Jeff Fox

The meeting included initial commentary thanking public works staff for handling water leaks and clearing streets, and congratulating the police department for solving a murder quickly. A public comment period was held but yielded no speakers. The council then approved the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a legislative hearing regarding a property rezoning request (RZ26-02) from a heavy industrial conditional zoning to an I2 general industrial district designation for properties located on US 220 business south. This rezoning request was contingent upon the property's successful annexation into the City of Asheboro, which required a separate public hearing and vote, to prevent the property from becoming unzoned. The applicant, Frank Edmonson IV representing Schwarz Properties LLC, explained the transition from previous furniture manufacturing use and the proposal for I2 general industrial uses. The planning board recommended approval for the rezoning, and staff also recommended approval, citing consistency with goals for the city activity center and primary growth area. The council subsequently deliberated and voted to approve the rezoning request, pending the successful annexation.

The meeting commenced with housekeeping to amend the agenda, removing an item and modifying the closed session agenda to discuss a business expansion location issue and the qualifications of candidates for the next city attorney. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the retirement of Captain Moore after nearly 30 years of service, followed by recognition for City Attorney Jeff Sugg, who is retiring after 25 years as the city's first full-time attorney. Comments highlighted his integrity, dedication, and calm counsel. A representative from the North Carolina General Assembly presented Mr. Sugg with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The City Attorney, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the City Council, staff, and local bar members, emphasizing the value of teamwork and learning from mistakes. The City Attorney also highlighted the positive working relationships with police chiefs and department heads.

The meeting featured a significant public comment segment where residents raised concerns about a loud, cannon-like noise emanating from the former Burlington Mill property, causing distress to pets and startling children and adults alike. Council members acknowledged the issue, noting the device is intended to scare birds, and committed to further review, working with the property owner on adjustments to the operation cycle, despite current allowances under noise ordinances and state statutes. Separately, a subcommittee presented findings on the future strategic planning for the airport, focusing on developing it as an economic development engine. This included discussing the prior removal of a charter restriction that prohibited manufacturing or industrial use at the airport and highlighting recent infrastructure improvements like the extension of sewer services to facilitate economic growth. Residents also raised concerns regarding the unrepaired state of a road on F Street following water line work and a misaligned manhole cover on the corner of Underwood and Fatville Street.

The Asheboro Planning Board convened a special meeting due to anticipated inclement weather, relocating it from February 2nd to February 4th. Key agenda items included reviewing cases and the monthly report on administratively approved major subdivisions. Old Business involved the continued review of RZ-26-02, a request to apply initial I2 General Industrial zoning to property on US Hwy. 220 Business South. New Business featured RZ-26-03, a request to rezone property on Oakland Avenue from residential to OA6 Conditional Zoning for a congregate living facility, which the applicant requested to continue until the March 2, 2026, meeting. The board also conducted the election of officers.

The meeting covered several operational and planning discussions. Key items included a potential revision to the North Randolph Avenue parking plan, where staff recommendations to remove time limits and prohibit parking near an intersection were generally supported, with an ordinance to follow in December. The council also heard a presentation on the Haskett Creek Watershed Improvement Plans for North Asheboro Park, though no formal action was taken. The consent agenda involved the approval of minutes from previous meetings (excluding the October 6 special meeting, which was approved in the consent agenda) and the adoption of a resolution sealing the general account of the October 9 closed session. Approvals were also granted for temporary street closures for the December Christmas Parade and the Christmas on Sunset event. A legislative hearing was held for a request to rezone property on West Balfour Avenue from residential to Light Industrial Conditional Zoning for warehouse and professional service uses, which the Council approved with supplementary conditions. Another legislative hearing addressed rezoning properties on North Street and North Fayetteville Street for a multi-family residential development, which the Planning Board recommended for approval with conditions, acknowledging its status as an adaptive reuse of a historic structure. Furthermore, the council adopted a resolution of intent to permanently close an unopened section of Mark Avenue right-of-way, setting a public hearing for January 8, 2026. Finally, the City Manager was authorized to execute an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the U-5711 (Pineview Street) Project concerning utility relocation and water/sewer line betterments, necessitating an amendment to the Water and Sewer Fund budget. The council also briefly discussed complaints about tee time monopolization at the municipal golf course and discussed the process for recruiting a new City Attorney.