Alysa Murphy

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included reports from various departments, finance, and approval of previous minutes from December 11, 2025. Under Old Business, a presentation was given on the N Cross and E Franklin Streets Intersection, where the data analysis suggested that a proposed roundabout would not be effective, though staff will continue to pursue safety improvements. In New Business, William Doerfer was unanimously appointed as Town Manager and Deputy Finance Officer. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the Youngsville Police Department's achievement of North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation, making it the first agency in Franklin County and one of only thirteen in the state to receive this honor. Furthermore, the Board unanimously adopted an Interlocal Agreement with the Franklin County Board of Education for the shared use of the Youngsville Elementary School Gymnasium and baseball fields. Finally, liaisons were appointed to various county and regional boards and commissions.

The meeting covered several key agenda items, starting with the call to order and an invocation. The board approved the agenda and noted there were no public hearings. Following citizen comments, the consent agenda was approved. Old business included a presentation regarding the Cross and Franklin intersection, where the feasibility of a neighborhood traffic circle was discussed and ultimately deemed unfeasible due to required roadway widening and property impacts; incremental safety improvements such as adding pavement markings and improving stop sign visibility were proposed instead. Under new business, William Dorfer was appointed as Town Manager and Deputy Finance Officer, followed by the Youngsville Police Department receiving the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Award, marking them as the first agency in Franklin County and one of only 13 in the state to receive this honor.

The Board Meeting commenced with the approval of the proposed agenda. Key discussions included an Audit Presentation, which resulted in an unmodified opinion with a recommendation to increase the fidelity bond coverage for the Finance Officer. A Public Hearing was held regarding a Zoning Text Amendment concerning General and Service Contractors in the Industrial (IND) zone, for which no public comments were received. The Consent Agenda, comprising reports from various departments and approval of fee schedules and proclamations, was approved. Under Old Business, the Board unanimously approved the rezoning request from SFR-1 to C-1 for 693 Park Avenue. New Business involved the approval of the Zoning Text Amendment discussed earlier. In Reports and Other Business, the Mayor noted upcoming community events, and staff provided updates on Town Manager interviews and the commencement of the 2027 budget process.

The primary focus of the meeting was a Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing regarding Variance #250811 requested by SJP Acquisitions, LLC. The variance sought relief from the requirement to install sidewalks along the street frontage of new commercial development. The applicant argued that strict application of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship due to property conditions, including the presence of a natural stream, FEMA special flood hazard zones, encroachments, and required culvert upgrades, estimating costs between $500,000 and $750,000 and complex permitting processes involving the Army Corp of Engineers and DOT. After review of evidence, including expert testimony regarding topography and engineering challenges, the Board deliberated on findings of fact and conclusions of law related to hardship and consistency with the ordinance's spirit. Ultimately, the Board voted to grant the Request for Variance.

The meeting agenda included a review of New Business, specifically considering a Zoning Text Amendment to Article 8 regarding the Table of Permitted Uses. This amendment was prompted by an issue discovered during a recent Rezoning Application. The Board unanimously approved the Zoning Text Amendment. During the Around-the-Town Report, it was noted that the regularly scheduled November meeting would conflict with Thanksgiving, leading to a decision to combine the November and December meetings into a Special Called Meeting on December 4th.