Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting September 21, 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, September 21, Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager 2021, at 7:00 p.m. was held at the Fuquay-Varina James (Jim) E. Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk Town 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, Larry Smith, and Jason Wunsch. Also in attendance were Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Information Technology Director Scott Clark, Town Clerk Rose Rich, and Town Attorney James Adcock. Town Manager Adam Mitchell was away attending the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill, NC. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Commissioner Larry Smith provided the invocation and Police Chief Fahnestock led the Pledge of Allegiance. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews reviewed the meeting protocol noting that the meeting was both in-person, via Zoom, and live streamed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3A The September 7, 2021, minutes of the Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Smith MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Introduction - Public Utilities Director - Michael Wagner Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour introduced Michael Wagner who was recently hired to serve as the Public Utilities Director for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. He stated that Mr. Wagner served the last five years as Director of Public Utilities for the City of Goldsboro and spent approximately 11 years working for the City of Durham and other municipal utility operations in North Carolina. Public Utilities Director Wagner stated that he is looking forward to working on all the development projects to make sure people have access to clean drinking water, and he thanked the Town for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Mayor Byrne and members of the Town Board welcomed Public Utilities Director Wagner. 4B City and County Communication and Marketing Association - National Awards Assistant Town Manager Matthews stated that Communications Director Susan Weis just returned from a trip to the 2021 3CMA Conference (City-County Communications & Marketing Association) in St. Louis, Missouri. Communications Director Weis stated that the Savvy Awards held in conjunction with 3CMA’s annual conference recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communication. Over 800 entries in 40 categories were received. She stated that the Town of Fuquay-Varina brought home three out of 72 Savvy Awards (top place honors) for the following projects: (1) “Elves Invade Fuquay-Varina” video won in the category of Special  Programming for populations of 40,000 and under. (2) “Dash says Takes the Census” video won in the category of Public Service Announcements for populations of 100,000 and under. (3) “2020 Fuquay-Varina State of the Town Address” video that won in the category of Best Promotional Video Category for populations of 48,000 and under. Director Weis thanked staff throughout the organization for their assistance with the videos and she thanked the Town Board for the opportunity to work in a growing town that provides the occasion for communications and marketing that is more creative than most governments. Mayor Byrne thanked Communications Director Weis and all who helped with the award- winning videos. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A No one chose to address the Town Board in person or via the Zoom app or by telephone. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the September 21, 2021, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Economic Development Incentive Agreement and Budget Amendment - McRolling Properties LLC - Fuquay Family Entertainment Center Project - $250,000 - BA-22-10 Purpose – To consider the approval of budget amendment (BA-22-10) and an Economic Development Incentive Agreement in an amount up to $250,000.00 for the McRolling Properties, LLC Fuquay Family Center Entertainment Project. Staff Comments – Assistant Town Manager Seymour entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He then provided general information about the agenda item and made the following remarks. Local Fuquay-Varina developer McRolling Properties, LLC, is considering constructing a new family indoor entertainment center at 0 Broad Street (PIN 0657838934) and 0 N Judd Pkwy NE (PIN 0657940095), Fuquay-Varina. The proposed project will consist of approximately 40,000 square feet of new indoor family entertainment amenities, including bowling, restaurant/dining, laser tag, and a video gaming arcade. In addition to the construction and capital investment of the new family entertainment center, the project will include purchasing new machinery/equipment and purchasing approximately 5.87 acres of property that is currently undeveloped along NC Highway 55, one of the Town's major commercial corridors. The proposed project will result in $10,000,000.00 in new capital investments. The Company proposes to hire 100 new full and part-time employees as a result of the project. Capital improvements, the purchase of machinery and equipment, costs associated with hiring 100 new full/part-time employees will result in a total overall project cost and investment of $14,050,000.00 in the Fuquay-Varina community. Management and staff's recommendation of $250,000.00 in economic development incentive assistance is equal to 2.5% of the total $10,000,000.00 in new capital investment proposed by McRolling Properties LLC. The recommended funding assistance is consistent with the Town's economic development incentive policy, where the Town may participate in new or the expansion of manufacturing and commercial projects up to 5% of a project's total capital investment. McRolling Properties, LLC proposed family entertainment center project is consistent with the Town's Economic Development Strategy 2015-2025 that meets the Town's objective to recruit new high-end, commercial-retail services and amenities that create significant capital investment, the creation of new jobs, and provides public benefit to the citizens of Fuquay- Varina. Management and staff recommend and support the proposed economic development incentive funding request and believe the development of this new family entertainment center project will continue to demonstrate the Town's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships with its local business leaders that provide a significant tax base and employment opportunities for the citizens of Fuquay-Varina. The proposed $10,000,000.00 of new capital investment will create an additional tax base and annual ad valorem revenue in the amount of $39,500.00. This return on investment will result in a 6.3-year payback to the Town. This payback period is justified by the investment and the Town's economic development goal to foster high-end commercial and retail services and amenities that benefit the citizens of Fuquay-Varina. Conditional upon receiving a Town economic development incentive up to $250,000.00, the Company must meet the following project criteria: 1) Invest $10,000,000.00 in new capital (construction) investment at the project site on or before December 31, 2023. 2) Create a minimum of 100 new full/part-time jobs on or before January 1, 2025.  3) Maintain capital investment and job commitments at the project site during the term of the incentive agreement. 4) Project shall consist of the following commercial/retail amenities: bowling, restaurant/dining, laser tag, and video gaming arcade. The economic development incentive will require a $250,000.00 appropriation from the Town's General Fund Balance where funds have been identified. Economic funding assistance will be paid to the Company after all new capital improvements and equipment purchase thresholds have been met and confirmed by Town staff and the Wake County Tax Office. Notice of the economic development public hearing has been published in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. 158-7.1. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. Bryden McCormick, President of McRolling Properties, LLC spoke in favor of the proposed incentive agreement. He stated that a feasibility study was done in February 2021 and based on their recommendations the area could support a facility that housed a 32- lane bowling alley, arcade, and video games; however, the recommendation was to plan for a smaller scale facility. He stated that this will be a great thing to do in southern Wake County as it would create 25 full-time and 75 part-time jobs and provide entertainment for our youth. No one chose to speak in opposition to the proposed incentive agreement. The public hearing was closed. Discussion – Mayor Byrne stated that he liked the layout of the facility with a restaurant inside. Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill stated that he feels that this project will be a great success. Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Gardner, and Commissioner Wunsch expressed their excitement about seeing this attraction come to Fuquay-Varina and it will be a great way to fill the need for entertainment for families and especially teens. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment (BA-22-10) and authorize the Town Manager to execute and administer an Economic Development Incentive Agreement subject to Town Attorney review in an amount up to $250,000.00 for the proposed McRolling Properties LLC Family Entertainment Center Project as presented and recommended. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) CONSENT AGENDA 8A Special Event and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Curated Craft Market at Cultivate Coffee - November 5, 2021, and December 11, 2021 Purpose – To consider approval of a special event and amplified sound permit request for the Curated Craft Market at Cultivate Coffee scheduled for November 5, 2021, and December 11, 2021. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound permit request for the Curated Craft Market at Cultivate Coffee scheduled for November 5, 2021, and December 11, 2021, as presented and recommended. 8B Special Event and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Rescue Wood Rehab - 2 Year Anniversary and Junior Maker's Market - October 23, 2021 Purpose –To consider approval of a special event and amplified sound permit for Rescue Wood Rehab's 2 Year Anniversary and Junior Maker's Market Event scheduled for October 23, 2021. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound permit for Rescue Wood Rehab's 2 Year Anniversary and Junior Maker's Market Event scheduled for October 23, 2021, as presented, and recommended. 8C Special Event and Amplified Sound Permit Request - FVHS Band Boosters - Festival of Bands - October 16, 2021 Purpose – To consider approval of a special event and amplified sound permit for the FVHS Band Boosters' Festival of Bands event, scheduled for October 16, 2021. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound permit for the FVHS Band Boosters' Festival of Bands event scheduled for October 16, 2021, as presented, and recommended. 8D Utility Agreement Allocation Request - The Royal Creek Subdivision, Phases 8-10, & 12 Purpose – To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for The Royal Creek Subdivision, Phases 8-10 & 12 for 30,272 gpd sewer and 34,575 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended Utility Agreement Allocation Request for The Royal Creek Subdivision, Phases 8-10 & 12, as presented and recommended. 8E Utility Agreement Allocation Request - Hidden Valley Subdivision Phases 11 and 12 (partial) Purpose –To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for The Hidden Valley Subdivision, Phases 11 & 12 (partial) for 15,300 gpd sewer and 18,360 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the underlying agreement and acceptance of a surety for Hilltop Animal Hospital in the amount of $22,750.00 as presented and recommended subject to Town Attorney review as to form. 8F Utility Agreement Allocation Request - Carolina Gardens Subdivision Phases 19-22 Purpose – To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for the Carolina Gardens Subdivision, Phases 19-22 for 45,300 gpd sewer and 54,360 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended Utility Agreement Allocation Request for the Carolina Gardens Subdivision, Phases 19-22, as presented and recommended. A motion was made to approve all items (8A – 8F) on the Consent Agenda. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch 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 There are no administrative reports for the September 21, 2021, Town Board meeting. OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Finance Department – The Finance Department recently opened the drive thru location for utility payments directly across the street from Town Hall. The drop box behind Town Hall will be removed, and a sign will be up directing customers to the new drop box location. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department - The Parks and Recreation Department have been busy preparing for the Follow Me 2 F-V concert this Thursday night. The Celebrate Fuquay-Varina concert and festival will be coming up next week and the winter sports registrations are beginning on September 27, 2021. Arts Center – The Arts Center has been very active with a full slate of classes being offered. They recently held the Legacy to Motown Review close to a full crowd this past weekend. This week the theater will be hosting Extreme Illusions and Escapes Thursday night at 7:30 pm, and a night of energized bluegrass sound from Gate 10 will perform on Saturday, September 25 at 7:30 pm. Information Technology Department – The IT Department has been busy migrating the Town’s security plan and security camera platform supporting future expansion. They are also in the process of testing our work order management system “City Works” as staff prepares for end user training. Communications Department - The Communications Department has been busy preparing informational materials and electronic communications making the public aware of the upcoming bond referenda, as well as upcoming Town events.  Police Department – The Police and Fire Departments recently planned and actively participated in the 9/11 ceremony, including the Town’s Police Honor Guard. The Cops & Kids Day is this Saturday from 10 am until noon at the Police Department. Child passenger seat installation will be occurring in conjunction with National Child Passenger Safety Week. They will also be registering bicycles to help return bikes if they are ever stolen or missing. The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the First Responders Breakfast for our Police and Fire Departments at Vicious Fishes on Thursday, September 23rd at 8:30 am. This week is Rail Safety Week as part of the National Rail Safety Initiative and officers are conducting enforcement and providing prevention and safety information at railroad crossings. The Police Department continues to recruit police officers and one telecommunicator position. Officer J. McMahon Hill was sworn in on September 9, 2021. Our special response team with the Police Department recently participated in a Regional Police Agency response to an active assailant threat exercise as hosted by UNC Health Rex Hospital – Holly Springs. Planning Department – The Planning Department will be hosting a public outreach for the Pedestrian Master Plan with a booth at the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina festival. The new Assistant Planning Director Melissa Sigmund started work last week. Inspection Department - The Inspections Department has issued 84 new single family permits so far for the month of September and remain very active. 11B Reminder: One Town Board Meeting in October - Tuesday, October 19, 2021 - 7:00 pm 11C FM2FV Concert - Hip Pocket - Thursday September 23, 2021 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park 11D Extreme Illusions and Escape - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Thursday September 23, 2021 - 7:30pm - 9:30 pm 11E FVPD Cops and Kids Day and Child Passenger Safety Seat Checking Station - Fuquay-Varina Police Department - Saturday, September 25, 2021 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 11F Gate 10 (Band) - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Saturday September 25, 2021 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11G Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Thursday Night Concert - Chairmen of the Board - Varina Business District - Thursday September 30, 2021 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11H Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival - Downtown Fuquay - Saturday October 2, 2021 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 11I Rock and Roll Science - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 10:30 am and 5:30 pm - Friday, October 8, 2021 - 10:30 am 11J CANCELLED - Fuquay-Varina Fire Department - Open House - Saturday October 9, 2021 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 11K We Banjo 3 - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Tuesday October 12, 2021 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11L Coffee with a Cop - Starbucks - 1380 N Main Street - Thursday October 14, 2021 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11M FM2FV Concert - North Tower - Thursday October 14, 2021 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park 11N On the Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Friday October 15, 2021 - 7:30 pm 11O International Festival - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 10:00 pm - 3:00 pm 11P Haunted Trail - Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park - Saturday October 16, 2021 - Additional Information TBD 11Q Special Olympics Fundraiser (Police Department) - Willow Spring High School - Thursday October 28, 2021 - 6:30 pm 11R Hocus Pocus Special Olympics Fundraiser and Halloween Safety (Police Department) - Chick- Fil-A - 1460 N. Main Street - Saturday October 30, 2021 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 11S The Malpass Brothers - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Friday November 5, 2021 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11T Town Code Amendment - Town of Fuquay-Varina - Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Amendment #15 - CTA-2021-04 - (Mitchell/Seymour/Davison) - FIRST READING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill commended Public Utilities worker Jonathan Joyner who started working with the Town in 2014 and has now been promoted to the Sewer Collections Supervisor. Commissioner Smith stated that he attended the recent swearing-in ceremony at the Police Department, and he stated that he often hears great compliments of the Town staff. Commissioner Harris – No comments Commissioner Wunsch recommended that with the different naming of parks, rooms, and trails in Town, that there should be some written information about the accomplishments of those who were honored with the naming right. Commissioner Gardner offered as part of Commissioner Wunsch’s recommendation that the information about the named facilities can be done on the Town’s website. She stated that Run-The- Quay was a super hit this year with over 700 participants. She thanked the Police and Fire Departments with their help with the event and she stated that it was a good experience. Mayor Byrne reviewed other meetings that he attended in the previous week as well as upcoming events as follows: Past Events 9/8 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – The Beauty School 9/9 – FM2FV Concert – Jim Quick & Coastline Band 9/11- National Day of Remembrance – Arts Center – 8:30 am 9/11 – Operation Coming Home – Raise the Roof – 10:00 am 9/15 – CAMPO Meeting 9/20 – Wake County Mayor’s Association  Upcoming Events 9/23 – Chamber First Responder Breakfast 9/30 – Ribbon Cutting – Fuquay-Varina High School 10/1 – Ribbon Cutting – Foundations Health and Wellness 10/14 – Ribbon Cutting – 5 Points Animal Hospital 10/18 – Wake County Mayor’s Association A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the September 21, 2021, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 19th day of October 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