Lexington council approves annexation agreement, ordinance amendments
The Lexington City Council held the first of its bi-monthly meetings Monday evening, November 8. Before an invocation, Mayor Newell Clark announced the passing of former Lexington City Schools Board of Education Chairman, Scott Biesecker. Clark asked all in attendance to keep Biesecker’s wife and daughter in their thoughts and prayers.
Councilor Joe Watkins read a proclamation declaring November as Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It was presented to Brad Gaither, Director of Community Relations for Hospice of Davidson County. City Manager Terra Greene recognized the retirement of Human Resources Director Susan Nunn. Retiring on December 1, Nunn has served in her position since March 2014. An Army veteran, Nunn retires with nearly 31 years of service in North Carolina local governments.
Three public hearings were had at the meeting. They include:
a hearing regarding the amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance zoning map for a property at 110 Trailer Dr. The motion passed unanimously.
a hearing regarding the amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, section 6 related to sign ordinances. The amendment allows commercial businesses within residential districts to utilize electronic changeable copy signs. The motion passed unanimously.
a hearing regarding an annexation agreement between the Town of Spencer and the City of Lexington for 763 acres along Interstate 85. It was reported that Spencer has no interest in annexing the land and will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 9. The motion passed unanimously.
a public hearing will be held at the city council meeting on Monday, November 22 regarding the adoption of new voting ward boundaries based on Census 2020.
The council also voted to approve a resolution for financing terms at 1.74 percent for 10 years for $5.3 million. Payments will be twice a year. Also approved was a resolution regarding financing of the AMI project and requesting LGC approval.
Additional business:
Work continues on the Commons on the Green business plan
City departments will be closed on Thursday, November 18 from 1-5p.m. for professional development. Emergency services will operate as normal.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Dr. Patricia Smyre, shared with the council that the theme for next year’s Human Relations Commission will be “Unity in the Community.” They will focus on health and equity. Smyre asked councilors to think hard about the appointments they are making to the commission because they are key to the success of the community.
