Marion public meetings in 2023

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will review a special use request from Gateway Wellness Foundation to establish a short-term emergency foster child placement facility. Staff recommends approval provided the property is rezoned to R-2 and specific occupancy and appearance conditions are met.

• Special Use Request for a public safety/emergency residential living facility at 279 Fleming Avenue
• Proposed occupancy limit of five or fewer children
• Requirement for the property to be rezoned from R-1 to R-2 Neighborhood Residential
• Condition prohibiting exterior alterations that make the property appear non-residential
• Requirement for a Memorandum of Understanding between Gateway Wellness Foundation and McDowell County Government

Planning Board

The Planning Board is considering a request to change the zoning of 279 Fleming Avenue from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 Neighborhood Residential. The Gateway Wellness Foundation intends to use the property for the emergency temporary residential placement of foster children in partnership with McDowell County Department of Social Services.

• Rezoning application (RZ 23-03) for 0.56 acres at 27ly Fleming Avenue
• Proposed change from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 Neighborhood Residential
• Staff recommendation for approval despite inconsistency with the 2012 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to administer oaths to new council members, appoint a city attorney, elect a mayor pro tem, and approve the FY 2024-25 budget calendar. They will also consider a personnel policy amendment and receive a report on American Rescue Plan funding. The agenda includes a public comment period.

• Oath of office for Council Members Martin and Ramsey
• Appointment of City Attorney
• Election of Mayor Pro Tem
• Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Calendar
• Adoption of Personnel Policy Amendment

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several public hearings. Key items include hearings on demolishing dilapidated structures and amending the primary fire district limits, plus discussions on Westwood Chateau liability and safety, and approvals for a vehicle purchase, a traffic schedule for South Main Street parking, an interlocal agreement with McDowell County for the College Drive property, and an amended contract for the Clinchfield Sewer Basin project.

• Public hearing on ordinances authorizing demolition of dilapidated structures
• Public hearing on ordinance to amend City of Marion Primary Fire District Limits
• Discussion of Westwood Chateau liability and safety issues
• Approval of purchase of budgeted vehicle
• Approval of amended contract for professional services – Clinchfield Sewer Basin Rehabilitation and Replacement Project

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to handle routine business including consent agenda items, a public appearance by the Marion Business Association, and public comment. They will also discuss parking on South Main Street and consider approving a Memorandum of Agreement for the Foothills NC HOME Consortium Program, which relates to housing. Updates on upcoming events and the City Manager's report are also on the agenda.

• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Approval of Longevity Pay
• Resolution designating Police Chief for ABC permit recommendations
• Discussion of South Main Street Parking
• Approval of Memorandum of Agreement – Foothills NC HOME Consortium Program

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a revised fee and rate ordinance for 2023-24, a new outside agency funding policy, and a temporary construction easement across city property. They will also hear a public appearance from the McDowell Health Coalition and consider a street request and use of the Depot.

• Adoption of Revised 2023-24 City Fee and Rate Ordinance
• Adoption of Outside Agency Funding Policy
• Approval of Temporary Construction Easement Across City Property
• Discussion of Street Request
• Review Request for Use of Depot

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider routine items including approving minutes, adopting a capital project ordinance for a sewer grant, and holding a public hearing on closing an unopened alley off West Wilhemenia Street. They will also hear updates from the Marion East Community Forum, discuss a street request, and take public comments.

• Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance – Sewer Asset, Inventory and Assessment Grant Project
• Public Hearing – Adoption of Ordinance Approving the Closure of an Unopened Alley off of West Wilhemenia Street
• Update from Marion East Community Forum
• Discussion of Street Request

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider several items, including applying for state funding for a lead service line identification and replacement project, adopting a capital project ordinance for the First National Bank Building/City Hall renovation, and approving a contract for sewer asset inventory and assessment services. The agenda also includes a temporary street closure for a high school homecoming parade and acceptance of highway safety grants. The meeting is largely procedural, with no public hearings or major policy debates listed.

• Resolution to apply for state funding for Lead Service Line Identification and Replacement Project
• Capital Project Ordinance for First National Bank Building/City Hall Renovation Project
• Contract for Sewer Asset, Inventory and Assessment Grant Project professional and engineering services
• Ordinance for temporary street closure for McDowell High School Homecoming Parade
• Resolutions accepting Governor's Highway Safety Program Grants

City Council approved a $400,000 grant-funded contract for sewer asset inventory and assessment. The council also authorized seeking state funding for lead service line replacement and allocated $354,000 for City Hall renovation services.

• Approved $400,000 contract with Kimley-Horn for Sewer Asset, Inventory and Assessment Grant Project (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to apply for state funding for Lead Service Line Identification and Replacement Project (unanimous)
• Approved $354,000 Capital Project Ordinance for First National Bank Building/City Hall renovation architectural and engineering services (unanimous)
• Approved August 15 and August 21, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included budget ordinance amendments and a resolution supporting 11 transportation projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program. The council also approved a revised city pay and classification plan and updated rules for the Marion Community Building.

• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved resolution endorsing 11 McDowell County transportation projects for the STIP (unanimous)
• Approved Revised City Pay and Classification Plan (unanimous)
• Approved revised rules and regulations for the Community Building Main Level, Basement, and Depot (unanimous)

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including a public hearing on proposed Unified Development Ordinance text amendments, property tax adjustments and settlements, and the purchase of vehicles and equipment. The agenda also includes a resolution to sell city property on West Grayson Street and amendments to city codes regarding offenses and parks.

• Public hearing on Unified Development Ordinance text amendments
• Approval of FY 2022-23 property tax adjustments and releases
• Approval of financing for FY 2023-24 budgeted vehicles and heavy equipment
• Adoption of resolution authorizing final sale of city property on West Grayson Street
• Ordinance amendments to Chapter 11 (Offenses) and Chapter 12 (Parks and Recreation)

City Council unanimously approved several administrative and land use updates to the Unified Development Ordinance. The council also approved a consent agenda including budget amendments and a resolution for equipment financing.

• Adopted Unified Development Ordinance text amendments (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to reimburse up to $785,903 for vehicles and heavy equipment (unanimous)
• Approved June 20, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2022-23 Property Tax Adjustments and Releases (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments (unanimous)
• Received Report of American Rescue Plan Funding (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to correct errors and update land use categories. The agenda also includes discussions on cryptocurrency mining moratoriums and floodplain regulation compliance.

• Amendment to Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding land use categories
• Request to rezone 15 acres on Virginia Road to R-2 Neighborhood Residential
• Proposed moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations
• UDO amendment for compliance with state and federal floodplain regulations
• Request to rezone 2 acres on Hwy 70 West to C-2 general business

City Council

The Marion City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget ordinance, along with adopting the city fee and rate ordinance. The agenda also includes consent items like budget amendments, a revised pay plan, and a capital project ordinance for the First National Bank Building project, plus updates on the Livermush Festival, Tree Board, and a street request.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY 2023-24 Budget Ordinance
• Adoption of FY 2023-24 City Fee and Rate Ordinance
• Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – First National Bank Building Project
• Approval of Revised City Pay and Classification Plan
• Adoption of Resolution Approving Local Water Supply Plan

City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included the fourteenth amendment to the 2022-2023 budget and a revised city pay and classification plan. The council also updated the rules and regulations for the Marion Community Building and Depot.

• Approved June 6, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 14th Budget Ordinance Amendment for FY 2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Revised City Pay and Classification Plan effective Sept 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved revised rules and regulations for Community Building Basement, Main Level, and Depot (unanimous)

City Council

City Council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included the adoption of a resolution to rescind COVID-19 sick leave. The decision ends a 2022 policy that provided up to 80 hours of paid leave for fully vaccinated employees.

• Approved May 16, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution rescinding authorized COVID-19 sick leave for fully vaccinated full-time employees (Unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to correct errors and update land use categories. The meeting agenda also includes discussions regarding cryptocurrency mining moratoriums and various rezoning requests.

• Proposed UDO amendment to update land use categories and allowances
• Request to amend Official Zoning District Map for 15 acres on Virginia Road
• Proposed moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations
• UDO amendment to comply with state-mandated floodplain regulations
• Request to amend Official Zoning District Map for 2 acres on Hwy 70 West

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider several items, including a public hearing on adopting a water and sewer system development fee update, a special use permit for a telecommunications tower on Mill Road, and a presentation of the recommended 2023-24 city budget. The council will also recognize the Marion Rotary Club for a donation, hear from the McDowell Arts Council and Marion Business Association, and discuss a request to purchase city property.

• Public hearing on water and sewer system development fee update
• Public hearing on special use permit for telecommunications tower on Mill Road
• Presentation of recommended 2023-24 city budget
• Approval of budget ordinance amendments
• Discussion of request to purchase city property

City Council unanimously adopted the required five-year Water and Sewer System Development Fee Update Report. The board also approved a series of budget ordinance amendments for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. No public comments were received during the public hearing regarding the fee report.

• Adopted Water and Sewer System Development Fee Update Report (unanimous)
• Approved May 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 13th Amendment to 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance (unanimous)

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan, authorize a state parks grant application, and approve revised rules for the Community Building main level. The agenda also includes a strategic plan presentation, a fire department update, and consent items like meeting minutes and budget amendments.

• Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution authorizing NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant application
• Adoption of revised Community Building Main Level rules and regulations
• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Presentation of City Strategic Plan

The City Council unanimously adopted the City of Marion Strategic Plan, a multi-month effort led by the NC Department of Commerce that outlines about 60 recommendations in public service, infrastructure, housing, and outdoor recreation. The Council also unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, including budget amendments for police canine program funding, and adopted the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan. No public comments were made.

• Adopted City Strategic Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including April 18 and April 24 meeting minutes and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Adopted 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (unanimous)

City Council

City Council unanimously approved the annexation of two properties: a 15-acre residential site on Virginia Road and a 0.521-acre commercial site on US 70 West. The council also approved a revised pay and classification plan and the April 4 meeting minutes.

• Approved annexation of 15-acre Virginia Road/Penland Property (Unanimous)
• Approved annexation of 0.521-acre US 70 West/Great Meadows Property (Unanimous)
• Approved Revised Pay and Classification Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved April 4, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (Unanimous)
• Received Report of American Rescue Plan Funding (Unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a proposed one-year moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations to study their impacts on public health and resources. The board is also considering flood damage prevention amendments and two zoning map amendments for annexed properties.

• Proposed one-year development moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations
• Amendment to Unified Development Ordinance regarding flood damage prevention
• Zoning amendment for property on Highway 70 West owned by Great Meadows LLC
• Zoning amendment for property on Virginia Road owned by Zachary Penland

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider several agenda items, including annexation requests for properties on Virginia Road/Penland and US 70 West/Great Meadows. The council will also approve minutes, budget amendments, and a summer THRIVE series at city parks, and recognize a citizen and a Main Street Champion.

• Resolution to investigate annexation petition for Virginia Road/Penland Property
• Resolution to investigate annexation petition for US 70 West/Great Meadows Property
• Public hearing dates set for both annexation questions
• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Approval of Summer THRIVE Series at City Parks

Council approved the process to annex the Virginia Road/Penland and US 70 West/Great Meadows properties, with public hearings set for April 18, 2023. The board also approved budget amendments and authorized the use of city parks for a summer health series.

• Scheduled April 18 public hearing for Virginia Road/Penland Property annexation
• Scheduled April 18 public hearing for US 70 West/Great Meadows Property annexation
• Approved 11th Budget Ordinance Amendment for FY 2022-2023
• Approved McDowell County Health Coalition's use of city parks for THRIVE Series (June 10-Aug 19)
• Appointed Council Member Ramsey to the Foothills Regional Commission Housing Consortium Board
• Approved March 21, 2023 meeting minutes
• Declared April 2023 as Fair Housing Month

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including approving minutes, endorsing a litter sweep, and waiving trash collection charges. The main business is adopting ordinances for street closures for 2023 events and a revised festival and events ordinance, plus a resolution of intent to close an unopened alley off Claremont Avenue. The council will also schedule budget workshops and hear a city manager's report.

• Adoption of Ordinance Approving Street Closures for 2023 Events
• Adoption of Revised Festival and Events Ordinance
• Adoption of Resolution of Intent – Closure of Unopened Alley off of Claremont Avenue
• Waiver of Charges for Collection of Large Trash Items During Spring Litter Sweep 2023
• Approval of Revised Community Building Basement Rules and Regulations

City Council adopted an ordinance for 10 downtown event road closures in 2023 and updated the Festival and Events Ordinance. The council also approved new rules for the Community Building Basement and initiated the process to close an unopened alley off Claremont Avenue.

• Approved 10 road closures for 2023 downtown events (Unanimous)
• Adopted revised Festival and Events Ordinance prohibiting vicious animals at events (Unanimous)
• Approved revised Community Building Basement Rules and Regulations (Unanimous)
• Adopted resolution of intent to close unopened alley off Claremont Avenue (Unanimous)
• Endorsed North Carolina 2023 Spring Litter Sweep (Unanimous)
• Approved waiving charges for large trash collection April 17-21, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved March 7, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Scheduled Pre-Budget Workshop for April 24 at 5:30 p.m. (Consensus)

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes and budget amendments, then will take up a street request, hear tree board updates, and vote on amendments to the Festival and Events Ordinance. A public comment period is included, and the city manager will give a report.

• Adoption of amendments to Festival and Events Ordinance
• Review of street request
• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Approval of Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 meeting minutes
• Citizen of the Month recognition

City Council unanimously endorsed a plan to restore passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville. The council also approved budget amendments and authorized the removal of invasive trees at the City Stage property.

• Endorsed plan to restore passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville (Unanimous)
• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments (Unanimous)
• Authorized removal of Bradford Pear trees on the Brown Drive side of the City Stage property (Unanimous)
• Referred request for 'no right turn on red' at State Street and South Main Street to the Street Committee (Consensus)
• Tabled Festival and Events Ordinance amendments pending further research on animal regulations

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes and budget amendments, hearing from the Marion Business Association and Foothills Regional Commission about an electric vehicle charger plan, and discussing issues with the Local Government Federal Credit Union. The council will also consider approving a vehicle purchase and adopting a reimbursement resolution for a front-end loader purchase.

• Approval of February 7, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Presentation of Electric Vehicle Charger Plan by Foothills Regional Commission
• Discussion of Local Government Federal Credit Union Issues
• Approval of Vehicle Purchase and Reimbursement Resolution for Front End Loader Purchase

City Council adopted an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan and authorized staff to seek grants for installation. The Council also approved the purchase and financing of a new front-end loader garbage truck. Additionally, the City Manager was authorized to request that the Local Government Federal Credit Union maintain physical branches after its split from SECU.

• Adopted Foothills Regional Commission’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to seek grant funding for EV charging stations (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of New Way Mammoth Front End Loader for $359,532.36 (Unanimous)
• Authorized financing for the New Way Mammoth garbage truck (Unanimous)
• Adopted Reimbursement Resolution for Front End Loader purchase (Unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to send letter requesting LGFCU maintain physical presence in each county (Unanimous)
• Approved February 7, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments (Unanimous)

City Council

City Council approved several street improvement projects totaling $1,376,344 and adopted the Peavine Rail Trail Master Plan. The council also authorized a $100,000 grant application for trail improvements and approved the FY 2022-23 city audit contract.

• Approved $1,376,344 for street projects including South Garden Street reconstruction (unanimous)
• Adopted the Peavine Rail Trail Master Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant application for Peavine Trail (unanimous)
• Approved $22,000 base fee contract with Gould Killian CPA Group for FY 2022-23 audit (unanimous)
• Adopted Capital Project Ordinance for $1,040,070 Street Improvement Project (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments including ARPA fund transfers (unanimous)
• Adopted North Carolina Fire Code via amendment to City Code Chapter 7 (unanimous)
• Approved revised Marion Community Building Main Level Rules and Regulations (unanimous)

City Council

The Marion City Council is meeting to handle routine administrative items and several policy decisions. The agenda includes approving budget ordinance amendments, a revised pay and classification plan, and adopting a new inclement weather policy, along with recognizing community sponsors and receiving a report on American Rescue Plan funding.

• Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
• Approval of Revised Pay and Classification Plan
• Adoption of Inclement Weather Policy
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding – Historic Marion Tailgate Market
• Receive Report of American Rescue Plan Funding

City Council unanimously approved a new inclement weather policy and updated rules for the Community Building, Basement, and Depot. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding to transfer operation of the Historic Marion Tailgate Market to the Local Food Advisory Committee.

• Approved City of Marion Inclement Weather Policy (unanimous)
• Approved revised rules for Community Building, Basement, and Depot (unanimous)
• Approved MOU transferring Tailgate Market operations to Local Food Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Ordinance Amendments for ARPA funds and Utility Line Maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved Revised Pay and Classification Plan (unanimous)
• Proclaimed 2023 as 'The Year of the Trail' in Marion