City of Mount Airy Called Meeting December 5, 2024 5:00 pm  Council Chamber Municipal Building 300 South Main Street Mount Airy, N.C.  AGENDA  Welcome and Call to Order.. Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Jon Cawley .Commissioner Cochran  Everyone  Items for Discussion and Possible Action  1.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 2.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a)  November 7, 2024 Regular Meeting November 12, 2024 Special Called Meeting November 21, 2024 Regular Meeting Closed Session Meetings (2024)  b) c) d)  3.) SWEARING IN CEREMONY:  Deborah Cochran David Hall Calvin Vaughn Deborah Cochran David Hall Calvin Vaughn  4.) REMARKS BY:  5.) PRESENTATIONS:  a) b)  FY 2023-2024 City. Audit Presentation: Kari Dunlap, Martin, Starnes & Proposed Conference Center Update: Darren Lewis, City Manager  Associates, CPAs, P.A.  6.) ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS: a. Election ofl Mayor Pro Tem b. Committee. Assignments by Mayor Cawley  7.) ADJOURNMENT    MOUNT AIRY,NORTH CAROLINA REGULAR MEETING MINUTES November 7, 2024  MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jon Cawley, Commissioners Chad Hutchens, Tom Koch, Marie  Wood, Deborah Cochran, and Phil Thacker  Mayor Cawley welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  APPROVALOF AMENDED AGENDA:  Commissioner Koch requested to add Ordinance to Demolish Property Located at 654 Willow Street to the agenda under item 9d along with a Closed Session-Pursuant to NCGS 143- 318.11(a)(3) Attorney Client Privilege and Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(8)(5) Acquisition of On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the agenda was passed as  Property. amended. CONSENT AGENDA:  On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, the following items were  approved by way of Consent Agenda:  APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 3. 2024) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES RESOLUTION2 2025-025-RESOLUTION APPROVING TAX RELEASES:  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-025 A RESOLUTION Approval ofTax Releases  WHEREAS, a list of taxes to be released has been submitted by the Revenue Collections Supervisor in her capacity ofTax Collector for the City of Mount Airy Finance Department; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 105-373 provides for settlement of such taxes; and WHEREAS North Carolina General Statute 105-381 provides for release or refund oft taxes; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY BOARD OF Section 1. Said taxes be released or refunded in accordance with said statutes for the reasons Section 2. This Resolution shall become effective upon approval by the Board of  COMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  stated on the attached list.  Commissioners oft the City ofl Mount Airy.  Adopted this 7th day ofNovember, 2024.  1    Date: 7-Nov-24 To: :ofCity ofMount Airy Michele McDaniel, Tax From: Collector Release and Refund ofCity Re.: Property Taxes  TAX AMOUNT  Late  Account Taxpayer 2024- General Fund Oakley, Jonathan 35388 Samson 2023- General Fund Oakley, Jonathan 35388 Samson 2023- General Fund 0 2023- General Fund 0  Value Real Advertising Personal Listing Total  Reason  per county 2024 taxes was billed & paid inl Rockingham Co.  33,197.00  199.18 16.08  215.26  per county 2023 taxes was billed & paid in Rockingham Co.  33,197.00  199.18 16.08  215.26  Total  66,394.00  398.36  32.16 430.52  Grand Total 66,394.00  398.36 32.16  430.52  ORDINANCE 2025-010-ORDIMANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V-SECTION 11 OF THE  CITY OF MOUNT AIRY PERSONNEL POLICY:  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-010  ORDINANCE, AMENDING ARTICLE V SECTION 11 OF THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  PERSONNELPOLICY  BE IT ORDAINED, that the City of Mount Airy Personnel Policy be amended as  follows:  Section 11. Technology Policy (Formerly Electronic Communications)  The City maintains electronic communications systems (e.g. voicemail, email, internet access) and provides access to telephones, computers, tablets, cell phones or other electronic equipment to assist Employee access to the City's electronic resources requires responsibilities and is subject to relevant City policies and Local, State and Federal laws. This equipment is for business use and any personal use must  employees while conducting business for the City.  2    be brief, infrequent, not interfere with other employees' work (i.e. personal mass emails) and be ofno cost to the City. Employees are expected to use discretion and be brief when using City cell phones for any personal phone calls. In no instance shall City technology resources be used to operate aj personal The City shall not permit employees, elected officials, or appointees to view or send pornography on devices owned, leased, maintained or otherwise controlled by the City of Mount Airy nor to access the city's network, wifi, or any other connection, regardless of Certain employees might need to view material that would be considered pornography in order to carry out their official job duties. The City does not prohibit the viewing of pornography on a city-issued device or network by any employee who is engaged in any of the following activities in the course of performing official job duties: Investigating or prosecuting crimes, offering or participating in law enforcement training, or performing actions related to other law enforcement purposes;  business, for political activity, or for solicitation ofanyl kind.  what device is used, to view or send pornographic material.  Identifving potential security or cybersecurity threats:  Protecting human life; implementing NCGS 143-805;  Establishing, testing, and maintaining firewalls, protocols, and otherwise  Participating in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings: fulfill the requirements of the employee's official duties.  Researching issues related to the drafting of analysis of state laws as necessary to Under no circumstances may employees use City electronic equipment to view, send or receive any material that might be considered offensive to someone based on their race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, age, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, Under North Carolina law, email sent or received by the City, except in limited circumstances, is considered aj public record and is subject to inspection on request by the public. All information created, stored or transmitted on or with any City resource ist the property of the City, and no employee shall have an expectation of privacy with regard toi their use ofa any ofthese systems or devices. The City reserves the right toi inspect or audit any documents, emails or messages sent or received on the City'sequipment. Each employee is responsible, in coordination with the employee's department director, for the security and integrity of City information stored on the computer(s) assigned to the employee. Employees will not download information from a website or install any software on City computers, phones, etc., unless Employees may use personally owned technology equipment, such as cell phones or smart phones, etc., while on the job! provided such use is limited and does not distract from or interfere with an employee's obligation to carry out City duties in at timely and effective manner, does noti interfere with other employees or officials performing their duties, does not undermine the use ofany City technology resource, and provided that such use does not otherwise violate City policies and procedures. Employees who learn of any misuse or violations of this electronic communications policy should immediately notify their Supervisor, Department Director, or the City Manager.  disability, or genetic information.  authorized by the City Manager.  3    The city shall report to the State ChiefInformation Officer, in the format required bv the State Chiefl Information Officer, annually by August Ist each vear, all unauthorized viewing or attempted viewing of pornography on the City's network or devices. This policy will be effective on January 1,2025. Employees. elected officials, and appointees of the City of Mount Airy who have pornography saved to devices owned, leased, maintained or otherwise controlled by the city are required to remove, delete,or uninstall that pornography by this date. This provision does not apply any official or employee engaged in any of the activities described above in section (b) and listed in NCGS Violation oft the expectations contained in this electronic communications policy may result in  143-805 (d) in the course of that official's or employee's duties.  disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.  NOW, THEREFORE BE: IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby approve the amendment to Article  V-Section 11 ofthe City of Mount Airy Personnel Policy.  Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024.  (end of consent agenda) RECOGNITIONS:  a) American Indian Month Proclamation: Heritage Month and presented it to Faye Haas.  Mayor.Cawley read the proclamation declaring November 2024 as National American Indian  b) Introduction of New City of Mount Airy Planning Director, Byron Brown:  Mayor Cawley introduced Byron Brown as the City's new Planning Director. Byron stated that he is honored to be back in Mount Airy as the new Planning director-he has met a lot of great people-citizens and staff. He is excited for this opportunity and looks forward to  working for the City. PUBLIC FORUM:  Mayor Cawley declared the Public Forum open for comments.  Melissa Hiatt, Surry County Commisioner-Elect (non-city resident): Spoke on behalf of the Mount Airy Rotary club. The grassy area behind the Veterans War Memorial is covered with American Flags called Flags for Heroes. This is a fundraiser where flags are placed there that John Pritchard, 128 Ridgecrest Drive (city resident): Mentioned he is not unhappy as some  represent Veterans and community heroes.  have accused him of being. He is just determined and speaks bluntly.  4    Seeing no other speakers, Mayor Cawley declared the Public Forum closed.  NEW BUSINESS:  a) Resolution 2025-026-Resolution Accepting NC Department of Commerce Grant for On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-026 was  Westwood Industrial Park Site Development Project:  approved.  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-026  RESOLUTION ACCEPTING NCI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GRANT  BE IT RESOLVED, that a grant from the NC Department of Commerce, through the City of Mount Airy, be made to assist with the Westwood Industrial Park Site  Development Project.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Mount Airy will administer this grant BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Mount Airy will administer this BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED, that the grant will be monitored quarterly to assure BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amount of the grant application is BE: IT FURTHER RESOLVED, BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY BOARD OF  ina accordance with the rules and regulations of the NC Department of Commerce.  grant through the City Finance Office.  compliance with this proposal and NC Department of Commerce regulations.  $1,102,500.  COMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby accept a grant from the NC  Department of Commerce in the amount of $1,102,500. These funds will be dedicated for infrastructure needs (including water, sewer, and road construction) for the Westwood Industrial Park Site Development Project. Grant Agreement per review and approval by the City Attorney.  Section 2. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the Mayor to execute said  Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024.  b) Resolution 2025-027-Resolution Authorizing Signatory Authority for NC Department of On motion by Commissioner Cochran and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-027 was  Commerce Grant: approved.  5    RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-027  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNATORY AUTHORITY FOR NCDEPARTMENT OF  COMMERCE GRANT  WHEREAS, the City of Mount Airy has been awarded a grant from the NC Department of Commerce in the amount of $1,102,500, which will be used to address infrastructure needs for the Westwood Industrial Park Site Development Project; and  WHEREAS, the grant requires the City to select four (4) individuals to be listed on the Signatory Form and Certification to be authorized to sign requisitions for IDF Funds  documents:  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the following individuals  to be listed on the Signatory Form and Certification: C.I Darren Lewis, City Manager Sherri Coalson, Finance Director Pamela M. Stone, Assistant City Manager Jon Cawley, Mayor  Section 2. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024.  c) Resolution 2025-028-Resolution Authorizing Upgrades to. Lighting at Westwood Park: On motion by Commissioner Hutchens and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-028 was  approved.  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-028  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING UPGRADES TO LIGHTING AT WESTWOODPARK  SOFTBALLFIELD  WHEREAS, the Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Department allocated funds in the current FY 2024-2025 budget to upgrade the lighting for the softball field at Westwood  Park; and upgrades; and  WHEREAS, City staff advertised for bids and received three (3) quotes for these WHEREAS, City staff recommends awarding the Westwood Park Softball Field WHEREAS, this project was allocated in the current budget; therefore, no additional  Lighting Project to CW Electric for the cost of $154,900; and  funds will be needed to complete this project:  6    NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby award the Westwood Park Softball Section 2. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize execution of documents  Field Lighting Project to CW Electric for the cost of $154,900.  necessary for said project per review and approval by the City Attorney.  Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024.  d) Ordinance 2025-01-Ordinance to Demolish Property Located at 654 Willow Street: Chuck Morris, Code Enforcement Officer gave a brief review oft this property. This house had afire on March 25th, damaging much of the interior structure. On March 26th, this property was posted as uninhabitable and unfit for occupancy. After three months, a Notice of Violation was sent to the owner along with the date of the hearing to discuss the conditions of the house and what the City's expectations were for repair or removal. The hearing was July 19th in which neither the property owner nor a representative attended. On July 22nd,a letter was sent to the owner to repair or remove the property. Once the 90 days had expired, he made every attempt to contact the owner with no result. The house is attracting vagrants with two recently being arrested for trespassing. They were found in the house using a gas On motion by Commissioner Thacker and passed unanimously, Ordinance 2025-011 was  grill to cook their food.  approved.  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-011  AN ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE HOUSING INSPECTOR TO REMOVE OR DEMOLISH THEI PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED AS UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION AND DIRECTING THAT A NOTICE: BE PLACED THEREON THAT THE SAME MAY NOT BE  OCCUPIED  WHEREAS, the City of Mount Airy finds that the dwelling described herein is unfit for human habitation under Chapter 4 Article V of the City of Mount Airy Code of  Ordinances; and  WHEREAS, this structure should be removed or demolished as directed by the Code Enforcement Officer and should be placarded by placing thereon a notice prohibiting use for  human habitation; and  WHEREAS, the owner of this dwelling has been given a reasonable opportunity to bring the dwelling up to the standards of Chapter 4 of the City of Mount Airy Code of Ordinances in accordance with NCGS 160D-1203 pursuant to an order issued by the Code Enforcement Officer on July 22,2024 and the owner has failed to comply with the order:  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City of Mount Airy Board of  7    Commissioners that:  Section 1. The owner of such building(s), dwelling(s), and premises is hereby ordered to  vacate any occupants or personal property therein on or before December 7,  2024.  Section 2. The Code Enforcement Officer has placed a placard containing the legend: "This building is unfit for human occupancy; the use or occupation ofthis building on the building located at the following address: 654 Willow Street 5020-11-66-2933) Section 3. The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and directed to proceed  forhuman habitation is prohibited and unlawful."  with the removal or demolish the above described structure in accordance with his order to the owner thereof dated the 22nd day of July, 2024 and in accordance with Chapter 4 Article V of the City of Mount Airy Code of  Ordinances and NCGS 160D-1203.  Section 4. a) The cost of removal or demolition shall constitute al lien against the real  property upon which the cost was incurred. The lien shall be filed in the office of the City Finance Department, and shall have the same priority and be collected in the same manner as the lien for special assessments in Article 10 of NCGS Chapter 160A or as otherwise allowed by law. b) Upon completion of the required removal or demolition, the Code Enforcement Officer shall sell the materials of the dwelling and credit the proceeds against the cost of removal or demolition. The Code Enforcement Officer shall certify the remaining balance to the City Finance Department. Ifa surplus remains after the sale of the materials and satisfaction of the cost of removal or demolition, the Code Enforcement Officer shall deposit the surplus where it shall be secured and disbursed in the manner provided in NCGS 160D-1203.  Section 5. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to be removed the  placard from any building to which it is affixed. It shall likewise be unlawful for any person to occupy or to permit the occupancy of any building therein  declared tol be unfit for human habitation.  Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024. e) City ofl Mount Airy Water Quality Update:  Mitch Williams, Public Works Director updated the Board on the Lead and Copper Rule, 2021 Improvements and Lead Service Line Inventory. There are no issues with the water in Mount Airy. There are some changes in the EPA reporting regarding lead and copper. The City has been testing for lead since 1992 beginning with 90 test sites at the older structures throughout the City. Due to the negative results, staff currently tests 30 sites total every three years. The City has not detected an amount over the 15 parts per billion (ppb) action level in over 20 years. The 2021 improvements have dropped the level from 15 ppb to 10 ppb, but staff still does not expect it to be a problem. Because of the new revisions published in  8    2021, the EPA requires water systems to develop and inventory all service lines-system owned, city owned, and customer owned. The City Engineering Department has been researching maps and weeding out anything installed before 1986. Staff has determined that around 3,000 City water customers are located in the older sections of the City. These customers will receive a mandated letter from the City stating that the line servicing their structure is of unknown service line material. The City will assist in testing water and helping customers to determine the service line material. Initial lead service line inventories are due to the NCDEQ by October 16, 2024 and must be mailed within 30 days. The City will  continually update the database, which is shared with the NCDEQ.  OTHER BUSINESS:  a) Set Time of December 5, 2024 Regular Board Meeting to 5:00 pm to Accommodate for On motion by Commissioner Hutchens and passed unanimously, the meeting time for the  Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony:  December 5, 2024 Regular Board Meeting was set for 5:00 pm.  REMARKS BY OFFICIALS:  Commissioner Cochran: Congratulated Melissa Hiatt for being elected as a Surry County Commissioner and Van Tucker for being reelected as a Surry County Commissioner. Also congratulated David Hall and Calvin Vaughn for being elected as City Commissioners. The flags behind the Veterans War Memorial are a beautiful site. Thanked Andy Utt and Mitch Williams for all they do for the City. Thanked Alan Bagshaw for his email looking to her for guidance for community needs. Thanked everyone in attendance of the meeting. Commissioner Koch: Made his final Commissioner remarks tonight: I want to thank the citizens of Mount Airy for electing me to be the North Ward Commissioner serving the City for the last five years. It has been a great honor. I want to thank my wife, Diane. I want to thank the civic people that helped with the Balladeer Hotel donating their time and talents with no expense to the City. I want to acknowledge and praise the most amazing City staff that we have ever had in the City of Mount Airy in the 52 years that I have lived here. They have generated so many grants so that we can build so many things to include a conference center. There are amazing things going on in Mount Airy. I thank the staff and I want to encourage anyone that has attended the City, Police, and Fire Citizens Academy's to consider running for Commissioner. The more people that run, the better the Commissioners Commissioner Thacker: Thanked Commissioner Koch for his service for the past five years. He had worked with Commissioner Koch on the School Board as well. Congratulated the election winners from Tuesday's election. He wishes them well in the endeavors going forward. Asked everyone to keep the family of Alan Burton in their thoughts and prayers on the loss of Mr. Burton, who was born, raised, and worked in Mount Airy. He loved his country and served in the Marines and he loved the Mount Airy City Schools-he was a school board member for 12 years. Mr. Burton was a board member of the Lion's club, worked at the Visitor Center, and chaired the Mount Airy Appearance Commission. He also worked as Commissioner Wood: Thanked Mitch Williams for the water update. Welcomed Byron Brown to the City as the new Planning Director. Wished those who were elected in the  we will get. Ithank you for the last five years.  atour, guide for the Mayberry Squad Car Tours. Tuesday election good luck on their new positions. Commissioner Hutchens: No comments.  9    Darren Lewis: Echoed Commissioner Koch's comments. Thanked Commissioner Koch and Commissioner Wood for their service to the City. Welcomed David Hall and Calvin Vaughn who were elected as new City board members and will be sworn in on December 5th. Also congratulated Deborah Cochran for being reelected for another term. Found out today the City has been awarded another grant to help fund the downtown wayfinding signage-this grant is from the NC Department of Commerce in the amount of $45,000. This grant will be complementing the $50,000 grant the City was awarded from T-Mobile. Thanked Peter Raymer for completing the paperwork for this grant. Mentioned the total amounts of grants Mayor Cawley: Mentioned the memorial service last week for K-9 Draco, which was first class. There were quite a few people from across the State who also attended. He hopes it will be a very long time before something like this has to be done again in Mount Airy. Thankful for those who put their name in the hat to run for office. Thankful that the City of Mount Airy had the wisdom to change from odd year elections to join up with the National elections sO more people will come out and vote. It is great to live in a city that other people want to  that Mount Airy has received is $29,443,200. Hugh Campbell: No comments.  visit.  CLOSED SESSION:  On motion by Commissioner Cochran and passed unanimously, the Board entered into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(8)(3) Attorney-Client Privilege and NCGS 143-  318.11(a)(5) Acquisition of Property.  OPENS SESSION:  On motion from Commissioner Hutchens and passed unanimously, the board entered back into On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the Board accepted the Settlement Agreement for the 1265 West Lebanon Street business and authorized the Mayor to sign the  Open Session with the following action:  necessary documents relating to this item.  ADJOURNMENT:  On motion by Commissioner Hutchens and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned.  Approved and adopted this the 7th day of November, 2024.  Jon Cawley, Mayor  ATTEST:  Melissa N. Brame, City Clerk  10    MOUNT AIRY, NORTH CAROLINA SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES  November 12, 2024  MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jon Cawley, Commissioners Chad Hutchens, Phil Thacker,  Marie Wood, Deborah Cochran, and Tom Koeh.  Mayor Cawley welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  APPROVALOF AGENDA: CLOSED SESSION  Oni motion by Commissioner Cochran and passed unanimously, the agenda was approved.  On Motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the board went into Closed Session  pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(3) Attorney-Client Privilege.  OPENSESSION  On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the board entered back into Open  Session with no further action taken.  ADIOURNMENT:  On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned.  Approved and adopted this the 5th day of] December, 2024.  Jon Cawley, Mayor  ATTEST:  Melissa N. Brame, City Clerk  1    MOUNT AIRY, NORTH CAROLINA REGULAR MEETING MINUTES November 21, 2024  MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jon Cawley, Commissioners Chad Hutchens, Tom Koch, Marie  Wood, Deborah Cochran, and Phil Thacker.  Mayor Cawley welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CONSENT AGENDA:  On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the agenda was approved.  On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, the following items were  approved by way of Consent Agenda:  a) APPROVALOF OCTOBER 17,2024 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  b) RESOLUTION V5-025-RESOLLTION MAKING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT  APPOINTMENTS:  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-029  RESOLUTION MAKING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPOINTMENIS  WHEREAS, there are two vacancies on the City of Mount Airy Board of Adjustment; WHEREAS, it is recommended to appoint Joey Slate and Penny Ballin to the Board NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  and  of Adjustment to fill said vacancies:  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. Joey Slate is hereby appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a four-year Section 2. Penny Ballin is hereby appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a four-year  term, which will expire November 30, 2028. term, which will expire November 30, 2028.  Section 3. This resolution shall be effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 21st day of November, 2024.  (end of consent agenda) SPECIALRECOGNITION:  a) Recognition of Commissioner Koch and Commissioner Wood  1    Darren Lewis highlighted some of the achievements made during Commissioner Koch's and On behalf of the Board and the City of Mount Airy, Mayor Cawley presented a plaque to Commissioner Wood and Commissioner Koch for their dedicated service to Mount Airy as  Commissioner Wood's tenure as Board Members.  Commissioners from December 2019 - December 2024. REMARKSI BY OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS:  Commissioner Wood: It has been five years since the citizens of Mount Airy elected me to serve as the South Ward City Commissioner. Ihave been honored to serve the great City of Mount Airy. During this time, there have been many projects started and all ofthese projects were to move our city forward to a prosperous future. This progress would not had happened without the Board of Commissioners and the three Mayors that I have served with during my term. There are many new projects on the horizon. May our city continue to move forward and maintain fiscal responsibility while maintaining our small-town charm. At this time, I want to thank the many people that have helped and encouraged me along the way. During my campaign running for commissioner, I had a group of people that helped me to run a positive and effective campaign. Thank you for all your help. I have met new friends and acquaintances and I am so thankful for your encouragement and much needed advice. The staff has been so helpful answering my questions to make sure that I have all the information needed to vote on the issues that came before me. Last, but certainly not least, I thank my family and my husband for their support. Tycho has been here for me most every meeting. Thank you for always being by my side. I can't believe this is the last board meeting for my term. There has been many ups and downs but I have enjoyed my term and feel that the city is in good shape. May God bless each and every one of you and our beautiful city as these commissioners and city staff move our city forward to a bright future. Commissioner Koch: Serving as the North Ward Commissioner for the past five years has been a great honor and I thank you for that. Ialso want to thank the many people that have come up to me the last couple of months thanking me for serving as their commissioner. I appreciate their kindness, their generosity and their thoughts. About seven years ago I started attending these meeting and would go home fussing about money we are wasting. After about a year of hearing that, my wife, who is here tonight, said why don't you shut up and run for commissioner, and as my granddaughter would say-well, here me am. We have the best city staff, top to bottom, that we have had in the past five decades. They get stuff done. They get it done from top to bottom. My only advice for the next board is, don't screw Commissioner Thacker: Marie, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for the City of Mount Airy. Your ability to see a need in the city and bring it to the board's attention is greatly appreciated. I appreciate all the help and all of the committees that you have introduced me to serve. Iappreciate your help over the last two years and I wish you well and I am sure that I will see you in our community. Thank you again for serving as Mount Airy's City Commissioner for the South Ward. Take care and may God Bless. Tom, I served on two different boards with Tom-the Mount Airy Board of Education and this Board of Commissioners. It has been a pleasure serving on both boards with you. Thank you for your ability to look at issues as to what needs to be done. Thank you for your wisdom and  itup.  2    judgement and doing what is best for the City of Mount Airy. You always seem to be able to bring a different perspective to any issue. Thank you again for serving as the Mount Airy Commissioner Hutchens: Tonight, we are saying goodbye to not just one but two pillars of this board-Marie and Tom. Serving with both of them has been like a master class of leadership, passion, and let's be honest, a little bit of stubborn determination. Marie may come across as quiet and reserves but don't let that fool you. There is a fire there that is impossible to ignore. The work on the Spencer's Mill Project has been relentless and her passion for Mount Airy is unmatched. Marie is the person who calmly listens, takes everything in, and delivers a point so sharp that you realize that you should had come better prepared and even if you have your facts straight, there is a good chance you are still not walking away the winner. On the other hand, Tom is the numbers guy who dives into the details breaking down the financial implications. He is the guy who makes you wonder why you didn't pay more attention in math class. But don't let that focus on numbers fool you. Tom has his fire moments as well. When he is passionate about something you will know it. He is not afraid to speak his mind and he will back up his opinions with facts and logic that make you stop and think. Tom and Marie are a dynamitic duo to this board. Marie leads with passion and conviction and Tom leads with a sharp focus and an analytical approach. They each bring their own unique strengths to the table and when combined they tackle some of the toughest challenges and have guided this board through some remarkable milestones. We will miss Marie's fiery determination and Tom's bold and passionate voice. And I especially will miss Tom to be the first to make the motion to adjourn only for Marie to make sure we are not going anywhere in a closed session until every detail has been hashed out. Ifyou have ever been in a meeting with Marie, you will know she is not calling it a night until the job is done. Their combined energy, persistence, and dedication has kept us on our toes and set a high bar for what it means to serve. I thank you both for your service, teaching and challenging us and for your commitment to serve. Mount Airy is better because of you. Commissioner Cochran: I have confidence and trust in both Commissioner Wood and Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Wood and I go way back when she owned her own accounting business and I worked at the radio station. When Marie decided to run for office five years ago, we meet at McDonald's and talked for a long time. I also have complete confidence and trust in Commissioner Koch. When I first came onto the board as a commissioner, I recommended that he be the Mayor Pro Tempore because of his experience. What I am going to miss the most about these two will be the collective wisdom that they  City Commissioner for the North Ward. Take care and may God bless you.  brought to the Board of Commissioners.  PRESENTATIONS: a) Tourism Update: Quarterly Tourism Report. PUBLIC FORUM:  Jessica Roberts, Mount Airy TDA Executive Director reviewed the highlights of the  Mayor Cawley declared the public forum open for comments.  3    Alan Bagshaw, 1022 North Main Street (city resident): Offered his telephone number-888- 839-2334. Spoke about the warming stations available during the cold for those who are without heat and a bed/residence. Meals are provided with the doors opening at 8:00 pm. The doors will be locked at 10:00 pm and no one will be permitted in unless brought by police or EMS. The doors will be unlocked at 7:00 am. They are looking for volunteers to help for the months of December and January. He also mentioned he has been the manager for an organization that has raised around $1 million dollars that will be brought to Western N.C. for mental health work and a lot of welfare checks. The organization has adopted a high school in Buncombe County and will be preparing 700 stockings for that high school plus another one in Tennessee. He asked for volunteers to help put the stockings together. Also asked if anyone has any ideas who can provide 700 or 800 items to go into the stockings, that John Pritchard, 128 Ridgecrest Drive (city resident): Clarified something he mentioned during a public forum when he said from what he was told that a county commissioner had voted for a certain issue that I thought was a conflict of interest. In reality, he asked the county for clarification and have not received their answer. What really happened was they have not voted on that particular issue yet, but they have set that amount of money aside in the budget sO the conflict of interest will apply to the county commissioner in question because he was involved in the decision to set aside that money. Also mentioned that during aj public forum he used a term that is socially acceptable when speaking about a current city commissioner but he needed to use the term to show the connection with the ethics and conflict of interest he was speaking about. Also mentioned there are a lot of people driving and don't bother to dim their lights, asked if the local police can crackdown on this issue. Seeing no other speakers, Mayor Cawley declared the Public Forum closed.  would be great and they can contact him at the number mentioned above.  NEW BUSINESS:  a) Resolution 2025-030-Resolution Accepting NC Department of Commerce Grant for On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-030 was  Downtown Wayfinding Signage:  approved.  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-030  RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT FROM THE NCI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE  Downtown Wayfinding Signage Project  WHEREAS, the City of Mount Airy recently received a grant from T-Mobile, which WHEREAS, the City has also been awarded another grant from the NC Department of Commerce in the amount of $45,000 to aid in the funding of the downtown wayfinding  was designated for the funding of downtown wayfinding signage; and  signage; and  WHEREAS, iti is staff recommendation for approval to accept said grant funding:  4    NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby accept a grant from the NC  Department of Commerce in the amount of $45,000 for the Downtown  Wayfinding Signage Project.  Section 2. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize execution of said grant  documents per review and approval by the City Attorney.  Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 21st day of November, 2024.  b) Ordinance! 2025-013-Project Ordinance for NC Department of Commerce Grant: On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, Ordinance 2025-013 was  approved.  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-013 PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR  DOWNTOWN WAYFINDING SIGNAGE GRANT PROJECT  WHEREAS the City of Mount Airy has accepted a grant award from the Rural Transformation Fund, administered by the Rural Economic Development Division of the NC Department of Commerce, which BEIT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Mount Airy, North Carolina, that, pursuant to Section 13.20 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, thei following project  has been designated as the Downtown Wayfinding Signage Grant Project;  ordinance is hereby adopted:  Section 1 Grant Project: Section 2  The project authorized ist for the expenditure oft funds under the Downtown Wayfinding Signage  Amount:  $45,000 grant  The officers of this unit are hereby directed to proceed with the project within the terms of the  award documents and the budget contained herein. The following amounts are appropriated for the project:  Section 3  Economic and Physical Development  $  45,000  Section 4 Grant Proceeds  The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project:  $  45,000  5    Section 5  The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements oft the grantor agency, the grant  agreements, and federal regulations.  Section 6 manner. Section 7  Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for1 the purpose of making payments as due. Reimbursement requests should be made to the grantor agency in an orderly and timely  Copies of this project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for direction in carrying out this project.  Adopted this 21st day of November, 2024. Wastewater Treatment Plant:  c) Resolution 2025-031-Resolution Awarding Contract for Replacement of Bar Sereen at the On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-031 was  approved.  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-031  RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT  INFLUENT PUMP STATION BAR SCREEN REPLACEMENT PROJECT  WHEREAS, in 2023, the City of Mount Airy awarded Phase 1 of a two-phase project WHEREAS, Phase 1 has been completed and it is necessary to proceed with Phase 2 of said project, which will be to replace the bar screen that protects the four new pumps  to rehabilitate the Influent Pump Station at the Wastewater Treatment Plant; and  installed during Phase 1; and  WHEREAS, the bar screen is a 30-foot high underground mechanical device that WHEREAS, City staff solicited bids for this project, with results as follows:  filters damaging debris before it flows into the new pumps; and  Contractor Tencarva Machinery Company Brushy Mountain Builders Clearwater, Inc.  Bid $384,250 $600,000 $665,000  Greensboro, NC Lenoir, NC Hickory, NC  WHEREAS, it is staff recommendation to award this project to Tencarva Machinery Company for the bid amount of $384,250, with a total budget approval of $400,000 to allow  for possible contingencies; and  WHEREAS, since $300,000 is budgeted in the current fiscal year budget for this project, $100,000 will need to be transferred from the Water and Sewer Fund Reserves to  complete this project:  6    NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby award the Wastewater Treatment  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSIONTHAT:  Plant Influent Pump Station Bar Screen Replacement Project to Tencarva Machinery Company for the bid amount of $384,250 with a total budget  approval of $400,000 to allow for possible contingencies. documents per review and approval by the City Attorney.  Section 2. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize execution of said project  Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 2]st day of November, 2024.  d) Ordinance 2025-015-Budget Ordinance Amendment for Wastewater Treatment Plant Bar On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, Ordinance 2025-015 was  Screen Replacement Projeet:  approved.  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-015 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT  WHEREAS the City of Mount Airy adopted the 2024-25 budget on June 6, 2024;  AND' WHEREAS the City of Mount Airy included $300,000 in the budget fort the Wastewater Treatment Plant Influent Pump Station Bar Screen Replacement Project and the project was awarded to Tencarva AND' WHEREAS iti is necessary to amend the budget ordinance in order to appropriate the additional AND' WHEREAS General Statute 159-15 of the North Carolina Government Fiscal Control Act provides NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained that authorization is hereby given to make the following adjustments:  Machinery Company at a cost of $384,250;  funds for the bar screen;  authority to amend a current municipal budget;  Increase (Decrease) 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000  Section 9. Water and Sewer Appropriations  Public Works  Section 10. Watera and Sewer Fund Revenue Estimates Appropriation ofFund Balance  7    Adopted this 21st day of November, 2024  e) Ordinance 2025-014-Budget Ordinance Amendment to Appropriate Net Motion License On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, Ordinance 2025-014 was  Funds under General Fund Instead of911 Fund:  approved.  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-014 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT  WHEREAS the City of Mount Airy adopted the 2024-25 budget on June 6, 2024;  AND' WHEREAS Net Motion License was an ineligible expense budgeted under the 911 Fund according AND WHEREAS iti is necessary to amend the budget ordinance in order to appropriate these funds from AND WHEREAS General Statute 159-15 of the North Carolina Government Fiscal Control Act provides NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained that authorization is hereby given to make thei following adjustments:  to the 911 Board;  the General Fund and not the 911 Fund; authority to amend a current municipal budget;  Increase (Decrease) 4,321 4,321 4,321 4,321 4321 (4,321)  Section 1. General Fund Appropriations Transfer to 911 Fund  Section 2. General Fund Revenue Estimates Appropriation of Fund Balance  Section 8. Emergency 911 Fund Revenue Estimates Appropriation of Fund Balance Transfer from General Fund  Adopted this 21st day of November, 2024  Resolution 2025-032-Resolution Accepting Grant for K-9:  On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, Resolution 2025-032 was  approved.  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025-032  RESOLUTION ACCEPTING STANTON K-9 FOUNDATIONGRANT  8    WHEREAS, The City of Mount Airy Police Department applied for a $15,000 grant through the Stanton K-9 Foundation and has received notification the grant was awarded;  and  WHEREAS, this grant funding will be used to replace K-9 Draco, who tragically lost WHEREAS, this grant does not require any local match and it is staff NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY  his life in the line of duty; and  recommendation for approval to accept this grant funding:  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN OPEN SESSION THAT:  Section 1. The Board of Commissioners does hereby accept the grant funding of $15,000 Section 2. The Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize execution of said grant  from the Stanton K-9 Foundation.  documents per review and approval by the City Attorney.  Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon approval. Approved and adopted this the 21st day of November, 2024. g) Ordinance 2025-012-Project Ordinance for K-9 Grant:  On motion by Commissioner Wood and passed unanimously, Ordinance 2025-012 was  approved.  ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-012 PROJECT ORDINANCE FOR K9 GRANT PROJECT  WHEREAS the City of Mount Airy has accepted a grant award from the Stanton K9 Foundation, which BEIT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners oft the City of Mount Airy, North Carolina, that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 oft the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following project  has been designated as the K9 Grant Project;  ordinance is hereby adopted:  Section 1  The project authorized is for the expenditure of funds under the K9 Grant Project:  Amount:  $15,000 grant  Section: 2  The officers oft this unit are hereby directed to proceed with the project within the terms oft the  award documents and the budget contained herein.  9    Section 3 Public Safety Section4 Grant Proceeds Section 5  The following amounts are appropriated fori the project:  $  15,000  The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project:  $  15,000  The Finance Officeri is hereby directed to maintain within the Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements oft the grantor agency, the grant  agreements, and federal regulations.  Section6 6 manner. Section 7  Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Reimbursement requests should be made to the grantor agency in an orderly and timely  Copies oft this project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk tot the Governing Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for direction in carrying out this project.  Adopted this 21st day of November, 2024. Commissioner Hutchens: No comments. Commissioner Koch: No comments. Commissioner Cochran: No comments. Commissioner Thacker: No comments. Commissioner Wood: No comments.  REMARKS:  Darren Lewis: Thanked Marie and Tom for their work on the Board and welcomed David and Calvin as new Board Members. Reminded everyone the December 5th meeting will begin at  5:00 pm.  Hugh Campbell: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  Mayor Cawley: No comments. ADOURNMENT:  On motion by Commissioner Koch and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned.  Approved and adopted this the 5th day of December, 2024.  Jon Cawley, Mayor  ATTEST:  Melissa N. Brame, City Clerk  10    STANDING- COMMITTEES-OF-THE-BOARD in accordance to Section 2-8 of the Code ofOrdinances  January 2025  Section 2-8. Special Committees of Board specifies that in addition to the standing committees, the Mayor shall appoint such special committees of the Board, and outline their powers and duties, as such official deems necessary to properly  care for the affairs of the City. MAD, Inc. Board  Commissioner Chad Hutchens Commissioner Chad Hutchens Commissioner Deborah Cochran Commissioner Phil Thacker Commissioner David Hall Commissioner Calvin Vaughn Commissioner Calvin Vaughn Commissioner Deborah Cochran Commissioner Phil Thacker Mayor Jon Cawley  City/County Liaison Committee Surry County EDP Parks, Recreation, Relocation, and Retirement Committee Personnel Committee  Tourism Development Authority Cemetery Trustees