Cramerton mayor leads public Q&A on creating a Public Arts Program at special meeting

Mayor Wills led a public question-and-answer session on March 1, 2023, at a special meeting of the Town of Cramerton to solicit input on designing a Town Public Arts Program. The meeting was held at Confluence South Fork and began at 6:05 p.m.

The board adopted the proposed meeting agenda after a motion by Commissioner Helms and a second from Commissioner Kincaid; the agenda passed by a recorded vote of 4 to 0, with Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley not present at the time of that vote. Town Manager Zach Ollis, Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins and Town Clerk Hannah Brown were listed as staff in attendance.

During the main portion of the meeting, Mayor Wills discussed public art goals and ideas for a formal Public Arts Program and took questions from residents. Sixteen people were listed on the sign-up sheet to speak, including Mike Andrea, Dixie Abernathy, Annabelle Bahr, Jennifer Ramsey, Kelly Newman, Cathy Young, Jason Hackett, Morgan Tran, Laura Robinson, Wendy Cauthen, Robert Burke, Jessica Bourque, Jill Womack, Carly Overly, Angie Hussy and Carol Wertz. Commissioner Kincaid thanked residents for attending, said the board represents every person in town, and encouraged the public to participate in events at Confluence South Fork.

No formal vote to establish a Public Arts Program or to adopt program details was recorded in the meeting minutes. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn by Commissioner Helms, seconded by Commissioner Kincaid; that motion carried 5 to 0 and the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

The town did not record any formal actions creating a public-arts policy at this session; next steps and any staff assignments or follow-up meeting dates were not specified in the minutes.