TOWN OF CRAMERTON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL CAUTHEN, MAYOR DEMETRIOS KOUTSOUPIAS, MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE COMMISSIONER HOUSTON HELMS - COMMISSIONER SUSAN NEELEY COMMISSIONER DIXIE ABERNATHY - COMMISSIONER RICHARD ATKINSON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING THURSDAY, May 6, 2021 @ 6:00 PM 1Julian Street Cramerton, NC 28032 Citizens with disabilities requiring special needs should contact Cramerton Town Hall three (3) days *Note 1: Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) State of Emergency and ordered restrictions in North Carolina during the month of May 2021, this Cramerton BOC meeting will be at the Cramerton Community Center (1 Julian Street, Cramerton, NC 28032). Please note that this meeting will follow protocol per North Carolina group gathering restrictions. All public are required to wear masks in **Note 2: Information for the public to listen via Zoom to this BOC meeting will be posted via the Cramerton "sunshine", email; the Cramerton Facebook Page, the Town Website www.crameron.org, prior to the meeting by calling 704-824-4337. Town facilities. and on the door of Cramerton Town Hall (155 N. Main St.). AGENDA 1. Call to Order and Determination of Quorum. 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Adoption of Agenda for this meeting. 4. Public Comment (In-person and electronic) Anyone may speak on any issue. If you want to speak at a public hearing, please wait until the public hearing has been opened on that particular item. Before speaking, please state your name & address. Please limit comments to 3 minutes. a. Police Officers Memorial Week 2021: A proclamation to recognize May 10th_ 15th as "National Police Week" in honor of the service and dedication of all law enforcement officers. Note: Police Officer Memorial Day is officially May 5. Proclamation 14th. (page 4) .I Introduction of New Cramerton Police Officers. b. Municipal Clerk Week 2021: A proclamation to recognize May 3rd through May 7th as Municipal Clerk Week in the Town of Cramerton. (page 5) 6. Work Session a. Pre-development meeting for MT Land. and commercial opportunities. D Developers with interest in the first phase which includes both residential 7. Consent Agenda (Action Item): Consider approval of the consent agenda. 1 Note: Ifanyi item requires further discussion, it should be removed from consent and placed appropriately on the agenda. a. Minutes b. Finance A April 1, 2021 BOC meeting minutes (pages 6 to 15) ii. April 15, 2021 BOC meeting minutes (pages 16 to2 24) E Budget Amendment #2021-14: Public Works New Dump Truck ii. Budget Amendment #2021-15: Transfer for Weight Room Ceiling iii. Budget Amendment #2021-16: Transfer for previous Goat Island Flood Replacement. Remediation. (pages 25 to2 26) 8. Old Business a. Centennial Center Parking *Note: This item was tabled by the BOC from the. April 1, 2021 meeting. Resolution #2021-08: A Resolution of The Board Of Commissioners of the Town of Cramerton, North Carolina to Acquire Real Property Required For Expansion Of Centennial Center. A portion of the property that is Gaston County PIN 195741. (pages 27 to2 29) 1. Action Item: Cramerton BOC consider to re-table the motion toal later meeting (Example: June 3, 2021 OR July 15, 2021 Cramerton BOC consider motion to remove the resolution from meeting). the agenda. OR b. Courtyards at New Hope Voluntary Annexation Request i. Action Item: Consider approval of the voluntary annexation by the Courtyards at New Hope. Note: As part of their Conditional Zoning approval, NewStyle Communities agreed to annex Parcel ID #188811 into the Town of Cramerton's Municipal Limits. This parcel was approved by the Board for a development consisting of 30 single family detached age. restricted. lots as well as 26 6,000 square foot office/retail buildings along the frontage of S. New Hope Road. (pages 30 to 36)) Note: This action is being taken in accordance and compliance with NC Law. The Cramerton Board held the official public hearings for the Courtyards at New Hope voluntary annexation request at the April 15, 2021 meeting, and has accepted public comment for at least 24 hours after the close of the public hearing before considering adoption. Cramerton has also continued to take public comment on this item and will read any additional comments into the record on this section of the agenda. a. Parks and Recreation 9. Agenda Items NOT Requiring a Public Hearing C Catawba Riverkeeper Canoe/Kayak Trips on the South Fork River 1. Action Item: Consider approval of Permit to Engage in Activities on Town River Public Access with the Catawba Riverkeeper, a 501(c)3 non-profit. (pages 37 to 43) b. Planning & Zoning . North Carolina House Bill (HB) 401 - Senate Bill (SB)349 2 2 1. Action Item: Consider approval of Resolution #2021-09 to oppose HB401-SB349, which would preempt local (municipal) zoning authority and essentially eliminate the single family detached zoning districts in the state. (pages 44 to47) C. Board of Commissioners C Cramerton Historical Society (CHS) loan of artifacts 1. Action Item: Approval of artifact loan authorization agreement 2. Action Item: Authorize the manager to approve artifact loan documents. (pages 48 to 56) requests from CHS as of April 2021. ii. Historic Baltimore School - Future fundraising update and discussion. (page 57) 10.Manager's Report a. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Verbal Updates C.F FY2021-2022 Budget Update 11. General Staff Reports (as needed) Update from Two Rivers Utilities b. 2021 Goals & Objectives Final Draft Document (*Sent via email) Additional updatel reports from Department Heads (if needed) 12. Topics of Discussion for Each Commissioners 13.Adjournment Upcoming BOC Meetings Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 6pm (held at Cramerton Community Center and Zoom) Thursday, June 3, 2021 @ 6pm: Fiscal Year (FY)2021-2022 Budget Public Hearing Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 6pm (held at Cramerton Community Center and Zoom) Thursday, July 15, 2021 @ 6pm (held at Cramerton Community Center and Zoom) (held at Cramerton Community Center and Zoom) *Note: This meeting is the 4th Thursday in. June. *Note: This is the only BOC meeting in July (3td Thursday) Rules for "electronic public comments" for Cramerton BOC Meetings The Board will hear public comment at the beginning of this meeting. Please email your comments to lownorCramerton@eramerton.org. on or before Thursday, May 6th at 5:30pm. F Please include your name and address and your comment willl be read into the record at the appropriate Comments submitted anonymously will not be read into the record and limited to three minutes. The Board will allocate no more than (20 minutes) per meeting to the reading of submitted Public Comments are to be directed to the entire board as a whole and noti individuals. Comments are expected to be civil and within reasonable standards of courtesy. time. Comment. Comments that include vulgarity, slander, name calling, personal attacks or threats will not be read into the All comments willl be maintained as a public record and included in the minutes of the meeting. record. 3 3 Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners Procamation Recognition of Police Week and Police Officers Memorial Day WHEREAS, the Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15th as Peace WHEREAS, the members of the Cramerton Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of The Town of Cramerton; and WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or Officers Memorial Day, and the weeki in which iti falls as Police Week; and intimidation; and WHEREAS, the Cramerton Police Department has grown to be a modern law enforcement NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Will Cauthen, Mayor of the Town of Cramerton and the Cramerton Board of Commissioners call upon all citizens of Cramerton and upon all patriotic, civil, and educational organizations to observe the week of May gth through 15th,2 2021, as Police Week with appropriate ceremonies! in which all of our people mayi joini in commemorating police officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in doing so, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring agency which unceasingly provides a vital public cservice; reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens. IFURTHER call upon all citizens of Cramerton to observe Saturday, May 15th,2021, as Peace Officers Memorial Dayi in honor of those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,1h have hereunto set my hand, This the 6th day of May, 2021. Honorable Will Cauthen Mayor Town of Cramerton ATTEST: Wilene Cunningham Town Clerk 4 Proclamation MunicipalClerks Week May 2"d through 8", 2021 Whereas, The Office oft the MunicipatClerk, a time fomoredndyitafpart of local Whereas, The Office oft the MunicipaClerk is the oldest amongpublic servants, and Whereas, The Office ofthe MunicalCerprovlaes theprofessional. link between the citizens, the localgoverning bodies andagencies ofgovernment at other levels, Whereas, MunictpalClerks have pledged to be ever mimutfthcirnetrany and Whereas, The MunicipalClerk. serves as the information center on functions of local Whereas, MunicipalClerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs ofthe Office oft the MuniciparClerk throuhparticpation in education programs, seminars, workshops andt the amualmeetings of their state, provincial, Whereas, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office Now, Therefore, 1, William A. Cauthen, Mayor of the Town of Cramerton, do recognize the week of May 2 through May 8, 2021, as MunictpalClerks Week, and further extendappreciation to our. MunicipatClerk, Wilene Cunningham, andto all MuniciparClerks for the vitalservices theyperform andtheir exemplary dedication government exists throughout the world, and and impartiality, rendering equalservice to all. government andcommuntty. county amfaternatiomapafasionalonenisations ofthe MunicipatClerk. to the communities they represent. Datedthis the sixth day of May, 2021 Mayor: Attest: 5 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON TOWN OF CRAMERTON April 1,2021 The Board ofCommissioners for the Town of Cramerton met on Thursday, April 1,2021, at 6:00 Call to Order and Determination of Quorum. Mayor Cauthen, Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias, Commissioner Atkinson, Commissioner Neeley, and Commissioner Helms were present. Commissioner Abernathy was absent. Mayor Cauthen determined there was a quorum. Staff Present: David Pugh, Town Manager; Attorney Karen Wolter; Josh Watkins, Planning Director; Police Chief Adams; Joel Lineberger, Finance Director; and Wilene Cunningham, Town Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Neeley provided the invocation and the Adoption of Agenda for this meeting. The Town Manager asked that two (2) items be added to the agenda for direction from the Board about redirecting Town funds for loan refinancing and discussion of the EV grant. A motion was made by Commissioner Helms to adopt the amended agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor and p.m., as a hybrid meeting held at the Community Center, 8. Julian Street. Clerk. pledge of allegiance was given by all, passed unanimously. Proclamation A proclamation celebrating Earth Day in as April 22, 2021. A copy of the signed proclamation will be plaçed in the minutes book. Consent Agenda: a. Minutes i. ii. February 27th Goals and Objectives Minutes. March 4, 2021 BOC meeting minutes. iii. March 24, 2021 BOC meeting minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Atkinson seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor and passed unanimously. Agenda Items not requiring a Public Hearing: a. Board of Commissioners - Expansion of Centennial Center 1. Condemnation for the purposes of Centennial Center Expansion Mayor Cauthen recused himself. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias stated there had been some new business developments regarding the Masonic Lodge. He said the Board could table the discussion for the resolution for tonight'smeeting Towno of Cramerton April 1,2021 Pagel 6 but continue with the public comment. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to table the discussion of the resolution. Commissioner Atkinson seconded the motion. Commissioner Neeley amended the motion that the Board table the discussion of Resolution 2021-08 until the May 6th Board meeting. Commissioner Atkinson seconded the motion. The vote was 4 to 0 ini favor and passed unanimously. a. Public Comment: Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias presented the Public Cathy Young: Iam Cathy Young, 530 Stuart Ridge. Iam the sister to the Mayor, the realtor to the Masons, and I would like to think friend to everyone in this room. This is a difficult position that I think everyone finds themselves in. Timing is everything and timing was really offhere. Iv want to make it clear that the Masons reached out to me weeks ago and we began the listing process at that time. This was not in reaction to any action taken by the Town to consider any changes related to the parking lot. Ih hope that tonight we don't do a whole lot of looking back becausel Ithink that's the not best use ofa anyone's time or energy. The future is SO bright right now. With their decision to sell we have already had interested parties and showings. We do already have an offer on the table and they are actively negotiating back and forth. Iwill say as the realtor involved the value of the Masonic Lodge is very tied to the value oft the parking lot. And the parties that are interested would not be interested in moving forward if the parking lot was not there. They are interested in improving the parking lot. The Masons know the parking lot needs work. The Town knows the parking lot needs work. We alll know there could be a better flow. Ithink we are all at a point where I think everyone is on board with making those changes wanted that everyone has worked SO hard for. So, when Susan prayed and asked for grace and patience, I hope we have al lot of that here tonight. Iami really excited about what this change will hold for the future. Thel Masons have done sO much good in this Town and they are entitled to sO much respect on SO many levels. Ia am married to a devout mason of this lodge. Ilove the people at that lodge and I think people have been frustrated and I would just hope that on both sides we would have abundant grace and patience and kindness tonight. It thank you for tabling this decision and it is my hope that it will be end ups going away. And I will not even use my last minute. Thank you. Scott Sheehan: Good evening, I am Scott Sheehan, address of 2509 Woodwynn Drive, in Gastonia. Wel have tried very hard tol be good stewards ofthis community, the citizens ofthis Town, and our property. We understand the need forimproved parking downtown. We have diligently tried to come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the Town on multiple occasions. The art of a good deal is when both sides feel like they've won something. How do you get there you might ask, by negotiation. Every offer made to the Masons was countered. Every offer we made to this Board was severely rejected with no counter. Closing the door to negotiations makes it very difficult. I would have thought and hoped that the officials charged with the task of handling this Town's finances and decisions Comment ground rules. Town of Cramerton- April 11,2021-Page2 7 would have been more: skillful in the art ofr negotiation. Ifyou don'tknow! how to negotiate ori ify you want a refresher course, Iwill leave a signup sheet in the foyer. Call mel Iwill helps you. Iknow how to doi it very well. As we all grower older and start to realize that we likely have less days ahead of us than we do behind us, we start to ask ourselves how will wel be remembered. What's our legacy? Personally, Iwant to be able to say brother Sheehan was a help to me in some way. He wasa a man ofi integrity and high moral standards. What about you. Every morning and every evening when we start or end our day most ofall of us are probably looking into a mirror in our bathroom. A reflection is staring right back at us. It talk to mine. Everything my other self asks me did you do right today. Did you uphold your morals? Did you showcase your integrity? My conscience is clear and Ican answer every day in the affirmative. How about yours? This Board has the opportunity tonight to allow your conscience to be clear and to add to your legacy. Do you want to be remembered as a Board of high morals and unwavering integrity? Or do you want to be remembered as the Board that cast the black cloud among this Town, the citizens, and the Masons. I ask you to ponder on these questions for a few moments and remember that there is nothing more honorable, noble, or holy than standing up for what you know to be right than standing up in opposition for what you know to be wrong, Thank you. Jerry Woods: Ihave nothing else to add to what Scott said. Brad Milton: Brad Milton, 210 Armstrong Drive. My address is Belmont, North Carolina but] I am aj proud citizen ofCramerton. Iserve on one ofthe Planning and Zoning Boards here for the Town. I am also a Mason. Icome here tonight as a citizen ofCramerton to speak to you. Early oni in this] process I was involved. Later on, Ir recused myself. Nobody thought there was any conflict between the Lodge and the Town at all. So, It took myself out ofit until most recently when I heard that we had received a letter. The letter in it had a couple of different options for us to discuss. And the final option was one that absolutely disgusted me. I understand now that when the Board looked at discussing this it was to find out more information, and to understand as all Boards do. They want to know all of their options. Iti is part oftheirj job, Ig get that. Ialso worry that one ofthose options, the one about eminent domain, ifit ever be used for something other than a greater need. Ifwe were a house in the middle ofat thoroughfare, the last one holding upa a major highway, I would gladly step aside. I understand that. But a lot of this discussion is over a parking lot. It started off early on, us trying to work together with the Town, which we SO eagerly want to do. We wanted to come up and say hey a couple of nights aj month wel have some elderly men that have trouble getting to the Lodge. They have to park on the other side ofTown Hall. They would like tol knowifcan wej put some: signs upt to say that ont those few nights could wei reserve these spaces that are in the parking lot for these members. The rest oft the month we are glad to share the lot with you guys. Thought this was great. Discussion came up as you have seen in your minutes. In your agenda there are a few little errors I did find in that, but I am not going to go through each and every one of them as time is short. But we wanted to work together, mentioning paving the lot, Town ofCramerton- April 1,2021- Page3 8 us striping the lot. Things went back and forth. So, in the end what I worry about isv we should never use eminent domain as a means to take care of an issue that we can resolve through negotiation. Ithink we are all better than that and Idon'tthink that that should be used for something like this. I hope you guys would agree. I understand I am down to my minute. But we have done some improvements to the parking lot to try and get through this. Ihave cold patched it myself. Ifwe thought the negotiations were done and we were over with, we would still want to get along with the Town but we would have taken care oft the parking lot in aj means not quite SO expensive that we could have taken care oflong ago. Ithank you for your time. Iappreciate all of you looking into this. Thank you. Matthew Stroupe: I am Matthew Stroupe. My address is 912 Rogosin Boulevard. ThatisinLowell. Igrew upi in Cramertona andifIcould have convinced my wife, I would still live in Cramerton, but we know how that goes. I am the Master of the Lodge at South Fork Lodge. We appointed a committee to speak with the Town being a representatiye oft the Lodge parking lot committee and they have been doing that job and keeping me abreast of what is going and keeping the rest oft the Lodge abreast. The letter that was received mentioned the options that were there. It also mentioned eminent domain taking the parking lot from the Lodge to improve Centennial Park. The centerpiece of Centennial Park is the war memorial. There are names on bricks. Three names. Two ofmy grandfathers and one of my father. They all fought in wars for this country against regimes that would do things like take property from citizens to use for themselves. You go down the road using eminent domain for you not doing the same that they were fighting against for the people in the memorial that you put as a centerpiece oft the park. Please think strongly on your decision. Think not only how it affects the Town, the Masonic Lodge what we stand for, people who were here before us, and people who will come after us both for the Lodge and the Town. Don'ttakei it asa light decision. I wouldn't want to be in your chair and have to make that kind of Stephanie Neumann: Hi, Stephanie Newman. I'm at 87 Fifth Street in OldTown. Ihave been a resident of Cramerton for eight (8) years. Ih have visited downtown on numerous occasions as a local small business owner that has participated in vendor markets and events in the downtown Centennial Center area. Ifeel that the parking lot should bet taken and improved. There have been eight (8)years ofdecay and dismissal of holes and patching and things like that on the edges that I do not feel are safe for our residents particularly now that we are seeing an increase in tourism. We have al lot of people coming in from the Charlotte area and we do have ani immense opportunity for growth. One that can only be improved upon by adding thej planned changes as were laid out in the agenda. Based on the timeline ofe events also included in the agenda that I have read, there have been a lot of pretty words about honor and integrity spoken but based on the timeline that's not my analyzation oft the timeline of events. It seems to come down toi money, and power, and maintaining one's property VS. a government entity, which, you know, is definitely something that one can believein. However, based on the improvements decision. Please don't take it lightly. Thank you. Town ofCramerton- Aprill 1,2021- - Page4 9 that have not been made over the eight (8) years that I have lived in this Town. I have not seen any care taking that has been spoken of, I have not seen that care. Taking aj pressure washer to the outside oft the building to not allow moss to grow. Youl know that's one thing that definitely could have been done toi improve thel look ofour downtown area. So, I am here to voice my approval and encouragement of the use of eminent domain in this opportunity. However, given the new light of information I understand that, you know, ifthere are businesses that are wanting to come int to improve our downtown area that'sg great, but sometimes we get to aj point where things are a little too late when you know you've been discussing things for its seems as long as the agenda has laid out. So wanted to as a citizen of the Town that is not involved with the Masonic Lodge give my support. Thank you. William Weber: William Weber, 3105 Greystoke Court, Belmont, North Carolina 28012. Ilivei in Timberlake sO that you knowi it'sa Cramerton address even though it's in Belmont. So, I've actually grown up here ever since I was born. Iam 33 years old. So, the first thing I would like to say is you opened your meeting with ap prayer right, and you said you: said that you are here to take care of the land that god has given to you, correct. Doesn't the bible actually say that the dominion overth all of the earth and over all of the heavens belongs actually to the lord and not to you guys. So, my problem with eminent domain is that, Ib believe Brad brought it up, SO that started in the feudal society and that is basically the reason why all the wars have ever happened in our history it's because you have people who exercise excess power and you always want to take it out on people who don't have that power. Iknow you are the lawyer and yous should probably knowi it comes from the Fifth Amendment and that you cannot exercise eminent domain unless there is just compensation. I would like to remind you that in the Gaston Gazette the actual title for this being discussed was the Town of Cramerton will use excess force tot take the Lodge. So, toi me thati is not just compensation. Just compensation is where the buyer and seller are unpressured. Then as far as the parking lot not being paved, we have wanted to fix the parking lot for a very long time. So, it would have been paved years ago had this back and forth not been going on. So, there is a lot of the story you are not hearing. The article was not accurate. That's really alll Ihave to say. I would like to remind you that none ofthis belongs to you. Your soul doesn't belong to you, the land doesn't belong to you, the buildings doesn'th belong to you. Soj just keep that in mind. And you talked about honorand integrity. So, Ilike tol look at the world as sort oflike a story where god has hidden details in everything. I don't know if you have read the story about Pinocchio's adventures. I don't think you should be questioning our integrity because really when you look at it you are saying you are going to use excess force. So, it sort of questions your integrity. You should really make sure you know of all the facts before making your call. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias thanked everyone for coming out. Mayor Cauthen returned to his seat to continue the meeting. Town ofCramerton- Aprill 1,2021 - Page5 10 a. Action Item: Consider approval of Resolution #2021-08. A Resolution ofThe Board of Commissioners of the Town of Cramerton, North Carolina to Acquire Real Property Required for Expansion of Centennial Center. No action was taken by the Board. This item was tabled until the May 6th Board meeting. b. Planning & Zoning . Courtyard at South New Hope a. Action Item: NewSyleCommunitis, Inc. has submitted a Preliminary Plat request for Courtyards at New Hope consisting of approximately 13.42 acres off ofs. New Hope Road. This site was recently rezoned to CZ, Conditional Zoning, to allow for the development of 30 single family detached, age restricted homes as well as two 6,000 square foot commercial buildings. A portion ofthe property that is Gaston County PIN 195741. The Planning Director stated this was a follow up to the meeting that was held last fall regarding this parcel. This property was rezoned to allow for thirty (30) single-family residential lots and two (2) 6,000 square foot commercial buildings. A preliminary plat complies with the requirements oft the Conditional Zoning district, the approved rezoning site plan, and the conditions that were outlined as part of the Conditional Zoning process. Staff is recommending approval of the preliminary plat and iss subject to the following conditions: 1), Non-residential site plan reviews will be required prior to the issuance of a zoning permit for the commercial buildings to review for compliance with applicable zoning and architectural 2) All structures to confirm to the architectural standards as requirements. approved in the Conditional Zoning conditions. The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request to thel BoardofCommisioners. Staffisrecommending approval of the preliminary plat. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias asked how soon would there be construction activity on this site. The Planning Director stated as the developer is closing out the Courtyards at Cramerton they are hoping to move directly over to this new project. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to accept the preliminary plat request from NewStyle Homes for the Courtyards at New Hope Road project. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias. The vote was 4 to Oin favor. ii. Traffic Study 1. Woodlawn Avenue Traffic Study Update: A request was received from a citizen requesting a traffic study on Woodlawn Avenue. The posted speed limit on Woodlawn Avenue is twenty (20): miles per hour. The speed study was evaluated under the newly adopted Traffic Town of Cramerton April 1,2021 Page6 11 Calming Policy. The findings oft the study showed an average speed of approximately 16.5 miles per hour inducting a Class Z traffic issue. There have been no reported traffic collisions in the study area within the last twelve (12) months. Increased speed enforcement has been initiated. Parks and Recreation iii. Stuart W. Cramer High School Joint Use Agreement 1. Action Item: Consider: amendment to the Cramerton - SCHSJoint Use Agreement. Attorney Wolter advised the Board: members that their legal firm also represents the Gaston County School System. The Town is aj party to aj joint use agreement and lease for property located on the Stuart W. Cramer High School grounds. There is aj portion in front of the school that the Town has the right to develop and to stripe the fields under their control per the fifty (50): year lease. We have added the area where the trails behind the high school is going to bei installed and added an area of about thirteen (13) acres into the prior 2013 lease agreement. Mayor Cauthen stated he wasi in full support of this amendment but the Town was told there would be athletic fields that the residents could use. The tennis courts and soccer fields stand idle most of the time. Eric Smallwood and Attorney Wolter will continue tol have this conversation with Dr. Houchard about the Town's usage of the school's athletic facilities. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to approve the amendment to the Cramerton - Stuart W. Cramer High School joint agreement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Helms. The vote was 4 to Oin favor. ii. Redirection of funds based on the LGC's recommendation: The Town Manager stated the Finance Director is doing a great job working almost daily with the LGC. The South State 2017 bank note has a balance of $345,000.00 with a payment cued up to be paid in June. The Finance Director stated the proposed refinancing loan closing is scheduled for May 11th assuming approval by the LGC on May 4th. Prior computations have included financing the Goat Island loan. The LGC would like to see this Goat Island note paid off creating a savings of approximately $51,000.00. Thei rounded newi note would be $2,403,000.00. Staffisrecommending that the Town follow the recommendations oft the LGC. Amotion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias to redirect the $245,144.00 South State loan to be used to pay towards the USDA loan for a savings of$51,600.00 as recommended by the LGC. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Helms. The vote was 4 to Oin favor. b. EV charging stations grant: The Planning Director stated there is a grant opportunity from the State for installation of an EV charging system that became availablei in January. The Town would have 180 days toi install the charging station or we lose the grant. The grant is for $17,000.00 with the Town paying $8,000.00. Town of Cramerton Aprill 1,2021- -Page7 12 Commissioner Atkinson asked ift there would ai minimum usage or charges for this station. The Town has a turnkey contract and is part of the ChargePoint network. The Town can set up the fee schedule. Commissioner Helms asked ifthe Town is at risk of not being able to get a contractor to install the station within the required days. The Planning Director said if we take advantage of this fiscal year then the contractor should be able to complete before July Istif we start the process now. The grant monies will be taken out of the current fund balance with possibly moving funds at the end oft the fiscal year. The charging station will be a dual port and it will be maintained for five (5) years as part of the grant. The station itself has branding opportunity where you can insert decals to make it distinctive to Cramerton. The Town will pay the full amount ofthe reimbursable grant and upon successful completion then the State will reimburse the Town for $10,000.00. A quarterly report will be sent to the State and the Town will be responsible for the utility bill for the station. The designated area will be marked along with signage. Discussion was held about adding an additional camera to monitor that area. A motion was made by Commissioner Helms to direct staffi in accepting the grant and proceed with any documents and needed signatures and bring back the appropriate budget amendment at the next Board meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor. Manager's Report: COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Vaccines are now available for local government elected Garbage Carts: The Planning Director and Code Enforcement Officer have been working with educating the citizens on Center Street, Willow Street, and Dawson Street regarding proper placement of garbage carts. The next neighborhood to be visited will be the Washington and Brooklyn area. Commissioner Atkinson asked if the Town could be more proactive and replace garbage carts without involvement oft the homeowners. Some homeowners may not be aware that they can have their carts replaced without any cost. Mayor Cauthen stated there is an app-based software "See, Click, Fix" that allows municipalities to offer individuals the ability to report officials and municipality staff. various repair items such as potholes. General Staff] Reports: Update from Two Rivers Utilities, Mr. Mike Bynum: A copy of report to be placed Police Department: Chief Adams stated he had nothing to report. He did advise that the police department has added several new officers. Officer Henderson and Officer Parks and Recreation Department: Mr. Smallwood stated he had no updates. Planning and Zoning: The Planning Director stated he would work on ensuring the installation oft the proposed EV charging station within the required 180 days. The Town Manager thanked Mr. Watkins for his professionalism in working with the City of in the minutes book. Wohleben will be introduced to the Board at a later date. Fire Department: ChiefFoulk was absent. Town ofCramerton- Aprill 1,2021-Page8 13 Belmont and the recent resolution that was prepared supporting the development and Town Clerk: Waste Management leaves a doorknocker to notify citizens with damaged Finance: Kelly Gooderham with Martin Starnes will be sending out the auditing inquiry ofmanagement and Board members similar to last year asking ifanything is amiss ori if there any concerns. The auditors have begun working on their interim and preliminary alignment oft the Belmont Mount Holly Connector Road. carts to contact Town Hall. work prior to coming in for field work. Town Attorney: Nothing to report. Topics of Discussion for Each Commissioner: Commissioner Neeley gave a shout out to Waste Management for the women who are driving their trucks. She reminded everyone to remember the 3w's: wear your mask, and double mask if possible; maintain social distancing of six (3) feet; and wash your hands with soap and water, and use a 60% alcohol sanitizer ifwater and soap are not available.. Commissioner Helms asked if there had been any feedback regarding the resolution regarding the Belmont Mount Holly Connector Road. The Town Manger said he spoke with Belmont City Manager Adrian Millerand: stated the Town's concerns. Commissioner Helms stated he spoke with Windy Kiser who voiced his concerns about the traffic impact as he lives in the Timberlake neighborhood. Mr. Kiser advised Commissioner Helms he was an electrical engineer and the utility towers could be moved but it would be expensive. Commissioner Helms asked about the recent flooding and the effect on Goat Island. The Parks and Recreation Director stated Goat Island was completely flooded and had to be closed along with four (4) other facilities. Goat Island will be closed next week for cleanup. Commissioner Helms stated due to the amount of reoccurring flooding that this is a topic that should be discussed during the budget meeting about the cost of upkeep and maintenance for the parks. Commissioner Helms thanked staff for the Belmont Mount Holly Connector Road resolution. He asked about the "Big Board" as it was not ont the agenda tonight. The Town Manager said it would be on the next agenda for April 15th. Commissioner Helms asked about the Helix/R sculpture. The Town Manager stated costs are being prepared by Gary Fankhauser for the upcoming budget. Commissioner Helms thanked the Mayor and Board for handling tonight's meeting with grace. He thanked Stephanie Newman for her courage and for speaking up. Commissioner Helms offered his help to the museum. Spring break is next week and he hopes everyone enjoys. Mayor Cauthen stated that flooding is happening more often and severely. The behavior of the river has changed over the years. The South Fork River Health Committee is looking at fundraising and asking other municipalities for help with funding for testing. Their work along with the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation should be beneficial in helping with this. Commissioner Atkinson stated there was an MPO meeting last Thursday and he spoke to Randi Gates about the Timberlake intersection. They discussed the status ofthe Belmont Mount Holly Connector Road which is going in for planning and later for engineering. The Belmont Mount Holly Connector Road is a four (4) lane divided boulevard and the right-of-way is already set for that. The proposed development will occur prior to the construction ofthel Belmont Mount Town ofCramerton- Apil1,2021-Page9 14 Holly Connector Road. Eastwood Road could be extended as a two (2) lane road and used as a construction access during development of the proposed Del Webb project. Commissioner Atkinson asked about having thel bridges on Wilkinson Boulevard and I-85 identified as monument bridges. He said he was not sure who he needs to speak to about this. Commissioner Atkinson stated the Historical Society will be holding a soft opening for the museum and he invited the Board and staff to visit the museum after the budget meeting on April 22nd. There will be a reception along with refreshments. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias asked about the Duke Energy substation and future development of parcels in this area. The Town Manager stated he would ask about thel landscaping plan to see what type ofs screening is being proposed. Mayor Cauthen stated the article in today's newspaper did not mention how great our police and fire departments are, the Town'sp parks and greenways, and the recent Easter Egg Hunt, or how we are working with the South Fork River Health Committee to protect our natural resources. Mayor Cauthen commended the Town staff and elected officials fora all oft the work that Adjournment: A motion was made by CommissionerNeeley to adjourn the meeting at 8:36] p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Helms. The vote was 4 to 0: in favor. isb being done in Cramerton. Will Cauthen, Mayor ATTEST: Wilene Cunningham, Town Clerk Town of Cramerton- April 1,2 2021 Page 10 15 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON TOWN OF CRAMERTON April 15, 2021 p.m., via Zoom. The BoardofCommisioner: for the TownofCramerton met on' Thursday, April 15,2021, at 6:00 Call to Order and Determination of Quorum. Mayor Cauthen, Commissioner Atkinson here, Commissioner Neeley here, Commissioner Helms, Commissioner Abernathy were present. Mayor Cauthen determined there was a quorum. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias joined the Staff Present: David Pugh, Town Manager; Attorney Karen Wolter; Josh Watkins, Planning Director; Police ChiefA Adams; Joel Lineberger, Finance Director; and Wilene Cunningham, Town Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner. Neeley provided the invocation and the Adoption of Agenda for this meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Helms to adopt the proposed agenda. Commissioner Abernathy seconded the motion. Commissioner Atkinson voted yes; Commissioner Neeley voted yes. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias confirmed his meeting at 6:04 p.m. Clerk. pledge of allegiance was given by all. attendance and voted yes. The vote was 51 to 0 in favor. Public Comment: Attorney Wolter read the following email into the record. From: Kiser, Windy IdASECNERERLONN Sent: Thursday, April 1,202110:50AM To: Demetrios Koutsoupias