[PAGE 1] MAYOR TOWN BOARD Jessie Bellflowers Cynthia Hamilton Bryan Marley Grilley Mitchell MAYOR PRO TEM Lisa Tremmel Hope Page TOWN CLERK TOWN MANAGER Ashley Wyatt Chancer McLaughlin TOWN OF HOPE MILLS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Agenda April 6, 2026 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Jessie Bellflowers INVOCATION – Pastor Wilbert Harrison PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Jessie Bellflowers 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS. 2. OFFICIAL COMMENTS. a. Manager’s Report b. Board Member Comments 3. PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month (TAB 1) b. Proclamation Recognizing April as Month of the Military Child (TAB 2) 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Each speaker is asked to limit comments to three (3) minutes, and the total comment period will be 30 minutes or less. Citizens should sign up with the Town Clerk to speak prior to the start of the meeting. Please direct comments to the full board, not to an individual board member or staff member. Although the Board is interested in hearing your concerns, speakers should not expect Board action or deliberation on subject matter brought up during the Public Comment segment Topics requiring further investigation will be referred to the appropriate town officials or staff and may be scheduled for a future agenda. [PAGE 2] 5. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Consideration and approval of the Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes: March 18, 2026 Special Meeting and March 25, 2026 Special Meeting (TAB 3) b. Consideration and approval of the Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes: March 18, 2026 Closed Session (No attachments) c. Appointment of Commissioner Lisa Tremmel to the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce as the Board Liaison (No attachments) 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. Approval to receive grant funds from AAA and approve corresponding budget amendment #24 in the amount of $11,700 for the Police Department (TAB 4) b. Approval of amended bylaws for the Homelessness Advisory Committee (TAB 5) 7. CLOSED SESSION CALLED PURSUANT TO NCGS 143-318.11 (A) (3) ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE and (A) (6) PERSONNEL 8. INFORMATION ITEMS: a. Reminders - Tuesday, April 7th | Prime Movers Committee| VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, NC| 6:00pm - Wednesday, April 8th | Historic Preservation Commission| Thomas Campbell Oakman Chapel, 3711 South Main Street, Hope Mills, NC | 6:00pm - Thursday, April 9th | Cultural Arts | VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, NC |6:30pm - Tuesday, April 14th | Homelessness Advisory Committee| VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, NC| 6:00pm - Monday, Monday April 20th | Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting | Town Hall | 7:00pm - Thursday, April 23rd | Veterans Affairs Commission | VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, NC | 6:00pm - Monday, April 27th | Parks and Recreation | Parks and Recreation Building | 6:30pm - Tuesday, April 28th | Appearance Commission | VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, NC | 6:30pm - Thursday, April 30th | Board of Commissioners Special Meeting | 5770 Rockfish Road | 4:00pm 9. STAFF COMMENTS. 10. ADJOURMENT [PAGE 3] TAB 1 [PAGE 4] TOWN OF HOPE MILLS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2026 WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resource and the foundation of our community's future, and every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment free from abuse and neglect; and WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect are significant public health issues that have long- term psychological, emotional, and physical effects on victims, affecting their development and well-being into adulthood; and WHEREAS, child abuse prevention is a community responsibility, and effective prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, and law enforcement; and WHEREAS, we recognize that supporting families through community-based resources—such as quality childcare, mental health services, and economic support—is the most effective way to prevent child maltreatment before it occurs; and WHEREAS, the Blue Pinwheel serves as the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the bright, healthy, and happy childhood that all children deserve; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jessie Bellflowers, Mayor of the Town of Hope Mills, do hereby proclaim April 2026, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Town of Hope Mills and I call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families and prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the community in which we live. This 6th day of April, 2026 ____________________________ JESSIE BELLFLOWERS, MAYOR [PAGE 5] TAB 2 [PAGE 6] TOWN OF HOPE MILLS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD – APRIL 2026 WHEREAS, every April, our nation pauses to recognize the more than 1.6 million military-connected children who serve as a vital part of our military community, demonstrating exceptional resilience, courage, and strength; and WHEREAS, these young heroes face unique challenges, including frequent moves, new schools, and the stress of parent deployments, yet they continue to display an unwavering spirit and a "Strength in Every Story"; and WHEREAS, military children play an essential role in our national defense by providing the unconditional love and support that allow our service members to focus on their missions around the globe; and WHEREAS, the color purple symbolizes all branches of the military—blending the Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard blues, the Army green, and the Marine Corps red— representing the unity and shared sacrifice of all military families; and WHEREAS, our schools, businesses, and communities are encouraged to "Purple Up!" and participate in programs that celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of military-connected youth throughout the month; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jessie Bellflowers, Mayor of the Town of Hope Mills, do hereby proclaim April 2026, as Month of the Military Child in the Town of Hope Mills and I call upon all citizens to join in recognizing these remarkable children and to participate in Purple Up! Day on April 15, 2026, as a visible sign of our support and gratitude. This 6th day of April, 2026 ____________________________ JESSIE BELLFLOWERS, MAYOR [PAGE 7] TAB 3 [PAGE 8] MAYOR TOWN BOARD Jessie Bellflowers Cynthia Hamilton Grilley Mitchell Bryan Marley MAYOR PRO TEM Lisa Tremmel Hope Page TOWN CLERK TOWN MANAGER Ashley Wyatt Chancer McLaughlin TOWN OF HOPE MILLS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Agenda –March 18, 2026 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting Mayor Bellflowers called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and welcomed those in attendance. STAFF PRESENT Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin, Deputy Town Clerk Coronda Regan, Deputy Police Chief Derwin Brayboy, Fire Chief Matt Cain, Planning Director Emily Weidner, Public Works Director Don Sisko, Deputy Public Works Director Bruce Clark, Town Planner Xavier Robinson, Human Resources Director Leeanne Carlucci, Finance Director Drew Holland, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Hurlburt, Parks and Recreation Director Lamarco Morrison, and Town Attorney Dan Hartzog. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bellflowers led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Mitchell seconded. The motion carried unanimously. OFFICIAL COMMENTS Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin presented a comprehensive report covering several key items. He announced that the 2026 Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration which would be held on June 20th and was being moved to the Hive of Hope Mills. He also spoke to the Women Mean Business Seminar conducted by the Hope Mills Chamber, scheduled for the following day, with the town purchasing a table to accommodate eight staff members. He highlighted that the police department received $11,704 from the AAA Auto Club Foundation for a traffic alert system to reduce distracted drivers and mentioned the recent ribbon cutting for the new Planet Fitness and reminded residents about fire safety as grilling season approached. The report concluded with information about the recent budget priorities meeting and the top priorities set by the board and how planning staff attended the North Carolina Main Street Conference in New Bern, which was particularly relevant as the board had identified pursuing a Main Street designation for Trade Street as a priority. Special Meeting March 18, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 9] Commissioner Hamilton welcomed everyone to the meeting. Commissioner Mitchell expressed gratitude that the community survived the storm and commended the decision to postpone the Monday meeting as a proactive safety measure. Mayor Pro Tem 'Page congratulated Cumberland County school students selected for the 2026 North Carolina Governor School program, specifically highlighting one student from Southview High School who was selected from all applicants. Mayor Bellflowers provided an extensive summary of the State of the County address The Mayor noted strong municipal participation within the county. He encouraged citizens to view the address on YouTube and announced the upcoming legislative delegation meeting on Thursday. PRESENTATIONS The Proclamation Recognizing National Vietnam Veteran’s Day was read into the record. Human Resources Director Leeanne Carlucci gave a presentation regarding the municipal operations of her department. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pastor Jason Tadlock, who lives in Fayetteville but pastors Harbor Baptist Church in Hope Mills, addressed concerns about a permit delay for a 240 square foot storage building addition. He explained that despite his contractor's expectation of a routine approval, they have been waiting four weeks without resolution after being told twice that they would receive a call back. Mayor Bellflowers assured Pastor Tadlock that the Town Manager would follow up with him. CONSENT AGENDA Consideration and approval of the Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes: March 2, 2026 Regular Meeting, March 2, 2026 Special Meeting, and March 6, 2026 Special Meeting Consideration and approval of the Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes: February 16, 2026 Closed Session Consideration and Approval of a Proposal from Precision Safe Sidewalks in the Amount of $16,227 for the Facilities Trip Hazard Removal Project Consideration and Approval of a Proposal from Precision Infrastructure Management in the Amount of $18,132 for a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Conditions Survey Approval of Resolution R2026-004; Declaring certain property of the town to be surplus and authorizing the disposition of said property Acceptance of Monthly Financials- February 2026 Removal of Jennifer Privette, Sally Bailey, Kristen Walkinshaw from the Appearance Commission Special Meeting March 18, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 10] Nomination and Appointment of Victoria Smith to the Appearance Commission Commissioner Marley moved to approve items A through H under consent agenda. Commissioner Mitchell seconded. The motion carried unanimously. CLOSED SESSION CALLED PURSUANT TO NCGS 143-318.11 (A) (3) ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE (A) (5) LAND ACQUISITION and (A) (6) PERSONNEL The board motioned to enter closed session. The board returned to open session. OLD BUSINESS Overview Of Municipal Bond Process An overview of the municipal bond referendum process timeline discussed at the recent budget retreat was provided. Staff outlined a detailed schedule that would begin with contacting financial advisors Davenport and Company and bond counsel Bob Jessup, followed by pre-application calls with the Local Government Commission (LGC). The timeline would progress through April with finalizing capital projects and debt capacity, May with informal notice to the board of elections and preliminary resolutions, June with bond introduction and public hearings, July with formal public hearings and ballot question setting, and conclude with the referendum in November. Mr. McLaughlin emphasized that the process would move quickly once initiated and provided this information for public awareness of the potential timeline. Consideration And Approval Of Hope Mills Board Of Commissioners Rules And Procedures Recommended Updates Town Attorney Dan Hartzog presented comprehensive proposed changes to the board's rules and procedures based on commissioner input. The changes addressed several key areas: Remote Participation: The language was simplified to reference "in accordance with North Carolina law" rather than requiring a separate policy, while maintaining that remote participants can discuss but cannot vote or count toward quorum. Mayor Pro Tem Selection: The requirement for selecting the highest vote-getter from the preceding election was removed due to staggered terms, allowing the board to elect any member as mayor pro tem at the organizational meeting. Special Meeting Requirements: Hartzog noted that the statutory requirement for any two commissioners to call a special meeting could not be changed to require a majority, as general statutes supersede local policies. Agenda Timeline: The deadline for commissioner requests was moved to Tuesday before regular meetings, with draft agendas distributed Wednesday, providing more review time while maintaining board flexibility to modify agendas at meetings. Special Meeting March 18, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 11] Committee Reporting: The board agreed to quarterly reports from committee chairs rather than bimonthly, with Commissioner Mitchell noting this aligns with Veterans Affairs Committee practices. Appearance Commission Removal Language: The language regarding removal of appointed board members was softened while maintaining the board's authority. The board expressed consensus on all proposed changes, with Mr. Hartzog indicating he would bring a final version for formal adoption at the next meeting. New Business Approval Of Revised Guidelines For The Appearance Commission Commissioner Tremmel explained that the revisions added requirements for agendas and minutes to be available 48 hours before meetings, formal designation of officers (chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer), and quarterly reporting requirements. These changes addressed previous operational issues and aligned with updated procedures. Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the revised guidelines. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tremmel and carried unanimously. Approval Of Amended Bylaws For The Veterans Affairs Committee Former Commissioner Joanne Scarola, representing the Veterans Affairs Committee, presented amendments to bylaws last updated in 2022. Changes included updates to the mission statement, clarification of membership structure removing Parks and Recreation liaison, and confirmation that VFW and American Legion representatives have voting privileges while the board liaison does not. Commissioner Hamilton raised concerns about quorum language stating "50% of authorized strength" and suggested changing to "majority of the committee" for clarity. After discussion with Town Attorney Hartzog, the group agreed to change the language to "majority of the authorized strength." Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the amended bylaws with the agreed-upon quorum language change. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hamilton and carried unanimously. Approval Of Resolution R2026-005; Resolution Supporting FY2027 Community Project Funding Request For Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies, COPS Technology And Equipment Mayor Bellflowers read the resolution supporting a federal funding request for $115,208 to procure police equipment including 10 mobile data terminals, 12 small desktop PCs, 24 monitors, and 20 body armor sets for the Hope Mills Police Department. Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin explained this was tied to the town's ongoing grant program and required the resolution for application submission. He noted that Congressman Rouzer's office Special Meeting March 18, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 12] had contacted them about project submissions, and while the original deadline was that day, they received approval to submit if the resolution was provided the following day. He emphasized this was a non-matching grant opportunity. Mayor Bellflowers added that the time-sensitive nature of this resolution was a primary reason for holding the special meeting. Commissioner Marley moved to approve Resolution R2026-005. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mitchell and carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Seeing no additional business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 pm. The board motioned to adjourn the meeting. ADOPTED this 6th Day of April 2026. _____________________________________ Jessie Bellflowers, MAYOR ATTEST: _____________________________ Ashley Wyatt, MMC Town Clerk Special Meeting March 18, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 13] MAYOR TOWN BOARD Jessie Bellflowers Cynthia Hamilton Grilley Mitchell Bryan Marley MAYOR PRO TEM Lisa Tremmel Hope Page TOWN CLERK TOWN MANAGER Ashley Wyatt Chancer McLaughlin TOWN OF HOPE MILLS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Meeting Agenda –March 25, 2026 5:00 p.m. Special Meeting Mayor Bellflowers called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM and welcomed those in attendance. STAFF PRESENT Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin, Town Clerk Ashley Wyatt, Deputy Town Clerk Coronda Regan, and Finance Director Drew Holland NOTE: Commissioner Grilley Mitchell arrived at 5:06pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bellflowers led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS Commissioner Marley moved to approve the agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Page seconded. The motion carried unanimously. CLOSED SESSION CALLED PURSUANT TO NCGS 143-318.11 (A) (3) ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE and (A) (6) PERSONNEL The board motioned to enter closed session. The board returned to open session at 5:59pm. ADJOURNMENT Seeing no additional business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm. The board motioned to adjourn the meeting. ADOPTED this 6th Day of April 2026. _____________________________________ Jessie Bellflowers, MAYOR ATTEST: _____________________________ Ashley Wyatt, MMC Town Clerk Special Meeting March 25, 2026 Vol 34 [PAGE 14] TAB 4 [PAGE 15] Meeting Date: April 6, 2026 AGENDA FORM TO: Chancer McLaughlin, Town Manager FROM: Drew Holland, Finance Director SUBJECT: Receipt of Grant Funds BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Town’s Grant program has submitted and received $11,704.94 from the AAA Grant titled, Implementation of a traffic alert system and program to reduce distracted drivers. These funds will go towards the purchase of a speed sign used to reduce speeding in the Town. A budget amendment for $11,700 is attached for your approval. STAFF RECOMMENDATION, IF APPLICABLE Approval RECOMMENDED MOTION: Approve Budget Amendment #24 for $11,700 FISCAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: BA #24 Speed Sign picture This agenda form has been reviewed by: Initial & Date Town Manager Finance Director DH 3/24/26 Town Attorney Department Head (s) Town Clerk-Interim [PAGE 16] SPEED ALERT 18 RADAR MESSAGE TRAILER [PAGE 18] SPEED ALERT 18 RADAR MESSAGE TRAILER WITH RED/BLUE FLASHERS (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY) [PAGE 21] TAB 5 [PAGE 22] BY-LAWS HOPE MILLS HOMELESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARTICLE 1: PURPOSE THE HOPE MILLS HOMELESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (HMHAC) is to promote and stimulate the development of all economic sectors within the Town of Hope Mills and potentially within the Region. The duties and activities of the committee shall include, but are not limited to, the creation of capital investment and employment opportunities through solicitation of new business and industry and expansion of existing business concerns. ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP The HMHA Committee will consist of 7 people. The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners shall appoint seven (7) voting members who shall include the following: Chair Co-Chair Project Manager Secretary Treasurer The seven appointed members shall have one full and equal vote. The appointed members shall remain until the Board of Commissioner reinstates term limits. ARTICLE 3: MEETINGS Meetings of the Committee are public and open. The meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the open meeting laws of the State of North Carolina. The Committee should establish a regular date, time, and place for its meetings. These meetings will be publicized according to North Carolina state laws. At a minimum, these meetings will occur quarterly, one of which will be an annual meeting within the first quarter of each calendar year. The Chairperson, or any of the other six (4) voting members may call special meetings. Prior written notice will be required 48 hours before any special meeting. Annual Meetings: At the annual meeting, the Committee will elect from the seven appointed members, a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer. [PAGE 23] Committee members are expected to actively participate in all scheduled meetings and official functions of the Hope Mills Homeless Advisory Committee. Any member who misses more than three (3) consecutive scheduled meetings without providing direct communication or prior notice to the Committee Chair or designated representative shall be subject to review for removal from the Committee. Failure to maintain consistent participation and communication may result in indefinite removal from Committee membership. The Committee reserves the right to request removal by the Board of Commissioners and fill any vacancy created by such removal in accordance with established appointment procedures. B. Quorum: Quorum shall consist of the majority of the members present. ARTICLE 4: OFFICERS: The officers of the Committee shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and a Secretary/Treasurer. The Committee shall elect the officers annually. Chairman: The Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the Committee and shall preside at all meetings. The Chairman may appoint such committees as the Committee may require and be assigned. They shall perform all duties commonly incident to this position. Vice-Chairman: The Vice-Chairman shall perform the duties and have powers of the Chairman during the absence or incapacity of the Chairman. They shall perform all the duties commonly incident to this position. Project Manager The Project Manager shall oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of committee initiatives, programs, and special projects. The Project Manager is responsible for monitoring project timelines, ensuring goals and deliverables are met, coordinating with community partners and stakeholders, and providing regular progress updates to the Committee. The Project Manager shall also assist in identifying program needs and recommending strategies that support the Committee’s mission and objectives. Secretary/Treasurer: The Secretary/Treasurer shall be responsible for the minutes of all the meetings, financial reporting, and records. ARTICLE 5: BUDGET The Committee shall request a budget of $5000 per annum from the board of Commissioners. [PAGE 24] All funds allocated to or expended by the Hope Mills Homeless Advisory Committee shall be utilized exclusively for programs, services, resources, initiatives, or activities that directly benefit individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the Town of Hope Mills. Committee funds shall not be used for services, projects, or expenditures occurring outside the Town of Hope Mills unless such expenditures directly support or serve residents of Hope Mills and receive prior approval in accordance with established committee and municipal financial policies. The Committee shall maintain transparency and accountability in all financial matters and ensure that all expenditures align with the Committee’s mission to serve the homeless population within the Town of Hope Mills. ARTICLE 6: BY-LAW AMENDMENTS: Except as otherwise provided by law, these By-Laws may be amended, added to, altered or repealed in whole or in part by the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners To ensure that the Hope Mills Homeless Advisory Committee maintains a strong connection to and understanding of the community it serves, committee membership shall be limited to individuals who reside within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Hope Mills or within its designated Municipal Influence Area (MIA). Proof of residency may be required and shall be verified in a manner determined by the Committee or the Town of Hope Mills. Members must remain in good standing by maintaining residency within the Town of Hope Mills or its direct MIA for the duration of their term. Should a member relocate outside of the Town of Hope Mills or its direct MIA, their membership may be subject to review and possible termination in accordance with established committee procedures.