Board of Commissioners

Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting Minutes Book - Page Fuquay-Varina Town Board Meeting May 20, 2025 J. Blake Massengill, Mayor Marilyn Gardner, Mayor Pro-Tem The Regular Meeting of the Fuquay-Varina Town William H. Harris, Commissioner Bryan Haynes, Commissioner Board scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Charlie Adcock, Commissioner Jason Wunsch - Commissioner 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 Teresa Wilder, Town Clerk James S. Adcock, III, Town Attorney Mayor Blake Massengill, Mayor Pro-Tem Marilyn Gardner, Commissioners Bill Harris, Bryan Haynes, Charlie Adcock, and Jason Wunsch were in attendance. Also in attendance were Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews, Town Attorney James Adcock, Town Clerk Teresa Wilder, IT Director Scott Clark, and various other department directors. Town Manager Adam Mitchell and Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour were on official Town business. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Massengill called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE Commissioner Bryan Haynes provided the invocation, and Water Distribution Operator I Mack Weeks led the Pledge of Allegiance. VIRTUAL MEETING PROTOCOL Assistant Town Manager Matthews reviewed the meeting protocol, noting that it was in- person and live-streamed on the Town’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3A The April 15, 2025, Budget Workshop and May 5, 2025, Town Board of Commissioners Regular Scheduled Meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Wunsch SECOND: Commissioner Adcock MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) PRESENTATIONS 4A Proclamation - National Public Works Recognition Week - May 18-22, 2025 Purpose – For Mayor Massengill to present a Mayor's Proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week in the Town of Fuquay-Varina, May 18-22, 2025. Each year, across North America, National Public Works Week is celebrated by towns and cities throughout the United States. National Public Works Week will be held the week of May 18–22, 2025, to honor the public works professionals who plan, design, build, manage, and operate the infrastructure that ensures a higher quality of life for our communities. Mayor Massengill expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Public Works staff, who work diligently to maintain Fuquay-Varina's safety and cleanliness  throughout the town, from streets to various other areas. He highlighted the recent customer satisfaction survey, which revealed that an impressive 91% of residents are satisfied with the town, deeming it a great place to live. This outstanding rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Public Works Department staff. The Mayor noted that both the Town Board and citizens are extremely proud of these employees and grateful for their contributions. 4B Recognition - Fire Department Promotions - Badge Pinning Purpose – To recognize four recent Fire Officer promotions. The Fire Department is pleased to announce several key leadership promotions resulting from implementing the 2023 Reorganization Plan. Jerry Crocker and Justin Riewestahl were promoted from Battalion Chief to Division Chief, filling the department's two vacant upper-level management positions. Chief Riewestahl will manage the Emergency Services Division, and Chief Crocker will manage the Support Services Division, each overseeing specific areas of responsibility within the department. Steven Weaver was promoted from Fire Captain to Battalion Chief, filling the vacancy created by the filling of the newly created Training Officer at the end of 2024. This position requires Chief Weaver to manage 21 firefighters and six companies on his assigned shift. Chief Weaver joined the department as a new career firefighter in 2008 and has served as a Fire Captain since 2019. Brandon Childress was promoted from Fire Engineer to Fire Captain to fill the vacancy created by the Battalion Chief Promotion. This position places Captain Childress in charge of a crew of two to three firefighters on either an Engine or Ladder  Company, depending on his assignment. Captain Childress joined the department as a new career firefighter in 2016 and has demonstrated dedication and commitment to his career. Mayor Massengill expressed his enthusiasm for promoting from within, citing it as a testament to the Town's strong internal talent pool. He commended the Fire Department personnel for being promoted, highlighting their extensive experience and daily contributions to the community. The Mayor thanked them for their dedication to serving the Town of Fuquay-Varina and acknowledged their role in maintaining the town's reputation as one of the safest communities in North Carolina and the nation. 4C Recognition - CALEA Accreditation Purpose – To recognize the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for recently achieving CALEA Accreditation. The Fuquay-Varina Police Department has officially received CALEA Accreditation – a recognition that reflects the department’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and continual improvement. CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, sets the gold standard in public safety. Accreditation demonstrates that the Fuquay-Varina Police Department complies with best-practice standards for a law enforcement agency in areas such as policy, accountability, operations, training, and community engagement. Chief Smith presented information about this achievement and recognized the staff whose dedication and hard work made this milestone possible.  Mayor Massengill stated that the citizens of Fuquay-Varina take great pride in their Police Department, which has achieved a prestigious accreditation held by only a select few agencies. This accomplishment was the result of a rigorous process that spanned several months, involving extensive interviews, testing, and verification of data, showcasing the department's efforts in the community. The accreditation serves as a testament to the Police Department's commitment to excellence, instilling confidence among citizens that their public safety needs are being met with the highest standards. Mayor Massengill expressed his gratitude to the Police Department for their hard work in obtaining this accreditation, noting that it requires an ongoing effort and annual review to maintain this distinguished status. 4D Recognition - Criminal Justice Club - Herbert Akins Road Middle School Purpose – To recognize the inaugural Criminal Justice Club at Herbert Akins Road Middle School. The Fuquay-Varina Police Department is proud to recognize the first-ever Criminal Justice Club at Herbert Akins Road Middle School (HARMS), created and led by School Resource Officer Derrick Wilson, in collaboration with Principal Adkins and school staff. Chief Smith recognized the efforts of School Resource Officer Derrick Wilson, HARMS staff, and the inaugural group of Criminal Justice Club students who contributed to making this a success. He presented Officer Derrick Willson with a Community Service Award for the Criminal Justice Club and other programs he has implemented.  Mayor Massengill expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity that Herbert Akins Road Middle School students have been given, praising Officer Wilson for launching and leading the initiative. He also commended the young participants for their eagerness to learn about the Police Department and engage with the program. The Mayor encouraged the students to maintain their interest in the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, hoping that it might inspire them to pursue a career in law enforcement with the department in the future. Additionally, he extended his gratitude to Principal Atkins for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the school and her dedication to community involvement. PUBLIC COMMENTS 5A Phil Gattone, representing his late son John, who resided at 2417 Glade Mill Court, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Massengill. He shared that his son had passed away unexpectedly in December and wanted to thank the Mayor for his kindness and support during a difficult time. Specifically, he appreciated the Mayor's help in releasing his son's family from their contract to purchase a home, as well as the other thoughtful gestures made towards his family over the Christmas holiday season. ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED 6A No items were previously tabled for the May 20, 2025, Town Board meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7A Wastewater System Development Fee Analysis Report Purpose – To hold a public hearing and consider adoption of the Water and Wastewater System Development Fee Analysis prepared by Stantec to reflect the recommended Water and Wastewater System Development Fees. Staff Comments – Public Utilities Director Mike Wagner submitted the agenda abstract and supporting documents to the town's official record. He then presented the staff report, which is attached hereto. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the Wastewater System Development Fee Analysis Report. Discussion – There was no discussion from members of the Town Board regarding this matter. Recommendation – Adopt the Water and Wastewater System Development Fee Analysis as presented and recommended. MOTION: Commissioner Haynes SECOND: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner MOTION RESULTS: Passed Unanimously (5-0) 7B Public Hearing - FY 2026 Operating Budget and Five-Year Plan Purpose – To hold a public hearing for public input on the Recommended FY 2025 - 2026 Operating Budget Ordinance, Fee Schedule, and Five-Year Operating and Capital Plan for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. Staff Comments – Assistant Town Manager Matthews submitted the agenda abstract and supporting documents to the town's official record. He then presented the staff report, which is attached hereto. Public Hearing – The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of the FY 2026 Operating Budget and Five-Year Plan. Dan Ford, 1204 Garrow Drive, spoke in opposition to the FY 2026 Operating Budget and Five-Year Plan citing the increase in utility fees. Discussion – Mayor Massengill asked Assistant Town Manager Matthews whether the system development fees are calculated based on a state formula and if that is what the Town can charge for new growth, both residential and commercial, and whether it allows the Town to charge the maximum legally permitted amount. Assistant Town Manager Matthews confirmed that, according to the North Carolina General Statutes, there is a formula, and towns that wish to implement a system development fee—which is optional—can do so to cover water and wastewater infrastructure needs. The recommended budget reflects the System Development Fee just adopted, which sets Water and Sewer System Development Fees at the maximum the Town is permitted to charge under the North Carolina Statutes based upon the System Development Fee Study.  Commissioner Harris had a question regarding the debt service expenses. Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews asked if his question could be answered offline since certain debt service expenses involve a transfer between funds and could take some time to gather the information and explain it. Recommendation – Management recommends the board consider adoption of the budget at the June 2, 2025, meeting. No action was required by the Town Board. CONSENT AGENDA 8A. Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit Request - Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce - 21st Annual Run the Quay - June 07, 2025 Purpose – To consider a Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce's 21st Annual Run the Quay Event scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025. Recommendation – Approve a Special Event Application and Amplified Sound Permit for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce's 21st Annual Run the Quay Event scheduled for Saturday, June 07, 2025, as presented and recommended. 8B. On-Call Services - Public Utilities - Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Professional Services Purpose – To consider approving the selection of three public utilities sanitary sewer evaluation and professional services on-call firms and entering into agreements with the three professional firms recommended for on-call public utilities professional services.  Recommendation – Approve the selection of Public Utilities Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Professional Services on-call firms CHA Consulting, Inc., Duke's, and VisionNC for on-call public utilities Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Professional Services and authorize the Town Manager to enter into an on-call public utilities professional services agreement with recommended firms, subject to Town Attorney as to form. 8C. Budget Amendment - Recognizing Insurance Proceeds - Arts Center - BA-25-33 Purpose – To consider approval of a budget amendment recognizing insurance proceeds from lightning damage at the Arts Center. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment (BA-25-33) to recognize insurance proceeds for lightning damage at the Arts Center as presented and recommended. 8D. Budget Amendment - Recognize Insurance Proceeds - HWY 55 Greenway Crossing - BA-25-32 Purpose – To consider approval of a Budget Amendment recognizing insurance reimbursement proceeds for the damaged pedestrian crossing at NC55 and the Park Depot Greenway trail. Recommendation – Approve Budget Amendment BA-25-32 recognizing insurance reimbursement proceeds for the damaged pedestrian crossing at NC 55 and the Park Depot Greenway trail. 8E. Ordinance - Speed Limit Concurrence -NCDOT Angier Road Purpose – To consider concurrence with an NCDOT speed limit ordinance for Angier Road. Recommendation – Approve concurrence with an NCDOT speed limit ordinance for Angier Road (SR2770) as presented. Ordinance No. M-25-04 A motion was made to approve all Consent Agenda Items 8A- 8E. 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 There were no administrative reports for the May 20, 2025, Town Board meeting. OTHER BUSINESS 11.A Management Report Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews gave the following additional updates: o Police Department – Officer Alexandra Rench, Officer Jay McMahill, and Officer Alexander Bennett have progressed through their careers and achieved the rank of Master Officer. Officer Mason Adams and Officer Colby Price have successfully completed the field training program. On May 7, 2025, the police department hosted Leadership Fuquay-Varina, providing an overview of the department and its current operations. On May 10, 2025, the department held its annual mental health fair in the Walmart parking lot this year. The event was successful, with many vendors attending and numerous attendees stopping by. On May 17, 2025, Corporal Jeslis and K-9 Dash were honored by Cary VFW Post 7383 during their annual First Responders Awards Ceremony for their excellence in policing and community engagement. o Fire Department – Juan Varela completed all requirements and was promoted to Senior Firefighter. Engineer Matthew Edwards and his wife Haley recently welcomed a happy and healthy baby girl to the family, and everyone is doing well. FEMA recently completed their "Hot Wash" report (debrief) from the recent Shearon Harris drill and praised the teamwork, communication, and collaboration displayed in the Fuquay-Varina Command Post... Great job, everyone! In cooperation with the Fuquay-Varina Rotary Club, the Flags for Heroes event will be held at Fire Station #4 this year, with the opening ceremony on Memorial Day and the closing ceremony on Flag Day. o Communications - The Communications Department launched an internal Communications and Branding Hub for easier access to branding tools and written guidelines on utilizing those tools. o Arts Center - The Arts Center’s Theatre program for individuals with intellectual, physical, or developmental special needs performed on Sunday, and the  community theatre wrapped up its season on Sunday. The Arts Center is entering the camp and summer class season, as well as the rental season. Additionally, the Arts Center staff are collaborating with organizers from Manifest for the Juneteenth and Stem Fest events, and multiple rentals will take place in the theatre over the next six weeks. o Parks and Recreation — The Splash Pad will open on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and will operate seven days a week from 10AM to 7PM through Labor Day. Residents can register for a splash pad pass at either SPCC or HNTPCC; there is no charge for residents with a splash pad pass. o Public Works– The Street Department has installed all the flags for Memorial Day and will finish the patriotic banners this week. Additionally, three new street department employees—Marcus Furmage, Aries Calaman, and Timothy Powell— started on May 19, 2025. o Inspections - The implementation of the most recent electronic submittal feature, sign permits, will begin this Friday. This is the final type of permit for the inspection electronic submittal project, completing the customer service and efficiency initiative to accept all types of permits electronically. o Human Resources - This morning, they expressed appreciation and recognized 33 employees who have served the Town for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Their combined service accounts for 260 years of experience with the Town of Fuquay. HR Director Wendy Moody recently completed the Municipal and County Administration course with the School of Government. This course requires a 7- month commitment during which participants learn the roles, rules, and operations of city and county governments in NC. The HR staff are busy preparing for the Open Enrollment meetings scheduled for May 27 - June 5, 2025. This year, the meetings are mandatory as we will offer improved voluntary benefits through Mutual of Omaha. Earlier this month, the Town celebrated Public Service Recognition Week, where appreciation was extended to the Human Resources department for organizing a wonderful week that showcased how much the Town  staff is valued. Fuquay-Varina takes pride in providing exceptional municipal services, and none of this would be possible without the 383 dedicated, growth- oriented team members who strive each day to make Fuquay-Varina a better place. o Public Utilities - Edward Cotto completed the two-year North Carolina Rural Water Apprenticeship Program. This is a reminder for those with irrigation meters to complete their annual backflow prevention device inspection. o Planning – Last weekend, planner Rachel Mann received a Master of Science in Planning and Development from ECU's Geography Planning and Environment Department. o Engineering Department – Cody Simonson of the Engineering Department recently graduated with dual Master’s degrees in Construction Management and Business Administration from ECU. 11.B Financial Quarterly Report - 3rd Quarter FY 2025 11.C Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce - Run the Quay - Saturday June 7, 2025 - 6:00 am - 9:00 am 11.D Coffee with a Cop - Chick -Fil-A - 1460 N. Main Street - Wednesday June 4, 2025 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am 11.E Zoning Map Amendment - Concept 8 Holdings, LLC - 305 Jones Road - PIN 0656842067 - REZ-2024-13 - (Davison) - (FIRST READING) 11.F Zoning Map Amendment & Land Use Plan Amendment - Mauldin-Watkins Surveying, PA - 207 Railroad Street - PIN 0656992133 - REZ-2025-03 - (Davison) - (FIRST READING) 11.G Zoning Map Amendment - Raleigh Smiles, LLC - 834 Wilbon Road - PIN 0657325345 - REZ-2025-04 - (Davison) - (FIRST READING) 11.H Town Code Amendment - Town of Fuquay-Varina - 2040 Community Vision Land Use Plan Amendment #1 - CTA-2025-02 - (Davison) - (FIRST READING) 11.I Town Code Amendment - Town of Fuquay-Varina - 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Amendment #1 - CTA-2025-03 - (Davison) - (FIRST READING) BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Harris had no comment. Commissioner Adcock expressed deep admiration for the powerful testimony of Phil Gattone, calling it one of the most impactful stories he has heard during his time on the Town Board. Additionally, he extended his gratitude to the Mayor, praising his exceptional leadership not only of the Town Board but also of the entire community of Fuquay-Varina. Commissioner Wunsch agreed with Commissioner Adcock's sentiments, thanking Mayor Massengill for his outstanding leadership. He also expressed gratitude that the weather was favorable for the final FM2FV concert last Thursday and praised those who organized a special tribute to Sarah Strong during the event, which contributed to a truly memorable experience in Fuquay-Varina. Commissioner Haynes shared several highlights from his recent activities, including celebrating the 95th birthday of esteemed Fuquay-Varina citizen, Ms. Adah May Jackson. He also attended a cookout with the Teen Council as it wrapped up its year and spoke at a Tobacco Free Community Team forum hosted by Wake County and the Poe Center, where he proudly represented Fuquay-Varina's efforts in establishing tobacco-free areas. The town received recognition for its progress in this area, and Commissioner Haynes was honored to be part of it. Additionally, he attended a celebration at Lincoln Heights Elementary School, which was named the top magnet school in the nation and participated in a Masonic Pig Jig at the Got to be North Carolina Festival with Commissioner Harris, where their team, Golden Star Lodge Number 150, brought home the grand champion award, bringing pride back to Fuquay-Varina. The festival also raised funds for two North Carolina orphanages, making it a rewarding experience. Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner expressed her gratitude to the Police Department for their hard work in organizing the Mental Health Awareness Fair, which underwent a successful transformation. Previously held at the Southern Regional Center, this year's event was relocated to the Walmart parking lot, resulting in increased attendance. The addition of a food truck also helped attract more visitors. Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner commended the Police Department for taking an already excellent event and enhancing it. On a personal note, she shared that mental health resources are particularly important to her due to her family's experiences with suicide, and she emphasized the need for accessible support services like those provided at the health fair, which can make a significant difference in people's lives. Mayor Massengill started by acknowledging the dedication and commitment of town employees who were recognized earlier that morning for their years of service, which ranged from 5 to 20 years. He noted that this level of longevity is impressive in today's job market, where frequent career changes are common. The Mayor attributed the town's ability to retain staff to its positive work environment, which contributes to the overall sense of community positivity. He then shifted his focus to other community events, praising Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner for her outstanding keynote speech at the Woman's Club Golf Tournament the previous day. The Mayor highlighted the significant charitable contributions made by the Woman's Club, which has been investing in the community for 100 years, making it the longest running civic organization in the area. Additionally, he shared that at an event the night before, attendees expressed their enthusiasm for the high level of customer service provided by the town. Finally, Mayor Massengill announced that both Rotary Clubs would come together on Monday morning at 10:00 am for a joint Rotary Flag Ceremony at Fire Station No. 4. The following are Mayor Massengill’s past and future events: Past Events 5/6 – SW Wake Mayoral Panel Event 5/6 – Chamber 2025 Excellence in Education Awards 5/7 – Coffee with a Cop – McDonalds 5/8 – Employee Spring Picnic 5/8 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – The Springs of Ballentine Memory Care 5/9 – Metro Mayors Call 5/9 – Chamber National Small Business Week Cookout 5/10 – Mental Health Resources Event 5/13 – FVDA Board Meeting 5/13 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – Yesterday in the Quay 5/14 – Chamber Business Exchange Breakfast 5/14 – Black History Stakeholders Meeting 5/15 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – Horologe Studies 5/15 – FM2FV Concert – The Breakfast Club 5/16 – Metro Mayors Call 5/19 – Wake County Mayors Association 5/19 – Employee Service Award Breakfast Upcoming Events 5/21 – Chamber Board Meeting 5/21 – CAMPO Exec. Board 5/23 – Metro Mayors Call  5/26 – Speak at Rotary Flag Ceremony 5/28 – Chamber Ribbon Cutting – The Ellie Inn 5/30 – Metro Mayors Call ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 p.m. MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Gardner SECOND: Commissioner Wunsch MOTION RESULT: Passed Unanimously (5-0) The minutes from the May 20, 2025, regularly scheduled meeting of the Town Board of Commissioners are adopted this 2nd day of June in the year 2025 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. FUQUAY-VARINA, NORTH CAROLINA J. Blake Massengill, Mayor ATTEST (TOWN SEAL) Teresa Wilder, Town Clerk