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.

Native American Heritage Month Proclamation Mayor Black read a proclamation recognizing November 2024 as American Indian Heritage Month, highlighting North Carolina's eight state-recognized tribes, four urban Indian organizations, and the state's more than 130,000 American Indian residents.

• The Board voted unanimously to approve the proclamation.

Monthly Financial Report Staff presented the town's monthly expense and financial report, which included cash flow, account balances, and a year-to-date summary showing progress against the current fiscal year budget.

• No significant changes were noted from prior months. The report was received by the Board.

Lead Service Line Replacement — Grant Acceptance and Project Ordinances Staff presented two related items connected to the town's ongoing lead service line replacement and inventory project, which is required under a federal mandate to identify any lead pipes in the town's water system.

• The Board approved a resolution formally accepting grant funding from the state (NCDQ DWI grant funds) for the lead service line replacement project.
• The Board also approved two grant project ordinances — one for the lead service line inventory and one for the associated water project — allowing the Finance Director to set up dedicated accounts to properly track and appropriate funds for each project.
• Both items were approved unanimously.

Request for Qualifications — New Town Hall and Police Station Following the town's recent relocation from its former building, staff presented a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to begin the process of finding an architectural firm to help design a new town hall and police station.

• Staff emphasized that approving the RFQ is not a binding commitment — it is the first step in an open, collaborative design process involving staff, the Board, and the public.
• If approved, the RFQ would be posted for 30 days on the town's website and in the local gazette. A selection team would then review responses and bring recommendations back to the Board.
• Staff expressed interest in incorporating local history into the new building, such as a lobby display featuring the town's textile heritage and the original town hall sign.
• The Board approved moving forward with issuing the RFQ.

Noise Ordinance Update Discussion Staff, working alongside the Police Chief, brought forward concerns that the town's current noise ordinance is outdated and difficult to enforce. The ordinance references outdated devices and lacks a clear townwide quiet-hours provision.

• Staff recommended updating the language to reflect modern sound sources such as Bluetooth speakers and televisions.
• Staff also recommended adding a clear townwide noise restriction from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., consistent with approaches used by neighboring towns such as Mount Holly and Dallas.
• Staff noted that a decibel-based enforcement approach (as used by some other municipalities) is also an option for the Board to consider in the future.
• A question was raised about whether commercial noise — such as trucks — would be covered. Staff indicated the initial intent is focused on residential areas, but language could be explored to address other situations.
• The Board directed staff to continue developing updated ordinance language for future consideration.

Code Enforcement — Indoor Furniture on Porches Staff raised a discussion about how the town's existing ordinance prohibiting indoor furniture outdoors is being applied, specifically in cases involving screened-in porches or residents with medical needs who prefer padded seating.

• Staff expressed concern that the spirit of the ordinance — intended to prevent items like full couches or appliances from being placed in yards — may not align with how it is currently being enforced in some situations.
• Commissioners discussed the balance between maintaining community standards and respecting property owners' rights on their own property.
• The Board acknowledged that consistent enforcement is important and that any exceptions would need to apply equally to all residents.
• No formal action was taken. Staff will continue to monitor the issue and may bring proposed ordinance clarifications back to the Board.

Property on Sunset — Overgrown Vegetation Complaint The Board discussed a property on Sunset that had received neighbor complaints related to overgrown vegetation and concerns about snakes in the area.

• Staff reported that the property had previously received a code enforcement violation for overgrown grass. The property owner — described as a master gardener with an NC State certification — has since begun regularly mowing and presented staff with a detailed landscape plan showing designated garden beds, wildflowers, and vegetable areas.
• Under the town's nuisance ordinance, a violation requires grass or weeds over 12 inches in height that pose a hazard to public health and safety, present in a noxious amount. Staff confirmed the property is currently not in violation.
• The property owner expressed a future vision for the space that could include small community trails and educational opportunities for children to learn about gardening and local habitats.
• A commissioner also raised concerns about a separate unoccupied property on Spence Mountain Road where trees have overgrown the structure. The Board acknowledged both properties warrant monitoring and directed staff to continue addressing all code enforcement concerns consistently.
• No formal action was taken. The Board agreed to revisit the Sunset property situation when the growing season resumes.

Town Manager's Report — Upcoming Events and Road Improvement Planning The Town Manager provided updates on upcoming community events and shared early planning thoughts on future road improvements.

• The Senior Thanksgiving Lunch is scheduled for November 23 at noon at Ranlo Church of God, featuring food, door prizes, and live entertainment.
• A charity motorcycle ride is planned for December 7, staging at Town Hall at 7:00 a.m. and departing at 11:00 a.m., traveling through the area toward Dallas and back.
• The Christmas Parade is set for December 21 at 1:00 p.m. along Spencer Mountain Road. New this year, staging will open at 11:00 a.m. — one hour earlier than in previous years — to allow more time for participants to get into position before the parade begins.
• The town manager noted that a road extension project is now underway, with developers already clearing land between two roadways.
• Looking ahead to the new calendar year, staff plans to explore issuing an RFQ for a professional road condition assessment to help prioritize resurfacing and repair of town-maintained roads and alleys. The town manager noted that available fund balance could be used to support this work.

Police Department Monthly Report The Police Chief presented activity statistics for the month of October.

• Officers responded to 441 calls for service, issued 30 citations, and made 16 arrests.
• Notable call types included 9 domestic violence incidents, 10 K-9 calls for service, 3 breaking and entering cases, 3 DWI arrests, and 9 warrants served.