Knightdale Town Council Meeting

All right, good evening everyone.

Thank you so much for joining us. I believe the quiet means that we are ready to get our meeting started. So um I just want to welcome you. Thank you for joining us. Uh those of you that have joined us this evening as we prepare to conduct our organizational meeting which consists of three segments. We will begin with the first agenda session followed by an oath ceremony and then the second agenda session. So first we'll start with the first agenda session and we're starting with the adoption of the agenda. Any changes to tonight's agenda or motion to adopt?

I move to adopt.

Second. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Majority approves. Motion carries. So, we will start with presentations, recognitions, and awards. Recognition of Councelor Mark Swan. [snorts] And I do want to share um a few words this evening. Tonight is a meaningful moment for our community and for this council. As we gather together to honor councelor uh council member Mark Swan, we paused to celebrate one of Nightdale's most dedicated and longest serving public servants. I've had the privilege of traveling across the country and sharing with others the story of Nightdale, our progress, our teamwork, and as leaders who shape our community. Mark, you've been a core part of that story and an essential member of our team here. Over the years, we've been able to accomplish a great deal together. Through seasons of growth, through change, through big decisions, through bold projects, we have watched Nightdale transform. Your consistent push for the values that you believe in, whether it's connectivity, parks, multimodal transportation, public

safety, and education, has been invaluable. You've been a champion for the big things like the development of Panther Rock Park and the exciting projects on the horizon that are to come. And you've even fought for the smaller things, the everyday things that matter for our residents, like making sure we finally installed the water fountain at Mingo Creek Park. [laughter] Those moments show your heart for service just as clearly as the largecale initiatives. Your commitment to ensuring Nightdale grows responsibly and sustainably has helped guide this town for more than a decade. You've shown what it means to lead with conviction, with perseverance, and with genuine care for our community. So, Mark, at this time, thank you for your energy. Thank you for your dedication that you have poured into this role. We all know that this is not an easy job, but you've served it with integrity. And the impact that your decisions have made and the leadership that you have shown will continue to shape Nightale for years to come. So on behalf of this council and the staff, the residents of Nightale, I just want to let you know that we appreciate you. We honor your service and we're grateful for the legacy that you leave behind. And now we have a resolution for councelor Mark Swan. And I'd like to read this resolution in its entirety. Recognizing council member Mark Swan for his service to the town of Nightdale. Whereas the town council of the town of Nightdale, North Carolina wishes to express appreciation to Mark Swan for his dedicated service to the citizens of Nightdale. And whereas Mark Swan was elected to serve on the Nightdale Town Council in two in 2013, reelected in 2017 and 2021 for a total of 12 years of service. And whereas prior to his role

on the town council, Mark Swan served as a member and chair of the Nightdale Land Use Review Board. And whereas Mark Swan has been an advocate for bicycle and pedestrian mobility, often biking to the town council meetings and serving as a representative at events such as the Jimmy V Foundation, Victory Ride, and the NC bikewalk transportation summit. And whereas Mark Swan has also been an active supporter of our parks, our greenways, multimmodal transportation options, local schools, public art, broadband access, and programs such as Bike Safe NC, Eastern Wake Education Foundation, NC Vision Zero, and Reed Across America. And whereas Mark Swan has been a tremendous leader serving as council liaison to numerous boards and committees including the land use review board and parks and recreation advisory board, veterans memorial advisory board and sustainability committee. And whereas Mark Swan was able to help recognize the completion of several important projects during his time on the town council such as the Veterans Memorial Plaza, Nightdale Station Park Amphitheater, Nightdale Station Park Splash Pad, new public works facility, disc golf course, Harper Park redevelopment, fire station 1 and four, and the Mingo Creek Greenway extension project, just to name a few. And whereas Mark Swan helped guide the town through a period of tremendous residential and commercial growth, assisting staff with the development of the Nightdale strategic plan, the Nightdale next 2035 comprehensive plan, economic development strategic plan, safe streets for all safety action plan, affordable Nightdale housing plan, and comprehensive transportation plan. So now therefore, be it resolved that the town council of the town of Nightdale, North Carolina,

extends appreciation and congratulations to Mark Swan for his many years of service to the citizens of Nightdale and extend best wishes for continued success in life's pursuits. [applause]

[applause]

And now I'd like to invite you to the podium. We have a plaque that we'd like to give you to you. We have frame the resolution that I read in its entirety. We'd like to give you this as well. And this plaque that we are presenting says, "Your friendship, loyalty, and leadership. Mark Swan, your advocacy, support, and kindness throughout your years of service have made Nightdale a

wonderful organization. Best wishes, and thank you, Town of Nightdale, North Carolina, 2025. [clears throat]

[applause] [applause]

Two, three, I make no promises that my voice will last. Um, y'all know I don't talk long. Um, so as mentioned, there were a lot of great plans and and that a lot of good plans in place that are going to make this town keep moving forward. Um, but we have an even better group of elected officials uh and admin and town administration um that I feel great about where we're heading. Um, and we have the best staff. Um, so in my time here um the staff has just like I'm looking at some of the directors through here and and you are just some of the best in your field. Um, and that makes me have so much hope for for where Nitel is going to go from here. So, um, and and all the staff I've ever interact with, I love you all. Um, I'll miss working with you closely, but I'll still be interacting with you, um, here and there. Um, I want to thank my wife Christine for sharing me with the town for 18 years if you count the lur time. Um, and with all that, I know that the future of Nitel is bright. Um, I know that everyone will work together to on board Grady and and make sure that everyone has a smooth transition. Uh, I think that's missing from politics too often and and so I really do u want to

extend a welcome to Grady and and I have great hope for the future of the town. Thank you. [applause]

[applause]

I want to give space if there is any other comments that any of the other council members would like to make before we move to the next item.

I will not. Um, [laughter] you know, Mark, it has been an honor serving alongside you these last four years and even prior for my time on the LURB, having that extension of service um while you were on the council. uh you have clearly expanded my scope and understanding of walkable communities, pedestrian accessibility. Um I'm still not going to be riding my bike to council meetings. However, um I think that like I said, the work that you've done here um will live on and your legacy is forever uh cemented in all of the c crosswalks in Nightdale. Um, and so we look forward to continually engaging and pulling on your expertise in all matters that as it relates to where you see us growing and building from a citizen standpoint because the voice of our community still is the power of it is through our citizenship, not through the council. We are just the vessels that take that message forward. So we look forward to you leaning in heavy to that advocacy work. So thank you for your service. Yeah, and it's hard to add to what the mayor said, stated earlier. Um, you your

legacy will go on and on from from here, Mark. Certainly will be missed here. You know, you're you're just a great guy, a regular guy that doesn't mind swinging a hammer. U whether it's out at a habitat build, wherever it is, you know, riding your bike in uh to a to a meeting or whatever the case is, really showing the way. So, um, as I said, your your legacy will just go on and on. And it's just been a a great pleasure of mine serving with you on this council and also on lur many, many years ago. So, congratulations for all that you're you've done. And thank you for all that you've done. And, uh, Christine, maybe you'll get a little bit of a life back here maybe. Uh, but but thank you, Mark. It's been great.

Um, I will be quick um because I am not going to start us crying, especially myself. Um, I just want to say thank you so much for all of the knowledge that you have shared over these last five years with me personally. Um, you know, sharing more about sustainability and walkability, why those things are important, modal transportation and all of the other things. And again, thank you for getting that water fountain installed. I know that was important. Um, thank you for climbing up on Panther Rock and making me laugh. That was amazing. Um, but I I appreciate all the times that we've shared, not just here in the chambers, but outside of these chambers, getting to know each other on a personal level and building those relationships because they are important. They are what help us maintain that um that good responsibility that we have to the community here inside these chambers. So, I appreciate that. And just a quick shout out and a thank you to Christine for sharing Mark with us over the last 18 years. This community has benefited greatly because of that. So, thank you to you and your family for sharing this amazing person with us.

Um, so I I think the the first time that you and I served together was back in 2011 or 2012 on uh appropriately the comprehensive pedestrian safety plan.

Um, and I thought it back then, I still think it now. Um, you know, I I've told you before, you were a great example of how just a regular person who was committed to making change um could really show up and and make a big impact on their community. And so, thank you for being a shining example of what just a regular person with a commitment to making a change that just keeps showing up uh can accomplish in their community.

Thank you all for those comments. And now is a good time to ask for um I've read the resolution um asking for a motion for the resolution to adopt it.

So moved.

Second.

All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Majority approved. Motion carries.

Just want to say thank you again, Mark, and hopefully you know how much you are appreciated for what you've done here in Nightdale. So, next we will move to our public comment period. If there is anyone here tonight who wishes to speak on this item uh speak on an item that's not on the agenda, please step forward to the podium, state your name and address for the record. Please be aware that comments are limited to three minutes and you may come up at this time. All right. Hearing none, then we will move to report on citizens inquiries. Are there any reports um from council on any citizens inquiries? If not, then we'll move to the consent agenda. Are there any questions, comments on the consent agenda or motion to adopt?

Motion to adopt.

Second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Majority approves. Motion carries. And now at this time for this portion, may I have a motion to adjurnn?

So moved.

Second.

All in favor? carries. And uh so now we will take a fivem minute recess and we will move to our oath ceremony in just a moment. So we will end this session and we will start our second session in just about five minutes. Thank you all.

the best interest of all Nightdale residents. As we begin this ceremony, let us be reminded that leadership is a privilege and a service and a calling. Together, we will continue to create a night deal where every person can thrive, where every voice is valued and every decision moves us forward. So, I thank everyone for being here. Thank you for this moment. And now we are going to start with our pledge of allegiance. So, if we could have everyone stand up for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

And now we will have our invocation by Pastor Adrienne Dixon. [cough and clears throat] Good evening.

I don't often uh type out or write out my prayers, but uh given the occasion tonight, I I wanted to make sure to capture everything and the the essence of this moment. And so I would invite you to to bow with me as we pray. Gracious and and almighty God, following a week of giving thanks, we come before you tonight with continued gratitude, hope, and a deep sense of responsibility as we gather for this swearing in ceremony. We thank you for Nightdale, for the people, for our neighborhoods, our history, and our future. We ask for your blessing over all who serve and all who call Nightdale home. Tonight, we lift up and give thanks for councelor Mark Swan, who after 12 years of faithful and dedicated service to

this town, concludes his time on the council. We're grateful for his steadfast leadership, his sacrifice, and the many hours that he and by extension his wife and their sons have invested in strengthening the fabric of our community. May you bless him in this next season with rest, joy, and meaningful new opportunities to serve. We also lift up Shannon Russell Hardy who stepped forward with a willingness to lead and to offer her gifts to our town. We thank you for her courage, her passion, and her desire to contribute to our shared life. And we pray that her voice would continue to enrich Nightdale and that she may find meaningful meaningful ways to use her talents for the good of others. Tonight, we pray for those who have been elected to serve in this new term. For Steve, Latius, and Grady, we ask that you would grant them wisdom, clarity, and humility as they step into positions of responsibility. May their decisions be guided by integrity, compassion, and a genuine love for our town and its people. We also lift up our returning leaders, Steven, Ben, and Mayor Jessica Day. May you strengthen them with endurance and insight. Would you help them to lead collaboratively, courageously, and with fairness? Would you guide them to work together for unity, justice, and flourishing in every corner of our community? Lord, as each elected official takes their oath tonight, may it be more than words that are spoken. May it be a commitment that is lived out daily. May you grant them patience and conflict, courage and challenge, and creativity and problem solving, all while joy in who they serve. Would you bless this council with a spirit of partnership and mutual respect and shared purpose? Let their work bring peace where there is division, opportunity where there is

need, and hope where there is uncertainty. And we pray that Nightdale would continue to thrive because of leaders who seek the good of all. we entrust them and our community into your wise and faithful hands. And it is in your holy name that we pray. Amen.

Amen.

Amen. Thank you so much for that beautiful, beautiful prayer. And now we will start with the swearing in portion. And I'd like to take some time uh to recognize a few people that we have. Uh the first one will be doing the first swearing in um or the oath of office for Grady Busy. And I'd like to just give an introduction for Justice Michael Morgan. So thankful to have him. Thank you for taking the time to be here. Michael Rivers Morgan is a retired senior associate justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Justice Morgan served on the legal staff of the North Carolina Department of Justice for 10 years following law school. First as a research assistant, then as an associate attorney general, and later as an assistant attorney general. In 1989, he was appointed as an administrative law judge with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. And in 1994, Justice Morgan was appointed as a Wake County District Court Judge by Governor James B. Hunt Jr. and was subsequently elected to the judgeship by the voters of Wake County in 1996 and again in 2000. He was elected to the Superior Court bench in 2004 for an 8-year term and was reelected to the post in 2012.

In his first statewide quest for the elected office, Justice Morgan was elected in November 2016 to be an associate justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. He is the only jurist in the history of the state of North Carolina to have held four different judgeships. He is also the first African-American to ever be elected onto the state's highest court without the benefit of first being appointed. Although Justice Morgan retired from judicial service in September 2023, he continues to remain active in the community in legal and political affairs. We are honored to have you once again joining us this evening. And at this time, I would like to invite you to the podium. day. Thank you so much. It's an honor to be here in this tremendous town of Nightdale. And good evening to all of you.

It's a great day here in this wonderful municipality. And I have the honor at this time to administer the oath to councelor elect busy. Councelor elect, I understand that you have family members that are going to join you. And so at this time, I call forward your wonderful wife, your wonderful daughter. We'll position ourselves accordingly just like we planned it [laughter] with you in the middle, sir. Your left hand on the Bible as you raise your right hand. And we'll allow those that have their phones out to make sure they are properly centered off of selfie and getting the exact angles you want. As sir, at this time I will administer your oath to you. I and state your name. I, Grady Busy,

do solemnly and sincerely swear

that I will support

the Constitution and laws

of the United States

that I will be faithful

and bear true allegiance

to the state of North Carolina

and to the constitutional

powers and authorities

which are

or may be established

or be established

for the government thereof.

And that I will endeavor

and that I will endeavor

to support

maintain and defend

the Constitution and laws

of said state

of said state. not inconsistent with

not inconsistent with

the Constitution of the United States

to the best

of my knowledge and ability

and that I will faithfully

and I will faithfully

discharge the duties

of my office

as counselor

for the town of Nightdale

for the town of Nightdale.

So help me God.

You may lower your hand. Councelor Busy, congratulations. [applause]

[applause] [applause]

This one just [clears throat] Congratulations and welcome.

Next, we will have the oath of office for Latius Morris and Steve Evans. And here tonight, we have Representative James Robertson. And I'd like to share a few words about Representative James Robertson before he comes up. He is originally from Wilson, North Carolina and is a retired employee of Wake Technical Community College, having served as the senior dean of instructional support and chief campus officer of the Western Wake campus. In his 31-year career in education, he demonstrated true leadership by embracing and ensuring student success in education, economic, and workforce development. He received the award of the excellence in leadership for his contributions. Over the past 16 years, Representative Robertson has demonstrated leadership as an elected official. He was elected as at as as the Nightdale Town Council in 2007 and served two consecutive terms before being elected as mayor in 2015, serving in a role in that role until his appointment by the governor of North Carolina House of Representatives by the by the governor to be North Carolina House of Representatives. Representative Robertson has received many acolyte accolades for his leadership and commitment to our community. He is a proud member of five Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, Ada Sigma chapter, and an honorary Rotary member. Other memberships include NAACP, Wake County, Windendell Wake Legislative Black Caucus, and Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Representative Robertson is a visible community leader who serves as an inspiration and a mentor to others. And we are so grateful to have you here with

us this evening. We're so grateful that you accepted this. Thank you for being here. And if I could ask you to come up to the podium to lead the oath of office.

Good evening. I'm looking for my script up here. So, you all just bear with me. Uh before we get started, I would just like to say [clears throat] this is an incredible evening and I am so proud to see the accomplishments that have been made here in the town of Nightdale. My wife and I, we moved here 32 years ago and there was nothing but vegetation in most of the areas now where you see growth and development. Past council members shared their vision with new council members. The sharing of information I believe has led to where we are today. One of the most diverse municipalities in the state of North Carolina. one of the most diverse governing boards in the state of North Carolina. And we all should be proud of that. We all should be proud to serve as an example to the rest of the state. I am excited about the future of the town of Nightdale. To councelor Busy, welcome aboard. This will be an incredible journey, one that you will never forget. to your first lady. Thank you for sharing your husband and allowing him to serve. To the current council members, you know how I feel about you. I love each and every one of you. I've had the opportunity to work with you through legislative uh opportunities, but more importantly

as community members. And to Mark Swan, please know that we are so grateful for all that you have done for this community. And I know that Mark will remain a fixture in this community because he cares about the community. And if you look around this community and you see this wonderful growth that is taking place, wasn't done by one person. It was done by a team. collaboration. And so when you walk through the doors and you see the core values, the ark, accountability, respect, and customer service, my advice to each and every one of you follow those core values. Adopt a few of your own. Do whatever is necessary to best serve this wonderful community. At this time, I would like to ask Latius Morris to come up and we will perform the oath of office.

All right. All right. Can everyone [clears throat] hear me? Okay,

please repeat after me. I, Latius Morris, do solemnly and sincerely swear

I, Latius Morris, do solemnly and sincerely swear

that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States

that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina. that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina

and to the constitutional powers and

authorities

which are or may be established for the government thereof government whereof

and that I will endeavor to support maintain and defend

the constitution and laws laws of said state.

The Constitution of Laws and said state

not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States

to the best of my knowledge and ability. and that I will faithfully discharge the duties

and that I will faithfully discharge the

of my office as counselor for the town of Nightdale.

of my for the office of the town of Nightdale as sorry as the counselor of the town of Nightdale.

Congratulations.

Thank you. [applause] Are you going to take [clears throat] three? One, two, three.

All All right. Next, we will have counselor Steve Evans and his lovely wife, Michelle.

Everyone can hear me. Okay. All right. I, Steve Evans,

I, Steve Evans,

do solemnly and sincerely swear

that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States

that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of North Carolina

and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof.

which are or may be established for the

And that I will endeavor to support, maintain, and defend

the Constitution and laws of said state

not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States. not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States.

To the best of my knowledge and ability

to the best of my knowledge and ability.

And that I will faithfully discharge the duties

and that I will faithfully discharge the

of my office as counselor for the town of Nightdale.

of my office of counselor for the town

Congratulations. [applause]

[applause]

One, two, three.

[clears throat]

Okay, I would just quickly like to reiterate the importance of accountability and a c in customer service. Uh to the mayor, you have done an incredible job here for the town of Nightdale and you have surrounded yourself with a governing board that is the best in the state of North Carolina. We all need to rally behind this governing board. We see the wonderful work that is taking place. We see job opportunities, workforce development, educational opportunities. This is because of the wonderful partnerships not only with the municipalities in the area but with the county and state. Those relationships are very important. Each of you please remember you have access to my office. We stand ready to support you because we're all in this together. Many blessings to you all and congratulations. [applause]

[applause]

Thank you again so much, Representative Robertson. We thank you. Um, thank you so much for being here sharing. Uh, can we give it up one more time for our new and our, um, reelected council members?

It has been an honor and a ple pleasure to lead this oath ceremony this evening. uh to our reelected council members, councelor Morg Morris, uh councelor Evans, and to our new counselor, uh councelor Busussy. As Nightdale says, our slogan here is start something. And we are here tonight because this is the start of something great that we are going to be able to do together. So, thank you for your willingness. Thank you for standing up for serving the town of Nightdale. I look forward to working with you. I know our current council members, uh, Councelor Morgan, um, and Councelor McDonald look forward to working with you as well. So, uh, thank you to all of our family members that have been here. Thank you to all of our community members that joined us this evening. leaders that joined us. We appreciate you being here and supporting the town of Nightdale, seeing the future, seeing where we are going and supporting everything that we have here, looking forward to a great future. And now we will close out our oath ceremony. Thank you all. [applause]

Amazing.

All right. Well, we are going to begin our second session. So, welcome back everyone. Starting with uh the adoption of the agenda. Are there any questions uh changes to the agenda or motion to adopt the agenda for our second session?

Motion to adopt.

Second.

All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Majority approves. Motion carries. We will jump into our agenda. Uh first is our public comment period. Once again, this is a time for anyone here tonight who wishes to speak on an item that is not currently on the agenda. So, we'll open the floor again for anyone who has any comments. All right. Hearing none, we'll move to report on citizens inquiries. Any report on citizens inquiries from council?

All right. Hearing none.

Uh not.

We will move to the consent agenda. Any questions or comments about the consent agenda or motion to adopt?

Motion to adop adopt the consent agenda.

Second.

All in favor?

Any opposed? Majority approves. Motion carries. We will move to now. Actually, this is the last item on the agenda for this evening. So, is there a motion to adjurnn?

Motion to adjurnn.

I.

Any oppose? Majority approves. Motion carries.