Page 1 of1  THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 BUDGET RETREAT 6:00 PM  TOWN OF SAWMILLS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING  COUNCIL PRESENT Joe Wesson Gerelene Blevins Joe Norman Keith Warren Reed Lingerfelt Jeff Wilson  STAFF PRESENT Christopher Todd Terry Taylor  CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Joe Wesson called the meeting to order. INVOCATION: Councilman Reed Lingerfelt gave the invocation.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor. Joe Wesson led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADOPT AGENDA: Mayor Joe Wesson asked for ai motion to adopt the agenda. Joe Norman made ai motion, and Reed Lingerfelt seconded, to adopt the agenda. All were in DISCUSSION: The Sawmills Town Council meet with the Director of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Anthony Starr, to facilitate and participate in a value and action plan meeting. Starr guided the town council through a list of questions in open conversation to help identify many factors oft the council. Below is a list of those ideas.  favor.  Why do you serve as an elected official?  Try to make the town a better place to live To serve citizens and their best interests To help the people by upgrading the town To treat people fairly Toi inform/educate the public What do you want your legacy to be? People think Iwas fair Positive things done in town Someone that does not have an agenda Represented all people Being honest People knew Iwas knowledgeable Treated everyone the same    March 9, 2017 Page 2of2  Wise with citizen's money Keeping public informed Improved town appearance Expanded sewer service Veteran's Park Expanded programs for youth/children Veteran's Memorial Better recreation facilities Recreation for senior citizens Hiring great staff  Better: recreation facilities for handicap'disabled "In God we trust" on town hall and council chambers Funding school resource officer Fire & Rescue Appreciation Week resolution  Great Aspects of Sawmills Staff and employees -2 Good council that works together-3 Economics - fund balance/finances -1 1 Low tax rate - 6 Good schools-1 1 Good recreation facilities -2 Town services -2 Beautiful landscape Relation with citizens and businesses Friendly atmosphere -1 Low crime 1 Great Fire/Rescue Department Town events -1 Good churches 4  Successes the last 3-5 years? Maintained low tax rate 6 Infrastructure improvements - 4 Bathrooms in Veteran's Park-2 Built cash reserves for large equipment purchase- - 1 Maintained low water/sewer rates -3 Gained sewer customers (new connections) - 2 Low staff turnover rate Improyementsaddtions oftown festivities "In God we trust" signs -2 Maintained our recreation facilities Better working relations among council New businesses in town-3    March 9, 2017 Page 3of2  Elmore Drive Paving-1 Limited cash flow-2 Difficulty of sewer expansions (costs) -6 Attracting newi residents -3 Maintaining low tax/utility rates - 1 Attracting new business-3 Maintaining streels'ronds'atilies-3 Expanding recreation facilities -1 Increasing communication with public Increasing property crimes -3 Construction ofnew housing-2 Virginia Acres sewer expansion 1-5 Lights at ballfields-3 Keeping streets in good condition Replacement ofold waterlines-2 Added security (law enforcement) for town - 1 Attract new businesses along US321-A corridor-1 Better handicap access & equipment at parks Circle, Sawmills School Rd.) Consider rates to finance utility expansions - 1 Beautification of 321-A corridor-1 Extend Christmas/flag decorations-2 Expansion to lake area  What are the key challenges or obstacles for the next 3-5 years?  What are the important projects or issues to address in the next 1-2 years?  More code enforcement for some areas in town (Helton Rd., Stancy Rd., Bakers  Sewer service expansion for US321-A business areas -3  This information will be used to help create an action plan, mission statement, and  community values for the council to review at another date.  ADJOURN: Mayor Joe Wesson stated no Council action was required and asked for a Joe Norman made a motion, and Reed Lingerfelt seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All  motion to adjourn the meeting.  were in favor.   34a  Wom  Wesson, Mayor  Giqids  dAE  CsNE