Virtual Pop-Up Town Hall on the Garner 2020-2021 Budget

Town staff are holding a virtual Pop-Up Town Hall on Tuesday, June 2 at 2 p.m. The topic is the Town of Garner’s FY 2020-21 Recommended Annual Operating Budget. We’ll be live streaming the event on our Facebook page. Following a brief presentation offering an overview of the proposed budget, staff will be taking and answering questions.

You can email questions in advance to Budget and Special Projects Manager Mike Franks at mfranks@garnernc.gov. We’ll also take questions submitted as Facebook comments during the virtual town hall.

READ THE BUDGET DOCUMENT.

Below are a few high-level bullet points on the proposed budget. Another way to gain a quick overview is to read the Manager’s Budget Message (p. 48 of the budget document; a quick link is in the table of contents).

• The recommended tax rate of 48.21 is a decrease of 7.29 cents from last year and is only 2.5 cents above the revenue neutral rate of 46.21. The proposed tax rate would position the Town to address the growth experienced in recent years and what is anticipated in the future, taking into consideration how the Town’s tax base will grow as well.

• The recommended tax rate continues to make Garner one of the most affordable places to live in Wake County. Garner residents are currently projected to have the second lowest effective tax rate of all localities in Wake County.

• For the average Garner resident with a $230,559 home, the proposed tax rate would cost an additional $4.80 per month.

• Based primarily on the impact of COVID-19, the Town initially projected a $3 million shortfall. Multiple measures were used to address this including making significant reductions to department’s budgets, reducing employee pay, reducing street resurfacing funding and using one-time funds.

• The Town postponed nearly $2.5 million in new funding requests. The only new request that was funded was a School Resource Officer at South Garner High School that is required to protect the safety of students at the school.

Garner Cancels In-Person Independence Day Celebration: TV Program Planned; Fireworks May Be Rescheduled

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as uncertainties about future directives from the Governor’s Office concerning the phased reopening of the state, the Town of Garner has decided to cancel its traditional July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. The Town is hoping to reschedule the fireworks portion of the celebration for later in the year, but no final decision has been made.

Instead of the traditional in-person celebration—which historically has included fireworks, food vendors, kids activities and a performance by the North Carolina Symphony—the Town is planning to work with Garner-based Show N Tell Ministries to produce a television/video program that would feature Broadway stars, the 82nd Airborne Band, a Salute to the Troops and greetings from Mayor Ken Marshburn and Town Council Members. This program would be broadcast on the Town’s public, educational and governmental television channel starting on July 3 and also would be available on demand on the Town’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/townofgarner).

In addition, the Town is arranging to have an aircraft fly in a loop over Garner displaying a banner with an Independence Day message to residents.

Town staff presented this alternative celebration plan to the Town Council at its May 19 meeting, and the Council approved the proposal. Staff and Council believe this option will maximize opportunities to celebrate Independence Day while keeping staff and residents safe during this challenging time.

More details about this alternative celebration—and about any rescheduling of the fireworks show—will be shared as they become available. You can look for these details on the Town’s website GarnerNC.gov, as well as on the Town’s various social media accounts.

Stay safe.

Town Publishes FY 2020-21 Recommended Annual Operating Budget

The Town Manager’s Office has published the Recommended Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

The budget will be presented at the May 19, 2020 Town Council Regular Meeting. See the agenda and agenda summary HERE.

The Town Council will hold Budget Work Session on May 20, 2020 from 9am to 5pm at Town Hall.

View the full Recommended Budget HERE.

Garner Police Department Co-Hosting Blood Drive on May 13

The Blood Connection is teaming up with the Garner Police Department to host a blood drive during the 2020 National Law Enforcement Week.

The drive will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 2-7 p.m. in the upper parking lot between the police station and the library at 912 7th Ave.

You can scan the QR code on the flier to make an appointment or visit donate.thebloodconnection.org.

Garner Town Council Meeting Expected to Be Held Remotely

Town Hall remains closed to the public as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 20 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. However, as of the publication of this newsletter, the April 21 Town Council meeting is still scheduled to be held, but we expect it to happen remotely. We will have details soon about how the public can view the meeting and submit public comments in advance of it.

Keep up to date on local pandemic information and learn about available resources by visiting and bookmarking https://www.garnernc.gov/about-us/covid-19.

Stay well, stay home.

Re-published Courtesy Town of Garner

Unprepared Trash and Yard Waste Collection to Resume on April 27

The Town's spring unprepared trash and yard waste collection, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume April 27. Here are the routes remaining to be collected: Thursday (Purple and Yellow), Friday (Brown and Blue) and Tuesday (Green, Gold and Tan). It may take several weeks to cover these remaining routes. We appreciate your patience as crews work to provide this special service. 

Please do not approach our crews while they are out collecting the debris and waste. 

For more information about resumption of this service, please email Public Works at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or call 919.772.7600 (staff will be back on duty at the service desk Monday).

Also, All-Star Waste is now offering yard waste rollout carts (96 gallons, same as the tall green containers for garbage; see photo above) for sale for $50. They'll deliver it to you. Pre-order by texting 919.989.1562. You will be able to use the cart to put loose yard waste (not bound or in bags) curbside as part of your regular weekly collection. For other ways to prepare your yard waste for regular weekly collection, please visit this page on our website.

Garner UDO Re-Write Virtual Meeting Scheduled for April 15

The Town of Garner is updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs land use and development regulations in the Town’s jurisdiction. The UDO update will be guided by the Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan.

Public input is an important part of the UDO update, and members of the public are invited to attend a first public meeting--an online forum--to learn about the update process and timeline. This virtual meeting will be hosted by our consulting team from Stewart, Inc., and will be held on April 15 at 2 p.m. We will live stream it on our Facebook page, facebook.com/townofgarner. You can ask questions and offer input during the forum by posting comments on Facebook. We will also put the videotaped presentation on our website so residents can view it after the forum. This will not be your only opportunity to weigh in on the UDO update.

We will soon have more specifics here on the Town website concerning pre-meeting materials. Please also check the UDO Re-Write page for more general project information.

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In late 2019, the Town of Garner contracted with Stewart, Inc.'s Municipal Planning & Mobility team to undertake a re-write of the Town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). It is anticipated that this will be a 2-year project. Bookmark or subscribe to this page for updates.

What is a UDO, and what does a re-write project entail?

A UDO is a regulatory document that combines traditional zoning and subdivision regulations along with other desired regulations such as design guidelines, sign regulations, and floodplain and stormwater management into a single easy-to-read reference document. A UDO is intended to eliminate redundant or conflicting codes provisions, help streamline the development review and approval process, and clarify the procedures and requirements with clear illustrations and language.

The Garner UDO update process will:

• Update existing regulations and provide new standards for existing land development codes

• Implement the applicable vision and goals of the Garner Forward Comprehensive & Transportation plans

• Introduce form- or design-based code elements where applicable - including transit-oriented development requirements supportive of the Wake Transit Plan

• Standardize and streamline definitions, procedures, and enforcement processes

• Create a document that is easier to use, understand, administer, and enforce

• Assure the document is consistent with the latest federal law and North Carolina General Statutes, including the state’s new enabling legislation for municipalities: Chapter 160D

• Update street, access & connectivity standards

• Provide a standardized use table (LBCS with local amendments) - including guidance for interpretation and clarification on allowances for accessory/secondary/multiple use

• Clearly define home occupation standards that are observable, enforceable and defensible

• Modify existing zoning districts and introduce potential new base and/or overlay districts

• Simplify the conditional district rezoning process

• Be consistent with City of Raleigh Public Utility Standards

• Revise or add graphics and charts that clearly illustrate the intent of the UDO

Census 2020: In 2 Minutes Learn About the 2020 Census & Why it Matters to Garner.

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For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. The process will be quick and secure.

You can respond to the census in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. You’ll still be able to respond by mail.

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​Everyone Counts

Hospitals. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census is more than just a head count, it can shape many different aspects of Garner and Wake County.

The Latest

Census invitations will arrive between March 12 - 20 with instructions for responding online.

• Areas less likely to respond online will also receive a paper questionnaire.

• If you need help completing the 2020 Census, you can call a toll-free phone number.

• Plan to include everyone you expect to live in your home on April 1.

• You can respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more.

• Learn more at 2020census.gov. 

Why is the Census Important? 

Results are used to help determine:

• How more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities. These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

• The number of seats each state gets in Congress.

• How state and local officials draw boundaries for congressional districts, state legislative districts and school districts.

It’s critical that you’re counted. By April 2020, households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. You'll then have three options to respond.

Wake County is committed to educating our residents about the importance of the U.S. Census. Our representatives will be out and about at local events over the next year. Be on the lookout for the Wake Counts team, and get your questions answered one-on-one. See where they’ll be here.

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What is the 2020 Census? (30 Seconds)

This short video explains the importance and purpose of the 2020 Census. This questionnaire records every person living at your address on April 1st, 2020. This effort is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

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How Do I Take The 2020 Census?  (20 Seconds)

In March 2020, every household will get an invitation to complete a simple questionnaire. The three ways to respond are: online/mobile, by phone call, or sending the census by mail. Local census takers will assist those who do not respond.

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How Will 2020 Census Data be Used? (30 Seconds)

Learn how census data helps governments make funding decisions, nonprofits perform services, and businesses create jobs. Understanding changes in a population helps communities for the better.

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 Is My 2020 Census Data Safe? (30 Seconds)

The Census Bureau keeps your personal information safe and secure. By law, it cannot be shared with other government agencies, law enforcement, or landlords. Complete your 2020 Census with peace of mind.

Jones Sausage Road Construction Under Way

A big part of the Amazon fulfillment center project on Jones Sausage Road is road improvements at the I-40 interchange, in front of the Amazon facility and at the intersection of Jones Sausage and East Garner Roads. Roadwork has begun and will continue for several months. Motorists should expect delays and avoid Jones Sausage north of East Garner Road when possible.

Governor’s Task Force Encourages North Carolinians to Increase Preparedness Measures for COVID-19

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS RELEASE IS FROM 2/26/2020 AND IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.

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Press Release

Raleigh

Feb 26, 2020

Governor Roy Cooper’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force continues to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 infections occurring in North Carolina and is encouraging businesses, schools, health care providers, communities and individuals to prepare as well. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that Americans should be anticipating and preparing for the possibility of widespread COVID-19 in the United States. Since late January, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and NC Emergency Management (NCEM) have been operating a team to coordinate efforts around the state’s response. In early February, Governor Cooper formalized this effort with the creation of the COVID-19 Task Force. 

“NCDHHS has been coordinating with the CDC and state and local partners to prepare for COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak in China,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS. “We are asking North Carolinians to continue to plan ahead for the possibility of the spread of the infection, while the risk for North Carolina is currently low.”

NCDHHS and NCEM are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and respond to any potential isolated cases that might occur in the state and prepare North Carolinians to be ready in the event of more widespread, national COVID-19 transmission. The Task Force is developing response plans that address a range of possible scenarios. NCDHHS continues to host regular calls with local health providers and partners, develop and disseminate information and guidance and respond to questions from providers and communities.  

“We have been working closely with our Public Health and Office of Emergency Medical Services partners to ensure our preparedness for all scenarios as it relates to COVID-19 infection,” said Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry, who co-chairs the Governor’s Task Force with Dr. Tilson. "We would rather be over prepared to protect the health and well-being of North Carolinians."

The following are common-sense measures all North Carolinians can take to prepare for potential widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the state:

Individuals, Families and Communities 

• NCDHHS recommends everyone continue taking precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses, which includes COVID-19. 

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

  • Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

  • It is also good practice to start being more aware of the number of times a day your hands touch an object or hard surface and then touch your face without being washed. Limiting the exposure of your nose, mouth and eyes to unwashed hands can help to protect from the spread of all germs and illnesses.

  • Have a plan in case you need to miss work or other responsibilities due to personal illness or to care for a sick family member.

  • For pregnant women and children, review the information and guidance available on the CDC website.

Businesses and Employers 

• Practice good hand hygiene and encourage your employees and patrons to take common-sense precautions to protect themselves from the spread of respiratory illnesses.

• Review your policies and procedures for remote or teleworking where possible.

• Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences.

• Review absenteeism policies to make sure employees are not being encouraged to come to work if they are sick.

• If you have not already, establish a relationship with your local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.

• Look for more updates and guidance for businesses available on the CDC website.

Health Care Providers and Hospitals 

• Review policies and procedures for infection prevention and mitigation, and make sure that all employees are aware of and following the appropriate steps.

• Consider how to maximize the use of telemedicine, nurse triage lines and other options to prevent sick people from coming to clinics and emergency rooms if they have mild illness and do not need treatment.

• Continue implementing the NCDHHS and CDC guidance for COVID-19 and continue working closely with your local health department and NCDHHS.

• Look for more updates and information for health care professionals on the CDC website.

College, Universities, K-12 Schools and Child Care Facilities 

• Make sure all students, faculty and staff are aware of and practicing good hand hygiene and taking common-sense precautions to protect from the spread of respiratory illnesses.

• Review absenteeism policies and procedures to make sure students or children, faculty and staff are not being encouraged to attend or work if they are sick.

• If you have not already, establish a relationship with your local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.

• Learn more about COVID-19 on the CDC website, and look for updates and information for schools, colleges and childcare.

No one group, ethnicity or population in the US is at a higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 infection than others. While some people may be worried or have concerns about COVID-19, it is important to not let fear and anxiety lead to social stigma towards friends, neighbors or members of the community. Treat all people with compassion and speak up if you hear others making statements that cause stigma against people in your community.

All North Carolinians can better prepare for COVID-19 by getting up-to-date information directly from reliable sources like NCDHHS and the CDC. The COVID-19 outbreak has been accompanied by a global flood of misinformation from unreliable sources. Be thoughtful about what you read or hear about the virus and make sure you are separating rumor from fact before you act.  

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. North Carolina resources can be found on the Division of Public Health website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. 

If you have questions or concerns, call the COVID-19 Helpline toll free at 1-866-462-3821. To submit questions online, go to www.ncpoisoncontrol.org and select “chat."

Bus Rapid Transit is coming! What is Bus Rapid Transit? Find out March 3rd.

Garner to Connect to Wake Bus Rapid Transit

The Southern Corridor of the Wake Bus Rapid Transit Plan will connect Garner to improved public transport as one of four new routes that will radiate out of downtown Raleigh.

Transit planners from Garner and Raleigh outlined six possible routes for the Southern Corridor, projected to be chosen by this summer, at the Town Council Meeting on Feb 18. The routes all extend to Garner Station Blvd. and Wal-mart on Fayetteville Rd.

Bus Rapid Transit differs from regular bus service, using a dedicated bus lane and allowing for more efficiency. Stations at intersections, rather than traditional bus stops, have raised platforms that align with the buses for better accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers and ticket vending machines allow for prepaying bus fares.

The Wake BRT will provide service every ten minutes during peak hours, and every 20 minutes on the weekend, with longer service from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends. 

Transit planners will work with elected officials and go through a public comment process to identify a preferred route.

The public is invited to get information and give feedback at The Wake BRT: Southern Corridor Kickoff Meeting on March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Garner Senior Center.

Considerations for evaluating routes are traffic volume, potential bike and pedestrian connections, needs for additional right of way for stations, potential ridership, construction costs, implementation timeline, economic development opportunities, and public feedback.

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February 19, 2020 Garner Update

We're heading over to the senior center for their Black History Month Celebration in this edition of Garner Update. We'll also check in at town hall where Garner Magnet High and South Garner High students visited and took part in a mock town council meeting through their leadership academy. And learn how you can view the Wake Transit draft plan for 2021 and see how Garner fits into the bigger picture of local transit.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner Parks and Recreation & Cultural Resources Unveils Ten Year Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Garner unanimously approved the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s Comprehensive Plan in January.

The plan outlines the department’s priorities for the next ten years and is a culmination of nearly two years of study which involved community input through focus groups and surveys.

“It’s been about a two year process from start to finish,” said Sonya Shaw, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, in remarks at the Town Council meeting on January 21.

The department will build between 33 – 42 miles of greenway in accordance with the Greenway Network Plan and two new parks, being referred to as Meadowbrook and Yeargan. Long term goals include nearly 100 miles of greenway in total, acquiring land for a third new park and working towards a second indoor recreation center.

“I think it’s always important for us to really see our comprehensive plan as a community plan. It’s certainly one that involved a number of community agencies and groups. Roughly about 35 different community groups have been involved in this process,” Shaw said.

The plan also outlines the need for increasing programs focusing on health and wellness and cultural resources, particularly serving the teenaged and senior populations, and addresses staffing needs, funding needs and maintenance.

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January 22, 2020 Garner Update

The first edition of Garner Update in 2020 takes a look at our annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We'll also preview Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources popular Groundhog Day event at White Deer Park and don't forget to purchase your tickets now to the next Broadway Voices show coming to the Garner Performing Arts Center next month.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner Police File Charges on December 28th Home Invasion

Garner Police investigators have filed charges in the December 28th reported home invasion at 108 Cedar Lane.

Devon Christopher Reese, 23, of Apex, was charged with Felony Breaking and Entering with Intent to Terrorize or Injure, First Degree Kidnapping, and Attempted First Degree Rape.

The suspect, armed with a handgun and dressed all in black with a mask, allegedly was inside the home at 108 Cedar Lane when the victim returned home at around 12:42pm.

The victim briefly struggled with the suspect before she was able to get away and go to a neighbor's home. The suspect knew the victim and had been in a dating relationship with her prior to the incident.

The suspect was located and arrested in New Jersey. The Wake County District Attorney's Office has agreed to have Reese extradited back to North Carolina to stand trial.

Town of Garner 2019 Year in Review

Garner certainly was on the move in 2019. Check out this terrific video and enjoy a look back at all the great things that happened in our dynamic town in 2019.

We’re thankful for all the hard work of Town staff and engaged residents who helped make our successes possible this year. In addition to what you see in this fast-paced video, there were a number of accolades the Town earned in 2019—including a Triangle Business Journal Space Award for the Amazon redevelopment project; the national award White Deer Park won for its educational work involving pollinators; the six statewide awards staff won for communications work; and the national awards the Finance Department won (again) for the Town’s budget document and financial reports.

Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you in 2020.

Republished Courtesy Town of Garner

Town of Garner's 2019 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)

The Town of Garner's 2019 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, is now available.

The report is a reader-friendly summary of the much longer 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which also was recently published by the Town.

Scrolling pdf of the PAFR

To review other Town financial documents, please visit garnernc.gov/departments/finance.

December 23, 2019 Garner Update

In the last Garner Update of 2019 we welcome our newly elected officials that were sworn into office this month. We'll also recap the historic depot move and tell you what the future plans are for the depot and caboose in downtown Garner. We hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family this holiday season.

Courtesy Town of Garner

New Garner Town Council Inducted in Midst of Christmas Parade Cancellation Disappointment and Frustration

Town Officials and Public Discuss Christmas Parade

The cancellation of the Garner Christmas Parade which was scheduled for December 7th became the topic of the night at the Garner Town Council Meeting on Monday December 2. Members of the community gathered to share their concerns as new council members were sworn in.

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After serving 12 years on the council, Ken Marshburn was sworn in as mayor. Also sworn in were new council members Demian Dellinger, Elmo Vance, and Phil Matthews.

Kathy Behringer was elected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

Outgoing mayor Ronnie Williams and council member Buck Kennedy were recognized for their service.

Eight people made public comments and the meeting is available for viewing below.

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The Parade

Councilmembers seated during the decision said the issue should have been discussed months before, spoke on the length of the parade route and the difficulty in securing an event that is not contained to one location, and said that law enforcement provided the information that led to the cancellation.

Possible litigation issues coupled with complaints from Garner residents about the inclusion of controversial groups were said to also be a part of the issues surrounding the parade while the safety of children seemed to be a unanimous and paramount concern of everyone involved in the decision, council and staff.

Credible threats gleaned through law enforcement monitoring of social media and online forums and websites weighed heavily; threats similar to those made against the Wake Forest Christmas parade which Wake Forest officials had initially signaled would continue in the aftermath of Garner’s cancellation.

However, Wake Forest officials announced the cancellation of their Christmas parade on December 4th, providing the following statement found here.

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Public Comment

Public comments ranged from anger at cancellation of the parade and bowing threats by outsiders to condemnation of certain groups participating at all. Nearly all were deeply concerned with the precedent set by the cancellation and implications for the future of the parade and other town events.

Watch Public Comments in their entirety below.

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Comments from Town Officials

With councilmembers and the mayor newly inducted and given the sensitive and passionate nature of the town’s decision to cancel the Christmas Parade, Mayor Mashburn suspended protocol and allowed each councilmembers to make a brief statement after the petitions and comments from the public. Selected are presented below comments below.

“I think people get misled because they think ‘oh they made some comments on facebook and twitter’. These groups, there are all kinds of chat rooms on the dark side of the internet that not only the Garner police monitor; SBI monitors, high patrol monitors. Chief Binns shared some information with us that you are not going to find on facebook and twitter...The difference in Pittsboro, in Chapel Hill, in Durham, and in Charlottesville is this: they were all adults. The parade involves kids, this is why I’m so upset…I wish we had discussed this months ago.”

𑁋Council member Gra Singleton

“To echo what’s already been said, it was a tough decision...It’s one that we have to look at in the future...We should be celebrating peace, we’re looking at frustration and anger right now...It’s imperative that a lesson has been learned, that we have to think things through, and make those hard decisions early on, and debate them out early on so that this will not happen again.”

𑁋Council member Elmo Vance

“I’d rather err on the side of personal safety for the good citizens of this town, rather than to be known as a town where a terrible tragedy occurred. I think if some of you visited the good people in Charlottesville today you would hear of the trauma that many are still undergoing as a result of the bad things that have happened in terms of their reputation...I do think that we will have an opportunity as a new council to discuss some of these very concerns that have been mentioned here this evening. I don’t personally believe that this is the end of our Christmas parade, and I will do all I can as mayor to either put together an organization or group that can basically study and look at this issue...This was not a flippant decision, it wasn’t based on skewed information, it was based on very solid information as far as I’m concerned and indicates that public safety is something that we can’t guarantee.”

𑁋 Mayor Ken Marshburn

Watch full Town Council Member statements below

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The Garner News is continuing to gather verified information and will continue its coverage of the Christmas Parade issue as it continues in to 2020.

Town Announces Cancellation of Christmas Parade

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Post Date: 11/27/2019 11:15 AM

The Town of Garner has decided to cancel the 2019 Garner Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, due to concern that the event could be targeted for disruption.

The Town is especially concerned about the possibility of bystanders—including children—being caught in the middle of disruptive actions.

Town officials apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment the parade cancellation may cause; however, the Town’s foremost responsibility is always to ensure public safety.

Garner’s annual tree-lighting festival, Light Up Main, will proceed as planned on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street in historic Downtown Garner.

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Media Contact

Rick Mercier

Communications Manager - Town of Garner

919-773-4418

garnerpio@garnernc.gov