MINUTES TOWN OF STOKESDALE SPECIAL CALLED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 8325 ANGEL-PARDUE ROAD STOKESDALE, NC: 27357 JANUARY 05, 2023 AT7:00 PM  Regular Town Council Meeting Attendance: Derek Foy, Mayor Pro Tem; Councilmen Jim Rigsbee, Jimmy Landreth, and Tim Jones. (Mayor Michael Crawford attended via Zoom, however, remote participation is no-longer allowed per the NC GS) Town Staff Members Present: Robbie Lee Wagoner II, Deputy Town Clerk  1.  Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation  Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and led the Pledge of  Allegiance. The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Tim Jones.  2.  Review and Adopt the Agenda  Mayor Pro Tem Foy deleted the Closed Session from the meeting agenda.  Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to adopt the amended agenda. Councilman Jones seconded  the motion. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee The motion carried, 4-0.  Absent Aye  Mayor Pro Tem Foy Councilman Jones  Aye Aye  3.  Citizen's Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker).  Eileen Thiery, 8101 Meadow Springs Place, Stokesdale, NC expressed her excitement for the presentation as she read about the plans in Northwest Observer and thanked everyone for their  work on this project.  4.  Town Park Improvement Committee Presentation and Discussion ofi improvements  to' Town Park.  Mr. Tee Stephenson, Chairman ofTown Park Improvement Committee presented a detailed power point presentation on the plans for the Town Park as was discussed in the Town Park Improvement Committee meetings. He noted the resources that will be used for funding these improvements. Hej pointed out the Committee plans to use durable materials that will last over time and less to maintain. He then highlighted the results from the public survey conducted in 2020 for funding options as well as projects the public would like to: see constructed in the park.  1    Mr. Stephenson then noted detailed plans for nature trails, expanding the playground, basketball  and pickleball courts, and an amphitheater.  5.  Citizen's Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker).  Vicki White-Lawrence, 8400 West Falls Lane, Stokesdale, NC asked about the location of the amphitheater and the impact on the disc-golf course. It was noted that the amphitheater will be located behind the course. She then asked about the finances oft the project. Mayor Pro Tem Foy explained the funding by grant money being allocated to these park improvements. Mary Ellen Smith, 8302 Barney Road, Stokesdale, NC - asked about the landscaping and installation of the amphitheater. Mayor Pro Tem Foy noted that landscaping was included ini the estimates presented earlier, $40,000 and noted plans to pursue volunteers to help with those cost. He noted that the installation of the amphitheater was also included in the proposal by the Mrs. Smith then spoke on behalf oft the Friends of Stokesdale and expressed their support for the project in whatever means they can and hope to be able to use these facilities to plan events for Elizabeth Privette, 7154 Ellison Road, Stokesdale. NC questioned the location oft the amphitheater to the playground and the challenge ofbeing able to enjoy the event while watching your children on the playground. Mayor Pro Tem Foy explained that the Town cannot interfere with the disc-golfcourse which was paid for by grant money. The committee will Mark Nadel, 8211 Windy Gayle Road, Stokesdale, NC = spoke highly ofthe amphitheater and that it be done high-class even if we need to cut back on the other improvements. Suggested seeking corporate sponsors ifneeded and to attract events from outside the community. Eileen Thiery,8101 Meadow Springs Place, Stokesdale, NC - reminded everyone that this is Stokesdale and not Eisenhour Park and felt what's proposed is more suitable for the town. Ift the people want more then hold: fundraising efforts etc to have more. She didn't feel this should be something to attract people from all over the country. Preserve the history of the town and serve Joe' Thacker, Stokesdale, NC - questioned the number of parking spaces at the park. Council acknowledges the parking is a challenge that will be discussed further.  general contractor.  the community as well.  continue to look at all options.  the town's s purpose.  Kathy Bunthoff, 8202 McCrory Road, Stokesdale, NC -1 referenced Mr. Thacker'scomments ini regard toj parking and encouraged Council to come up with aj pian toj provide additional parking. She also encouraged consideration ofl lighting needs for the park. Adam Delveaux, 8220 Angel's Glen Court, Stokesdale, NC - thanked everyone for their efforts and for the opportunity to review and speak on these plans. Encourage Council toi include  2    funds in future budgets for the maintenance of the park. He: recommended connectivity and the need for adequate security for the park. He asked for statistics on the use ofthe amphitheater from surrounding towns and then asked about the storage ofe equipment when not in use. Mayor Pro Tem Foy stated that the plan does not include sidewalks and noted that the nature trails will connect with the school. Council members noted the need for storage of equipment etc. Mayor Pro Tem Foy noted the security cameras in the park and maintenance performed on the Someone from the audience asked about programming. Mr. Stephenson stated that the Town would be monitoring that but could not predict the uses that may be requested by civic groups  park in the last few years.  etc. Felt that if we build it they will come. Eileen Thiery encouraged use by the schools.  Mr. Thacker noted the development going on in Rockingham County that will be using this park. Speaker from the audience - thanked Council for their effort and opening it up for comments, she appreciated the Council supporting ai nice park ast that's not been the case with previous Council's.  6.  Council Comments.  Councilman Landreth thanked everyone for being here; will take recommendations and tweak plans. He was encouraged by comments in favor ofthe Amphitheater, Basketball Court, and Playground Equipment. He spoke on the issue of long-term maintenance. He: reminded everyone that Council either spends these funds or we. must give them back to the federal government. He added that the park is a great way to reach out to all citizens. He encouraged the public to  continue attending our meetings and sharing their comments.  Councilman Rigsbee stated that the Town has this money and needs to spend it; none ofthe money isc coming from tax dollars. These park improvements are basically for free, and Council needs to Councilman Jones stated that he will send an email to the committee members with his questions. He then asked the committee and Council to consider an indoor or 3-season facility that incorporates basketball court and an amphitheater/stage. He stated that he will not go into the town's reserves to pay for these improvements to the town park and asked that contingencies be Mayor Pro Tem Foy added that contingencies have been quoted and provided by the general  make the best decisions possible. He then thanked everyone for coming out.  built into these project budgets. contractor for the amphitheater. Citizen's comments.  3    None presented. 7.  Closed Session: $ 143-318.11. Closed sessions.  (a) Permitted Purposes. - Itis the policy of this State that closed sessions shall be held only when required to permit aj public body to: acti in the public interest as permitted in this section. Aj public body may hold a closed session and exclude the public only when a closed session is required. (6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. General personnel policy issues may not be considered in a closed session. A public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, appointment, or removal ofa member of the public body or another body and may not consider or fill a vacancy among its own membership except in an open meeting. Final action making an appointment or discharge or removal by a public body having final authority  for the: appointment or discharge, or removal shall be taken in an open meeting. This agenda item was removed from the agenda at the beginning oft the meeting.  Mayor Pro Tem Foy thanked citizens for their time and interest in seeing a return on their investment. He added that he is grateful for everyone who took time out to attend the meeting. He spoke on the DeMar Hamlin (football player) situation and his hopeful recovery.  8. motion. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Motion carried, 4-0. adjourned at 8:29pm. Approved: September 14, 2023.  Adjournment.  Councilman Landreth made a Motion to adjourn at 8:29 pm. Councilman Rigsbee seconded the  Absent Aye  Mayor Pro Tem Foy Councilman Jones  Aye Aye  Being no further business to come before the Town of Stokesdale Town Council, the meeting was  ZLELE Michael E. Crawford, Mayor  ATTEST:  aih R Robbie Lee Wagoner 11, Town Clerk  4