TOWN OF CRAMERION BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL CAUTHEN, MAYOR  CRA/  R  DEMETRIOS KOUTSOUPIAS, MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE COMMISSIONER HOUSTON HELMS - COMMISSIONER SUSAN NEELEY COMMISSIONER DIXIE ABERNATHY- COMMISSIONER RICHARD ATKINSON  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING THURSDAY, March 4, 2021 @ 6:00 PM priort to the meeting by calling 704-824-4337.  ***Zoom Meeting***  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 March 2021, this Cramerton BOC meeting will be held via **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.cramerton.org  teleconference using the. Zoom platform.  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. Proclamations  a. A Proclamation recognizing March 2021 as Women's History Month. (page  3)  5. Closed Session  a. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3)1 Consult with the attorney to protect the attorney-  client privilege.  6. Consent Agenda (Action Item): Consider approval of the consent agenda. Note: Ifany item requires further discussion, it should be removed from consent and placed  appropriately on the agenda. a. Minutes b. Finance   February 18, 2021 meeting minutes. (pages 4 to 13) - Budget Amendment #9 for FY 2020-2021. (page 14 to 15) Note: This budget amendment is per BOC action at the February 18, 2021 meeting regarding approval of a trail contractor for Rocky Branch Trail. ii. USDA Loan Refinance (page 16)  1. Set public hearing for March 18, 2021 BOC meeting.  Note: A public hearing is required as part of the NC Local Government Commissioner (LGC) process for municipal refinancing.  7. Agenda Items NOT Requiring a Public Hearing  a. Board of Commissioners  1    - Wayfinding Signs  1. Neighborhood Signs (pages 17 to 25)  a. Action Item: Review, discuss, and provide feedback to the DRAFT Neighborhood Sign "Design Competition"  RFP.  ii. Cramerton Planning & Zoning Board Vacancy ii. Fiscal Year (FY)2021-2022 Budget  1. Action Item: Consider recommendation of BOC sub-  committee to fill P&Z Vacancy.  1. Action Item: Consider setting FY 2021-2022 full day budget work session for week of April 19, 2021. (Note: Staff recommends either Tuesday, April 20th OR Thursday, April  22nd)  8. BIG BOARD (pages 26 to2 29) 9. Manager's Report  a. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Verbal Updates Update from Two Rivers Utilities, Mr. Mike Bynum A Additional updatel reports from Department Heads (if needed) 11. Topics of Discussion for Each Commissioners  10. General Staff Reports (as needed)  12.Adjournment  Upcoming BOC Meetings  Thursday, March 18, 2021 @ 6pm Thursday, April 1, 2021 @ 6pm Thursday, April 15, 2021 @ 6pm  2  2    MAYORAL PROCLAMATION IN: RECOGNITION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH FOR THE. MONTH OF MARCH  Whereas American women ofe every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the Whereas American women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere ofthe life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and Whereas American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the Nation by providing the Whereas American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, Whereas American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront  growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and  outside oft the home; and  majority of the volunteer labor force oft thel Nation; and and cultural institutions in our Nation; and  ofevery major progressive social change movement; and  Whereas American women. have served our country courageously in the military; and  Whereas American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights ofs suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and Whereas the town recognizes Katherine Cramer Angell, the daughter of Stuart Cramer, and co-founder oft the NOW, THEREFORE, AS MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF CRAMERTON,IHEREBY PROCLAIM the  just society for all; and  Culinary Institute of America; and  Town's recognition of Women's History Month for the month of March.  Adopted this the 4th day of March, 2021.  William A. Cauthen, Mayor  SEAL  ATTEST:  Wilene L. Cunningham, Town Clerk  3    STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON TOWN OF CRAMERTON February 18, 2021  The Board of Commissioners for the Town of Cramerton met on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Call to Order and Determination of Quorum. Mayor Cauthen, Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias, Commissioner Abernathy, Commissioner Atkinson, and Commissioner Neeley confirmed their attendance for the record. 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. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to adopt the proposed agenda. Commissioner Atkinson seconded the motion. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 41 to 0 in favor. Closed Session: [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3)) Consult with the attorney to protect the attorney-client privilege. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to enter into closed session. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Atkinson. Commissioner Abernathy voted Open Session: Mayor Cauthen asked each of the Board members to confirm their attendance. Commissioner Abernathy present; Commissioner Atkinson present; Mayor Pro Tempore A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Commissioner Public Comment (electronic): The Town Clerk read the following public comments into the  6:00 p.m., as a virtual meeting via Zoom.  Clerk.  pledge ofallegiance was given by all.  yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor.  Koutsoupias present; and Commissioner Neeley present.  Atkinson voted yes. The vote was 41 to 0 in favor.  record:  From: Eric <e kezah@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, February 15, 202111:06AM To: TownofCramerton townotcramertonecramerton.org> Subject: Carolina Thread Trail extension  Good day,  Town of Cramerton- February 18, 2021- Page 1  4    On behalf oft the Tarheel Trailblazers, Isupport the proposal to fund the extension: and improvement oft the Carolina Thread Trail from Rocky Branch Park (RBP) Belmont to the existing trailhead on Eagle Rd. at the rescue center. This planned extension of RBPto create aj joint park between the Town of Cramerton and the City of Belmont would be a  tremendous asset to our local community.  Best regards, 49  From:. Jeff Campbell <jeffrey C campbell@)yahoo.com>  Eric Keziah Supply Chain Field Trainer South Southeast Regions 9399 West Higgins Rd; Suite 100 Rosemont, IL6 60018 0803.802.6227 M704.309.7550 erckezah@usbodscom  From: president@tarheeltalbazers.com president@tarheelralblazers.com>  Sent: Monday, ehnay15,0211059AM To: TownofCramerton <townofcramerton@cramerton.org> Subject: Bring more cycling to Cramerton!  Isupport the proposal to fundt the extension and improvement of the Carolina Thread Trail from Rocky Branch Park (RBP) Belmont to the existing trailhead on Eagle Rd. att ther rescue center. This planned extension of RBP to create aj joint park between the Town of Cramerton and the City Cycling/hiking have seen explosive growth over the past year, and will likely continue to grow rapidly for the foreseeable future. Wer needt to develop quality projects sucha as this, and the  of Belmont would be a tremendous asset to our local community. volunteers oft the Tarheel Trailblazers support this project!  Bryan Hall President, Tarheel Trailblazers From: Danielle Kelly dr317@gmal.com> Sent: Monday, February 15, 202110:09AM To: TownofCramerton townofcramerton@rramerton.OTp" Subject: Carolina Thread Trail  Dear Town of Cramerton Planning committee:  Isupport the proposal to fund the extension and improvement of the Carolina Thread Trail from Rocky Branch Park (RBP) Belmont to the existing trailhead on Eagle Rd. at the rescue center. This planned extension of RBP to create aj joint park between the Town of Cramerton and the City of Belmont would be at tremendous asset to our local  community. Thank you, Danielle Kelly Eagle Park Resident  Sent: Monday, February 15, 20219:29AM  Townd of Cramerton- - February 18, 2021-Page2  5    To: TownofCramerton townofcramerton@cramerton.org> Subject: Thursday BOCI Meeting Support for Thread Trail  Good morning-  In advance of Thursday's Cramerton Board of Commissioners meeting, lwanted to voice myself and my family's support of the proposal to fund the extension and improvement of the Carolina Thread Trail from Rocky Branch Park (RBP) Belmont to the existing trailhead on Eagle Rd. at the rescue center. This planned extension of RBP to create a joint park between the Town of Cramerton and the City of Belmont would be at tremendous asset to our local community."  Thanks- Jeff Campbell Jamie Campbell Hudson Campbell Peyton Campbell  (Residents of Belmont off of Eagle Road) From: Sarah Kaufmann sarahkaufmann@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, February 15, 20219:16AM To: TownofCramerton townorcramertonecramerton.org> Cc: Dave Baker davidbaker.ce/@hotmail.com>; Eric Smallwood cesmalwood@cramerton.org>; Nick Barringer nsbairngreApnison Subject: Support for Rocky Branch Park- Cramerton  Hello, 18. Thank you.  Please consider this attached letter for public comment on Thursday February  MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT:  February 12, 2021  Town of Cramerton  Rocky Branch Park Trail Enhancement Committee Rocky Branch Trails Enhancement Project- - Cramerton Trail  The Rocky Branch Park Trail Enhancement Committee is proud to report that we have raised $127,200 from grants and community fundraising through. January 2021. In addition to these funds raised, the City of Belmont has also committed $156,000 in matching funds towards the project. InJ January we began construction of the Carolina Thread Trail segment in Belmont, which servesasa primary thoroughfare through the park and provides for more inclusive community access. Construction The Rocky Branch Park Trail Enhancement Committee is committed to continued fundraising to invest in the construction of a contiguous parki into the Town of Cramerton. Funds raised would be used for  ofal beginner and intermediate trail is planned to be completed by mid-2021.  Town of Cramerton- February 18, 2021- - Page 3  6    upgrading and rerouting a 0.6 mile natural surface multi-use Carolina Thread Trail connecting Cramerton and Belmont and an adjoining 0.6 mile hiking and biking trail. These trails will provide a safer pedestrian corridor between communities in an area that today is without sidewalk or proper pedestrian/icycle The TarheelTraiblazers plan to provide volunteer maintenance to the park and trails through an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the Town of Cramerton. This will mirror the successful agreement executed between the Tarheel Trailblazers and the City Belmont which has provided the We kindly request support from the Town of Cramerton to contribute funds for the construction costs for these Cramerton trail phases as ani investment in the community. These phases are on track to be completed within six to nine months of receipt off funding and willl be widely recognized in the region due to its interconnection to a regional network of trails. This plan provides for the completion ofal high-  crossings at the road and railway intersection.  maintenance for Rocky Branch Park for over seven years.  quality trail system and parki in 2021 at a substantial value to the Town.  Sincerely, Tarheel Trailblazers  Rocky Branch Park Trail Enhancement Committee  Consent Agenda (Action Item): Consider approval of the consent agenda.  a. Minutes b. Resolution  i. February 4, 2021 meeting minutes.  i. Resolution #2021-01 - A resolution presenting for Cramerton Police  Officer Randy Smith with his service weapon. .  Budget Amendment #5- #8 for FY 2020-2021. d. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Appointments - Bryan Andrea as a full member. ii. Tina Berens as a full member.  . Budget Amendments  A motion was made by Commissioner Atkinson to approve the proposed consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner. Neeley. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor.  Old Business  a. Villages at Cramerton Mills (VCM) Rezoning Request Consideration  . Action Item: Consider: a rezoning request by the Villages at Cramerton Mills, Phase 1D, which is being marketed as "The Terraces" and is specifically identified as Parcel ID# 195932 located off of Hamrick Road in Cramerton. (Note: There is no current physical address for this parcel.) A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to approve the zoning request by the Villages at Cramerton Mills, Phase 1D, whichi is being marketed as' "The' Terraces"and iss specially identified as Parcel ID#195932 located offofHamrick: Road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner  Townd of Cramerton- February 18, 2021 - Page 4  7    Abernathy. Commissioner Atkinson voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore  Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to Oin favor.  Note: This action is being taken in accordance and compliance with NC Law. The Cramerton Board held the official public hearings for the Villages at Cramerton Mills conditional rezoning request att the February 4, 2021 meetings, andl 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.  Action Item: Consider adopting a consistency statement regarding Villages at Cramerton Mills Conditional Rezoning request. A: motion was made by Commissioner Atkinson to adopt the consistency statement regarding the Villages at Cramerton Mills. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor. Mayor Cauthen read the consistency  statement into the record:  WHEREAS, the Town of Cramerton Planning and Community Development Department received a request from Bowman Development Group to amend the CZ: zoning of WHEREAS, this request was subject to Public Hearing before the Town of Cramerton WHEREAS, the Town of Board of Commissioners has determined that the proposed request is reasonably consistent with the intent oft the Town ofCramerton Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Future Land Use Plan recommends Planned Mixed Use in this area. As a component ofa a larger development encompassing single family residential, multifamily residential, and planned commercial along the S. New Hope Corridor, the rezoning oft these areas to add single family attached and single family detached housing isi in keeping with the intent of the Planned Mixed-Use district oft the Comprehensive WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions ofNorth Carolina General Statute 160A- 383, the Board of Commissioners does hereby find and determine that the adoption ofan ordinançe rezoning the following described property is reasonably consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan and that the adoption of an ordinance rezoning the following described property is reasonable and in the public interest due to its consistency with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and, as a result, its furtherance oft the NOW,THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED, on the basis oft the foregoing findings and conclusions, that the Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners moves that the request  property identified by Parcel ID # 195932; and, Board ofCommissioners on February 4th, 2021; and;  Land' Use Plan.  goals and objectives oft the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  for rezoning be approved.  Agenda Items Not Requiring a Public Hearing  a. Parks and Recreation  . Greenway Trails Construction 1. Rocky Branch Trail  a. Action Item: Consider approval to contract with Nature Trails, LLC for construction on the Rocky Branch Park' Trail, Cramerton  Townd of Cramerton- February 18, 2021-Pages 5  8    section. The Parks and Recreation Director the Rocky Branch Trail at the Stuart W. Cramer High School connects the Town to downtown Belmont. Construction on the Carolina Thread Trail in Belmont has already started and goes to the edge of the Stuart W. Cramer High School property. Quotes were received from two (2) contractors for the construction of the enhanced natural surface greenway. The quotes received were $45,490.00 from Nature Trails, LLC and $49,335.00 from Blue Ridge Trail Works. The Town is working with Dr. Houchard with Gaston County Schools about a memorandum ofunderstanding: for another Cramerton park and be an extension of the Rocky Branch Park for one contiguous park that crosses jurisdictional lines. Nature Trails, LLC is the contractor on site constructing the Rocky Branch Belmont section and is the lowest responsible bidder. The Town is expecting $99,000.00 in revenue from FEMA for the February 2020 flood and a portion of this could be allocated to this project. The Rocky Branch Park Committee and The Tarheel Trailblazers have committed to fundraising at least halfoft the money to build this trail and reimbursing the Town for this project as well as sign the memorandum of understanding for maintènance of the trails system. Commissioner Abernathy asked about the type of material to be used for the surface trails and how does this compare to other trails. Mr. Smallwood advised the trail surface will be some form of aggregate gravel or crushed concrete similar to what is in Central Park. Commissioner Abernathy commended him and his team regarding this project. A motion was made by Commissioner Atkinson to approve the contract with Nature Trails, LLC for $45,490.00. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abernathy. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes; Commissioner Neeley voted yes. The vote was 4 to Oi in favor.  b. Public Works  - Road Maintenance Capital Projects 2021 1. Engineering Contract  a. Action Item: Consider approval of final engineering contract with LaBella. The Town Manager stated the contract with LaBella Engineering contract is a not to exceed amount for construction documents and administration of $117,735.00. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias asked ifLaBella Engineering would be the inspectors on this paving project. The Town Manager said yes. LaBella were the engineers and inspectors during the 2017 paving project and B&N Grading was the paving contractor. A motion was made by Commissioner Atkinson to approve the final engineering contract with LaBella Engineering. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias seconded the motion. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Commissioner Neeley a. Action Item: Resolution #2021-02-To: approve financing terms for the 2021 Street Maintenance Project, which reflect the results ofthe  voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor.  2. Loan Options and Discussion  Town of Cramerton- February 18, 2021-P Page 6  9    Financing RFP. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias to approve Resolution #2021-02 to approve financing terms for the 2021 Street Maintenance Project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Commissioner Atkinson voted yes. The vote was 41 to Oin favor. b. Action Item: Resolution #2021-03 - To authorize filing of an application for approval of a financing agreement authorized by NC Statute 160A-20. A motion was made by Commissioner Atkinson toa approve. Resolution #2021-03 to authorize filing of an application for approval of a financing agreement authorized by NC statue 160A-20. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Neeley. Attorney Wolter asked that the proposed resolution be amended removing the word unanimous at this time. Commissioner Atkinson restated his motion recommending the approval of Resolution #2021-03 as amended. Commissioner Neeley seconded the motion. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 Action Item: Capital Project Ordinance #2021- 01 - For the 2021 Street Maintenance Project. Discussion was held regarding the timeline and the importance of the engineer providing specifications from the paving contractors and bid certifications to align with the LGC meeting time frames. The Town Manager stated there are two (2)n more years on the 2017 road financing loan. This loan does not necessarily need to be paid off prior to obtaining an additional loan. A motion was made by Commissioner Neeley to adopt Capital Project Ordinance #2021-01 for the 2021 Street Maintenance Project. The motion was seconded: by Commissioner Atkinson. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0  toOir in favor.  inf favor.  Board ofCommissioners  € Cramerton Board ofCommissioners Vacancy  1. Action Item: Consider appointment of vacancy applicant candidate to the Cramerton Board of Commissioners to fill the remainder of former Commissioner Donald Rice's term, which expires December 2023. Mayor Cauthen sated six (6) applications were received and the Board chose to interview four (4) oft the applicants. Commissioner Abernathy made ai motion to nominate to appoint Wil Neumann. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Atkinson. Commissioner Neeley voted no. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted no. The vote was 2 to 0. Mayor Cauthen stated the motion failed. Commissioner Neeley made a motion to nominate Houston Helms. Mayor Cauthen stated he failed to vote during the first motion. He stated his vote was nay regarding the nomination ofWil Neumann. Commissioner Neeley restated her motion to nominate Houston Helms to complete the remainder of former Commissioner Donald Rice's term which expires December 2023. Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. Commissioner Abernathy and Commissioner Atkinson commented on the rating  Towno of Cramerton- February 18, 2021- -Page 7  10    system and thought this exercise was to assist in removing emotions oft the debate. Mayor Cauthen stated the scoring was to determine whether or not there was a consensus as to the number one candidate. The first ranked candidate for the morning ranked high in the morning interviews but ranked low in the afternoon interviews and the candidate that ranked lowi in the morning was ranked high in the afternoon sO there was divergence of opinion. The exercise was not ini replacement of the discussion or vote but was to guide in how this process could work. Commissioner Abernathy voted no; Commissioner Atkinson voted no. Mayor Cauthen voted yes in favor of appointment ofHouston Helms. The vote was3 3to 2 in favor of appointment of Houston Helms. Attorney Wolter stated Mr. Helms will need to be sworn into office and will be able to serve as a full member at the next scheduled Board meeting. Mayor thanked all the applicants, Commissioners, 1.A Action Item: Consider BOC sub-committee timeline for applicant review and interviews. The Town Manager stated that Commissioner Neeley, Commissioner Atkinson, along with Mayor Cauthen are the ad hoc committee for selection of the Planning and Zoning Board member. Copies of the applications received willl be available: next week. Thead hoc committee agreed 1. Action Item: Resolution #2021-04 - Supporting Catawba Riverkeepers to apply for grant funding for South Fork River Dam study. Commissioner Atkinson voiced his support of this resolution. Discussion with the Catawba Riverkeepers was held about the importance of a hydrolysis study from an engineer to determine the impact oft taking the water level down tol Lake Wylie which would help with flood mitigation and opening the waterway from the Town of McAdenville to the Lake Wylie Dam to also allow for waterway recreational activities. Environmental studies will need tol be completed on both sides oft the spillway dam to test for contaminants. American Riverkeepers will be able to assist with the cost oft the engineering studies and physical removal oft the spillway. Commissioner Atkinson made ai motion to support Resolution 2021-04 and to apply for grant funding for the South Fork River Dam study. Commissioner Neeley seconded the motion. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0i in favor.  and staff for assisting ini this process. ii. Cramerton Planning & Zoning Board Vacancy  to meet on February 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  iii. South Fork River  BIG BOARD: The Town Manager stated there are no further updates on the Masonic Lodge. Staff will follow up with Senator Harrington's office to see if there have been changes to the timeline in reference tot the NCDOT29/74 widening project. Commissioner Atkinson asked about the status of the Helix/R statue. The Town Manager stated he is going to follow up with Gary Fankhauser and then provide cost information to the Board during the budget process. A copy of the wayfinding signs updated draft will bej provided to the Wayfinding Sign Committee tomorrow. Mr. Bizzell has returned details for the larger monument signs. The Town Manager stated he spoke with U.S. Congresswoman Foxx's district manager regarding the brownfields grant. He also discussed the cleanliness oft the local post office. The same information that was provided to  Town of Cramerton- February: 18, 2021 - Page 8  11    Representative McHenry's 's office regarding the last request for cleanup of the post office will be  send to U.S. Senator Foxx'soffice. Manager's Report  a. COVID-19 (Coronavirus): No other updates.  b. Cramerton BOC 2021 Goals & Objective Meeting: Discussion of Time & Location. The Town Manager stated the meeting is scheduled for February 27th. The meeting will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Darren Rhodes will be in  attendance as the meditator.  General Staff Reports (as needed) int the minutes book.  Update from Two Rivers Utilities, Mr. Mike Bynum: A copy ofreport will be placed  Police Department: Chief Adams stated he had nothing to report. Fire Department: ChiefFoulk stated he had nothing to report. flooding. The Goat Island playground will be reopened soon.  Parks and Recreation: Eric Smallwood stated the Town's parks remain closed due to  Planning and Zoning: Nothing to report. Town Clerk: Nothing to report. Town Attorney: Nothing to report.  Committee Reports:  Community Committee: Commissioner. Neeley stated the annual Riversweep will be held on March 13th, the Easter Egg Scramble on April 15t, Baltimore school cleanup on April 17th. The committee is working on a butterfly and ladybug release; potting party; masks have been completed for Page Elementary and Belmont; mini-boat regatta; kayak Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Commissioner Abernathy stated she was not South Fork River Health Committee: Mayor Cauthen stated a meeting is scheduled for Centralina Regional Council of Government: Mayor Cauthen stated he attended a recent meeting and they are under new leadership. They are providing assistance to the  storage; and manhole cover art.  able to attend the last Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.  next Monday.  South Fork River Health Committee. Topics of Discussion for Each Commissioner  Commissioner Abernathy asked that on page 3 oft the agenda that the information regarding public comments be amended as it states the electronic comments will be read at the end of the Board meeting and tonight the emails were read at the start oft the meeting. She sincerely thanked all of the applicants that applied for the Board of Commissioners and encouraged them to remain  Town of Cramerton- -F February: 18, 2021-P Page 9  12    involved with the Town and to continue to look for opportunities for a chance to be involved in Commissioner Atkinson thanked the candidates and advised that there was a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Board and encouraged each oft them to fill out an application to serve. He Mayor Pro Tempore Koutsoupias stated he felt all the candidates were amazing. He encouraged them to stay connected. He asked the Town Manager if someone could follow up on a repair to the pothole in the road near the intersection at Eighth and Market Streets. The Town Manager stated that Rodney Baker, Public Works Director, has already reached out to NCDOT regarding Commissioner Neeley offered her thanks to all the candidates who applied. She congratulated Houston Helms for his appointment. She encouraged each oft the applicants to apply for any open positions such as the current Planning and Zoning Board member vacancy. She stated the installation ofa doorbell at the front doort to Town Hall along with the placement ofthe" Town Seal with the office hours looks great. She reminded everyone to remember your 3W's: double mask ifpossible; maintain six (6) feet ofs social distancing; and wash your hands and ifno soap and water isa available to use al hand sanitizer that is àt] least 60%. She said CaroMont Health will bej providing Mayor Cauthen stated all applicants were excellent and appreciated their willingness to serve. He thanked the staff for walking the Board through this process. Mayor Cauthen stated he was contacted by a resident and a member ofthe Villages at South Fork regarding an issue with a lack of street lights and the quality of the lights. The Planning Director stated the Town needs to consider adopting a light policy with measurable metrics and goalposts and he will begin working Adjournment: A motion was by Commissioner Neeley to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Atkinson. Commissioner Abernathy voted yes; Mayor Pro Tempore  leadership for the Town.  welcomed Houston Helms to the Board.  repair oft this pothole.  vaccines for educators.  on this.  Koutsoupias voted yes. The vote was 4 to 0 in favor.  Mayor Will Cauthen  ATTEST:  Wilene Cunningham, Town Clerk  Town of Cramerton- - February 18, 2021- - Page 10  13    Town of Cramerton  Memo  To: CC: From: Date: Re:  Board of Commissioners David Pugh, Town Manager Joel Lineberger, Finance Director  2/25/2021  Consent Agenda Item for 3/4/21 meeting  Attached for Board consideration is Budget Amendments # 9 with a brief explanation. Proposed Amendment #9. This proposed amendment is to provide funds for Board approved Rocky Branch Park Trail-Cramerton approved by Board action on 2/18/21. Nature Trails LLC low bid was $45,490.00. The amendment contains an amount of $4,5101 for contingency.  Conclusion and Recommendation: portion oft thet fiscal year budget.  This proposed amendment is required to maintain budgetary compliance in the capital outlay  Staff recommends approval of these proposed amendments.  14    Town ofCramerton Budget Ordinance Amendments Fiscal Yearl Ending June: 30, 2021  BEI ITHEREBY ORDAINED by thel Board of Commissioners that the Budget Ordinance of June 25, 2020 is hereby Section 1. The following amounts are hereby appropriated for operations oft the Town of Cramerton andi its activities  amended as follows:  for the fiscal year beginning. July 1,2020 and ending June 30, 2021 as shown below:  Account 10-7000-550 10-3991-991  Debit $50,000.00  Credit $50,000.00  #9  Capital Outlay-Parks  Fund) Balance  Toj provide funds for Rocky Branchl Park Trail-Cramerton as approved by Board action at February 18th, 2021 meeting $45,490 rounded up toi include contingency.  Section 2. Copies of this amendment shall be provided to the Town) Finance Officer and' Town Clerk tol be kept on file by them for the direction and disbursement of Town funds.  ADOPTED and effective this the 4th day of March 2021.  William Cauthen, Mayor  ATTEST:  Wilene Cunningham, Town Clerk  15    of CRARE  TOWN OF CRAMERTON  1915  Manager Memo  TO: Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners (BOC)  FROM: David Pugh, Town Manager DATE: March 4, 2021 RE: Cramerton Refinancing of USDA Loans Background Information  The following is information from Cramerton Financing Officer Joel Lineberger regarding a significant savings opportunity to refinancing Cramerton's existing USDA Loans: "An opportunity exists to save a significant amount of interest ($1,190,000 +ifexisting USDA notes are refinanced. Potential savings result from a decrease in interest rates (4.375%, 3.375% and 3.50% to 2.85%) and shortened loan terms of 20 years from remaining terms of28, 30 and 33 years for Public Works Facility, Town Hall/Police Department and Goad Island notes respectively. Computations result from recent discussions with the Truist Bank Governmental Finance representative. Refinancing these loans will require LGC approval that necessitates a Public Notice advertisement and a Public Hearing as part of the LGC. Application."  Perspectivel Recommendations  Staff recommends setting the public hearing for the March 18, 2021 BOC meeting for the refinancing of the USDA Loans. The public hearing is in accordance with NC Local Government Commissioner (LCG) I requirements to perform a loan refinancing.  155 North Main St., Cramerton, North Carolina 28032  Phone: 704-824-4337  Fax: 704-824-8943  16    OFCRARI  TOWN OF CRAMERTON  Manager Memo  TO: Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners (BOC)  FROM: David Pugh, Town Manager DATE: March 4, 2021 (RFP)  RE: Cramerton Neighborhood Signs - Updated Design Competition Request for Proposals  Background Information  Per BOC direction, edits have been made to the attached Neighborhood Sign Design Competition RFP, especially Attachment A that includes examples of Cramerton's recent branding/ visual initiatives complete with specific colors used.  The bid schedule in the RFP is proposed as follows:  March 8, 2021 March 17, 2021 April5, 2021 April 2021 May 6, 2021 June 2021  RFP Document is released  Mandatory pre-bid meeting at the neighborhood sign locations  Due date for submitting design package  Wayfinding Sign Committee Review & Recommendation of top firms Announcement of the competition winners (at the BOC meeting)  Proposed construction start date  Perspectivel Recommendations listed above and in the RFP.  Staff recommends receiving final feedback from the BOC regarding the Neighborhood Sign RFP and approve sending out for the competition bid based on the scheduled  1551 North Main St., Cramerton, North Carolina 28032  Phone: 704-824-4337  Fax: 704-824-8943  17    d Bakewoodad  18    19    17thS1  20    Jojounee  21    hn  0 - 8 00  E  D R S C  22    Cramerton Wayfinding Signs Neighborhood Sign Design Competition Request for Design Proposals (RFP)  Introduction  The Town of Cramerton is sponsoring a professional design competition for a Neighborhood Sign Program. The purpose is intended to visually mark several Cramerton Neighborhoods while also displaying the unique qualities and/or history of each neighborhood. The neighborhood signs are also intended to have design symmetry to the Town'snewly  implemented directional wayfinding signs.  Cramerton is looking to procure design submittals from sign production companies capable of creating both 'in-house" designs and performing the sign fabrication. The neighborhood signs locations that are desired for each individual neighborhood are referenced in Attachment Aof  this bid document. Community Background  Located in southeastern Gaston County, the Town of Cramerton celebrated its centennial in 1915. Per the 2010 Census, the Town has a population of 4,165. Based on population estimates from the Office of State Budget and Management, the estimated population as of July: 1, 2019i is 5,609. Beautiful mountains and the banks of the South Fork River highlight the topography of this small community. At turn of the century "model mill village" built by Stuart Cramer has become one of the premiere residential communities in the Charlotte-Metro area. Cramerton has transitioned from mill village to residential community over the years since Cramer's vision of a "model mill village" and has become a "place to call home" for many Charlotte-Metro area commuters. The Town of Cramerton is located in east Gaston County only 15 miles from center city Charlotte. Cramerton boasts several unique amenities within the region including a mountain golf course, public island parki ini the South Fork River, a Frisbee disc golf course, and  ac quaint downtown area with village green. Neighborhood Significance  While Cramerton, like the rest of the Charlotte Region, is experiencing significant growth, for 100 years the Town has been defined by its individual neighborhoods. Cramerton's historic neighborhoods have always been built at a pace that allows for a natural and organic incorporation into the greater community. Whether its recreational access to the river, mountain views, possessing historic buildings, or distinct mill house architecture, Cramerton  neighborhoods all convey a wonderful and unique sense of place.  Competition Specifics place will be awarded $500.  The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners intends to award the commission for the project to the first place winner of the competition. Second place will be awarded $750. Third  1  23    The design submittals for the competition are due to be received at the following addresses (in  high quality pdf format) no later than 5:00pm on April 5, 2021.  By mail: Town of Cramerton Attn: David Pugh, Town Manager 155N N. Main Street Cramerton, NC: 28032  Hand Delivery: Town of Cramerton Attn: David Pugh, Town Manager 155 N. Main Street Cramerton, NC: 28032  Critical Dates March 8, 2021 March 17, 2021 April5, 2021 April 2021 May 6, 2021 June 2021 Interview  RFP Document is released  Mandatory pre-bid meeting at the neighborhood sign locations  Due date for submitting design package  Wayfinding Sign Committee Review & Recommendation of top firms Announcement of the competition winners (at the BOC meeting)  Proposed construction start date  Following the announcement of the top 3 winners, and once all funding has been secured; the Cramerton Wayfinding Sign Committee will interview the first place winner to assure they have the ability to execute the project commensurate with its vision and program. Fee negotiations will also take place with the selected firm during this interview with the intent of awarding the project. Iffor some reason the selected firm cannot, ini the judgment of the panel, implement Please note that a release form must accompany all submittals which allow use of all images in the promotion on this competition and the ensuing public awareness campaign in building support and excitement in the community for this neighborhood sign program.  the project; negotiations will proceed with the next selected firm.  Submission Requirements, Rules & Regulations  The Sign Design/ Fabrication Firm will be responsible for their own individual presentation while keeping in mind the guidelines and unique neighborhood qualities outlined in this RFP. The appropriate and necessary text, diagrams, drawings or graphic units as well as scale, color, size, and format remains the decision of the individual. Please note that the aforementioned listed items could be determined by the required location (listed in Attachment A) and the  individual characteristic(s) of each of the listed neighborhoods.  2  24    Anonymity, Wrapping & Shipping  Alls submittals to this competition will be submitted anonymously and it is critical that the  appropriate steps be followed to assure anonymity. Please deliver to:  By mail: Town of Cramerton Attn: David Pugh, Town Manager 155 N. Main Street Cramerton, NC: 28032  Hand Delivery: Town of Cramerton Attn: David Pugh, Town Manager 155 N. Main Street Cramerton, NC: 28032  Make certain that alle envelopes are sealed, carefully adhered to the back oft the board and have  no writing on the face of the envelopes.  Submittal Deadline  All entries must be received no later than 5:00pm on April 5, 2021.  Communications  Registered competitors may not communicate at any time during the competition period regarding the competition with either the members of the Cramerton Wayfinding Committee All questions concerning any aspect of the completion, program, or process must be submitted via email to David Pugh, Town Manager at pugn@cramerton.org on or before March 26, 2021. All appropriate questions will be responded to all registrants in the competition as quickly as  OR the Cramerton Board of Commissioners.  possible after the deadline.  3  25    E N 8 3 S  C  26    2 @ 00 a 5 I E 5 :  27    a I  S D 0  N  28    I  :  6  29