Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The following is a staff-prepared summary of key discussion points and decisions from this meeting. For the complete official record, please refer to the approved minutes above.

Public Comments – Code Enforcement Concerns on Ryan Circle Several residents of Ryan Circle addressed the Board regarding neglected and blighted properties in their neighborhood.

• A resident of Ryan Circle reported that properties at approximately 405 and 407 Ryan Circle have severely overgrown, cluttered yards, no active utilities, and conditions that may be attracting rats and snakes. She stated she contacted code enforcement approximately eight weeks ago and that a notice sign has been posted in the yard for over six weeks with no resolution.
• A second Ryan Circle resident echoed these concerns and also described a long-vacant property on the street that she said is in serious disrepair and should be demolished.
• Board members noted that the town has recently hired a new code enforcement officer and that the posted sign indicates he is actively working to contact property owners. Residents were encouraged to return next month if they have not seen progress.

Public Comments – Stormwater Drainage on Ryan Circle Residents also raised ongoing concerns about stormwater runoff flooding yards throughout Ryan Circle.

• One resident at 516 Ryan Circle reported that her yard floods significantly during rain events and that she was previously advised by town staff to install a French drain at her own expense. She requested that town staff visit her property and offer solutions that do not negatively impact neighboring properties.
• A second resident stated she had a French drain installed over the summer but that water volume still overflows it, is washing away her fence, and is undermining her foundation. She said residents have complained about this drainage issue for many years without the town taking action.
• The Mayor committed to sending Public Works out to assess the drainage situation on Ryan Circle.

Public Comments – Code Enforcement and Tree Hazard on Branch Street A resident of 1316 Branch Street raised two separate concerns about his neighborhood.

• The resident reported that a neighboring property on Branch Street has a severely cluttered and junked yard that code enforcement photographed approximately two months ago, with no visible follow-up since. He stated the condition is depressing property values for the entire street.
• The resident also reported a large dead tree near the intersection of Branch Street that poses a serious safety hazard. A similar dead tree recently fell without warning during calm weather, knocking out power to the entire street from approximately 2:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. He noted there is a dispute between Gaston County Schools and the Town over which entity is responsible for trees in that right-of-way area.
• The Board committed to having Public Works assess the tree situation and to follow up on the code enforcement case.

Monthly Financial Report The Town Manager presented the board's regular monthly financial overview, covering all town fund balances and a budget expenditure update for the new fiscal year.

• The report showed Public Works had spent approximately 26.62% of its annual budget already, which was noted by a board member as a significant early figure. Staff explained this was due to several large purchases including an emergency pump repair and equipment needs.
• Staff confirmed expenditures are monitored weekly through finance director reports discussed at Monday department head meetings. The board expressed comfort with the current spending trajectory.

Fall Festival – Carnival Ride Ticket Policy The Board discussed whether to charge admission tickets for carnival rides at the upcoming Fall Festival or offer rides free to attendees.

• The Town Manager explained that carnival-style rides, potentially including a 40-foot Ferris wheel, are being planned for the Saturday of the Fall Festival. A ride vendor has been secured. Budget estimates range from $10,000 to $20,000 for a quality ride experience, within the $50,000 events budget line of which approximately $8,000 has been spent so far this year.
• Some board members favored charging tickets to help offset costs, noting the town has historically sold tickets for rides.
• Other board members argued strongly that residents have already paid for the event through taxes and should not be charged again, and that charging could exclude lower-income families. They noted that nearby towns such as Stanley and Lowell offer free rides at their festivals.
• The board also discussed the practical difficulty of distinguishing Ranlo residents from non-residents, with general agreement that checking identification at the rides would not be appropriate.
• Discussion also touched on whether vendors should be charged a fee to participate, given that they profit from the event's attendance. No final decision on vendor fees was reached during this discussion.
• No formal vote was taken on the ticket policy during this portion of the meeting; discussion was ongoing at the point the transcript ended.