Olga Grooman

The Council meeting commenced with announcements regarding upcoming events, including an open house for the new Master Plan and the annual Council retreat. During public comment, a citizen requested that flags be displayed downtown for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The agenda was amended to delete two agenda items concerning the addition of full-time and part-time positions. The consent agenda included the approval of several Special Event Permits for various festivals and parades, as well as calls for future public hearings regarding annexation and a map amendment (rezoning). Key discussions included the promotion of a Sergeant to Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations and a formal request to engage the Haywood County Board of Commissioners for the reinstatement of annual county funding for Town recreation facilities and programs, following presentations detailing the high usage by county residents. The Council voted to commission Max Dowdle for a Main Street mural project. In new business, the Council approved a scope of work to install brick pavers along Walnut Street, despite cost considerations, to match existing sidewalks. Furthermore, the Council authorized a grant application and matching funds for purchasing new public recycling cans. The Town Manager provided updates on the upcoming retreat, and the Council appointed a member to the NC League of Municipalities.

The agenda covered several key areas, including presentations on promotions and new hires within the Fire Department, as well as recognition of awards for Christmas parade winners and a community fundraising effort. Public hearings were scheduled to consider a request for annexation of property on Ratcliff Cove Road and a map amendment (rezoning) for property on Hall Top Road. Old Business included the bid award for the Waynesville Dog Park Construction Project. New Business involved approval requests for Special Event Permits and Temporary Social Districts for the Waynesville Chili Cookoff Stroll and Pride on Main event. Council also discussed and approved motions related to applying for an NC Forest Service grant for urban and community forestry, funding for Recreation Center HVAC replacement and air quality improvements, and the purchase of Solid Waste Routing Software. Separately, the Council also reviewed documentation concerning an extension of the audit contract submission date to April 30, 2026.

The meeting included key discussions and actions categorized across several sections. Under the Consent Agenda, actions involved approving the January 27, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes and scheduling public hearings for February 24, 2026, concerning a 57.51-acre annexation request and a map amendment (rezoning) for a 4.96-acre parcel. The Consent Agenda also covered Special Event Permits for multiple 2026 events, including the Appalachian True Heritage Festival and Christmas Parade. Presentations included the promotion of a staff member to Lieutenant, recognition awards for 2025 parade winners, a request for Town Council support to engage Haywood County Commissioners regarding recreation funding reinstatement, and a presentation on a Main Street Mural Public Art Commission. New Business items focused on operational improvements, such as approving the addition of a Full-Time Electrician position, adding a Part-Time Wastewater Treatment Plant position for laboratory support, and approving the scope of work for brick sidewalk installation along Walnut Street. The Council also scheduled their planning retreat for February 27th and entered into a closed session to discuss economic development matters before adjourning.

The Council meeting began with a welcome and announcements, followed by the removal of the 'Design for cafe light installation on Church Street' item from the agenda. Key actions included endorsing the Impact U Medford Grant Application for the Helene Flood Memorial landscaping, which will fund landscaping elements like a dry river bed and benches. The Environmental Sustainability Board presented on the benefits of Electric Vehicles for the town fleet, citing potential savings in maintenance and fuel costs. A public hearing was held to adopt an Ordinance removing the mandatory 12-month waiting period for resubmitting map and text amendments to comply with updated state legislation. New business involved approving an amendment to the Downtown Waynesville Commission rules to allow property owners to designate an employee, agent, or representative for open seats, and the approval of the schematic design for cafe lighting installation on Church Street. The Town Manager suggested scheduling a planning retreat, set for February 27th. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss economic development matters.

The regular meeting included several presentations and new business items. Presentations recognized staff with the Life Saving Chiefs Award, acknowledged the retirement of Lt. Tamara Vander Day (granting her duty weapon) and Telecommunicator Shelia Trull, and honored Fire Marshal Darrell Calhoun's retirement while congratulating three newly promoted lieutenants. An update on the Basecamp afterschool and summer programs highlighted increased attendance and revenue, alongside concerns regarding van reliability. The Council also reviewed a Dogwood Health Trust grant award of over $487,000 for the Waynesville Command Center Collaborative Initiative to enhance emergency response capabilities via a solar/battery backup system. New business involved approving the contractor selection (ACMI) for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Potable Water Supply for Disc Filters project and authorizing part-time operator positions to support 24/7 plant operations until new hires are licensed. The Council awarded the Public Works Bank Stabilization Project to Rhino Design Build LLC, authorized its initiation, and approved the construction contract and project budget for the Vance & Recreation Park Ballfields rebuild following Hurricane Helene damage. A project budget of $430,741 was established for the Dog Park Project. Finally, the Council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the North Carolina League of Municipalities to conduct a comprehensive Public Safety Classification and Pay Study for Fire, Police, and parts of Public Works.