February 10, 2025 = REGULAR MEETING Minutes of the regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Elkin, January 10th, 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Present: Mayor Will Gwyn, Commissioners Robert Ball, Alvin Hayes, Graham Ray, and Jeff Eidson. Also present: Town Manager Brent Cornelison and Town Clerk Darla Parker. Absent: Commissioner Cicely McCulloch Mayor Gwyn welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. He asked Police Chief Joey Vanhoy to lead our Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Gwyn asked for a motion to excuse absent Commissioner Cicely McCulloch due to the funeral of her mother. Motion was made by Commissioner Graham Ray, seconded by Commissioner Eidson and passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Approve minutes of the January 13, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting. Approve request to advertise date for Liens on Real Property. Approve BA#2025-21 to appropriate GF balance to cover change order #2 for Crater Park project. Approve BA#2025-22 to appropriate grant funds awarded form the NC Amateur Sports for new batting cage. A motion was made by Commissioner Eidson to approve the consent agenda in its entirety, seconded by Commissioner Ray and passed unanimously. Special Recognitions 1. Recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month, a proclamation was read by Mayor Gwyn and presented to Mr. Sly Best. Mr. Best thanked the town board for their continued support of the black community. 2. February 2025 is recognized as Scouting America Month. Mayor Gwyn read the proclamation and presented it to former Mayor, Sam Bishop. Scouts from Troop #648 of Elkin United Methodist Church were in attendance to receive the proclamation and recognition for Scouting America Month. Former Mayor Bishop also thanked all participants with the food drive. 3. New Recreation Center Supervisor: Adam McComb introduced to the BOC, Thomas Cirone who is the new Recreation Center Supervisor. 4. Adam McComb gave recognition to Janet Moseley for being the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee into the NC Tennis Hall of Fame. 5. The Town of Elkin was the recipient of the Rebel Good Award given by the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the superior work of an individual, business or organization in promoting the Yadkin Valley as a tourist destination. Public Comments: None Mayor and Board Comments The Mayor and Commissioners thanked the staff for their hard work in making timely repairs during the recent severe cold weather. Commissioner Hayes thanked the Elkin PD for the escort for his wife, Melody's funeral service. Mayor Gwyn stated that the budget retreat will be February 28th at the Heritage Center and all are welcome to attend. Regular Agenda 1. Helene Disaster Relief Grant information was provided to all downtown businesses who expressed interest in applying for the Yadkin Valley United Fund disaster relief grant fund of $8,000, with a deadline of Dec 31, 2024. Two applications were received by the deadline. The MSAB reviewed the applications in January and recommended splitting the fund equally oetween the two businesses, Hunt's Homestyle and Combs Butcher Shoppe. making each grant award $4000. Both had damages over that amount. After a brief discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Ray, seconded by Commissioner Hayes and passed unanimously. 2. Elkin Creek Headwaters Preserve Master Plan: Adam McComb stated that Nature Trails Inc. was contracted by the Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA) to complete a Masterplan for the Elkin Creek Headwaters Preserve (ECHP). Framework for developing a low-impact, conservation-mindes, sustainable trail network. 446-acre tract with a focus on landscape restoration, enhancing recreational opportunities and long-term community and economic benefits. Conservation: 0 Preserve the natural environment and the Elkin Creek headwaters. Multiple conservation easements are in place to ensure a safe source of water for the Town of Elkin. Healing the land from former timber activity is a focus of the plan. Many of the former logging roads will evolve into sustainable trail. Erosion concerns will be addressed during trail construction to reduce or eliminate sediment runoff. Recreation O The proposed 21-mile trail network will support mountain biking, hiking and wildlife observation. Key features will include a scenic route utilizing the Elkin and Allegheny Railroad bed and a 2.3 mountain bike trail descent with over 1000 ft of elevation change. Trails will be designed to accommodate all skill levels. Community & Economic Benefits o The project will not only provide a recreation destination but serve as a catalyst for the local economy. Increasing visitation will create new outdoor recreation and tourism business opportunities. As experienced with our own Elkin and Allegheny Trail, the trail system will improve the health and wellness of those who choose to utilize the trails. Local use will cultivate an appreciation of the area and strengthen commitment to preserving the site. implementation and Sustainability O Phased development of the site will prioritize key projects and include signage, and parking areas, trailheads, restrooms, and other amenities. Sustainable construction techniques will ensure the longevity and reduced maintenance required. The tract location will position the "preserve" for future connectivity with other trail systems enhancing its regional appeal, future growth and financial support for the phased plan. Full project budget is estimated at $2.2 million. EVTA and the Town will work together in planning a financially sustainable phased plan for development. The Great Trails State Grant Application has been submitted for $500,000.00 for a portion of Phase 1. The grant will require no match from the Town of Elkin if received. EVTA discussions have hinted toward applying for the 2025 NC Recreation Trails Program Grant and a future accessibility grant to help with the creation of an accessibility bike trail. Page 2 of3 After a brief discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Eidson to approve the master plan for the Elkin Creek Headwaters Preserve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Ball and all unanimously approved. 3. Monroe Street Change Order #1 - Adam McComb is requesting additional monies of $7913.00 to be to allocated to extend a sidewalk, curb, and gutter along Monroe Street at Crater Park. This additional sidewalk would attach to existing sidewalk on the southern side of Monroe Street and provide curb to guide visitors into the overflow parking area for softball games and other park events. After some discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Eidson, seconded by Commissioner Ray and passed unanimously. 4. Rezoning ConractwinersRavene: Planner, Sara Harris presented a contract with WithersRavene! for rezoning services on North Bridge Street. The contract outlines how the Town of Elkin and WithersRavenel will work together to update the zoning designations of North Bridge Street with property owner permission along with deliverables. The contract is set to not exceed the amount of $6500.00 and has been reviewed by town attorney, Raymond Parker. After some discussion a motion was made to approve the contract and give Town Manager, Brent Cornelison authority to sign the approved contract by Commissioner Eidson. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ball and approved unanimously. Boards and Commissions Recreation and Parks Advisory Board: Adam McComb stated that the advisory board had voted to approve Bob Copeland and Susan Baker to a 3-year term on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Ball, seconded by Commissioner Ray to approve the recommendation and all unanimously approved. Manager Updates: 1. The W. Main Street water line replacement project will hopefully begin by the end of February. They will go ahead and start at the top of Elk Spur Street and W. Main St. One lane of W. Main Street will remain open to local traffic. 2. Town Clerk, Darla Parker has set up an online Ethics training class for new and re-elected Commissioners. We will schedule a time for the class be set up in the near future. Town Manager, Brent Cornelison announced that we needed to go into closed session to discuss land acquisitions and lease negotiations. (GS 143.318.11.5) Commissioner Eidson made a motion to go into closed session at 6:44 pm, seconded by Commissioner Ray and passed unanimously. Returned to open session at 6:55 pm. There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Commissioner Eidson, seconded by Commissioner Ray and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Will Gwyn, Mayor Attest / Bik Darla S. Parker, Town Clerk Page 3 of3