2026-09-08 - Town Council
Summary
All six members attended, with Brock Hall, Ree Goodson, Linda Hunt and Jim Lanik; Planning Board member James Smith gave the invocation. In public address, Mike Davis and John Grossochme of the Hebron Cemetery Board asked Council to accept transfer of the cemetery's funds and stewardship (the Board would cover legal costs); John Byrum said no quick decision would be made. Council proclaimed the 9/11 25th anniversary and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day (Darren Shell presented a SAR Flag), and unanimously approved the 2027 meeting and holiday schedules, a Sun Life short-term disability ($62 a month) and life insurance ($66.74 a month) plan (McAlpine/Edwards), and a $9,615 geotechnical amendment to the Public Works Facility project ordinance, raising it to $155,015 (McAlpine/Leonard; the minutes call it Ordinance 27-01 in the motion and 27-02 on the document). Council discussed Resolution 01-27 opposing a rezoning on Eller Road before the County Commissioners on September 14, agreeing councilors would phone commissioners first and the resolution would go to the County Clerk on September 10; no separate vote on the resolution is recorded in the minutes, and the next recorded motion is the project ordinance approval. Council appointed Wayne Beck as Planning and Zoning Board/Board of Adjustment alternate (Edwards/Leonard), the seat vacant about four months. Hall said the Town already has a termite warranty; August income was $447,805 (18.9% of budget).
Summary written from the official minutes posted on midway-nc.gov; no video or transcript exists.
Issues discussed: Hebron Cemetery Transfer Request, Public Works Facility Project, Eller Road Rezoning Opposition, Town Park Development, FYE 2027 Budget
Official Minutes
Official minutes posted by the town (PDF text); page headers removed, otherwise unaltered.
MINUTES OF MIDWAY TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 8,
2026, AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT MIDWAY TOWN HALL, 426 GUMTREE
ROAD, MIDWAY, NORTH CAROLINA
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
James Smith gave the invocation and led in the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the opening gavel.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor John Byrum called the meeting to order.
Councilors present were: John Byrum, Mike McAlpine, Robin Moon, Jackie Edwards, Keith Leonard and
Berkley Alcorn. Absent: None. Town Manager Brock Hall, Town Clerk Ree Goodson, Finance Officer
Linda Hunt and Town Attorney Jim Lanik were present. Absent: None.
Each Councilor had been furnished an agenda prior to the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Councilor Jackie Edwards, seconded by Councilor Robin Moon, Council voted unanimously
to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2026 Town Council Regular meeting.
PUBLIC ADDRESS
Mike Davis – 656 Hebron Church Road Winston Salem, NC 27107
Mr. Davis thanked Council for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Hebron Cemetery Board. Mr. Davis
said he and John Grossochme were present to present a proposal that they believe will preserve an important
part of Midway’s history for generations to come. He stated in 2015, the leadership of Hebron United
Church of Christ began looking seriously at the future of the church. Attendance and offerings were
declining, and the church was struggling to pay its bills.
Over the next several years, a number of difficult decisions were made.
• In 2016, the property was surveyed into five parcels for potential sale.
• In 2017, the parsonage was sold, and the fellowship hall was rented to Triad Journey
Church.
• In 2018, two additional parcels of land were sold.
• In 2020, a decision was made that all proceeds from the sale of the land would be placed
into the cemetery fund, with the intention of preserving Hebron Cemetery.
• In 2021, the church was offered for sale to Triad Journey Church, and that sale was
completed in 2022.
• Hebron’s final service was held on November 22, 2022.
In 2023, the necessary document was completed with the IRS and the State of North Carolina to establish
Hebron Cemetery as an incorporated nonprofit and to establish its financial accounts. Since that time, the
cemetery has been under the care and management of the Hebron Cemetery Board.
Mr. Davis said the Cemetery Board has carefully considered the future of these funds and has voted to
propose transferring them to the stewardship and control of the Midway Town Council.
Mr. Davis said the Board wants to make sure that the money that is set aside for Hebron Cemetery remains
dedicated to the Cemetery and is available for its perpetual care.
Mr. Davis said Hebron Cemetery is much more than a piece of property. It is a historic Midway Landmark
dating back to 1856. It was originally known as Pleasant Retreat, the home to one of the earliest churches
established in the Midway Community.
The Cemetery is also the final resting place of generations of families who established and shaped this
community. Among them are members of the Long, Miller, Sink, Nifong, Lambeth, White, Fishel,
Livengood, and Foltz families just to name a few.
He said when we preserve Hebron Cemetery, we are preserving the history and stories of the people who
came before us.
Mr. Davis said there are thirty-six veterans buried at Hebron Cemetery that served our Country during the
Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
Mr. Davis stated maintaining their graves and cemetery as a whole is one small but meaningful way our
community can continue to honor their service and sacrifice.
John Grossochme – 12518 Old US Hwy 52 Winston Salem, Nc 27107
Mr. Grossochme said he has a personal connection to the area through family history and emphasizing the
historical significance of the cemetery, which dates to 1856. He stated that the Cemetery Board's goal was
to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the cemetery's care, which includes grounds maintenance,
landscaping, and preservation of monuments.
He stated there are 36 veterans ranging from the Civil War through Vietnam buried at the cemetery, and
that the Board wished to honor their service.
Mr. Grossochme clarified that the Town would not be asked to bear any initial financial burden, as the
funds already exist, and that the Cemetery Board has agreed to cover any legal expenses related to the
transfer. The Board's formal request was for the Council to consider accepting the transfer of cemetery
funds and working together to establish an appropriate legal structure for their stewardship.
Mayor John Byrum thanked both speakers. He said while it is not customary for the Council to respond
during public address, he acknowledged the significance of the request. Mayor Byrum said the matter would
require considerable coordination with Town Staff and the Town Attorney, that no quick decision would
be made, and that a conversation would be forthcoming following the meeting.
ADOPT AGENDA
Councilor Robin Moon stated the agenda needs to be amended to add Resolution No. 01-27 Town of
Midway Opposition to the Proposed Rezoning of Property on Eller Road item 5. Under VIII. REGULAR
BUSINESS.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine said the agenda needed to be amended to add:
1. Discussion for Planning and Zoning Board/Board of Adjustment Alternate item 6 Under
VIII. REGULAR BUSINESS.
2. Closed Session Under IX Under TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT in accordance with
N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) matters pertaining to the acquisition of real property.
On motion by Councilor Robin Moon, seconded by Councilor Berkley Alcorn, Council voted unanimously
to adopt the amended agenda as presented.
PROCLAMATION – 9/11 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE – 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Mayor John Byrum read the Proclamation proclaiming September 11, 2026, as the 25th Anniversary of the
attacks of 9/11.
PROCLAMATION
9/11 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE – 25th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, in an unprovoked and senseless act of terrorism, four civilian aircraft were hijacked
on September 11, 2001, and crashed in New York City, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon, resulting in a
momentous loss of innocent U.S. lives of all heritages; and
WHEREAS, while we still continue to recover from the loss of innocent lives, the spirit of the U.S.
has been revitalized, giving way to expressions of patriotism; and
WHEREAS, inspired by the heroism of our nation’s public service personnel, military service
members, and countless volunteers, our nation found unity and strength; and
WHEREAS, from the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger nation, renewed by the spirit
of national pride, and a true love of country; and
WHEREAS, Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with
good by loving their neighbors as they would like to be loved, contributing to relief efforts, and volunteering
their time to aid those in need;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, John Byrum, Mayor of the Town of Midway,
do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as the 25th Anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 and also the 9/11
National Day of Service and Remembrance in the Town of Midway and urge our citizens to recognize the
heroism of firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members and the many
volunteers who responded to these tragic events with courage, selfless compassion, determination and skill;
and to remember the victims and innocent lives lost as a result of the tragic events on September 11, 2001.
Adopted this t8th day of September 2026.
PROCLAMATION – VETERANS SUICIDE AWARENESS & REMEMBRANCE DAY –
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Mayor John Byrum read the Proclamation proclaiming September 22, 2026, as Veterans Suicide
Awareness and Remembrance Day.
PROCLAMATION
TOWN OF MIDWAY, NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, AS
“VETERANS SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY”
AND RECOGNIZING THE SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE (SAR) FLAG
WHEREAS, military personnel and veterans continue to face a disproportionate risk of death by
suicide among the United States population; and
WHEREAS, military and veterans are nearly two times as likely to die by suicide compared to
their civilian counterparts, and over 20 veterans and military members die by suicide each day in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, the United States has lost over 100,000 veterans to suicide since 2001, and post-9/11
veterans continue to be at the greatest risk to die by suicide among the veteran population; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention services are vastly underutilized by our military and veterans due
to the stigma of mental health, suicide, and seeking treatment within the warrior culture of the military and
veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag (the “SAR Flag”) was created by
United States Air Force Veteran Kevin W. Hertell, who lost his cousin, Senior Airman Robert McRae Dean,
United States Air Force, to suicide in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the SAR Flag stands as a tangible symbol of hope to living veterans and military
members, reminding them that stigma-free treatment is available and that their community stands with
them; and
WHEREAS, designating September 22, 2026, as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance
Day will elevate this issue in public consciousness, raise awareness, promote open dialogue about mental
health issues among veterans and military members, break down stigmas surrounding seeking help, and
ensure that our veterans and military have access to the necessary resources and support without judgment;
and
WHEREAS, September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, providing an
opportune time to focus on the unique challenges faced by those who have served our nation; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Midway recognizes its deep connection to and gratitude for the men and
women who have served our country and who call our community home;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of Midway, North Carolina,
that:
Section 1. September 22, 2026, is hereby designated as “The Town of Midway’s Veterans
Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day,” a day to forever remember the lives, and honor the
service, of those military personnel and veterans who have died by suicide.
Section 2. The Town of Midway commits to raising awareness of veteran and military
suicide, breaking the stigma of mental health and seeking treatment within the military community,
and ensuring that veterans and military members have access to necessary resources and support
without judgment.
Adopted this 8th day of September 2026
Darren Shell a representative from the Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag (SAR Flag) organization
and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention addressed the Council following the reading of the
Proclamation. Mr. Shell shared that North Carolina lost 122 service members during Operations Iraq
Freedom and Enduring Freedom and lost 1,608 veterans to suicide between 2019 and 2023 including two
of his close personal friends. Mr. Shell emphasized that the community wins this battle by recognizing
warning signs, asking difficult questions, and building connected communities where people are seen and
supported before a crisis becomes a tragedy. Mr. Shell said he will accept the proclamation on behalf of all
families who have lost veterans to suicide and presented the Town Council with its own SAR Flag.
COMMITTEE REPORT
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine stated that park-related Committee items would be addressed in the Town
Manager's Report. No other Committee reports were offered.
REGULAR BUSINESS
ADOPTION TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE 2027
Mayor John Byrum asked the Council to review and approve the Meeting Schedule for 2027.
Monday, January 4, 2027 Monday, February 1, 2027 Monday, March 1, 2027
Monday, April 5, 2027 Monday, May 3, 2027 Monday, June 7, 2027
Monday, July 12, 2027* Monday, August 2, 2027 Tuesday, September 7, 2027**
Monday, October 4, 2027 Monday, November 1, 2027 Monday, December 6, 2027
On motion by Councilor Jackie Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, Council voted
unanimously to approve the 2027 Town Council Meeting Schedule .
ADOPTION OF TOWN OF MIDWAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2027
Mayor John Byrum asked the Council to review and approve the Holiday Schedule for 2027.
New Year's Day Friday, January 1, 2027
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Birthday Monday, January 18, 2027
Good Friday Friday, March 26, 2027
Memorial Day Monday, May 31, 2027
Independence Day Monday, July 5, 2027
Labor Day Monday, September 6, 2027
Veteran's Day Thursday, November 11, 2027
Thursday, November 25, 2027
Thanksgiving Friday, November 26, 2027
Thursday, December 23, 2027
Friday, December 24, 2027
Christmas Monday, December 27, 2027
On motion by Councilor Keith Leonard, seconded by Councilor Berkley Alcorn, Council voted
unanimously to approve the 2027 Town of Midway Holiday Schedule .
AMENDMENT TO PROJECT ORDINANCE NO. 26-01 FOR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY –
ORDINANCE 27-01
Town Council considered an amendment to the Public Works facility project ordinance No. 27-01 to
authorize geotechnical engineering services. Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine stated the motion was
conditioned on consulting with the Town Attorney Jim Lanik prior to executing any agreement.
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, seconded by Councilor Keith Leonard, Council voted
unanimously to approve the Amendment to Project Ordinance No. 26-01 for Public Works Facility –
Ordinance 27-01in the amount of $9,615.00 for geotechnical engineering services and authorizing Town
Manager Brock Hall to enter into an agreement with Certerra pending consultation with Town Attorney
Jim Lanik as presented.
Ordinance No. 27-02
Amendment No. 1 to Project Ordinance
for The Town of Midway Public Works Facility
BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of The Town of Midway, North Carolina that, pursuant to
Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following project ordinance is
hereby amended:
Section 1: This amended ordinance (original Capital Project Ordinance No. 26-01 adopted April 6, 2026)
is to establish a budget for the construction of a Public Works facility. These funds may be used for the
following categories of expenditures, to the extent authorized by state law.
1. Preliminary Design
2. Design Development
3. Construction Documentation
4. Bidding
5. Construction Administration
Section 2: Staff, to include the Town Manager and Finance Officer, are authorized to proceed with this
project within the terms of all documents and the budget contained herein.
Section 3: The following amounts are appropriated for the project and authorized for expenditure:
Basic Services for Municipal Building/parking (traditional Construction)- $97,650.00
Additional Services for two picnic shelters and parking- $47,750.00
Geotechnical Engineering-borings- $9,615.00
Total- $155,015.00
Section 4: The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete the project(s):
Fund Balance: $155,015.00
Total: $155,015.00
Section 5: The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain sufficient specific detailed accounting records
to satisfy the requirements of the financing agreements, and state/federal regulations.
Section 6: Copies of this amendment to the project ordinance shall be furnished to the Budget Officer, the
Finance Officer and to the Clerk to the Midway Town Council.
The Town Council of Midway adopted this Amendment to the Project Ordinance for the Public Works
Facility on the 8th day of September, 2026.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY & LIFE INSURANCE PROPOSAL
Town Manager Brock Hall stated he has received quotes for Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
coverage for employees as outlined in the Personnel Policy. These quotes were reviewed with the Personnel
Committee. The recommendation of the Personnel Committee and the Insurance Broker is to approve the
quote from Sunlife for both Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Mr. Hall said the monthly premium for Short Term Disability is $62.00 per employee. The monthly
premium for Life Insurance is $66.74 per employee. Life insurance premiums are reduced when an
employee reaches the age of 65 and again at 70. Accidental Death and Dismemberment is included as part
of the life insurance package at no additional cost.
Mr. Hall said Sunlife included proposals for Long Term disability as well as Vision and Dental however
they were not included in this agenda packet to save space.
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, seconded by Councilor Jackie Edwards, Council voted
unanimously to approve Short Term Disability & Life Insurance Proposal with Sun Life as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. 01-27 – TOWN OF MIDWAY OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED
REZONING OF PROPERTY ON ELLER ROAD
Town Council discussed and considered Resolution No. 01-27, placing the Town of Midway on record in
opposition to a proposed rezoning of property on Eller Road, which is scheduled to go before the Davidson
County Board of Commissioners on September 14th. The Davidson County Planning Board had previously
voted unanimously to deny the rezoning request.
Town Council had two concerns: the substantive impact of the rezoning on Town residents and the proper
protocol for communicating the Town's position to the County. Councilor Robin Moon said that at least
two Town residents own land on Eller Road that would be directly affected, and that existing traffic patterns
on Eller Road and Midway School Road are already a significant concern.
Mayor John Byrum raised the matter of how the resolution should be delivered to the County, expressing
concern about how the County Commissioners would learn of the Town's opposition through a citizen
presenting at the public hearing rather than through direct, respectful communication from the Town. Mayor
Byrum said that a conversation with a County Commissioner suggested that personal contact from the
Council would be well received. Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine stated he agreed with Mayor Byrum,
proposing that the County, specifically the County Clerk, be notified directly and in advance of any public
hearing, so that Commissioners are not first hearing of the Town's position through a third party.
The Council reached consensus that the appropriate course of action, following adoption of the resolution,
would be for individual Council members to make personal telephone calls to the County Commissioners
as a courtesy and a show of respect, and that the resolution itself would subsequently be transmitted to the
Davidson County Clerk to the Board on Thursday September 10th so it would allow those calls to be made
first, so it could be included in the County's agenda packet. Town Manager Brock Hall stated he would
check the County Clerk's deadline for packet inclusion and ensure timely delivery.
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, seconded by Councilor Keith Leonard, Council voted
unanimously to approve Amendment No. 1 to Project Ordinance No. 26-01 for Public Works Facility –
Ordinance No. 27-02 as presented.
PLANNING AND ZONNING BOARD/BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ALTERNATE
APPOINTMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine brought forward the need to fill the vacant alternate position on the
Planning and Zoning Board/Board of Adjustment stating the position had been vacant for approximately
four months following the resignation of the previous alternate. Mayor Pro Tem McAlpine emphasized the
importance of having an alternate in place so the board can maintain a quorum when regular Planning and
Zoning Board members are unavailable.
Councilor Jackie Edwards nominated Wayne Beck for the position. No other nominations were offered.
On motion by Councilor Jackie Edwards, seconded by Councilor Keith Leonard, Council voted
unanimously to appoint Wayne Beck as Alternate Member on the Planning and Zoning Board/Board of
Adjustment as presented.
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
TOWN PARK UPDATE
Town Manager Brock Hall said the Town Park recorded 24 reservations in August and 13 so far in
September, with reservations slowing as cooler weather arrives.
Mr. Hall confirmed that, following an extended review process, the Town does in fact have an existing
termite protection warranty and is current on its annual inspection, and no change in vendor is being
recommended at this time.
Mr. Hall stated the swing set chains and swings were recently replaced at a cost lower than anticipated, as
the handicap and co-parent swings did not require replacement.
The track expansion around the lower playground is underway, with drainage installation complete. Mr.
Hall said materials for the approved polycoat project are pending but work is expected to begin shortly.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine stated that fall decorations are being ordered from the Town's supplier,
with plans to begin fall installation earlier than the prior year to have the Park looking seasonally festive at
the start of fall rather than mid-October.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Town Manager Brock Hall reported that a CD which matured on September 4th yielded approximately
$7,448.00 and will be renewed for six months at an interest rate of 3.75%, which remains above the current
money market rate.
Mr. Hall said current investment earnings for the fiscal year stand at $56,080.45.
Council was provided copies of the monthly financial reports for August 2026 as follows:
August 2026
Total Income $447,805 18.9% of overall budget
Total Expenses $191,516 8.1% of overall budget
REMINDER – VISION SESSION – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 AT 6:00PM
Town Manager Brock Hall reminded Council of the next Vision Session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026
at 6:00pm.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, seconded by Councilor Keith Leonarsd, Council voted
unanimously to recess to closed session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) to discuss matters
pertaining to acquisition real property.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine, seconded by Councilor Robin Moon, Council
voted unanimously to reconvene to open session.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilor Keith Leonard, seconded by Councilor Berkley Alcorn, Council voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
________________________
John Byrum, Mayor
_____________________________
Ree Goodson, Town Clerk