City Council - Regular Meeting

Well, good evening. How's everyone? How's everyone?

Good. I love to see smiles. I hope everybody has had a wonderful day. Um, I'm going to now call our meeting to order. And our first order of business, would you please stand for our invocation and pledge of allegiance? Thank you. Let us pray. Uh, gracious God, we thank you for this day. God, we thank you for uh this amazing weather we had today. Father God, we thank you for all those who assembled tonight for our meeting. Father God, uh, Father God, we ask that you continue to bless all of our town staff, our public safety, everybody, uh, all the list of people who work hard each and every day for the town of Ever God. Now, we ask you to pray for our leaders as we go into this meeting and discuss matters that are uh, all about this town, Father God. We do that everything we do is pleasing your sight. Everything we do is in decent order, Father God, through this meeting, Father God. Father God, continue to bless each and every one of us. We thank you for all those who are able to come out today and all those who are online who are watching this meeting, Father God. Father God, continue to bless us each and every day as we continue to go and live a life pleasing in your sight. In your precious name, amen.

Amen. Thank you. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I

pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. I'd like to thank Commissioner Haynes for our invocation and Commissioner Adcock for our pledge. Our next item of business is the approval of the minutes for the April 7th, 2026 Town Board of Commissioners regular schedule meeting. Um, do I hear a motion to approve those minutes? So move second.

Now we will have our meeting protocol. At this time I will ask town manager Adam Mitchell to review the meeting protocol for public participation as it relates to this meeting. Town man.

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

thank you town manager Mitchell. Thank you so much. Our next item is item 4A, a proclamation Arbor Day Tree City USA designation. More information for about this agenda item will be presented by yours truly as well as assistant director of parks, grounds, and public buildings, Chris Nuome. Good evening, mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the board. How are you guys today? Doing wonderful. Good. I have come to give you a little update. This is the third year that we've received this award for Arbor Day. And

as part of this, we have some things that we have to do. And part of that is that the mayor has to read a proclamation for us. And then the other thing that we have to do is so this Friday at 2:30 we're going to go to Lincoln Heights Elementary School and we're going to work with the school and we're going to plant a tree there this year. And every year we have to plant a tree as part of the Arbor Day um h how we get Tree City USA. This is part of the process, one of the standards we have to meet. But as part of that we have been working with Lincoln Heights Elementary for a couple years now. I think about two or three. and we meet with this the school group every quarter at Carol Howard Environmental Education Park and we go over the importance of trail safety, but we also while we're there, we talk about plants, trees, wildlife, and that kind of stuff. And another part of this is that we just I just got reached out by um someone at the Wake County School at the main office, and they're now wanting to expand the program and use more of our parks for environmental education.

Great. That's great. And so I have Corey here with the um North Carolina Forest Service and he's going to read a few things for us.

Good evening. I'm Corey Wake County Ranger, North Carolina Forest Service. On behalf of the National Arbor Day Foundation and the North Carolina Forest Service, I am honored to recognize the town of Fugquway Verina for achieving its third Tree City USA award. Fuwayina is one of 75 cities and towns in North Carolina and one of over 3,600 in the nation to receive this recognition. The Tree City USA program is a partnership between the North Carolina Forest Service and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Awards are presented annually to cities and towns that demonstrate a commitment to making their communities more livable by planting and caring for trees. To receive this recognition, Fugquway Verina must have a public tree ordinance, a tree board and/or city department responsible for tree care and management, a community forestry program that meets annual funding requirements, and an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation that celebrates the benefits of trees. The community forestry program in Fugquway Verina thrives because of the combined dedication of city staff, elected officials, homeowners, the business community, and all residents who take pride in improving the quality of life in Fugquway Verina through environmental stewardship. I am proud to present the town of Fuway Verina with your third Tree City USA award. Did you know the first Arbor Day took place way back in 1872? It is estimated that more than a million trees were planted in Nebraska that day. After moving from Detroit to the Nebraska territory, the organizer and journalist Jay Sterling Morton championed enthusiasm for trees and planting trees. The culmination of his efforts happened in 1885. Arbor Day was named a legal holiday in Nebraska and it was April 22nd, Morton's birthday that was selected as the date for its permanent observance. Arbor Day

is now celebrated worldwide. And here in North Carolina, that day is the first Friday following March 15th each year as ratified in a bill by the state legislature in 1967. And it states in part, "Whereas it is desirable that the planting of seedlings and flowering shrubs be encouraged to promote the beautifification and conservation of the vast and varied resources of North Carolina. And whereas the designation of a particular day each year as Arbor Day would encourage and draw attention to a concerted effort by North Carolinians to beautify and conserve the state's resources by planting young trees and shrubs. Since then, people have gathered each year to celebrate Arbor Day as we have here today, reaffirming our commitment to protect, care for, and promote the value trees provide for people and our communities. Now, I ask Mayor Harris to join me for the reading of the Arbor Day proclamation and ask you to join us in honoring the many gifts that trees offer as we commemorate North Carolina Arbor Day with this celebration and tree planting.

Thank you. Now I'll read the proclamation. Yes, sir.

Whereas in 1872, J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska proposed Arbor Day, a day to recognize the importance of planting and preserving trees, an initiative now celebrated across the United States, including North Carolina since 1967. And whereas trees are essential to our environment, providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. And whereas trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and reducing the urban heat island effect. And whereas trees enhance property values, bolster economic vitality in our business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas preserving our our town's character and quality of life are core values guiding the town of Fugquway Verina strategic plan. And whereas Fugquway Verina proudly maintains Tree City USA status from the Arbor Day Foundation, demonstrating our commitment to planting, caring for, and celebrating trees. Now therefore, I, William H. Harris, mayor of the town of Fugquway Arena, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in Fugquaver Arena and call upon all citizens to celebrate and participate in this important observance sign William H. Harris, Mayor. Thank you so much. Appreciate it so much.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. You know, I was talking to someone who was from Brooklyn, New York, uh yesterday, earlier this week, and one of the things that they noticed about our area were the trees. Because when you go in your major cities, you don't have a lot of natural trees growing, tall trees. I mean, some of them are brought in for aesthetic reasons, but the trees that we have here, they help beautify our community. And this is what makes us so unique. when you look at the the trees that have just naturally grown all over Fugquway Arena and it's just such a a special special uh blessing for us to be able to have this kind of environment here in Fugquway Verina, North Carolina as well with all of this greenery and beauty. Now we'll move to item 4B, recognition, fire department new hires a badge pinning. More information about this agenda item will be presented by fire chief Jones. Hello.

Good evening, mayor, commissioners, managers. Um,

uh, you guys can turn around. Turn around. Yeah. Um, everyone, thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity tonight to officially introduce six new members of our fire department family. I have asked Division Chief Justin Rivastol to join me tonight as we recognize our new firefighters. Tonight, we will formally welcome aboard six new firefighters as they receive their firefighter badges, symbolizing their understanding and commitment to the culture of excellence we have established. and expect within the fire department and the town of Fuqua Verina. And the symphony you just heard was not planned. Uh because of the success we experienced in 2022, the the hiring of noncertified recruits, then providing a pathway for them to achieve the necessary certifications. We decided to follow that same model to fill these three new positions for fire station 4 staffing approved in the FY26 budget. Aaron Chalkley, Gavin Concincaid, and Colin Worley were hired on August 4th, 2025 and assigned to the Central Carolina Community College Fire Academy in Sanford. After 26 weeks of intensive physical and mental training, they graduated in February of 2026 as North Carolina certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians. During that same 26-week period, we faced three firefighter vacancies. Our staff set out to find three quality personnel to join our family. After another extensive search to find the best candidates, three more recruits

were hired. Two of these candidates, Adam Gruden and Genevie Hernandez, were in the same academy as our other recruits and also graduated in February of 2026 as North Carolina certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The final recruit, Carter Sams, joined us as a certified firefighter and EMT from the City of Sanford Fire Department. So, tonight, each one of our new recruits has chosen a special person or persons to pin their new badge, officially recognizing them as firefighters with the town of Fuway Arena Fire Department. After all are pinned, Division Chief Justin Rivasto will administer the fire department oath of service, a solemn promise to put the safety of others above their own and faithfully serve and protect this community. So, let's get started. First up tonight, firefighter Aaron Chocolley. So, Firefighter Chocolate will be pinned by his wife Deanna and son Dustin. Aaron is originally from Johnston County, graduated from South Johnston High School, and still calls Four Oaks home. Aaron performed exceptionally well at the fire academy and won the prestigious Dunn Award for leadership and character. Aaron is a motivated and determined firefighter focused on doing his best on every call. He has a bright future with our department and his fire is just getting started. Congratulations. Next up, firefighter Gavin Concaid.

Firefighter Concaid will be pinned by his wife, Kaylee. Gavin graduated from Holly Springs High School, still calls the area home, and enjoys long-d distanceance running as a hobby. Gavin performed exceptionally well at the fire academy also, and won the physical training excellence award for determination and leadership. Gavin is passionate, motivated, and already proven he can handle the heat. Uh we are extremely excited about his future. Congratulations, Gavin. Next up, Colin Warley. Firefighter Warley will be pinned by his mother, Jenny Edwards. Colin is also a Johnston County native and graduated from Princeton High School in 2024. Prior to attending the academy, Colin served and still serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Brogden Rural Fire Department in Johnston County. Colin has consistently shown a strong desire to be a firefighter in Fugqua Arena, and we look forward to watching him climb the ladder of his fire service career with our department. Congratulations. Next up, firefighter Adam Gruden. Firefighter Gruden will be pinned by his mother, Kim, and father, Steve. Adam is also a graduate of Holly Springs High School and calls Fugquway Arena home. Adam gravitated to our three recruits in the academy and was often seen at the fire station studying with them. always respectful and confident that he would be a Fugquway Marina firefighter one day, and he did it. Adam has proven to be a go-getter and a

selfless public servant, and we cannot wait to see the trail he blazes in the future. Congratulations, firefighter Genevie Hernandez. Firefighter Hernandez will be pinned by a close family friend, Poliola, tonight. Genevie is a Lee County native still residing in Sanford and a 2025 graduate of Southern Lee High School. Prior to attending the fire academy, Genevie served and still serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Pocket Rural Fire Department in Lee County. Genevie has proven to be team oriented, hardworking, and someone with a burning passion to serve. We know she has only scratched the surface of her fire service future. Congratulations. And last but not least, firefighter Carter Sams. Firefighter Sams will be pinned by his fiance Allison, who is a firefighter with the Holly Springs Fire Department. Carter is a Hornet County native and is a 2023 graduate of Western Hornet High School. Carter is also a 2025 graduate of the Central Carolina Fire Academy and has been a career firefighter with the Sanford Fire Department since his graduation. Carter has a passion to serve this community that that cannot be extinguished. He is respectful, confident, and has a great future ahead of him. Congratulations, Carter. So, just a final word before we turn it over to the oath. Congratulations to each one of you. Uh we are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and excited about your future with the

department. and I am blessed and honored to be your fire chief. For the final step tonight, Division Chief Justin Reverstall will administer the fire department oath of service where each of our new recruits will pledge to faithfully honor the badge and serve our community. Chief Restall, I'll turn it over to you. All right. You ready? All right. Repeat after me. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I state your name.

Do solemnly swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. and all the laws governing the state of North Carolina and the town of Fuway Verina. I will never allow personal feelings nor danger to self. Deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter. I recognize the badge as a symbol of public faith and trust and I accept this great responsibility. I will honor the values and ethics of the badge represents and hold my fellow firefighters to those same standards. I will respect myself, the fire department, and the town of Fuway Arena with honesty and integrity with honesty and integrity.

This I pledge. So help me God.

Congratulations, Get a picture. Thank you. Thank you all so

congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank you. Congratulations, sir. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Great job. Congratulations.

Congratulations. Okay, at this time we'll move on to public the public comment period. The town clerk will call on individuals that are in attendance and have register registered to address the town board prior to the meeting. The public comment period is a time for the public to address the town board about any matter that is not the subject of a scheduled public hearing. Those speaking are asked to begin by clearly stating your name and address for the public. Please limit your comments to three minutes in order that all who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. Town clerk Wilder, do we have anyone signed up for public comments?

Yes. Okay.

And Mina Chick. Good evening, mayor and board chief. Um, my name is Jennifer Munchek. I live at 831 Long Lake Drive. Um, I'm in the Culdeac near Willis Spring High School and I'm speaking to you tonight um on behalf of my neighbors, the residents that live closest to the high school. We want to thank you for the recent police presence. Um that has they've been out daily. Uh we have seen a bit of a difference, but the problem does uh still persist. And so we ask that you continue your efforts and communicating with Wake County Public Schools, um the neighborhood and the town to resolve this problem. Thank you.

Thank you very much. We appreciate you being here and appreciate your comments. Thank you so much. Do we have anyone help? Yes, one more. Okay, thank you. Rochaw.

Good evening. I'm Beth Rosho. I live at 350 Lake Lorway. Would you repeat your name again? Beth Rosho. Okay. Thank you.

R O C H O W. I live at 350 Lake Lurayway, North Lakes. So, I'm here tonight to request some more details of the proposed ordinance that's being adopted to our neighborhood. While none of us approve of the high school students parking in our neighborhood and doing any illegal acts, we need to collectively come up with a resolution that works for the majority. I personally request that we start in smaller areas that are affected on the daily versus going throughout the whole North Lakes. If that cannot be done, then it should not just be North Lakes. It should be South Lakes, North Lakes, North Lakes at South Lakes and the brand new subdivision that's being developed across the street off KBEC um from the high school having a neighborhood meeting speaking to all the neighbors as most of us could not be here tonight since we just learned of this agenda today on our Facebook page. Questions that I have are are the police running plates before ticketing? I understand that ticketings have started this week um to some residents who've had family come visit, which is kind of unfair. Somehow we've got to distinguish high school kids parking versus our family and guests coming to our house, contractors, so forth. There is talk about signs being posted to mimic Holly Springs neighborhoods. Can the signs say no high school parking during school hours versus no parking for anyone? having family and guests who park on the street that are not a hindrance to their neighbors and they should not be punished or ticketed and that's not fair to us who pay to live there and pay our HOA dues. Is it possible to have offduty officers patrol during the school hours of 6:30 to 7:30 when they're collectively coming into the neighborhoods and then again in the afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 to deter and to ticket to tow as necessary. um

what the school what is the school doing to help with any resolution for the students driving during the school days. Um why can't they the ones that can't get parking passes? Why are they not mandatory take a bus? Back in my day, that's what you did. If you couldn't walk, you took a bus. Parents dropped you off. We didn't park in other people's neighborhoods. We are thankful that the turnaround issue got resolved last November thanks to Blake Masingill, the team, the town, the school for their assistance in opening up that left turn lane. So, I am quite confident that y'all can work on a resolution that's fair to all the neighbors at South Lakes, North Lakes, North Lakes, at South Lakes, and the new subdivision being constructed. I hope that this evening is not the set in stone to adopt this ordinance without having further comments. I know a lot of neighbors literally found out about this a couple hours ago. Um, is there a better way to get it out and noticed to all the neighbors so that we can all collectively have a say?

Thank you. Thank you very much. Does anyone else No, that's it. No one else.

Okay. I think at our last meeting we talked about a resolution to this problem uh that has had a significant impact on the community and we're still in the process of seeking a resolution. One of the things that has happened in when you when you attempt to solve a problem as complex as as this issue is you do take feedback from the public and you do present options and we are certainly working on options to solve this problem. Uh there has been no definite decision made. Uh there will be no ordinance has been approved. that information that you received on social media may may not be fully accurate. And a part of the response that you may get from some of your neighbors who read that material is that we have made a decision and we're going to go in one particular direction. Uh that is not the way this board operates. That's that's not the way local government operates. We solicit your feedback. We want this to be a win-win situation and I can assure you that as we go along with this process to seek information uh that we will keep everyone informed and we will make this decision that is we feel is the best solution and that is fair for everyone involved. So thank you for your comments and that would be my response to to what you just presented to us as a board. Thank you. Any other comments before we proceed on? Great. Items tabled from previous meetings. There are no items tabled from the

previous meetings for the April 21st, 2026 town board meeting. Public hearings. Public hearings are a time for the petitioner to present his or her request and for the public to give input and voice their favor or opposition to the request. If you wish to speak and are physically in attendance, please step forward to the podium one at a time. Provide your name and address on the registration log at the podium and clearly state your name and address for the public record. We all we ask all those addressing the town board to please limit your comments to three minutes in order that all who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. The first item on the public hearing uh agenda is a voluntary annexation petition Phelps West Farms LLC 1210 Phelps West Road ANX 20262. More information about this agenda item will be presented by planning director Davidson. Hello.

Thank you. Hello. I'm submitting the agenda abstract and supporting documents into the official records of the town. The purpose of this agenda item is to consider approving an annexation ordinance extending the corporate limits of the town of Fuguway Verina following receipt of a petition for voluntary annexation of property located at 1210 Phelps West Road owned by Phelps West Farms LLC. The 8.39 acre parcel is contiguous to the town's corporate limits. Town water and sewer are available to serve the property. A fire flow test nearby resulted in adequate fire flow. Town sanitation and recycling services are available to serve the property. At the April 7th, 2026 meeting, the town clerk certified that the petition was sufficient and met the requirements prescribed by the North Carolina General Statutes and the town board adopted a resolution setting a public hearing for tonight's town board meeting. The present total value of the property being annexed is $500,200. The suggested motion tonight is to adopt the annexation ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the town of Fuway Verina to include property owned by Phelps West Farms LLC ANX 2022602 as presented and recommended. I'm available if you have any questions.

Thank you. The hearing, excuse me, the hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the voluntary annexation petition? Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the voluntary annexation petition? If not, the hearing is now closed. Any discussion by the board?

What is your pleasure? Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion to adopt the annexation ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the town of Quina to include property owned by Phelps West Farms LLC 2026-02 is presented and recommended. Second. It's been moved and second. The motion has been second. All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I. I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you so much. Motion approved. The next item is the consent agenda. Item eight. What is the board's pleasure for the items on the consent agenda?

Mr. Mayor, I make a motion to approve eight uh items on the consent agenda 8 A, 8 B, 8 C, and 8 D. Second. It's been moved and second that the items A, B, C, and D uh be approved in the consent agenda. All those in favor of the proposed motion, let it be known by saying I. I. I.

Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you very much. We had no items removed from the consent agenda. Now we move to the administrative reports. Item 10A, town code amendment, parking violation fee increase, parking val part seven, chapter 3, parking regulations. Assistant town manager Matthews will address this issue. Thank you, mayor. this evening. Uh just for uh clarity, uh what is presented for action tonight is considering an ordinance that would make some updates and modernization of our parking violation penalties uh for any uh types of existing parking violations. Whe that's parking in a no parking zone, uh parking too close to an intersection, too far out into the street, uh the types of things that are violations of town ordinance. Uh the current ordinance dates back to the 70s and 80s, so they've not been increased uh in well over 30 years uh as the fine for those parking illegally is currently $5. Uh $5 won't get you what it got in 1989. So, uh, with this, uh, we are recommending a, uh, an increase of the fine, uh, to be more in line with with our peers. Uh, this would increase, uh, parking violation penalties to $30, increase the penalty for parking, uh, for a handicap parking violation under town code to $100. Uh, the town board has the authority to go up to $50, but we think $30 is a reasonable step. In keeping with our peers, uh this also

increases the standardized payment window from 48 hours uh to five business days. I think that's a reasonable period of time. Uh as well as there being a late penalty uh if those uh unpaid over 30 days and additionally if if people continue to acrue parking violation tickets, this could subject the vehicle to towing. Uh So, this is uh something that we were working to address uh responsively uh to some of what we are hearing from the North Lakes neighborhood. We are working towards it. Brought forward it tonight uh because our police department has been issuing a number of parking violations. $30 would hopefully sting a bit more than than $5 encourage compliance. Additionally, uh this just modernizes our our code and keeps us in line with what is typical in our neighboring communities. Uh so what is going to be recommended for you tonight for action on is the town code amendment to increase those parking violation penalties. What's also being presented uh for really for information tonight is uh a proposed solution to the North Lakes uh parking concerns around Willow Springs High School student parking and carpool traffic of the neighborhood. So

would you repeat that again so I can be clear of that? Would you to be very clear, we are asking for no action on a no parking on school days ordinance in North Lakes tonight.

Okay. This is being shared purely for information uh in advance of uh gathering some community feedback rather than seeking community feedback on an unknown or on something we've generally discussed. We've got a very specific proposal that we're going to share tonightformally and also have some recommendations on how we gather feedback from the community before asking the town board to consider it. We don't think it would be fair to you or the community to ask you to take action on a no parking ordinance without first soliciting community input. Great. Thank you.

Uh so what we've observed uh and you've heard from speakers both tonight and at previous public comment periods, student parking is prevalent spec especially on multiple blocks of Long Lake Drive, Katherine Lakeport, and Fontana Lake Drive. uh as student parking has uh even in recent months expanded further west from campus into the uh more of the North Lakes neighborhood. It's now uh being observed on streets west of Long Lake Drive, not as prevalently as those first couple blocks of Long Lake Drive, but the issue is expanding. And uh the uh finding of staff is that we believe limiting parking restrictions to simply these three street blocks is likely to push student parking on the neighboring streets. So those streets that may not have students parking on them every day today uh but is one or two blocks away or three blocks away may have more student parking if we implemented a no parking ordinance just where we have it today. Uh some of the challenges uh that we've also observed is high school carpool traffic is uh is you know that is experienced in North Lakes. This is not unique to Fugquway Arena. Other communities in Wake County and across North Carolina have grappled with the same issue of parents that are using an adjacent neighborhood to a high school as an unsanctioned carpool loop and students that are using as unsanctioned off off-campus parking. So we tried to look at what other communities have done to address this similar issue. Uh there is a proven solution that we found that has been very effective. Uh that solution is no parking on school

day is ordinance that's in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for all of North Lakes. And so there is an ordinance that would uh institute this. Uh this mirrors ordinances that have been effective in addressing and essentially eliminating student parking and neighborhoods experiencing comparable challenges in other Wake County towns. The picture on your screen is a sign that we took in a in the Garrison neighborhood and uh that's in adjacent High Springs High School in Holly Springs. They've adopted an ordinance. Uh that ordinance, just for information, is is subdivisionwide. And uh in driving around the subdivision, it appears to have eliminated student parking following aggressive enforcement efforts by their police department around the beginning of the academic year. So you can see here there's a sign that indicates no parking, standing, or stopping on these hours during school days. Strictly enforced. and that uh parking on those days would subject you to fines and if you continued to acrew to to it. Uh just for clarity, here is a map that shows uh on the draft proposal that's uh not being asked for action on tonight, but for community consideration, this applies to all of those streets uh in North Lakes because uh if you look at Long Lake Drive, Katherine Lake court, uh even Long Lake Drive further north adjacent to Fontana Lake, there have been student out parking issues there and it is likely that if you limited to those streets that other streets would be uh impacted. Does this does that mean

this is what the final sol the final ordinance needs to be? No. That's the importance of community feedback. This is a proposal that would reflect all of North Lakes. Uh, additionally, town staff have uh researched uh because the permit parking idea has been brought up as a a way to address uh student parking, but not necessarily resident parking. And so, we did some research on Raleigh's residential parking permit program. What we found is that residential parking permits are used by nine cities in North Carolina to help manage parking around uh predominantly large urban downtowns and universities. So you can see the list Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston Salem. Uh Raleigh being the closest to Fuway Verina does have a parking enterprise fund with more than $25 million in annual budget which is their operations and and debt service with 38 full-time staff. It's because they're managing an inventory of 10 parking garages, hundreds of of uh metered parking spaces, and there's a lot of uh operating expense and staff involved in managing that program. they have resources in place to manage a resident parking permit program because they have an existing parking department. Uh the residential parking permit zones uh as I noted in in Raleigh, they're adjacent NC State University, William Peace University, downtown, and Cameron Village. None of the 13 residential parking permit zones in Raleigh were implemented specifically to address high school parking on adjacent neighborhoods. So, they have a

residential parking permit program is to address urban downtown adjacent parking and to address large universities. The only one of those 13 zones that is near a high school is the Broton High School area because Broton is right in between Cameron Village and William Peace. Uh Raleigh charges for this pro uh program. It's a cost of $20 per vehicle per year. Requires proof of residency and active vehicle registration. And they've got an existing parking management infrastructure which includes their passport, parking management program, license plate readers, collection enforcement staff, uh that is in place because they have that dedicated parking department. So, if Raleigh is not using residential parking permits to address parking next to high schools when it's impacting neighborhoods, what solution are they using? Well, they have consistently implemented no parking restrictions during school hours on streets adjacent to high schools. So, even Raleigh, which has a residential parking permit program, has not used it for managing high school parking and neighborhoods. they've implemented the type of approach that talent staff is proposing for consideration. Uh so management staff could not find an example of a residential parking permit program being implemented in Raleigh to address the concerns of North Lakes. Uh and uh no parking during school hours is the most enforcable and cost-effective regulatory tool available to deter student and carpool parking. So the sign You see here, this is just a picture taken from a neighborhood adjacent to Milbrook High School and in Raleigh. And you'll see similar signage and and parks and neighborhoods adjacent to high schools all over Raleigh.

So for uh for the no parking ordinance that's presented for uh tonight uh for information as I said other communities have implemented a no parking ordinance to address school parking when broad community consensus is present. So they've gone through taken a step to present a proposed ordinance, gather community feedback, try to gauge consensus, which would be closer to not necessarily 100% but closer to 100% than a simple majority. And tonight, management and staff are not recommending consideration of this new parking ordinance, but we are seeking your guidance on how to best engage the North Lakes community to assess community support for this proposal. Uh I will underscore that we have identified a regulatory approach. If we go down the path of regulatory approach, the one that will be effective, uh we cannot reg, you know, we cannot as a town regulate or certify being a good neighbor. That takes human behavior. We encourage that, but we can't require it. Uh that being students being sensitive to the neighborhoods that are adjacent to them. We also uh can't say whether this regulatory tool and having giving up on street parking to eliminate the student parking is right for the neighborhood. We need to ask the neighbors which is more important to them. Having streets that are clear of some of the student parking issues or to have access to that on on street parking which is why we want to listen. So, some potential options for gathering community feedback. One would be uh

simply asking for a letter of support from the uh homeowners association board of directors. That would be a very simple thing together. Another would be seeking a neighborhood petition. Uh we did start that process last year with the assistance of of the HOA board. Although it was limited to three streets, we gathered about 60 to 65% support for two blocks of Long Lake Drive and Katherine Lake court at the time, but did not do a comprehensive neighborhood petition effort. Uh the third and this is the option recommended by management staff is holding a community meeting which would be facilitated by town staff involving a presentation opportunity for questions and answers on the uh proposed ordinance and then seeking individualized addressbased feedback. In other words, we would contact the HOA. uh we've got a contact with their uh HOA management person, ask them to send out an invitation to the North Lakes neighbors and to either have a community meeting in North Lakes or at a town facility, whichever is more convenient for the neighborhood. And then after a presentation of all this information and asking questions, we gather feedback where an attendee could, you know, scan a QR code, give us your information, let us know if you're in support of this proposal or not, and then we could provide you a map that shows the level of support across the neighborhood. So you can have data on community support to inform your consideration and management's recommendation for an actual recommended ordinance. So that is the approach that

we would recommend uh as having kind of the most informed engaged opportunity for community input. U and the other consideration is you could have a public hearing. You're not required to by general statutes. that's only required for uh land use related matters. So uh but we could require we could hold an optional one. Uh but my recommendation is we hold a community meeting that promotes dialogue and lets the neighbors become informed and then let us know uh which approach would be uh what they would support so you would understand what they would support. Uh in addition to these steps to solicit community feedback and we're going to want direction from you. Uh town management and Mayor Harris have also requested another meeting with Willow Spring High School administration, our southern area superintendent as well uh to discuss ways that Willow Spring High School can help address the impact that student and parent behavior specifically with respect to carpull traffic and parking is having on their neighbors. So, management staff's recommendation tonight is to amend part seven, chapter three of the town code of ordinances parking regulations as presented and recommended. And just to underscore, we're only asking for action on the fine and penalties tonight with this ordinance. We'd also like general direction from you on the best way to gather community consensus around the no parking ordinance. Uh Chief Smith as well as public works director Stevenson have worked closely with me uh to assess this issue and address some of the challenges our neighbors have had and in North

Lakes and uh they're also available to answer any questions you may have. Any questions or responses from board members? Commissioner. Mr. Mayor, I just have a question. I want to go back to the fines portion that we discussed that the general fine is moving up to $30. In the old ordinance, the uh fire lane parking was addressed separately. Is under the new ordinance, fire lane will roll into the general violation of the $30 fine for tickets. That's correct. Okay. Uh that's what I thought but I wanted to make sure. Okay, that's my question on that.

Al also Mr. Mayor on the uh um in u respect to well to what we just discussed off um about the uh community. Is there a way I know you will be talking with um uh Wake County Public Schools with management and everything. But I think it'll be good if at least one or two of the commissioners will be able to make this community meeting that they'll be uh guided by the uh town staff. But I think it'll be good for at least two of us to be there to hear and um help ask the questions so we can bring it back to the board and uh so the board knows what was discussed in that meeting as well. Okay. All right. Any other comments?

Yeah, I'll just add that I I think I like the community uh meeting approach that you recommended and this town staff has recommended. Um, and to Commissioner Haynne's comment, I definitely plan to be there when you, uh, have this meeting since I live in the neighborhood. So, um, I I would, you know, and I, of course, welcome the, you know, my neighbors feedback as well as much as I can. I'm happy to talk, just let them know. So, any other comment? Well, you know, at the I think at the public comments, we had neighbors from uh the neighborhood, but two divergent approaches to how we how we can address this problem. But I think that that's going to be the the challenge is for the neighbors to come together and have a conversation and come to some general consensus. It sounds we're doing everything we can to provide the framework out of which conversation can take place. So, it's it's going to have to be some consensus among the neighbors in regards to the the most equitable solution. I know there was a concern about fairness. There was a concern about different kinds of events that might occur and uh you know those are going to be challenges but they have to be discussed so that we can find a solution uh to this issue. So, there are two things before us. There's the amendment and then there's the direction as far as how we can further address this issue at uh at North Lakes. So the issue before us first is the amendment to the town code ordinance parking violation fee increase part seven chapter 3 parking violations. Uh what is your pleasure on that particular uh amendment? I hear a motion. Mayor, I move to amend part

seven, chapter 3 of the town code of ordinances, parking regulations as presented and recommended. Second. It's been moved and second that we amend part seven, chapter 3 of the town code of ordinance parking parking regulations as presented and recommended. All those in favor of that motion, let it be known by saying I. I. Any oppose? That motion passes. Now then, have we given you enough guidance in regards to the next step for a solution? Mayor, I've heard a couple comments in favor of the community meeting approach. Is that the consensus of the board? I agree with that. It's a good way forward.

So, we will have a community meeting and we will have a discussion there. Uh those who came before and made public comments, are you clear as to what has happened tonight? We hope you are. I mean, we're going to move on in our agenda, but this is the action that we're going to take at this particular point. So, we I will not hear any other comments on this particular issue. We'll just move forward and then if you do have any comments, please feel free to attend the community meeting. If they have any individual questions, I'll

Okay. Uh, great. Uh, town manager Matthews will address your question. Thank you all very much to the board. Thank you. Town manager Mitch community meeting. Uh Commissioner, excuse me, Commissioner Haynes is the chair of our public works committee. Commissioner Vorne also sits on the public works committee. It might be appropriate that those two, if they're agreeable, attend on behalf of the town board.

Excellent idea. Thank you. Other board members have any concern with that? If not, I'm okay with it as well. Okay, great. Good. So, now we'll move to uh item 10B, the administrative reports resolution, water shortage response plan declaration and implementation. More information about this agenda item will be presented by public utilities director Wagner. Good evening.

Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Um, I'm here to present on the resolution authorizing the town manager to implement the water shortage response plan. Uh, per the current ordinance, the town board shall be empowered to declare the water shortage warning and the town manager or his duly authorized agent charged with implementation and enforcement of that. Uh, the current stage one declaration, it lined up tonight with tonight's town board meeting. um in the future it might not line up with the next town board meeting. For example, in July, we only have one board meeting. So, if we needed to make a stage declaration, uh it's it's very important um to be more efficient and effective and um authorize the town manager to have the be empowered to declare that uh water conservation stage goals for stage one is a 10% overall reduction. Stage two is a 20% overall reduction and stage three is a 30% overall reduction. Some highlights uh during stage one is that it should be unlawful to use water from the public water supply by the town uh to to water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens except outlined in the schedule under section 5-1033. For customers whose addresses end in an even number such as 228, uh, watering restrictions would be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. And for customers, addresses end in an odd number address such as 229. Those would be restricted to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. There are some exceptions to water. You can come apply to the town for uh a permit if you have newly

installed sod or just uh laid down some fresh grass seed. Uh and we will work with those individuals uh to protect their investment. Part two of that is um it's unlawful to wash down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exter exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or to use water or other similar purposes. Provided, however, that any person regularly engaged in the business of watching washing such areas should be permitted to use water for such purposes. We're not trying to um infringe on uh business. So, um want want to keep business moving forward. Uh it's to wash vehicles at home on days other than Saturday and Sunday and to fill new pools or completely refill existing pools. Management and staff's recommendation is to adopt the resolution authorizing the town manager to declare and implement water shortage response plan measures and stages as recommended and presented.

Okay. Can I ask a question? Commissioner, what if we decided not to do this? We we haven't we haven't we would be in violation of our permit at the end of the day. We are required by state statute to have a water shortage response plan and we have triggered that um period where we need to implement it. Our partners have also declared and our water agreements with our partners require us to implement uh measures that are as strict or stricter. Uh, so if we don't implement those, the city of Raleigh would have every right to to turn the faucet off to us.

So where do we get water from? Currently get water from the city of Raleigh, Johnson County, and Hornik County. Okay. And so from Hick County is coming out of the Capefere, Johnson County. Where is that coming from?

It comes out of the news river basin and city of Raleigh. So Johnston and city of Raleigh's coming from the news and then what we get from Harder County is coming from the Capefere and they probably all have this in the agreements where we're buying bulk water from them. But the one from Raleigh certainly does that if they enter into a uh this kind of water um conservation declaration etc. because we are a bulkwater customer of theirs, then we have agreed that we will follow their lead and do uh what they do. And if we don't, we'd be in violation with the city of Raleigh. And as you said, that could lead to them saying, "We're not giving you water anymore."

Correct. So, we really don't have much um there's not a real a real difficult decision to make here in my mind. The decision has in a lot of what ways been made for us. Yes. Um or made made by previous boards for because they've entered into these agreements and now the city of Raleigh has implemented it and so we need to do the same. Yes. Our water conservation measures as written have been in the ordinance since 2008.

I was on the board in 2008. We thought We thought everything was going to dry up. We thought $5 parking violations was Yeah. All right. I just wanted to talk through it. Good. Any other comments or questions? I just have a question. I Commissioners Smith. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was reading through it and I saw something mentioned about handwatering. Is that restricted to the days of the and odd restrictions. You can hand hand hand water as needed. Uh in drip irrigation systems, there's also no restriction on those.

Okay. But any other irrigation obviously it's even Tuesday and Saturday and then the odds on Monday. Okay. Yes. Just want to make sure about the handboarding. I I want to make sure I cleared that up my mind. If I get any questions on it or if I have a question about it, I want to make sure I have that clear. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You're quite welcome. Any other comments?

Yes, Mr. Mayor. I have a few questions. So just regarding the irrigation days, I I was under the impression that um the irrigation days were already kind of the rule uh without uh the drought measures in place. So we have a a best practice. We we attempt to have you know best practices of annual conservation. Um the irrigation days that we do have them may like May through I believe it's May through October um as that best practice for water conservation in the summer. And this would just make it more strictly enforced. Is that that is correct.

Um and then so just a quick comment then regarding the swimming pools. I guess it's getting on swimming pool season. So, is this going to mean we're going to be swimming in old last year, dirty water? If if if your pool is if you have a new pool, you are currently not allowed to fill it up. If you have your pool down for maintenance, you're currently not allowed to to fill it up. Okay. Um, come stage two, if you have an existing pool, you're not allowed to top it off at all. Um, recommend no diving. And last last question. Um, have you all thought about so you're recommending I believe uh just schedule one? Stage one.

Stage one. Uh, is there a timeline or has there been a discussion on timeline to whether we need to go into stage two or stage three and what that might look like if this drought continues? So there are triggers um in it. If if we don't see a reduction of of 10% and we continue to go down the the you know there's no good rain events in the foreseeable future then um we we will follow the guidance from our water partners. Uh right right now Har County has not declared to my knowledge but if Har County was to declare uh we get the majority of our water from them we would definitely want to start considering that.

Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Do I hear a motion? Mr. Mayor, I make a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing town manager to declare and implement water shortage response plan measures in the stages as recommended and presented. Second. It's been moved and second that we adopt a resolution authorizing the town manager to declare and implement water shortage response plan measures and stages as recommended and presented. All those in favor of the motion as stated, let it be known by saying I. I. Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carried.

Thank you. Now we move to other business. And first item 11A, the manager's report.

Thank you, mayor. And I would just uh uh expand on the last agenda item by saying our communications department has prepared a communication strategy to our community on the stage one water restrictions that will be going out uh perhaps this evening, if not certainly by first thing tomorrow morning. uh giving the public an opportunity to be aware of this measure before it goes into effect at midnight on April 24th. Um and with that, I would just uh provide the board an update on uh a few items that uh have occurred since our last uh town board meeting. Uh, as it pertains to our planning department, last week the town's code compliance uh, officers organized and hosted a meeting of the Wake County Municipal Code Compliance Collaboration, consisting of municipal code compliance personnel from across Wake County. The goal there is for the group to meet quarterly to exchange ideas and get feedback on procedures and proposed solutions that impact Wake County municipalities. So, I want to recognize Rich Johnson and Jim Gorl from our planning department through the communic uh code compliance office for their for their efforts to organize and host this uh gathering of code compliance officials in Wake County. There's a lot we can learn from each other. Uh many of our communities experience the same issues as it pertains to code compliance, but we also have different issues that sharing that information may be helpful if that were to ever occur in our community. So, I want to recognize those two gentlemen for their efforts. Um, as it pertains to public utilities, the uh Ransel Road North waterline construction is scheduled to begin on June 1st. Uh, all inspectors and plan reviewers in our inspections department have completed their continuing education hours. A total of six hours for each standard certificate they hold. Each inspector and plan reviewer has four

standard certifications, so a total of 24 hours for each one. So, a lot of extra professional development and career development that goes into being uh a code inspector and understanding what state uh state law and building code require for uh structures in our community. So, we want to thank those individuals for taking the time and and effort to go through that for their their their benefit and for the benefit and value of our organization. The annual town employee litter sweep is scheduled for this Friday, April 24th. Town staff will be out and about in the community. You'll see us in blue shirts, picking up litter in several planned areas. Uh in addition to the litter sweep, the engineering department will be providing training to our staff by raising awareness about specific pollutants and presenting best management practices to maintain our storm water system. So, this goes in part uh to a couple things I'd just like to point out. One, we do have a responsibility under our storm water permit with the state uh to do certain education practices throughout the year. One of which is educating our own employees. Two, we believe that by leading by example, hopefully that rubs off on folks in the community as well and are mindful of the importance of not to litter and to pick up after themselves. And so uh hopefully uh our leading effort will inspire others to be mindful of littering in the community. The parks, recreation, and cultural resources department um specifically as it pertains to our teen council, the Fugquway Arena Teen Council, who were here not too long ago at one of our board meetings, attended the annual spring state conference in Winston Salem this past weekend. We were well represented, I should say. During the event, Salem Devente received the growth award. an honor presented to one teen statewide who has demonstrated exceptional personal and professional development throughout their high school

career. This award recognizes outstanding perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving as a role model for fellow volunteers. Salem has been an active member of the Fugquway Verina Teen Council for three years and has served on the Fugquway Verina Teen board for the past two. The Fugquway Verina Town Council uh teen council, excuse me, also earned the scrapbook award at this uh meeting. For this competition, council members created a comprehensive display and presentation highlighting the structure of the teen council, including its bylaws, annual volunteer initiatives, and participation in statewide conferences. So, we are leading by example with our teen council that's uh nearly 160 strong now at the moment. Um, a total of nine recitals for the art center dance programs will take place this upcoming Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th. A few tickets remain for the Fugquway Marina Corral spring concert, which takes place on May 1st at 7:30 p.m. and on May 2nd at 3 PM. And summer classes and camps are available at fvarts.org. The arts center this weekend will be a buzz with young children in their dance recital outfits looking to entertain those who who attend. finance department has been very busy uh preparing materials for this Thursday's budget workshop and working with our financial advisors to prepare for the fiscical year 27 debt issuances specifically the public service center expansion Sanford conveyance line project and other town quality of life projects a lot of work coming out of our finance department right now couple things to mention in our fire department the 2026 Citizens Fire Academy completed their last night on April 14th, and a graduation ceremony is scheduled for

Tuesday, April 28th at Fire Station 4. The first ever fire department annual report was released last week, giving the community an in-depth look at the department's historic year from a centennial celebration to the ISO1 class rating. It was truly a full staff effort and this document reflects the dedication and pride within the fire department and the value that they bring to the community. And firefighter 2, Colin Marley, his wife Megan, and big sister Violet welcomed a new recruit to the fire department family on March 10th with the birth of their son, Carter Bland. And they're all doing very well. So, we want to congratulate Colin and his his family. Uh, Corporal Glenn Gaz Gazen Gansen Mueller, excuse me, was recognized as the employee of the quarter in the police department for his outstanding service as a school resource officer in the elementary schools and for his commitment to supporting the youth in our community. The Fugway Verina Police Department participated in the plane pool at RDU airport this past weekend to benefit Special Olympics of North Carolina, competing against 30 teams. The department finished in seventh place pulling a plane. is pretty darn good. The event was a great comm a great opportunity to support a worthy cause and demonstrate teamwork. And the police department also took part in the recent Battle of the Badges softball competition at the North Main Athletic Complex in Holly Springs. The team achieved an impressive record of five and one, narrowly missing advancement to the championship game after a close overtime loss by one run. The event helped raise $15,000 for Makea-Wish Eastern North Carolina supporting children with critical illnesses. So, a big part of our community outreach efforts and bringing awareness to our police department. Chief Smith, Chief Jones, and Commissioner Vorren attended uh the

Southern Wake Youth Leadership Graduation today at the Fquway Reena Arts Center. 16 students from Fugquway Reena High School and Willow Spring High School graduated from the program. Just some other related remarks. Um, we have continued since our last boarding to commit a tremendous amount of time and attention to future water matters. Um, we did have a very exciting visit from Congresswoman Valerie Fushi. As you uh are aware, Congresswoman Fushi spent uh about an hour and a half, almost two hours of time of her time with us uh taking a tour around our community to see all the great advancements that we have going on in our community. Uh she recently uh worked to help us achieve an over $1 million federal appropriation for our planned fourth elevated water storage tank. And Congresswoman Fushi's office also informed us this past week that she has submitted our request for funding for downtown streetscape improvements on South Fway Avenue to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. So, we appreciate uh Congresswoman Fushi's efforts to support uh the Fugquway Verina community. We've had some great follow me to Fugquway Verina concert events since our last board meeting. Chairman of the board and the embers put on great shows. Uh the FEDA had held two very successful events on planair and dinner in downtown. Uh many of us attended the North Carolina League of Municipalities state and town dinner last week. Want to thank Senator Grafstein for uh spending time sitting with us at our table and spending time talking about uh water, talking about economic development, talking about uh the great uh things that we have going on here in our community. And also want to thank Representative Aaron Pere although she was not able to make it to the meeting, she did stay engaged with us on um on that event and she has been engaged with us on some issues here of

recent. So, I want to thank both of our representatives for being um all in on Fugquway Vina, which we appreciate their support. Um unfortunately, the weather did not, you know, cooperate as we had hoped this past Sunday for the food truck rode, but nonetheless, we had a nice event. There's a little bit lesser of a crowd primarily because it was a little chillier outside, a little cloudier outside, but we wanted to thank our parks and rec staff for putting on a a nice event in our downtown. And we'll do some more food truck rodeos in the future as well. And uh this week we have uh conducted uh interviews for the economic development director vacancy on police report. We've we've had some great interviews thus far. We've got a few more scheduled and we'll be moving through that process so we can fill that vacancy in that position. Uh with that, I would draw your attention to a few of the items that are in your agenda materials. We do have our last uh Fugquway Vina uh concert of the spring season. Thursday, April 30th. The band Crush will be here from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coffee with a cop at Dunkin Donuts. Uh, Wednesday, May 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. You do have some first reading in your agenda materials. A zoning map amendment submitted by Malden Watkins surveying for 708 South Fugquway Avenue. A zoning map amendment submitted by Malden Watkins surveying for 501 North Street and 904 Ransdale Road. uh and a town code amendment town uh submitted by our planning department on the land development ordinance. This is amendment number 31. We do have a town code amendment pertaining to our 2040 community vision land use plan amendment number two and a town code amendment uh submitted by our planning department for 2040 comprehensive transportation plan amendment number two. All of these passed uh with approval for recommendation by the planning board last night. So, they are there for your first readings and consideration and

will be on uh the meeting in May. With that, Mr. Mayor, that concludes my remarks for tonight. I'm happy to answer any questions that you or the town board may have. Otherwise, uh that concludes my comments. Thank you. Thank you very much, uh Mr. Town Manager. Now, we will hear town board member comments. And we do have a closed session tonight, so I'm going to ask you to keep your comments sort of uh short. Um starting with Commissioner Haynes.

Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, I'll be very brief. Uh it's been a lot going on. It's a busy time in Fugquway Arena for sure, and there's events going on every day. Now, I just want to thank uh you as well as the board for allowing me to be excused in the last meeting. Um, I was able to take Fugqua Varin and represent them and cook barbecue at the Masters tournament in Augusta. So, that's why I was missing out the last board meeting. So, definitely thank y'all for and also management for keeping me up to date with everything going on in town while I was out. U, and I also seen I missed so many different things. Um, just one or two things. Um, town and state dinner. It was um I always enjoyed just to be able to meet with our uh colleagues across the state. Um, I think one of the biggest things is I talked to the Sanford mayor and she's trying to schedule something now to invite us down to see the progress of the uh Sanford water treatment plant and u so I'm looking forward to that as well as um I able I was able to sit on a panel um for realtors uh with county commissioners from Durham uh Orange and Chattam County discussing housing uh equality uh last week as well. And I I've been uh making it a point to try to get around to a lot of our new businesses. And I and I want to shout out one business uh that's really right across the street. Uh as we seen the amazing mural that's been painted by one of uh uh one of our Fuway's own uh artists uh as well as just the uh going inside I'm a record person and being able to see all that vinyl having a great time at track record vinyl was amazing. They give out they have good coffee and everything as well. So I I thoroughly enjoyed I stayed in about two hours and spent too much money. That's all I have for you, Mr. Mayor.

Okay. Thank you so much, Commissioner Eco.

Yeah. I just wanted to follow up on a couple of things from our meeting tonight. Um, first, uh, having the six uh, new hires with the fire department be here, I think, is very special. Having them do the uh, do their oath of office here, um, it just reminds everybody that more than a job and um it's good to see their family here with them and you realize you know this is a a serious thing and I appreciate them and u Chief Jones and Justin appreciate y'all being here and doing that because I think it does mean a lot to everybody. Um the other thing that I just wanted to say I just want to follow up on the parking thing with uh South Lakes North Lakes. Um, I like the direction that we're going. I think that um, usually the I don't know what the solution is, but I think normally the best solution comes when we do try to get um, feedback and involvement from as many people as possible. Um, one thing we've talked about it, we've got a commissioner that lives right here in the area and he's going to want to make sure that we've got the best solution. We've got several staff members that live in South Lakes's neighborhood uh that are trying to solve this problem. Um I'm very happy to see that you're going to try to meet with the principal at the uh high school again. They need to be a partner with us. So I just wanted to say that I think it's going in a good direction. I appreciate your work on it.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Appreciate that. Commissioner Smith.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, um, in keeping with your request to keep our comments short. I appreciate the town manager listing so many great events that several of us have attended. I won't belabor that, but it's been busy, but very enjoyable some of the meetings we've been to. I've enjoyed that. I do like to sometimes recognize our employees and tonight um, I just want to point out a few of our department heads. Uh, you know, you approach them with little things and they just solve them so quickly. Uh just in the last few weeks, I've had to deal with assistant manager Seymour, chief of our inspection department, Hennet, utilities director Wagner, and police chief Smith. Just little things that pop up and they just seamlessly get the information back to you or take care of it. And I really appreciate their quick responses, their professionalism, and and their desire to make sure things are running smooth in our town. So, uh, I just had to deal with those four in the last two weeks and it just worked out very easily and I really appreciate their hard work. So, thank all of y'all for for your input on that.

Thank you. That's all I have, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Thank you so much, Commissioner Vorin.

Yeah. So, the town manager did mention a lot of the events that that we had uh attended in the last uh week. So, I can skip some of that. Actually, uh, I do want to extend my thanks again to, uh, Assistant Manager Matthews and Chief Smith for, you know, addressing some of the South Lakes and North Lakes neighbors. Uh, I know you've been working hard on that the past, well, for a while now, but, especially for the past like two or three weeks, and I've seen I've definitely seen the officers driving by my house quite a bit. So, I know they're out there and I know they're they're trying to, you know, study this situation and and just working hard to, you know, come up with the best solution for um for our neighborhood. So, thank you again and I'm I'm looking forward to meeting with the community and and working on this uh getting some getting a good consensus on a path forward. Um, I want to note that I think it was last Friday, uh, the mayor I attended a ribbon cutting for United Arts at the Arts Center and that, uh, was like a preview to the show that happened Friday night and unfortunately I missed most of it. I had some family issues, but I did get to catch the end. Uh, and it was just great to see a lot of elected officials from all around uh, Wake County. And unfortunately, I did miss uh, you playing the trumpet, I believe. Uh, you were the opening act.

Yes. Uh, but I have heard that they are posting some of these performances online on YouTube, so we don't all have to miss them. And I I do also want to say congrats again to the Southern uh the the high school students who graduated from the Southern Wake Youth Leadership Class. It was good to see that. and just it was inspiring to see um young leaders who are working towards helping our community and and just learning about leadership and all the great things that come along with that. So, it was great to see and and congrats to them. Um and I'll I'll stop there and keep things short. Well, thank you so much. Thank you,

Mayor Pro Tim Gardner. Uh, I have enjoyed all these things we've attended to and I won't belabor that, but I would just like to thank our town manager and our assistant town managers for really um getting in there and making preparations for us to make some headway at the state town dinner. There were many um tables that did not have a legislator sitting with them. And I know you all helped us be one of those that did. And and if and if I saw it right, it looked to me that there was a whole table that was just filled with legislators sitting with each other. And I I was really disturbed about that because I'm sure the league was treating them to dinner and then they sat with each other. So, so thank you for seeing that that didn't happen to us because uh I myself made and and and the opportunity to also interact with our um with our our municipalities from other you know in in what throughout the state and and in our area here. um because I myself got to to to see about three that I needed to talk to something about to someone about something and and it was really great to have those opportunities and really great to have a legislator sitting among us at dinner and our group being able to talk and you all were so well prepared to steer that conversation. It was Thank you.

Okay, I'm going to be be very brief. I'd like to thank you, the members of the town board, for your support, for attending the town and state dinner, and for all the other activities that you support and attend. I think it's so important that the public see sees us and see our participation and it brings about the message that we support uh what uh the citizens want in here in Fugquway and that we're willing to listen to uh their concerns. And I'd also like to thank Assistant Town Manager Matthews for his hard work on this very complex issue with uh South Lake and North Lake. You've done an excellent job and you need to be commended on how well that has been thought through and your recommendations and I just want to thank you for that. And those those are my comments. And u Town Man manager Mitchell, is there a recommended close session for this evening?

Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, the recommendation is to enter into close session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 31811A3 attorney client privilege A5 contract negotiation A6 personnel. Do I hear a motion to that effect? So moved. Second. All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. I. Okay, we we will pause for a few minutes and go into close session. Y'all have a good evening.