On the agenda: Canton 8-13-26 minutes — flock camera (Aug 13)

August 13, 2026
At the regularly called meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen/women of the Town of
Canton held at 85 Summer Street, Canton NC, August 13, 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, Assistant Manager Walker, Deputy Clerk Young
and Town Attorney Morgan were present.
C. Pledge
Alderwoman Proctor led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Approval of Minutes: July 28, 2026
Alderwoman Mull made a motion to approve the July 28, 2026, minutes as presented. Alderman
Shepherd seconded the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion.
E. Mayor Comments
Mayor Smathers stated school starts next week and asked Chief Sluder if we are ready. Chief
Sluder stated yes, we are as ready as we can be. Our officers have had training over the summer
to help them be prepared for the school year. Mayor Smathers asked Chief Sluder if he had any
suggestions about how to make things as smooth as possible for this school year. Chief Sluder
said the best advice he could give is, if you see something, say something. Mayor Smathers
thanked Chief Sluder for his work. Mayor Smathers stated there are no flock cameras inside the
Canton town limits.
F. Aldermen/women Comments
Alderwoman Mull thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Alderman Hamlett also thanked
everyone for coming. Alderwoman Proctor stated she has gotten several compliments about the
pool and all abilities playground. Alderwoman Proctor asked Chief Sluder about the date for
National Night Out. Chief Sluder stated the date is set for Tuesday, October 6th. Last year we had
to reschedule from August to October because of weather and the community responded better to
the cooler temperature. Alderman Shepherd reminded people to be aware of students and school
buses.
G. Public Comments

Debbie King from the Beaverdam community addressed the Board. She asked that all UDO
Comprehensive Plan voting stop immediately. Mrs. King stated the Board needs to dissolve part
of the current planning board and ensure lawful residents are made through the proper county
channels. She stated the current draft should be thrown out, and the process should start over.
Mrs. King stated she would like the record to show that her request to be notified of all public
meetings began May 15th not July. Mrs. King stated there have been several meetings held
without being publicly announced. Mrs. King has formally requested copies of all planning
board and extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) meeting minutes since the project began. Mrs. King
stated she brought to the Town’s attention the forbidden error on the Board & Commissions
page. The website was updated August 5th Planning Board times and a vacancy note. She asked if
there are in fact any current vacancies on any of our Town’s boards. Mrs. King reiterated her
questions from the July 28th meeting regarding the ETJ representatives. Those representatives
currently consist of a brother and sister to Board members, the director of a conservancy and an
individual that ran for the US Senate in Florida, these all pose conflicts of interest. She asked if
these members were ever approved of by the county. Mrs. King feels the members of the ETJ
board should be people who live in the ETJ. Mrs. King also stated that the previous minutes
include a post-adjournal conversation with the Town Attorney, in which she was told Mr. Morgan
would send her the comprehensive draft and maps, she never received any other those copies.
She again requested those copies. Mrs. King stated this is a dangerous precedent of regulation
without representation. Mrs. King’s three minute public comment concluded at that time.
H. Reports from the Manager
Assistant Manager Walker presented the cash report. Manager Stinnett presented the tax report.
Manager Stinnett stated the Hurricanes are unavailable to come as the Grand Marshall for the
Labor Day parade, she suggests we use Miss Labor Day and the court as Grand Marshalls. The
Board gave consensus to move forward with Miss Labor Day as Grand Marshall.
I. Old Business
None.
J. New Business
1. Resolution: Opposing any federal increase to commercial truck size or weight
Manager Stinnett presented a resolution that opposes increasing the size or weight of trucks
allowed through the Town (see attached). Alderman Hamlett made a motion to sign the
opposition. Alderwoman Mull seconded the motion. The motion carried.
2. Resolution: Encouraging Collaborative Engagement Regarding Healthcare Services in
Western North Carolina
Manager Stinnett presented a resolution that encourages collaborative engagement regarding
healthcare services in western North Carolina (WNC)(see attached). Mission Hospital in

Asheville is the only Level 1 trauma center in WNC. The presented resolution supports efforts
focused on improving healthcare access and workforce in WNC. Alderwoman Mull made the
motion to sign the resolution. Alderman Shepherd seconded the motion. The motion carried.
3. Set Public Notice: EDA Federal Assistance Request
Manager Stinnett presented public notice from the EDA grant. This grant provides funding for
the Wastewater treatment facility. Manager Stinnett asked for permission to move forward with
the process, the public notice must be printed in the paper. Alderwoman Mull made a motion to
move forward. Alderman Shepherd seconded the motion. The motion carried.
4. Sponsorship Request: PHS Cross Country
Joe Sayblack, head coach of the Pisgah High School cross country team, presented the Board
with a request for sponsorship (see attached). Mr. Sayblack stated that any sponsor money raised
will go to pay for athletes’ registration fees and hotel stay as they have to travel distances for
some of their meets. Mr. Sayblack stated that any sponsors will be listed on the back of the
athlete’s race shirts and will be available for fans to purchase. Alderman Shepherd made a
motion to give a $150 sponsor. Alderwoman Mull seconded the motion. The motion carried.
5. Personal Relationships within the Workplace
Manager Stinnett presented a policy (see attached) update from Chief Sluder about personal
relationships within the workplace. The policy was updated to mirror the Town’s policy.
Alderwoman Mull made a motion to accept the policy. Alderman Hamlett seconded the motion.
The motion carried.
K. Closed Session Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.00 (a)(3)(4)(5)(6)
Manager Stinnett stated that the economic discussion was not ready to be discussed and the
personnel issue took care of itself so there was no need for a closed session at this time.
L Adjournment
Next Regularly scheduled meeting will be held August 27, 2026 at 6:00 pm at 85 Summer Street,
Canton NC 28716. There being no additional business. Alderwoman Mull made the motion to
adjourn at 6:15 pm. Alderwoman Proctor seconded. The motion carried.

Amanda Young – Deputy Town Clerk