BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING

TOWN OF SYLVA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING Thursday, September 08, 2022 at 5:30 PM Board Room, 83 Allen Street Sylva, North Carolina MINUTES PRESENT: Lynda Sossamon, Mayor Paige Dowling, Town Manager Mary Gelbaugh, Commissioner Amanda Murajda, Town Clerk Ben Guiney, Commissioner Eric Ridenour, Town Attorney Greg McPherson, Commissioner David Nestler, Vice-Mayor Natalie Newman, Commissioner ABSENT: CALL TO ORDER Mayor Sossamon called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bryant (Finance Officer), Jake Scott (Public Works Director), Mike Beck (Fire Chief) and Chris Hatton (Police Chief). VISITORS: Carol Martin-Vegue and Mardy Ashe. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Newman made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Nestler made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Sossamon reported that she attended the NCLM's American Rescue plan expert tour. She gave a presentation on the Town's planning for ARP funds. COMMISSIONER’S REPORT Commissioner Gelbaugh reported that she attended the recent skateboard competition held in Town. She added it was great to see many skaters from the community participating and was excited to see the enthusiasm. She thanked the Sylva Methodist Church for hosting. Commissioner Guiney reported that Covid vaccines are available at the health department. He noted that Saturday, September 10, 2022, is the Sylva Pride event from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bridge Park. He thanked the board for their discussions on short-term rentals. Commissioner McPherson noted the skateboard competition was great. MANAGER’S REPORT: Manager Dowling reported the following:  The NCLM Bulletin from August 26, 2022, featured Sylva and the Bridge Park Stormwater Project. Mayor Sossamon gave a presentation as a regional case study for planning to use ARPA funds.  An RFP is on our website to receive proposals for an engineering firm to oversee the Bridge Park project. Proposals are due September 30, 2022, at 12:00 p.m.  Allen Street: Plans are almost finalized, and the contract is being drafted. The timeline is to have the Board approve the construction contract September 22, 2022, and work will begin early October.   The annual financial audit field work is the week of September 12, 2022, so administrative staff will be tied up working with the auditor.  There is an opening in the Police Department for a Sergeant. NEW BUSINESS Proclamation for Constitution Week 2022: Mardy Ashe addressed the board in regard to Constitution Week 2022. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She explained the history behind Constitution Week and asked for the support of the Board. Commissioner Gelbaugh made a motion to approve the proclamation. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. Ordinance Amendment--Chapter 4: Alcoholic Beverages-Social District Hours Update: Manager Dowling explained that the original social district ordinance was amended, and a 6-month trial period of changes added. This revised version goes back to original version except changes the start time on Sundays to 10:00 a.m. Commissioner McPherson added that he reached out to the task force for any issues. The only thing reported was that extending the Sunday hours would be less confusing. Police Chief Hatton reported that there had been no increase in police calls due to the social district ordinance. Commissioner Gelbaugh noted that she had been contacted by one restaurant who had issues with patrons trying to bring alcohol into their establishment even though they were not participating. Commissioner McPherson made a motion to approve the ordinance amendment. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Guiney made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46 p.m. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Lynda Sossamon Amanda W. Murajda Mayor Town Clerk