Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting June 22, 2021 John W. Byrne, Mayor J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro Tempore The Regular Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina Town William H. Harris, Jason O. Wunsch, Marilyn B. Gardner and Larry W. Smith, Town Board Members Board scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager 7:00 p.m. was held at the Fuquay-Varina Town James (Jim) E. Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk Hall, 134 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC. James S. Adcock, III, Town Attorney In attendance were Mayor John W. Byrne, Mayor Pro Tem Blake Massengill, and Commissioners Marilyn Gardner, William Harris, Jason Wunsch and Larry Smith. Also in attendance were Town Manager Adam Mitchell, Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Information Technology Director Scott Clark, Town Clerk Rose Rich, and Town Attorney James Adcock. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Commissioner Smith provided the invocation and Commissioner Harris led the Pledge of Allegiance. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Town Manager Mitchell reviewed the meeting protocol noting that the meeting was both in-person, via Zoom, and live streamed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3A The June 7, 2021, minutes of the Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Friends of the Arts Center - Inaugural Board Recognition and Board Commissions Purpose – To recognize three retiring members of the inaugural Board of Directors for the Friends of the Arts Center, and to commission two members of the Board for three-year terms. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. Arts Center Director, Maureen Daly recognized outgoing members as follows: Bob Barker, inaugural chairman; Jennifer Holt; and Elizabeth Edwards, secretary. Mayor Byrne expressed appreciation to all three for their service and thanked them for bolstering the arts in Fuquay- Varina. Arts Center Director and Mayor Byrne then recognized Amy Rogers and Don Curry members of the Friends of the Arts board, commissioned by the mayor for another term. Mayor Byrne thanked both for their commitment to the arts in Fuquay-Varina. Mayor Byrne also thanked Maureen for her leadership at the Arts Center. 4B Downtown Master Plan Update - Public Input Information and Next Steps Purpose – To receive information and updates on the public input process and next steps related to the Downtown Master Plan. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then introduced Assistant Town Manager Seymour to make additional remarks. Assistant Town Manager Seymour advised that the formation of the Downtown Master Plan has been ongoing for the last several months. The Town Board discussed the plan during its Strategic Planning Retreat in February 2021. The goal is to finalize the plan and present to the Town Board at the October board meeting. A survey was promoted via the Town's website, social media, and the Focus on Fuquay-Varina newsletter. The survey consisted of 29 questions. There were 550 total respondents to the survey and of those 550 total responses, 487 of them were Fuquay-Varina residents. Main ideas and recommendations from the survey included more special events in programming, pedestrian safety, sidewalk improvements, addressing parking issues in downtown Varina, pedestrian connectivity between the Fuquay District and Varina District, more dining options, fine dining, healthy eating options, outdoor dining options, more housing rentals or condo units, the incorporation of public art, retaining historic elements, more open space, more park development, and more gathering spaces downtown. Also, out of the 550 respondents 26% of them talked about prioritizing the Town’s investment in redeveloping vacant or dilapidated properties, 15% recommended investing in parking solutions, and 13% recommend investing in parks or open space and activating and enhancing numerous underused alleys. For the top elements for improving downtown, 16.5% of the respondents recommend restoring and preserving authentic historic character, 16.3% recommend diversifying the mix of businesses and 14.2% recommend managing parking. The next step of the plan is to complete project lists, prioritize, and start to formalize and codify the Downtown Master Plan. Staff will then work with a consultant to finalize the Downtown Master Plan document to make it marketable, informative, educational, and transparent. Staff will bring the proposed plan before the Town Board for final approval. Assistant Town Manager Seymour stated that he, along with Downtown Director Dawn Russell and the Economic Development Director will be responsible for managing and implementing Downtown Master Plan. He then thanked the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association and all the downtown business operators and property owners for engaging in the process for almost three months. Discussion – Mayor Byrne stated that he is pleased to see development and growth spreading out from Main Street. He stated that the side streets are starting to become more and more active. Commissioner Gardner stated that she is interested in seeing how this is progressing and is very excited about it. 4C Town of Fuquay-Varina Code Compliance Strategy Purpose – To receive a presentation and information relating to the Town's Code Compliance Strategic Guide. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then introduced Assistant Town Manager Seymour to make additional remarks. Assistant Town Manager Seymour stated that the Town Board focused on code compliance during the Strategic Town Board Retreat this past February 2021, which included focusing on putting together a comprehensive strategic plan that provides education to the public, transparency, and equal application of code compliance throughout the community. The code compliance strategic plan demonstrates the code compliance action flowchart, and it explains, chronologically, the process. The action flowchart is intended to provide guidance, both internal and external, on understanding exactly how these issues are identified, how they are facilitated, how they are addressed, what tools are used, and how they are resolved. The code compliance form is an online anonymous form that somebody can fill out if they have a code compliance issue. Assistant Town Manager Seymour stated that Code Compliance Officer Rich Johnson has spent a lot of time helping to develop the code compliance website for both residential and commercial code compliance. The website has a mobile restaurant guide, commercial sign regulations, user guide, home occupation guide, amplified sound, permitted signs, and other code complaints and planning department related documents. Discussion – Commissioner Harris asked if there is a process for questioning a violation. Code Compliance Officer Rich Johnson stated that a citizen is welcome to schedule an appointment with a Code Compliance Officer to gain a better understanding of the violation or what the Town Code states with regards to a violation. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill recommends that the Code Compliance Officer keep in contact with the Fuquay-Varina Post Office regarding compliance with grass height.  Town Manager Mitchell highlighted again the online form for registering a code compliance violation/complaint. He stated that the form is a way that we can identify code violations, where Town staff may not always catch them all. He noted that it requires the entire community to help keep the community looking beautiful. Mayor Byrne thanked Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Code Compliance Officer Rich Johnson, and Planning Director Pam Davison for collaborating on this effort and for presenting the information to the Town Board and the public. 4D Fuquay-Varina Transportation Improvements Marketing Plan Update Purpose – To receive information and updates on the Town's transportation & traffic management marketing initiative. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then introduced Assistant Town Manager Seymour to make additional remarks. Assistant Town Manager Seymour stated that for some time transportation has been one of the hottest topics in Fuquay-Varina among the Town Board and its citizens. Staff has put together a marketing initiative with a website to share information related to a comprehensive list of transportation projects. The website has information that provides an interactive site, project details, status of transportation projects currently under construction as well as pending or future project visuals, videos for each project and then also project contact information. Members of the public have the opportunity to view the website to obtain information about whether it is a state (NCDOT) project and who they should contact at NCDOT, or whether it is a locally managed project. The website is www.drivefv.org. One of the new features is the transportation interactive map that is very similar to the interactive map on the Town’s Economic Development page. The website also contains information on traffic updates and bond funding information. Discussion – Mayor Byrne asked if the express bus line from Raleigh is stopping at Wake Tech. Town Manager Mitchell stated that they were, but they are no longer stopping at the Food Lion at Hilltop Needmore Road.  Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill stated that the website is very easy to navigate and that it has information on all the major pinch point intersections that citizens often have questions about. He thanked staff for doing a great job to get the webpage up and active. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A Elizabeth Parent, 8620 Jordan Meadow Drive, Fuquay-Varina stated that she would like for the Town Board to do an organization-wide cultural assessment. Mayor Byrne thanked Ms. Parent for her participation. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the June22, 2021, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A There were no public hearings scheduled for the June22, 2021, Town Board meeting. CONSENT AGENDA 8A Special Event Permit & Amplified Sound Permit Request - Oaklyn Springs Brewery - Anniversary Party Event - July 17, 2021 Purpose – To consider approval of a special event and amplified sound permit for Oaklyn Springs Brewery's Anniversary Event, scheduled for July 17, 2021. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound permit for Oaklyn Springs Brewery's Anniversary Event scheduled for July 17, 2021, as presented, and recommended. 8B Amplified Sound and Special Event Permit Request - Bull and Bear Gym 919's Strongest Event - August 7, 2021 Purpose – To consider approval of a special event and amplified sound permit for Bull and Bear Gym's 919's Strongest event, scheduled for August 07, 2021. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound permit for Bull and Bear Gym's 919's Strongest event scheduled for August 07, 2021, as presented and recommended. 8C Façade Grant Funding Request - McBalling 3.0 LLC. - 204 S. Main Street Purpose – To consider approval of a façade grant funding request for McBalling 3.0 LLC located at 204 S Main Street. Recommendation – Approve the façade grant funding request and application submitted by McBalling 3.0 LLC located at 204 S. Main Street in an amount up to $2,500 as presented and recommended. 8D Voluntary Annexation Petition - Pore-Mangum Property, (The Preserves at Holland), 0, 0, 804 and 806 Holland Road - PIN 0666428465, 0666428912, 0666523374 and 0666422289 - ANX- 2021-05 Purpose – To consider the adoption of a resolution instructing the Town Clerk to investigate an annexation petition and to adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for July 12, 2021, following the receipt of the petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by William D. and Teresa S. Pore, J. Franklin Pore, Jr., and Charlotte H. Mangum, containing approximately 28.207 acres. Recommendation – Adopt the resolution instructing the Town Clerk to investigate the voluntary annexation petition and adopt the resolution setting the public hearing for a voluntary annexation petition on July 12, 2021, for property owned by William D. and Teresa S. Pore, J. Franklin Pore, Jr., and Charlotte H. Mangum - ANX-2021-05, as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 21-1709 Resolution No. 21-1710 8E Utility Agreement Allocation Request - The Preserves at Holland Purpose – To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for The Preserves at Holland Subdivision. Recommendation – Approve the recommended Utility Agreement Allocation Request for The Preserves at Holland for 15,000 gpd sewer and 18,000 gpd water, as presented and recommended. 8F Utility Agreement Allocation Request - Maelyn Ridge Subdivision Purpose – To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for the Maelyn Ridge Subdivision. Recommendation – Approve the recommended Utility Agreement Allocation Request for Maelyn Ridge Subdivision for 8,100 gpd sewer and 9,720 gpd water, as presented, and recommended. 8G FY 22 Pay Grade and Position Classification Schedule Purpose – To consider adoption of a revised pay grade and position classification schedule. Recommendation – Adopt the revised pay grade and position classification schedule to address newly created position titles as part of the approved FY 22 Budget, as presented and recommended. 8H Resolution Amending Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy - Employee Conflict of Interest Statement Purpose – To consider approval of a resolution that amends the Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy by adding an Employee Conflict of Interest Statement as required by NC Gen. Statue §160D-109 (c) Local Planning and Development Regulation. Recommendation – Approve the Resolution that amends the Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy adding an employee conflict of interest statement as required by NCGS 160D-109 (c). Resolution No. 21-1711  Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill had a question regarding Item 8G. He asked about when the pay study would start and how long it would take to complete. Town Manager Mitchell stated that it was approved for the FY 22 budget. He stated that they have started the dialogue with providers, but the process would not start until after July 1, 2021. He stated that we do offer career ladders in certain departments. He said that management continues to explore other ways to advance our position in the recruitment marketplace. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill asked how long the pay study would take. Human Resource Director Moody stated that the process would take between four to six months to complete. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill also asked if some of the positions to be filled are not adequate to where our competing municipalities are, would the Town Manager come back to the Board to make needed adjustments in base pay salaries. Town Manager Mitchell stated he already has authorization to have some latitude in terms of offering compensation under our current policies. A motion was made to approve all items (8A – 8H) on the Consent Agenda. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Smith MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT 9A There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10A Delegating Town-Owned Road Closure Authority - Temporary Street Closure - Depot Street Purpose – To consider approval of a temporary closure of a portion of Depot Street starting at 5:00 pm on Friday through 7:00 pm on Sundays to support downtown business retail and restaurants. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. Town staff has been working with downtown property owners and businesses to create ways of improving the downtown economic climate as businesses recover from the loss of business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the Town's downtown businesses have suffered dramatically and have stated it will take years to recover from a significant loss of business and lack of staffing. Although Governor Cooper's Executive Orders limiting restaurant seating capacity has been lifted, several downtown restaurants have expressed a desire to continue with the concept of outdoor dining opportunities for their patrons. Provided the limited building footprint of several downtown restaurants that may not have a dedicated parking lot or suitable surface parking lot to expand their building's footprint to allow more seating, the Town has been approached to temporarily close down a portion of Depot Street to accommodate such a request. Due to the demand by downtown restaurants to continue with outdoor seating, more frequent use of outdoor seating for dining has been requested by the downtown business community. At the request of the Town Board, Town Management and staff have developed a plan to permit temporary outdoor seating and is recommending that the Town Board delegate road closing authority to the Town Manager when necessary to temporarily close down a portion of Depot Street that would create a downtown plaza destination for downtown patrons to visit and dine outside. This temporary closing of Depot Street would be open to outdoor seating for anybody wishing to visit or dine on Depot Street when closed. The temporary closure of Depot Street would include the following features and operations: • Depot Street would be open to the public for outdoor seating beginning Friday, 5:00 pm through Sunday, 7:00 pm • Town will provide (12) commercial grade picnic tables with umbrellas for outdoor seating. In addition to providing outdoor seating, the Town will provide outdoor planters and outdoor oversized yard games for all ages to enjoy. • Town will provide road closure barricades, trash, and recycle receptacles. • Town's Public Works Department will be responsible for setting up and removing streetscape furniture and fixtures when the street is reopened to vehicular traffic. Town Public Works staff will transport items to a Town facility until an onsite location for storage of street furniture and fixtures is identified. • Alcohol will not be permitted to be consumed or served on Depot Street unless authorized by the ABC Commission. Town staff has notified neighboring business operators and property owners of the Town's plans to close Depot Street temporarily. No property owners or business owners have objected to this temporary plan. Although funding was not appropriated in next year's fiscal year budget for a permanent Depot Streetscape project, Town Management believes the temporary closure of Depot Street that serves as a plaza destination intended to enhance commerce for downtown businesses will guide Town staff to better understand the demand for downtown outdoor seating and gathering space. This information and feedback would be used when incorporating design features and determining operations for a permanent Depot Streetscape project. The cost to purchase equipment necessary to support the temporary road closure on Depot Street is $16,500.00. This cost includes Public Works staffing needed to set up and take down street furniture and fixtures, cost of commercial grade picnic tables, signage, and oversized outdoor lawn games. Discussion – Mayor Byrne asked that the Town Manager work with local business to have food trucks in this location. Town Manager Mitchell stated that under this plan there were no provisions for food trucks but that is not to say we cannot make a plan. He stated that if it is the desire of the Board, they can go back and try to accomplish it. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill stated that we have been allowing food trucks on Depot Street for two days a week for the past year. There is a base level of a plan for staff to have to build to work on. He stated that he did not want it to take a month to finalize since this is the best time for these outdoor activities. He would rather see some kind of plan included for food truck at this time. Maybe have one food truck a week. Town Manager Mitchell stated that we are not banning food trucks for 30 days. We are asking the Town Board to authorize me the authority to temporarily close the street and he has heard that the Town Board has an interest in the food trucks continuing. He would like to have a plan for how the Town will do this. He stated that since this is a public street closure, when we have allowed food trucks there it was under permit for a particular business and that is not what we are talking about in this case, so it does not need to be part of a motion. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill asked when the road closure would go into effect. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the motion authorizes him to have the latitude to close the road Friday through Sunday. He stated that the goal would to be to do it sooner rather than later but that the equipment would not be in place due to it having to be ordered. Commissioner Gardner stated that she was concerned that we were going to be waiting till the next meeting and it would be mid-summer before we are able to do anything down there. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill asked about alcohol with permits for on street dining. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the ABC Commission signs off on an extension of premise for the business serving the alcohol, and it would come to myself and Chief Fahnestock to review but in the past, we have not objected to it if the ABC Commission approves. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill asked about what the oversize outdoor games would be. Town Manager Mitchell stated it would be oversized Connect Four, oversized Jenga, and a set of Cornhole boards and bags. Commissioner Wunsch expressed his excitement and stated that what has been done in the past with Dinner on Depot Street, hosted by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association, spurred inspiration to do things out there and to be able to hold events for a wonderful experience. Commissioner Gardner thanked staff for acting so quickly to get a plan before the Town Board to consider as we continue to figure out what to do to help the businesses downtown and to have a plaza like atmosphere somewhere downtown. Recommendation – Authorize the Town Manager the authority to temporarily close Depot Street when applicable to support downtown business activity as recommended by Town Management. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10B Supplemental Bond Order for Combined Utility Revenue Bonds Purpose – To consider approval of a Supplemental Bond Order and receive information on a Supplemental Trust Agreement for refinancing of Enterprise Fund debt through the issuance of Combined Utility Revenue Bonds. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. The Combined Utilities Revenue Bond Orders were introduced at the June 7, 2021 Town Board meeting, and the Town Board authorized management and staff to proceed with the Local Government Commission (LGC) application and related requirements for issuance of refunding of Combined Utility Revenue Bonds. The Supplemental Bond Order makes the final decision to proceed, formally approves the Fidelity Bank proposal, and will equip management and staff to complete the closing documents contingent on LGC approval. In addition, the supplemental trust agreement with U.S. Bank National Association is attached as information in substantially final form, which defines how the debt will be paid and secured. U.S. Bank National Association has been a Trustee for the Town in previous debt issues and this agreement is a supplement to the master agreement already in place. This is the final legal step by the Town Board for the issuance of Combined Utility Revenue Bonds, and Town management and staff will work with the Town's Bond Counsel to schedule a closing in July subject to LGC approval. Upon final approval by the Town Board and LGC approval on July 13, the estimated debt service savings to the Town are $1.3 million over the 20-year term of the loans. As revenue bonds, the debt will be secured by net operating revenues within the Enterprise Fund. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Approve the Supplemental Bond Order as presented and recommended. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) Resolution No. 21-1712 OTHER BUSINESS 11A Town Manager’s Report Public Utilities Department: - There are two new hires in the Public Utilities Department, Zachary Hall as a Water Quality Technician and Kyle Norris as a Utility System Mechanic. Planning Department: - The Planning Department is kicking off the update of the pedestrian master plan with an initial meeting of the selected steering committee on Monday, July 28th. Inspections Department: - The Inspections Department has issued 129 new single-family permits for the month of June. Parks & Recreation: - Parks & Recreation hosted our Music on Main concert last Thursday, and we are preparing for the July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. They also added a new hire, Paul Hartz as a Parks Maintenance worker who will start on July 6, 2021. Finance Department: - The Finance Department is assisting with other departments with the year- end process and working through the bond approvals with the Local Government Commission. 11B Interdepartmental Transfer Report provided to the Town Board for review. 11C Independence Day Celebration - South Park - Saturday July 3, 2021 - Gates Open at 6 PM 11D Spirit Night - Police Department - Culvers - Tuesday July 6, 2021 - 4:00 - 8:00 PM 11E Custard with the Po Po - Saint Augusta Missionary Baptist Church - 605 Bridge Street - Thursday July 8, 2021 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm 11F July Town Board Meeting - Monday July 12, 2021 - 7:00 pm - No meeting on July 5, 2021, or July 20, 2021 11G Ice Cream Social - Sunday July 18, 2021 - 4:00 - 6:00 pm - Fuquay Mineral Spring Park 11H Zoning Map Amendment - Tony M. Tate, TMTLA Associates - a portion of 7100 Kennebec Road - PIN 0676899604 - REZ-2020-23 - (FIRST READING) BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill stated that he appreciates staff direction on what they have done with making both transportation projects and code compliance accessible on the Town’s website. He also stated that he appreciates the work of Chief Fahnestock and the Police Department on upcoming police engagement and community awareness events over the next couple of weeks. These meetings lend for a great opportunity for any of our citizens to engage and have a conversation with members of our Police Department. Commissioner Smith stated that he has attended some of the Coffee with a Cop events, and they have been very well attended by the public and Police Officers. There is a lot of good interactions at these events. Commissioner Harris stated that he also had the opportunity to attend the Coffee with a Cop event on June 8th and enjoyed the interaction, it was a good event. He stated that this past Saturday he helped celebrate Juneteenth here in Fuquay-Varina. He stated that the celebration of Juneteenth represents the informing of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas of the abolishment of slavery. Slavery was abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and the news did not get to Galveston, Texas until 1865. Quisondra Flowers and her committee and a cross section of representatives from the committee organized the event. They identified individuals who had a part in the history of Fuquay-Varina with representatives having different areas of talent. She talked briefly about African American history and highlighted some of the cultural aspects of African American History. He also stated that on the nights of the Town Board meetings he noticed there are people outside who are requesting a cultural assessment. They've also, at some point, had signs that represent reigniting the Public Safety Committee. He stated that he realized that these two aspects or request have been somewhat challenging for the Town Board. He stated that a cultural assessment will be beneficial to the Town and to the to the Police Department, from an organizational perspective, because it is not a punitive process, but a process that can go along with our strategic plan, to help us identify our core values, the norms, and traditions, and how the staff interacts. Commissioner Harris stated that a cultural assessment will yield important feedback for the Town if we are going to continue to strengthen our effectiveness as an organization, as well as it will lend itself to us as elected officials being informed in regards to how we can further strengthen the services that are provided through the Town. He stated that he would love for that conversation to continue. Commissioner Wunsch reported that he had the opportunity to watch the Juneteenth Celebration online and it was wonderful. He also commended Commissioner Harris on his performances during the celebration. He stated that we had a wonderful Town concert that was well attended. He also attended the Chamber After Hours function, which was good. He stated that he likes the Code Compliance and Transportation websites and commended staff for their work on them. Finally, he stated that the Fuquay-Varina High School Bengal’s keep winning everything. They have six people going to the state championships for wrestling. They got doubles, tennis players going to the state championships for tennis; two sisters. The baseball team was supposed to play tonight to see if they go to the state championship, but the rain stopped that. So, they will play tomorrow night and if they win, we will have a baseball team competing again for the North Carolina State Championship. He was excited that the Town will have two public high schools next year. Commissioner Gardner commended the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and staff for the informative updates we received tonight, and she expressed her excitement about the new information that will be on the Town’s website. She stated that she enjoys being able to get back out into some of these events like the town concert and Coffee with a Cop. She stated that her new minister at her church arrived during COVID, so he has not had a chance to really get around people. She invited him to Coffee with a Cop this week when they were at McDonald’s, and he bought his two youngest children. Mayor Byrne stated he was very proud to be able to do a proclamation for Juneteenth Day Celebration. The proclamation was posted on the Town’s website. He also mentioned that North Carolina legislators are considering a house bill that is going to prevent municipalities from cutting down trees. He stated that every municipality he knows is against it. He also stated that Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill will attend the Guardian sculpture dedication from the Garden Club in his place as he will be out of town. He expressed his excitement about the new tools on the Town’s website for the public to get information on Code Compliance and Transportation. He then reviewed other meetings that he attended in the previous week as well as upcoming events as follows: Past Events 6/11 - NC Metro Mayors Weekly Legislative Call 6/18 – NC Metro Mayors Weekly Legislative Call  6/16 – CAMPO Meeting 6/21 –Wake County Mayors Association meeting Upcoming Events 6/25 - NC Metro Mayors Weekly Legislative Call 7/2 – NC Metro Mayors Weekly Legislative Call 7/9 - NC Metro Mayors Weekly Legislative Call 7/9 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – Fuquay Pediatric Dentistry CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (3) - Attorney Client Privilege, N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (4) - Economic Development and N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) – Personnel/Property A motion was made to conduct a closed session meeting at 8:39 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) RETURN TO OPEN SESSION____________ The Town Board returned to open session at 9:51 p.m., and reported out items from the closed session meeting as follows: 1.) Adoption of a resolution approving the memorandum of Understanding between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments related to the settlement of Opioid Litigation. Resolution No. 21-1713 2.) Approval of a lease agreement between the Town of Fuquay-Varina and Adcock & Associates, LLC for office space at 135 S. Main Street, to be used by the Finance Department for utility payments.  3.) Approval of a representation agreement to engage Adcock & Associates, P.A. to represent the Town in legal matters. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:52 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the June 22, 2021, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 12th day of July in the year 2021 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA John W. Byrne, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk