Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting December 19, 2023 J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Marilyn Gardner, Mayor Pro-Tem William H. Harris, Commissioner The Regular Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina Town Bryan Haynes, Commissioner Board scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2023, Charlie Adcock, Commissioner Jason Wunsch - Commissioner at 7:00 p.m. was held at the Fuquay-Varina Town Adam G. Mitchell, Town Manager Mark D. Matthews, Assistant Town Manager Hall, 134 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC. James (Jim) E. Seymour, Assistant Town Manager Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk James S. Adcock, III, Town Attorney In attendance were Mayor Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro-Tem Marilyn Gardner, Commissioners William Harris, Bryan Haynes, Charlie Adcock, and Jason Wunsch. 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 7:01 pm. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Mayor Pro-Tem Marilyn Gardner provided the invocation and Police Lt. Richard Conerly 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 December 4, 2023 Organization Meeting and Town Board of Commissioners Regular Scheduled Meeting with noted corrections requested by Commissioner Adcock. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Presentation - AOMP Graduation - Lt. Richard Conerly Purpose – To recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Richard Conerly’s successful completion of North Carolina State University's 97th Session of the Administrative Officers Management Program. 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 Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) has provided management and leadership education for law enforcement professionals since 1989. AOMP is operated as part of a nationally accredited public administration program, an uncommon distinction among  residential police management schools. All courses are taught by faculty who hold the highest academic credentials in their field. Mayor Massengill congratulated Lt. Conerly and thanked him for taking the time to continue his education and bring back valuable information to our Police Department. He also thanked Chief Medina for supporting educational opportunities for his staff. 4B Presentation - Leadership Fuquay-Varina - Youth Athletics Scholarship Fund Donation - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources - $1,469 - BA-24-19 Purpose –To accept a donation from the Leadership Fuquay-Varina class for non-resident scholarships within the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, and consider a budget amendment to appropriate the donation towards non-resident scholarships. 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 general information about the agenda item and made the following remarks. The Town recently received a donation from Leadership Fuquay-Varina in the amount of $1,469 to be used for non-resident scholarships for youth sports. The funds donated will assist non-resident youth that qualify to participate in youth sports programs. By the way of donation, the Town will recognize $1,469 in additional revenue that will be placed in the non-resident scholarship budget line item. Mayor Massengill thanked AnnMarie Amico for her leadership with this program over the last 10 years and he thanked those who participated in the program. Recommendation – Approve budget amendment BA-24-19 as presented and recommended.  MOTION: Commissioner Haynes SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 4C Presentation - Update to the 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Purpose – To receive information regarding the update of the 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan. 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 general information about the agenda item and made the following remarks. She presented the Town Board with a PowerPoint presentation of the results from the 2040 Comprehensive Transportation public meetings. Commissioner Harris asked if the final deliverable for the Community Transportation Plan will include designs for roads and intersections that address how community growth has stressed specific locations. Planning Director Pam Davison stated that there will be a whole traffic calming section integrated into the CTP along with traditional street sections, cross sections and form based cross sections. Commissioner Harris asked if priorities for traffic calming would be included in the final plan. Planning Director Davison stated that reducing congestion is always the goal. Town Manager Mitchell stated that the Town Board can expect to see the cross sections for roads in the transportation network and recommendations on the cross sections moving forward based on the Land Use Plan, population growth, and a number of other factors. He reported that the Town Board will not see detailed designs for the intersections or roadways, but they will receive recommendations on how wide and how large the cross section should be for the roads. He stated that the consultants will focus on pinch points, troublesome intersections and particularly the ones that the Town is not already working on or has active projects in motion. He reported that there are already 17 transportations projects that will be worked on over the next couple of years. Mayor Massengill stated that the number one priority for this Town Board is transportation and infrastructure. Town Manager Mitchell stated that staff is working hard to get public engagement with Phase II, and he encouraged citizens to get involved with the public engagement process. Mayor Massengill agreed that citizen engagement is vital. Commissioner Adcock stated that it is important to educate the citizens on growth. He stated that citizens relate transportation issues to growth and that the go to response is that the Town needs to stop development. He stated that the Town cannot stop anyone from developing their property and a lot of people that drive through Fuquay-Varina do not pay taxes to Fuquay-Varina or Wake County. He stated that while he would like to see more greenways around town, they are a recreational quality of life investment, and he does not want the CTP to get mixed-up with quality of life issues when the plan should be about transportation and moving from point A to point B. Commissioner Haynes stated that he wants staff to focus on sidewalks in an effort to provide a means of accessibility to those who do not drive. Town Manager Mitchell stated that staff is going to be careful not to blur the lines about quality-of-life investments versus transportation investments and recognizes that the biggest bang for the buck is to improve the roadways so more cars can get through intersections and traverse in and around town safely. Town Manager did state however that multimodal transportation is a component of the Community Transportation Plan which aims to help reduce congestion and staff will not lose sight of the multimodal components like sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways.  Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner stated that the vision the Board has mentioned for Fuquay-Varina in the past is that it is a community that offers walkability, which gives people a good feeling about their health and community as a whole. Mayor Massengill thanked Planning Director Davison for the presentation and stated that the Board looks forward to being presented with the results from Phase 2 of the plan. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A No one chose to speak during public comments. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A There were no items previously tabled for the December 19, 2023, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Resolution for Street Name Change - Portion of Fleming Road (SR 1103) Purpose – To consider a resolution to rename a specified portion of Fleming Road. Staff Comments – Planning Director Davison 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 eastern portion of Fleming Road, from the Norfolk Southern Railroad to its terminus at W Academy Street, is proposed to be renamed Fleming Woods Lane. Between 1981 and 1988, the railroad crossing was removed, but neither side of Fleming Road was renamed. Since the road was not renamed, this has led to there being two distinct roads with primary access several miles apart, with the same name. Emergency response, delivery services, and general wayfinding have been impacted on both sides of the road throughout the decades. Additionally, the recently approved Holston subdivision on the west side of Fleming Road has proposed to continue Fleming Road through the subdivision to the northeast. Leaving the eastern side of Fleming Road, as named, could cause a great deal of confusion. The entirety of the subject portion of Fleming Road is in the Town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Therefore, Wake County will also hold a public hearing on the street renaming on January 16, 2024. The affected property owners will receive notification for both public hearings. If the renaming receives approval from the County, readdressing will begin after that, with the effective date of the address changes estimated for mid-to-late February. The Town has already notified property owners whose addresses will change via certified mail; five parcels with three separate property owners are proposed to be changed. One parcel address has already been changed, as the property is undeveloped and has frontage on an alternate street. All adjacent property owners (including those whose addresses are unaffected) were notified of this public hearing as required by NC Gen Statutes. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor or opposition of the street name change. The public hearing was closed. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Approve a resolution for street name change for a portion of Fleming Road as presented and recommended.  MOTION: Commissioner Adcock SECOND: Commissioner Harris MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) Resolution No. 23-1839 CONSENT AGENDA 8A. Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Amendment and Resolution Purpose – To consider adopting a resolution to amend the Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Town is applying for a grant through FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program to fund the decommissioning of the Brighton Forest Wastewater Treatment Plant. Recommendation – Adopt the resolution to amend the Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as required by FEMA to apply for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding to support the decommissioning of the Brighton Forest Wastewater Treatment Plant as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 23-1840 8B. Bond Order and Series Resolution - Harnett County WWTP & Southern Oaks Sewer Project Purpose – To approve the Bond Order and Series Resolution, which authorizes the issuance of Series 2024A Utility Revenue Bonds to fund the Town's share of the construction of the Harnett County WWTP expansion construction of the Southern Oaks Sewer Project. Recommendation – Approve the Bond Order and Series Resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $85,000,000 in water and sewer revenue bonds for the Harnett County WWTP and Southern Oaks Sewer Project as presented and recommended. Resolution No. 23-1841  A motion was made to approve all Consent Agenda Items 8A- 8B. MOTION Commissioner Adcock SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem 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 HL-0042 S. Judd & S. Main Street Roadway Intersection Operational Improvements Project - Supplemental Agreement #2 Purpose – To approve a project ordinance 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 Parkway/South Main Street Intersection Operational Improvements Project. 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 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 and combined resources to complete this intersection improvement project (Project # HL-0041). Intersection improvements will provide additional turning movements, signalized pedestrian accommodations, and optimized signal configurations mounted on 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 $2,309,610. This transportation improvement project is anticipated to be substantially complete by the Summer of 2024. Town staff recommends approving the project ordinance amendment and authorizing the Town Manager to enter into a supplemental funding agreement with NCDOT. The current project funds include $1,669,610 in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds and $610,000 from NCDOT for operational improvements. On November 13, 2023, an additional $30,000 was awarded from NCDOT (Spot Mobility Funding), bringing the revised total project budget to $2,309,610. The project is 100% fully funded by NCDOT and CAMPO. Discussion – Mayor Massengill asked if they have already started the project. Engineering Director Poling stated that the project has been started and should be completed by the summer of 2024. Town Manager Mitchell clarified that the $30,000 was additional funding that was gifted to the Town by NCDOT and will be used for additional fiber utility work that needs to be relocated.  Recommendation – 1) Approve a Project Ordinance Amendment (POA-24-11) in the amount of $30,000; and 2) 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 project subject to the Town Attorney’s review as to form. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10B HL-0028 Highway 401 & Mill Creek Drive Roadway Improvement Project - Supplemental Agreement 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 Highway 401/Mill Creek Drive Intersection Improvements. 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 provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. During the FY 2021-2022 round of LAPP funding requests, the Town successfully received grant funding for a project that provides intersection improvements at the Highway 401 and Mill Creek Drive intersection. The intersection improvement project will provide additional lanes and approaches to this heavily traveled intersection. This project will assist in alleviating traffic associated with current traffic patterns and will be the main entrance to the future large-scale commercial retail project, Gold Leaf Crossing. The construction contract was advertised on October 18, 2023. A public bid opening was held, and at the December 4, 2023, Town Board Meeting, the Town Board approved Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC as the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder with a bid of $2,239,748.89. The project’s total cost, including design, third-party inspections, NCDOT administrative fees, and construction, totals $3,336,438. This transportation project is anticipated to begin in April 2024 and be completed by Spring 2025. Town staff recommends approving the project ordinance amendment and the budget amendment and authorizing the Town Manager to enter into a supplemental funding agreement with NCDOT to accept the additional funds. Existing project funds include $1,229,150 (80%) in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds (LAPP), $307,288 (20%) in Town Match, and an additional $1,780,000 from the Transportation Fee-In-Lieu Southern District Reserves for a total project cost of $3,316,438. The original budget for this project was $1,536,438. Due to project cost increases, this project experienced a cost increase of $1,780,000, requiring additional Town funding, which the Town Board approved on December 4, 2023. Town staff recently applied to NCDOT/CAMPO seeking additional funds and successfully obtained an additional $900,000 in funding from these agencies. The additional funding from NCDOT/CAMPO must be matched by Town funding in the amount of $900,000 and, therefore, eliminates the need for $880,000 of the Transportation Fee-In-Lieu appropriation from Town reserves. The attached amendments reduce the amount required from Transportation Fee-In-Lieu reserves by $880,000 and appropriate the additional $900,000 grant funding. After these adjustments, the revised project budget is $3,336,438. Discussion – Mayor Massengill stated that this project will help the new commercial shopping center and moving traffic through this intersection. Mayor Massengill asked when the project  will be completed. Engineering Director Poling stated that the project should be complete by April 2025. Recommendation – 1) Approve a Project Ordinance Amendment (POA-24-12) to appropriate the additional $900,000 grant funding; 2) Approve a Budget Amendment (BA-24-20) to reduce the transfer from Transportation Fee-In-Lieu Reserves in the amount of $880,000; and 3) Authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Municipal Supplemental Funding Agreement with NCDOT for the HL-0028 Highway 401/Mill Creek Drive Intersection Improvements project subject to the Town Attorney’s review as to form. MOTION: Commissioner Wunsch SECOND: Commissioner Haynes MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10C Contract Award - Downtown Fuquay Development Site - Demolition Phase II Purpose – To consider a contract award in the amount of $112,500 to contractor, Foss Demolition, Inc., for the demolition of the vacant Town-owned commercial lots located in the downtown Fuquay District. 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 provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. The Town of Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners has authorized funding for a qualified contractor to demolish and grade vacant Town-owned lots along N Main Street, E Academy Street, and N Fuquay Avenue. This project will prepare the sites for a multi-story mixed-use development project in downtown Fuquay-Varina. The demolition project will be completed in two phases. Phase I has already been completed. This phase included demolishing all vertical structures on the site. Phase II of the project includes demolition and removal of remaining structure foundations, utility abandonment, and surface grading and stabilization. The Engineering Department prepared formal bid packages for Phase II of this project and received three (3) bids from licensed contractors on December 6, 2023. A public bid opening was held at the John W. Byrne Municipal Building, where each bid was publicly opened and read aloud. Foss Demolition, Inc. was the low bidder for $112,500. The project is expected to take no more than 120 days to complete. Town staff recommends awarding a contract for the demolition project to Foss Demolition, Inc. in the amount of $112,500 and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the Town, subject to the Town Attorney's review as to form. During the May 16, 2023, Town Board meeting, funding was approved to demolish the buildings on site, grade, and stabilize the property. This property has been identified as the Town's preferred site for downtown mixed-use development. Foss Demolition, Inc., recently completed the demolition of the buildings, which cost $94,000. Phase II of this downtown demolition project will cost $112,500. This second phase includes performing the final grading of the site and preparing it for a vertical mixed-use development project. Discussion – Mayor Massengill stated that there has been lots of interest from developers for this mixed-use project. Commissioner Adcock asked how much the first phase of this project cost. Engineering Director Poling state $94,000 for the demolition. Commissioner Adcock stated that this  second phase will cost more, and Town Manager Mitchell stated that Phase II will cost more because of the concrete pads and asphalt removal followed by earthwork and stabilization. Recommendation – Award a contract to Foss Demolition, Inc. in the amount of $112,500 and authorize the Town Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the Town for the Downtown Fuquay Development Site - Demolition Phase II, subject to the Town Attorney’s review as to form. MOTION: Commissioner Adcock SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10D Contract Extension Amendment – McRolling Properties LLC – Local Economic Development Incentive Agreement Purpose – To consider a request by McRolling Properties LLC to amend its Local Incentive Agreement allowing for a project completion extension to April 30, 2025 . 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. He provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. In September 2021, the Town Board of Commissioners approved a Local Incentive Agreement with McRolling Properties LLC for up to $250,000. The incentive is to develop what was initially named the Fuquay-Varina Family Fun Center, now rebranded as McWally's. The 33,480-square-foot facility will feature a full-service restaurant, sports bar, arcade, laser tag, 20 bowling lanes, private event space, and patio seating.  The approved incentive agreement requires the company to invest a minimum of $10,000,000 in new capital improvements by December 31, 2023, and hire 100 new employees by December 31, 2026. Despite the company's diligent efforts to advance the project, it faced delays due to escalating construction costs. These challenges have been successfully addressed, leading to an adjustment in the project timeline. Consequently, the updated completion date for the project is now April 30, 2025, and the company is requesting the local economic incentive agreement completion date to be extended to April 30, 2025. In September 2021, the Town Board approved an economic development incentive for McRolling Properties LLC of up to $250,000. The incentive funding agreement required McRollings Properties to make a minimum capital investment of $10,000,000 no later than December 31, 2023, and hire 100 new employees by December 31, 2026. If approved, the proposed incentive funding agreement amendment will require new capital investment to be made by April 30, 2025, and hire 100 new employees by May 1, 2027. The Town Attorney has reviewed and approved the contract amendment as to form. Discussion – Mayor Massengill stated that this is going to be an exciting amenity for citizens. Recommendation – Approve the first amendment to McRolling Properties LLC Local Incentive Agreement as presented and recommended. MOTION: Commissioner Harris SECOND: Commissioner Haynes MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 10E Contract Extension Amendment – CCL Label Inc. – Local Economic Development Incentive Agreement Purpose – To consider a request by CCL Label Inc. to amend its Local Incentive Agreement allowing for a project completion extension to December 31, 2024. 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. He provided information about the agenda item by making the following remarks. In November 2021, the Town Board of Commissioners approved an economic development incentive for CCL Label Inc. of up to $750,000. CCL Label Inc. announced plans to purchase the entire Town-owned business park site consisting of 32.28 acres to construct a 110,000- square-foot manufacturing facility for production and office operations. Construction of the new manufacturing facility and purchasing of machinery and equipment will create $29 million in capital investment for the community and bring 150 new full-time jobs. CCL Label Inc. is a subsidiary of CCL Industries Inc., a global specialty packaging company and the largest label maker company globally. CCL Industries Inc. is the world's largest converter of pressure-sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for various decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications for government institutions and large global customers in consumer packaging, healthcare and chemicals, consumer electronic devices, and automotive markets. CCL Industries Inc. employs more than 22,000 people and operates 192 production facilities in 40 countries, with corporate offices in Toronto, Canada, and Framingham, Massachusetts. While construction is well underway at the new Fuquay-Varina location, the project timeline has shifted due to unforeseen construction delays, and CCL Label is requesting that the construction completion date be extended to December 31, 2024. The original incentive agreement requires CCL Label to make $29,000,000 in new capital investments no later than December 31, 2023, and create at least 150 new full-time jobs at the Project location by December 31, 2026. If approved by the Town Board, the amendment to the incentive  agreement will allow CCL Label to make the $29,000,000 capital investments by December 31, 2024, and create at least 150 new full-time jobs no later than December 31, 2027. On November 17, 2021, the Town Board approved an economic development incentive for CCL Label Inc. of up to $750,000. The originally approved incentive funding agreement requires CCL Label Inc. to make a minimum capital investment of $29,000,000 no later than December 31, 2023, and hire 150 new employees by December 31, 2026. The proposed amendment, if approved, will allow CCL Label to make the $29,000,000 capital investments by December 31, 2024, and create at least 150 new full-time jobs no later than December 31, 2027. The request by CCL Label to amend the incentive agreement is due to unforeseen project construction delays. The Town Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreements as to form. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Approve the first amendment for CCL Label Inc. Local Incentive Agreement as presented and recommended. MOTION: Commissioner Wunsch SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS 11A Manager’s Report Town Manager Adam Mitchell gave the following updates: He reported that Town Offices will be closed on Thursday, December 21st from 11:00 -2:00 pm for the employee luncheon. o Public Works - The Street Department just received the replacement truck and tractor that was ordered at the beginning of the fiscal year. The Sanitation Department is still waiting for receipt of the small garbage truck that is replacing the pack rat. Once it is received it will complete the Public Works capital purchases for the fiscal year. o Arts Center – The Arts Center is working with IT staff to install video and recording equipment for the theater and performing theater maintenance. o Police Department – The Police Department has four new police officers that have successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and passed the state exam. They will start field training tomorrow. o Finance Department – The Finance Department received notice that the FY 2024 Budget document (the current fiscal year) received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement for the Town. This is a great honor and the second consecutive award received for the Town’s budget. o Human Resources Department – The Human Resources Department and management are continuing to work with the market compensation consultants on refining the career ladder parameters for various departments. o Communications Department – The Communications Department has plans underway for celebrating Black History and Juneteenth in collaboration with the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina. He stated that he and the Mayor attended the North Carolina Metro Mayors Coalition Annual Meeting and some of the topics were passenger rail, economic development, downtown revitalization, and legislative reports. He reported that North Carolina received $35 million in federal grants for the planning of new passenger rail lines in various parts of North Carolina. One line to be planned and studied will be the Fayetteville to Raleigh line with connector stops in Fuquay-Varina and Lillington. He reported that the Town will participate in those planning meetings as they progress.  He reported that he, Mayor Massengill, and Economic Development Director Tiffany McNeill recently visited with the leadership at Southbend Range. He reminded the Town Board to notify him by email any topics that they would like to discuss at the Town Board Retreat. 11.B Town Offices Closed for Observance of Christmas and New Years - December 25-27, 2023 and January 1, 2024 11.C Coffee with a Cop - First National Bank - 210 N. Main Street - Wednesday January 10, 2024 - 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11.D Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration – Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina – January 15, 2024 - 9:30 am 11.E Friends with Wisdom - Windsor Point Retirement Community - 1221 Broad Street - Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 9:00 - 10:00 am BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Harris stated that it has been a remarkable year and a lot of great things have happened, and especially all the great events at the Arts Center this year. He reported that he along with the Mayor attended Ms. Gertrude Harrelson’s 100th birthday celebration. He stated that there are still lots of project in the hopper and the Town is moving forward with those projects. He also wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Commissioner Adcock stated that he had no comments. Commissioner Wunsch wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Commissioner Haynes stated that Pine Acres Community had their annual food giveaway this past Saturday. He stated that he sat on a panel at the Triangle Community Coalition ‘s Access Program. He reported that he along with the Mayor attended Ms. Gertrude Harrelson’s 100th birthday celebration. He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner wished everyone a happy and safe holiday. She stated that it has been a remarkable year and there are many things to be grateful for in the community. Mayor Massengill wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He stated that there are a lot of great things happening in the community and a lot of great things happening next year. The following items are Mayor Massengill’s past and future events: Past Events 11/22 – 2024 M.A.N.iFest Planning Meeting 11/25 – Small Business Saturday 11/29 – Inserv Corp. Industry Tour 11/30 – Wake County Systems Career Event 11/30 – Tree Lighting 12/1 - Metro Mayor’s Call 12/3 – Chamber Christmas Parade Upcoming Events 12/20 – Chamber Board Meeting 12/20 – NCDOT Meeting 12/22 – Metro Mayor’s Call CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3) - Attorney Client Privilege and 143-318.11 (a)(5) Property Acquisition. A motion was made to conduct a closed session meeting at 8:06 p.m. MOTION: Commissioner Harris SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) RETURN TO OPEN SESSION The Town Board returned to open session at 8:19 p.m. with nothing to report out. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m. MOTION: Commissioner Adcock SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the December 19, 2023, Town Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting are adopted this 2nd day of January in the year 2024 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA J. Blake Massengill, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Rose H. Rich, Town Clerk