J. Carlton Cole

The work session included a discussion led by the village manager regarding family care homes and their regulatory framework under North Carolina general statute, noting that they are considered a protected residential use, typically housing up to six residents, and that local government has limited regulatory control beyond potential spacing restrictions. Concerns from residents regarding a proposed family care home in neighborhood number six were discussed, particularly feelings of being blindsided due to lack of prior notice, despite the operators having experience and planning to provide 24/7 on-site care, professional catering, and medication administration. Additionally, an update on the new library construction was provided, detailing recent milestones such as site plan approval, groundbreaking, pre-construction meetings, and building permit issuance. Progress is currently slightly delayed due to necessary relocation of a county sewer line, but significant on-site work is anticipated in the following month.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reports from the Village Manager included announcing a free screening of an American Constitution documentary and discussing meetings with the North Carolina Mayor's Association regarding shared challenges such as protecting extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and stormwater concerns, as well as attending a Carolina's Golf Association induction ceremony and a Champions Club award luncheon for village employees. The Village Manager also reported on the Sand Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting where population projections were revised downward by 21.7% for Moore County, prompting local leaders to re-evaluate growth planning. Further discussions involved an update from the Tri Cities meeting regarding upcoming legislative challenges, specifically Senate Bill 382 which restricts municipalities from supervising downzoning, and reports of declining applications for new developments in neighboring communities. The Mayor Pro Tem reported on meeting with the Davidson village council regarding management structures and commented on his presentation to the North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association conference. He also discussed the implications of revised population projections for managing growth. A councilman reported on presenting to CCNC regarding fraud detection and community contact, and another councilman detailed the Pinehurst Business Partners' 2026 event list, including the St. Patrick's Day parade and a Sand Hills Dog Fair, and provided an update on the America 250 Pinehurst cookbook deadline. A councilman also provided insights from attending the Central Pines Regional Council meeting, emphasizing that Pinehurst is part of a rapidly growing region and not isolated. The council then approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes for the February 10th, 2026 regular meeting and work session.

The work session primarily focused on reviewing and discussing two main policy items. First, the council reviewed the village's recognition and public naming policy, specifically addressing a $100,000 donation offer from the Donald Ross Society to name a room in the archives, leading to a discussion on the necessity of establishing a formal policy for naming rights and donations. Second, the council reviewed a draft Growth Policy, which is intended to serve as guidelines for intentional and context-sensitive growth, with discussions centered on language regarding rural areas and annexation requests. Finally, the council reviewed the draft Senior Advisory Policy, discussing the establishment of a committee intended to identify service gaps for seniors, address issues like online fraud and EMS call frequency, and improve safety and reduce social isolation, emphasizing the need for dedicated, experienced committee members.

The work session primarily focused on the significant downward revision of population projections for Moore County and adjacent areas, noting a 21.7% decrease compared to earlier forecasts, which impacts future planning. Discussion covered the State Demographer's unconstrained methodology versus local constrained estimates, including factors like migration rates. This context was presented in relation to the traffic circle project, whose original design was based on a 2050 projection of 80,000 daily trips. A new design is now being considered, as the previous one was taken off the table. The discussion also touched upon the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Demand Model (TDM) update process and reviewed public comments received by the DOT regarding a new design.

The meeting commenced with a welcome for the new year and an invocation. Key updates included kickoff events for the country's 250th anniversary, such as a tree planting ceremony and the groundbreaking for the new Gibbons Library. Preparations for the St. Patrick's Day event are underway, and the harness track achieved a record number of stall rentals. Council members provided updates on topics including the Pinehurst traffic circle, where analysis of police reports suggests a downward trend in crashes following Ballard installation in early 2024, and the upcoming bidding for phase two of the number six sidewalks. Additionally, a community cookbook project titled "Stars, Stripes, and Shared Traditions" was announced to celebrate America's 250 years, with submissions due by February 13th. The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda and an honorary resolution recognizing the dedicated service of former council member Dr. Jeff Morgan.