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.

Montross Area Chamber of Commerce Presentation Mark Jordan, President and CEO of the Montross Area Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Board to provide an update on the Chamber's activities and its relationship with Ranlo.

• Jordan noted approximately 10 Ranlo businesses are currently Chamber members and expressed a goal to grow that number over the next several months.
• The Chamber plans to organize a "Ranlo Day" outreach effort to connect with local businesses that are not yet familiar with the Chamber's services.
• The Chamber shared its first formally adopted business plan, outlining strategic priorities including advocacy, small business support, and community engagement.
• An upcoming diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) program is scheduled for June 21st, led by a Maxwell Leadership Group coach. The session is open to town staff and local businesses.
• The Chamber's annual golf tournament — the Legacy Golf Tournament, held jointly with Cramerton — has been moved from July to October 20th.
• A new welcome magazine featuring profiles of all member communities, including Ranlo, is expected to be delivered by early September. A publisher representative will contact the town to gather editorial content.
• Jordan requested that Ranlo consider preparing a brief community profile with key statistics and growth projections to be featured on the Chamber's website.

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget The Board held a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget, then considered adoption. Staff noted the budget process began in March and included multiple work sessions and a special meeting.

• No public comments were recorded during the public hearing. The Board voted to close the hearing.
• The Board approved a motion to adopt the fiscal year 2024 budget. The town has until June 30th to adopt the budget ordinance.

Fiscal Year 2024 Fee Schedule The Board considered the proposed rates, charges, and fees for fiscal year 2024.

• There are no changes to water or sewer rates for the coming fiscal year.
• The only fee change from the prior year is an update to the special pickup fee, proposed at $25 per item. The previous rate was $15 for items under 50 pounds and $25 for items over 50 pounds. Regular bulk pickup continues to be offered free of charge on the second Wednesday of each month.
• The Board approved a motion to accept the fee schedule.

Garden Park Accessibility Updates and Renovations Staff presented a proposal for accessibility improvements and renovations at Garden Park, following a site evaluation by contractor Cunningham Recreation/GameTime.

• The proposal includes installing rubber surfacing (in place of mulch) to improve accessibility and reduce long-term maintenance costs, consistent with the approach being used at Fullride Wagon Park.
• New play equipment will be added in front of the basketball court, with a green space area also incorporated into the design.
• The Board approved a motion to move forward with the Garden Park renovation proposals.

Town Manager's Report Town Manager provided several updates on ongoing projects, events, and staff recognitions.

• A $1 million federal appropriation has been included in an appropriations bill, intended to fund a second water interconnect with the City of Gastonia in the Monterey Park Drive area. The appropriation is not yet final; staff will continue to monitor the legislation.
• Concrete work at Fullride Wagon Park, including extending the splash pad to the sidewalks, has been completed. The project is currently ahead of schedule.
• Building permit paperwork for the park lodge was resubmitted. Staff planned to meet with the contractor to expedite the permitting process.
• Plans for the town's 60th anniversary celebration are underway, with events scheduled for July 28–30. Featured performers include Kings Highway, Higher Ground, Next Level Band of Charlotte, and MGTown. A carnival will also be on-site. Sponsors include Meridian Waterworks.
• A community movie and band night is planned at the park on June 23rd.
• The Town Manager was honored with the Gaston County JC's 540 Award for work in Ranlo, and received an ICMA scholarship to attend a City Manager Leadership Conference in Gettysburg.
• Town Hall will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday. The Town Manager proposed giving public works and police department staff an additional holiday on July 3rd in recognition of their extra work during the anniversary festival weekend. The Board discussed whether this would be a one-time gesture.
• The Ranlo Fire Department will hold an open house on Saturday, June 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to all residents. Activities will include free hot dogs, children's activities, CPR classes, and a Stop the Bleed class.
• The town began offering free meals to school-age children at the community building Monday through Friday, starting June 5th. The program is open to any child regardless of residency. Meals are served on-site.