Gerald R. Childress

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on park renovations. Progress is noted on the Thombs Walking Track / Watterson Street Park, with reconfiguration, grading, and hydroseeding complete; the asphalt work is pending favorable weather, and the restroom kit delivery is scheduled for the end of February. The signage contract for the track project has been executed. Next steps for Davidson involve going out to bid for site work and restroom renovation to determine funds available for the playground area. A structural and safety assessment of Rick Murphrey's Children Playground is scheduled with the original installation company. Other business included a discussion regarding the Ward 3 vacancy.

The key discussion topics included a blessing of the meal, determination of quorum, staff reports covering the Director, Financial, Programming, Technology, Services, and Transportation aspects, and a discussion focused on goals for the upcoming year. The meeting concluded with other business, comments, concerns, and an adjournment vote.

The meeting agenda included the determination of a quorum, invocation, pledge of allegiance, and adoption of the agenda. Key discussion points involved the election of new officers for 2026, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and confirmation of the Secretary. New business featured discussions regarding the Planning and Zoning Board itself and consideration of two rezoning cases: Case Z-25-14 to change Parcel 49416 from Suburban Residential (SR) to Light Industrial (LI) to facilitate an AI Data Center Campus, and Case Z-25-15 to change Parcels 10007 and 64645 from Auto-Urban Commercial (AU) to Mixed Use (MU). A discussion on the Mineral Extraction District was also scheduled. Prior to the formal meeting, an Oath of Office was administered to the new 2026 Planning and Zoning Board Member, Sean Hickman.

The meeting included special recognition of Councilmembers Mike Butler and Tommy Hawkins for their years of service. New councilmembers Tyler L. Fletcher, Heather M. Lemmond, and G. Scott Neisler were administered the Oath of Office. The council appointed the Mayor Pro Tem and legal counsel for the City, reaffirmed City Council General Rules and Parliamentary Procedures, and adopted a resolution reaffirming previously adopted Resolutions and procedures. Council subcommittees were appointed, including the Nominating, Vision Mission, and Facilities Maintenance Subcommittees, as well as representatives to the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority, Transportation Subcommittee, and Housing Subcommittee. Additionally, the council discussed the approval of closed session minutes and general accounts, and adopted the 2026 City Council regular meeting schedule. An amendment to the audit contract with Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. was authorized due to a deadline extension granted by the Local Government Commission.

The meeting included updates on park renovations, specifically the Thombs Walking Track / Watterson Street Park project, where work is pending the return of bonds for the General Contractor. There was also an update on park grants, noting that COKM did not receive the part F grant due to the lack of a central CIP plan. Board members and guests participated in a preference activity, selecting monument style entrance signs, trash receptacles, and fonts for park benches.