STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MCDOWELL CITY OF MARION The City Council for the City of Marion met in Regular Session on Tuesday evening, March 4, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Marion Community Building, located at 191 North Main Street in Marion. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Stephen Little, Mayor Pro Tem Woody Ayers, Council Members Billy Martin, Chet Effler, Ann Harkey, and Don Ramsey. OTHERS PRESENT: Brant Sikes, Public Works Director; Jason Cochran, IT Director; Crystal Young, Finance Director; Kathleen Nolan, Human Resources Director; Katelyn Reid, Assistant to Manager/City Clerk; Vance McNees, City Planner; Heather Cotton, Planning and Development Director; Abby Gillespie, Lead for NC Fellow; Mike Conley, Reporter, McDowell News. GUESTS PRESENT: David Fierro, SBA; Steve Hunter, Marion Rotary Club; Allen and Tonia Shelton; and Zack Hall CONSENT AGENDA: Upon a motion by Council Member Effler, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, all Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: A. Approval of the January 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes B. Approval of the February 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes C. Approval of the February 24, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes D. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments E. Approval and Sealing of December 27, 2024 Closed Session Minutes F. Approval and Sealing of January 07, 2025 Closed Session Minutes G. Approval and Sealing of January 21, 2025 Closed Session Minutes RECOGNITION OF NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION MAJOR SFONSORSCONTRIRNTORS Mayor Little called forward Assistant to Manager/City Clerk Katelyn Reid, and Marion Rotary Club President-Elect Steve Hunter to recognize sponsors of the annual New Year's Eve Celebration. The following sponsors were recognized: McDowell Board of Realtors, Mission Hospital McDowell, Centro Unido Latino Americano, McDowell Chamber of Commerce, First Bank, Mountain Area Community Services, McDowell Technical Community College, Morrow Insurance Agency, Sharon L. Parker, PA, First Citizens Bank, Spencer's Hardware, Key Gas Components, Gateway Wellness Foundation, Mica Town Brewing, Freedom Life Ministries, McDowell Mission Ministries, McDowell County, Destination McDowell, Little, Lattimore, and Ledford, PA, The Box Factory, and the Barefoot Baby Foundation. Mayor Little expressed his sincere appreciation of all the sponsors that made this event a resounding success. PUBLIC APPEARANCE - GREAT TRAILS STATE COALITION Mayor Little called forward Steve Pierce to present. Mr. Pierce expressed his sincere appreciation for Darrin Maynor and Public Works for their work in restoring the Joseph McDowell Memorial Greenway after the extreme damage from Helene. Mr. Pierce presented the Great Trails State Coalition which was founded 4 years ago and is made up of over 110 non-profits. Mr. Pierce explained the purpose of the Coalition is to advocate for trails in North Carolina, and explained that more than $60 million in funds have been allocated for trails in the last 4 years that benefit local trails such as the Fonta Flora. Mr. Pierce asked that the City of Marion join and maintain a membership with the Great Trail State Coalition in order to continuing showing their support for trails in the County. Mayor Little expressed the value that he places on having access to trails. PRESENTATION BY WEST MARION, INC. ON THE WEST MARION RESILIENCE HUB Ms. Ginger Webb provided an update on the proposed revitalization ofthe historic West Marion School property. Ms. Webb stated that the project would be an economic win for the community, and noted that the building was originally constructed in 1957 and was abandoned in 1965. 2 Ms. Webb recalled that the community had requested to purchase the building from the school system, but the request was denied. Ms. Webb explained that the building was later used for storage by Broyhill and Bryant & Young before being donated to West Marion, Inc. Ms. Webb shared that the current feasibility study includes plans for a recreation center with a pool, a child care center, a 7,600 square foot event space, an approximately 4,000 square foot coworking space, a mental health clinic with four exam rooms, a Black history gallery, a library, and a technology center. Ms. Webb presented visual renderings oft the proposed redevelopment, which include the addition oftwo floors, expanding the building from 20,000 square feet to more than 50,000 square feet. Ms. Webb emphasized that elements of the original building would be preserved and incorporated into the new design. Ms. Webb then reported that the projected cost of the project is currently estimated at $23.6 million. CONSIDER AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR STREET RIGHT OF WAY MOWING Public Works Director Brant Sikes explained that the Public Works Department recently solicited contractor bids to perform mowing services in specified public right-of-way (ROW) locations for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 mowing seasons. Mr. Sikes said the Request for Proposals was posted on the City's website and sent directly to ten contractors. Mr. Sikes noted that two bids were received. L & J Landscapes, owned by Allen and Tonia Shelton of Marion, submitted the lowest bid at $2,330.38 per week. Elite Lawn Care & Fence, owned by Tyler Banks of Marion, submitted a bid of $2,600.00 per week. Mr. Sikes stated that staffi recommended awarding the contract to L &. J Landscapes. Mr. Sikes explained that the recommendation was based on L & J submitting the lowest bid, receiving positive references from three current clients, and demonstrating sufficient resources in both equipment and personnel to perform the required work. Upon a motion by Council Member Harkey, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, all Council Members voted unanimously to award the contract for Street Right of Way Mowing to L & J Landscapes. CONSIDER AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR OAK GROVE CEMETERY MOWING Public Works Director Brant Sikes explained that the Public Works Department recently solicited contractor bids to perform mowing services at Oak Grove Cemetery for the 2025, 2026, 3 and 2027 mowing seasons. Mr. Sikes said the Request for Proposals was posted on the City's website and sent directly to ten contractors. Mr. Sikes noted that three bids were received. Elite Lawn Care & Fence, owned by Tyler Banks of Marion, submitted the lowest bid at $2,100.00 per week. L & J Landscapes, owned by Allen and Tonia Shelton of Marion, submitted a bid of $2,346.15 per week. Clearview Lawn Care & Property Maintenance, owned by Evan Clark of Marion, submitted a bid of$3,000.00 per week. Mr. Sikes stated that staff recommended awarding the contract to Elite Lawn Care & Fence. Mr. Sikes explained that the recommendation was based on Elite submitting the lowest bid, having satisfactorily completed the previous three-year contract for Oak Grove Cemetery, and demonstrating adequate equipment and personnel to perform the contract requirements. Council Member Martin asked if this contract would include Morehead Cemetery. Mr. Sikes explained that Morehead Cemetery is still under a 6-year contract with John Chambers. Upon a motion by Council Member Ramsey, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ayers, all Council Members voted unanimously to award the for Oak Grove Cemetery Mowing to Elite Lawn Care & Fence. ROAD ABANDONMENT PETITION TO CLOSE PORTION OF TENNESSEE AVENUE City Planner Vance McNees presented a resolution to Council of the intent to permanently close a portion ofTennessee Avenue and Columbia Street. Mr. McNees stated that if approved, a notice for public hearing would be published in the McDowell News for four successive weeks, and that a notice would be posted in two places along the unopened portion of the street pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 160-299. Mr. McNees also added that property owners adjoining the unopened right-of-way would also be notified if the resolution is approved. Upon a motion by Council Member Ramsey, seconded by Council Member Ramsey, all Council Members voted unanimously to approve the Resolution to Close a Portion of Tennessee Avenue and Colombia Street. TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION/TREE BOARD PRESENTATION City Planner Vance McNees provided an update on recent Tree Board matters. Mr. McNees informed the Council that Mr. Jason Ratliff, Assistant Supervisor at Baxter, has expressed interest in serving on the Tree Board. Mr. McNees explained that Mr. Ratliffhas communicated a strong desire to assist with the City's ongoing beautification and landscaping efforts. Mr. McNees noted that Mr. Ratliff's professional experience and enthusiasm for community service make him a strong candidate for consideration. Mr. McNees announced that the City is celebrating its 36th consecutive year as a designated Tree City USA community. 4 Mr. McNees acknowledged the efforts of Public Works Street Superintendent, Darrin Maynor, who recently installed updated Tree City USA decals throughout the city. Mr. McNees added that the original Tree City USA plaque from 1987 has been located and placed on display as a way to honor this long-standing achievement. Mr. McNees stated that there is currently one open seat on the Tree Board. Mr. McNees then shared an update from City Arborist Lawrence Moore regarding upcoming tree planting efforts. Mr. McNees said that Mr. Moore plans to "double up" plantings along the greenway by introducing additional native trees. Mr. McNees explained that the selected species will include sycamore, birch, and dogwood, which are all well-suited to the region's environment. Mr. McNees concluded by emphasizing that these efforts are part of the City's broader commitment to sustainability, beautification, and enhancement of public green spaces. UPDATE ONTHE INDEFINITE SUSPENSION OF FUNDING FOR DREXEL PROJECT Planning and Development Director Heather Cotton noted that the Brownfield Cleanup grant awarded in 2023 was been suspended due to the recent order from President Trump on Jan 20, 2025. Ms. Cotton explained that the EPA has paused all funding actions related to the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act until further notice. Ms. Cotton told Council that the City has suspended all cleanup activities pending further instruction and notice. Ms. Cotton then noted that the Hart & Hickman site assessment can still occur while the City waits on the release of funds. Council Member Effler asked ifthe Federal Government had given a timeline for an expected release of funds. Ms. Cotton replied that no indication has been given as to a timeline. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Little asked Assistant to Manager/City Clerk Katelyn Reid ifthere were any guests signed up for the Public Comment Period. Ms. Reid announced there was one citizen requesting to speak. Ms. Reid called on David Fierro representing the SBA to come forward to speak under Public Comment. Mr. Fierro stated that the SBA previously had a March 8, 2025 deadline for loan applications, but it has been extended to April 27, 2025 with a 60-day grace period. Mr. Fierro stated that $143 million has been given to the area in disaster loans already. 5 Mr. Fierro explained he wants everyone to know that the SBA is here, and that there are still funds available. Mayor Little expressed his appreciation for the SBA being in attendance. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Acting City Manager Dawn Penland gave the following report to council: Ms. Penland called on Finance Director Crystal Young to speak. Ms. Young explained that some reimbursement funding has started coming in from FEMA, with more expected to be received in the coming days. Council Member Effler made a motion to go into closed session under N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee, and N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) to establish the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract. Council Member Ramsey seconded the motion, and Council entered into closed session at approximately 7:11 pm. [Closed Session] At approximately 7:50 pm, Council Member Ramsey made a motion to return to open session. Council Member Martin seconded the motion and Council returned to open session. Mayor Little announced that Council had discussed the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Woody Ayers to the position of City Manager. Mayor Little reiterated that Mr. Ayers did not participate in the vote during closed session, and was not present during any ofthe appointment discussions. A motion ofappointment and execution of an employment agreement were unanimously approved via a motion by Council Member Harkey, seconded by Council Member Effler. Council then expressed their gratitude to Acting City Manager Dawn Penland for her service providing stability, expertise, and thoughtfulness during her stead. Upon a motion by Council Member Harkey, seconded by Council Member Effler, all Council members voted unanimously to award Ms. Penland a $1,000 bonus. 6 MEETING ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Council Member Ramsey, seconded by Council Member Effler, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. un STEPHEN R. LITTLEMAKOR ATTEST: C Paio KATELYN REID, ASSISTANTTO MANAGER/CITY CLERK SEAL AROLIF 7