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 Years of Service Recognitions The Town introduced a new recurring agenda item to recognize employees who reach 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year service milestones at regular board meetings. Several employees were honored at this inaugural recognition.

• Zach Robinson was recognized for 5 years of service with Public Works, where he has worked across multiple divisions including sanitation, parks, stormwater, and serves as the town's Christmas light hanger.
• Leo Asar was recognized for 5 years of service as a CDL driver in the sanitation department. He is bilingual and serves as a key contact for Spanish-speaking residents.
• Jason Green, Public Works Director, was recognized for 5 years of service. During his tenure, the town's water loss rate dropped from 34% to between 12–16%, representing significant savings to the town's budget.
• Beth Price, Billing Administrator, was recognized for 10 years of full-time service to the town, not including two prior years of part-time work.

Police Officer Exemplary Service Recognition Sergeant Springs received a Certificate of Exemplary Service following a commendation submitted by a Gaston County resident.

• On March 10th, Sergeant Springs responded to a call and found a young woman unconscious in her vehicle. Narcan was administered and she was revived. Sergeant Springs remained with the woman, communicated regularly with her mother, and stayed on scene until the mother arrived.
• The woman later tested positive for fentanyl at the emergency room. Her mother credited Sergeant Springs with saving her daughter's life.
• Sergeant Springs noted that fellow officers and a captain also responded and assisted that night.

2024 Calendar of Events and Gaston Business Association Partnership Staff presented a first draft of a town-wide calendar of events for board review.

• The calendar is a working draft; the board was invited to suggest changes or additions before it is formally adopted.
• Once adopted, the calendar will be posted on the town's website and submitted to the Gaston Business Association's "Go Gaston" website, where Ranlo currently does not have a dedicated page but other nearby towns do.

Federal Funding — Second Water Interconnect Staff reported that the town has been verbally confirmed to receive $1 million in federal funding secured through Congressman Jeff Jackson.

• The funds will go toward installing a second water interconnect from the City of Gastonia.
• Official written notification was pending at the time of the meeting. The board expressed appreciation to Congressman Jackson.

Rental Rates for Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations Commissioner Connor raised the question of whether the town should offer a discounted rental rate at the Berlin Lodge for nonprofit organizations.

• Current rates are $400 for non-residents and $250 for residents, each including a $100 refundable deposit.
• The board discussed offering nonprofits a reduced rate, with a 50% discount referenced as a possible starting point.
• Staff suggested creating an application process requiring proof of nonprofit status to qualify for any discount, and noted the board could also require organizations to present before the board.
• Commissioner Connor also suggested the town consider purchasing a smartboard for the lodge to make it more functional for meetings and events.
• No vote was taken. Staff was directed to research how other towns handle nonprofit rental discounts and bring options to the next meeting.

Police Department Grant — Dash Cameras Staff announced that the Police Department secured a JAG grant in the amount of $29,456, originally from 2023 but recently issued.

• Funds will be used to purchase police dash cameras and other equipment. The department plans to apply for the grant again.

K9 Officer Sworn In The town's new K9 officer was officially sworn in during a ceremony held earlier in the week.

• The K9 was obtained with grant funding. She is completing her final training and will be in active service soon.

Town Organizational Chart Staff presented the town's first formally documented organizational chart, developed by the Town Manager and HR staff.

• The chart covers three pages: town administration, the Police Department, and Public Works.
• No restructuring took place — the chart is a snapshot of current operations. The town is currently at full staff with 31 of 31 positions filled.
• The chart is intended to support future budgeting, hiring, and organizational planning.

Budget Season and Water Rate Update Staff provided a reminder about the upcoming budget preparation timeline.

• Two Rivers Utilities is scheduled to meet on March 27th to consider a proposed 7.5% water and sewer rate increase, effective July 1st.
• Staff intentionally scheduled budget preparation to begin after that meeting so the outcome can be factored into Ranlo's budget planning.

YMCA Youth Sports Partnership Staff announced a new partnership with the Gaston County YMCA to bring youth sports back to Ranlo's ball field.

• Registration for summer T-ball opens March 25th. The program serves children ages 3–6 (U5 T-ball and U7 coach pitch divisions).
• Registration is $65 for YMCA members and $95 for non-members. Financial assistance is available through the YMCA's website for families who need support.
• The program begins May 21st with two weeks of practices (Tuesdays and Thursdays), followed by six weeks of games.
• Under the agreement, the town provides facilities — the ball field, restrooms, and trash service — while the YMCA provides all equipment.
• The board discussed potential future additions such as a concession stand, town-sponsored registration assistance, and a possible discounted YMCA corporate membership for town employees. Staff indicated they would bring membership cost options to a future meeting.

Town Boundary Sign on Spencer Mountain Road A commissioner raised the question of whether the "Town of Ranlo" boundary sign on Spencer Mountain Road should be relocated to accurately reflect the town's current boundaries following annexation.

• Staff noted the sign is a state-maintained sign and that NCDOT would need to be contacted before any changes are made.
• Staff committed to reaching out to DOT and reporting back at the next meeting.

Police Department Monthly Report Chief Lunsford presented the department's activity report for February.

• The department responded to 509 calls for service, including 21 medical assists with Medic, 3 overdose calls, 2 drone deployments, and 5 assaults. Officers issued 28 citations.