Minutes Spruce Pine Town Council September 9,2 2024 5:30PM  A meeting oft the' Town Council was held on September 9,2024. Present were Mayor Phillip Hise and Council Members Rocky Buchanan, Jackie Rensink, and Wayne Peight. Staffi in attendance included Spencer Bost, Kasey Cook, Michael Wood, Travis Phillips, Crystal Young, Darlene Butler and Brooke Peterson. Others attended, Mayor Phillip! Hise called thei regular meeting to order at 5:301 PM.. Jackie Rensink gave the invocation. Wayne Jackie Rensink moved to approve the agenda with the addition of the signage oft thel Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. Rocky Buchanan moved to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2024 Town Council Meeting. Jackie Rensink Rocky Buchanan moved to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2024 Closed Session Meeting. Wayne Peight  including Chad Donnahoo, Donnie Staton, Cynthia Sciacca, and Mariel Williams.  CALLTOORDER Peight led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OFI MINUTES  Wayne Peight seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  PUBLICCOMMENT  & Cynthia Sciacca presented the fundraising gala event benefiting the Spruce Pine Public Library on October 4th. This eventi is a classic evening with food, beverages, and music. Come dressed as your favorite classic character. Tickets are $20 each. There will be door prizes available. This event will launch the book sale from October 5-1 12. Council Member Jackie Rensink inquired about donating books. Jackie Rensink moved to approve the Special Event Permit Application for Spruce Pine Southern Shows- Alien Festival on June 14, 2025. Rocky Buchanan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Rocky Buchanan moved to approve the Special Event Permit Application for Spruce Pine Rotary Club- - BBQ Festival on October 5,2024.. Jackie Rensink seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Darlene Butler noted the firsti reading of the Personnel Policy. She stated there have been ai few changes regarding overtime provisions. The second reading willl ber ready att thet next meeting in September, then the Rocky Buchanan made a motion to release 2024 personal property taxes for. James Robinson in the amount of$7.94. Wayne Peights seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Wayne Peight made ar motion to release 2024 taxes for Taylor Estelle Heirs from commercial to residential int the amount of$7.36. Jackie Rensink seconded thei motion, which carried unanimously. Jackie Rensink made a motion for thet town toi fund as second sign fort thel Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail in the amount of $1,000. Wayne Peight seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The TDA is purchasing asign as well. Thel Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail company willl be installing both signs.  ACTIONAGENDA  new policy will take effect October 1,2024.  DEPARTMENT UPDATES Finance  Finance Officer Crystal Young updated the council on the financials for the period ending August 31,2024. Budget funds for emergency repairs have been utilized for water at the McHone pump station and sewer at  Said reports are incorporated by reference and attached to these minutes. $121,0001 has been collected from 2024 taxes andt the current tax collection rate is 7%. The auditors will be backi in the next few weeks toi finish up the audit.  the Carter's Ridge station.    The company that is completing the audit for our utility accounts has already found $200 per month of savings on one bill. That company is continuing to work on all ofthe town's utility accounts. Crystal also discussed sending delinquent accounts tol NC Debt Set-Off. Phillip Hise asked about how that Crystal is also working on the property values for thet town's utility companies like CSX and Duke from the Police Chief Kasey Cook updated the Council on the police department for thet month of August, presenting al log with at total of 440 calls logged through Mitchell County Communications. Said log is incorporated The new patrol vehicles that were purchased this year are now: fully fitted and on the road. The old Dodge Charger willl bes sold on the Govl Deals website. The black Dodge truck has been given to thel Parks and Rec Department. Also, all of the car cameras that were purchased with this year's budget is beingi installed in all ChiefCook: noted all oft the upcoming festivals andi it will be: al busy time downtown, therefore his At the end ofthis month officers willl be completing annual In-Service and Firearm Training. Project Manager Donnie Staton with Veolia gave his report for thet month of August. Said report is Donnie: stated the McHone pump station upgrades are being completed. New valves will be installed along Donnie also noted the amount of grease the waste plant removed and importance of not putting grease in Donnie shared how well Darrell manages the wastewater plant. The Sullins Branch lift station willl be All capital projects for wastewater have been completed, except forr replacing the generator transfer switch Public Works Director Travis Phillips presented a' Work Order Summary Report for his department. Said Travis discussed G &Cwilll be coming this week to install the new valves at the McHone station. This will The splash pad has been shut down for the season. Public Works will be replacing the smaller water line  process works andt the amount thet town actually receives. Department Revenue and getting those bills sent out.  Police Department  by reference and attached to these minutes.  8patrol vehicles this week. department willl be patrolling heavily.  Water and Sewer  incorporated by reference and attached to these minutes.  with new piping.  The Beaver Creek Reservoir has been down, Donnie is checking on that weekly. drains. Council Member Jackie Rensink asked about the grease issue. rehabbed pert the request from thes state inspector.  att the upper prison.  Public Works  report is incorporated by reference and attached to these minutes.  be done without disrupting service.  with thicker line that willl be able to withstand constant shutting off and on. Leafs season is coming up. Thet truck is currently in good working order.  Main Street  Main Street Director Spencer Bost presented his August report for Main Street, which isi incorporated by  reference and attached to these minutes.  Spencer shared thel last third' Thursday event oft the year was a success. Spencer discussed the grant for the Riverbend Park regarding the knotweed. The downtown; yard sale was al huge success with very positive feedback.  Spencer also noted the upcoming festivals Giving Gardens: September 14, Treasures in Fall: September 28, BBQ: October 5, and Potter's Market: October 12-13. Hilloween which willl be a major event Spencer mentionedi the success of the golf tournament fundraiser that was held today-Monday, September 9 Spencer applied for a grant which is forai native pollinator garden in the pocket park between the buildings  downtown.  tol benefit downtown and the chamber. to replace thel holly bush thati is currently there.    Council Member Rocky Buchanan noted he appreciated Spencer's work in the downtown yard sale event. Parks and Rec Director Michael Wood presented his August report for Parks and Rec, which is Michael noted Riverside is still a work inj progress. The old concession stand and restrooms are being Michael stated the pooll has officially closed and he willl begin the winterizing process soon, along with the Michael followed up about the! knotweed issue at Riverbend Park that Spencer also discussed. His Michael also discussed all of the upcoming festivals andl how his department will be assisting with the garbage pick-up. Ther new side-by-side willl be a huge asset during festivals and it now has aj permanent The new full-time employee, Kyle Patrick, between Parks and Rec and Public Works has started. Michael Mayor Phillip Hise inquired about the bathroom door at Riverside. Michael noted he will reach out to the  Parks and Rec  incorporated by reference and attached to these minutes.  converted to storage. restrooms.  department is constantly working on that issue.  state tag,  believes he will be a great fit for both departments. contractor to ensure thati is repaired.  Leafseason willl begin soon, Michael noted his department willl be ready.  MANAGERSUPDATE  Town Manager Darlene Butler updated the council on current grant standings:  Streetscape grant which is $49,999 from NC Department of Commerce and $150,000 from USDA. WithersRavenel has begun developing two concepts for Locust Street and Oak Avenue. An engagement event will take place on October 5th, which is thes same day as thel BBQ Festival. Stormwater Asset Inventory and. Analysis is $300,000 from NCDEQ. High Country Council of Government mapping should be complete by the end of September. The kickoffmeeting with WithersRavenel was on September 5wh. An online survey will be available by the end of Water and Sewer. AIA, which is $150,000 for each area from NÇDEQ. A scoping meeting with The HWY: 226 waterline replacement is $775,349 from Golden Leaf. The design phase is complete. We should have an answer within two weeks. EDA grant application for $1,484,2751 to Darlene noted shei is working on the proposal from the engineer for overseeing the condemnation of the 116 Darlene noted that shei is also working on an ad andj job description fora a code enforcement officer starting at $25/hour for aj part-time position. Ifr no changes are recommended from the council, she will publish the Darlene updated the council on the return oft the watershed property. After a: zoom meeting with Pat] Dale and attorneys, shei is expecting an agreement regarding road upkeep, security gates, and environmental The High-Country Council of Government Annual Banquet is approaching. Darlene advised the council to Mayor Phillip Hise asked Darlene ifthes statel had contacted her regarding the Streetscape grant ands she Darlene also noted that DOTI has been working on feasibility studies for different scenarios for the pedestrian bridge. The contracting company wants to meet with at town representative and al local DOT member to see which proposal would work best. Darlene requested that Mainstreet Director Spencer and Mayor Phillip Hise followed up with Council member Wayne Peight regarding quotes for repairing the  September. Assessment is expected by December. WithersRavenel was held on September 4th.  complete the funding. S.Dale Street location. ad in ther newspaper and online. condition affidavit.  The EDA and Chamber are both currently seeking directors. complete their RSVPa and give that tol Brooke by September 20"h. noted thats she referred them to the engineer.  Mayor Phillip be involved. MAYOR/COUNCILCOMMENTS Public Works roof.    Council member. Jackie Rensink discussed how pleased she is with the progress ofa all the grants, festivals,  andj just everything going on in town.  ADJOURNMENT  With no further business, thet meeting was adjourned by motion ofJackie Rensink at 6:25P PM.  colcldtusn Brooke Peterson, Town Clerk  fire  RockyRuchan'n, Council Member Wayne(Peight, CgunciMembes edBimnt Jackie Rensink, Council Member  a  5    PUBLIC COMMENT SIGN-IN SHEET  Date:  93/24 SPRUCE  Name  Address  WidySnacoe 349 SMALRd    6  # a 1 o  C    d8    Town of Spruce Pine Financials Ending June 30th, 2025 1st Quarter FY: 2024-2025  2024-2025 Budget Figures August 31st, 2024 General Fund Revenue Levied Taxes and Penalties Local Sales Tax Franchise Taxes Powell Bill Interest Earned Recreation Park Revenue Revolving Loan Repayments Misc Income Grants Fund Balance Appropriated General Fund Revenue General Fund Expenditures Governing Body Total Administration & Finance Cost of Elections Tax Collections Fees Economics Total Public Building & Facilities Fire Department Building inspections Police Department Public Works Powell Bill Sanitation Parks &F Recreation Library Trac Grant Cemetery Contingency  2024-2025 Y-T-D June 30th,  Budget $1,532,500 $750,000 $285,000 $80,000 $120,000 $26,000 $2,000 $135,015 $0 $0 $2,933,515 $23,692 $281,868 $0 $5,250 $170,927 $130,028 $171,500 $31,350 $1,201,192 $188,491 $116,068 $97,073 $325,230 $118,959 $5,000 $34,350 $32,537 $2,933,515 $0  2025 $121,225 $128,851 $0 $0 $47,487 $15,053 $250 $3,993 $1,136 $0 $317,995 $3,2771 $85,936 $0 $710 $30,756 $42,879 $0j $0 $287,532 $63,330 $11,402 $8,076 $93,296 $19,694 $5,000 100.0% $8,325 $660,214 -$342,219  Percent 7.9% 17.2% 0.0% 0.0% 39.6% 57.9% 12.5% 3.0% 10.8% 13.8% 30.5% 0.0% 13.5% 18.0% 33.0% 0.0% 0.0% 23.9% 33.6% 9.8% 8.3% 28.7% 16.6% 24.2% 22.5%  Total General Fund Expenditures Excess (deficiency) of revenue over Expenditures    Town of Spruce Pine Analysis of Current Year Tax Levy 08/31/24 excluding vehicle taxes Property Town-wide Valuation 56,303,370 $0.46 264,496,800 65,225,300 83,697,187 302,328,283  Amount ofLevy  Rate  Original levy: Real property Building property Personal property Public service companies Penalties Exemptions  1,390,710.10  Discoveries: Current year taxes Rounding Prior year taxes Abatements  Minl Bill Rounding Releases (Curr) Releases (Prior)  29,054  133.65 0.38  Total property valuation  302,299,229  Net levy Uncollected taxes at Current year's taxes collected Current levy collection percentage  1,390,576.83 1,293,658.23 96,918.60 7.0%    Mitchell County Central Communications 117 Long View Drive Bakersville NC 28705  Department CFS CallType Group By Month For 08/01/2024-09/30/2024  Spruce Pine Police Department 911 ABANDONED 0 911 INCOMPLETE 0 ADMINISTRATIVE- 0 LAW ALARM-FIRE. ALARMS-LAW ANIMAL CONTROLISHELTE RREQUEST ANIMAL-LAW ASSAULT/SEXUAL 0 ASSAULT. ASSIST OTHER 0 AGENCY-LAW TEMPTTO OCATE: BURGLARY/HOME 0 INVASION CARELESS/RECKLE 0: SS CHOKING CITIZEN ASSIST 0 COMMITMENT CONVULSIONS/SEI 0 ZURES COURT DAMAGENVANDALIS 0 M/MISCHIEF. DCI/CRIMINAL 0 HISTORY DIABETIC PROBLEMS DIRECT1 TRAFFIC 0 DISABLED MOTORIST STURBANCE/NUI 0 SANCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CADF Report 346  CallTypeGroup January February March April May June July August September October November December Total  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0. 0 2. 0 0 0 0 0 9 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0. 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0. 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0, 0. 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0. 0 0 0 0 2) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0. 0 3) 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 5  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2 3 11 3. 12 1 9 2 1 8 1 15 1 2 3 1. 1 6 3 2 1 5 6 6 09/09/2024 14:56  1 2 1 3 1 0 0 2 1  Page 1 Of 3    Spruce Pine Police Department:  KallTypeGroup January February March April May June July August September October November December Total  TRAFFIC VIOLATIONICOMPL AINT/HAZARD TRAINING TRESPASSINGIUN 0 WANTED UNCONSCIOUSIFAI 0 NTING UNKNOWN MEDICALF PROBLEM WARRANT/CIVIL 0 WEAPONSI FIREARMS WELFARE CHECK 0 WRECKER REQUEST Department Total 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 4 0  1 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2 2 4 1 2 1 2 6 1 440  0 336 104  CADI Report 346  Page 3 Of 3  09/09/2024 14:56    VEOLIA  VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA 95 CLEARWATERI LANE SPRUCE PINE, NC28777  TELEPHONE (828) 765-3011 FAX: (828) 765-3013 EMAIL- domiesaton@veolacom  MONTHLY REPORT  OF THE  WATER AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES SPRUCE PINE, NORTH CAROLINA  SPRUCEPINETOWNI HALL  PREPARED FOR THE August 2024  TOWN OF SPRUCE PINE    OVEOLIA  WASTEWATER  The wastewater plant and lift stations operated in full compliance with all State and Federal  rules and regulations for the month. We sent 4 loads of solids to the landfill. 8/15/24 Staff pulled a sewer pump at the upper prison. It had fallen off the rails. 8/16/24 Staff pulled pumps at Beaver Creek and Carters Ridge. Both were clogged. 8/21/24 Hired KRG vac truck to pump out Carters Ridge, Depot Street, and both prison lift stations.There was a lot of grease and trash build up at these locations. 8/22/24 Staff installed a new sewer pump ati the Henredon lift station. 8/27/24 Staff installed a new sewer pump at the Carters Ridge lift station.  8/5/24 Staff collected pre-treatment samples from BRP.  8/29/24 Met with Kemp Inc. to get quotes on replacing 3 bearings in the waste plant ditch and replacing a valve on our grit separator. Also we are planning on rehabbing the Sullins Branch lift 8/29/24 State inspected all pre treatment records of analysis concerning BRP. All were good.  station per request from the state inspector.  CAPITAL PROJECTS upper prison sewer lift station.  All capital projects are complete except for replacing the generator transfer switch at  ANALYSES  INF AVG MG/L 192.4 223.9  EFF AVG MG/L 2.00 6.0  % REMOVAL 98% 98%  BOD TSS  OTHER CONSIDERATIONS All employee safety training is up to date.  Respectfully Submitted, Donnie Staton Project Manager Veolia North America Tel. +1 8287653011 Fax +18287653013  Veolia North America, 95 Clearwater Lane, Spruce Pine NC 28777  www.yeolianorthamerica.com  Page 2of2    Town of Spruce Pine Monthly Report  August 2024  Public Works Department  Work Order Summary for August 2024: Unlock and turn on meter 22 Turn off and lock meter 13  Jet Lines 11 Patch Potholes 13 Mowing 6 Misc. 17  Brush 26 Leaves 0 Locates 53 New Meters 15 Meter Checks 58 White Goods 6 Cardboard (weekly) Water Leaks 6 Sewer Leaks 1 Water Taps 0 Sewer Taps 0 Graves 4  Unstopped culverts/ditches? 2 Removed Trees from road 2 Facilities maintenance 5    August Misc. work summary:  Working with Kemp inc. on rehabbing the Sullins Br. Pump station with new piping and rail system and new concrete on the top  where old is chipping off.  We shut the splash pad line down for the winter and going to replace the line this fall to poly pipe that can withstand the on and  off of the splash pad system:  Ihave taken and successfully passed the NC Cross Connection ORC license this month and will start working more on that now. We are working closely with several contractors with work going on in the system for new water and sewer services, A couple of  those projects have wrapped up.  Worked with high country council on the stormwater mapping.  Mowing efforts are still continuing around town.  We Jetted out and cleaned 3,900 feet of sewer line this month which puts us at 16,150 feet working towards our goal of 18,500 feet  per year.  All items from the budget have been ordered and received.    Travis Phillips Public Works Director    Monthly Report- - September 2024 Dear Town Council Members,  Ihope this report finds you well. Below is a summary of the activities and initiatives undertaken  by Downtown Spruce Pine over the past month: 1. Third Thursday Event:  The last Third Thursday event was held successfully with enthusiastic community participation and positive feedback. Attendees expressed anticipation for its A state biologist conducted a survey of species of note in Riverbend Park. Their findings highlighted key ecological aspects and a report is available. Approval has been secured for the installation of string lights in the Pocket Park, enhancing its ambiance and attractiveness for visitors. Implementation is  return next year.  2. Biological Survey at Riverbend Park: 3. String Lights Installation in Pocket Park:  underway.  4. Downtown Yard Sale:  The recent downtown yard sale was a resounding suçcess, drawing significant Downtown Spruce Pine is now collaborating with the Potters Market, actively supporting this renowned event through promotional efforts via posters and We are excited to participate and support the upcoming Hilloween Street Festival, which promises to be a major event highlighting Spruce Pine's  community engagement and positive community feedback.  5. Collaboration with Potters Market:  mailers.  6. Involvement in Hilloween Street Festival:  community spirit and local culture.  Upcoming Events:  Mitchell Giving Gardens Harvest Festival Fundraiser: Saturday, September 14th.  Treasures in the Fall Festival: September 28th. Barbeque Festival: October 5th. Spruce Pine Potter's Market: October 12-13.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our town's growth and vitality.  Spencer Bost    Parks and Recreation Department Office (828)765-3012 Cell (828)385-2179  Town of Spruce Pine Board Meeting  September 9th, 2024  General Park Maintenance  Morning and Night check list completed each day  Trash pick-up in town Mowing and weedeating  Brad Ragan Park  Cleaned up down trees on the Mineral City walking trail  Riverside Park  Old Concession stand and restrooms being converted into storage  Splash pad is shut down for the season  Shelter Reservations  August 41 reservations  Last month of taking reservations till spring  Pool  2pool rentals for August  Shutting down the water towards the end of September  Riverbend Park    Still working on knot weed  Town  N/A  Other Business  Have the side by side tagged  Hired the new full time person between parks and maintenance (Kyle Patrick)