Marion public meetings in 2024
28 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance amending Chapter 18 (Traffic) and approve budget ordinance amendments. Presentations include the 2023-24 city audit and sewer asset inventory. The council will also award a contract for Drexel property cleanup and approve a budgeted vehicle purchase. A public comment period and city manager’s report are scheduled.
- Adopt ordinance amending Chapter 18 (Traffic) of city code
- Approve budget ordinance amendments
- Award contract for Drexel Property Cleanup
- Approve purchase of budgeted vehicle
- Presentation of 2023-24 City Audit Report
City Council
The Marion City Council will consider adopting an ordinance to authorize demolition of a dilapidated structure and a resolution approving the local water supply plan. The consent agenda includes approval of overtime payments related to Tropical Storm Helene, budget ordinance amendments, and a capital project ordinance. The meeting also features a citizen recognition, public comment, and updates on upcoming events.
- Adoption of Ordinance Authorizing the Demolition of Dilapidated Structure
- Adoption of Resolution Approving Local Water Supply Plan
- Approval of Payment of Overtime – Tropical Storm Helene Disaster
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance
City Council
The council will consider approval of an interlocal agreement with McDowell County and a contract for engineering services for legislative directed sewer projects. They will also receive a Hurricane Helene recovery update and adopt a capital project ordinance. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, a report on ARP funding, and adoption of longevity pay.
- Approval of Interlocal Agreement with McDowell County
- Approval of NCDOT Disaster Relief Debris Removal Agreement
- Approval of Contract for Engineering and Professional Services for Legislative Directed Sewer Projects
- Consideration of Capital Project Ordinance
- Hurricane Helene Recovery Update
City Council
The City Council will meet to vote on budget ordinance amendments and updates to the city code. The body will also consider ordinances regarding the meeting schedule and water and sewer system tampering.
- Adoption of Ordinance Amending Chapter 11, Offenses, of the City Code
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Approval of purchase of budgeted vehicle
- Adoption of Ordinance – Water and Sewer System Tampering
- Adoption of Ordinance Amending City Council Meeting Schedule
The Marion City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting living, residing, or sleeping on public streets or city property, with escalating penalties from a notice of violation to a Class 3 misdemeanor for habitual violators. The council also approved the purchase of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Police Department for $43,454.96 plus upfit costs, and adopted ordinances amending the council meeting schedule and prohibiting tampering with water and sewer systems.
- Adopted ordinance banning camping/sleeping on city property (unanimous)
- Approved $43,454.96 police vehicle purchase plus upfit (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance amending council meeting schedule to skip first Tuesday of November (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance prohibiting tampering with water/sewer systems (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including budget amendments (unanimous)
City Council
The City Council will meet to consider a resolution accepting a Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant. The body will also review budget ordinance amendments and an amended audit contract for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
- Resolution accepting Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant
- Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Amended Fiscal Year 2023-24 City Audit Contract
- Presentation from West Marion, Inc.
- Public appearances by Centro Unido Latino Americano and McDowell Partnership for Substance Awareness
Historic Preservation Commission
The commission will hold public hearings on two applications for Certificates of Appropriateness: one for a contributing building (Ledbetter Properties at 7 and 13 North Main Street) and one for a non-contributing building (Davis). Detailed staff analysis for the Ledbetter application recommends approval with conditions, including replacing bricked-in windows with historically appropriate ones. No details for the Davis application are provided in the agenda.
- Certificate of Appropriateness HPC 24-01 for Ledbetter Properties at 7 and 13 North Main Street in the Main Street Historic District
- Proposed work: removal of brick from three second-floor windows on West Court Street for egress windows, and replacement of storefront windows, door, and framing at 13 North Main Street
- Staff recommends approval with condition that replacement windows match original 1-over-1 double hung design, not the proposed 6-over-6
- Strong recommendation from City staff and Marion Business Association for approval
- Second application HPC 24-02 (Davis) listed for a non-contributing building but no additional details in agenda
Board of Adjustment
The Marion Board of Adjustment will hold a hearing on an appeal of an administrative order regarding a dilapidated structure at 891 East Court Street. The board will also consider approving minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting and take public comment.
- Appeal of Administrative Hearing Order for George F Long concerning a dilapidated structure at 891 East Court Street (PIN 1711.05-09-4803)
Planning Board
The Planning Board is reviewing a request to rezone a property for a Community Resiliency Center. The board is also discussing amendments to sidewalk construction and fee-in-lieu requirements for satellite annexation areas.
- Rezoning of 3.15+/- acres at 148 East Hudgins Street from M1 Industrial to OI Office and Institutional
- Proposed text amendment to UDO Section 6-1.8 regarding sidewalk exemptions in satellite annexation areas
City Council
The City Council will consider several consent agenda items, including acceptance of state funding for a lead water service line project, water improvements, and sewer improvements. Other items include approval of the property tax settlement and order of collection, financing for vehicles and heavy equipment, and selection of an engineering firm for water/sewer projects. The council will also adopt an ordinance authorizing temporary street closures for downtown events.
- Adoption of Resolution Accepting Funding from the State for Lead Water Service Line Project
- Adoption of Resolution Accepting State Legislative Directed Projects Funding for Water Improvements Project
- Adoption of Resolution Accepting State Legislative Directed Projects Funding for Sewer Improvements Project
- Approval of Financing of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budgeted Vehicles, Heavy Equipment, and Building Construction
- Adoption of Ordinance Authorizing Temporary Street Closures for Downtown Events
The Marion City Council unanimously approved financing for Fiscal Year 2024-25 budgeted vehicles, heavy equipment, and building construction with United Financial (Home Trust Bank) at 4.44% for 59 months and 4.84% for 10 years. The Council also accepted state and federal grants for water, sewer, and lead service line projects, and approved the 2024 property tax collection order. All votes were unanimous among the five members present.
- Approved $1,154,618 financing for vehicles/equipment (59 mo, 4.44%) and building construction (10 yr, 4.84%) with United Financial (5-0)
- Accepted $405,800 state loan for lead service line inventory/replacement (5-0)
- Accepted $431,820 state grant for water improvements project (5-0)
- Accepted $5,278,180 state grant for sewer improvements project (5-0)
- Approved 2023-24 property tax settlement and tax adjustments/releases (5-0)
- Approved order of collection for 2024 property taxes (5-0)
- Selected Withers Ravenel for engineering services on $5.91M water/sewer project (5-0)
- Approved $30,000 Governor's Highway Safety Program grant for police (5-0)
City Council
The City Council will conduct public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Ordinance and a Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment. The council is also scheduled to adopt the Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Fee and Rate Ordinance. Additionally, there will be a presentation regarding the Building Integrated Communities Project.
- Public hearing for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Ordinance adoption
- Public hearing for Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment adoption
- Adoption of Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Fee and Rate Ordinance
- Presentation on Building Integrated Communities Project
- Approval of Revised City Pay Plan
Planning Board
The Planning Board is reviewing an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding rooftop utilities and materials. The proposal establishes standards for the construction, maintenance, and camouflage of antennas on commercial rooftops. It includes specific height limits for both concealed and non-concealed attached antennas.
- Amendment to Part IV Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding rooftop utilities
- New 12-foot height limit for concealed attached antennas
- 6-foot height limit for non-concealed attached antennas
- Requirements for camouflaging rooftop equipment to match building characteristics
City Council
The Marion City Council will meet to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan and approve budget ordinance amendments. The agenda also includes considering advisory board appointments and reviewing July 4th celebration fireworks.
- Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Approval of July 4th Celebration Fireworks
- Consideration of Advisory Board Appointments
- Update on WNC Bigfoot Festival
City Council
The City Council will receive a presentation of the recommended 2024-25 City Budget. The meeting also includes budget ordinance amendments and public appearances by local associations.
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Presentation of Recommended 2024-25 City Budget
- Public Appearance by McDowell Arts Council Association
- Public Appearance by Marion Business Association
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will review five appeals to Notices of Violation concerning junk vehicles, trash, and dilapidated structures. All contested violations are located on East Court Street.
- Appeal Case 1553: Junk vehicles at 860 and 868 East Court Street
- Appeal Case 1554: Trash and junk at 891 East Court Street
- Appeal Case 1555: Junk vehicles at 891 East Court Street
- Appeal Case 1556: Dilapidated structure at 891 East Court Street
- Appeal Case 1557: Junk vehicles at 934 East Court Street
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. The body is also considering the adoption of budget and capital project ordinances and grant funding for sewer improvements.
- Public hearing on Unified Development Ordinance text amendments
- Resolution accepting American Rescue Plan Act grant funding for Clinchfield Sewer Improvements Project
- Adoption of Revised Capital Project Ordinance
- Adoption of Grant Project Ordinance
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
Planning Board
The Marion Planning Board is reviewing a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The changes aim to increase residential density, allow mixed-use development in the B-1 district, and restrict industrial uses like cryptocurrency mining and data centers. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the March 7, 2024 meeting.
- Amendment to Part IV UDO to update land use categories and allowances
- Proposal to increase residential development types and densities across most zoning districts
- Proposal to allow greater flexibility for mixed-use development in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District
- Proposal to tighten restrictions on industrial development, including cryptocurrency and data mining operations
- Approval of minutes from the March 7, 2024 meeting
City Council
The City Council will review budget ordinance amendments and a revised pay and classification plan. Members will select a firm for environmental services for the Drexel Project and consider a resolution for the Peavine Trail Project grant application.
- Selection of firm for environmental services for Drexel Project
- Resolution of support for Peavine Trail Project grant application
- Approval of Revised City Pay and Classification Plan
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Report of American Rescue Plan Funding
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss a special use request to convert an industrial warehouse into five separate business offices. Staff recommends approval of the project provided specific landscaping, parking, and signage conditions are met.
- Special use request by John Seaman to divide industrial warehouse into 5 office spaces at 1767 E Court Street
- Proposed parking requirement of one space per 200 square feet of gross floor space
- Proposed multi-tenant sign requirements with a maximum height of 20 feet
- Requirement to maintain existing vegetation/vegetative buffer along street frontage
City Council
The City Council will meet to approve budget ordinance amendments and a capital project ordinance for City Hall improvements. The agenda also includes a presentation from the McDowell Partnership for Substance Awareness.
- Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance for City Hall Improvements
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Approval of March 19, 2024 meeting minutes
- Proclamation for Fair Housing Month
- Public appearance by McDowell Partnership for Substance Awareness
City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a Unified Development Ordinance Map Amendment for the Whitson Property Annexation Area on Valley Street. The body will also consider ordinances for 2024 event street closures and parking changes on Burgin Street.
- Public hearing for Unified Development Ordinance Map Amendment at Valley Street (Whitson Property Annexation Area)
- Resolution for NC Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant Initiative
- Ordinance for 2024 event street closures
- Traffic Schedule Ordinance Amendment for Burgin Street parking
- Fiscal Year 2023-24 City Audit Contract
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment is reviewing a request by Katherine Grace Kendall to establish a bed and breakfast at 340 Hillcrest Drive. City staff recommends approval provided specific conditions regarding occupancy, parking, and food service are met.
- Special use request for Table Top Bed and Breakfast at 340 Hillcrest Drive
- Proposed limit of 8 or fewer persons per night for less than one week
- Requirement for one off-street parking space per rented bedroom plus two for owner/manager
- Condition that the business must be the permanent residence of the owner or manager
- Signage limit of two square feet
Planning Board
The Marion Planning Board will consider a request to rezone property at 102 Valley Street, owned by Whitson Properties, LLC, to the R-2 Neighborhood Residential Zoning District. The property is being annexed into the city for water and sewer services, and staff recommends approval. The board will also approve minutes from the January 4, 2024 meeting and hear public comment.
- Rezoning of 102 Valley Street to R-2 Neighborhood Residential (0.20 acres, PIN 1701.06-39-0444)
- Annexation of property for city water and sewer services
- Approval of minutes from January 4, 2024 meeting
- Public comment period
City Council
The City Council will consider the adoption of an annexation ordinance for the Valley Street/Whitson property. Members will also review the West Henderson Street and Logan Street Corridor Study and budget ordinance amendments.
- Public hearing for Annexation Ordinance – Valley Street/Whitson Property
- Approval of East Court Street Sewer Project
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- Purchase of Fire Department Equipment
- Adoption of West Henderson Street and Logan Street Corridor Study
City Council
The City Council will consider budget ordinance amendments and a lead service line project amendment. The agenda includes a discussion on the Drexel Project and a resolution for a parks and recreation grant application.
- Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – Lead Service Line Inventory Project
- Resolution authorizing North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Application for the Peavine Trail
- Discussion of Drexel Project
- Update on Police Department Peer Support Program
City Council
The City Council will consider resolutions regarding a petition for annexation of the Valley Street/Whitson Property. The body will also review the 2022-23 City Audit Report and a contract for engineering services related to the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Compliance Program.
- Annexation petition and public hearing date for Valley Street/Whitson Property
- Contract for Engineering Services for Lead and Copper Rule Revision Compliance Program
- 2022-23 City Audit Report presentation
- Advertisement of unpaid 2023 Real Property Taxes
- Personnel Policy Amendment
City Council
The City Council will consider a Unified Development Ordinance map amendment request for Fleming Avenue. The body will also review budget and capital project ordinance amendments and select an engineering firm for lead and copper rule compliance.
- Public hearing for Unified Development Ordinance Map Amendment Request – Fleming Avenue
- Approval of Capital Project Ordinance Amendment for First National Bank/City Hall Improvement Project
- Selection of engineering services firm for Lead and Copper Rule Revision Compliance Program
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
Planning Board
The Planning Board discussed a request by Gateway Wellness Foundation to rezone property from R-1 to R-2 for use as temporary emergency housing for children. Staff recommended approval based on community need but suggested postponing the decision to allow for further coordination with McDowell County. Public comments included concerns regarding neighborhood safety and the selection of this specific location.
- Rezoning request: 279 Fleming Avenue from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 Neighborhood Residential
- Proposed use: Temporary emergency placement for children prior to permanent foster care
- Staff recommendation: Approval of rezoning, with a recommendation to postpone the decision to a later date
City Council
The City Council will meet to approve budget amendments and capital project ordinances. The meeting includes a presentation regarding a water treatment plant award and a discussion on the use of the Tailgate Market Shelter.
- Capital Project Ordinance for Drexel Property Cleanup/EPA Grant Project
- Capital Project Ordinance for Drexel Property Cleanup/NC Rural Transformation Grant Project
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments
- NC Area Wide Optimization Program Award for the Water Treatment Plant
- Request for use of Tailgate Market Shelter