Mayor and city manager highlight staff awards, community outreach and upcoming municipal actions

Mayor Melissa Elliott and City Manager Edward T. Blackmon used the July 8 meeting to report recent community engagement, staff recognitions and scheduling matters.

Mayor Elliott noted meetings with developers about affordable housing, a Zoom meeting on municipal bonds, recognition events for students and volunteers, attendance at Pride events, meetings to discuss a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and receiving the Opal Lee "Grandmother of Juneteenth" award from Zeta Phi Beta. She also reported that Congressman Davis will hold "office hours" in Henderson to meet with constituents.

City Manager Blackmon reported that Police Captain Joey Ferguson was named Crisis Intervention Teams Trainer of the Year by the NC National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He announced an upcoming special called meeting regarding municipal bonds, an Employee Appreciation Day on July 13, a scheduled Council tour of the city, and work on current and future responsibilities for Blacknall and Elmwood cemeteries.

Fire Chief Tim Twisdale introduced Firefighter Donte Richardson as the Star Performer of the Quarter, saying Richardson "always goes above and beyond in his work and is known for voluntarily mentoring younger firefighters." Mayor Elliott read a proclamation declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month and applauded Recreation and Parks staff led by Director Kendrick Vann.

In public comment, resident James Baines inquired about a house on Maple Street that had recently burned; no action or further detail is recorded in the minutes. The minutes also record that two people were sent to the hospital following health screenings at the Rural County Resilience Center grand opening, as noted by the Mayor.

The reports were provided for council information and no formal action was recorded in the minutes on these items.