Randie Evans

This document provides a comprehensive recap of the City of Florence's significant progress and achievements throughout 2025, and outlines key strategic initiatives and expectations for 2026. Major areas of focus include bolstering public safety through advanced technology and equipment, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability with master plans, enhancing community engagement and recreational opportunities, addressing housing needs, promoting environmental stewardship, and investing in youth development. The overarching aim is to foster continued growth and build a stronger, more connected city for the future.

The meeting commenced with honors and recognitions for several city employees for dedicated service, including Gregory Allen (35 years), Daniel Korea (15 years), Retha Brown (20 years), Lieutenant Alex McGovern (15 years, fire service experience), Jacob Scheler (15 years, fire service), John Watts (15 years), and Christopher Russell (10 years). The council also moved up resolutions for recognition. Key resolutions approved included honoring Smiling Scoops for contributions to revitalizing downtown Florence, which resulted in declaring January through March as 'Smiling Scoops Quarter.' Additionally, the council proclaimed February 7th through 14th, 2026, as National Marriage Week.

The meeting addressed several agenda items requiring amendments to city ordinances and zoning decisions. Key discussions included a public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to the New Ebenezer Church Plan Development District to relax existing signage restrictions, allowing for a larger monument sign based on Activity Center standards. Another major item involved the request to annex and zone an 11-12 acre parcel from county jurisdiction to Urban Residential (RU) pending annexation, with the intent to develop townhouses and preserve a wooded buffer along Brittany Drive. Finally, the commission reviewed a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to clarify and regulate itinerant vendor sales, mobile services, and temporary use permits, including redefining which temporary special uses require full Planning Commission review versus administrative permits.

The board meeting addressed two main agenda items, BZA hearing number 2026-01 and BZA hearing number 2026-02. For case 2026-01, the board considered a request for a variance from the rear setback requirement for the construction of a covered back porch addition, which would reduce the setback from 35 feet to 18 feet in the NC15 zoning district. The applicant noted that the existing pool limits placement options and the immediately adjacent neighbor expressed no objection. The variance was approved. For case 2026-02, the board reviewed a request for variances concerning location, building spacing, and rear setback for an accessory building (pool house) on a residential parcel located on a hill. The variances were sought because the topography and lot configuration restrict placement, necessitating the accessory building in the sideyard area, which is obscured by a solid masonry fence. The applicants indicated verbal approval from the HOA, and the variance request was approved.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks, a prayer recognizing Women's History Month and service members, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda adjustments were made to move resolutions forward. A motion was passed to add a standing resolution for monthly updates on water, wastewater, and storm water systems. Key activities included recognizing 25 years of service for Shawn Alario and 20 years of service for Isaiah Harley. A grant presentation by the Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to fund two separate tree giveaways in April and the fall, doubling the previous year's contribution. The council passed resolutions recognizing United 74, Inc. for its extensive community service, including scholarships and assistance to seniors and displaced individuals, and recognizing Justin Pervvis for his business leadership and charitable work, notably the 'sneaks for purpose' sneaker drive. Finally, the council recognized the Florence Christian School girls basketball team for winning the 2026 state championship.