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North Wilkesboro approves fire grant applications and temporary Reynolds Road closure; new officer sworn in
Summary
The board unanimously approved applications for two fire-department grants and adopted Ordinance 2026-02 for a temporary partial closure of Reynolds Road to accommodate fire station construction; Mayor Huffman also swore in Officer Gaspar-Manuel.
Mayor Randy Huffman swore in Officer Gaspar-Manuel at the start of the Jan. 22 meeting. The board then approved several operational and public-safety measures, including authorization for the fire department to apply for two grants and a temporary road-closure ordinance.
Fire Chief Robby Gentle asked the board to pursue a State Farm grant to obtain five laptops and a Fire House Subs grant to purchase a rescue boat. Commissioner Michael Parsons moved to approve staff applying for both grants; Commissioner Kristopher Hurley seconded the motion, which passed unanimously (5-0).
Town Manager Eddie Holland presented a temporary closure plan for Reynolds Road to allow construction access for the fire department project. Holland said Reynolds would be only partially closed and that access would be available from a rear street; he told commissioners the closure is expected within the next 30 days. Commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-02 to permit the temporary road closure; the motion by Commissioner Parsons, seconded by Commissioner Sandra Espin, passed unanimously (5-0).
In the manager’s report, Holland also noted repairs needed to Memorial Park light poles and said he would meet with county officials and the Parks & Recreation director; he reported planning staff had compiled information on town-owned properties (all zoned R-6). Town Attorney Victoria Brooks had prepared a new five-year lease for the Wilkes Art Gallery with a five-year renewal at $1 annually and a right of first refusal; the board discussed maintenance for the gallery elevator.
Chief Brad Mathis said the town planned to open a shelter at the Agriculture Center on Saturday ahead of an approaching storm, and he said Wilkes EMS (Jason Reavis) would coordinate shelter organization. The board closed the meeting with an adjournment at 6:14 p.m.
