Taylor Crawford

The City Council conducted a meeting involving several administrative and legislative items. Key discussions included the administration of the oath of office for the City Attorney, presentations from Randolph Community College and the Randolph County Department of Social Services, and the presentation of the Main Street Champion Award. The council reviewed the fiscal year 2024-2025 year-end audit report, addressed various land use and zoning requests, and reviewed subdivisions. Financial and policy matters were addressed, including the approval of a Special Use Permit for a billboard, adoption of Community Development Block Grant program policies, and water system development fee analysis and infrastructure agreements. Annexation petitions were also presented for consideration.

The agenda for the meeting included a review of cases and the monthly report on major subdivisions administratively approved. Old Business involved the continuation of a request to rezone property on Oakland Avenue for a congregate living facility from R15 Low-Density Single-Family Residential to OA6 (CZ) Office-Apartment Conditional Zoning. New Business focused on a request to apply initial zoning, R10 (CZ) Medium-Density Conditional, to property on Crestview Church Road for a Residential Planned Unit Development consisting of single-family dwellings. The document also contains minutes from a preceding meeting on February 4, 2026, which covered the approval of the January 5, 2026, minutes, discussion and recommendation for RZ-26-02 (rezoning to I2 Industrial), the continuance of RZ-26-03, and the election of board officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary).

Key discussions during the meeting included public concerns regarding loud noises simulating cannons, inquiries about an urban archery season, and requests for road/manhole repairs. The Airport Authority Subcommittee presented findings regarding strategic capital improvements for the Asheboro Regional Airport, such as building a new terminal and additional hangars, although no formal action was taken. The Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau presented its 2024 Annual Report detailing economic impact and occupancy tax revenues. The council approved several consent agenda items, including authorizing an extension for a Building Reuse Grant and updating authorized bank account signers to include the Mayor. A resolution was adopted honoring Fire Captain Christopher Moore upon his retirement, including the conveyance of his fire helmet and uniform items. Information regarding the 2025-2030 Work Plan for Downtown Asheboro was presented, focusing on gateway functions to the NC Zoo, small business support, and improving walkability. Fire Prevention Bureau Policies standardizing requirements for fire department connections (5-inch Storz) and key boxes were adopted. The council directed the City Clerk to investigate two satellite annexation petitions from Ricky Eugene Spencer/Clarissa Spencer and Schwarz Properties, LLC, and subsequently set public hearing dates for February 5, 2026. A permanent street closure order for an unopened section of Mark Avenue was adopted following a public hearing. Finally, the council authorized the execution of master agreements for on-call engineering services and adopted an ordinance amending the Water & Sewer Fund for professional services and budgetary adjustments.

The meeting included several key agenda items. The Council addressed recognition for a retired Fire Captain and the City Attorney, who received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. During the consent agenda, the Council approved scheduling a legislative hearing for a Zoning Map Amendment concerning a Congregate Living Facility and approved a Resolution to amend the City of Asheboro Schedule of Fees, establishing new rates for Bulk Hydrant Meter usage and implementing a Curbside Glass Recycling fee for ABC Permitted Establishments. An Ordinance adopting a new Parking Plan for a section of Peachtree Street was also approved. Furthermore, the Council authorized a Fire Protection Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Randleman. Two legislative hearings regarding zoning map amendments (Case Nos. RZ-26-01 and RZ-26-02) were held, resulting in the approval of rezoning property at 312 West Ward Street to OA6 and property on US Highway 220 Business South to I2 General Industrial. Annexation petitions for two tracts of land, one submitted by Schwarz Properties, LLC and another by Ricky Eugene Spencer and Clarissa Spencer, were approved. Finally, the Council awarded a contract for the construction of the David and Pauline Jarrell Center City Garden, approved work authorizations for grant administration and landscape architecture services for the same project, and adopted an ordinance to amend the associated project fund budget to reflect new revenue sources.

The meeting commenced with introductions of distinguished guests, Senator Dave Craven and Representative Brian Biggs. A key procedural action was the swearing-in of Camden Young Mills as a new City Council member. The council proceeded with administrative actions, including approving the interim city attorney, Patrick Archeal, by resolution, followed by the acceptance of the contract for the new city attorney, Tom Kurthers, whose start date is anticipated to be April 6th. Following these actions, the Daughters of the American Revolution presented the city with the America 250 award. The council then addressed reports. The Inspections Department provided an annual report detailing permit statistics, total fees collected ($486,000 in 2025 from over 1,700 permits), valuation figures ($105 million total), and notable completed projects such as renovations to the Mason Temple and the Randolph County Farm Food and Family Education Center. The report also noted ongoing projects and the department's focus on training new staff and equipping inspectors with laptops for real-time reporting. The final segment included a brief report from the City Attorney regarding volunteer responses.