Town Council

MINUTES – BOONE TOWN COUNCIL APRIL 23, 2025 1500 BLOWING ROCK ROAD CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Boone Town Council was held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers located at 1500 Blowing Rock Road in Boone. Mayor Pro-tem Dalton George presided. Council members present included Virginia Roseman, Edie Tugman, and Eric Plaag. Town staff present included Town Manager Amy Davis, Town Clerk Nicole Harmon-Church, Grants Coordinator Laney Wise, Planning Director Jane Shook, Commercial Zoning Administrator Amy Snider, Sustainability and Special Projects Coordinator George Santucci, Public Works Director Todd Moody, Sergeant Jake Harkey, Finance Director Guy Miller, Interim Police Chief Daniel Duckworth, Major Shane Robbins, Downtown Boone Development Coordinator Lane Moody (remote), and Human Resources Director Dale Presnell. Town Attorney Allison Meade was also in attendance. MOMENT OF SILENCE A brief moment of silence was observed. APPROVAL OF PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS Upon a motion by Council Member Plaag, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council voted to approve the following: 1. Proclamation – Resilient and Thriving Communities 2. Resolution – T. D’Agostino VOTE: Aye: Plaag, Tugman, Roseman, George Nay: None Absent:Carter Council Member Plaag read the following resolution into the record and presented it to Kellie Bass, Prevention Outreach Manager with OASIS. Resilient & Thriving Communities Week 2025 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, resilient and thriving communities are vital to our state's future health, success, and prosperity to ensure a strong foundation for everyone at all ages and stages of life; and WHEREAS, the science is clear that resilience is built, and that communities and systems play a key role in promoting safe, secure, nurturing environments for all; and WHEREAS, adverse childhood and life experiences, adverse community environments, and adverse climate events impact overall quality of life and well-being of an entire community; and WHEREAS, Healthy North Carolina 2030: A Path Toward Health by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, identifies reduction of adverse childhood experiences by 25% by 2030 as a goal; and WHEREAS, it is our collective responsibility to collaborate in a nonpartisan fashion to promote positive experiences, secure relationships, and supportive environments to buffer stress and adversity, and to support local resilience coalitions, collaboratives, task forces, and initiatives across the Town of Boone; and WHEREAS, investing in policies, programs, and strategies that address adversity and strengthen community resilience is essential to the health of our community; and WHEREAS, the Town of Boone encourages individuals and all sectors, public and private, early childhood through post-secondary education, faith-based organizations, healthcare systems, justice systems, social service systems, businesses, and elected leaders to collaborate to strengthen our communities; NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Boone Town Council, do hereby proclaim April 27 through May 3, 2025, as “Resilient & Thriving Communities Week” in our community, and commend its observance to all citizens. Next, Mayor Pro-Tem George was thrilled to present a Key to the City to Mr. Trenton D’Agostino in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments at the Special Olympics in Turin, Italy. He noted that Trenton had represented the United States, the Town of Boone, and Watauga County on the international stage, winning two gold medals in Italy earlier this year. It was highlighted that the Council had not awarded a Key to the City since the 1980s, during the tenure of Mayor Hadley Wilson, making this presentation particularly significant. Mayor Pro-Tem George explained that because it had been so long since the last presentation, staff had worked hard to determine the proper way to bestow the honor. Council members expressed their excitement and appreciation for Trenton's achievements and noted the significance of the occasion. Sergeant Jake Harkey, who had coached Trenton, expressed that he was proud of Trenton for his accomplishments in the Special Olympics and thanked Council for its support. Mayor Pro-Tem George then read the resolution into the record.  RESOLUTION AWARDING A KEY TO THE CITY TO TRENTON D’AGOSTINO FOR HIS ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL WHEREAS, the Town of Boone, North Carolina, wants to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Trenton D’Agostino, as he recently represented our community on the world stage in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy; and WHEREAS, Trenton D’Agostino is an accomplished athlete in many respects, but won two gold medals, one in the intermediate giant slalom snowboarding competition and another in the intermediate super G in the World Winter Games; and WHEREAS, Trenton D’Agostino is a resident and native of Watauga County, student of Hardin Park and Watauga High School, and community member of the Town of Boone; and WHEREAS, the effort, practice, and talent required to win a gold medal at the highest level is remarkable, representing the United States at the highest level of the sport and is befitting of the recognition from the Town of Boone; and WHEREAS, while Trenton was celebrated in Turin, Italy, the Town of Boone wanted to celebrate his accomplishments in his home community; and WHEREAS, keys to the city are rarely given out and are reserved as one of the highest honors in the Town of Boone, awarded to individuals who have gone above and beyond to represent and contribute to our Town; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the members of the Boone Town Council, celebrate and recognize Trenton D’Agostino’s accomplishments by awarding him a Key to the City and wish him more success in his athletic journey; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Trenton D’Agostino and his family as a testament to his diligent training, talent, and dedication to representing his home community of Boone, North Carolina. **************************************************************************************************** LISTENING SESSION FOR CONSTITUENT CONCERNS REGARDING THE CURRENT FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION There were no speakers signed up for this topic. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no speakers signed up for public comment. TENTATIVE AGENDA ADOPTION Council Member Plaag made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, except to remove Item X1 – Approval of Grant Items – Boone Jaycee Park from the Consent Agenda to discuss during Council Matters. Council Member Tugman seconded the motion. VOTE: Aye: Plaag, Tugman, Roseman, George Nay: None Absent:Carter REQUESTED APPEARANCES SHAUNA LEWIS AND JOHN ARNAUD – WATAUGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Shauna Lewis, a Watauga County Public Library employee, addressed the Council to speak about the library’s history and current needs. She shared that she grew up in Boone, spending much of her childhood at the old library, and recalled helping move books to the current facility during the "Carry the Load" event when the new library was built. She noted that Boone’s population had grown by 35% since 1990, increasing the community’s demand for library services. Ms. Lewis explained that with support from the Friends of the Library and the community, a strategy had been developed to better serve the growing population through a series of interior renovations estimated at $1.5 million. She outlined key issues the renovations would address, including the lack of meeting space, which limits programming opportunities for youth and older adults, and safety concerns caused by poor visibility and layout challenges within the building. She requested the Town’s assistance with a contribution of $47,000 to fund a glass patio entrance, which would enhance safety, particularly around the children’s area, and support the revitalized donors' patio. Ms. Lewis emphasized that the request was part of a larger fundraising effort, noting that the library had already secured a $125,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and that further private fundraising efforts were underway. John Arnaud, the architect working with the Watauga County Public Library, addressed the Council to provide an overview of the proposed renovations and how the Town's funding request fits into the broader project. He explained that about a year ago, he met with the library team to discuss immediate improvement needs, as the services provided by the library had outgrown the current facility. Mr. Arnaud noted that past studies had explored larger-scale expansions, but the library team sought quicker, more practical solutions. They identified key issues, including poor visibility, lack of meeting space, and inadequate work areas for staff. Mr. Arnaud and the library team reviewed the library’s recent needs assessment, surveyed library users, and met with staff to prioritize a low-impact renovation strategy focused on the building’s interior without major infrastructure changes. He outlined that the improvements would include reconfiguring the back-of-house areas to create better staff and volunteer workspaces, expanding meeting room capacity, and enhancing visibility throughout the library. Plans also included improving adult services, expanding digital and technology access, enhancing youth services and story time spaces, and relocating quieter activities such as reading areas and local history resources to the back of the building. Mr. Arnaud further explained that one of the improvements, as mentioned by Ms. Lewis, included enhancements to the door leading to the patio area. He referenced a rendering of the project plans, noting that the addition of the glass patio entrance would bring more natural light into the building, define the space, and support the overall reorganization strategy for the library. He emphasized that the funding request for the patio door was just one of several small changes that would collectively positively impact the library’s ability to serve the community. Council Member Roseman sang praises of the library and referenced the lasting impact it has had on she and her family. Council Member Plaag expressed concerns regarding the Town’s ability to provide funding for improvements to the Watauga County Public Library, noting that municipalities in North Carolina were limited to expending tax dollars on services authorized by their charters. He stated he was not certain of the specific provisions of Boone’s charter without further review, but believed there may be a legal impediment to funding improvements for a county-owned property. Additionally, Council Member Plaag raised concerns about the issue of potential double taxation, explaining that Boone residents could effectively be asked to pay twice—once through Watauga County taxes and again through Town of Boone tax contributions—for the same facility. Council Member Tugman expressed appreciation and support for the library, but was in agreement with Council Member Plaag that, according to their training, she was unsure the Town could legally support the library in this way. Mayor Pro-Tem George expressed his support for the library project but acknowledged the complications arising from the library being a county-owned facility. He noted that while the Town had previously supported the Friends of the Library, the situation was different when funding requests came directly from the County. Mayor Pro-Tem George emphasized that, with the Town entering the budget season, there would be continued discussions and difficult decisions ahead, especially given the increasing needs of nonprofit partners affected by reduced federal funding. Attorney Meade offered clarity by indicating that towns were explicitly authorized to expend property taxes to “establish and maintain public libraries”. She thought it raised a question about supporting a county facility monetarily and offered to research the matter further. Council Member Roseman asked that Attorney Meade complete her research prior to the May 22 budget meeting. Other Council members supported this research, with Council Member Plaag noting that his hesitance was strictly from a legal perspective and that he supported these renovations from a personal perspective. WORK SESSION DISCUSSION REGARDING VARIOUS ITEMS BY TOWN ATTORNEY Attorney Meade provided an update on recently introduced bills in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly that would require local governments to prohibit camping on public property and rights-of-way. The bills would also allow citizens to sue municipalities that allegedly fail to enforce the prohibition and seek attorneys' fees. Attorney Meade expressed strong concern over the legislation, characterizing it as an overreach and noting that requiring towns to enforce specific codes under threat of citizen lawsuits was a new and troubling development. Attorney Meade referenced the recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, clarifying that the Court merely ruled that local governments may prohibit camping on public property without violating the Eighth Amendment, but did not mandate that they must do so. Attorney Meade concluded by emphasizing that the proposed legislation went far beyond what the Supreme Court had determined. Attorney Meade continued the legislative update by explaining that while towns could designate a space for public camping under the bills, doing so would involve extensive requirements, effectively institutionalizing homeless encampments. She stated that the proposals were inconsistent with traditional conservative principles of localism – that is, local control of local regulation. Attorney Meade also referenced recent alerts from the North Carolina League of Municipalities regarding several proposed land use bills, which would further restrict towns’ ability to regulate zoning and local development. She urged Council members and citizens to actively reach out to legislators to oppose the bills, warning that they would severely erode local control. Mayor Pro-Tem George echoed these concerns, expressing frustration over the ongoing attacks on municipal authority. He emphasized the importance of empowering local governments to address challenges creatively and effectively. He pointed out that while municipalities like Boone were often blamed for issues such as a lack of affordable housing, many of their efforts were constrained by state-imposed limitations. Council members strongly encouraged citizens to contact their legislators and advocate for the protection of local decision-making authority. APPROVAL OF ITEMS ON CONSENT AGENDA Upon a motion by Council Member Roseman, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council voted unanimously to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda: 1. Resolution – Howard Street Grant  2. Award of Bid – Greene’s Construction (Hickory ridge Accessible Sidewalk Project) 3. Minutes a. March 3, 2025 Special Town Council Meeting (Boone Next Discussion) b. March 10, 2025 Special Town Council Meeting (Boone Next Discussion) c. March 31, 2025 Special Town Council Meeting (Boone Next Discussion) PLANNING MATTERS RECONSIDERATION OF CASE A24-0940 ESTEP RIVERS ANNEXATION RESOLUTION FIXING DATE OF ANNEXATION PUBLIC HEARING Council reconsidered a resolution setting the date for a public hearing regarding the annexation of the Estep-Rivers property. Planning Director Shook reported that the required advertisement was not submitted to the newspaper in time, necessitating a delay of the public hearing until the May Council meeting. Council was also informed that the related zoning case for the property would need to be tabled until May as well. Property owners had been notified of the change. Upon a motion by Council Member Plaag, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council unanimously approved the Resolution Fixing the Date of Public Hearing for the Estep-Rivers property for May 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. RESOLUTION FIXING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON QUESTION OF ANNEXATION PURSUANT TO G.S. 160A-31 (Sairung Estep & Matthew Rivers) WHEREAS, a petition requesting annexation of the area described herein has been received; and WHEREAS, the Town Council has by resolution directed the Town Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition; and WHEREAS, certification by the Town Clerk as to the sufficiency of the petition has been made; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Boone, North Carolina that: Section 1. A public hearing on the question of annexation of the area described herein will be held at Council Chambers at 9:00 a.m. on May 14, 2025. Section 2. The area proposed for annexation is described as follows: Point of Beginning  Beginning at an existing iron pin located in the eastern right of way of Highland Hall Road and at the southwest corner of Watauga Association Inc. property as described in deed book 2106 page 511 in the Watauga County Register of Deeds, said point also being the northwest property corner of subject property as described in deed book 2368 page 800. Thence from the beginning along the southern line of Watauga Association Inc. South 85º 59’ 24” East for a distance of 150.16’ to an existing iron pin in the western property line of Stacy Eggers as described in deed book 942 page 523. Thence along the western property line of Stacey Eggers as described in deed book 942 page 523. Thence along the western property line of Stacy Eggers South 08º 00’ 00” West for a distance of 100.92’ to an existing iron pin at the northeast corner of David Hayes property as described in deed book 2224 page 164. Thence along the northern property line of David Hayes North 85º 59’ 24” West for a distance of 150.16’ to a calculated point in the eastern right of way of Highland Hall Road. Thence along the eastern right of way of Highland Hall Road North 08º 00’ 00” East for a distance of 100.92’ to the point of beginning containing 0.347 acres as surveyed September 19, 2024 by Charles E. Mar�n, PLS L-4502, Job number 24028. Section 3. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in the Watauga Democrat, a newspaper having general circulation in the Town of Boone, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the public hearing. CONSIDERATION OF CASES FROM THE MARCH 24, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING In light of the previous matter, Planning Director Shook asked that Case A25-0164 Estep and Rivers – General Use Zoning Map Amendment be tabled. Upon a motion by Council Member Plaag, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council voted unanimously to table the Estep-Rivers case. CASE A25-0105 THE VIEW APARTMENTS – CONDITIONAL DISTRICT ZONING MAP AMENDMENT Commercial Zoning Administrator Amy Snider presented the above-mentioned case. Council Member Plaag made an editorial comment regarding the pending case, noting that while it would not affect the vote, he wished to offer advice to the applicant. He referenced prior discussions about addressing the issue of the floor being less than two feet above the base flood elevation by installing sleepers to raise the interior floor. Council Member Plaag urged the applicant to carefully consider the long-term risks, explaining that if a flooding event occurred, water could accumulate between the original floor and the raised floor, potentially creating worse problems than a traditional basement. He encouraged the applicant to consult with their builder and consider the potential long-term costs, even though raising the entire floor would be more expensive upfront. The applicant acknowledged these concerns, as well as acknowledged that she agreed to the conditions set forth in the packet. Council Member Roseman made a motion that the proposed amendment to the Town’s zoning map is consistent with the Town’s comprehensive plan and any other adopted plans of the Town that are applicable because of: Comprehensive Plan Policy 2.1.1 Economic Development A. The Town shall protect and enhance a high quality of life, image, cultural amenities, and natural beauty as the most effective, long term component of an economic development strategy. D. Economic development efforts shall encourage the revitalization and reuse of currently unused or underutilized structures, sites and infrastructure in appropriately located areas. Comprehensive Plan Policy 2.3.3 Housing and Neighborhoods A. The protection and rehabilitation of viable neighborhoods shall be encouraged to ensure their continued existence as a major housing source and as a reflection of the area’s image as an attractive, highly livable community. H. The overall housing unit density for proposed infill residential development or redevelopment should be compatible with the average density of existing areas. The approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. Where there is a conflict between the application information and the plans (dated received on February 6, 2025), the plans shall control. Insignificant deviations may be permitted to comply with the requirements of the UDO. 2. Any commitments and representations concerning the proposed development made by the applicant or her representatives at the public hearing shall also become a condition of the permit, and a basis for a stop work order and/or permit revocation if violated. 3. The applicant shall submit the necessary applications, plans, details and specifications which meet the requirements of the Town Code, UDO, Building Code and any other applicable codes for review and approval necessary to issue Zoning and Building Permits. 4. The applicant will add appropriate signage that informs people upon entering the parking lot that they are entering a flood zone. 5. The applicant will not market the units as student housing. 6. The applicant will rent the dwelling units by the unit, not by the bedroom. Council Member Tugman seconded the motion. VOTE: Aye: Roseman, Tugman, George, Plaag Nay: None Absent:Carter Council Member Roseman made a second motion to approve Ordinance A25-0105, and that approval is reasonable and in the public interest because of the improvement to the neighborhood and extended growth of housing units within the Town of Boone. Council Member Tugman seconded the motion. VOTE: Aye: Roseman, Tugman, George, Plaag Nay: None Absent:Carter APPROVAL OF GRANT ITEMS – BOONE JAYCEE PARK Grants Coordinator Laney Wise reported that she had been tasked with monitoring potential grant opportunities for upgrades to Jaycee Park and had identified one particular grant that could serve as a good community-building opportunity. However, she noted that pursuing this grant was optional and that staff would continue to look for additional opportunities. Council Member Plaag raised concerns not with the grant request itself, but with broader issues related to Jaycee Park. He noted that the park appeared to have been created around 1962, but records verifying the land’s acquisition by the Town were limited, as the property was not taxable and the tax card was blank. Council Member Plaag explained that locating the original deed may require extensive research through historical records, although he had identified a potential deed reference (Deed Book 79, Page 69) that might cover the park property, possibly along with Strawberry Hill. Council Member Plaag also raised questions regarding parking arrangements at the park, noting that half of the parking spaces were currently designated for either Town use or Hampton's use. He expressed concern about the lack of clarity on whether a formal rental or use agreement existed, when it may have been made, and whether it remained valid. Council Member Plaag stated his belief that the park property ended at the parking lot, while the adjacent grass area belonged to Hampton, and that there was historically an agreement allowing mutual use of these areas during overflow events such as those at Daniel Boone Gardens. He continued by stating that while upgrades to Jaycee Park were underway, locating any existing agreement with Hampton regarding shared use of the parking lot would be important or, if necessary, negotiating a new agreement. Council Member Plaag emphasized that the real reason for raising the issue was the substantial need for parking along the Blowing Rock Road corridor, particularly near businesses such as Noble Kava and Parallel Brewing. He explained that after 5 p.m., parking at these businesses became extremely limited, with patrons often parking at the Alumni Center lot when available. However, if events were being held at the Alumni Center, patrons had few alternatives aside from paid parking across the street, which could deter business. Council Member Plaag noted that he had discussed with staff the possibility of metering spaces on the southwest end of the Jaycee Park parking lot, away from the playground. He felt that metered parking could generate revenue during the day, while spaces would remain free to the public after 5 p.m., similar to other metered locations in town. He further suggested allowing parking in the lot from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at no cost, while maintaining the prohibition on overnight parking, as a way to open up more accessible parking options for nearby businesses. Council Member Roseman noted that historical paperwork regarding the Jaycee Park property and its relationship with Hampton Funeral Home was likely stored at the Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA) office. She explained that the original property owner, Ralph Winkler, had donated the land to the Town with an understanding that a portion would remain undeveloped for potential overflow parking, especially for funeral services. She added that this informal agreement remained in place when the property was sold to Hampton Funeral Home. Mayor Pro-Tem George expressed appreciation for the discussion and noted the high level of use Jaycee Park continued to receive from families, despite its age. He commented that the park’s popularity rivaled that of newer facilities like the Tot Lot and affirmed the value of investing in its improvements. Mayor Pro-Tem George further expressed interest in formally incorporating the adjacent grassy area into the park if possible, depending on what historical agreements or documentation could be located. He also shared an idea of adding a splash pad to the park as a future enhancement, stating that it would create a community asset that could rival other area facilities. Council Member Plaag noted that the Jaycee’s organization no longer existed in town, and suggested that the Town consider a future renaming opportunity for the park. Council Member Roseman proposed that, if the park were to be renamed, it should be called Winkler Park in recognition of the Winkler family, who originally donated the land to the Town. She emphasized that without the Winkler family’s contribution, the community would not have the valuable green space that exists today. Upon a motion by Council Member Plaag, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council voted to approve the item as presented initially within the Consent Agenda. VOTE: Aye: Plaag, Tugman, Roseman, George Nay: None Absent:Carter REQUEST TO DIRECT HPC TO PREPARE BOONE/KRAUT CREEK HISTORICAL MARKER Council Member Plaag reported that recently, members of the Cultural Resources Advisory Board had raised the possibility of a historical marker honoring Boone/Kraut Creek and its connection to the “Kraut Factory”/North State Canning Company operations at the current site of the Watauga County Agricultural Extension office on King Street. He then made a motion to direct the Historic Preservation Commission to begin preparation for a historical marker report on that topic and for funding in FY26 or FY27 for the cost of the marker. Council Member Tugman seconded the motion. Mayor Pro-Tem George expressed appreciation to Council Member Plaag for his expertise related to cemetery panels and began a related discussion regarding Clawson Burnley Park. He explained that a student had recently interviewed him about the importance of town signage, particularly how many Town-owned facilities were not widely recognized as being managed by the Town or connected to local history. As an example, the Mayor Pro-Tem George mentioned Clawson-Burnley Park, which was named in honor of two former female mayors who had a significant impact on the community at a time when it was uncommon for women to hold such leadership roles in the South. He indicated that the student had remarked that she wished she had known that history, suggesting that visible markers would be valuable. This feedback prompted the Mayor Pro-Tem George to look into the possibility of recommending to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) the installation of a marker or sign at Clawson-Burnley Park. He suggested that even simply designating the space as "Mayor’s Park" at the entrance would help honor the legacy of the two women leaders and better inform the public of the park’s historical significance. Hearing consensus from the attending Council members, Mayor Pro-Tem George indicated he would bring the item forward in a formal fashion at a later date. A vote was then taken on the Boone/Kraut Creek Historical Marker. VOTE: Aye: Plaag, Tugman, Roseman, George Nay: None Absent:Carter CLOSED SESSION Upon a motion by Council Member Roseman, seconded by Council Member Tugman, Council members voted at 7:04 p.m. to enter into closed session pursuant to: 1. N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 143-318.11(a)(1), to review, approve and seal closed session minutes from Council's prior closed session(s). 2. N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 143-318.11(a)(3), to consult with the Town Attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Town Council, and obtain legal advice, consider and/or give instructions to the attorney concerning one or more potential legal claims. 3. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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. Upon a motion by Council Member Roseman, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem George, the Council voted to exit closed session at 7:57 p.m. VOTE: Aye: Roseman, George, Tugman, Plaag Nay: None Absent:Carter ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro-Tem George adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:00 p.m. _______________________________ ______________________________ Nicole Harmon-Church, Clerk Tim Futrelle, Mayor