BY DEBBIE PAGE

During their agenda briefing on Monday afternoon, Troutman Town Council members welcomed Town Manager Justin Longino on his first day of work as he steps back into the role after six years in other positions.

Longino recently served as assistant city manager of Shelby. He was also town manager of Boiling Springs from 2021- 2023 and previously worked as a local government consultant for the Centralina Regional Council after leaving Troutman.

Council members were also introduced to new Finance Director Gina Merrell and Isabella Hamby, deputy town clerk. All three will take their oaths of office on Thursday night.

Merrell, who has 20 years of experience in local government, comes from Mecklenburg County, where she was a grant development administrator. She previously served as a budget and grant administrator for the City of Gastonia, grants manager for United Way of Central Carolinas, and grants coordinator for Charter Schools USA.

Merrell also operated Merrell Consulting in Huntersville for nearly eight years, providing organizational and project management assistance to business, individuals, and nonprofits. She also held government and nonprofit positions in California prior to moving to North Carolina. Merrell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government from California State University-Sacremento and earned a Masters in Public Administration in public budgeting and finance from UNC- Charlotte in 2024.

Hamby, who comes to Troutman after working at the Iredell County Department of Social Services, earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Gardner-Webb in 2023 and a Master’s in Public Administration in 2024.

ESC PARK LIGHTING

The council voted unanimously to move forward with the ESC Park lighting project and to seek a Local Government Commission (LGC) low-interest loan reimbursement on Monday.

Musco, a leader in sports and large area lighting and facility solutions, will install lights for the entire park.

Musco sales representative Dina Neeley presented several options for partial and full park lighting for members to consider in August.

The council decided against an entertainment lighting zone for the proposed amphitheater area near the park entrance because that amenity may be moved to another town property or in partnership with other entities.

The proposed zone lighting system would be monitored by Musco 24/7 to detect any malfunctions or problems and also to turn the lights on and off as programmed by the town’s parks and recreation administrator or as necessary in the moment for rain delays, cancellations, or other needs.

The installation process, from manufacturing the custom fixtures and working on permitting to installation, takes anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks, weather permitting.

The council has been setting aside money for the last several years toward lighting the park.

Watson told council members that she would keep them apprised of the installation timeline. She is still awaiting the final lighting package and adjusted cost after the changes made by the council.

COUNCIL MEMBER CHANGES

After the council’s business is concluded on Thursday night, the council will recognize outgoing members Paul Henkel and Jerry Oxsher for their service.

The administration of the Oaths of Office for incoming Town Council members will then be conducted, with Felina Harris beginning her second term, George Harris returning to the council, and Tonya Bartlett entering her first term.

THURSDAY NIGHT

At Thursday night’s meeting, the council will consider:

♦ Approval of the 2026 Town of Troutman Calendar of Events.
♦ Approval of the facade for the Food Lion outparcel at 1127 Charlotte Highway.
♦ Approval of a contract between the Town of Troutman and Kimley-Horn for the creation of a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
♦ Approval of an engineering services agreement with Kimley-Horn for the Troutman Integrated Water and Wastewater Master Plan-Phase 1.
♦ Approval of a preferred engineering firm requests for qualification process for the Eastern Wastewater Transmission Project – Phase 1 and 2.
♦ Adoption of a resolution accepting all roads In Phase 2,3, & 4 of Falls Cove Lake Norman for Town of Troutman maintenance.
♦ Rezoning of 19.511 acres located on Byers Road from mixed residential conditional zoning to suburban residential.
♦ A resolution to accept Dollar Avenue for Town of Troutman maintenance.
♦ An ordinance to amend the Town of Troutman Code of Ordinances on open burning.
♦ Voluntary annexation and rezoning of 407 State Park Road for town water access.
♦ A text amendment to amend the Water and Sewer ordinance in the Unified Development Ordinance.
♦ An ordinance to amend The Town of Troutman Code of Ordinances Municipal Parking Lots section to allow towing in posted areas.
♦ An ordinance establishing the Shinn Creek Regional Sewer Pump Station Capital Project Fund.
♦ Approval of the Troutman Town Council 2026 meeting schedule.
♦ Selection of Mayor Pro Tempore.
♦ Appointment of delegate and alternate Delegate to Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG).
♦ Appointment of alternate to Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO).
♦ Appointment of a delegate and alternate to Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission.