Sam Crawford

The combined sessions included a pre-agenda session and the main City Council meeting. Key discussions involved updates from the City Manager regarding the America 250 celebrations planning and construction updates for the Richland Creek & Weant Rd. Sewer Upgrades. The council unanimously approved the agenda and a consent agenda covering the approval of the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes, 2026 City Council meeting dates, an amendment to the contract to audit accounts, and a resolution in support of the Great Trails State Grant Contract Award. Old Business focused on the Code of Ordinances Text Amendment (Chapter 5, Article 4) regarding feral cats, which involved public comments both in favor of and against stricter regulation or program support. The amendment passed with a 5-1 vote. Manager Updates included thanking partners for community events and announcing the award of construction for the Veterans Memorial. During Public Comment, citizens raised concerns regarding the existing livestock and fowl restrictions in the ordinance, advocating for changes to allow backyard chickens due to rising egg costs. Councilman Larry Warlick announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025.

The meeting agenda included discussion items for the Plan Archdale Implementation Updates and Priorities, as well as a Vision Zero Update. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant application and requirements. The agenda also included the approval of the minutes from the December 2, 2025, Plan Archdale Commission Meeting.

The City Council meeting agenda included consideration of a Consent Agenda covering routine items such as financial summaries for November and December 2025, and annual reports from various local organizations. Key public hearings scheduled involved the rezoning, annexation, and utility extension requests for the property at 703 Ashland Street. Additionally, a separate public hearing was scheduled for the annexation request for the property at 5750 Old Poole Road, which requires a water extension. The agenda also included awarding a contract for resurfacing selected streets, manager's updates, and a closed session to discuss contract negotiation terms and personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and registration of attendance. Discussions included future agenda items for the January 2026 meeting, with the 2026 meeting schedule to be distributed via email. The Planning Director provided an overview of potential considerations for January and February 2026. Additionally, the Chairman inquired about the process for filling the vacant seat on the Planning Board.

The Archdale City Council held a pre-agenda session and a regular meeting. Discussions included NCDOT project updates, a small change order for the NC Hwy 62 project, and announcements about the Employee Christmas luncheon, Water Authority meeting, Tree Lighting, Community Christmas, and the Archdale Christmas Parade. There was also a report on a tour of the Toyota plant and the 9th Annual Christmas for Kids fundraiser. The council held a public hearing regarding a Code of Ordinances Text Amendment related to feral cats, with concerns raised by residents. The council also discussed loose leaf pickup, upcoming events, and the annual Council retreat. A closed session was held to discuss matters relating to business expansion and the qualifications of a public officer, after which the City Manager was treated as a City employee for purposes of the retention plan.