MINUTES TOWN OF STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING 8325 ANGEL-PARDUE ROAD STOKESDALE, NC 27357 NOVEMBER 14, 2024 AT7:00 PM The following were in attendance of the meeting: Stokesdale Town Council: Stokesdale Town Staff: Michael E. Crawford, Mayor Robbie Lee Wagoner II, Derek Foy, Mayor Pro Tem Town Administrator / Town Clerk Jimmy Landreth, Councilman Charles H. Winfree, Town Attorney Jim Rigsbee, Councilman Kimberly Thacker, Tim Jones, Councilman Town Finance/B Budget Officer 01. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation. Mayor Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Girl Scout Troop 2469 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Charmaigne Van Rooyen of Bethel Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, North Carolina delivered the opening invocation. 02. Review and Adopt the Agenda: November 14, 2024. Mayor Crawford requested an amendment to the agenda. That amendment being the removal of Agenda Item Number 12 (Discussion of Office Space / Availability at Stokesdale Town Hall). Councilman Landreth requested an amendment to the agenda. That amendment the addition being of a closed session meeting item. That item being permitted under and in accordance with NCGS 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; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. General personnel policy issues may not be considered in a closed session. A public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, appointment, or removal ofa a member of the public body or another body and may not consider or fill a vacancy among its own membership except in an open meeting. Final action making an appointment or discharge 325 or removal by a public body having final authority for the appointment or discharge or removal shall be taken in an open meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion to adopt the agenda as amended. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). 03. Presentation of Eagle Scout Project. (Mayor Michael E. Crauford) The presentation did not occur due to the absence of the Eagle Scout. 04. Guest Speaker Mike Richey, Assistant Superintendent of School Safety and Emergency Management at Guilford County Schools, to Discuss Stokesdale Elementary School Car-Rider Traffic. (Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy) Mayor Pro Tem Foy introduced guest speaker Mike Richey, Assistant Superintendent of School Safety and Emergency Management at Guilford County Schools. Mike Richey presented the following information to the Stokesdale Town Council regarding the Stokesdale Elementary School car-rider traffic: Referred to an image on the television screen. (Copies of this image was handed out to all members of council, staff, and the public in attendance) He referenced a study that has been conducted on this location in which different traffic patterns were evaluated. He noted the site constraints surrounding the school, including constraints that are on state streets that are controlled by NCDOT. He addressed the shift in today's culture of car ridership. When built, 35% of the students were car riders, 65% were bus riders. Then came COVID and the over all culture has shifted to a reverse of that to 50 to 60% car ridership with 40 to 50% bus ridership, thereby increasing the car rider lines tremendously. He stated that every school in Guilford County has this same issue. He explained the processes for implementing traffic changes which will most likely include approval by NCDOT as this school is located in the county on state streets. He pointed out on the map - a right turn lane extension on Hwy. 158, then a route for - 'snaking" traffic on school property. The bus traffic will be separated and noted the new route. 326 He noted coordinated traffic lights at Hwy. 158 and Athens Road and emphasized the importance of those lights being coordinated. He noted that Guilford County School System is committed to making the necessary improvements on school property and has communicated that to NCDOT. NCDOT is now attempting to clear out funds to move this project forward. Mayor Crawford asked if they can determine how many cars these improvements will add to the school site and will it continue to back up on Athens Road. Mr. Richey projected approximately 80 cars would be added but it could still back up on Athens Rd. Councilman Rigsbee asked if buses would be coming back out the same way and make a left turn to go into town. Mr. Richey stated that bus drivers will be instructed to take a right and then circle back around to come back into town. Mayor Pro Tem Foy expressed his appreciation for the schools' efforts. He asked Mr. Richey to explain the process to move this project forward. Mr. Richey explained the process through the Guilford County School Board, Guilford County Commissioners, the NC Dept. of Public Instruction and since this includes the turn lane extension and other improvements on a state road, it must have NCDOT approval as well. He noted that NCDOT has commissioned the plan which will ensure that the plan gets approved. Councilman Jones asked for a timeline for this project. Mr. Richey stated that they are currently working with NCDOT on other projects and could not give a timeline for NCDOT. He noted that the school system can get their piece done in approximately 3 months after bids and contracts have been finalized. Mayor Pro Tem Foy asked what Council can do to help expedite matters. Mr. Richey suggested Council contact their State Legislators. 05. Public Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker). Speaker Name: David Coats Speaker Address: 612 Bruton Place South, Greensboro, NC Speaker Comment: Introduced himself as the newly-elected member of the Guilford County School Board. Commended Mr. Richey for his presentation. He pledged his support to Stokesdale and that he looks forward to serving. Speaker Name: Hollie Reed Speaker Address: 7871 Athens Road, Stokesdale, North Carolina 27357 327 Speaker Comment: Addressed her questions to Mike Richey and asked if anyone has been out to observe the traffic lately. She asked how many additional cars would be stacked on the property. She asked about the other drivers on Athens Road that are trying to get to work. She asked if anything would be done to help the situation until these improvements are completed. She spoke of the dangerous situation out there. She expressed her concern for the time frame of completing this project. Speaker Name: Michael Logan Speaker Address: 5202 Rambling Road, Greensboro, NC Speaker Comment: Reported that funding was approved for the AC, windows were replaced, and roof repairs made at Stokesdale Elementary School. He hoped now that the traffic problems will be addressed. He corrected his personal email given at the previous meeting as TGWHUNTER. Speaker Name: Bill Gobel Speaker Address: 1402 West Ridge Rd, Greensboro, NC Speaker Comment: Commended Mike Ritchey on his presentation. Thanks to Town of Stokesdale for his support during his campaign. Councilman Rigsbee thanked Mike Logan and Bill Gobel for consistently attending Stokesdale Town Council meetings. Hopeful that we will have the same relationship with Mr. Coates as the newly elected member of the school board. Mike Ritchey stated that some of thei improvements at the school are outside of his control but will do everything he can to speed things along as quickly as possible. He added that political pressure by the Town Council may get these improvements to the car-rider line done faster. Councilman Jones made a motion for the Town Administrator Robbie Wagoner to compose a letter to Senator Berger and Representative Blust outlining the problem we have here at Stokesdale Elementary and ask them to advocate on the Town's behalf to move this project along prior to the start of the new school year and have the Mayor sign it should he support the motion. Mayor Crawford requested an amendment that all Council members sign the letter. Councilman Rigsbee requested amendment to add Michael Fox, Chairman of the Board with NCDOT to receive the letter also. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion with these amendments. 328 Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones Yes Motion carried (5-0). 06. Review and Adopt the following Minutes: A. 09-09-2020 - Closed Session Meeting. Mayor Mike Crawford made a motion to adopt the minutes as written. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones NO Motion carried (4-1). Councilman Jones explained that he voted "NO" to the adoption of these minutes because he was not present at the meeting. B. 11-12-2020 - Closed Session Meeting. Mayor Crawford made a motion to adopt the minutes as written. Mayor Pro Tem Foy seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones NO Motion carried (4-1). Councilman Jones explained that he voted "NO" to the adoption of these minutes because he was not present at the meeting. C. 09-12-2024 - Regular Town Council Meeting. Mayor Crawford made a motion to adopt the minutes as written. Mayor Pro Tem Foy seconded the motion. 329 Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones Yes Motion carried (5-0). D. 10-24-2024 - Special Called Town Council Meeting. Mayor Crawford made a motion to adopt the minutes as written. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones NO Motion carried (4-1). Councilman Jones explained that he voted "NO" to the adoption of these minutes because he was not present at the meeting. 07. Public Safety Reports: A. Stokesdale Fire District. Stokesdale Fire Chief Todd Gauldin presented the Stokesdale Fire District report. B. Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Town Administrator / Town Clerk Wagoner presented the report provided by the Guilford County Sheriff's S Office. 08. Administrative Reports: A. Administrative: Town Administrator, / Town Clerk Robbie Lee Wagoner II. Town Administrator / Town Clerk Wagoner presented the Administrative Report. B. Planning Board: Town Administrator, / Town Clerk Robbie Lee Wagoner II. Town Administrator / Town Clerk Wagoner presented the Planning Board Report. C. Property Committee: Councilman Jim Rigsbee. 330 No Property Committee report was presented. D. Town Park Improvement Committee: Committee Chair Tee Stephenson. Committee Chair Tee Stephenson presented the Town Park Improvement Committee report. 09. Financial Reports: Town Finance / Budget Officer Kimberly Thacker A. Financial Report: Town of Stokesdale General Fund. Town Finance/Budget Officer Kimbery Thacker presented the Financial Report for the General Fund. B. Financial Report: Town of Stokesdale Water Enterprise Fund. Town Finance/E Budget Officer Thacker presented the Financial Report for the Water Enterprise Fund. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS: 10. Consideration of Cost Proposals for Athletic Field Lighting Project at Stokesdale Town Park. (Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy) (Continued from October 10, 2024, Regular Town Council Meeting) Mayor Pro Tem Foy explained that this is a carry-over from last month's town council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Foy asked Town Attorney Winfree if it would be possible to add addendum to the contract, that addendum being a notation in regards to a 25 year manufacturing warranty. Mr. Winfree felt confident that this was already covered in section 4.71 Warranty of the agreement. Mayor Pro Tem Foy then asked Mrs. Thacker to confirm the money is within the Town's budget and which line item these funds would be paid from. Mrs. Thacker stated that the Federal ARPA fund has $276,791.81 and in the NCC General Assembly State Grant we have $175,000 in that fund, therefore the balance of the two funds is $451,791.81. The $410,662 will be paid from these two grants. Mayor Pro Tem Foy confirmed that this will be paid in full from grant funds. Mrs. Thacker stated that this is correct. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion to authorize Mayor Crawford to sign and execute a contract with Reynolda Electric to install GeoSport lighting in the amount of $410,662 with a full system 25-year warranty. 331 Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Councilman Jones requested a friendly amendment that Mr. Wagoner or Mr. Winfree confirm with GeoSport that the vendor is certified to install GeoSport products and that the warranty is extended to the Town. Mayor Pro Tem Foy accepted Councilman Jones' amendment. Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones Yes Motion carried (5-0). NEW BUSINESS ITEMS: 11. Consideration to Provide Water Service to Proposed Development Located on Plunkett Road in Forsyth County, North Carolina. (Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy) Mayor Pro Tem Foy provided an overview of correspondence received by Mr. Robbie Lee Wagoner II, Town Administrator / Town Clerk, from Mr. Brent Sievers, P.E., Senior Project Manager for FEI Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors. The letter, submitted on behalf of Mr. Sievers' client, requested approval for the Town of Stokesdale to supply water for fire protection and domestic use to a proposed development on Plunkett Road, located in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Mayor Pro Tem Foy emphasized his intent to evaluate the proposal from a business and water capacity perspective. He provided documentation to Council members and requested Mr. Wagoner display the materials on the Council Chamber television screen. Mr. Sievers was introduced and invited to address the Council. He stated his presence was on behalf of his client and offered to answer any questions. Mayor Pro Tem Foy highlighted the financial benefits of selling water to areas outside Stokesdale's incorporated limits, which would incur a 30% premium rate. He noted that the proposed subdivision could generate greater revenue compared to similar developments within town limits. Referencing data from a water study conducted by Hazen and Sawyer Engineering (2020- 2021) and recent reports prepared with the assistance of Water System Customer Service Manager Priscilla Hunsucker, Mayor Pro Tem Foy discussed the increasing water demand in Stokesdale. He projected that the Town could reach its daily maximum capacity of 500,000 gallons - guaranteed by the Winston-alem/Fonyth County Utility 332 Commission- -by 2040, based on a yearly increase in water usage of approximately 18,000 gallons per day. Councilman Landreth inquired whether the water studies accounted for potential industrial developments. Mr. Aaron Babson, P.E., of Hazen and Sawyer Engineering, explained that the prior study did not consider industrial facilities but noted that upcoming master planning efforts would address this. He committed to engaging with the Winstonsalem/Forsyth County Utility Commission regarding Stokesdale's maximum capacity with existing infrastructure. Councilman Landreth sought clarification on the Town's responsibility for maintaining water lines in the proposed subdivision. Mayor Pro Tem Foy confirmed that the lines would become the property of the Town, making it accountable for repairs. Councilman Jones raised concerns about the lack of an interlocal agreement with Forsyth County. Town Attorney Winfree acknowledged the need for further legal review and suggested the proposed subdivision plat should include easements and clear notations identifying the water source as the Town of Stokesdale. Council members discussed the need for fairness in water allocation, the impact of non- voting water customers, and potential infrastructure upgrades (e.g., booster stations) to increase capacity. Mayor Pro Tem Foy and Council members agreed additional information was necessary before a decision could be made. Mayor Crawford suggested deferring the matter until the December meeting. Mr. Babson offered to contact the Winston-alem/Forsyth County Utility Commission to begin discussions regarding the Town's capacity needs and infrastructure requirements. In conclusion, Council reached a consensus to delay its decision indefinitely to allow time for further analysis and discussions with relevant stakeholders. 12. Discussion of Office Space / Availability at Stokesdale Town Hall. (Mayor Michael E. Cravford) Mayor Crawford requested the removal of this agenda item. 333 13. Public Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker). Speaker Name: Elieen Theary Speaker Address: 8101 Meadow Springs Place, Stokesdale, NC 27357 Speaker Comment: Concerned with the Town considering selling water outside of the Stokesdale Town Limits. Speaker Name: Hollie Reed Speaker Address: 7871 Athens Road, Stokesdale, North Carolina 27357 Speaker Comment: Concerned that the plan provided by Mike Richey is not enough. She is still concerned with traffic light on Athens Road due to the traffic. This may fix the school's problem, but not the rest of the community traffic. She spoke of people pulling over in people's to get out of the traffic. She asked that Council continue their discussions. Mayor Pro Tem Foy responded to Ms. Reed's comments. He said that Mr. Richey is with the school system and SO therefore is focused on fixing the problem on the school campus. He cannot make decisions for anything off campus. He cannot step on DOT's toes. Speaker Name: Deena Kasee Speaker Address: Athens Road, Stokesdale, NC 27357 Speaker Comment: She contacted John Blust. John Blust did not respond to her calls. She asked if the Town Council can get Mr. Blust to respond to her. She wants the Town of Stokesdale to pay $600 a day for a deputy to direct traffic at the Stokesdale Elementary School. She would like some collaboration between Town of Stokesdale and Guilford County on the payment of this. The lives of those in Stokesdale are important to her. She would like the Town to come up with these funds on a temporary basis. Councilman Rigsbee responded to Ms. Kasee's comments. He noted the cost for a year would be approximately $108,000 which is a large portion of the Town's budget. He noted that taxes would have to be levied. He noted that this falls under the responsibility of the Guilford County Sheriff's office and that our tax dollars already go to the Sheriff's Office and that the Town should not have to fund an officer at the school. Councilman Landreth sympathized with the residents on Athens Road. He suggested Guilford County Sheriff's officers give out tickets. He stated that drivers are impatient and are doing things they are not supposed to be doing. Mayor Crawford stated that we can't fix this tonight, Council has been working on this for a while and assured the residents that Council will do everything they can to help resolve the issue. 334 Councilman Jones stated that he too is concerned with this situation and suggested that Councilman Rigsbee reach out to the Sheriff's department in regard to people running through these resident's yard. Councilman Rigsbee agreed to reach out as this is damage to property and is an issue for the Sheriff's S department. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: 15. Closed Session in accordance with NCGS 143-318.11(a)3)07 (Closed Sessions). (Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy) (a) Permitted Purposes. It is the policy of this State that closed sessions shall be held only when required to permit a public body to act in the public interest as permitted in this section. A public body may hold a closed session and exclude the public only when a closed session is required. (3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. General policy matters may not be discussed in a closed session and nothing herein shall be construed to permit a public body to close a meeting that otherwise would be open merely because an attorney employed or retained by the public body is a participant. The public body may consider and give instructions to an attorney concerning the handling or settlement of a claim, judicial action, mediation, arbitration, or administrative procedure. If the public body has approved or considered a settlement, other than a malpractice settlement by or on behalf of a hospital, in closed session, the terms of that settlement shall be reported to the public body and entered into its minutes as soon as possible within a reasonable time after the settlement is concluded. (7) To plan, conduct, or hear reports concerning investigations of alleged criminal misconduct. Per the request of Councilman Landreth, the following closed session meeting item was added: (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; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. General personnel policy issues may not be considered in a closed session. A public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, appointment, or removal of a member of the public body or another body and may not consider or fill a vacancy among its own membership except in an open meeting. Final action 335 making an appointment or discharge or removal by a public body having final authority for the appointment or discharge or removal shall be taken in an open meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion for the Stokesdale Town Council to enter into closed session in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-318.110)0)020) as stated above. Councilman Jones seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford Yes Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy Yes Councilman Jimmy Landreth Yes Councilman Jim Rigsbee Yes Councilman Tim Jones Yes Motion carried (5-0). (CLOSED SESSION MEETING: 9:20 PM TO 10:15 PM) Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion for the Stokesdale Town Council to enter back into open session at 10:15 PM. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion to accept payment from ANSCO for $2,000 as a penalty for an unauthorized hook up to a fire hydrant and taking water from the Town of Stokesdale. Mayor Crawford seconded the motion Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion to accept Coda White's payment in the amount of $1,437 for damages to the Town's park. 336 Mayor Crawford seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a motion to authorize a performance based merit increase to $20.39 effective November 24, 2024 for Mason Winfree, Deputy Clerk and to capped at 32 hours per week. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). 14. Council Comments. Councilman Rigsbee: Thanks for coming out tonight. He commended the NW Guilford football team for making the state playoffs. Mayor Pro Tem Foy: Offered congratulations to Mason Winfree on his 1-year anniversary with the Town and congratulations for his merit increase. Thanks to Mike Richey. Congratulations to Justin Snyder for accepting the Planning Director role with the Town of Summerfield. He then invited everyone to the Christmas parade. Councilman Landreth wished everyone a great Thanksgiving holiday. Councilman Jones: Thanks to Tee Stephenson and Karen Landreth for staying to the end. Thanks to Mike Logan for serving on the Guilford County School Board. He welcomed Mr. Coats, the newly elected member of the school board. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. He then reflected on election and gave thanks to US constitution and his hope that the republic will continue for another 200 years. Mayor Crawford congratulated Councilman Rigsbee and his wife on their 20 year anniversary. He congratulated their son, Cole for going to Methodist University in Fayetteville to play Lacross. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Invited everyone one out December 14th for the World class Stokesdale Christmas parade. 337 ANNOUNCEMENTS: 16. Council Announcements: A. The next regular Stokesdale Town Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM inside the Stokesdale Town Hall Council Chambers. B. The next regular Stokesdale Town Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM inside the Stokesdale Town Hall Council Chambers. ADIOURNMENT: 17. Adjournment of Meeting. Councilman Jones made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:23 PM. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Michael E. Crawford YES Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy YES Councilman Jimmy Landreth YES Councilman Jim Rigsbee YES Councilman Tim Jones YES Motion carried (5-0). Being no further business to come before the Stokesdale Town Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 PM. Approved: February 14, 2025. S Michael E. Crawford, Mayor Town of Stokesdale, North Carolina ATTEST: - / alh faleyan Robbie Lee Wagonef II, Town Administrator / Town Clerk Town of Stokesdale, North Carolina 338