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.

Employee Recognition — Chris Wright, 5-Year Service Award Public Works Director Jason Green recognized Chris Wright for five years of service to the Town of Ranlo.

• Chris Wright is assigned to the stormwater and public works division, responsible for maintaining roads, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure, and serves as the department's go-to mechanic for equipment ranging from the garbage truck to the splash pad.
• Director Green praised Wright's skill with heavy equipment and his availability during emergencies, including storm response on Spencer Mountain Road.

Monthly Financial Report Town staff introduced a new monthly expense and financial report, beginning with the first month of the new fiscal year.

• The report includes an overall account status summary and a year-to-date departmental spending breakdown showing surpluses or deficits for each department.
• Staff noted the town is approximately 4% through the fiscal year, so the report will grow in detail over time. No board action was required at this meeting.

FY 2024–25 Budget Amendments — Flock Safety Cameras The board considered a fund balance appropriation to purchase license plate reader cameras for the Police Department.

• The purchase includes three stationary cameras and one mobile camera that can be repositioned anywhere in town as needed.
• The board approved the fund balance appropriation for the Flock camera system.

FY 2024–25 Budget Amendments — Zero-Turn Lawn Mower The board considered a fund balance appropriation to replace the Public Works Department's lawn mower.

• Staff indicated the current mower is in poor condition with high hours of use.
• The board approved the fund balance appropriation for a new zero-turn mower.

FY 2024–25 Budget Amendments — Bush Hog Tractor The board considered a fund balance appropriation for a new tractor for the Public Works Department.

• A commissioner requested the budget amendment be amended to cap the purchase price at no more than $50,000, citing concerns about spending on equipment that may lack warranty protection.
• The board approved the fund balance appropriation for the tractor with the amended spending cap.

Speed Bump Installation on Sapphire Drive Staff presented a recommendation to install a speed bump at the entrance to Sapphire Drive, where it meets Mitchum Road at the edge of the Mountain View neighborhood.

• A traffic study conducted with the Police Department found that approximately one-third of vehicles in that area exceed the 25 mph speed limit, with some recorded as high as 37 mph.
• A speed bump had previously existed at that location but was removed during construction of the Mountain View development. The Mountain View HOA has requested its return.
• Staff recommended installation and noted the board holds authority under the current town ordinance to approve speed bump placements.
• The board approved the installation of the speed bump on Sapphire Drive.
• A commissioner raised speeding concerns on Woodlow Drive as well. Staff recommended conducting a site assessment before acting, and the board directed staff to study that location and report back at the next meeting.

Capital Projects Update Town staff provided a status update on all active infrastructure and grant-funded projects.

• Water meter upgrades funded through the NCDEQ grant are complete.
• South Ranlo waterline upgrades are pending resolution of easements before work can begin.
• The Ranlo Avenue Extension project — funded jointly through the NCDEQ grant (waterline) and a SKIFF grant (roadway) — has been approved by the state and is already out for bid. Bids are expected to open in early August, with construction anticipated to begin between September and November 2024.
• Boulder Court upgrades and lodge improvements are complete.
• Sidewalk upgrades remain on hold until other projects are further along.
• The town received a letter of funding for the $5 million North Carolina General Assembly appropriation; planning meetings are underway.
• Staff met with the USDA earlier that day regarding the $1 million congressional appropriation secured through Congressman Jeff Jackson. The USDA will administer the funds for the secondary water interconnect and Monterey Park waterline improvements.
• The $2 million HUD funding is pending final administrative steps.
• The lead and copper pipe inventory is approximately 90–95% complete and is on track to meet the state's October deadline — ahead of most other municipalities in the region.

Community Events Update Staff highlighted upcoming town events and recreational programming.

• The Town's July Celebration is scheduled for that Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m., featuring a DJ, inflatables, and fireworks. Staff noted they were monitoring weather forecasts closely.
• National Night Out, hosted by the Ranlo Police Department, is scheduled for August 6th.
• The spring/summer T-ball season concluded with 110 children participating through the YMCA partnership. Staff noted field lighting may be a limiting factor for fall and winter sports, and plans were made to assess lighting conditions before committing to additional leagues.

Local Olympian Recognized A commissioner shared news about a Ranlo resident who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• Caitlyn Wald, who grew up on a street in the Mountain View neighborhood and attended local schools before transferring to Mallard Creek High School, earned a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 4x400-meter relay.
• Commissioners encouraged the community to cheer her on and acknowledged her family's support throughout her athletic career.

Park Restroom Safety and Operating Hours Commissioners discussed concerns about inappropriate behavior observed near the park concession stand and restrooms.

• A commissioner reported observing a young man entering the women's restroom area and raised concerns about safety, particularly for children using the park.
• The board discussed the possibility of posting signage and establishing clear, posted hours for restroom access.
• Staff recommended developing a formal standard operating procedure for park restroom hours and oversight, noting that clear posted hours and identifiable town staff presence could improve safety and enforcement. Staff agreed to research how neighboring municipalities handle similar situations and bring a proposal to the next meeting.

Monthly Police Report Police Chief Wofford presented the department's activity report for the previous month.

• The department responded to multiple incidents including death investigations, traffic crashes, breaking and entering calls, overdoses, a shooting, and various other calls for service.
• Officers also assisted in locating a missing person during the reporting period.