Locust public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Locust City Council will hold its regular meeting, primarily consisting of routine reports and administrative items. Key business includes a voluntary annexation request for 9782 Quail Run Road, adoption of the November meeting minutes, and receiving the FY24 audit report. The meeting also includes the introduction of a new police officer and reorganization of the council.

• Voluntary annexation: 9782 Quail Run Road
• Adoption of November 14, 2024 minutes
• FY24 Audit Report
• Introduction of new LPD Officer Matthew Crosby
• 2025 holiday schedule and council meeting dates

The Locust City Council approved several rezoning requests and a site plan amendment, including conditional rezoning for Champs Auto Sales, Sam's Express Car Wash, and New Life Church, as well as a site plan amendment for Kolter Homes' Cresswind community. The council also approved various administrative items, including purchase orders, an elected officials policy manual, asset disposal, and appointments to boards.

• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Adopted Elected/Appointed Officials Policy Manual (6-0)
• Approved disposal of 2014 Police Dodge Charger (6-0)
• Appointed Felix Salzedo to Parks Advisory Board (6-0)
• Approved repairs to museum and dugouts for $5,800 (6-0)
• Approved vacuum system leak repair by Dellinger for $10,400 (6-0)
• Appointed Margaret Peacock to ABC Board as chair for 3-year term (6-0)
• Approved conditional rezoning for Champs Auto Sales at 164-A Browns Hill Rd (4-1)

City Council

The Locust City Council is holding its regular meeting on November 14, 2024. The agenda includes several planning and zoning items, including a public hearing on a land development ordinance text change, conditional rezonings for Champs Auto and Sam's Express Car Wash, a rezoning for New Life Church, a voluntary annexation at 9782 Quail Run Road, and a site plan amendment for Kolter Homes' Cresswind at Rocky River. The council will also receive reports from departments and consider appointments and other routine matters.

• Public hearing on Land Development Ordinance text change
• Conditional rezoning: Champs Auto
• Conditional rezoning: Sam's Express Car Wash
• Rezoning: New Life Church
• Voluntary annexation: 9782 Quail Run Road

The Locust City Council approved purchase orders, a FYE 2024 budget amendment, and disposal of old police holsters and a generator. It approved a $2,000 agreement with Retail Strategies to update marketing and demographic materials. The council set five public hearings for November 14, 2024, covering three conditional rezonings (Sam's Xpress Car Wash, Kolter Homes, Mr. Munoz), a text change to allow auto upholstery in the highway commercial district, and a base zoning change for New Life Church from OPS to CBI. It also adopted a resolution directing the City Clerk to certify a contiguous annexation petition for 9782 Quail Run Rd.

• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Approved FYE 2024 budget amendment (6-0)
• Approved disposal of ammo and pistol holsters, and generator (6-0)
• Approved $2,000 Retail Strategies marketing/demographics update agreement (6-0)
• Set Nov. 14 public hearing on auto upholstery text change (6-0)
• Set Nov. 14 public hearing on Mr. Munoz conditional rezoning (6-0)
• Set Nov. 14 public hearing on Sam's Car Wash conditional rezoning (6-0)
• Set Nov. 14 public hearing on Kolter Homes conditional rezoning (6-0)

Park Advisory Board

The Locust Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is meeting to consider minutes, receive director and sub-committee reports, and discuss unfinished business including board applications. New business includes upcoming special events, athletics, grant applications for accessibility in parks, and adopting the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Grant applications for accessibility in parks
• Adoption of 2025 Park Advisory Board meeting schedule
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board applications
• Upcoming special events
• Upcoming athletics

The Locust Park Advisory Board held its first meeting, adopting rules of procedure and revised bylaws, and electing Kara Finch as Chairperson and Lucia Downer as Vice Chairperson. The board discussed park needs, including accessibility, soccer field conditions, parking lot lighting, and potential grant applications, but made no decisions on these items.

• Adopted agenda as presented (4-0)
• Adopted rules of procedure and revised bylaws (4-0)
• Elected Kara Finch as Chairperson (4-0)
• Elected Lucia Downer as Vice Chairperson (4-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, review financial and department reports, and discuss several operational items. Key items include a voluntary annexation request, disposal of obsolete police equipment, budget amendments, and the introduction of a new police officer.

• Voluntary annexation request for 9782 Quail Run Rd.
• Disposal of obsolete Locust Police Department equipment
• Budget amendments for fiscal year 2024
• Introduction of new police officer Jerry Wallace
• September 2024 financial summary and wastewater report

The Locust City Council approved a conditional rezoning for the Frances Estates subdivision off Vella Drive, allowing 52 residential units. It also awarded design contracts to Chambers Engineering for the Market Street/USPS connector and the Coley Store Water Line, approved disposal of an obsolete generator, adopted a personnel handbook update, and appointed members to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved conditional rezoning for Frances Estates (52 units) on Vella Dr (7-0)
• Awarded $13,900 design contract to Chambers Engineering for Market Street/USPS connector (7-0)
• Awarded design contract to Chambers Engineering for Coley Store Water Line (7-0)
• Approved disposal of obsolete generator via GovDeals (7-0)
• Adopted Personnel Handbook update (7-0)
• Approved purchase orders (7-0)
• Appointed 5 members to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate property purchase at N Central Ave & E Market St, up to $250,000 (7-0)

Park Advisory Board

The Locust Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is meeting to handle routine business including oaths, rules, officer elections, and minutes. They will also receive staff reports, discuss the FY24-25 budget, and identify and prioritize park projects, along with upcoming events and athletics.

• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Review of Parks and Recreation Department including Park Master Plan
• Identifying and prioritizing park projects
• P & R Budget for FY24-25
• Upcoming Special Events and Athletics

Planning & Zoning

The Locust Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public comment period and then consider four conditional rezoning requests from Jose & Ruby Munoz, Kolter Homes, Sam's Express Car Wash, and New Life Church. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear the chairman's report.

• Jose & Ruby Munoz – Conditional rezoning
• Kolter Homes – Conditional Rezoning/Site Plan Update
• Sam's Express Car Wash – Conditional rezoning
• New Life Church – Conditional rezoning

The Locust Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend that the City Council amend the Land Development Ordinance. This change would permit auto upholstery shops in the CBI zoning district by right and in the HC district as a conditional use.

• Excused two board members (7-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)
• Adopted July 25, 2024 minutes (7-0)
• Recommended zoning amendment for auto upholstery shops (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30pm (7-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, receive financial and department reports, and hold a public hearing on a conditional rezoning for Frances Estates. The meeting includes reports from the city manager, public safety, planning and zoning, and other departments, as well as a public comment period.

• Public hearing on conditional rezoning for Frances Estates
• Engineering proposal for Market Street/USPS Connector
• RFQ award for Coley Store Water Line
• Appointment of Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members
• Financial summary for August 31, 2024

The Locust City Council approved a text change to the noise ordinance, adjusting decibel levels and times, despite public opposition. The council also approved purchase orders, authorized an RFQ for the Coley Store Water Line project, entered into MOAs with Stanly County and Kolter Homes, and approved a site plan amendment for a conditional rezoning. A public hearing was scheduled for a new residential project off Vella Drive.

• Adopted noise ordinance text change (5-2)
• Approved purchase orders (7-0)
• Authorized RFQ for Coley Store Water Line engineering services (7-0)
• Entered into MOA with Stanly County for Coley Store Water Line (7-0)
• Entered into MOA with Kolter Homes for Coley Store Water Line (7-0)
• Approved site plan amendment for Locust Property Holdings/Dr. Martin (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Maverick Builders conditional rezoning on Vella Dr. (7-0)

Planning & Zoning

The board issued a favorable recommendation to the City Council for a conditional rezoning request on Vella Drive to allow for 50 residential units. The board also received an update regarding a comprehensive update to the city's Land Use Development Plan.

• Recommended approval of conditional rezoning for 50 residential units on Vella Drive (8-0)
• Adopted agenda (8-0)
• Adopted June 27, 2024 minutes (8-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, receive reports from staff and committees, and hold public hearings on a site plan revision, a conditional rezoning, and a noise ordinance update. The agenda also includes routine items like financial reports and purchase orders.

• Public Hearing: Dr. Martin Site Plan Revision
• Schedule Public Hearing: Frances Estates Conditional Rezoning
• Public Hearing: Noise Ordinance Update
• Coley Store Water Line RFQ
• Update on Town Center Traffic

City Council awarded a $49,200 contract to Centralina Regional Council to update the city's Land Use Plan. The council also approved traffic improvements for the Town Center and a new connector between the USPS and Market Street.

• Awarded $49,200 Land Use Plan update contract to Centralina (6-0)
• Approved Town Center traffic plan for Harrison Road and Market St/Ray Kennedy Dr (6-0)
• Approved USPS connection to Market St project (6-0)
• Approved Senior Center design and floor plan (6-0)
• Adopted System Development Fee Capital Reserve Resolution (6-0)
• Set public hearing for August 8, 2024, regarding noise ordinance updates (6-0)
• Set public hearing for August 8, 2024, for Jason Martin site plan change (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders and budget amendments (6-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Locust Planning & Zoning Board voted 8-0 to send a favorable recommendation for the conditional re-zoning of Locust Property Holdings, LLC, which involves Dr. Martin's facility. The changes include 8 additional parking spaces, 2 retaining walls, and slight elevation changes to building 2. The board also adopted the agenda and approved the May 23, 2024 minutes, both by 8-0 votes. No public comments were made, and board member Dillon Beatty resigned effective this month.

• Adopted agenda as presented (8-0)
• Approved May 23, 2024 minutes (8-0)
• Recommended conditional re-zoning for Locust Property Holdings, LLC (8-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, review financial reports, and hear department updates. Key items include a contract award for the Land Use Plan update, an update on the noise ordinance, and approval of the Senior Center floor plan. The council will also schedule a public hearing for a site plan change on Dr. Martin.

• Land Use Plan Update - Contract Award
• Noise Ordinance - Update
• Senior Center - Floor Plan Approval
• Schedule Public Hearing - Site Plan Change Dr. Martin
• System Development Fees - Capital Reserve Resolution

The Locust City Council adopted the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget and budget ordinance after a public hearing with no speakers. The council also approved purchase orders, budget amendments, submission of the ATIIP grant application for the Ardsley Drive extension, and a mutual aid request from the Oakboro Police Department. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Adopted FY 2024-2025 budget and budget ordinance (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments (6-0)
• Approved submission of ATIIP grant application (6-0)
• Approved mutual aid request from Oakboro Police Department (6-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Locust Planning & Zoning Board voted 6-0 to deny the LTC Development conditional rezoning request and send an unfavorable recommendation to City Council. The project proposed 86 townhome units with an average size of 2,200 square feet and starting prices in the low to mid $300,000s. Board members expressed concerns about density and traffic congestion in Town Center.

• Denied LTC Development conditional rezoning request (6-0)
• Adopted agenda as amended, removing item #7 (5-0)
• Adopted December 28, 2023 minutes (5-0)
• Administered oath to new alternate Jeff Claiborne

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing and vote to adopt the FY 2024-2025 budget and budget ordinance. The meeting also includes updates on a comprehensive transportation plan and an ATIIP grant application.

• Public Hearing: FY Budget 2024-2025
• FY 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance adoption
• ATIIP Grant Application discussion
• Comprehensive Transportation Plan update
• Oakboro 4th of July Mutual Aid Request

The Locust City Council formally introduced the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget, which includes no tax rate increase for the 27th consecutive year, a 10% decrease in base sewer user fees, and elimination of the $10 per vehicle fee. A public hearing for the budget was scheduled for June 13, 2024. The council also approved a $5,000 contract with engineering firm AWCK to study traffic improvements, and approved purchase orders and budget amendments. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Scheduled public hearing for 2024/2025 budget on June 13 (6-0)
• Approved $5,000 contract with AWCK for Harrison Road and Post Office access projects (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments (6-0)
• Approved April 11, 2024 minutes (6-0)
• Excused Council Member Rusty Efird (6-0)
• Adopted agenda as presented (6-0)
• Authorized Chief of Police to use cadet program for new recruits (6-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Locust Planning & Zoning Board voted to send favorable recommendations to the City Council for a conditional rezoning request for the Brentwood Farms event venue, along with several text changes regarding lot dimensions and residential single-family allowances. The board also excused absent members, approved the agenda, and approved the previous meeting's minutes.

• Excused Board Members James Baucom and Janice Hils (7-0)
• Adopted the agenda as presented (7-0)
• Approved November 28, 2023 minutes (7-0)
• Sent favorable recommendation to Council for conditional rezoning of Brentwood Farms (7-0)
• Sent favorable recommendation to City Council for text changes to lot dimensions for OPS, NR, GR, and CC (7-0)
• Sent favorable recommendation to City Council for text change for residential single family attached and detached for CC from permitted by right to conditional (7-0)
• Adjourned at 7:36pm (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will review the April 2024 financial summary and the introduction of the new budget. The meeting includes scheduling a public hearing for the formal adoption of the budget.

• Budget Introduction
• Schedule Public Hearing for Budget Adoption
• Traffic Improvements in Town Center report
• Senior Center update
• Wastewater Flow Report - April 2024

The Locust City Council approved applications for three park improvement grants totaling up to $1,010,000 in potential funding. They also appointed Richard Burr to the ABC Board and Jeff Claiborne as an alternate to the Planning & Zoning Board. Additionally, the council authorized the disposal of a vehicle and the donation of two lawn mowers to local schools and organizations.

• Approved PARTF grant application (7-0)
• Approved NC Parks and Rec Accessibility grant application (7-0)
• Approved Stanly County Parks and Rec grant application (7-0)
• Appointed Richard Burr to ABC Board (7-0)
• Appointed Jeff Claiborne as P&Z Board alternate (7-0)
• Approved disposal of 2006 Dodge Magnum (7-0)
• Approved donation of mowers to CC Griffin Middle School and 5and2 Trade School (7-0)
• Approved purchase orders and budget amendments (7-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council will convene to adopt minutes from its March 9 budget retreat and March 14 regular meeting, receive financial and departmental reports, and hear updates including a resolution for a PARTF grant application and an ABC board appointment. No substantive decisions are listed on this procedural agenda.

The Locust City Council approved three conditional rezoning requests: Taylor Morrison (Bell Avenue Townhomes), Kolter Homes (Cresswinds), and Brentwood Farms. The Brentwood Farms request passed 5-1 with Council Member Barry Sims voting against. The council also approved an audit contract, budget amendments, purchase orders, a radio maintenance agreement with Stanly County, and a capital project ordinance for the North Basin Sewer Project.

• Approved conditional rezoning for Taylor Morrison (Bell Avenue Townhomes) as CC-C (6-0)
• Approved conditional rezoning for Kolter Homes (Cresswinds) as OPS-C (6-0)
• Approved conditional rezoning for Brentwood Farms as CBI-C (5-1, Sims nay)
• Approved audit contract with Strickland Hardee, PLLC (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Approved radio maintenance agreement with Stanly County (6-0)
• Adopted Capital Project Ordinance for North Basin Sewer Project (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will review the February 2024 financial summary and audit contract. The meeting includes discussions on the North Basin Sewer Project and several conditional rezoning requests.

• North Basin Sewer Project - Capital Project Ordinance
• Conditional Rezoning: Taylor Morrison
• Conditional Rezoning: Kolter Homes
• Conditional Rezoning: Brentwood Farms
• LPD Radio Maintenance Agreement

The Locust City Council approved two voluntary annexations, adopted a Land Development Ordinance text change, and tabled a conditional rezoning request for a wedding venue at Brentwood Farms until the March 14, 2024 meeting. The council also approved purchase orders, budget amendments, election filing fees, and the 2025 Urban Archery Season application.

• Approved voluntary annexation of B&C Land Farming Pin# 557604828727 (6-0)
• Approved voluntary annexation of Kevin & Kelly O'Connor Pin# 557604827518 (6-0)
• Tabled conditional rezoning request for Brentwood Farms wedding venue until March 14, 2024 (6-0)
• Adopted Land Development Ordinance text change (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders (6-0)
• Approved budget amendments (6-0)
• Adopted election filing fees at $10 for mayor and council (6-0)
• Approved 2025 Urban Archery Season application (6-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council will review the proposed budget ordinance for FY 2024-2025 and discuss budget strategies for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting includes department presentations, a budget overview, and an executive session for personnel matters, including the City Manager's performance evaluation.

• Proposed Budget Ordinance for FY 2024-2025
• Budget Strategies discussion for FY 2024-2025
• Executive Session: City Manager's Performance Evaluation and Personnel Requests

City Council

The Locust City Council is meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes, receive reports from departments, and discuss several planning and zoning items. Key items include a conditional rezoning for Brentwood Farms, voluntary annexations, and land development text changes. The meeting also includes recognition of public works and police officers, and a presentation from West Stanly FD.

• Conditional rezoning: Brentwood Farms
• Voluntary annexations
• Land development text changes
• 2024 Election Filing Fees
• Deer Urban Archery Season Renewal

The Locust City Council met on January 11, 2024 (the minutes are dated January 11, 2024, though the meeting header says 2024-02-08). Council voted 7-0 to delay the conditional rezoning request from Kolter Homes for the Cresswind at Rocky River project until the March 14 meeting, after a public hearing that drew numerous resident concerns. Council also set four public hearings for February 8 on the Brentwood Farms rezoning, Land Development Ordinance text changes, and two voluntary annexations. In other actions, council approved purchase orders, budget amendments, and a scholarship application for the city manager, and agreed to hold the budget retreat on Saturday, March 9 at 7:30am with department heads presenting.

• Delayed vote on Kolter Homes conditional rezoning (Cresswind at Rocky River) to March 14 (7-0)
• Set public hearing for Feb 8 on Brentwood Farms conditional rezoning (7-0)
• Set public hearing for Feb 8 on Land Development Ordinance text changes (7-0)
• Set public hearing for Feb 8 on voluntary annexation of B&C Land Farming LLC property (7-0)
• Set public hearing for Feb 8 on voluntary annexation of Kevin and Kelly O'Connor property (7-0)
• Approved purchase orders (7-0)
• Approved budget amendments (7-0)
• Approved scholarship application for City Manager Cesar Correa for Harvard Kennedy leadership program (7-0)

City Council

The Locust City Council will meet on January 11, 2024, to review financial reports, department updates, and schedule public hearings for zoning changes and voluntary annexations. The council will also discuss budget amendments and recognize the Locust Police Department Citizen of the Year for 2023.

• Schedule Public Hearings: Brentwood Farms and Ordinance Text Changes
• Conditional Rezoning: Kolter Homes - Cresswind at Rocky River
• Voluntary Annexations - Certificates of Sufficiency
• Voluntary Annexations - Schedule Public Hearings
• FY 22-23 Audit Presentation

Council approved a conditional rezoning request for QuikTrip and a $84,475 change order for North Basin sewer improvements. The board also reappointed four Planning & Zoning members and scheduled a public hearing for the Kolter Homes project.

• Approved conditional rezoning for QuikTrip as City Center – Conditional (6-0)
• Approved $84,475 change order for North Basin Contract 4 sewer upsizing (6-0)
• Deferred vote on Taylor Morrison conditional rezoning at Bell Ave (6-0)
• Reappointed Tim Fesperman, James Baucom, Joseph Abbatiello, and Lanna Thomas to P&Z Board (6-0)
• Appointed De-Dee Nathan to the P&Z Board (6-0)
• Scheduled Jan 11 public hearing for Kolter Homes/Cresswinds project (6-0)
• Approved resolutions to investigate annexation petitions for B&C Land Farming, LLC and Kevin & Kelly O'Connor (6-0)
• Approved purchase orders and budget amendments (6-0)