Byron Hickox

The board discussed several operational and budgetary matters, including personnel policy updates regarding insurance benefits for retirees and employees, and the selection of a new insurance broker. Various departments presented capital needs for the upcoming budget year, including vehicles, equipment, and gear for the water, street, police, and fire departments. Plans and logistics for community events like the Labor Day festival, the 4th + 1 fireworks, and Halloween activities were reviewed. The board also addressed capital projects such as the A&P building renovation, the municipal ice rink repairs, and approved a budget amendment for recreation park improvements.

The meeting featured reports from the Manager on various operational and financial matters, including the FEMA reimbursement process, the status of the Camp Hope project, upcoming bids for the new Town Hall and Police Department, and potential grant funding for the Colonial Theatre. The Board also reviewed and approved a co-sponsorship for the Pigeon River Garden Club's upcoming event and awarded the Canton Armory project contract to Clayton Construction. Additionally, the Board authorized a water bill waiver due to exceptional property damage. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss legal and property matters.

The meeting commenced with a Swearing in Ceremony where the Honorable Chief District Court Judge Donna Forga was sworn into office, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. During the Organizational Meeting segment, the Board approved the meeting schedule to be the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. and reappointed Alderwoman Mull as Mayor Pro-Tem. Mayor Comments included thanking K-9 officers for their actions during a recent hit and run incident, praising the Street Department for hot chocolate cup decorations downtown, and acknowledging commendations for elected officials and a former staff member working with the Congressman's office. Aldermen/women Comments involved thanks to Town Staff for the Christmas Parade and discussions regarding a future land use plan. During Public Comments, a resident addressed concerns regarding new water rates, and a realtor offered services as a resource. Old Business focused on the selection of Bolton and Menk as the owner advisor for wastewater treatment plant improvements and design. New Business saw the approval of a property donation to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, approval of two budget amendments moving funds to Planning and Economic Development, approval of a lease agreement for the fire apparatus bay with Wit Contracting, and approval of a co-sponsorship request for a 5k fundraiser. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session where no action was taken upon returning to open session.

The meeting addressed preparedness for an upcoming winter storm, including confirmation of wastewater treatment plant readiness and county emergency shelter status. Discussion also covered the passage of a $5.5 million bill for the new Canton Fire department in the U.S. House of Representatives, and continued efforts regarding FEMA displacement from Town Hall and the Police Department trailers. Key actions included declaring a State of Emergency for the Town of Canton due to county declarations, reviewing a proposed sidewalk safety plan for Black Bear Drive and Pisgah School Road, approving a $150 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters, approving a Special Event Application for the 'Battle of the Bands,' approving a Task Order Agreement with Bolton and Menk not exceeding $50,000, approving an amendment to the Pigeon River Flood Risk Management Study agreement, approving a budget amendment for fire truck maintenance and repair, setting a work session date for February 4th, and setting a Public Hearing for February 11th regarding a proposed moratorium ordinance on data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and server farms. A closed session was held to discuss personnel and litigation matters, with no action taken upon returning to open session.

The special called meeting included discussions and actions on several items. Key discussions involved the installation progress of the playground fence, updates on the new Police Department and Town Hall projects which are currently on hold pending FEMA's return to work, and updates on the structural engineer review for Camp Hope. The Board also received updates on the A&P building project's price negotiation. New business included the approval of the Mama T's Summer Celebration special event application, which requested the use of the town's parking lot by the mill. The Board also approved the re-advertisement of the Canton Armory Project due to insufficient bidders and approved a contract with McGill & Associates for professional engineering services for infrastructure projects. Finally, the Board approved the supporting documents for the Pigeon River flood study under the WRDA program. A session was held in closed session for specific matters, after which no action was taken upon returning to open session.