Agenda Review Meeting January 6, 2025

Fletcher Town Council Agenda Review Meeting Recap – January 6, 2025

On January 6, 2025, the Fletcher Town Council held its Agenda Review Meeting. The meeting began with a formal swearing-in ceremony, welcoming Amber McKinney as a new Councilwoman and Trevor Lance as Mayor Pro-Tem. With no public comments received, the council proceeded to review updates and discuss upcoming items on their agenda.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining key initiatives and addressing ongoing concerns within the community. The council formally announced the appointment of Robert Griffin as the new Fire Chief, effective in February. Griffin brings extensive experience from his current role in Edneyville and previous service on the Henderson County Planning Board, promising a strong leadership presence for the Fletcher Fire Department. The council also acknowledged that next week's meeting will feature a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Land Development Code, and a presentation from Sergeant Diaz on his experiences at the National Forensic Academy. Staff member Eric was noted as available to answer questions regarding the Land Development Code amendments.

Several board vacancies were addressed, with Councilwoman McKinney taking a seat on the Water and Sewer Advisory Council, a council member filling the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) seat, Trevor Lance assuming the Partnership Economic Development role (ex officio), Jim serving as alternate for the Fletcher Fire and Rescue, and Keith taking on the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) alternate position. These appointments reflect ongoing efforts to ensure robust representation across various community boards and committees, particularly noting the three vacancies expected in District 1 due to expiring Planning Board terms.

Discussions also centered on the feasibility of establishing a farmer’s market in Fletcher. Town Manager Mark reported that a listening session is scheduled for January 27th at Town Hall to gather input from potential market operators. Several locations are being considered, including the town park, Fernleaf campus, and Calvary Episcopal Church. The council also received an update on storm-related repairs at the park, with McGill Associates contracted for engineering work. Residents were strongly encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance, even if they believe others are in greater need – emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection for regional recovery efforts.

Beyond these planned initiatives, the council addressed resident concerns regarding a lack of street lighting at the intersection of Rutledge and Windsor. They agreed to investigate this issue with Duke Energy, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community safety concerns. Finally, the ongoing debris removal process was discussed, with council members acknowledging resident frustrations regarding service timeliness and exploring potential adjustments to brush pickup schedules. A meeting with the legislative delegation is scheduled for January 16th, providing an opportunity to discuss priorities and potential funding opportunities.

What's Next & Why It Matters:

• Board Appointments Finalized: Council members will confirm their board assignments next week.
• Farmer’s Market Feedback: Residents are invited to share their thoughts at the January 27th listening session, shaping the potential future of a local farmer’s market.
• Streetlight Investigation: The Town Council will work with Duke Energy to resolve the lighting issue on Rutledge Road, enhancing safety for residents.
• Debris Removal Improvements: The council will evaluate options to improve the efficiency of debris removal services, addressing ongoing concerns.
• Legislative Advocacy: Council members will engage with the legislative delegation to advocate for community priorities and potential funding.

This meeting highlighted the council's focus on addressing immediate concerns, planning for future initiatives like a potential farmer’s market, and ensuring efficient delivery of essential services to Fletcher residents. Stay informed about upcoming meetings and opportunities to participate in shaping the future of our community!