a mixeduse center for affordable housing, early childhood education, and empowerment of working families with children. This location will allow us to envision what is probable, not just possible, when elected officials, municipality staff, advocates, and experts in housing needs come together to build a better community for everyone. Thank you for your attention

and thank you for your positive comments and your interest in so many facets of our community. Thank you. And the other person that to signed up to speak is Carol Holloway. Yes, ma'am. If you would approach the podium here and introduce yourself with name and address. Yes.

Carol Holloway, 1509 Foxwood Drive in Garner. Um, I was I'm here tonight to with uh major concerns. On uh April the 29th, I called the excuse me, um it's it's in reference to the um waste pickup, trash pickup, and recycling. Uh on Wednesday, my um recycling was left in the middle of the driveway. Foxwood Drive, as you all know, is a very very busy street. We've requested to have speed bumps put there in the past because people fly up and down and it's it's the main corridor to schools. Uh so on April the 30th I called them to the waste and they said that they were reported to the private company that they have picking up the waste because the recycling was left in the middle of the driveway which mean I would have to stop get out the car move them out of the driveway in order to go in and that's a very busy street. So then on yesterday, um I'm coming up Buffalo Road and it's a major complaint that they do not put the trash cans nor the recycling bins back where they are once they um emptied them out. Uh so yesterday I'm coming up Buffalo. In order to keep from hitting a car on my left, then I um the trash can in the bin was on my right. Um, and I ended up hitting that in order to keep from hitting the car and tow off my uh passenger side rearview mirror. I do have pictures here I would like to present. Um, and um, so that is a major

concern. You can ride the streets of Garner and see the trash bins and the recycling bins in the streets. people have to actually uh swerve out in order to not hit any of them. And so when I did call the lady at the waist uh division, she said that y'all have a private company that and that she would address it. Uh this is not my first time calling. I've called lots of times before. So, I don't know what the employees do or if they in a hurry or what, but our trash cans be on the grass, but they find a way to not to put them back where they belong. So, it's a major concern because um it's, you know, it's going to be I mean, I don't want anything to happen that could, you know, jeopardize somebody's life, but I was terrified uh yesterday when that happened uh to me. So, I do want to present this to

if you would give it to our town attorney. We'll make that part of the record. My number on there. So, now I have a $960 bill that I have to pay to leave Toyota in order to get my car repaired. Uh, and I would like to know if there is any compensation. My number is on there, but I am very, very concerned with these bins left in the middle of the street. Thank you. That will be looked into. you you will be followed up on this and and and sincerely thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. We depend consistently on our residents to let us know what we can do better and where we're missing the boat. So, thank you for your input. You're welcome. Thank you.

Do we have anyone else signed up to speak? No, sir. Okay, then we will move right along to our consent agenda. And these are typically items that have been reviewed by council or of a more uh administrative nature or less controversial. I believe we've had a chance to look these over. Uh if there are any items that the council member would like to see pulled from the consent agenda for further uh discussion, we can do that. Uh if there's a motion to adopt the consent agenda, uh I will accept that motion in a second.

So move second. Uh motion by Mr. Vance and second by Mr. Matthews. Uh is there any more discussion from council about removing anything from the consent agenda? Uh hearing none, we'll accept uh we've already heard the motion and the second. There's no more discussion. All in favor of approving the consent agenda, please signify by saying I I.

Any opposed by nay? Hearing none, the consent agenda passes unanimously. And that brings us to item F of our new and old business. Uh the first item here is Try Station and their conversion to an income averaging system. Our sponsor, main presenter is assistant town manager John Hodes. Take it away, Mr. Hodes. Uh good evening, mayor and council. Um uh council is familiar with the TR station project that that uh you have uh a financial interest in providing uh gap financing for that project a couple of years ago. The project is substantially complete and we look forward to being able to have a an opening celebration uh later in the summer. Um a unique opportunity has come up. The housing finance agency has approached the developers about an opportunity uh to change the structure of their project uh from being uh currently serving all 176 units would serve households up to 60% of area median income. Uh they have an opportunity to convert that to an income averaging model. Under that scenario, 47 units would be at 50% AMI, 108 would be at 60% AMI, 16 would be at 70% AMI, and five at 80% AMI. So, this broader range of incomes aligns with council's goals uh on both ends. It allows us to have some uh housing at a lower AMI. 50% is the bottom threshold of Garner's established uh range for affordable housing. Um it also um provides an opportunity for folks like our town employees who might not qualify at the 60% AMI level to qualify at 70 or 80 on the upper end of the new range. So we believe that the request for the conversion um is in keeping with council's goals. Uh tonight we're requesting that council authorize the manager uh to uh to execute any documentation that is needed for the conversion as well as any documentation that's needed to amend the closing

documents uh for the funding that is involved with town council. I would also note that Wake County Commissioners uh did have this item for the conversion on their agenda last night and they did approve the same request for conversion. I'll be glad to answer any questions for you and a representative from the development company is also here. Excellent presentation. Some of us have heard about this before. Let's start our questions or comments with Mr. Vance, please. Oh, yes. Thank you, John, for the briefing. Just for the public, what problem is this conversion trying to solve? Um, it what it will actually do is is provide housing at a broader range of incomes. I have another question, but I'll pass right now.

Okay, Mr. Dinger. Yeah, I think this is great that this project is meeting sort of our defined um scope of housing affordability at the 50%. Um that's and it's just good to see and I think we're going to see even with Habitat, the more mixed income income diverse um projects are really the way to go. And I think this project really represents one of the greatest strategic investments the town has made with regards to affordable housing and that we've provided the funds. We'll get those funds back and they're going to pay property tax. Is there any indication that they have any intentions whatsoever for going for a tax exemption?

We have asked the development company for that about that and they have committed that during the life of the town during the lifetime of the town's financial interest in the project they would not seek tax exemption. Thank you. That that that's fantastic. It's a really a win-win for everybody and those are the kind of scenarios we like to see. So excited about this project. Excellent. Mr. Stall.

Oh, I I definitely appreciate the rationale behind this approach. Um I I think it expands um the project's affordability range. I mean going down to 50% AMI is something I've talked about a lot up here on council. So, and we definitely want to make sure simultaneously we do have um stable projects. So open it up to different affordability ranges I think is helpful as well too. So I'm definitely supportive of this change. Thank you, Mr. Singleton.

Yes, I support this. The income averaging certainly helps. It does get more units the 50% AMI and I think that was one of our goals. Uh the majority are still at 60, but I think that's also a big help. But getting it uh some below the the 60% down to 50 was certainly helpful uh for the area. So I support it. Thank you. Um, I support it also and I think it'll wind up being a win-win for the town as well as the what's going on out there soon. Okay. Okay. Are there other questions or comments from council? Question was answered. Question was answered.

Okay. Excellent. Thank you very much. Uh, let me remind you of the proposed action here that is before us. This is to approve a conversion of the Tryan station affordable housing project to income averaging methodology and authorize the town manager to execute amended closing documents. Is there a motion to that effect? So moved. Second. Uh motion is made by Mr. Dillinger and seconded by Mr. Stalins. Uh if there's no further discussion, uh I will call for a voice vote. All in favor, please signify by saying I. I I

opposed by nay hearing. None. That passes unanimously. Thank you. Great attention, Mr. Hodes. Thanks for translating that for us. Uh item G on the agenda is public hearings. There are none scheduled for this evening. Uh item H is updates to council. And we'll start with committee reports. And let's start with Mr. Matthews and come back this way. Any reports from your committee assignments?

Uh yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. We are uh the veterans committee. We're getting ready to uh have one of our biggest event. It's Memorial Day, which is Monday the 25th. And everybody is invited. This is probably going to be one of the the largest we've had out there. And we're hoping and praying that the rain will hold off till we get it all in. But just in case, uh we've got uh Parks and Rex's got a great big tent coming in out there and we're going to have a larger stage and uh going to have some very important speakers there and being there. So everybody is invited and uh we're looking very forward to it and we're working on it as we speak right now. Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Singleton. Dr. Report, Mr. Stal,

um the Garner Youth Council is organizing. They will be hosting a litter sweep on Saturday, May 16th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Garner Magnet High School. Um, if you know of any youth that will be available to go out there and participate and support the council, we definitely want them to go on the youth council's Instagram that they have. So, it's Garner Youth Council if they search it on Instagram and sign up. Um, I definitely encourage everybody to go out and support our teams and come together and keep Garner clean. All right. Keep Garner clean. And boy, that youth council is really taking off. Thanks for your leadership there, Mr. Dinger. I was going to come out and help, but you said I had to be a youth, so I'll stay home. I have no reports this evening.

All right, Mr. The nomination committee will continue with the interviews uh for the various positions that are opening on the various commissions and uh committees and just want to let everyone know that the uh the application requests for individuals want to volunteer for the public arts committee. There's opportunity to get involved with that and also the senior citizens committee and also there's one with the veterans as well. Okay, thank you very much. Uh that concludes the committee reports. Item number two is manager reports.

Just one brief update. Um we recognize our public works teams and our police department today um in terms of um special events that are planned for the month of May. As in the past, um to show our appreciation, we have lit up town hall specific colors and support of our departments. And so just wanted to make council aware as well as the community. We'll be lighting town hall town hall up again. orange for public works and blue for the police department. So, as you drive by in in the next couple weeks, take a look at town hall and all the cool colors. That's it for this evening.

Yeah, you did a big report earlier and this is a tag along to the proclamations. It's good that we can celebrate that again, be reminded again of the importance of public works, police, etc. Thanks so much. Uh that brings us to item number three, attorney reports. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh I'll be attending the city vision uh conference sponsored by the League of Municipalities tomorrow and Thursday. Uh we missed the special event for commit to civility, but we are Garner is one of the few municipalities in the state with 100% participation from all of our council members in that commit to civility program.

Well, thank you very much and thank you for helping us get started on that program that we completed what a year and a half ago or so of the time. Well spent. Okay. And that brings us to council reports on any other items than committee. Uh let's start with Mr. Vance this time. No report. Mr. Dinger. Uh just wanted to mention in regards to public works and police that we they are also accredited and nationally accredited recognized departments along with our fire parks and wreck. I always forget. I could kind of take it for granted but we shouldn't and it takes a lot of work to maintain that accreditation and it's welld deserved. Exactly. Mr. Stalins,

um I appreciate the vote of this board last meeting to move forward and starting a process and working on holding a public hearing on the data center moratorum. I look forward to a date being set soon in the near future and I encourage the public to come out and participate in that hearing as well. Thank you. Good report, Mr. Singleton.

Yes. A couple of weeks ago, we had a gentleman here, Mr. Cleveland Avery. He came and talked to us with concerns about parking on Ranill Road by Jackie John's Park. I've talked with him on the phone a few times. We texted back and forth. Uh I went by there multiple times this weekend and I didn't catch all the cars that uh he had been reporting. However, I got a picture from him Sunday evening from around 5:00 that he sent where the cars are parked on both sides. It's a dangerous situation and I sent that to staff and uh you know for consideration I told him we I texted with him today that we can't just magically make a parking lot real fast. However, one of the concerns is they're parking right in front of some of the houses on Randmill Road and uh I I've asked staff to look into let's you know make that a no parking zone. So the cars have to park on the park side then they're parking here because new R I mean Randills and old is no curb and gutter and if the cars are together it's very narrow and so uh staff is looking into that. Just wanted to let you know that we uh are checking I'm ask again staff about putting no parking on one side. Of course, no one of the cars can park. Well, they could park at the public works facility, but that's a good little hall. Uh but you know, there's again there's limited parking over there and people are over there. There was uh somebody people having a cookout. There were people playing basketball. So, the park is being used. But, uh it is a safety concern and I understand what he's saying. And the picture that sent uh I'll send the picture to y'all. Y'all can see it, too. is very concerning. So, I just want to give you an update that staff is working on that uh trying to address what we can do. And I see Chief Adams here and and I'm going to send in another email that it's mainly on the weekends in the afternoons when to look for the uh the tra traffic in the park cars. So, just wanted to bring that update to you.

Thank you. Good update. Another great example of how a resident brings this to our attention uh and staff and the council gets behind it, takes some steps to understand it, come up with some possible solutions and hopefully put in some solutions. So, thanks everyone who's involved in that. Mr. Matthews, no report. No report over there. Wow. And that concludes our regular business on the agenda. I believe there may be a need for a close session this evening. Town attorney.

Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. Um, legal department's requesting that you hold a a closed session pursuant to general statutes 143-318.11a3 to consult with the attorney regarding litigation or settlement of a claim. Okay. Uh, is there a motion from councel? So moved. Second. Uh, there there's a motion by Mr. Matthews and second by Mr. Vance uh to move to the close session. If there's no discussion, I'll ask for a voice vote. All those in favor of moving to the closed session signify by saying I.

Any opposed by nay? Hearing none, we will move to the close session. We will return later. You're welcome to go home to your families if you need to and you can watch the rest on Mr. Mercer's video. Thank you.

from our closed session. I'm going to call on Attorney Jones to give us a report of what was done in the closed session. U Thank you, Mr. Mayor. council met with uh the legal services team and um managers for the town to receive an update on pending litigation and claims. Um no official votes were taken, but council provided general guidance on the handling of these claims. Thank you. And I believe that concludes our business for this evening. Uh if there's no further items we need to discuss, I will accept a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second

motion by Mr. Matthews, second by Mr. Singleton. Uh if there's no further discussion, the voice vote. All in favor of adjournment, please signify by saying I. Opposed by nay. Hearing none, passes unanimously. Meeting adjourned. Thank you. Everything.