Laurinburg public meetings in 2021

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold public hearings on two rezoning requests: one for property at 17160 Plant Road from Industrial to General Business, and another for parcels on West Boulevard/X-Way Roads from Office/Institutional to General Business. The council will also consider amending fiber optic rates, the FY 2020-2021 audit, and other administrative items.

• Rezone 17160 Plant Road from Industrial to General Business
• Rezone parcels 01002004009 & 0100204010 on West Boulevard/X-Way Roads from Office/Institutional to General Business
• Consider amending Fiber Optic Rates
• FY 2020-2021 Audit presentation by Carl Head
• Consider 2022 Council Meeting Schedule and FY 2022-2023 Budget Schedule

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing on electoral voting districts based on the 2020 Census and consider a minority participation goal for construction projects. The consent agenda includes rezoning requests, fire protection contracts, and setting public hearings for December. The council will also discuss funding a bridge demolition and a utility agreement with Scotland County.

• Public hearing on electoral voting districts based on 2020 Census
• Consider minority participation goal for construction projects
• Set public hearings for rezoning on West Blvd. (parcels 01002004009, 01002004010) and 17160 Plant Road
• Authorize mayor to execute fire protection contracts for South and Central Fire Districts of Scotland County
• Discuss funding 20% match to demolish Commonwealth Bridge

The City Council approved a new electoral district map based on the 2020 Census, which had shown District 1 11.8% below and District 2 11.8% above the target population of 7,489. The adopted map reduces the total deviation to 1.7%. Council also adopted a 10% minority participation goal for construction contracts, a step needed before bidding the North Fire Station, and agreed to fund the City's 20% share to demolish the Commonwealth Bridge, estimated at about $39,000 total. A consent agenda and several discussion items were also handled.

• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-20 adopting new electoral districts map (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-21 adopting 10% minority participation goal for construction projects (5-0)
• Approved funding 20% match to demolish Commonwealth Bridge, about $39,000 total (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, rural land use by-law changes, two rezoning public hearings for Dec. 14, and fire protection contracts (5-0)
• Approved agenda with changes, including adding Larry Hyatt delegation as Item 11 (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 8:23 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to consider a rezoning request for property at 329 Gill Street from Residential-6 to General Business, along with several consent agenda items including street closures for events and budget amendments. The council will also discuss proposed redistricting and set a public hearing for November 16, 2021, and receive updates on load management and the I. Ellis Johnson School restoration.

• Rezoning request for 329 Gill Street from Residential-6 to General Business
• Ordinance to close Main Street from Railroad Street to Church Street on Nov 21 for Christmas on Main
• Street closures for Scotland County Sheriff's Office Trunk or Treat on Oct 22
• Budget ordinance amendment for T-Mobile Grant
• Discussion of proposed redistricting with public hearing set for Nov 16

The City Council approved a commitment to provide up to $50,000 annually for two years in utility services for the I. Ellis Johnson gym restoration project. Additionally, the Council approved rezoning a property at 329 Gill Street, authorized a solid waste billing refund, and selected a redistricting map option.

• Approved rezoning 329 Gill Street to General Business (4-0)
• Approved $50,000 annual utility cap for I. Ellis Johnson gym (4-1)
• Approved $2,288 solid waste billing refund (5-0)
• Selected 'Option 1' for city voting district redistricting (5-0)
• Approved variance for Hometown Heroes banner installation (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including budget amendments and street closures (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to consider several items, including a resolution authorizing eminent domain for water supply expansion, a rezoning request, and a street closure. They will also hear reports on the energy workforce, financial updates, and community development. The agenda includes both routine consent items and more significant actions.

• Resolution R-2021-18 authorizing eminent domain for water supply and distribution system expansion
• Public hearing set for Oct 19 on rezoning 329 Gill Street from Residential-6 to General Business
• Request to close Speller Street from Washington to Anne on Oct 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Resolution R-2021-17 opposing environmental budget provisions in Senate Bill 105
• Sole source exception to purchase Air Curtain Burner

The City Council approved the use of eminent domain to acquire property needed for water well buffers. Additionally, the Council authorized a sole-source purchase of an air curtain burner and agreed to support a curb and gutter installation request for Presbyterian Park. Council members also reviewed updates on electric department staffing, general fund projects, and redistricting plans.

• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Authorized sole-source purchase of air curtain burner (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-2021-18 for eminent domain (4-0, 1 recusal)
• Authorized letter supporting curb and gutter at Presbyterian Park (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will consider accepting three state revolving loans totaling over $20.5 million for water and sewer infrastructure, along with related budget amendments. They will also discuss a $100,000 grant program for small businesses, an update on the North Fire Station, and a proposal concerning Ford Drive. Several other items include a lease agreement, a bucket truck purchase, and an incinerator financing application.

• Accept $4,515,000 state loan for Distribution System Improvement Phase 2
• Accept $8,951,000 state loan for Bridge Creek and College Park sewer rehab
• Accept $7,060,000 state loan for Leith Creek wastewater pump station
• Discuss $100,000 Scotland County grant for small businesses (Senate Bill 145)
• Consider $255,386 electric fund budget amendment for bucket truck

City Council accepted three state revolving loans totaling $20,522,000 for water distribution and wastewater treatment improvements. The Council also approved budget amendments for raw water wells and the purchase of an electric department bucket truck.

• Approved $4,515,000 loan for Water Distribution System Improvements Phase 2 (5-0)
• Approved $8,951,000 loan for Bridge Creek and College Park Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (5-0)
• Approved $7,060,000 loan for Leith Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Influent Pump Station (5-0)
• Approved $255,386 budget increase to purchase an Electric Department bucket truck (5-0)
• Approved $50,000 in total budget increases for raw water wells 8 and 9 engineering (5-0)
• Supported NC DOT proposal to add a median and offset turn lanes on Ford Drive (5-0)
• Voted to support Scotland County's mask mandate for public spaces (5-0)
• Approved application for grant funding for a water system merger/regionalization study (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will consider several items including a rezoning request, ARPA fund allocations, and significant budget amendments for water/sewer and sanitation projects. They will also discuss police officer pay and receive updates on capital projects and community development.

• Rezone Lot 81 on Commonwealth Avenue from Office/Institutional to General Business
• Increase ARPA funds by $2,390,550 for state government grants and capital outlay
• Add $100 Residential Solar Application Fee to FY 2021-2022 fee schedule
• Approve $575,000 for sanitation equipment replacement and $180,000 for new equipment
• Authorize easements to Housing Authority of Town of Laurinburg

The Laurinburg City Council approved a series of budget and zoning actions at its July 20, 2021 meeting. Key approvals included a $2,390,550 special revenue fund for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) state grants, a $575,000 allocation in the Solid Waste Fund for an air curtain burner and new garbage carts, and a rezoning of Lot 81 on Commonwealth Avenue from Office/Institutional to General Business. The council also approved the Southeastern Regional Airport Authority's FY 21-22 budget of $1,646,724 and amended the electric rate schedule for residential solar generation. No substantive decisions were denied or tabled; all agenda items passed unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, surplus sale report, ARPA document authorization, tax collection order, street closures for Aug 28 event, and $2,390,550 ARPA budget amendment (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-22 amending Airport Commission code to reflect Senate Bill 795 changes (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of Lot 81 on Commonwealth Avenue from Office/Institutional to General Business (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-25 amending electric rate schedule for residential solar generation (5-0)
• Approved FY 21-22 budget for Southeastern Regional Airport Authority totaling $1,646,724 (5-0)
• Approved amendment to FY 21-22 Fee Schedule adding $100 Residential Solar Application Fee (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-10 authorizing easements to Laurinburg Housing Authority (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-26 increasing Water/Sewer Fund appropriated balance by $75,000 (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold public hearings on a rezoning request, a conditional use permit for a yard waste incinerator, and the FY 2021-2022 budget, including the fee schedule and capital improvement plan. They will also consider several ordinances, including budget amendments and ARPA fund acceptance, and discuss various items such as elections, stormwater, and a youth development request.

• Public hearing on rezoning Charlotte Street lot from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional
• Public hearing on conditional use permit for yard waste incinerator on city property
• Consider FY 2021-2022 budget, fee schedule, and capital improvement plan
• Ordinance O-2021-20 transferring $50,000 to Downtown Line Item
• Resolution R-2021-08 to receive federal funds under ARPA

The Laurinburg City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget totaling $36,250,684 along with a 7.5% increase in solid waste fees and a 3% employee COLA. The Council also approved a conditional use permit for a yard waste incinerator on Hall Street and rezoned a city-owned parcel on Charlotte Street for a dog park. Discussions on funding requests for Partners in Ministry and youth development were tabled or left without a final decision.

• Approved agenda with changes (5-0)
• Approved amended consent agenda including public hearing dates and street closure (5-0)
• Approved street closure of Cronly Street for Living Water Christian Resources on Sept. 18, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-17 rezoning Charlotte Street parcel PIN # 010013 07001 to Office/Institutional (5-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for yard waste incinerator at PIN # 010245 01003 (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (5-0)
• Approved FY 2021-2022 Fee Schedule with 7.5% solid waste fee increase (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-18 Budget Appropriations Ordinance for FY 2021-2022 (4-1, Evans opposed)

City Council

At a May 18, 2021 special meeting, the Laurinburg City Council received a financial update and reviewed the proposed 2021-2022 budget, which includes a 3% employee cost-of-living allowance, flat rates and fees except Solid Waste (residential up $2.00), and requires appropriating $483,505 of General Fund balance, $553,254 of Water/Sewer reserves, and $201,342 of Solid Waste reserves to balance. Council reached consensus to continue the litter pickup contract with Mr. Joe Brown rather than accept a higher-cost proposal from HCS, Inc. No budget was adopted; the City Manager said he would send the balanced budget and budget message by May 30, 2021, with a public hearing set for June 15, 2021 and the budget taking effect July 1, 2021. The only formal vote recorded was to adjourn (5-0).

• Consensus to continue litter pickup contract with Mr. Brown (40 man-hours/week, $35,000/year) instead of HCS, Inc. proposal (4,800 man-hours, $65,000/year)
• No vote taken on the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget; City Manager to send balanced budget and budget message by May 30, 2021
• Public hearing on the budget scheduled for June 15, 2021; budget would take effect July 1, 2021
• Adjourned meeting (5-0: Evans, Adams, Garby, Rainer, Williamson)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold public hearings on a yard waste incinerator, a rezoning on Charlotte Street, and the FY2021-22 budget, and will consider rezoning a property on East Covington Street. They will also vote on ordinances amending the Unified Development Ordinance and adopting a new city code, and discuss reports on Hometown Heroes banners and the North Fire Station.

• Public hearing set for June 15 on Conditional Use Permit for yard waste incinerator on city property (Parcel ID #010245 01003)
• Public hearing set for June 15 on rezoning from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional on Charlotte Street (Parcel ID #010013 07001)
• Public hearing set for June 15 on FY2021-2022 Budget
• Consider rezoning from Residential-15 to Residential-6 at 303 East Covington Street
• Consider Ordinance O-2021-15 adopting a new City Code

The Laurinburg City Council approved Resolution No. R-2021-07 endorsing the issuance of up to $49,000,000 in tax-exempt bonds by the Public Finance Authority to finance expansion at Scotland Memorial Hospital; the city is not liable for the bonds. The council also approved Ordinance No. O-2021-14 rezoning 303 East Covington Street from Residential-15 to Residential-6 for conversion into a multi-family building, and adopted Ordinance No. O-2021-13 amending the Unified Development Ordinance to comply with state statute 160D. Other actions included adopting a new city code (O-2021-15), amending banner rules for downtown decorative poles (O-2021-16), and appointing two councilmembers to a committee on the future use of I.E. Johnson School.

• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-07 endorsing up to $49,000,000 in tax-exempt bonds for Scotland Memorial Hospital (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-14 rezoning 303 East Covington Street from Residential-15 to Residential-6 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-13 amending the Unified Development Ordinance for compliance with NC statute 160D (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-15 adopting and enacting a new city code (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-16 amending banner rules for downtown decorative poles (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including June 15, 2021 public hearings on a yard waste incinerator, a Charlotte Street rezoning, and the FY-2022 budget (5-0)
• Amended February 16, 2021 minutes to remove a public comment lacking a name and address (5-0)
• Appointed Councilmembers Adams and Rainer to the Committee on the Future Use of I.E. Johnson School (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. This session is designated as a budget retreat.

• Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Discussion

City Council

The City Council will consider two rezoning requests for properties on Plaza Road and Fairley Street. The agenda also includes setting public hearings for Unified Development Ordinance amendments and a TEFRA hearing for Scotland Memorial Hospital.

• Rezoning Plaza Road (PIN #010016 0100404) from General Business to Residential-6
• Rezoning 404 Fairley Street (PIN #010002 01010) from Industrial to General Business
• Setting a public hearing for 303 East Covington Street rezoning from Residential-15 to Residential-6
• Setting public hearings for amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
• Setting a TEFRA public hearing for Scotland Memorial Hospital

The Laurinburg City Council approved Ordinance No. O-2021-12, rezoning 404 Fairley Street from Industrial to General Business, and approved Resolution No. R-2021-06 authorizing the sale of two city-owned parcels to Mr. Cab Buchanan. The Council also rejected all bids for the Wesleyan Drive and Cypress Drive drainage improvement projects because they came in far above USDA expectations, and set a special budget meeting for May 18, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. A public hearing on a Plaza Road rezoning was removed from the agenda after the petitioner withdrew the request.

• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-12 rezoning 404 Fairley Street from Industrial to General Business (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-06 authorizing sale of parcels #010013 28009 and #010013 28010 to Mr. Cab Buchanan (5-0)
• Rejected submitted bids for the Wesleyan Drive and Cypress Drive Drainage Improvements Project (5-0)
• Approved agenda with changes, including removal of draft February 16, 2021 minutes and the Plaza Road rezoning public hearing (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda setting May 18, 2021 public hearings on a 303 East Covington Street rezoning, Unified Development Ordinance amendments, and TEFRA for Scotland Memorial Hospital (5-0)
• Consensus to hold a special budget meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. (5-0)

City Council

The City Council held a budget retreat on April 14, 2021, to review the proposed budgets for the Water/Sewer, Electric, and Solid Waste enterprise funds. Staff presented details and proposed a $2.00 increase to the residential solid waste fee, from $26.50 to $28.50 per month, to address rising costs. No votes were taken on the budgets or the fee increase; the only action was to adjourn. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June 15, 2021.

• No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was a budget review and retreat.
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

At a March 30, 2021 special meeting/retreat, the City Council voted 5-0 to let the City Manager tell the Local Government Commission that Laurinburg is not interested in taking over or annexing the Town of East Laurinburg. Most of the meeting was a departmental review of the proposed General Fund budget, with no budget adoption. Council also reached consensus to allow pre-registered individuals to attend meetings while COVID restrictions are in place and to meet April 14, 2021 to discuss Enterprise Funds, then recessed until that date.

• Voted 5-0 (Rainer, Williamson, Evans, Adams, Garby) to permit the City Manager to inform the Local Government Commission that Laurinburg is not interested in taking over/annexing the Town of East Laurinburg
• Consensus to allow individuals who register with the City Clerk before meetings to attend while COVID restrictions are in place
• Consensus to meet Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Enterprise Funds
• Voted 5-0 to recess the meeting until April 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• Council requested staff talk with Mr. Brown about possible changes to his litter contract
• Council requested staff continue working on the proposed dog park
• Consensus that the downtown banner matter be taken to the Downtown Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Evans requested $50,000 for youth development; Councilmember Adams said she was not in favor; no action recorded

City Council

The City Council is holding a special retreat meeting to discuss several municipal topics. The agenda includes discussions regarding East Laurinburg and current police department initiatives.

• Discussion about East Laurinburg
• Review of current Police Department initiatives
• Review of citizen input submissions
• General Fund departmental budgetary overview

City Council

The City Council will consider several budget amendments involving insurance funds, grants, and FEMA funds. The meeting also includes public hearings regarding economic development incentives and sewer improvement projects.

• Allocate $548,900 in insurance funds for the electric transformer
• Allocate $5,000 ElectriCities Grant
• Transfer $101,923.47 in FEMA funds to the North Fire Station Capital Project
• Rezoning requests for Plaza Road and 404 Fairley Street
• Economic development incentives for the Former Firestone Building and American Wood Products

Laurinburg City Council approved an incentives agreement with American Wood Fibers, Inc., which requires an $18 million capital investment over five years and at least 51 full-time jobs, with the City reimbursing 80% of property taxes in year one declining to 60% in year five. Council also authorized a four-year, $48,000 economic development incentive agreement with Raven and Kelsey Lucas for the former Firestone building, requiring at least $80,000 in improvements. Council voted 4-1 to authorize the Mayor to prepare a letter supporting a change to local ABC law, and approved a ten-year water and wastewater capital plan of about $37.5 million plus applications for federal clean water grants. Note: the minutes text lists the meeting date as March 23, 2021 but the body paragraph says the meeting was held January 19, 2021.

• Approved consent agenda including surplus property resolution, two April 20 rezoning public hearings, and budget ordinances allocating $548,900 insurance funds, $5,000 ElectriCities grant, and $101,923.47 FEMA funds (5-0)
• Approved amending CDBG-I grant project area and boundary for Produce Market Road sewer improvements, adding about 5,500 linear feet of sewer rehabilitation (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor and City Clerk to execute economic development incentives agreement with Raven and Kelsey Lucas for former Firestone building: $12,000/year for four years, $48,000 total, minimum $80,000 in improvements (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor and City Clerk to execute incentives agreement with American Wood Fibers, Inc.: $18M capital investment over 5 years, 51 full-time jobs, property tax reimbursements from 80% down to 60% over five years (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor to prepare letter of support for Chamber of Commerce request to change ABC law to allow beer and wine licenses without liquor licenses (4-1, Evans nay)
• Set April 20, 2021 public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for yard waste incinerator between Read Street and Stewartsville Road (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-03 adopting Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Water and Wastewater, about $37.5 million (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2021-04 authorizing application for $4.55 million Federal Clean Water Grant for Water Distribution System Improvements Phase 2 (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will consider several budget amendments and grant allocations. Items include funding for a bicycle plan, sanitation services, and downtown advisory committee grants.

• Appropriate $12,000 for NC DOT Bicycle Plan Planning Grant match
• Transfer $83,331 for yard waste grinding and mulch hauling services
• Appropriate $67,000 from Solid Waste Fund Balance for sanitation services
• Amend Schedule of Fees to include recycling contamination penalties
• Public hearing for Product Market Road sewer improvements project

The Laurinburg City Council approved two budget ordinances transferring $83,331 from Solid Waste Contingency and appropriating $67,000 from Solid Waste Fund Balance to address yard waste grinding, mulch hauling, and site permitting after a state inspection found issues. Council also approved a three-year extension of the Downtown Investment (Facade) Grant Program through December 31, 2024, and approved the Downtown Fund's FY 2021-2022 budget totaling $50,000. Other actions included extending Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 to March 31, 2021, accepting a $48,000 NC DOT Bicycle Plan Planning Grant with a $12,000 city match, and renewing a consulting contract with Retail Strategies. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved Ordinance O-2021-06 transferring $83,331 from Solid Waste Contingency for yard waste grinding/mulch hauling and site permitting (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2021-07 appropriating $67,000 from Solid Waste Fund Balance for yard waste grinding/mulch hauling and site permitting (5-0)
• Approved Downtown Fund FY 2021-2022 budget of $50,000 and extended Facade Grant Program terms for three years through December 31, 2024 (5-0)
• Extended Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2021-05 accepting $48,000 state grant and appropriating $12,000 from General Fund Balance for NC DOT Bicycle Plan Planning Grant match (5-0)
• Approved amended Schedule of Fees adding civil penalties for recycling contamination (5-0)
• Authorized City Manager to execute three-year consulting contract renewal with Retail Strategies at $20,000 first year and $30,000 each remaining year (5-0)
• Set public hearing for March 23, 2021 on amending CDBG-I grant project area for Produce Market Road Sewer Improvements (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several budget amendments and fund transfers. Key items include a contract for distribution system improvements and the establishment of a North Fire Station Capital Project Fund.

• Awarding $1,722,013.50 contract to Sanford Contractors, Inc. for Distribution System Improvements Phase I
• Ordinance O-2021-01 to receive Electricities for the System Betterment Reimbursement Grant
• Ordinance O-2021-04 to establish the North Fire Station Capital Project Fund
• Public hearing scheduled for February 16, 2021, regarding a yard waste incinerator on City property
• Review of the Semi-Annual Surplus Report

The Laurinburg City Council approved a $1.72 million contract for water distribution system improvements and established multiple budget amendments, including funding transfers for water and sewer capital projects and the creation of the North Fire Station Capital Project Fund. Council also voted to set a February 16, 2021 public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for a yard waste incinerator on city property, pending COVID-19 restrictions.

• Approved agenda as submitted (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Dec. 15, 2020 minutes, surplus report, and $5,000 ElectriCities grant budget amendment (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-02 transferring $192,485.50 from Water/Sewer Fund to Water/Sewer Capital Projects Fund (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-03 amending the Water/Sewer Capital Projects Fund by $192,485.50 (5-0)
• Awarded Contract 11.0 Distribution System Improvements Phase I to Sanford Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $1,722,013.50 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2021-04 establishing the North Fire Station Capital Project Fund with $1,250,000 from Golden Leaf and $135,897 in FEMA funds (5-0)
• Set a public hearing for February 16, 2021 to consider a Conditional Use Permit for a yard waste incinerator on city property (5-0)
• Entered and adjourned closed session to consult with the attorney, and adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. (5-0)