On the agenda: Canton 7-28-26 minutes — flock camera (Jul 28)

July 28, 2026
At the special called meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen/women of the Town of
Canton held at 85 Summer Street, Canton NC, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 pm with Mayor Smathers
and Aldermen/women Hamlett, Mull, Shepherd and Proctor present the following proceedings
were held.
A. Call to Order
Mayor Smathers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
B. Roll Call
Mayor Smathers stated that Manager Stinnett, Deputy Clerk Young and Town Attorney Morgan
were present. Assistant Manager Walker was absent.
C. Pledge
Alderman Shepherd led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Approval of Minutes: July 9,, 2026
Alderwoman Mull made a motion to approve the July 9, 2026, minutes as presented.
Alderwoman Proctor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion.
E. Mayor Comments
Mayor Smathers stated we officially own 60 plus acres around the Pisgah baseball field and
Pisgah FFA farm. This was bought and donated by the Southern Appalachian Highlands
Conservancy, no taxpayer money was used for this purchase. This tract of land also includes the
field across from the baseball fields where the Sportsman’s Club practices. This will continue to
be their home base for practices. There is a lease in place with Haywood County Schools that
allows all activity to continue as normal. Mayor Smathers also stated he would like it noted there
are no flock cameras inside the Canton city limits.
F. Aldermen/women Comments
Alderwoman Mull thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Alderwoman Proctor reminded
everyone that this Friday is Mill Around Town and encouraged everyone to attend. Mayor
Smathers also commented that this weekend is Farm Fest. Alderman Shepherd thanked the Town
employees for all their hard work.
G. Public Comments
Debbie King from Beaverdam stated she has great concern over the comp plan. She fears there
could be a severe breakdown in communication and a conflict of interest in the board appointed
February 12, 2026. She went on to point out the major contributors of conflict are Hanni
Muerdter, the director of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, she feels this could be a

conflict when it comes to easements. Harold Shepherd and Anna Jorstead and both siblings to
board members and the mayor. Howard Knepper, who ran for office in Florida several times, she
would be interested to know what his physical address is. Mrs. King stated she would like all
public records from 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2022 regarding the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Mrs. King also requested a copy of the zoning plan, Attorney William Morgan stated he would
email it to her. Mrs. King gave written notice (see attached) that she be added to all email and
other notifications regarding any and all public meetings for the Town of Canton.
H. Reports from the Manager
The cash report of was unavailable as Assistant Manager Walker is out of the office. Manager
Stinnett requested consensus from the Board that the rescue squad be allowed to park their
medium duty rescue truck on Town property. Manager Stinnett stated we have room and she is
agreeable to let them do that if the Board agrees. The rescue squad is clearing out of the building.
The Board gave consensus. Manager Stinnett stated she plans to apply for the North Carolina
Renew Commercial District Revitalization Grant in the fall to help renovate the Colonial
Theater.
I. Old Business
None.
J. New Business
1. Bolton and Menk Owners Advisor: Design Build Wastewater Treatment Presentation
Chris Rosenboom from Bolton and Menk gave a presentation of updates for the wastewater
treatment facility (see attached). Mr. Rosenboom stated flowmeter data and monitoring have
begun on the wastewater. Samples were taken and submitted. Mr. Rosenboom presented 3 bids
and recommended that we enter negotiations with Harper Construction on an initial design
contract. Alderwoman Proctor asked if there were only 3 submissions for the RFP and Mr.
Rosenboom confirmed that was correct. Alderwoman Proctor made a motion to enter
negotiations with Harper Construction. Alderwoman Mull seconded the motion. The motion
carried.
2. Co-sponsorship: Bikers and Tows for Kids
Adam Hatton from Hatton’s Towing asked the Board for a co-sponsorship for his second annual
toy drive, Bikers and Tows for Kids. Mr. Hatton stated the date for this event is November 14,
2026, in Sorrells Park. Mr. Hatton stated that last year with this event they had 272 bikers and
helped 36 families and 2 families that lost everything in house fires. Alderman Hamlett stated he
was very impressed with Mr. Hatton’s application. Alderwoman Mull thanked Mr. Hatton for
doing this for the kids. Mayor Smathers thanked Mr. Hatton for this. Mayor Smathers stated this
is a source of good news. The number of homeless kids in our state alone is staggering.

Alderman Hamlett made a motion to co-sponsor Bikers and Tows for Kids. Alderwoman Mull
seconded the motion. The motion carried.
3. Ordinance: Labor Day Road Closure
Manager Stinnett presented an ordinance for road closures for Labor Day (see attached).
Aderman Shepherd asked if anything would be changing this year. Manager Stinnett said no,
everything would be the same as last year. Alderman Hamlett made a motion to approve the
ordinance. Alderwoman Mull seconded. The motion carried.
4. MOU: Firing Range
Manager Stinnett asked that this be tabled as there were last-minute changes made that have not
been reviewed. Manager Stinnett stated that Attorney Morgan has looked over the original and
found it agreeable. She will forward the new MOU to him to review.
K. Adjournment
Next Regularly scheduled meeting will be held August 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm at 85 Summer Street,
Canton NC 28716. There being no additional business. Alderman Hamlett made the motion to
adjourn at 6:18 pm. Alderwoman Mull seconded. The motion carried.