Kernersville aldermen approve hazard mitigation plan, select Pope Park for community pool and pass budget moves and equipment lease

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen on Aug. 27 approved several staff‑recommended items in unanimous votes.

Northern Piedmont Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan The board adopted a resolution to adopt the Northern Piedmont Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The motion was made to adopt the resolution proposed by development staff and was seconded by Alderman Gorham; the board voted unanimously to approve the plan. Town staff had previously circulated the full plan link to aldermen for review prior to the meeting.

Pope Park selected as community pool site The board voted to confirm Pope Park as the location for the town’s planned community pool. Alderman Barrow moved to locate the pool at Pope Park; Alderman Apple seconded the motion. The board and staff said the pool committee narrowed potential sites to Pope Park and the Harmon/Pineview corner and that Samet (consultant) provided similar construction estimates for the two sites; the committee recommended Pope Park for reasons including greenway access.

Budget Amendment 2 The board approved Ordinance Amendment 2, which includes two expenditure adjustments: moving $118,936 in remaining loan funds from the museum renovation budget to cover outstanding renovation costs, and moving $168,000 back out of a previously transferred parks and rec special account so the acoustic paneling for the rec center can be purchased. Town staff said about $340,000 was originally budgeted for the museum renovation and $118,936 remains to be transferred.

Mower equipment lease The board approved a resolution authorizing negotiation and execution of an equipment lease with Huntington National Bank for parks and recreation mowing and turf equipment included in the 2025–26 budget. Alderman Gorham moved; Alderman Pinnocks seconded. The board voted unanimously.

Consent agenda and other routine items The board approved the consent agenda unanimously; consent items included approval of several closed‑session minutes and resolution R‑2025‑34 (updated), authorizing an exception to competitive bidding requirements. The board also approved a motion to adjourn by Mayor Pro Tem Thompson and second by Alderman Gorham.

Several items for the Sept. 2 agenda were previewed: three public hearings (a rezoning for properties on Grave Street, a text amendment on murals and signage, and proposed financing of general improvements tied to the adopted 2025–26 operating budget). Staff said one resolution to declare property surplus for thermal imaging cameras and an installment financing contract authorization would be uploaded when bank bids are finalized.