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 Comment – Spencer Heights Parking Concerns Two residents from the Spencer Heights neighborhood addressed the Board regarding ongoing issues with street parking enforcement and towing practices.

• A statement was read on behalf of resident Kesha Long (5226 Sun River Road), who described her driveway as unusable due to its design — the steep grade causes vehicles to scrape entering and exiting. Because she cannot safely use her driveway, she has limited parking options at her home.
• Ms. Long reported that vehicles at her home and neighboring homes have been towed multiple times, resulting in hundreds of dollars in fees. In one recent incident, she was told by an officer she could not move her car and was required to wait approximately 15 minutes for a tow truck to arrive before the tow truck supervisor ultimately allowed her to leave without being towed.
• Ms. Long asked the Board to reconsider the street parking policy or create a fair process that allows residents to have guests without fear of towing or fines, and requested clarification on whether an officer can legally require a resident to wait for a tow truck.
• A second resident, Christopher B. (5103 Pasco Place), a 19-year resident of Spencer Heights, offered a different perspective — noting that the no-parking rules have been in place since the neighborhood was built and that he has experienced problems with neighbors parking in front of his mailbox and on his lawn. He supported enforcement but suggested the HOA should do a better job informing new homeowners of the community's parking rules.
• The Mayor explained that the no-parking ordinance originated after an emergency vehicle was unable to access the neighborhood's south side due to cars parked on the narrow streets.
• Town staff agreed to meet with Ms. Long after the meeting to review the details of the incident, look into the officer's conduct, and explore whether any accommodation or exception could be made given her specific driveway situation. Staff also agreed to look into the history of towing calls in the neighborhood.

Closed Session Logistics Update Staff presented a new process for handling closed sessions while keeping the public meeting and Facebook Live broadcast uninterrupted.

• Under the new process, when the Board votes to enter closed session, the public and Facebook Live stream will remain in the meeting room. The Board will move to a separate training room to conduct closed session, then return to the dais to vote back into open session.
• This change ensures that any actions taken following closed session are captured on the live broadcast for residents watching at home. The Board received the update favorably.

2025 Events Calendar Staff presented the updated 2025 Town events calendar reflecting changes discussed at the January meeting.

• Updates include added event times, rescheduling of Senior Bingo to occur before the first Miltown Nights event, and new events such as a spring litter cleanup, two community yard sales (spring and fall at the ball field), and the return of Miltown Nights.
• The Board approved the calendar as presented. Staff will publish it in the March newsletter and on the town's website and social media.

Monthly Finance Report Staff presented the monthly financial report, including account balances and year-to-date figures.

• The town budgeted $1.835 million in ad valorem (property) tax revenue for the fiscal year. As of the prior week, collections had already reached approximately $1.9 million — indicating a strong collection rate and revenue ahead of projections.

Resolution – Prohibition of Pornography on Town Devices and Networks The Board considered a resolution required by North Carolina Session Law 2024-26 (G.S. 143-85).

• State law now requires all local governments to formally adopt a policy actively prohibiting the viewing or saving of pornographic material on government-owned devices or networks, including town Wi-Fi. The law also requires reporting of any violations.
• An exception exists for law enforcement use. Staff noted this activity was already prohibited; the resolution simply brings the town into formal compliance with the new state mandate.
• The Board approved the resolution.

Budget Amendments The Board considered three separate budget amendments.

• Budget Amendment relating to a stormwater emergency — previously authorized by staff, this amendment reflects the internal bookkeeping approval for those expenditures. Approved unanimously.
• Budget Amendment related to the Town Hall move — covers costs associated with relocating alarms, the siren, and related equipment to the evidence room and new facility. Approved unanimously.
• Budget Amendment for the Lead Service Line project — a small amendment to cover closing costs associated with that project, which was previously approved by the Board. Approved unanimously.

FY 2025–26 Budget Timeline Staff presented the proposed budget preparation schedule for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Key dates include: a Budget Prioritization Meeting on March 25 (public meeting with department heads and Board to set strategic priorities); an optional additional session April 9 if needed; a Budget Workshop prior to the May 8 regular meeting (5:30–7:00 p.m.) where staff will present a near-final budget; a spending freeze beginning June 1 (emergency procurement only through the end of the fiscal year); a Budget Public Hearing and anticipated budget adoption at the June 12 regular meeting; and budget in effect July 1.
• Department heads have already submitted their budget requests ahead of schedule. The Board approved the proposed timeline.

Town Manager's Report The Town Manager provided updates on several ongoing operational matters.

• The 2025 "Chats with Charlie" schedule has been published and distributed in the February town newsletter.
• Town offices will be closed the following Monday (Presidents' Day); trash pickup is expected to be delayed by one day.
• The digital sign in front of Town Hall requires an internet hotspot to receive signals from the new building. Staff are working to resolve this; the sign currently still displays outdated information from October.
• The large sign at the Lodge, damaged in a vehicle accident, is being addressed through an insurance claim. An adjuster is expected on-site the following week.
• Staff are exploring improvements to the town's billing and payment processes, including the possibility of adding a card reader at Town Hall. A previous vendor quoted an $8 processing fee per transaction, which staff noted is higher than the town's late fee; staff are seeking a more affordable option.
• Staff are receiving resident feedback about commercial trucks parking or trespassing near Central Avenue and the Love/Brando area and will work toward a solution.
• The Ranlo Extension project is progressing quickly. Residents were encouraged to visit the site.

Police Department Monthly Report The Chief of Police presented the department's activity report for the prior month.

• Calls for service included 4 shooting calls, 4 K-9 calls, domestic calls, 5 assaults, breaking and entering calls, and 3 overdoses.
• Officers issued 28 citations and made 10 arrests.
• The town's license plate reader cameras recorded 133,737 vehicle passes. Alerts included 15 stolen license plates and 2 stolen vehicles.
• A Board member asked about complaints regarding four-wheelers on town streets. The Chief confirmed four-wheelers are not permitted on public streets, that the department is aware of the issue, and that officers address it by identifying riders and speaking with parents rather than pursuing children in vehicle chases.
• A temporary speed bump near a town entrance remains on schedule to be relocated this month.