Michael Bare

The Board meeting included a viewing of an informational video from the NCACC, a presentation on the NC Selectsite Readiness Program, and a public hearing regarding a land option agreement for economic development. Rezoning cases RZ-26-01 and RZ-26-02 were reviewed and approved to accommodate residential development. Additionally, a presentation by Vaya Health discussed rural health transformation, the Board authorized participation in a national opioid settlement, approved a budget amendment for the EMS department, and processed various consent agenda items, including tax adjustments, surplus equipment requests, and a planning board appointment.

The meeting included various agenda items and public hearings. Key discussions involved a public hearing for an Economic Development Incentive Grant for Jonathan Wesley Furniture, LLC, which was approved not to exceed $58,500 to support a $3 million building acquisition and job creation. Another public hearing addressed amendments to the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Ordinance, mandated by state legislation, which were subsequently approved. The Board approved Kiley Walley, owner of Kiley's Sugar Shoppe, LLC, as the commercial tenant for the County-owned property at 16 W. Main Avenue. An update was provided on the WPCOG Catawba River Interbasin Transfer issue, noting risks to water health due to growth and proposed transfers by Charlotte. The Board received a favorable audit report for FY 2024-2025, noting strong fund balance and revenue sources, and subsequently approved the report. Budget Amendments #20 through #23, covering adjustments for Sheriff's Office grants, Detention Center medical supplies, grant fund closeouts, and fire department fund balance true-ups, were also approved. The session concluded with the approval of the Consent Agenda and a Closed Session to discuss contractual matters.

The primary discussion centered on the review and consideration of an updated version of the proposed Planning Board Handbook, which the board subsequently moved to approve. The agenda was also adopted.

The regular meeting of the Planning Board addressed several items, including the unanimous approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous month (with one correction noted). Key discussions included a rezoning request (RZ-25-05) to change approximately 1.5 acres from Office Institutional District (OI) to Residential District Three (R3) to permit a singlewide manufactured home, which the board recommended favorably to the Board of Commissioners. Additionally, a public hearing was held concerning an appeal (ZV-25-01) against a zoning violation issued regarding the Hiddenite Family Campground operating in violation of county ordinances. Testimony was heard from the appellant regarding flooding events and grandfathered use. Following staff rebuttal, the board unanimously voted to uphold the zoning violation. Announcements included the schedule for the next meeting and the appointment of a new member to fill a vacancy.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in Coy Reese as chair, Matt Schrum as vice-chair, and Joey Price as secretary. A public hearing for SUP-25-02 was postponed until the February 12, 2026 meeting. The board also reviewed and recommended a text amendment regarding feather flags, conditional zoning districts, and the development review process to the county commissioners. An announcement was made regarding Zach Tyner's appointment to fill a county commissioner vacancy.