OFNER  TOWN OF NEWLAND 01/02/2024  MONTHLY BOARD MEETING  ATTENDING:  MAYOR: Derek Roberts  ALDERMAN: James Johnson, Christie Hughes, Gail Haller, Kenan Foxx GUEST: Teresa Foxx, Christy Ray, Burt Valarie, Nancy Davis, James Clark, John. Jones, Michaela Sutherland, James Clark, Kaye Reinhofer, Robin Montgomery, John Montgomery, Charles Isaacs, Harry Isaacs, Larry Hoyle, Beverly Hoyle, Christian Gardener, The White Rabbit, Mason Hollifield, Maria Roberts, Faith Lacey, Dennis Aldridge, Cindy Aldridge, Donnetta McKinney, Amber Williams, Andrew Williams, Greg Jenkins, Nathan Gittner, STAFF: Town Administrator Bill Bailey, Town Clerk Mackenzie Tipton, Finance Officer Jessica Buchanan, Police Captain Michael Fields, Public Works Director Gary Lewis, Public Works Rodger Hicks, Town Attorney Gerald  McKinney  The mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., reminded everyone of ethics awareness, and led the assembly ini the Pledge of Allegiance. Alderman Foxx made ai motion to approve the December minutes; Alderman Hughes seconded the motion. All agreed by a show of hands and Alderman Johnson made a motion to add James Clark and closed session reference personnel to the agenda. Alderman Johnson made ai motion to adopt the agenda. Alderman Hughes seconded  stating aye.  the motion. All agreed by a show ofhands and stating aye.  AGENDA  MAYOR PRO TEM OATH  James Johnson was officially inducted as Mayor Pro Tem for the Town ofNewland after taking  hiso oath.  SWEETWATER RANCH ANNEXATION  Bill stated the necessity ofestablishing a specific date for a public hearing. The decision was PERSONNEL-STAFFING LEVELS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT  made to have the public hearing on February 6th at 5:30 p.m.    It was resolved to transfer the subject to the February agenda. VACANT POSITION. - TOWN COUNCIL It was resolved to transfer the subject to the February agenda.  JAMES CLARK  James Clark attended to speak before the board on the emails circulating about him, which falsely claimed the existence ofa wet-water spring and mentioned the misplacement ofk keys. Mayor Roberts instructed Bill and Gary to exclude James from the emails.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Larry Hoyle asked about the possibility of conducting another election. Alderman Hughes stated Greg Jenkins spoke about the attendance of all individuals to the county commissioners meeting to act as representatives for the Town ofl Newland. He elaborated on the modifications that the county had put into effect in its policy. Greg also highlighted his facility built to accommodate  that after speaking with the board of elections, the cost would be excessive.  homeless veterans.  Dennis Aldridge described the modifications made to the county policies.  PUBLIC WORKS REPORT  Gary explained that the rainfall on December 17th overwhelmed the treatment facility, requiring its drainage. This occurrence recurred on the 26th. The water leak that occurred on the 28th was fixed, and while attending to that issue, another line near Mountain Jewelers experienced a break. The repair for this second leak is scheduled for. January 4th. Alderman Johnson asked Gary about the events that occurred at the doctor's office. Gary reported the presence ofa worn collar lacking a rubber component and identified al bent section oft the line where another resident had made a connection, resulting in a leak. Alderman Haller asked about the accessibility oft the water testing report to the public. Gary indicated that tank one was emptied, causing the circulation of air through household lines, resulting in the noticed sediment experienced by Kaye Reinhofer emphasized the need for improved communication between the town and its  several households.  residents in the event of water-related issues.  FINANCE REPORT  Jessica provided an in-depth description of the breakdown of the Southern Software agreement. eSY suggested the town add tot the contract. Jessica expressed  her beliefthat tax conversion was the sole requirement.  POLICE REPORT  Captain Michael Fields provided the police report. Capitan Fields stated that Police Officer Stockton will be doing radar ini town now. Police Officer Ruppard has sent his radar paperwork    to the state and is waiting tol hear back. Officer Issacs completed his lidar training and is  currently awaiting a response from the state. ADMINISTRATORS REPORT  Bill expressed that hei is nearing completion of the AIA grant requirements. He stated that a payment has been received and al bank account will need tol be established for it. Bill referred to the ongoing leaks in the city'sinfrastructure resulting from inadequate maintenance. Bill indicated that he had a conversation with the engineers over the 3.2-million-dollar grant, and they are currently in contact with the state officials, suggesting that progress should be made quickly. Bill indicated that he would provide a preliminary version ofthe budget in February.  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Alderman Hughes asked about receiving further information regarding Greg Jenkin's  establishment dedicated to veterans.  Alderman Foxx asked about the feasibility ofinstalling a collection box at the town hall to gather miscellaneous items for individuals in need. Additionally, he expressed interest in establishinga  welcoming space to accommodate visitors upon their arrival at the town hall.  CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT  There was no action taken in the closed session.  Alderman Johnson made ai motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Foxx seconded the motion.  All agreed by a show ofl hands and stating aye. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm  Town Clerk, Mackenzie Tipton  Mayor, Derek Roberts