Beau Blackwelder

The pre-agenda meeting included discussions on the Code of Ethics and the Front and Center Strategic Plan, as well as a presentation from the Governor's Office. A key part of the regular agenda involved the recognition of outgoing members, including Mayor Costi Kutteh, and the introduction of new officials during the new business section, such as the swearing in of the newly elected Mayor and Council Members, and the election of the Mayor Pro-Tempore.

The agenda for the meeting included an annual presentation from the Statesville Housing Authority and recognition for the Garfield/Green Street Historic District National Register Listing. The Consent Agenda items for consideration involved approving minutes from previous meetings, approving the second reading of an Urban Archery Ordinance and related participation in the season, approving the second reading of agreements with North Carolina Municipal Power Agency 1, and approving the second reading of a rezoning request (ZC26-05) and an annexation request (AX26-05) concerning properties along Dover Road. The Regular Agenda involved conducting continued public hearings regarding the Japul Road subdivision rezoning (ZC25-15) and annexation (AX26-01), conducting a public hearing regarding a dilapidated dwelling at 319 Monroe Street for summary ejectment, conducting a public hearing for the annexation of 552 Buffalo Shoals Rd (AX26-02), and conducting a public hearing concerning the first reading of an update to the Stormwater Ordinance (TA26-01). The agenda also listed minutes from the ABC Board and Stormwater Advisory Commission meetings for review, and scheduled a closed session for Attorney-Client Privilege and Economic Development matters.

The meetings addressed several operational and developmental matters. Key discussions included the semi-annual write-off of utility accounts totaling approximately $147,505.66, with clarification sought regarding the inability to place liens on sewer-only accounts. The 2026 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule was adopted without changes. Approval was granted for a resolution accepting $3,000,000 in state-appropriated funds to extend the Third Creek Sewer. A budget amendment was approved to reallocate interest revenue for the new Statesville Airport Terminal Building and related capital projects. Second readings were considered for a rezoning request (ZC25-06) and an annexation (AX25-04) concerning properties along Turnersburg Highway, with delays noted for the former due to DOT issues. The regular session included a public hearing and approval for an economic incentive grant for GMS Fabrication LLC's expansion, Project Innovation, based on a $14,000,000 capital investment and job creation. A public hearing was also held for the rezoning request ZC25-14 (Bond Street Properties) from Heavy Industrial to High Density Single-Family Residential, which was approved along with an amendment to the 2045 Land Use Plan to designate the area as Downtown Neighborhood 2. Finally, three regular members were appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.

The Special Meeting focused heavily on team building, including a review of the DiSC assessment and the establishment of group norms such as transparency, respect, and open-mindedness, along with methods for accountability. The session included a closed session to discuss matters related to Attorney-Client Privilege and Property Disposition/Acquisition, though no decisions were made public. Key operational discussions included the significant financial implications of the Fire Station 5 project on the upcoming budget and an update on the Bethlehem Road realignment project, which might incorporate an aviation grant request. Emerging issues reviewed involved current Street Paving Costs (noting the pavement index and Powell Bill funding), and an outline of projected increases for Water and Sewer Rates. Growth Strategies were noted for future discussion.

The Pre-Agenda meeting covered discussions on the 2026 Code of Ethics and the Front and Center Strategic Plan, as well as a proclamation for America 250. The Consent Agenda items included consideration for approving minutes from previous meetings, first readings of ordinances authorizing Amended and Restated Project Power Sales Agreements with North Carolina Municipal Power Agency 1, second readings for two rezoning requests (ZC26-01 and ZC26-02), approval of an Urban Archery Ordinance, and appropriation of funds for budget amendments related to economic incentives for Doosan Bobcat, Statesville Industrial Partners, LLC, and Northpoint Development, LLC. The Regular Agenda included public hearings and consideration for first readings on a rezoning request (ZC26-05) for parcels along Dover Road, annexation requests (AX26-05) for Dover Road property, rezoning and annexation requests concerning Japul Road (ZC25-15/AX26-01), and consideration for approving the Affordable Housing Fund and Policy. Discussions also included permanent closure of a portion of unopened Henry Street.