MINUTES Spencer Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting February13,2024  The Town of Spencer Board of Aldermen meti ini regular session to conductal regular meeting at the  Spencer Town Hall on' Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 6:31 p.m.  Present were: Mayor Jonathan' Williams  Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast Alderman Andrew Howe Alderwoman Erin Moody Alderwoman Patricia Sledge Alderman Rashid Muhammad  Also present were: Town Manager Peter Franzese,' Town. Attorney. Jay Dees, Finance Officer Heather Kann, Public Works Director Joel Taylor, Fire ChiefMichael Lanning, Police Chief Michael File, Police Sergeant Bryan Leonard, Police Sergeant Timothy Everett, Planner Kyle Harris, UNCI Lead for NC Fellow Ryan Ledbetter, and Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount. Special Projects Manager Joel Morris and MPA Intern! Skye Allan attended via Zoom. Alderman Steve Miller and Town Clerk Anna K. Ward were absent.  Mayor) Jonathan Williams called the meeting to order, gave thei invocation, and led the Pledge of Alderman Rashid Muhammad entered the Hilda B. Palmer Board Room at 6:33 p.m. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge requested to add al recognition to the agenda.  Allegiance.  ADDITIONS/DELETIONS AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA  Town Manager Peter Franzese: requested to add Budget Ordinance. Amendment 23-14.016 to accept Town staff requested to add Ordinances 24-002, 24-003, and 24-004 to agenda items 8, 9,and 10,  funds for thel NCI DOT EB-5861 feasibility study.  respectively. Action  Itv was the consensus of the Board to accept these additions, placing Budget Ordinance. Amendment 23- Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast recognized Students of the Second Quarter Dontarrance Ambers from North Rowan Elementary School and Lucy) Jones from North Rowan High School. Mayor. Pro Tempore Patti Secreast recognized Student. Athletes Rylan Furr, Dannielle Smith, and Bailee Alderwoman Patricia Sledge recognized the firstyearanniversary ofTown Clerk Anna Ward serving  14.016 on the Consent. Agenda. RECOGNITIONS  Goodlett from North Rowan High School.  the Town of Spencer.    PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor) Jonathan Williams opened the floor to receive public comment.  1. Jason Greer, 755 Long Ferry Road 2. Sharon Hovis, 401 N. Rowan Ave.  Being no one else present wishing to speak, Mayor Jonathan' Williams closed the public comment Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.. Alderman Rashid Muhammad seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0. Items bi througheare  portion oft the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA  incorporated int thel body oft the minutes below. Items approved were:  a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  January 4, 2023, Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes ii. January 9, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes iii. January 30, 2024, Called Meeting Minutes  b. CONSIDER RATIFYING - Amended Ordinance 23-24.01 Stanback Forest Annexation CONSIDER ADOPTING - Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.013 North Carolina Transportation Museum (NCTM) donation to the Spencer Fire Department d. CONSIDER ADOPTING - Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.015 Police Department . CONSIDER. ADOPTING - Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.016 for NCI DOT EB-5861 AN ORDINANCETO EXTEND' THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE' TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen has adopted ar resolution under G.S. 160A- 31 statingi itsi intent to annex thea area WHEREAS, aj public hearing on the question oft this annexation was held att town Hall at 460 S: Salisbury Avea at or WHEREAS, thel Board of Aldermen finds that the proposed: annexation meets the requirements of G.S. 160A-31; NOW,THEREFORE, BEI IT ORDAINED by the! Board of Aldermen oft the Town of Spencer, North Carolina that: Section 1. By virtue oft thea authority granted by G.S. 160A-31, the following described territory is hereby annexed  Cameras Feasibility Study  ORDINANCEZ3-24.01  described below; and  about 5:301 PM on December 7,2023; and  and made part oft the Town of Spencer as of01/09/2024: Parcell Identification Nos. 0430 005 &043 0060000002  Tract 1: Registry. Tract2 2:  Beinga31.883-acre tract, more or less, identified on thep plat recorded in map! Book 9995, page 10421, Rowan County  Parcel Identification Nos. 033094  Beinga3 3.407-acret tract, more orl less, identified as the' Residual Tract" on the platf for Grants Crossing Subdivision, recorded  ini map Book 9995, page: 3596, Rowan County Registry. Parcel Identification: Nos. 033426  Tract 3:    Beinga all or parts of Lots 18 and 19, ass shown upon the platf for Grants Crossing Subdivision,' recordedi in mapl Book 9995,  page 3596, Rowan County Registry. Parcel Identification Nos. 043 030 further described byt thef following:  Tract 4:  Being all ofa 8.08 acre tract recorded ini map Reference Book 9995, Page 4453, Rowan County Registry. This parcel being BEGINNING ata an existingi ironi in an old creek channel and att the corner ofL Lot 15) John S. Henderson Estate as recorded in Book of Maps, page 1767; thence North 35 deg. 40 min. 29: sec. East 14.85 feet to aj point; thence North 0 deg. 35 min. 31 sec. West 228.84 feet to aj pointi int the centerline ofGrants Creek; thence with the centerline of Grants Creekt the following fivel lines: (1) North 25 deg. 02 min. 18 sec. East 240.93 feett to aj point; (2) North 18 deg. 14 min. 23 sec. East 186.08 feett to aj point; (3) North 21 deg. 05 min. 29 sec. East 200.00: feet to a point; (4) North 21 deg. 181 min. 43 East 205.59 feett to aj point; and (5) North 23 deg. 591 min. 04: sec. East 52.21 feet to aj point; thence South 86 deg. 25 min. 27 sec. East! 50.001 feet passing overar newi iron and continuing 139.78 feet; thence South 0 deg. 21 min. 35 sec. East 240.30 feet to a newi iron; thence South 3 deg. 201 min. 49 sec. West 200.74 feett to ar newi iron; thence South 15 deg. 371 min. 28 sec. West 193.07 feet to ar new iron; thence South 4 deg. 50 min. 03 sec. West 130.53 feet to a newi iron; then South 34 deg. 53 min. 35 se4c. West 189.89 feett toa anewi iron; thence South 42 deg. 121 min. 39 sec. West 84.47 feett toal newi iron; thence South: 33 deg. 03 min. 53: sec. West 142.97f feett to ar newi iron; thence South 47 deg. 161 min. 33 sec. West 53.33 feett to a newi iron thence South 64 deg. 14 min. 39: sec. West 186.61 feett to the point of beginning, said tract beinga 8.068 acrest tracts shown as' "within newe easement" on a certain plat recordedi in Book of Maps 9995, page 4453, Rowan County, North Carolina Public Registry, entitled' "Property survey for: The Landtrust of Central North Carolina" by Section 2. Oft thet total acreage of parcels listed above, 23.84 acres arel beinga annexed byt this ordinance, the Section: 3. Thel Mayor of the' Town of Spencer, NC: shall cause tol be recordedi int the office of thel Register of Deeds of Rowan County, andi int the office oft the Secretary of State atl Raleigh, North Carolina, an accurate map ofthe annexed territory, described in Section 1a above, together witha a duly certified copy ofthis ordinance. Such a maps shall also be delivered to the  Richard L.S Shulenburger, PLS, dated 03-15-2002. remainder having been previously annexed.  Rowan County Board of Elections, as required by G.S. 163-288.1.  Adopted this 9th day of January 2024.  AN ORDINANCE. AMENDING THETOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA FY23-24 ANNUAL: BUDGET ORDINANCE: 23-14.013 February 13, 2024  BEI ITORDAINED, by the Governing Board oft the' Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that thef following: amendment of anticipated' fund revenues and departmental expenditures, certain Feea and Charge Schedules, and with certain restrictions and authorizations, are hereby appropriated. anda approved fort the operation ofTown Govermentand: its activities! fort thel FiscalYear  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending on) June 30, 2024: Foundation for Educational Supplies. expenditures for this grant: Account  Section 1. Thel Firel Department has received a $2,000 donation from the North Carolina Transportation: Museum Section 2. To amend the FY 23-24 appropriations as follows to appropriate the appropriate revenues and  Revenues Current Budget $6,500 Expenditures Current Budget $5,990  Title  Amended Budget $8,500  (Decrease) Increase $2,000 (Decrease) Increase $2,000  10-3833-002 Donations- Other  Account  Title  Amended Budget $7,990  10-4340-230 Supplies - Educational    Section 3. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board, and to the' Town  Manager andt thel Finance Officer for record-keeping, Adopted this 13th day of] February 2024.  AN ORDINANCE. AMENDING THE' TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA FY23-24 ANNUAL BUDGET ORDINANCE: 23-14.015 FEBRUARY: 13,2024  BEIT ORDAINED, byt the Governing) Board of the Town of Spencer, North Carolina, thatt the following: amendment of anticipatedi fund revenues and departmental expenditures, certain Fee: and Charge! Schedules, and with certain restrictions and authorizations, arel hereby appropriated and approved for thec operation ofTown Government andi its activities for the Section 1.The Towns signed a Contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc for Police Department cameras, storage, and Section 2." The Contract under Governmental Accounting standards requires itl bet treated asa al lease purchase for both the cameras thatt the Town will own and a subscription asset for the storage and support oft the cameras. Section 3. The Town: amends the FY 23-24 revenue: and expense appropriations as follows to record the Contractas  Fiscal Year beginning July 1,2 2023 and ending onj June 30, 2024: support with ani initial paymenta and five subsequent: annual payments.  a lease purchase andt transfer funds to cover down payment:  Revenues Current Budget $385,000 Expenditures Current Budget $22,000 37,081  Account Account  Title Title Total  Amended Budget $501,840 Amended Budget $:20,750 151,171  (Decrease) Increase $116,840 (Decrease) Increase $(1,250) 118,090 $116,840  10- 3920-000 Lease Proceeds  10-4310-127 Salaries/Wages-Bonus 10-4310-550 C/0- Other Equipment  Section 4. Copies oft this budget amendment shalll be furnished to the Clerkt tot the Governing Board, and to the Town  Manager and the Finance Officer for record-keeping. Adopted this 13th day ofl February, 2024.  AN ORDINANCE. AMENDING THET TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA FY: 23-24 ANNUALI BUDGET ORDINANCE: 23-14.016 FEBRUARY: 13,2024  BEI IT ORDAINED, by the Governing Board oft the" Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that the following amendment ofa anticipated! fund revenues and departmental expenditures, certain Fee: and Charge Schedules, andy with certain restrictions and authorizations, arel hereby appropriated: and: approved fori the operation ofTown Governmentandi itsa activities fort the! Fiscal Section 1. The Townl hase entered into an agreement with! Kimley Horn toj perform af feasibility studyt to assess the potential for a sidewalk from the 7th Street to Salisbury Avenue via Charles Street, Oakwood Drive, and South Whitehead Avenue andt to assess the potential fora a greenway from 7th Streett to existing trails near 8th Street Park. Section 2. To: appropriate revenues: ande expense appropriations as follows for thel NCDOT grant' TIPE EB-5861 Third  Year beginning July 1,2023 and ending onj June 30, 2024:  Street Greenway Project:    Revenues Current Budget $619,711 Expenses/Expendtures Current Budget $35,000  Account 10-3985-004 Account 10-4130-198  Title State grants Title Services-ingineering:  Amended Budget $655,841 Amended Budget $71,130  (Decrease) Increase $36,130 (Decrease) Increase $36,130  Section 3. Copies oft this budgetamendment: shall be furnished tot the Clerkt tot the Governing Board, andt tot the Town  Manager and thel Finance Officer for record-keeping Adopted this 13th, day ofl February 2024.  CONSIDER APPROVING -Ordinance 24-004 Rezoning 707 North Salisbury Avenue from RMST to Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount gave a presentation and answered questions from the Mayor and Board. Parcel 087 084 (707 N. Salisbury Ave.)i is currently: zoned Residential Main Street Transition (RMST). Staffr recommended rezoning thej parcel to Vehicle Service and Repair (VSR) to align with the owner's preferred uses, to clean up thej property, and toj puti it toj productive use. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to approve to rezone parcel 087 084 (707 N. Salisbury Ave.) from RMST to the VSR: zoning classification and to adopt Ordinance 24-004, which isi included in the body of the minutes below. Alderman Andrew Howe seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to adopt a Statement of Consistency and Reasonableness: stating that we: find that this rezoning is consistent in general with the' Town's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (per requirements of NCGS 160D-605(a)), said plan stating specifically about this area, Section 6 Amendments, Item 5f, "Confirm zoning classifications, for potential business sites are correct. Rezone as needed."Also, Development: Policy 1 thats states, "The Town. should encourage new and expanding industries and businesses which diversify the local economy, increase resident's job opportunities, and expand the Town's taxl base.' "We further find this rezoning to be reasonable in all ways as prescribed by NCGS 160D-605(b). This rezoning willl bel beneficial to the citizens of the Town of Spencer. Alderwoman Erin Moody seconded the motion, which carried bya a unanimous vote of5-0.  VSR  Action  of5-0.  TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA ORDINANCE 24-004  AN ORDINANCETO AMEND the' Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, rezoning Rowan County GIS System parcel number 038 0841 located: at 707 N Salisbury Ave from) RMSTt to VSRz zoning classification: WHEREAS, this) property contains a commercial building built for and used! by an insulation contractor andl has been vacant WHEREAS, thej property is currently zoned for residential use, buti ist not as structure meant for that use and this area, near the intersection of Salisbury Ave and Long Ferry Rdi is transitioning from a mix ofu uses tor more commercial uses; and WHEREAS, the current property owner is not willing to makei improvements tot the building or demolish and rebuild ont the site, thus itisl likely the condition of thel building will continue to deteriorate, becoming an eyesore at this location, critical to WHEREAS, ani interested party, the applicant, would like toj purchase this building, cleani it up and maintain itf for use asan WHEREAS, the owner-occupied use oft this building willl likelyi improve the appearance oft this property and the area, helping with economic and community development efforts int the Salisbury. Ave and Long Ferry Rd corridors;  fors several years, fallingi into disrepair; and  the economic development effortsi int this transportation corridor; and automobile repair business, not allowed int the RMST: zoning classification; and    NOWTHEREFORE, BEIT ORDAINED byt thel Board of Aldermen ofthe' Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that:  Section 1.  The' Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, willl be revised as follows: Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption.  Parcel 038 0841 located at 707 N Salisbury Ave willl be revised from RMSTto VSR: zoning Classification  Adopted this 13th day of February 2024.  CONSIDER APPROVING -Rezoning' 970 Long Ferry Road from C-85 to IND! Zoning Request Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount gave aj presentation and answered questions from the Mayor and Board. Parcel 051 035 (970 Long Ferry Road) is currently: zoned Interstate Highway 85 Commercial (C-85). Staff recommended rezoning the parcel to Industrial (IND) to align with the owner's preferred uses and allow for a wider range of uses. Geordy Johson, CEO and Director of Johnson Development Associates, Inc., the property owner, also answered questions from the Mayor Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to approve the staff's recommendation as presented to rezone parcel 051 035 (9701 Long Ferry Road) from C-85 to the IND zoning. Alderman Rashid Muhammad Alderman Rashid Muhammad moved to adopt a Statement of Consistency and Reasonableness: stating that we find that this rezoning is consistent in general with the Town's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (per requirements of NCGS160D-6050a). said plan stating specifically about this area, Section 6 Amendments, Item 5f, "Confirm zoning classifications. for potential business. sites are correct. Rezoneas needed."Also, Development Policy 1 that states, "The Town. should encourage new and expanding industries and businesses which diversify the local economy, increase resident's job opportunities, and expand the Town's tax base."We further find this rezoning to be reasonable in all ways as prescribed by NCGS 160D-605(b).This: rezoning will bel beneficial to the citizens oft the Town of Spencer. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to adopt Ordinance 24-003 to amend the Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, rezoning Rowan County GIS System parcel number 051 035 located at 970 Long Ferry Rd from C-85 tol IND zoning classification, which is included in the body of the minutes below. Alderman Rashid Muhammad seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND the Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, rezoning Rowan County GIS System WHEREAS, the original proposed use oft this property was for al large distribution center which was allowed in the current C- WHEREAS, the commercial real-estate market has seen: a recent: shift, recognizing: as substantially increased demand for light WHEREAS, the property owner: and developer wouldl like tol benefit from the increased demand for lighti industrial buildings WHEREAS, the requested IND classification would allowt ther recruitment ofl lighti industrial businesses that are likely to  and Board. Action  seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.  TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA ORDINANCE 24-003  parcel number 051 035 located at 9701 Long Ferry Rd from C-85 tol IND: zoning classification:  85: zoning classification; and  industrial properties in addition to continued demand for distribution center properties; and  but cannot, due to thej propervyscurentzoning classification; and  provide higher taxb base andl higher payingi jobs, benefitingt the citizens of Spencer; and    WHEREAS, the use oft thep property for lighti industrial businesses usingt the approved site and! building plan wouldl littlei ifany added negative impact fromt the current C-85 zoning classification: ast tot traffic, noise, hours ofo operation, etc.; NOW,THEREFORE, BEIT ORDAINED byt the Board of Aldermen oft the' Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that:  Section 1.  The' Town's Official Zoning! Map dated April 12, 2021, willl bei revised as follows: Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption.  Parcel 051 035 located at 970 Long Ferry Rdy willl be revised from C-85t tol IND: zoning Classification  Adopted this 13th day of] February 2024.  CONSIDER APPROVING -Rezoning 1840 US HWY 29 from IND to MU-2 Zoning Request Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount gave a presentation and answered questions from the Mayor and Board. Parcel 047 011 (1840 US HWY2 29) is currently zoned Industrial (IND).Staff recommended rezoning the parcel to Mixed-Use District 2 (MU-2) to align with the owner's preferred  uses and based on the Town's economic development plan.  Action  Alderwoman Erin Moody moved to adopt Ordinance 24-002 to amend the Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12,2021, rezoning Rowan County GIS System parcel number 0470 011 located at 1840 US HWY 29 from IND to MU-2: zoning classification, which is included in the body oft the minutes below. Alderman Rashid Muhammad seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge moved to adopt a Statement of Consistency and Reasonableness: stating that we: find that this rezoning is consistent: in general with the Town's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (per requirements of NCGS 160D-605(a), said plan stating specifically about this area, "This is astrip ofmixed development on both. sides along N Salisbury Ave (US HWY29) from about. 1625 (the old weigh station site) to about 2175 (Yadkin Baptist Church Rd) that is currently zoned Industrial (IND)for industrial development. These are relatively. small lots that over time will likely transition to retail uses; especially. ifthes surrounding properties are developed into industrial uses and the NCI Finishing property is developed into: some sortofmixed-use development We would: suggest rezoning this to an appropriate commercial. zoning classification (C-29) to promote commercial development over time.' "We further find this rezoning tol be reasonable in all ways as prescribed by NCGS160D-605b),.1 This rezoning willl be beneficial to the citizens of the' Town of Spencer.. Alderman Andrew Howe: seconded the motion, which  carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.  TOWN OF: SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA ORDINANCE: 24-002  AN ORDINANCETO AMEND the Town's Official Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, rezoning Rowan County GIS System WHEREAS, the current IND: zoning classification is meant for lighti industrial uses on large parcels andi requires large setbacks WHEREAS, the existing uses ofs structures on this property arer not allowed int the current zoning classification butt the WHEREAS, the current property owner desires toi improve his property andi makel better use oft the property but cannot WHEREAS, the requested MU-2: zoning classification would make the current uses conforming with our development NOW,THEREFORE, BEI IT ORDAINED by the Board of Aldermen oft the Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that:  parcel number 047 011 located at 18401 USI HWY: 291 from) IND to MU-2 zoning classification:  not available ont this parcel; and  business exists by virtue ofa conditional use permiti issued in they past; and  undert the current: zoning classification; and  ordinance and allow the property owner to expand his business;    Section: 1.  The Town'sOfficial: Zoning Map dated April 12, 2021, willl ber revised asf follows: Section 2. This ordinance shalll become effective immediately upon adoption.  Parcel 047 011 located at 1840 USI HWY 29 will be revised from INDI tol MU-2zoning Classification  Adopted this 13th day of February, 2024.  TOWN CLERKTO! PRESENT - Certificate of Sufficiency for Proposed Hawkins Meadows Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount presented the Mayor and Board with the Certificate of Sufficiency for the proposed annexation of] parcels 324 048, 324132, and 324 279 (Hawkins Alderman Rashid Muhammad moved to accept the Certificate of Sufficiency: for the proposed annexations of parcels 324 048, 324 132, and 3242 279 (Hawkins Meadows). Alderman Andrew Howe CONSIDER ADOPTING -1 Resolution 24-05 Setting Public Hearing Date for Hawkins Meadows Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount reviewed aj presentation on the proposed annexation of parcels 324 048, 324 132, and 324 279 (Hawkins Meadows) and asked the Board to adopt Resolution Alderman Andrew Howe moved to adopt Resolution 24-05 to seta al Public Hearing date pursuant to NCGS1 160A-31 for consideration of annexation request for] parcels 324 048, 324132, and 324279 (Hawkins Meadows) at Spencer Town Hall on' Thursday, March 7,2024,at5 5:30 p.m., which is included int thel body oft the minutes below. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge seconded the motion which carried bya  Annexation Meadows). Action  seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.  Annexation  24-05 to set a Public Hearing date.  Action  unanimous vote of5-0.  TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA RESOLUTION 24-05  AI RESOLUTION FIXING DATE OF PUBLICI HEARING ON QUESTION OF ANNEXATION PURSUANTTO NCGS 160A-31 WHEREAS, aj petition requesting: annexation of an area described ins said petition was received on or about 10/2/2023 byt the WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen. has by resolution directed the Town Clerkt toi investigate the sufficiency oft the petition; and WHEREAS, certification byt the Town Clerka as tot thes sufficiency of the petition hasl been made; NOW,THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen of the' Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that:  Board of Aldermen oft the' Town of Spencer; and  Section 1. Section 2.  A public hearing on the question ofa annexation of the area described herein willl be held at Spencer's Town Hall, 460  SSalisbury. Ave. in Spencer, NCa at 5:301 PM or soon thereafter on March7,2024. The: area proposed for annexation is described as follows:  Beginninga ata an existing railroad spike in the western edge ofa1 16' wide farmi road, the north west corner of Beverly). Hawkins, deedb book 862 page 794, Rowan County Parcel ID: #3 324 203, thence with Hawkins line, Lois Patton's line,] Juanita Hawkin's line and Henry R. Campbell, Jr's line, S02° 09' 41"V W, 919.85' to ane existing railroad spike int the east edge oft the 16' wide farmi road, the north west corner ofl Leonard Hawkins, thence with Leonard Hawkins west line S02° 07' 43" W, 200.02' to an existing railroad spike on the eastern edge of1 16' wide farmi road, thence with Kimberly D. Hawkins westl line and Juanita Hawkins west line, S 02° 08'1 13" W,340.10' to ane existing #61 rebar ther north west corner oft the City of Salisbury Economic Development Department property (Rowan County PID# #3240 041), thence with their line S02°10'03"1 W,at total    of307.60't tot thec center of Grants Creek, passing al halfi inch iron pipe at 257.60', thence two,l lines with the center of Grants Creek, one, N8 83° 42'20" W, 213.10' to aj pointi int the center of Grants Creek, two, N7 78° 31' 08" W, 203.97'1 toa aj pointi int the center of Grants Creeki in the easternl line of Albert W.J Johnson, Rowan County PID #3 324 049, thence with] Johnson'sl line N 01°3 31' 04" E,5 52.49' to ane existing #5 rebar ont thel Bank of Grants Creek, thence continuing with) Johnson'sl linel N01°31' 04" E,8 836.19't toa a #51 rebar control corner, thence with] Johnson's and Albert W.) Johnson, Jr'sl line N8 88° 26' 18" W, 181.50't toa2 %" iron pipei in thel line of Charles W. Davis, Rowan County PID! #3 324 054, thence with Davis'sl line N01 33'4 42"1 E, 811.00' totalt to ap point ont thes southe edge of pavement of Hawkinstown Road (S.R.1 1912), passing an existing #5 rebar at 792.38, thence twol lines witht thes southe edge of pavement, one, S8 88° 26' 18" E,8 81.50' to aj point, two, S 88° 26'1 18" E, 99.38' toa aj point, thence continuing with an unknown owners) property, N 89° 54'4 47" E, 411.28' to an existing #5 rebar, Beverly) J. Hawkins south west corner of Rowan County PID #3 324 0461 thence with! her line N8 83° 06' 27"1 E, 22.00' to the point and place of Beginning: and being 20.246 acres as shown on mapt tilted 153 Capital, LLC and recorded: in Rowan County Register ofI Deeds inl Book ofl Maps 9995 Page 10641, survey: andi mapl by Shulenburger: Surveying Company, P.A. dated 09/12/2023. Notice of public hearing shall be published in the Salisbury Post, a newspaper having a general circulationi in the Town of  Section 3. Section 4.  Spencer, atl leastt ten (10) days prior to the date oft the publicl hearing. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption.  Adopted this 8th day of February, 2024.  CONSIDER APPROVING - Spencer portion oft the Rowan County Wayfinding Program and authorizing the Town Manager to execute an encroachment agreement with NCDOT Town Manager Peter Franzese requested the Mayorand Board considerapproving the! Spencer portion oft the Rowan County Wayfinding Program and authorizing the Town Managert to execute an encroachment agreement with NCDOT.The! Rowan Tourism Development. Authority, with funding from Rowan County, has been working on a countywide wayfinding program over the pasty year. The Board received aj presentation on the Wayfinding Program on February 8 from James Meacham (Visit NCDOT has approved plans for wayfinding signage to bei installed on NDOT rights-of-way. In order to proceed, the Town needs to enteri into an encroachment: agreement with NCDOT and authorize the TDA to work on our behalf to implement the system. We are awaiting final details on what portion of the: system willl bei installed by the' TDA: and what the' Town may have to fund. The Town has requested some additional signage for the Yadkin River District, with early cost estimates at $22,000. We also committed tol Public' Works Staff assisting with installation to reduce overall cost and potentially make  Rowan) and program designer Buzz Bizzell.  more funding available for the extra requested signage.  Action  Mayor Pro' Tempore Patti Secreast moved to approve the Town of Spencer's portion oft the Rowan County Wayfinding! Program and authorize the' Town Manager to execute an encroachment agreement with NCDOT, which is included with these minutes as Attachment A. Alderman Rashid Muhammad CONSIDER. AUTHORIZING - Town staff to pursue a Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Special Projects Manager) Joe Morris requested the Mayor and Board consider authorizing staff to pursue a grant from the Blanche and) Julian Robertson Family Foundation (BJRFF) for design services related to upfitting the property located at 401 11th Street (Former Carter House). The cost of the design services is estimated tol be $35,000 to $45,000. The grant request willl be $25,000.Ifawarded, additional funds from the Town operating budget may be needed to accomplish the goals oft the design  seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.  Foundation (BJRFF) Grant  program.    In 2023, the Town of Spencer received a donation ofreal property located at 401 11th Street from the Three Rivers Land' Trust. The donation was made possible by the generosity ofaj private donor. The house and: surrounding 1.16 acres are located adjacent to the Fred and Alice Stanback Educational The residential property is suitable for conversion to a public facility and potential use as an office and maintenance facility for the Stanback Educational Forest. The 2668 sq. ftl building is organized with a main floor, a large walkout basement, and an attached 696 sq ft, 2-car garage. There are building code considerations regarding conversion from a residential structure to a commercial, Lgovernmental use that will require design services provided by a professional architect along with supporting  Forest. The BOA recently re-zoned the property for CIVIC land use.  engineeringanalysis. Action  Alderman Andrew Howe moved to authorize Town staff to pursue al Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation (BJRFF) grant for 401 11th Street design. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge seconded the CONSIDER. AUTHORIZING - Town staff toj pursue al Lowe's Foundation Hometown Improvement Special Projects Manager Joe Morris requested the Mayor and Board considerauthorizing: stafft to pursue a Hometown Improvement Grant from the Lowe's Foundation to assist with the construction  motion which carried by a unanimous vote of 5-0.  Grant  phase of upfitting 40111th Street.  Action  Alderman Rashid Muhammad moved to authorize Town staff toj pursue al Lowe's Foundation Hometown Improvement Grant for 4011 11thStreet construction. Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast CONSIDER. ADOPTING - Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.010 Accept Rowan Arts Council MPA Intern Skye Allan reviewed aj presentation and answered questions from the Mayor and Board on thej proposed Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.010 to accept the Rowan Arts Council Grassroots Grant for $7,500 and thel Rowan Arts Council ARPA Grant for $5,000." This willi increase the budgetby The Spencer Mural Selection Committee is organizing the installation oft the recently approved mural by Amiri Farris and is planning a community input session for the future Max Dowdle mural on the side ofTown Hall. The goal oft the Downtown Spencer Mural Walk Program is to bring a permanent series ofl high-quality digitally augmented public murals to downtown Spencer to beautify empty spaces, develop civic engagement, bring attention to our local businesses, and celebrate our unique Planner. Kyle Harris presented information to the Mayor and Board: regarding the upcoming Spencer Labor History Storytelling Social Night which willl be used by the artist, Max Dowdle, to inform his  seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.  Grassroots Grant and Rowan Arts Council ARPA Grant totaling $12,500  $12,500 fort the) purpose of creating new public murals in downtown Spencer.  history while developing the Town's identity going forward.  artwork for the mural on the side ofTown Hall.  Action  Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast moved to adopt Budget Ordinance Amendment 23-14.010 accepting the Rowan Arts Council Grassroots Grant for $7,500 and the Rowan. Arts Council ARPA Grant for $5,000, included in these minutes below. Alderman. Andrew Howe seconded the motion which  carried by a unanimous vote of5-0.    AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA FY 23-24 ANNUALI BUDGET ORDINANCE: 23-14.010 FEBRUARY13,2024  BE IT ORDAINED, by the Governing Board oft the' Town of Spencer, North Carolina, that the following amendment ofanticipatedi fundr revenues and departmental expenditures, certain Fee and Charge Schedules, and with certain restrictions and authorizations; are hereby appropriated: anda approvedfort the operation oflownGovemmemtand' itsa activities! fort thel Fiscal  Year beginning. July 1,2023: and ending on) June 30, 2024:  Section 1. The' Town has been awarded: af $7,500 Grassroots Grant froml Rowan Arts Section 2.1 The Towen has been awarded: a $5,000 ARPA Grant from Rowan. Arts Council.  Council.  Section 3. To amend the! FY23-24 revenue and expense appropriations as follows: Appropriate funds fromt this  grant for creating new public muralsi in downtown Spencer.  Section 4. The following linei items are amended as follows:  Revenues Current Budget $95,050 Eapenses/xpenditures Current Budget $70,860  Account 10-3985-002 Account 10-4110-194  Title Other Grants Title Contract Services  Amended Budget $107,550 Amended Budget $83,360  (Decrease) Increase $12,500 (Decrease) Increase $12,500  Section 4. Copies oft this budgeta amendment: shall be furnished to the Clerkt to the Governing Board, andt to the Town  Manager and thel Finance Officer for record-keeping Adopted this 13th day of February, 13,2024.  CONSIDER AUTHORIZING - Town Manager to execute Amendment 1 to the MOA with the NC League of Municipalities fort the Municipal Accounting Services and Cybersecurity Grant: and the Town Manager Peter Franzese and Finance Officer Heather Kann requested the Mayor and Board considera authorizing the Town Manager to execute. Amendment 1 to the MOA with thel NCI League of Municipalities for the Municipal Accounting Services and Cybersecurity Grant and the Guidance and NCLM: is making a variety of services available to municipalities across the state with the ARP Service Line. Services are provided through NCLM: staff and a network ofs statewide partnerships. Options include municipal accounting software, legal assistance, strategy and approach, grant funding, cybersecurity, and communication to citizens. The Town and NCLM executed an MOA in January for cybersecurity and grant services. Since then, staff] has learned more about the Municipal Accounting Services, including software provided by NCLM's consultant, Black Mountain Software. After participating in multiple demonstrations, staff recommends joining thel NCLM financial software program. The updated software would provide cloud-based hosting and functionality we do not currently have, including a credit card payment manager, ACH payments, electronic check signing, timecard interface for payroll, and more. Wel believe the added: features and productivity improvements made possible by this conversion will be worth the investment. The conversion would  Guidance and' Technical Assistance Grant  Technical Assistance Grant.  take place in January of 2026.    These services willl be funded by NCLM's ARP allocation ati no expense to the Town for the first 3 years (total value exceeds $91,000). The' Town would be responsible: for Annual Fees beginning in year 4, currently estimated at $11,000-12,000. With a conversion date of] January 2026, the year 41 fees would take place in FY2029. For comparison purposes, the multiple software modules from the current vendor total about $6,200 in annual fees. Our annual expenditures of check stock, envelopes, and stamps for our current process exceed $1,100. We also anticipate significantproductivity improvements in staff time needed to complete our payroll and accounts payable processes. Alderman Rashid Muhammad moved to authorize Town Manager Peter Franzese to execute Amendment 1 to thel MOA with the NCI League of Municipalities for the Municipal Accounting Services and Cybersecurity Grant and the Guidance and Technical Assistance Grant, which isi included with these minutes as Attachment B. Alderwoman Patricia Sledge seconded the motion which carried bya a Alderwoman Patricia Sledge left the Hilda B. Palmer Board Room at 8:01 p.m. and reentered at 8:02  Action  unanimous vote of5-0.  p.m.  DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS Planning Department  Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount gave the monthly Planning Department report and  answered: any questions from the Mayor and Board.  Code Enforcement Department  Police Chief Michael File presented certificates to Police Sergeants Bryan Leonard and Timothy Everett Police Chief Michael File and Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount then gave the monthly Code Enforcement reportand answered any questions from the Mayora and Board.  for completing: al leadership management program.  Police Department Mayor and Board. Fire Department  Police Chief Michael File gave the Police Department report: and answered any questions from the  Fire Chief Michael Lanning gave the Fire Department report and answered any questions from the  Mayor and Board. The main topic of discussion was department staffing needs.  Public' Works Department questions from the Mayorand Board. Finance Department the Mayor and Board. Library Department Mayor and Board.  Public Works Director Joel Taylor gave the Public Works Department report and answered any  Finance Officer Heather Kann gave the Finance Department report and answered any questions from  Town Manager Peter Franzese gave the monthly Library report and answered any questions from the    TOWN MANAGER REPORT and Board.  Town Manager Peter Franzese gave his monthly report and answered any questions from the Mayor  REQUESTS AND COMMENTS BY' THE BOARD MEMBERS Thanked everyone forj joining the Board this evening.  Alderwoman Erin Moody: Alderman Andrew Howe:  Encouraged everyone to vote during the Primary Election, reminding them thati itisac civic Stated he understands residents' concerns about development coming to Spencer, but he does notl believe the pressure to develop will diminish. He thinks thati is a good problem to have and reminded everyone that Spenceri is a' Town that was built on industry and commercial activity, Urged residents to continue to come out: and tell the Board how they feel about' Town related  duty and their vote tells the World what we need to be doing.  SO we. have to be open toi iti in the right locations. matters as they did this evening. Mayor Pro' Tempore Patti Secreast:  Also urged citizens to vote during thel Primary Election.  Requested residents continue to come to meetings, voice their concerns, and ask questions. Expressed excitement for where the Town: is heading and fort the upcoming Spencer Labor History Storytelling Social Night that will focus on the Town's labor history, present, and  future.  Alderman Rashid Muhammad:  Thanked the residents who attended the meetingi in person and virtually. Reiterated that comments and complaints from residents are important and requested residents to continue tol bring them to the Board SO they can address them as best they can. Expressed gratitude to the: staff and department! heads for their hard work. Thinks the' Town is continuing to move: int the right direction and hopes it willl lead to more  residents and more jobs.  Echoed the importance ofvotingi in the upcoming election.  Alderwoman Pat Sledge:  Acknowledged residents, citizens, and fellows for Black History Month, that our history is made up ofall thej people who came here and were brought here, and that every single person in our Thanked the constituents fort the opportunity to work with this group of people. Stated she is pleased that the Town is making progress, buti iti is also hard to know which side oft the fence to land ons since everyone has their: side of the story, sO shel looks at each issue from the standpoint of what is best for our community to find that! balance. Recognized the work' Town staff does and thati iti is wonderful tol have new employees and  country is important.  applicants. Mayor Jonathan Williams:  Echoed what the rest oft the Board had already said and thanked Town staff and the rest oft the  Board: for all the work they do.    EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT  Itwas the consensus oft the Board that there was no reason to goi into Executive Session.  Alderman Rashid Muhammad moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Andrew Howe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously with a vote of5-0. The meeting stood adjourned at 8:44 p.m.  Approved by:  Attest:  SIA Jonathan Williams, Mayor  hnnllillark Anna Kanode Ward, Town Clerk  OFS E OEFICK G SEAV S TH CARC