Memorial Day
On Monday I joined Congresswoman Ross, Wake County Commissioner Stallings, Morrisville Council Member Rao, Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, and Council members Smith, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, and Bansal for Cary’s Memorial Day celebration. Jack Smith, the council’s only veteran, served as the emcee. First we were entertained by the Cary Town band with patriotic songs. Afterwards, I read a proclamation recognizing and thanking our veterans and their families:
DESIGNATING MAY 26, 2025,
AS THE OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY IN CARY
WHEREAS, Memorial Day has been set aside as a national holiday for all Americans to remember the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in service to the United States through their military service; and
WHEREAS, we come here today to undertake the solemn duty of remembering those brave Americans; and
WHEREAS, we honor those we have lost throughout our country’s history; the proud men and women who served in the Air Force, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Marines, the Navy, Space Force, and the National Guard that have served in wars so that future generations would have freedom; and
WHEREAS, in Cary we are fortunate to have a place dedicated for us to gather to honor these men and women and to pay tribute to them and their families; and
WHEREAS, the National Moment of Remembrance is a voluntary observance for each of us in our own way to take a moment of remembrance and respect to honor and give thanks to all of those who have risked their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby designate May 26, 2025, as “An observance of Memorial Day in Cary,” and I urge all citizens to participate in honoring our country’s service men and women.
PROCLAIMED this 26th day of May, 2025.
Afterwards we heard from the featured speaker, Paul Berry, who is the senior director
for Veterans Bridge Home and a 30-year United States Marine Corps veteran. At the end of the ceremony, I spoke with several veterans. We are so blessed to have brave men and women willing to serve and protect our freedom. Bless all those who serve, and have served, and their families. And we will never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Jerry Miller Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Tuesday I had the honor and privilege of joining NC Senator Gale Adcock in presenting the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Jerry Miller.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina and is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award.
The following is part of what was submitted to the Governor’s Office:
Jerry Miller, born and raised in North Carolina, has dedicated his career to capturing the essence of his state through his detailed drawings of its architecture. His expansive body of work encompasses not just the grand and historical but also the everyday structures that define the landscapes of North Carolina. With a focus that spans across 72 of the state’s 100 counties, Miller’s portfolio includes 182 drawings of Cary, 121 aircraft, 58 public schools, over 217 personal homes, 196 churches, 132 Raleigh scenes, and 35 drawings of various college and university buildings. His unique approach has not only preserved the architectural heritage of North Carolina but has also celebrated it in a vivid and accessible format.
Jerry’s love for his adopted hometown of Cary sparked the creation of the Cary Lazy Daze Festival in 1976. What began as a small community event has grown into one of the nation’s premier contemporary crafts festivals, drawing attendees and artists from across the country. Through his initiative, Jerry has significantly contributed to Cary’s cultural vitality and its reputation as a hub for arts and crafts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jerry has received numerous accolades that testify to his talent and commitment to community service. Notable among these are paintings commissioned for former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and local figures such as Dr. Tom Stafford at NC State University. His artwork has also been selected to represent North Carolina in prestigious locations, including the White House.
Jerry’s influence extends beyond the arts into community and civic engagement. He has been the recipient of multiple awards including the Herb Young award, the Dick Ladd award, the Rotary award, the Jaycees award, and the Hometown Spirit Award. Additionally, his contributions to local heritage and the arts have been permanently honored with rooms named after him in several cultural institutions including the Lee County Art Center, the Templeton Art Center, and the Page-Walker Hotel Art Center.
His creative contributions have also found practical applications, such as designing the first watercolor flag for North Carolina in over two centuries, and creating artwork for telephone books for Apex and Cary, enhancing the daily lives of the local community with his aesthetic vision. Moreover, Jerry’s commitment to educational and historical documentation is evident from his extensive work for Cary High School and his contributions to the book “Around and About Cary.”
Perhaps one of the most touching tributes to his impact is a bust made in his honor, now standing in a park at the Cary Arts Center, symbolizing his lasting legacy in the community he cherishes.
Jerry Miller’s life and work embody a deep-seated passion for North Carolina and its stories. Through his art, he continues to contribute to the cultural preservation and celebration of his state, ensuring that its architectural marvels—grand and humble alike—are remembered and appreciated for generations to come.
After I provided remarks NC Senator Adcock read and presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This was followed by several pictures. Congratulations Jerry!
NC Metro Mayors
The North Carolina Metro Mayors met on Friday morning for a legislative summary. Here is a report from Checkmate Government Relations:
General Update
The General Assembly took this week following Memorial Day off. Speaker Hall and Senator President Pro Tempore Berger will begin negotiating a state budget. The Senate is expected to vote to “not concur” with the House’s budget proposal, sending the bill to a conference committee. A new report from OSBM and outstanding federal reimbursements for Hurricane Helene recovery make it unlikely that the state passes a budget before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
OSBM Forecast
The Consensus Forecasting Group which includes the Office of State Budget and Management and the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division issued their May 2025 revenue forecast. This forecast is $180M lower than February 2025 and forecasts $364M in overcollections in FY 24-25. This change is due primarily to lower corporate income tax collections than were expected in April likely due to the recent tariffs. The individual income tax collections were higher than last spring which is attributed to high capital gains. Additionally, collections from sales tax are back on target due to a spike in consumer spending that is likely related to spending in anticipation of tariffs. Looking forward, the Total General Fund revenues for FY 25-26 are revised 0.6% lower from February. Additionally, recent business surveys illustrate that fewer businesses anticipate raising workers’ wages, and many businesses express their focus on cutting costs to support profitability amid higher prices for imports.
Eligible Bills
In the North Carolina General Assembly, crossover is an important legislative deadline. Some bills are exempt from the crossover deadline, such as budget related matters. Any bills that are subject to crossover must pass through their chamber of origin, by a certain date to remain eligible for consideration for the biennium. The purpose of the crossover deadline is to simplify legislative workload and focus on more attainable proposals. The following are notable bills that made it through crossover:
- H171 prohibits State agencies from promoting, supporting, implementing, or maintaining workplace DEI programs, policies or initiatives.
- H674 would add an option for a lifetime concealed handgun permit.
- S554 would prohibit a State bank, credit union, savings and loan association, or savings bank from denying or canceling its service to an agriculture producer based upon the agriculture producer’s greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil fuel derived fertilizer, or use of fossil fuel powered machinery.
- S280 would allow school administrators to give consent to employees and volunteers to possess handguns and stun guns on school grounds.
- H781 would prohibit a local government to authorize or allow any person to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on public property.
All municipal authority comes from the legislature. It might be interesting to view the current legislation that is being considered. You can find it here.
Council Member Updates
There were no updates for this week.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
I’m looking forward to The Soccer Tournament (TST), taking place June 4 – 9, and the international spotlight it brings to Cary. Events like this not only showcase our community but also reflect the hard work and coordination happening behind the scenes.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this tournament possible — your efforts are seen and appreciated.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean
Meeting Follow-ups
Development Update Follow-Up Items
Memorial Day Remembrance
On Monday, hundreds gathered at Veterans Freedom Park to honor U.S. military personnel who gave their lives in service. The ceremony was attended by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, Jack Smith, and Sarika Bansal. Councilmember Jack Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, emceed the event and offered remarks alongside featured speaker Paul Berry, who movingly shared the goals and dreams of a fellow servicemember he lost in Afghanistan—a powerful reminder of the individuals behind the more than one million lives lost. The program also included a field of flags display and patriotic music performed by the Cary Town Band.
American Legion Post 67 Memorial Day Service
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal attended the American Legion Post 67 Memorial Day Ceremony. Councilmember Smith delivered remarks on behalf of the Cary Town Council.
Jerry Miller Presented Order of the Long Leaf Pine
On Tuesday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht joined Senator Gale Adcock at The Templeton to present North Carolina’s highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, to Cary artist Jerry Miller, founder of the beloved Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson was also present to help celebrate Jerry’s remarkable contributions to Cary and North Carolina. Nominated by Howard Johnson and Joy Ennis, Jerry was honored for his decades of artistic work and community impact.
Moving Cary Forward Panel
On Tuesday evening, Councilmember Lori Bush joined Transit Director Kelly Blazey, Transportation Engineering Manager David Spencer, and Jared Draper from Toole Design as panelists in a Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum moderated by Joan Lyons from Oaks & Spokes. This forum brought together citizens for a meaningful conversation about Cary’s transportation future, highlighting shared goals and priorities. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversations about future bike infrastructure, Vision Zero, transit improvements, and other potential transportation enhancements.
Amberly Residents Club Presentation
Councilmember Sarika Bansal presented to the Amberly Residents Club, sharing updates on priorities for Western Cary, including a financial overview and current initiatives.
Western Area Reclaimed Water Service Update
Out of an abundance of caution, Cary took the Western Reclaimed Water Distribution System offline on the evening of May 23 to investigate a potential pressure issue. Over the following days, crews have been carefully repressurizing the system and restoring reclaimed water service section by section. Staff expects to complete the investigation and bring the entire system back online during the week of June 2nd. To view a map of the Distribution System service area click here.
Annual Water Quality Report
Cary’s 2024 Annual Water Quality Report is now available. The report summarizes the treatment, testing, and infrastructure improvements that staff accomplished in order to provide 8.4 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water to the community in 2024. Cary provides drinking water to more than 300,000 citizens of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Wake County’s portion of Research Triangle Park (RTP), and the Raleigh- Durham International Airport (RDU). Highlights include the completion of a service line inventory, proactive monitoring for emerging contaminants, and the ongoing residential water meter replacement program.
Long Range Water Resource Plan Finalized
After years of planning and coordination, Cary is pleased to present the new Long Range Water Resource Plan , which outlines the community’s water strategy for the next 50 years. Cary has a strong tradition of master planning, but this update represents a significant milestone by incorporating the vision of the Imagine Cary Community Plan alongside the latest input from regional water partners, including Apex, Morrisville, Wake Research Triangle Park (RTP), and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Developing a comprehensive strategy for both water supply and infrastructure is essential to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy living in Cary. Council will have the opportunity to learn more about the plan during a work session scheduled for August or September.
African American Education Display at Arts Center
Installed this week at the Cary Arts Center is a new permanent display, A Legacy of Learning: African American Education in Cary, which explores the impacts of segregation and desegregation in Cary education. The project was a collaborative effort involving the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Human Resources staff, and research support from the Friends of Page-Walker. Peggy Van Scoyoc’s book Desegregating Cary and related oral histories, along with Ella Williams-Vinson’s books Both Sides of the Track I & II, provided rich resources for the display.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 11
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on June 11 at Town Hall to consider designating the Levie and Clarence Braswell House, located at 309 N. West Street, as a Cary Local Historic Landmark.
The HPC agenda, including the staff report and supporting documents for the public hearing, will be available by the close of business on Thursday, June 5. Information about Cary’s 12 existing local historic landmarks can be viewed on the interactive map.
Upcoming Meetings
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, June 2
5:15 p.m.
Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, June 2
6:00 p.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, June 3
6:00 p.m.
Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, June 4
12:00 p.m.
Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027
Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.
As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.
In the coming months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.
Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12. Unfortunately, most of these complaints are based on information that is inaccurate or misleading. Sadly, the insults continue from the Lochmere community. One complaint included the comment “Your growth agenda has ruined this town … If this is the 5th best place to live that does not say much for the cities and towns across this county. I hope your developer friends are happy because the people around Waverly are not!”. Others I can’t put in print.
(Fortunately, this does not represent the majority of those living in Lochmere and the surrounding areas and certainly does not represent most of the Cary citizens. In Cary, we should be able to agree, disagree, and agree to disagree all while respecting each other’s point of view. While this is not what we witness on the state and national levels it is what we expect here in Cary. I continue to be disappointed that people believe it is OK to insult others with comments, such as the ones above, that are absolutely false.)
- A series of insults about Cary because we have a street named Plantation Drive.
- A complaint that we didn’t have American flags on street poles for Memorial Day.
- A thank you for the amendments for swimming pools in downtown.
- A request to raise staff salaries higher than 3% that is in the proposed budget.
Next Week
Next week I will be on a family vacation.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, June 15th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
Harold's Blog 