Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting December 6, 2021 John W. Byrne, Mayor J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro Tempore The Organizational Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina William H. Harris, Jason O. Wunsch, Marilyn B. Gardner and Larry W. Smith, Town Board Members Town Board scheduled for Monday, December 6, 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 (Mayor-Elect) and Commissioners Marilyn Gardner, William Harris, and Jason Wunsch. Commissioner Larry Smith was absent due to a medical purpose. Also in attendance were Commissioner-Elect Tracy Watson, Commissioner-Elect Bryan Haynes, 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 7:01 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Pastor Owen Barrow, Lead Pastor of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church provided the invocation. The Presentation of Colors, and the Pledge of Allegiance were led by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department Honor Guard. OTHER BUSINESS _____ 3A Deputy Town Clerk Temporary Appointment – Brandon Massengill Purpose – To consider temporary appointment of Brandon Massengill as Deputy Town Clerk for a period of 30 days for the purpose of administering the oath of office to his brother Blake Massengill.  Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell stated that Blake Massengill was recently elected as Mayor of the Town of Fuquay-Varina. He has expressed that he would like for his brother, Brandon Massengill, to be able to administer the oath of office. To accommodate this request, the Town Board agreed by general consent to temporarily appoint Brandon Massengill as Deputy Town Clerk prior to administering the oath of office to Blake Massengill. Town Clerk Rose Rich administered the oath of office to Brandon Massengill. 3B Deputy Town Clerk Temporary Appointment – Alfred Glen Gage Purpose – To consider temporary appointment of Alfred Glen Gage as Deputy Town Clerk for a period of 30 days for the purpose of administering the oath of office to daughter Tracy Watson. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell stated that Tracy Watson was recently elected as Commissioner of the Town of Fuquay-Varina. She has expressed that she would like for her father, Alfred Glen Gage, to be able to administer the oath of office. To accommodate this request the Town Board agreed by general consent to appoint Alfred Glen Gage as a Deputy Town Clerk prior to administering the oath of office to Tracy Watson. Town Clerk Rose Rich administered the oath of office to Tracy Watson. Ø Mayor Byrne then recognized three individuals. He introduced Senator Sydney Batch, NC District Court Judge Damion McCullers, and his wife Patty Byrne, who were sitting in the audience. OATH OF OFFICE – MAYOR 4A Mayor Byrne asked Commissioner Wunsch to join him in having a reserved seat in the audience as he stepped down from the podium. He then asked Mayor-Elect Massengill to join him at the podium with his wife and children and he stated that J. Blake Massengill was elected by the citizens of Fuquay-Varina to serve as Mayor for a two-year term. At this time, Deputy Town Clerk Brandon Massengill administered the Oath of Office of Mayor of the Town of Fuquay-Varina to his brother J. Blake Massengill. Prior to taking his seat in the audience, former Mayor John W. Byrne congratulated Mayor Massengill and stated that he can now assume his role as presiding officer for the meeting. OATH OF OFFICE - COMMISSIONERS 5A Mayor Massengill asked Tracy Watson and her family to join him at the podium and he stated that Tracy Watson was elected by the citizens of Fuquay-Varina to serve as Commissioner for a four-year term. At this time, Deputy Town Clerk Alfred Glenn Gage administered the Oath of Office of Commissioner of the Town of Fuquay-Varina to his daughter Tracy Watson. Mayor Massengill congratulated Commissioner Watson and invited her to take a seat at the dais with the other members of the Town Board. 5B Mayor Massengill asked Bryan Haynes and his family, along with the Honorable Judge Damion McCullers of NC District Judicial Court 10F, to join him at the podium. Mayor Massengill stated that Bryan Haynes was elected by the citizens of Fuquay-Varina to serve as Commissioner for a four-year term. At this time, the Honorable NC District Court Judge Damion McCullers, administered the Oath of Office of Commissioner of the Town of Fuquay-Varina to his friend Bryan Haynes. Mayor Massengill congratulated Commissioner Haynes and invited him to take a seat at the dais with the other members of the Town Board. TOWN BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 6A Former Mayor John W. Byrne Mayor Massengill asked former Mayor Byrne to step forward to the podium and provide any remarks that he would like to make to the audience, his family, friends, supporters, and the community. Mayor Byrne thanked his wife and all his supporters over the years that he served as Mayor of the Town of Fuquay-Varina. He stated that this has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Fuquay-Varina and to work with the staff. Mayor Massengill thanked former Mayor Byrne for his tireless work and dedication to Town of Fuquay-Varina. He stated that the Town Board was excited last week to bestow the honor of naming Town Hall “The John W. Byrne Municipal Building”, and now it is only fitting to present former Mayor Byrne with a Key to the City. Former Mayor Byrne accepted the Key to the City and thanked Mayor Massengill for the honor. 6B Former Commissioner Jason Wunsch Former Commissioner Wunsch congratulated Mayor Massengill for his election as Mayor and expressed his gratitude for being able to serve the Town as Commissioner for eight years. He also congratulated Commissioner Bryan Haynes and Commissioner Tracy Watson and thanked them for their prior service to the community in their different roles. He then thanked Commissioners Harris and Gardner and Commissioner Smith in his absence for their encouragement and knowledge that they shared with him over the two terms that he served. In addition, he thanked management and staff for their work, and he stated that he is always willing to serve in any capacity that the Town sees fit. Mayor Massengill expressed his gratitude to former Commissioner Wunsch for his service to the citizens and his dedicated work as a member of the Town Board. 6C Commissioner Tracy Watson Mayor Massengill asked Commissioner Watson to make remarks. Commissioner Watson thanked all the citizens for their support during her campaign. She stated that she is very excited to serve and to work to make Fuquay-Varina even better than it already is. She also thanked her family and friends for their support and assistance during her campaign. 6D Commissioner Bryan Haynes Mayor Massengill asked Commissioner Haynes to make remarks. Commissioner Haynes thanked, his mother and a long list of his campaign team members and those citizens who supported him during his campaign. He thanked all those who trusted him with the ability to serve as Commissioner and he stated that he will do his best to win the trust of those who may not trust him now. He also thanked former Mayor Byrne, and members of the Town Board for appointing him to serve on other advisory boards of the Town that he previously served. He then paid homage to all the mothers and fathers of the community in supporting his mother (as a single parent) to help take care of him throughout the years. He expressed his excitement to serve on the Town Board of Commissioners and to serve the citizens of Fuquay-Varina. 6E Mayor Blake Massengill Mayor Massengill thanked his wife Heather Massengill and his children Jake and Anna Massengill, as well as his parents, Wayne and Amy Massengill for their love and support. He also recognized former Mayor Pro-Tem Cindy Sheldon and former Mayor Pro-Tem Charlie Adcock. He stated that he has already scheduled meetings on his calendar where he will be representing the Town as Mayor of Fuquay-Varina, and he expressed his excitement about the new things that will be happening in Town and being able to serve the citizens of Fuquay- Varina. He then entertained a motion for a brief recess to allow transition for the business portion of the meeting. 7A RECESS Motion to hold a brief recess. MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) 8A. CALL TO ORDER After the recess, Mayor Massengill called the business portion of the meeting to order at 8:17 p.m. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Town Manager Adam Mitchell reviewed the meeting protocol noting that the meeting was both in-person, via Zoom, and live streamed. 9A APPROVAL OF MINUTES The November 16, 2021, minutes of the Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) PRESENTATIONS 10A Recognition – Teresa Wilder – Municipal Clerk Certification – International Institute of Municipal Clerks Purpose – To recognize Teresa Wilder for completing the North Carolina Municipal Clerk certification course and attaining her Municipal Clerk Certification. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell stated that Teresa Wilder, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, has fulfilled all the requirements of the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) program offered by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and has earned the Certified Municipal Clerk designation. He stated that the CMC is more than a certificate and the three letters (CMC) at the end of Teresa’s name. It is a declaration that Teresa is proficient in her important position and role with the Town and that she demonstrated mastery of administrative skills critical to good government. In addition to serving as Executive Assistant to the Town Manager and the management team, Teresa fills in for the Town Clerk and the Planning Board secretary from time to time in a Deputy Clerk role. Teresa has been employed with the Town of Fuquay-Varina for nearly 20 years. Mayor Massengill congratulated Executive Assistant Wilder and stated that she does a great job in her many roles with the Town. Executive Assistant Wilder in turn thanked the Town Board for recognizing her accomplishments. 10B Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFRA) – Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021 Purpose – This agenda item is to receive a presentation from Mrs. April Adams with Cherry Bekaert, LLP on the results of the FY 2020-2021 financial audit. Staff Comments – Town Manager Mitchell introduced Mrs. April Adams to the Town Board. He stated, as customary, the Town recently completed review of its annual financial statements by its auditor, Cherry Bekaert, LLP. Town Manager Mitchell acknowledged that the Town Board received a copy of the Town’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (prepared by staff) and will hear comments from the Town’s auditor on the findings from the FY 2020-2021 audit. Mrs. Adams presented detailed information regarding the FY 2020-2021 audit as it relates to the role of the external auditor, the process for internal controls and identifying significant audit areas, as well as the overall results of the audit. She stated that the Town policy is to maintain a minimum of 25% of expenditures in unassigned fund balance in the General Fund, and the Town currently complies with the policy having 61% in unassigned fund balance in the General Fund. She stated that in the budget, the actual financial results of the General Fund showed that revenues outperformed the budget by $3.6 million and expenditures were under budget by $8.4 million. In FY 2021, the Town appropriated the use of approximately $5.2 million in fund balance in its final budget. However, the Town was able to grow fund balance by $5.3 million. The Town Board has already committed some of that for the FY2021/2022 budget, so the net gain in unassigned fund balance is $2.9 million. The budget to actual financial results in the Water & Sewer Operating Fund showed that revenues outperformed budget by $100,000 and expenditures were under budget by $700,000. The Town did not appropriate the use of fund balance in its final budget. The Town was able to grow its net position in the fund by $365,000. In summary she stated that this year’s audit received all four clean opinions, no adjusting journal entries, three past adjusting journal entries, good internal controls, no significant deficiencies identified, and full cooperation with management during the audit. Mayor Massengill thanked Mrs. Adams for her time and coming to present the audit report and he stated that the citizens have earned a return on their investment during this budget cycle. Commissioner Harris asked if the American Rescue Funds that the Town received were accounted for in this report. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the Town did not receive the first one-half tranche of total funds in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and it is not reflected in this  audit. The funds will be reflected in the next fiscal year. Commissioner Harris also asked if the language in the audit that refers to donations from developers are funds in lieu of development projects. Mrs. Adams stated that the language refers to capital asset donations, or the value of tangible assets such as streets and sewer lines provided by the developer. PUBLIC COMMENT _____________ 11A There were no public comments for the December 6, 2021, Town Board meeting. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED______ 12A There were no items previously tabled for the December 6, 2021, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS_______________ 13A Voluntary Annexation Petition – Rowlands Grant – 5860 Hilltop Road (portion), 1913 Ken Drive, 1941 Ken Drive, 1979 Ken Drive, 1812 Ken Drive, 1806 Ken Drive, 1916 Ken Drive – ANX-2021- 10 Purpose – To consider an annexation ordinance extending the corporate limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina following receipt of a petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Linda L. Rowland, Robin T. Morris, Mark S. Taylor, Greenpointe, LLC, and Jean S. Fish containing a total of approximately 113.05 acres. 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. The property contains a total of approximately 113.05 acres is non-contiguous to the Town’s corporate limits. Currently there is no water or sewer available to the property. The petitioner, as part of the annexation ordinance adoption, entered into an annexation declaration agreement acknowledging that Town services will not be provided to the property until developed and the developer will be responsible for extending water and sewer lines to the property as development occurs.  At the November 16, 2021, meeting, the Town Board instructed the Town Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the applicant’s petition for voluntary annexation. The Town Clerk certified at that time that the petition was sufficient and meets the requirements prescribed by the North Carolina General Statutes. The Town Board also adopted a resolution setting a public hearing for the December 6, 2021, Town Board meeting. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one chose to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the petition for annexation (ANX-2021-10). The public hearing was closed. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding the proposed annexation. Recommendation – Adopt the annexation ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina to include property owned by Linda L. Rowland, Robin T. Morris, Mark S. Taylor, Greenpointe, LLC, and Jean S. Fish – ANX-2021-10, and to approve the Declaration of Annexation Agreement with provisions for municipal services upon owner extension of water and sewer services, as presented and recommended. MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) Ordinance No. N-21-37 CONSENT AGENDA 14A Budget Amendment – Recognize Garbage and Recycle Cart Revenue Purpose – To consider a budget amendment recognizing garbage and recycle cart sales revenue for the purchase of new garbage and recycle cart inventory in the amount of $80,000. Recommendation – Approve BA-22-19 as presented and recommended. 14B Budget Amendment – Recognizing Donated Funds – Police Department – Police K-9 Program - $3,000 – BA-22-21  Purpose – To consider adoption of a budget amendment (BA-22-21) that recognizes funds in the amount of $3,000 awarded by Royce Publications Inc. for the Police Department’s K-9 Program. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment (BA-22-21) as presented and recommended. 14C Special Event, Amplified Sound, and Parade Permit Request – Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay- Varina – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March/Celebration – January 17, 2022. Purpose – To consider approval of a special event, amplified sound, and parade permit for the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Celebration event scheduled for Monday, January 17, 2022. Recommendation – Approve the special event and amplified sound, and parade permit for the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Celebration event scheduled for January 17, 2022, as presented, and recommended. 14D Utility Allocation Request – Saunders Farm Subdivision 75 lots and Amenity Center Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Saunders Farm Subdivision for 23,800 gpd sewer and 28,300 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Saunders Farm Subdivision (75 lots and Amenity Center) as presented and recommended. Ø Commissioner Harris requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and clarification. 14E Utility Allocation Request –Atwater Subdivision 75 lots and Amenity Center Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Atwater Subdivision for 25,938 gpd sewer and 29,875 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Atwater Subdivision (75 lots and Amenity Center) as presented and recommended. Ø Commissioner Harris requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and clarification. 14F Utility Allocation Request – Summerdale II Subdivision- 38 lots Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Summerdale Subdivision for 8,550 gpd sewer and 10,360 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Summerdale Subdivision as presented and recommended. Ø Commissioner Harris requested that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion and clarification. 14G Resolution Certifying and Approving Results of Bond Referenda Purpose – To consider the results of two referenda held for the Town of Fuquay-Varina on November 2, 2021. Both referenda were approved, with 75% of voters voting in favor of transportation bonds and 69% of voters voting in favor of parks and recreation bonds. Recommendation – Approve the Resolution Certifying the Results of the Bond Referenda and direct the Town Clerk to publish promptly a statement of these results in the form as required by law. Resolution No. 21-1732 A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda items 14A, 14B, 14C and 14G. MOTION Commissioner Harris SECOND: Commissioner Haynes MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT 14D Utility Allocation Request – Saunders Farm Subdivision 75 lots and Amenity Center Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Saunders Farm Subdivision for 23,800 gpd sewer and 28,300 gpd water.  Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Saunders Farm Subdivision (75 lots and Amenity Center) as presented and recommended. 14E Utility Allocation Request –Atwater Subdivision 75 lots and Amenity Center Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Atwater Subdivision for 25,938 gpd sewer and 29,875 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Atwater Subdivision (75 lots and Amenity Center) as presented and recommended. 14F Utility Allocation Request – Summerdale II Subdivision- 38 lots Purpose – To consider a utility allocation request for the Summerdale Subdivision for 8,550 gpd sewer and 10,360 gpd water. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Summerdale Subdivision as presented and recommended. Commissioner Harris asked if there was a certain formular for approval of the amount of lots for utility allocations as Consent Agenda Item 14D & 14E had 75 lots and Consent Agenda Item 14F had only 38 lots. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the utility allocation for Consent Agenda Item 14F encompasses the entire subdivision, having only 38 lots. The other two subdivisions are much larger and would fall into the criteria of the Town’s adopted policy related to single family lots. Once those subdivisions that have more than 75 lots obtain their first 60 certificate of occupancies, then they would apply for the next 75 lots for utility allocation. Commissioner Harris thanked Town Manager Mitchell for the explanation, and he motioned to approve Consent Agenda Items 14D, 14E and 14F as presented and recommended. MOTION Commissioner Harris SECOND: Commissioner Watson MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 16A Ladder Truck Financing Purpose – To consider the installment financing for the purchase of a 2021 Spartan Ladder Fire Truck. 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. On November 4, 2020, the Town accepted a proposal for the manufacturing of a Spartan Ladder Fire Truck to be delivered within 390 days. Manufacturing and final inspection are nearing completion, and payment will be due within 14 days of delivery. During November 2021, Town staff with the assistance of Davenport Public Finance sent an RFP to over 50 financial institutions for a 5-year financing. The Town secured 10 bids with interest rates ranging from 1.16% to 2.43%. The two lowest responders were Sterling National Bank at 1.16% and Truist Bank at 1.27% resulting in a $4,000 difference in the total interest paid. There are additional provisions in the financial agreements of each to consider beyond the interest rates. Specifically, the Truist proposal includes no prepayment penalty and allows 100% prepayment at any time during the term. Additionally, the Sterling proposal has a non-callable provision during the first 3 years and requires to be an additional insured on the Town policy and title restrictions for the duration of the note. Due to the greater flexibility, reduced restrictions and minimal difference in overall costs, management and staff recommend that the Town Board accept the proposal from Truist Bank and approve the attached resolution authorizing the installment financing agreement. This recommendation is consistent with the recommendation of the Town’s financial advisors. Discussion – There was no discussion from the members of the Town Board regarding the Ladder Truck financing options. Recommendation – Award the installment purchase agreement to Truist Bank and approve the resolution authorizing the Finance Director to execute financing documents as presented and recommended.  MOTION: Commissioner Haynes SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) Resolution No. 21-1733 16B Contract Award – Action Park Dugouts – Vortex Construction Company, LLC - $69,925 Purpose – To consider a contract award for the Action Park Dugouts to Vortex Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $69,925. 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 Engineering Department prepared bid packages and advertised for the Action Park Dugouts project. The Town opened bids on November 23, 2021 and received a total of one bid from Vortex Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $69,925.00. As an informal bid, a minimum number of bids was not required for this project. This project’s scope of work includes construction of new dugouts for Field #3 at Action Park. Existing dugout removal will be performed by the Town. Town staff has been satisfied with Vortex Construction Company, LLC’s quality of work on previous projects. Town staff recommends awarding the construction of Action Park Dugouts to Vortex Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $69,925 as presented and recommended and authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract with Vortex Construction Co., LLC in the amount of $69.925, subject to Town Attorney review as to form. The duration of the dugouts project is expected to take no more than 120 days. The FY 2022 budget identified $70,000 in funding for the construction of dugouts at Action Park. Projects bids received were within the approved project budget. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding the award of the contract to Vortex Construction Co., LLC for the Action Park Dugouts project. Recommendation – Award the construction of the Action Park Dugouts to Vortex Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $69,925, as presented and recommended, and authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with Vortex Construction Company, LLC, subject to Town Attorney review as to form.  MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) OTHER BUSINESS 17A Manager’s Report 17B Project Status Report – December 2021 17C 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 17D The Nutcracker – Community Performance – Fuquay-Varina Arts Center – Friday December 10, 2021, 7:00 pm and Saturday December 11, 2021 – 11:00 am, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Gardner thanked Town staff (especially Communications Director Susan Weis), and all involved for their work on former Mayor John W. Byrne’s retirement reception and Dedication of the John W. Byrne Municipal Building. She also expressed her excitement of the successful four days kicking off the start of the Christmas season here in Town, from the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday to the Christmas Parade on Sunday. She also thanked Chief Tony Mauldin and the Fire Department for teaching everyone how to make smores at the Christmas Tree Lighting event. Commissioner Harris – No comments Commissioner Haynes stated that he had a new experience being in the parade this year as Commissioner-Elect and he enjoyed the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony as well as the Christmas Parade. He stated that last week he did an interview with Spectrum 14 along with Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria regarding a program that he helped to launch to assist families who have limited transportation and are experiencing food insecurities. The program provides approximately 500 families in Wake County with food delivery at their homes. This program was formed by Wake County Government, NC Cooperative Extension and community partners that teamed up with Tangelo, a national food benefits platform to create, distribute and evaluate food benefits for at-risk members of the community. He stated that he was able to sign up 100 families in Fuquay-Varina to have access to the program over the next four months. He also stated that the Pine Acres Community Center is gearing up for their Christmas give away on December 18, 2021, as they were funded by Wake County to provide food for an additional six months. Commissioner Watson stated that she missed the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony because it was scheduled during another event, the Military Missions In Action’s (MMIA) annual Holiday Dinner at Bentwinds. She stated that NC House Representative Erin Paré attended that event and presented MMIA with a $100,000 check. She also stated that she was awarded her MMIA Dog Tag for her years of serving on their board. She stated that she did attend the Christmas Parade and it was a wonderful event that was well attended. Mayor Massengill stated that the smores demonstration was an exciting new event at the Christmas Tree Lighting this year and he thanked Fire Chief Mauldin for bringing this new experience to the public. He stated that the Downtown Tree Lighting ceremony always feels like a Hallmark movie, and he thanked all staff and volunteers for participating to make the event a successful one. He also stated that the parade was very successful and well attended. He thanked staff for working behind the scenes on the Town Hall naming dedication ceremony and retirement reception for former Mayor Byrne and working to make the changes needed for the new Town Board members. He stated that the public was heavily engaged with all the events, and he received a flood of complements about them. 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 Transaction A motion was made to conduct a closed session meeting at 9:19 p.m. after a brief recess. MOTION: Commissioner Harris SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (4-0) RETURN TO OPEN SESSION____________ The Town Board returned to open session at 9:53 p.m. with nothing to report out of closed session. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:53 p.m. MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (4-0) The minutes from the December 6, 2021, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 21st day of December in the year 2021 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA J. Blake Massengill, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk