Town Council 10-03-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 3, 2023 The Mooresville Town Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mooresville Government Center. Council members present were Council President Warthen, Councilman Swinney, Councilman Williams, Councilman Cook, and Councilman Brown. Town Attorney Chou-il Lee was also present. Council President Warthen gave the invocation and called the meeting to order. Council President Warthen acknowledged the passing of former Town Attorney Tim Currens who dedicated many years of service to the Town of Mooresville. Councilman Swinney motioned to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2023, executive session and seconded by Councilman Brown. Motion carried 5-0 Councilman Brown motioned to approve the September 19, 2023, meeting minutes and seconded by Councilman Swinney. Motion carried 5-0. New Business — Elizabeth Smith presented the street closing permit for the Dec 2, 2023, Victorian Christmas event. Additionally, requested use of the Government Center auditorium for related activities and a donation of $5,000.00, which accounts for approximately one-third of the estimated event cost. Traditionally, vendor spots and sponsorship funds have supported this event. However, she now requests assistance from the town due to rising costs and decreased sponsorships. Council President Warthen provided a detailed overview of the town's investments in Victorian Christmas, which include street department, police, fire, and EMS personnel, setting up and taking down street barricades, cleanup, trash removal, and public safety. Councilman Williams expressed his concern about the town having cash lying everywhere but can't do anything nice for the public. Councilman Cook acknowledged the desire to assist but stressed the importance of having a clear plan to determine which groups and events should receive donations from the town and the mechanism for allocation. Councilman Brown expressed his ability to see both opinions and expressed a desire to assist as well as a plan in place for future requests and mentioned revisiting this in a month to see if fundraising efforts had progressed. Councilman Brown made a motion to approve the street closure request. Councilman Swinney seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Town Attorney Lee proposed that the donation be included as an agenda item before voting on a donation, and the council unanimously agreed to this suggestion. Councilman Brown motioned to approve using the Government Center auditorium during Victorian Christmas. Councilman Swinney seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Public Hearing 1st Reading FY 2024 Budget — Paige Sanson with Baker Tilly updated that the net assessed values are going up 5%, the net property tax levy will go up by 3.7%, and the property tax rate is estimated to go down by 0.8%. Most department budgets are close to being balanced except for Park operating which is out of balance by about $59,000 and LIT public safety is out of balance by about $129,000. No public comments were made. Councilman Swinney made a motion to close the public hearing. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.