Franklin Town Council August 2026 Regular Meeting

 1. Call to Order

Mayor Stacy J. Guffey opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. He read a complimentary quote from a local journalist praising the Council’s transparency and the dedication of Council members, the Town Manager, Police Chief, and staff.

2. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Vice Mayor Mike Lewis.

3. Adoption of the August 3, 2026 Town Council Agenda Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously with no discussion.

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda Included approval of the July 6, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes, July 14, 2026 Special Called Meeting minutes, and budget amendments. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.

5. Introduction/Recognition

• Jason Hopkins introduced new Wastewater Treatment Operator Brian Tallent.
• Hopkins recognized Jake Slagle (absent; at training) for earning Wastewater Lab Analyst II certification (one of only two in Macon County).
• Kyle Pocquette recognized Jeff Shuler (on solo shift) for C Surface certification and Pedro Ruiz (on vacation) for Plant Maintenance Technologist I.
• Public Works Director Bill Deal recognized Kyle Pocquette for Plant Maintenance Technologist I and Chris Waldroop for the OSHA Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health (MESH) certification (requiring 100 hours of training). Photos and brief remarks followed.

6. Presentations A. Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum Former Mayor Jack Horton, Eric Haggart (“Chaos Coordinator”), and committee members (including Commissioner Gary Shields) presented. They explained the history of local sales taxes in North Carolina, noted that all surrounding counties already have the quarter-cent rate (bringing their total to 7%), and clarified the impact: one extra penny on every $4 spent. Projected revenue exceeds $2 million annually and could fund public safety, EMS, senior services, animal shelter, capital needs, and education without relying solely on property-tax increases or fund-balance draws. Ballot language is state-mandated. A Facebook page and community outreach meetings were announced. Council Member Rita Salain moved that the Town Council go on record supporting the referendum; after discussion, the matter was deferred so a formal resolution could be prepared for the September meeting.

B. Franklin TDA – Strategic Plan Chairman Tim Crabtree (with Morgan Stewart standing in for Subcommittee Chair Colin McGinnis) presented the living 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan. Guiding principles emphasize making Franklin a premier destination, accountability, collaboration (Chamber, Visit Smokies, Highlands TDA, Town staff, Raleigh), and external partnerships. Focus areas: funding optimization (occupancy-tax rules), event calendar coordination and a new quarterly funding application with green checklist and post-event reporting, tourism-related infrastructure (welcome signage, murals, directional totems, sculptures, public bathrooms, parking), and marketing under the “Experience Franklin” brand with research-driven, AI-aware outreach. Legal counsel confirmed the Currituck County Supreme Court ruling and the Town’s local act give broad latitude for tourism-related expenditures. Questions addressed measurement of overnight stays and continued event funding.

7. Public Session No speakers are recorded in the transcript for a formal open public session (aside from the later public hearing).

8. Items from Council

• Mayor Guffey and Council Member Robbie Tompa discussed the need to develop more activities and amenities for young people and families (bowling, skating, etc.), tying into Main Street and economic-development efforts.
• Brief remarks from other members; no formal resolutions or proclamations were adopted during this portion in the transcript (the agenda listed Purple Heart and veterans-related items, but the transcript focuses on family/youth discussion).
• Main Street update referenced earlier work.

9. Public Hearing – Rezoning of 1.10 acres at 85 Maple Street Fire Chief/Town Planner Justin Setser presented the conditional rezoning request by OHNC LLC to allow two additional townhome/duplex units (increasing density), reduced side setbacks (from 10 ft to 5 ft), and zero lot line between duplexes, in exchange for a future sidewalk easement. Planning Board recommended approval; a neighborhood meeting was held with limited attendance and no opposition at the Planning Board or this hearing. Town Attorney John Henning emphasized this as an excellent use of conditional zoning that advances the Comprehensive Plan’s housing-density goals near services. No one signed up to speak. Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously.

10. Old Business – Waiver of continuing-use fees for Southwestern Community College Town Manager Amie Owens presented options after the July 6 waiver of the $49,700 availability fee. Council chose to install a metered hydrant and charge the inside volume rate of $5.28 per 1,000 gallons (rather than a full waiver or the higher outside rate). Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Staff will notify the College and supply the meter.

11. New Business A. Economic Development Incentive Grants

• Kitchen Sink, Inc.: Additional funds ($2,244.18) approved to maximize the $5,000 façade + $500 sign matches after cost overruns on a new awning/sign. Unanimous approval. Town Attorney noted work on a simple contract form to protect the Town’s interest.
• Nantahala Building Products: Retroactive façade grant of $4,067.13 for completed exterior painting on Depot Street. After discussion about whether the program is meant as a true incentive (pre-work) versus reimbursement, and noting prior interest shown in February plus the visible improvement to Depot Street, the grant was approved 4–2. Councilman Joe Collins and Councilwoman Rita Salain voted no. Staff will clarify policy language and bring revisions later.

B. New five-year contract with J&B Disposal Town Manager Amie Owens and Benita Hamstra presented. Cost is lower than the current contract; multi-year term requires Council approval. Unanimous approval.

C. Award to HMC Paving Company, Inc. Lowest responsible bid of $635,126.99 (well under the ~$840,000 budgeted) for multi-area paving and sidewalks. Priority on the large Sunnyside parking lot; work expected before asphalt plants close. Unanimous approval. Remaining funds may allow additional spring projects. A separate pavement-condition study RFP is planned.

D. Adoption of the Utility Refunds Policy Town Attorney John Henning presented a draft clarifying deposits and establishing limited eligibility for refund of tap/system-development fees (primarily residential ≤1-inch service when a project falls through). Discussion raised the issue of long-term credits when future rates rise; the item was deferred to September so language can be added.

12. Departmental Updates – Public Works

• Bill Deal (Public Works Director): Updates on Hillside Street 2-inch water line (to precede paving), generator transfer switch, storage adapters for fire department, pump-station upgrades, rollout of 250+ cellular LTE meters, 10,000+ ft of sewer cleaning, Allman Drive boardwalk pre-construction (start mid-to-late October; will remain gravel initially, 10 ft wide with handrails), and positive results from the new in-house fleet mechanic. Thanks expressed for COLAs/steps.
• Kyle Pocquette (Water Treatment): Normal operations; voluntary water restrictions continue under extreme drought; reporting requirements increased; settling basins cleaned; annual state inspection positive; plant upgrade construction progressing (building, electrical, HVAC); valve and bypass issues resolved.
• Jason Hopkins (Wastewater Treatment): SCADA system procurement underway; pretreatment activity high (new food trucks/restaurants); successful state pretreatment and bacteriological inspections; new role overseeing boil-water advisory testing.
• Chris Waldroop (Streets Supervisor): Right-of-way long-arm mowing progressing with weekly notices; Main Street trash collection routine solid; Women’s History Trail/roundabout beds under recovery after weather delays; Sunnyside Park bathroom nearing completion (fixtures installed, doors locked, walkway paving imminent, fencing ordered, siding pending); target opening mid-September if all elements ready; fall decorations planning beginning; staffing interviews underway in coordination with other departments.

Mayor Guffey thanked Public Works staff for both the visible and “behind-the-scenes” work.

13. Announcements

• Special Called Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. (presentation only; no action; quorum issues noted for some members).
• Next regular meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (Labor Day adjustment).
• Town offices closed Monday, September 7 (Labor Day).
• Pickin’ on the Square: August 8 & 22, 6:00 p.m.; special event September 5 with fireworks.
• Fall Litter Sweep: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 a.m.–noon (led by Council Member Travis Higdon).

14. Adjournment Motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned.