Bertadean Williams Baker

The key discussion topics for the meeting include the adoption of the suggested agenda and disclosure of any conflicts of interest. Agenda items for review, consideration, and/or action involve potential new members for the Planning Board and review of the Sign Ordinance, which is currently under revision as part of the Unified Development Ordinance update. The board will also discuss potential changes to the Bylaws and receive requests for future agenda items.

The meeting commenced with the setting of the agenda. Key discussions centered on large-scale solar installations within the county. Perspectives were shared by local mayors concerning potential negative impacts on tourism and unknown decommissioning costs. An attorney provided insight into pitfalls from existing solar installations in a neighboring county, emphasizing the need for a sturdy decommissioning bond due to issues like environmental impacts, illegal dumping, and serial ownership turnover. The board also discussed the environmental concerns regarding panel components leaching into soil and waterways. Furthermore, an update was provided on the code update process, noting that consultants have drafted a potential ordinance update for committee review. Ultimately, the board moved to recommend to the Warren County Board of Commissioners that the current parameters regarding solar installations in the new unified development ordinance be maintained, and a letter reflecting this decision will be drafted. The Director provided an update on recent economic development marketing activities, including attendance at a regional site-selector event and industry conferences.

The agenda items for this meeting include a moment of silence, the swearing in of a new board member, Latashia Turner-Brothers, and the election of the Board of Health Chair and Vice Chair. Other key discussions involve the Conflict of Interest Statement, Public Comment, a review of the 2025 County Health Rankings, the review and approval of the Statement of Interest to Serve for two individuals, and Dr. Brake's midyear Evaluation. The Health Director will also provide a report.

The agenda for the January 6, 2026 meeting of the Warren County Planning Board included initial procedural items such as calling to order, verifying a quorum, and adopting the suggested agenda, alongside the reading of the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement and Citizen Comments period. Key items for review and action involved the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, review of Statements of Interest for board service, adoption of the Schedule of Meetings for 2026, and consideration of Preliminary Plats for two developments: Phase II of The Pointe at Kerr Lake and The Villas at Lake Gaston. Closing comments were scheduled to address potential changes to Bylaws and to gather requests for future agenda items.

The Warren County Board of Adjustment convened to discuss a variance request for a property on Liberation Road, where the applicant sought to construct a shed with reduced setbacks due to a drainage ditch. The board also reviewed a request for a Special Use Permit for a proposed fire station substation on Oine Road, including considerations of public need, traffic patterns, and potential impacts on adjacent property owners.