Regular Meeting 3-11-24

The Town Council of the Town of Fletcher held its Regular Meeting on March 11, 2024. The session began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the unanimous approval of the minutes from previous meetings. The Council also approved a consent agenda containing several routine items, including a proclamation supporting the annual Spring Litter Sweep scheduled for April 13-27, a lease agreement allowing Baabals Ice Cream to operate the concession stand at Bill Moore Community Park, and the official appointment of Susan Heafner as a Deputy Tax Collector.

A significant discussion centered on a budget amendment regarding an underpayment to Mills River Fire Rescue. An audit revealed a valuation discrepancy on a parcel of land, resulting in a shortfall of over $20,000. The Council approved Budget Ordinance #3 to correct this payment, noting that funding for Fletcher Fire Rescue was already included in the existing budget. Additionally, the Council unanimously appointed Robin Mondin to fill an at-large vacancy on the Planning Board, expressing appreciation for the interest shown by several candidates.

The Council reviewed a proposal from Retail Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in retail analysis, to assist with the Town Center project. The firm’s proposed $45,000 annual contract would involve conducting a gap analysis of retail demand, meeting with stakeholders, and connecting the town with potential developers. The Council decided to review the proposal further and will hear a more detailed presentation from a Retail Strategies representative at the April meeting. Regarding the town’s 6.76-acre Meritorial property, currently zoned for industrial use, the Council voted to remove it from active listing with the Partnership for Economic Development. This decision was made due to a lack of interest in the property and the town’s potential future need for the land to relocate public works or parks and recreation facilities.

Financially, Assistant Manager Heather Taylor recommended allocating $850,000 of the town’s excess fund balance to pay down two existing debt obligations: a Truist project loan of $371,000 and a USDA loan for the town hall project of $479,000. The Council unanimously approved this recommendation, noting it would save the town a significant amount in interest payments. A budget amendment reflecting this allocation will be presented at the April meeting. The Town Manager also reported on ongoing efforts to secure grant opportunities for extending the Greenway Trail, including a potential $500,000 grant, and noted that county funding for stream restoration could address erosion issues near the Meritorial property.

The Council entered a closed session to discuss contract negotiations before adjourning. No public comments were received during the meeting. The Town Manager announced upcoming community events, including a document shredding and e-waste recycling event, as well as a medication drop-off, both scheduled for April 20. Free mulch will also be available from Public Works during business hours. The Council is scheduled to hold a budget retreat on March 19, and the Town Manager is working to schedule meetings with state and federal legislative representatives.