Tea for the Soul
Tuesday, I participated in a program called “Tea for the Soul” at WakeMed Raleigh with elected officials from Wake Forest, and Raleigh. We were also joined by the Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority. The “Tea for the Soul” program is run by the spiritual care chaplain. It involves visiting ICU healthcare workers and offering hot tea, sweets, snacks, and a moment to relax. I was honored just to meet these frontline workers that are the difference between life and death every day. We visited three ICU sections at WakeMed Raleigh and had our picture made at the last one. WakeMed does over 400 of these at all their facilities every year. I look forward to participating in another one soon. Words can’t express what all these frontline workers mean to our community.
Annual CAP Dinner
Tuesday night I joined council members Smith, Craig, and Bansal for the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) Appreciation Dinner. This is put on every year by the police department for the more than 120 CAP members. I provided remarks along with the police chief and other officers. I also invited Council member Jack Smith to make a few remarks since this was his last official act as a 36-year council member. I, along with many others, will miss Jack.
First Responders Breakfast
Wednesday morning, I joined council members Craig and Bansal at the Cary Chamber’s First Responders Breakfast. The keynote speaker was NC Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson. There were hundreds of firefighters, police officers, EMS, and other first responders in attendance.
Cary is blessed with exceptional fire and police departments, and our gratitude for these everyday heroes runs deep. Thank you to every first responder who bravely moves toward danger so the rest of us can stay safe.
Council Sworn In
A reception was held Thursday evening in the lobby outside the council chambers for newly elected council members Bella Huang and Brittany Richards, and re-elected council member Carissa Kohn-Johnson. There were about a hundred people in attendance.
Before the regularly scheduled council meeting, we gathered in the council chambers for pictures.
The meeting included the swearing-in of the council members and their remarks. The council then elected Lori Bush as the Mayor Pro-Tem. I announced my council liaison appointments and other committees before adjourning. The entire meeting lasted about 25 minutes.
Rotary Peace Pole Dedication
Friday, I joined council members Kohn-Johnson, Craig, Richards, and Huang in the dedication of Cary’s first Peace Pole sponsored by the Cary Rotary.
Peace Poles carry the message of peace, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, in several languages from around the world. Peace Poles are recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument dedicated to peace on earth. Peace Poles have been planted on every continent in over 200,000 communities by friends and supporters working in unison to uplift the consciousness of humankind.
The dedication event included comments by Rotarians, me, NC Senator Adcock, and NC Representative Cervania. Afterwards I was given the honor of unveiling the pole. This was followed by various groups taking their picture with the pole including council members.
I do hope this Peace Pole acts as beacons of hope, inspiring people to come together and work towards a more peaceful world rejecting divisiveness.
Cary Tree Lighting
Saturday night the entire council joined me in a brief ceremony to officially light the town Christmas Tree in Downtown Cary Park. Lauren Johnson of WTVD was the emcee, introduced me, and I made a few remarks before introducing the council. To light the tree, I invited my 3-year-old grandson, Brady, to help. It was a special time for me, and I hope everyone had a great time. Enjoy the holidays!
Manager’s Weekly Report
Council,
I had the pleasure of celebrating our first responders at the Cary Chamber breakfast on Wednesday, always a meaningful reminder of the courage and care behind their service. What a special night with Council last night, and congratulations again to Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Bella Huang, and Brittany Richards. Holiday activities in downtown Cary are also picking up, with the Tree Lighting at Downtown Cary Park this Saturday. To make room for the festivities and the expected crowds, Academy Street will be closed from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It’s shaping up to be a bright and busy weekend in Cary, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy a little of it.
Russ
Deputy Town Manager
December 9 Work Session – Policies
The following policies may be discussed at the Council Work Session on Tuesday, December 9. Links to the policies are provided below for your review and familiarization with the content in advance.
- Policy 143: Rules of Procedure for the Cary Town Council
- Policy 150: Boards and Commissions General Rules of Order
- Policy 164: Ethics Policy for Town Council
- Policy 181: Conflicts of Interest and Gift Policy for Federal Procurement
Q1 Report
The Quarterly Report for July through September is available online. This quarter’s highlights include FY 2026 first-quarter financial results; the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, which drew 55,000 visitors downtown; a $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation to renovate the Davis Drive Park playground; Cary’s new FEMA flood rating, which may lower flood insurance costs for some residents; and Cary’s first Scam Jam and Senior Home Fair.
ICCP ENGAGE and MOVE Chapter Updates
After many months of meaningful conversation, idea sharing, and community engagement, the draft Cary Bike Plan is now available for review.
Cary is also seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the Imagine Cary Community Plan (ICCP). These updates focus on the ENGAGE and MOVE chapters and reflect recent planning efforts and Council direction.
The ENGAGE chapter update incorporates the new Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) System Plan, which was approved by Council in December 2024. The plan will move forward for formal adoption as part of this comprehensive plan amendment process.
The MOVE chapter update integrates recommendations from the draft Cary Bike Plan and incorporates Vision Zero principles following Council’s April 2025 resolution adopting a Vision Zero strategy.
Community feedback is currently being collected on the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the Cary Bike Plan. Staff anticipates bringing the amendments to Council for consideration in early 2026.
Fire Gets Recommended for Reaccreditation
The Fire Department wrapped up a peer team visit on November 20 as part of its application for reaccreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Four team members from fire departments across the country toured facilities and spoke to personnel from Fire and several other departments and partner agencies to verify and validate Fire’s documents and processes supporting its pursuit of continuous improvement. The team recommended reaccreditation, and if the commission approves it at its hearings in the spring, it will be the Cary Fire Department’s sixth accreditation since 1999.
Higgins Greenway Mid-Block Crossing Improvements
Higgins Greenway Phase III crosses Griffis Street at a mid-block location. Narron Contracting and Public Works staff worked together to install and program new signage and push-button-activated, solar-powered lights that alert drivers when pedestrians are using the crosswalk. This upgrade is designed to enhance and improve the crossing for both greenway users and drivers.
Western Parkway Bridge Repair Update
As of November 19, the Weston Parkway bridges over the Black Creek Greenway have reopened to two-way, two-lane traffic. Improvements were performed to protect the structural components from water infiltration and extend the service life of the concrete. Restoration work, including final pavement markings, will continue over the next several weeks, weather permitting.
Paramount Pump Station Construction Update
Wastewater flows were transferred from the old Paramount Pump Station to the new station this week, marking the completion of 16 months of construction. Located along Paramount Parkway, the new facility increases pumping capacity to 1 million gallons per day, supporting planned development including the Wake Tech RTP campus, TownePlace Suites Marriott, and Perimeter Park Tracts 4 and 6. The original station, acquired from Morrisville during the 2006 utility merger, sat within the 100-year floodplain. The new station provides both capacity upgrades and improved resiliency by being located outside the 500-year floodplain. Replacing aging infrastructure strengthens system reliability, reduces the risk of wastewater spills, and supports future growth. After several weeks of smooth operation, the old pump station will be demolished and the site restored to a natural state.
Annual Water Main Replacement Project Begins Construction
The Annual Water Main Replacement Project is beginning downtown. J.F. Wilkerson Construction Co. was awarded the contract at the August 28 Council meeting and will begin mobilizing on December 8. Residents in affected areas have been notified. The project will replace approximately 5,000 feet of existing water main, and the aging sewer infrastructure along Shirley Drive will be upgraded before the street is resurfaced. Work on Shirley Drive will not begin before January 12.
This project complements recent improvements on Griffis Street, Harrison Avenue, and Kildaire Farm Road by upsizing and completing a loop of water main on Shirley Drive. Increasing the pipe size from 8 to 12 inches will strengthen system resiliency and support the growing demands of nearby redevelopment. Additional work includes new water main installations on Tanglewood Drive, Logan Circle, and Carnoustie Circle, along with new connections on Sarazen Meadow Way and Crabtree Crossing Parkway. The full project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Cary Hosts Connected Vehicle Summit
In November, Cary partnered with Applied Information and Temple, Inc. to host a Connected Vehicle Summit at Downtown Cary Park. The event brought together about 40 participants from industry, municipal, and state transportation agencies to learn about Cary’s Connected Vehicle (CV) program and discuss the future of CV technology nationwide.
Cary’s CV program is among the most advanced in the country, integrating features that support drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, school zones, emergency response, transit, and railroad crossings. Presentations highlighted how this technology enhances mobility efficiency for our citizens and previewed the next generation of CV advancements.
The day concluded with demonstration rides around downtown, giving attendees a firsthand look at the program in action. The rides showcased the full range of CV features as well as the growing potential of autonomous vehicle technology.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Walkthrough
Staff braved a heavy mist at Downtown Cary Park this morning for a run-through of tomorrow’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, ensuring a smooth production for visitors to the event and those watching online. As the new Cary Town Council flips the switch at 6 p.m., viewers can tune in to Cary TV on Spectrum cable channel 11 or online at carync.tv, Facebook, and YouTube. A view of the festivities will also be featured on the World Christmas Webcam for those watching around the globe.
Cary Citizen Celebrates 101st Birthday
Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett attended the 101st birthday celebration of Cary resident Ruth “Jeanne” Marmarose on Thursday at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. During the event, Michelle presented Ms. Marmarose with a letter of recognition from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. Jeanne has led an extraordinary life marked by service, love, and family. A proud member of the Nurse Corps during World War II, she served her country with compassion and courage. She later married her college sweetheart, Frank Marmarose, a Navy dentist, and together they built a beautiful family. Cary is proud to honor Jeanne’s remarkable journey and the legacy she continues to inspire in our community.
Growing the Future of Regenerative Agriculture in NC
As Good Hope Farm marks its tenth year as a regenerative agriculture education site, it welcomed students from UNC’s new Environment, Energy & Ecology program for their senior capstone research this semester. Using the site as a living classroom, the students explored the region’s agricultural history and examined how regenerative practices can support local food systems and environmental sustainability. Their hands-on work included tours, volunteer activities, interviews, and community engagement, culminating in the presentation of their final project this week to project sponsor and Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator Sarah Justice.
The students’ research highlighted Indigenous farming practices and the contributions of African American agricultural history to modern techniques.
10th Annual NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival returned to Koka Booth Amphitheatre this month. The festival is open through January, featuring all-new lantern displays, cultural performances, menu items, and merchandise. At the media preview on November 14, Mayor Weinbrecht opened the festival with the ceremonial “flipping of the switch,” joined by Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith, as well as NC Representative Ya Liu and members of Cary’s citizen boards and commissions. Opening weekend drew 11,764 visitors, an increase from 9,408 last year, marking a strong start to the season.
ACC Soccer Championships
Over the past two weeks, WakeMed Soccer Park hosted six soccer matches as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. Fans from across the country came to experience Cary and one of the nation’s top soccer landmarks. With Stanford claiming the women’s title and Southern Methodist University (SMU) capturing the men’s championship, the event was a fantastic lead-in to the NCAA Men’s College Cup coming to Cary this December.
Old North State Storytelling Festival
The North Carolina Storytellers Guild returned to The Cary Theater November 7 – 8 for its annual Storytelling Festival. The event featured three sold-out performances totaling 465 patrons, along with a special sensory-friendly show. While attendees traveled from across the state, 64% of those in the audience were Cary residents. Audiences enjoyed homespun stories that were both humorous and heartfelt, making it a memorable event for all who attended.
Important Dates
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, December 8
5:15 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, December 8
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Work Session
Tuesday, December 9
5:30 p.m.
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, December 9
6:00 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, December 10
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Work Session
Thursday, December 11
5:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting
Thursday, December 11
6:30 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.
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
- A complaint EBikes on greenways.
- Several requests for interviews.
- A complaint about Wake County Public Schools.
- Thanks for my leadership during the ICE raids.
- A complaint about the Weston rezoning proposal.
- Thanks for my leadership in being transparent.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Leadership Cary event, two council work sessions, the only regularly scheduled council meeting of December, a staff member’s retirement party, the Cary Police Winter Wonderland event, Wreaths Across America, and the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 14th, 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 