FROM STAFF REPORTS

City of Statesvllle staff has been actively seeking grant funding that would help spark investment in the South Statesville area.

City Manager Ron Smith told the City Council on Monday that staff is working on an application for a $13 million RAISE Transportation grant that would allow improvements in what are considered “distressed” areas, including South Statesville.

The funds, according to Smith, could be used to pay for the long-discussed Linear Park and Streetscape Expansion projects.

“This is the pinnacle grant we would go after,” he said. “It would be a game-changer for that Shelton Avenue area.”

The city is also a finalist for a federal THRIVE grant of $1.8 million, which would help the city secure funding for addressing systemic issues. In addition, the city will pursue a $600,000 Choice Neighborhood grant that would help address housing issues, Smith said.

In total, Smith said, the city is under consideration or in the process of applying for more than $19 million in grants, with another 10 grant opportunities upcoming.

Council member Doris Allison said she is pleased that the city staff is being proactive in securing funds.

“It’s going to take time, but I’m grateful for the start. We can take the grant money to build up the structure in the communities that are struggling,” she said.

FUNDING CAPITAL PROJECTS

Following a long discussion, the council voted 7-1 to approve a change to how it will use money saved in its fund balance. Council member C.O. Johnson cast the lone dissenting vote.

Under the policy change, the council approved a proposal to earmark 25 to 30 percent of unassigned fund balance for capital projects. The city currently has a $25.4 million in unassigned fund balance. At 25 percent, he policy change would allow $10 million in the balance to be directed to capital projects and purchases.

Smith explained that the city and Davenport Public Finance compared similar policies in other municipalities, including Hickory, Holly Springs, Monroe, Thomasville and Wilson to arrive at the 25 percent recommendation.

Council member Steve Johnson said he saw the wisdom in the chagne to the fund balance policy as it could provide significant savings over time for the city in interest payments.

“I believe we should avoid the issuance of debt as much as possible.” Johnson said. “I think these funds should be restricted for major capital projects (like the garage/warehouse project and police department). If we follow this policy on both of these projects and expended a good portion of this, with rising interest rates that are almost inevitably to occur, three to four years out, we could very easily give Mr. Smith and his staff well over $1 million of flexibility for salaries, smaller equipment purchases and repairs.”

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business, the council:

♦ Amended an economic incentive grant of up to $9,149,214 to Sherwin-Williams Company for a capital investment of up to $347 million with a minimum creation of 75 jobs by December 31, 2025. The council also approved the first reading of an annexation request from Sherwin-Williams for 34 acres located at 188 Side Track Drive.

♦ Approved the second reading of a rezoning request for the properties located at the end of Barkley Road West/Morland Drive and along Starland Drive and Barkley Road North.

♦ Held a public hearing and approved first reading of an annexation request submitted by Holland Farm Statesville LLC. The two parcels total approximately 43.97 acres and are located on Taylorsville Highway. The parcels are undeveloped, but the applicant has indicated this site will be developed for industrial use.

♦ Held a public hearing and approved first reading of annexation request for Larkin Front 9 (True Homes LLC) properties located on Whites Mill Road. The three parcels totaling approximately 108.05 acres are located at the end of Whites Mill Road. The parcels will be a part of the Larkin Front 9 Subdivision.

♦ Presented proclamations in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week; National Lineworker Appreciation Day; and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Statesville Police Chief David Onely also recognized officers who received additional certifications: Cpl. Jeff Porter, Cpl. Elliottt Turner; and Capt. John Galliher.

CONSENT AGENDA

The council also:

♦ Appointed Wesley Davidson, Category 2, to the Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

♦ Approved an annual request from the Statesville ABC Board to approve the Board’s adopted Travel Policy.

♦ Granted permission to the Statesville Police Department staff to accept a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Local Funding – for up to $25,728 for the purpose of purchasing needed equipment. No city match is required for this grant.

♦ Granted permission to the Statesville Police Department staff to apply for 2023 Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services hiring program to hire four new sworn police officer positions.

♦ Approved a second reading of TA23-01: Text Amendments to the Unified Development Code filed by Sign Connection on behalf of Larkin Regional Commerce Park to amend Section 6.07 Sign Regulations, Would allow signs up to 32 feet by 60 feet on XXXX

♦ Approved a second reading of TA23-02: Text Amendments to the Unified Development Code to amend Article 3. Zoning, Section 3.04 Zoning District Regulations, Table 3-1: Use Matrix, Article 5. Supplemental Regulations/Performance Standards for Specific Uses, Section 5.04 Primary Uses and Structures. S. Colleges, Universities, Technical Schools and Article 9. Definitions.

♦ Approved a  second reading of TA23-03: Text Amendments to the Unified Development Code filed by the City of Statesville (Public Works & Engineering) to amend Article 8. Public Facilities Requirements, Section 8.06—Streets. Also, to amend Article 6. Density and Dimensional Standards, specifically pertaining to temporary cul-de-sacs.

♦ Approved a Resolution directing the City Clerk to Investigate a Petition of Annexation of AX23-05, PIN #4745-78-7821, Falls Park (James Glen Multi-Family) property located at the corner of James Farm Road and Glenway Drive; Receive the City Clerk’s Certificate of Sufficiency; approved a Resolution setting the date of April 17, 2023, for a Public Hearing for the Petition for Annexation. The James Glen Multi-Family Development includes an 11 building, 264-unit project on the parcel.

♦ Approved a second reading of rezoning request ZC23-02 for properties located on Taylorsville Hwy/NC 90; Iredell County Tax Parcel #’s 4725-16-4537 and 4725-36-8814 (portion); from Iredell County M-1 and R-A to City of Statesville LI.

♦ Authorized staff to apply for a Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Historic Preservation Fund pass-through grant in the amount of $24,000 with a 40% local match in the amount of $16,000 to support services for a National Registry Nomination for the Garfield/Green Street Area.

♦ Adopted an ordinance amending the Capital Project Fund for the Fire Station 1 project and approved Budget Amendment #2023-29.

♦ Authorized the upset bid procedure for 0.230 acres on the eastern side of Lakeside Drive between Sullivan Road and Restmore Lane.

♦ Approved a Resolution of Intent to permanently close a portion of right-of-way known as Wall Street and schedule a public hearing for May 15, 2023.

♦ Approved a request for a Special Event Permit from Purple Heart Homes and Centralina Realty for the Purple Heart Homes Charity Ride on May 6.