Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting August 1, 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 Monday, August 1, 2022, 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 William Harris, Marilyn Gardner, Tracy Watson, and Bryan Haynes. Also in attendance were Town Manager Adam Mitchell, Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Town Attorney James Adcock, Town Clerk Rose Rich, and IT Director Scott Clark. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Massengill called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Smith provided the invocation and Commissioner Marilyn Gardner 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 July 11, 2022, minutes of the Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Watson SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Recognition - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wake County - 2021 Departmental Officer of the Year and 2021 Wake County Officer of the Year - Police Officer Alexandra Rench Purpose – For Police Officer Alexandra Rench to be recognized by NAMI Wake County as the 2021 Departmental Officer of the Year and 2021 Wake County Officer of the Year. Police Chief Medina introduced Lieutenant Scottie Hinton who provided background on the incident that Officer Rench assisted with and introduced Eric Johnson with Alliance Health who presented information regarding the selection for nominations for the Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year. Lieutenant Scottie Hinton stated that in December 2021, Officer Alexandra Rench responded to a call of a very distressed women. The woman was hysterical and borderline suicidal. Officer Rench was able to talk the woman into facetiming with her therapist. This incident resulted in a voluntary commitment and the woman being taken to seek mental health and wellness treatment. He stated that the therapist saw such an active and useful model in what the Police Department did that night, that she partnered with a professional grant writer and is seeking grant funding to work with police departments to create a 24-hour program for this purpose. She hopes that the funding would purchase electronic gear of some sort like an iPad or cell phones so that officers can respond to domestic violence calls and crisis intervention.  Eric Johnson with Alliance Health stated that CIT stands for Crisis Intervention Team, which was a type of training that was developed after negative incidents. The training is designed to help officers and first responders to go out to a scene and use de-escalation skills. The training is 40 hours, and an annual banquet is held to celebrate the CIT Officer of Year. He congratulated Officer Rench for being the CIT Officer of the Year in Wake County. Mayor Massengill congratulated Officer Rench for her service to the citizens of Fuquay- Varina. He stated that Officer Rench has only been with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for two years and she has accomplished a lot in that short time span. He stated that mental illness is not just in Fuquay-Varina, but it is global issue and Officer Rench receiving this award makes him and the entire Town Board very proud and thankful she chose Fuquay-Varina as her place of employment. He presented Police Officer Rench with the Mayor’s Coin as a commendation, and he thanked her for being a dash more. Following the recognition of Officer Rench, Mayor Massengill read a proclamation in observance of Farmers Market Week, proclaiming the week of August 7 through August 13, 2022. The proclamation is to celebrate the national farmers, and local farmers who partner with the Fuquay-Varina Growers Market. He encouraged everyone to attend the Fuquay- Varina Grower Markets and support local businesses. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A No one chose to speak in person or virtually during public comments ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the August 1, 2022 Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan - Town of Fuquay-Varina - CTA-2022-06 Purpose – To consider a proposed amendment to the 2013 Community Pedestrian Master Plan (renamed the Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan) that addresses several areas for improvement. 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. The 2013 Community Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2014, is the current ordinance that provides a comprehensive framework of recommended pedestrian improvements, in conjunction with a series of programs to educate and encourage pedestrians and motorists in Fuquay-Varina. This plan and the proposed amendment were made possible through a grant awarded in 2021 by the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative with matching funds provided by the Town. It is meant to establish a long-term vision for pedestrian access that helps improve pedestrian infrastructure in Fuquay-Varina and foster a 'walking culture' through related programs and policies. The Pedestrian Plan is a living document meant to be revisited and amended as necessary as the community continues to grow. Planning Director Davison introduced Steve Bozymowski with Alta Planning + Design. Mr. Bozymowski gave a PowerPoint presentation and highlighted some of the areas in the study for the Pedestrian Plan. He stated that a steering committee was formed and representatives from the Downtown Department, Wake County, NCDOT, and several community residents helped guide the plan. Overall goals for the plan were connectivity, improving safety, improving community health, promoting equity, and creating a positive economic impact access to natural areas. They incorporated Let’s Talk FV, interactive maps, and comment forms to get feedback from citizens. He stated that there are a lot of funding resources from federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit sector that could potentially be sought after to assist with implementation. Mayor Massengill asked how they prioritize the different projects for the proposed pedestrian plan. Town Manager Mitchell stated that prioritization would be like transportation projects. He stated that the Town would first consider those that can potentially score well for grant applications and then consider recommending those to the Town Board and look at them on an annual cycle. He also stated that Powell Bill funds could be used for projects that are related to Town maintained roads and rights of way. Mayor Massengill stated that he had feedback from citizens regarding problematic pedestrian connectivity where the roads intersect at Dogwood, Lawrence, and Washington Street, because of the railroad track. He suggested that staff investigate getting the Norfolk Southern railroad and NCDOT to partner with the Town on some type of pedestrian crossing at this location. Town Manager Mitchell stated that staff has been informed that there may be some federal grant opportunities to pursue for pedestrian connectivity to link communities back together that have been divided by railroad infrastructure, and staff will check into the matter. Planning Director Davison stated that the updated Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan proposed builds upon the current plan's vision, guiding principles, and recommendations. In addition, the updated plan provides more focus and clarity regarding the community's expectations for a more robust walking network, working in conjunction with the 2035 Community Transportation Plan (CTP) to provide an updated framework for the Town to continue strategically build better connections for walking throughout the community. Key Plan Updates: Chapter 1 Introduction: - Background information, including the project vision and goals, has been updated. - A high-level discussion of the value of walkable communities has been provided. Chapter 2: Existing Conditions - Demographics have been updated to reflect data collected during the 2020 Census and the most recent American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. - Existing pedestrian infrastructure has been cataloged, including projects completed since the adoption of the 2013 Community Pedestrian Master Plan. - Opportunities and challenges in the existing network have been identified. - A review of existing plans has been provided. - Public outreach was solicited throughout the planning process, including online informational meetings, in-person stakeholder, and individual meetings. Key themes that emerged from the comments included: • Connect downtowns • Connect subdivisions • Improve crossing high traffic volume/speed roadways • Connect Schools Chapter 3: Infrastructure Recommendations - This chapter details the recommendations of this plan and is organized into the following sections: • Pedestrian Facility Types • Projects in Development • Priority Projects • Safe Routes to Schools & Parks • Gaps Inside the 'Loop' • Gaps Outside the 'Loop' Priority Projects - Five priority projects were identified to fill key gaps in the pedestrian network. In addition, the following prioritization criteria were utilized, which align with CAMPO's LAPP prioritization criteria: • Missing Link • Near a Pedestrian Crash  • Supported in Public Feedback • Within 1/4 mile of a park or recreation center • Within 1/4 mile of a school • Access to downtown cores/business areas • Connects Equity Analysis (High Social Vulnerability Area) • In an adopted plan The priority projects are as follows; each project sheet includes a map with specific recommendations as well as an estimated construction cost: Priority Project #1: Downtown Intersection Improvements • 10 intersections through the downtown areas are identified as needing specific intersection crossing improvements. Priority Project #2: Downtown (Academy Street, Ennis Street) Railroad Crossings • Three (3) railroad crossing projects are identified to increase connectivity between downtown districts and surrounding communities. • The public identified a walking connection between Downtown Fuquay and Downtown Varina as being a top priority. Priority Project #3: Lincoln Heights Connectors • Key connections throughout the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood are identified to provide walking opportunities throughout the neighborhood, Lincoln Heights Elementary School, and Action Park. Priority Project #4: Depot Greenway Extension • An extension of the Depot Greenway is proposed. This extension would provide pedestrian access to four (4) key roadway networks and provide surrounding neighborhoods crucial links to multiple services, including but not limited to the post office, police station, and library. Priority Project #5: Fuquay-Varina Middle School Connectivity • Connections to existing neighborhoods, sidewalks, parks, and greenways are identified to connect to the proposed Fuquay-Varina Middle School located off Bowling Road. Chapter 4: Program and Policy Recommendations - Program and Policy recommendations in this chapter include: • Updates to the Town Code of Ordinances • Become Designated as a Walk-Friendly Community • Create and Adopt a Vision Zero Policy and Action Plan • Speed Management • Safe Routes to Schools & Parks Action Plans • Pedestrian & Bicycle Count Program • Wayfinding Chapter 5: Implementation - This chapter describes the various action steps required to implement this plan and lays a path forward for creating a truly walkable pedestrian network. - Key Implementation steps are as follows: • Keep the momentum on pedestrian projects that are already in development. • Strategically and proactively fund and build priority projects. • Use the comprehensive network of recommendations to build other projects incrementally over time. • Implement new programs and policies that support and encourage walking. Appendices - Appendix A through E provide various resources that can be used to implement the plan's recommendations. A comprehensive summary of public outreach is also provided in the Appendix. Furthermore, zoom-ins of key maps and priority project cost estimates are provided. As part of the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative, this plan was required to be reviewed by NCDOT for clarity and grant fulfillment. The Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan was submitted by the Town's consultant, Alta Planning + Design, with the staff's approval to NCDOT on April 13, 2022, and NCDOT completed their review on June 6, 2022. Their review notes consisted of minor changes, and overall, NCDOT was highly impressed with the plan's outcome, especially regarding the feedback received as part of public input. At the July 18, 2022 regular meeting, the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval. Management and staff recommend approval of the proposed amendment to the 2013 Community Pedestrian Master Plan. The proposed Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan is reasonable and, in the public’s best interest as it updates the Pedestrian Plan and further extends a long-term vision for a truly walkable community. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one chose to speak in favor of, or in opposition to the proposed Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan. The public hearing was closed. Discussion – Commissioner Harris stated that there no sidewalks on Bridge Street from Judd Parkway to Lincoln Heights Elementary. He stated that this is a crucial area for safety that really needs to be identified as a priority when it comes to pedestrian connectivity. Commissioner Watson agreed. Commissioner Harris asked about funding the projects. He stated that Powell Bill funds are used for town owned streets but what are the regulations as it relates to state-maintained roads such as Bridge Street. Town Manager Mitchell stated that grant opportunities would need to be looked at to fund those types of projects and that you could not use Powell Bill funds for projects in the NCDOT right of way. Commissioner Gardner suggested that the Town might consider moving forward with planning and design of the Bridge Street sidewalk. Town Manager Mitchell stated that there might be some other funding available through ARPA funds that are still available through the state and federal government.  Recommendation – Approve CTA-2022-06, an amendment to the 2013 Community Pedestrian Master Plan, (renamed Fuquay-Varina Pedestrian Plan) as presented by Town staff, as it improves upon the current pedestrian infrastructure and is reasonable and in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and staff. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Haynes MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) CONSENT AGENDA 8A. Recreation Unit Fee-In-Lieu - Springvale Townhomes - SUB-PR-2021-08 Purpose – To consider acceptance of a fee-in-lieu for Recreation Unit Fees for Springvale Townhomes subdivision in the amount of $66,880.00. Recommendation – Approve the fee-in-lieu request for Springvale Townhomes subdivision in the amount of $66,880.00 for Recreation Unit Fees as presented and recommended. 8B. Recreation Unit Fee-In-Lieu - Madden West - SUB-PR-2021-07 Purpose – To consider acceptance of a fee-in-lieu for Recreation Unit Fees for Madden West subdivision in the amount of $214,000.00. Recommendation – Approve the fee-in-lieu request for Madden West subdivision in the amount of $214,000.00 for Recreation Unit Fees as presented and recommended. 8C Budget Amendment - Bishop Photo - Youth Athletic Scholarship Fund Donation - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources - $3,000 - BA-23-04 Purpose – To consider approval of a budget amendment recognizing funds from Bishop Photo for non-resident scholarships within the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Recommendation – Approve budget amendment BA-23-04 as presented and recommended. 8D Special Event Application, Amplified Sound, and Temporary Road Closure Request - Curated Craft Market on Depot Street - August 27 and September 24, 2022 Purpose – To consider approval of the special event, amplified sound permit, and temporary road closure request for the Curated Craft Market on Depot Street events scheduled for Saturday, August 27 and Saturday, September 24, 2022 Recommendation – Approve the special event, amplified sound permit, and temporary road closure request for the Curated Craft Market on Depot Street events scheduled for Saturday, August 27 and Saturday, September 24, 2022, as presented and recommended. 8E Utility Allocation Request - Springvale Townhomes - 57 Lots Purpose – To consider a Utility Agreement Allocation Request for the Springvale Townhomes 57 lots for 15,390 gpd water and 12,825 gpd sewer. Recommendation – Approve the recommended utility allocation request for Springvale Townhomes 57 lots, as presented and recommended. 8F Speed Limit Reduction Ordinance - Stewart Street from Perry Howard Road to Broad Street Purpose – To consider concurrence with an NCDOT ordinance for a speed limit reduction on Stewart Street between Perry Howard Road and Broad Street. Recommendation – Concur with an NCDOT ordinance for a speed limit reduction on Stewart Street between Perry Howard Road and Broad Street, repeal all existing 35 mph speed limit ordinances for that segment, and adopt a new 25 mph ordinance. Additionally, concur with an NCDOT ordinance re-establishing the 35 mph speed limit between Perry Howard Road and Judd Parkway. Ordinance No. M-22-02 8G Amendment to Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy Purpose – To consider approval of a resolution that amends the Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy. Recommendation – Adopt the resolution amending the Town of Fuquay-Varina Personnel Policy as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 22-1769 A motion was made to approve all Consent Agenda items 8A-8G. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT 9A There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10A Preliminary Subdivision Plat – Springvale Townhomes Subdivision - SUB-PR-2021-08 Purpose – To consider a preliminary subdivision plat submitted by Piedmont Land Design, LLP, called Springvale Townhomes, located at 7100 Kennebec Road and 0 NC Highway 42. 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. The submitted preliminary subdivision, Springvale Townhomes Subdivision, is located at 7110 Kennebec Road and 0 NC Highway 42 on 9.57 acres in the Residential Medium Density Zoning District (RMD). The preliminary subdivision plat proposes a townhouse development with 57 lots. The minimum allowable lot width is 18 feet and the minimum lot width provided is 22 feet, with the average lot size of 2,156 square feet. A minimum of 15% open space or 1.44 acres is required, and 44% or 4.23 acres of open space is provided with 25% or 1.07 acres of open space available for active recreation, including a dog park and open grass play areas, and community cornhole boards. Vehicular access to the project area is provided by project entrances to both Kennebec Road and NC Highway 42 and a roadway stub to the south. Kennebec Road is classified by the Town's 2035 Community Transportation Plan as a 70-foot right-of-way and identified to be a two (2) lane road with sidewalks. Kennebec Road is currently a two-lane road without sidewalks. The current carrying capacity for Kennebec Road is 11,000 average daily trips (ADT). 2020 NCDOT traffic analysis located at the subject property for Kennebec Road indicates a volume of 4,100 ADT. NC Highway 42 is classified by the Town's 2035 Community Transportation Plan as a 120-foot right-of-way and identified to be a four (4) lane, median divided road with 10' side paths. NC Highway 42 is currently a two-lane road without pedestrian accommodations on the south side, but the recently developed Willow Springs  Dollar General store installed half of the future roadway section and a sidepath along its frontage on the north side of NC Highway 42. The current carrying capacity for NC Highway 42 is 11,800 average daily trips (ADT). 2020 NCDOT traffic analysis approximately one and a quarter (1.25) miles west of the subject property indicates a volume of 10,500 ADT. Public water is available, and the developer will extend the sewer to serve the subject property. The proposed preliminary subdivision plat meets all Town requirements, and management and staff recommend approval. At the July 18, 2022, regular meeting, the Planning Board found the subdivision plat consistent with Town requirements and voted unanimously to recommend approval. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Approve the Springvale Townhomes subdivision plat SUB-PR-2021-08, located at 7110 Kennebec Road, as presented and recommended. MOTION: Commissioner Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10B Municipal Agreement, Project Ordinance, and Budget Amendment - NCDOT Project R-5705B - $118,923 Purpose – To consider approval of the Utility Construction Agreement for reimbursement for a portion of the cost of relocating utilities relating to the NCDOT R-5705B Project. Staff Comments – Public Utilities Director Mike Wagner 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. NCDOT's Project R-5705B is designed to make roadway and infrastructure improvements to the portion of NC Highway 55 From NC 210 To SR 4809 (Jicarila Lane). As part of the project, existing Town water lines will be relocated. The total cost of the utility relocation is $473,103. Under North Carolina General Statue 136-27.1, NCDOT must pay 75% of the utility relocation costs based on the municipal population. The Town's portion of funding for this Project at 25% includes $118,923 in engineering and construction costs. NCDOT has prepared a Design-Build Utility Construction Agreement, which includes the Town paying a lump-sum reimbursement amount of $118,923. A Project Ordinance is proposed to allocate the reimbursement funds for participation in this project. It should be noted that the final project cost will be based on a low bidder's unit of price once NCDOT lets the Project. This bidding procedure could cause the cost of the improvements to be higher or lower than the initial estimate. In the event of higher bidding costs, the project has contingency funding built into the project cost. If project costs exceed the contingency funds, Town staff will bring updated project costs back to the Town Board for consideration. Town management and staff recommend approving the NCDOT-Town Utility Construction Agreement, establishing a Project Ordinance, and Budget Amendment BA-23-05. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – 1. Approve the proposed Utility Construction Agreement between the Town of Fuquay-Varina and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as presented and recommended, and authorize the Town Manager to execute the Agreements.  The agreements have been reviewed by the Town Attorney as to form and are in the best interest of the public. 2. Approve the Project Ordinance for the Utility Construction Agreement as presented and recommended. 3. Approve Budget Amendment BA-23-05 to fund the Utility Construction Agreement as presented and recommended. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) Ordinance No. N-22-27 10C Memorandum of Understanding, Budget Amendment, and Position Authorization - Southern Wake Academy - School Resource Officer Purpose – To consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Corporation for Educational Partnerships and the Town of Fuquay-Varina and an associated budget amendment and position authorization for assignment of a School Resource Officer to Southern Wake Academy. Staff Comments – Police Chief Medina 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. Southern Wake Academy has approached the Fuquay-Varina Police Department to request the assignment of a School Resource Officer (SRO) to enhance security at the school. School leadership and Police Chief Medina have discussed financial and operational expectations, and Southern Wake Academy agrees to fully fund a dedicated School Resource Officer. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) effective August 1, 2022 is provided for Board consideration. The MOU is an agreement between Corporation for Educational Partnerships, the governing body of Southern Wake Academy, Town of Fuquay-Varina, and the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for an assignment of a fully equipped School Resource Officer, to include a fully equipped patrol vehicle, for full-time assignment to Southern Wake Academy. Fuquay-Varina Police Department currently has SROs at two schools in Town, Fuquay-Varina High School and Willow Spring High School, and this position would represent the third. In addition to approval of the MOU, the Town Board will need to take action on authorizing a new police officer position and budget amendment to reflect the revenue and expenditures associated with this position. Town Management and staff recommend approval of the MOU, authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with the Corporation for Educational Partnerships, approval of a budget amendment, and authorizing a new position to provide an SRO at Southern Wake Academy to be fully funded by Southern Wake Academy. If approved, the Town will enter into contract with Southern Wake Academy to provide a full time School Resource Officer at the school. Under the terms of the contract, Southern Wake Academy agrees to fund 100% of the salary, benefits, operational, equipment, and capital costs associated with the officer. This amount will be paid at the beginning of the school year, and in future years will be paid by August 1. The cost of an officer in year 1 will be $157,450, however this amount will be substantially lower in future years that do not require the purchase of a new vehicle. Discussion – Mayor Massengill asked if the school would be paying for the officer. Police Chief Medina stated that the school would be paying for 100% of the cost including the vehicle associated with the position. Mayor Massengill thanked the school and stated that he wished more schools would have school resource officers in the schools. Mayor Massengill asked when someone would be hired for the position. Police Chief Medina stated that someone from within the department would transfer to help at the school. Mayor Pro-Tem Smith asked if this school is a year round school. Police Chief Medina stated that Southern Wake Academy is a year-round school.  Commissioner Haynes stated that he would like the Town to continue to educate citizens on the need for SRO’s in our community schools and that these officers are intended to help the students and not harm them. Recommendation – 1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation for Educational Partnerships and the Town of Fuquay-Varina for providing a fully equipped School Resource Officer with a patrol vehicle to Southern Wake Academy subject to Town Attorney Review as to form; 2. Authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract with the Corporation for Educational Partnerships to fund a school resource officer as recommended, subject to Town Attorney review as to form; 3. Approve Budget Amendment BA-23-06; and, 4. Authorize one (1.0) new FTE Police Officer in the Police Department. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Watson MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Town Manager Mitchell gave an update on the following: Arts Center – The Arts Center is in the process of auditions for the Nutcracker and the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival vendor applications for the Artist Village are also open. The application can be found on the Arts Center website. Parks & Recreation – The Parks & Recreation Department had another record setting registration for fall youth sports which was up 14.7% from the previous fall. They have 3,509 Youth Sports participants registered. They have hired Josh Harden as the new Athletic Program Specialist, and they have also hired three new Parks maintenance workers - Stephanie Bowden, Gabrielle Rhodes and Chris Flynn. Public Works – NCDOT replaced the culvert on Stewart Street. The department also recently received their new bucket truck. IT Department – Calvin Harmon in the IT Department has received his certification to fly drones which is instrumental in providing ariel views for video presentations. A video presentation of the SW Judd Parkway intersection project was then shown. Finance Department – The Finance Department has been busy working on the financing of Fire Station #4 and will be participating in the borrowing of Fire Station #4. The Town is hoping to have approval on 8/2 by the Local Government Commission. The Wake County Board of Commissioners will consider an interlocal agreement on August 15th for their share of the funding. The goal is to close on the loan on August 17, 2022. Police Department – The Police Department swore in two new Police Officers and the department is currently fully staffed. Town Manager Mitchell recognized both the Police and Fire Departments for their professionalism and handling of the tragedy that occurred Friday evening referring to the person that fell from an airplane. He sends his thoughts and prayers out to the young man’s family who lost his life in the incident. Human Resources Department – The Human Resources Department is extremely busy with job postings, hiring and implementation of the Pay Study Plan. He stated that he has heard from many employers that are very grateful and appreciative of the Town Board adopting and implementing the new pay plan. Public Utilities – The Public Utilities Department has been awarded a $400,000 grant for a Collection System Asset and Inventory Assessment Master Plan. They also were awarded a $9 million grant through NC ARPA funds for the Sanford Water Expansion Project to go towards the project. The expansion project was also awarded a $20 million low interest rate  loan. He recognized Public Utilities Director Mike Wagner and Hazen & Sawyer for working to secure these funds. Planning Department – The Planning Department is in the process of conducting interviews for the new Development Liaison position. Town Manager Mitchell stated that he and the Mayor had a productive meeting with the Wake County School Superintendent and two School Board members. The purpose of the meeting was to get an update from them on where they are with their plans for the Fuquay- Varina Middle School site when the new middle school is built and opened. He stated that in the coming months they will reach out to community stakeholders to try to get public input on how best that facility should be utilized in the future. Town Manager Mitchell reported that he along with the Mayor and staff had a meeting last week at the NC Legislature. They met with North Carolina House Representative Erin Paré and representatives from the North Carolina Realtors Association, and North Carolina Home Builders Association. The topic of the meeting was attainable and workforce housing as well as school transportation legislation that was approved several years ago regarding requirements for transportation improvements when new schools are built. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the Ice Cream Social was a very successful event. He also reported that he and the Mayor met with Mark Doble of Aviator to get an update on his plans for the new brewery as well as some of the other properties that he owns and how he can advance the improvements on those properties. He also reported that Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews has attended his first session of the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the UNC School of Government. Further he also stated that the interbasin transfer process is advancing along. He also reminded the Town Board about diversity/bias training for the Town Board and Directors will take place 8/2 from 8:00 -5:00 pm. 11B Project Status Report – August 2022 11C Quarterly Report – 4th Quarter FY 2022 11D National Night Out Against Crime - Fuquay-Varina Police Department Open House - Tuesday, August 2, 2022 - 5:00 - 7:00 pm 11E NCDOT Public Meeting - Intersection Improvements Along US-401 in Southern Wake County - Hilltop-Needmore Road/Hilltop Road/Air Park Road/Lake Wheeler Road - August 9, 2022 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm - Hilltop Church (10212 Fayetteville Road, Fuquay-Varina) 11F Coffee with a Cop - Chick-fil-A - 11460 N. Main Street - Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11G FM2FV Concert - North Tower - Thursday September 8, 2022 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Gardner stated that she was excited about the proclamation tonight for the Farmers. She also stated that she is grateful to Officer Rench for the services she rendered to a person suffering with mental illness as she has had a personal experience with suicide in her family. She stated that the Suicide Prevention Walk that was held in Fuquay-Varina in the past helped to provide funding for some of the training that the Police Officers have gone through. Commissioner Harris agreed with the comments made by Commissioner Gardner. He stated that the Town of Fuquay-Varina is exceptionally fortunate to have Officer Rench on staff. He is very grateful that the Town has this type of program and that officers are trained for these types of situations. He stated that he would like to see this type of program continue to grow in the Police Department. Commissioner Haynes stated that he enjoyed the Ice Cream Social and met a lot of new citizens. He is glad to see the number of the youth sports program participation increasing. He also reported that the Growers Market partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide vouchers for the seniors of Fuquay-Varina. They are also partnering with Wake County to be able to help with programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and EBT. These programs are expanding to the point where they are being able to reach the needs of the community. He also thanked the entire Town Staff for all they do in making the Town Board’s job easier. Commissioner Watson asked about dates for the food distribution event at the Pine Acres Community Center. Commissioner Haynes stated that those events are always held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, and he stated that they did receive funding from Wake County to extend the program until next June 2023. Commissioner Watson stated that she is looking forward to the National Night Out event at the Police Department. She also encouraged citizens to take the Citizens Academy that the Police Department offers each year. She stated that she has family members who suffer from mental illness, so she appreciates the training that police officers are receiving to help in certain situations and she thanked Officer Rench for dealing effectively with citizens who have mental health crisis. Mayor Pro-Tem Smith stated that he represented the Town at a ribbon cutting for Oaklyn Springs Brewery along with Chicago J Hotdogs. He stated that this was an expansion and not a business grand opening and he is glad to see that these businesses are able to expand. Mayor Massengill stated he will be having lunch with the summer camp participants at Parks and Recreation on Friday and is looking forward to it. He also reported that he had a meeting with the Mayors of Apex and Holly Springs, and they are working on a tri-town event for next year. He then reported that he, along with staff and representatives from the Town of Holly Springs met at the General Assembly to discuss workforce housing, attainable and affordable housing. He also reported that he and the Town Manager met with the School Board regarding the Fuquay-Varina Middle School building/site and gave them ideas on what could happen with the old building once the new middle school is built. He also recognized various departments like Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, Public Works, and the Fuquay Junior Womans Club that helped with the Ice Cream Social and he appreciates all their hard work. The following items are Mayor Massengill’s past and future events: Past Events 7/14 – Installation of Officers at the American Legion Post 116 7/18 – Police Swearing In 720 – Chamber Board Meeting 7/20 – CAMPO Executive Meeting 7/26 – FV Baptist Church – Patriot Service 7/29 – Metro Mayors Meeting Upcoming Events 8/2 – DEI Training 8/2 – National Night Out and Police Department Open House 8/5 – Lunch with Park & Recreation Campers 8/9 – FVDA Board Meeting 8/9 – Public Meeting - Intersection Improvements along US 401 at Hilltop Needmore Road 8/15 – Wake County Mayor’s Association 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 Acquisition A motion was made to conduct a closed session meeting at 8:38 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) RETURN TO OPEN SESSION____________ The Town Board returned to open session at 9:29 p.m. with nothing to report out of closed session. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Haynes MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the August 1, 2022, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 16th day of August 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