Board of Commissioners

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 18, 2024 MINUTES PRE-MEETING - 4:00PM Mayor Washam called the pre-meeting to order at 4:08PM. Closed Session Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) Mayor Washam called for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143- 318.11(a)(3). Commissioner Osborne made a motion to go into Closed Session at 4:08PM. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. Upon return from Closed Session at 5:37PM, the following topics were discussed: Agenda Review Manager Grant gave an overview of the 6PM agenda items. Annual Advisory Committees Bylaws Discussion Deputy Manager Herron gave an overview of the Board’s amendments to by-laws for all advisory boards in an effort to make them uniform, as well as streamlining the appointment process. A chairperson for each advisory board shall be appointed by the Town Board annually. He stated that more discussion will take place next week during the FY25 budget retreat. Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to adjourn the pre-meeting at 5:59PM. Commissioner Higgins 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 6:07PM. 2. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM All commissioners were present at the meeting. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Osborne made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Washam led the pledge after a moment of silence was observed. 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 1 5. CITIZEN CONCERNS/COMMENTS Mayor Washam invited the public to speak and the following comments/concerns were heard: Pamela Lewis – 10309 Conistan Place, expressed her concerns with land conservation and the need for additional park land to provide natural habitats for birds and animals to live safely. Jeb Courtney – 19033 Double Eagle Drive, expressed his full support of the 2024-2034 Parks Master Plan, specifically the proposed enhancements to Bailey Road Park tennis and pickleball courts. Luis Borges – 17007 Shady Glen Drive, expressed his concerns with the proposed hotel in Huntersville adjacent to Stratford Forest located in Cornelius and how it will negatively impact the quality of life and property values of Stratford Forest. He urged the Board to get involved and help the residents fight against the proposal that does not include a buffer wall to protect their neighborhood. Thomas Finley – 10228 Bailey Road, expressed his support of the 2024-2034 Parks Master Plan, specifically the need for additional rectangle fields for the physical and mental health of the community. Edward Spanski – 8207 Forest Shadow Circle, a resident in Stratford Forest expressed his concerns with Huntersville’s proposed hotel that will impact his neighborhood. He urged the Board to help the residents of Stratford Forest fight against the project. Dan Elsass – 8118 Forest Shadow Circle, a resident in Stratford Forest expressed his concerns with Huntersville’s proposed hotel that will impact his neighborhood. He urged the Board to help the residents of Stratford Forest fight against the project. Juliebeth Jarvis – 17006 Shady Glen Drive, a resident in Stratford Forest and whose property is directly adjacent to the proposed hotel submitted pictures (Attachment 1) of her property and her view of the proposed property. 6. MAYOR/COMMISSIONERS/MANAGER REPORTS Commissioner Higgins reported on the following: • Attended the National League of Cities (NLC) conference and met with North Carolina representatives in Washington DC on Mar. 10th-13th. • Attended the Focus Friday event held on Mar. 15th featuring the North Meck police chiefs. • The Ada Jenkins Center’s new cafeteria is set to open soon. • The next Chamber Board meeting is scheduled for Mar. 21st. • The FY25 Budget workshop will be held on Mar. 26th and 27th. Commissioner Carney reported on the following: • Attended the National League of Cities (NLC) conference and met with North Carolina representatives in Washington DC. • Attended the Grant Committee meeting to determine the 2024 grant recipients. • Participated in a “windshield tour” of the Cornelius parks and trails with Parks Director Fitzsimmons on Mar. 16th. 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 2 Commissioner Osborne reported on the following: • The DC trip included an ask for $13M in federal funding for Cornelius during the meetings with Sen. Tillis, Sen. Budd, and Congresswoman Adams. • Attended the TAB meeting on Mar. 5th. • Appreciated the “windshield tour” of the Cornelius parks and trails. • Chamber events – a ribbon cutting at Viridien on Mar. 19th (6PM); the annual Gala will be held on Mar. 21st, a ribbon cutting at Blood Law on Mar. 22nd (11AM); and the LKN Young Professionals meeting will be held on Mar.28th (6:30PM) at The Cabin in Davidson. Commissioner Sansbury reported on the following: • Attended the Coffee Chat event at H2 featuring parks and recreation. • Attended the Cain Business and Arts breakfast. • Attended the Newsmakers breakfast featuring Atrium Health Hospital. • Parks updates – Hop Into Spring will be held at James Hoyt Wilhelm Park on Mar. 23rd (2PM-4PM) and the Magical Egg-Stravaganza will be held at Town Hall on Apr. 3rd (7:30PM-8:30PM). • The six week Mayors’ Fitness Challenge starts on Apr. 7th. Commissioner Johnson reported on the following: • Attended the Grant Committee meeting to determine the 2024 grant recipients. • Participated in the Focus Friday held on Mar. 15th. • VLN updates – Carolina Big Dive was held at the Huntersville Aquatic Center; the Lay Up at the Lake basketball tournament was held over the weekend; and the west series North Carolina High School and Junior bass fishing tournament was held on Mar. 16th. Manager Grant reported on the following: • The FY25 Citizen Budget survey closed with approximately 890 respondents. The results will be presented at the budget retreat next week. • The FY25 Budget Retreat will be held on Mar. 26th and 27th. It is open to the public and will be live streamed from Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem. Chief Barbee reported on the following: • Firefighters practiced rescuing a construction worker at the Atrium Health construction site. • 22 new mattresses for the fire stations were donated by Mattress Express LKN. • New public safety apparatuses will be celebrated on Mar. 22nd at Ramsey Creek Park (1PM). Parks Director Fitzsimmons reported on the following: • Winter sports youth basketball finished up their 26th season with 796 participants and flag football finished up with 240 participants. • Black History Month Celebration was held on Feb. 24th with 200 attendees. • Legion Park stormwater repairs continue, and completion is anticipated to be the end of March. The ballfields should reopen Fall 2024. 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 3  • Bailey Road Park Court Complex project is in for permitting that will convert 3 tennis courts into 10 pickleball courts and construct 6 new lighted tennis courts and parking as part of Phase 1. • Summer camps registration is still open, but few openings remain. Mayor Washam reported on the following: • Attended the ribbon cutting at Peach Cobbler on Mar. 5th. • Attended the Cain Arts and Business breakfast on Mar. 7th. • Attended Coffee with a Cop on Mar. 7th. • The National League of Cities conference in DC went well. • Attended the Hough High Career Fair. • Went for a boat ride on the new police boat with Lake Patrol. • The next Coffee Chat event will be held on Apr. 1st at H2 (8:30AM) featuring transportation. 7. SPECIAL REGONITION A. Joshua Murray Boating Safety and Education Center Officer Brinzey gave an overview on how the safety and education center was created and the opportunities it will provide to Lake Norman boaters when the 2024 boating season begins. Lake Patrol also worked with Float It Forward founders Elise and Cade Redmond on establishing an online shopping platform where citizens and businesses could purchase furniture items needed for the center. The donation platform raised $6,500 in purchased items so that the center can successfully open. Mayor Washam added that Randy Marion very graciously donated the remaining $2,500 to purchase the remaining items needed. He also stated that without the efforts of Elise and Cade Redmond the center would not have been able to open so quickly. Chief Baucom stated that the department has always strived to set the standard across the county, state and country and this project is yet another great example of what CPD offers above the rest. 8. MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS A. Fire Department Donation Chief Barbee gave an overview of the donation of 22 new mattresses to replace the 15-year- old mattresses at both stations. He thanked Neal Jackson and Shelly Shaffer with Mattress Express LKN for their generous donation valued at $16K. Mayor Washam recognized the owners of Mattress Express LKN with a Mayoral Proclamation and presented Neal Jackson and Shelly Shaffer with the proclamation. 9. PRESENTATIONS A. Urban Institute Housing Study Katie Zager with the UNC Urban Institute presented the housing study that was commissioned by the LKN Economic Development Corporation to provide current housing and demographic conditions in North Mecklenburg. She gave an overview of demographics, employment, housing stock, housing costs, and land use/development. Dr. Bill McCoy gave an overview of the community perspectives on affordable housing efforts in Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville. He highlighted the primary issues of growth management vs. affordable housing, finding land, funding, zoning regulations, administration, education, NIMBYism, and ARPA funding. 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 4 10. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL A. 2024-2034 Comprehensive Parks and Greenways Master Plan Parks Director Fitzsimmons gave an overview of the Master Plan update process that included gathering public input, interviewing stakeholders, assessing needs, and developing plans and standards. The findings, assessment and recommendations were presented to the Board on February 19th and the final draft was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 7th where it received unanimous approval for the Town Board’s consideration. Mayor Washam thanked the Parks commissioners and staff for their hard work in putting this update together. Great job! Commissioner Higgins stated that the parks in Cornelius are the envy of other towns much larger than Cornelius. The commitment put forth towards quality of life is outstanding. Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve the 2024-2034 Comprehensive Parks and Greenways Master Plan as presented. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. B. 2024 Legislative Agenda Manager Grant gave an overview of the revised legislative agenda according to the feedback he received from the Board on Mar. 4th. Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to approve Resolution #2024-01125 adopting the 2024 Legislative Agenda. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. Resolution #2024-01125 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference. C. Electric Substation Sitework Contract ElectriCities Systems Manager David Lucore explained that five bids were received from potential contractors for the sitework of the new substation. The scope includes site clearing, erosion & sedimentation control measures, grading, landscaping, and installation of a duct bank. The lowest responsible bidder is Draw Enterprises, Inc. for $710,714. Work is estimated to take 150 days and anticipated to be completed in Fall 2024. Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve a contract with Draw Enterprises, Inc. for $710,714 and authorize the Town Manager and Attorney to finalize the terms and conditions and execute the contract. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0. 11. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes - March 4th (Approved 5-0) B. Tax Refunds = $916.37 (Approved 5-0) Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Johnson seconded and it passed unanimously, 5-0. 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 5 11. COMMISSIONER CONCERNS A. Huntersville Development Commissioner Osborne expressed his concerns regarding the proposed hotel being considered in Huntersville and how it will impact the Stratford Forest community. He suggested that the Board collectively communicate with Huntersville regarding the project. Deputy Manager Herron stated that staff will put together a list of concerns on behalf of Cornelius and present them to Huntersville. Commissioner Carney asked Planning Director Burhans to provide the upcoming meeting dates that Huntersville will be considering the project. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM. Commissioner Sansbury seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5- 0. Approved this 1st day of April 2024. ATTEST: Woody Washam, Jr., Mayor Lori A Harrell, Town Clerk 03/18/24 Regular Meeting Page 6 Attachment 1