Town Council — Boone, NC
Date: 2026-02-24

Town of Boone
 Town Council Regular Meeting
 6:00 PM, January 28, 2026
 Town Council Chambers
 1500 Blowing Rock Road


 I. Call to Order

 II. Moment of Silence

 III. Announcements

 IV. Tentative Agenda Adoption

 V. Public Comment

 VI. Requested Appearances

 1. Rebecca Hutchins - Daniel Boone Native Gardens
 For Information/Action

 2. Watauga County Farmer's Market - Michelle Dineen
 For Information/Action

 VII. Public Input Session: Itinerant Merchant and Mobile Retail Vendors

 1. Public Input Session on Itinerant Merchant and Mobile Retail Vendor

 VIII. Approval of Items on Consent Agenda

 1. Consideration and Approval of Proposal and Budget Amendment - Biosolids
 Dryer Replacement Project
 For Action

 2. Approval of Budget Amendment
 For Action

 3. Adoption of Amendment Annual Meeting Notice
 For Action

 IX. Planning Matters

 1. Consideration of the Historic Preservation Commission's Recent Work
 (Stoneman's Raid Interpretative Panel) and Discuss HPC Work Plan
 For Action

 X. Council Matters

 1. Discussion Regarding Town Manager Hiring Process
 For Action

Town of Boone Town Council January 28, 2026
 1
 2. Approval of Letter - Trust for Public Land
 For Action

 XI. Closed Session
 1. N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 143-318.11(a)(1), to review, approve, and seal closed session
 minutes from Council's prior closed session(s).

 2. N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 143-318.11(a)(3), to consult with the Town Attorney in order to
 preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Town Council, and
 obtain legal advice, consider, and/or give instructions to the attorney concerning one or
 more potential legal claims.

 XII. Potential Action Following Closed Session

 XIII. Adjournment




Town of Boone Town Council January 28, 2026
 2

MINUTES – TOWN COUNCIL
 REGULAR MEETING
 JANUARY 28, 2026
 6:00 P.M.


CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Boone Town Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Boone Town Council Chambers located at 1500
Blowing Rock Road in Boone. Mayor Dalton George presided. Council members present
included Mayor Pro-Tem Todd Carter, Virginia Roseman, Eric Plaag, and Adrian Tait. Staff
present included Interim Town Manager Dale Presnell, Town Clerk Nicole Harmon, Grants
Coordinator/Communications Laney Wise, Public Works Director Todd Moody, Planning
Director Jane Shook, Deputy Planning Director Brandon Wise, Major John Houck,
Advanced Planning Specialist Jessica Mitchell, Cultural Resources Director Mark Freed,
Finance Director Guy Miller, and Town Attorney Allison Meade.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A brief moment of silence was observed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
TENTATIVE AGENDA ADOPTION
Upon a motion by Councilmember Roseman, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Carter, Council
voted unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
REQUESTED APPEARANCES
Daniel Boone Native Gardens – Rebecca Hutchins

Rebecca Hutchins provided a brief recap of the past year, noting that overall it had been a
positive year for the Gardens. She stated that the deer fencing near the area around
Hampton’s was not complete and requested Council’s input on how to proceed. Ms.
Hutchins also reported that there was an existing historic cabin on the property. She
indicated that she had consulted with staff at the Southern Appalachian Historic
Association and expressed interest in relocating the cabin to SAHA’s property in order to
repurpose the current location for plantings, noting that repairs to the cabin would be cost-
prohibitive. Ms. Hutchins stated that Marrena Greer, Operations Manager at SAHA,
believed volunteers could assist with moving the cabin.

Ms. Hutchins announced upcoming seasonal events, including Fairy Days and concerts to
be held on the new stage.

Councilmember Plaag commented on the fencing along Horn in the West Avenue and
suggested an alternative type of fencing that was Town-owned and located within the
Town’s right-of-way, which could also serve as a deterrent to deer. Public Works Director
Todd Moody indicated that staff would look into this option and provide cost estimates.

Councilmember Plaag further stated that the cabin had been located on the property for at
least fifty years and expressed concern that relocating it would damage the gardens as a
historic site, making it difficult to move forward with any historic designation. He suggested
a hybrid arrangement in which the cabin would remain in place, and SAHA would assume
responsibility for use of the structure. He noted that this matter could be discussed further
at the upcoming Daniel Boone Park summit. Councilmember Plaag also reported that the
property had sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene and suggested that
grant funding might be available to assist with restoration efforts.

Ms. Hutchins introduced the Treasurer and the new Director, Amy Seely.

Councilmember Roseman noted that the cabin had previously been used by SAHA for
television productions and stated that a formal agreement between the Town and SAHA
could be mutually beneficial. She agreed that the issue should be discussed further at the
upcoming summit and inquired about the pathway near the cabin that connects the two
properties. Ms. Hutchins reiterated that the cabin was in poor condition and needed
substantial repairs.

Councilmember Plaag expressed concern about a tendency of past Councils to shift the
burden of repairs to lessees, stating that he was uncomfortable with that approach. He
emphasized that while a partnership for use would be appropriate, responsibility for any
necessary repairs and maintenance should remain with the Town.

Councilmember Tait offered assistance to the Public Works Department regarding the deer
fencing. Mayor George asked whether there was consensus for the Town to take
responsibility for locating appropriate fencing and assuming ownership of it.
Councilmember Roseman stated that while she liked the existing fence design, she did not
support adding deer fencing.

Councilmember Plaag and Mayor Pro-Tem Carter indicated their support for moving
forward with fencing efforts. Ms. Hutchins stated that temporary measures would be
implemented until the summit discussion could occur. Mayor George suggested that
Councilmember Tait serve as the primary point of communication on this matter.
Watauga County Farmers Market – Michele Dineen

Michele Dineen gave a presentation regarding the previous year’s operations at the
Watauga County Farmers Market. Councilmember Roseman asked whether the new
paving was adequate and whether it had benefited the Farmers Market. Ms. Dineen
responded that the pavement had worked well and stated that adjustments had been
made around the shelter to accommodate the change in traffic flow. She expressed
appreciation to the Town for making the improvements possible.

Councilmember Plaag asked whether there was legislative funding available for
improvements to the lower parking lot. Public Works Director Todd Moody responded that
there had not been sufficient funding to pursue those improvements. Councilmember
Plaag expressed concern about the condition of the lower parking lot and stated that he
would like to explore options through the State and identify potential funding sources,
including Town funds, to bring the area up to acceptable standards.

Councilmember Plaag indicated that he had been asked by members of the public how
many of the vendors at the market were from Watauga County. Ms. Dineen responded that
there is a residency requirement for all vendors that they must reside in Watauga or a
surrounding county.

PUBLIC INPUT SESSION – ITENERATE MERCHANT AND MOBILE RETAIL VENDORS

Planning Director Jane Shook explained that the purpose of the input session was to gather
community feedback before drafting the final ordinance text, and emphasized that no final
language had been developed. She provided an overview of the draft framework, noting
that it removed the redundant category of temporary open-air markets, clarified
distinctions between itinerant merchants and mobile retail units, and sought to improve
consistency and enforceability without changing how itinerant merchants were currently
regulated. The draft focused primarily on distinguishing mobile retail uses, such as food
trucks, because of their differing land-use and operational impacts.

Ms. Shook outlined key policy questions for Council consideration, including appropriate
zoning districts, permitting processes, duration of operation, number of units allowed per
site, whether mobile retail should be permitted as a principal or accessory use, and
applicable operational standards such as lighting, signage, noise, traffic impacts, fire
safety, and neighborhood protection measures.

There was discussion as to whether events already permitted under Chapter 94, including
street fairs and festivals that require temporary street closures and undergo public safety
review, should be exempt from these standards. Ms. Shook indicated that those events
followed a separate permitting process and that exemptions could be considered.
Council members discussed a specific example involving a food truck that previously
operated at Mr. Tire, where inadequate lighting raised safety concerns. It was noted that
the vendor later relocated to a site with adequate lighting. Council emphasized the
importance of ensuring fairness for both vendors and residents and discussed whether
property owners who allow mobile retail uses should be responsible for providing
adequate lighting and meeting the safety standards typically required of permanent
businesses.

Questions were raised regarding outdoor seating and perceived inconsistencies in how
seating was allowed at different food truck locations. Mayor Pro-Tem Carter noted an
instance in which a food truck operator was approached by a member of the Planning staff
and told they were not allowed to have outdoor seating because they did not have
adequate restrooms and had not paid system development fees. Ms. Shook clarified that
system development fees should not apply to uses that did not consume Town water,
though additional evaluation might be needed when outdoor seating was provided for
patrons using Town utilities. Council members noted the need to clearly articulate these
standards.

Ms. Meade noted that food trucks presented a hybrid animal with respect to regulation
because while they have land use impacts and are thus properly regulated to some extent
under the UDO, they also are movable personal property rather than fixed structures and
properly subject to regulation under the town’s police powers through the town code.
Further work would be needed to determine which standards belonged in the UDO and
which were more appropriately addressed through Town Code police power regulations.

Council members expressed a preference for clear, easily accessible standards that the
public could readily understand, with minimal permitting requirements, ideally allowing no
permit or a one-time permit. Council members discussed concerns related to parking
impacts and noted that the draft language required developments to maintain minimum
parking standards. The idea of requiring dedicated parking spaces for mobile retail uses
during operating hours was discussed, with recognition that such requirements would
need to vary by zoning district and may not be feasible in downtown areas.

It was noted that some Town parking requirements had historically led to underutilized
parking and that food trucks could serve as productive interim uses for those spaces.
Concerns were raised that a strict three-day operational limit, modeled on itinerant
merchant standards, could be overly restrictive. Ms. Shook clarified that the three-day limit
was not a recommendation but a placeholder for discussion.

Next, Council members discussed the relationship between operating hours and site
availability, emphasizing flexibility based on context and timing. A potential solution
discussed was requiring property owners to ensure there is sufficient parking available
during a mobile vendor’s operating hours, rather than mandating new parking
infrastructure.
Council members also discussed concerns about equity among downtown businesses,
noting that some mobile vendors benefited from the municipal service district without
directly contributing to it. Ms. Shook clarified that mobile vendors operated through
sponsorship or permission from private property owners and that existing ordinances
already prohibited food trucks from operating on Town property.

Ms. Shook explained that proposed operating-hour limitations were intended solely as
neighborhood protection measures for sites adjacent to residential zoning districts and
were offered for consideration rather than as mandatory standards. Council discussed
potential impacts of noise, lighting, and music, noting that these should be evaluated to
ensure consistency with standards for brick-and-mortar restaurants.

Council members expressed general support for the concept of mobile retail as a pathway
to entrepreneurship and economic vitality and encouraged staff to continue refining the
draft language based on the input received.

Public Comment

David Jackson of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce thanked Council for holding the
discussion and providing an opportunity for input. He advocated for policies that support
pedestrian use, particularly at the Lowe’s site, because of its proximity to the greenway. He
referenced Boone Next and its emphasis on walkability and asked how the proposed
changes aligned with those goals. Mr. Jackson suggested considering incentives for mobile
vendors in areas such as Howard Street and along greenway-adjacent locations.

Mr. Jackson also emphasized the need for clarity in ordinance language, particularly
regarding itinerant merchants. He asked whether the proposed standards could
unintentionally prohibit other common uses, such as birthday parties, and requested that
those distinctions be clearly articulated. He further inquired about potential impacts on
existing markets, specifically referencing the Farmers Market and the King Street Market.

Owen Larsen raised concerns about a food truck located near Come Back Shack, noting
that its placement contributed to traffic congestion. He suggested that Council consider
establishing a minimum distance requirement between mobile food vendors and traffic
intersections to reduce congestion and improve safety.
Amber Bateman of the Watauga Arts Council expressed agreement with comments made
by David Jackson and voiced support for clearer distinctions between vendors and mobile
merchants. She offered to meet with staff and the Town Attorney to further discuss the
nuances of how the proposed changes could affect markets. The speaker expressed
concern that removing the temporary open-air market category could make organizing
community events more difficult and asked whether multi-day special events would be
affected under the proposed framework.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor George closed the public comment period.

Ms. Shook clarified that the current draft does not require mobile merchants to locate
specifically in areas with existing pedestrian activity, though vendors may choose to
market themselves as near amenities such as the greenway. She noted that open-air
markets were exempt from the proposed changes and that special events continued to be
reviewed through existing processes involving the Fire Department and other agencies. It
was explained that open-air markets require a one-time permit, that they include public
safety requirements such as portable toilets, and that the King Street Market met those
requirements and operated under a valid permit.

Ms. Shook stated that she would evaluate the availability of public restrooms for First
Friday events and noted that existing itinerant merchant regulations addressed prior safety
concerns, including vendors using open flames while selling food on sidewalks along King
Street. In response to a question about designated parking spots for food trucks along
Howard Street, Mr. Moody stated that there are no plans to allow food trucks on Howard
Street at this time. Ms. Shook emphasized the importance of creating clear, accessible
documentation for the public.

Councilmember Plaag referenced experiences in Columbia, South Carolina, where food
trucks operated directly in front of brick-and-mortar businesses, and stated a preference
to avoid that outcome in Boone. He encouraged identifying locations where mobile
vendors could operate without directly competing with existing businesses and referenced
the Farmers Market as a successful model, suggesting the greenway as a potential
weekend location.

Mayor George expressed interest in exploring food truck opportunities along the greenway
and directed staff to review policies in other communities. Mayor Pro-Tem Carter agreed
and expressed support for encouraging food trucks to advance Boone Next's goals related
to walkability. Councilmember Plaag noted that food trucks could provide an important
pathway for small businesses unable to afford traditional brick-and-mortar rent.
Councilmembers supported limited or no permitting, with enforcement focused on
compliance with clear standards.

The Council discussed the proposed three-day operational limit and reached consensus
that the restriction was unnecessary. Ms. Shook noted that some communities imposed
no time limits and relied on property owner oversight. Council agreed there should be no
time limit, so long as vendors remained in compliance with applicable standards.

Councilmember Plaag suggested separating zoning-related standards within the Unified
Development Ordinance from operational standards enforced through the Town Code. Ms.
Shook stated she would work with Ms. Meade to evaluate that approach.
Councilmember Roseman asked whether Watauga County Parks and Recreation should
be involved in discussions regarding potential food trucks along the greenway and
surrounding property. Mayor George suggested she bring the matter to the Parks and
Recreation Committee, as its Council liaison, to gauge their interest.

Councilmember Tait questioned what problem a time limit or designated parking
requirement was intended to solve and suggested that parking issues could be self-
regulating based on property owners' discretion. He also suggested opportunities for food
trucks to support events such as First Fridays, races, and festivals, noting that using public
property could be appropriate with stricter guidelines. Councilmember Tait also proposed
leasing a limited number of parking spaces on Howard Street and evaluating whether food
trucks could operate on vacant parcels, subject to the surrounding area's zoning, lighting,
and noise regulations.

Ms. Shook recommended deferring consideration of mobile retail as a principal use until
the first round of ordinance revisions was completed.

APPROVAL OF ITEMS ON CONSENT AGENDA
Upon a motion by Councilmember Plaag, seconded by Councilmember Roseman, Council
voted unanimously to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
 1. Budget Amendments:


Public Works

 To: Capital Outlay- 030-700-805-57400 $135,000.00
 Other Equipment
 Transfer to 032-700-000- $135,000.00
 Water/Sewer Fund 598030
 From: Appropriated Fund 032-700-000- $135,000.00
 Balance 499900
 Sewer Capital 030-000-000- $135,000.00
 Reserve 498032
 Contribution

Explanation: To cover the cost of a dryer drum gearbox replacement at the Jimmy Smith
WWTP.

Public Works

 Snow & Ice Removal-
To: 010-600-403-577403 $64,000.00
 Powell Bill
 Appropriated Fund
From: 010-000-000-499900 ($64,000.00)
 Balance

Explanation: Appropriate additional funding to cover budget shortfall.

 2. Amended Annual Meeting Notice

In response to a question from Councilmember Tait, Mr. Moody stated that the $64,000
requested for salt would purchase approximately 400 tons. He noted that a nationwide
shortage had made the product difficult to obtain and explained that the duration of the
supply would depend on the severity of the remainder of the winter season.
PLANNING MATTERS
Advanced Planning Specialist Jessica Mitchell presented the proposed Stoneman’s Raid
Interpretative Panel and noted a spring installation was expected. She indicated that
partners have agreed to contribute funds, but the Town would need to fund $1,500 to cover
the remainder of the cost.
Next, Ms. Mitchell requested Council's direction on the priority of a historic marker for
Boone’s tobacco trade and the tobacco burley warehouses within its work plan.
Councilmember Roseman indicated that the Historic Preservation Commission has
worked diligently for many months on the Stoneman’s Raid marker and expressed thanks
to the Civil War Trail representatives for their assistance. She then made a motion to
approve the design proof as presented and to have the Town fund the remaining $1,500 for
installation. Councilmember Plaag seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

Regarding the work plan, Councilmember Roseman stated that she wanted to ensure staff
time was used efficiently and requested guidance from other members on whether work
related to the tobacco warehouse should proceed at this time. Ms. Shook explained that
the item had been discussed previously but was inadvertently omitted from the Planning
Retreat materials. She asked for clarification on where the project should fall within the
current work plan.

Councilmember Roseman stated that she believed the three projects currently identified
were appropriate priorities for the calendar year and suggested deferring the tobacco
warehouse project to next year. Councilmember Plaag recommended that the project be
included on a list of future projects.

Councilmember Plaag asked whether a proposal had been submitted identifying the
location of the historic marker. Ms. Mitchell responded that the location was proposed for
the Temple of the High Country. Councilmember Plaag expressed appreciation that the
group had brought the proposal forward, noting that their property was the site of Boone’s
third burley tobacco warehouse, while the two earlier warehouses had been located at the
Watauga County Library and the Walker College of Business. He requested that both the
Historic Preservation Commission and Council keep in mind that Mr. Freed had
possession of a historic tobacco scale that currently had no permanent location and
suggested that it be placed in a visible, public area along Queen Street near the site of the
first tobacco warehouse.

Mr. Freed stated that he wanted to ensure the project was implemented in a way that
functioned well and suggested it could be addressed as a winter project in coordination
with Public Works. He also suggested the possibility of constructing a small shelter with
benches or seating at the bottom of the Queen Street parking area.

COUNCIL MATTERS
Discussion Regarding Town Manager Hiring Process
It was the consensus of Council to table this item until the February 11, 2026, regular Town
Council meeting.
Approval Of Letter-Trust For Public Land

Mayor George explained that the Trust for Public Land (TPL) assisted communities like
Boone in exploring bond referenda, packaging bond proposals, and placing them on the
ballot. He noted that the draft letter had been reviewed and approved by Allison and
Interim Town Manager Dale Presnell.

Ryan Olson, representative from TPL, explained that the organization focused its work in
four primary areas: conservation finance, urban parks, large-scale landscape
conservation, and agricultural protection. Mr. Olson stated that TPL had achieved an 85
percent success rate since 1996, attributing that success to the organization’s transparent
process, lack of hidden agendas, and collaborative approach. He noted that TPL enjoyed
working with municipalities that had not previously pursued bond initiatives and expressed
the belief that such an effort was needed in Boone. It was explained that the letter
demonstrated seriousness to potential funders and helped distinguish Boone’s intentions.

Mr. Olson further explained that the initial phase would involve providing technical
assistance and conducting a feasibility study, including guidance through the polling
process. If polling results were favorable and Council elected to proceed, the process
would move into a campaign phase. He clarified that TPL did not run campaigns but
worked alongside local partners to ensure voters understood what would appear on the
ballot. It was noted that, for a public works building, the Town Attorney would need to
determine whether the project could be presented as a single-bond or multiple-bond
question.
Mayor Pro-Tem Carter stated that he was very impressed with the proposal and viewed it
as an opportunity for guided learning, with multiple off-ramps should Council decide not to
move forward. He added that he could not recall the Town ever pursuing a similar effort in
the past.

Councilmember Plaag suggested using the polling process to test a broad range of
priorities and gauge community support, citing projects such as Rivers House and Daniel
Boone Park. He stated that the process could help Council better understand priorities
moving forward and that there was little downside in asking those questions.

Councilmember Roseman referenced a prior attempt by the County to pursue a bond
referendum that was unsuccessful due to a lack of a clear narrative. She stated that having
experienced guidance throughout the process would be beneficial.

Upon a motion by Councilmember Roseman, seconded by Councilmember Plaag, Council
voted unanimously to direct Mayor George to sign the letter as presented and send it to the
appropriate parties.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor George adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.


____________________________ _____________________________
Nicole Harmon, Town Clerk Dalton George, Mayor