Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners September 10, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor John Davis, Mayor Pro Tem William Justice, Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner Joseph Brown, and Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Lisa Prakash and Andrea Wilmoth thanked Chief Taylor for his support in starting their Neighborhood Watch initiative in the downtown area, expressing hopes to have signs installed soon. They shared plans for workshops on bike safety and reporting suspicious activity. Chief Taylor shared that Officer Amanda Hipps would serve as the police liaison for the program. Jerry Seddon of 210 Walnut Street shared that he had concerns about speeding issues downtown, with narrow streets and the proximity of homes to the road, there was little reaction time if a child or pet were to enter the street. He suggested reducing the speed limit to 15 mph and adding speed limit signs, as the current ordinance of 20 mph was not enforced due to lack of signage. He also proposed making Walnut Street one-way to improve traffic flow and potentially alleviate speeding issues. Board members agreed to explore options for a one-way street and Police Chief Taylor would study and determine the feasibility of the changes. Kim Kingrey of 212 Elm Street commented on congestion downtown, sharing that an incident had recently occurred involving a weapon due to a blocked street. She emphasized the difficulty for emergency vehicles to navigate the streets when cars were parked on both sides and advocated for one-way streets as a possible solution, though she acknowledged it could encourage speeding. Additionally she shared she was tried of picking up dead ducks and signage about not feeding might help. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Conaway, the agenda and following consent items were approved unanimously. - May 23, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes - May 23, 2024, Closed Session Minutes Page 1 of 6  - May 28, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes - May 28, 2024, Closed Session Minutes - Budget Ordinance Amendment #2025-2 Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations Onslow United Transit System Presentation (OUTS) Update Danny Ferucci, Executive Director of OUTS, provided an update of their transit services, including door-to-door transportation for the elderly, disabled, and Medicaid patients. He outlined the organization’s growth since its founding, current ridership, and available services. Mr. Ferucci also highlighted recent developments, such as the resumption of limited out-of-county medical transport and a new Down East Express service in partnership with Carteret County. Board members asked questions about the program’s trends and COVID-19 impacts, as well as options for increasing community awareness of the service. Board Appointments Clerk Fender reviewed that due to a resignation, there is now a vacancy for an ALT seat on the Historic Preservation Commission. There were two interested applicants, Tim Vannoy and Tom Pieratti, both currently serving on other boards (Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, respectively). Mrs. Fender shared that call for applications is sent several times throughout the year through Constant Contact, posted to Facebook and is always available on the Town’s website. After discussion the board tabled appointments to allow more community members to apply, expressing a desire for fresh representation from the town’s 4,000 residents. Business Non-Consent EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee Update Committee member Melissa Anderson reported on the progress of the Emergency Operations Center and Public Safety Building. The project received a $3 million state grant for land improvements and acquisition, with the Rotary property as the primary option, now offering six acres including Ireland Avenue. Due to grant restrictions, Municipal Park property could not be used, and St. Mildred's property was no longer available. Efforts were underway to resolve ingress/egress issues, including discussions for a potential land swap to widen Ireland Avenue and consultations for Highway 24 access with the Rotary Property. Preliminary maps show no wetlands on the Rotary property, though formal confirmation may be sought. A portfolio with a feasibility study, Page 2 of 6 design-build schedule, and example projects were also being prepared. The committee will consider a new property option at its next meeting. Swansboro TDA Overview Finance Director Johnson presented an overview of the TDA and reviewed the current enabling legislation with the board. She shared that TDA Chairperson Randy Swanson, was available to answer questions. Board members discussed the need to ensure that events, such as Tunnel 2 Towers and Swan Fest, were funded appropriately, potentially through tourism dollars rather than direct taxpayer funds. The board referenced a past resolution outlining TDA funding guidelines but noted that it may impose restrictions beyond what is mandated by state statute. Some members expressed a desire to review and possibly amend this resolution to allow greater flexibility in using TDA funds for local events that attract tourism. The board proposed scheduling a workshop to review the resolution in detail, with guidance from the Town Attorney, to align it with North Carolina's general statute and to clarify TDA’s role in funding decisions. Mr. Swanson expressed support for updating the resolution, requesting clarity on the TDA’s responsibilities and boundaries. He noted that anyone is welcome to submit a grant request for TDA funding, which the board will review within 30 days of submission, either in a regular or special meeting. The board agreed to proceed with scheduling a workshop for further discussion on this matter. CPSE – Community Risk Assessment-Standards of Cover Adoption Fire Chief Randall reviewed that the Town of Swansboro Fire Department was 1 of 10 agencies selected to participate in the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Beta Testing for the Community Risk Assessment (CRA) / Standards of Cover (SOC) Certificate Program. The CRA/SOC is a significant component of completing the Agency Accreditation process. An 86-page report detailing fire and non-fire risks in the Swansboro and White Oak River districts and requested the board’s formal approval to validate their assessment methods and data was included in the documentation provided to the board. This program would position the department among the first 12 agencies internationally to achieve certification, enhance service quality and accountability. Fire Chief Randall highlighted key report findings, including increased EMS and fire incidents linked to population and commercial growth, and a shift to 90th percentile response metrics for more accurate performance evaluation. Additionally, he outlined Page 3 of 6 plans for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to improve transparency and support ISO ratings and accreditation goals. On a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Turner, with unanimous approval Resolution 2024-R9 was adopted approving and accepting, the Community Risk Assessment-Standards of Cover document and performance metrics for the Swansboro Fire Department. Visitor Center Repair and Maintenance Manager Barlow reviewed that the Visitors Center located at 203 Church Street had evidence of mold growing on the walls, ceiling, cabinets and outlets fixtures. This condition necessitated the need to close the building until the problem could be remediated. Right Coast Solutions responded to assess the problem and they estimated a remediation cost of $15,250. Board members expressed concerns about ongoing expenses and maintenance issues in the building, including poor ventilation, lack of vapor barriers, and inadequate insulation that contributed to mold growth. Several voiced frustrations over the continuous taxpayer-funded repairs on the building, which had received substantial investments after Hurricane Florence in 2019. They discussed the possibility of selling the property, given its low visitor numbers and maintenance challenges, with options for protective deed restrictions to preserve its historical significance. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the remediation plan, and some officials suggested seeking additional evaluations to identify the specific mold types and ensure proper treatment methods. Overall, the board agreed to proceed with remediation but will consider further analysis and potentially moving forward with selling the property as a fiscally responsible decision. On a motion by Commissioner Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Turner, unanimous approval was given to authorize staff to enter into a contract with Right Coast Solutions to remediate the mold at the Visitors Center. Bicentennial Park Dockwalk Extension Project Update Manager Barlow reviewed that on August 13, 2024, bid results were presented to the Board for the Bicentennial Park Dockwalk Extension Project. Carteret Marine submitted a bid for $233,200. This bid was significantly over the total grant project award of $158,350. The Town Manager was directed to work with the Project Engineer and Carteret Marine to look for ways to lower the cost of the project. On September 9th, John Page 4 of 6 Wade, Project Engineer, submitted a list of design changes resulting in a reduction to $226,200, leaving a deficit of $67,900. With the last grant extension set to expire in April 2025, Mr. Barlow shared that he had concerns about potential delays from re-bidding and their impact on funding. Board members discussed the value of the project for local tourism and business, with positive input from both community and tourism advocates. On a motion by Commissioner Turner, seconded by Commissioner Conaway, the bid was awarded for the Dockwalk Extension Project to Carteret Marine in the amount of $226,200. Appropriating $67,900 from fund balance for the costs not covered by the original grant award. The motion was approved unanimously. Future Agenda Topics Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comments. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. The following items were addressed: - One-way street considerations for Walnut & Elm Public Comment Linda Thornley of 104 Elizabeth Way, voiced concerns about the allocation of $68,000 for the Bicentennial Dockwalk Extension Project, emphasizing that insufficient attention had been given to a visitor center. She highlighted the importance of having a downtown visitor center as a hub for directing tourists to local attractions, restaurants, shops, and other businesses, which could have boosted the community's economy. Thornley urged the commissioners to reconsider the need for a downtown visitor center, particularly in a historic building, as a crucial component of supporting tourism and addressing the community's needs. Fred Schachter of 148 Smallwood Road in Hubert and President of Friends of Hammocks Beach informed the board that the Hammocks Beach Park campground had officially opened, which would bring a new influx of tourism. He provided a construction update on the island bathroom repairs, stating that the drainage field was complete, tanks were awaiting delivery, and water lines were being installed, with the island expected to be operational by mid-winter. Regarding the building that was being renovated, it was estimated to have a November completion date but expressed doubts it would be finished on time. He shared plans for a February event coinciding with Black History Month to honor former members of the Black Indigenous Association and other parks, which would serve as the building’s presentation. Page 5 of 6 Schachter suggested that the board consider Mr. Woodard’s centrally located building downtown as a potential visitor center, noting its suitability as office space. He encouraged them to explore this option as a great addition for the town. Junior Freeman of 714 West Corbett Avenue, recounted the history of the visitor center building, indicating it was originally intended to address parking needs and provide public bathrooms for downtown merchants. Mr. Freeman suggested the building could still serve as a visitor center with self-guided tours and tourism information. He noted that a recent flood variance might complicate redevelopment due to potential costs exceeding 50% of the building’s value. Board Comments Board members expressed their appreciation for various public safety efforts, the quality of staff work, and the participation of the community in the meeting. Mayor Davis suggested that the Visitor Center could be relocated at Old Town Hall, expressed his thoughts about changing the funding capabilities of the TDA, and invited all those interested in attending the September 11th ceremony at 8:30 am at the public safety building. Closed Session On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Commissioner Turner with unanimous approval, the board entered closed session at 7:55 pm pursuant to NCGS 143- 318.11 (a)(5) to establish, or to instruct the public body’s staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract and (6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. Pursuant to a motion duly made and seconded in closed session the board returned to open session. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm. Page 6 of 6  12/9/2024 Regular Meeting September 10, 2024 1 1. Please turn cell phones to “off” or “vibrate”. 2. The Board offers the public three opportunities to speak during the meeting: A comment period is offered at the beginning and end of the meeting. Please note that a separate opportunity is provided for those items requiring a public hearing. Public Hearing(s) – There are no public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 2 1  12/9/2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board for items listed on the agenda. 3 AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Action Needed: Motion to Adopt the Agenda as prepared (or amended) and approval of the Consent Items 4 2  12/9/2024 Onslow United Transit System Presentation (OUTS) Update Presenter: Danny Ferucci – Executive Director of OUTS 5 6 3  12/9/2024 To provide quality transportation services to the OUTS service area Mission To operate in an efficient and effective manner while complying with Local, State, and Federal Laws concerning Public Transportation To provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation for the To assist in the maintenance, development, citizens of Onslow County. improvement, and use of public transportation in rural areas. Why? Connect more residents to jobs, health care, wellness, education, retail and entertainment in our communities 7 Corporate Background Located in Incorporated in Nonprofit public Operates under Governed by Jacksonville, NC 1979 formed by transit system that G.S. 55A and USC Board of Onslow County assists human service 501c3 Directors Government agencies in providing (tax exempt) public transportation to the residents of Onslow County. 8 4  12/9/2024 Onslow United Transit System Organization Chart – FY25 Board of Directors Don Herring – President Executive Director Danny Ferucci – FT Chief Operating Administrative Officer Officer Bill Jones – FT Deborah Bergeron – FT Maintenance Administrative Administrative Lead Driver Dispatcher Scheduler Coordinator Assistant II Assistant III Mary Whitney – FT Sarah Batchelor – FT Vacant – FT Vacant – PT Amanda Phillips – FT Mary-Claire Gabri – FT Craig King – PT Administrative Transit Drivers Assistant I 9 / 15 – FT LaShanna Spicer – FT 10 / 10 – PT 9 Description of Service OUTS operates subscription, demand response, general public transportation and ADA Complementary Paratransit Service throughout all of Onslow County. Who Can Ride Service is provided to passengers needing transportation to medical appointments, work, daycare, shopping, social and recreation activities, etc. OUTS also contracts with several agencies in Onslow County and provides transportation for their clients. 10 5  12/9/2024 Door to Door As Needed Service is origin-to-destination. Assistance is provided from the vehicle to the first doorway for passengers who need additional assistance to complete the trip. Non-Emergency Transportation OUTS provides non-emergency transportation only. If a passenger is unable to sit up, has severe pain, or other debilitating problems, this agency cannot transport them. 11 Eligible Transportation Programs Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) ADA Paratransit 5310 Grant Traveler’s Aid EDTAP Rural General WorkFirst Provides ADA Provides operating Grant Provides operating Public Intended to help the complimentary assistance for the Intended to aid assistance for the Intended to provide general-public to paratransit services transportation of the organizations support transportation of the transportation travel to work, for the City of county’s elderly (65 to citizens dealing county’s elderly (60 years of services for employment training Jacksonville. years of age or older) with domestic age or older) and disabled individuals from the and/or other and disabled citizens. violence, citizens. county who do NOT employment related homelessness, and have a human service destinations. substance abuse. agency or A one-time one-way organization that will Greyhound ticket to a pay for the support system. transportation service. 12 6  12/9/2024 Daily Service Monday – Friday 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday – Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM ADA Paratransit Service: Follows Jacksonville Transit Schedule Out of County Transportation (Medical Only): Out of County 1st 2nd 3rd 4th $$ Trip Fare P/U Window Destination Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday One Way Hampstead P/U time 2-3 hours Wilmington X X prior to scheduled $15.00 Leland appointment Kinston** P/U time 2-3 hours Greenville X prior to scheduled $15.00 DownEast Express appointment Pollocksville P/U time 1-3 hours Newbern** X prior to scheduled $10.00 DownEast Express appointment Cedar Point P/U time 2-3 hours Carteret X prior to scheduled $10.00 Morehead City appointment P/U time 4-5 hours DownEast Express X X prior to scheduled $25.00 appointment 13 OUTS FY24 ADA 7% Ride Data Report OCSS 21% ROAP Total Trip Count: 22% • FY18 90,230 Brokers • FY19 85,898 5% • FY20 70,094 • FY21 47,187 • FY22 62,642 Medicaid 45% • FY23 64,969 • FY24 65,572 14 7  12/9/2024 Service Area (763 Land Square miles, Population 207,298) 15 Greater Holly Ridge Area (67 Clients – Holly Ridge / 236 Clients – Surrounding Area) 16 8  12/9/2024 Greater N. Topsail Beach Area (5 Clients – N. Topsail Beach / 142 Clients – Surrounding Area) 17 Greater Richlands Area (96 Clients – Richlands / 383 Clients – Surrounding Area) 18 9  12/9/2024 Greater Swansboro Area (118 Clients – Swansboro / 495 Clients – Surrounding Area) 19 Board Appointments Presenter: Alissa Fender – Town Clerk 20 10  12/9/2024 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee Update Presenter: Melissa Anderson– Committee Member 21 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Swansboro TDA Overview The Board of Commissioners requested to have a discussion on the Swansboro TDA policies and procedures and enabling Session Law. It is expected that the Chair and Vice Chair will be in attendance to discuss the matters with the Board. Recommended Action: Review and discuss. Presenter: Sonia Johnson – Finance Director 22 11  12/9/2024 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT CPSE – Community Risk Assessment-Standards of Cover Adoption The Town of Swansboro Fire Department was 1 of 10 agencies selected to participate in the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Beta Testing for the Community Risk Assessment (CRA) / Standards of Cover (SOC) Certificate Program. The CRA/SOC is a significant component of completing the Agency Accreditation process. Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution 2024- R9 approving, accepting, and adopting the Community Risk Assessment-Standards of Cover document and performance metrics for the Swansboro Fire Department. Presenter: Jacob Randall – Fire Chief 23 SWANSBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT/STANDARDS OF COVER 24 12  12/9/2024 Program Background Community Risk Center for Public Newly Developed Notice of Assessment (CRA) Safety Excellence Certificate Selection given on / Standards of (CPSE) Program March 12, 2024 Cover (SOC) 1 of 10 Agencies – 1 of 12 Agencies – 1 of 8 Agencies – BETA Testing Inaugural First to Complete (Spring & Fall Certification Process Cohorts) 25 What is CRA/SOC? Community • Complete Evaluation of the Community Risk • All Fire & Non-Fire Risk • Builds a Foundation for the Development of Assessment Agency/Organizations Goals & Objectives Standards of • Utilizes Community Risk Assessment – Fire & Non-Fire Risks • Defines How the Agency is Currently Positioned to Respond Cover • Provides the Base for Performance Objectives – Agency Measurement 26 13  12/9/2024 CRA/SOC Document Divided into 4 Main Sections • Section A – Documentation of Area Characteristics • Section B – All-Hazards Risk Assessment and Response Strategies • Section C – Current Deployment and Performance • Section D – Plan for Maintaining and Improving Response Capabilities Historical Data • Baseline Performance • Agency and Community Growth • Non-Fire Risks 27 Community Characteristics {Size & Coverage} Fire Management Approximate Approximate Property Zone Area Address Points Road Miles Parcels {FMZ} {Square Miles} FMZ 17 A {Swansboro Fire 2.421 29.66 2,316 2,330 District} FMZ 17 B {White Oak River 7.07 28.37 1,244 1,277 Fire District} Total Agency 9.491 58.03 3,560 3,607 28 14  12/9/2024 Community Characteristics {Population} Approximate Fire Approximate Density Management Area Approximate Approximate Demographic {Population Zone {Square Road Miles Population Classification per Square {FMZ} Miles} Mile} FMZ 17 A 2.421 29.66 3,744 1,547 Urban FMZ 17 B 7.07 28.37 1,859 263 Rural Total Agency 9.491 58.03 5,603 590 Urban/Rural 29 Total Incident Call Volume {All Response Areas} 2024 District 2021 2022 2023 {January 1 – September 9} Swansboro {17A} 326 557 836 762 White Oak River {17B} 77 147 258 156 District Wide Total 403 704 1,094 918 (Excluding Aid Given) District Wide Total 535 813 1,221 1,050 (Including Aid Given) Prior Year - 52% 50.2% - Percentage Increase (Total Volume) From 2021 - - 128.2% 96.26% 30 15  12/9/2024 Total Incident Call Volume {Primary Response Area} Category 2021 2022 2023 2024 {Jan 1 – Sept 9) Annual 326 557 836 918 Incidents Prior - 70.86% 50.1% 9.80% Percentage Year Increase From - - 156.4% 181.6% 2021 31 Overlapping Incidents 2024 Category 2021 2022 2023 {January 1 – September 9} Overlapping Calls 25 44 141 179 Annual Incidents 403 704 1,094 918 Percentage 6.2% 6.25% 12.89% 19.5% Overlap 32 16  12/9/2024 Performance Baselines Total Response Time • Call Handling (Time of 911 Call to Unit Dispatch) • Turnout Time (Time of Dispatch to Unit Enroute) • Travel Time (Time Enroute to Arrival) • Total Response Time (Time of 911 Call to Unit Arriving) Effective Response Force • Personnel Needed to Handle Incidents • Time of Dispatch to All ERF Personnel On Scene 33 Baseline Times {All Incidents} All Incident Types 23 - 20 23 23 - 22 22 - 21 21 - 20 District {Zone} 90th Percentile Times {Classification} FirstDue Emergency Reporting Baseline Performance Town {17A} Urban 2:40 2:06 2:10 2:42 2:14 Alarm Handling County {17B} Rural 3:17 1:52 2:36 3:24 3:28 District-Wide 2:50 2:01 2:28 3:00 3:28 Town {17A} Urban 2:07 2:32 2:05 1:58 1:36 Turnout Time County {17B} Rural 2:20 2:44 2:25 2:10 1:48 District-Wide 2:11 2:35 2:15 2:09 2:00 Town {17A} Urban 5:11 7:03 4:57 4:49 3:56 Travel Time County {17B} Rural 6:51 8:12 6:08 6:51 5:45 District-Wide 5:51 8:06 5:47 6:02 5:43 Town {17A} Urban 8:41 8:57 8:06 8:21 6:34 Total Response Time County {17B} Rural 10:57 10:41 10:57 10:57 8:39 District-Wide 9:28 9:22 9:30 9:39 8:15 i. Emergency Reporting – Data Sets Range from August 1, 2020, to July 31, 2023. ii. First Due – Data Range Begins July 31, 2023, to December 31, 2023. iii. The 2020 – 2023 Cumulative total includes the additional six months from the 23 FirstDue RMS transition. 34 17  12/9/2024 Average vs 90th Percentile {Total Response Time} Fire District 2020-2023 2020 – 2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 Average 5:29 5:06 5:40 5:32 District Wide 90th Percentile 9:28 8:15 9:39 9:30 Gap (3:59) (3:09) (3:59) (3:58) Average 4:34 4:13 4:40 4:11 Town 90th Percentile 8:41 6:34 8:21 8:06 Gap (4:07) (2:21) (3:41) (3:55) Average 6:48 5:47 7:17 7:11 County 90th Percentile 10:57 8:39 10:57 10:57 Gap (4:09) (2:52) (3:40) (3:46) 35 Key Take-aways Average Data = Average Agency – “Maintaining” • Transitioned to a 90th-Percentile Compliance Metric Measure Everything Measurable Evaluate the Performance Regularly • Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Reports Transparency of System Performance • Increase Accountability 36 18  12/9/2024 Key Changes 37 What’s Next Requesting Adoption of Resolution 2024 - R9 October 4th – Deadline for Submitting to CPSE for Certification Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Evaluation Reports Quarterly and Annual Data Presentations Data-Driven Improvement of the Agency and Service Programs Accreditation Process with the Center for Public Safety Excellence 38 19  12/9/2024 THANK YOU! 39 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Visitor Center Repair and Maintenance The Visitors Center located at 203 Church Street had evidence of mold growing on the walls, ceiling, cabinets and outlets fixtures. This condition has necessitated the need to close the building until the problem can be remediated. Recommended Action: Authorize staff to enter into a contract with Right Coast Solutions to remediate the mold at the Visitors Center. Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 40 20  12/9/2024 Visitor Center Walls 41 •Vent •Outlets • Cabinets 42 21  12/9/2024 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Bicentennial Park Dockwalk Extension Project Update On August 13, 2024, bid results were presented to the Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners for the Bicentennial Park Dockwalk Extension Project. Carteret Marine submitted a bid of $233,200. This bid was significantly over the total grant project award of 158,350. The Town Manager was directed to work with the Project Engineer and Carteret Marine to look for ways to lower the cost of the project. Recommended Action: Award the Dockwalk Extension Project contract to Carteret Marine in the amount of $226,3000. Appropriate $67,900 of fund balance for those costs not covered by the original grant award. Presenter: Jonathan Barlow– Town Manager 43 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Future Agenda Items Future agenda items are shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity is provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. Action Needed: Discuss and provide any guidance. Presenter: Alissa Fender – Town Clerk 44 22  12/9/2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 45 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Town Manager Jonathan Barlow 46 23  12/9/2024 BOARD COMMENTS Mayor John Davis Mayor Pro William Justice Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf Commissioner Joseph Brown Commissioner Patricia Turner 47 CLOSED SESSION Motion to enter closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(5) to establish, or to instruct the public body’s staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract and (6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. 48 24  12/9/2024 ADJOURN 49 25