September 5, 2023, MB#32  TOWN OF VALDESE TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2023  The Town of Valdese Town Council met on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, ate 6:00 p.m., in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall, 102 Massel Avenue SW, Valdese, North Carolina. The following were present: Mayor Charles Watts, Mayor Pro Tem Frances Hildebran, Councilman Tim Skidmore, Councilman Tim Barus, and Councilman Paul Mears. Also present were: Town Manager Seth Eckard, Assistant Town  Manager/CFO Bo Weichel, Town Clerk Jessica Lail, and various Department Heads. Absent: Councilwoman Rexanna Lowman, Town Attorney Tim Swanson  Aquorum was present. Allegiance to the Flag.  Mayor Watts called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. He offered the invocation and led the Pledge of OPEN FORUM/PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Frances Hildebran read the Rules & Procedures for Public Comment: Rule 5. Public Comment-Anyi individual or group who wishes to address the council shall inform the town clerk, Ms. Lail, any time prior to the start of the meeting, and provide their name, address and subject matter about which they wish to speak. Persons must be present if they wish to address the Council. Comments should be limited to five minutes per speaker. If the speaker's comments needs to be addressed, upon the direction of the Council, someone from the management team will be in touch with ELECTIONF RUMORS - RICK MCCLURD, 408 GARROUAVESE. VALDESE: Mr. McClurd expressed his concern with the election and all the lying that is going on with the people he supports about how they will close the Fire/Police Department and Community Center. Mr. McClurd stated that a gentleman was degrading an 83-year-old man, saying he was from Pennsylvania and had no reason to run in Valdese. Mr. McClurd asked how long the Council have lived in' Valdese. Mr. McClurd does nott thinki it matters ifs someone isrunning from Pennsylvania and feels iti is the dirtiest race he has ever seen in' Valdese with all the rumors. Mr. McClurd does not understand why people are spreading rumors and feels iti is not good for Valdese. ROADPAVING- CARLIONCARUSO.8DS MICOL AVE, VALDESE: Mr. Caruso shared that he has lived on Micol Ave. for almost 34 years and appreciates that his road is on the list to be paved. Mr. Caruso said that the neighbors he has spoken to appreciate it as well. Mr. Caruso believes his road does need paving. OPERATIONS & PAVING = GLENN HARVEY,801 MICOL AVE, VALDESE: Mr. Harvey asked how he and a couple of the citizens could visit some of the Town facilities, like the Water Plant and Wastewater Plant for a tour. Mayor Watts said to contact the Town Manager. Mr. Harvey noted that the minutes from the last meeting recorded his sentiments, except that the staff had found $470,000 for future debt payments, which was noti included in the minutes. Mr. Harvey thought it was interesting because ifs staffi found $470,000 for future debt payments but they had to raise taxes $400,000 for paving. Mr. Harvey asked if the Council got a copy of the street evaluation report from J.M. Teague from the April 2022 Council meeting and requested a copy of the report and contract. Mayor Watts said yes they got a copy and that he would be in touch. Mr. Harvey asked at the July meeting when the Council approved a proposal from McGill Associates ifit was a contract that was put up for competitive bidding or if McGill Associates was chosen without submitting bids. (No answer) Mr. Harvey referred to the August 2020 minutes where the Council approved apaving bid for almost $432,0001 that was completed without tax dollars orat taxi increase. Mr. Harvey asked why the paving project did not have an engineering firm hired to supervise the project but was instead supervised by staff. Mr. Harvey asked if the $45,000 we are paying this year for the supervision of paving ELECTION = VICTORIA CARTER, 404 LOUISE AVE NE. VALDESE: Ms. Carter is deeply concerned about what is being said about the people that she knows well during this election cycle. Ms. Carter knows Heather Ward, Glenn Harvey, and Gary Ogle, and they support the Police/Fire Department, Pool, and Library. Ms. Carter shared that Glenn Harvey has ideas for kids who cannot afford to go to the pool to get vouchers/stipends with transportation to and from. Ms. Carter supports the Pool, Library, Police, and Fire Department. Ms. Carter has been to the building, and to her untrained eye it looks bad, and has not heard  you later. Please silence your cell phones.  was because we lost staff management capabilities.  317    September 5, 2023, MB#32  any open or fair communication from Council about the building. Ms. Carter does not want the employees to work in a dangerous environment but have a nice place to work and wants us to do that by being transparent tot the voters. Ms. Carter is concerned that people's reputations are being deveined. Ms. Carter referred to a post and is concerned that some of her posts are being deleted and wants to know if they do not know the truth about the candidates and what they want for Valdese or if the truth is irrelevant. HOMES AVAILABLE - JEAN-MARIE COLE, 705 BERTIS ST SW. VALDESE: Ms. Cole noticed there were applicatons/nformation for the new Pine Crossing Apartments, which looks to be very affordable. Ms. Cole knows we are building apartments, but she has found many people are looking for homes. Ms. CAMPAIGN - HEATHER WARD, 400 BASS ST NW, VALDESE: Ms. Ward said she does not want to defund the Police, Firefighters, Pool, Library, or anything in Valdese. Ms. Ward wants to see our Police and Fire Departments get a raise and is tired of this Town being a stepping-stone. Ms. Ward has had the Police respond three times in the past two weeks. Ms. Ward has three drug houses in her neighborhood and does not feel safe in her neighborhood anymore. Ms. Ward shared that this is why she ran because something needs to be done. Her children are afraid to go outside at night. Ms. Ward shared that she loves this Town and is thankful for Jack Moss and that he hires people who watch out for our Town and thankful for the  Cole believes that we should look at more town/condominium housing.  Police Officers who work for him. CONSENT AGENDA: (enacted by one motion)  APPROVED REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST7. 2023  APPROVED LEASE AGREEMENT AT OLD ROCK SCHOOL WITH DAVID HARMON STUDIOS, LLC: Annual Lease Agreement at the Old Rock School with David Harmon Studios, LLC, in the amount of $368 APPROVED LEASE AGREEMENT AT OLD ROCK SCHOOL WITHTRANQUILITY DAYSPA: Annual Lease Agreement at the Old Rock School with David Harmon Studios, LLC, in the amount of $368 per APPROVED ORDINANCE DECLARING ROAD CLOSURE FOR TOWN OF VALDESE SPECIAL AN ORDINANCE DECLARING ROAD CLOSURE FOR TOWN OF VALDESE SPECIAL EVENTS WHEREAS, for many years the Town of Valdese has sponsored the Draughn High School Homecoming WHEREAS, the Town of Valdese desires to schedule the Draughn High School Parade on Tuesday, WHEREAS, part of US 70/Main Street in Valdese will need to be closed for the parade; and WHEREAS, G.S. 20-169 provides that local authorities shall have power to provide by ordinance for the NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Town Council oft the Town of Valdese pursuant to G.S. 20-169 that the following portion oft the State Highway System be closed during the times set forth below:  per month. month. EVENT:  Parade; and October 3, 2023; and  regulation of the use of highways by processions or assemblages;  DRAUGHN HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE Date: October 3, 2023 Time: 5:30pm to 7:00pm Route: Main Street (US 70) from Hoyle Street to Eldred Street  318    September 5, 2023, MB#32  Signs shall be erected giving notice of the limits and times of these street closures as required by G.S.20-  169.  This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption. THIS, the 5th day of September 2023.  Is/ Charles Watts, Mayor  APPROVED ADOPTION OF UPDATED FY 23-24 WATER/SEWER UTILITY FUND CAPITAL  IMPROVEMENTS PLAN:  Town of Valdese Water and Sewer Utility Fund 10-YEAR Capital Improvements Plan UPDATED FISCAL YEAR 2024  5312023  Page1ots  319    September 5, 2023, MB#32 Town of Valdese Water and Sewer Utility Fund 10-YEAR Capital Improvements Plan UPDATED FISCAL YEAR: 2024  8312023  Page2ot3  Town of Valdese Water and Sewer Utility Fund 10-YEAR Capital Improvements Plan UPDATED FISCAL YEAR 2024  Total ystemC apital -MCP:  Plan 31.401,109  604.700  3.032.700 6384308 154,300 167,000 2.081.400 #15,100 6782.70 234.306 26,63  Page3ers  RESOLUTION BY THE VALDESE TOWN COUNCIL  WHEREAS, The Town of Valdese has committed to developing and maintaining an up-to-date 10-year  Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and associated financial analysis of  user rates and charges, and  320    September 5, 2023, MB#32  WHEREAS, McGill Associates prepared the Town's regular annual update for the CIP and presented WHEREAS, The Town has further amended the CIP projects list and priorities through the months of NOW THEREFORE BE ITI RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VALDESE:  the updated CIP to the Town Council oft the TownofValdese on the 23rd day of March 2023  during the Town's annual budget retreat, and  April-August 2023.  That Town of Valdese, does hereby adopt and enact the aforementioned updated CIP  effective the 5th day of September, 2023.  Adopted this the 5th day of September, 2023, at The Town of Valdese, North Carolina.  Charles Watts Mayor  CERTIFICATION BY RECORDING OFFICER  The undersigned duly qualified and acting Town Clerk of the Town of Valdese does hereby certify: That the abovelattached resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution adopting the updated 10-year Water and Sewer CIP, as regularly adopted at a legally convened meeting of the Valdese Town Council duly held on the 5th day of September, 2023; and, further, that such resolution has been fully recorded in the journal of proceedings and records in my office. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my  hand this  day of  2023.  Jessica Lail  Town Clerk  Councilwoman Hildebran made a motion to approve the aforementioned items on the Consent Agenda,  seconded by Councilman Mears. The vote was unanimous. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: None  End Consent Agenda  321    September 5, 2023, MB#32  NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTION: Fire Chief Truman' Walton introduced new Fire Captain Steve McVay. Mr. McVay shared that many emergency services workers do not take the job for the money but because they want to. Mr. McVay encouraged people to check out the Town's benefits package. Mr. McVay shared that Sherrill's Ford paid well, but the benefits were not as good. Mr. McVay looks forward to retiring here. APPROVED REQUEST FOR RECUSAL = COUNCILMAN SKIDMORE: Mayor Watts shared that Councilman Skidmore would need to be recused due to the upcoming action on Item C due to being the Councilwoman Hildebran made a motion to recuse Councilman Skidmore from the action item, seconded  President of the Club.  by Councilman Barus. The vote was unanimous. Councilman Skidmore left the Council Chambers.  APPROVED LEASE AGREEMENT AT OLDROCK: SCHOOL WITH P&W RAILROAD CLUB: Community Affairs Director Morrissa Angi shared the Annual Lease Agreement at the Old Rock School Councilman Mears asked why the lease agreement did not go up in cost like the other agreements. Ms. Angi explained that typically, with non-profits that pay lease rates, there is an adjustmentreview every five to ten years, and for for-profit businesses that have a space at the Rock School reviews every three to five years. Councilwoman Hildebran shared that we have some non-profit organizations that are not charged a rate. Ms. Angi said that was correct; that is how it has been since it was made back in the Councilman Mears made a motion to approve the Lease Agreement at the Old Rock School with P&W  with P & W Railroad Club in the amount of $230 per month.  80s.  Railroad Club, seconded by Councilwoman Hildebran. The vote was unanimous.  Councilman Skidmore returned to the dais.  PUBLIC HEARING FOR CDBG WATER PROJECT: The Town Council for the Town of Valdese held a public hearing, for providing explanation and description of the FY 2023 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Community Development Block = Infrastructure Grant (CDBG-1).  Mayor Watts opened the Public Hearing at 6:26 p.m.  Sherry Long, Assistant Executive Director of Western Piedmont Council of Governments was present to discuss the purpose of the public hearing for the Town of Valdese's CDBG-I funding application. Ms. Long stated that the purpose of the public hearing was to obtain citizen's views and to respond to funding proposals and answer any questions posed by citizens. Ms. Long also stated that the public hearing must cover the Town's community development needs, development of the proposed activities, and a review of program compliance before the submission of the Town's CDBG-I funding application to the state of the The Town proposes requesting funding from NCDEQ'S CDBG-I program for the Berrytown Waterline Project. The proposed project will meet the following community and housing needs of the Town by replacing aging and undersized water lines, replacing water service lines, and installing fire hydrants and other appurtenances along Berry School Avenue, Berrytown Avenue, Berrytown Street, Bost Johnson The purpose oft the CDBG-I grant program is to improve the quality ofl life for lowi to moderate income people by providing a safe, clean environment and clean drinking water through water and sewer infrastructure  North Carolina.  Avenue, Bost Johnson Avenue Extension, and CV. Johnson Drive.  improvements and extensions of service.  To benefit a residential area where at least 51% of the beneficiaries are low to moderate income as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  322    September 5, 2023, MB#32  To perform eligible activities. To minimize displacement, and Provide displacement assistance as necessary.  For the fiscal year of 2023 the CDBG-I funding available is expected to be $18 Million, and each the maximum: available grant $3.0 million over a 3-year period. Applications forf funding are received by October The CDBG program is able toi fund a wide variety of community development activities. The State of North Carolina has chosen to fund several activities: water and sewer infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, COVID-19 related projects, and economic development projects that lead to job creation or retention. The infrastructure program, or CDBG-I program can find a range of water and sewer infrastructure and  2, 2023.  economic development activities, including, but not limited to the, following:  Water:  Projects that resolve water loss in distribution systems. Projects that extend public water to areas with contaminated wells. Projects that extend water lines to areas with dry wells. Projects that assist with low water pressure in public water systems. Projects that regionalize two or more water systems. Project that rehabilitate or replace av water treatment plant.  Wastewater:  Projects that resolve inflow and infiltration to collection systems and surcharges from pumps Projects that rehabilitate a wastewater treatment plant to allow for greater ficiency/complance  stations and manholes. with regulations.  Projects that extent public sewer to areas with failed septic tanks.  The Town is seeking an amount in CDBG-I funds not to exceed $3 Million for the Berrytown Waterline Project. The purpose oft the Town's request is to replace approximately 8,215 LF of aging and undersized water lines, replace water service lines, and install fire hydrants and other appurtenances along Berry School Avenue, Berrytown Avenue, Berrytown Street, Bost Johnson Avenue, Bost Johnson Avenue Extension, and CV. Johnson Drive. The project will assist with low water pressure in the service area. The project proposed by the Town of Valdese was identified in the Town's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, updated and adopted in September 2023. Informal community meetings were held in the project A total of 100% of the CDBG-Ifunding will be used to benefit Low to Moderate Income (LMI) people. The project area in the Town of Valdese has been determined to have an income survey area LMI rate of 70.262%. The project area includes all homes located along Berry School Avenue, Berrytown Avenue, Berrytown Street, Bost. Johnson Avenue, Bost. Johnson Avenue Extension, and CV. Johnson Drive. The range of activities covered by the CDBG-I funds for the Berrytown Waterline Project includes:  areat to inform citizens of the potential project, and get feedback from the residents.  Construction. Environmental Review Engineering Design  323    September 5, 2023, MB#32  Construction Administration and observation.  Legal activities. Surveying. Grant Administration.  If Town of Valdese is awarded a CDBG-I grant, the town is required to adhere to federal procurement  requirements and other federal regulations which include: American with Disabilities Act/Section 504 Survey Davis-Bacon & Related Labor Acts Adoption/Submital of a Citizen's Participation Plan Adoption/Submital of an Equal Opportunity Plan Adoption/Submital of a Fair Housing Plan Adoption/Submital of a Language Access Plan Adoption/Submital of a Relocation Assistance Plan Adoption/Submital of a Section 3 Plan Excess Force Provision  The State of North Carolina requires that if the Town of Valdese receives CDBG grant funding that the town will certify that they will comply with the requirements of the general displacement and relocation policy for CDBG grant funding. This policy assists low to moderate income people with costs associated with relocation or displacement, should such relocation become necessary due to the project activities. CDBG funds can be used for those costs, if necessary. If no displacement and relocation will occur as a result of the proposed CDBG grant activity, then the Town of Valdese confirms that during this public hearing. Int the past, the Town has applied for and received for the following completed CDBG project: Meridian Yarns CDBG-ED Water Project - installed a generator, valve, and associated appurtenances at Valdese CDBG-NR Scattered Sites Housing Project - rehabilitated 12 homes for low-moderate-income The Town will submit its CDBG-I application for the Berrytown Waterline Project on October 2, 2023. The CDBG-I application will be available for review during normal business hours in the Planning Department at Town Hall at 102 Massel Avenue SW in Valdese. Additional information is available from Should you have any complaints or grievances regarding the subject public hearing, they should be addressed to the addressee mentioned above within fifteen (15) business days or by September 26, 2023, and a written response to the written complaints and/or grievances will be sent by the Town within fifteen (15) business days, where practicable. We open the floor for comments about the CDBG proposed project. Councilwoman Hildebran asked how we discovered the need for this project since it was outside of the Town's city limits. Ms. Long shared that Berrytown had been a paying water customer since the merger with Triple Community. Ms. Long shared that the 2-inch waterline results in low pressure, and the homes on the end of the line have very little pressure, and there is no fire protection. Ms. Long explained that they did a survey, knocked on every door, and got a 70.62% response rate. Councilman Mears asked how many households this would serve. Planning Director Larry, Johnson said that it is around 70-72 homes. Ms. Long shared that this grant would also allow the replacement oft the waterlines between the meter and the house. Councilwoman Hildebran asked if the Town would be obligated to assist with this program. Ms. Long said  Valdese Water Treatment Plant  residents  lohnson@valesencgow or 828-879-2124.  Mayor Watts asked if Council had any questions.  324    September 5, 2023, MB#32  the Town would require no match. Town Manager Seth Eckard shared that in the past, we have looked at different areas within the Town limits for CDBG projects, but after doing the surveys, the residents are usually over-income, sO we do not score enough points tor receive funding. Ms. Long stated that the Town Mayor Watts asked if anyone wished to speak. Hearing none, Mayor Watts closed the Public Hearing at Ms. Long said the Town should knowl by thet first of the year ift the grant will be received, and funding would APPROVED AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION1 TO SUBMIT ANAPPLICATIONI FORCDBG FUNDINGFOR BERRYTOWN WATER PROJECT: Sherry Long, Assistant Executive Director of Western Piedmont  has standard waterlines, not 2-inch.  6:40 p.m. be a year from now.  Council of Governments presented thet following Resolution:  RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF APPLICANT  WHEREAS, Titleloft the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, has  established the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and has authorized the making of grants to aid eligible units of government in funding the cost of construction, replaçement, or rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure, and that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) was delegated the authority byt the state legislature to administer the water and wastewater infrastructure portion of the state grant monies received from the U.S. HUD Small Cities (States) CDBG program by Session Law 2013-360, Section 15.15(a) as amended by Section 5.3 of Session Law 2013-363, described as the replacement of aging and undersized water lines, replacement of water service lines, and installation off fire hydrants and other appurtenances along Berry School Avenue, Berrytown Avenue, Berrytown Street, Bost Johnson Avenue, Bost Johnson  and  WHEREAS, The Town of Valdese has need for and intends to implement a construction project  Avenue Extension, and CV. Johnson Drive; and  WHEREAS, The Town of Valdese intends to request State grant assistance for the project, NOW THEREFORE BE ITI RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VALDESE: That Town of Valdese, the Applicant, will adopt and placei into effect on or before completion oft the project as schedule of fees and charges and other available funds which will provide adequate funds for proper That the Applicant will provide for efficient operation and maintenance of the project on completion of That! Larry Johnson, Planning Director, and Allen Hudson, Public' Works Director, the Authorized Officials, and successors sot titled, are hereby authorizedi to execute andi file an application on behalf oft the Applicant with the State of North Carolina for a grant to aid in the construction of the project described above. That the Authorized Officials, and successors so titled, are hereby authorized and directed toi furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or the project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required in That the Applicant has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans  operation, maintenance, and administration of the system.  construction thereof.  connection with the application.  pertaining thereto.  325    September 5, 2023, MB#32  Adopted this the 5th of September, 2023, at Valdese Town Hall, North Carolina.  (Signature of Chief Executive Officer)  (Title)  CERTIFICATION BY RECORDING OFFICER  The undersigned duly qualified and acting Town Clerk of the Town of Valdese does hereby certify: That the above/attached resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the State of North Carolina, as regularly adopted ata al legally convened meeting oft the Town Council duly held on the 5th day of September, 2023; and, further, that such resolution has been fully recorded int thej journal of proceedings and recordsi in my office. INWITNESSWAEREOF. Ihave hereunto  set my hand this 5th day of September 2023.  (Signature of Recording Officer) (Title of Recording Officer)  Councilman Mears made a motion authorizing Resolution to submit an application for CDBG funding for Berrytown Water project, seconded by Councilman Barus. The vote was unanimous. MANAGER'S REPORT: Town Manager Seth Eckard made the following announcements: Mr. Eckard addressed Mr. Harvey and said that he and Bo would bei in touch with him on the engineering services contract and explain why they are in compliance with the law. Mr. Eckard shared that West Consultants was the engineer who oversaw the project in the previous paving contract. The Street Resurfacing Project will begin on September 18, 2023, and should be done by the beginning of October. We have a new Street Paving section on the Town's website with various information, including Mr. Eckard announced thati ift the State budget passes as presented in the next week or two, we would have funding for the new Valdese/Lenoir Waterline Interconnections Project. We will have aj presentation on this at the October meeting. Mr. Eckard shared that this will increase the sales of our daily water and build Old Colony Players Presents: Psych, September 7-9, 2023, 6:30 p.m. dinner theatre and September 10,  Powell Bill funding.  resiliency to the system.  2023,2:30p p.m. no dinner, at the Old Rock School.  NC State Bocce Tournament, Saturday, September 9, 2023, 8:00 a.m. at the LPDA  326    September 5, 2023, MB#32  Valdese Plein Air Fest will run from September 9-16, 2023, with different events throughout the week. The Reception will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Old Rock School. Kayak Launch & Fishing Pier Ribbon Cutting, Thursday, September 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Valdese The Town Council will hold a Special Council meeting to approve the September minutes for the CDBG on MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Hildebran shared that she was reading about the Plein Air Fest and all the activities included and thinks it is sO exciting. The Community Affairs Director Morrissa Angi shared that it is a partnership with Friends of the Valdese Rec, Valdese Arts Foundation, herself, and Parks & Rec Director David Andersen. Ms. Angi shared that it has expanded to a weeklong Mayor Watts thanked the Town departments for their hard work on the Waldensian Festival. Mayor Watts appreciates the partnership formed by the Town Council and their willingness to dedicate their time and effort to special projects. Mayor Watts is honored to serve with individuals who value integrity and hard work with their only agenda to do what is best for the citizens and the Town of Valdese. ADJOURNMENT: At6:47 p.m., there being no further business to come before Council, Councilman Barus The next regular Council meetingis scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.  For more information, visit ocAsenoargalenes.compenair-tes:  Lakeside Park  Monday, September 18, 2023, at noon in the Town Council Chambers.  festival with around 30 artists participating this year.  made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Hildebran.  Chapleslwaxks  Mayor  gagaz  327