Board of Commissioners — Cornelius, NC
Date: 2024-03-19

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
 March 4, 2024
 MINUTES


PRE-MEETING - 4:30PM
Mayor Washam called the Pre-meeting to order at 4:38PM with all commissioners present at the
meeting.

 Agenda Review
 Manager Grant provided the Board with an overview of the 6PM Regular meeting agenda items.

 Park Bonds
 Manager Grant presented the Town’s capacity for future park bond consideration (Attachment1).
 He outlined the three major financial factors in considering all departmental needs, where the
 revenue will come from for any added bond and debt service (displaying the CIP and financial
 forecast), the authority of current and future Boards to sell bonds, available Fund Balance %, and
 the potential projects for greenways, recreation center development, park improvements and new
 park developments.

 Commissioner Sansbury asked where the “cliff” is currently. Manager Grant displayed the
 financial forecast and stated FY28.

 Commissioner Osborne asked what the benefits of bonds are vs. raising taxes. Manager Grant
 explained that doing bond referendums allows the Town to do high-cost projects sooner rather
 than later, as well as balancing the needs of other departments.

 Mayor Washam added that just because a bond referendum passes, doesn’t mean they have to be
 sold.

Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to adjourn the Pre-meeting at 5:58PM. Commissioner
Osborne seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

REGULAR MEETING - 6:00PM

1. CALL TO ORDER
 Mayor Washam called the meeting to order at 6:09PM.

2. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
 All commissioners were present at the meeting.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner
 Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.
 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 1
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 Mayor Washam led the pledge after a moment of silence was observed.

5. CITIZEN CONCERNS/COMMENTS
 April Dunn – 12530 Pecan Hill Ct, Huntersville, shared the positive impact the Cornelius Youth
 Orchestra (CYO) has had on her family. She expressed her full support for CYO’s grant
 application submitted for consideration.

 Amy Bruining – 9018 Cantrell Way, Huntersville, expressed her full support for CYO’s grant
 application submitted for consideration.

 Sean and Foster Briselden – 20116 Coachmans Wood Lane, Cornelius, shared their personal
 experiences with CYO and expressed their full support for CYO’s grant application submitted for
 consideration.

6. MAYOR/COMMISSIONERS/MANAGER REPORTS
 Commissioner Higgins reported on the following:
 • Attended the Black History Celebration at the Cain Center.
 • Participated in a WSIC broadcast.
 • Made a presentation with Parks Director Fitzsimmons at the North Meck Rec. Center on
 greenways and parks.
 • Peach Cobbler Factor ribbon cutting will be held on Mar. 5th.
 • Big Day at the Lake kick off will be held on Mar. 8th.
 • Attending the National League of Cities conference in Washington DC on Mar. 10th-13th.

 Commissioner Carney reported on the following:
 • Attended the Investment Committee meeting held on Feb. 27th.
 • The Lake Norman EDC meeting will be held on Mar. 21st.
 • The Grant Application Committee will be meeting on Mar. 18th.

 Commissioner Osborne reported on the following:
 • Attended the Black History Celebration at the Cain Center.
 • Planning Board member interviews continue.
 • Attended the CRTPO meeting held on Feb. 21st. The discretionary funds ($14M) for
 Cornelius were approved.
 • LKN Chamber update – Annual Gala will be held on Mar. 21st (6PM-9PM).
 • Attended the Investment Committee meeting held on Feb. 27th.

 Commissioner Sansbury reported on the following:
 • Attended the Black History Celebration at the Cain Center.
 • Camp Cornelius registration for non-residents will open on Mar. 8th.

 Commissioner Johnson reported on the following:
 • VLN update – Carolina Big Dive will be held on Mar. 14th-17th at the Huntersville Aquatic
 Center and the 4th Annual Lay Up and the Lake tournament will be held at the Huntersville
 Recreation Center and Community School of Davidson on Mar. 16th-17th.
 • Centralina Council of Government met on Feb. 21st.

 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 2
 Manager Grant reported on the following:
 • The demographics/housing study done for the EDC by the Urban Institute will be
 presented on Mar. 18th.

 Mayor Washam reported on the following:
 • Attended the MTC meeting on Feb. 28th.
 • Attended the Black History Celebration at the Cain Center.

7. PRESENTATIONS
 A. Ada Jenkins Center Annual Support Grant Application
 Executive Director Harold Rice presented the grant application for the Ada Jenkins Center to
 continue providing needed services to the community. He gave an overview of
 data/demographics/FY23 ROI across their programs and services provided (financial
 assistance, food pantry, economic mobility, education, VITA, and resource information).

 Commissioner Higgins stated that he was very impressed with the great work that Ada
 provides to the Cornelius community.

 Mayor Washam agreed with Commissioner Higgins and thanked Mr. Rice for his
 presentation.

 B. Arts and Science Council Annual Support Grant Application
 Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing Bernie Petit presented the grant application
 for ASC to continue making investments in Cornelius. He gave an overview of the Cornelius
 investments in cultural vision grants, culture blocks, artist support grants, individual artist
 fellowships, cultural organization support grants, and school funding opportunities.

 Mayor Washam thanked Mr. Petit for his presentation.

 C. Cornelius Youth Orchestra Annual Support Grant Application
 Executive Director Eric Boruff presented the grant application for CYO. He gave an
 overview on when CYO started with the goal to provide young people the opportunities to
 learn or enhance their knowledge of orchestral training and performing through weekly
 instruction and performing opportunities throughout the season.

 Commissioner Osborne thanked CYO for the good work they are doing in the community.

 Commissioner Higgins stated that the musical pathway initiative for elementary schools
 can’t start soon enough as research shows the positive impact music has on the development
 of young people. He congratulated CYO on their great work.

 Mayor Washam stated that the music opportunities being provided to the community are
 outstanding. He thanked Mr. Boruff for his presentation.

 D. Senior Community Connections Annual Support Grant Application
 Outreach Director Gerry Mackenzie presented the grant application for SCC. She gave an
 overview of SCC’s growth in members and volunteers; programs and services; and the goals
 for the grant request.
 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 3
 Commissioner Sansbury asked what Coffee Klatch was. Ms. Mackenzie explained that is
 part of a mental health opportunity for people who are feeling blue or lonely. A coffee
 session brings them together to discuss specific topics or to discuss what they are feeling.

8. PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL
 A. REZ 04-23 Royal Bliss Brewing
 Mayor Washam called for a motion to open the public hearing for rezoning case REZ 04-23
 Royal Bliss Brewing. The public notice is attached hereto.

 Commissioner Osborne made a motion to open the public hearing for REZ 04-23.
 Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Planning Director Rox Burhans presented a rezoning request from Larry Griffin Jr. to rezone
 3 acres of vacant property located at 19149 West Catawba Avenue from Village Center to
 Conditional Zoning and construct a 10,000sqft. microbrewery and restaurant facility.
 Vehicular and pedestrian access will be provided from Harbor View Drive. The community
 meeting held on November 6th had one attendee supporting the proposed rezoning. Also, the
 Lake Norman Cove at Jetton HOA submitted a letter of agreement for the buffer area. On
 February 12th, the Planning Board unanimously recommended approval with 11 staff
 conditions and the applicant has agreed to all conditions.

 Mayor Washam invited Mr. Griffin to present his request. Mr. Griffin thanked Mr. Burhans
 for his presentation and stated that he was open to answering any questions the Board may
 have.

 Commissioner Carney asked about the project’s timeline. Mr. Griffin stated that upon
 approval they are ready to get started and construction should begin by the end of the year.

 Commissioner Osborne thanked Mr. Griffin for his proactive commitment in addressing
 sound and lighting concerns. The project is a great fit for the area and aligns well with the
 Town’s updated Land Use Plan.

 Commissioner Higgins stated that he appreciated the incorporated food piece so that people
 can have a full experience with drinks, food, and entertainment. Mr. Griffin thanked
 Commissioner Higgins and stated that Royal Bliss will be more like a restaurant with a
 brewery vibe.

 Mayor Washam thanked Mr. Griffin for honoring his promise of expanding Royal Bliss,
 Denver to Cornelius. He thanked him for his continued investments in Cornelius.

 Commissioner Sansbury stated that the project is very attractive and asked if extending the
 sidewalk to the Lake Norman Cove at Jetton will generate heavy foot traffic. Mr. Griffin
 stated that they are hopeful that extending the sidewalk to the community will entice those
 residents to visit.

 Mayor Washam invited the public to speak and the following comments were heard:



 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 4
 Lake Norman Chamber President Bill Russell expressed the Chamber’s full support of the
 Griffin family’s investments and leadership in Cornelius. The Royal Bliss project will be a
 great addition to the brewery industry in Cornelius.

 There being no further public comments, Mayor Washam called for a motion to close the
 public hearing.

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Sansbury
 seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Commissioner Osborne made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-00849 to amend the
 zoning map to include REZ 04-23 with conditions as presented. Commissioner Carney
 seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Ordinance 2024-00849 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution #2024-01124 declaring that
 REZ 04-23 with conditions is consistent with the Town’s Land Use Plan and reasonable in
 the public interest. Commissioner Higgins seconded the motion and it passed unanimously,
 5-0.

 Resolution #2024-01124 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

9. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL
 A. FY24 Operating Budget Amendment
 Finance Director Niswonger gave an overview of the FY24 budget amendment utilizing asset
 forfeiture funds in the amount of $241,500 for the purchase of handguns with optics
 ($52,000); ammunition, training, and SWAT related items ($48,800); breaching tools
 ($16,400); drug terminator ($6,100); and Police K9s ($118,200).

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance #2024-00850 to utilize
 $241,500 of asset forfeiture funds as presented. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion
 and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Ordinance #2024-00850 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

10. CONSENT AGENDA
 A. Tax Refunds = $290.95 (Approved 5-0)
 B. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes - February 19th (Approved 5-0)
 C. Approve Closed Session Minutes - February 19th (Approved 5-0)

 Commissioner Osborne made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
 Commissioner Higgins seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

11. NEW BUSINESS
 A. 2024 Legislative Agenda
 Manager Grant gave an overview of the 2023 Legislative Priorities and then presented his
 draft recommended 2024 Legislative Priorities that upon approval will be shared with the
 Mecklenburg County delegation in Raleigh.

 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 5
 As the Board discussed the various priorities, Commissioner Higgins asked if safety
 improvements for Main Street and Catawba Avenue could be added to the priority list.
 Deputy Manager Herron stated that staff will be looking into safety grant funds to improve
 that intersection. Manager Grant stated that if the Board wishes to add this as a priority, staff
 will have to estimate the cost or it can be added in a year when there is more definitive
 information and costs associated with it.

 Commissioner Osborne suggested highlighting the Exit 27 priority and referencing the
 Atrium letter of support. Manager Grant stated that he will add the letter of support to the
 listed priority for Exit 27.

 After discussing the “Highest Priorities”, Manager Grant suggested dropping the NCDOT
 projects down as to put more focus on the “Funding” bullets. Commissioner Sansbury stated
 transportation, public safety and parks are the top priorities. Manager Grant stated that he
 would revise the list for future discussion and approval.

12. COMMISSIONER CONCERNS
 A. CATS Bus Schedule
 Commissioner Higgins asked what the impact was going to be on CATS changing the routes
 and schedules. Manager Grant stated that he believes the frequency has not changed;
 however, the types of vehicles are being changed.

13. ADJOURNMENT
 There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to adjourn the
 meeting at 8:45PM. Commissioner Higgins seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

  Approved this 18th day of March 2024.


 ATTEST:
 Woody Washam, Jr., Mayor


  Lori A Harrell, Town Clerk




 03/04/24 Regular Meeting
 Page 6
 Attachment 1




Park Bonds
3/4/24
Parks & Greenways Master Plan Update
  Nearing Completion
  Feb. 8 – Draft Recommendations to Park Commission
  Feb. 19 – Draft Recommendations to BOC
  Mar. 7 – PRC recommendation for BOC approval
  Mar. 18 – Approval by BOC
  Identifies current and future needs
  Input from citizens, Park Commission, Town Board, Town staff and
 County P&R staff
  Task: Reconciling Input into Capital Projects
  Potential projects at end of presentation
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?

 Three major financial factors to consider
 1. Balance of needs across all departments
 2. Revenue to pay for bonded debt service – tax
 increase
 3. Debt Service Policy (%)
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?
 1. Balance of needs across all departments
  CIP
  $195M identified capital projects across all departments
  $117M in next 10 years
  Legitimate/high-cost projects that cannot be pushed out
  Assumptions – cost, timing, phasing
  Operations
  Assumptions for recurring operations/personnel
  For example, Fire Dept. Transition Plan
  Re-evaluate CIP/Forecast & future assumptions annually
  The only thing certain is that it will change!
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?
 2. Revenue to pay for bonded debt service – tax increase
 Existing recurring revenues and anticipated low growth in
 revenues is not enough to cover operational growth and
 future bonded debt
 Referendum language provides an expectation for tax
 increase
 Referendum language will reference a potential tax
 increase amount (annual increase in property tax for each
 $100,000 of property value) relative to the bond
 referendum amount
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?
3. Debt Service Policy (%)
  Town’s annual debt service cannot exceed 20% of annual General Fund expenditures
  However, not a best practice to operate with such a high amount of debt
  15% or below is recommended target in order to:
  Retain capacity for emergencies, unforeseen capital projects, flexibility in case
 assumptions are materially wrong
  Confidence in receiving LGC approvals for all financing applications (Note: LGC
 evaluates several factors)
  Maintain AAA Bond Rating*
  *Note: While rating agencies will be very concerned about a rapid rise in % and
 approaching 20%, there are no guarantees that staying below 15% will assure
 maintenance of rating, as rating agencies evaluate numerous factors, including
 peer groups
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?
 Calculated Park Bond Capacity is $20M
 $20M overlayed on the CIP/Forecast
 Based on selling $20M over three bond sales in three
 separate fiscal years
 Allows for realistic timing of park projects
 Balanced with other departments’ projects’ timing &
 phasing over 10 years

 REFER TO CIP TO ILLUSTRATE PHASING OF $20M PARK BONDS
Financial Reconciliation = What can the
Town afford?
 Town’s 10-year Forecast tracks D/S %
 Goal is to remain under 15%
 Based upon assumptions, Town stays under 15% for next 10
 years
 $20M overlayed on the CIP/Forecast

 REFER TO FORECAST D/S%
Bond Referendum Approval Does Not Equal
a Guarantee to Sell Any Amount
 An approved referendum provides authority to sell up to that amount
 for up to 7 years (10 years with a granted extension)
 Future Town Boards will vote on how much is sold and when
 Staff and Board will annually evaluate conditions with each
 new fiscal year budget, as conditions may change
 Bond sales will be included in future fiscal year budgets that
 Town Boards vote on
Available Fund Balance %
 Park Bond Capacity exercise has been heavily focused on D/S %
  AFB % is equally important
  Town’s AFB Policy states no lower than 40%
  “Cliff” occurs in FY28
  Revenue correction needed, such as raising tax rate to pay for bond sales,
 large installment financing projects, and large operational/personnel
 increases
  REFER TO FORECAST – AFB % (assumed revenue neutral)
Potential Park Bond Projects
Park Land Acquisition / Open Space Preservation

• Master plan recommends acquiring
  large parks first as land availability is
  limited
• Large parks should have an equitable
  distribution of active and passive
  recreation
• Target acquisition of 100 acres or more
• Maintain flexibility of both active and
  passive recreation for either park area
  depending on opportunities
Potential Park Bond Projects
Greenway Development

• Master plan community input indicates
  strong need for greenways (walking,
  hiking, biking)
• Complete as many miles of greenway
  as possible that remain on the plan
• Seek NCDOT grant funds and work in
  partnership to leverage available bond
  funds like the 2013 park bond
• Have developers' complete sections of
  greenways tied to their developments
  (like Mayes Meadows and Alexander
  Farms have agreed to)
Potential Park Bond Projects
Recreation Center Development

• Demand for gym space increasing and
  cannot accommodate current needs
• Explore partnership opportunity with
  CMS on reconstruction of Cornelius ES
  to add a gym much like JV Washam
Potential Park Bond Projects
Park Improvements
• Master plan community input indicates strong need
  for improving and/or expanding park facilities
• Possible enhancements and renovations include:
 • Facility lighting
 • Restrooms
 • Synthetic turf
 • Playgrounds
 • Etc.




 Example of a park improvement
Potential Park Bond Projects
New Park
Development
• Master plan community input indicates
  strong need for additional active
  recreation facilities
• Work with partners to assist in
  leveraging available bond funds to build
  as much as possible




 Example of a new park development
Draft Bond Referendum Schedule

 • Bond Referendum Amount $ to be determined prior to May 6
 • Refer to DRAFT Park Bond Referendum Schedule
SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFERENDUM
TOWN OF CORNELIUS - NOVEMBER 2024

 5/6/24 Board adopts (1) Resolution directing publication of notice of intent to apply to the Local
 Government Commission (the “LGC”); (2) Resolution authorizing the Finance Officer to
 apply to the LGC and making certain findings of fact
 5/9/24 Publish Notice of Intent in Newspaper of General Circulation [have to wait 10 days after
 publication of Notice of Intent before applying to the LGC]
 by 5/30/24 File Application with LGC with draft Sworn Statement of Debt [receive notice from LGC
 confirming receipt of Application which must occur before the Bond Orders are
 introduced]
 6/3/24 Board (1) Introduces the Bond Order(s); (2) Adopts the Resolution setting a public
 hearing on the Bond Order(s)
 by 7/8/24 (1) Send Statement of Disclosure to LGC, post Statement on the Town’s Website and file
 with the Town Clerk’s Office (day before the notice of Public Hearing is published); (2)
 Publish Notice(s) of Public Hearing on the Bond Order(s) in Newspaper of General
 Circulation [at least 6 days before public hearing]; and (3) File Sworn Statement of Debt
 with the Town Clerk and LGC
SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFERENDUM
TOWN OF CORNELIUS - NOVEMBER 2024

 7/15/24 Board (1) holds public hearing(s) on Bond Order(s); (2) adopts the Bond Order(s) at the
 conclusion of the public hearing; and (3) adopts the Resolution setting Bond Referendum
 7/16/24 Clerk delivers certified copy of the Resolution setting Bond Referendum to the County
 Board of Elections
 7/18/24 Publish Bond Order(s) as adopted in Newspaper of General Circulation
 File Notice with Joint Legislative Commission
 by 9/27/24 Publish first Notice of Special Bond Referendum in Newspaper of General Circulation
 [Not less than fourteen days before last day to register to vote for Bond Referendum]
 by 10/4/24 Publish second Notice of Special Bond Referendum in Newspaper of General Circulation
 [Not less than seven days before last day to register to vote for Bond Referendum]
 10/11/24 Last day to register to vote
 11/5/24 Referendum
 11/15/24 Canvass of Election by the County Board of Elections
SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REFERENDUM
TOWN OF CORNELIUS - NOVEMBER 2024

 12/2/24 Board adopts Resolution Certifying and Declaring Results of Special Bond Referendum

 After 12/2/24 Publish Statement of Results in Newspaper of General Circulation

 Jan/Feb 2025 LGC approval of Bond Order(s) [new LGC policy to approve post-election]