STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON TOWN OF CRAMERTON February2, 2023  Members Present: Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley, Commissioner Atkinson, Commissioner Ramsey, Staff Present: Zach Ollis, Town Manager; Josh Watkins, Assistant Town Manager; Jeff Wilkins,  Commissioner Helms and Commissioner Kincaid. Members Not Present: Mayor Wills  Finance Director; Karen Wolter, Attorney; and Hannah Brown, Town Clerk.  1. Call to Order and Determination of Quorum  Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and determined there was  a quorum.  2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance  Mayor Prol Tempore Neeley provided the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was said by all.  3.A Adoption of Agenda for this Meeting  The Town! Manager informed the board that the Towns at Cramerton Predevelopment Meeting, item 5d, would not take place tonight as they were unable to attend the meeting, and he asked that item! 5d be replaced with the waste management contract that has been discussed Ar motion was made by Commissioner, Helms to adopt the proposed agenda. The motion was  previously.  seconded. by Commisioner Ramsey. The vote was 5to Oinj favor.  4. Consent Agenda  A. Budget Amendments #23 and #24 B. Human Resources Technician Description . Accounting Technician Description  AI motion was made by Commissioner, Kincaid to approve the consent agenda. The motion was  seconded by Commissioner Helms. The vote was. 5to0inf favor.  5.1 Discussion items no action 5a. Confluence Mid-Year Update Presentation  As part of the grant agreement with the Catawba Riverkeeper for the Confluence project, the Riverkeeper isr required to provide a mid-year update to the Board detailing the activities that havet taken place thus far, and to provide information on upcoming activities. John Searby, executive director of the Catawba Riverkeeper, presented information toi the Board about Commissioner Atkinson asked for clarification abouti ift the Town shares revenue based ont the operational grant. Mr. Searby stated that the operating grant calls for a profit share on any net  Confluence. The presentation: slides can bet found in the agenda packet.    profits. Mr. Searbys said they have not yet had an operating profit but he expects that will Commissioner Kincaid asked about programs that are waiting on grant funding to commence, including youth musicl lessons, and askedi ift therei is anything that the Town can do to help secure ther needed funding. Mr. Searby stated thatt there mayl be times thatt they may needa a letter of support to secure funding and thati increased activity at Confluence and sales will resulti int the ability to generate a profit andp put it back into programs. Mr. Searby said that itis helpful when the town brings ideas on activities and programs. Commissioner Kincaid asked if there are any advertising plans. Mr. Searby statedt that they are doing Google ads and paid SEO. Commissioner Ramsey said that she has heard from the public thes sentiment that Cramerton paid for al bar. She discussed hers shared experience withs some the challenges that come with opening a new business. She stated that she thinksi iti isi important to get the word out about Confluence and make people more aware of all that is offered ini the space. Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley said Commissioner Ramsey made ag good point. Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley described ane event at Confluence that occurred the evening before the board meeting and stated that it was ai fun event. Shes said that it was an event for all ages and that Commissioner. Atkinson stated concern about understanding the purpose oft the space with the Commissioner Helms said he is pleased witht ther metrics at thist time andt that the Town also needs tol helpe educate the public about what is offered at the space tol help make its successful. Mr. Searby stated that therei is an opportunity tor rent space at Confluence and he discussed  change int thet future.  They are also gathering information at events for email marketing.  there were 60 peoplei in attendance. bar being visible from the front.  some of the events that are planned for thef future. 6a. Catawba Riverkeeper Dam Discussion the Dam Feasibility Study.  Brandon Jones with the Catawba Riverkeeper provided an update tot the Board on the status of One of thep potential projects the Southfork River Health Committee (now Southfork Collective) identified whenl looking into flood mitigation in Cramerton ist the removal of the Armstrong Ford Dam. This feasibility study was done tol learn aboutt thei impact of removing the dam. Mr. Jones stated that the initial analysis revealedi iti is not feasible to remove the entire structure. The analysis also showedi itis not necessary to remove all of the structure. Mr. Jones stated that Lake Wylie's full pond level already rises above the existing dam, therefore, removing the dam will not make a difference tot the existing flood lines int those 2-3 weeksa year. Therefore, the effects oft the dam removal willl be less than anticipated. Mr.. Jones discussed how ther removal oft the dam would be beneficial for safety of water recreation activities int the area, and there would bel beneficial impacts for the ecosystem. Commissioner Kincaid asked for clarification that removing a portion of the dam will have an effect ont the water levels a majority of they year. Mr. Jones stated that a majority of the year the waterl level would decrease about 16i inches. Commissioner Kincaid asked if dredging has been considered with this project for some areas, including thel Lakewood Pond, that may have lower waterl levels. Mr. Jones stated that everything below thel McAdenville dam, including Lakewood Pond, is within Duke's authority and would involve a separate request. Commissioner Helms askedi for clarification ont the impact of the water level ift the dam were removed ins some of the lower water level areas, including Lakewood Pond, and the area near the Cramerton fire: station. He stated that he would like to understand how removing the dam may affect aspects oft the river that are valued, such as recreation on the river ift there isal lower    water level. Mr.J Jones stated thatt they surveyed the depth, and the average flow of the river is 200 cubicf feet pers second. He stated that while hel has not seen a survey on the area Commissioner Helms asked about, he wouldi imagine that this area would still be navigable based on experience on another part of the rivert that he described ast being comparable. Commissioner Atkinson asked for clarification about Lakewood Pond andt the creek, Rocky Branch, that feedsi it. Mr. Jones stated that the creek may dry up but there would stilll be some creek flow in the area and about two weeks in the year the pond would be at the current levels. Commissioner Atkinson asked for clarification about the average drop forf flood mitigation and ift the dam would be navigable at all times. Mr.. Jones stated that during the Feb 19. storm, the Commissioner Helms asked for clarification on next steps if Cramerton were to support the removal oft the dam. Mr.. Jones discussed the next steps including the needi for state funding and creating a memorandum of understanding with othert towns in the county to take tot the state legislature. He stated that he encourages to act this legislative session. Commissioner Helms asked for clarification about next steps to request funding. Mr. Searby provided information on thei funds appropriated for flood mitigation this budget cycle, which are a one- time appropriation. He also stated they are not reimbursement, which means that they are funds are received upfront. Commissioner Helms asked about the Board putting together questions about the river andt thei impact of the dam removal that could both help make the decision and be presented to other municipalities andi for grant funding. Mr.. Jones said that Commissioner Atkinson discussed using previous data about the floods and what the water level would have been! had the dam been removed at that time. He said thatt this may be able to Commissioner Ramsey stated that she believes al lot of people will want tol know if, on the days that the waterl leveli isl low, willt ther river will still be navigable with al kayak or canoe. Mr.. Jones stated there would still be 200 cfs coming through and that, on almost any river design, will  drop was 3.5f feet and confirmed it would be navigable.  they could provide this data.  relate to dollars spent ini flood mitigation.  allowi itt tol be navigable.  Frank Warren Lakewood Property Predevelopment Meeting  Frank Warren and Tim Crawford presented a potential development proposal to the Board of Commissioners for the property at the intersection of Lakewood Road and Wilkinson Boulevard. This ist the property owned by Gaston County Board of Education thati is currently being marketed for sale. Mr. Warren andl Mr. Crawford presented the preliminary plans that would have 290 rental units (50% one-story units, 25%t two-story buildings and 25% three-story buildings), 4 acres for commercial/office, and 2 acres for townhomes that would be for sale. Commissioner Atkinson: asked for clarification about how the plans relate tot the power and gas Commissioner Helms asked for clarification of rental units VS units that would bei for sale. Mr. Warren stated that all the units would be rental except for thet townhomes. Commissioner Helms asked ift there is something that the Board could visiti int the Charlotte metro area that would be comparable tot their concept. Mr. Warren and Mr. Crawford said that there is nota comparable concept ini the Charlotte metro area and that the closest location may bei in Georgia, Alabama or Mississippi. Mr. Helms askedi for clarification on the wording about the commercial space mentioned int thep presentation. Mr. Crawford stated thatt they prefer focusing on the Cottage Green homes, but thatt they would consider managing the commercial  Their presentation slides can be foundi int the final agenda packet. lines in thea area. Mr. Warren discussed thep plans in relation to these areas.  and stated that they have partner commercial developers.    Commissioner Kincaid discussed how the proposed concept would fit with the greater Commissioner Helms discussed existing rentali investment int the Wilkinson Boulevard area. He stated that he would be more int favor of looking into this further ifal higher percentage of  Cramerton community.  properties were tol be owned rather than rentals. Solid Waste Contract with Waste Management  Mr. Ollis discussed the contract with Wastel Management that needs to be finalized. The contract isf for 15 months. This willg give stafft the time needed to assess the options for the future and ensure the best service for the citizens. Staff will advertise an RFP for services and entertain bids from various waste management professionals. Staff will also research the Commissioner Helms made a motion to approve the. Solid Waste Contract with Waste Management and authorize the town manager and town attorney toj finalize as presented by Mr. Ollis. The motion was seconded. by Commissioner Kincaid. The vote was. 5to Oinj favor.  town's abilities tol bring the service in-house.  LaBella Downtown Parking Lot Project Discussion  After discussions with staff that followed the. Jan. 19 Board meeting, LaBella Associates engineers Bonnie Fisher and Danny' Watson provided a presentation tot the board about options tor resolve the gth Avenue parking lot access. Ms. Fisher attended in person and Mr. Watson attended via Zoom. Ms. Fisher discussed thet timeline around Change Order #4, which was presented at thel last Board meeting. She presented an option that wouldi involve switching the grates that are ont the driveway. She stated that the current grate creates a steeper apron (part oft the entrance that goes from! back oft the curb tot the sidewalk). The proposed option would replace the current curb with a valley-roll curbi int this area. She said this is more similar to what isf foundi ina a neighborhood. She said the apron slope would be more gentle than what currently exists. The valley grate will allow the apron slope to be rebuilt atl less than 10%, as standard apron slope, andi it will meet the drainage needs oft the project. She stated that the original substitution for the driveway entrance plan was suggested by the contractor to get! better hydraulics and LaBella Associates accepted this plan during construction but did not recognize the consequence oft the sharper profile ont the grate. Mr. Watson stated that after doing detailed math, they disagreed that the contractor's plan was ac driveway grate. He saidt that he has been communicating with thes site director. The proposed Change Order would cost the $14,872.75 but therei is $9,898i inj project savings, making it a net $4,974.75 total. Ms. Fisher stated that Mr. Watsoni is currently working witht the contractor to tryt to reducet the price for Commissioner Atkinson discussed the difficulty using the existing driveway. He stated that the townp paid for a driveway that would bei fully usable without thisi issue, andi ifas solution to the current conditions involves swapping out the grates andi re-doing concrete, it should not be a Commissioner Helms asked for confirmation that Mr. Watson is still negotiating with the contractor about the cost of the grates. Mr. Watson confirmed that they are still negotiating. Commissioner Helms said that witht this information, the proposed Change Order appears to involve aspects that are still under negotiation with the contractor, and he askedi ifit makes sense to approve Change Order #4 att this meeting. Mr. Watson confirmed that Commissioner Helms is correct that there ares still aspects being negotiated and that the presented Change Order #4 is more ofa a status update. Commissioner Helms discussed the cost presentedi in Change Order #4 and said that he agreed with Commissioner Atkinson in that he believes the  each grate.  cost assumed by the town.    expectation was not have this driveway issue and the cost, even though it was lower than the original $60,000 solution, should be negotiated between LaBella andt the contractor. Commissioner Kincaid stated that the Town paid for a turnkey parking lot and a change order fors something installed incorrectly is not ther responsibility of the Town and burden on the tax payers. His recommendation ist to work withi int the project savings to have as solution that does The Town Attorney said that int the bid manual there isa a statement that says "tie-ins to existing pavement should be smooth and on a uniform slope with no abrupt change in elevation." She communicatedi that the driveway was not initially completed correctly and the town is not responsible fori that outcome andi it should! be resolved between Labella Associates andt the contractor at no cost tot the Town. She said that this is what she would advise the Board. Commissioner Kincaid stated that they want the parking lot done and done right. He saidt the Ms. Fisher stated that the gth street project isf from the Town's stormwater master plan. Commissioner Atkinson asked for clarification about when the plaza's concrete would be replaced and expansion jointsi installed. Ms. Fisher stated that the weather had caused the delay. Commissioner Atkinson asked ifit would be a problem top pourt the concrete from the parking lot. Mr. Ollis and Mr. Watson clarified how concrete could be poured.  not cost the Town additional money.  citizens deserve at functional parking lot.  6. Discussion items for Action ABC Capital Account Resolution  Mr. Ollis stated that the Cramerton ABCI Board requested the ability to establish a capital improvement fund. The ABC Board must have permission fromt the Cramerton Board of Commissioners' to establish the fund as it impacts the ABC profit distributions given to the town. The resolution gives approval with thet following parameters: 1) The ABC Board may, ini its annual budget, allocate a portion of gross receipts toa a Capital Improvement Fund pursuant to thel laws, regulations andi formulas established byt the State of North Carolina ABC Commission and Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statutes not to exceed $25,000 annually; 2) The funds set aside ins such Capital Improvement Fund may be usedf for the following purposes: Repair/Replacement of Capital Equipment and capital repalir/mprovements to existing ABC Facilities. He said that the staff recommendation ist to approve this because a capital improvement fund fort the ABC board is good practice but also recommend setting a limit as it Jerry Roche, chairman oft the ABC board, discussed the presented resolution with the Board, Town Manager and Town Attorney. There was discussion about the potential ways in which the Commissioner Helms made a motion to cease conversations and move towards making a decision. The motion was seconded. by Commissioner Kincaid. The vote was 5to Oi inj favor. The Board and Mr. Roche further discussed the maximum amount of money specified int the resolution that may be allocated tot the Capital Improvement Fund annually. Commissioner Helms made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-001 authorizing the ABC Board tos set aside a portion ofs gross receipts to establish aj fundj for capital improvements. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley. The vote was 5 to Oinj favor.  doesi impact the overall budget.  money may be spent, Chapter 18B and ABC board distributions.  Historical SocietyL Lease Amendments    Thel Town Attorney discussed the historical society lease amendments. She stated that the lease nowi incorporates the concept that any personal property acquired by thel historical society witht towng grant funding would return tot thet town ift the historical society dissolves. Commissioner Helms made a motion to approve the Historical. Society lease amendments as presented. The motion was. seconded. by Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley. The vote was 5t toOin  favor.  7. Adjournment  Mr. Ollis discussed the Project Priority list. He provided information tot the Board about how they willp proceed int the ranking thei items. Thel handouts are in the agenda packet. Commissioner Atkinson provided information about the Black History Month program at the  Cramerton Historical Society that will take place on Feb 23.  Ar motion was made by Commissioner Helms to adjourn at 8:35A p.m. and Commissioner Kincaid  seconded. The vote was 5to0 Oinf favor.  2 -  Nelson Wills, Mayor  ATTEST:  ML Blon Hannah Brown, Town Clerk