Holly Springs (NC) Town Council Meeting: Recap of Public Comments, Other Business, and Town Manager’s Report
Public comments highlight arts, culture, and community celebration as the town looks ahead to HollyFest, the micro-transit launch, and November’s family-friendly events.
Public Comments
Holly Springs, NC, Oct. 24, 2025 — During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Holly Springs town council meeting, residents brought forth two items: arts and cultural development and an invitation to a major community celebration.
The first speaker encouraged the town to continue exploring ways to expand arts and culture opportunities. They cautioned about the approach to performance arts venues since similar projects in other North Carolina towns have been costly and financially risky. Examples were cited where attendance and revenues fell short of expectations.
The speaker questioned whether the Southwest Wake County market could support another performing arts facility, or whether Holly Springs might instead benefit from pursuing a business conference center or senior center.
A second resident invited council members and the community to take part in a Diwali Festival on November 1st, a full-day event open to all residents, celebrating light, culture, and community. The event, taking place at Sugg Park, will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with fireworks around 9:30 p.m. Town leaders were invited to participate in a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony to open the celebration.
More information about the Tuta Diwali event at Sugg Farm can be found here.
Other Business
Council members agreed to revisit the town’s legislative hearing process to evaluate whether it is fulfilling its goal of enhancing transparency and public input.
The process currently allows development applicants to present projects in a public hearing before Planning Board review, with the intent of allowing early feedback from both residents and council members. Several members noted that recent hearings have lacked substantial feedback, limiting opportunities to guide projects before they advance.
The council will gather input from both Planning Board members and development teams and hold a future workshop to determine whether adjustments to the process are needed.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Randy Harrington previewed several upcoming community events and initiatives:
HollyFest and Micro-transit Launch Preview:
Residents attending HollyFest on Saturday, October 25th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sugg Farm will be able to view one of the town’s new microtransit vans, branded as part of the upcoming Freebee on-demand transit program. The vehicle will be on display for residents to see and learn about before the service officially launches later this year.Touch-a-Truck and Battle of the Badges Chili Cookoff:
The November 1st Holly Springs Farmers Market will include a Touch-a-Truck event where families can explore fire trucks, police cars, and other town vehicles.Running alongside will be the annual Battle of the Badges Chili Cookoff, a friendly competition between the Holly Springs Police and Fire Departments. Residents are invited to taste and vote for their favorite chili while supporting local first responders.
More information about the Touch-a-Truck and Chili Cookoff can be found here.
Got Feedback or a Question for the Town Council?
Mayor: Sean Mayefskie - sean.mayefskie@hollyspringsnc.gov
Mayor Pro Tem: Daniel Berry - dan.berry@hollyspringsnc.gov
Council Member: Chris DeShazor - chris.deshazor@hollyspringsnc.gov
Council Member: Annie Drees - annie.drees@hollyspringsnc.gov
Council Member: Timothy Forrest - timothy.forrest@hollyspringsnc.gov
Council Member: Danielle Hewetson - danielle.hewetson@hollyspringsnc.gov