City Council - Regular Meeting

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like to call the regular meeting of the Morgan City Council for December 1st to order. At this time, I'd call on Butch McWain to lead us the pledge of allegiance to the flag. If you'll please rise. 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. This time I'd like to call Associate Pastor Amy King from the Boone Church and chaplain for memorial to give us an invitation, please. Amy, welcome.

Thank you. Thank you. May we bow our heads, please. Heavenly Father, in this season of thankfulness, we thank you for this day and for all the many blessings you bestow on us here in Morgan, Burke County. Lord, we gather here this evening to seek your grace and your guidance. As the city council meets, Lord, I pray that you will grant them clarity and they will seek you as they commit themselves to serve the people in this city with integrity, humility, and compassion. We thank you for the privilege of living and working in this community. Help our leaders to listen carefully, to speak respectfully and act courageously for the common good of all people. Lord, tonight I lift up our newly elected council members as they begin their service. I ask that you bless them with wisdom, discernment in challenging moments and dedication to fairness and truth. May they all work in unity. And God, I pray that you will guide the council as they take on their responsibilities and strengthen them to lead with honor and compassion. Bless all of the agencies within this city. Our police department, finance, managers, maintenance, those in customer service, all that serve. Lord, may they do their jobs with patience and choose what is right, even when it's difficult. Lord, may we all remember that first and foremost our work is unto you and that we carry out our duties in a way that brings dignity, dignity, and hope to all of our residents. This is my humble prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you, Amy. I'd like to call on the retired judge, Honorable Bob Irvin, to do some swearing in. and Congressman or Councilman Kato, if you'll come down. So, you'll be here. You'll kind of stand behind her with the Bible and then if y'all will gather around. All right. If you You can come around right here because where we can see you. [laughter]

All right. If you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me. I I Wendy Kada do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support that I will support and maintain and maintain the Constitution and laws the Constitution and laws of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and laws and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully discharge the duties discharge the duties of my office of my office as council member as council member of the city of Morganington of the city of Morganington. So help me God. So help me God.

Congratulations and thanks for doing this. We appreciate [applause] it. And I got some paperwork if you'll sign then I'll come around. Okay. And get those and count. So, woman McKay, if you'll bring your lesser half up here, if you want to come around behind you. And you've seen the routine. I I do. Yes. All right. If you'll raise your right hand, repeat after me. I I Mary McCay do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support that I will support and maintain and maintain

the Constitution the Constitution and laws and laws of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and laws and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully that I will faithfully discharge the duties discharge the duties of my office of my office as council member as council member of the city of Morganington of the city of Morington. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations and thanks for doing this. And you know that [applause] didn't say roll tide anywhere those.

Yeah. At this time, I'd like to call on the newly sworn in members if they'd like to make any comments. I'll ask mayor pro um present mayor Po Tim Wendy Kato would you like to make any comments?

Well, it has been a pleasure to serve the city for as long as I've served it. I am very grateful for being able to have four more years and I look forward to the challenges that we will all meet in the next four years. Thank you. Molly, would you like to make some comments?

Yes, thank you. I'm looking forward to this opportunity to serve the city. Um, I'm humbled with the responsibilities that go with this job, but I also understand that we have outstanding support and staff that will do their best to make me look like I know what I'm doing even when I don't. So, I'm looking forward to working with this council and the mayor and as I said, all the city staff that are so supportive and so helpful. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh, next on the agenda is election of a mayor pro Tim. Have any nominations? I'll nominate Wendy Ko to serve as mayor pro Tim for the this term. I have a motion. Do I have a second?

I'll second it. Since you were looking this way. Okay. [laughter] Any any other nominations? All in favor, Wendy, please say I. I. I. It passes. Setting of meeting dates and times for 2026. I think you have that chart in your packet. Any dates that look out of whack or need to be changed, please? That's for 6 PM, the first Monday of every month except July. And then September, we always end up moving the meeting because of Labor Day. Do I have a motion to accept the meeting dates and times? So moved. Thank you, Wendy. I have a motion to have a second. Second.

Thank you, Chris. Any discussion? All in favor say I.

Motion passes. Uh, next is the appointment of standing committees and other committees. There's my list. Okay. Um, the appointments to standing committee. Uh, for finance, Ronnie Thompson, Wendy Ko. For personnel, Wendy Ko and Butch Mcwain. For streets, Wendy Ko and Molly Mccay. Utilities, Chris Jernigan and Butch Mcwain. and legislative Butch McWain and Molly McKay to appointments for other organizations to Valdi's economic development investment corp known as VDIC Butch McWain Burke Development Incorporated BDI Ronnie Thompson Western Pemont Council of Governments Policy Board Chris Jernigan alternates Ronnie Thompson and a note Chris Jernigan was elected at last meeting to be on the executive committee for the policy board. So congratulations.

Thank you. Uh for the Western Pemont Council of Government Transportation Advisory Committee known as TAC will be Molly McCay. For the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency number one will be Chris Jernigan. And for the community development block grant known as CDBG, Butch McWain, and Wendy Kato. Okay. If I could introduce council to my far right, Wendy Kato, newly elected mayor pro Tim. Uh Chris Jernigan, city council, Keith Riggsby, our city attorney. I'm Ronnie Thompson, your mayor. Sally Sandy, our city manager, Butch McWain, city council, and Molly McCay, city council. Renee Carwell is our clerk to the board. And doing the interpretation for the deaf. We have help me.

Oh, Danette. Dette. Stillman Bridges and Ernest Williams IVth.

Okay. We have two service pins. These individuals will not be here tonight to accept their pins. Andy Smith, 20 years with Morgan. He's our risk management coordinator in human resources. and Sheila Green 25 years in the meter as a meter reader in the electric department. Next on our agenda is a retirement. Uh so I have a retirement resolution I'd like to read. It's a resolution on honoring Sanja G. Marston. Whereas Sanji G. Marston joined the city of Morgan as assistant city manager on September the 18th, 2015. And when Sanja brought to her to the city her extensive knowledge of banking, finance and economic development along with valuable experience in small business support that has served the city well. And whereas during her tenure, Sanja has been an outstanding supporter of the city, always demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to teamwork and and collaboration. And whereas Sanja has been a vital liaison with state and regional officials, helping to strengthen Morgan's partnerships and move important economic development projects forward. and Rasange's ability to make friends and foster professional relationships across all levels of government has brought great respect and recognition to the city of Morington and Ras. Sanja retired from the city of Morgan as assistant city manager effective December 1, 2025 and as the Morton city council wishes to officially recognize the many contributions of Sanja and express their appreciation for her leadership, service and a job well done. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city of Morgan that

the mayor present this resolution to Sanji J. Marston in recognition of her dedicated service and lasting contributions to the city of Morgan adopted the first day of December 2025. Ronnie Thompson, mayor, Renee Carwell, city clerk. I'll ask mayor pro Tim Wendy Kato if she'll make that presentation and that resolution. Sanja if you'll come forward.

Well, all the tears have already been shed. So, you know, this this is this is just to remind remind you that you have left a big mark on the city of Morgan as well as a big mark on each and every one of us that have been here with you and working steadily and even so things that you have started aren't finished yet. So you'll be watching them um come to fruition which is really really nice but um it has been personally a wonderful experience to get to know you. Thank you for leaving at least 50 to 75 pens for everybody to share. We appreciate that tremendously. But um we there's nothing more that can be said than what is said here and what has been said in the past. So congratulations. Keep going and traveling for as long as you can.

There you go. [applause]

I just want to thank all of you. It's been a pleasure working here for the last 10 years. I've had a great council to work with. The whole time I've been here in addition to you guys, I've worked with John. And it has been my honor and privilege and all of the department director and you are my family and I love you all. Thank you. [applause] [applause] [applause] Okay, next on our agenda is our upcoming events.

Oh, a motion to accept the resolution. Need a motion to accept that resolution. So moved. Second. Second. Thank you. All in favor of the resolution, please say I. I. Okay. Motion passes.

Uh, under upcoming events in downtown the city hall, we have Art in the Park in December and January. It features Tracy Granero. She is formerly trained in oils, but in the last decade has been drawn to acrylics. She is a Granite Falls NC based artist. Her Christmas parade 2025, which is going to be Christmas through the ages, is tomorrow, December the 2nd at 6 PM in downtown Morganington. The holidays farmers market is Saturday, December 13th from 10 a.m. to 2:00 pm at 111 North Green Street. Our visits with Santa and the carriage rides continue every Friday and Saturday evening. The visits with Santa are from 5:30 to 8:30. The rides [clears throat] are from 5:30 to 9:00. Our Blue Elves and Public Safety, that meeting is Saturday, December 13th at Mountain View Recreation Center. And this event is for the Morgan Housing Authority residents and families. under comma, our performing arts center. On Friday, December the 12th at 7:30 is going to be Clue, which is a mansion, a murder, and a mystery. And Wednesday, December 17th at 7:30 is the Western Piedmont Symphony, uh, entitled The Magic of Christmas. Okay. Next is our consent agenda. I believe there are four items on there. Sally, would you take that, please?

Absolutely. Um, so those items we would consider to be non-controversial and ask that you consider adopting those in a single motion unless you want something removed and discussed separately. And for everyone viewing at home that includes minutes from the November 3rd meeting awarding a contract for roof work at the wastewater treatment plant um in an amount not to exceed 242,80018189 and to authorize us to sign the contracts that is budgeted and then approval to add several engineering firms, consulting firms to our on call list and these are firms that have responded to our RFQS that have been going out for some of the FEMA work. Um, Campbell Design, Summit Design and Engineering, Carlton Collins Architecture, and A-Rax Group to add to our on call list. And then uh a budget amendment to accept restricted contributions and some reimbursement. And that amount is $6,500, $6,500. um $5,385 from our escrow fund and $1,115 from a private donation for the sidewalk work at Chick-fil-A.

Do any members wish to have any items removed from the consent agenda? If not, I'll entertain a motion to accept the consent agenda. So move. Thank you. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Molly. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Under new business, we have consideration of award of CDBG entitlement funds to nonprofits. I'll call on Jennifer Cannon to come forward and give us some information. Jennifer, welcome.

Good evening, mayor and members of the council. The city of Morton has $30,000 in community development block grant funds for the fiscal year 2025 to provide public services through the funding of local nonprofits to benefit low and mod income families. We solicited applications and the committee would like to make the following re the following recommendations for funding. The meeting place $8,000 and that will be for financial support for housing and first month's rents for the homeless and displaced women and also for hope tote bags. Those are bags. They will include essential household items for families to settle in their new homes. Um this next would be Brighter House $8,000. that would be more along the food for their food pantry kitchen snack bar project they're working on trying to help their clients with meal prep and like going out and doing the shopping and learning how to do all that options um $7,000 that would be for shelter the grocery supplies and possibly first month's rent and deposit security deposits um Olive Hill $2,000 for the training toolkits to benefit low to mod income microenterprises and the House of Refuge $5,000 and that would be for financial support for utilities, meals, food, and their food pantry.

Thank you. Uh what's the wish of council? I'll enter a motion to award the fiscal year 2526 CDBG entitlement funds to nonprofits as reported. Thank you, Butch. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Wendy. Any discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Jennifer. Thank you so much. Next on our agenda is the consideration of approval for the Mortton Department of Public Safety. I'll ask Chief Ryan if he'll come forward to talk about the first responder program.

Good evening. Um, I come up to you uh to seek approval to enter into Burke Countyy's first responder program, which essentially this program would allow certain trained firefighters to operate or provide medical care up to the basic life support level. And in doing so, the liability is transferred to the county of Burke. So, currently we have 27 dedicated firefighters in the fire division. 19 of these individuals are already certified in basic life support. And like I mentioned before, the liability is transferred to the county of Burke when they perform this level of of medical aid because they will be under the direction of the EMS director and ultimately they'll be under the EMS medical director's license. So, just so that we're clear, I'm not asking that the fire division run medical calls on a day-to-day basis or respond to medical calls, but there are certain calls that they already go on that they could be useful at and use their certification. And that, for instance, would be traffic accidents that involve personal injury. And as you can imagine, there's a lot of damage done to these vehicles and there's people inside of these vehicles that need medical assistance. So these firefighters could start providing medical care while EMS is in route to the scene and then they would transfer care to EMS until they went to the hospital. Ryan, thank you. Any questions, Ryan? There are 19 of the 27 already.

Yes, sir. Already done certified, but they're not using those skill sets right now. Correct. to be able to operate or or provide medical care up to the BS BLS level or even advanced life support, you have to enter into this agreement because they operate under the medical director's license. That's right. Okay. What's the wish of council? I'll make a motion to approve the Morgan Department of Public Safety entering into a contract with Burke County as a participant in the first responder program. Thank you, Chris. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Okay, Molly. Um, any discussion? All in favor of the motion, please say I. I. Motion passes. Next.

And I would just say that this is something that public safety has been working on for a while with the county and to do that. And I think another good example of cooperation between the city and the county to serve the citizens. Indeed. Great. Okay. Next is consideration of approval and res of a resolution and an ordinance amendment regarding downtown parking and enforcement uh with the schedule of fees and charges. I'll call on Sharon Jolansky to give us this information.

Good evening. Chad, can you pull that up? Get it on the screen. Maybe not. Oh, there it is. So, um what I do want to emphasize tonight about this because I know that um there is a lot of concern, let's say, between customers thinking that we don't care about them or that we're ticketing them. So, what I'm trying to get across tonight is that this really is for the customer and the visitors. So, these proposed changes that the the parking committee took into consideration, um I hope they'll that you'll understand that when we go through this. So, uh, what it will do is expand free parking options, extended time limits for customers and visitors. I I did want to just say a couple things. Why were these changes requested? There was a survey of downtown businesses done for owners and employees, not customers. This was for owners and employees. It's interesting. 63% of them view customer parking as essential, but 52% of them support eliminating all fees. So unfortunately the same people who find that it's very important for the customer parking do not wish to park where they should. They still want to park where the customers park. So uh you know the parking committee had to take that in consideration. Same thing with residential. Uh there's really only eight that rely on on street parking but 60% of them do not have um residential parking permits but 60% felt it was important to have parking permits. Now, what that tells me is our parking permit program was not working and and this uh new program will fix it. Um the surveys were reviewed. The committee explored the viability of removing all parking limits and fines. I want you to know that there was a lot of discussion about it. Uh the strategy at the end was deemed impractical because

of the ongoing issues of employees and business owners owners utilizing parking intended for customers. Uh the recommendations from the parking committee were to explore modern ticketing systems, better signage, ensure consistent and impartial enforcement and extended time limits and closer and close closer in all day free parking. And I think that we have met all of those things. So the recommended parking changes for this evening are the time parking. This is only designated two-hour parking will go to three-hour parking. The courthouse square, all four sides, will go to all day free parking for customers and visitors only. And I'll add to that in a minute. The parking lots that are currently signed as 2hour or 4hour parking will now be all day free parking. So, for reference, this is the parking lot behind Madness, if you will, between the the Madness and um I knew I wouldn't remember it. The

Oakill Iron,

thank you. Oakill Iron running back down toward Wells Fargo. Uh unless it is signed otherwise, which really that happens in that back lot. Um the lot uh behind the general store and crafted all that is is right now and grind is all 2hour parking that will go all day free parking again unless it is signed. There is some private lot spaces there that are clearly signed but otherwise that will be all day free. The other is the u well the gravel lot off North Green Street currently is all day free. The lot behind John Payne Photography, which has always had um is always been lease parking, if you will, will go into will stay as all will become all day free parking with the exception, I believe, there are four spaces there that are excluded. Again, they are clearly signed because that was an agreement with the the lease, the people that lease those buildings or when we bought the the property. Um, and then I said the lots behind madness. Oh, the other one is the First Methodist Church. There we lease a portion of that to the right closer to the flower shop. I know that sounds odd. All of this will be on a website. A map will be given to everybody. So, don't let me confuse you, but um there is a a two sets of parking there that can be used for residential parking. We're going to make this much easier. You will not have to go to public safety and get any kind of permit. Um once we get online finally with T2, the uh downtown residents will simply um fill out a form online and then your your vehicle information will be in the system and whenever she comes across your car, our our parking permit person, then she's going to know that you're a resident and leave you alone unless you're in a handicap space that

you shouldn't be in or where you shouldn't be. But um in addition so what I want to say in addition to the all day free parking that goes around the courthouse square the only side that will not be open to the residents will be the east union street side. So the parking that goes around the courthouse square will be will say for visitors and customers only except for residential permitting which will be on three sides. So, we're not going to allow residents to park on East Union Street because we feel that that is uh well, no, that's East Union. So, more importantly, we feel that it's so close to the to the businesses. There's no no reason for that. And then you've got the all day free parking that we've just opened up as well. So,

um with the changes comes enforcement. And uh I will tell you again that when we uh spoke to other people about the T2 system and the handheld system which is uh greatly brought us into the you know 25th century probably um the the main thing was it still only works if you have some enforcement behind it and that has always been our problem. Um, so it again enforcement is necessary in order to asssure proper turnover and convenient parking for customers and visitors. I will tell you again there are 1,700 plus parking spaces throughout downtown. It's 38 blocks. 1,700. All business owners and employees should be parking in the all day free lots. I can't not say that. I just have to repeat it one more time. They really need to be parking in the outer free lots in my humble opinion. With these changes, we are offering though more parking lots for business owners and employees as I've noted in the list on the earlier slide. But with that going to come stronger enforcement in order to maintain on street parking and the convenient all day free parking around the square for customers and visitors. So parking tickets are going to get we're asking that parking tickets go from 5 to$10. Same block violations which have been in effect since beginning of time uh will be enforced. it. Moving your car within the same block does not buy you more time. You can move yourself in the same block, but you're still only going to get three hours in the same block. Okay. Um, just wanted you to know this is what the parking ticket will look like. You can see that there's a picture of the of your um what will be of your uh license tag. Uh, these are waterproof, weatherproof. Um, they there's no more paper envelope that goes with it. uh you can immediately scan the QR code down there and pay it or there's a phone number you can call and you can pay the

ticket. Uh if that's inconvenient, you can go to public safety and pay it. Uh parking tickets, any vehicle with parking tickets over 60 days past due will be will become booted. Once it's booted, they will have five days to pay all the unpaid parking tickets. If they have not paid all the unpaid parking tickets, then the vehicle will be towed and all fees incurred will be at owner's expense. I think the biggest change, well, I'll get to it in a minute. Again, you can pay by scanning the ticket, paying or calling the number on the ticket, and you can pay in person at public safety. This is the biggest change. All par park parking payments, notices, and collections will now be managed by T T2 mobile systems. So, not the chief. They can go up and whine to him, but [laughter] he will have to figure out how to get on the computer and call them. Um, there is the ability to dispute a ticket online. They make it actually very simple. You can go online, you can fill out, but all the information is in there about your car. So, if you have I'm going to make this up 10 tickets, okay? They're going to show you all those tickets with the dates when they were given, who gave them, and the whole thing. So, you can see at any time what you what you're into. I would remind people, uh, well, we did add one thing new. 10-minute loading and unloading mark spaces do work. They work when people actually pay attention and do what they say. and they are in places that the parking committee feels very strongly aware where they are needed. So, however, we still have a few people who think that means they can park there all day. So, that will become a $30 ticket for being over the time limit. And that means if she comes around every 15 minutes and you're still there, I

guess you're going to get a $30 ticket every time she comes around. uh unauthorized parking and handicapped parking spaces will continue to be $100 fine or greater as the state says. And then I wanted to put this in here because we're seeing a lot of problems with this parking in a space that is striped beside of the handicap parking space. Ergo people, it goes with the parking sp the handicap space. It means that people pull in, they can get out and they have room to get their wheelchair out or to get out. So, you parking there is a $100 fine automatic. Doesn't care if you got a placard or anything. It's not an extra space. These are our new signs. Uh McKenzie, our main street manager, did a fantastic job on these. Um it's in keeping with our our new brand. It tells you it's Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. It talks about the loading unloading. We we will add a $30 uh fee to the to the 10-minute lot. And then here are the ones that will go around the courthouse square. Again, it's uh fairly clear that uh it's for customers and visitors only with the residential permitted parking being on the three sides because that's how it will be signed. Uh I would ask council if um they would if they adopt these requested changes that we give staff um that staff would like to give a 30-day warning period through January 5th. And hopefully this will ensure that everyone is aware of the changes and can locate approved alternative parking before enforcement begins. We can hope. And um finally, I will tell you that again, all this information will be uploaded on our city website and downtown website. You're not you're going to need to give us about 10 or 15 days. Uh, as much as I'd like to stand up here and tell you that we're all trained up, uh, we have had issues with getting, uh, our parking person trained,

not because she doesn't want to, but because we can't get the T2 systems. U, they were all set and then they canceled. But we know how to use the handheld. We can give the warning tickets. And so we would like to to get this started if you so choose. Uh, questions for Sharon. But Sharon, will the warning tickets carry the $10? Okay. So that it just strictly will say this is a warning. Yeah.

And Sharon, I'd like to reiterate that. What type of people have been on the parking committee so that it isn't necessarily staff making these decisions? No. This was u a business owner um property owners um several property owners and business owners actually um trying to remember who well it it that's all it is is business owners and property owners just wanted to make sure and we established that parking committee years and years ago just so there's a different perspective and and [clears throat] we've talked about downtown parking for the whole 3,000 years I've been here

and and you know we cycle through and and and I know that people think it would be nice to not have have a free-for-all and I've actually suggested it several times, right? Uh but that really doesn't support your businesses in downtown and you know it's enough of a struggle for them already and providing parking for that is one of the things that I think is our responsibility as a city and you heard all the discussion tonight about all those different lots. Understand that the city doesn't own all those lots, right?

We we lease all of those lots and the folks that own them get rent payments on that from the city. We lease it on behalf of downtown so that we have parking to provide. And also my question is um when will the signs go up? And because you put the January 5th, they'll go up now if if you approve it. So the the three-hour would go into effect and the all day free parking would go into effect. We're just not going to give tickets, right? Um but honestly, we have them and they're scheduled to go up tomorrow. I think it's going to take them two to three days. Um, they'll go up this week. Yeah, let's right, Michael. This week

thanks to rain. You know, it's a parade day, so it's going to rain a little bit. So, I think they can go up this week. What we can tell you is that once the signs are up, you do have more options for free parking and longer parking, which seems important for December. Yep. And if we don't get the full training and stuff to start, then we'll extend the warning period past the 5th. I think it's safe to say the earliest a ticket for money would be given would be January 5th. It may end up being a week or so later. And we can talk about that at the January meeting if Yes. Yes.

If that's necessary. And and I believe in your motions tonight based on what I wrote that it does include us having to bring this back in March or be April if the free parking does not work that is directly behind the buildings. That is my only concern in all of this. But the parking committee felt it was very important that we meet the parking survey halfway. I mean that we you know we meet some of the give and take there. Sharon, Sally mentioned the free-for-all. What happens on Saturday? You don't have the same level of of businesses happen. This is Monday through Friday. You don't have Monday through Friday.

Yeah, this is just Monday through Friday and evenings after after business hours basically, right? And the reason that we're having to do this is because that there are some businesses and some employees who are taking up prime customer parking. And so, um, that's why we've had to establish this. and so on. When they're not working, that's not an issue. Molly. Yes, Sharon. Under the current permitting system, those of us who live downtown have our little sticker on our cars, and we were given a placard or a a designation to provide to an overnight guest whose car is going to be there overnight.

I don't see how that's going to work with this new system. And yet we still have a prohibition against no overnight parking be permitted between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am in any part at any time in parking areas regulated by the ordinance. So that impacts my house guests or somebody who's staying at one of the short-term uh Airbnbs. Okay. So because all of this is online uh and that's what I was going to talk to Paulie about because I think that's the only I think we only have one Airbnb and Keith. Well Keith has his own parking lot. Um, I believe there's one over Paradise Glass as well.

Okay. I thought that was just a a rental. At any rate, it doesn't matter. The the point is you can go online and all you have to do is put in the information and it'll it'll be good for however many days. You just need to to put it in there. Okay. So, in addition So, in addition to having to make sure there's clean sheets on the bed, I have to go online and make sure my house guest's car doesn't get ticketed. The sheets are optional. Sheets are options. [laughter] You got to get the card. I can tell you this that if it's easier to get a placard for your guest, we have no problem seeing that that's available at public safety. Okay. I will I will see how it works one way or the other, but I appreciate that. Thank you.

Which probably honestly would would be easier for the Airbnb folks. And it's not a problem for us to get a placard made and and have it ready to go. Sharon, if if u by some circumstances Butch decides to use my car and decides to get caught up downtown for five hours, that ticket's going to be mine. Correct. It won't be Butches. That is correct. Okay. It's based on license plate. Oh, I won't let you tell that. Be careful who you let use your car. That's exactly right. Uh the money, who gets the money from the parking tickets? Does it go to T2? Us?

We get it. Uh they deposit daily. Uh but they handle collections and notices out um that type of thing. Other questions, comments? It would still be our employee who uses the system.

That is correct. And we have the software I mean and everything and um she and her supervisor um and and and actually uh Jesse Paris can get into it. I can get into it. Um so just so that we're keeping it. But we this will be the first time in my 34 years that we will actually put teeth to the tickets. Otherwise, I'm with Sally. We just need to let it be a free-for-all and let them go because to to waste money on an employee out there who's given a ticket who is never it's never going to be collected is is a it's you know, feudal.

Yeah. And and I'm just going to say this to just to lay this to rest. This is not about paid parking. We are not going to go to paid parking. No, we are not. This is about ticketing if you stay in a space longer than the hours allow you to be there. That's right. That's all. Just like I mean, and I'll I'll be honest, I've been to Asheville multiple times and it's a $25 ticket. I've paid my share. Uh sometimes because I choose not to move and I know I'm going to have to pay that ticket and other times just because I didn't make it back to it. Uh but I know I'm going to have to pay that ticket and that's fair. Uh but that the customer is not my problem. The customer is not your problem. That's right. What's the wish of councel?

Motion to approve a resolution and the recommended parking ordinance amendments as presented. Thank you, Wendy. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Chris. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. Motion passes. I need a second. Motion, please. Please. I'll make a motion to approve amendments to the schedule of fees and charges as presented. Thank you, Butch. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Chris. Any discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. Motion passes. Thank y'all so much. And and Sharon, thank you so much. And the parking committee, I know y'all worked on this months, months, and months. So, and years. [laughter]

But I didn't know there was an option of not paying your tickets before. I'm sorry. I I should have known that. [laughter] Okay. I should have known. Next is consideration of approval amending the development and design service fees and charges for subdivisions. I'll call on Wendy Smith to please give us some information. Good evening. Hi.

So, starting January 1st, the Burke County will take over the plat review portion of our subdivision review process. So, we'll still be responsible for ensuring that the um plats meet the subdivision requirements of the zoning and subdivision ordinance, but the plat review portion, which is the making sure that everybody signed it, making sure the surveyors put the right markings and things on the plat will now be done by Burke County. So, as a result, we are recommending that we have the fees for the exempt subdivisions and minor subdivisions um to reduce those, excuse [clears throat] me, from $100 to $50 each. We are also recommending a reduced fee for historic preservation charges. Currently, we have one flat fee for a certificate of appropriateness, which is what you get if you have a historic home or building and you want to make changes to the exterior of that. Um, the committee says that those are in line with the historic guidelines and then you get to make that change. That fee is $500. that does include advertisement fees that have to go into the local newspapers when we have a historic preservation committee meeting or commission meeting. So, there are some items, however, that the ordinance allows to be approved by administrative review. These are items that are of lower value, generally not terribly visible from the public. So, for example, on this building here, we put an awning in the back alley. um so that when people are coming in the door and they're stopping to utilize their key, they're not getting rained on. You literally cannot see that alley from any angle unless you were in the alley. Um and that's just an example of one that isn't visible to the public and therefore is allowed to have administrative review. Um several we've heard feedback from the people that have these homes that are getting theirs that

the $500 fee every time they want to make a change is a lot. Mind you, you do get reduced taxes for having Mrs. historic home. Um, but we thought that it was fair them they're not having to pay the advertisement fees because they're not having to go to a historic preservation committee meeting. So, the recommendation is to for those that have administrative review and no meeting to be $100 instead of that $500. Any questions for Wendy? I have one other item. It does say in the report that the fees will be effective um December 1st, but that should be January 1st to align with Burke County taking over plat review. Okay, questions?

If not, what's the wish of council? Make a motion to approve amendments as submitted to the schedule of fees and charges for the development and design services fees effective January 1st, 2026. Thank you, Chris. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Molly. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Motion passes. Thank you, Wendy.

Next is consideration adopting a resolution accepting the dedication of waterline easements at Riverbend Apartments. I'll call on city attorney Keith if you'll give us some information. Thank you, mayor. Um, so this agenda item pertains to the Riverbend apartment complex. Um, as you know, this is the apartment complex located on Independence Boulevard in close proximity to Freedom High School and Sheets. Um, the owner has paid for the installation of extensive water lines throughout the property to serve the apartment complex and its residents. Um, and the owner's also paid to connect the water lines to [snorts] the city's existing system. Uh the owner has obtained a survey which shows the water lines and the routes of the easements for the water lines uh which has now been recorded at the register of deeds. And as part of your packet tonight, you see that plat um that plat shows the water lines and the corresponding easements um which are being dedicated to public use and are being proposed tonight uh for the council to accept. Um, these easements and water lines are located in an area where the city already operates and maintains water lines. Uh, North Carolina law authorizes the city to accept streets, easements, and utilities which are being dedicated for public use and which are located within the city's planning and development uh, regulation jurisdiction. Our development and design services department staff have reviewed the plat and found it to be consistent with our development ordinances. And additionally, our engineer has found that the water lines have been constructed in accordance with city standards and specifications and he recommends acceptance. Um the owner will also be signing a deed of dedication and easement which grants the

city the easement to maintain the water lines and that will be recorded also. Any questions for Keith? What's the wish of councel? Make a motion to adopt resolution accepting the dedication of easements for water lines with the riverbend department's development as shown on the recorded plaque. Thank you, Chris. I have a motion to have a second. Second, Holly. Thank you. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. Motion passes.

Okay. Next, our consideration of appointments to boards and commissions. Um, this is the Foothills Regional Airplane Authority shall contest of eight members. Uh, we have two members. Uh, Butch McWain and Lewis Carwell have been consistent members and they're both willing to serve. What's the wish of council? I move to reappoint council member Butch Mcwain and Lewis Carswwell to the Foothills Regional Airport Authority for terms to expire on December 31st, 2027. Thank you, Molly. I have a motion to have a second. Second.

Thank you. Thank you, Wendy. Any discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I. I. Motion passes. Next is a recreation advisory commission. It's a city council. Uh John Haggman um has resigned. His term expires on 6:3026 and we need to make a reappoint. Uh what's the wish of council? Make a motion to appoint Michael Lawther to the recreation advisory council for a term to expire on June 30th, 2026. Thank you, Chris. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Butch. Any discussion? All three of the motion say I. I.

I. Motion passes. Uh, next is reappointment to the Burke County Tourism Development Authority. Uh, these, uh, terms expired December 31st. The city has one representative. Um, Rob Winkler has served on this for several years. Staff recommends that Mackenzie McInness main street manager be recommended. What's the wish of council? Motion to recommend McKenzie McInness for consideration by Burke County to be appointed on the Burke County Tourism Development Authority for a term to expire on December 31st, 2027. Thank you, Wendy. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Thank you, Chris. Uh any discussion? All in favor of the motion say I. I.

I.

The motion passes. Uh, next is a 30-day notice for the fireman's relief fund board. Uh, the terms for council appointment Jesse Paris and Israel Given are set to expire next month. These members have been excellent participant and wish to continue serving. These reappoints will be made at the January 5th, 2026 meeting. Uh, next on our agenda is probably what everyone has come here tonight for, our audit. I'll uh call uh our auditor forward. He's been already had one tonight, I understand, maybe in Conover. And he's carrying enough books for us to keep us busy for quite some time.

Yeah. This is your nighttime reading. I take it home with me. I can hardly wait. Actually, I can't [laughter] wait. Does it come with cliff notes? Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Hey there. Thank you, sir. And what have I signed up for here? That is what you signed up for. [laughter] So, I hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving. Yes. I'm going to jump from this smaller report right here. Thank you. [laughter]

And then, uh, thank you for allowing our firm to do the audit report. And it is a pleasure to work with the T uh city. um what a wonderful uh finance office you have and uh to deal with a city that's in good shape financially. The main thing you hire us to do is issue an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. We issued an unmodified report which is quote unquote clean report with no findings which is what everybody wants to hear. So [snorts] awesome. I do have to read through some of this stuff just to make sure I'm doing my job. So be please be patient with me. Um, under this page one under our responsibility in relation to the financial statement audit, it basically says we signed an engagement letter. You do your part, we do our part. I think everybody did their part. Significant risk identified are the two things we always identify in at least in every audit. Management override of controls and improper revenue recognition. We performed tests around both of those issues. We're real happy with the results. No problems, etc. On page two under significant accounting policies, Gatsby 101, which is compensated absences, was the new big standard. Basically, you're taking um this big estimated and it is estimated calculation and putting a portion of your sick leave on the balance sheet.

We were happy with the way the calculation was. does the LGC other folks put out uh kind of templates to make that work. Happy with that. Same thing would be true in the accounting estimates where you have allowance for doubtful accounts as compensated absences again and some depreciation. We're happy with all the estimates and lives etc on those items. Happy with the financial statement disclosures. There were no significant difficulties encountered in performing the audit. There were no uncorrected misstatements, no disagreements with management. Management did provide us with a representation letter dated November 17th and were unaware that management consult the outside accountants, auditors, etc. On page four, what we attempt to do here is pull out some of the key numbers. I won't say they're all the key numbers and put it in this first column and then put the four prior year numbers beside it so you have some context of what you're looking at. You can see total fund balance there in your general fund at 48,397. You were to go back to 21 that uh same number is 26 million. So a nice increase over time. Unavailable fund balance at 5.5 million restricted and assigned at 13.5. Total general fund expenditures at 24,602. And then fund balance available as a percentage at 174.28 and then unassigned fund balance at 34.6. six. Your unassigned fund balance as a percentage is 140.7. The reason we put both of these percentages in there is because if you go to the LGC or the debt committee with the state treasur, they want to take a look at that. These are really strong percentages. So, congrats on that. Revenues over and under expenses before contributions and transfers. You see general fund at 2.6, water fund at 2.1,

wastewater at 2.4, four electric fund at 7.4 cable fund at a million 37 and other governmentals and that has to do with grants etc. So it could be the process of where they're at but a negative 2.4. I'm not going to read all these numbers on total fixed assets accumulated appreciation and uh cash. Um, I will say there's a financial matters of or financial performance indicators of concern that we'll talk about that I don't think it's of concern, but it's the LGC percentage I got to stick in there. So, I'll talk to you about that in just a second. And it has to do with these fixed assets and accumulated depreciation. And I think uh it'll be pretty self-explanatory why I don't think it's a item of concern. Cash in general fund is 45.8. 8 water fund 3.6 wastewater at 2.2 electric fund at 9.150 and then cable is 2 million102 and other governmentals cash is 11.6 6 million. And I'm not going to read every one of these, but you can see what I would encourage you to do is look at the trends in this. And you can see that the trends are positive. And again, these large numbers in net position. What you're really looking for in any of your business type activity funds is cash flow. Making sure that they're cash flowing. It's not about how big the net position is in that specific fund. See on page five, your property tax rates for all five years. Collection percentage is at 97.44 for the current year. Then your valuation along with your levy amount. Your debt at 12.9 in the governmentals and business type activities at almost 8 million. You can see a breakdown of your general fund revenues at 30,680

and a breakdown of your general fund expenditures at 28,75,000. Um, if you'll be kind enough to flip over to page six, you can see total fund balance there in blue and restricted and assigned in red. And then on the bottom you see the uh city's uh percentage versus the group weight average and what is how nice that looks. Then on page seven the ass analysis of unassigned fund balance and what it looks like over the five years. And then on the bottom you see revenues over and unexpenses before transfers and contributions for the five funds. And I'll say this, I don't have many entities we do where there's nothing below the line. So all five years, all above the line. On page eight, you see that uh what I didn't read the numbers exactly on cash versus accumulated depreciation. And we'll talk about where accumulated depreciation is over 50%. So when you see that red line there, that's what we'll talk about in just a second. [snorts] And then on page nine, you see the same thing at the top of that for the electric fund. But on the bottom, you see two pie charts. One for cash balances and one for fund balances by fund with total cash balances being 63 million 62,962 and total fund balances 165,88,000. And then you see on the top of uh page 10 your property tax rates and on the bottom you see collection percentages for the state, the group weighted average and the city. And on page 11 you see a breakdown of your general fund revenue with Avalorum taxes being the largest at almost 45%

and then on the bottom your expenditures with public safety being the largest at 43.6%. And then on page 12, uh, I do have to say it, the financial performance indicator of concern, and the reason I mentioned, hey, it's not really a concern. It's because if accumulated depreciation exceeds greater than 50% of the total fixed assets, then you have to put this in there per the LGC. If you're managing and maintaining uh all your assets, this shouldn't be an issue. And it's not in in our opinion. But it is required to be in there. And yet many folks uh at some point uh get an engineering study and basically say to the LGC, the engineering study says, "Hey, we got another 25 years regardless of how long we're depreciating it. So uh live in peace." [laughter] So that that's where I would think. Um so I don't see that as an issue whatsoever. I'm happy to take questions of you now. go home and have that rainy night when it's cold and you can't go out and you actually read through the whole report. You got other questions, I'm always happy to take a call from you and if I happen not to be there, just get my cell number and I'll do my best to get you an answer to your question and we appreciate very much you allowing our firm to do the audit.

Any questions for Allan? Chris, I saw you looking page nine. Any No, no questions. That's good. Okay, thank you so much. Jesse, thank you so much for for helping, Alan. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh to have a motion to accept. Oh, yes. That uh yes, we need a motion to accept the the audit. I have that motion. So move. Do I have a second? Second. Second. Thank you, Chris. Um any discussion on Jesse? Oh,

real quick follow up on that indicator of concern. We are required to respond to the LGC with our corrective action plan. Um, and every member has to sign that. So, I'll have that to Renee by tomorrow. Um, you know, we're in an active basically we just described to them that we have a capital improvement plan. Yeah. That's been adopted. We're in an active master plan for both water and sewer and it's just a matter of timing and age of assets. But um anyway, so we have to send that letter within 60 days. So I will have that to you tomorrow and get that sent. Jesse, thanks. We have a motion. All in favor of the motion say I. I. Motion passes. Uh I need another motion to go into close session.

Yes. I need to ask you to consider going into close session to discuss economic development matters and can tell the press that there'll be no decision coming out of that session. Motion to go into close session pursuant to NCGS section 143-318.11 A4 to discuss economic development matters. I have a motion to have a second. Second. Second. Thank you, Chris and Molly. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Motion passes. JC, do you need this?

Speak to Alan 704. We're going to do any short [laughter]