Board of Commissioners Special Meeting

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners July 30, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor John Davis, Mayor Pro Tem William Justice, Commissioner Larry Philpott, Commissioner Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf, and Commissioner Joseph Brown ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The special meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board of Commissioners to appoint, sustain, or adjust the EOC Site Selection Committee members, then the EOC Site Selection Committee would join the Board of Commissioners to enter closed session pursuant to NCGS 138.143-11 (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 price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease. EOC Committee Membership Mayor Davis reviewed that Keith Walsh, chair of the EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee had requested removal of member, Junior Freeman from the board. Commissioner Eckendorf moved to remove Mr. Freeman from the committee with a second from Commissioner Conaway. However, Commissioner Turner raised the possibility of Mr. Freeman taking a leave of absence instead of removal and Mr. Freeman confirmed he was willing to, and Committee Chair Walsh shared that he was not opposed to that option. Therefore, Commissioner Eckendorf revised his motion to place Mr. Freeman on a leave of absence from the EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Turner and approved unanimously. Board members shared their appreciation to Mr. Walsh and Mr. Freeman for their contributions and felt that this course of action was better suited. Closed Session On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Commissioner Turner the board entered closed session at 6:11 pm pursuant to NCGS 138.143-11 (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 price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease. Pursuant to a motion duly made and seconded in closed session the board returned to open session. Mayor Davis reviewed the following directives that were established.  It was decided that Junior Freeman would remain on leave until the EOC site selection process was complete, and the Town Manager was tasked with communicating that to Mr. Freeman.  The EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee was tasked with o Preparing a portfolio for the state legislature. Compile past documents, future timelines, and progress reports. o Building by design. Engage with those responsible for designing other area Public Safety/EOC buildings. o Provide an update to the Board of Commissions at their September 10, 2024, meeting. The EOC/PSB Site Selection Committee agreed to hold a special meeting on August 7, 2024. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm. Page 2 of 2