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is essential to provide a safe and inviting site for visitors from the Jamestown community, across the United States, and beyond.”

The Jamestown Public Library requested an amendment that would add $10,000 to the contract from the Town.

“Due to inflation, the increase is needed for operations of the library,” said Gary Haynes, president of the Old Jamestown School Association, Inc., which oversees the library. “The Town has been most supportive of the Jamestown Public Library from its inception in 1986 and for that we are extremely grateful.”

Since the latter impacts the Town’s budget, a budget amendment was passed.

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A second budget amendment also passed to provide funding for a new employee. Current staff does not have time or the expertise to adequately handle the reporting, compliance and other requirements of federal Uniform Guidance that held property visioning workshops in September of 2021 and as a result of input by attendees — including D.R. Horton employees — came up with a plan for the property. No one spoke up to say the plan Harry came up with perfect but it was mentioned that it was better than the one Diamondback presented.

Katie Gumerson pointed out Harry’s plan was not what Horton shows in its plan, which includes apartments and townhomes. Harry’s plan did not.

One citizen pointed out that Harry did not ask for input from attendees, rather only giving them choices. She also noted that D.R. Horton employees were allowed to vote, which skewed the results.

Jessica Brooks Ingram Odell reminded the Council that the old Jamestown Public School had been scheduled for demolition until a group of citizens rallied to save it.

“We feel helpless,” Odell said, adding that she feels the Council is washing its hands of the residents.

The meeting, which lasted over 3.5 hours, including two 10-minute breaks, is available at www.youtube.com/c/TownofJamestownNC. All information about the rezoning, annexation and development agreement are available in the Jan. 17 Town Council packet at https://www. jamestown-nc.gov/my-government/meeting-minutesand-schedules and https:// www.jamestown-nc.gov/ my-government/planningzoning is required for the federal grants the Town has received or for which it has applied. The funds will eliminate the budget of $70,000 for two proposed debt payments, one of which was paid for out of available cash and the other was less than expected.

The Council recognized Sharen Apple, accounting manager and human resources, for her 16 years of service to the Town of Jamestown. Apple will retire Jan. 27.

Town Manager Matthew Johnson reported that a draft of a strategic golf course plan has been completed and staff will be meeting with a consultant regarding the draft.

Johnson also said that in early April the Town would be switching to solid waste garbage cans. This is in addition to the current recycling cans. A video has been produced about the cans and will soon be available at JamestownCanDo-NC.gov. Also, further information will soon be going out to residents.