William Todd Herms

The meeting agenda included several informational items and a consent agenda covering board appointments (VEDIC, Animal Control Appellate Board), approval of lease agreements at the Old Rock School, and resolutions for funding offers related to sewer, water line, and water distribution system assessment projects. New Business focused on presenting 2021 Safety Awards, holding a public hearing for Re-Zoning of Town-Owned Property on Pineburr Ave., approving adding Lake Rhodhiss Drive Road to the NCDOT Secondary Road System and associated road improvements, and conducting the FY 2022-2023 Budget Public Hearing and Ordinance Adoption, including fee schedules, capital improvement plans, and budget ordinance adoption, alongside a budget amendment. The Council also addressed changes to the Town of Valdese Code of Ordinances related to Senate Bill 300 enforcement, approved a contract for the Coach Wayne Owens Community Center Gym Renovation Project, and accepted a Recreational Trails Program grant for the McGalliard Creek Bridge Project.

The Town Council meeting addressed several new business items, including the introduction of a new Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer. Key agenda items involved a presentation and request for funding for the Foundation Forward Educational Park Sidewalk Proposal, a request for a $2,500 Façade Grant for Thompson Realty, and approval of a contract with Barbizon Lighting Company for lighting replacement at the Old Rock School Auditorium. The Council considered and approved a resolution for financing terms for Public Works vehicles and equipment with Truist bank at 1.41% for 60 months. Several budget amendments were introduced, including one to account for an increased estimate of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. The Council also considered a Capital Project Ordinance Amendment for additional survey costs related to the Public Safety building. Furthermore, the Council reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed Food Truck Ordinance, which regulates operations, hours, and insurance requirements. A closed session was held to discuss matters related to economic development incentives.

The Town Council meeting agenda included several items for consideration and action. Consent agenda items involved the approval of road closures for 2026 annual events, an amendment to the Current Pay & Classification Study, approval of Burke River Trail Kiosk Signage, approval of a Resolution Establishing Check Signing Procedures, and calling for a Public Hearing to modify the Unified Development Ordinance. New Business included a presentation of Valdese Police Department Awards, a review of the Comprehensive Feasibility Evaluation for Fire & Police Operations, consideration of contracts and budget amendments for Street Paving & Repairs, consideration of amendments to the Town Council Rules of Procedure, consideration of the resolution abolishing the Valdese Housing Authority, the Drug & Homeless Task Force End of Year Report, and appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees. The Interim Town Manager reported on December events and office closures.

The Town Council meeting agenda included several key items. Under New Business, the Council introduced a new employee, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, and moved to adopt the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) Strategic Plan, which was developed to leverage natural assets for economic growth. The Council also addressed an Agreement for Automatic Aid for Fire Protection with the Triple Community Fire Department and approved Engineering Services for Street Improvements totaling $45,100. Manager's reports detailed ongoing events, including Family Friday Nights and upcoming Old Colony Players productions. The meeting also addressed the setting of a Public Hearing date for August 7, 2023, regarding the rezoning of Burke County/Board of Education properties.

Key discussions and actions from the meeting included scheduling a public hearing for the FY 22-23 Proposed Budget and reviewing the VEDIC presentation. A Public Hearing was held for the Re-Zoning of Town-Owned Property on Pineburr Ave. Significant new business items involved awarding the contract for the Coach Wayne Owens Community Center Gym Renovation Project, approving the Recreational Trails Program Grant Agreement for a bridge project, and adopting Senate Bill 300 Police Ordinance Changes. The Council also addressed an Amendment to the Animal Control Ordinance and approved a Grant Project Ordinance Amendment related to the American Rescue Plan funds. Additionally, the Council reviewed various informational items, including upcoming community events and department activity reports.