Board of Commissioners

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS January 16, 2024 MINUTES PRE-MEETING - 4:30PM Mayor Washam called the meeting to order at 4:38PM. All commissioners were present for the Pre- meeting.  Agenda Review Manager Grant provided a refresher on how to navigate to get to the online agenda through the Town’s website and review the item summaries, as well as an overview of the 6PM agenda. Commissioner Osborne asked if the Ordinance outlining the road standards for street acceptance helps to address situations like what is being experienced in Antiquity. Deputy Manger Herron stated that the County’s involvement has helped tremendously on getting the developer to bring the streets up to Town standards for maintenance acceptance. Commissioner Osborne asked if the Beverly community is in a similar situation. Asst. Manager Beardsley stated that the developer has been responsive to the County, and that community should be done by the end of January.  FY25 Budget Departmental Background Presentation - NCDOT Transportation Projects and Public Works Deputy Manager Herron informed the Board that the TCC is recommending that CRTPO award the Town 4 of its 6 project requests. He gave an overview of each NCDOT project, the purpose and needs for each, and the projects that CRTPO awarded discretionary funds to and the Town’s funding responsibility. Asst. Manager Beardsley gave an overview of Public Works that included the department structure, maintenance of Town roads and sidewalks, leaf collection, and other functions of the department. Public Works also oversees the Town’s solid waste service and contract. Manager Grant stated that due to time, Asst. Manager Beardsley will continue his presentation on stormwater during the 6PM regular meeting. Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to adjourn the Pre-meeting at 5:58PM. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. REGULAR MEETING - 6:00PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Washam called the meeting to order at 6:08PM. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 1 2. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM All commissioners were present at the meeting. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Washam requested that the agenda be amended to add item 12B – FY25 Budget Departmental Background Presentation – Public Works cont’d. Commissioner Carney made a motion to amend and approve the agenda as recommended by Mayor Washam. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Washam spoke about Martin Luther King Day and the celebration he attended at Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church honoring Dr. King and former mayor Nannie Potts. Mayor Washam led the pledge after a moment of silence was observed. 5. CITIZEN CONCERNS/COMMENTS Danny Skidmore – 19508 Smith Circle, expressed his concerns about stormwater continuously impacting his property and asked that the Town do something to remedy the situation. 6. CMS UPDATE A. CMS Update Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) re-elected Board Member Lenora Shipp introduced herself and thanked the Town for their support in passing the bonds in November. She updated the Board on the new area projects. The CMS Board is slated to pass a policy change on administering Narcan that reverses the effects during an opioid overdose. Currently, SROs administer the medication, so the policy change is to have a minimum of two staff members trained in each school as well. Commissioner Sansbury congratulated Ms. Shipp on her re-election. He asked what the transition plan is for moving students from the old schools to new schools. Ms. Shipp stated that the new schools will be built on each campus site in a new location so that session will not be interrupted by construction. Commissioner Sansbury stated he is hopeful that having SROs in both Cornelius elementary schools is a catalyst for CMS to implement the same throughout the district. Ms. Shipp thanked the Town for stepping up and taking the lead on a very important initiative in keeping students/parents/teachers safe. Commissioner Osborne thanked CMS for changing their Narcan policy district wide. He shared the positive impacts the elementary SROs have had on the community as the students, parents, and teachers all feel safer. Permanent funding consideration from CMS would be appreciated. He asked if there is a timeline for the new Cornelius Elementary School. Ms. Shipp stated that Dennis LaCaria will soon be providing the information to the CMS Board and at that point the information will be shared. Commissioner Higgins asked how future updates will be released. Ms. Shipp stated she will let the CMS Board and Dennis LaCaria know that Cornelius would like to receive regular updates, as well as any updates from MEAC. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 2  Commissioner Carney congratulated Ms. Shipp on her re-election. He stated that his children both attend JV Washam Elementary School, and that all students are running through various safety drills on a regular basis, so having a SRO in the school helps students with anxiety and the officer is the most popular person at the school. Mayor Washam congratulated Ms. Shipp on her re-election and thanked her for the update. 7. MAYOR/COMMISSIONERS/MANAGER REPORTS Commissioner Higgins reported on the following: • Attended two Ada Jenkins Center meetings. They are renovating their cafeteria and kitchen; the playground has been completed; and the next initiative is affordable housing. • Attended the Centralina breakfast featuring US Senator Tillis speaking on regionalism. • Attended the Essentials of Municipal Government for Elected Officials offered by UNC School of Government. • Attended the celebration at Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church honoring Dr. King and former mayor Nannie Potts. Commissioner Carney reported on the following: • Pre-Development Review Committee (PDRC) project reviews – Lake Norman Event Venue 20,000sqft. event venue located on Nantz Road; the Serve Pickleball and Kitchen 51,000sqft. (4 Top Golf simulators/16 pickleball courts) located on Chartown Drive; and Genesis Car Dealership 25,000sqft. sales/service located on Statesville Road. Commissioner Osborne reported on the following: • Attended the CRTPO orientation on Jan. 11th focusing on regional opportunities, aligning more with planning and updating plans that are eligible for grant funds. • Lake Norman Chamber updates – Goal Setting Seminar with David Dowdy will be held on Jan. 18th; Focus Friday on Jan. 19th will feature NC Senator Vickie Sawyer and NC Representative John Bradford; and the Chamber’s next meeting will be held on Jan. 22nd. Commissioner Sansbury reported on the following: • He will provide future school updates through the scheduled MEAC meetings. • Meetings regarding MEDIC levels of service have been scheduled with Chief Barbee. • Parks updates – Teddy Bear Breakfast will be held on Jan. 22nd at Cain Center for the Arts (8:00AM-9:30AM), ages 2 thru 5. Commissioner Johnson reported on the following: • Centralina Council of Government orientation will be held on Feb. 6th and the first board meeting will be held on Feb. 21st. • The next LDCAB meeting will be held on Jan. 22nd. • VLN updates – VLN received two awards at the North Carolina Travel Industry Association Leadership Conference. A gold award in Group Marketing-Comprehensive Venue Guide and a gold award in Convention Marketing for hosting the REDCREST Fishing Tournament; Queens Feast will be held Jan. 19th thru Jan. 28th; and the Court 14 Classic will be held on Feb. 3rd at Hough High School (16 teams from across the country). 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 3  Manager Grant reported on the following: • FY25 Citizen Budget Survey is available at Cornelius.org and remains open until the end of February. • Energy Bill Support – Mecklenburg County low-income residents can visit MeckNC.gov/ENERGY or call 704-336-8000 to see if they are eligible for energy bill assistance. Parks Director Fitzsimmons reported on the following: • Deck the House contest – 17 households registered/400 votes received. Congratulations to winners Jeff Oliver (Griswold category) and Sandra Freeman (traditional category). • Legion Park repairs should be completed in February and the ballfields should be reopened in the fall. • Robbins Park reforestation is underway. Staff have planted 24 trees, acquired with the help of Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists and Trees Charlotte, in the former bamboo area. Deputy Manager Herron reported on the following: • NCDOT project Catawba Ave./Hwy. 21is under contract and Potts Roundabout will be soon. Construction will begin in the coming months for both projects. Mayor Washam reported on the following: • Attended the 1-year anniversary celebration of the Cain Center on Jan. 6th. • Attended the ribbon cutting for H2 becoming a Chamber member on Jan. 10th. • Attended the MLK Jr. celebration on Jan. 14th. 8. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION A. Welcome Newly Hired Employee Planning Director Rox Burhans introduced Rechelle Ward who was hired in November 2023 as the Planning Administrative Assistant. The Board welcomed Rechelle. 9. PRESENTATIONS A. Girl Scout Troop 1236 – Silver Award Girl Scouts Abigail Cutcliff, Payton Hyer and Mia McHugh gave an overview of their educational pathway and garden project they created at Latta Plantation Quest Center that earned them the Silver Award. B. FY24 Grant Semi-Annual Report – Lake Norman Community Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Hoverson presented the CDC’s semi-annual report that included: affordable housing matters; the supply gap; Cornelius realities; FY23 outcomes; FY24 key performance measures; the Senior Rent Relief/Rental Bridge program; and the goals for 2024. Commissioner Higgins congratulated the CDC on their accomplishments since becoming a 501c3 organization. He stated that the CDC goals tie in well with Ada Jenkins’ upcoming affordable housing initiative. Ms. Hoverson stated that the CDC has a wonderful relationship with Ada Jenkins and are working together. Commissioner Johnson stated that as a member of the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force it is amazing to see what the CDC has accomplished in such a short period of time. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 4  Mayor Washam stated that he is excited to see what can be done to turn this into more of a regional approach to address affordable housing. Commissioner Osborne stated that the level of success in such a short time is awesome. He asked what area businesses could do to help support the CDC. Ms. Hoverson stated that the most important thing is for businesses to inform their employees of what’s available through the CDC. The website lakenormancdc.org provides information for eligibility and applications. C. FY24 Grant Semi-Annual Report – Cain Center for the Arts Executive Director Justin Dionne presented the Cain Center semi-annual report that included: performances (Fall session); exhibitions (completed/upcoming); education (completed/planned); community impact partners; events; and the financial summary and revenue highlights. Commissioner Sansbury asked if there was an anticipation of getting more attendance/interest from cities north and south of Cornelius as popularity grows. Mr. Dionne stated that the more they do and the better they get to know their audiences will continue to draw from cities like Mooresville, Statesville, Charlotte, and cities south of Charlotte. 10. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENT A. REZ 06-23 Genesis Cornelius Planning Director Rox Burhans presented a rezoning request by MNLN, LLC to rezone 3 acres of property located at 18605 Statesville Road from Highway Commercial & Automobile Sales District Overlay to Conditional Zoning to construct a 25,000sqft. Genesis auto sales and service dealership on property that is currently part of the Modern Nissan dealership. The community meeting held on December 19th had no public attendance. Mayor Washam invited the applicant to speak. David Fowler with Modern Automotive gave an overview of his family’s long history in the automotive sales/service industry and a summary of the proposed rezoning. Tyler Carpenter with Kimley-Horn gave an overview of the site plan for the project and Crystal Lester went over the building design and materials. Mayor Washam invited the public to comment, but there were no comments made. Mr. Burhans explained that staff will be wrapping up its technical review process for the applicant. The ARB will review the project on January 26th, before the Planning Board’s review in February. Mayor Washam invited the public to speak but no comments were made. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 5 11. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL A. Park Commission Appointments Parks Director Fitzsimmons gave an overview of the Parks Commission reappointments of Carla Eustache, Jon Show, and Robert Reed. The Commission has recommended that Chris Kolkhorst be reappointed as the chairman for another year. Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve the reappointments of Carla Eustache, Jon Show, and Robert Reed, as well as reappointing Chris Kolkhorst as the Parks Commission Chair. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. B. FY24 Operating Budget Amendment Parks Director Fitzsimmons gave an overview of the Parks budget request to increase programs and Finance Director Niswonger gave an overview of the other budget items for consideration. Commissioner Osborne made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-00844 amending the FY24 operating budget to transfer $2,879 from the General Fund to the 911 Fund; increase the Parks budget by $42,800 to expand programs; and to recognize $8,879 in police donations for protective gear. Commissioner Carney seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. Ordinance #2024-00844 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference. C. Street Acceptance – The Station at Antiquity (LIV) Planning Director Burhans gave an overview of the proposed street acceptance in Antiquity. Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve Resolution #2024-01119 accepting portions of Old Canal Street and Lovers Lawn Trace in the Antiquity development for Town maintenance. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. Resolution #2024-01119 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference. 12. PRESENTATION A. FY24 Goals and CIP Update Manager Grant stated that department heads will be presenting their updates on the FY24 operating goals and CIP. Fire Chief Barbee reported on the following for CFD: • Town Fire Chief – Chief Barbee was hired on 1/2/24 ($28,170 Net Cost). • FTE Training Captain Eric Earnhardt was hired in November ($101,000K). • PPE and Uniforms for Captain Earnhardt ($7,000). • Phase 2 Residency incentives for all Cornelius resident firefighters ($40,000). • Annual Subscriptions/Software ($14,500). • Phase 2 Second Set of Gear ($85,000). • Station Alerting ($80,000). • Gear Dryers for both stations ($17,000). • Vehicle for Training Captain ($80,000). • Upgrade Rescue Equipment ($23,000). 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 6  • Engine Equipment ($29,000). • Two New Engines were delivered in November that were paid for from FY21 and FY23. • Fire Boat 4 Refurbishment was completed and delivered on December 21st. Asst. Manager Beardsley reported on the following for Public Works: • Stormwater fees increase, year 3 of 4 went into effect July 1st. • Project Manager Katie DeMatthew was hired on August 28th. • Building Maintenance Reserve Fund increased (year 4 of 8) on July 1st ($10,000). • Jetton Extension Redesign and Reconstruction contract was approved on September 18th with Blythe Development; construction began in October and should be completed in June 2024 ($2,894,000). • Smithville Infrastructure Improvements – design is underway on 4 improvement areas; public input will be done in the spring; design complete in the fall; and construction should start in FY26. • Dana’s Branch Stream Restoration – the Town is partnering with Mecklenburg County to restore 6,900 linear feet of stream; design is underway, and the Town’s portion is ($564,042); construction will take place in FY26, and the Town’s estimated cost is ($1,600,000). • Town Hall Security Improvements – contracted with Cinderella Partners; construction to start in February and should be completed in June 2024. • Kings Point Sidewalk – was completed in October. • Tractor Replacement – delivery of a new tractor is anticipated to be in the January/February timeframe. • Crosswalk Improvements – improvements were completed in August at Washam Potts/Westmoreland. Parks Director Fitzsimmons reported on the following for Parks and Recreation: • Cain Park Maintenance – completed the 6 months of funding PMT to maintain the park; park supplies, materials, and contract services ($45,000). • Cain Park Programming – completed the 6 months of programming that included 6 months of Recreation Program Assistant, Food Truck Fridays, Cornelius Festival of Cultures, Light of Cornelius, and Flashlight Candy Cane Dash. • Part-time Wage Market Adjustment completed ($0 net). • Comprehensive Parks and Greenways Master Plan Update – reviewed pertinent information for the update; held listening sessions; UNC Charlotte completed a scientific survey; UNC Charlotte conducted stakeholder interviews; public survey was completed; and recommendations will be presented to the Parks Commission on February 8th and the Town Board will consider approval on March 18th ($60,000). • Second Friday Sponsorships ($12,000). • Bailey Road Park Track Renovations ($300,000) – CMS is attempting to match funds of $150,000. • Park Maintenance Equipment ($35,000) – drop spreader purchased, backhoe attachment purchased, and ballfield groomer purchase is pending. • Christmas Tree and Decorations ($60,000) completed. • Legion Park Major Repairs ($550,000) fields are set to reopen in the fall 2024. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 7 Police Captain Vanzant reported on the following for CPD: • Fleet Vehicle Replacement – received 5 Ford SUVs ordered in FY23; purchased 5 Ford F-150s in FY24; and 6 Dodge Durango SUVs have been ordered in FY24. • Elementary School Resource Officers (2) were funded in FY24, and their replacements have been filled. • Building Maintenance – the first floor of the PD was painted in July. • Keycard Access/Doors – the two readers and doors in the lobby have been replaced. • Mapping Services – a new agreement with Crossroads is in place and all maps are current. • Digital Forensics – service agreements are in place with vendors for digital forensics (e.g., GrayKey, Cell Hawk, Magnet AXIOM, Clearview AI). • Back Up Fiber – negotiations with LUMEN are in process to provide backup fiber for the Communications Center. HR Director Clemmer reported on the following for Human Resources: • ADP HRIS Modules – Recruitment/Onboarding modules will go live in January; testing is being conducted on Performance Management with New Hire modules; and learning sessions on Compensation and Analytics are in process. Deputy Manager Herron reported on the following: • Residency Incentive – expanding and growing the incentive pay mechanism for Town employees who live in Town (year 2 of program, 21% of employees utilizing). Manager Grant reported on behalf of IT Manager Taylor for Tech Ops: • Cyber Incident – Corvid Cyber Defense has been implemented; isolated wireless network from the internal network; restricted access to certain file systems on the network; and everything is back on track. • IP Phone Upgrade – is in progress and expected to be completed in March. • Door Access Upgrade – is in progress and expected to be completed in April. • VXRAIL RAM Upgrade – completed in November. • New Employee Hire – in progress and narrowing down applicants for interviews. Systems Manager Lucore reported on the following for ElectriCities: • Service Reliability – maintained electric service with a continuity of 99.9%. • Safe Operations and Vehicle Incidents – there were 2 lost time accidents and 0 vehicle accidents. • New Substation – land has been purchased and materials have been ordered for construction to begin in Q1 of 2024. • Holiday Lane Roundabout – underground facilities had to be relocated for the roundabout and construction is expected to be completed by the end of January. • North Main Street Roundabout – overhead lines relocated and completed. • NC SECU – electric lines have been extended for the new facility. • Catawba Corners – main electric installation is expected to begin in February. • Main Street Animal Hospital – project is complete. • North Commerce Center-Bailey Road – 95% of electric have been installed and the lighting installation is in progress. • Venue on Main – electric installation should begin in February. 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 8  B. FY25 Budget Departmental Background Presentation – Public Works cont’d. Asst. Manager Beardsley gave an overview of the stormwater and fee history for the maintenance of ditches, pipes, and streams within Town. He explained that stormwater should be managed as a utility so that revenue covers expenses; however, stormwater fees were not increased from 1992 to 2021. Therefore, in FY22 the Town implemented a 4-year phase-in fees increase to cover utility costs. The fee tiers were outlined for FY24, and cost examples were provided. The current revenues are approximately $758K. 13. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Closed Session Minutes - December 18, 2023 (Approved 5-0) B. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes - December 18, 2023 (Approved 5-0) C. Tax Refunds = $1555.58 (Approved 5-0) Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. 14. COMMISSIONER CONCERNS No concerns were expressed. 15. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Osborne made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:24PM. Commissioner Carney seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. Approved this 5th day of February 2024. Woody Washam, Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Lori A Harrell, Town Clerk 01/16/24 Regular Meeting Page 9