Edward Austin

This Sustainability Plan serves as a roadmap for Wake Forest to protect current community values and ensure them for future generations by outlining practical steps for wise resource use, risk reduction, and fostering a healthy, thriving community. The plan addresses key topics including energy use, transportation, land use, water quality, natural ecosystems, waste, and community resilience. It is structured around strategic pillars such as Built Environment & Energy, Transportation & Mobility, Resource Conservation, and Healthy & Resilient Community, aiming to guide town decisions and policies for responsible growth, enhanced climate resilience, and improved quality of life for all residents.

The Wake Forest Sustainability Plan aims to balance the Town's economic, social, and environmental interests, ensuring responsible resource use based on data-driven research and stakeholder engagement. Key focus areas include conducting a greenhouse gas inventory, identifying climate vulnerabilities for resiliency and adaptation, and developing a strategic framework for action. The plan is designed to guide the Town's operations, policies, and regulations, support community sustainability goals, and integrate existing recommendations to inform budgetary and legislative decisions.

The Work Session agenda included several key discussions and potential actions. Topics included a discussion on the Pate Property Conservation Easement, which explored options for town ownership versus private ownership regarding a required conservation area, including liability and management concerns. The board also addressed proposed ordinances amending Chapter 30 concerning motorized scooters, electric bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, pedestrian right-of-way, and helmet requirements. Further discussions covered the Updated Capital Improvements Plan for FY 2026-2031, an ordinance amendment regarding handicapped parking spaces to reinstate civil penalties for violators, and an ordinance to establish a 55 mph speed limit on NC 98 to align with NCDOT standards. Additionally, there was an introduction of the 2026 Municipal Service District Extension, a discussion of the Monthly Financial Report (specifically November 2025 summaries), a review of the draft agenda for the upcoming Regular Meeting of January 20, 2026, and consideration of a resolution to adopt a Board Vacancy Appointment Process. A closed session was also scheduled to discuss a personnel matter under N.C.G.S 143-318.11(5).

The Board meeting included several presentations, such as the JustServe Town Award and the introduction of candidates for the Board of Adjustment (BOA). Public comments covered topics including the Ligon Mill Road Extension Report, public safety, a resolution related to the 4th Amendment and ICE, and endorsements for BOC applicants. The Consent Agenda addressed scheduling a public hearing for a contiguous annexation petition, the Forestville Road/Coach Lantern Traffic Signal Contract, and ordinances regarding motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and restrictions on All-Terrain Vehicles. Further actions included the approval of appointments to the Human Relations Council (HRC) and an ordinance concerning handicapped parking spaces. The Board appointed Brad Walker and Howard Katowitz to the Board of Adjustment, unanimously approved the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update, elected Commissioner Keith Shackleford as Mayor Pro-Tem, and approved BOC appointments to various Committees, Boards, and/or Councils.

The Work Session agenda included several key discussion items and possible actions. Presentations covered the consideration of a resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute the construction portion of the contract for Fire Station 6. Financial discussions included a review of the Monthly Financial Report, specifically the December Financial Summaries. The Board also planned to review the draft agenda for the upcoming Regular Meeting on February 17, 2026. Other business encompassed the consideration of an update to the Town of Wake Forest's Special Event Policy, the consideration of a resolution to support development of the S-Line Rail Corridor and related funding for mobility hub construction, and the interview and possible selection to fill a vacant Board of Commissioners seat.