Bryan S. Gatewood

The meeting commenced with the appointment of 2026 officers, including the President and Vice President. Key agenda items involved the approval of minutes from the December 8th and December 19th meetings, funeral deeds, and payroll vouchers. Discussions also covered the wastewater project update, noting the resubmission of the IDM permit and progress on the lift station, including electrical work and generator delivery, although coordination with Duke has been slow. Water testing for PFAS chemicals in Westport has begun. The appointment of Russell Wilson as the SRPC representative for 2026 was approved. Resolutions were adopted: Resolution 2026-1 to write off outstanding checks dating back to 2023, and Resolution 2026-2 to deposit Commercial Vehicle Excess Tax (CVE) and Financial Institutions Tax (FIT) funds into the general fund retroactively from July 1, 2025. Sealed bid auctions were held, resulting in the acceptance of a $2,650 bid for a 1998 Chevy truck with a snow plow, and a $551 bid for an XARK 2004 mower. A utility adjustment for a property with a four-month leak repair issue was approved, reducing the bill by $105.81. Updates were provided on cemetery fence repairs pending boundary surveys and the commencement of a long-delayed property demolition. A park board meeting was scheduled for the following day.

The Town Council meeting included several key agenda items. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Actions taken included the approval of funeral deeds, payroll vouchers, monthly bills, and the annual finance report, authorized via a series of motions and subsequent approvals. The board also approved the renewal of the town lakes fishing permit requiring new board signatures. Updates were provided on wastewater and water sampling projects, noting progress on lift station completion and the analysis of initial water test results, with a plan to present a report soon. The police department requested and received approval for the purchase of two new Dell Incar laptops and related adapters, totaling $3,367.22, funded from the department's operating equipment budget. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved budget transfers for December 31, 2025, to balance various funds for the state report. A resolution committing to the goal of zero traffic deaths and participation in a county comprehensive safety action plan was also discussed.

The meeting was called to order as a special session, advertised for open door purposes, and included the pledge to the flag. The primary agenda item was the 2026 budget adoption, which involved amending the tax levy percentages that were incorrectly populated following the September 8, 2025 meeting. This correction was deemed necessary due to a software glitch. The council opened the floor for public comment regarding the budget, received none, and proceeded to approve the updated budget with the adopted tax rates. The council also addressed necessary paperwork, including filling out anti-nepotism forms, before adjourning.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to several financial and operational matters. Key agenda items covered the approval of previous minutes, deeds vouchers, adjustments, payroll vouchers, and monthly bills. The council addressed service contracts, including the second installment for 2025 and the new contracts for 2026 for entities like the Fire Department and Main Street, including authorizing an individual to sign agreements. Discussions also involved the hourly contract for an attorney and the Town Marshal's contract for 2026, which included a 3% salary increase. A significant portion of the meeting addressed Change Order Number Four for the wastewater project, involving a $61,300 cost increase for site work related to the original SEAGRA system. The council also held a public hearing for the Water Rate Ordinance 2025-6, where a rate study detailing a projected 2% annual increase for the next four years was presented and explained. Furthermore, the extension for the revenue bond anticipation notes was approved.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to several key areas. These included change orders for ongoing projects, engineering agreements, and the USDA guide five document. The council also addressed the asset management plan certification form required for wastewater permit renewal. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a disaster shelter agreement with the Red Cross, the appointment of members to the park board, and a proposed water rate ordinance with a 2% increase.