Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting September 19, 2023 J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Larry Smith, Mayor Pro-Tem The Regular Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina Town William H. Harris, Commissioner Marilyn B. Gardner, Commissioner Board scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, Bryan Haynes, Commissioner Vacant Seat - Commissioner 2023, at 7:00 p.m. was held at the Fuquay- Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Varina Town Hall, 134 N Main Street, Fuquay- James (Jim) E. Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk Varina, NC. James S. Adcock, III, Town Attorney In attendance were Mayor Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Smith, and Commissioners Marilyn Gardner, William Harris, and Bryan Haynes. Also in attendance were Town Manager Adam Mitchell, Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour, Deputy Town Clerk Teresa Wilder, Town Attorney James Adcock, IT Director Scott Clark, and various other department directors. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Massengill called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Solid Waste Superintendent Gabe Briley provided the invocation and CAMPO Deputy Director Alex Rickard led the Pledge of Allegiance. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Town Manager Mitchell reviewed the meeting protocol noting that the meeting was both in-person and live streamed on the Town’s YouTube Channel and Facebook. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3A The September 5, 2023, Town Board of Commissioners Regular Scheduled meeting. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Proclamation - National Community Planning Month - October Purpose – To recognize National Community Planning Month in the Town of Fuquay-Varina. Mayor Massengill recognized Assistant Planning Director Melissa Sigmund and the Planning Board. He thanked them for taking the time to be involved with the Planning Board. He then read the proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2023 as Community Planning Month in Fuquay-Varina in conjunction with the celebration of National Community Planning Month. 4B Presentation - 2023 Bond Referendum Video Purpose – To present the 2023 Park, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Bond Referendum Informational Video. Staff Comments – Town Manager Adam 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. On November 7, 2023, town residents will have the opportunity to vote on the question for issuance of $60 million in bonds to support growth of parks and facilities in Fuquay-Varina.  The Town has prepared an informational video on how the $60 million will be invested if approved by the voters. The Town has prepared an informational marketing campaign that includes the video, an informative webpage on the Town's website, informational brochures, business cards with a QR code that leads to the Town's 2023 bond webpage, and various scheduled presentations to civic organizations and stakeholders within the community. Town Manager Mitchell stated that he hopes that the public will take notice of this video on social media and share it with their neighbors and friends. He stated that the key component of this video is it talks about investing so that the citizens can be able to have access to play and enjoy what our parks and recreation amenities have to offer. The Town is growing and is very close to having to cap participation in youth sports. Mayor Massengill stated that this bond is for everyone and not just for one certain age of population. He encouraged citizens to read about it and he stated he was in favor of the bond. 4C Recognition - Police Employees - Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates - Police Department Purpose – To recognize several police employees for obtaining Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. Staff Comments – Police Chief Brandon Medina 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 following list of Police Department Employees obtained Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates from June 2023 through August 2023. • Officer Alexander Bennett – Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate from NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission  • Sergeant Chad Williford – Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission • Corporal Donovan Welch – Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Mayor Massengill commended the officers for taking the time to continue their education and bettering their careers with the Town of Fuquay-Varina. 4D Recognition - 3CMA National Awards Purpose – To announce national awards the Town received for its communications to the public. Staff Comments – Town Manager Adam 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. Each year, the City and County Communications and Marketing Association recognize communities across the United States of America for excellence in communication and marketing strategies to their constituents. The Town of Fuquay-Varina Communications Department has been fortunate to produce award winning work in the past and 2023 was no different. This year the Town received the top award in the country for two of its communication and marketing efforts. Project – “Valentine's Day Social Media Mini Campaign” won first place in the United States in the category of Social Media Campaign for Cities with a Population of 50,000 and less. This social media campaign shared specially crafted Valentine's Day cards to the community via the Town's social media pages. Each Valentine's Day card came from various town departments that included cute and witty messages sharing the Town's love for our citizens. Some comments from judges were as follows: 1) This is a cute and clever way to increase engagement and get more people to see the important and useful information typically distributed by the city; 2) Love this campaign and the creativity! The cards made me smile; 3) Cute idea! Project – “Fuquay-Varina Firsts: Celebrating Black History Month” won first place in the United States in the category of Educational Video for Cities with a population of 61,000 and less. This educational video series is the Town of Fuquay-Varina's take on highlighting and recognizing citizens and families in the community for being the first black individual, family, or business to have accomplished or reached a special milestone or achievement in Fuquay- Varina. Some comments from judges include the following: 1) I love the "first" theme behind the series. Great photos and videos; 2) This effort is very well thought out and makes the topic engaging. Well done! 3) This is a wonderful campaign and should be replicated across the nation! It is so important for small (and large) municipalities to embrace history and celebrate cultures. The videos are well done, and the graphics are impactful, but it is the people in the videos that make this campaign so impactful. Amazing work. The Savvy Awards are held in conjunction with 3CMA’s Annual Conference to recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications in the public sector. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing. Over 875 entries in 38 categories were received. 3CMA utilized professional communicators from across the United States as judges to review every entry and provide constructive comments on the winning entries. 83 first-place Savvy Awards were presented. 85 second-place Silver Circle Awards, and 82 third-place Awards of Excellence were also presented. Only one Diamond Award was presented. The Diamond Award is the highest honor awarded by 3CMA and is given to the award entry that receives a perfect score from the judges. It is not given every year. The video series “Fuquay-Varina First, Celebrating Black History” received the Diamond Award for 2023. Mayor Massengill reiterated that the Diamond Award is not given out each year unless you get a perfect score, and Fuquay-Varina received a perfect score. He thanked Commissioner Harris and Commissioner Haynes for being part of the Black History Stakeholders Committee. He also recognized others that were on the committee Qisoundra Flowers, Orlean Newton, Carl Trice, Glenda Walston, Gabe Briley, Maureen Daly, Mark Matthews, Tony Smith, Susan Weis and Earl Williams (not in attendance). He also recognized Amazing Studios videographer Hannah Kennedy. He also recognized the people that were in the “Fuquay Varina Firsts Celebrating Black History” video series: § First Black Police Officer - James Brown (deceased) Represented by family members Sherreldine Perkins and Arron Lee Brown § First Black Fireman - Forrest Newkirk § Former Town Commissioner William Freeman (deceased) Represented by family members Billy and Scooby Freeman (online) § First Black Business – Carl Trice of Trice Funeral Home § First Black Church – New Providence Baptist Church– Pastor Nathaniel J. Wood (absent) § First Fuquay-Varina Black school – Fuquay Consolidated School Represented by Ralph Joyner, President of the Alumni Association Mayor Massengill stated that he is looking forward to meeting with the stakeholders group meeting again soon to start planning for next year’s video. He thanked everyone involved in the project for their time and hard work to create the video series. Communication Director Weis stated that this project was one of the most rewarding projects that she has worked on. She thanked Mayor Massengill for the forethought on this  project and choosing some of the most wonderful citizens to be on the stakeholders committee. Commissioner Gardner stated that she would like to make sure that a copy of the video is shared with the Friends of the Museum for historic preservation. 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 September 19, 2023, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Voluntary Annexation Petition - Alnoor Islamic Center - 6317 Sunset Lake Road - PIN 0668457392 - ANX-2023-12 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 located at 6317 Sunset Lake Road owned by the Alnoor Islamic Center, PIN 0668457392, containing approximately 5.357 acres, and approve the annexation agreement related to sewer service to the property. Staff Comments – Assistant Planning Director Melissa Sigmund entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. She then provided general information about the agenda item and made the following remarks. The property is non-contiguous to the Town's corporate limits, containing 5.357 acres. Town water is available, but sewer is not available to the property. The subject property will not be  served with Town sanitation and recycling services. A fire flow test resulted in an adequate fire flow of 1,655 gallons per minute. At the September 5, 2023, 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 met the requirements prescribed by the North Carolina General Statutes. The Town Board also adopted a resolution setting a public hearing for the September 19, 2023, Town Board meeting. The present total value of the property is $1,166,048. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor or opposition of the voluntary annexation petition. The public hearing was closed. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Adopt the annexation ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the Town of Fuquay-Varina to include property owned by the Alnoor Islamic Center (ANX-2023- 12) and to approve the Declaration of Annexation Agreement as presented and recommended. Ordinance No. N-23-30 MOTION: Commissioner Haynes SECOND: Commissioner Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) CONSENT AGENDA 8A. Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit Request - FVHS Band Boosters - 34th Festival of Bands - October 21, 2023  Purpose – To consider approval of a special event application and amplified sound permit request for the FVHS Band Boosters' 34th Festival of Bands event, scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023. Recommendation – Approve the special event application and amplified sound permit request for the FVHS Band Boosters' 34th Festival of Bands event scheduled for October 21, 2023, as presented and recommended. 8B. Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Lincoln Heights Elementary School PTA - Family Fun Run Kick-Off Party - Thursday, October 5, 2023 Purpose – To consider approval of a Special Event and Amplified Sound Permit for the Lincoln Heights Elementary School PTA, Family Fun Run Kick Off Party being held on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Recommendation – Approve a Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit for the Lincoln Heights Elementary School Fun Run Kick Off Party scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, as presented and recommended. 8C. Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Hiester Cares Foundation - Hiester Cares Foundation 5k Run-Walk - October 14, 2022 Purpose – To consider a special event application and amplified sound permit request for the Hiester Cares Foundation's 5K Run-Walk event scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023. Recommendation – Approve a special event application and amplified sound permit request for the Hiester Cares Foundation's 5K Run-Walk event scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023, as presented and recommended. 8D. Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit - Neighborhood Barre Pop-Up Class - September 30, 2023 Purpose – To consider the approval of a Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit request for the Neighborhood Barre Pop-Up Class scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023. Recommendation – Approve the Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit request for the Neighborhood Barre Pop-Up Class scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023, as presented and recommended. 8E. Voluntary Annexation Petition - Paul Tildon Vinci, Karen Vinci & Betty Jo Vinci - 6524 Burt Road - PIN 0646087028 - ANX-2023-02 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 October 17, 2023, following the receipt of the petition for voluntary annexation of property owned by Paul Tildon Vinci, Karen Vinci & Betty Jo Vinci containing approximately 65.738 acres. Recommendation – Adopt the resolution instructing the Town Clerk to investigate the voluntary annexation petition and adopt the resolution setting the public hearing for October 17, 2023, for property owned by Paul Tildon Vinci, Karen Vinci & Betty Jo Vinci - ANX-2023- 02, as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 23-1831 Resolution No. 23-1832 8F. Resolutions - NC Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Purpose – To consider adopting a resolution acknowledging intent to request loan assistance from the NC Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and adopting a resolution approving the 2023 Public Utilities 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Recommendation – Adopt a resolution acknowledging intent to request loan assistance from the NC Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and adopt a resolution approving the 2023 Public Utilities 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 23-1833 Resolution No. 23-1834 A motion was made to approve all Consent Agenda Items 8A- 8F. MOTION Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT 9A There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10A Municipal Supplemental Funding Agreement - HL-0041 South Judd Parkway/South Main Street Intersection Operational Improvements Purpose – To approve a project ordinance amendment, budget amendment, and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Municipal Supplemental Funding Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the South Judd/South Main Intersection Operational improvements. Staff Comments – Assistant Engineering Director Asa Utterback entered the agenda abstract and supporting documents for this agenda item into the official record of the Town. He provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. During the FY 2019-2020 round of Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP) funding requests, the Town received grant funding for a transportation improvement project (Project # HL-0041) that provides operational improvements at the South Judd Parkway and South Main Street intersection. The Town and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) have partnered to combine resources for this intersection improvement project (Project # HL-0041) with a Spot Mobility project proposed by NCDOT (SM-5705S) for more efficient solutions to enhance movements and safety throughout this intersection. This enhanced project will solve the inefficient traffic configuration by widening the intersection of US-401/S. Main St and South Judd Parkway. It will also widen a portion of South Judd Parkway to the east. With the widening, a left turn lane will be added to separate the turning and through movements, and the signal will be modified and upgraded to mast arms. The construction contract was advertised on May 16, 2023. The Town received four bids from licensed contractors on June 15, 2023. A public bid opening was held at the John W. Byrne Municipal Building, where each bid was publicly opened and read aloud. The S.T. Wooten Corporation was the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder, with a bid of $1,749,958.50. The project's total cost, including design, ROW acquisition, third-party inspections, NCDOT administrative fees, and construction, totals $2,279,610. This transportation improvement project is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2024. Town staff recommends approving both the project ordinance amendment, the budget amendment, and authorizing the Town Manager to enter into a supplemental funding agreement with NCDOT to accept the additional funds that will be used to 100% fund the project cost. The total cost for this transportation improvement project is $2,279,610. The Town Board has established a project ordinance of $894,610. Existing project funds comprise $494,610 in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds (LAPP & Spot Mobility funding) and an additional $400,000 from NCDOT originally assigned to perform operational improvements to this intersection. The Town Board approved a project ordinance amendment of $1.2 Million during the July 10, 2023, Town Board meeting, appropriating these funds from the Transportation Fee-In-Lieu Southern District Account. Originally approved in 2020, NCDOT withheld funding from the Town until 2022 because of COVID delays and NCDOT budget shortfalls. Because of these delays and the increased construction cost, an additional $1.2 million was needed to complete the project. Since the July 10, 2023, Town Board meeting, Town Staff has engaged NCDOT and CAMPO and has successfully obtained $1,385,000 in supplemental funds from these agencies to fund the project. The supplemental $1,385,000 of NCDOT/CAMPO funding eliminates the need for the $1.2 million Transportation Fee-In-Lieu appropriation from Town reserves. The project ordinance amendment reverses the previous transfer from reserves and appropriates the recently obtained $1,385,000 supplemental grant funding. After these adjustments, the total budget for the project is $2,279,610. This project will be 100% funded by NCDOT and CAMPO. Discussion – Mayor Massengill stated that he is excited about this project moving forward and is glad that this project will be funded 100% by outside money. He reported that the Town will save $1.2 million that can be used toward other projects. Recommendation – 1) Approve a project ordinance amendment in the amount of $1,385,000; 2) Approve a budget amendment to reduce the transfer from Transportation Fee-In-Lieu Reserves in the amount of $1.2 Million; and 3) Authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Municipal Supplemental Funding Agreement with NCDOT for the HL-0041 South Judd Parkway/South Main Street Intersection Operational Improvements subject to the Town Attorney’s review as to form.  MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (4-0) OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Town Manager Adam Mitchell gave the following updates: o He thanked everyone that was involved in the planning and execution of the 9/11 Day of Remembrance. o He thanked Parks & Recreation Director Jonathan Cox, Communication Director Susan Weis and all the staff that were involved in the Community Center North Groundbreaking ceremony. o Human Resources Department – The Human Resources Department will participate in a Business Expo at Campbell University on October 25th and will also participate in a Regional Career Fair at the McKimmon Center that will include area Wake County local governments. They are evaluating career ladders in various departments and working on having a flu shot clinic for employees. o Police Department – The Police Department recognized Policewomen’s Day on September 12th at Falcon Park. The department has received acknowledgement for completing a pledge to improve their response to those with mental health conditions. The pledge is part of an initiative called the One Mind Campaign which was started by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. o Fire Department – He congratulated Captain Will Gregory who was recognized at the first annual Fuquay-Varina Local Heros Breakfast for his commitment to firefighter training and his passion for training new firefighters. Several Fuquay-Varina firefighters volunteered to assist the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in a project called Total Worker Health Approach to Reduce Falls and Advance Fall Protection in Firefighters. The study will be a 15-month study to collect data about slips, trips and falls they experience on a scene or around the station. He reported that Deputy Fire Marshal Laura Hill and Captain Will  Gregory attended a Train-the-Trainer course in Nashville, NC last week called “Remembering When” . . . a fire and fall prevention program for older adults. Plans are being developed to deliver the program town wide to multiple older adult groups. o Communications Department – The Communications Department has distributed the 2023 Parks and Recreation Bond brochures, business cards and signage to Town Facilities and is available for distribution. He reported that Parks & Recreation Bond road signs will be put out no later than October 5th, a public information meeting will be held on October 9th from 6-7:30 pm at Hilltop Needmore Clubhouse and four 30-second videos focusing on the main projects will be released weekly over the next four weeks on Facebook and Instagram. The Communications Department has supported several events including the 911 Day of Remembrance, the Community Center North Groundbreaking ceremony and Celebrate Fuquay-Varina coming up. He thanked Alex Bauman for the idea for the Valentine’s Day social media campaign. o Public Works - The Sanitation Department has completed the hiring of the 7th sanitation crew. Yolanda Gunn was promoted from Sanitation Collector to Equipment Operator and James Surles and Tyrone Winston were hired as Sanitation Collectors. They have applied fresh mulch along major roadways and the calendar and educational information sheet for garbage and recycling will be going out soon in the water bills. o Arts Center – The Arts Center had a great turnout and good weather for the International Festival this past Saturday. The Community Theatre will present “Best of Broadway” this Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm. This Friday, the Arts Center will host a public reception for Chris Kennedy whose artwork is currently on exhibit in the Gallery. o Finance Department – The Finance Department is wrapping up the audit and has submitted for the budget award. o Parks & Recreation Department– The Parks and Recreation Department is planning for Celebrate FV. Registration for winter sports has opened and there will be a two week advance for in town residents to sign up. o IT Department – The IT Department has been busy with the camera server migration, installing vehicle cameras and iPad in Public Works vehicles. Patrick Petty is in a 9-month CIO Program at the UNC School of Government.  o Public Utilities – The Terrible Creek WWTP expansion is 30% complete with design and the conveyance line is 60% complete. o Engineering Department – Engineering Director Matt Poling and his wife Kiesha had a baby girl on September 11th. The RFQ is out for the Stormwater Utility Study. o Planning Department – The Planning Department will publish in Let’s Talk an online survey for public engagement for the CTP Update the first week of October. They will also have booths at the Celebrate FV events with additional information and activities for the public. Planner Toby Fidler is working to become a Certified Zoning Official. o Downtown – The Downtown Association will have the following events: Dog Days of Downtown – September 23 – October 7th Ghost Towns of Fuquay-Varina – October 20-29th Fuquay Feast and Frolic – October 21-28th All events are listed on the FVDA’s Facebook page. The building next door will be demolished in the coming weeks. 11B Common Recycling Issues – Public Works Director Tracy Stephenson presented detailed information on common recycling issues as it relates to acceptance and rejection of materials that can be recycled. 11C The World Goes 'Round - Musical Theatre - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - September 21-23, 2023 - 7:30 pm 11.D FM2FV Concert - Sleeping Booty - Thursday September 21, 2023 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park 11.E Artrageous - Fuquay-Varina Arts Center - Saturday September 30, 2023 - 7:30 pm 11.F Town Board Meeting - Cancelled - Monday October 2, 2023 11.G Coffee with a Cop - Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve Clubhouse - 4621 Shady Greens Drive - Wednesday October 4, 2023 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11.H Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Thursday Night Concert - Chairman of the Board - Varina Business District - Thursday October 5, 2022 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11.I Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival - Downtown Fuquay - Saturday October 7, 2022 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 11.J FM2FV Concert - Jim Quick & Coastline - Thursday October 19, 2023 - 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Centennial Park 11.K Haunted Trail - Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park - Saturday October 21, 2023 - Family Fright 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Full Fright 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 11.L Fuquay-Varina Fire Department - Open House - Saturday October 28, 2023 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 11.M Zoning Map Amendment - Jeremy Medlin, Greenhawk - 6524 Burt Road - PIN 0646087028 - REZ-2023-02 - (FIRST READING) BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Gardner stated that this has been a busy month, and she has enjoyed the concerts. She reported that the 9/11 National Day of Remembrance was wonderful, and she thanked Arts Center Director Maureen Daley for all she did to make it a great event. She also attended the Community Center North Groundbreaking ceremony, and it reminded her of the Margaret Mead quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” She stated that there have been so many staff members and citizens that participated in the various information gathering events. She reported that the senior adults had really advocated for a dedicated place for seniors and some of them attended the groundbreaking ceremony. She stated that the Heroes breakfast was so impressive to see where some of our first responders had gone beyond what was expected of them in their duties. Commissioner Harris stated that he thought the 9/11 Day of Remembrance and the Groundbreaking Ceremony were very exciting events. He asked if the “Out of the Darkness Suicide Walk” was taking place this year. Commissioner Gardner stated that it is scheduled for Sunday, September 24th at Fleming Loop Park and check in was at 4:30 pm and the walk begins at 5:30 pm. He also asked about the Mental Health First Aid Program. Police Chief Brandon Medina stated that all the officers have completed the program. Commissioner Harris stated that this is an important issue especially with the fall and holiday season approaching. Commissioner Haynes stated that the speaker for the 9/11 Day of Remembrance was great and gave a different perspective on 9/11. He attended the Community Center North groundbreaking event which was just amazing. He thanked Mayor Pro-Tem Smith for inviting the Town Board to the Heroes Breakfast and he expressed his excitement about the building progress of Fire Station #4. He reported that today is “National Voter Registration Day” and encouraged everyone register to vote. Mayor Massengill asked about the completion timeline for Fire Station #4. Fire Chief Jim Jones stated it should be finished by the middle of November 2023. Mayor Pro-Tem Smith stated that everything had already been mentioned and he has enjoyed all the recent events. He stated that is has been an honor to be able to serve with Police Chief Medina, Fire Chief Jones and Downtown Manager Dawn Russell on the First Responders Heroes committee and that they are already planning next year’s event. He reported that he was amazed how the business community steps up and says what can we do to make this a successful event. He also thanked all the sponsors and Mayor Massengill for their support. Mayor Massengill stated that he attended the International Festival this past Saturday at the Arts Center and Commissioner Harris played his trumpet, and he did a great job. He thanked everyone for their hard work in the event and it had some great food and shows. He reported that he attended the 9/11 National Day of Remembrance and thanked the Fire, Police and Arts Center for a successful event. He reported that the Town Board has received the 2023-2024 Budget book, and he encouraged the public to go online and review it. He reported that the Town hosted the Wake County Mayor’s Association meeting last night and several Mayors from Wake County attended the event at the Arts Center. The following items are Mayor Massengill’s past and future events: Past Events 9/5 – Coffee with a Cop – Front Porch Realty 9/7 – First Responder Event 9/8 – Metro Mayor’s Call 9/8 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – The Vine 9/11 – 911 Day of Remembrance 9/13 – Chamber – Inaugural Business Exchange Breakfast 9/14 – FVEDC Meeting 9/14 – Chamber Business After Hours 9/14 – FM2FV Concert – Smile 9/15 – Community Center North Groundbreaking 9/16 – International Festival 9/18 – Wake County Mayors Association Meeting – Hosted in Fuquay-Varina Upcoming Events 9/20 – FV Chamber Board Meeting 9/20 – CAMPO Exec. Board Meeting 9/21 – FM2FV Concert 9/22 – Metro Mayor’s Call 9/26 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – Oak City Payments 9/26 = FVDA Business Meetup 9/29 – Metro Mayor’s Call 10/2 – FV Chamber Connect for New Members 10/4 – Coffee with a Cop – Hilltop Park Clubhouse 10/5 – Willow Spring Elementary – Reading to 4th& 5th Graders 10/5 – FV Chamber Business Afterhours  10/5 – Celebrate FV Concert 10/6 – Metro Mayor’s Call 10/7 – Celebrate FV Festival 10/10 – FVDA Board Meeting 10/11 – FV Chamber Business Exchange Breakfast 10/12 – Wake County Superintendent’s Breakfast School to Career Vol. Celebration 10/12 – FVEDC Meeting 10/13 – Meto Mayor’s Call 10/16 – FV Chamber Ribbon Cutting – Sarah Nicole Virtual Services 10/16 – Wake County Mayor’s Association Meeting ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Smith SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (4-0) The minutes from the September 19, 2023, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 17th day of October in the year 2023 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA J. Blake Massengill, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk