Laurinburg public meetings in 2023

City Council

This is a procedural organizational meeting. The council will install the re-elected mayor and councilmembers Mary Jo Adams and Rosemary Rainer, appoint a Mayor Pro Tempore, and administer the oath of office. No policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Installation of re-elected Mayor
• Installation of re-elected Councilmembers Mary Jo Adams and Rosemary Rainer
• Appointment of Mayor Pro Tempore
• Oath of Office for Mayor Pro Tempore administered by Scotland County Clerk of Court Phillip McRae

The City Council held an organizational meeting on December 12, 2023. During the meeting, the Council administered oaths of office to Mayor James T. Willis, Councilmember Mary Jo Adams, and Councilmember Rosemary Rainer. The Council also re-appointed Mary Evans as Mayor Pro Tem.

• Administered oath of office to Mayor James T. Willis
• Administered oath of office to Councilmember Mary Jo Adams
• Administered oath of office to Councilmember Rosemary Rainer
• Appointed Mary Evans as Mayor Pro Tem (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to consider a rezoning request on Hwy. 74 Business/Andrew Jackson Hwy. from Industrial to General Business, and a special use permit for an apartment complex on N. Wilkinson Drive. The agenda also includes a road closure for a holiday event, a water leak payment plan, and several reports and appointments.

• Rezone parcel no. 010205 01002 on Hwy. 74 Business/Andrew Jackson Hwy. from Industrial to General Business
• Resolution R-2023-18: special use permit for apartment complex on N. Wilkinson Drive
• Road closure of Cronly Street (Main to Biggs) Dec 16, 4-6 p.m. for Tis the Season event
• Water leak adjustment/payment plan options for customer
• Sole-source exception to purchase truck wash equipment

The Council approved rezoning for a parcel on Hwy. 74 Business and authorized a water bill reduction for the Laurinburg Institute. They also approved the 2024 meeting schedule, the 2024-2025 budget schedule, and a sole-source contract for fleet wash equipment. Additionally, the Council voted to move forward with a contract for the Legacy Mural Project.

• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning parcel 010205 01002 from Industrial to General Business (unanimous)
• Approved reduction of three months of water/sewage bills for Laurinburg Institute (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 City Council Regular Monthly Meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved sole-source exception to purchase truck wash system from Hydro-Chem Systems, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved contract for the Legacy Mural Project (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will meet to decide on rezoning requests for two parcels, approve a $100 fee for downtown event spaces, and amend the budget for the Police and Sewer departments. They will also discuss a partnership to address unsafe downtown properties and hear a retail recruitment update.

• Consider rezoning parcel 010205 01002 on Hwy. 74 Business/Andrew Jackson Hwy. from Industrial to General Business
• Consider rezoning parcel 010003 01004 on Fairly Street from Residential-6 to General Business
• Set $100 fee for city-owned facility use at McDuffie Square, Art Garden, and City Parking Lot next to A.B. Gibson Building
• Amend FY 2023-2024 budget for Police Department (Ordinance No. O-2023-22)
• Amend FY 2023-2024 budget for Sewer Collection Department (Ordinance No. O-2023-23)

The Laurinburg City Council approved a special use permit for a 120-unit multifamily apartment complex on N. Wilkinson Drive following a public hearing. The council also approved budget amendments for emergency sewer repairs on South Main Street and police equipment purchases using seized asset funds. Additionally, the council expanded the vacant building ordinance to cover the entire Municipal Service District and established a $100 event fee for downtown spaces.

• Approved amended meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including meeting minutes, loan/grant application resolution, public hearing scheduling, findings of facts resolution, and foreclosed property resale (4-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for a 120-unit apartment complex on N. Wilkinson Drive (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2023-24 expanding the Vacant Building Ordinance to the entire Municipal Service District (5-0)
• Approved a $100 fee for use of city-owned downtown event facilities, with funds directed to the Downtown Advisory Committee 501(c)(3) account (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2023-22 amending the FY 2023-2024 budget to add $32,000 in seized asset revenue for police equipment (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. O-2023-23 amending the FY 2023-2024 budget to appropriate $150,000 from the Water/Sewer Fund balance for emergency sewer line repairs on South Main Street (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will meet to decide on zoning changes, housing regulations, and budget amendments for police and fire departments. They will also discuss a power sales agreement and hear updates on police recruitment. Public hearings are scheduled for transitional housing and a rezoning request on Fairly Street.

• Consider Ordinance O-2023-16 to amend housing regulations for transitional housing
• Consider rezoning Parcel #010003 01004 on Fairly Street from Residential-6 to General Business
• Approve amended power sales agreement with North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency
• Amend FY 2023-2024 budget for Police Department (Ordinance O-2023-19)
• Amend FY 2023-2024 budget for Fire Department and North Fire Station capital project (Ordinances O-2023-20, O-2023-21)

The Laurinburg City Council denied a request to rezone a 2.36-acre parcel on Fairly Street from Residential 6 to General Business, which would have allowed a climate-controlled self-storage facility. The council also approved a transitional housing ordinance, a power sales agreement amendment, a 2.5% salary increase for sworn police officers, and budget amendments for the police and fire departments.

• Denied rezoning of Parcel #01000301004 on Fairly Street from R6 to General Business (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-16 adding transitional housing regulations to the UDO (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance O-2023-18 approving amended power sales agreement with NC Eastern Municipal Power Agency (5-0)
• Approved one-step 2.5% salary increase for all current sworn police officers (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-19 amending FY 2023-2024 budget for Police Department (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-20 amending FY 2023-2024 budget for Fire Department (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-21 amending North Fire Station Capital Project Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including public hearing setting, road closures, and letter of support (5-0)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to consider several items, including setting public hearings for a rezoning request and amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance for transitional housing regulations. They will also vote on a consent agenda covering items like a site plan for Hobby Lobby, a federal grant application, surplus property conveyance, a T-Mobile water tank agreement, and a fee increase for food truck permits. The meeting includes reports on water/sewer projects and a merger study, plus a possible closed session.

• Public hearing set for Oct 17 on rezoning Parcel #010003 01004 on Fairly Street from Residential-6 to General Business
• Public hearing set for Oct 17 on Unified Development Ordinance amendments for transitional housing regulations
• Consider approval of Hobby Lobby site plan on Scotland Crossing Drive
• Consider increasing food truck permit fee from $50 to $300 per year
• Consider buy-back of foreclosed property on Third Street for taxes and fees owed

The Laurinburg City Council held a special meeting on September 26, 2023, approving an amended agenda and the consent agenda, which included items such as setting public hearings, approving a site plan for Hobby Lobby, and increasing food truck permit fees. The council also approved Resolution No. R-2023-15 to acknowledge receipt of the Merger Regionalization Feasibility Study for the Laurinburg and Scotland County water systems, and approved an Access Easement and Restriction Agreement with NC Laurinburg Scotland, LLC. The meeting concluded with a closed session for attorney consultation and personnel matters.

• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including public hearings, Hobby Lobby site plan, resolutions R-2023-13 and R-2023-14, food truck fee increase, and road closures (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. R-2023-15 acknowledging receipt of water merger feasibility study (unanimous)
• Approved Access Easement and Restriction Agreement with NC Laurinburg Scotland, LLC (unanimous)
• Entered closed session for attorney consultation and personnel (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will consider amending the food truck ordinance, approve a special use permit for a 72-unit apartment complex, and receive updates on several projects. The consent agenda includes minutes, a resolution for the apartment complex, a parcel description for an incentive agreement, and a proclamation for Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The meeting also includes a closed session to consult with the city attorney.

• Resolution R-2023-12: Finding of Facts for Special Use Permit for 72-unit apartment complex on Parcel No. 01001601006
• Amend Chapter 8, Section 8-83 (Food Trucks) of the Code of Ordinances
• Approval of parcel description for conveyance per Incentive Agreement (Exhibit A) from June 20, 2023 meeting
• Proclamation recognizing September 18-22, 2023 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
• Updates on McDuffie Square marker/memorial plaque, North Fire Station construction, and Solid Waste/Recycling Committee

The Laurinburg City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. O-2023-15, amending the food truck regulations to allow vendors at commercial properties with written permission, subject to distance and hour restrictions. The council also approved the consent agenda, including a special use permit for a 72-unit apartment complex, and appointed members to the Solid Waste/Recycling Committee. No substantive decisions were made on the McDuffie Square marker or fire station updates, which were informational.

• Approved Ordinance No. O-2023-15 amending food truck regulations (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Resolution R-2023-12 for 72-unit apartment complex (5-0)
• Appointed Evans, Rogers, Willis, Miller, and Campbell to Solid Waste/Recycling Committee (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consult with city attorney (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will review a special use permit for a 72-unit apartment complex and discuss amendments to solid waste management policies. The meeting also includes updates on transitional housing regulations and the rejection of bids for a sewer rehab project.

• Special Use Permit for 72-unit apartment complex on Parcel No. 01001601006
• Ordinance No. O-2023-13 Budget Amendment for Unfinished Firing Range Building
• Rejection of bids for Bridge Creek/College Park Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project
• Amendments to Solid Waste Management Ordinance and Policy
• Resolution No. R-2023-10 for property exchange between SERAA and Scotland County

The Council denied a request for a 72-unit apartment complex on Tarboro Street due to a lack of evidence and traffic concerns. Other actions included rejecting high bids for a sewer project and amending solid waste policies.

• Denied special use permit for 72-unit apartment complex on Parcel No. 01001601006 (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Budget Amendment O-2023-13 for firing range building (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc. multi-family project
• Authorized Mayor to execute Third Amendment to City Manager's contract (Unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for Bridge Creek/College Park Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project and ordered re-bid (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-14 and Resolution R-2023-11 regarding commercial dumpster usage (5-0)
• Selected Roche, Head & Associates for FY 2023 financial auditing services (Unanimous)
• Re-appointed James Thomas to the Planning Board for a three-year term (Unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will review and vote on the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, including fee schedule changes and capital improvement plans. A public hearing is scheduled for July 18 to consider a special use permit for a 72-unit low-income housing development on Tarboro Street. Additional items include updates to personnel certifications, amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance for transitional housing, and several ordinances related to budget transfers and fund reallocations.

• Public hearing on July 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for special use permit for 72-unit low-income housing development on Tarboro Street
• Consider Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, including fee schedule changes effective July 1, 2023
• Consider Ordinance O-2023-08 to approve FY 24 budget appropriations
• Consider Ordinance O-2023-10 to transfer funds from Fiber Department to Electric Operations Department
• Consider Ordinance O-2023-11 to establish Annual Vehicle and Equipment Capital Project Fund

The Laurinburg City Council unanimously approved the $39,983,823 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, which includes a 7% employee COLA, flat property tax rates, and water/sewer and solid waste rate increases effective July 1, 2023. The council also approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, an incentive agreement with Carolina Commercial LLC, and several budget amendments and ordinances. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved FY 2023-2024 budget of $39,983,823 (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year (2024-2028) Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Approved incentive agreement with Carolina Commercial LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 2023-2024 Fee Schedule with increases (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 0-2023-06 amending ARPA grant project ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 0-2023-07 transferring ARPA funds to FY24 budget (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 0-2023-08 FY24 Budget Appropriations (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 0-2023-09 FY24 Downtown Budget Appropriations (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. Topics include a water/sewer utility rate study, property/liability and health insurance rates, a personnel pay study update and COLA, solid waste rate discussion, and other outstanding budget items. No final decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and direction.

• Water/Sewer Utility Rate Study presentation
• Property/Liability and Health Insurance Rates discussion
• Personnel Pay Study Update and COLA
• Solid Waste Rate discussion and direction
• Outstanding budget items

The council discussed the FY 2023-2024 budget, including a proposed 25% water/sewer rate increase for FY 2024 and directed the city manager to prepare the budget with a $35.00 monthly solid waste fee for residential customers. No formal votes were taken on these items; the council gave direction only. The meeting was procedural, with no final budget adoption.

• Directed city manager to prepare budget with $35.00 monthly solid waste fee for residential customers
• Directed city manager to purchase one solid waste truck with remaining ARPA funds
• Set public hearing on proposed budget for June 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council is meeting to approve the agenda, hear public comments, and consider several items including special use permits, an incentive agreement, and city contracts. The consent agenda includes findings of fact for a microblading business and an 84-unit apartment complex, plus setting a budget public hearing. The council will also discuss accessory services, candidate filing fees, and an airport authority appointment.

• Special Use Permit for microblading at 1000 S. Main Street (Resolution R-2023-07)
• Special Use Permit for 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Rd (Resolution R-2023-08)
• Public hearing set for FY 2023-2024 Budget on June 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
• Incentive agreement consideration
• Accessory services at 17201 Old Lumberton Road

The Laurinburg City Council approved two ordinances to fund a used rescue truck after a fire damaged the current heavy rescue vehicle. The council also set candidate filing fees at $25 for the 2023 municipal elections and discussed a request to allow a homeless shelter at a church, deferring action until the UDO can be amended.

• Approved Ordinance No. 0-2023-04 amending ARPA grant project ordinance for rescue truck purchase (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 0-2023-05 amending FY 2022-2023 budget, increasing revenues and expenditures by $200,000 for rescue truck (5-0)
• Set candidate filing fees at $25 for Mayor and Councilmember seats for 2023 elections (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including special use permits for microblading and 84-unit apartment complex (5-0)
• Appointed Thomas Ammons to Southeast Regional Airport Authority
• Deferred decision on homeless shelter request pending UDO amendment

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The council agreed to change the health insurance agent on record after hearing that preliminary quotes from other agents were more favorable than the current agent's proposed 4.9% increase. No formal budget approval was made; the City Manager will bring a revised budget for consideration at the next meeting on May 16, 2023.

• Agreed to change health insurance agent on record
• Discussed proposed FY 2023-2024 budget of $40,765,522
• No formal budget approval; revised budget to be presented May 16, 2023

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold public hearings on two special use permits: one for microblading at 1000 S. Main St. and another for an 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Rd. The council will also consider consent agenda items, including closing East Railroad Street for Bike Nights, and other business like no parking signs on Trade Street and a tax foreclosure attorney agreement.

• Special Use Permit for microblading at 1000 S. Main St.
• Special Use Permit for 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Rd.
• Closing East Railroad Street for additional Bike Nights in 2023
• No Parking Signs for Trade Street
• Tax Foreclosure Attorney Agreement

The Laurinburg City Council unanimously approved a special use permit for an 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Road, despite funding not yet being secured. The council also approved a special use permit for microblading services at 1000 South Main Street, and authorized a tax foreclosure attorney agreement with Zacchaeus Legal Services. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved special use permit for 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Road (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for microblading at 1000 South Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved installation of 'No Parking' signs on Trade Street (unanimous)
• Approved Tax Foreclosure Attorney Agreement with Zacchaeus Legal Services (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and closing East Railroad Street for Bike Nights (unanimous)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a regular meeting on March 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall and Police Department, 303 West Church St. The agenda includes setting public hearings for a special use permit for an 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Rd. and for microblading at 1000 S. Main St., as well as considering a special use permit at 1703 Stonewall Road. The council will also discuss financial matters, including a required response to the Local Government Commission, a fund balance policy amendment, and rejection of bids for the Crestline Sewer Renovation Project.

• Set public hearing for 84-unit apartment complex on Plaza Rd.
• Set public hearing for microblading at 1000 S. Main St.
• Consider Resolution R-2023-05, Findings of Fact for Special Use Permit at 1703 Stonewall Road
• Consider road closure for Suds & Swine BBQ Festival, April 14-15
• Consider rejection of bids for Crestline Sewer Renovation Project and re-bid

Council updated its General Fund balance goal to 34% and approved a budget amendment for elevated storage tank improvements. The board also rejected all bids for the Crestline Pump Station project due to costs exceeding available funds.

• Approved responses to Local Government Commission regarding FY 2022 audit (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution R-2023-06 to set General Fund balance goal at 34% (5-0)
• Rejected all bids for Crestline Pump Station Renovation Project and authorized re-bidding (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance O-2023-03 to increase Water/Sewer Capital Project Fund by $3,890,000 (5-0)
• Appointed Mayor Willis as voting delegate and Councilmember Rogers as alternate for NCLM conference (unanimous)
• Scheduled budget retreat for April 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including two public hearings for April 18 and a road closure for Suds & Swine BBQ Festival (5-0)

City Council

This is a special citizen input meeting of the Laurinburg City Council. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, invocation, mayor's comments, public input, next steps, and adjournment. No specific decisions, proposals, or action items are listed.

• Citizen input period for public comments
• Discussion of next steps by Mayor and City Manager
• Meeting held at City Hall and Police Department, 303 W. Church St.

The Laurinburg City Council held a special meeting to conduct its annual Citizen Input Session. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the meeting, which focused on hearing resident concerns regarding substance abuse resources, animal control, infrastructure, and local development.

• Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold a public hearing on a request for a special use permit to allow a residential childcare facility at 1703 Stonewall Road. The council will also consider consent agenda items including road closures, a special use permit at 126 S. Main Street, and demolition of property at 722 S. Main St. Reports include the FY 2021-2022 audit and updates on the I. Ellis Johnson restoration and North Fire Station construction.

• Special use permit for residential childcare facility at 1703 Stonewall Road
• Resolution R-2023-01: Findings of Fact for Special Use Permit at 126 S. Main Street
• Ordinance O-2023-02: Condemn and demolish property at 722 S. Main St.
• Road closures for Black History Month Parade and Habitat 'Run with the Knights' Event
• Resolutions R-2023-02, R-2023-03, R-2023-04: Accept ARPA grant offers for water and wastewater projects

The Laurinburg City Council approved a special use permit for a residential childcare facility at 1703 Stonewall Road after a public hearing. The Council also accepted three American Rescue Plan grants totaling $4,190,000 for water, wastewater, and elevated storage tank projects, and approved the modified submission date for the FY 2022 audit.

• Approved agenda with audit contract amendment addition (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, road closures, and property condemnation/demolition ordinance (5-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for a residential childcare facility at 1703 Stonewall Road (4-1)
• Approved modified submission date for FY 2022 audit and authorized contract amendment with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., P.A. (unanimous)
• Approved tax releases of $1,297.60 and discoveries of $73,019.68 (unanimous)
• Approved advertisement of tax liens in the Laurinburg Exchange for March 6-10, 2023 (unanimous)
• Accepted American Rescue Plan grant of $3,890,000 for Elevated Storage Tanks Project (5-0)
• Accepted American Rescue Plan grants of $150,000 each for Water and Wastewater Asset Inventory and Assessment with Rate Study projects (5-0 each)

City Council

The Laurinburg City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes public hearings, a consent agenda, and several action items. Key items include a special use permit for microblading, a social district ordinance, and a contract for Brownfields site assessments.

• Special Use Permit for microblading at 126 S. Main St.
• Ordinance No. O-2023-01 to establish a Social District
• Proposals for Brownfields Site Assessments and contract award
• Termination of Easement for Scotland Crossing
• Public hearing for Special Use Permit at 1703 Stonewall Rd.

The Laurinburg City Council approved Ordinance O-2023-01 to establish a Downtown Social District, allowing open-container alcohol in a defined area once signage is in place. The council also approved a special use permit for microblading at 126 South Main Street, awarded a Brownfields site assessment contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc., and set a citizen input session for the budget on February 21, 2023. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Ordinance O-2023-01 establishing Downtown Social District (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for microblading at 126 S. Main St. (unanimous)
• Awarded Brownfields Site Assessments contract to Terracon Consultants, Inc. (unanimous)
• Set Citizen Input Session for budget on Feb. 21, 2023 (consensus)