STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MCDOWELL CITY OF MARION  The City Council for the City of Marion met in Regular Session on Tuesday evening, May 21, 2024 at 6:00P.M. at thel Marion CommunityBuilding, located at 191 North Main Street in Marion. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Stephen Little, Mayor Pro' Tem Woody Ayers, Council OTHERS PRESENT: Bob Boyette, City Manager; Brant Sikes, Public Works Director; Dawn Penland, Finance Director; Kathleen Nolan, Human Resources Director; Katie Reid, Assistant to Manager/City Clerk; Rusty Jenkins, Police Lieutenant - Investigations; DJ Barrier, Police Lieutenant - Patrol; Freddie Killough, Executive Director, Marion Business Association; Walt Bagwell, President, Marion Business Association; Mike Conley, Reporter, McDowell News. GUESTS PRESENT: Chris Sinclair, 51 Miller Avenue; Summer Perkins, Hensley Road.; Omi Salaren, Searcy Road.; Anna Branam, 91 Pulliam Street; Susan Pyatt-Baker, Executive Director, McDowell Arts Council Andy Ferguson, Marion; Marlan Brinkley, McDowell County Public Library Director; Megan Martin, Marion; and Other representatives from the McDowell Arts CONSENT AGENDA: Upon ai motion by Council Member Effler, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, all Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:  Members Billy Martin, Ann Harkey, Chet Effler, and Don Ramsey.  Council  A. Approval of the May 7, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes  B. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments    CITY QE MARION, NORTH CAROLINA 2023-20241 BUDGET ORDINANCE 13thA Amendment GENERALE FUND Agcountp Descriptlon UNCT Toweri lese Union Marionl Tire  BETORDANEDbythe Cityo CaumiottiechyefMarasi NoptCarolnrasfolews:  Sectioni. ThattieB BudgetOrdinancefort thecityafMarion, North Corolinaf fort thafiscaly year2 2023-2 2024a asadoptedbythen Marlont Gityo  20231sherebys Amendedasfallows Department Revenues  Expendtura 3,752 6,512 5,878 109,797 125,147 18,375 (2,526) 286 13,597 1,148,300 $ 1,179,069 96,567 92,295 14,272.40) 7,500 2,886 (4,614.00) 289,884 326,884 31,000:00 47,000 44,329 (2,671,00) 282,000 265,989 (16,010.66) 5,0B8 1,819 847 1,297 450.00 33,950 18,890 14,900.00 120,500 114,62a (5,612.00) 9,277 17.277 3,000,00 108,876 123,576 14,700.00 1,100 737 (363.00) 137,890 158,290 20,400.00 31,200 30,130 (1,07D.00) 1,33 534 (999,00) 18,800 17,730 (1,070.00) 131,600 127,828 (4,272.00) 79,700 75.962 (3,738.007 13,597 13,597.00 9,217 9,21700 1,228 1,228.00 5,000 $ 10,000 9,750 $. 11,950 6,250 6:250 950 950 14,400 $ 15,050 $20 479 5$,924 57,568 9,580 11,980 40,000 49,823 13,926 $. 14,751 1.303.00 $ 1,303.00 175:00 175.00 131,600.00 $ 125,804.00 (5,796.00) 2,250.00 $ 1,334,00 (916,00) 471,564.00 $ 499,564.00 $ 19,000.00 47,000.00 $ 44,362.00 $ (2,638,001 53,680.00 $ $1,1M7.00 $ 2,633.00) 1,000.00 $ 438.00 $ (562.00) 181,490.00 $ 191,049.00 $ 9,559.00  Before Aiter Incresse/ Reyenuel Incresse! Amandment_ Amandment (Decrease). Decrease).  Accounta 10-332-0100 LeiseReverue Creditl Mnion ATM 10-332-0200 léasGRexenueN Marionl Tire 10-332-0300 leaseRevebuey WLOST Lease 10-332-0400 10-342-1600. MIcCContributiont SRO 10-34744000 Piopertyn Rents 10.362-0100 10-362-0200 10-362-0300 lashntersewmwwo: 10-362-0400 lesseinterestAevenuel UNC 10-364-0100 Other Financingsource- Sharp 10-398-0000 FundBatance 10-420-0600 Insurance 10:420-2100 RentEquipment 10-420-7400 CapitalGutlay 10-500:0600 lasurance 10-510-0600 Insurance 10-510-2100 RentEquipment 10-510-3370 ME.DSMNamA. 10-510-7403 CaplaiOutw-Mrcs80 10-530-9600 insurance 10-530--0900 Pensignfund 10-530-4700 M&RVeticles 10-530-2100 MentEquipinent 10-530-7400 Capitaloutlay 10-545-0600 insurance 10-545-2100 Rentéquipment 10-555-0600 thsurance 10-560-0606 Insurance. 10-580-0600 insurance 10-660-7401 CapitafOutfay- SharpCopler lease 10-6609001 pebts Serviçe- Prindpal 10-560-9451 DeltService- -Interest 20-434-0000 Sponsorfee 20-336-0000 VendarFRelacone 20-650-1250 MBASDKProfE 20-650-2790 Travel 30-335-2300 NewCustomèrA ApplicatlonFue 30-870-9000 FireProtection Meter 30373-0100 Wate:T Taps a9-373-0200 Sewerl Taps 30391-9100 omcwpialeanefud a0-492-4200 fsurplust Equipment 30-660-2001 pabfService- Principal 30-660-9451 DahtServica interest 30-810-0600 insurance 30-810-2100 RenitEquipment 30-81D-7400 CapialOutlay 30-812-0600 Insurance 30-816-0600 Insutahce 30-a16-7400 CapitalOutliy  3,314 3,752 6,512 5,878 15,350 (20,901) 285 463 663 588 13,597 30,769  Expendiures  MOUNTAIN GLORYFESTIVAL  Revenues Expenditutes Revenues Expenditures  5,000 2,200  WATERANDS SEWER FUND  650 150 3,644 2,400 9,822 825  2    CARTALREERVEEUND  Revenves Expesditures  75-373-0100 WAneCRabmae 15-491-2000 ladirtewamadiswathas  20.000 - 29.323 40,000 $ 44,823 9,823  9,823  Sectionz Cpislatwsthunsast M6sMesmaaarati,a: attkalei.Aisatitetiaitatichugei.cei SR Cidamamnoitsal  a  0 -  3    PUBLIC APPFARANCE-MCDOWFLLARTS COUNCIL  City Manager Bob Boyette announced the scheduled appearance of the McDowell Arts Council (MACA), and turned the floor over to MACA Executive Director, Susan Pyatt-Baker. Ms. Pyatt-Baker noted that MACA would be using the Marion Community Building for a Juneteenth event and the Marion City Stage for the "Make Music Day" event on June 21, 2024. Ms. Pyatt-Baker explained that musical instruments would be provided for public use at the event Ms. Pyatt-Baker detailed multiple grants that MACA has received for various programs this year Mayor Little thanked Ms. Pyatt-Baker and MACA representatives for the great work they do  and that instructors would be available to assist.  and spoke briefly about the in-school events these grants have funded.  promoting the arts in the community.  PUBLIC APPEARANCE - MARION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Business Association (MBA), Walt Bagwell, wearing striking Carolina Blue.  Mr. Boyette announced thei next public appearance and called forward the President ofthel Marion Mr. Bagwell detailed recent new business openings, property transfers, economic development matters and the success of the recent Bigfoot Festival, as well as the addition of 5 new rental Mr. Bagwell also explained that the upcoming Livermush Festival has arecord: number of vendors signed up this year (around 80). Mr. Bagwell stated that this will be his final report to the City Council asl MBA President, sincel hist term will end. June 30,2024. Mr. Bagwell thanked thel Mayor, Mayor Little thanked Mr. Bagwell and MBA Board and staff for their continued hard work to  housing units on South Main Street above Ingenious Coffee.  City Council Members for their great support and help through the years. promote economic development, assist businesses and assist with events.  The full presentation from Mr. Bagwell is as follows:    January- March 20241 HABA Ecomomic Development Report NEWE BUSINESSES OPENING (Dgwntown). DEastH AlyUIaerT BUSINESSES' CLOSED Cn Downtown) Ioge, 29Logansiret,3 Sutek exls, 35outks Mwins Sueet RIBBON CUTTINGS ini Downtown). BEast  ype retail, servkes). Total Type? restaurent. relail, FEATNDE Total ype frestaurant, rétali; professipnal services). Retail Retarant Services Totail Type (resteurant, retaily, ertists O(6ce Totals DATE 2.16.5024 31.2434 Sale-P Price 5312,000 51X,020 5253,09 299,000 5147,00 5150,90 Totals  HoFE Employees Full-t time Partitine  professtonal, services Lengthyof Timeins Business" PofEmployees FITePIT,  years_  hPdren  BUSINESS RELOCATION, EXPANSION or NEW. OWNER D Downtown), professional, services)  estment mount. $100.000  Employees Addedor Los Date  AVALIABLEP PROPERTIESE REFERRALS collews PROPERIESSOIDY Dowhtown)  Baly ardware)  2.28.202 225:.2024 1131/2824 12.2024 Dale 1.902482.19.1024 X4 8294  FAÇADE GRANTS and) PROPERTY REHABS jwiti àr w/ofaçade grant) Fades.lpite,kema ProjectA Amount  Façade AmA Awarded Date   Mer, GLURTEERHOURS  Total ofyolunieers  EofHours  Updahng? 2021M-atingHa A483213124  oemètee  Chamberard FBE Volunteer Jours Heference Online  .31.74 Comments Date 1.9.2024 1.220A 2.5284 2.57.3024 .10.2024  Total Totalo Packet  UPDATES WofVendors taff  Attendance (estimated) DVolunterrs  atin  GEKVarticipatbn  SOSOUthA  leechstsin nget atcaltiFAitha Fresdonfsedslc Businessy Visits eBeil  HofVisits 1 HbF-GEAGRNE) Total Public Entity (Who. didthe project) Status (Newor Closed): llew  kipwits  PUBLIEL IMPROVEMENTE PROJECTSE HOUSING:  5    Total  PaseaFaAyA, complered. Implematieatunding ha floca  nfrastructurek RatDMsion  /APOINT IMPACT UPDATES pesign ty gsiza asion  PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD  Mayor Little asked. Assistant tot thel Manager/City Clerk Katie. Reidifthere were any, guests signed up: for the Public Comment Period. Ms. Reid announced the two members of the public requesting Mr. Chris Sinclair of51 Miller Avenue came forward and stated that hel had reported an issue with as sinkhole and drainage issues on November 27, 2023. Mr. Sinclair noted that on March 20, 2024, the sinkholes had grown to approximately 4-5 feet deep, sol he proceeded to contact City Manager Boyette and thel Marion Police Department. The City responded by visiting the site and filling the holes. Mr. Sinclaira advised that Miller Avenue has now collapsed this past Sunday (May 19,2024), Mr. Sinclair explained that he is addressing the City Council today because he feels like he has donel his due diligence in reporting this issue over the last few months, and is now requesting the City to replace his basement door and door frame due tol his opinion that the issue was not properly  to speak.  and that his yard was flooded with approximately 10-12 inches of water.  addressed.  Mayor Little thanked Mr. Sinclair for his appearance.  Mr. Boyette reported that City Public Works staffhad been investigating the problem, but no one could have anticipated the unprecedented flash flooding the City received on Saturday, May 18. Public Works Director Brant Sikes explained that he has heard conflicting information about this issue, and asked Mr. Sinclair to whom he had recently spoken. Mr. Sikes noted that Street Superintendent Darrin Maynor has been actively involved in investigating this matter since the first report. Mr. Sikes explained that hel became aware ofthe situation in March, when Mr. Boyette forwarded Mr. Sinclair's report. Mr. Sikes said that he had been to the property at 9:00 am that morning to check on1 thej process ofthe repair. Mr. Sinclair stated that, even after thei recent efforts, McDowell County Library Director Marlan Brinkley then came forward to share some brief Mr. Brinkley reported that he has recently been working with a new ancestral database that contains military records dating as far back as the Revolutionary War and for various countries. Mr. Brinkley stated that the Library would be set up at al booth at the upcoming Trails and Trains Festival on June 1 in Old Fort to offer some complimentary children's programs while also detailing the upcoming reading programs that will be implemented for youth development this  he is still unhappy with the process.  updates from the McDowell County Public Library.  summer.  6    Mr. Brinkley finished his presentation by offering thanks to Council Member Effler for his recent  donation of1 10 hotspots worth over $1,000 for the Library.  PRESENTATION OF RECOMMENDED 2024-25 CITY BUDGET  City Manager Bob Boyette presented the following recommended 2024-2025 City budget:  PROPOSED CITY OF MARION BUDGET  2024-25 May 21, 2024    7    2024-25 Budget Overview  07 Total proposed budget of$18,416,610  o Increase of9.8% over the original 2023-24 budget, and an increase of 4.01% over the amended 2023-2024 Fiscal Year  Budget as ofthis date    2024-25 Revenues  o Budget contains conservative estimates for revenues 0 Assumes gains in property tax revenues over original 2023-24 0 Assumes continued growth in sales tax revenues over original 2023-24 Budget, due to sales tax revenues exceeding the 2023- o Retail sales have shown excellent growth in recent years, and continued growth in local retail sales is expected to continue in  Budget due to some natural growth  24 conservatively budgeted amount.  2024-25    2024-25 Revenues  o Powell Bill revenues are projected to increase 9.6% : as compared to the original 2023-24 budget based on revenues  being more than expected in 2023-24 oAn increase of 9% in water and sewer rates 06% per month increase in commercial garbage fees o $2 per month increase in the monthly residential garbage fee oThe monthly residential garbage fees charged in similar communities in Western North Carolina range from $11 per  month to more than $25 per month.  10    2024-25 Revenues  o The property tax rate is proposed to increase to $.595 per oThere is no budgeted transfer from the General Fund to the Water and Sewer Fund for the fifteenth year in a row, meaning that the Water and Sewer Fund remains self-  $100 valuation.  sustaining.  o Interest income is projected to increase.  11    2024-25 Expenditures  OB Budget seeks to maintain services at current levels, while also making investments in personnel, equipment, vehicles and capital projects, funding rising costs for fuel, supplies and materials, insurance, and other items while accounting for the City assuming the full share of staff positions previously funded 0 Addition oftwo full-time Fire Engineer positions in the Fire Department, moving a part-time Administrative Assistant to full-time, and an Information Technology Support Specialist  through grants.  position, starting July 1, 2024.  12    2024-25 Expenditures  o Budget seeks to maintain benefitl levels.  oThe budget contains funding for a 3.5% cost ofliving increase for City employees, and market adjustments for Public Safety employees. This increase seeks to improve employee recruitment and retention, effective September 1, 2024.  13    2024-25 Expenditures  o Cost increases for health, dental, vision, and life insurance. o Increases in employer contributions to the Local Government o Financing purchase ofvehicles and equipment to take advantage ) Investment in capital outlay spending for replacement of  Employees Retirement System ofcontinued fairly low interest rates.  vehicles and equipment.  o Investment in needed street projects.  14    City Aworas/Recogntions  o Received 2023 National Main StreetAccreditation from O North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Area Wide OptimirzationAward for Outstanding Performance at Water Treatment Plant - 21 consecutive  Named as 6th Best Place to Retire in North Carolina by  National Main Street Program  years  travelandleisure.com  15    City Awaras/Recogntions  Named in 2022 as 5th Most Affordable Place to Live in North  Carolina by SmartAsset o Tree City USA-34 years  o National Main StreetAccreditation - Several years in a row One of about 50 N.C. cities accredited in 2022  Realtor.com recognition of Marion as #1 vacation/second home  market in the United States  10  16    City Awards/Recogntions  North Carolina Main Street Program Award for Bigfoot Festival being selected as the Best Downtown Special Event in North Award from State for excellent performance at Water Plant from 2018 Small Town ofthe Year Award - North Carolina Rural  Carolina  State - 20 years in arow  Center  17    City Aworas/Recogntions  ol Marion was named one ofTop 5 Places to Retire in North  Carolina by Smart Asset in 2016 and 2018  o North Carolina Main Street Program Award for GEM Program being selected as the Best Economic Development Incentive in  North Carolina  O Marion named top small City in N.C. to retire to by ActiveNC.com, based on a cost ofliving calculator  18    City Aworas/Recogntions  o Named one ofTop 17 Small Cities in N.C. by Cities Journal o Named one ofthe Top One Percent ofCities and Towns in  o Playful City USA Designation - 5 years United States for First Time Home Buyers  o Marion was named a Micropolitan Area by U.S. Census Bureau in 2013 and one ofTop 100 Micropolitan Areas in U.S. for 2014  by Site Selection magazine  19    Current City of Marion Projects  Grants  Seeking grants for Peavine Trail Improvements Working on grant funded Drexel Phase 2 cleanup project Working on grant funded lead water servicel line inventory project GEM Small Business Program - training/grants Working on grant funded inflow and infiltration sewer project throughout the city Seeking grants for Lady Marian Dam Project Continued support of Downtown Façade Grant Program - 12 recently awarded  Since 2001, the City has received 215 separate grants totaling over $33.8 These grants havei involved every City department and nearly every City service or function and allowed many projects and activities to take place that the City could have otherwise not afforded to undertake City continues to seek grant opportunities to lessen local costs and more grants will be received in the  million  next year  20    Current City of Marion Projects  Technology  Continued improvements to City website, social media, and City  Channel 0 Technology upgrades  Researching new technology to increase staffefficiency - Utilizing new online system to house documents - Revver   Software improvements and upgrades  21    Current City of Marion Projects  Fire Department  Significant improvement of City and Fire District ISO: fire ratings F Fire Department achieved heavy rescue certification and is planning for Working to improve Fire Department staffing and replace Fire  Working with County on long term plan for Fire Department funding  aswift water rescue certification Department equipment  22    Current City of Marion Projects  Water/Sewer  Working on repairs to Wastewater Treatment Plant, grant funded study S Sewer improvements project pump stations  Seeking funding for water/wastewater line replacements and pump station epairs/mprovements Implementing new City Work Order Various stormwater improvements for water and sewer funding  taking place  Continued improvements to wastewater System  I Evaluated opportunities for and pursued o Obtained $6 million state appropriation  additional utility extensions Obtained funding for water and wastewater studies  23    Current City of Marion Projects  Roads  Completed West Henderson Street/ o Sought DOT improvements to  Logan Street Study - Seeking funding to implement Submitted local highway, sidewalk and trail projects for DOT funding as part ofSTIP process. Identifying future projects with MTA: and Prioritized street improvement needs - seeking to begin work in - Working with DOT on plans for Rutherford Road widening project  roads, drainage, traffic signals, safety, etc. -little progress due to Streamlined process for street closures for downtown events Worked with County on planning forindustrial access roads offo of College Drive, industrial development o Baldwin Avenue Sidewalk Extension  budget  County 2024  24    Current City of Marion Projects  Police Department  Continuing to stress residential police patrols and business checks and Completing a N.C. State Accreditation oft the Police Department  visits  o Continuing to focus on driver'st training - Held 7th Annual Citizens Police Academy I Hired grant funded Traffic Officer position  19  25    Current City of Marion Projects  ousing/Communiy  Prioritizing housing - working with other agencies and developers on housing projects Working with CULA on Building Integrated Communities Project Continued Minimum Housing enforcement - Worked with FEMA and State on disaster reimbursements Worked with Gateway Foundation, and other agencies on plans for workforce and affordable housing in  > Working with West Marion and Marion East Community Forums Planning for future improvements to residential garbage and recycling programs. Working with County to find location for potential Skate/Dog Park Planning for improvements to South Main Street Park Cemetery Mapping Project dilapidated structures Implementation of plan for ARP funding  Dogwood Trust, Givens Estates County o Progress on identifying and removing  the City  26    Current City of Marion Projects Economic Developmenirocies  - Working with developers on industrial, commercial and various locations around City =  Terminated obligations for the  MEC  residential development projects in o Streamlined Warehouse operations gains in property tax base and retail o Great progress in downtown Community Building meeting room business and housing planned  sales  development many new businesses in past years, more  improvements  N Moved City Hall to new building City Hall and City Hall Annex  renovations  21  27    Current City of Marion Projects  Staff   Evaluated City health insurance and o Continuing to seek efficiency  negotiated renewal - Continue to promote employee Wellness to keep workforce healthy, and to reduce health claims Hired Assistant to Manager/City Clerk position Implemented City Pay and Reclassification Plan Developed an initial five-year City staffing plan  improvements Day to day service delivery > Completed Strategic Planning process for City Worked to replace needed equipmentlyehicles in various departments  22  28    Current City of Marion Projects  Partner Agencies  Implementing marketing plan for MBA, funded by City, including billboards, social media, wayfinding Worked with partner agencies on  Enhanced school security through addition of School Resource Officers in continued partnership with MTCCand McDowell County Schools Continued excellent working relationship with County, MBA, Continue emphasis on economic development with County, MBA, & Working with TDA on implementation ofTourism Master Plan Continued efficiency improvements for ABC Board  signage, etc. Peavine Trail Transitioned Tailgate Market to Local Food Advisory Council Improved communication with TDA, obtained TDA funding for City initiatives, and new marketing plans  planning for Fonta Flora State Trail and Chamber, MEDA, other agencies  MEDA  23  Mr. Boyette thanked all of the City department heads for the great job they did submitting their proposed departmental budgets. Hei reported that all ofthe departmental requests contained critical Mr. Boyette thanked Finance Director Dawn Penland for her hard work on the 2024-25 budget, including developing and discussing multiple scenarios and putting together the document, and Human Resources Director Kathleen Nolan for developing several options for staff compensation Mr. Boyette further thanked Assistant tot the Manager/City Clerk Katie Reid for updating and better Mr. Boyette stated that the proposed budget invested in the City's personnel, vehicles and equipment and capital outlay items. He said that these investments were needed to maintain the City'sl high level ofservice and especially to continue to recruit and retain high quality employees. Mr. Boyette advised that a public hearing on the proposed 2023-24 City Budget would be held at the June 18 Council meeting and that Council would consider adoption of the recommended  needs, which made balancing this year's budget very difficult.  and working on a very successful health insurance renewal for the City.  organizing the 2024-25 Budget Presentation.  Budget at that time.  29    Mayor Little and Council Members thanked Mr. Boyette for his presentation and City staff for all  oft their hard work.  CITYMANAGER'S REPORT  City Manager Boyette gave the following report to Council:  1.  Retail Sales-1 Mr. Boyette advised that taxable retail sales inl McDowell County forl March, representing February sales, were $44,895,660, an 8.93j percent increase over the samet time period in 2022-23. North Carolina retail sales grew by 6.72 percent in March over the prior year. He stated that, through the first nine months of the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, retail sales in McDowell County have increased by 5.11 percent over 2022-23, while retail sales in North Carolina have grown by 3.38 percent over the same time period. The growth of McDowell County retail sales has exceeded that oft the State as a whole for 10 of the past Drexel Project - Mr. Boyette reported that, at the April 16 Council agenda, Council selected Hart and Hickman as the most qualified firm to provide Environmental Services for the grant funded Drexel Property Cleanup project. He said that Citystaffsubsequently negotiated an acceptable contract with Hart and Hickman and received approval for the contract from EPA. The contract has been signed and Hart and Hickman has now begun Mr. Boyette advised that the project is likely to take around two years to complete. Legislative Funding - Mr. Boyette reported that the 2023-24 State budget contained $6 million for the City for water and sewer repairs and replacements. The City had previously submitted a request for such funding to N.C. Representative Dudley Greene, and to N.C. Mr. Boyette detailed that he has submitted paperwork to the State for this funding. The State will retain three percent, of $180,000 of this funding, leaving the City with $5,820,000. The City has identified a high priority wastewater line, along with pump station repairs and replacement, water line replacements, and water intake repairs to complete witht this funding. The City's plan ist to mpeeimuyorieiemine projects Mr. Boyette stated that a Letter of Intent to Fund the projects was recently received, meaning that the State has approved these aforementioned submitted projects. Mr. Boyette said that Public Works Director Brant Sikes is now preparing a Request for Qualifications for engineering, design, and bidding services for this] project and that he will Health and Wellness - Mr. Boyette explained that Human Resources Director Kathleen Nolan made an excellent suggestion that the City change the annual City Employee Health  17 years.  2.  work on the project.  3.  Senator Warren Daniel.  as funding will allow.  continually update Council as progress is made.  4.  30    Fair into an Employee Picnic with health and wellness resources, along with the usual voluntary biometric screenings for employees, but with ai focus on fun and fellowship. The Picnic was held at the Depot on Wednesday, May 15. There was food, games and door Interbasin Transfer Request - Mr. Boyette noted that he sent the previously approved resolution opposing the City of Charlotte Interbasin Transfer request to State Senator Warren Daniel, State Representative Dudley Greene, County Manager Ashley Wooten, Foothills Regional Commission (FRC) Executive Director Danna Stansbury, and Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) Executive Director Anthony Starr. Mr. Wooten and Mr. Boyette attended a regional City and County Manager's meeting at the WPCOG officei in Hickory on May 17 tol learn more about the planned efforts in the region to oppose the Charlotte IBT request. The County Commission approved a similar Mr. Boyette explained that he will provide: more: information as the situation progresses.  prizes. Mr. Boyette believes that the event was very well received.  5.  resolution on May 8.  CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS  Council Member Effler thanked] Public Works staffi fort theire efforts this past weekend during the storm, Council Member Harkey advised how impressed she was with thei eaamotealepsie and vendor setup for thel Bigfoot Festival and thanked City staff for theirl hard work. Mayor Pro Tem Ayers commended Citys staffi for thej preparation and: implementation ofeverything for  and commended them for the great job they do every day.  the! Bigfoot Festival.  Council Member Martin did not have any comments to share.  Council Member Ramsey echoed Council Member Effler's appreciation for the work done by Public Mayor Little announced that Council Member Ramsey recently received an award from McDowell  Works staffand all City employees. Technical Community College. MFETINGADOURANENT  Mayor Little thanked everyone in attendance. Upon a motion by Council Member Martin,  seconded by Council Member Effler, the meeting was adjourned at' 7:10 p.m.  R  STEPHEN R. LITNEMAYOR  31    ATTEST:   o  Daic  51  KATELYN REID, ASSISTANT TO MANAGER/CITY CLERK  SEAL  CAROLINE  32