Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting October 19, 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, October 19, 2021, Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager at 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, Larry Smith, and Jason Wunsch. Also in attendance were Town Manager Adam Mitchell, , Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Information Technology Systems Administrator Patrick Petty, Town Clerk Rose Rich, and Town Attorney James Adcock. Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews was absent due to illness. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Mr. Carl Trice provided the invocation and Mr. Benny Moore led the Pledge of Allegiance. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Town Manager Adam Mitchell reviewed the meeting protocol noting that the meeting was both in- person, via Zoom, and live streamed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3A The September 21, 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 Recognition - Public Works Employees - Jerry Burch and Earnest Cash - Roads Scholar Program - Public Works Purpose – To recognize two employees within the Public Works Department, Jerry Burch and Earnest Cash for achieving the designation of "Roads Scholar". Public Works Director Tracy Stephenson introduced staff members Jerry Burch and Earnest Cash who are being recognized for obtaining Road Scholar certificates. The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University provides a professional development opportunity for local municipal employees to increase their road maintenance procedures and improve their technical and managerial skill through a program known as the “Roads Scholars”. A student must successfully complete 7 of the numerous Roads Scholar courses offered by the Institute to be designated as a Roads Scholar. Some of the courses completed by Jerry Burch and Earnest Cash were Asphalt Pavement Maintenance, Snow and Ice Control, Work Zone Traffic Control, Work Zone Safety, Basic Drainage, and Flagger Training. Completion of these courses provides for a safer and more productive work environment for staff within the Public Works Department and equips staff to provide even greater value in their services to the community. Over time as staff complete additional courses, they can earn the designation of Master Scholar. Town Manager Mitchell thanked Mr. Burch and Mr. Cash for pursuing this opportunity and he stated that management and elected officials encourage and support professional development among the staff, but it is the individual employee that takes the initiative to pursue these educational opportunities. Mayor Byrne and members of the Town Board congratulated Jerry Burch and Earnest Cash for their accomplishments.  Ø Mayor Byrne then recognized former radio personality Benny W. Moore, a native of Fuquay-Varina, for his work with the citizens of Fuquay-Varina and areas throughout Wake County, as host of The Unsung Hero’s Annual Banquet. Since the inception of the Unsung Hero’s Banquet back in 1991, Mr. Moore provided an opportunity to spotlight and award local citizens who worked tirelessly in their communities to provide hope and assistance to underserved populations. Mayor Byrne thanked Mr. Moore for allowing him the opportunity to be a part of the Unsung Hero’s Banquet for 20 years, and he presented Mr. Moore with a Key to the City for helping to make the Town of Fuquay-Varina “A Dash More”. Ø Mayor Byrne also recognized Fuquay-Varina native Carl Trice, owner, and director of Trice Funeral Home. Mr. Trice stated that the funeral home has been in business for nearly 70 years since its inception by his father, the late Norman A. Trice. Mr. Trice thanked Mayor Byrne for his influence and for being instrumental in helping his funeral business to grow and thrive. Mayor Byrne stated that Mr. Trice has been a long-time supporter and friend who so kindly assisted his family with limousine transportation to Wake Forest for the funerals of both of his parents. He presented Mr. Trice with a Key to the City and thanked him for his work with the community in showing kind compassion, and professionalism to citizens through the difficult time of dealing with the death of their loved ones, for his overall support and for helping to make the Town of Fuquay-Varina “A Dash More”. Ø Mayor Byrne then recognized students of the Fuquay-Varina Leadership Academy that were in attendance. Ø Mayor Byrne asked Town Manager Mitchell to read a Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2021 as “National Cybersecurity Awareness Month”. After reading the proclamation, Town Manager Mitchell recognized IT Director Scott Clark, who was away at a conference, as one of the three leaders of the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association’s IT Strike Team. He stated that IT Director Clark was recently featured in the October/November national Government Technology publication for his work with the IT Strike Team. Town Manager Mitchell stated that IT Director Clark is very instrumental in preventing and resolving cyber security attacks for the Town and other local governmental entities. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A Elizabeth Parent, 8620 Jordan Meadow Drive, stated that citizens of Fuquay-Varina received letters in their mailbox from Mayor Byrne expressing his support of a candidate and asking voters to vote for this candidate. She stated that she is bringing the matter up because she feels that Mayor Byrne should not utilize his position or use Town resources to influence the  municipal election. She asked that the Mayor cease this behavior in order for citizens to conduct a fair election free of conflict of interest. Mayor Byrne stated when he decided not to seek re-election, he made the members of the Town Board aware of his plans for endorsement, and at that time no one had filed for office. He asked them for support of the Town moving forward in a positive way. Marjorie Fish (no address given) expressed her opinion on an item on the Consent Agenda (Item 8G) as it relates to a utility allocation request for Bexford Subdivision Phase 1 through 4. She asked the Town Board to give careful consideration to this request because she feels that the proposed capacity is above the limit allowed by the Terrible Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and that wastewater discharge could negatively affect Terrible Creek which is a critical habitat for endangered species. She stated that she has emailed the Town Board members several times regarding this matter and did not get a response; however, she thanked Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill for coming and talking to her about the matter. Town Manager Mitchell stated that most of the concerns that Ms. Fish addressed and in her emails are technical in nature, so when the Town Board receives such, Town staff is asked to respond, and the Town Engineer did respond to Ms. Fish regarding water quality and discharge into Terrible Creek. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the Town maintains a permitted wastewater treatment plant by the State of North Carolina, and the Town closely follows the guidelines for wastewater treatment and discharge. He also stated that as it stands today, the Town has enough capacity to address any allocation that may be considered on the agenda . ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the September 21, 2021, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Town Code Amendment - Town of Fuquay-Varina - Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Amendment #15 - CTA-2021-04 Purpose – To consider a proposed text amendment to the Town Code of Ordinances, Part 9 Land Development Ordinance, Amendment #15 that addresses several areas for improvement. 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 general information about the agenda item and made the following remarks. Town staff and the community have gained significant experience using the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) since its adoption in December 2016 and a better understanding of its intent and proper function. As a result, this amendment seeks to harness that experience in the form of clarifications and technical corrections to the LDO's language. The proposed changes are as follows: Section 1, Article H: - Language has been added to section 9-1354 that clarifies the applicability of metal siding on nonresidential buildings. Metal siding was prohibited explicitly on non-residential facades facing a public right-of-way, but staff feels it is reasonable and will encourage creative design solutions to allow metal as accent, trim, or architectural features, much the same way EIFS is allowed on non-residential facades. - Language and a diagram have been added to section 9-1358 that depicts how the facade requirements for industrial buildings are applied when adjacent to a public right-of-way or a residential district. This guarantees a higher standard for the appearance of buildings in the Town's industrial areas and provides a clear logical method for calculation. Section 2, Article J: - Standards have been added to section 9-1458 that outline the requirements for lots in subdivisions that only serve the purpose of providing utilities. These lots may now be exempt from meeting the zoning district minimum standard for a residential lot, with the agreement that the lots will be restricted to utility use only. While still being required to meet the specific utility standards and provide required screening for the proposed use, this approach will provide flexibility in locating utilities in the most efficient and appropriate location and will match the way utility lots are treated by many of our neighboring municipalities. - Language has been added to section 9-1460 that gives parameters for how an administrative adjustment may be applied to deviate from the block length standard. This is in an effort to provide for instances where meeting the required block length would require the construction to interfere with environmentally sensitive or historic land, or pre-existing incomplete blocks. This will provide conventional subdivisions the same allowance that is currently in place for form- based developments encouraging creative roadway networks that limit negative impacts. - A correction has been made in section 9-1463 that changes the driveway access width for mail kiosks from 18 feet to 24 feet to bring the Land Development Ordinance into compliance with the Town's Standards Specifications and Construction Details. Section 3, Article N: - The table "Parking Standards" has been edited to clarify the required parking associated with assembly uses and offices. Section 4, Article O: - Language has been added to section 9-1713 that provides an exception regarding the landscaping buffer for residential lots that front onto thoroughfares. Currently, rear loaded lots that front onto thoroughfares are required to comply with a 20' thoroughfare buffer, which is in conflict with the intent of creating walkable urban spaces. This exception substitutes street tree plantings and hardscape elements for the 20' thoroughfare buffer in order to integrate the pedestrian environment. Section 5, Article Q: - Language has been added to section 9-1808 that codifies the requirement for a pre-submittal meeting for annexations. Previously, this was not required but it has been staff experience that annexation petitioners gain valuable information pertaining to the annexation requirements as well as the availability and procedures of Town services. Section 6, Appendix A: - A grammatical edit wherein the word "steam" has been replaced with the word "seam" has been made in both sections 9-2002 and 9-2003. - Language has been added to both sections 9-2002 & 9-2003 regarding the fencing types that are permitted in the Downtown Center-1 & Downtown Center-2 zoning districts in order to raise the standards in the Downtown areas. Management and staff recommend approval of the proposed town code amendment. It is reasonable and, in the public’s, best interest, as it improves upon the Land Development Ordinance's intent to modernize, provide sustainability, and allows for ease of use and enforcement with respect to the Town's current standards. At the September 20, 2021, regular meeting, the Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend approval of the text amendment.  Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one chose to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the proposed amendment for CTA-2021-04. Discussion – Commissioner Wunsch stated that since the Town initially adopted the LDO, the Town Board has made several amendments to adapt to situations as they come up. He thanked Town staff for working on several LDO document revisions to meet the needs of our Town. Recommendation – Approve CTA-2021-04 Amendment #15, an amendment to the Town Code of Ordinances, Part 9 Land Development Ordinance, as presented and recommended by Town staff. The text amendment improves upon the Land Development Ordinance and is reasonable and in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and staff. MOTION: Commissioner Smith SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) Ordinance No. PZ-21-03 CONSENT AGENDA 8A Budget Amendment - Recognizing Grant Proceeds - United Arts Council - BA-22-11 - $5,000 Purpose – To consider approval of a budget amendment recognizing funds from the United Arts Council in the amount of $5,000 for the Arts Center. Recommendation – Approve the Budget Amendment (BA-22-11) to recognize grant proceeds from the United Arts Council as presented and recommended. 8B Budget Amendment - Recognizing Insurance Proceeds - Police Department - Unit 208 - BA-22- 12 - $1,116.00 Purpose –To consider a budget amendment that recognizes insurance proceeds from the Interlocal Risk Finance Funds for repairs for Fuquay-Varina Police Department Vehicle (Unit #208). Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment BA-22-12 as presented and recommended. 8C Budget Amendment - Recognizing Donated Funds - Police Department - Police K-9 Program - $12,500 - BA-22-13 Purpose – To consider adoption of a budget amendment that recognizes funds as awarded by the Cary Kennel Club and AKC Reunite for the Police Department's K-9 Program. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment (BA-22-13) as presented and recommended. Ø This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion as requested by Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill. 8D Budget Amendment and Purchase Authorization - New Bucket Truck - BA-22-14 - $120,000 Purpose – To consider approval of a budget amendment and authorizing the Town Manager to enter into a purchase agreement for a new bucket truck. Recommendation – Approve budget amendment BA-22-14 and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a purchase agreement for a new bucket truck as presented and recommended in the amount of $120,000.This amount covers tags, branding and full outfitting with tools. 8E Grant Project Ordinance - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP/CLFRF) - COVID-19 Employee Vaccine Incentive Purpose –To appropriate ARP/CLFRF funding in the amount of $4.8 million received by the Town. Recommendation – Approve the Grant Project Ordinance appropriating ARP/CLFRF funding received and a portion for vaccine incentive payments to employees. Ordinance No. N-21-24 8F 2022 Town Board Meeting Schedule Purpose – To consider setting the Town Board's regular meeting schedule for the 2022 calendar year.  Recommendation – Adopt the 2022 Town Board Regular Meeting Schedule as presented and recommended. 8G Utility Allocation Request - Bexford Subdivision Phases 1 through 4 Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Bexford Subdivision Phase 1 through 4. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Bexford Subdivision Phases 1 through 4 as presented and recommended. Ø This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion as requested by Mayor Pro Tem Massengill and Commissioner Harris. 8H Utility Allocation - Currin Property Phase 1 Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Currin Property Phase 1. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Currin Property Phase 1 in the amount of 32,400 gpd sewer and 38,880 gpd water as presented and recommended. 8I Voluntary Annexation Petition – Nicole T. Carroll Property – 1255 Wilbon Road – PIN 06577025272 – ANX-2021-07 Purpose – To consider adoption of a resolution instructing the Town Clerk to investigate an annexation petition and to adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for November 1, 2021, following the receipt of the petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Nicole T. Carroll containing approximately 2.856 acres. Recommendation – Adopt the annexation resolutions for the Nicole T. Carroll Property as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 21-1721 Resolution No. 21-1722  A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda items 8A, 8B, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8H and 8I. Items 8C and 8G were removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT 9A Consent Agenda removed for discussion: 8C Budget Amendment - Recognizing Donated Funds - Police Department - Police K-9 Program - $12,500 - BA-22-13 Purpose – To consider adoption of a budget amendment that recognizes funds as awarded by the Cary Kennel Club and AKC Reunite for the Police Department's K-9 Program. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment (BA-22-13) as presented and recommended. Discussion – Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill stated that he is in favor of approving this budget amendment, but he wants to hear more information about the matter. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the purpose of this agenda item is to recognize a grant awarded by the Cary Kennel Club, in the amount of $5,000 and a grant awarded by AKC Reunite, in the amount of $7,500 to add a second police K-9 and purchase associated equipment for the Police Department’s K-9 Program. Police Chief Fahnestock stated that the Cary Kennel Club was aware that the Police Department has one K-9 officer and they came to the Police Department and offered their grant and informed her of the AKC Reunite grant, which was received within 30 days after application. She stated that these grants will help expand their K-9 program and enhance the public safety of our community. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0)  8G Utility Allocation Request - Bexford Subdivision Phases 1 through 4 Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Bexford Subdivision Phase 1 through 4. Discussion – Commissioner Harris expressed concerns about the allocation and the email and information presented by Ms. Fish during public comment. He stated that it’s important for the Town Board to consider the environmental impact, especially with large development as in the case with Bexford Subdivision Phases 1 through 4. He stated that he also had concerns about the proposed allocation, which will be in phases. He proposed that the Town Board be given information regarding environmental impacts when large allocation requests are made. Mayor Byrne stated that the Town has an investment in water quality as required by the State of North Carolina and the wastewater treatment plant complies with State standards. He then asked Town Manager Mitchell if the Town has over allocated capacity. Town Manager Mitchell stated that he is not aware of any significant negative environmental impact, and this allocation would not exceed the plant’s available capacity. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Bexford Subdivision Phases 1 through 4 in the amount of 45,400 gpd for sewer and 53,230 gpd water, as presented and recommended. MOTION Commissioner Smith SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10A Fire Station #4 - Schematic Design Purpose – To consider concurring with the recommended schematic design for Fire Station 4 and authorize proceeding to the design development phase of the project. 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. In May of 2021, the Town Board approved the design-build contract for Fire Station 4 with the Bobbitt Construction Design-Build Team. The Town’s Fire Station 4 team, which consists of Town Fire Department Staff, Wake County Fire Service personnel, Wake County Facility Design staff, and Wake County EMS personnel has been working with the Bobbitt team on a schematic design that will meet the needs for all parties involved. After many meetings and adjustments to the schematic design, this step in the process has been completed and the Town is ready to move to the design development phase. Provided was a copy of the schematic design that includes the general floor plan, cost share floor plan, conceptual site plan, and front building elevation for review. Town staff continues to work with Bobbitt’s Team to finalize cost estimates and project scheduling. Provided the Town Board concurs with the schematic design, town staff will send a notice to Bobbitt to proceed to the design development phase of the project, which includes construction plan drawings. The contract has already been approved for this step of the project. Town staff is simply seeking town board concurrence before moving to the next phase. Discussion – Fire Chief Anthony Mauldin presented the construction plan drawings showing a separate building for decontaminated equipment and gear. He stated that in today’s fire service, the biggest thing is separating hot zones as part of the cancer prevention initiative that keeps contaminates completely out of the main fire station and living quarters. Recommendation – Concur with the schematic design and authorize town staff to proceed to the design development phase of the project. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Human Resources Department – The Human Resources Department hired Dieva Hill for the new position as the Recruitment and Selection Coordinator, who will start on November 1, 2021. Inspection Department - The Inspections Department has hired two Building Inspector positions, Paul Wise and Justin Daniel as well as Chris Thompson to fill the Plan Reviewer position. Engineering Department – The Engineering Department hired Barney Blackburn and Aisa Ottobock to fill staff and transportation engineering positions. Information Technology Department – The Town’s new work order management system (CityWorks) is now live. The IT Department continues to work with departments to refine and customize the workflow options. Chief Information Officer Scott Clark was recently recognized in the October/November issue of Government Technology magazine. Arts Center – The Arts Center had a great turnout Friday night for the Concert on the Border and the International Festival that was held on Saturday was a huge success. Upcoming Events include the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate Forum on Thursday of this week at 6:00 pm. Moonlight Frights (a family Halloween show) is scheduled for next weekend. Class registrations are remaining strong at the Arts Center . Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department - The Parks and Recreation Department have worked with contractors to complete the repair at Falcon Park shelter which is scheduled to reopen tomorrow. Basketball registration for Winter Sports has concluded on this past Saturday with 1031 participants and late registrations runs through October 30th. Public Works Department – The Public Works Department is replacing a failed culvert on Wilcrest Drive and loose-leaf season has begun. Finance Department – The Finance Department continues to work to finalize the audit and they have been spending an extensive amount of time in training for the American Recovery Act. Inspections Department – Inspections Director Chris Hinnant gave a brief report on the ISO Rating for the Town’s Inspections Department. He stated that the ISO Rating is basically an  insurance underwriting tool used by insurance companies for insurance rates in our area. He stated that the Town was able to maintain our commercial rating of 2 and a residential rating of 3. He thanked his staff for their work in helping to obtain these ratings. Communications Department – Communications Director Susan Weis presented information on the Town’s new online store that offers items with the Town’s brand, to be purchased by the public. The items purchased at the online store are to be picked at Town Hall to mitigate the cost of shipping. 11B Project Status Report – October 2021 11C Quarterly Report – July – September 2021 11D Inspection Department ISO Rating Report 11E Town of Fuquay-Varina – Online Store 11F Wake Audubon - Birding Tours - Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve - 3rd Saturday of each month - October - December - 8:30 - 10:30 am - Tours are Free 11G Special Olympics Fundraiser (Police Department) - Willow Spring High School - Thursday October 28, 2021 - 6:30 pm 11H FV Downtown Association - Trick or Treat - Downtown Fuquay - Friday, October 29, 2021 - 2:00 - 5:00 pm 11I Dressed Up for Halloween (Hosted by the Town of Fuquay-Varina Parks and Rec Department) - Centennial Square - Friday, October 29, 2021 - 2:00 -5:00 pm 11J 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 11K Coffee with a Cop – Eggs up Grill - Tuesday November 9, 2021 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11L Dedication - Blue Star Community Memorial Markers - Centennial Square (Rain Location will be the Cultural Arts Center) - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - 11:00 am 11M Zoning Map Amendment - The Curry Engineering Group, PLLC - 2401 & 2409 N Broad Street - PINs 0658406273 & 0658404518 - REZ-2021-08 - FIRST READING - (Mitchell/Seymour/Davison) BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill commended staff for another great Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival, he stated that it appeared to be one of our best attended events. He recognized the Fuquay-Varina Jr. Women’s Club immediate past President Kathleen Honeycutt who was in attendance, and he stated that the Club held a great Charity Ball event this past Friday night. Commissioner Smith stated that he was happy to see a state-of-the-art Police Department that we now have in place, and he is also happy to see plans for the new Fire Station that will be state-of-the art. He commended Fire Chief Mauldin and Police Chief Fahnestock for their work on these new facilities. Commissioner Harris stated that Celebrate Fuquay–Varina and the International Festival were great events, and he was happy to see the large attendance for both events. He then stated that he wanted to clarify his support for the Fuquay-Varina Police Department. He stated that it has surfaced in the community that he has supported defunding the Police. He stated that with his former work as a probation officer and officer of the court as a liaison, he understands the need for supporting the police, and he denies that he ever made such a statement that he supports defunding the police. Commissioner Wunsch welcomed the Chamber’s Leadership class members who were in the audience, and he thanked them for attending the meeting. He also stated that the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival was a phenomenal event, and he thanked everyone who took part in making the event a success. He stated that he attended the Fuquay-Varina Junior Women’s Charity Ball, and it was a wonderful event. He stated that he attended the Willow Spring JV Football game recently that was well attended. He stated that since the last meeting the Town Board attended three ribbon cutting events for South Lakes Elementary School, the Willow Spring High School and the new Fuquay-Varina High School that opened this year. Commissioner Gardner stated that the American Federation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness Walk” recently held their annual walk virtually this year and she commended them for still managing to raise around $28,000 for the cause. She stated that suicide is the number two killer among 14-to-24-year old’s, so lots of work still needs to be done. She also reported that the Fuquay- Varina Chamber of Commerce sponsored a wonderful first responders breakfast to honor our EMS, Fire and Police officials. She reported that she took the Mayor’s Walk at the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival and she enjoyed it. She also stated that the International Festival was a very nice event that she attended as well. She stated that since the last Town Board meeting the Parks & Recreation Department had three awesome concerts that were so much fun. Mayor Byrne stated that the Town appreciates the sponsors for the events held in Town. He also stated that with the addition of the new schools, they represent over $250 million in investment to the community and he is excited about the quality of education for the students. Mayor Byrne reviewed other meetings that he attended in the previous week as well as upcoming events as follows: Past 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 Upcoming Events 10/20 – CAMPO Meeting 10/21 – Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum 10/22 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting Gold Leaf Collective – 4:30 pm 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) – Property Negotiations A motion was made to conduct a closed session meeting at 9:21p.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 10:22 p.m. with nothing to report out of closed session. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 10:22 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Massengill SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the October 19, 2021, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 1st day of November 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