MINUTES TOWN OF STOKESDALE REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 8325 ANGEL PARDUE ROAD STOKESDALE, NC 27357 March 10th, 2022 AT 7:00pm Members present: Mayor Mike Crawford, Mayor Pro-Tempore Derek Foy, Councilman Jimmy Landreth, Councilman Tim Jones, Councilman Jim Rigsbee, Town Attorney Tom Medlin, Town Clerk Dale Martin, Deputy Clerk Robin Yount, Finance & Budget Officer Kimberly Thacker, Guilford County Planner Oliver Bass. 1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation. Allegiance. Pastor Randy Winn gave the invocation. Thei meeting was called to order by Mayor Crawford at 7:00pm, who then led the Pledge of 2. Review and Adopt Agenda. Councilman Tim Jones suggested two changes, that items 9 and 10 be reversed, and to add an item discussing a storage cabinet offered by the Town ofKernersville. Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy stated Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy to accept the agenda with the amendments. The motion was that the Parks & Rec discussion needed tol be continued to a special meeting. seconded by Councilman Tim Jones. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. 3. Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye Review and Approve Minutes: June 10, 2021 Regular Council Meeting; February 24, 2022 Special Called Meeting Motion by Councilman Tim Jones for himself and Mayor Mike Crawford to abstain from voting as neither oft them were present for the meetings in question, seconded by Mayor Crawford. Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy explained that he was against this idea, considering that ifai majority ofthe council was replaced and they abstained from approving minutes for meetings they were not present for, it would be impossible to approve them at all. Mr. Jones responded that it was always possible to review the documentation oft the meeting and then vote on the minutes later, but that he was not comfortable casting a vote blind. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth No Councilman Rigsbee No Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy No Councilman Jones Aye 217 Motion failed. Motion by Councilman Jimmy Landreth to approve the June 10th, 2021 minutes as presented, seconded by Mayor Mike Crawford. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Counçilman Jones. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. 4. Aye (abstained) Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones No Motion by Mayor Pro-Tempore Derek Foy to approve the February 24, 2022 minutes, seconded by Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye Public Safety Reports: Fire Department Fire ChiefTodd Gauldin reported for the month of] February. 5. Administrative Reports: a) Administrative Report from Town Clerk: Interim Town Clerk Dale Martin presented the Administrative Report for March b) Planning Board: none c) Events Committee: none d) Property Committee: none 6. Financial Reports: Finance & Budget Officer Kim' Thacker Budget and Finance Officer Kim Thacker gave the February financial report for both the General Fund and Water Fund. 7. Citizen's Comments from the Floor (3-minute limit per speaker): George McLellan, 2806 Oak Ridge Rd, Oak Ridge, NC- Greeted everyone, informed them that he was a Republican candidate for County Commissioner, gave a few platform notes, specifying that he was against mask mandates and in favor ofl keeping businesses open as much as possible. Avery Crump, 34 Ackland Dr, Greensboro, NC - Explained that she was the currently-elected District Attorney and had been since 2018 and was up: for reelection. She also noted that previously she was the District Court. Judge, and before that the Assistant District Attorney. Stated that she was hard 218 on violent crime, but believed in second chances for non-violent offenders, and had started programs to Mayor Pro-Tem For asked ifthis was a partisan seat, Mrs. Crump explained that it was and though she Phil Byrd, 2910 Bartlett Dr, Greensboro, NC - Candidate for Guilford County Sherriff, explained that he retired after 2014 after 30 years on the job and had al lot of experience to offer from several different positions in law enforcement, including field and office. leadership positions. Bobbi Dalton, 8634 Oak Level Church Rd, Stokesdale, NC - Was concerned about a letter she received from the county tax department reevaluating her property value, raising it significantly, Eileen Thiery, 8101 Meadow Springs Rd, Stokesdale, NC- Started by responding to Bobbi Dalton, suggesting that she wasn't the only person whose property had been reevaluated. Went on to make a request, specifying it was with her own name and volition and not as ai member oft the Friends of Stokesdale. She requested that the Council and Town refurbish part, not all, oft the area around the help non-violent offenders. was running as a democrat, she felt it important to represent everyone. Town clock in partnership with her personally. PUBLICHEARINGS 8. Rezoning Case # 22-02-STPL-00749, 9264 US Highway 158, located on the north side ofUS Highway 158, approximately 2640: feet west of Anthony Road intersection, Guilford County Tax Parcel 225279. This is a request to rezone said property from AG, Agricultural to CZ-LI, Conditional Zoning-Light Industrial. The applicant proposes the following conditions: (1) Limited to General Contractor business, and (2) Storage of equipment for contractor business. Mayor Crawford introduçed the rezoning case and deferred to Oliver Bass, Guilford County Planner. Mr. Bass started by explaining the case, and the different purposes of the districting types involved in the case. Hei then noted the conditions of the surrounding areas, being primarily undeveloped or low- density residential, with no historical sites to consider. He noted that the initial recommendation from the staff was to deny on the grounds that it did not match the goals oft the Stokesdale Land Use Plan, but the case was presented to the Planning Board who initially voted to approve due to the likely- Councilman Jimmy Landreth asked for clarification for the reason the staff was: moving to deny, as there was precedent to approve rezoning even ift the Land Use Plan was opposed. Mr. Bass agreed that it was only ai recommendation, and so long as the Council determined that it was reasonable, approval Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy asked what the specific use-case and equipment would be, Mr. Bass noted Administrative Report from Guilford County Planner Oliver Bass limited impact. could be given that contradicted the plan or an amendment could be made to it. that he was not sure but that the applicant could explain later in the hearing. Mayor Crawford declared the Public Hearing open. 219 In Favor: Maria Mendez Damian, 1300 NC Hwy 68, Stokesdale, NC explained that she operated a subcontracting company, and that all of their equipment (trucks, trailers, construction machines, etc.) would be stored on the property but fenced in. They wouldn'toperate there, but instead picked up and taken toj job sites. She also noted that the property would only be used: for the business, not as a residential plot, but there was enough space that they could consider building al home as well. She followed up on that specifying that she, and her company, wanted to remain in the area and grow over time, Mayor Mike Crawford closed the Public Hearing. Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy asked if the storage of construction equipment was permitted in Light Industrial, ori ifit was only allowed in Heavy Industrial. Councilman Jim Rigsbee noted that the equipment discussed wasn'theavy machinery,just medium sized trucks and equipment. Councilman Jones asked Town Attorney Tom Medlin for clarification on what, specifically, they were actually voting on. Mr. Medlin explained that land-use concerns were valid discussion points as part of ac conditional rezoning case, and the Council was deciding ift they should approve the case. There was further discussion on the equipment used and whether al house could be built on the property. It was explained that for new construction or land use that fell outside ofthe current zoning allowances, new cases would have to be filed. Mr. Jones asked about the water connections, and ift the company would be required to connect to the' Town supply. Mr. Bass explained that they would not be Mr. Foy asked again about what equipment was allowed, and ifthey should instead bei rezoning to Heavy Industrial. It was again explained that the storage of medium tol heavy trucks and equipment was a valid use ofal Light Industrial zone, and that outdoor storage would need to be screened from the road. It was also restated that ift there were additional needs for the parcel, another rezoning case could Motion by Councilman Jim Rigsbee to approve the rezoning in Case #22-12-STPL-0749, 9264 US Highway 158 from AG, Agricultural to CZ-LI, Conditional Zoning-Light Industrial. required to connect but would be permitted if they wished to do SO. be opened to consider those uses at al later date. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tim Jones. Councilman Rigsbee Amended the motion to amend the Town Land Use Plan as this request is reasonable and in the public interest and consistent the surrounding area, Councilman Jones accepted Mr. Foy again asked about the equipment that would be stored on the property. He inquired as to why this had to be rezoned from Agricultural, as farmers were already permitted tol have vehicles and machines on their land, Mr. Bass responded that it wouldn't permit certain uses and this was the proper the amendment. way toj proceed for the company. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones No 220 Motion carried. Mayor Crawford called ai recess at 8:05 pm. Council reconvened at 8:18pm. New Business 10. Consideration ofl Revised Town of Stokesdale Water Line Specifications: Councilman Tim Jones explained that Hazen and Sawyer had revised the Town Water Line Motion by Councilman Tim Jones to accept the revised draft as the new official Town WaterLine Council briefly discussed the layout oft the draft that had been provided and the dates on which various discussions and meetings took place. Councilman Jones explained that there were: multiple versions of the specifications floating around, and that it was important to establish a single official document to Specifications and provided a draft back to the Town. Specifications. The motion was seconded by Councilman Jimmy Landreth. clarify the actual specifications that would bei in use. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. 9. Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye Request of Brent Sievers, Northridge Subdivision Phase 6, fora 6" water main to be used within the entire subdivision: Mr. Sievers noted that the motion which was. just passed resolved his concerns. 11. Consideration of Planning Board Appointments: Motion by Councilman Tim Jones toi remove. Ronald Southard from the Planning Board and move. him to an alternate position per his owni request and appoint Michael Threatt to the Planning Board. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye 12. Discussion of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: To be continued during a special called meeting. 13. Consideration of purchasing a laptop/desktop computer for Mavor/Council and storage Town Clerk Dale Martin requested the purchase of a computer for access by Council and possibly the general public. Mayor Mike Crawford asked what device or devices specifically were being purchased, ofdocuments: 221 Clerk Martin explained that either a laptop or a desktop or both could be acquired. Councilman Jim Rigsbee commented that a laptop would be appropriate for the purpose of presentations, as they could simply take thel laptop to the presentation location. He also noted that, now that the' Town was using a central server, extra storage space on individual devices would be less important than it had been previously. Mayor Crawford noted that his only interest was inl having a keypad, integrated or separate Councilman Tim Jones stated that his preference was for a desktop, particularly ift there would be multiple users, as it would better ensure that all possible users would always be ablei to find the computer. The benefit ofthe laptops' portability could also makei it easy for someone to leave with it1 to Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy asked that the computer setup bei monitored and time be tracked, concerned that ifit took longer than a few hours that the computer technicians may be acting dishonestly. Councilman Rigsbee explained that the process was more complex than putting the computer on a desk Motion by Councilman Jim Rigsbee toi make a Budget Amendment of $2000 to cover the cost of Councilman Jones explained that he would want an actual document in his hand before he voted, and Mayor Pro-Tem Foy and Councilman Rigsbee agreed that they could ask more questions and prepare a from the device. continue their work, preventing other users from accessing the device. and plugging in some cables, and that software setup was necessary as well. purchasing ai new computer and setting it up. more thorough breakdown of costs and setup before proceeding. Motion dies for lack of second. Councilman Tim Jones. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. Motion by Mayor Pro-Tempore Derek Foy to continue this item. Motion was seconded by Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye 14. Discussion on offer from Town of Kernersville to donate a storage cabinet Town Clerk Dale Martin explained that there was a large storage cabinet on offer from Kernersville, and the Town also already had ai truck that could likely move: it. She also explained that it was a heavy vault which was used in Kernersville to secure minutes and other documents, and that Stokesdale currently did not have any particularly secure storage for their own minutes. Mayor Mike Crawford asked ifit used a standard combination lock, Clerk Martin confirmed that it did. Councilman Tim Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy to accept the donated cabinet from the Town ofl Kernersville, Jones asked ifit was particularly heavy, Clerk Martin confirmed that it was. seconded by Mayor Mike Crawford. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye 222 Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. 15. Citizen's Comments from the floor (3-minute limit per speaker): No comments presented. 16. Closed Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, privileged information, Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy to enter closed session referencing General Statute 143-318.11 and to consult with the' Town Attorney at 8:44pm, seconded by Councilman Jim Rigsbee. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. Crawford. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion carried. Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy to return to open session at 9:46pm, seconded by Mayor Mike Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye 17. Council Comments: Councilman Jim Rigsbee thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy seconded his thanks, and then specified his appreciation to Ms. Dalton for bringing up her conçerns about property re-evaluation. He noted that there were particularly high increases for Stokesdale. Councilman Jimmy Landreth also raised concern about the property taxes and encouraged everyone to vote for officials that were taking a stance on the issue. Councilman Tim Jones thanked everyone for attending as well and commented that Stokesdale was. likely the only Town in the county operating without sales tax. His hope was that their ongoing efforts would help rebalance the budget, and: in the interim the Council would keep doing their best with what they had. Mayor Mike Crawford also thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. 18. Adjournment: Tim Jones. Mayor Crawford Councilman Landreth Aye Councilman Rigsbee Aye Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Derek Foy to adjourn the meeting at 9:53pm, seconded by Councilman Aye Mayor Pro Tem Foy Aye Councilman Jones Aye 223 Motion carried. Being no further business to come before Council, the meeting was adjourned. Approved: Approved March 9, 2023 Crawford,Mayor ATTEST: Z DakMat Dale F. Martin, Town Clerk 224