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.

Installation of Commissioner Robin Connor The board formally installed Robin Connor as a member of the Board of Commissioners during open session. Commissioner Connor had previously been appointed to fill a vacant seat at the prior meeting and was sworn in at Town Hall shortly thereafter.

• Commissioner Connor took the oath of office in open session, making her installation part of the official public record.

Central Carolinas Council of Governments – Delegate Appointment With the departure of a former commissioner who had served as the town's delegate to the Central Carolinas Council of Governments, the board needed to fill that representative role.

• The board voted to appoint a new delegate to fill the vacancy. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Cordell had previously served as the alternate delegate. The motion was approved unanimously.

Asset Inventory Assessment – Water and Sewer Line Mapping Grants The town was previously awarded state grants to conduct a comprehensive inventory of its water and wastewater infrastructure. Staff presented two Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to hire an engineering firm to carry out the mapping work.

• The board approved releasing an RFQ for the water line asset inventory assessment, funded by a $150,000 state grant awarded in July. The motion was approved unanimously.
• The board also approved a separate RFQ for the sewer line asset inventory assessment, funded by a $50,000 state grant. The motion was approved unanimously.
• Proposals from engineering firms are expected to be presented to the board in November.

Bow and Arrow Hunting Within Town Limits Staff brought forward a review of current town policy on bow and arrow hunting following resident complaints, particularly from the Grassy Meadows area. Research revealed that in 2015, the board considered an ordinance prohibiting bow and arrow hunting within town limits, but it failed on a 3-to-2 vote.

• Under the current ordinance, bow and arrow hunting appears to be permissible within Ranlo during the prescribed state hunting season, with no specific restrictions or safety guidelines in place.
• No other municipalities in Gaston County were found to specifically allow bow and arrow hunting within their limits.
• The board directed staff to prepare proposed ordinance options and safety guidelines for review at the November meeting. A public hearing may be scheduled at a later date depending on the board's direction.

Town Manager's Report – Capital Projects Update The Town Manager provided a broad update on active capital improvement projects funded through a state capital improvement grant of approximately $3.5 million.

• To date, the town has spent approximately $226,493 of grant funds on engineering reports, sidewalk repairs, the Ranlo Avenue extension, lodge renovations, and Boulder Court surveys.
• The Lodge Community Building renovation is currently underway. Change orders have been required after contractors assessed the full scope of work. The projected total cost is approximately $387,170, which remains under the allocated budget.
• The Boulder Court restoration project has also required a change order, but the current projected total of approximately $818,256 remains within budget.
• The town continues to await a decision from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Ranlo Avenue extension.
• Engineering designs for a 10-home development on Mitchum Road have been finalized and signed off. The developer has submitted everything required by the town, and construction is expected to begin in the coming months.
• Staff is exploring the possibility of issuing a formal Request for Qualifications to obtain proposals from law firms interested in serving as town attorney. This is for informational purposes only and is not binding.

Christmas Parade – Date Change and Float Sponsorship Proposal Town staff presented a proposal to enhance this year's Christmas parade by incorporating professionally decorated floats from a vendor located approximately 40 miles away in Catawba County.

• The float company offers over 40 pre-decorated floats, which they deliver, drive in the parade, and return. Each float costs $500 to sponsor, with the option for two businesses to split the cost at $250 each.
• At least five local businesses have expressed firm interest in sponsoring floats. Staff envisions eight to ten floats participating in the parade.
• Because the floats are only available on December 17th, the board agreed to move the parade from the traditional first Saturday in December to December 17th (the third Saturday).
• The parade is tentatively planned to begin at 1:00 p.m. The local marching band has confirmed availability for that date.
• Floats are planned to stage at the Lodge and at Ranlo Church of God, with fire trucks and emergency vehicles lining up on Grey Street. The parade will remain open to additional community participants.

Thanksgiving Community Meal Staff discussed plans for the town's annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway and sought board direction on the format for this year's event.

• The board expressed support for returning to a sit-down meal format, which had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delivery would still be available for homebound residents.
• The event is tentatively planned for Saturday, November 19th. Staff is continuing to seek a sponsor to help offset costs.