Laurinburg, City of

The City Council meeting addressed several key items, including a budget request from the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce and the Scotland County Arts Council. The council considered a resolution to allow remote meetings during a state of emergency and discussed awarding a bid for the addition of a bar screen to Pump Station #19. There was also discussion regarding amending the City Code to allow for the keeping of chickens and food trucks. The council received an update on the municipal mowing agreement with the NC Department of Transportation and the annual July 4th fireworks display. The draft fiscal year 2020-2021 budget was presented, and a public hearing was set to consider it. An appointment was made to the Board of Adjustment, and the council discussed COVID-19 reimbursement. The council also discussed cleaning ditches and storm drainage, and went into a closed session for personnel matters.

The meeting addressed several key topics. Discussion included a capital improvement plan (CIP) and a business license registration fee. The council authorized the request for qualifications (RFQ) process for building a new city hall. The fire department's proposed fire substation and the purchase of a new pumper/tanker were discussed and approved. The police department provided updates on potential savings and body cameras. Delinquent taxes and utility bills were reviewed, including strategies for collection. A beautification plan, including tree maintenance and landscaping projects, was presented. The 2014 audit was reviewed, addressing concerns about unfunded liabilities. Discussion included a potential partnership for a homeless shelter and a pedestrian plan for improving the US Highway 401 and West Blvd. intersection. The council also discussed performance evaluations, merit pay, and the evaluation of the city manager, as well as roles and expectations for council members and staff. Finally, the possibility of a citizen academy was mentioned.

The council meeting included the approval of a resolution honoring the Scotland High School football team. The consent agenda covered several items, including amendments to public comment procedures, a language access plan, conditional use permits for a carnival and solar farm, budget amendments, a mutual aid assistance policy, and amendments to the fire prevention code. A public hearing was held and approval granted for an ordinance rezoning a tract of land for a nursing home facility. An update was given on the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport, including completed projects, grants received, and land release for economic development. The council also approved participation in the National League of Cities Prescription Drug Card Program.

The council meeting addressed several key issues. A citizen raised concerns about flooding on Blue Drive. Tis the Season requested continued funding for Christmas decorations and sought permission to hang banners recognizing "Hometown Heroes." The council approved funding for downtown promotion events and advertising, and the continuation of the Façade Grant Program. An update was provided on concerns about Cedar Grove Cemetery maintenance. The council approved a resolution declaring certain properties surplus and authorizing their disposition. Releases, discoveries, and adjustments to the tax levy were approved, and the tax collector was authorized to advertise tax liens. Finally, a council member's resignation from the Scotland County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was accepted, and a replacement was appointed. Discussion also included the potential need for a lobbyist in Raleigh and the City's participation in the NCLM.

The council held a public hearing to consider a moratorium on solar farms (ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays) within the city's planning jurisdiction. Discussion included the proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding solar farm location and potential clustering, particularly on main corridors. A 60-day moratorium on solar farms was approved, pending a second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting. The moratorium will allow time for the UDO amendment to be considered.