Matthew McManus

The meeting addressed several administrative items, including a motion to allow remote participation for one board member and the adoption of the agenda. A motion was passed to approve the revised meeting schedule, moving the March meeting to Monday, March 2nd, to accommodate a joint meeting with the council. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update on the Mayor's Monarch Pledge initiative, detailing progress on securing a vendor for a localized pollinator garden package, planning educational programs with Marvin Elementary School, engaging local Homeowners Associations (HOAs), and preparing for promotional materials like water bottle stickers. Discussions also covered the ongoing comprehensive plan for the village, noting that public input collection is continuing via website, with in-person feedback opportunities being planned for February.

The meeting, the second day of the retreat, focused primarily on discussing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projections for the next 5 to 10 years, starting with fiscal year 2026-2027, which showed $1.1 million in requests that staff indicated are likely unfunded. Key discussions within the Public Works section involved the justification and necessity of items such as a bucket truck for tree maintenance, a long arm mower, and property building assessments intended to determine future space utilization. Council members requested pushing back the proposed timeline for the bucket truck and the building assessment. There was significant dialogue concerning the cost-effectiveness of maintaining services in-house versus privatization or entering into intergovernmental agreements with neighboring entities like Waxaw or Weddington for services such as tree cutting. A placeholder for studying in-house solid waste services was also noted.

The special meeting of the Village Council focused on the discussion and consideration of appointing an applicant to the village council for an unexpired term. Council members discussed the applications received and the process for appointment, with some expressing a desire for a more formal interview process. Ultimately, a motion was made and approved to appoint Robert Nunningamp to the village council. Following the appointment, Nunningamp was sworn in.

The meeting included discussions about a resolution of support for the Marvin Ridge Athletic Booster Club's funding proposal. Delegate municipality reports were given, including updates from Waxhaw, Weddington, and other areas. The possibility of hiring a municipal lobbyist for WUMA was also discussed, including the potential benefits and costs involved.

The committee reviewed the 2023 survey results, discussing feedback on event attendance, shuttle services, food truck selection, and the impact of fireworks on Walden Pond. They explored alternatives to fireworks, such as drone light shows, and addressed concerns about parking and shuttle issues. The committee also discussed the dates, times, and locations for the 2024 Marvin Day celebration, considering options such as late April and the potential for conflicts with other events like prom. Locations were discussed, including the park, high school, and Marvin Elementary School, with attention to space, parking, and weather contingencies. The possibility of separating the 5K run from Marvin Day was also explored, with a preference for making it a standalone event.