BURNSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL Regular Meeting - Thursday, May 1, 2025, 6pm Burnsville Town Hall On Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 6pm, the Burnsville Town Council with Mayor Russell Fox and Councilors Judy Buchanan, Randy Ollis, and Bill Wheeler present, held a regular meeting at the Burnsville Town Hall. Also in attendance were Town staff members Heather Hockaday, Shane Dale, Brian Buchanan, Leslie Crowder, Niles Howell, and Chad Fox, and visitors. Councilor Denise Collier was unable to attend. Mayor Fox called the meeting to order at 6pm and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to conduct regular business for the month of May 2025. Adoption of the agenda - Mayor Fox requested to amend the agenda and move the Mayor's report, up to follow the consideration of minutes. Judy Buchanan moved to adopt the agenda with the Mayor's requested change. Bill Wheeler seconded the motion, which carried. All were in agreement. Public Comment - There was none. Consideration of Minutes - Minutes from a regular meeting held on April 3, 2025 and a special meeting held on April 14, 2025 were considered. Randy Ollis made a motion to approve both sets of minutes as read. Judy Buchanan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mayor's report Advent Health's Certificate of Need - Graham Fields, assistant to the President of AdventHealth, met with Mayor Fox and Manager Hockaday to ask for support for an additional 129 acute beds in Weaverville. Mayor Fox said that the facility will look great and be beneficial to Yancey County residents. He wanted to share the letter of support with the Council before signing. Judy Buchanan moved to support Mayor Fox signing and sending the letter of support to AdventHealth. Bill Wheeler seconded the motion, which carried. All were in agreement. Mayor Fox was excused as he needed to depart for a family event. Mayor Pro Tem Judy Buchanan presided over the rest of the meeting. Public Hearings - There were none. Presentations - There were none. Proclamations International Firefighters Day - Randy Ollis read a proclamation observing May 4th, 2025, as International Firefighters Day in recognition of all firefighters, past and present, for their invaluable service to our community and citizens. Police Appreciation Week - Bill Wheeler read a proclamation designating May 11-17, 2025 as National Police Week, and encouraged citizens to join the Council in commemorating police officers, past and present, who have rendered a dedicated service to their communities. Public Works Appreciation Week - Town Manager Heather Hockaday read a proclamation designating the week of May 18-24, 2025 as National Public Works Week. The proclamation encouraged citizens to reflect on the importance of the contributions our public works employees make, protecting our community's health, safety, and quality of life. May 1, 2025 1 Manager's Update - Town Manager Heather Hockaday 1. Project updates a. FEMA i. Temporary raw water intake pump system - Mrs. Hockaday reported that the Town received 50% of the FEMA funds for the temporary raw water intake pump system and a few small projects have also been obligated. ii. Consultants - HGA consultants were on site to help navigate FEMA projects. Mrs. Hockaday said that they will be beneficial as they help find funding opportunities, make thorough FEMA submissions, prevent audit findings, and help keep projects moving forward. b. ARPA, East Main sewer interceptor - The last ARPA project to bid, earlier in the day, received one bid and was over the grant budget. The engineers and contractors are going to review the project to see where adjustments can be made to bring down costs. Mrs. Hockaday noted the importance of the project as the line has significant infiltration. C. 118 N. Main Public Works/Police building renovation - Demolition has begun. There was an expected change order received which addresses asbestos abatement. 2. Procurement Policy update - Mrs Hockaday explained contradictions in the current procurement policy such as references to an Administrator, now Manager, and updating the approved signatories. Bill Wheeler moved to approved Resolution No. 2025.05.01.01, Amendment To The Procurement Policy Of The Town Of Burnsville. Randy Ollis seconded the motion, which carried. All were in agreement. 3. Tax Report - Mrs. Hockaday presented an updated tax report to the Council. Clerk's Update - Town Clerk Chad Fox 1. Town Square events - Clerk Fox presented a road closure request for Sept 20th from 1pm-8pm by Freedom Life Ministries. Judy Buchanan moved to deny the request. Bill Wheeler seconded the motion, which carried. All were in agreement. 2. Set date for July regular meeting - The Council agreed to move the July 3rd regular meeting to July 10th at 6pm. Department Updates 1. Public Works - Public Works Director Shane Dale said that there are many projects in progress. He recently met with engineers and contractors on the Bolens Creek waterline project which should begin in mid-May. He reported that construction at the Water Plant is nearly complete and mentioned that a few employees have taken courses for various Public Works certifications. 2. Finance - Finance Officer Leslie Crowder previously provided a budget VS actual and overtime report. a. Budget Amendment - Mrs. Crowder presented the amendment for the Lead Service Line project to acknowledge the debt payment. Judy Buchanan moved to approve Budget Amendment #7, FY:24/25. Randy Ollis seconded the motion, which carried. All were in agreement. b. Budget work session - The Council set May 22nd at 4pm for a budget work session. May 1, 2025 2 3. Fire Department - Fire Chief Niles Howell presented a call summary, with most of the calls being motor vehicle accidents and fire alarms. He updated the Council on a disaster grant application, that if awarded would be used for a well, side by side, equipment to fight forest fires, and a storage building. He also mentioned the completion of air pack and truck pump testing for the year. 4. Police Department - Police Chief Brian Buchanan presented an activity log. 5. Zoning/Code Enforcement - Zoning Administrator Brian Buchanan said that he is seeing some mechanical and remodel permits come through. 6. Burnsville Town Center - Town Center Manager Corbin Cooper was unavailable. Council Members' Reports Randy Ollis reported on recent legislation that could come up involving EMS and requested that if the bills are advanced, the Council draft a letter in opposition. Updates from Advisory Boards and Non-Profits Yancey/Burnsvile Chamber of Commerce - Chamber Director Elaine Mann reported that the visitor center numbers were down only 13% for 2024, despite the closures from the storm. She mentioned several reopenings and ribbon cuttings. She reviewed upcoming events including the 69th Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Empower Her Connect Networking event. She also introduced Sam, a new marketing lead and member services director for the Chamber. High Country Council of Governments - Bill Wheeler reported on a recent meeting with High Country, mentioning an upcoming recovery workshop and ways that the department of agriculture could help. Closed session - There was none. Next Town Council Meeting - Budget work session on May 22, 2025 at 4pm and a regular meeting on June 5, 2025 at 6pm. Adjourn - With there being no further business, Randy Ollis moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:43pm. Judy Buchanan seconded the motion, meeting adjourned. Thamus Why Clerk 9a3 J. Chad Fox, Town T. Russell Fox, Mayor OF - - May 1, 2025 3 Russell Fox Councilors: Mayor Cotuit of urnsuille Judy Buchanan Heather Hockaday Denise Collier Town Manager/Attorney OF TUET Randy Ollis Chad Fox Bill Wheeler Town Clerk ORTHG CADS April 21, 2025 Ms. Micheala Mitchell Chief, Healthcare Planning and Certificate of Need Section Division of Health Service Regulation 2704 Mail Center Service Raleigh, NC 27699-2704 Dear Ms. Mitchell: lam writing to express my full support for AdventHealth's Certificate of Need (CON) application to develop 129 additional acute care beds at the new hospital in Weaverville. As Mayor of the Town of Burnsville, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our residents have access to high quality healthcare services. I firmly believe that approving this application will significantly advance our shared goal of improving regional healthcare access and outcomes. Since 1995, Mission has operated as the sole hospital provider in Buncombe County. However, since HCA acquired Mission in 2019, there has been a growing outcry from residents fori improved access and a lack of choice in healthcare services. The arrival of AdventHealth Weaverville offers a critical opportunity to address these concerns, bringing much-needed competition and diversity to our healthcare system while expanding access for residents across our region. With over a century of dedicated service in Western North Carolina, AdventHealth brings a wealth of expertise and a profound understanding of our region's unique healthcare needs. Their commitment to community investment, charity care, and patient-centered innovation underscores their dedication to meeting the specific challenges faced by rural and urban areas alike. The proposed addition of 129 acute care beds in Weaverville is not merely an expansion of capacity-it represents a critical step in enhancing healthcare accessibility for the region. By strategically situating these beds in a location that serves as a gateway to many rural communities, this project will ensure that residents across Western North Carolina have better access to essential healthcare services closer to home. This includes the development of specialized services, higher acuity care, and advanced treatments that are often out of reach for rural populations due to distance or limited provider availability. Expanding regional access is not just about alleviating the burden on existing infrastructure; it is about building a healthcare system that serves everyone, including the underserved and underrepresented. This project offers the potential to elevate the overall standard of care throughout Western North Carolina by fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation, improves service quality, and ensures patients receive timely and appropriate care. By strengthening AdventHealth's capacity to serve our growing and geographically diverse population, this initiative supports the development of a more robust and equitable healthcare system. It aligns with P.O. Box 97 e Burnsville, North Carolina 28714 e Phone (828) 682-2420 . FAX (828) 682-7757 e wwngtowmolbumylleorg our shared vision of a healthcare network that prioritizes accessibility, efficiency, and excellence across the region. For these reasons, strongly urge the Division of Health Service Regulation to approve AdventHealth's CON application. This project will not only enhance competition and expand healthcare services in Buncombe, Graham, Madison and Yancey Counties, but also create a ripple effect that improves access and outcomes for communities across Western North Carolina. It is a transformative opportunity to address the unique needs of our region and ensure that every resident has access to the care they deserve. Sincerely, T Rumu Arx Russell Fox Mayor, Town of Burnsville Russell Fox Councilors: Mayor Count of Burnsuille Judy Buchanan Heather Hockaday Denise Collier Town Manager/Attorney OF EUPET 37) Randy Ollis Chad Fox Bill Wheeler Town Clerk OMTHC N International Firefighters Day Proclamation May 4th, 2025 WHEREAS, International Firefighters' Day is observed each year on May 4th to honor and remember past firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their communities, to express gratitude to those that have served, and to show support and appreciation for those who presently serve; and WHEREAS, firefighters follow a long line of tradition and honor that inspires them to help colleagues, neighbors and strangers alike, playing an essential role in the protection ofl lives and property in our community; and WHEREAS, the demands of firefighting are accompanied by both personal and physical tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their lives to protect the lives of others: and WHEREAS, there is no greater example of the exceptional professionalism and bravery of firefighters then their response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that hit western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing unprecedented damage and displacing thousands ofindividuals, families, and businesses; and WHEREAS, local firefighters and countless others from all across the country responded to assist western North Carolina, uprooting their lives to help people get food, clothing, shelter, energy, and other critical support services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Burnsville Town Council observe May 4th, 2025, as. International Firefigbters Day in recognition of our Town, County, and State firefighters, past and present, who have rendered an invaluable service to our community and its citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Burnsville Town Council has set their hand and caused the seal ofthe Town of Burnsville, North Carolina to be affixed, this the 1st day of May, 2025. Bemu T. Russell Fox, Mayor Town Seal: P.O. Box 97 e Burnsville, North Carolina 28714 . Phone (828) 682-2420 e FAX (828) 682-7757 . wwwtowmolbumawlleong Russell Fox Councilors: Mayor Cotunt of Burnsbille Judy Buchanan Heather Hockaday Denise Collier Town Manager/Attorney > OF ouNTy Ollis a EUEET Randy Chad Fox Bill Wheeler Town Clerk AOMTHI CAN National Police Week Proclamation May 11-17, 2025 WHEREAS, the Town of Burnsville Town Council supports and recognizes the vital role law enforcement officers have within our communities. These servants and their families make enormous personal sacrifices but have answered their community's call to serve in a profession that at any given time may place them in harms way to secure the well-being of others; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers build relationships and trust with the residents they serve, protect the innocent, aid those in need, and remain faithful to their solemn oath; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers must be highly trained and appropriately resourced to meet the challenges of today. This Council will continue to support the Burnsville Police Department to meet the growing needs of our Town; and WHEREAS, when emergencies like Hurricane Helene cause unprecedented damage and disrupt the lives of thousands of individuals, families, and businesses, law enforcement officers perform extraordinary tasks beyond their duties to aid their communities; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Burnsville Town Council does hereby designate the week May 11-17, 2025, as National Police Week; to commemorate police officers, past and present, who have rendered a dedicated service to their communities, preserving the rights and security of all citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Burnsville Town Council has set their hand and caused the seal of the Town of Burnsville, North Carolina to be affixed, this the 1st day of May, 2025. IBoru T. Russell Fox, Mayor Town Seal: P.O. Box 97 . Burnsville, North Carolina 28714 e Phone (828) 682-2420 . FAX (828) 682-7757 e wwtowmolbumawlleong Russell Fox Councilors: Mayor Cotun of Burnsuille Judy Buchanan Heather Hockaday Denise Collier Town Manager/Attorney OF UEET Randy Ollis Chad Fox Bill Wheeler Town Clerk COTHC CADS National Public Works Week Proclamation May 18-24, 2025 WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable communities, public health, and the well-being of the people ofthe Town of Burnsville; and WHEREAS, these infrastructures, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our community's streets, water supply, water treatment system, wastewater treatment, public buildings, and other facilities essential for our citizens; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in the Town of Burnsville to gain knowledge and maintain ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works employees and public works programs; and WHEREAS, in the unprecedented aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Burnsville Town Council would like to also express deep gratitude for the Town of] Burnsville's Public Works employees and all they sacrificed to restore Town services SO quickly. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that that the Burnsville Town Council does hereby designate the week May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week; all citizens are encouraged to reflect on the importance of the contributions our public works employees make to protecting our community's health, safety, and quality oflife. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Burnsville Town Council has set their hand and caused the seal ofthe Town ofl Burnsville, North Carolina to be affixed, this the 1st day of May, 2025. IBi T. Russell Fox, Mayor Town Seal: P.O. Box 97 Burnsville, North Carolina 28714 e Phone (828) 682-2420 e FAX (828) 682-7757 . wwwlowpobumaylleong Resolution No: 2025.05.01.D! AMENDMENT TO THE PROCUREMENT POLICY OF THE TOWN OF BURNSVILLE WHEREAS, the Town adopted a written procurement policy on June 25, 2020 to establish procedures for and guidelines that meet or exceed the procurement requirements for goods, services and construction or repair projects pursuant to North Carolina State Law; and WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend the above stated policy to make corrections of terminology and contradictions within the language of the policy; and WHEREAS, on. July 1, 2021 the Town Council by duly adopted ordinance changed its form of government from Mayor-Council to Counci-Manager, and the ordinance went into full force and effect on August 6, 2021. The Town Administrator, Heather Hockaday, was thereafter appointed by Council as Town Manager; and WHEREAS, there are various references in the Town's written procurement policy to duties and responsibilities of the Town Administrator. This resolution recognizes that those references now apply to the Town Manager and desire to change any reference to the Administrator or Town Administrator to Town Manager or Manager; and WHEREAS, there is a conflict within the Town's written procurement policy in Section 11 "Procurement Methods" and the later adopted internal control policy that is a part of the procurement policy. Section 11 refers to the signing of checks for payment of invoices by the Town. It states the Mayor and Clerk have signatory authority. This was the protocol prior to the change in form of government to Council- Manager. The Internal Controls portion of the policy was duly adopted, by Council, on September 1, 2022 and requires dual signatures on all Town check and grants the authority of sign checks to the Finance Director and the Manger, with the Mayor as an alternative in the absence of one of the authorized signatures. The Town Council desires to cure this conflict and amend section 11 of the procurement policy to remove the language regarding the personnel authorized to sign checks and add the language that is consistent with the language in the Town's internal controls policy. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, BY THE BURNSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the Town's procurement policy is hereby amended to change any reference to the "Administrator" or the "Town Administrator" to the "Manager" or "Town Manager" throughout the policy. 2. That the language regarding the signing of checks in section 11 of the procurement policy is amended to be consistent and match identically with the "Internal Controls" portion of the policy requiring dual signatures on all checks and granting signatory authority to the Manager and the Finance Director and in the absence of one of them to the Mayor. 3. That all checks signed in accordance with the Internal Control policy portion oft the procurement policy are retroactively ratified and approved by this action. 4. That all acts and doings of officers, employees and agents of the Town, whether taken prior to, on, or after the date of this Resolution, that are in conformity with and in the furtherance of the purposes and intents of this Resolution as described above shall be, and the same hereby are, in all respects ratified, approved and confirmed. 5. That this Resolution shall be effective upon its adoption. This the 1st day of May, 2025. ATTEST: Burnsville Town Council A13 BY: TBmu Ry JSchad Fox, Clérk Russell Fox, Mayor Approved as to form: Slfhi Town Attorney Te CA YEAR REAL PROPERTY PERSONAL PROPERTY TOTAL INSOLVENT 2024 $18,673.30 $1,697.73 $20,371.03 2023 $1,732.46 $789.20 $2,521.66 2022 $303.32 $221.77 $525.09 2021 $19.90 $157.20 $177.10 2020 $212.83 $212.83 2019 $1,390.04 $1,390.04 2018 $248.36 $248.36 2017 $363.05 $363.05 2016 $456.07 $456.07 $384.08 2015 $494.62 $494.62 $470.86 TOTALS $20,728.98 $6,030.87 $26,759.85 $854.94 1-May-25 5/1/2025 8:46:09 AM Collections Rate Report Page: 1 of 1 Town of Burnsville Tax Year Charges Collections Net Collections Percentage 2024 $1,459,326.82 $1,438,955.79 $20,371.03 98.60% Grand Totals: $1,459,326.82 $1,438,955.79 $20,371.03 98.60% Town of Burnsville Budget Amendment # 7 FY: 24/25 Funding Source: Described below THE FY: 24/25 BUDGET ORDINANCE IS HEREBY AMENDED TO REFLECT THE FOLLOWING CHANGES, AND TO REFLECT THESE LINE ITEM TRANSFERS. Fund: 30 acknowledge the Lead Service Line Debt service payment Revenue: Decrease Line Item numbers: 30-810-7400 Capital Outlay $46,800.00 Expenditure: Increase line item numbers: 30-810-8000 Debt Service $46,800.00 Total of all changes: $46,800.00 Acknowledge revenues and increase expense account for the Lead service line project. Requested by: Authorized by: duoli Gooh Bumu Rex Finance Officer Mayor Council Vote: 3y yes no Date approved by council: 5-1-25 1 Adjustment # 7 FY a4125 Justification for Mautmcbaonlaly ho deht Sphuice er 4 Leadl SouucD Kie oa panet TOWN OF BURNSVILLE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT Revenue Adjustments Account Number Account Description Increase Decrease 30-810-7400 Capital Outlay 46. 800. Expenditure Adjustments Account Number Account Desçription Decrease Increase 3D-810 - 8000 Debt Soruce 46.800 Totals 44800 44.800 Prepared by: Date: DATE Approved by: Date: Posted by: Date: Monthly Call Summary +() 5/1/2025 for March 2025 MOTIER'S F/A 9 DAY Structure 1 Assist EMS 1 Rescue/Extrication Cancelled Enroute 2%. Standby 2 9% Assist Police Fire Other. F/A MVA 9 Vehicle Fire 2% 19% Structure Public Service 6% 2% Drill Assist EMS Tree Down 2% Hazmat 6% Landing Zone 3 Power Lines Down Standby 2% 4% Brush Fire 4 Road Hazard 3 Investigation 2 MVA Power Lines Down 1 Baush Fire 19% Investigation Tree Down 3 4% 9% aig Lone Bomb Scare CO Alarm Smoke Det. Alarm Stranded Motorist Search Vehicle Fire 3 Fire - Other 1 F/A Structure. Assist EMS Standby Rescue/Extrication 1 - Assist Police MVA Public Service Drill Cancelled Enroute 4 Hazmat Landing Zone Brush Fire Road Hazard No Investigation Power Lines Down Tree Down Bomb Scare CO Alarm Smoke Det. Alarm Stranded Motorist Search Call/Duplicates a Vehicle Fire Fire - Other Rescue/Extrication Cancelled Enroute Mutual Aid Calls - 15 Total For Month-47 Total For Year - 197