6674  The Smithfield" Town Council met inr regular session on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at7 7:00p p.m. int the Council Chambers  ofthe Smithfield" Town Hall, Mayor M. Andy Moore presided.  Councilmen Present: Roger Wood, Mayor Pro-Tem Marlon! Lee, District1 Sloan Stevens, District2 Travis Scott, District3 Dr. David Barbour, District4 John Dunn, At-Large Stephen Rabil, At-Large Also Present CALLTO ORDER INVOCATION  Councilmen. Absent  Administrative Staff Present Michael Scott, Town Manager Ted Credle, Public Utilities Director Jeremey Daughtry, Fire Chief Lawrence Davis, Public Works Director Andrew Harris, Finance Director Pete Hedrick, Chief of Police Gary Johnson, Parks & Rec Director Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk Stephen) Wensman, Planning Director Administrative Staff Absent  Robert Spence, Jr., Town Attorney  Mayor Moore calledt the meeting to order at7 7:00 pm.  Thei invocation was given by Councilman Barbour followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Mayor Pro-Tem Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to approve the  agenda ass submitted Unanimously approved.  Priori tot the presentations, Mayor Moore recognized and welcomed new Downtown Smithfield Development  Corporation Director Heidi Gilmond toi the Town.  PRESENTATIONS:  1. Proclamation: Recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in the Town of Smithfield Mayor Moore read thei following proclamation and presented itt to Parks and Recreation Director Gary  Johnson.  PROCLAMATION Int the Town of Smithfield  Designating July as Park and Recreation Month  WHEREAS parks and recreation is ani integral part of communities throughout this country, including in WHEREAS parks and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental WHEREAS parks and recreation promotes time spenti in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, WHEREAS parks and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed top promote active lifestyles; and WHEREAS parks and recreation! isal leading provider ofh healthy meals, nutrition services ande education; WHEREAS park and recreation programming and education activities, such as out- of-school time programming, youth sports and environmental education, are criticalt to childhood development; and WHEREAS parks and recreation increases a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of WHEREAS parks and recreationi isi fundamental tot the environmental well-being of our community; and WHEREAS parks and recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities WHEREAS our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adultst to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and  the Town of Smithfield; and health of people who live near parks; and attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's; and  and  businesses, and crime reduction; and  resilient int the face ofr natural disasters and climate change; and    6675  WHEREAS the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; WHEREAS, The Town of Smithfield recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation NOWTHEREFORE, 1,M. Andy! Moore, Mayor oft the Town of Smithfield, along with the members oft the Town Council, dol hereby proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month int the Town of Smithfield. Planning Director Stephen Wensman provided an update on the Downtown Transportation Study to the Council. The study, led by VHB and initiated by af federal grant, focused ont traffic flow, parking, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and urban design improvements. The study area covered the municipal service district from the river to Highway 301. Key themes included using transportation infrastructure to boost economic development, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle experiences, promotinga a vibrant downtown, and limiting urban sprawl. The study also included demographic analysis, parking utilization data, vehicle crash history, and proposed infrastructure improvements. Notably, the study recorded varying traffic and speed patterns, highlightingi issues like speeding on certain streets and areas with frequent pedestrian activities. Thes study foundt that while speeds in7 Towny were generally close to posted limits, some areas showed! higher speeds, especially in certain directions. Pedestrian activity was low, with the most activity around Second For public engagement, the consultants held tabling events, conducted an online survey, and used social media and stakeholder interviews. Survey results highlighted concerns abouti insufficient sidewalks, narrow vehicle lanes, and speeding. Desired improvements included safer street crossings, more downtown Next steps in the study included stakeholder interviews, developing draft alternatives, conducting traffic modeling, and projecting future traffic volumes and parking demands, with public feedback to be gathered Councilman Scotti inquired about ar request for one-way traffici inc certaina areas. Stephen Wensman confirmed that the study would address this, specifically looking at one-way alternatives on Third Street and possibly other changes. Mayor Andy Moore added that both Second and" Third Streets would be examined. Councilman Barbour inquired about the anticipated timeline for a study. Stephen Wensman explained that alternatives were to be presented in October, with the year-long study concluding near the end oft the year, Questions arose regarding the timing of certain activities, such as the sheriffs department's move-out date and why data collection occurred onal Tuesday rather than! busier days like Monday or Friday. Mr. Wensman suggested that the former director of the DSDC likely recommended Tuesday as it was considered the Mayor Moore asked aboutt the number of cars, referencing slide 23, and requested further details. He also pointed outi inconsistencies in the data periods used for crash statistics between slides, noting that while a 10-year period (2013-2022) was used for total crashes (514 incidents), the statewide crash rate was based on a 4-year period (2018-2022). Mr. Wensman acknowledged this and suggested it might be due to the  and resources.  2. Update on Downtown Transportation Study  and" Third Streets.  attractions, better biking and walking accommodations, and enhanced: speed control.  inOctober.  having startedi int the spring. busiest day for commerce.  availability of data. PUBLIC HEARING: None CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:  Reggie Barnes appealed tot the council for assistance with his new construction project on Martin Street in East Smithfield. He presented visual aids, showing that the original survey required the street to be built ini the right of way, but the Town had not constructed it. As a result, Mr. Barnes was advised that he must build ther road within the public right of way, incurring significant costs. He requested that the Town consider concessions, such as helping to clear trees in the area where the road needs to be Elizabeth Temple addressed the Council to emphasize the importance of preserving trees, particularly int the historic districts of Smithfield. She advocated: fort the protection oft trees, especially Bradford Pear trees in South Smithfield, arguing that they provided shade and contributed to the Town's beauty and Virtus Richardson, Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Johnston County Chapter 44, requested an update on the status off funds they requested for repairs tot their building. Town Manager Michael Scott responded that while no money was directly allocated to the DAV, funds were allocated to Parks and Recreation for the highest priority issues raised. Parks and Recreation would manage the Rick. Buckner of 106 Cobblestone Court reiterated his concerns about high-density developments, statingt that packing large numbers ofp peoplei into smalla areas could harmi the community. Hel highlighted  extended.  environmental health.  process and work with the DAV on any necessary repairs. issues such as crime, traffic, and thei impact on schools.    6676  CONSENT AGENDA:  Mayor Pro-Tem Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to approve the following items as  listed ont the Consent/ Agenda:  1. Minutes  a. May 1, 2024- - Recessed Meeting b. May 7, 2024- - Regular Meeting May 7, 2024- - Closed Session d. May 13,2 2024- - Recessed Meeting May 21,2 2024 - Regular Meeting June 4, 2024 - Regular Meeting g. June 4, 2024 -C Closed Session h. June 18, 2024 - Regular Session  Speciall Event: Evening! Markets Approval was granted to allow thel Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation to hold and events in the 100 block of South Third Street on the following Friday Nights: July 26th, August 9th and 23rd. These events were previously approved as Saturday night events, but 3. Special Event: Fall Carnival - Approval was granted to Inner Shows, Inc. to hold a carnival at the Carolinal Premium Outlets from September 12 until September. 29, 2024. Ther request included amplified 4. Approval was granted to promote a Police Sergeant to the rank of Police Lieutenant of the Criminal 5. Approval was granted to promote a Police Sergeant to the rank of Police Lieutenant of the Special 5. Approval was granted to promote al Master Police Officer tot the rank of Police Sergeant. 7. Approval was granted to promote a Sanitation Worker tot the position of Facility Maintenance Worker. 8. Approval was granted ofa anl Interlocal Agreement with. Johnston County for Fire Services.  the organizers wouldl like to hold the events on Friday nights instead  sound and food available for sale. Investigations Division. Operations Division.  9. Board Reappointment 10. New Hire Report Recently Hired Electric Line Technician (2) PU- Electric Firefighterll Meter Technician Part-Time Athletic Staff (3) Part-Time SRAC General Staff(2)P&R -A Aquatics Part-Time SRAC Instructor P&R - Aquatics Part-Time SRAC Instructor P&R - Aquatics Part-Time SRAC Instructor P&R - Aquatics Police Sergeant Pump Station Mechanic Utility Line Mechanic (2) Zoning/Code Enforce. Officer Planning Current Vacancies Equipment Operator Meter Reader Police Officers Sanitation' Worker  a. Connie Barbour was reappointed tos serve as second term ont the Library Board of Trustees.  Department Fire P&R - Recreation Police PU-V Water/Sewer PU - Water/Sewer Department PU-Streets  BudgetLine  Rate ofF Pay  31-72-7230-510-0200 $23.42/hr. ($48,713.60lyr.) 10-20-5300-5100-0200 $20.55/hr. ($44,881.20lyr.) 10.60.6200.5700-0210 $10.00/hr. 10-60-6220-510-0210 $12.00/hr. 10.60.6220.5100-0230 $13.00/hr. 1060.6220.5700.0230 $15.00/hr. 10-60-6220-5100-0230 $16.00/hr. 10.20-5100-510-0200 $31.07/hr. ($69,472.52/yr.) 30-71-7220.5100-0200 $19.59/hr. ($40,747.20/yr.) 30-71-7220.5100-0200 $17.37/hr. ($36,129.60lyr.) 10-10-4900-5100-0200 $25.00/hr. ($52,000.00/yr.) 31-72-7230-510-0200 BudgetLine 10.30-5600-5100-0200 10-60-5500-510-0200 30-71-7220.5100-0200 31-72-7230-5700-0200 10-20-5100-5100-0200 10-40-5800-5100-0200  PU-Customer Service 31-72-230-5100-0200 $19.08/hr. ($39,686.40lyr.)  Facility Maintenance Specialist PW-Appearance  Human Resources Director General Government 10-10-4000-5100-0200  PU- Customer Service 31-72-7230-5100-0200  Police PW-Sanitation  BUSINESS ITEMS:  1. Conditional Zoning Request - Buffalo Road (CZ-23-01)  Planning Director Stephen Wensman discussed a conditional rezoning request for 138.63 acres ofl land on Buffalo Road. The rezoning, initially heard att the January 2024 meeting, now proposed a reduction in the number ofs single-family lots from 220 to 170, increasing the minimum lot size and side yard setbacks. The development, now with 1.23 units per acre density, included amenities such as aj pavilion shelter, bocce ball court, dog park, and walking trail. The community would be maintenance-free, with the HOA managing individual lots. Architectural standards were outlined, including features like hardy board siding, decorative  windows, and asphalt shingle roofs.    6677  Mr. Wensman highlighted several conditions for approval, such as enhanced landscaping, streetl lighting, a connection to the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and a parkland dedication. He also noted the proposal to maintain standard curbs instead ofv valley curbs andt the inclusion ofa 31-foot-wide trail. Staffr recommended these conditions be considered for approval. Mr. Wenman stated the developer had an updated plan he Sagan Lampie explained thath her family has ownedt the property in question fort three generations. She initially envisioned the site as affordable housing for new homebuyers, youngf families, and retirees. However, after considering the Town's feedback, she adjusted her proposal to balance the Town's desire for more space Donnie Adams ofA Adams andH Hodges Engineers explained that the presentation would focus ont the changes made tot the proposal, noting that most points had already been covered by Mr. Wensman. He highlighted that they successfully increased lot sizes by over 30%, as requested, which reduced the density, resulting in the loss of 52 lots and bringing the density down to 1.23 units per acre. Mr. Adams also addressed concerns about stormwater management, ar recurring topic in previous meetings. Hei introduced Eva King, a professional engineer and stormwater expert from his firm, to provide additional insights ont the stormwater Eval King shared thats she visitedt thes site on. July 1st and met with Mr. Bruton, who expressed concerns about potential flooding fromt the project. Ms. King explained that the areal behind Bruton's property was relatively flat but slopes away from his land. She assured him that both the State of North Carolina and Town of Smithfield regulations require maintaining existing drainage patterns. The project plans included two large stormwater ponds designedt to exceedt ther required standards fors stormwater management. She emphasized that the development twouldo capture andi treata allv water on-site, ensuring proper drainage andi routing of water Councilman Scott questioned how the proposed project would address the potential for flooding in the existing neighborhood. Eval Kinge explained that while the current neighborhood already had standing water, which was observed during her visit, the new development would not exacerbate the problem. She emphasized that the stormwater generated by the project would be routed away from adjacent Donnie Adams added that the development would include a 10-foot buffer adjacent to Bradford Park, ensuring thatr none oft the wateri from the new development wouldf flowt toward the existing neighborhood. He clarifiedi that whilet they couldr not addresst the existing water issues in Bradford Park, they would ensure that the new project would not worsen the situation, with water being directed downhill away from the Councilman Scott expressed concern about conflicting descriptions of the land as both flat and sloping. Adams clarified that the development would be graded to direct water downhill, below the grade of Parkway Councilman Barbour and Councilman Scott questioned the impact oft thet flatl land on drainage and the long- term maintenance of the stormwater system. Ms. King and the development team assured that the stormwater ponds) would be designed tos state andl local standards, with ongoing maintenance responsibilities placed on the homeowner's association. They emphasized that the Town would have the right to inspect Councilman Barbour raised concerns about the phasing of the construction and the potential impact ont the surrounding neighborhood, particularly regarding drainage andi flooding. He questioned whether the project could be designed to address any issues that might arise during construction, especially if building began near the cul-de-sac. The discussion highlighted the possibility of including provisions in the HOA Mr. Adams responded that the development wouldl likely be completed in one phase, with alli infrastructure, including roads, water, sewer, and stormwater ponds, being installed before any homes were built. Councilman Scott and other council members expressed concerns about ensuring that the development would not exacerbate existing flooding issues in the area, emphasizing the need for detailed engineering Stephen Wensman explained that the Council could require the construction plans to be presented during the final plat or preliminary plat approval process, allowing the Town Engineer to review and ensure compliance with drainage and stormwater management standards. This would provide an additional layer of oversight and assurance thatt the project would notr negatively impactt the existing neighborhood. Mr.. Adams indicated that he was open to this approach, and the discussion concluded with the possibility of bringing Councilman Scott expressed concerns aboutt the smaller lots sizes int the proposed development, noting that they were still smaller than he preferred, especially compared tot the existing 10,000 square foot lots int the adjacent neighborhood. Hei inquired aboutt the developer's plans to preserve natural trees, particularly ina 10-footh buffer areaa aroundi the cul-de-sac. Mr. Adams, confirmedt that theiri intention was top preserve as many trees asp possible within this buffer, though there might bea a needt tor remove: some for grading purposes, with  wished tos share.  with her goal of affordability.  issues.  downstream.  Mayor Moore askedi ift there were any question from the Council.  neighborhoods into two large ponds, wherei itwould be detained and released safely.  neighborhood.  Drive, ensuring proper stormwater management.  ande enforce maintenance to ensure the ponds function properly over time.  responsibilities to address any negative effects ont the adjacent neighborhood.  plans and oversight.  the engineered plans back tot the Council for further review beforei final approval.  replanting done ifr necessary.    6678  Councilman Barbour and Mayor Moore also raised concerns about drainage, the use of valley curbs, and ensuring that the development would not negatively impact the surrounding area. The discussion touched ont thei importance oftrusth between the Councila and developers, with at focus one ensuringt thata any stormwater The Council acknowledged that while the development might not meet all of their preferences, the developers had made efforts to address their concerns, particularly regarding architectural standards and Mayor Moore allowed for brief additional public comments, emphasizing that they should focus on new Rick Buckner raised a concern that the current plans seemed to extend into the area near the radio tower, which he did not recall from earlier plans. He questioned whether the development was adding 50 more houses in that area. Stephen Wensman clarified that the developers were required to provide lateral connections to undeveloped land, although the Council allowed them to disconnect from Bradford Park. He also mentioned that the largel lotr near the radioi tower could be developed into more lots int the future. Gene Bruton expressed concerns about water drainage issues affecting his and his neighbors' properties. He mentionedi that after ar recent rain, his backyard flooded, and he believed the water was coming from the direction oft the proposed development. Mr. Bruton shared that he has lived in his home for 20 years and has installed sump pumps to manage the ongoing wateri issues. He emphasized that many of his neighbors also experience standing water int their backyards and worried that the new development could worsen the situation. He asked the Council to consider the impact one existing homes before proceeding. Mr. Stephen Wensman clarified a point regarding the dedication of parkland. Hei initially reported thati ity was unclear whether the developers intended to donatet the land, butl later confirmed that they were still planning to do sO. He then outlined several conditions for the development's approval, including requirements for driveway aprons, curb and gutter installations, decorative street lighting, enhanced landscaping, and the Councilmembers discussed the importance of preserving natural buffers, particularly in areas where the development borders existing neighborhoods. Councilman Scott requested that the preservation of natural buffers, including trees, be explicitly added as a condition, with the caveat that trees could be removed if necessary for proper drainage. This suggestion was accepted, and thel language was adjusted to reflectt the intent to preserve natural buffers "as much as possible except when needed to address stormwater The Council also discussed the possibility ofrequiring the engineered plans, including those addressing tree preservation and stormwater drainage, too come back tot the Council for review beforef final approval, ensuring transparency and allowing residents to see the final plans. This proposal was accepted as a condition for Councilman Barbour discussed: adding additional conditions tot the development; plan, includingi incorporating architectural standards intot the HOA declarations and ensuring natural buffers were preserved as much as possible, except when needed for stormwater drainage. He also emphasized the need for the engineer drawings tob bep presented tot the Council for approval, notj justf for review, to ensure that the plans meet their The Council also addressed thei importance ofr maintainingas six-foot-high screening fence along the Bradford Park boundary, whichh had been previously agreed upon but was missing from the current plans. There was ac consensus that this fence, along with preserved vegetation, would serve as a necessary buffer between Further discussion clarified that the developments walking trail would be public, with the HOA responsible for its maintenance. The council also reiterated their concerns about drainage and requested that detailed topographical datal bei included int the engineering plans toe ensure proper water flow management. Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to approve. zoning map amendment, CZ-23-01, with 13 conditions of approval, finding the rezoning consistent with the Town of Smithfield Comprenensive Growth Management Plan and other adopted plans, andt that the amendment isr reasonable and int the publici interest. Councilman Barbour, Councilman Dunn, Mayor Pro-Tem Wood and Councilman Stevens voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Lee, Councilman Scott and Ina accordance with Article 4, Partl II, the Town of Smithfield Town Council imposes the following 1. That the future preliminary plat and development plans for the subdivision be in accordance with the approved Master Plan, R-8 Zoning District, and UDO regulations with the with the following  issues are properly addressed through engineering and oversight.  the preservation of green space  concerns rathert than repeating previous points.  dedication ofl land fort thel Buffalo Creek Greenway.  drainage."  the: zoning approval.  standards, particularly concerning drainage and tree preservation.  the new development and the existing neighborhood.  Councilman Rabil voted against the motion. The motion passed four to three.  The approved conditions are asf follows:  additional conditions on this Conditional: Zoning request:  deviations: Standard Setbacks  Proposed FrontH Home=18' Front Garage: = 25' Side=6' Rear=1 12' Cornerside: = 18'    6679  Min. Lot Size Lot Frontage Lateral Connection details.  5,500s sq. ft. 551 feet  20' wide trail meeting Fire Code  The driveway aprons tot the parking lot and residential lots should conform tot the town's standard  3. Provide concrete curb and gutter along Buffalo Road with NCDOT approval. 4. Provide decorative street lighting and streets signs throughout the development. Enhance the landscaping att the development entrances onto Buffalo Road Dedicate the lande east oft the Buffalo Creek Greenway for parkland. 7. Provide: aeration oft the wet (stormwater) ponds to assist with mosquito control. 8. Loopt the watermains with the Bradford Park neighborhood (upside to an 8"I line iff feasible) and provide at fire hydrant beyondt the cul-de-sac on the greenway for fire protection. 9. Provide: standard 6" curb and gutter throughout the development. 10. Incorporate the architectural standards presented into the homeowner's association declarations 11. Preserve the natural buffers as much as possible except when addressing stormwater drainage. 12. Thate engineered construction drawings be presented with the preliminary plat to address 13. Provide a 6' high screening fence between the proposed residential lots andi the Bradford Park 2. Consideration: and request for approval of the Smithfield Economic Development Strategic Planning Director Stephen Wensman introduced Carl Reese Economic Development Director for Ms. Morphus highlighteds several programs supported by ElectriCities, including strategic planning, industrial site development, and retail development support. They explained that the current project is part of the economic development efforts benefiting the community and other Electric Cities members. The scope of work included reviewing existing town planning documents, developing an economic and demographic profile, and creatinga a SWOT analysis based ond community and! business: surveys, as well asi inputs sessions. Key points from the SWOT analysis included strengths such as Smithfield's location, transportation access, vibrant downtown, and quality ofl life. Weaknesses identified included infrastructure challenges and a lack of shared vision, whicht thes strategic plan aims to address. Opportunities were seen ins strengthening the town's economic development program and leveraging transportation access, while threats included infrastructure issues, deteriorating commercial sites, and limited resources for economic development. The economic and demographic profile showed that while Smithfield is growing, itis not keeping pace with the county, Research Triangle, or state. Income levels in Smithfield lag behind those in the surrounding areas, making homes less affordable despite lower home values. Manufacturing was noted as the top A business survey revealed that almost half of the respondents, primarily longtime small businesses, had growth plans, with 31% planning to expand at their current location and 16% planning to expand within Smithfield. She discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Smithfield, with a particular focus on workforce issues andt the lack ofaffordable business expansion space. Many businesses expressed: a desire for assistance in marketing and navigating regulatory processes. A community survey revealed that residents prioritize downtown development, more amenities, and business site availability. Three main goals were recommended for the Town's economic development strategy: business development, community amenities and beautification, andi infrastructure investment. Key recommendations included hiring a full-time economic development staff position, developing competitive business sites, and maintaining strong relationships with large employers. The strategy also emphasized marketing the Town's For infrastructure, Ms. Morphus suggested small area plans and ensuring utility and broadband capacity. The strategic plan outlined an implementation guide, recommending: immediate investments in economic development staffa and business retention efforts int thei firsty year, followed by small area planning and policy changes to support high-traffic businesses in the downtown area in subsequent years. The speaker also Councilman Barbour raised questions about the survey process for citizens and businesses, expressing concern overt thel lowr response rates-53 for the community survey and: 321 fort the business survey. He noted that these low numbers might not provide a statistically significant or accurate representation of the community's views, especially considering Smithfield's population of 11,000 and the presence of large Mr. Wensman explained that the survey was distributed via the Town's website, social media, and other channels, butt the responses were anonymous, making it unclear if larger businesses participated. Councilman Barbour and others discussedi thei importance ofc consideringt thei impact ofr recent developments, like Amazon's arrival, on the Town's economic landscape. They noted that as more high-paying jobs come to Smithfield, the Town's median income should rise, potentially attracting more businesses like Hobby Lobby or Target. The discussion also touched on the need for a dedicated economic development staff position tol help manage and capitalize ont these growth opportunities, with the possibility of sharing this role  drainage and preservation of natural buffers.  boundary.  Plan Update  ElectriCities and Crystal Morphus from Creative Economic Development.  employer in. Johnston County, with al highr multiplier effecto ont the economy.  qualities, improving wayfinding, and focusing on vacant building redevelopment  acknowledged Steven Wensman's contributions tot the project.  employers like Amazon, which was not open att the time oft the survey.  with other Towni functions like downtown development.    6680  Mayor Moore emphasizedi ther need for Smithfield to ber more aggressive ini its partnership with ElectriCities, especially in discussions about economic development. He noted that while residential growth was strong, the Town must nowi focus on attracting commercial, industrial, and retail businesses tos support the growing population. He stressed the importance of protecting and preserving property designated for business use Councilman Stevens echoedt theses sentiments, highlighting that Smithfield's population has remained steady for years, but with new residential developments, the Town needed to attract businesses that follow the rooftops. He inquired about the timeline for economic growth following residential expansion, to which the Electric Cities representative responded that retail and businesses typically follow new housing Mr. Reese mentioned that ElectriCities has processes and events to help communities like Smithfield promote their growth top potential businesses, emphasizing thei importance of preserving commercial space to avoid becoming a solely residential, bedroom community. The mayor and council expressed their appreciation for the partnership with ElectriCities and their willingness to work closely with them to guide Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to adopt the update to the Councilman Stevens clarified that the Bradford Pear trees on South Second Street would be removed Councilman Scott raised concerns about damage tol light poles in downtown and wayfinding signs in West Smithfield. The Town Manager explained that the large trafficl light posts are owned by NC DOT, andi it's upi tot themt to decide onr replacements, although the Town can encourage it. Councilman Lee expressed concerns about safety issues in East Smithfield, noting recent incidents like power outages without police presence, 18-wheelers damaging infrastructure, and reckless driving. He highlighted the frustration of residents who felt unsafe, particularly on East Street, where elderly individuals cannot comfortably sit ont their porches. He also pointed out that despite a 2020 resolution top promote diversity int the police force, the number ofr minority officers had decreased. Additionally, he criticized the lack of communication and support for the Juneteenth Celebration, contrasting it with the well-publicized Fourth of July event. He questioned the representation of minorities in downtown initiatives and stressed the need to address issues affecting all parts of Smithfield, not just focus on Mayor Moore expressed his gratitude to Parks and Recreation staff and everyone involved in organizing the Fourth of. July celebration, praising it as a great event. He also mentioned an upcoming events scheduledi fort thef following Saturday, encouragingt the community to come downtown and support  toe ensure al balanced live-work-play environment.  developments as the market demographics change.  Smithfield's future growth.  Economic Development Strategic Plan. Unanimously approved.  Councilmembers Comments:  and replaced with another type oftree.  new development. the event.  Town Manager's Report:  Town! Manager Michael Scottp provided al brief update tot the Council ont the following items:  The. Joint meeting between the DSDC Board and the Town Council was scheduled for Thursday, July 11th at6:30. The meeting willl bel heldi in the Fire Department Training room at 111 South 4th Street. The County has notified the Town that the landfill tipping fees were increasing by $3.00/ton starting August 1, 2024. This will cause the Town's sanitation fees to increase by 34 cents per month, per customer. The recommended Fee Schedule increase will be part oft the. July 16th agenda.  Closed Session: Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(5)  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to go into Closed Session pursuant to  the aforementioned statute. Unanimously approved ata approximately 9:54 pm.  Reconvene in Open Session  Councilman Scottr made ar motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, tor reconvene the meeting in Open Session. Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to adjourn the meeting until. The  Unanimously: approved ata approximately 10:23 pm meeting adjourned ata approximately 10:24pm.  Adjourn    6681  KHYE M. Andy Moore, Mayor  ATTEST:  Snsesibnisl Shannan L. Parrish, Town Clerk