Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting March 22, 2022 J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Larry Smith, Mayor Pro-Tem William H. Harris, Commissioner The Regular Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina Town Marilyn B. Gardner, Commissioner Tracy Watson, Commissioner Board scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 222, at Bryan Haynes, Commissioner Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager 7:00 p.m. was held at the Fuquay-Varina Town Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager James (Jim) E. Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Hall, 134 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC. Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk James S. Adcock, III, Town Attorney In attendance were Mayor Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Smith and Commissioners Marilyn Gardner, William Harris, Tracy Watson, and Bryan Haynes. Also in attendance were Town Manager Adam Mitchell, Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Town Clerk Rose Rich, Town Attorney James Adcock, and IT Director Scott Clark. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Massengill called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Smith provided the invocation and Ms. Thompson’s third grade class of Pine Springs Preparatory Academy 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 March 7, 2022, minutes of the Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Watson MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Proclamation - Mayor's Monarch Pledge Purpose – Mayor Massengill to formally present a Mayoral Proclamation that proclaims March 22, 2022, as the Mayor's Monarch Butterfly Pledge Day in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Staff Comments – Teachers and students from Pine Springs Preparatory Academy were in attendance to support the Mayoral Proclamation as part of their school project. Mayor Massengill stated that earlier this month he and members of the Town Board received beautifully decorated letters from the 3rd grade class of Pine Springs Preparatory Academy requesting support the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge proclamation that would bring awareness to the decline of the Monarch Butterfly species. Mayor Massengill presented the mayoral proclamation proclaiming March 22, 2022, as Mayor’ Monarch Pledge Day urging citizens to plant pollinator-friendly gardens at their homes and neighborhoods and encouraging the plantings of such gardens at prominent Town facilities in Fuquay-Varina. 4B Tree City USA Purpose – To receive a presentation from Chris Newsom, Assistant Parks, and Recreation Director regarding the Tree City USA program. Staff Comments – Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Chris Newsom entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. Mr. Newsom stated that trees are a vital part of our community infrastructure because they provide clean air, clean water, and psychological wellbeing, as well as having positive impacts  for businesses and in the community adding beautiful curb appeal. He stated that as of 2020 there are 23,676 cities in the United States that are Tree City USA communities through the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The program is a structure in which a community can build a forestry plan of action by maintaining required standards which help the community get started in a systematic management of our tree resources. The first requirement for the program is that the Town establish a Tree Board or Department. Assistant Director Newsom advised that the Tree Board will fall under the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. The second requirement is that the Town produce a tree public care ordinance to provide good policy with laws to enforce, if necessary. The third requirement is a community forestry program for planning, care and removal of city trees and planning activities to support this program. The fourth and final requirement is to have an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation to provide educational opportunities for homeowners to understand how to plant and care for their trees. The Tree City USA application process opens September 1, 2022 and closes December 31, 2022. This year, the Town will observe Arbor Day on April 9, 2022, at the Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Park. Assistant Director Newsom stated that the Town has partnered with Fuquay-Varina High School, and a class has taken on a project to donate a number of trees for the same amount of paper that it takes to conduct a class, and those trees will be donated to residents on Arbor Day. Mayor Massengill thanked Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Newsom for presenting the Tree City USA Initiative, and he commended the Fuquay-Varina High School class for the donation of trees for the Arbor Day observance. He then read a mayoral proclamation, proclaiming April 9, 2022, as Arbor Day in the Town of Fuquay-Varina. 4C 2021 NC Main Street Champion Award Recognition Purpose – To recognize the Town of Fuquay-Varina 2021 NC Main Street Champion. Staff Comments – The NC Main Street Champion designation honors those persons who have made extraordinary contributions to their downtown. Mayor Massengill and Town Commissioners recognized the Fuquay-Varina 2021 NC Main Street Champion. Mayor Massengill presented Mr. Bob Barker and his wife, Pat Barker with the NC Main Street Champion award and presented a picture of their family accepting the award at the Arts Center  during the NC Main Street Champion Conference. Mayor Massengill stated that the Barkers have done incredible things for our community, and he is sure that the citizens and business owners appreciate all they have done for the downtown areas. 4D Recognition - Inspections Department Purpose – To recognize Inspections Department staff for their latest achievements. Staff Comments – Inspections Director Chris Hinnant 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 Town of Fuquay-Varina Inspections Department staff were recognized for successfully completing and achieving their Building Code and Contractor Certifications as follows: Gary Kennedy - Level II – Electrical Level III - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Tom Keating - Level II - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Level III – Mechanical Kevin Michie - Level I - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Level II - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Level III – Plumbing Tim Johnson - Level I - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Level II - Building, Mechanical, Electrical Paul Wise - Probationary Level I - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Classes Passed - Law and Admin, Building Level I, Plumbing Level I Waiting for required 6 months experience per NCDOI to take state exams Justin Daniel - Probationary Level I - Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical Classes Passed - Law and Admin, Building Level I Waiting for required 6 months experience per NCDOI to take state exams  Mayor Massengill thanked members of the Inspections Department for taking the initiative to get their next level of certifications. He stated that it is their responsibility to inspect and to protect the public for what they are purchasing and to keep the Town’s insurance ratings low. 4E Recognition - Fire Department Staff Purpose – To recognize Fire Department staff for their latest achievements. Staff Comments – Fire Chief Mauldin 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. Battalion Chief Dustin Grimes: Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology – Fayetteville Technical Community College, UNC Charlotte Fire & Rescue Management Institute, and Fuquay-Varina Chamber Leadership Program. Senior Firefighter Stephen Butts: Career Ladder promotion from Firefighter II to Senior Firefighter Firefighter II Caleb Thompson: Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology – Johnston Community College Firefighter II Jake Fields: Career Ladder promotion from Firefighter I to Firefighter II Deputy Fire Marshal William Lingle: NC Fire Arson Investigator Certification Mayor Massengill thanked members of the Fire Department for attending the meeting and he stated that this education helps with response times, knowledge of the industry and investigating fires. He thanked them for investing their time in Fuquay-Varina. 4F Recognition - Dawn Russell, Downtown Development Manager - Main Street America Revitalization Professional Certification Purpose – To recognize Dawn Russell, Downtown Development Manager for receiving her certification as a Main Street America Revitalization Professional. Staff Comments – Economic Development Director Tiffany McNeill entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. She then provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. The Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP) credential is the highest credential currently available through the Main Street America Institute. Obtaining this credential demonstrates a mastery of subject matter essential to downtown and commercial district management. The training topics range from economic vitality to principles of quality design. Mayor Massengill stated that Downtown Manager Russell does a great job for our downtown areas, and she has invested her work time as an employee and also her free time as well. He thanked her for obtaining this prestigious credential and being the only person in North Carolina to hold this certificate. Brandy Taylor, Board Chair of the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association presented Downtown Manager Russell with a gift basket and thanked her for her time and for planning events to honor others. She stated that the gift basket is being presented to her on behalf of the entire FVDA Board and they appreciate all that she does. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A Laura Weygandt of 300 Benwell Court, Cary, stated that she is the Executive Director of the Western Wake Tennis Association which is a nonprofit association whose mission is to promote the spirit and growth of tennis in Western Wake County. She stated that there are grants funds available for tennis programs and she would like to help the Town pursue those funds. She stated that there are not enough programming opportunities in Fuquay-Varina, and they are planning to work with the Parks and Recreation Department to seek ways to provide more programming. Ms. Weygandt stated that this year the Tennis Association had an increase of 15% which is 35 additional teams, and each team is comprised of 12 to 15 people. She requested that the Town consider building 6 to 8 tennis courts at Hilltop Needmore Park and Preserve and to also work with Wake County Schools to make their tennis courts available to the public when not in use by the schools. David Krizmanich of 414 Dogwood Creek Place, Fuquay-Varina stated that he is a 73-year-old tennis player and he expressed his desire for more tennis courts and programing in Fuquay- Varina. Mr. Krizmanich also expressed his concerns regarding traffic on Highway 55 and how the stoplights are not synced properly. He stated that cars coming off the side streets will trip the lights and it causes traffic jams on the weekend. He would like to see this issue resolved. Jack McGarrigle of 832 Cabin Branch, Fuquay-Varina stated that he and his wife have been playing tennis since they were in their thirties, and he would like to see more tennis courts in Fuquay-Varina. Charlotte Peters of 832 Cabin Branch, Fuquay-Varina, stated that she has been playing tennis since she was in her twenties, and she would like to see children learn to play tennis at an early age and would love to see more tennis courts in Fuquay-Varina with more tennis programs. Emily Holloway of 312 Angier Road, Fuquay-Varina, stated that she and her friends are very happy that the town has begun the process to get Fuquay-Varina recognized as a Tree City USA community. She stated that Fuquay-Varina and Garner are the last two towns in Wake County to pursue this status. Ms. Holloway also made comments regarding the public parking lot to be built at the corner of Vance Street and Angier Road adjacent to Fire Station #1. She stated that she lives one house down from this location, and she is concerned that the parking lot will be made of asphalt that releases aerosol pollutants and has a strong petroleum smell. She requested that the Town Board remember that this is a residential neighborhood and to help with the noise, heat and headlights that will shine against their homes as the cars enter and exit. Mayor Massengill spoke in regard to the public comments made. He stated that Action Park is scheduled to be resurfaced in the upcoming fiscal year which starts in July 2022. He also stated that the Town will be updating the five-year plan and he would like to have input and involvement from those advocating for more tennis courts. He stated that the two high schools here in Fuquay-Varina do have tennis courts and the Town is working with them to be able to use their courts. He also stated that the Town has received grant money from NCDOT for programming of signalization synchronization throughout the town. He requested that if citizens see a signal not working or a signal is shortchanging, please inform the Town ‘s Engineering Department. Mayor Massengill then addressed comments made regarding the  asphalt parking lot adjacent to Fire Station #1. He stated that the Town’s development ordinance requires the planting of trees in parking lots and other needed environmental features designed by the Engineering Department for stormwater runoff. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the March 22, 2022, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A There were no items public hearing for the March 22, 2022, Town Board meeting. CONSENT AGENDA 8A Voluntary Annexation Petition - A.E. Saunders Farm LLC, 7621 S. NC 55 Highway, Willow Springs - Portion of PIN 0675353953 - ANX-2022-06 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 April 4, 2022, following the receipt of a petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by A.E. Saunders Farm LLC, containing a total of 72.878 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 April 4, 2022, for property owned by A.E. Saunders Farm LLC - ANX- 2022-06 as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 22-1748 Resolution No. 22-1749 8B Voluntary Annexation Petition - Madden West, LLC, Portion of 0 and 0 Coley Farm Road - PIN's 0656581529 and a portion of 0656581505 - ANX-2022-07 Purpose –To consider the adoption of a resolution instructing the Town Clerk to investigate an annexation petition and adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for April 4, 2022, following the receipt of a petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Madden West, LLC, containing a total of approximately 0.272 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 April 4, 2022, for property owned by Madden West, LLC - ANX-2022-07 as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 22-1750 Resolution No. 22-1751 8C Special Event Application, Amplified Sound, and Temporary Road Closure Request - Mill Market - April 30, 2022 Purpose –To consider approval of a special event, amplified sound permit, and temporary street closure request for The Mill Market event scheduled for April 30, 2022. Recommendation – Approve the special event, amplified sound permit, and temporary road closure request for the The Mill Market event scheduled for April 30, 2022, as presented, and recommended. 8D Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Growers Market Purpose –To approve a Special Event Application/ Amplified Sound Permit for the Fuquay- Varina Growers Market scheduled every Saturday from April 16, 2022 to September 10, 2022 as presented and recommended. Recommendation – Approve a Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit for the Fuquay-Varina Growers Market scheduled for every Saturday starting on April 16, 2022 through September 10, 2022 as presented and recommended. 8E Budget Amendment - Recognizing Insurance Proceeds - Police Department - Unit 151 and Unit 165 - BA-22-26 - $2,565 Purpose –To consider a budget amendment that recognizes insurance proceeds/restitution for repairs to Fuquay-Varina Police Department Vehicles Unit 151 and Unit 165 in the amount of $2,565. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment BA-22-26 as presented and recommended. 8F NC PARTF Application and Master Plan Adoption - Community Center North Purpose –To consider adoption of the Community Center North Master Plan and the 2022 North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (NC PARTF) application for Community Center North. Recommendation – Approve the Community Center North Master Plan and NC PARTF Application for the 2022 funding cycle for the construction of Community Center North. Commissioner Harris requested to remove this item from the Consent Agenda for discussion. 8G Voluntary Annexation Petition - Bentwinds Massengill LLC (Bentwinds Bluffs Phase 4 & 5) - 6717 Old Mills Road - PIN 0678119862 - ANX-2022-05 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 April 4, 2022, following the receipt of the petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Bentwinds Massengill LLC (Bentwinds Bluffs Phase 4 & 5) containing a total of approximately 14.84 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 April 4, 2022, for property owned by Bentwinds Massengill LLC (Bentwinds Bluffs Phase 4 & 5) - ANX-2022-05, as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 22-1752 Resolution No. 22-1753 A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda items 8A-8G, with the exception of 8F, which was removed for discussion. MOTION Commissioner Harris SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 9A ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT (8F) NC PARTF Application and Master Plan Adoption - Community Center North Purpose –To consider adoption of the Community Center North Master Plan and the 2022 North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (NC PARTF) application for Community Center North. Discussion – Commissioner Harris asked if this money would go towards the existing project or for additions to the project. Town Manager Mitchell stated that it would be used toward the existing project. Recommendation – Approve the Community Center North Master Plan and NC PARTF Application for the 2022 funding cycle for the construction of Community Center North as presented and recommended. MOTION Commissioner Harris SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10A Contract Award - ST Wooten Corporation - Vance Street Parking Lot Purpose – To consider award of a construction contract to ST Wooten Corporation for the Vance Street Parking Lot Project in an amount up to of $259,176.00. Staff Comments – Engineering Director Matt Poling 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. This project's scope of work includes parking lot construction at 302 Angier Road. The 0.38-acre lot is currently vacant and located adjacent to the Town's Fire Station #1. New construction will consist of 24 new parking spaces, including two handicap spots. In addition, a new sidewalk will be installed along the property in addition to new parking lot lighting and landscape features.  The Engineering Department prepared formal bid packages for the project, and on September 29, 2021, the Town received six bids from licensed contractors. Contractor ST Wooten Corporation was the lowest bidder of $171,416.00. The start of the project has been delayed due to the project's need for additional design elements specific to pedestrian improvements, lighting, and landscaping. The updated cost estimate for the project is $259,176.00. Construction is expected to take approximately 90 to 120 days to complete. Town staff has worked with ST Wooten Corporation on previous projects and has been satisfied with their quality of work. Therefore, Town staff recommends awarding a contract to ST Wooten Corporation for the construction of the Vance Street Parking Lot Project in the amount up to $259,176.00 as presented and recommended. The Downtown Development FY22 budget includes funding for the Vance Street Parking Lot. Project bids received are within approved the project budget. Discussion - There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract with ST Wooten Corporation for the construction of the Vance Street Parking Lot in an amount up to $259,176.00, as presented and recommended, subject to Town Attorney review as to form. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10B Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding - NC Department of Commerce and Town of Fuquay-Varina - Ordinance Review and Planning Report Purpose – To consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding and adopt a Resolution between the Town of Fuquay-Varina and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division for the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center to conduct a Central Town and Urban Transition Areas Ordinance Review and Planning Report. Staff Comments – Planning Director Pam Davison entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. She then provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division to provide a no-cost downtown Land Development Ordinance review and planning report. The Town has a current need for a downtown ordinance planning review with attention to the suitability of development and growth in the Town's downtown areas and urban transition areas (inside Judd Parkway). This project's final report will be a valuable resource for town programs relating to planning, downtown development, urban transition areas, historic area, revitalization, and the Town's NC Main Street activities. The Rural Economic Development Division, Rural Planning Program is part of the NC Department of Commerce, the state's lead agency for fostering economic development. The North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center (NC-MS&RPC) provides services and assistance that add value to local community economic development efforts. The mission of the NC-MS&RPC is to work in regions, counties, cities, towns, downtown districts, and in designated North Carolina Main Street communities to inspire placemaking through building asset-based economic and planning development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth, and jobs. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement is a non-binding agreement. The MOU outlines the proposed scope of work to be undertaken by the NC-MS&RPC on behalf of the Town. The MOU has been reviewed by the Town Attorney as to form. The NC-MS&RPC requires the participating municipality's governing board to adopt a resolution supporting the project. Management and staff recommend approval of the MOU and adoption of a Resolution of support to provide a no-cost review of the Town's downtown land development ordinances and planning report with recommendations for the Town. There is no cost to the Town for the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center to conduct the ordinance review and planning report. Discussion – Mayor Massengill stated that this is a great plan. Commissioner Gardner stated that the Town if very fortunate to have a program like this to help and it is free. Recommendation – Approve the Memorandum of Understanding and adopt a Resolution requesting the services of the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center for a Central Town and Urban Transition Areas Ordinance Review and Planning Report as presented and recommended.  MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Watson MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) Resolution No. 22-1747 10C Professional Services/Contract Award - CLH Design - Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve Master Plan - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Purpose – To consider a contract award to CLH Design for the Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve Master Plan. Staff Comments – Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Cox 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 February 22, 2022, the Town Board approved the selection of CLH Design as the best qualified firm to serve as design and engineering consultants for the Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve Master Plan Project and authorized staff to negotiate scope and fee for the services. The proposed contract, a copy of which was provided with the agenda abstract for reference, defines a scope of services that includes the following components: base map creation, site analysis, conducting public input meetings, conducting a community survey, developing a conceptual park master plan rendering, providing cost estimates for the construction phase, and the development of a Master Plan document that will be necessary for future grant opportunities. Public engagement will include in person opportunities and use of the Let's Talk FV platform. The proposed fee for the scope is $97,600 with a contingency and reimbursable allowance of $6,000. This rate is consistent with industry norms for Master Planning services for public projects of similar scope and is within the approved project budget. Management and staff recommend approval of the negotiated scope and fee agreement with CLH Design, subject to the Town Attorney review as to form. The FY 2022 budget includes funding for the Master Planning of Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve, the contract received is within the approved project budget of $150,000.  Discussion – Commissioner Haynes stated that he is thankful and appreciative of the intentional focus on making sure that the Town has citizen input on what potentially could be built at the park. Recommendation – Authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with CLH Design for the Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve Master Plan in the amount of $97,600, as presented and recommended, subject to Town Attorney review as to form. MOTION: Commissioner Haynes SECOND: Commissioner Watson MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Town Manager Mitchell stated that he met with Joey Nelson, the regional representative for Senator Thom Tillis. The meeting was regarding the growth and the challenges the Town is facing. He stated that they spent a lot of time talking about infrastructure, the water partnership between the cities of Sanford, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro and Chatham County as well as transportation. He stated that Mr. Nelson has already reported back to Senator Tillis, and he sent a note stating he was happy to hear the report and looks forward to working with the town on its goals and objectives. Town Manager Mitchell stated that he and the Water Partnership participated on a call with Leslie Monzingo with Strategic Consulting. She is a federal lobbyist and is working to achieve funding towards this project. He stated that the group is also going to pursue agency funding at the federal level with various agencies like EPA. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the budget process is still going strong and getting ready for the budget workshop on April 12, 2022. He also stated that he has been invited to participate in the North Carolina League of Municipalities Legislative Policy Action Committee. The committee will work to help establish legislative goals for the League and its members. Wake County Historic Preservation will be holding an event at the Arts Center on May 1, 2022, and he encouraged the Town Board to attend.  Town Manager Mitchell stated that this evening he participated in virtual public meeting for the NCDOT public engagement phase of project number U5751, which is the North Carolina Highway 55 bypass project. He stated that this project would involve the realignment of the Five Points intersection where highways 401, 55 and 42 converge. It would move Highway 55 traffic from south to north back integrating into Judd Parkway and back ultimately to Highway 55 north towards Holly Springs. He stated that this project is going to be anywhere between an $80 to $100 million dollar investment into the community. This meeting was the kick start of the public engagement, and it was recorded. He encouraged the Town Board to watch the meeting online. The public comment period for this project will end on April 22, 2022. Town Manager Mitchell stated that by the end of March the Town would have the document and map for the Land Use Plan up on the Town’s Let Talk FV platform and the Town’s website to engage public feedback on future development and future land use potential for our community prior to the April 17, 2022, Planning Board meeting. 11B. Coffee with a Cop - Juicehaus - 509 Broad Street - Tuesday April 5, 2022 - 9:00 - 10:30 am – This event was cancelled 11C. FM2FV Concert - Chairman of the Board - Thursday April 7, 2022 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park 11D. Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday April 9, 2022 - 10:00 am - Fleming Loop Park 11.E FVDA - Downtown Candy Hop - Saturday April 9, 2022 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 11.F Budget Workshop - Tuesday April 12, 2022 - 6:00 pm - Town Hall Board Room BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Gardner stated that the FVDA Board is very proud of Downtown Manager, Dawn Russell for her achievement and excited that she is the only one in the state with this certification. She also stated that again this year FVDA will be having Peeps for Easter and they will be displayed at the Fire Department the first week in April. She stated that this is a busy time for downtown staff and volunteers and she is looking forward to all the events now until June when the Town will host Dinner on Depot. She also stated that she is the liaison for the Friends of the Museum and that they have some events planned for this spring and that they are still doing museum tours by appointment. She stated that the museum will be open the day that the Historic Preservation event on May 1, 2022. Then on Saturday, May 7, 2022, will be their annual Heritage Day. The museum has also received the bell from the Fuquay-Varina Middle School, and they are talking with specialists that restores bells. Commissioner Harris congratulated all the staff that have applied themselves to learn more and to become even better at their craft. He stated that the Cultural Arts Society put on an excellent event. He stated that he attended the National League of Cities annual conference in Washington, DC and had the opportunity to meet with members of Congress. He stated that he met with Congressman Price, Deborah Ross, Senator Burr, and Representative Ted Budd. He stated that they discussed the American Rescue Plan and the plans for those funds to be used for infrastructure improvements. He stated that he had the opportunity to discuss water sources here in Fuquay-Varina and he requested funds for Fuquay- Varina. He also stated that he attended a Congressional Luncheon today with Congressman Price and Deborah Ross. The discussion was regarding Wake County, the Triangle area and how to respond to managing those funds that came to our state, which was $1.3 billion dollars. He stated that he is looking forward to the NCLM City Vision Conference and the fact that other Town Board members will be attending. Commissioner Haynes stated that he was appreciative of the citizens that came and spoke tonight. He stated that it helps the Town Board to expand their mindset, thoughts and how they continue to plan and vote on different decisions for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. He stated that it was amazing to see the young students tonight and everything they did from the pledge to the presentation. He stated that it was good to see all those that were recognized tonight for their achievements. He is excited about the Tree City USA project which was one of the things he was working towards in his campaign. He reported on a big initiative called Porch Fuquay-Varina which is a national initiative to stamp out hunger, that was brought to him by Ben Somerville of Cultivate Coffee. The Porch Fuquay-Varina initiative asks citizens in subdivisions to put food on their porches and they go by and pick it up and take it to the Food Pantry. He stated that the Junior Women’s Club has installed a “New Baby Box” where people can go to get pampers, formula and different things needed for a baby. He also stated that the Rotary Club is working to have mini food pantries installed so citizens can go get needed items like milk in the middle of the night when the food pantry is closed. He met with FV Coalition which is focused on substance use prevention and he would like to see our parks be smoke free. He stated that he is excited for all the events that will be coming up over the next few weeks. Commissioner Watson stated that she was excited to see everyone at the Town Board meeting tonight. She stated that her company will be hosting a shred event at the Chamber of Commerce on Saturday from 10:00- 1:00 pm. She expressed excitement about the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge proclamation and stated that the Monarch Butterfly is one of her favorite butterflies and that they fly over 2,000 miles to migrate. She was excited to see staff recognized for their achievements and continued education. She commended the Barkers for being named as Main Street Champions. She stated that Fuquay-Varina will no longer be a small pass through town and that the Town Board is working to make it a Town where people want to live, work, play and stay. Mayor-Pro-Tem Smith stated that Bob Barker is a family man and when he first became Police Chief the Barkers invited him to their River Retreat for a Chamber event and asked him to sit with them at their table. He stated that he has never forgotten that and what they have done for this community. He reported that he was happy to participate with Mayor Massengill at the grand opening of Dunkin Doughnuts near on Hwy 401 near Hwy 1010. He also stated that he attended the Cultural Arts Society event, and Commissioner Harris participated and did an excellent job, and it was a wonderful event. He stated that we have great employees, great events coming up and it is just an exciting time to live here and be a part of Fuquay-Varina. Mayor Massengill thanked the Town Manager for recognizing staff and encouraged him to continue to do that. He stated that he was on the panel for the Triangle Community Coalition, and they talked about the community and how the Town is handling infrastructure. He commended Commissioner Harris on his performance at the Cultural Arts Society event and that he is very talented when it comes to playing an instrument. He stated that at the past Employee Christmas Luncheon, he offered to take an employee and his co workers to lunch. Justice Battle won that door prize. He, Justice and 10 co- workers went to lunch and had a great time. He stated that there are a lot of events coming up and he looks forward to them. The following items are Mayor Massengill’s past and future events: Past Events 3/8-11 – Main Street Conference (Virtual) 3/14 – Read to Ballentine School Class 3/15 – Panelist for Triangle Community Coalition Annual Meeting 3/16 – CAMPO Meeting 3/18 – Tour RDU Airport 3/21 – Wake County Mayor’s Association Meeting  Upcoming Events 3/29 – Pine Springs School Opening 3/31 – Ride with Sanitation Crew 3/31 – Mayor Chat Filming 4/2 – High School Tree Planting ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the March 22, 2022, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 4th day of April in the year 2022 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA J. Blake Massengill, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk