City Council - Regular Meeting

want to be good. You have opportunity. Good evening. I would like to call the Henderson City Council's regular scheduled meeting to order. Madame Clerk, call the role.

Present and Mr. Noel couldn't be here tonight. They're both not feeling well. Mr. Fiper here. Mr. here. Mr. Dy here, Miss Thor Cooper here, Walker here. We have a quorum. Uh, Miss Ol Cooper, would you please do the present invocation?

Oh, give thanks to the Lord for he is good. Our father and our God. It is in the name of Jesus that we gather to say thank you for this day. This opportunity together with other residents of this great city to discuss the affairs of the city tonight. We pray that everything will be done decently and in order and that you will get all the glory, honor, and all the praise that belongs to you. Let the words of all of our mouths and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, God, because you are our strength and our redeemer. It is in your name we pray. Amen. Amen.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Councilwoman Cooper. I would just like to welcome everyone to our Henderson City Council meeting. We are thankful and grateful that you all came out tonight and it's so cold out there, but we are one, we thank you for coming out. We thank you for participating in civic engagement. We thank you for just coming out and being a part of the city. Um um council, do we have an approval of the agenda? Oh, wait a minute. Can we welcome Mr. Dan Hartzoff Jr. to the city, please. If everybody could just welcome him. He's going to be our new city attorney. So, we thank you for being here, Mr. Hartsoff. We're grateful to have you.

You're welcome. I'm so sorry for missing that. Um, do we have an approval of the agenda? Yes. I make a motion that we approve the agenda. Second. We have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Tammy Walker and seconded by Council Member Michael Bendigle. Madam clerk. Yes. Okay. Do we have a consensus? Yes. Thank you.

All right. We'll be moving into our proclamations, which we have quite a few tonight. Um I'll read as fast as I can, but each one is very important. So, the first one we're going to start with is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Whereas Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and devastating neurologent agenda. I'm sorry. Oh, consent agenda. Oh, okay. We did the agenda itself. I'm sorry. Can we have an approval for the consent agenda? I make motion that we approve the consent agenda. Second.

We have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Walker and seconded by Councilwoman Champion. We have a consensus council. Mayor, can I just make one note um on the um uh there's a reappoint and an appointment. Um but I there's a Benny Finch that's in that's in the um appointment list. It's not on the it's not on the agenda. I just wanted to under which one? It is um appointments to the Henderson Vance Economic Development Commission and the Communitywide Advisory Board. They had been made um we had two people before the EDC. Yeah. They had they had to make one recommendation and they recommended Mr. Bernest.

Okay. Got it. Thank you, Mr. Madam Cler. Okay. Miss Champion. Yes. Miss Diper. Yes. Yes. Mr. Dy. Yes. Miss Cooper. Yes, Miss Walker. Yes.

And the motion has passed. We will move on to presentations and recognitions. Um, again, the first one is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Whereas Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and devastating neurological disorder that affects approximately 7 million Americans, robbing individuals of their memories, independence, and dignity, and placing an immense emotional and financial burden on families and caregivers. Whereas Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, and while there is currently no cure, early detection and access to support services can significantly improve quality of life for those affected. Whereas the month of November is nationally recognized as Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to honor those living with the disease, support the caregivers, and raise awareness about the importance of research, education, and compassionate care. We recognize the tireless efforts of health care professionals, researchers, advocates, and volunteers who work every day to advance treatment, provide support, and bring hope to families impacted by Alzheimer's. By increasing public understanding, we reduce stigma, promote early diagnosis, and foster a more supportive and inclusive community for all. I, Melissa Elliott, the mayor of the city of Henderson, now Carol, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 25th, November 2025 as Alzheimer's awareness month. We also have we would like to give honor to Councilwoman Walker as a veteran. Do we have any other veterans in the room? Please stand up. Can we just give you guys a thanks for your service? Everybody know Veterans Day is tomorrow. Um, National Veterans Day and Military Families Month proclamation. Councilwoman Walker, would you do me the honor?

Yes, ma'am.

Proclamation for National Veterans and Military Families Month. Whereas throughout our nation's history, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to serve with courage, honor, and unwavering dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy. And whereas behind every service member stands a family whose support, strength, and sacrifice are essential to the readiness and resilience of our military. And whereas November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to recognize and express our deepest gratitude to those who have worn the uniform of our country and to the families who stand beside them with love and unwavering commitment. And whereas veterans and military families continue to contribute to our communities in countless ways as leaders, volunteers, caregivers, and advocates, enriching the fabric of our society and their experience, values, and service. And whereas we affirm our commitment to ensuring that veterans and military families receive the care, support, and opportunities that they have earned through their service and sacrifice. And whereas it is our collective duty to honor their legacy, not only with words, but with actions that uphold their dignity, recognize and recognize their contributions. Now therefore, I, Melissa Elliott, mayor of the city of Henderson, North Carolina, do proclaim November 2025 as National Veterans and Military Families Month. And witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand, and cause to be affixed the great seal of the city of Henderson in the state of North Carolina this 10th day of November, 2025.

Walker. All right, the last one I have for tonight is Native American Heritage Month. Whereas the history and culture of Native Americans are deeply woven into the fabric of the United States and their contributions continue to enrich our communities, institutions, and national identity. Whereas November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the traditions, languages, and enduring spirit of ind indigenous communities and to acknowledge the profound impact they have had on the development of our nation. Whereas we recognize the sovereignty of tribal nations and the importance of preserving Native American cultures, histories, and languages for future generations. Whereas today, more than 130,000 North Carolinians identify as American Indian, living in all 100 counties and forming the the second largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi River. Whereas Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all citizens to learn more about the rich diversity of Native American cultures and to celebrate their resilience, achievements, and contributions past and present. Now therefore, I, Melissa Elliott, the mayor of the city of Henderson, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month. Thank you. Now, we will have a rec recognition by um Councilwoman Walker.

Yes. Thank you. And before I make this proclamation, may I just um extend my sincere um thanks and gratitude uh to the city of Henderson and the great residents of the city of Henderson and the great residents of Vance County on the passing of my mother mother. You proved to be a backbone of support and I am forever thankful. Welcome, Mr. Taylor Sproul [laughter] had no idea. I won't need a microphone. Had no idea.

I'll just read this. Taylor, these are some nice flowers. You think your wife will like those? Absolutely. [laughter]

Taylor, this is a certificate of recognition from the city of Henderson, the mayor's office. Whereas Gary Taylor Sproul now serves as city manager recently promoted from his role as assistant city manager. He has for over a decade he has over a decade of experience in municipal operations and public service demonstrating consistent leadership and dedication to the community's well-being. And whereas Pa has played a vital role in overseeing community development efforts, ensuring that programs, personnel, and resources are managed with excellence and care. And whereas since 2015, Pala has led with integrity and purpose, demonstrating unwavering dedication to public service. Through his leadership, he has fostered collaborations across departments, advanced community development initiatives, and consistently prioritized transparency, innovation, and the well-being of residents. And whereas Gary Pal remains a steady and compassionate presence in the community, always prioritizing public service and demonstrating unwavering commitment to those he served. Now therefore, I, Melissa Elliott, mayor of the city of Henderson, North Carolina, do hereby recognize Gary Taylor's role as an exceptional employee dedicated to strengthening and promoting inclusive growth. His leadership reflects integrity, vision, and deep commitment to the well-being of our residents. and witness whereof I here unto set my hand and cause to be affixed the great seal of the city of Henderson and the state of North Carolina this day have the days of November 2025 Mayor

Melissa Elliott and Tracy Kimbro city clerk with And you graduated Carolina, right? NC State. NC State. NC State. I'm NC State football fan. I was looking for Miss Carolina State. Got the whole tobacco road in here. Again, welcome Mr. Dan Hardsaw from the Hot Law Firm. Thank you, sir. Welcome to our great city. Thank you.

You're welcome. All right, we have one more presentation for the citizen spotlight. Can we have the Bulock family please come forward? Come on, Bulocks. Come on. I think I think Mr. Van will remember this family as well. Um, I met Mr. Van on a Sunday and this family was out about two weeks ago. Yes.

In the cold picking up trash. down Garnet Street to North to from Garnet from downtown area to the North Road area. And I asked them, I said, "Why are y'all doing this?" And mama right here, the mama. Um she told me that um she's doing it in honor of her son Lamar

who was uh tragically um taken away from them in a car accident. So, I just wanted to honor this family because it wasn't just her. It was the daughters, the sons, like everybody was on a different uh a different section of the block like all the way down just picking up trash and I thought that was so notable. So, Miss Bulock, we want to honor you, Mr. Venible, if you could take that around. And um your daughter told me you like to get your nails and hands done. So, um your nails and feet done. So, this is from me, not the city. This is my money. So, I want to make that clear. [laughter]

Make it clear. We want to say thank you. Can you get a photo of us?

Thank you so very much for picking up trash and trying to keep our city clean. Anyone who picks up trash is a friend of mine. been approved. If you have any signs, council walk. [laughter]

Okay, moving forward. We didn't have anyone to sign up on agenda items, so we will move on in our agenda. The next item for new business is CAB 2575, the submission of the Bure Bureau of Justice Assistant Bulletproof Vest Program FS fiscal year 25 grant. Mr. Manager,

thank you, Mayor Council. Our police department has an excellent track record of applying for these grants and successfully receiving them. And I'll ask the chief if he would to step up and uh provide a few words. Good evening. This is a grant that we apply for every year um that when accepted they will reimburse us half cost of the bulletproof vest grant. We also apply for a separate fund from the league municipalities that allows us to provide bulletproof vest for our officers and not just any bulletproof vest but we go with the top of the line because we do get such a reimbursement for so um we we've always applied for it and we've always gotten so I don't expect any

questions council motion I make a motion that we accept [clears throat] 527 we have a motion Appl by council member Venibal and seconded by councilwoman Champion. Madame clerk, Mr. Ciphert, yes. Mr. Denal, yes. Mr. Dy, yes. Mr. Dork Cooper, yes. Miss Walker, yes. Miss Champion, yes.

And the motion has passed. Moving forward to CF 2577, North Carolina Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety Call for Projects. Mr. Manager. Mayor, this is a fairly recent uh opportunity that's come to our attention to the car council of government. As you know, they have a very close relationship with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. And this particular opportunity was funded to provide for pedestrian uh walkways and equipment that type of thing across uh highways that have high fairly high traffic counts and are have heightened exposure for pedestrian and injury. Uh it has come to our attention that the Mariah Param Health Center uh felt that there was an intersection uh along I believe it's Ross Collins Road. Is that right?

Charles Rollins.

Charles Rollins, thank you. Road and where it intersects Ruin Creek. That was a uh an impediment to pedestrian seeking services at the hospital. So we've we've categorized that one as well as another one at NC39 where the lower tower is located on Andrews Avenue. Uh the one at Andrews Avenue we think is going to score a little higher than the one on Ruing Creek. However, both probably stand a reasonable chance of success. The money pool is only about $4 million. So the competition is going to be high. But we would ask that you approve our submission of the plan and u we think that we're going to be able to do this without any cost.

That's a good question. Do you have an idea what these individually cost? No sir, I don't because it's going to be in part up to NC do what they decide is appropriate for the situation. I thought it was both so needed. If we only got funding one, maybe we look at city itself funding the other, but we'll leave that at some point. see what had happened. Period. Council Walker.

Yes. Pala, are they taking any more considerations for locations? Um, are they considering any more locations? Cuz I was thinking also um it had been brought to my attention um Andrews Avenue 39 the store that's a BP and then there's um housing across the street from that. Um what's the name of that? um Anderson Heights right there where people run and forth across the street um to the store and um that's the only place where I see where it's a store and in a large population of residents right now.

If uh if I may get a a specific address and I could probably work with staff to find it, but uh we'll see if we could put in a third. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. So, how would you like to proceed? Yes. Anybody? I I make a motion that we uh approve um the North Carolina Department of Transportation's pedestrian safety call for projects. Second. We have a motion on the floor by Councilwoman Walker and I believe Councilwoman Cooper seconded it. Um Madame Clerk, yes. Yes. [clears throat] Miss Cooper, yes. Miss Walford, yes. Champion, yes. Mr. Cipher,

yes. And the motion has passed. Moving forward to CF 2578, accepting North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, NCDEQ State Reserve Program Grant funding project numbers MRF W0066 and MRFD0065. Mr. financial mayor. This particular opportunity has some background to it and I think I'll ask our uh assistant city manager if she'll come up first to address it then I may have some additional comments. The water

good evening council. Good evening. Um these two grant opportunities here were put in um a while back and we have been offered those two grants by the state. Bringing this to y'all for y'all's approval for us to sign to accept these two grants. Um one is dealing with wastewater. Mhm.

Um we were approached by um Oxford um to take a look at regionalization um regionalization concept in some areas to that. And then the other one is in reference to regional water system um the regionalization partnership we'd have down there. Um taking a look at that to see if there's something more efficient or effective we can do with that. Council, I'm going to reduce cap 2578. Thank we have a motion on the Did you have a question, Mrs. H? I don't I don't think so.

Okay. We have a motion on the floor by council member mayor prom Jary Dy and seconded by Michael Council member Venable. Madam clerk, Mr. Dy, yes. Miss Dort Cooper, yes. Swford, yes. Miss Champions, yes. Yes. Yes. And the motion has passed. Moving on to calf 2579, leasing city property located at 2434 Old Mana Road, Vance County Tax Office, PIN 007430002. Mr. Taylor,

thank you, Mayor. This particular property during uh Will Blackman's tenure came up as a request to be purchased by the land owner adjacent to it to the south. It was determined that the property needed to be retained by the city because of its u importance to the southeast highspeed rail and the overpass at main street that is slated for that particular service once it's built and the atgrade intersections are closed. At the time of that discussion, the uh it was felt that property could be leased to that individual or to the business that was going to be dependent on this for it to meet its parking requirements. Found that that lease was not perfected. And so we're asking the council to allow us to uh negotiate with the individual who have relied on that past opportunity. Uh and we're thinking that because of the statutes that govern the leasing of property, our city clerk was vigilant and found that it would be problematic for us to lease the property for an indeterminate period over a long period of time. So what we're asking for you to consider is the substitute resolution that I believe has been placed at your uh station. And this would be designating the that particular parcel for public parking and we would in turn work with the individual who has expressed interest in this area for parking to uh uh complete the construction of that parking lot and to maintain it. I'd be happy to try this question.

My question would be and I assume that's what to be determined is the term of the lease. Yes sir. Uh I think the the way we would count it is that it would be it would renew year to year and uh it would not actually be the lease. This would be a public parking lot and so his clientele or others who may be passing by could drive into the parking lot and and leave. But again, we would be looking for the individual to keep it maintained.

Just clarify on the long running lease. NC statute 168272 prohibits the city from having a extended lease longer than 10 years, which would include a year-long lease with year-to-year renewals if it could potentially be in excess of 10 years. So, since we don't know exactly how long we're going to be leasing that or letting them use that property, a lease would probably be the incorrect vehicle to do it. So, this is a an alternate solution. Thank you. Council, how would you like to proceed? I make a motion that we accept Cap 2579. Second.

Have a motion on the floor by Council Member Venable and seconded by Councilwoman Walker. clerk. Mr. Cooper, yes. Walker, yes. Champion, yes. Mr. Clifford, yes. Yes. Mr. Dy, yes. And motion has passed. I'm moving forward to public comment period on non-aggenda items. We have two people that signed up. Uh, Michelle and Newman, if you will come to the podium, give your name, address, and you have three minutes to address the council and welcome. [clears throat] I'm sorry. [laughter]

Is Sheila Newman and I live on Rock Mill Road in Henderson, North Carolina. I was here January the 9th of 2023 speaking to the city council about a racetrack that got permission by this council to apply for reszoning to have the track. This is adjoining our property and from and we are having problems because of this. I asked for guidance on how to stop it and at the first meeting and I didn't hear anything. Didn't know what to do. So I just laid back and kicked me along. And here I am 2 and 1/2 years later, November 10th, 2025, asking that someone please hear me because this track, I don't know if they're licensed or what, but um they're operating, they're charging, entry fees, there's alcohol possession, uh and many other things that are going on on this property, right? that adjoins my property and I'm asking if you would consider reversing your decision on allowing them this track. But they're doing this already without a permit. And I have tried to talk to people and actually I wouldn't be here tonight if I had received a phone call from a certain person. I won't call the names. uh if they had called me today before this meeting, I was going to wait it out.

But I'm afraid it's a no here again. And so I'm here and I'm sort of confused because I didn't have a few minutes to write. Um, my property runs where the sewer line I don't know if everyone knows where the sewer line runs, but it adjourns that. In fact, my family owned the farm when the city condemned the land to put the sewer line, which I didn't like that, but I couldn't help it. And it's been in our family for 80 years. Over 80 years really, cuz I'm 73 and dad had it before me. So, uh, it's important to me and and and my neighbors. Um, these are the things that my husband and I have done since the meeting I had with y'all last. We've painted the trees purple the to keep them out. I think that's like posted. We've had um people to come and cut trees on our property down. We put up a camera and the SIMS cards was taken out of the cameras. Um, we also have had signs put up on our properties posted on our trees getting to the racetrack from U Rock Road and um, Garrett Road. the pro the property that's concerning is off of Highway 39, which my road is Mill and the next road over is Highway 39. So those signs we had to take down that they had put on our property showing people how to get to the racetrack and we didn't even want that and had it posted and everything. So, but and two, we have over 50 people uh we did a a thing for people to sign saying they didn't want it in the community. So, we

have I have that at home where people have signed and why they didn't want it. Um, and we're we're asking the city council if you could reverse your decision for this track. Let me see how I wrote this. you could reverse your decision for this track, not allowing racing in the city or the ETJ because of illegal activities in our community that stem from a prior owner who um is kin to the present owner and it the land has been switched out of a name for certain criminal activity. which I got from the tax office showing when the land is switched over and what years they were switched and why. So the I think the county tax records and public criminal records might would prove this but the land was put in in these people's names of I think who owned it to start with. But anyway, I'm just asking if you would consider I don't know where else to go because I think I've hit the right people, but they were supposed to call me back today and let us know what was going on. And I said, I you know, if I wait another month, then it might get worse or you may give them the opportunity to start the taste track. And I just don't think it's the thing to do. My house is about 1,000 ft through the woods and you can you should hear the noise from all that going on. And then with illegal activities, drinking and they're not properly have fences and they they're just not they don't have a permit. So I'm just letting you know and I'd like help on this if I could get it.

Thank you, Miss Newman. Um our city manager will be in touch with you. Ma'am, the city manager, Mr. Scroll. Oh, yes, sir. If I may absolutely comment. Uh, we'll have to to check on the background, but I believe this particular location is outside of our ETJ. I don't believe that our our council made any approval for that particular use. Uh we'll check on that and get back to you. But uh this probably would be something you would need to take up with the county with the county. I think he has he can't hear good. So

who um he's saying it's out of the ETJ? We'll check on that to be sure, but that that would be my collection. I did make Okay. Thank you, Miss Newman. Um, we have second on our list, Miss Mary Susan Williams. Please come to the podium. State your name, address, and you have three minutes to address the council.

Good evening. My name is Susan Williams. I live at 109 West Lake Drive here in the city limits of Henderson. And um, first of all, I want to thank all of you who ran for a seat on our city council. Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to those of you who dedicated your time and energy into help making our city a great city to live in. On another note, it was great to see so much participation in the food giveaway last week. Thank you to all of those who've had a hand in this large food distribution. And also thank you to the several agencies and businesses who brought the outdoor music of Jim Quick and the Coastline band to Henderson last Friday night. people and agencies working together to bring good thanks to our city. It's great to see. Um, and as the year comes to an end, I want to take this time to encourage our city council to begin thinking about our tax situation here. There have been lots of unforeseen and unbudgeted items, and I do think there needs to be a lot of effort put in on how to compensate for this without burden burdening the taxpaying citizens of the city. This year has been hard on people, especially those on fixed incomes. So, I just ask that we start doing mental preparation to try and keep things in line to help those who need it, especially in this um what our country is going through now. And also, we need transparency as we close out this year and head into 2026. While our meetings are so much calmer now than they have been, the fact remains that during these public meetings, things were brought up that made the council initiate investigations. It's important to the public to be notified of the results of these investigations because we were made aware of these allegations during public meetings. Therefore, we should have a right to know the outcomes. Doesn't matter whether we agree with outcomes or not. The details need to be

shared with the public so that we can put it behind us. I'm sure most people know that if the truth is not put out for everybody, people spread disinformation without knowing the true facts. Transparency is important, especially when it concerns our tax dollars and how they're being spent during these tight budget times. Thank you. Thank you so much, Miss Williams. We have reports next. Um, I'm going to go last because I got a lot. So, um, Mayor Proen, would you like to go first? I really don't have anything major reporting.

Okay. Excuse me. Mr. J, you said that you was going to talk the la with the last meeting. You said you was going to talk about those visits that you did during the time you were campaigning. And I've been working on that and you'll be seeing that shortly. Because you said you going to bring it in the next meeting. That's why I asked about it. Mr. Spru.

Thank you, ma'am. A few things. I'd like to uh let the council know that staff is considering uh a renovation inside city hall. The reason being is that our water collections department has uh a new member and they're also finding that space in that particular section of the department is uh handicapped. And what we'd like to do is to add about 30 feet roughly linear feet of partition wall and move around uh roughly four doorways. That would uh probably require one or more HVAC ducts to be altered slightly as well as maybe an electrical switch. My point being is that this would not be terribly expensive. We think we can do it probably for roughly $20,000. And it has the added advantage of segregating the water services department completely from the finance department which would provide we think uh some privacy that uh would be to just to give you that update and there'll be uh the resolution coming to you along with the appropriate transfer of fund request. We uh I'd like to ask Hendrick Ban if he would come up and give you a quick report on America 250. This is the you may know that next year is our 250th uh anniversary of [clears throat] of the founding of United States and uh Hendrick has been working with the county and their planning committee. They have just met for the first time. So it should be interesting. Thank you. Yes, I had the privilege of working um

of attending a meeting at the um count county last Thursday. Miss the vice chair is here. So here she's here and um

oh man, Henderson has a lot of history. Um what came out the meeting, this great meeting was uh they had five members part of Mans County School. Um Mr. Uh Tim Hall, you know Tim Blackburn is great in this area as well. Miss Barbara Harrison is his chair. Humley from the library is a part of this as well. And Jerry is from Mount Vance Ground. Um myself and Miss Katie Harris, we have events in the community that we going to try to cater our events to support this um event. Um I spoke with um Chrissy as well as public works um about the banners. Make sure we appropriate banners so they won't have a lack and not having to create banners when they put them up with count. But I think going to be very good because we are planning starting January on out. We're a year behind behind. Correct.

Yes. But we are working on it because I sent an email out last week about what's working together on how we can get events to make sure this event um get carried out to July 4th. So myself as well as Patty um and school system vans grandma are gonna cater events around this time to u make sure this happen appropriately questions council. Okay thank you Kendrick.

Thank you. And the last thing I have mayor is that um the narcan dispensers uh there were eight of those I believe that were set up for distribution. Four of them were or have been distributed for the city. I believe three of our four departments have already installed them. That's at the city hall which is out here in the lobby. Uh we also have one at the police department and I believe it's at another at fire station number one. Uh ACOK was the fourth one that will be installed shortly. Uh there are also some commercial units and I believe one of those has been deployed advanced recovery 932 West Andrews Avenue and perhaps we will have announcements coming soon for the next

Absolutely. We do we are going to work out aou with axe because they want one um but because of the daily feedings and the population they serve I think it'll be a perfect space.

Thank you mayor. That's all I have. All right, let's see. I got a long list here. So, today me and Councilwoman Walker met up at the job core and we inducted the students into the SGAA. So, that was really wonderful. The students were super happy. Councilwoman Walker does what she does and she played a song that everybody could relate to and they started popping and dancing. So, it was a great meeting there. Um, this Saturday, thank you Kendrick. Thank you, Tracy Madigan and everyone that had their hands in the opioid homeless and hunger awareness downtown. Um, Mass Recovery was there. Uh, the Morris Clinic. Um, they came and they talked about what they do in the community as it relates to uh, uh, MAT. Uh, they talked about the Norcans. Uh, there were 54 Norcans distributed to community members. Um, several intakes done by BA. We had several homeless people there. Um Tracy Madakin served pizza to all of the community members. Uh and it was a really really great event. I think we had traffic of maybe between 75 and 90 people come through. So I thought that was great. Um I also want to hit on the Jimmy Quick fan. I agree with Miss Williams. Uh we had a great crowd out there that night. Um Jimmy Quick and the Coastline. I want to give thanks to both Tracy's Tracy Madigan and Tracy Mosley for putting that together. I think I saw about 200 people out there when I was there. nice crowd, music, um fun downtown. I saw council member Ciphford there with his wife. And so it was a great great event. Uh I went downtown for the trick-or-treating. Thank you again, Tracy Madigan. I gave out candy. It was a beautiful event for families and children. And I want to say thank you to uh Dr. Alice Allins as well. Um on October 25th, I talked about the Bulock

family. So I'll skip over that. I visited Divine Inclusions, a new uh service provider on Dabney Drive. Uh they have a a program where they service uh DD clients. They also have a day treatment program. They do life skills and several other things. That was the same day that I went to the state of the region address. And I know Councilwoman Walker was there, Mr. Pal, um Mr. deciphered um and some department heads Jamie Ditmire and somebody else

Madigan Tracy Madigan that's right so yeah they were all at that was a wonderful opportunity Dr. Walden um talked about economic development. He talked about growth in our community. That's inevitable and that we need to prepare for it because everything coming back out of Raleigh is coming this way. So, we need to think about how we're going to prepare for growth. Um he said we needed to focus on different areas. The remote work community, a lot of people work from home now and that's not going to go away. and he told us that we really need to look at that. Look at our broadband. Make sure that we're plugged in with the digital divide with Governor um Stein and things like that. It was great. Um what else? Uh that was another event at the job core. I did the know your rights campaign. Thank you, um Kendrick. They kind of put me out there. Antonio and Rebecca were great. I was interviewed by the recreation department. That was something that was shared on social media. Then we had the league dedication which was amazing. I think I saw all council members there. I know council member Walker. I saw Reverend Ola with the basketball at the gold, Mr. Dy, Mr. Ciphford. Um all at the uh rededication. Uh so thank you to all. I believe Mr. Noel was there as well. Um and I wanted to thank Kendrick and the city staff that helped with that effort along with Mr. Turn. It was beautiful. Very beautiful. Um, I did a proclamation for the kit job core reopening with Joan Robinson. Uh, just want to say thank you to Councilwoman Gerald Dean Champion for going to the breast cancer awareness speaking on behalf of the city. I was actually taking a motorcycle class that day. Very fun. Um, if anybody wants to take it, it's offered at Vance Bramble. Um, and it's a very fun class. Uh, let's see. I think that's all of that. Now, I agree with you, Miss Williams. So, I'm

going to read this letter, and this letter will go to [clears throat] the paper and anyone else that wants to read it. This is to the council members from the mayor. Dear members of the council, I want to formally acknowledge receipt of the investigative report conducted by the attorney fraud law firm which was commissioned to review allegations made by various individuals concerning my role as mayor of Henderson. I have fully cooperated with the investigation and supported a transparent process from the outset as I believe deeply in accountability and ethical governance. After a careful review of the findings, it is clear that there is no criminal conduct, no ethical violations, and no substantiated wrongdoing found. The report instead reflects on a collection of unverified statements, opinions, and hearsay, primarily originating from individuals with differing political or personal perspectives. Such narratives, while concerning, do not constitute uh credible evidence. It is important to underscore that no legal or policy breach was identified. I have always upheld the highest standard of public service and work diligently to improve our city's operations, community programs, and partnerships. I will continue to do so with transparency, fairness, and the best interest of our residents at heart. I recognize that leadership can invite scrutiny, lots of scrutiny in my case, and I welcome any process that strengthens trust between our government and the citizens we serve. However, it is equally vital that future actions and reports be guided by facts rather than conjecture. Henderson's residents deserve governance based on integrity and truth, not unfounded allegations. In my closing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve all citizens of Henderson with

honesty, humility, and dedication. I look [clears throat] forward to continuing work collaboratively with the council to advance our shared mission of building a stronger, safer, and more unified community. Respectfully, Mayor Melissa Elliott. And I would also like to leave you with the words of my ancestors. My father is Jewish and the word is takum elom. And that means to repair the world and that's what I do. It's in my DNA and it's a part of who I am. So that's all I have to say. Thank you very much. Do we have a motion to ajourn? I do have May I say one last thing? Absolutely.

If I may just add two um paragraphs [clears throat] to that from the Brawl Firm. as everyone knows that I was um very adamant about terminating um our contract with them as the delays spurred on and spurred on and I just heard our tax dollars being spent. So these are two paragraphs from the Brawl Law Firm. We sincerely apologize for the delay in producing the report and have discussed the matter with the attorney. We agree that the report should have been provided to you already as work on the investigation has been completed. The attorney's final report will be given to you by 11625. The city will not be charged for the investigation and the report. Also, we will provide the city a full refund of the fees charged to date for the investigation and report. The attached client ledger shows that the city has been build a total of $5,828. The city has paid us $5,28. All of which will be refunded to you. The remaining $620 will be written off. That is the final and financial situation with the broad law firm. Now, any other correspondence that's requested, um, I will let that come in. I cannot speak on that, but I'm glad that portion is behind us.

Thank you, Councilwoman Walker. Do we have a motion to adjourn? Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Hardsaw. Forward. [laughter] It's my first day. It's good to be here. I look forward to work. Thank you so much. Thank you, sir. Do we have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjourn by council member champion, seconded by council member vendor. Have a wonderful night and happy Thanksgiving everybody.