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Council discusses Pope Center rates, golf-cart code alignment and ethics work session; Juneteenth funding request withdrawn
Summary
Council directed staff to evaluate rental rates and repair needs for the Edward B. Pope Conference Center, tabled a golf-cart code update for more detail, scheduled distribution of a model ethics policy and work session planning, and withdrew an earlier motion to fund Juneteenth after the organizer clarified no monetary support was requested.
At its May 11 meeting the Washington City Council considered several administrative and community-support items ranging from facility fees to code updates and ethics policy work.
Pope Center rental review: Mayor Bruce Bailey asked City Manager Will Long to evaluate rental pricing, deposits and facility repair needs for the Edward B. Pope Conference Center and report back at the next regular meeting. Long provided preliminary fiscal figures and asked staff to return with proposed pricing structures and supporting materials.
Golf-cart ordinance alignment: Will Long told the council the Code of Ordinances does not reflect prior council interest in being golf-cart friendly; council members requested prior actions and proposed language such as operational boundaries and requirements. Staff recommended tabling consideration until exact ordinance language and background materials could be prepared.
Ethics policy and charter work session: Council Member Calvin Wiggs asked for updates on charter and ethics policy. City Attorney Adam Nelson said he would circulate a model ethics policy for review and recommended scheduling a work session to consider charter amendments, targeting early August for a session and later submission of changes if desired.
Juneteenth funding withdrawn: Council Member Larry Hill initially moved to authorize city assistance of $1,750 for a Juneteenth celebration to cover music and event insurance. After organizer Adrienne Williams stated no monetary support had been requested, Hill withdrew the pending motion and the council did not appropriate funds.
Other items: Council discussed the Reese Booker Center hosting a new academic/youth program operating without charge and ongoing YMCA/Golden Harvest food distribution efforts in Wilkes County. The Fire Department reported using new extrication equipment in a recent quarry rescue, and staff said they are pursuing a multi-jurisdictional 911 meeting to improve mapping and data reporting.
Next steps: Staff will prepare detailed materials on Pope Center pricing and golf-cart ordinance language, the city attorney will circulate a model ethics policy and staff will coordinate follow-up reports to the council.
