Dylan Blankley

The agenda for the meeting included standard procedural items such as calling the meeting to order and approval of the agenda. Key discussion items focused on two rezoning requests: one for Parcel #1402717 from Planned Development Conditional District (PD-CD) to Rural Residential District (R-20), and another for Parcel #1403094 from General Business District (GB) to High Density Residential District (R-6). Other new business included the consideration of Planning Board Member Applications and a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Update. The Director's Report covered grant funding achievements, progress on stream debris removal, and status updates on acquiring a grants manager for the Smoot Tannery Brownfield Site.

The meeting began with welcoming guests, including scouts, and a prayer. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Officer Lauren Ashley Church was sworn in. A proclamation declaring February 3rd, 2026, as Shane Clary Day was presented to honor Captain Shane Clary for his 30-year distinguished career with the police department. The agenda was updated to include a closed session. Routine business under the consent agenda was approved. Discussions included further deliberation on a Memorial Park item and positive feedback on recent streets and sidewalks projects. A commissioner proposed holding a Fanfest event instead of the usual concert during the race week, which the board agreed to explore contingent upon coordination with NASCAR and the racetrack. The new business segment featured an audit presentation by CPA PLC. The audit confirmed an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and noted no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls or compliance, including a state single audit due to significant state funding. Key financial points included a net decrease in combined ending fund balances for governmental funds, details on restricted versus unrestricted funds (including the general fund balance), and positive performance in property tax collections and overall expenditure monitoring below budget. A compliance indicator related to the capital condition ratio for the water and sewer fund was flagged as below the 50% target, suggesting a need to plan for future asset replacement. A detailed inquiry was made regarding the remaining balance of a $15 million initial investment from a hospital lease signed in 2017.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by introductions related to the presentation of the flag by Troop 333. A motion was passed to approve the agenda, which included subsequent business. A significant portion of the meeting involved the swearing-in ceremony for new police officers. Routine business included approving minutes from meetings held on April 8, 2025, and November 24, 2025, and discussing a resolution to award a retired police officer a badge of firearm. Discussions covered the condition of Memorial Park, potential repairs needed, and subsequent assessment meetings. A proposed five-year lease agreement for the Brooks Gallery, essentially mirroring previous terms including a dollar-a-year rent and right of first refusal on building purchase, was presented for review, along with the town's ongoing responsibility for elevator maintenance. The topic of nine infield lots owned by the town, currently zoned R6, was raised for information regarding zoning and buildable size. Updates were provided on the new fire department project, confirming site plan completion, permit submission, and payment, with anticipation of hearing status soon. A request for a temporary road closure on Reynolds Road during construction was also noted. There was a discussion regarding the North Joint Water Intake project with associated representatives present. An update was given on America 250 planning efforts, including decorating town hall, displaying banners, and contemplating a Fourth of July parade, with a focus on incorporating themes into existing events due to funding limitations. Discussions also touched upon financing options, potential grants (State Department laptop grant and Firehouse Subs grant for a rescue boat), and the need for tax-deductible donation processing. Finally, condolences were shared regarding the passing of Commissioner Joe Johnson's brother, Keith, and extensive discussion occurred regarding preparations for an approaching winter storm, including the county declaring a state of emergency, opening a temporary shelter at the A center, and establishing an overflow shelter plan.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda for February 3rd, 2026, included several key items for action and discussion. Awards and Recognitions covered the Oath of Office for Officer Church and a Special Recognition for retiring Police Captain Shane Cleary. Routine Business/Consent items included approval of minutes from previous meetings in April 2025 and July 2025, the Town of North Wilkesboro Credit Card Policy, and a Call for Public Hearing on Rezoning Request for Parcel 1403300. The Manager's Report covered updates on town operations, including the Graystone Eye Center ribbon cutting, Smoot Park progress, marketplace event success, and fox sightings, as well as emerging issues like the Fire Department design, committee policy creation, and streaming meetings. New Business featured the Annual Audit Presentation, a Public Hearing for Annexation on 271 Boone Trail, an introduction to a Payroll Management Proposal with ADP, a Road Closure Request for the Wilkes County Farmers Market, discussion on the Joint Water Intake Resolution, Memorial Park Lighting, the Unified Development Ordinance Agreement, an America 250 Update, and an Amendment to the Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar.

The meeting commenced with opening ceremonies including the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a prayer. Key discussion items included the proclamation recognizing 2026 as the Year of America 250 in North Wilkesboro, encouraging civic engagement and reflection on national history. Routine business, approved via a consent agenda, involved approving the minutes from special and regular meetings in 2025, approving an amended 2026 holiday calendar, and authorizing the surplus of three town-owned vehicles. Updates were provided on grants received for greenway repairs totaling approximately $1.94 million. The Chief reported progress toward achieving an ISO Class 3 fire rating, with plans to seek a Class 2 rating next. Staff provided updates on vehicle lease agreements aimed at achieving savings. Progress on the new North Wilkesboro Fire Department project was detailed, including securing commitments for site development and tree removal, and a motion was passed to assign the Town Manager as the primary contact for correspondence regarding the fire station project. Further discussions covered potential ethics classes for new members, landscaping improvements utilizing community resources, and progress on the B Street Park project pending further grant notification. Finally, discussions addressed the relocation of administrative offices following proposed LED lighting upgrades in the facility and modifications to a State Revolving Loan Fund loan intended for water treatment plant improvements, specifically concerning the use of funds for the water intake project and discontinuing the AC flood system.