North Wilkesboro public meetings in 2023

Town Board

The Board of Commissioners will review the FY 2023 draft financial audit and traffic study results for Coffey Avenue and 8th Street. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding peddler permit regulations and a discussion on pavement condition studies.

• Public hearing for text amendment to Chapter 10 regarding peddler permits
• Presentation of FY 2023 Draft Financial Audit
• Review of Coffey Avenue & 8th Street traffic study results
• Discussion of Pavement Condition Study scope of work
• Resolution to sell surplus property

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold five public hearings to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. These include four separate hearings regarding duplex design, landscaping, and lot size standards, and one hearing regarding a major rewrite of the sign ordinance.

• Proposed amendment to Article 8.2 (C) for duplex building presentation flexibility
• Proposed striking of front landscape requirements for duplexes (Article 9.3)
• Proposed reduction of duplex-to-single-family buffer to 5 feet (Article 9.4 B)
• Proposed removal of the 1.5x minimum lot size standard for duplexes (Article 11.7-9)
• Public hearing for a major rewrite and reorganization of Article X Signage

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting that includes the swearing-in of newly elected officials and reflections from outgoing Commissioner Bert Hall. The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes a resolution to prohibit tobacco and e-cigarette use in town parks, and will consider new business including a split zoning agreement with Wilkesboro and a resolution to sell surplus property on GovDeals. They will also hear updates on the BGE Industrial Park, the Unified Development Ordinance, and a peddler license rewrite.

• Resolution to prohibit tobacco products and e-cigarettes in town parks (2023-20)
• Split zoning agreement with the Town of Wilkesboro
• Resolution to sell surplus property on GovDeals
• RFQ for Engineers on Call and update on parking lot behind Wilkes Towers
• Selection of Mayor Pro Tem and approval of 2024 meeting calendar

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to consider and discuss the maturity of a $1,003,000 Treasury note from the hospital lease investment portfolio. The board will review reinvestment options, including short-term money market accounts, continuing the laddered portfolio approach, or longer-term securities up to 15 years. No formal action is listed beyond agenda approval and discussion.

• Discussion of reinvestment options for $1,003,000 Treasury note maturing November 30, 2023
• Hospital lease investment portfolio totals $16,801,758 as of October 31, 2023
• Options include short-term money market, 5-year security, or up to 15-year term
• Potential establishment of two or more Broker-Dealer relationships
• Investment policy guidelines adopted June 6, 2017

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting to consider several items, including a public hearing on amending the fee schedule for parking, introductions to a downtown business parking validation program, a peddler's license rewrite, and a smoking restriction in town parks. The board will also approve minutes and an ABC Board reappointment as part of the consent agenda.

• Public hearing on amending the fee schedule for parking fees
• Introduction to downtown business parking validation program
• Introduction to peddler's license rewrite
• Introduction to smoking restriction in town parks
• ABC Board reappointment of Stephen Gentry

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a text amendment application to update supplemental standards for duplexes in R-20 and R-6 zoning districts. The goal is to increase opportunities for duplex development and affordable housing.

• Text Amendment Application for Supplemental Standards 11.7-9 regarding residential duplexes
• Proposed removal of extra lot size requirements for duplexes
• Proposed changes to landscaping and buffer area requirements for two-family dwellings

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to consider several action items, including budget amendments, a policy change, and new business items such as amending parking fees, adopting fire department standard operating guidelines, and approving a cyber security services agreement with the NC League of Municipalities. The board will also receive updates on the Unified Development Ordinance and a raw water intake recommendation, and will recognize community members and an officer.

• Budget Amendment #4 transferring funds from General Fund Contingencies and Police Outlays to cover insurance premium overages
• Introduction to amending the fee schedule for parking fees
• Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines adoption
• North Carolina League of Municipalities Cyber Security Services Agreement
• Update on Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will discuss proposed revisions to the Sign Ordinance, including digital message board regulations, and an application to change duplex standards in the Zoning Ordinance. The board will also consider a recommendation to hire a consultant for a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

• Discussion of Sign Ordinance text revision, including digital sign message frequency and brightness limits
• Application to change duplex standards in the Zoning Ordinance
• Recommendation to hire a consultant for a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
• Public comments on agenda items (2 minutes for non-agenda, 5 minutes for agenda items)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to revoke the social district provisions in the town's alcoholic beverage code. The board will also consider new business including street restriping, trash ordinance changes, and a street name change, along with routine consent items like minutes, a budget amendment, and a road closure for a downtown event.

• Public hearing on proposed text amendment to Town Code Chapter 3, Article II (Social Districts), Section 3-11 (Revoking)
• Budget Amendment #3 transferring funds from Powell Bill and Snow/Ice Removal to Streets – Storm Drain M&R for 10th Street Storm Drain Project
• Special Events Road Closure for annual light-up downtown event
• Introduction to restriping of Wilkesboro Avenue/Wilkesboro Boulevard
• Proposed changes to trash ordinance and street name change for Colonial Drive

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will meet to continue its discussion on revising the town's sign ordinance, following an August meeting where members agreed to allow sandwich board signs but not feather flags. The board will also receive a report from the Planning Director. No new business items are listed.

• Continued discussion on Sign Ordinance Text Revision
• Approval of minutes from August 17, 2023 meeting
• Public comments (2 minutes for non-agenda items, 5 minutes for agenda items)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on closing an alley on J-Street, consider a shared leave policy for staff, and begin discussion on contracting a Unified Development Ordinance. They will also approve routine consent items including minutes, a surplus property removal, and a budget amendment for water meters.

• Public hearing for alleyway closure on J-Street
• Personnel policy for shared leave for staff
• Introductory discussion: Contracting creation of a Unified Development Ordinance
• Resolution removing Parcel ID 1402501 off Kensington Dr. from surplus property list
• Budget Amendment #2 to order 258 new water meters

The Board of Commissioners approved the closure of an alleyway on J-Street and adopted revisions to the personnel policy regarding shared leave. The board also discussed the potential for contracting a Unified Development Ordinance to streamline town codes.

• Approved regular board meeting minutes from July 27, August 8, and August 24 (5-0)
• Approved removal of Parcel ID 1402501 on Kensington Dr. from surplus property list (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved recusal of Commissioner Palmer for J-Street alleyway closure vote (4-0)
• Approved alleyway closure between lots 9, 11, and 12 of J-Street (4-0)
• Approved personnel policy revisions for shared leave (5-0)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to consider several action items, including a proposed text amendment to revoke the social district alcohol rules, capital project budget amendments for park improvements and the River District, and fee schedule changes for sanitation and inspections. The board will also discuss a contract for the Capital Improvement Plan, a scope of work for the River District, and lighting on Highway 115. Consent agenda items include approving June meeting minutes and a road closure for the Spooktacular event on October 28th.

• Proposed text amendment to Town Code Chapter 3, Article II, Social Districts, Section 3-11 Revoking
• Capital Project Budget Amendments for Park Improvements & River District Capital Project
• Fee Schedule Changes – amend fees for Sanitation and Inspections
• Highway 115 Lighting Discussion and Approval
• Road Closure approval for Spooktacular October 28th

The Board approved upgrading light fixtures along the Highway 115 corridor and moving $400,000 from the River District project to the Parks and Recreation Improvement fund. A public hearing was scheduled for September 21 to discuss allowing the police chief to revoke social district permits. The Board also approved routine business and the swearing-in of a new police officer and town clerk.

• Approved Highway 115 corridor light upgrades (5-0)
• Approved moving $400,000 from River District to Parks and Recreation Improvement (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Sept 21 regarding social district permit revocation authority
• Approved June 29th meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved road closure for Spooktacular on October 28th (5-0)
• Swore in Police Officer Todd Burke
• Swore in Town Clerk Dylan Blankley

Planning Board

The Board reviewed proposed changes to the sign ordinance to make it more business-friendly. Members reached a consensus to allow sandwich board signs while continuing to prohibit feather flags. Staff will refine the text for a future public hearing.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved July 13, 2023 minutes (4-0)
• Agreed to allow sandwich board signs provided they maintain 36-inch ADA clearance
• Agreed to prohibit feather flags
• Agreed to adopt state statute language for political signs

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a non-discrimination policy (Resolution 2023-14) required for compliance with federal rules tied to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds used for the Raw Water Intake project. The board will also approve a budget amendment moving Green Thumb line items into the Parks and Recreation Department budget, and swear in a new fire chief and police officer.

• Introduction of non-discrimination policy (Resolution 2023-14) for ARPA-funded programs
• Budget Amendment #1 moving Green Thumb line items into Parks and Recreation budget
• Fire Chief swearing in
• Police Officer Cole Phillip Roosenberg swearing in
• Recognition of Police Officers Katie Cleary and Ryan Blair with letters of commendation

The Board approved a revised non-discrimination policy to comply with ARPA funding standards. Commissioners also voted to engage The Ferguson Group for federal investment lobbying. Additionally, the Board swore in a new Fire Chief and Police Officer.

• Approved non-discrimination policy (5-0)
• Approved contract with The Ferguson Group for federal investment lobbying (5-1)
• Approved budget amendments via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Swore in Fire Chief Robert Gentle
• Swore in Police Officer Cole Roosenberg

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will consider routine consent items, including accepting a $50,000 grant for Smoot Park pool renovations and rescinding a budget amendment. They will also discuss a draft policy for downtown road closures for special events and vote on proposed stop sign changes on Finley Avenue.

• Resolution 2023-13 accepting $50,000 Kulynych Family Foundation grant for Smoot Park pool and diving well renovation
• Rescind Budget Amendment #25, returning $10,000 to appropriated fund balance
• Draft special event policy for downtown road closures, requiring 90-day notice for NCDOT roads and 45 days for town roads
• Finley Avenue stop sign change and decommission of stop light
• Swearing in of new Fire Chief

The Board of Commissioners approved a new policy for downtown special events and road closures. They also voted to decommission stop lights at Finley Avenue and approved a job description change for the Senior Equipment Operator position.

• Approved special event policy for downtown road closures (4-0)
• Approved decommissioning of stop lights at Finley Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved change to Senior Equipment Operator job description regarding CDL requirements (4-0)
• Approved resolution calling for a public hearing on J-Street alley closing
• Approved routine business and consent items, including Kulynych Foundation Grant for Smoot Park Pool and budget amendments (4-0)
• Postponed swearing-in of the fire chief

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board is holding a special called meeting to consider a consent agenda that includes accepting $15 million in American Rescue Plan grant funds and a $6,735,310 State Revolving Loan for the Yadkin River Raw Water Intake Project. The board will also vote on approving minutes from three prior meetings. No other substantive business is listed.

• Resolution 2023-12 accepting $15,000,000 ARP grant and $6,735,310 SRF loan for Yadkin River Raw Water Intake Project
• Approve minutes from May 2, May 24, and June 6, 2023 meetings

The Town Board approved the agenda and consent agenda. The board entered a closed session to discuss economic development and real property or employment contracts, but no action was taken before adjournment.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will hold its regular meeting on July 13, 2023, to elect a Chair and Vice Chair, and to begin introductory discussion on a Sign Ordinance text revision. The board will also approve minutes from May meetings and hear public comments. No other substantive items are listed.

• Officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair
• Introductory discussion for Sign Ordinance Text Revision
• Approval of minutes from May 1 and May 11, 2023 meetings

The Planning Board elected Martha Nichols as Chair and Danny Long as Vice-Chair. The Board also initiated an in-house review to rewrite the Town's sign ordinance to be more business-friendly, starting with temporary signs.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved May 1, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Elected Martha Nichols as Chair for a second one-year term (7-0)
• Appointed Danny Long as Vice-Chair (7-0)
• Decided to begin sign ordinance rewrite in-house rather than hiring a consultant

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will hold public hearings on re-annexing 1692 Sunset Drive and on amending zoning rules for indoor/outdoor recreation services. They will also consider consent items including temporary CBD Loop street closures for the July 4th Marketplace Meltdown and a Latino Festival, plus FY 22-23 budget amendments. The internet policy revision is discussed but no action is requested at this time.

• Public hearing on annexation of 1692 Sunset Drive for residential use with town water/sewer
• Public hearing on zoning text amendment for indoor/outdoor recreation services (Article 11.6-3 and Table of Uses)
• Ordinance to close CBD Loop between 7th and 9th for Marketplace Meltdown July 4, 2023, 6-10 PM
• Ordinance to close CBD Loop between 9th and 7th for Latino Festival September 17, 2023, 10 AM-9 PM
• FY 22-23 budget amendments to balance line items

The Board approved the annexation of a property at 1692 Sunset Drive and passed a zoning text amendment to remove operating hour restrictions for indoor recreation businesses. The Board also approved a consent agenda including street closings and budget amendments.

• Approved annexation of Parcel ID 1405424 at 1692 Sunset Drive (4-0)
• Approved zoning text amendment removing supplemental standard requirements for indoor recreation services
• Approved consent agenda including street closings for CDB Loop Market Place Meltdown and Latino Festival (4-0)
• Approved FY 22-23 budget amendments (4-0)
• Approved use of Powell Bill funds for curbing on D Street

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will consider accepting a $15,000,000 American Rescue Plan grant from the North Carolina Fiscal Recovery Fund for the Yadkin River Raw Water Intake and Pump Station project. The board will also hold public hearings on the FY 2023-2024 budget and a proposed annexation of 1692 Sunset Drive, and consider a temporary closure of 10th Street on June 9th.

• Resolution 2023-10 accepting $15,000,000 ARP funding for Yadkin River Raw Water Intake project
• Public hearing on FY 2023-2024 General Fund and Water Sewer Fund budget
• Public hearing to annex 1692 Sunset Drive
• Temporary road closure of 10th Street on June 9th
• Internet policy revision for staff

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will hold public hearings on a rezoning request at 100 Finley Avenue, a zoning text amendment for accessory dwelling units, and decriminalization changes to several town codes. The board will also consider surplus property at 700 Boston Ave, appointments to the Housing Authority, and approval of past meeting minutes.

• Public hearing: Rezoning 100 Finley Avenue from Office & Institutional to Highway Business
• Public hearing: Zoning text amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
• Public hearings on decriminalization of Town Code Chapters 5 and 16, Zoning Ordinance, and Wireless Communication Ordinance
• Resolution to surplus 700 Boston Ave, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
• Appoint Brooke Horn and re-appoint Jane Wilborn to the North Wilkesboro Housing Authority

The Board approved a rezoning request for the former Elks Lodge to allow for potential multi-family housing and commercial use. Additionally, the Board approved a zoning ordinance amendment regarding utility meters for accessory dwelling units.

• Approved rezoning of 100 Finley Avenue from Office & Institutional to Highway Business (4-0)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendment allowing accessory dwelling units to have separate power and water meters
• Approved appointment of Brooke Horn to the N. Wilkesboro Housing Authority Board (4-0)
• Approved reappointment of Jane Wilborn to the N. Wilkesboro Housing Authority Board (4-0)
• Approved March 23, April 4 (Regular), and April 4 (Budget Retreat) meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved moving the next board meeting to June 29 for year-end budget amendments (4-0)

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 11.6-3(E) that would allow indoor recreation facilities to operate 24 hours a day, while keeping current hour limits for outdoor facilities. The board will discuss the amendment, hear public comments, and may make a motion to recommend approval or denial to the Board of Commissioners. The meeting also includes routine items like agenda approval, public comments, and a planning director's report.

• Public hearing on proposed text amendment to Zoning Ordinance 11.6-3(E) to allow 24-hour indoor recreation hours
• Amendment would apply to all zoning districts except MF-CD
• Staff recommends the amendment for adoption if the board is comfortable with the proposed text
• Potential Board of Commissioners hearing scheduled for June 22, 2023

The Planning Board approved a town-sponsored text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to remove hours of operation restrictions for indoor recreation services. The board also received a report on property cleanup contracts and zoning violations.

• Approved zoning text amendment to remove hours of operation restrictions on indoor recreation services (3-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (3-0)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering budget amendments, a $150,000 grant for pool renovation, a contract for Smoot Park pool house improvements, and other routine items. They will also hold public hearings on annexation of 11.07 acres on Hwy. 18, a rezoning at 100 Finley Avenue, and proposed text amendments for accessory dwelling units and decriminalization. The board will call for public hearings on the FY23-24 budget and consider a presentation on a proposed community for citizens with disabilities.

• Acceptance of $150,000 Wilkes Medical Center grant for pool renovation
• Contract with Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for Smoot Park pool house improvements
• Public hearing on annexation of 11.07 acres on Hwy. 18
• Call for public hearing on rezoning at 100 Finley Avenue from OI to Highway Business
• Call for public hearing on decriminalization amendments to Town Code

The Board approved a contract with McGill Associates for a new raw water intake project and passed a consent agenda including a $150,000 pool renovation grant. The Town Manager presented a proposed balanced budget for FY23-24 with a recommended tax rate of 52 cents per $100 of value.

• Approved contract with McGill Associates for raw water intake (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $150,000 Wilkes Medical Center pool renovation grant (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Nelson Martin to N. Wilkesboro ABC Board (5-0)
• Approved road closure request for Brushy Min. CrossFit on May 27, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments for Health Equity Fund and Parks and Recreation (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-06 to set 2023 election filing fee (5-0)
• Approved proclamation declaring May as Building Safety Month (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Town Procurement Policy (5-0)

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will hold public hearings on decriminalizing several ordinances, a text amendment for accessory dwelling units, a special density allocation, and a rezoning request. The board will also consider applications for vacant board seats and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Public hearings on decriminalization of Zoning Ordinance, Wireless Communication Ordinance, and Town Code Chapter 16-Subdivision
• Public hearing on decriminalization of Town Code Chapter 5 – Buildings
• Public hearing on proposed text amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
• Special Density Allocation Application for Parcel ID 1400854, off Sparta Rd.
• Rezoning request at 100 Finley Avenue from OI to HB district

The Planning Board approved a rezoning request for multi-family housing at 100 Finley Avenue and a Special Density Allocation for an 84-unit development on Sparta Road. The Board also approved several ordinance amendments to decriminalize municipal penalties in line with state law and updated rules for accessory dwelling units.

• Recommended Jim Murphy for the ETJ seat (5-0)
• Appointed John Harwell to the in-Town open seat (5-0)
• Approved decriminalization amendments for Zoning, Wireless Communications, and Subdivision ordinances (5-0 each)
• Approved decriminalization amendment for Town Code Chapter 5- Buildings (5-0)
• Approved text amendment allowing accessory dwelling units to have separate power and water meters (5-0)
• Approved Special Density Allocation for 84-unit multi-family housing off Sparta Road (5-0)
• Recommended rezoning 100 Finley Avenue from Office and Institutional to Highway Business (5-0)

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will hold public hearings on decriminalizing several ordinances (zoning, wireless, subdivisions, and buildings) to comply with state law, as well as a proposed text amendment for accessory dwelling units. They will also consider a special density allocation for a parcel off Sparta Rd. and a rezoning request at 100 Finley Avenue from Office/Institutional to Highway Business. The board will also review applications for new board members and approve the previous meeting's minutes.

• Public hearings on decriminalizing Zoning Ordinance, Wireless Communication Ordinance, Town Code Chapter 16 (Subdivisions), and Town Code Chapter 5 (Buildings)
• Public hearing on proposed text amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
• Special Density Allocation Application for Parcel ID 1400854, off Sparta Rd.
• Rezoning request at 100 Finley Avenue from (OI) Office and Institutional to (HB) Highway Business
• Planning Board member applications update

No official business was conducted because the board lacked a quorum. The meeting was rescheduled for May 1, 2023, at 5:30pm.

Town Board

The Board held an information session regarding a roadway upgrade and Duke Energy fee schedules. No official actions were taken on the items discussed.

• No action taken on roadway upgrade or private pole relocation costs

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board is holding a budget workshop to review the proposed FY23-24 budget. The proposal includes no tax increases, a 5% cost of living adjustment for employees, and various departmental recommendations. The board will consider special appropriations and discuss revenue and expense overviews for the General Fund and Water/Sewer Fund.

• Proposed 5% COLA increase across all departments
• Contract with federal lobbyist at $2,000/month (max) contingent on Wilkesboro and County participation
• $30,000 for Capital Improvement Plan
• $55,000 moved to Governing Board for Wilkes Economic Development Corporation
• $5,000 per year for five years to Health Foundation's Outdoor Economy Coalition

The Board held a budget retreat to discuss proposed expenditures, departmental restructuring, and fee increases. No final budget was adopted; the Town Manager will issue a revised draft incorporating discussed changes for final approval.

• Approved all non-profit requests for 2023-2024
• Approved $2,500 allocation to Wilkes Youth Life Development Group
• Proposed 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees
• Proposed $24,000 annual cost to hire a lobbyist from Ferguson Group
• Proposed restructuring of Recreation and Streets departments to include a Green Thumb crew
• Proposed increasing rezoning fees from $200 to $250
• Proposed increasing zoning verification fees from $45 to $50
• Proposed increasing various water tap fees to cover material costs

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will consider routine consent items including approving minutes, authorizing opioid settlement agreements, declaring road closures for town events, and a water capital budget amendment. They will also review a draft audit report from Gibson & Company.

• Resolution authorizing execution of opioid settlements and approving the Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds
• Ordinance declaring road closure for All-Star Event and Concerts on the Deck Summer Series
• Budget Amendment #14 to amend Water Capital Reserve Fund 72 for waterline extension to Wilkes Commercial Bus. Ctr.
• Resolution closing Capital Project 40 and transferring balance to Water Fund Cap Reserve
• Draft audit presented by Craig Hopkins of Gibson & Company, P.A.

The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda including opioid settlement execution and road closures for the All-Star Event and Concerts on the Deck series. Members also agreed to a budget retreat on March 31, 2023, and cancelled a public hearing regarding PARTF funding.

• Approved execution of Opioid Settlements and Supplemental Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved road closure ordinances for All-Star Event and Concerts on the Deck (Unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #14 for Water Capital Reserve Fund 72 and Waterline Extension (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution closing Cap Project 40 and transferring balance to Water Fund Cap Reserve (Unanimous)
• Cancelled April 4, 2023 public hearing for PARTF funding (Unanimous)
• Approved amended agenda (Unanimous)
• Agreed to budget retreat on March 31, 2023

Planning Board

The North Wilkesboro Planning Board will consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Town Code Chapter 16 (Subdivisions), and the Wireless Communications Ordinance to remove criminal penalties for violations, as required by state law (S.L. 2021-138). The board will also receive a refresher training on its responsibilities and consider applications for new board members. The meeting includes public comments and approval of the December 8, 2022 minutes.

• Introduction of ordinance decriminalization for Zoning Ordinance Article 4.3, Town Code Chapter 16, and Wireless Communications Ordinance
• Board Responsibilities Refresher Training
• Consideration of new Planning Board member applications
• Approval of December 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Public comments (2 minutes for non-agenda items, 5 minutes for agenda items)

The Board interviewed two applicants for vacant seats but decided to postpone the vote to advertise the positions in the newspaper for another month. Staff introduced upcoming ordinance changes to remove criminal penalties for zoning and land use violations to comply with state law.

• Adopted meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Tabled vote on new Planning Board members to allow for additional advertising
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on closing the unopened Rainbow Street alleyway in the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction, as requested by Gray Elledge. The board will also consider an agreement with Wilkes County for utility improvements on Hwy 115, approve budget amendments, and handle routine consent items.

• Public hearing on closing Rainbow Street alleyway (petition by Gray Elledge)
• Agreement with Wilkes County for utility improvements on Hwy 115
• Budget amendments and capital project ordinance amendments, including transferring $35,000 from Health Equity Fund to Neighborhood Streetscape Project Fund
• Approval of February 23, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to close an unopened street or alleyway on Rainbow Street. They also scheduled a public hearing for April 4, 2023, regarding PARTF/Community Engagement. A proclamation was issued recognizing Kiwanis International Day.

• Approved resolution to close Rainbow Street/Alleyway (Unanimous)
• Approved proclamation declaring April 3, 2023, as Kiwanis International Day (Unanimous)
• Scheduled Public Hearing for PARTF/Community Engagement for April 4, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (Unanimous)
• Approved February 23, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments (Unanimous)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to create a downtown social district for alcohol consumption. The board will also consider routine consent items including budget amendments, a capital project ordinance amendment, and a resolution declaring property surplus. A presentation from the Wilkes County Public Library is scheduled.

• Public hearing on text amendment to Town Code Chapter 3 (Alcoholic Beverages) to create a downtown Social District
• Budget Amendment #15
• Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #8
• Resolution declaring certain property surplus and authorizing disposal
• Resolution 2023-03 to approve expenditures for contracts and purchases involving a public officer

The Board established a downtown Social District and approved a management plan and map, specifically excluding the section extending to Cherry Street. The Board also voted to increase the salary of Police Chief Charles “Rob” Thornburg. Several routine budget and property items were approved via consent.

• Approved Town Code amendment, Management and Maintenance Plan, and Map for a downtown Social District (unanimous)
• Removed the section extending from the CBD Loop to Cherry Street from the Social District Map (unanimous)
• Approved salary increase for Police Chief Charles “Rob” Thornburg (3-2)
• Approved January 26 and February 7, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Budget Amendment #15 (unanimous)
• Approved Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #8 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution declaring certain property surplus and authorizing disposal (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-03 regarding expenditures for contracts and purchases involving a public officer (unanimous)

Town Board

The North Wilkesboro Town Board will consider a corrected budget amendment, declare a 1987 fire truck surplus, appoint members to the ABC and Housing boards, and hear a financial presentation from Davenport & Company. The agenda also includes a request to close the Rainbow Street alleyway and a discussion on the town occupancy tax.

• Correction to Budget Amendment #9 with line-item adjustments across departments
• Resolution 2023-03 to surplus 1987 Grumman fire truck (VIN 1D91L33F9H1008839)
• Appoint May Martin to ABC Board and Rodney Graham to Housing Authority
• Davenport & Company presentation on hospital lease investment portfolio ($16.25M total)
• Request for closure of Rainbow Street alleyway and discussion on occupancy tax

Town Board

The Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding temporary recreation vehicle parks and campgrounds. The board also authorized a property exchange with the Housing Authority and proclaimed 2023 the Year of the Trail.

• Approved Zoning Ordinance amendments for temporary RV campgrounds (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 2023-01 to exchange town property at Odell and Elizabeth Streets for Housing Authority property on C Street (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution proclaiming 2023 the Year of the Trail (Unanimous)
• Called for a public hearing on February 23, 2023, to adopt the Downtown North Wilkesboro Social District (Unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments #9, #10, #11, #12, and #13 (Unanimous)
• Approved a 5% salary increase for Town Manager Holly R. Minton (Unanimous)
• Approved changes to Town Code Chapter 2 Article II regarding meeting schedules (Unanimous)
• Tabled the police department false alarm fee schedule for further discussion