MINUTES Spencer Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting September 10, 2024  The Town of Spencer Board of Aldermen met ini regular session to conduct a regular meeting in the Hildal B. Palmer Board Room at the Spencer Town Hall on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.  Present were: Mayor. Jonathan Williams  Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast Alderwoman Erin Moody Alderman Andrew Howe Alderman Rashid Muhammad Alderwoman Patricia Sledge  Alderman Steve Miller was absent.  Also present were: Town Manager Peter Franzese, Town Attorney. Jay Dees, Town Clerk Anna Kanode' Ward, Finance Officer Heather Kann, Public' Works Director Joel Taylor, Police Chief Michael File, Deputy Fire Chief Doug Lewis, Planning & Zoning Administrator Steve Blount, and Special Projects Planner Joe Morris.  Mayor Williams called the meeting to order. Alderman Muhammad gave thei invocation. Mayor Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA  Action  Mayor Pro Tempore Secreast moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Alderman Howe seconded the  motion, which carried by a vote of 5-0.  RECOGNITIONS  Mayor ProT Tempore: Secreastrecognized Peggy Fuller Stoudemire Gemayel (better known as Peg), al longtime Spencer resident and business owner who recently passed. She operated the Stoudemire Furniture Store between 1987 and 2015. Peg began working there in 1940 and was at trailblazer fort female business owners. Many people int the community bought furniture from Stoudemire's, and some still own that furniture. The Stoudemires gave miniature hope chests to girls graduatingi from North Rowan High School. Pegwas always available for customers andi friends, even setting upp payments fory young career couples andi families starting out. She was a warm and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, and friend, and left a legacy of commitment and perseverance. The Stoudemire sign on the side of the building was recently restored during the  Downtown Spencer Mural Project, keeping this 130-year historywithus.    Mayor Williams invited Lynn Purvis and Heather Resino to the podium. Each year, the Spencer Jaycees recognize community members who have done great things for their community, and they have started giving an award inr memoriam. The. Jaycees have begun to put the names of the posthumous awardees ona plaque, which they wished to dedicate and present toi the Town. They requested it bel hung in Town Hall. Mayor Williams opened the floor to receive public comment. Thei following individuals addressed the Mayor  PUBLIC COMMENT and Board:  1. Sharon Hovis, 401 N. Rowan Ave., Spencer, NC28159 2. Ken Washko, 430 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC: 28159  Being no one else present wishing to speak, Mayor Williams closed the public comment portion of the  meeting. CONSENT. AGENDA  Alderman Muhamad moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Alderwoman Moody seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 5-0. Items b- d are incorporated in the body of the minutes below.  a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 8, 2024, Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes  August 13, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes August 27,2024, Recessed Meeting Minutes  b. CONSIDER ADOPTING - Resolution 24-14 in Support of the Application for a Great Trails State C. CONSIDER ADOPTING - Ordinance 24-21 Text Amendment to the Town of Spencer Development Ordinance Article 11, Table 11.1 Regulating Buffers, Specifically Correcting a Typographical Error d. CONSIDER. ADOPTING - Ordinance 24-22 Official Zoning Map Showing AlL Zoning and Annexation  Program Grant for the Stanback Educational Forest/Rocky Branch Loop Trail  Misidentifying: Zoning Classification C-29 as C-74  Changes That Have Taken Place Since the Mapi was Adopted on April 12, 2021  TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTHCAROLINA RESOLUTION: 24-14 ARESOLUTIONINSUPPORTOFTHE, APPLICATIONFORA GREATTRALSSTATEPROGRAMGRANT FORTHE STANBACKEDUCATIONALFOREST/ROCKYBRANCHLOOPTRAIL  WHEREAS, the Town of Spencer seeks to develop a robust trail network within the Fred and Alice Stanback WHEREAS, the land areai for proposed trail improvements is located near the Stanback Educational Forest's WHEREAS, the proposed trail improvements will provide a vital asset consistent with the Town of Spencer's 2022 Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan and the 2023 Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Strategic  Educational Forest; and  existing primaryentrance, main parking area, trail, picnic shelter, and pond; and  Plan; and    WHEREAS, the proposed Rocky Branch Loop Trail provides enhanced recreational opportunities for the citizens of Spencer and surrounding communities by building more than 8000 linear feet of trail with a WHEREAS, thel Mayor andE Board of Aldermenoft the Town of Spencer recognize the unique nature oft the offered WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Spencer, through this resolution deems it NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Spencer, North Carolina, to  proposed connectioni to the proposed Grants Creek Blueway Trailhead;a and property andi its importance to the Stanback Educational Forest; and desirable and essential to seekt funding through the Great State Trails Program; applyf for trail development funding through the Great Trails State Program, and that: This resolution: shall become effective immediately upon adoption.  ORDINANCE: 24-21  ANORDINANCE TO AMEND' TABLE11.10FTHE  TOWNOF SPENCER, NORTHCAROLINASDEVELOPMENTORDINANCE  WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen adopted thel Town's Development Ordinance on. July1,2021;and WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen has by resolution made various text amendments to the WHEREAS, planning staff has discovered ai typographical errori in Table 11.1 BUFFER YARD CHART foundi in Article 11 ofthato document, specificalyZoningclassificationc29isincorrecty identified as" "C-74";  development Ordinance since that time; and  and  WHEREAS, planning staff has also located several references to US Highway 74 and C-74 in Article WHEREAS, these errors could lead to confusion concerning required buffer yards for some NOW,THEREFORE, BEITORDAINED byt thel Board of Aldermen oft the Town of Spencer, North Carolina Section 1. Four references to Zoning Classification "C-74" found in Table 11.1 of the Town's  8.4-8 (E)1&2 that need to be revised tol US Highway: 29 and C-29; and  commercial developments:  that:  Development Ordinance will be changed to "C-29".  Section 2. Article 8.4-8( (E)1&2 will be revised as follows: (E.) General Standards & Specifications:  (1.) Building placement, parking placement, building type, urban form, access, and lot arrangement shall be controlled by the lot and building type standards (Article 9)1 for the lot and building types listed in the US Highway 74 29 Commercial (C-74 29) District. (2.) In addition to the requirements established by the lot type standards and building type standards, the following dimensional standards shall apply in the US Highway 74 29  Commercial (C-742 29) District:    Section 3. This ordinance: shall become effective on September 10, 2024.  ORDINANCE: 24-22  AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA  WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen adopted the Town's Official Zoning Map on. July 1, 2021;and WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen has by resolution made various zoning classification amendments WHEREAS, those map amendments have been referenced by notes on the official Zoning Map as WHEREAS, fromt timet tot time, itis beneficiali to update the color-coded mapi used as our officialZoning NOW,THEREFORE, BEIT ORDAINEDI byt thel Board of Aldermen oft the Town of Spencer, North Carolina Section 1. The Official Zoning Map, as revised up tot the date of adoption, showing approximately 78 zoning changes, 8 annexations, and 29 subdivisions, is attached and will be posted in the Town offices at 460  tot the Zoning Map since thatt time; and required by NCGS 160D; and  Map maintained for public use in our office and on our website:  that:  SSalisbury Ave and ont the Town's website.  Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective on September 10, 2024.  RECEIVE UPDATE-2024: Spencer's Holiday Caravan Committee  Heather Resino and Lynne Purvis provided an update and answered questions from the Mayor and Board. The newly-organized Spencer's Holiday Caravan will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. and will focus on holiday lights since ity will take place after dark. They asked the Town to support this parade as it has supported the other parades in previous years. Mrs. Resino and Mrs. Purvis expressed a desire to continue growing the community, which they are doing through outreach to local bands and bands outside of the community. They also informed the Mayor and Board that other local communities have expressed interest in participating in the Spencer's Holiday Caravan. The committee is in the process of lining up food trucks as well. The start time may vary depending on when the 'Tis the Season Spectacular finishes, as many participants int that parade are expected to participate in the Spencer parade. The Board thanked Mrs. Resino and Mrs. Purvis and made several comments, including a reminder that this is a great  opportunity for area churches to participate.  MAYOR REQUEST-Town Manager Address Public Comment  Mayor Williams requested that Town Manager Franzese address the concerns expressed by Dr. Wasko during the Public Comment period. Mr. Franzese stated October 1 is thet target date for the groundbreaking for the Spencer Town Park and the project is expected to take nine months. He confirmed that the driveway of concern will not be closed, only relocated, and would be approximately 30 feet wide with two 12-foot lanes. Mr. Franzese also said the: sign will be relocated and explained thats some master planning documents    were written at at time before the plans were adjusted. Once the contract has been signed, the Town will be provided with a schedule, which will be shared with the surrounding business owners. Mr. Franzese will communicate the concerns about a gapi in access and signage to the contractors to mitigate thatr risk. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING - Town Manager to Execute a Temporary Amendment to the Winterfest Town Manager Franzese and Town Attorney Dees presented the Winterfest Special Agreement amendment and answered questions from the Mayor and Board. A Special Event Agreement was first executed in 2022 to outline the responsibilities of the Town and the Spencer Partnership nonprofit related to the annual Winterfest Event. This agreement was updated in 2023, including an automatic renewal among other provisions. Due to the construction of Spencer Town Park, the' Winterfest organizers have worked with our neighboring property owners to locate this year's eventi int the remaining Park Plaza space not owned by the town. The event will take place on one weekend thisy year, and be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday oft the first weekend in December. The event layout will mostly be on the property of RBC Holdings Dr. Ken Washko. Additionally, although NCTM Foundation propertywilli not be used, access toi their covered rear parkingarea (former bank drive through) will need to be blocked to establish a safe pedestrian entry into the festival alongside the remaining Salisbury Avenue driveway. Staff has drafted at temporary mutt-paryagyeement to In addition to the use of Town property, staff, and services, the event is supported by the Town financially through consideration of an event sponsorship in the budget process. The Town also provides general liabilityinsurance coverage fort the event, subject top policyl limitations and with insurance coverage required  Special Event Agreement  establish this access fort the 2024 event.  forv various vendors. Action  Alderwoman Moody moved to authorize the Town Manager to execute a temporary amendment to the Winterfest Special Event Agreement, recognizing that there may be non-substantive changes, which is incorporated in the body of the minutes below. Alderman Muhammad seconded the motion, which carried  byavote of5-0. NORTH CAROLINA ROWAN COUNTY  FIRST AMENDMENT TOI WINTERFEST SPECIAL EVENT AGREEMENT  TEMPORARY LOCATION FOR: 2024 EVENT  This First Amendment tot the Winterfest Special Event Agreement ise entered intol by and betweeni the Town of Spencer, North Carolina, a municipal corporation (the "Town"), and Spencer Partnership, Inc. ("SPI"), a North Carolina non- profit corporation (the "SPI"), and RBC Holdings, LLC, al North Carolina limited liability company, Kenneth T. Washko and wife, Nancy Ann Washko, and the North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation, Inc., a non-profit North  Carolina corporation (collectively "Owners").    WHEREAS, Town and SPI previously entered into that certain Special Event Agreement dated the 13th day of September, 2023 (the "Agreement") wherein the Town granted access to SPI to operate as seasonal holiday event on thel Town's property shown as Tax Map 032 Parcel 194 ini the Rowan County tax office (the' "Event"); and WHEREAS, Thel Town now contemplates thati itv will be constructing: ar new public park ont the Town's, property duringthe Event scheduled for December 6-8, 2024 and SPI needs the temporary use granted hereinbelow for only this 2024 WHEREAS, the Owners ownt the additional area ofap parking lot over which eacht thel Town and the Owners have certain access and easements rights, but upon which the Owners have agreed to allow SPI to conduct its 2024 Event subject to the terms and conditions below; provided, however, that the North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation, Inc. joins hereini fort the sole purpose ofa acknowledging thatt the Event willi impact its access toi its property on the dates NOW, THEREFORE, for the additional consideration and the mutual amendments and promises hereinbelow, the  Event; and  above.  parties agree ast follows:  1. Owners hereby agree to grant SPI andt the Town access to the parking areas of the Property shown on Tax Map 032 Parcels 193, 171, 174 (RBC Holdings, LLC), and 172 (Washko) fort the specific purposes of SPI conducting the Event on the dates December 6,7and 8, 20241 together with access to and from the! Event 2. The Town and SPI hereby agree to provide proof of insurance upon request that covers general liability for the operations of Event to protect Owners from claims related tot the Event or arising from the Event. 3. North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation,' Inc. joins herein oft the sole purpose of acknowledging that the Event and its traffic operations mayi impact its use of the office building located on Tax Map 032 4. This Amendment is intended to only amend Section 4(A) and (B) as to location of the Event and is only intended to accommodate the Event for 2024, after which this Amendment shall automatically terminate and obligations oft the Owners shallt terminate and thel location shall revert back tot the area providedi inthe 5. The entities herein have followed their respective corporate procedures to approve this agreement and it 6. Except as specifically amended hereinabove, the rest and remainder oft the Agreement shall remain int full  area.  Parcel 170.  Agreement between the Town and SPI. shall bel binding upon each. force and effect.  DEPARTMENTALF REPORTS Planning speech. Code Enforcement  Planning & Zoning Administrator Blount gave the monthly Planning Department report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Topics discussed included the First Amendment regarding free  Police Chief File gave the monthly Code Enforcement report and answered any questions from the Mayor  and Board. Topics discussed included dilapidated buildings.    Police  Police Chief File gave the monthly Police Department report and answered any questions from the Mayor  and Board. Topics discussed included National Night Out.  Fire  Deputy Fire Chief Lewis gave the monthly Fire Department report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Topics discussed included the upcoming fire truck inspection, eating lunch with North Rowan students on) Wednesdays, the recently held CALM course, Fire Prevention Week, staffing concerns,  thet fire station expansion project, and the Lexipol policy project.  Public' Works  Public' Works Director Taylor gave the monthly Public' Works Department report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Topics discussed included leaf collection, mulch giveaway, staffing shortage, a new: stormwater failure on 2nd Street and the difficulties surrounding both sinkholes, Thomas the TrainTM coming to the N.C. Transportation Museum, National Night Out, Race to the River, and the 17th Street  stormwater project. Finance  Finance Officer Kann gave the monthly Finance Department report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Topics discussed included the FYE: 2024 audit, staff attending a Salspury-Powanumutes  seminar SO we can better support our citizens, and overtime ini the Fire Department.  Library  Town Clerk' Ward gave the monthly Library report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Mayor Williams invited Rowan Economic Development Council (EDC) Vice President Scott Shelton to provide the Board with updates regarding the various projects the EDC is working on. Mr. Shelton spoke on data the EDC has collected regarding businesses coming to the area, several upcoming events, and  MAYOR REQUEST-Rowan EDC Vice President Scott Shelton Address the Board  answered questions from the Mayor and Board.  TOWN MANAGER REPORT  Town Manager Franzese gave his monthly report and answered any questions from the Mayor and Board. Topics discussed included Race to the River, Rowan Creek' Week, final items surrounding the Yadkin River  Trailhead, the classification and pay study, and the Iredell-Rowan Hazard Mitigation.  REQUESTS AND COMMENTS BYTHE BOARDI MEMBERS  Alderwoman Erin Moody  Stated iti is ap privilege to serve the community by sitting on the Board of Aldermen, and that iti is nice to see: sO many people coming to the meeting and speaking during public comment. Reminded those present that National Night Outi is on October 1,1 the Spencer Town Park groundbreaking will take place that evening, andi there are lots of exciting things comingup.    Alderman. Andrew Howe Alderwoman Patricia Sledge  Reiterated what Alderwoman Moody had said.  Thanked the Public' Works Department for all they dot for the Town. Shared that citizen with chickens have told her they are settling in nicely.  Plugged Creek Week events andi thanked everyone who gets involved with Rowan Creek' Week Echoed. Alderwoman Moody's sentiments about serving on the Board of Aldermen and thanked those who spoke, conveying the importance of residents telling the Board what they need and want  everyy year. fort the Town. Alderman Rashid Muhammad  Declared it was good to see Town residents and business owners at the meeting. Expressed gratitude tol Heather Resino and Lynn Purvisi for their updates regarding the Spencer's Implored citizens to come to speak during Public Comment or communicate with the Board in  Holiday Caravan. otherways.  Restated that National Night Out is coming up.  Acknowledged the efforts of Town staff and department heads for their work.  Mayor Pro Tempore Patti Secreast  Recognized Spencer Fire Department staff Fire Chief Lanning, Fire Captain Donnie Myers, Engineer Jake Nichols and Firefighter Lexi Collins for their lifesaving response time and care described in an  article in the Salisbury Post.  Mayor Jonathan' Williams  Stated hel had no additional comments.  EXECUTIVE SESSION per NC General Statute 143-318.11 (a)(5)  Alderwoman Sledge moved to go into Executive Session per thei following NC General Statute:  $143-318.11 (a) (5) To establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to bet taken by or on behalf oft the public body in negotiating () the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by  purchase, option, exchange, or lease.  Alderman Howe seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of5-0.1 The regular meeting stood at recess  at 7:06p p.m.    RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING  Mayor Pro Tempore Secreast moved to reconvene the open session. Alderwoman Moody seconded the MayorWilliams: announced thati no action had beent takeni in closed session which could be disclosed at this  motion, which carried by a vote of5-0. The meeting stoodi in open session at 7:32 p.m.  time. ADJOURNMENT  Alderman Muhammad moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Howe seconded the motion, which carried  by avote of5-0. The meeting stood adjourned at 7:32 p.m.  Approved by:  EIK Jonathan Williams, Mayor  Attest:  OF SPEN OEFICK SEAL CARO  lowhmbllask Annal Kanode' Ward, Town Clerk