City Council - Regular Meeting

Was Renee running into the printer?

Aaron, are we live? All right, guys. We're going to get started here in a minute, but if you did not get an agenda and you want one, they're they're right there. Awesome.

All right. Welcome. Thank you guys for being here. Um I'm now going to call the March 10th city council meeting to order and welcome everyone here tonight. Um and everybody on our YouTube channel. Um and then we're going to start with Jane Aubry. Would you mind coming to get the invitation? Let's bow our heads, please. Dear heavenly father, we come to you on this gorgeous day and we just thank you for our many, many blessings. We thank you for all the people that have been ahead of us that have worked so hard for the city of Graham, the state of North Carolina. We thank you for all the legacies that have been paved. We are here to celebrate a lot of wonderful people tonight. And we just humbly thank you for the lives of the people at the chapel and the celebration of 150 years at Children's Chapel and the other people that we'll be celebrating too. We thank you that when you created us, uh Jesus came and he said now there was everybody's equal. There's no male, there's no female, there's no black, there's no white or cyian or barbarian or Greek or Jew or anything. We are all one. We thank you for that unity. We thank you for the love of Graham that these council members have and how they serve us. And uh we just ask that you continue to bless this town and prosper for years to come. In the name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Thank you, Jane. All right. Stand with us if you're able for the pledge of allegiance. of the United States.

All right, thank you guys. Um, I wanted to make a quick note. I don't know how many people have uh looked at past minutes or read um some news articles that have been out, but today's agenda is going to operate like previous agendas. We're going to have the public comments at the end. You will have four minutes for your public comments. Just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page. This agenda is going to operate like previous agendas. Um cool. You ready? All right. Um, if I could invite the gentleman from the Invictus Task Force um, for a presentation. Thank you guys so much for being here.

Thank you.

So, good afternoon. My name is Justin Trogden. I'm a deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. Uh, first I'd like to say thank you to Chief Nil for inviting us here uh, this afternoon to share some information about the task force. Uh, I understand that you guys have a full agenda, so I will be a good steward every time. I assure you. Uh, but before I get started, I'd like to introduce Seth Williams. He's part of our leadership team at Invictus, Ray Oliver, Special Agent Ray Oliver with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Ray Dawson. He sits on our executive committee. Uh, and he is the founder of the Invictus Project. So, we'll we'll go ahead and jump into this. Thank you. Uh the Invictus task force is comprised of Alamance, Randolph, Davidson, and Foresight counties. Uh we are also um rep we also have representation by SBI, our state bureau of investigations as well as Homeland Security Investigations. Uh we have just recently added Rockingham County and Liberty Police Department to this this list as well. Uh we were established in 2024. We came together informally in 2023 uh through some operational work that we were doing together. Uh ourus were signed in 20 in January of 2024. So we've had roughly two years now of an operational status. Uh we have executive committee oversight. So each of the uh sheriffs of the four respective counties that I just uh listed sit on our executive committee as well as Kevin Moraton who is our state IAT commander and Joe Behringer who is the resident agent in charge of homeland security investigations here in Greensboro. Uh our mission focus uh is essentially to shift from what is a reactive posture for law enforcement uh working internet crimes against children to a proactive posture. And I'll I'll explain that a little more in depth as we move move on. Um I told you we've been together for roughly two years. Uh I'll say we're unique. We are the only task force doing

what we're doing in the state of North Carolina. Um we are modeled ourselves um off of a a couple of different task forces, one out of the state of Florida and one out of the state of Tennessee. Um but we we've put our own unique twist to it. Uh it it is a true task force model. uh meaning that um w without uh am I echoing without uh uh we it is a true task force model in that um we work in every jurisdiction that we have and it's a team approach. Next stop please. So a couple of things that uh is unique to us is we do have our own forensic lab. Uh that's one of the you know Achily Hills if you will to uh law enforcement and the work we do. There's a ton of reoccurring costs as it comes to forensics, forensic equipment, technology, all of those things. Uh we have some subject matter experts that sit in our room. We have a full-time forensic analyst. We have a full-time intel analyst. Uh and our approach is is that of a victim-entered approach. Uh we make sure that we are identifying victims uh in child sex abuse material that that we are locating. uh and we'll talk about some of the success that we've had with that. Uh as a the other piece of this is the the NGO or the nonprofit uh component that is closely tied with the task force uh that helps us with a lot of our funding. Um and I can or we'll talk about that again in another slide. Next slide sir. Thank you. So, uh, primarily what we focus on are cyber tips, peer-to-peer investigations, and undercover chat investigations, uh, for the benefit of the board. A cyber tip, if you're not familiar with it, uh, is a report of child sex abuse material, exploitation, uh, coercion, grooming, any of those those sorts of things, uh, that are identified by an electronic service provider. Uh it's then reported to the

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and then from there it's respectively sent to the state where uh the tip would would have originated from based on its IP address or its internet protocol address. Uh for us it goes to the state bureau of investigation Kevin Brown uh and the computer crimes unit at the SBI and then it is it is filtered, sorted through and then distributed uh to all of the IAC affiliates across the state to be worked. Um, so this is that reactive piece that I'm talking about. Um, sir, next slide. Uh, people often ask, well, how many cyber tips do we get? Uh, well, we've had a 1,000% increase in cyber tips since 2019. Uh, last year, the state of North Carolina received over 52,000 cyber tips. Each one of those cyber tips represent child exploitation. This is not something theoretical that's just happening somewhere. Uh this is this is actual child exploitation and it's child exploitation in North Carolina. Uh 50,000 tips uh you can see the numbers how they've increased exponentially yearover-year. Uh that's why we've dedicated the resources that we have to the problem. It's it's a clear problem uh for us. Next slide. Thank you. Uh we oftentimes get asked where do these cyber tips come from and you know when did this start? Well for the state of North Carolina it started in 2019. uh 2019 through 2021. We all know those were COVID years. Uh you can look at some of the platforms that are our number one contributors to cyber tips and those just show you how many additional users uh those respective platforms gained during co years. Next slide. Thank you. These are some of the other uh platforms that we get cyber tips from. Kick, Snapchat, uh Telegram, Mega, Roblox. you know, these are easily

recognizable applications that we see. Uh, this is where the majority of our cyber tips come from. Um, and was it uh Instagram was the number one provider? Yes, Instagram was the number one provider for cyber tips uh to the state of North Carolina last year.

Peer-to-peer, this is the next piece of what we do. Uh, this is individual file sharing between individuals. So this is not something that is a file being shared through an electronic service provider. These are peer-to-peer networks, individual to individual. Uh these cases are generally a little more complex. Uh there's an additional layer of expertise that you need to work these investigations. Uh but we have seen uh really our largest uh libraries of child sex abuse material come from these cases. Uh there was a recent case I believe here in Burlington that was a peer-to-p peer investigation that you've likely seen on the news here later. So the final component is the proactive undercover chat. I'm not going to go into a lot of depth on this particular aspect. Uh but this is where uh law enforcement officers pose as children or bad parents and we oftentimes meet with individuals who are seeking children to engage in sexual contact. That's just it. um we have you know our methods and and means to do this uh that that are uh guided by statute and best practices. So uh oftent times we're asked what we're not seeing um the uh the creepy white van cruising the neighborhood or the daycare that that is not what we're seeing. Uh the the white van's been replaced by the the cell phone uh for most instances. So artificial intelligence in this space um you know with as technology grows as we see the proliferation of of artificial intelligence in everything that we do uh we're also seeing AI generated CSAM uh there was a recent case of this of a school teacher you likely saw on the news uh where we're people are taking legitimate photos uh from you know pick a platform and then they're using AI to create child sex

abuse material with that uh sextortion is another piece that we investigate and that we see on a regular basis. Uh in particular, there are some groups out there uh that individ you know they target children, they use coercion, they use a variety of means uh but they ultimately look for them to self-produce uh child pornography. Uh and then they'll leverage that against them for financial gain. Uh sometimes they have these kids do horrible things to themselves. Uh but this is a real piece of what our children are struggling with. So for the task force uh the last two years we've had uh over 200 arrests at this point. Uh we are through the proof of concept phase. Uh what we're doing works. Um and we're we're now looking towards the future and expansion for whatever that means for us. Uh we've engaged with over 11,000 residents in in the four counties that we've talked about. Uh we've identified over 500 victims. Uh we've had 23 children uh what we would classify as a rescue from immediate danger. Meaning uh when we executed um an action, the the offender and the child were in the same home. Uh we've touched uh 27 states in the last two years just to kind of talk about the the rep the width of of the investigations. Uh the NGO partnership uh as you can see from the numbers it it's a substantial part of what we do um in terms of being able to actually do the work. They're a critical comp component of it. Uh and this is all fundraising that that the NGO does through donors. Uh to kind of bring this back to to Alamance County, we did Operation Ghostwire here last October. Uh there were 23 arrests made in this jurisdiction and I'm talking about Alamance County in particular. Um it was great work. It was a combination of

cyber tips. It was a combination of undercover chat. Uh but if you're wondering like what does this look like in our community? Uh this was us here last October. We oftentimes get asked, you know, what resources are out there? What can we do when we're talking about children and parents? Uh, so some of the things for teens, uh, there's a QR code up there for, uh, teens to report things anonymously. Uh, there's also another QR code up there for take it down. So, if there are some explicit photos that somehow get onto the worldwide web, um, you can go there uh, for assistance without having that photo taken down. And then for parents, uh, there's some text, there's some books up there uh, for parents to read, help with uh, children. it's by age group um to get some insight into what this generation is struggling with. The anxious generation's a great great read for that. Uh and then we've also got some um QR codes up there for electronic devices. The Bark device uh some of you may be familiar with is a um um Androidbased cell phone. Uh it filters out, it keeps parents informed about what's going on with the device. And then the Griffin is uh is wireless internet and it has the ability to block the content that's coming into the house. You gives you full control um in terms of what you allow to come into the home. So I just covered a lot of information really quickly. Again, I was going to be a good steward of your time. Uh if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them now.

Council, I don't really have any questions. I I appreciate you guys coming and uh I mean, God bless you for doing what you're doing. You're seeing the worst possible things that can happen to these young kids and uh God bless you for doing it. Thank you. I agree with what Jim said. We appreciate what you do here.

Question. No, I think again uh we're very aware of the child trafficking and such and appreciate our sheriff, our chief working with the other chiefs and and the other counties because it's not an isolated event and it's going to take a lot of effort and appreciate what you're doing.

Yeah, I just want to reiterate, thank you for what you do. Thank you for protecting our children. and somebody needs to do it because our children are our future and they are getting prayed upon like like never before because of the internet and all that stuff that's available to them and all these different chat rooms and things they go in and just thank you very much for what you do. I know I know it takes a lot of dedication and it takes a lot of time and we really appreciate what you do.

Absolutely. I know you said you did proactive versus reactive. Is there any kind of programming that you do to the community or outreach to parents that gives this in maybe a longer form? So, I I don't want to speak for for Ry, but if you go to invictuspro.org, um there are education educational material there uh for communities to reach out. Um you can certainly reach out to the project and differentiate between the task force and the project. Okay. uh reach out to the project uh for any sort of resources that you may need. Um I know that Whitney Miller and and Rey uh do a great job with community engagement um and putting those resources out there.

Right. Is there any kind of annual report that we can get signed up for or um not yet, Ray? Yes, ma'am. We do have, as a matter of fact, it just got finished up this week our annual impact report on the nonprofit side. That is absolutely amazing. Amazing.

As far as the community engagement events, we've done several um in the last probably six months here in Alamance County. Um and and they are just that it's about an hour, 15 minute long presentation where we go in depth really informing parents. A lot of times what we try to do is make it a family event and we divide the kids up from the parent and uh I will present to the parents often and Whitney with the school teacher background, she worked for the Invictus Project will will the kids and it's a just, you know, we we have a unique opportunity to be able to leverage our partnership with our law enforcement partners. Um so that we're we're presenting to our community what we're actually seeing here um what us as investigators are seeing on a daily basis and being able to take that directly to the community to identify the real threat that's happening in your homes and that impact your children.

Awesome. Thank you guys so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you.

There's four seats up front if anybody needs to rest their legs. I would like to invite Executive Director Peter Murphy to give a presentation about ACT. Thank you for being here, sir. keep water handy just the way the uh allergies have been. U yeah, thank you, Madame Mayor and uh city council for the invitation and the opportunity to present to this board. Uh we do want to keep in touch and let people know what ACT does out there because a lot of times people come and they move to the area and they say I didn't even know that Alamance County had public transportation. Uh but Alamance County Public Transportation uh was formed back in 2002. Uh we are the county transportation provider and we we not just dialeride. We do everything from taking people to the store, taking them to work, taking them to dialysis, um you know, covering any any needs people have and we especially in this last year, we watched it grow significantly. So, we've done some things to make it better and improve the services. Um, so we want to get out there and let people know, you know, what what is available because we're all going to run into a time when the doctor says, "You're not going to be able to drive yourself home from this appointment." And we have to know there's opportunities out there because family is great, but sometimes family can't do everything for us, uh, or friends. And you know, so um we do have to rely on public transportation sometimes. We tell people to sign up for it, try it when they're able-bodied, and that way, you know, when it does, you know, come a time they can't drive themselves, they can then use the

service. Um so, you know, again, we're available and uh you know, covering all types of services. The majority of our riders are elderly and disabled. That is the majority u because there is a definite need there. Get next slide. The uh we have seen quite a bit of growth. We do 62,000 trips a year and that in this last year we've had a 16% increase in an annual ridership. In the uh fiscal year last year was at 13% but in this last calendar year it went up to 16%. Uh a lot of that has to do with all of the actions we taken over the summer uh with the new software and improving the services. So we in the you know in the next slide uh we've we've rolled out a new look. So um buses look a little bit different. We're you know advertising microtransit on the side of the bus now because that is a very common thing across the country now is microtransit. what can you do better with smaller vehicles instead of running large empty vehicles around? Um so we are able to serve the community better uh with the smaller vehicles. Next slide please. Um to let you know what we have done last year, actually late 2024, we added a fixed route and this was our first fixed route that we were operating because we had a a big interest in the southern part of county to connect Saxbah and Swepsonville and going to ACC and coming into Graham and we started that service up and it was immediately used by a lot of students trying to get to ACC. there's a lot of people in need in the southern part of the county. Um, and so it worked well,

but we did add a new software this summer. So, we actually decided it would work worked better to transition it to demand response. So, the students that have been riding it uh now call for a service and get direct service rather than there's times the bus would run empty and we don't want to be just burning gas just to have a vehicle running. So, we did transition it January 2026 to a demand response, but anybody on the path of that route can call. They can call a week in advance, they can call a day in advance, or they can call same day and get a pickup at those stops. We added, as I mentioned, we added new dispatching software over the summer. So now instead of just making a phone call to book a ride, people can go on an app, uh we can get you can download our app on the Play Store and so any any phone whether it be iPhone or Android and people can set up their own account. And so then and you know instead of just calling they can book their ride via the app. They also get a reminder phone call the day before because sometimes people book, you know, when they get a doctor's appointment, you know, a month in advance, they get a reminder phone call that they've booked a ride and the approximate time that we they will be picked up. They then get a a call 15 minutes before actual arrival. So that is based on actual time uh so that they know the vehicle is coming and can be looking for it. That helps the rider, but it also helps us because it makes the pickup quicker. So, we're not looking for people and, you know, trying to find them. So, after putting in the new software, we were able to launch microtransit. Microtransit is same day premium service. So, not everybody knows they're

going to need a ride the day before and they need something they have to do. Their car breaks down. How do they get home from the uh um the auto shop? You know, how do they get get somewhere they need to get to? Now, they can go on the app, they can book the ride. It is a $2 charge for, you know, in just in Graham area for same day service. And that launched in October and we we've been adding people to the self-service every month. We started out with only a few, then the next month there was seven, and the next month there was 25. And each month we're adding more and more people. So, it's definitely has been utilized and a lot of new people using the service. The one thing the other the app also does do is it packages the runs together better. the old software couldn't, you know, know when a bus bus was 15 minutes away and it was, you know, wasn't as good as packaging the runs. So, we're able to move a lot more people with less the same in number of vehicles, move a lot more people. This was our uh ribbon cutting that was in downtown uh Graham by the courthouse. Um had a pretty good crowd come out to that and introducing the service. Um, mayor was there too, which would just didn't happen to be in that picture, but uh, we did have her re H River representatives and Graham representatives there. Uh, we're trying to do as much outreach as possible. We're at the Graham Fall Festival. It was nice having a booth there. We got to talk a lot of people about the service. January 2026, we've added a a new zone in Meban. So any anybody living or anybody that's in the zone, you don't have to be living in it, just have to be in the zone. You can go anywhere within that zone for a cost of $2 same day

service. Uh within the zone of Meban or within the zone of Graham or crossing zones is a $5 charge and people have used that and get you to Tanganger outlets and you know and back and anywhere in the Mevan area from here. So you know people have started using that also. This slide covers, you know, what's been happening in Graham. Um, last calendar year we had uh about 7,000 trips. We went up to 7 7,500 trips. But the biggest change that we saw there was the number of individuals that used the service. We only had 200 people using it regularly. We jumped up to I can't yeah 900 almost 950 people that meant that that many more people tried the service even if it was just for a few trips. Uh so it was a significant change that you know we hadn't seen before. So um but I'm also here to talk about funding. How is acta set up? acted as a transportation authority that was set up by Alamance County, but we are a standalone authority. We do not get direct support. We're not employees of the county. We are employees of the uh of the authority and um you know, so we have to ask for funding from the county. They don't have to fund us. Um they have funded us very well and they have supported us. But what we do really well is, you know, for we only need about 10% funding to leverage the the federal funding. So for $300,000, we can leverage $3 million in order to serve this county. And we cover everywhere within this county. Uh but we do ask that the uh municipalities participate

in the funding also. U so we have asked for $6,500 from Bram. We've asked that in the past. Uh other municipalities do uh participate. Mebban um Mebban, Har River, Green Level, uh Elon, uh and of course the county all all participate in some some sort of funding uh for the operation and every little bit helps because again we can leverage it just for you know again we're getting about 10 times of what the local money that we uh uh work off of. Um but I do you know act is you know really pleased to be able to help out the citizens and especially helping the vulnerable populations and the the seniors connecting them to the community because some of them don't have connections to the community and helping them maintain their dignity and independence. So we're happy to be able to do that for people and I appreciate the uh uh opportunity to come and speak in front of you all. Um, happy to answer any questions.

Peter, you said that there was 16% growth this past year. Um, do you know what category if there was a category that grew more than the other categories or did did everybody just kind of grow? Does that make sense?

It was an interesting year. Medicaid went through a lot of change because they started privatizing some of the medic Medicaid and so we did get we did set up contracts with some providers and we saw a drop in Medicaid transportation. Um, one thing that's good about Medicaid transport patient is every one trip we do gets another free trip because we can bundle those and package those runs together and have the federal money to do a trip, you know, for for Graham. So, you know, if we did a Medicaid trip in Graham, that's equal to one free trip for another resident uh in Graham. Um but the biggest um I guess the category that grew the most was general public transportation that definitely grew. Uh and that is even through the uh microtransit which is same day service. What we saw is people are finding out oh I can book a ride tomorrow and some people are more comfortable knowing they've got a ride booked for tomorrow or next week uh instead of waiting till the day of. So that goes into a general public category and that's where we have seen a large growth.

Awesome. Council, do you all have questions? Nope. Thank you, Madame Mayor. U let me state for the record. I sat on the uh active board and you talking to your mic. I sat on the active board. So um I have no financial gain in what Peter is speaking about tonight. That's it.

Oh, okay. Um, I would like to see the 6,500 be added into this upcoming budget. Um, if you guys have thoughts right now or we can add it to a future agenda, but that is that is something that I would like to see acted as a significant service for our community. That's the city manager act on it. Yeah. Do we do I have consensus to bring it back on a different agenda? We Yeah, we can bring it back on another agenda. Okay. Thank you guys. Thank you so much, Peter. I appreciate it. Thank you very much. Thank you.

At this time, I'm going to invite former mayor Jennifer Thally. Um we've got a presentation. So when when you when you left uh we didn't have this other picture ready for you. So uh um but we have it now and and I was going to say and then you've been out of town ever since you've been gallivanting around the world ever since uh you left us. So you haven't been here for a meeting. So, I do have it now.

Sorry. I do have it. We do have it now for you. And all the uh council chipped in to get it framed up for you real pretty. And uh I hope you like it. And uh thank you again for all you did. And I'm I hope you're enjoying your all that free time you got now. So, thank you so much. I appreciate that very very much. Yeah. Thank you. Thanks to the council. Thank you all for getting this for me. I appreciate it. Thank you.

Help. You got it. All right. Um, now I'm going to take a quick minute um to add a personnel issue to the close session um according to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11A6. Can I get a motion? Madame Mayor, I make a motion to add a personal issue to the close session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A6.

Second. Second motion. All in favor? I. All opposed? 5 Renee.

All right, let's move on to the consent agenda, guys. Bear with me. It's going to be a lot of reading real just real quick. Um consent agenda is a to approve the following minutes. February 9, 2026 special city council meeting. February 10, 2026 city council meeting and close session minutes. February 17, 2026 special city council meeting. February 23rd, 2026 special city council meeting. Item B is to approve a street closure of the 100 block of West Elm Street for the 6th annual Esparonza Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Um, this is their annual event. Item C is to approve a street closure for East Market Street between North Main Street and North Marshall Street for the FUMC of Graham Touch a Truck Easter celebration on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Item D is to pro approve a resolution declaring the intention of the city of Graham to consider the permanent closing of Wilton Drive and setting a public hearing for April 14th, 2026. Item E is to approve a resolution granting an easement area across North Gem Miner Road to Duke Energy Carolina's LLC for the purpose of transmitting and distributing electrical energy for communications purpose. Item F is to approve an amendment to the audit contract for Stout Stewart McGawan and King to allow for a time extension to March 24th, 2026. Item G is to approve a budget amendment to recognize $2,348 in insurance proceeds revenue to increase the police department repair and maintenance of vehicles budget by $2348. Item H is to accept a donation of one anti-gravity drone for the Graham Fire Department from the Children of Fallen Heroes organization. Item I is to

approve a budget amendment to recognize $86,813 received from FEMA and $413,323 in insurance proceeds as indicated in the attached budget ordinance due to damage to utility equipment and lift stations for tropical storm Shantel. Item J is to approve a budget amendment in the amount of 11,350 to amend the contract with Withers RA Ravvenel to complete a cost estimate for the northeast section of Graham Regional Park. Item K is to approve a budget amendment in the amount of 19,700 for the website redesign with revise. Item L is to approve the budget amendment for the governing body for the amounts of 84,000 for professional services and 1,500 for donation. Item M is to approve a budget amendment in the amount of 60,000 for utilities fund non-EP departmental to cover expenditures in insurance and bonds including those for property liability and workers compensation increases. And finally, item M is to approve tax refunds in the amount of $367 and tax releases in the amount of $436. Council,

do I have a motion? Uh, I have a couple things. I was wondering if uh our our city manager could expound a little bit on item L. Item L, just to kind of give everybody an idea what that is about and how it came about. So, we're pulling item L. Are we pulling anything else out of there? I just want her to expound on it to explain it to everyone so that they know what it is. The city manager, not trying to pull it or anything. Okay. Sure. So, item L, I apologize, is a two-part budget amendment. $84,000 is for professional services for legal fees and $1,500 is a donation that we received to cover uh Mayor Dickiy's request to attend the NC Main Street conference.

Okay. So that and this was a private donation, correct? Okay. Um we have never used private donations for council travel or to attend any kind of conferences. This conference it it kind of got slipped in kind of backdoored the council last meeting because we didn't know anything about it and it popped up on the consent agenda. Uh we had to ask what it was and uh we found out it was for a conference that the mayor wanted to attend. Um that it it was for Main Street USA. Correct. North Carolina Main Street.

Right. So we had decided not to participate with Main Street uh because we had done it before and we really didn't get a lot out of it. So um we said no. and then someone decided to donate uh the money for Mayor Dicki to go. Um I think this is a bad look for our council to accept something like that. Um I would like to say for example I would like you to go on record that you've had no interaction with this donor on anything that's been on our agenda since you have become mayor that you have voted on. Can you can you

I will say that the donation came in anonymously and through out the time until you guys requested the name of the the donor I did not know. That's not what I asked you to do. I said, "Have you had interaction or communication with the donor regarding anything that been on our agenda since you became mayor that you have voted on?" Now that I am aware of who it was, yes, they are an active community member. I am in the community and and trying to represent the community as best I can. I have worked with this community member.

Okay. Well, again, I say that it it is highly inappropriate in my opinion. It get

Hold on. Hold on, guys. Um Bonnie, I I do have a comment after you're you're wrapped up. Can Are you Did you have anything else to add? Well, yeah, it wasn't finished. I think it's highly inappropriate. I think it it leads one to believe there could be a some impropriy there. Whether there is or there isn't, it's perception and I think it's a bad look for the council. I don't think this is something we want to start doing. I think it was a very generous donation. I just don't think it's something that we should do because it's it's not a good look. Um, I I have just one comment and then we can move on to voting because we do have a long agenda still. Um, for those that don't know, North Carolina Main Street is an organization that is highly invested in our downtowns. They've got a lot of resources and structures of how to elevate and revitalize downtowns. Um, the previous council decided that they didn't want to pursue that. I see extreme value in us being a part of that organization. Um, I think that there's a lot of resources to gain and that's why I was pursuing that. Um, that being said, hold on. Um, that being said, those are my pieces that that's your piece. If anybody else has a comment, we can go from there, but otherwise, let's let's start voting.

Well, I I wasn't done because you could have brought it up in the meeting to us and said, "Hey, I'd like to revisit this. I'd like to discuss it again." But you just put it on the agenda like and we didn't know what it was. So, if I back up just a minute, in December is when Megan knew that I wanted to go to this conference and she said whatever I wanted to go to, the conferences we would find money for. I did not put it on the consent agenda item. I didn't know how to put it on I thought that this was already in the bucket of money. So, I didn't know and and that was a process that I'm learning. So, um would you like to make a motion? I I also wanted to ask if if I may our city manager to expound a little bit on item uh K to tell us what that one's for as well.

Sure. Item K is a budget amendment in the amount of $19,700 for website redesign with a company called Revise. We received notification probably in late February that the US Department of Justice finalized a rule clarifying that municipal websites and mobile applications must be accessible under the ADA title 2. This rule requires websites and our apps to meet certain standards to make them ADA accessible. For jurisdictions over 50,000, you have until April of 26. If you're under 50,000, you have until April of 27. So, we're trying to get ahead of what we believed is likely to be the rush of folks to get their websites ADA compliant and get ahead of this well in advance of the deadline.

And and this was the best of three. Yes. Submitted. Any other concerns for consent agenda? Um yeah, I I have an issue with E. Okay. Um because we're um Megan, could you elaborate? We're we're giving them Well, they're giving us like $2 for this easement. I'm going to ask assistant city manager Aaron Holland to answer on E if that's okay with council.

Yeah. So, uh we were contacted by Due Energy. Um there was an an issue that occurred uh in the past where a vehicle ran into a pole and there was damage done to that pole. So Duke was excuse me needing to reset with a with new guywires which would have required them to move it to a new location. So uh where it's currently located on on GM minor road they're needing to move it to our to our side of GM minor road which is where um the Graham Regional Parks located. Um we've had easements like this in the past. So, it it's pretty uh boilerplate um language as it pertains to the easement that they're requesting. Um so, what you're seeing before you tonight is just the authority that you're giving us to be able to uh work with the attorneys to get that contract executed.

Okay. Um I want to ask the audience question. Anybody got a text? Can you ask us first? Um yes. What I I want to ask what would you like to ask the audience? I want to ask, has anybody gotten a text like I have from Duke Power telling us that our rates are going up by 3%. Raise your hands. No. Okay. Okay. I have anything else?

Well, I just, you know, Duke Power is giving us a hard time because we want them to repaint our street lights and telling us we'll have to be liable for all this stuff and and you know, it's like pulling teeth to get them to do anything. But we're giving them an easement for $2. I I mean, I'm I'm not gonna stand in the way of this. I just I think Duke Power is making a lot of money and I think they could come off of it really Can can we charge them more than $2 legally?

Um so I mean I suppose we could go the route of getting a value for that easement. Um, I think they're looking at us and our partnerships that we've had in the past as a reason to proceed how we're doing it now. Um, I mean, we have worked with them as far as moving foes that we've requested and, um, had to pay for what that cost would truly be. But, um, I mean, we certainly can, um, get an appraisal for that that that easement area and let them know that we would prefer that there's compensation for an amount that's appraised for that easement.

I don't think it would kill them, Madame Mayor. I got it. Um, and then at the same time, um, Duke Energy can use imminent domain on this property. consider utility. I mean, there are routes that that they could take. Um, I want to say that they're they're they have some authority through the state that allows them to make moves like that. Um, so they they can go that route as well. Obviously, it would be a slower pace than working it out with the municipality, but obviously they have that option as well. I mean, I'm I'm just like, make it $20, you know?

I don't know if it's worth it for a partnership with us for $8. I just I got that text the other day and you just hear about them all the time raising their rates and then they're they're expecting us to uh reduce our consumption and then they raise our rates and and so I just said when I saw that I was like, "Okay, I'm going to say something." So, would you like to pull this from the agend the consent? Okay, let's go ahead. Would anybody else like to pull item E from the agenda? No. No. Does anybody want to make a motion for the consent agenda?

Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda A through N with one exception. On item L, we remove the $1,500 for donation and return that to the very gracious donor. Okay. So, to confirm, you're uh passing the entire consent agenda, including the 84,000. Yes. In L and taking out the 1500 donation for the correct. That's what I said. I just wanted to make sure the motion was clear. Um, do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I I All opposed. Nay.

Okay, it passes 32. All right. Old business. Not that old.

We We just did it last time. Okay. Um we are going over adopting rules for procedure for city council. So that's getting a little bit more clarity on what we're doing up here. Um, after spending time going through everything, after talking to community members, I would like to amend what we have to take off the 30 minute cap for our public comments and then pass it. I would like to amend it as well um and move the public comment back to the back of the meeting where it needs to be. Remove the 30 minute limit and give everybody three minutes to comment on non-aggenda items. The only reason I suggested a 30 minute limit before was to accommodate what the mayor wanted to do to try to move it to the beginning of the meeting. I was concerned about the people that are going to speak that are on the agenda. Many of these folks bring very expensive attorneys with them and I didn't want them to have to sit there and pay attorneys while we had a lot of public comment going on. So I was trying to be fair to both sides of the house. Um but what I you you know what I understood was um it was interpreted as I was trying to limit the amount of time people could speak and that was not my intent at all. So, I would like to move it to the back of the meeting um where it was before, give everybody three minutes, and remove the 30 minute limit.

Bobby, do you have any comments? Well, on rule, you're talking about rule 16, correct? And the city council meetings are business meetings where we conduct the business of the community. So once we get that done, that's why we have the public comment at the end. If this were a town hall called to discuss some matter related to the community, then you would speak at the at the beginning of it, but city council

is conducting city business. People who are on the agenda have taken the time to petition to speak to the council on an item. So they should be given priority because again they have gone through to be here. Are there any amendments that you want to make? Yeah. Basically tucking in what Bonnie to move public comments back to the end. Okay.

All right. you when you come to a city council meeting, you're coming as citizens, as a guest, as we're conducting your business. If it if this were a town hall. Okay, hold on. Hold on. Okay. Um, if that if you're seconding what Bonnie says, Ricky, do you have

Do you have any comments about what Bobby and Bonnie are saying? Okay. Um, Jim, look, I I still, you know, I I I think that I I still want to stick with them speaking at first at the beginning of the meeting, but I did want to make a change because I was under the impression that um the county uh allowed did it for two minutes per person and uh you know um we corrected on that. Um, so you know, that was just I I believe I'm the one that suggested that because that's what I thought it was. And uh, so I would just like to change that to three minutes. Um,

would you be in favor of taking the 30 minutes off as well at the beginning? You know, I don't I don't It's It is rare when we have a lot of people speaking. Um, so you know, no, I wouldn't be opposed to taking the 30 minutes off because it's it's only certain hot topics that we have um, you know, long meetings. And if you look at all the meetings in general, they're not that long. So, I don't see that it's it's putting anybody out. Would you mind making a motion on that? um to pass the

won't pass the policy with the exception of taking the public comments from 2 minutes to 3 minutes and then taking the 30 minute cap off. Okay. You you want me to Okay. I'd like to make a motion that we take the 30-minute cap off of uh the public comments and uh allow 3 minutes per person speaking time and pass the procedure. Adopt the procedure and adopt that. Um does anybody want to second? Mayor, we already had a motion on the floor. We didn't. We didn't. Okay. No. Um I'll second it. All in favor? I. All opposed? I

I Do you guys want to make a motion? I will make a motion that we uh that it was 32 or 23. Yeah. Jim and I voted to pass it. I will make a motion that we amend rule 16 and move the comment period, the public comment period to the back of the meeting where it was. remove the 30 minute limit and give everyone three minutes to speak on non-aggenda items. I need a second. Second. All in favor? I. All opposed? I I'll I'll support that. I mean, just to get

Okay, it's 41. Um, okay. Mayor, I did say pass the rest of it, by the way, right? Okay. Yes, Megan. Mayor Dicki, just as a a point of consideration, we did request that city council consider to repeal the previously adopted items not on tonight's agenda policy that was originally adopted March 6th of 2012 because it was incorporated into the new rules of procedure. It would just be easier to have everything confined in one document if that's something that city council a vote or a consensus. I think a motion and a vote would be fantastic. Does somebody want a motion? I have a motion to adopt the rules of procedures for the city council to repeal the items not on tonight's agenda policy.

Second. All in favor. I unanimous. All right, let's go talk about dogs. Come here, Brian. All right. Um, we're going to consider designating Arts Around the Square a dog friendly event. It's all you.

So, um, after last meeting, council had some concerns. Concerns were addressed with our, uh, insurance agency and they're, um, in the staff report. You can also see on the second half of that staff report underneath staff recommendations posting of the rules and what those rules will be as you enter the space of Arch around the square. In general, that'll be at the intersections of the 100 blocks around the court square. So, that's where we generally post rules such as these already. I'll take any questions. Thank you, Jim. Questions? No, I'm ready to make a motion on Ricky. Question, Bobby?

No question. I still have a question. So, are we talking about just letting people bring their own dogs on leashes to the event or are we talking about something more than that? No, just allowing folks to bring their dogs to this one event on a six-foot leash in hand. There will be activities. We've had some community groups wanting to come and provide activities. So, this would enhance what they want to do at the event. Okay. And then and Bob, we're we're covered if as far as liability if something happens, if one of these dogs were to cause a ruckus or do anything or

Bob sent uh the request to the insurance company on a couple of occasions and I think they pretty well satisfied. Okay. The way we have amended the policy to address the questions they raised. Okay. Good. All right. I'd like to make a motion that we approve allowing dogs at the arts around square. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I I. All opposed. Unanimous. Thank you so much. Appreciate your time.

All right. We are going to revisit the request from visit Alamance um with her art in America film project. She came before council last month and asked for a contribution. sponsorship of $7,000. Um, council, what are what are your thoughts? I'm still I don't think we'll be getting our our money's worth out of it. I'm still a no on that, Bobby. Agree. Option three. Um, or option three.

Okay. All right. Um, we don't need a motion on this one, do we? Um I think you have consensus to move forward as a no. Um all right. At this time we are um consider approving the historic landmark designation application for the Children's Chapel United Church of Christ located 334 East Harden Street. I need a motion to um oh open the public hearing. Yeah. Madam Mayor, I make a motion we open the public hearing.

Second. All in favor? I. All opposed? That's unanimous. Um if you are interested in speaking on behalf of this historic designation, you have the mic. Come and line up if you have anything. Yeah, you said your name and your address, please. Uh, if it's all right with council, is it okay if the assistant city manager just kind of gives an overview of what's being requested? Sure. Before we get public comment? Nope. Thank you.

Yeah. And and I I think this is a an awesome opportunity that we have before us tonight. Um, honestly, I didn't even realize that they weren't actually Disney to begin with, uh, being 150 years old, which is that's a that's a pretty big feat right there. Um, so, um, but to the to what you mentioned earlier, this is a designation that they're seeking. Um, they did go and, uh, submit an application with the this the state preservation office. I know that they went with the with before the historic resource commission um and they went over a bunch of the details with them which they also shared the the opinions that were provided to them from the preservation office. Um part of the process would be to host a public hearing which would then lead to um approval if granted by council of a ordinance that would then be provided with the application that would then get sent back to the preservation office and hopefully we can go ahead and seal this on up so that you can receive the designation that um I'm hoping you get as well. So just want to share that.

Thank you. Thank you. Uh name and address please.

Jennifer Tally 808 Sidebe Street Graham. Um I am um calling I am coming here tonight to support of course uh Reverend Fox and um this process started months and months ago. Um a big shout out to uh ZW Baldwin, the chairman of the historic commission. We reached out to her. David Tringer reached out to me about getting this done. Um, I went to many, many DOT meetings, um, and fought for the church um, in regards to the roundabout because I hate the roundabout. I don't like the roundabout. Wanted to put a sign up there and said I had nothing to do with the roundabout. Uh uh honestly. So uh and I think what was very disappointing to me is that they said that they went around DOT told me that they went around and they got public comment about the laundromat which is a cinder block building that if you're old enough like me to know that years ago they were going to put Walker Avenue, a bypass through there. And I happen to know the owner that built that. I said, "Why did you?" He said, "Well, they're going to come through and buy it up anyway, so I'm not going to put anything expensive up because I'm just going to probably sell it." Well, they thought it was a better idea to keep the laundromat and impede on this historic church, which I thought was very disappointing. And um you know we we we we fought the good fight, but DOT um you know I mean Aaron Aaron knows we we tried really hard to try to get them to change their mind, but they um they unfortunately owned the road and um had already invested all this money into bond easements years ago and so uh before we even got on the council. So apparently like it was just a done deal

in their mind. And um but this historic designation, that's the one thing that it does do. It protects you and DOT looks at these things going forward now that you have this designation. So if 54 is ever widen in the future, hopefully they will not impede on your property. And um you know we have um graveyard there, historical figures there from Graham and um I had the privilege of coming to the 150th anniversary and speaking um at the church about some history there. Um just recently went for Black History Month and was able to speak on Coley Russell, a local um uh historical figure here in Graham that was u really great. hopefully some people didn't. Uh he he had really been instrumental in founding the church and then also setting up a trust that's still in existence today, which is wow, you know, um I talked to them about his jaunt to California in 1937.

Can you imagine traveling all the way to California in 1937? But I say all that to say that you guys have such a history here in Graham. We appreciate you so much. Um I was felt so privileged for you guys to invite me to be a part of your event and um this is something really really amazing. I think Jim said it best when he was on the historic commission. This is probably the highlight of his time spending on there to know that he was a part and parcel of getting this designation done. And um I hope you it will be a 50 vote on this because this is absolutely um a wonderful thing for us to have here in Graham and such a treasure and we hope it'll be here for another 150 years.

Thank you Jennifer. Uh first of all like to say good evening to everyone and I just want to sort of piggy back on that. We certainly are grateful and thankful. Uh children's chapel is a historical site. A lot of rich histories there and uh we're just certainly proud of the church, proud to be in the community. Uh that's what we're here to do to serve. Our doors are open to all. And uh I guess the only complaint I do have is that turnaround. But I guess I just have to turn around. Again, I thank you for your consideration. A lot of hard work has went into it from some of our members and member people outside or in the community well as uh Sister Tally. And uh so we again uh do hope that uh you consider it and make uh be as proud as we are the church where it's at now. Thank you.

Thank you. As far as the members of children's chapel is concerned, we've been a historical site for over a hundred years and we're hoping that we can confirm this and make it an official Graham historical site. Uh I want to thank the support that we had from the city council and the city of Graham at our 150th anniversary. I want to thank uh Miss Tally for her support and those members of the children's chapel church, those members of the historical committee, the museum people. I want to thank all of them for I mean they just opened the doors and said, "What can we do to make you proud of your church?" And so I just hope today we can go out of here and we can be proud to say we're historical landmark of Graham, North Carolina.

Thank you. I would just like to take the opportunity to give thanks to the city council, to the historic resource commission which I chair, Jennifer Thally who shared in this dream, Reverend Fox who allowed us to embark upon his property and become a part of the community. This is a big step and we are hugely engaged with everything that's happening here today. This is really a momentum moment and you guys should be very pleased to be a part of this community. Graham has grown to be one of the most loving, kind, embracing cities that I've ever seen make such a turnaround. And I thank you guys for all of your attention, for all of your sincere u consideration. and we're asking that this be our final day having to embark upon you about whether or not if we're making this a permanent thing. Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you. All right. Okay. Before we uh sit down, I want to ask the members of Children's Chapel to stand. Those that are here, we all she doesn't forget her picture. Thank you. I have I have one I have one more thing to uh give. I didn't get the opportunity to do this, so I knew this was coming and I wanted to be able to present I have something to present to you guys. Uh can we do the vote first? Okay. Um go ahead with your question, Jim.

Um how much are the shirts and where can I get one? Come on. you $100 for the one you got on right now. Well, mine mine used to be brown. Can Does anybody have a motion first? We need to close the public hearing. I just want I'll make a motion we close the public hearing. Okay. Thank you. Hi.

I just want to say that this is the easiest, most joyous decision that that I have gotten to make in four years on council. What you have done is amazing and you should be so proud because we are so proud of you and we are so glad that you are in Graham.

Yeah, I just love being on the historical resources. Um, that was just the highlight. I I think I had one more meeting after that, but I mean, I don't even remember what it was about. Um, it was just great to be a part of it any little bit. And, uh, I'm I'm so happy for you guys. It's so awesome. I still want one of them shirts. I will add that it was a complete honor to read all of the history that was in our agenda packet for you guys. Um, I would love to entertain a motion.

Madame Mayor, I would like to make a motion that we approve the historic landmark designation to Children's Chapel, United Church of Christ. I second. All in favor? I. All opposed? 5. I would like to invite Children's Chapel up here if you guys want to take a picture during this, too. Yeah, you gonna do it for Come on up. Anybody that was uh why you I think part of it or you wanted to present that to them as well. Oh, with the background. Wow. Yes, that's beautiful. That back.

Congratulations Did you want to present it? Well, get the mic. Well,

we stand up. Get hold of me. I'll make sure you get

here. Everybody get the short go. I think they already

Oh, sorry. Congratulations.

Thank you guys. Congratulations.

I assumed it was too. Thank you guys. Thank you. I had always always just assumed that it was

Oh, your daughter said, "Hey." All right. All right. We are gonna move on to reszoning request um for 808 East Parker Street. Aaron, is there anything you want to say about 808 East Parker? Aaron, right here. Okay. I didn't know if you heard me. links for this or no? May you want me to continue on?

Yeah, if you if you want to say anything on it.

Um, just it's a it's a straight uh reszoning request uh for 79 acres, 808 East Parker Street from B2, which is a general business designation to I1 light industrial. Um the B2 zoning that is currently there does support contractor offices but does not permit the use of outside storage. The applicant is wishing to reszone it to that I1 designation which would then allow them to be able to do so. Um there is um industrial zoning in the area joining that property. um actually I2 which is more intense and then I1 which is across um the East Parker Street area that they're uh currently looking to have this reason located as well.

Great. Um we'll start with Bonnie this time. Bonnie, do you have any questions? We've got the applicant. We have to make a motion. I'll make a motion that we open public speaking. No, this isn't We've got to for the We've got to set a public hearing here. No, my bad. I'm sorry. No, you're okay. No, I'm supposed to open a public hearing. Are we opening a public yet? A public hearing. Okay. I'm sorry. I was No. Okay. Would you guys like to open the public hearing for us? Sure. Great. How do we do that? Would you like to make any comments on the resoning request? Sure. Great. Yes. Um, please state your name and address.

Nick Melie. I'm from uh Raleigh, North Carolina. Um, I am representing the landlord, uh, the current landlord. Um, and then Calvin here is representing the tenant who, um, kind of is is the reason we initiated this request. Um, I will let Calvin speak a little bit more on the the reasoning behind it, but it's essentially to permit the use of extra parking for their vehicles.

Yes. Good evening, Calvin Stevenson, Atlanta, Georgia. Um like the gentleman said by right the use is allowed currently. Um we just need the storage on the outside which is already fenced in and we'll wear we'll we are well aware that we need have to screen that as well. So we fully intend to comply with that but uh that's really it. Anybody else like to speak on this resoning? Okay. Do I have a motion to close the public hearing? Make a motion we close the public hearing. All in favor? I.

All opposed? Um, okay. Do you all have any comments, questions from council? Good. Okay, you guys. Um, I have a note. Um, my company has submitted a quote to Mr. Calvin. So, I'm asking to be recused of this. I do not have a contract, but in in steps down the road, maybe there might be a potential financial gain. So, I would like to be recused from this. I make a motion that we allow Mayor Dicki to recuse herself on this issue. Second. All in favor? I. Thank.

Anybody want to discuss in the driver's seat? Um, is there any discussion between us? Go ahead. Like just common sense for what they're want to do with it. Very common sense to me. I drove by the area and looked around and and it's, you know, it's not going to affect anything that I saw as far as uh neighbors or anything like that. it it's it's appropriate for that area in my opinion. So, yeah, had no issues. I hear a motion.

I'll make a motion uh that we approve the reszoning for 808 East Parker Street 79 acre lot to from B2 general commercial to L1 Light Industrial. Second. All in favor? I I did you want me to read all of it, Renee? I can. It's just very long-winded, but I can if you want me to. Y you want me to?

Okay. All right. I move to approve the reszoning of 79 acre lot at 808 East Parker Street from B2 general commercial to L1 Light Industrial for the purpose of utilizing the existing warehouse space for a landscaping company to store and run operations and that it would be consistent with the current land zoning and land use plan for overall for overall goal of occupying Got to put my glasses on. I'm blind now. of occupying the structure on the lot and reszoning the property would be consistent with the industrial warehousing type and furthers policy 2.1.1 2.3.2 and 2.4.2 as put forth by the Graham 2035 comprehensive plan.

I make second. All in favor? I I oppose. That's a four vote. Five 41 or 4 O I guess. Thank you. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, guys. All right. There would still be a motion to bring Mayor Dicki back. Make a motion to bring Mayor Dicki back. Second. All in favor? I All right, thank you guys.

Um, next we've got a reasonzoning for 602 West Washington Street. Um, Erin, do you want to take this one?

All right. Thank you, mayor. Uh this is a request to reszone 22 acres of land located at 602 Washington Street from B3 which is our neighborhood business designation to conditional business for the purpose of allowing a life counseling use to be utilized inside of an existing building that's on the site. Um our development ordinance does not currently permit this use inside of the B3 zoning district. The applicant is requesting a condition that all of the B3 uses for the property remain as they are, but allow for the life counseling use to be permitted at this location as well. Uh, plenty board did recommend approval of the conditional resoning request unanimously with the conditions to allow the conditions listed on the applicants condition sheet as well as require a fence to be installed on the lot where proposed on the condition sheet. Um, and for the applicant to have operating hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 PM and to only allow for the applied behavior analysis therapy type of life counseling use on the property, excluding any therapy related to substance abuse.

Okay, that's it. We ready to open public hearing? Make a motion that we open the public hearing. Second. All in favor? I. You got the floor. Yay. Hello, everybody. Hi. Thanks for being here.

Hi. Okay. Uh my name is Brianna Hutchinson. My address is 409 South Second Street, Meban. Okay. Uh thank you for this opportunity to speak with you all today. Again, my name is Brianna Hutcherson and I am the owner of Peace Tree Learning Collaborative. Uh we respectfully request that you approve a conditional resoning for the location listed above um to allow us to operate our small ABA based center. Um again on February 17th, the planning committee unanimously approved the conditional resoning. This resoning will enable us to serve children, young adults, and families within the community um who currently face long waits and must travel significant distances to access essential behavioral health services. In addition to direct therapy, we will provide parent, family, and caregiver training and support to ensure that progress continues beyond the therapy setting and strengthen the entire family unit. um to explain a little bit more of what we are. Uh ABA therapy is a clinically validated recognized treatment for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, ADHD, etc., etc. Um we like to focus on teaching communication, daily living skills, social skills, emotional regul regularization, excuse me. Okay. and uh positive behavioral support. The demand for these services has increased significantly in recent years and many families in our community are struggling to find support close to their home. We understand the importance of maintaining the character, safety, and functionality of our community neighbors. Our use of the building will be a low intensity similar to a medical office or educational service provider

and fit appropriately within the environment. Um, with the conditional resoning in place, this location will have the needed parking for staff and families. Approving this resoning will uh bring significant value to the community. Our goal is to be positive, collaborative, and a long-standing partner with the city. Thank you. Thank you, Briana. Thank you. Um, Erin, you mentioned fencing. Where where on that property are they recommending fencing? Um, they say screening. So, um, obviously we were going to have to work with the applicant to figure out what that would look like so that it doesn't create a site obstruction situation. Um,

did you have did you suggest the fencing? Yes. Yes. Okay. Talk to me about the fencing. Um, so the fencing will be actually on the back of the property within the property line. Um the uh landlord, Miss Janet, she did request that the fence be six feet and have a screening for privacy. Is it like therapy play for outside or Yeah. So they can have Okay. Um it won't be like a traditional like playground. We'll have like tricycles. Yeah. Balls and stuff like that. Is that going to be on the back side of the building or Yes. Okay. Okay.

Yeah. It wouldn't be to put it too close to the road being that it's on that intersection. Yeah. So, we would have to make sure with the applicant that we're not creating a sight of sight. Yeah. Right. Yep. Awesome. Um, did anybody else want to speak on behalf of the reszoning? Can I entertain a motion to close the public hearing? I make a motion we close the public hearing, please. Second. All in favor? I. All oppose. Thank you so much. Um, okay. Let's start with Jim this time. Jim, you got any thoughts or questions for council? I have any issues with it? Okay, Ricky, no issues.

No issues. I would love to hear a motion. I move to approve the reszoning of 222 acres of land at 602 Washington Street from B3 neighborhood business to CB conditional business to allow a life counseling use within the existing building on site and that it is consistent with the current land zoning and land use plan for the overall goal of occupying the structure on the lot and reszoning the property would would not and the property would be consistent with the industrial warehousing typing policy 2.1.1 2.3.2 and 2.4.2 as put forth by the Graham 2035 comprehensive plan.

Do I have a second? I second favor. I all opposed. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Um the conditions that were placed on it by planning board, are you including that in Yes. In the conditions as imposed by the planning? Thank you. Thank you for reading all of that. Okay, you are conditionally. Thank you so much. Yes. Okay.

That is all of our old business. We are moving on to new business now. Um we have applications for two vacancies on the historic resources commission. Um and I would love to hear thoughts first and we'll discuss and then we can entertain a motion. Who would like to start with thoughts?

Well, I'll just say the HRC is an important commission. It reflects the desires to keep our community beautiful and in line with the architecture that exists here in Graham. And so the individuals who will be appointed have a big responsibility because a common thought among residents is keep Graham Graham and part of that is the architecture of our downtown. So we have 10 people that have applied for two spots. Um, and I'll kick it off from what I read at the applications. Um, Jim Albbright sticks out, Samuel Cahoun, Corbin Craig, Sam, uh, Sandra Hall, and Ricky Hortado were my top runners just with what they wrote on their applications, the experience they're bringing, um, and their commitment to the town, what it looks like when they're they wrote those things. We've also got um Richard Chevlin, but he wrote most of his on the planning board. Do you guys have any top runners out of these 10? Got to narrow it down.

My top runners would be uh Sandra Hall, Timothy Moore, and Richard Chevlin. My top runners are Sandra Hall, Richard Chevlin, and Kay Albach. Kay didn't write anything. I was confused on her application. It was completely blank on all the stuff that it said. What do you believe in? Well, someone spoke to me about her and spoke very highly about it. I think if if we used that method then we should have heard something on everybody or allowed them to come and speak

and I'll withdraw her name. Okay. Um and then you said Timothy Moore. No, Sandra Hall and Richard Chevlin. You said Richard Chevlin. He didn't write anything specifically about HRC. That's why he wasn't one of my top runners. Um that you not preclude him. No, I think he's he's still I'm just saying like the top people that have spoken specifically about their passion for history, he is here, so we'll give him the opportunity to speak. Not everybody on this list is here, though. I think that gives a an unfair opportunity. Um Ricky, do you have And if they were here, that would be different, but it wasn't a requirement to be on.

Ricky, do you have thoughts? Thunder Hall, Rich Shovelman, and Tim. Oh, okay. Tim, let me get to Tim's application. Um, Tim also didn't write anything about he wrote one sentence on what he believe would be an asset on the board. Um,

okay, Jim. Um I was Timothy Moore and Sandra Hall and um just you know I when I applied for the HRC and the planning board I didn't have any experience. I didn't put anything down either and uh the being on the HRC was like one of the highlights of I guess my public service. Um so I I really don't think that should be something to disqualify them. Well, and Tim Moore did put architecture, historical preservation, and a lot of other stuff on there. So, he did put that on there.

Have we Have y'all considered Jim Albreight with his years of being on here and his diverse uh skill set or Ricky Hortado as a previous legislator? Um, Corbin Craig and Samuel Cahoun has a lot of historical knowledge as well. Have we considered everybody and that's who we decided? Okay. All right. Um, do I have a motion or do we need more discussion?

Well, the two positions, one is for a two-year term and one is for a four-year term. So, I'd like I would like to make a motion for the two-year term for Richard Chevlin. Second. Uh, can you do you want to do it separate? Okay. Um, all in favor of Richard Chevlin for the two-year term. I I All opposed? I um and the four-year term. Um, make a motion that we put Sandra Hall there. Okay. Second.

All in favor? I I

I'll jump on that one, too. All opposed. That's a five. Okay. Um, congratulations, Sandra Hall and Richard Chevlin for joining the HRC. Um, all right. We have the new park concept. Um, I want to pause really quick and just acknowledge an email that Bonnie sent a couple weeks ago with your email. Bonnie, you still want to move forward with this discussion about the safety of the park?

Well, I am concerned about it. Yes. But I thought we were voting on the uh new park concept tonight. Okay. All right. But yes, I am concerned about it. Um, Erin, can I recognize you to talk through this? Thank you, sir.

All right. Thank you, mayor. Um, so at the special meeting on February 17, city council voted and approved for staff to move forward with Steuart, Inc. to design the new park for the property downtown off of West En Street. Uh, Stuart provided uh two concepts for council to review. Um, these concepts were actually I don't think this is it. uh the concepts that you received, you had two different ones and they were to be able to allow you to see different options as far as the location of the pergula. Um sort of the layout and I'm I'mma get it here in one second, folks. Um and for council to be able to give direction um it's it's buildable from the standpoint that looking at the property and what can be done with that property. um it was uh done by the engineer firm. So, um, what we would need would be for council to choose between the two. U, then we would be able to, uh, take that next step, which is to get with, um, I don't see Miss Bowwin, but to get with the Historic Resource Commission, uh, to make sure that historic nature of what's being proposed is intact. And then from that we're able to staff will be be able to move forward with um obtaining bids for the work to be done. And if you give me one second I'll be able to pull up the concepts here while he's pulling it up. Um, do you guys have any thoughts on

what you were

Well, I I liked the green proposal uh to have the pavilion in the middle. I liked it also because it leaves 26 parking spaces back there and creates four new parking spaces uh in front of the park. Uh, one being a handicap spot. Um, you know, I think that's good to leave the parking cuz that was some of the major issue that we had. So, it's a smaller scale uh scaled down version that leaves parking for the citizens. I I like that one. I like and I like the pavilion in the middle because I don't want it on the side of the coffee, you know, depot because for one thing, it just I don't think it serves the same purposes that it would serve in the center where you could have, you know, bands and kind of be the center of, you know, I mean, we might even be able to move, you know, our Thursday nights, you know, in the summertime over there and and not have to close the street or something like that or, you know, and that would be a good thing. Anytime we don't have to close a street, that's a good thing. So,

Bobby, hold on, guys. Bobby, do you have any thoughts? I do agree with the uh the green concept. It it's it provides open space uh and it's accessible. Okay, Ricky, I like green concept because it u gives a u better overall appearance of grant. It opens up the city for places people to go and sit especially if they're waiting for traffic court.

Jim, I mean that for for a plan it looks great. I I have a I'm a bit critical of the artwork that was on the wall, but that's just me. Yeah, it was a little a little different. Um I like the the green space and but you know just just you know if just just looking at this plan um and critiquing this plan, I I think that I think they did a nice job of rendition. Um the band looks like they're really having a good time. Um, no I don't.

Okay. Um, Erin, just to clarify the process for us and for the community, the council is to vote on which plan they like better and then from there Stuart will take this and take it out to bid. So, we still have to go to HRC because this is in the historic resource commission area, the downtown historic district for them to weigh in on the certificate of appropriateness of the material. Um, which would basically be for the pergola and it should really probably for the pergola, I mean, as far as any architectural uh review. Um but that would then be reviewed by them to make sure that the the brick is in line with brick in the area and then uh from there we would then be able to have the bids for the work to be done.

Okay. So that's the timeline. Um and that would that would that would probably have to be a special meeting because I think their next meeting is the first week of the month. HRC it needs to be a special meeting. Yeah.

Okay. Um I am still under the assumption that we should not be moving forward with this park. So I'm not necessarily going to weigh in on which design I like better. I'm um still think that without having these numbers, without having a grant, with having a park that we already want to keep, um that that is my position. Um however, you guys have voiced your opinion. Is there a motion that you would like to make? Madame Mayor, I make a motion that we go with um the green plan for this project and we move forward with moving it to the HRC board.

Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I. All opposed? I I

passes 32. Um I'm going to pause right here. There's a signup sheet in the back. Wait for a second. Um, if you are not signed up and want to speak at public comments, please do so right now because we're about to do public comments. Um, anybody else want to sign up? Okay, we're good. Thank you so much. All right. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Okay. Jeff, you're up first. You could say your name and address and then we've got four minutes on the clock for you.

So, I was going to ask how many minutes? Two, three, four. Four minutes because we're playing by old rules because the next agenda will be reflective of the procedures.

Okay. Jeff Bennis. Uh, I live at 1407 East Gilbert Street in Graham. I've lived there for 36 years. Um, I've modified my presentation here twice tonight based on votes and comments and things like that, but I still think it applies. Um, I was surprised, and I know we've already I think we've already voted on it. I was surprised to hear of the vote of uh limiting uh the speech from four minutes to now three minutes. Okay. Why am I surprised at that? I would think the city council would like to hear from the citizens and appreciate the fact that the citizens care enough to attend a city council meeting. The very least the city council can do is to show the same interest that the citizens have in spending their night, right? And I'm not working on attorney's fees, but I think my time is as valuable as an attorneys. Okay. I did a little research since I've been to a couple council meetings now and I see the way way it works. Um, I've researched some of the council members when they were candidates running running for office, right? And and I made some notes on things that the the council candidates made during their their their run for for the office, right? Government transparency reflects the belief that this is what the council candidate said, belief that the municipal government should be accessible, accountable, and reflective of the citizens it represents. Okay, that's us. Another comment was open communication and respect for citizen input. I haven't seen that right in the last couple months, right? Dedicated to a fostering a safe and welcoming environment. I don't feel that when I come, right, it's more combative. Um, and the people of and I, this was a comment from a candidate. The people of Graham deserve campaigns rooted in

truth, transparency, and basic decency. I will serve with integrity. Answer to the citizens of Graham. Okay. Um I understand the freedom of speech in the meetings came up in February of 2022, which some of you may be be aware of that. Why promote a promising position during your campaign season and then flip to a counter position once elected? Why do that? This breeds distrust in the faith of the public for their elected councilmans. And that that that's you all right on the council. Other flips that I've noticed didn't have to deal with the uh time to speak was one of the council members made the promise or the position that they like the small term small town charm and welcoming feel and it considers I consider it a huge privilege to be allowed to serve the people of Graham. Okay. Okay. Well, a couple months ago, I made a presentation which was voted down, almost ignored and and the council approved some high density housing on Ivy and Gilbert Street. You all remember that, right? That's not small town charm, right? That's that's Newark, New Jersey. And I said that during the meeting. All right. Um where families and businesses can thrive, right? Well, this this move of the park isn't helping the businesses. And that was brought up by many many people during the meeting, right? and and a number of of uh uh council members when they were candidates stated that taxes were good. Do I have only 35 seconds left?

And now we're going to raise taxes. All right. Here's a quote I want to give you. The power of the con constitution which is read municipality will always be in the people. It's entrusted to certain purposes for a certain limited time to representatives of their own choosing. And whenever it's ex executed contrary to their interest or not agreeable to their wishes, that's you. Their servances can and undoubtedly will be recalled. And if if you don't think recall or getting voted out is a possibility, talk to some of the folks that aren't aren't here anymore. Thanks, Jeeoff. You need you need you need to listen to the appreciate your time. Ronnie Eley,

your name and address, please, sir.

Ronnie Eley, 510 Menle Cherris. Uh, thank you, Council, Madame Mayor, for having us here tonight. Uh, comes heavyhearted at least you, some of you had a change of heart somewhat with what happened last time, what happened tonight as far as us being able to speak and speak our mind. But uh I and again the park seems to be the big issue but and I totally am against it moving it as madame mayor but the reason I put down tonight for my speech uh so to speak born and raised in Graham 65 years uh or street remember street I don't some of you probably don't way back when but canon mill was a thriving business community uh I lived two blocks from it I live a block from it now And that's what what has happened in the past what three four decades is a shame for Graham. I've addressed council before and I cannot get a straight answer. I may need Mr. Boon here to to do another investigative reporter. I may need Jim to get me a survey going on why we can't seem to get that uh eyesore cleaned up. I mean I know big wheels government turned slow but that's it's no excuse. Is anybody in this room capable? Lawyers, managers, whoever, to give the citizens some answers. I live on Mendle. I turn out and go on Parker and go by it every day. I really hate the ones that live right behind it. And after the three fires in the past four years, it's just it's terrible. I mean, the council, you know, the city needs money. Do the foreclosure, whatever it takes. Somebody smarter than me. Uh get on board. Do what needs to be done. That's a city block in Graham just sitting there burnt to a crisp of good for no value for nothing. I still believe there's some homeless people living in it. Uh what I see. Uh but that

that's it. Just just help me understand why it's taken decades to clean this mess up. And if it takes money, I mean I'm assuming the city would foreclose on a property. You could sell it. You seem to like selling property. So and maybe make another park there. We don't need any more houses for sure. But that's all I have to say and I I would appreciate any answers could come to us and for the citizens that live in that area. Thank you. Thank you, Ronnie. Thank you. Um Christo, is that Chris Fast? No. He mentioned at the beginning that he signed up for the item that was on the consent agenda but didn't need to speak.

Okay. Thank you, Jill Bulis. name and address, please, ma'am.

Jill Bullis, 500 Wildwood Lane. Hello, Mayor. Hello, council members. Hello, Renee. Hello, Megan. Um, I want to go on the record again as Chelsea Mayor Dicki said, I'm not in favor of moving the park. And once again, I'm at the podium speaking to that. That really was all I was going to say tonight. And then as the night went on, I actually wrote notes. I usually come up here and speak from my heart, from my mind, and look at each of you. I need to read. I would like to remind the council that Bobby Chin challenged the citizens of Graham in favor of keeping our legacy sacred park where it is to form committees to raise funds privately to aid in the cost to only be revoked at a special called meeting during normal working hours. So, it was okay and ethical for Bobby to ask for donations to be raised, but not okay for an anonymous donation to support our newly elected mayor to gain our city the value of growth, revitalization, and networking on behalf of Graham citizens and business owners. In my opinion, the Graham City Council needs all the continued education and opportunities to love Graham and take them. The thought of changing Thursdays at 7 would affect how many people who look forward to fellowship, dining outside, and dancing during our spring and summer and early fall months.

In my opinion, this is yet another change to Graham and a whole another rabbit hole. To play off of Ronnie's comment, an eyesore in my opinion is Murder Motel. Does everybody in Graham know where that is? Tear it down. It's an eyesore to everybody that rides down Interstate 40. It's an eyesore to everyone who eats at the amazing Rise and Shine restaurant and it just needs to go. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Jill. Jennifer Tally.

Name and address, please, ma'am. Um, Jennifer Tally, 808 South View Street, Graham. Um, I'm not about I'm not talking about the park. I was for putting in sidewalks. Okay. No arrows, please. Um, I wanted crosswalks. Um but uh I am coming uh Pedmont Crematory who purchased the old um sagebrush on the interstate um had asked me to um ask the council if they would consider uh I know that you cannot you're not supposed to be making decisions on items that are brought forward in public comment or or not like on the agenda for an action item um because obviously that needs to be announced. announced ahead of time so that people have the opportunity to to speak about it. Um so I wanted to take the opportunity he he asked me to uh ask you guys to consider uh restricting that road. Um from transfer trucks. Um I know when I met with David Morton about when he was buying the property um we went down there and the asphalt was like gravel. I mean, not like cracks, but literally like gravel. And it's because the transfer trucks come off the interstate and go on this person's private property and they stay there at night or whatever and they use it as a turnaround and everything else. Um, it's not that they have any business down there, they just use it. And um David Morton spent a lot of money to repave it and it's only been it's new asphalt from just two years ago and it's already like really like they're looking at maybe having to repave it. That's how bad it is. Um because there was a period of time that obviously the building was for sale. So um or for rent or whatever you know he

was trying to do for the last two years. They think they've spent over um a million dollars in renovations. And so I just hope the council would consider possibly restricting the road. There's there's no reason. He's talked to both the neighbors on both sides that have vacant lots and she is also in doesn't want them. They tore up their property turning around on their property and stuff. So, nobody down there that they would service wants the transfer trucks coming down there and they're doing damage to other people's property. So, um if you could please um he said he would come next council meeting and bring pictures and evidence and all that. So, he was asking if um you guys would restrict that from transfer trucks. Obviously the road has to stay open but for regular cars and things and obviously the funeral services and stuff but he said they just don't want transfer trucks coming down there and it could pose a safety risk as well that when they do have a funeral if transfer trucks are coming in there that it could cause a problem as well. And I know I talked to Aaron about this and he said that if something were to happen and you guys were to restrict it, we would I would also ask on behalf of him to change the GPS so that the GPS isn't directing transfer trucks to be able to they would know that it's restricted. They have a way to know, I guess, when they turn on a road whether it's restricted or not. Thank you.

Thank you for your time, Daniel Albus. Name and address, please, sir.

Daniel Alvis, 1022 Noah Road. I wasn't going to speak tonight, but I had to sign the paper because you know how it works out if you don't. But your regards to gaining four parking spots. We're still losing 20. It doesn't make any sense. Uh and then Mr. Hall, your wife made a comment on social media that we need a parking deck. And my comment to her was, "In the meantime, we going to take up parking lot. Y'all got to get together. Y'all going to hurt the business in downtown Graham if y'all keep moving with this park. Keep it where it's at." Thank you.

Thank you, Daniel. I think I'm saying this probably wrong. Hume Lilit. Lily, I'm sorry.

No, that's on me. Name and address, please, sir. Hum 3756 Green Hill Road Snow Camp and I am here because I'm a little bit tired of reading paper. Little bit tired of uh about eight or nine years now and knowing that that place was sinking the park downtown there. Um I am the one that went to the maintenance people and said you got to fence it or do something. You've got planners that don't need to be down there that are tipping over. You've got on the camera the people that backed from the flower shop over there by accident, but they backed over the sidewall and hit the wall. I don't think there's ever been a ticket written. I don't doubt if it was investigated. And I would like to just remind that anytime we have an election to be elect people for the public, they're there for the public. Who is this benefiting all this talk and conversation? Just killing time. Typical government. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you, Kim. All right, Sam.

Name and address, please.

Sam Kahun, 219, South Melville. Uh, thank you, Mayor and Council Dudes. um excited to be here again. Uh again, I didn't get uh selected for the historic research uh resource committee and that's a usual thing because it's usually a no for me on most of the stuff I do. Um but that doesn't matter here. Um what I want to bring up is more into the law that I brought up. So in the uh special the special meeting you brought up the uh uh exemptions in C and item three, right? Well, I mean if if that this is what was said. So what was brought up an object of remembrance for which a building inspec inspector or a similar official has uh has uh determined a posed threat to the public safety because an unsafe or dangerous condition. So what it says is it the object of remembrance not this we've stated that we want to move it right. So it's still safe, right? So we can throw that out that that is not that's not part of anything easily um can be easily argued also with the honor and pre uh preminence that you call us guests here, right? Do you honor us? So if you can't even honor us, I don't think you have the ability to define honor, right? It it seems like there is no honor here. So why do you get why do you guys get to

decide what honor is? It seems like it's honor. Everyone else has the honor here. You don't. So again, it just seems like you have made stuff up to make sure you can move the park. Did you have any? And then here we go. Making faces while I'm talking. Right. Do you honor me? No. No. No. You don't. You don't. It's unbelievable. You just accused us of making stuff. I can I can pull it up on YouTube. I can pull it up on YouTube. Let Sam finish.

I can pull it up on YouTube. Okay. So again, lying right in front of us. Lying right in front of us. Also, do you have any business with anybody else? Have you any other community members? Have you spoken on things about with community members that would uh uh direct things where things would go? It It seems very clear that something's going on here. very very clear. It's embarrassing that we have to deal with this. Okay. Embarrassing. All right. And it it just seems like what are are you Graham first or big business first? There seems to be a lot of other uh other countries, but here are you Graham first or big business first? That's that's my final statement on this. Thank you.

Thank you, Sam. Maria clap.

Hello. Hello. Name and address, please, ma'am.

Yes. My name is Maria Clap. Um, I do live at 2217 Witset Street. I am a Burlington resident, but I own two houses in the city limits of Graham, so I pay Graham city taxes. And I'm also a business owner of two businesses in downtown Graham uh on the square. And I'm here, I'm going to keep it very short. I'm here not only to save the park where it's at, but to save the parking where it's at or find out if you have a plan of where you're going to replace it and how much that's going to cost. So, basically, it's uh no politics. I just want to say that as council members, you have a fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers of Graham. And with that fiscal responsibility, you should actually know the taxpayer cost burden for moving the park versus keeping it where it is. You should know those cost before you make any decisions on moving a park. Also, do you have a plan? Do you know what it's going to cost to replace 20 to 24 parking spaces in downtown Graham? We have to play parking roulette daily in downtown Graham to find parking places to operate a business that we have to be at all day long. Um, on another note, possibly monthly or yearly parking permits. So, we can park at our business. My business is real estate. And people don't stop if they

don't see my car at my business. So, I could park in the back or I could park at the church, but they're not going to stop if they don't see my car. And that's pretty much it. just fiscal responsibility by the people that were elected to manage our taxpayer dollars. Thank you. Thank you, Maria. Keith Westbrook.

Name and address, please.

Keith Westbrook, 604 Troder Court. I got this. Most of this you've already voted on before the public even had a comment about public comment period. That was my first thing I put down. It should be the first part of the meeting in three minutes. So, I got half of it. Okay. I still think it should be the first part of the meeting like it is at the county commissioners meeting so on so forth. But you've already voted on so we'll just not gonna beat it up no more. One of the other things I want to talk about is sidewalks. Uh is there anything you know I mean you go down here where they're developing across from sheets you've had people already come they've already come and put the things up and there the for crosswalks I don't know where they're going to walk because there's no sidewalk there but we've done that. Is there any thing other than what's in the plan that Mayor Tally come up with and they come up with to start connecting some sidewalks and building sidewalks, one in particular on East Elm Street to connect Graham High School with the rest of Graham that's been going on for over 20 years. cuz I believe he can tell you the first part of that sidewalk was done from the store there by our frame roundabout down to Albbright done with a grant and from there and that's been over 20 years ago from there nothing in my opinion the kids want to walk to school some of them have to I saying whether they want to or have to they should have that right they should have a sidewalk there. That's a highway. Highway 49. And believe me, ones on that road, they're not interested in stopping for no pedestrian. I'm going to guarantee you

that. And especially a kid going to school. They walk on both sides. We should We need to fix the problem with the sidewalks. And I wish I know you talk about raising taxes for this, for that, all this. And it's like Graham has neglected to think about sidewalks because there is a DOT. It's in a DOT book about building sidewalks. The responsibility the responsibility is Graham. Period. I have not seen in the 38 years that I've lived in Graham where Graham has gone out and Graham has built sidewalk anywhere. I might be wrong but I don't think I am. And we force all these developers to build sidewalks. You want to develop that land? Yep. You got to build a sidewalk. So now we got another sidewalk. Now don't go nowhere, mind you. Stops there and stops there. And then you go on down, there's four or five houses. No sidewalk. And then you go down. Now, now we built something else. So now there's another sidewalk. We need to connect the sidewalks. The guy that I I can't remember his name. I apologize for that. the one that walks around all the time. I don't know his name. I'm sure you all know him. Y'all see him every all the time. He walks with a limp or whatever. I can't I can't I can't remember his name and I apologize for that. Yesterday, my wife saw him on Main Street here somewhere and he was trying to cross Main Street. So, a car had stopped to let him go. But what you got to remember is there's two lanes, two lanes. So if this one stops to let him go, what about this lane? Are they going to stop? So you got to He's wrong for crossing there. I know that. But he crosses wherever he wants because there's no sidewalks. There's no

crosswalks there. And I would just like to say please when it comes budget time, look at some sidewalks. Very well needed. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Keith. The department Eric Chrisman

name and address please. Sir,

my name is Eric Chrisman. Live at 208 Albright Avenue in Graham. Madame Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim, council members, the citizens of Graham are utterly disgusted with the way some of the members of this body expresses their dislike to us the public. Comments from the deis paraphrased amount to let them wait. Our business is more important than anything the citizens have to say. If they speak, why are we even here? Let them speak and get this over with and then they'll leave. The notion to limit comments was expressed by what the Alamance News calls um the council many dictators. They wanted to prohibit the public from commenting on a topic that is on the monthly agenda during the comment title, the comment time. The paper also noticed the condescending lecturettes from self-serving members that lack tactorum. It's painfully obvious that to those in attendance that the majority of this council has other agendas and not even are and not even trying to contain their disdain for what the citizenry is trying to say about the sesquential park. The decision was made a long time ago when before this was even brought up. We are aware of where you where and whom you your allegiance lies. We will remind you that you're responsible for Graham and your job is to listen to our wishes and desires. It's your job to ensure that these things could happen. Self-service, your services to us, not your wishes, not your personal vendettas, not your own personal agendas. We seem to have two different plans for the park location presented by and for just you with no input or acceptance from the public. Your hubus and

condescendences are truly astounding. The public came here came out to present our displeasure and your response was to limit our ability to speak as your constituents to address the council. The newest location sacrifices visibility and frontage from the tens of thousands of cars that go through Court Square on a daily basis to a less to a site with less footage, less exposure, and less traffic on welcome on West Elm Street. That's hardly an equal location. And now we see the park's going to be behind parked cars. Highly visible, I'm sure. Also, the majority of you are negligent in me good stewards of nearly a half a million dollars in grant money. who is designated for downtown improvements. You have two and a half years to come up with a plan. You and the city under your direct your direct leadership has failed us again. Action needs to be taken to allow the city to move forward in an orderly and transparent manner. So I challenge you, Mayor Proim Hall, Mayor Chin, Mayor Whitaker to resign your positions on the Graham City Council immediately. Thank you. Uh Paul Keller here. Oh, hey Paul.

Name and address, please, sir. Paul Keller, 410 Stone Hedge Drive, former business owner and resident of Graham. Um, I've just made some notes here, some observations I made tonight. And I think the first thing I'd like to say is I feel like if the council was listening to the public, the public comment section wouldn't take nearly as long. This is my third or fourth time addressing the park issue. Um, so just if you just bear with me, um, the one observation I made is when it came to repairing the park, it was all about the money. And Ricky, you issued a challenge to the public to help with those funds. And Jane Albbright, is she here? She got up and met that challenge. That was your objection. She She addressed your objection. What's your objection now? Um, I know all of a sudden something happened and it's a three another 3-2 decision. I'm tired of these 3-2 decisions. I don't feel like three of you are listening to the public. This would be a much shorter session if you were. Um, but when you talk about this plan for the new park, three of you were anxious already. There was no discussion on it. You all seemed like you got together and decided was it called the blue plan? Was that what it was called, Bonnie? The blue plan.

It was the green plan.

The green plan. That was a very quick decision. And not one dollar was mentioned about moving it. Apparently, there's a blank check if it comes to moving the park. But you were you had all the dollars 400,000 500,000 to do the repair. Um, I'm completely opposed to selling that park land. I don't know if that's part of the plan. I don't feel like it's all being shared with us. Not happy about that. If somebody does build on that lot, there's going to be even more parking issues. I have a problem with that. I used to have an office in the Paris building. The day I signed my lease, I was told, "Go park along the fence." Well, that was county parking. I got a note on my car saying I was in parking violation. So, for the next x number of years, I was there. It's a pain. You know, we're talking about parking for customers. What about employees who have businesses down or business owners? What you got to go through to park downtown? I wish we had a picture up there. You could see the public parking that's available for business business owners have to do that use that park u has to use the public parking as well. It's it's a pain. I worked out a deal with the guy who owns the bar. I was out there weed eating and spraying for weeds in exchange for one parking spot. That's how I that's how I managed my parking because I didn't have my day to go down. I don't know. Is anybody here a business owner in the immediate downtown area? And parking is an issue for you guys as well. The other thing I just wanted to say real quickly, the educational and promotional opportunity that Mayor Dicki had a chance to attend, $1,500. Again, another 3-2 vote. I think if that was something that would better Graham,

I'm all for it. If somebody wanted to donate the money, I'm all for it. $1,500. If we don't have that, that's one thing. But if it's you're all just wanting to make a point, I'm completely opposed to that. Real quickly, uh, Avalon Acres, we've had access issues. I've asked Ricky, I sent, um, an email to Renee, I want to get on to a future agenda. When we have severe flooding, we can't get in and out of the neighborhood. A serious uh, issue of address with DOT. Uh, I'd just like to get on a future agenda for our our residents and to present a petition that we've have signed. Thank you.

Thank you, Paul. Okay, this ends public comments. Um, move on to city staff. Y'all are good. Aaron, uh, just had a question on the item that, uh, Jennifer had brought up. Is that something that council wants our police department and public works to look into before we bring it back as far as options for uh I guess as Bruce Turney? I I guess I would just need a consensus of whether or not that's something that y'all want us to look into.

I would recommend it because we've we've looked at that area several times. Jim, we just need a consensus. I I Yeah, I agree. I think it I know it. I know the place you're talking about because I used to eat at Sage Brush in that parking lot is horrible. Um, so, you know, and it's if it's keeping the that business from uh operating, you know, yeah, we we need to help them out. You got a great All right. Yep.

You got to go ahead. Um, Erin, you were going to ask I had a note on here. You said you were going to bring up during staff comments. Um, about the new board and getting clarification.

Oh, that's I'm glad you found it. Um, so I know that uh there have been well usually around this time of year we solicit out to um individuals that are interested for upcoming board vacancies that are coming available because folks are stepping off or that are currently vacant. um the economic development board and marketing. Um, I was wondering because I know we had had issues with fielding individuals for that board if if I was able to make small tweaks because I I've been looking around at other jurisdictions and I saw where we can possibly tweak that just a little bit that might be more of an interest to the community to get individuals that would want to possibly come and join that board. if I could bring something back that might be something that council could review to see if that was something they would like to to maybe tweak the language.

And if I may comment, I've talked to folks about it and the requirement that you have to live in the within the city limits has been a constraining factor. Yeah. and may maybe I can find where a jurisdiction has a a open um way because I mean to me it's more of a committee and if you did that way obviously I I would love to tap into the chamber as a resource and a liaison since they have

um mechanisms that the city doesn't to be able to have a broader outreach to to other property owners and stuff like that. So if that's fine with council, I can find something that might be something that we could tweak it with a little bit. If you can find a way that we can staff that committee. All right. Thank you. Because that's been the, you know, the stumbling block whenever I've talked to folks and I think you're the leazison for that board. So I want to make sure that I run it by you too to make sure you're okay with it before bringing to the whole council.

Thank you, Erin. Anything else from you, Mr. Renee? Megan, I do have one item. We have on our uh budget calendar a tenative date of May 19th for a city council budget work session that's consistent with prior practice. It was one week after the budget has been presented. Before we get too far down the road, I wanted to confirm if that date is when you want to have it or if there's some other date, some time if you can just give us some feedback so we can plan accordingly. That's at 6 PM. No, in the past it's been at I believe at 10 a.m. How long is it? Yeah, it's taken the majority of a day.

Can we do it on a Saturday so the community would be able to come? It's up to city council. Can we do it on a Saturday so community can come? Well, the staff doesn't work on Saturday. That's the problem. Have to pay them overtime, I guess. And I would also like the community to be able to be involved. I would too. And do we want to look at the 23rd?

The the public should understand uh this public the work session is not something they have a chance to speak at. I think that's okay. It's just in in uh efforts of transparent government. I want them to be able to come and at least observe the discussions. Where was it going to be, Megan? Was it going to be here? Yeah. In years past, it's been in here. To be recorded, correct? I think it's 16th out of town. That's uh I believe Arts Around the Square. Yeah, 16 arts around the square.

Yep. Yep. That is Arts Around the Square. do it on this now. And we want it way before the 30th, right, Megan? We usually want you to have at least a week to review the budget before we get into the the detail of it. So, and then the budget public hearing is June June 9th. So, somewhere between the two. May 19th at 6 o'clock.

I could do 19th at 6 o'clock. Which Which day is this? Uh May 19th. Yeah, it's back on Tuesday at But it's after work hours. It's at six o'clock. I don't care. It doesn't matter to me what time it is. Okay. Jim, Bobby, y'all good? we have it closer to like eight or nine o'clock. That way anybody that's watching won't have any trouble falling asleep. I'm gonna say that we're going to keep it at six o'clock, but thank you for your comment. All right, Megan, you good? Yes. Thank you. Anything else? Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Um Bonnie, you want to start us off with council comments?

Uh and by the way, I was not opposed to you reading my email. If you want to read it, you're welcome to do so. I just didn't think it was the right time. So, I I we just hadn't touched base on it. I was interested.

I mean, just touching on the safety of the park, you know, I was the one that asked to to, you know, take it down a year ago. Um, and that didn't happen because I've been concerned about safety. And I can tell you it has sunk an extra foot in the last year. Starting in 2016, it's it started sinking. Well, we started measuring the sinking. The city did. And it would sink a little bit, you know, each year, but this past year it has sunk in a foot, an entire foot, which is alarming when it comes to safety. So, uh you you were not wrong about that. Um I am concerned about that. Um, also, um, I talked to the business association about the banners downtown because they're in pretty darn bad shape. Um, so I asked them if they had any plans to work on that and they do. Um, they're getting a plan together for that. Uh, I heard you were going around trying to get new members for the business association for GABA. That's great. I'm glad you're doing that. They they can get as they need as many members as they can get. You've been talking to the business owners. That's good.

Um, so real quick, Bonnie, I think banners is an internal city staff thing, too. I just don't want to run into too many things. Megan, can you speak? I know that the the business association did them last time. I believe in years past it may have been a joint venture between GABA and the city. It predates me. So I I don't have any firsthand knowledge of that, but assistant city manager Holland may be able to It was in the past, but I thought Kaylee was getting banners designed right now. No, is what brought up at Appearance Commission.

So So what she was doing, they were doing an inventory of the number of banners that we currently have up as well as how many were up initially because there have been some that have been taken down that haven't been put back up. Uh we had to be extremely careful with the banners because Duke does not allow us to council me point. Yeah. Duke doesn't allow us to uh to to go back up with banners like we used to because they now charge a rental fee for the space. So uh we have to be careful to make sure we do a like whenever we do the banner project.

Yeah, I bet that rental fee is more than $2. So Kayle's not doing I just don't want to double do efforts and appearance commission talked about Kaylee designing the banners.

Yeah. So I think what Kaylee had spoke with the parents commission about was to um come with some concepts that they could look at that they may be able to tweak or whatever and then at some point bring that to council to decide if this is something that council would want to move forward with. I want to say there were over a hundred banners purchased the last time. So whatever the cost is got multiplied that by about 100 at this point. So uh right now she is looking at making some designs or looking at some options but we haven't made that option available yet to appearance commission because we haven't got that far yet.

Okay. Well I know that the uh business association is very involved in that and I think they paid for some of that last time. So, you know, so I did talk to them because they're in really bad shape. Somebody had mentioned them to me. So, um, and that is all I have. Thank you, ma'am. Bobby.

Yes. I'd like to clarify some comments being made about uh the downtown development organization and why I did not agree about going to attend that function. I did some research and unfortunately I t I printed it all out and I didn't pick it up. Anyway, bottom line, when you hear presentations about downtown development, you find out that they offer a lot of services, but at a price. that price is they require a full-time staff member to be added to the city staff whose salary is anywhere from 60,000 that's on the low end at 60. Then you got to join the uh Downtown America Association annual fee $1,000 a year. On top of that, they want you to donate to them an amount equal to what you pay your director. Then you add to that if you want to get a grant. Most of the grants apply to public publicly owned property. and then you expected to add or contribute 5% whatever the amount of the grant is. Now when you look at Graham right now there are few

if any vacant spaces available to rent. Now, we do have property that that uh is being planned the renovated and open, you know. So, it's not that I'm against downtown being involved with downtown, but what they ask of we as a community is an investment that we when you weigh it all out, the rate of return is not there for us. One of the things, you know, they asked the a special assessment if you have a business downtown on top of the normal sales tax and things that you're paying now. So it was in looking at all that it was like here's all these hidden costs that we the we you you as a taxpayer of Graham you as a business owner are expected to carry. If we had a dilapidated downtown, it might be worth that investment. But I think I mean the caveat that many of the grants specifically said publiclyowned property. And as I look at it right now, our downtown, you know, there's some I mean, it's a beautiful downtown. But all those of you who are business owners, my parents were business owners, your margin are very thin and all you need is to have some organization come

in and and ask that the city impose an additional tax upon you. That's not fair. So that is why it's not that I don't want that I didn't want the mayor to go, but it becomes one of what do we gain from that organization? That's my objection.

It's my understanding that Bobby's talking about the MSD, which is the municipal service district that taxes the downtown property. So, the property owner pays a cent or two more tax to be invested in downtown. I just wanted to make that clarification. Jim,

um I mean, what Bobby is is right. I mean, our downtown is is is extremely vibrant. I mean, it's it's it's a wonderful downtown area. You compare it to Burlington, who is kicking that dead horse forever. We we're less than a mile from the interstate. We don't have those same issues like Burlington. You've got to, you know, go across the street, turn left at Mr. McGillicu's cow and then you're downtown. They even put up the little Dutchy directional signs all the way down at at uh Waterford and it's it's just a waste of money. And I don't I don't I our our downtown is awesome. what we need. Um, now I did some research. You know, Ashboro has a population of 27,000. They have two Chick-fil-As. We've got a population of what, 20? We need one Chick-fil-A. I mean, who would not want a Chick-fil-A in Grant? Um, that's that's bringing in business. We got an email. I don't know if everybody else got the email. Um, somebody was talking about we needed more grocery stores. And I would agree. Um, I know the food line is is revamping and redecorating and stuff, but uh we we need some more. I mean, and I I think it would be nice um I mean, us as council members and and even you, Madame Mayor, we we start talking to these people who are in power to to build these things and say, "What do we need to do?" And uh I've already talked to uh the Chick-fil-A guy. um he's at the coffee shop every morning. So I I on occasion I'm like, "Okay, why does Ashboro get two and Graham doesn't get any." And uh so I've opened that door and I think the one concern was they need to find a suitable spot. And I said, "Well, you just let me know, you

know, cuz I'm I'm sure we've got something that we could do to accommodate them." Um I mean, we let's go to other towns and steal their businesses, tell them to come here. will make it better for them. Um, Graham downtown is is just wonderful. It's amazing with all the little shops like like a a downtown should be. Let's spread it out. Um, like the gentleman said about the old Econo Lodge and that mill, I'm I'm not really up on the mill, so I'm I'm not going to comment on that. I know it is an eyesore. That Okcono Lodge is the definition of like hell on earth when you go by there. So, I'm not exactly sure. Maybe I have to get up with Aaron and find out, you know, what why it looks the way it does because something could be developed there to make people want to turn and come into Graham instead of like speed up and go past, you know? So, I and I'm I'm sorry I'm getting a long-winded, but I would also like to see if maybe the council would consider um maybe quarterly town hall style meetings. Um maybe something informal where the public can come and and talk about whatever they want.

Yeah. Um, you know, we get a lot of grief over the the uh guidelines and, you know, that's all it was was just a guideline. They're just suggest suggested procedures. Um, in regardless of what Tom Bony puts in his opinion on his in his paper, um, the council can, uh, vote to extend the the, uh, speaking time for the the public and we can also extend the time for each person. So, it's, you know, it's not, we don't want to hear from the public. Those were just guidelines. Um, okay, that's it.

Okay. Thanks. Thank you for your comment, Ricky. No. Okay. Um I have um one thing we had asked Aaron and Renee to look at our guidelines for our boards and commissioners or yeah boards and commissions. Um they need a little bit more of what we want or what we don't want. So, if we could take the next two weeks and just review what's already there and email any additions or subtractions that you're interested in having. Does that make sense? Do we do you know what I'm talking about? Okay. Um, so it's requirements on the boards, time limits, um, that kind of thing. So, if we could get that to Renee and Aaron in the next two weeks and then they'll take whatever we have and and go from there to bring something back for us. Um, I have two things about downtown. I've spoken with a lot of downtown businesses. Um, our parking downtown is two hours. The magic number for having people come to your downtown, you want them to spend four hours. You want them to go get lunch and then go retail shop and then go get a coffee and meet somebody and then be able to leave. Um, right now if somebody does that in our downtown, they get ticketed. Um, so I would love to move I think it would be tasking Aaron to bring an ordinance update to us next time. Um, to move the parking requ parking timeline from two hours to four hours. Is that how that would go down? You'd bring it back. Uh so I would basically I need a consensus from council for us to look at going from two to four and then discussing that with

the police department to evaluate what impact positive or negative that would have. Um, of course, bring back the ordinance to change the traffic schedule which reflects the two-hour parking to four or whatever number council would like and then um obviously y'all would then have the final say on what that would be. But I it all starts with consensus from council to even get that started. Yeah. Thank you, Erin. I'm good with looking into it. Okay. Is that Is that a yes?

Well, it's one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't. For some folks you who just want to drop in, buy something and leave. Two hours is not an issue. You extend it to four hours. What will happen is you'll have some folks who basically will park their themselves there for 4 hours and hopefully shop and patronize our downtown businesses. I would suspect that they're not. They're probably working in the business and they're parking their car there. Well, we're just we're just talking about looking at exploring it and talking the police department and all that. So, you have our consensus. Yes. Yes.

Okay. I'm I'm good with it staying in two hours. You have four to one consensus. Well, he's going to look at Right. I was I was noting that I heard Ricky that he was against it. Um and then the next thing we used to have benches downtown, right? Can we bring the benches back downtown? It is beautiful outside. It is a great time to be downtown. And but there's a problem. What's the problem? Benches attract vagrants. They also attract people just wanting to sit on a bench during the day. That's fine. But in the evening time when everybody's left,

they park themselves on the benches.

So, we're not going to have benches because of that. Not only do they park on the benches, they use the bathrooms on the benches, they clutter the streets up, and it's something the city staff has to send people out to clean up. I'm going to have to disagree with my fellow councilman. Um, you know, just because we have certain segment of people that may or may not do that doesn't mean we need to deny people the benches to sit down. I mean, it's a good idea. Yeah. I don't I don't have an issue with that.

I at least looking at it. I mean, you can anybody's going to abuse anything. Somebody can come and take a nap out here in the entryway and we don't have any control over that. Well, I guess we do. right here, we'd lock it up. But I to to not want to put benches out just for that. That's that's that's not a good enough reason for me to say no, we don't need benches. What are the steps forward that you need for this? I guess we need council to basically tell us whether or not they want us to put them back out or not.

Yeah. What we don't want to do is is play musical benches. you know, either the benches are out or they're not. They're certainly not light. So, it's a sort of labor intensive process to kind of be moving these around. So, it would be helpful to benches or no benches. That is the question. Madam, what if we just put a couple out and just see how it goes? I think we that's still playing musical benches. And if we're only not taking the benches, I don't want to play trial run. How many do we have? Uh, no, I don't. In your rolodex of information. I don't I don't

Well, I guess it becomes a matter of if the property, you know, you got to talk to the property owner, the sidewalk, our property. Yeah. They would be on the the public sidewalk. Yeah. I'd like to make a motion that we allow the parking benches to come back and direct the staff. Do right now. No, I just think this is fine. Okay. I mean, I do think we should talk to the police department as well. I mean, on that, too, but I'm not against putting them back out necessarily. And before you go into close session, if I just had one thing want to get a plug in,

um, is that consensus enough? Like, are we moving the benches back or do I get head nods? want to is there a is there a location that you want them to be put back at or where they back in the downtown? I mean locations in the downtown any specific areas or where they were last where they were last. I I think we need to look into it. I'm not saying necessarily put them back out, just do it. But let's look into it. Let's talk to the police department, see what they say, what their concerns are and all that. So, first here. I think we have a business on.

Hold on. This is not public comments. I'm sorry. This is between This is between Hold on. This is between the council. Hey guys. Um, okay. If it's just me and Jim wanting uh benches and you need more information, can we have it on the agenda? Yeah, we can bring information back to city council next month. Doing it that way. Thank you. Thank you. have a little more time. Would it be possible to maybe we have like a a map showing where they would be placed? Is that is that doable, Erin? I mean, I'm sure we can look at where they were in the figure out something just to get an idea.

Yeah, we like Megan said, we just don't want to put them in a location and then I mean it takes staff time to put them out and you know, you move them around. We don't want We just We just want to make sure we put them out and leave them. Yeah. Yeah. That's what we're doing. Well, madame mayor, being we have someone in the audience who wants to speak, I move to reopen the public comment period. For anybody who does not have their name signed, you move for the whole public comment right now. Do Hold on. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I

Okay, we will open 50. We will open the public comment. if you could come up and state your name and your address for anybody who wants to speak at the public comments. Anybody? If anybody else has anything to say, they are welcome to come back up. Hold on, guys. It is Jennifer Thally's turn.

Jennifer Tally, 808 Side View Street. there. I when I was on the council before, we had a lot of complaints about the benches. Um, you know, I think putting them in some locations was was fine, but again, the complaints were coming from the businesses saying that people were out there smoking weed on the bench and they didn't want, you know, they were getting complaints from their customers. Um there was complaints about people um that had you know uh I'm sure you know it's not their fault that they have mental illness but they the police had to be called because one particular person was out there just cussing repeatedly. Um and I like Tourette's. Um and uh but obviously that was not a good that that business owner didn't want to have to deal with it and they're like we don't want the bench here. Um so it it came from multiple businesses. So I think if you're again if you're going to make a decision about this or anything else, it's unfair to the businesses if you it's going to affect their livelihood for you not to put it on the agenda. advertise it so that they can come and they can tell you their experiences. And that's my only comment. Like I I was fine with the bench being in front of Witz because it was very visible. It's under lights. We didn't we didn't seem to have a problem with it there. Um but I I know the majority of the complaints came from other businesses downtown that do not want the benches in front of their business. So if some of them do, then great. But if some of them don't, I don't I don't think you should say, "Well, we're going to put it in front of your business anyways because that's where the complaints were coming from."

Thank you for your time. Anybody else want to speak on public comments? Take two.

Jeff Bennis, um 1407 East Gilbert Street, Graham. Uh whether the bench is there or not, someone's going to smoke weed. All right. They'll do it on the curb. If they're going to pee on the on the wall, they're going to pee on the wall, right? It doesn't matter. the benches. The benches are going to deter some. I I'm can't I can smoke weed here because there's a bench. You know, I know there's a bench. I'm going to go over there and, you know, pee on the bench. You know, that's not that's that's that's not going to matter. So, it's it's a it's a non-argument, right? Um there's somebody that sleeps under the library cavalcade over there every night. All right. No bench there. They made a bench. So, homeless people are going to do what they're going to do whether you got a bench or not. So the real thing is is is there value added to the community to have the benches there and you know nice weather people want to sit down. So I think I think have putting the benches back is a great idea.

Thank you Jeeoff thanks for your time. Anybody else?

Richard Chevlin 510 Wildwood Lane. I'd like to thank the staff who voted me in for the HRC. Uh some do not know I used to own the oldest building in Graham. Uh it's actually up where the church at the 1776 cemetery. I owned that building for too long. But uh so I I am a uh I had a business here also for 20 years and I'm a huge supporter of the city and the staff and everything that you all do. So, I hope I can make a difference uh on the HRC like they did for this church. You know, maybe somehow I can find a way to do something great like that. So, I want to just say thank you. Hopefully, I can win your your confidence, Madame Mayor. And uh thank you. So,

thank you, Richard. Appreciate your time. Yes, sir.

Samuel Kahhoon, 219 South Me. Uh, I just want to point out that we've spoke longer about benches than we had about the park. Just that that that seems wild. Also, my mom was here and she's in her 70s and we literally said cuz I don't have a car. So, we walk we walk through downtown. We visited Alamance News. Um, that was brought up that there was not a bench to sit down for someone that was 72 years old. So, that it just seems like a good idea. Doesn't matter. Again, as people have pointed out, the home, if there's such a homeless problem here, why aren't we dealing with that as well? Okay, just want to point that out. Thank you.

Thank you. Anybody else? Jim, name and address, please.

Jim Albbright, 232 South Marshall Street. Um, I was going to save my comments for the next time, but um, it was interesting. I love it how you guys do your um public comment section. It's closed and then somebody in the back has a hand raised and Mr. Chin recognizes that person, but it's not fair to just recognize that one person. So, it gives us all a chance to speak for four more minutes. So, I I I hope this is going to be a pattern because it doesn't seem right that you would just do this for one time when somebody in the back who used to be mayor raises their hand. I hope you do that for any citizen at any time that you would look at that citizen who raises their hand and have them come on forward and open it up again for public comments. Um, what I would have said, um, that I was going to wait till next time because I was running late today. Um, there were two council members on January 13th that I talked with at a restaurant, um, said I was thinking about applying for the, um, the historic resources commission. And both council members said, "We encourage you to do that." So, I I did that. And so, um, it's interesting that these council members who encouraged me to do so, um, because of my stance on the park is kind of what I feel like, um, why I was not really considered. Um, but that I didn't expect to anyway. So, um, it kind of played out like I thought it would on that. Um, I think it's also interesting that, um, you have the citizens on the clock when we're talking and city council comments. no clock up there. You know, you can talk for five or ten minutes about make jokes or say whatever whenever. And I I just I think that's interesting. I think you guys should go on the clock, too. That you should have a certain amount of time that you all should speak. Four minutes, it seems

like tit for tat, but that's just my opinion on that. Um, and the January 13th meeting was really my biggest concern. Jennifer brought this up today. When I was on the council, we had a a a it wasn't a policy, but it was an understanding that there would be no nothing voted on that was just on for discussion. You would not bring anything up before the council so that people uh would not be able to um weigh in on it, which is exactly what you did on January 13th. And unbeknownst to me, the two council members I saw at the restaurant had just voted on this. That's just um uh but Jennifer acted like it was still kind of in place and that was what she seemed to be frustrated about in my opinion tonight is that y'all seem to be making a decision and this wasn't on the So anyhow it's it's interesting how the uh park which was a pretty big issue was just kind of um pushed along based on a 12minute PowerPoint presentation that the citizens hadn't seen but obviously the um council members if that was the first time y'all saw that I find it hard to believe that that was the first time you saw that that you would just jump in hookline and sinker to a 12minute um PowerPoint presentation. Um the other thing um I appreciate you uh looking at me most of the time when I talk, but I the other thing I don't get is why y'all are even looking at us and talking to us when it's supposed to be just about y'all doing your business, you know, up there. But it's interesting how I was the one that uh spoke up and said we don't need to be preached to while you're supposed to be, you know, this is y'all were doing the citizens business, but you're sitting up there and you're talking out here to us and it's as if you are talking down to us, not in in that situation. So just make this thing a circle. All right? I mean, that's that's what you want it to be is just a closed session with the people kind of looking in. In my opinion, I don't

understand for the uh semicircle. I think you should reconsider configuring the um circle that you have. And now eight, seven, six, five, four. Can't think of anything else to say. Two, one, peace out. Thank you, Jim. All right. Anybody else?

Name and address. Eric Chrisman, 208 All right, in the great city of Graham. Um, regarding the benches, how many chairs businesses put out on Main Street now? I walk Main Street most every day and and chairs are like mushrooms. They just come up all the time. There more chairs today than there were last week and and now we're worried about where we're going to put a bench. I it it it baffles the mind that that we don't want people to sit down, but we put chairs out to invite people to sit down. Um and and another thing to go back to what Jim said. Um I get the distinct impression that that y'all don't don't respect us. I mentioned that by comments. I mean, look at the way you guys are dressed. You're not You're supposed to dress for success. You want us to dress like you respect us. Whiskey on your t-shirt. Come on, man. That that just looks crappy. And And you want us to respect you. You should respect the job enough to at least dress like it. Um I stand by what I said before. He didn't resign.

Thank you for your time. Anybody else? All right. We're going to close. We can close public period or public comment. Yeah. Well, I mean, I don't think we need a motion for it. Um, we do. Do we need a motion, Megan? It's It's not a public hearing. It's just the election. Um, okay. Megan, you wanted a spot before we go into close session. I do. Thank you. Okay. Uh, the May 19th at 6 PM is a regularly scheduled planning board meeting. Okay. So, we can look at an alternate location of the civic center or somewhere else if we're good on that date. I just wanted to point that out before we got out of the room. So, it didn't look like it.

This is for what? The budget work session, but we can't record. Are we equipped the record at the civic center? I mean, it's not going to be as as good as what we have here. Can we do the 26? Is that still of two weeks before our regular June meeting? Yeah. Okay. Can we do it the 20th? On a Wednesday. Megan the 20th.

What time are we talking? I didn't see anything on Wednesday. Okay. Wednesday, May 20th at 6 PM is our special B budget workshop meeting. Got it. Good. Thank you. All right. Um at this time, I need a motion to go into close session. Madame Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we go into close session to consult with attorney in accordance with NCGS section 143 to 18.11A3, city of Meban versus City of Graham, case number 25c007126-0000.

Do I have a second? And and add the other one too. Oh, and I'm sorry. and to discuss a personal issue in accordance with NCGS 143 to 318.11A6. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I for reading that, Jim. Thank you all for coming. Said the 20th, right? Sure.

I got too cold in here. All right, everybody sitting. Uh, I need a motion and a second to return to open session. Madam, mayor, make a motion. We are return from close session. Second. All in favor? I I. All oppose. Five vote. We've got some voters over here. Um All right. And a second. Second. All in favor?

I 50. Good night. Hawaii. 5. Um question is going to be what shirt is Jim going to be wearing