Town Council — Boone, NC
Date: 2025-03-26

Town of Boone
 Town Council Regular Meeting
 6:00 PM, March 26, 2025
 Town Council Chambers
 1500 Blowing Rock Road

 Public Comment: (Remote): Individuals who wish to address Council remotely can do so
 through WebEx either online or by phone. If you wish to provide public comment remotely,
  please email Town Manager, Amy Davis at meetings@townofboone.net or call in at 828-268-
 6200 and you will be provided with an invite to the meeting. All registrations must be
 completed by 12:30 PM the day prior to the meeting. Staff will moderate the WebEx session to
 ensure all participants have an opportunity to address Council.


 I. Call to Order

 II. Moment of Silence

 III. Announcements

 IV. Tentative Agenda Adoption

 V. Approval of Proclamations and Resolutions

 1. Approval of Proclamation - Arbor Day
 For Action

 2. Approval of Proclamation - Women's History Month
 For Action

 3. Approval of Proclamation - Power Lineworker Appreciation Days
 For Action

 VI. Public Comment

 VII. Approval of Items on Consent Agenda

 1. Approval of Ordinance - July 4th Parade
 For Action

 VIII. Planning Matters

 1. Consideration of Boone Cemetery Interpretative Panels Installation.
 For Action

 IX. Council Matters

 1. Appointment to Human Relations Commission
 For Action

 X. Closed Session

Town of Boone Town Council March 26, 2025
 1
 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.

 XI. Potential Action Following Closed Session

 XII. Adjournment




Town of Boone Town Council March 26, 2025
 2

MINUTES – BOONE TOWN COUNCIL
 MARCH 26, 2025
 1500 BLOWING ROCK ROAD

CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Boone Town Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on March
26, 2025, in the Town Council Chambers located at 1500 Blowing Rock Road in Boone.
Mayor Tim Futrelle presided. Council members present included Mayor Pro-Tem Dalton
George, Todd Carter, Virginia Roseman (entered at 6:03 p.m.), Edie Tugman, and Eric
Plaag. Town staff included Town Manager Amy Davis, Town Clerk Nicole Harmon-
Church, Interim Police Chief Daniel Duckworth, Deputy Planning Director Brandon
Wise, Planning Director Jane Shook, Advanced Planning Specialist Jessica Mitchell,
Public Works Director Todd Moody, and Finance Director Guy Miller.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

A brief moment of silence was observed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No announcements were given.

TENTATIVE AGENDA ADOPTION

Upon a motion by Council member Tugman, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem George,
Council voted to adopt the agenda as presented.

 VOTE: Aye: Tugman, George, Carter, Plaag
 Nay: None
 Absent:Roseman

APPROVAL OF PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Mayor Futrelle read the following proclamation into the record:

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture
that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and
WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more
than a million trees in Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Boone was named a 2024 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day
Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Boone has honored its commitment to effective urban forest
management as a recognized Tree City for 33 years; and
NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, I, Mr. Tim Futrelle, Mayor of the Town of
Boone, do hereby proclaim April 4, 2025 ARBOR DAY in the Town of Boone, and I urge
all citizens to support efforts to care for our trees and woodlands and to support our
Town’s Community Forestry Program, and further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to
gladden the hearts and promote the wellbeing of present and future generations.
Recognition as a 2024 Tree City USA is a reflection of The Town of Boone's
commitment to the environment and an effective urban forest management. We realize
that trees provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits and that trees
are one piece of community infrastructure that actually increases in value over time.

This the 26th day of March, 2025.
_______________________
ATTEST: Tim Futrelle, Mayor
_______________________
Nicole Harmon-Church, Town Clerk

Mayor Pro-Tem George thanked Deputy Planning Director Brandon Wise for his work
on this program and proclamation, and noted that staff had acquired 33 Tree City
awards over the years.

************************************************************************************************
Council member Tugman read the following resolution into the record:

 RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

WHEREAS, March is designated nationally as Women’s History Month, an annual
commemoration acknowledging that women of every race, class, and ethnic
background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, women have been leaders not only in securing their rights of suffrage and
equal opportunity but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement,
the industrial labor movement, and the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, women have played vital roles in the Town of Boone, in particular as
educators, business owners, healthcare professionals, public servants, religious
leaders, artists, and engaged citizens, enriching the town's culture and economy; and
WHEREAS, women in Boone have been at the forefront of local initiatives and
movements advocating for education, environmental sustainability, economic
development, and social justice, ensuring a thriving and inclusive community; and
WHEREAS, despite these significant contributions, the role of women in history has
often been overlooked and undervalued in literature, teaching, and the study of
American history; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town of Boone formally recognizes March
2025 as Women’s History Month and encourages all residents to celebrate and reflect
upon the invaluable contributions of women throughout history and in our community
today.
This the 26th day of March, 2025
______________________ Tim Futrelle, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________(SEAL)
Nicole Harmon-Church, Clerk

Mayor Futrelle applauded the recognition of women's vital role and acknowledged the
ongoing assault on women’s rights.

**************************************************************************************************
Mayor Futrelle stated that this year's Lineworker resolution carried more weight than in
previous years. He believed the workers never receive the praise and recognition they
deserved, but considering all the time and energy they put into restoring service after
Hurricane Helene came through the area, everyone is even more grateful for their
service this year. He then read the following statement and proclamation:

 PROCLAMATION HONORING PUBLIC POWER LINEWORKERS DURING
 LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAYS
 APRIL 8 AND APRIL 18, 2025

WHEREAS, on January 3, 2017, the 115th Congress of the United States adopted
House Resolution 10 recognizing the profession of lineworkers, the contributions these
brave men and women make to protect public safety, and expressing support for the
designation of April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2015, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified House Bill
140, which designates the second Monday in April of each year as Lineworker
Appreciation Day in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Boone celebrates the profession of electric
lineworkers and wishes to honor them for their exemplary service to the Town and its
citizens; and
WHEREAS, lineworkers are often first responders during storms, working to repair
broken and damaged electric lines under hazardous conditions to make the area safe
for other public safety heroes; and
WHEREAS, lineworkers play a vital role in the lives of our citizens by maintaining and
growing our electrical infrastructure, putting their lives on the line every day by working
with the dangers of high voltage and ensuring they provide safe, reliable energy; and
WHEREAS, the lineworkers of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and
Power’s electric utility and their example of service above self are deserving of the
respect, admiration, and appreciation of all the citizens of the Town of Boone; now,
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Boone, North Carolina, joins all N.C. public power
communities and all public power systems in the United States in these celebrations of
Lineworker Appreciation Days.

This the 26th day of March, 2025
______________________ Tim Futrelle, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________(SEAL)
Nicole Harmon-Church, Clerk

Upon a motion by Council member Plaag, seconded by Council member Tugman,
Council voted unanimously to approve the following:

 1. Proclamation – Arbor Day
 2. Proclamation – Women’s History Month
 3. Proclamation – Power Lineworker Appreciation Days

PUBLIC COMMENT

Riley Oates, representative from the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided
information regarding the availability of small business loans for relief and repairs
related to Hurricane Helene. Council Member Plaag expressed concern about the public
perception that funding for this program had been depleted. In response, the SBA
representative clarified that ample funds remained available for distribution to storm
victims. Council Member Plaag recommended that the SBA representative connect with
the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to help increase awareness and improve
outreach regarding the availability of these resources.

APPROVAL OF ITEMS ON CONSENT AGENDA

Upon a motion by Council member Plaag, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem George,
Council voted unanimously to approve the following items on the consent agenda:

 1. Ordinance – July 4th Parade

INTERPRETATIVE PANELS

Advanced Planning Specialist Jessica Mitchell provided a brief update on the Boone
Cemetery Interpretative Panels, which were approved by Council in May 2024. She
reported that the panels were ready for installation and requested Council’s guidance on
whether an official unveiling ceremony should be held.

Council Member Plaag asked whether any additional changes had been made to the
panels following their final approval. Ms. Mitchell confirmed that no further changes had
been made. Council Member Plaag expressed his support for holding a ceremony,
emphasizing the importance of commemorating one of the most critically significant
events in Boone’s early history. Council Member Tugman concurred and proposed that
a guided tour of the cemetery be held in conjunction with the unveiling ceremony, noting
that such an event would be both engaging and informative.

Council member Plaag offered to convey the request for a cemetery tour to the
Watauga Historical Society, contingent upon consensus from the Council. Mayor Pro-
Tem George expressed his support and agreed that collaboration with the Society
would be both appropriate and enriching. There was consensus among the Council
members to proceed with the request for a cemetery tour. Council Member Plaag
recused himself from the consensus, as he is a member of the Watauga Historical
Society. He confirmed that he would relay the request to the organization.

Regarding the timing of the unveiling ceremony, Council member Plaag recommended
scheduling the event for early May, when the weather is typically warmer and drier, and
Appalachian State University students are still present in town. He also suggested that
staff contact the History Department at Appalachian State University to extend an
invitation to attend the ceremony.

Ms. Mitchell stated that she would share this information with the Historic Preservation
Commission and would coordinate with both the Commission and the Watauga
Historical Society to plan the event. She concluded her update with a brief status report
on the Stoneman’s Raid interpretative panels.

APPOINTMENT TO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Mayor Pro-Tem George initiated the appointment discussion by nominating applicant
Trevor Moody to serve a three-year term on the Human Relations Commission.
Before a vote was taken, Council member Roseman shared that she had encouraged
applicant Evelyn Sharpe to apply for the position. She noted that, despite having
differing political perspectives, her conversations with Ms. Sharpe had consistently
demonstrated an ability to find common ground. Council member Roseman emphasized
that this quality would be particularly valuable in a representative serving on the Human
Relations Commission. She further emphasized the importance of ensuring diverse
representation on the Commission to incorporate a broad range of viewpoints. In light of
these considerations, Council Member Roseman nominated Ms. Sharpe for the seat set
to expire in June.

Following the discussion, Mayor Futrelle called for a vote.
 T. Moody
 Term expiring March 26, 2028

 VOTE: Aye: All
 Nay: None

 Trevor’s Term will expire on March 26, 2028.

Council member Carter expressed that he did not support the suggested term for
applicant Evelyn Sharpe. He emphasized that the Human Relations Commission had a
defined mission, and he believed that its members must be fully engaged with that
mission to ensure both success and productivity. Council member Carter suggested that
Ms. Sharpe be considered instead for the seat currently held by Buck or for a term
expiring in September.

Council member Roseman responded by deferring to the Commission’s liaisons,
Council members Carter and George, regarding the appropriate term. However, Council
member Carter also raised concerns about Ms. Sharpe’s application, specifically noting
issues related to name-dropping and questions about her residency. In response,
Council member Roseman acknowledged these concerns but maintained that Ms.
Sharpe’s contributions could not be fully understood until she was given an opportunity
to serve.

Council member Plaag expressed appreciation for Council member Roseman’s
collaborative spirit and her desire to find consensus. However, he stated that he could
not support Ms. Sharpe’s appointment to the Commission for any term.

Council member Tugman shared her concern based on the application, noting that it
appeared Ms. Sharpe was significantly invested in her residency in Florida. She
questioned the applicant’s motivation to serve on a board in Boone and expressed
doubts about her level of commitment to the Boone community. Council member
Roseman agreed that she, too, had concerns about the emphasis the applicant placed
on personal associations, including individuals she had previously worked with or dated,
while making minimal reference to the mission and goals of the Human Relations
Commission.

Mayor Pro-Tem George added that the Council had previously denied applicants based
on residency and voter registration in other jurisdictions. He emphasized that all
applicants, including Ms. Sharpe, would be welcome to reapply in the future.

Council member Roseman then provided background information on Ms. Sharpe, noting
her familial connection to the owners of Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock as an explanation
for her listed address. She also shared that Ms. Sharpe had experienced severe brain
trauma, which she believed might contribute to the applicant’s current understanding of
the world. Council member Roseman expressed confidence in the applicant’s potential
and encouraged Council members to give her a chance to serve.

Council member Carter acknowledged the applicant’s background and recommended
that she consider reapplying with a more complete and appropriate application. Despite
the concerns raised, Council Member Roseman stood by her nomination of Ms. Sharpe
for the seat, but with a September expiration. A vote was subsequently taken.

 E. Sharpe
 Term expiring September 14, 2025

 VOTE: Aye: Roseman
 Nay: Carter, George, Tugman, Plaag

Mayor Pro-Tem George inquired whether applicant Puliatti, who was attending the
meeting virtually, wished to speak about her application. Ms. Puliatti respectfully
declined the opportunity and expressed her gratitude to Council members for their
consideration.

Mayor Pro-Tem George proceeded to nominate Ms. Puliatti to serve a two-year term on
the Human Relations Commission. Council member Carter expressed his support for
the nomination, thanking Ms. Puliatti for submitting an excellent application that
demonstrated both passion and a strong sense of commitment. He also acknowledged
and expressed appreciation for her public service within the school system.

With no further nominations brought forward, Mayor Futrelle called for a vote.

 VOTE: Aye: All
 Nay: None

Ms. Puliatti’s term will expire March 26, 2027.

Upon a motion by Mayor Pro-Tem George, seconded by Council member Carter,
Council voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m.


_____________________________ _____________________________
Tim Futrelle, Mayor Nicole Harmon-Church, Clerk