The Elon Town Council discussed updates to retirement bonuses, the Elon Fire Department’s 100th anniversary and scheduled code enforcement during their meeting Oct. 14.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
The Elon Fire Department will be holding its 100th anniversary banquet On Saturday Oct. 18. In 1923, when a fire destroyed Elon University’s campus, the fire department was made up of volunteers. Following the efforts after the fire on campus, the department was established in 1925.
Elon Fire Department will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the month of October. Pictured is EFD Fire Station #8 and Rescue 8.
After the council approved the retirement bonus policy that was proposed during its Sept. 29 meeting, the council updated the criteria to include that eligible employees must have at least 25 years of total service with the Town of Elon.
The bonus amount is $5,000 and payment is to be made within 30 days after the employee’s last day of employment and after submission of a completed W‑9 form. The bonus payment is separate from regular payroll disbursements and the benefit is effective as of July 1, 2025.
In June 2025 East Haggard Avenue was added to a paving contract. During construction, poor subgrade conditions were discovered, necessitating extra work beyond what was originally planned. A subgrade is the prepared soil or ground that serves as the foundation for a road, pavement, or other structure, supporting all the layers built above it.
Due to these conflicts over the cost of the pavement on East Haggard, the Elon Town Council members recognized they will have to pay $35,000, but debated on the amount and how they could pay for it. The council approved a $35,015.35 increase to the Powell Bill Capital Outlay-Streets account from the Powell Bill Fund Balance.
New Business:
Town council members voted to schedule code enforcement every January for tenants and landlords to abide by. Kristin Cummings is the code enforcement officer for Elon and patrols the area for violations of Elon residents' properties. According to the agenda, the most common zoning violations include erecting sheds, fences or storage pods without a permit.
Town of Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe said that she sees the goal is reducing these recent actions that the town has seen.
“The ultimate goal is to change behavior and prevent it from happening in the first place.” Sharpe said. “So that there's not red cups all over town or trash cans blocking sidewalks or in the middle of the road, which we've seen even recently.”
Impact Alamance has partnered with the town on several projects. The town currently holds a $30,000 grant awarded in 2023 to develop a greenway along the railroad tracks.
However, due to significant delays with the railroad, the project has been put on hold. The town has requested to amend the grant, reallocating the $30,000 toward the Elon Skate Park project. Town council members also agreed to accept additional grant funds to the Elon Skate Park project.
Other Items:
Elon's next farmers' market will be Oct. 16. The sustainability committee will be hosting an educational event at the Oct. 30th farmers’ market. Halloween Happening will take place at Beth Schmitt Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will consist of games, prizes, candy, light refreshments and more.
Next Meeting:
The next town council meeting will be held Oct. 20.