September 14, 2020 (REGULAR MEETING)  Minutes of the regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Elkin, September 14, 2020, 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center conference Present: Mayor Sam Bishop, Commissioners Cecily McCulloch, Robert Ball, Jeff Also present: Town Manager Brent Cornelison, Town Attorney Raymond A. Parker  room.  Eidson, Will Gwyn and Tommy Wheeler. and Town Clerk Cathie Tilley.  Mayor Bishop welcomed everyone and noted the following:  Board members were acknowledged by roll call:  Commissioner McCulloch Commissioner Ball Commissioner Eidson Commissioner Gwyn Commissioner Wheeler  Tonight's meeting is being held at the Heritage Center conference room ino order to follow Governor Cooper's guidelines regarding social o Attendees are limited to Mayor Bishop, Commissioners McCulloch, Ball, Gwyn, Wheeler, Eidson, Town Manager Brent Cornelison, Town Attorney Raymond A. Parker, Interim Finance Director Lisa Salmon, Town Clerk Cathie Tilley and Tribune Department Heads in attendance in the Heritage Center lobby are Interim Public Works Director Travis Butcher, Police Chief Monroe Wagoner, Fire Chief Kevin Wilson, Economic DevelopmentPanning Director Leslie Schlender and Planner Sarah Harris. Recreation and Parks Director Adam McComb is The public may attend by connecting through Zoom  distancing.  Editor Bill Colvard.  managing the Zoom meeting.  Public Comments:  Only a total of twenty-five people at a time will be allowed in the conference room; therefore, the number of persons allowed to speak to the Board will be determined accordingly.  Police Chief Monroe Wagoner will manage the number of persons allowed to enter the meeting room to address the This will ensure we adhere to Governor Cooper's requirement prohibiting mass gatherings of more  Board.  than twenty-five persons.  When commissioners speak during the meeting, they are to identify  themselves.    Before moving on to the Consent Agenda, Mayor Bishop requested a moment of  silence in memory of Fred Norman. CONSENT AGENDA (Tab A)  Minutes of August 10, 2020 (Regular Meeting)  Approve Budget Amendments 2021-10 and 2021-11 (included as  Exhibits A and B respectively)  Mayor Bishop asked for consideration of the Consent Agenda. Amotion by Commissioner Wheeler to approve the Consent Agenda was seconded by Commissioner Ball and was unanimously approved with Commissioners Wheeler, Ball, McCulloch, Gwyn and Eidson voting in favor of this motion.  SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS  Misty Matthews - Mayor Bishop  Read and presented al letter to Ms. Matthews expressing appreciation for all she does for our community. Proclamation of Constitution Week September 17th through the 23rd o Read the proclamation and presented it to Ms. Becky Dursee. Resolution of Support for the Bean Shoals Access of Pilot Mountain  Mayor Bishop  State Park - Mayor Bishop  Read the resolution and asked it be sent to Surry County (copy may be found in Resolution Book 4, Pages 2020-09-0247 and Read the resolution and asked it be sent to Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital (copy may be found in Resolution Book 4,  2020-09-0248).  Resolution of Support for Mask the Valley - Mayor Bishop  Page 2020-09-0249).  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Mayor Bishop opened the public comments period.  Speaking were:  Joe Thrift, 125 Vine Street Dan Whelan, 315 West Main Street  There being no other comments, Mayor Bishop closed the Public  Comments period.  MAYOR AND BOARD COMMENTS FOR STAFF  Mayor Bishop and Commissioners: Finance Director.  Expressed appreciation to Lisa Salmon for filling in as Interim  PUBLIC HEARING  1. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Adopting the Text Amendment for  Multi-Family Housing (Sarah Harris)  This request is a proposed text amendment to Article VIII Table 8.1 Table of Intensity and Dimensional Standards - Residential and Section 80. R-12 Residential District for Multi-Family (up to four [4] units).  Page 2 of9    The proposed text amendment will add multi-family residential (up to During our last ordinance revision concerning multi-family, we took out high density multi-family to create its own zoning district. We had medium density multi-family in the R-8 Residential District. We did not take into consideration existing multi-family in the R-12 District (West Main Street and Church Street). This leaves these properties as nonconforming. Planning Board proposes and recommends adding back in multi-family but to have it at a low density (up to four units). Presented the following timeline:  four units) in the R-12 District.  Petition for text amendment received August 17, 2020. Planning Board reviewed the request and proposed ordinance at Found that the proposed text amendment is consistent with all of the objectives and policies for growth and development contained in the Town of Elkin Land Use Public Hearing was advertised in the Elkin Tribune August 26 and Opened the Public Hearing and explained this is a legislative hearing, anyone may speak and asked that anyone speaking state their name and address for the record. The following includes but is not limited to  their meeting on August 31, 2020.  Plan. September 2, 2020.  comments made:  Dan' Whelan, 315 West Main Street: four or five properties.  Asked ift the Town was going to change a whole district for Why change to accommodate two or three people? Used Disney's Tomorrowland to relate to this matter: Elkin is becoming a tourist destination. When tourists drive up West Main Street and Gwyn Avenue, they know they are in an old district. Everyone wants Elkin to prosper. Disney brings in the money, and they (tourists) go back home; we want that for Elkin. That money improves everyone's life; we all share Mentioned the economic theory of the Law of Supply and Demand (Scarcity Principle). Wants to keep their neighborhood the same as it has been  int this.  and still is.  Roy Thomasson, 112 Terrace Avenue:  Does not think the overall process is working.  Could inform more people by putting matters such as this on the weekly phone call (Blackboard This is our backyard (referring to a property on Vine  Connect).  Street).  Page 3 of9    This property went from a funeral home to a party palace. Whati is the urgency for this type of housing? Do what is respectful for the community. Mayor Bishop said this is not affecting only West Main Ms. Harris said this is all through town and referenced a  Street.  map showing the R-12 District. Gay Prater, 309 West Main Street: This property is also in my backyard. Talked about the driveway.  Does not think this meets setback requirements. Water runs off the roof of the building at 111 Vine Street onto the asphalt driveway and then onto her Thinks there are three or four other properties that are also Ifthere is a change made, would like you to look at  property. outof compliance. them.  Wants this property to be in compliance with our  landscaping requirements. West Caudle, 136 Harris Avenue:  Making a recommendation that this matter be tabled until Scooter can recommend if they comply with the town's Land Use Plan that is scheduled to be updated. There is obvious need for housing in this town. What are other reasons for this new ordinance?  Rosa Beverley, 122 Terrace Avenue:  Future development. town (for Ms. Beverley). specific amount of land. Use Plan. our list. Use Plan. Commissioner Eidson: family housing. units.  Ms. Harris:  Will print a map showing R-12 District throughout Gave examples of how many units could be on a Hopes to break up some of this in the new Land There are other apartments in town that are not on Described the type firm that will be doing our Land Prior to the change in zoning, you could have multi- We are proposing to put this back in but with less  Need other housing options.  This is not a new thing. Commissioner McCulloch:  Current apartments are considered nonconforming.  Page 4 of9    Town Attorney Parker:  Explained that if a building is destroyed, they cannot build back (there are limitations regarding these When talking about updating the ordinance, the North Carolina legislature has changed zoning regulations, and everyone in North Carolina has to recreate their ordinances to comply with new: zoning RFP for new Land Use Plan (and Unified Development Ordinance) went out this month, and October 2nd is deadline for proposals. These will be brought before this Board. Suggested we wait before making a decision on this Itt the ordinance is approved today it would be a Thinks we are hurting people who followed the  properties).  laws.  Town Manager Cornelison:  Commissioner Wheeler: matter. Commissioner Ball:  conditional use. previous ordinance.  Victoria Casey, 125 Vine Street:  Concerned that the old funeral home could be a vacation Wants historical aspect of our community and its current Wants better way of notification for things like this. There is no need to start it and have to back it out.  rental.  Just off the cuff, it's there now.  environment to remain. Dan Whelan, 315 West Main Street: Wants this to be tabled.  There being no further comments, Mayor Bishop closed the Public Commissioner McCulloch made a motion to table this matter indefinitely. There were no questions. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. Commissioner Eidson said he wanted this Board to give Sarah Commissioner Ball asked if current properties could be  Hearing.  (Harris) more direction. grandfathered.  Ms. Harris told the Board that the correct terminology for these properties is, "the properties are non-conforming. Town Attorney Parker explained the properties cannot be Ifthey are destroyed, there is a limit to what they  changed from non-conforming. can build back.  Commissioner Gwyn asked if the property could be a funeral  home again.  Page 5 of9    Ms. Harris read through the entire list of allowed uses.  There being no additional comments, Mayor Bishop reminded the Board that there had been a motion and a second made. The motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners McCulloch, Wheeler, Ball,  Gwyn and Eidson voting in favor of this motion.  REGULAR MEETING  1. Consider approving a name for the Yadkin Valley Heritage Center in order to proceed with installing an exterior monument-type sign (Leslie Schlender) Presented several examples of different styles of signs, and asked the  Board members to name the building.  This will allow an exterior sign to be installed. Several names were mentioned.  Ifneeded, the building name can be changed in the future. Following discussion, Commissioner Eidson made a motion to name the building the Yadkin ValleyHerifage. Trails and Visitors Center. There were no questions. Commissioner Ball seconded the motion. the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce on it. bring the design back for them to see.  Commissioner Eidson also proposed a smaller second sign with Town Manager Cornelison told the Board that staff will  The motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, Ball, Gwyn, McCulloch and Wheeler voting in favor of this motion. 2. Consider an addendum to the agreement for use of recreational facilities with the Elkin City Schools for maintenance of Crater Park softball field (Adam The Town of Elkin and the Board of Education entered into an Agreement for the Use of Recreational Facilities in 1993.  McComb)  The Board of Education proposes adding an addendum to the Agreement whereby establishing certain conditions for the maintenance, improvement and utilization of Crater Park Softball Elkin City Schools (ECS), as directed by Elkin High School Athletics, is requesting that only softball or baseball activities be programmed and played at the Crater Park Inre return, ECS will mow and manage the turf grass in the outfield as well as maintain and manage the infield surface ECS agree to make various improvements to the facility at their cost through 2025 and will include the following: An metal container that complies with the Town's  Field owned by the Town of Elkin.  Softball Field. at their cost.  Floodplain Ordinance Fence screening Signage Batting cage maintenance Bullpen netting  The Recreation and Parks Department will:  Page 6 of9    Continue to maintain the remainder of Crater Park Provide youth softball and baseball outside of normal school practice, games or other events  managed by ECS  This proposal is presented as an Addendum to the Agreement for Use The Elkin City School Board of Education has approved the The Elkin Recreation and Parks Advisory Board recommends Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Eidson made a motion to approve an Addendum to the Agreement for Use of Recreational Facilities. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Gwyn, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, Gwyn, Ball, McCulloch and Wheeler voting in favor of this motion. (Copy of Addendum included as Exhibit C).  of Recreation Facilities.  proposed Addendum. approval of this request.  3. Consider a request from VFW'Captain Mark Gamer Post 7794 to provide in- kind services in the amount of approximately $5,000 to prepare the site for the The Gold Star Families Memorial Committee has notified us that the  Gold. Star Families Memorial (Town Manager Comelison) monument has been ordered and paid for. Site preparation for installation will include:  Demolition of existing brickwork and sidewalks Removal and storage of existing flagpole and monuments Grading the site for concrete poured base  Estimated in kind cost is five thousand dollars ($5,000.00)  Requesting the town prepare the site fori installation of the memorial. Commissioner Eidson made a motion to provide in kind services in the amount of approximately five thousand dollars to prepare the site for the Gold Star Families memorial. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Wheeler, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, Wheeler, Ball, Gwyn and McCulloch voting in  favor of this motion.  4. Consider approving a Second Interlocal Agreement with Surry County to receive Coronavirus Relief Funds and BA. 2021-09 (Town Manager Comelison) This is for a second round of Coronavirus Relief Funds the county is Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to approve an Interlocal Agreement Between the County of Surry and the Town of Elkin for Funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Established Under the CARES Act. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Ball, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Wheeler, Ball, Eidson, Gwyn and McCulloch voting in favor of this motion. (Copy of Interlocal Agreement included as Exhibit Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to approve Budget Amendment 2021-09 to appropriate Phase II of Coronavirus Relief Funds from the  receiving from the CARES Act. Town of Elkin will receive $93,260.  D).  Page 7of9    CARES Act grant through Surry County. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Ball, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Wheeler, Ball, Eidson, Gwyn and McCulloch voting in favor of this motion. (Copy of BA# 2021-09  included was Exhibit E.) LLC (Town Manager Comelison)  5. Consider a Loan Assumption Agreement with Chatham Woods Apartments,  Chatham Woods has been sold to Chatham Woods Apartments, LLC. Town assisted with a CDBG loan to help with the redevelopment oft the This agreement will transfer the loan agreement to the new owner. Commissioner Eidson made a motion to approve this request. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Gwyn, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, Gwyn, Ball, Mcculloch and Wheeler voting in favor of this motion. (Copy yofLoan  site seventeen years ago.  Assumption Agreement included as Exhibit F.)  MANAGER UPDATES (Brent Cornelison)  Hippo Lot:  There has been discussion about placing a fountain on this Have talked with an architect, Troy Luttman, who will design/draw ap plan at a cost of one thousand, two hundred, fifty dollars There was consensus among the board to proceed with this Tim Dehaan and George Sanborn are working to have this event here at the Yadkin Valley Heritage, Trails and Visitors Center on For safety purposes and with permission from the Board, we plan tob block off a portion of Standard Street and have police officers Commissioner Eidson made a motion to approve blocking off a portion of Standard Street and providing police officers to direct traffic for this rally. There were no questions. Upon a second by Commissioner Ball, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, Ball, Gwyn, McCulloch and Wheeler We have had questions about the Town's plans for Halloween. We will not be blocking off streets because we do not want to Downtown merchants do not plan any Halloween festivities this  property. ($1,250.00). project. Law Enforcement Rally:  Explore Elkin will pay for this.  October gth from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  directing traffic.  voting in favor of this motion.  Halloween:  encourage large groups of people. This could change before October 31st. The State could decide to address this.  year.  Utility Franchise Tax:  Page 8 of9    This is down $20,000. Will be at town hall.  We are $91,385 to the good with sales tax. We can do a Zoom meeting from town hall.  Next Meeting:  Mayor Bishop stated the Board would be going into closed session in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss a personnel matter. He stated the board does not expect any decisions to be made tonight when they return to open Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to go into closed session in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a)6) to discuss a personnel matter. Upon a second by Commissioner McCulloch, the Board went into closed session at 7:40 p.m. The Board returned to open meeting at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Bishop reconvened the There being no further business, Commissioner Eidson made a motion to adjourn. Upon a second by Commissioner McCulloch, the motion was unanimously approved with Commissioners Eidson, McCulloch, Ball, Gwyn and Wheeler voting  session.  regular meeting.  inf favor this motion. The Board adjourned at 7:45 p.m.  Sam Bishop, ,Mayor  Attest:  Catherine C. Tilley, QaRias  Page 9 of9