Wendell board approves downtown grant amendment, adopts emergency plan participation and requests NCDOT road maintenance transfer

The Wendell Town Board of Commissioners approved three administrative items during its regular September meeting: an amended downtown improvement grant for a Main Street business, adoption and signature authorization for the Wake County Emergency Operations Plan and a mutual‑aid agreement, and a local resolution requesting that the North Carolina Department of Transportation abandon state maintenance of a portion of Lake Glad Road so the town may accept it into the municipal street system.

Bella Butcher — 8 North Main Street

Planning staff told the board that Bella Butcher, previously awarded a downtown improvement grant of $25,500, requested an amendment after permitting and construction uncovered additional utility and renovation costs. Staff said the project is a Type 4 grant eligible for up to $50,000 or 50% of total cost and that grant funds are reimbursed only after construction and invoicing. The applicant requested an additional $9,136; the board approved the amendment by voice vote. The grant remains subject to submission of paid receipts for reimbursement.

Wake County Emergency Operations Plan and mutual aid agreement

Town staff presented two related emergency‑management items: adoption of the Wake County Emergency Operations Plan and authorization for the town manager to sign a county mutual aid agreement. Staff explained the plan follows the National Incident Management System (FEMA) and that municipalities must have compatible plans to qualify for state and federal resources during incidents. Staff said Wendell has identified personnel to stand up a municipal emergency operations center and is updating FEMA training; the board authorized the mayor to sign the plan and the manager to execute the mutual aid agreement.

Lake Glad Road maintenance request (NCDOT)

The board also adopted a resolution requesting that the North Carolina Department of Transportation abandon maintenance of about 0.4 mile of Lake Glad Road — from north of the Buffalo Creek bridge to the transition into Haywood Street — so the town can accept the section into Wendell’s street system. Staff said the acceptance is connected to development agreements for the Magnolia Town subdivision; the developer will be responsible for required improvements tied to earlier agreements. NCDOT will retain responsibility for the Buffalo Creek bridge. The board authorized the town manager to forward the local resolution to NCDOT for review by the state Transportation Board.

All three actions were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposing votes noted in the meeting transcript.