MINUTES TOWN OF STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING 8325 ANGEL-PARDUE ROAD STOKESDALE, NC 27357 DECEMBER 12, 2024, AT 7:00 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/Budget Officer 01. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation. Mayor Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend David Bailey delivered the invocation. 02. Review and Adopt the Agenda: December 12, 2024. Mayor Pro Tem Foy requested to continue agenda item number 14 until the January meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to approve the agenda with the requested change. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 03. Review and Adopt the following Minutes: A. 07-11-2024 - Closed Session Meeting. 339 Mayor Crawford made a Motion to adopt the 07-11-2024 Closed Session minutes as written. Mayor Pro Tem Foy seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). B. 10-10-2024 - Regular Town Council Meeting. Mayor Crawford made a Motion to adopt the 10-10-2024 Regular Town Council Meeting minutes as written. Mayor Pro Tem Foy seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 04. Public Safety Reports: A. Stokesdale Fire District. Stokesdale Fire Chief Gauldin presented the Stokesdale Fire District report. B. Guilford County Sheriff's Office. Town Administrator / Town Clerk Wagoner presented the Guilford County Sheriff's Office report. 05. 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. 340 Town Administrator / Town Clerk Wagoner presented the Planning Board Report. C. Property Committee: Councilman Jim Rigsbee. No Property Committee Report was given. D. Town Park Improvement Committee: Committee Chair Tee Stephenson. Committee Chair Tee Stephenson presented the Town Park Improvement report. 06. Financial Reports: Town Finance / Budget Officer Kimberly Thacker A. Financial Report: Town of Stokesdale General Fund. Town Finance / Budget Officer Kimberly Thacker presented the Financial Report for the General Fund. B. Financial Report: Town of Stokesdale Water Enterprise Fund Town Finance / Budget Officer Thacker presented the Financial Report for the Water Enterprise Fund. 07. Public Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker). No public comments were made. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 08. REZONING CASE 24-09-PLBD-00096, 7848 US HIGHWAY 158 FROM AG (AGRICUTURAL) AND RS-40 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO CZ- RS-30 CONDITIONAL SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAD)-Loated on the north side of US Highway 158, 3400 feet east of the intersection of US Highway 158 with NC Highway 68N, Guilford County Tax Parcel #164066, this is a request to rezone the subject property, which contains a total of 100.25 acres from AG (Agricultural) and RS-40 (Single-Family Residential) to CZ- RS-30 (Conditional Single-Family Residential). Mayor Crawford opened the floor for public comment and introduced Guilford County's Planning & Zoning Manager Oliver Bass to present the staff report. Town Planner Oliver Bass presented the staff report. 341 Mayor Pro Tem Foy inquired whether the case was significantly less dense than a typical RS-30 and if it could be limited to no more than 85 lots. Town Planner Bass clarified that according to the site conditions, the development could have no more than 85 lots. Mayor Pro Tem Foy asked if it was safe to assume that when staff added a condition beyond what the developer offered, the applicant and staff worked together, and the applicant agreed to the condition added to the report. Town Planner Bass said he believed it was discussed at the Planning Board hearing, but they have not received any official acceptance from thea applicant. He clarified that he was not present at the meeting. Town Attorney Chuck Winfree added that during the meeting, staff recommended a condition be attached, but it was not offered by the applicant. Town Planner Bass mentioned that typically the storm watershed section reviews these matters, and if there were a concern, he would want it addressed for future development. Since there is nothing in the ordinances mandating that the area be maintained and approved, it would need to be added as a condition to be enforceable. Mayor Pro Tem Foy expressed surprise at seeing the recommendation included as part of the zoning, as he had expected it to be more of a site plan function. Town Planner Bass said that it is a site plan function but that they are restricted by the requirements of the ordinance. The reason that it is proposed as a condition is to ensure enforceability based on technical review of the staff report. Councilman Jones mentioned that it is proposed that junk motor vehicles should not be allowed, which could result in complaints being filed at the Town Hall. He expressed the for vehicles. He concern about the Town having to patrol neighborhood junk suggested that this issue might be better managed by an HOA, where residents could review and agree to the rules before joining. He asked Town Planner Bass whether the Planning Department encouraged this approach or if the applicant did SO in their own volition. Town Planner Bass said that the applicant did SO of their own accord and that it was proposed as part of their application. Mayor Pro Tem Foy inquired if the Town's ordinance defined junk cars. 1 Town Planner Bass said that it's a state statute that applies to the definition of "junk cars. 1 Councilman Jones expressed his concerns about the potential for confusion if one subdivision has this request as a part of the zoning while others do not. Town Attorney Winfree mentioned that, to his understanding, zoning enforcement is complaint driven. He explained that the staff does not actively seek violations but investigates when they 342 receive complaints. This approach allows them to address issues as they arise rather than seeking out violations. Councilman Landreth said that it should be up to the HOA to decide what they should have in their neighborhood. Councilman Jones inquired about verbiageincluded in the document that was potentially taken from the Stokesdale Land Use Plan that appears to be outdated. Town Planner Bass said that his assumption is that it may be outdated and that it is based on the data that was presented in the plan. Town Attorney Winfree said that the Planning Board recommended that the Town Council consider it, but unless the applicant offers a condition, it would not be part of the plan. Councilman Jones said that he wanted to know if the applicant believed it is reasonable and that they are okay with it once they get to that point. Town Planner Bass said that generally it is a condition that's introduced by staff dealing with safety concerns such as the conditions of the pond and the potential impact downstream on adjacent properties. Town Attorney Winfree reported that during the Planning Board meeting, there was a discussion about the pond being an attractive nuisance and determining who is responsible for providing protection. He explained that the responsibility will depend on several factors, such as whether the pond is part of a common area, if the lots extend into the pond, or if the pond is being drained. There are many variables to consider. Mayor Crawford opened the Public Hearing for anyone to speak in favor of the Rezoning Case. Speaker: Andrew Christ Address: 4196 Menden Hall Oaks Parkway, High Point, North Carolina Comment: Mr. Christ introduced himself as being with FEI Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors. He said that he is joined by Commie and Casey Johnson, along with Kevin Combs. He expressed his gratitude to the staff of Guilford County and Town Planner Bass for their comments and staff report. He mentioned that it is a conditionally rezoning property to RS-30, which would allow up to 140 lots, total. He said that they are maxing out at 85 units. He said that the health department could restrict them to a smaller amount depending on if the soil is available at that time. He said that they will be working with NCDOT for their roadway improvements during the commercial plan development process. Mayor Pro Tem Foy inquired to Mr. Christ about the plan with the pond on the property. Mr. Christ said that they are currently working on the development for the pond. 343 Speaker: Todd Nunn Address: 7700 US-158, Stokesdale, North Carolina 27357 Comment: Mr. Nunn introduced himself as the owner of Countryside Village, which spans approximately 60 acres across two plots. He mentioned that around 150 elderly residents live there and expressed his concern about the property line, seeking information on its safety. Attorney Winfree expressed his concern, noting that he understood the applicant was withdrawing the restriction advertised for the rezoning regarding junk cars. However, he pointed out that the applicant can't make it less restrictive, only more restrictive. Town Planner Bass pointed out that there are development standards related to junk vehicles in the Town's ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Foy highlighted the ordinance's ambiguity due to the lack of a clear definition for a junk vehicle. Councilman Jones made a Motion to approve Rezoning Case 24-09-PLBD-00096 known as 7848 US Highway 158. The proposal is consistent with other housing uses in the area and features equal or higher density. It is in conformance with the Town's land use plan and has the necessary infrastructure for the water system and highway access. Councilman Rigsbee seconded the motion. Councilman Jones amended his motion to include a provision regarding junk vehicles, stating that all uses permitted in the RS-30 zoning district according to table 4-31 and the Stokesdale zoning ordinance are allowed, except for junk motor vehicles, which should be removed. Town Attorney Winfree said that there is a definition of a junk motor vehicle stating that it is defined as a motor vehicle that does not display a current license plate and meets one of the following criteria: it is partially dismantled or wrecked, cannot be self-propelled or moved in a manner of its original use, is more than five years old, or appears to be worth less than $100. Town Attorney Winfree reiterated that applicants can make the conditions more restrictive but not less restrictive and pointed out that the Hearing advertised the restriction in it. Town Planner Bass said that you are allowed to have junk motor vehicles with certain standards on residential property. Councilman Jones withdrew his motion. 344 Councilman Rigsbee made a Motion to approve Rezoning Case 24-09-PLBD-00096 known as 7848 US Highway 158 from AG and RS-40 to CZ-RS-30 as written for it is consistent with the Town's long range land use plan and the other developments in the area. Mayor Pro Tem Foy seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). NEW BUSINESS ITEMS: 09. Consideration of Town of Stokesdale Resolution R-2024-03 (A Resolution of Support regarding Road Improvements on Athens Road (SR 2101), Athens Road Connector (SR 5007) and Angel-Pardue Road (SR 2102)). (Councilman Tim Jones) Councilman Jones explained that he added this item in regards to an email that was received from NCDOT pointing out that the Town needed to approve a resolution to allow them to continue to pursue the road improvements. The Council welcomed Mr. Brian Ketner with NCDOT to speak. Mr. Ketner said that he was asked to come and speak about the resolution that was requested for the Stokesdale Elementary School improvements. There have been several updates over the past few years about how to get the traffic in and out of the school in a better fashion because of queuing and backups during school drop off and pickup. He mentioned a professional engineering firm, Davenport Engineering, that did a study for the school and presented several options to the Guilford Country School System. In coordination with the regional traffic engineer and the school system, NCDOT now has concurrence from the school that the resolution is allowable and meets all the criteria needed for the school and NCDOT. Mr. Ketner presented the improvement plan to the Town Council. Mayor Pro Tem Foy inquired how they could get assurance that the plan will have the ability to not impact the non-peak hour traffic. Mr. Ketner and the Town Council discussed options for addressing non-peak hours, but he said that he would not be able to commit to one now, but he will evaluate and assess that as they proceed. Mayor Pro Tem Foy asked if a proposed light could be adjusted during non-peak hours, and Mr. Ketner said that it could. 345 Councilman Jones made a Motion to approve Resolution R-2024-03 (A Resolution of Support regarding Road Improvement on Athens Road (SR 2101), Athens Road Connector (SR 5007) and Angel-Pardue Road (SR 2102)) and authorize for Mayor Mike Crawford to sign it. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 10. Consideration of 2025 Town of Stokesdale Holiday Closing Schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to approve the 2025 holiday closing schedule as presented. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 11. Consideration of 2025 Town of Stokesdale Town Council Regular Meeting Schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to approve the 2025 Town of Stokesdale Town Council Regular Meeting Schedule as written. Councilman Landreth seconded. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 346 12. Consideration of 2025 Town of Stokesdale Town Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting Schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to approve the 2025 Town of Stokesdale Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting Schedule as written. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 13. Consideration of Appointment of 2 Members to the Town of Stokesdale Town Planning Board. Councilman Landreth shared the desire of Mr. James Greene to step down from his position as a Planning Board Member. Councilman Jones made a Motion to appoint Mr. Kurtis Gentry as a full-time Planning Board Member with a term effective January 1, 2025, for a two-year duration. Councilman Landreth seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). Mayor Pro Tem Foy made a Motion to appoint Mrs. Andrew Meylor as a full-time Planning Board Member with a term effective January 1, 2025. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). 347 14. Consideration of Cost Proposal for Additional Video Surveillance Equipment at the Stokesdale Town Park. (Mayor Pro Tem Derek Foy) This agenda item was continued to the January meeting at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Foy. 15. Public Comments from the Floor (3-Minute Limit per Speaker). Speaker: Patti Stokes Comment: Mrs. Stokes shared parting thoughts in preparation for her final issue of the local newspaper, the Northwest Observer. She confessed that she did not want to inherit the Town of Stokesdale as the town reporter when a former employee retired several years ago, but that she ended up really enjoying her time covering the Town and the water system. She commended the Town Council on how they can respectfully disagree with one another, as well as commending Town Administrator/Town Clerk Wagoner on his great job. She also pointed out Finance Officer Thacker and Water Customer Service Manager Priscilla Hunsucker. She also announced her new quarterly publication that will start in 2025. 16. Council Comments. Councilman Rigsbee: Expressed his gratitude to everyone in attendance. He thanked Mrs. Stokes for her years of dedication to the community. Mayor Pro Tem Foy: Mentioned how thankful they all are for their local sponsors for the Stokesdale Christmas Parade. He commended the work of Mr. Tee Stephenson and all the effort he did to ensure that they would have sponsors. He also expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Stokes and the Northwest Observer. Councilman Landreth: Thanked Mr. Stephenson and Mayor Pro Tem Foy for the work they did on the parade. He expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Stokes and the Northwest Observer. He also congratulated former Deputy Clerk Mason Winfree on his new position with the Town of Summerfield but expressed his irritation that the Town of Summerfield did not reach out to them personally before offering Mr. Winfree a position. Councilman Jones: Expressed his gratitude to the four citizens remaining in the audience. He recognized Mrs. Stokes and the Northwest Observer for their astounding work. He mentioned that he appreciated having Mr. Winfree as Deputy Clerk and that he did not object to him going to Summerfield. He said that he hopes Summerfield benefits from it and that he likes to think that Summerfield will learn something through Stokesdale by having Mr. Winfree on their staff. He encouraged everyone to be safe during the parade and to remember that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. 348 Mayor Crawford: Said thank you to Mrs. Stokes for everything that she has done. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and encouraged citizens to attend the Christmas Parade. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 17. Council Announcements: A. The 2024 Stokesdale Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM in Downtown Stokesdale. B. The next regular Stokesdale Town Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM inside the Stokesdale Town Hall Council Chambers. C. The next regular Stokesdale Town Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 09, 2025, at 7:00 PM inside the Stokesdale Town Hall Council Chambers. ADIOURNMENT: 18. Adjournment of Meeting. Councilman Landreth made a Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 PM. Councilman Jones seconded the motion. Mayor Crawford YES Councilman Jones YES Mayor Pro Tem Foy YES Councilman Rigsbee YES Councilman Landreth YES Motion carried (5-0). Being no further business to come before the Stokesdale Town Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM. Approved: March 13, 2025 - ) Michael E. Crawford Mayor ATTEST:, Town of Stokesdale, North Carolina she a MK hl Robbie Lee WagonerI Town Administrator / Town Clerk Town of Stokesdale, North Carolina 349