Melinda Ward

The council meeting was held electronically and addressed several key items. A new policy was implemented for electronic remote meetings, addressing quorum and voting procedures. The agenda was set, including a request for a grace period on Eden hotel occupancy tax payments due to the pandemic. A presentation was given regarding multifamily revenue bonds to support the Nantucket Mill project, with discussion of preliminary approval for bond issuance. The meeting also included recognitions and proclamations, and a discussion of the process for issuing tax-exempt bonds to finance affordable housing projects.

The council meeting started with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A discussion regarding the closure of Draper Elementary School was held, expressing sadness for the community. The meeting included a public hearing and subsequent approval of ordinances annexing properties located at 889 and 893 Morgan Road. A public hearing was also held regarding a zoning text amendment to repeal section 11.24 II - 1 M through H, concerning manufactured/mobile homes. Citizen petitions were heard, addressing concerns about unfulfilled promises to the Draper community and advocating for increased transparency and accountability from city officials. The council discussed the demolition of three dilapidated properties, ultimately recommending staying within the budget and prioritizing those posing the greatest safety and environmental risks. The collection of monies from previous demolitions was also discussed.

The council meeting involved discussions on various topics, including a request for the adoption of the oldest opposed appointment of the chef's true SC 1301 stoves. There was consideration of a request to close a portion of Shadow Straight, following a petition from property owners. A discussion took place regarding the rezoning of a property, considering development pressure and its history of use. Finally, there was a discussion about a request for a streetlight.

The council meeting included recognitions and proclamations, specifically the William B. Hatfield award presented to Melendez Ward. Public hearings involved presentations from Davis Montgomery of Duke Energy, expressing gratitude for the working relationship and highlighting changes in the skyline due to the removal of the Dan River steam station. Malcolm Alan Deaton requested updates on the coal ash disposal process, including the percentage disposed of, the endgame, and the process timeline. The meeting also covered the audit report, which provided a clean opinion on the city's financial statements. Discussion included analysis of the general fund balance, cash, liabilities, revenues, and expenditures, along with explanations for variances from the prior year. Specific departmental expenditures were reviewed, including information technologies, police department pensions, police security, street department vehicle purchases, and facilities grounds improvements.

The council meeting involved recognitions and proclamations, including an award for a young entrepreneur in health and wellness. A discussion took place regarding water and sewer rates for properties on Franklin Drive, specifically addressing a resident's concerns about billing and trash pickup. The council also considered a request to adopt an ordinance for the demolition of a structure at 628 Water Street, with discussion around the property's condition, repair costs, and potential impact on the neighborhood. A request to table the demolition decision for six months was made to allow the property owner time to resolve legal issues and make necessary repairs.