Board of Commissioners (boc) - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Good evening. There we go. Uh, welcome to the Pittsburgh Board of Commissioners meeting. I will call this meeting for December 8th, 2025 to order. And we will start as we normally do with a moment of silence. Please join me.

Thank you. Commissioner Farrell will lead us to the pledge of allegiance. Would everyone rise for the pledge? I alian to the flag United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice to all. Thank you. Thank you. We have the regular agenda and the consent agenda in front of us. Are there any changes or additions to either?

Yes. I would like to pull a couple of items off of consent for discussion. Item three, Roman numeral 3, Creek Parkland. And item three, Roman numeral six, BM Parkway dedication. Uh we will Okay, we'll make those action items five and six respectively. Mhm.

Any other changes? Make a motion to approve the regular agenda. So move. Thank you, Mayor Proen Baldwin. Second. Second. Thank you, Commissioner Frell. All those in favor say I. I. Thank you. I'll take a motion to approve the amended consent agenda. Move. Thank you, Commissioner Ferrell. Second. Second. Commissioner Bonnets. All those in favor say I. I. I. All right. Thank you.

Uh for information items this evening, we have the ABC financials. Are there any questions on that item? Do you want to Okay. you give us that.

Hi, my name is Jamie Theo and I'm the chair of the Pittsburgh ABC board and um we have with us today I don't know if any board members are here but we have general manager Scott Cox. Um and I just wanted to uh mention the materials that were included in your packet. Uh we try to uh appear in front of the board every quarter just to see if there are any questions and to make sure you understand um what's going on that's new. Not a lot new this time. Um it is the first holiday season for store number two at Northwood Landing. Um and we did recently send a couple of checks to you. I think Scott hand delivered them, but we sent $21,55 to the town uh from our distributions from the last quarter of last fiscal year. And uh law enforcement received 586 uh and alcohol education um received $820. Um these the adjustments, the total for law enforcement for the year was $7,400. alcohol education received 10,300 and the town received 77,657 for the full year. Um I will point out that in addition to the quarterly distributions, we do have year-end um excess working capital which you have generously um agreed to share with us. Give let us retain 40% for future programming um new stores. Um, and so your 60% was almost $80,000 and we were allowed [clears throat] to keep uh $52,000 and I appreciate that very much and hoping that we can build that into the next budget. Um, but other than that, store number one, store number two are doing well and um sales are above expectations. We just had a a stellar first um December weekend in um the

second store. So, we're hopeful that we can bring even more money to the town. Um, any questions from anyone? Making money. Great work. Thank you. Keep growing the town and we can uh we can make money. But yes, I I will say that the general trend nationwide and um statewide is uh declining sales and Pittsburgh is uh is you know, our sales keep getting better and better. mixed beverage is a little more challenging, but um but we're doing well compared to other parts of the country and the and the state. So, thank you for your support. Well done. Thank you.

Uh and I'll apologize. I already messed up the agenda. Uh this is the organizational meeting this evening and we're going to start now with the installation of the mayor and commissioners. You're doing good. You're doing good. Nice recovery. Work on your leadership.

Yeah. I, Kyle Steven Ship, I, Kyle Steven Ship, do solemnly and sincerely swear do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States that I will fa be faithful and bear true allegiance that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance

to the state of North Carolina to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are and authorities which are or may be established for or may be established for the government thereof the government thereof that I will endeavor to support that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend the Constitution maintain and defend the Constitution and law of said state and law of said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States. not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States to the best of my knowledge and ability. To the best of my knowledge and and that I will faithfully discharge the duties and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as mayor of my office as mayor.

So help me God. So help me God. Just you want me just [clears throat] toilet.

I guess we should All right. Please read. Okay. I, Candace. I, Candace, do solemnly and sincerely affirm do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will support the Constitution that I will that I will support the Constitution

and the laws of the United States and the laws of the United States that I will be fair faithful and bear true allegiance that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are the constitutional strong powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof. which may be established for the government thereof. That I will endeavor to support that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend the Constitution maintain and defend the Constitution and laws of said state and laws of said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States.

Not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States. To the best of my knowledge and ability. To the best of my knowledge and ability. And I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as commissioner.

And I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as commissioner. Tiana Jbert

do solemnly and sincerely swear do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States that I will be faithful and bear true allegian that I will be faithful in their true allegiance to the state of North Carolina to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established which are or may be established for the government thereof for the government thereof that I will endeavor to support that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend maintain and defend

the constitution and laws of said state. The Constitution of Laws and said state not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States to the best of my knowledge and ability to the best of my knowledge and ability. And that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as commissioner and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as commissioner. So help me. So help me out.

Thank you. yourself. Okay. Following the agenda, up next we have the election of the mayor pro Tim. So the board of commissioners will select a mayor pro Tim to serve. Would like to make a motion? I move to nominate or elect Jay Ferrell, mayor of Pro 10.

Thank you. Is there a second? Commissioner Bonnets. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. Still counts. Yes. Thank you. I just appreciate the board for their confidence in myself and I'll do my best. You will. Jerry I, J. do solemnly and sincerely swear do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will support the Constitution I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States

and laws of the United States that I will be faithful I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina and to the constitutional powers and authorities and to the constitutional power and authority which are or may be established which are or may be established for the government thereof. thereof for the government thereof that I will endeavor to support that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend maintain and defend the Constitution and laws of said state the Constitution and laws of the said state not inconsistent with not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States to the best of my knowledge and ability

to the best of my knowledge and ability and that I will face faithfully discharge the duties and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as mayor pro Tim as my office of mayor pro Tim. So help me God. So help me God.

Okay.

Yeah. Okay. panel on here. Do we have a resolution appreciation for the services of Panel Baldwin? Whereas Pamela Baldwin served the town of Pittsburgh with distinguished and outstanding service from December 12th, 2005 to December 8th, 2025 as commissioner. And whereas Pamela Baldwin, third of the town of Pittsburgh, Ford as mayor pro Tim since December 2011. And whereas Pamela Baldwin put forth substantial effort towards improving the quality of life for the citizens of the town of Pittsburgh. And whereas Pamela Baldwin has selflessly dedicated countless hours, embraced personal sacrifices, and showcased remarkable community spirit in her role, all while maintaining a collaborative and approachable manner that makes engaging with her a genuinely enjoyable experience. And whereas Pamela Baldwin has put a great priority on the interests of Pittsboro and demonstrated a profound dedication to the town's welfare. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Pittsboro, North Carolina, that Pamela Baldwin is hereby officially commended on behalf of the citizens of Pittsboro for a valuable service rendered to the town in her official capacity as a town of Pittsboro commissioner. be it further resolved that this resolution be made a part of the permanent records of the town of Pittsburgh and that a copy of this

resolution be presented to Pamela Baldman as a token of our sincere appreciation adopted this 8th day of December 2025. So I'll take a motion to approve the resolution. Make a motion to approve the resolution as read.

Thank you Commissioner Frell. Is there a second? Commissioner Bonnets. All those in favor say I. I. The base made by Mark.

Don't drop it. very much. I would like to say one small thing actually considered an honor as well as a privilege to have served the town of Pittsburgh, the citizenship of Pittsburgh for the last 20 years and it is remarkable how Pittsburgh has changed. I've tried to do all that I could to help Pittsburgh become what it should be and can be. I've worked with I enjoyed working with the town staff, the town manager, assistant manager, our attorney, and the entire board and chief of police. We can never forget Hampton. So again, I consider it an honor and a privilege to have served the town of Pittsburgh and the individuals in Pittsburgh to continuously vote for me and support me in all of my endeavors. Again, I say thank you very much. And I'm out. Okay, up next we have a resolution of appreciation for the services of James Vos. He's on his honeymoon tonight, so that's an excuse to enjoy that. Um, so whereas James Vos has served one term as commissioner for the town of Pittsboro. And whereas James Vos has put forth substantial effort towards improving the quality of life for the citizens of the town of Pittsburgh. And whereas James Vos has devoted significant time and attention in his capacity for the good of the town of Pittsburgh. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Pittsboro, North Carolina, the James Vos

is hereby officially commended by this town board on behalf of the citizens of Pittsboro for valuable service rendered to the town of Pittsboro in his official capacity as town of Pittsburgh commissioner. Be it further resolved that this resolution be entered into the permanent records of the town of Pittsburgh and that a copy be presented to James Vos as a token of our sincere appreciation that's adopted this 8th day of December 2025. Have a motion to approve the agenda. So moved the resolution. Second. Second. Thank you. All those in favor say I. I.

So we have this that we'll present to him. uh on his return for his service. Okay, up next we have a ceremonial item for uh Royerson and on his retirement. We have a resolution of appreciation and acknowledgement of service to the town of Pittsburgh. Whereas Troy Devon Roersonson began working for the town of Pittsburgh Police Department on July 31st, 2006 and officially retired on November 30, 2025. And whereas during his career, he held the positions of reserve patrol officer, patrol officer, community police corporal, lieutenant, captain, interim chief of police, and deputy [clears throat] chief. And whereas he was instrumental in developing the department's community outreach through programs and assisting with the Chattam County school system in its driver's education program. And whereas his willingness and ability to understand and respond to the concerns of the citizens Pittsboro has made a substantial contribution to the betterment of our community. And whereas North Carolina General Statute 20-187.2 two provides that retiring members of municipal law enforcement agencies may receive at the time of their retirement the badge worn or carried by them during their service within the municipality. And whereas North Carolina General Statute 20-187.2 further provides that the governing body of the municipal law enforcement agency may in its discretion award to a

retiring member the service sidearm of such retiring member. And now therefore, be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Pittsboro, North Carolina, that Troy Devin Robersonson is hereby officially commended on behalf of the citizens of Pittsburgh for valuable services rendered to the town and his official capacity as a police officer for his professionalism, dedication, unwavering commitment, willingness, and ability to understand and respond to the concerns of the citizens of Pittsburgh. be it further resolved that the town manager or his designate be hereby authorized in accordance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 20-187.2 two to transfer Troy Devon Robersonson the badge worn by him during his service with the Pittsburgh Police Department and his service sidearm, a Glock model 17 9mm pistol serial number BD AX751. And be it further resolved that this resolution be made a part of the permanent records of the town of Pittsburgh and that a copy of this resolution be presented to Troy Devin Roersonson adopted this 8th day of December, 2025. Take a motion to approve the resolution.

Make a motion to approve the resolution as read. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim Pharaoh. I'll second Commissioner Bonnets. All those in favor say I. I. Thank you. We'll take a five minute recess for a little reset.

Welcome back. We will start again with the citizens matters and start with the manager's update. Uh no real update just to say that uh tomorrow due to the weather we are operating a two-hour delay. So town hall will open at 10:30. Thank you. Thank you.

Up next are my updates. So, we had a ribbon cutting this month of uh Taken Tento out at the plant. So, uh great to see them out there and uh ate there last night again as well. So, uh good another option out there at the plant. Uh some I had the opportunity on November 13th to go to Central Pines Regional Council's office and participate in a panel discussion about utility mergers. So, there's a lot of uh interest and you know, curiosity about how that has worked for us so far. So they did a staff panel and an elected panel about utility mergers. So that was a good opportunity. And uh of course on November 23rd we had the tree lighting. So fantastic event uh put on by Pittsburgh Business Association and I appreciate that. November 16th I went to a celebration at the now old Rafi building about the the history of that building and the organization. So really uh fantastic event. And then uh December 2nd, I attended the North Carolina Mayor's Association meeting. And December 3rd, I attended a training at UNCC School of Government on Rules of Procedure where they talked about following the agenda. Thank [laughter] um some upcoming events on uh Sunday, December 14th, we have the pro Christmas parade. So hope to see you all there. And December 20th, the VFW is going to do pancakes with Santa. So, last minute opportunity to get all your lists in with Santa. Um, Central Pines's RPO, regional planning organization, the December meetings are cancelled. Uh, we will meet again in January, I believe. Um, up next, Mayor Pro Tim Ferrell.

Oh, you caught me off guard. Nothing at this time. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat] Thanks. Uh, Commissioner Foley, nothing at this time. Commissioner Thurbert. Um, so on the behalf of the Pittsboro business association, I would like to thank the town of Pittsboro. This was the best tree lighting that we've ever had and we had a drone show and which was sponsored um by the town. And it was uh I hear we had 3,900 attendees um not including the children. So I I'm really excited for next year and uh thanks. Awesome. Thank you. Not at this time.

Thank you, Commissioner Bonds.

Yes, thank you. I do want to give an update from the Chattam County Climate Advisory Committee meeting. Uh the November 20th meeting was skipped due to Thanksgiving and the next meeting is December 18th. Uh there were several work items that were identified uh by the county board of commissioners during their two-day climate action plan retreat uh which I attended uh and that will be you'll hear more about that in future if it's relevant to the town. I'd also like to take the opportunity to give a a very brief twominut, I promise, update to the board and to the public on an exciting new financial mechanism called CPACE or commercial property assessed clean energy. So, CPACE is a tool that lets private lenders finance building improvements like energy efficiency, solar, EV chargers, [clears throat] batteries, and resiliency upgrades for commercial and multifamily properties. The loan is repaid over many years as a line on the property tax bill, and it stays with the property as that property is sold, if it's sold. So that means no county or town money is involved or at risk, but we still get the benefit of cleaner, more valuable buildings, and a stronger tax base. Um, Chattam County has already done the hard part here. Uh, the county held a public hearing and they voted to join the statewide CPACE program established by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, EDPNC. Uh, EDPNC will administer that. And so the framework is already in place as established by state law passed a couple years ago. So you might ask why is this important? Well, in a town that's growing as fast as we are, uh, and with fewer and fewer people able to finance a

home living in apartments, it makes it all the more important that the apartments the apartments that we build in Pittsburgh are clean and that they include energy saving features or solar panels to cut the power bills or EV chargers to allow renters to own an EV. This is a small thing that the town can do to help. It costs us nothing more than a bit of staff time and this board's attention. So, uh to unlock this for Pittsburgh businesses, commercial um construction, um I would suggest that our next step next steps would be simple. We can ask staff to bring us a short CPACE participation resolution for the town as allowed under state law. We can hold the required public hearing and adopt that resolution with the county's con concurrence. We would then work with EDPNC to get the word out so that Pittsburgh property owners, developers, uh people contemplating commercial or uh apartment complexes can start using CPACE to finance projects here in Pittsburgh. Um, I would suggest that there's if there's others who are interested in this that we could place this on the agenda in January or February.

So, does that include new construction? Yes. Thank you. Yeah. Thanks for hearing. Up next is public comment. We have three people signed up this evening. So, please state your name and address at the start of your comments. There's a time limit of 3 minutes which will be displayed on the screen. In the interest of time and fairness, it's the board's policy not to respond directly to comments during this period. Staff will follow up is appropriate. Any speaker with handouts shall give them to the town clerk and they'll be distributed to the board at the conclusion of the meeting. So up first is Karen Strazza followed by Nicholas Shrammik.

Is there a timer thing somewhere? Get right up to somewhere. Hi, my name is Karen Strazza. Um, I live at 422 West Salsbury Street in Pittsburgh. I'm here today to express my concern over the use of taxpayer dollars for license plate reader cameras around Pittsboro. I'd like to request a review of a contract with a company Flock Safety and ask the town to consider cancelling use of these cameras if it finds they are not in the best interest of our community. My concern is about privacy and the lack of transparency regarding how data collected by these cameras is used and shared with other agencies. I'm most concerned with flocks potential use of databases for predatory practices by federal agencies. As I understand Pittsburgh has already installed flock cameras in four communities to quote assist with protecting the public. Flock has c has contracts with towns and municipalities all over the country. They have come under scrutiny for using sketchy tactics to opt jurisdictions like Pittsburgh into sharing their license plate data with outside agencies, often federal, unbeknownst to the local jurisdictions. In other words, towns and police departments may not know which agencies are using this data or if it is being used lawfully and not in violation of privacy or Fourth Amendment rights. Several cities have uh that have installed these cameras are cancelling and walking back their contracts this block this October. For example, Hillsboro cancelled their contract over concerns about data privacy. Upon closer review of their contract, they be they became concerned about language that um was interpreted as allowing Flock to disclose data to any government entity or third party if the company had quote good faith belief of a need to do so. Hillsboro is removing the five cameras they installed as a state in the in the best interests of their community." In Norfol,

Virginia, the local government is facing a Fourth Amendment challenge based on flocks cameras that track and catalog core movements of their public. I'm asking for more transparency regarding Pittsburgh's Flock cameras and reconsideration of their contract with Flock. Does the town of Pittsburgh share data from flock damage with outside agencies? And which ones? What guarantee do we have that this data is not used unlawfully? Doesn't every Pittsburgh resident have the right to know who is getting that camera um data and how it is being used? What happens in the future if the state or federal government makes requirements that might supersede how we want that data to be used or shared? As a taxpayer, I also question whether the installment of flock cameras will really improve public safety. Is there any good data on how effective they actually are? Do we know if they improve public safety in the long run given the cost? I request that the town convene a committee with community stakeholders to review the plot contract and make recommendations. If the contract doesn't provide transparency and accountability and serve our community,

thank you. Your time is up and it should be cancelled. Thanks. Up next is Nicholas Shrammik followed by Paul Cuadros.

Nicholas Shrammik 50 Chattam Forest Drive uh former cate former candidate for betro on board. Throughout my campaign I faced moments that were deeply disheartening not because of differing viewpoints but because of how people were treated. I experienced personal attacks, online misrepresentation, and attempts to under undermine my campaign, including including stolen signs. These actions didn't reflect healthy civic engagement, nor the spirit of Pittsboro. Despite these challenges, I remain grateful. I want to sincerely thank the other candidates and their volunteers, Candace Huninger, Tiana Thurber, Alex Brinker, and Corey Forest. Their kindness, integrity, and respect throughout this process reminded me of why I chose to run in the first place. to serve a community I care deeply about, not to tear others down. I also want to congratulate Candace and Tiana on their victories. It was a privilege to get to know them during the campaign. They are thoughtful, capable individuals, and I believe they will represent Pittsburgh with dedication and heart. Pittsburgh is in safe hands. My hope moving forward is simple. Let's return to discussing ideas with civility, respect, and open-mindedness. Passion is very natural, especially when issues matter deeply. But it should be never a license for cruelty. We are neighbors. We are a community. And if we want Pittsburgh to thrive, we must treat one another with dignity, even when we disagree. To everyone hearing this, whether you supported me or not, I ask we re recommmit to constructive dialogue. Let's choose compassion over contempt, solutions over division, and unity over hostility. Pittsboro's future depends on it. Thank you.

Thank you. Up next, Paul. [clears throat]

258 Belmont Road. Uh I'm here to echo what Karen said earlier with regard to Flock and the technology that's now being used by police locally here and any possibility with using or sharing that data information with federal agencies, specifically with ICE or with custom border protection. Um, Pittsburgh is 10% Hispanic. One in 10 people here in our town looks like me, speaks like me, has a background like me. This is a issue that is concerning to us. Of course, as you may know, uh, Supreme Court has ruled that these federal agencies can profile us specifically if we're in certain altercations, we're doing certain jobs, uh, or even just living in certain neighborhoods. the technology that's being used by PISPO can be abused by other agencies. And so I think transparency is important, but I would charge the council to investigate this and to form a committee with stakeholders in in in our community to share information, share stories, and to really think about this technology and where it might go today and in the future. Because today it might be ICE, tomorrow might be the IRS, might be other federal agencies. The surveillance system that's beginning to happen across the [clears throat] United States is a system that we don't really have our hands on just yet. And I would say that we need to think carefully about how we use technology, how technology can be used on us going into the future. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Okay, up next we have uh [clears throat] standing committee representative recommendations. So I will make the following recommendations and then we can um discuss and vote. Um so for the Chattam County Economic Development Corporation, I would recommend Commissioner Foley. For Central Pines Regional Council, I'd recommend Commissioner Bonnets. For Chattam County Climate Change Advisory Committee, I'd recommend Commissioner Bonnets. For Chattam County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, recommend Commissioner Huner. For Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization, I'll recommend myself. For Chattam Chamber of Commerce, I'll recommend Commissioner Thurber. And for the ABC board, I'll recommend Commissioner Frell. Any questions, comments? Okay. Take a motion to approve those appointments.

So moved as as you've said. Thank you, Commissioner Moss. Second. Second. Commissioner Foley. All those in favor say I. I. Thank you. Uh up next we have a public hearing for text amendment PB25596 [clears throat] Creek conditional zoning amendment to PB 23289. I'm sorry. Uh I will take a motion to go into public hearing. So moved. Thank you. Commissioner Bonnets. Second. Second, Commissioner Foley. All those in favor say I. I. I.

Thank you.

This one's pretty simple. Um, when you have a uh conditional zoning done, if someone needs to amend it, unfortunately, they have to go back through the same process. This is the uh map of the uh Turkey Creek assemblage, and the U rotation of it isn't important. What you need to be looking is the two areas that are blue. So we have Kate Murdoch here from McAdams Company submitted a petition to amend PB23 289 list of permitted uses in the M1 CZ district which is the blue areas on there to include office medical dental and office park medical dental and so in your packet if you go to the next page there's yeah just couple of words that are in blue literally to be added to paragraph C under the land uses is does anyone have any questions for me or for the petition?

Any questions from the board? There's no one signed up for this public hearing. So, I'll take a motion to close the public hearing. So moved. Thank you, Commissioner Foley. Second. Second. Mayor Proton Frell. All those in favor say I. I. All right. Uh, any other discussion among the board? [clears throat] All right. I'll take a motion to recommend approval of PB25596 as presented. So move.

Thank you. Second. Second. Mr. Bonnets. All those in favor say I. I. Thank you. Appreciate it. Okay, up next we have a appointment for the board of adjustment. There is one application for the board of adjustment. Any questions or comments? This is uh Timothy Peton. Yes. And I was very impressed with his application and his background. Um I'll make a motion to uh appoint Timothy Peton to the board of adjustments. for term to expire December 31st, 2028.

Thank you. Perfect. Thank you. There a second. Second. Thank you, Mayor Proen Ferrell. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Thank you. Up next, we have appointment of a planning board member. We had uh significant interest in this position. That's one of each. One ATJ and one in town. Correct. Yes. [clears throat] I'd like to move for appointment of uh renewal appointment of Christina Pard for the in town planning board representative. Okay. Is there a second?

I have a second. Thank you. Any discussion?

Can we talk about our history of uh attendance? Let's talk about that. I know that the uh the requirement in the town is is three absences. Is that correct? Uh it's a very important critical we rely on the the planning board. So, uh I I would like to hear some feedback. Uh I would love to overlook that if uh I could be persuaded to do so. Sure. Yeah. I think uh Christina Piard has shown with the the depth and rigor of her questions that she's taking the job very seriously. Um and she has been attendance in attendance at those meetings which by my personal viewpoint were the most important of the planning board's uh past year's worth of work. Um, and uh, I probably should have paid more attention to those UDO amendments because I gathered that um, it's a requirement that after three misses that she uh, be dismissed. And I thought that that meant that uh, we she she could be or individuals who miss three meetings or more could be dismissed. Um, I would reconsider that. I see no reason to interrupt her her service because uh she is taking it seriously and she's learned quite a lot. Um and um I think it's also important uh the role that she plays uh with the uh uh Wolf Speed Company. Um it's an important manufacturer uh an employer. Yes, they've cut their workforce significantly, but they are still a presence in in our county. Um, and they

are representing a a very um significant part of the future economy. So, yeah. Any other discussion? I don't have any discussion, but I'd like to uh nominate Ryan Brunetti, the planning board.

Okay. So, there's a there's a current motion on the floor for Christina that we'll have to address um before nomination. Okay. Is there any other discussion on that motion? I'll say additionally that uh that I also found Ryan Brunetti his application was compelling. Um and I think that um at a time when we're growing so rapidly um I've been wondering if we shouldn't increase the size of the planning board. Uh regardless, I think there may be some some vacancies coming open in future and I that's where I'm looking to uh possibly having Ryan Brunetti come into service in 2026 or 27. I'll just mention this there. I would thank everybody for applying for this planning board because usually we don't have anybody that applies and we Nicholas [snorts] appreciate you applying. I have three on my list so uh if the time comes up hopefully that these three can go on this board.

Thank you, Commissioner Farrell. I'll definitely echo that. Um it it is really heartening to see so much interest um and [snorts] and so many expressions of interest in in this volunteer work as we shape our community in the future. Any further discussion on that motion? Okay. All those in favor of the appointing Christina Parard to the in town planning board member position expiring December 31st, 2028. Say I. I. Any opposed? Nay. Nay.

What was your I Okay. All right. Motion passes. Uh up next we have the ETJ appointment. I would like to make a motion to appoint uh Connie McAdams to the planning board. Okay. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Thank you. [clears throat and cough] Any discussion? Uh I I will say um I think Connie has done a a very good job as well. Um she has a very clear um uh history of working with the community to elevate concerns. Uh environmental concerns seem to be her real specialty, but she also was asking about equity things and and um matters about property, private property rights. Um and so I'm I'm very supportive of this [clears throat] motion. Great. Thank you. Uh all those in favor say I. I.

I. Any opposed? Thank you. Next, we have a parks and recreation advisory board member appointment for a term that ends June 30, 2027. We had uh five applicants for this position. I'd like to nominate Nicholas Ramik. for that position. Okay. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Any discussion?

Mr. Mr. Ramik uh has uh like he stated in his uh public comments served with uh integrity and ran on on a pro Pittsburgh pro business uh forwardthinking idea. He's totally excited about the parks department and finding connections there. I think with his uh intelligence and his enthusiasm, he'd make a great dynamic asset to that department.

Okay. Any other discussion?

I'll just say I'm I'm grateful for Nicholas Shremik's application. Um, and I um I'll be nominating someone else. And um the the candidate that uh that really jumped out to me was Sarah Justice. Um Sarah has a background in municipal work. Um but I think she also understands the role of advisory boards, so I don't think she'll be getting in in staff business. Uh she [snorts] does work for the town of Kerry as an environmental outreach program manager. Um she also has two children and has raised those kids here in town and and has experience in our parks. So

yeah. Okay. Any other discussion on the nomination of Nicholas Shrammik? Okay. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? Nay. Nay. Okay. Motion fails. So, I'll move for Sarah Justice to uh be appointed to the parks and recovery board. Okay. Is there a second? A second.

Thank you. Uh any discussion? I I don't think I need to repeat myself, but uh I do think she's an outstanding candidate and uh very much looking forward to her digging in. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed?

Motion passes. Thank you. Up next, we have a designation of the authorized signatorries for withdrawals from depositories of the town of Pittsburgh. Um so we have um myself, Heather, Edna, the mayor pro Tim, and then we need a commissioner as well. Um ideally who's in town available then would like to volunteer for that role. volunteer. One question, Mayor, am I still on this? You would be.

Yes. Okay. Um, so that needs that needs a motion, doesn't it? Yes. Uh, I move for uh Commissioner Foley to be named as the uh commissioner uh for the signatory uh authority um after Mayor Ship and Mayor Proemporary Ferrell. Did I word that right? No, I don't think so. But we're close. Um I I will try and fit it in here. Uh so let's say

a motion to adopt the resolution designated authorized signatorries for withdrawals from from depositories of the town of Pittsburgh with the selected uh commissioners uh of Commissioner Foley of Commissioner Foley. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Mayor Proim Ferrell. Um any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. All right. The item uh moved to number five. So, uh Robinson Creek Parkland budget amendment. Yes.

Thank you. So, um, with, uh, with parkland acceptance, uh, perhaps we've seen this before and I just missed it, but I I don't recall seeing where we are paying the tax bill for receipt of parkland donations. So, uh, can staff help enlighten myself, the board, and the public?

Yes. So, it was essentially a timing issue of when the land was transferred. So in the past when Chattam Park transferred the land for um Monicure Pittsboro Road that was done I believe in December of the year that it was done. So that was after they had already paid taxes. Um and so then as of the record of January 31st the land was in the name of the town of Pittsburgh and therefore there are no taxes assessed. This property was transferred in June of this year. Um, so the taxes because it was in the name of a public um not a nonprofit um as of January 31st the tax year there is a tax bill outstanding which has to be paid in full and so we are on the hook for our pr-rated amount of that which is why we have to keep

makes perfect sense. Thank you for that explanation. So going forwards we're just going to be looking to time any transfers. That's great. That's what I want to hear. [laughter] Thank you. Thank you. I'll take a motion to approve the budget amendment. So moved. Thank you, Commissioner Bonnets. Second. A second. Thank you. Uh all those in favor say I. I. I. I. Any opposed?

Thank you. And the other action item is the Chattam Parkway dedication for R 5930A. Uh Mr. Messi. Mr. Mayor and members of the board, uh, in 2023, the town in Chattam Park entered into an agreement to accelerate the, um, construction of a portion of the Chattam Parkway called 5930A. Uh, in that agreement, the town agreed to be an intermediary between the owners of the property and the Department of Transportation. Um what you have before you is a resolution to amend that uh agreement from 2023 to provide for the different owners of the property now who weren't owners in at the time of 2023 and to facilitate the construction of both sections of the road the 5930A and 5930B that will eventually run Channel Parkway all the way from Subtles Road which was closed a couple of months ago all the way 15501. Um what you have in the package are copies of proposed deeds to the town for from all the various uh owners of property and then proposed deeds from the town to the department of transportation for the rightway. It's a simple matter that was uh essentially agreed to in 2023 except that that only dealt with 5930A. DOT has seen fit to split the project into 593A and 5930B. But that's that's the portion of the road that we're talking about. So [clears throat] the um the resolution is to authorize the town manager or mayor to execute the deeds on behalf of the town to transfer the property to the DOT.

Thank you. [clears throat] Is there any questions for Paul? Yeah, just one question real quick. So the the surveys that we were given there there are stream buffers, critical buffers along the Haw River. None of that has has changed at all. Correct. This is just an exchange. Well, the map probably shows more than what is involved in this. These are the the the rightway the portion for the highway that will be constructed that are being transferred to DOT in fee and then easements for various uh access and and um and drainage along the the rightway. Thank you. [clears throat]

Thank you Mr. Messi. Um what I was hoping to uh bring to light by pulling this onto the action item agenda for discussion is number one this this is not in my opinion something that should be in uh consent agenda because the magnitude and the importance of it. Um recognizing that the the decisions were made previously by the board in 2023 and and I think that this goes all the way back to the bonus allocation. um debacle uh in 21. Um but I would assert that this is not routine housekeeping. Um, I recognize that um the the language of the agreement uh needs to change and be updated to recognize uh to to uh name the current parties. uh WYW USA uh S LLC is one of the parties and then uh DMB uh LLC is the um developer associated with the um Asteria project in collaboration with Disney. Um but this does um reaffirm uh that prior vote and decision to give up NC DOT bonus allocation funds to the Chattam Park investors and their assignees. So I think by my [clears throat] understanding of this a large reason for this action before the board tonight is uh to fix a a problem that was in the prior legal documents. Um not specifically stating I mean

chatter investors are very good about making sure their language says CPI or their assignees in future. In other words, whomever is going to buy that land um or whomever would own it in future. I think in this case that was missed and I think that's a big part of the the action tonight. Um I think uh there was also some mention of Subtles Road and that small change. Um, but I just didn't want this to go p to pass unnoticed, uh, and unobserved. Um, so, um, yeah, I want to make a motion that we table this, uh, until January, uh, to give,

[clears throat] um, our new commissioners the full benefit of time to fully understand, uh, the history and the background and the nature of what's what's being asked. Okay. Motion by Commissioner Bonets. Is there a second? I second. Thank you. Thank you. Uh any discussion on that motion?

Yeah, I have some discussion on that. I mean, uh Chadam Park went was one reason on this and correct me if I'm wrong to get this bypass accelerated. Correct. Was one reason on this. If we slow this down, what is this going to send DOT a message? And uh Pittsburgh's slow and doesn't want to work with us and what's going to happen down the road that we got we received acceleration for this highway, the 501 part. So I'm not following John what your um conflict is.

Well, as I said, it's not routine housekeeping. This is a significant step. I don't intend to try and fight to work this overturned or block it. Um, we should uphold our word. Even though I was in the minority and opposed it, I don't intend to try and overturn this. Um, but I think that it [clears throat] it's it's a significant matter and there's significant history behind it and uh I want to make sure that new commissioners uh are understanding what they're signing on to. So maybe we can ask now um instead of you speaking for them can respect. Yeah. Yeah. Because um

just speaking for myself. Yeah. So one one statement that you made that I need some clarification. You said that there was this is a housekeeping issue. Can you can you expand on that please? Said it's not routine housekeeping. It should not have been in the consent agenda.

And and the reason why is because again this further affirms and and ratifies a prior decision by this board to give $5 million, excuse me, $4.5 million of NC do funds to the Chattam Park investors. So, um, Commissioner Fo, you may not have heard this story, but, uh, I've heard several times former mayor Cindy Perry explained that after a meeting on a helicopter ride arranged by the Chattam Park investors, uh, the secretary of the Department of Transportation for North Carolina looked her straight in the eye and said, "These funds are the town's funds to use for whatever your transportation pri priorities are. And my understanding is that the Chattam Park investors, the principles were in that meeting when he said that this board in the past board majority decided to give that money to Chattam Park investors, disregarding the fact that we had already uh Highway 87 widening on the STIP list, that we'd been working for many years to get it on the step list. And then what do you know? It was removed from the stip list for lack of money. I made these arguments back then. The Chattam Park investors presented the case. They implied that they would simply not spend the money and not build the Chattam Park way, which was just false and misleading. So, um,

this is just some of the history. Hadn't really wanted to bring this all out tonight. Uh, in hopes that we could, uh, agree to have this uh, tabled until January. So this $4.5 million is where it went to town park. There was a check cut for that or what was the process there? There is a process as the uh land is given to the NC DOT and as actually to the town and then town gives it to DOT and as money is invested to build that highway uh there is a process by which NC do allocates funds back to the town

and the town will cut checks to the Chattam Park investors. staff have comments. I

think Mr. Bonnets is conflating something that the town did in 2020 which dealt with bonus allocations and that involved uh a finite amount of money that was allocated to the town uh by virtue of work that was done by Chattam Park in 2023. You all agreed that that those funds which amounted to $ 1.9 million be allocated to the Chattam Parkway. So that's an issue that's been settled for at least two years. And all this deals with is a swap of real estate. Has nothing to do with money. DOT is my understanding is ready to open the completed portion of the parkway, but needs this um these deeds to be able to do it.

That's what's the issue. I don't think there's any conflation going on, sir. The bonus allocation is mentioned explicitly in this document. It is and it's a part of the same deal. This is an amendment to the 2023 agreement, not the 2020 agreement. 2020 agreement was allocated in the 23 agreement to the Parkway. Like you said, you were in the minority. Majority of the board approved it. Understood. I'm not questioning that. Not [clears throat] challenging that. All this deals with is a swap of the real estate in order to dedicate the right away to DOT. And

Mr. Messi, you said the the timing component of this is that DOT is waiting on it to open Chattam Park. The the portion is completed. Yes, that's that's my understanding. [clears throat]

So they would delay it another month. I do have a question and it may be um I have two questions actually um and and this may not even be a thing and I apologize if it is not. I am new so please bear with me if I ask something that is so this is an amendment to the 2023 and so work has gone into preparing this um and work has to be paid for. So, is there is there a reimbursement for town staff and town attorney for redoing this agreement with CPI or is that even is that even a thing? Like is who pays for the redoing of the document, the agreement and and so on?

Channel Park has paid for the document. Okay. And um you said that this is going they're waiting for this the road to open or to once it's dedicated um they are ready to go or because uh Commissioner Frell mentioned that there could be problems with DOT. Could somebody speak on that a little bit more for me? I apologize. Just what the consequences would be for waiting the month. They won't open the portion of the road that's completed. I got that part. But I was more speaking about how he was talking about the relationship with DOT. That's all.

Not saying we have a bad relationship, but anybody that deals with DOT, it can be a long-term adventure and we've already noticed have seen. All right. Thank you for bearing with me as as I navigate and learn. I appreciate it. No question is wrong. Any other comments or questions on the motion to postpone action till January?

Okay. All those in favor of postponing till January. I Okay. Any opposed? I'm going to say I I I need more time to understand. I'm understand too. Okay. Any opposed? Nay. Motion carries. Uh up next we have a close session. So I'll take a motion to enter into close session pursuant to NCGS 143 318 111 A3 A4 and A6.

There was a motion. So yes. Thank you Commissioner Foley. Second. Second. Commissioner Bonnets. All those in favor say I. I. All right. [clears throat]

All right, welcome. We are back from close session and I'll take a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Thank you, Commissioner Bonnets. Second. Second. April Tim Ferrell. All in favor say I. I. Thank you. I'd like to wish to everybody a merry merry