Town of Franklin

The meeting commenced with recognition of the Town of Franklin's anniversary and acknowledgment of the Town Manager for receiving the Duke Energy Citizenship Award, as well as thanking entities that assisted with recent cybersecurity issues. Key discussions included a comprehensive marketing update for the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), highlighting impressive reach metrics and plans for 2026 goals, including print guide creation and digital enhancement. Council discussed coordination between the TDA and the Tourism Development Commission (TDC). A Public Hearing was held regarding the proposed lease of town-owned property at 95 E. Main Street for an outdoor dining area for JR Chop House, which was subsequently approved. New business included formal approval to waive all late fees for January and February 2026 utility billing due to a system outage and approval for several scheduled street closures throughout the year for events such as the Farmers Market and various memorials/celebrations. Departmental updates detailed ongoing snow removal efforts, water treatment plant statuses (including high water usage and capital improvements like new PLC installation and pump station construction), and delays in public works projects due to weather, such as the Siler Road water main project and the Sunnyside Park bathroom project.

The agenda for the Town Council meeting was adopted with an amendment to reorder items. Key discussions included public comments regarding the significance of the Nikwasi/Noquisiyi Mound and co-stewardship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; concerns over North Carolina's charging procedures violating the Fifth Amendment; a request to install commemorative 250th anniversary signs; issues concerning the lack of municipal trash and recycling pickup; and a request for the town to oppose Congressional bills allowing heavier commercial trucks. Council members provided updates on the downtown historic district designation, visibility concerns with a crosswalk, and the need for recycling bins at public events. The Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the transfer of the Nikwasi/Noquisiyi Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and a separate resolution celebrating the mound's preservation. The Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2025 was presented, noting a clean opinion and significant growth in the general fund balance. The feasibility study for the former Angel Medical Center property was presented, highlighting significant site preparation costs and market viability challenges. The Council subsequently approved a resolution withdrawing the town's offer to purchase the former Angel Hospital site. The Council also approved an amendment to the personnel policy concerning prorated step increases following promotions and set a public hearing date for a lease request for an outdoor dining area. Finally, the 2026-2027 budget calendar was adopted, and departmental updates were provided on finance, planning activities, and police staffing/operations.

The meeting began with a moment of silence in recognition of former Councilwoman Joyce Hanley. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the consent agenda items, excluding the minutes of the current meeting. Introductions and recognitions were made for personnel receiving certifications, including Sgt. Jesse Henkel, Killian Carpenter, Korah Shepherd, Cody Cabe, and Bill Allen, and a Proclamation Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans was presented. A public hearing was held regarding the zoning of the property at 3044 Georgia Road, which resulted in the unanimous approval of C-2 zoning. A presentation was given on the annual update for No Wrong Door and Downtown Door services, detailing services provided and future plans for a privacy fence. New business involved the approval of quarterly street closure requests for a parade and a community event, the approval of a contract with Munnerlyn Pyrotechnics for the July 4th, 2026 fireworks show pending minor attorney review, and the rejection of landscape maintenance service proposals for reconsideration during the next budget cycle. The Council also approved the lowest bid from Ledford & Parker for the Siler Road-Berry Blvd. 12" water main loop connection project and approved the low bid from Black and Alm Construction for the Sunnyside Park restrooms, parking, and pathway project. Council items included reaching consensus to move forward with releasing the Main Street Redesign RFP and authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the Franklin Farm Hub grant application.

The regular meeting included an adoption of the agenda with a requested amendment concerning comments after the swearing-in ceremony. The consent agenda was approved, covering minutes from the previous meeting, budget amendments, and an amendment to the Capital Project Ordinance for Sunnyside Park. Outgoing Mayor Jack Horton and Council Member David Culpepper were recognized and thanked for their service, followed by the administration of the Oath of Office for the new Mayor and Town Council members. Mike Lewis was elected as Vice Mayor. New business involved approving the reappointment of the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Town Clerk, adopting the 2026 Town Council Meeting Schedule and the 2026 Town Holiday Schedule, and appointing Heather Childress Custer to the Tourism Development Authority Board. The council also approved an amendment to the audit contract with Mar tin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. Departmental updates were provided by Human Resources, Tax Collection/Events, and the Fire Department. Council appointments were made to various boards and committees, and the annual council retreat was announced. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the acquisition of real property and attorney-client privilege.

The council discussed and adopted the agenda, followed by the approval of the consent agenda items including budget amendments and tax releases. A public hearing was conducted regarding text amendments. The council approved the Capital Project Ordinance for the Clear Well and High Service Pump Station Project, along with budget amendments, and approved a façade grant application for Renee's Cake Shoppe. They also approved the disposition of assets, specifically K9 Toro and a kennel. Departmental reports were presented, covering finance, planning/IT/facilities, and the police department. Revisions to the Commercial Infrastructure Incentive Grant were approved, and information on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for redesigning Main Street was presented. Additionally, an appointment was made to the TDA Board. The council entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters and the acquisition of real property, and upon returning to open session, approved a salary increase for the Town Manager.