Belmont public meetings in 2021

2021_12_16 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board holds a virtual meeting on December 16, 2021, at 7:30 AM. The agenda covers adopting November minutes, staff reports on downtown updates, the annual work plan, social districts, tourism, and the annual assessment, plus committee work plan updates and a potential ARP funding project list. The board will also review the 2022 annual calendar. The attached November minutes are the only detailed record included; the December agenda itself lists items without decisions or dollar amounts.

• Adopt minutes from the November 18, 2021 Main Street Advisory Board meeting
• Staff report items: downtown updates, annual work plan, social districts, tourism update, annual assessment, Council workshop, and 2022 calendar
• Economic Vitality Committee to discuss a potential ARP funding project list
• Design Committee to discuss public art and work plan updates
• Promotions Committee work plan updates

2021_12_16 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on December 16, 2021, to approve prior meeting minutes and hear staff updates on taxes, Moonlight on Main, Christmas Village, and the 2022 Friday Night Live concert series. The board will also review its financial report and consider new officer signatures on the bank account. Most agenda items are reports or updates rather than final decisions.

• Staff report on 2022 Friday Night Live, including potential lineup options such as RevOn on April 29, 2022 and Abbey Road on June 10, 2022
• Tax update and Moonlight on Main economic update report
• Christmas Village update
• Financial report showing a current checkbook balance of $36,757.77 and total unallocated available revenue of $2,550.49
• New officer signatures on the bank account

2021_12_16 Environmental Sustainability Board

The City of Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meets Dec. 16, 2021 at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board is set to review annual community survey results and adopt its 2022 work program, continue discussion of an EV charging station grant, and check in on work program and subcommittee items. Other business includes a Chapter 11 Tree Ordinance discussion on required yard trees and a Pedestrian Plan update steering committee. The agenda also includes adoption of October and November 2021 minutes.

• Annual survey results and adoption of the 2022 work program
• EV Charging Station Grant continuation
• Chapter 11 Tree Ordinance discussion — required yard trees
• Pedestrian Plan Update Steering Committee
• Adoption of 2021_10_20 and 2021_11_09 meeting minutes

2021_12_09 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets Dec. 9, 2021 at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board will review a Land Development Code amendment (TA2019.06) on small wireless facilities and vote whether to send a recommendation to city council. It will also discuss possibly abandoning the city's extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and hear a report on the annual update to the comprehensive land use plan. The agenda also includes adoption of the Nov. 18, 2021 minutes.

• TA2019.06: text amendment adding definitions and design standards for small wireless facilities to Chapters 2 and 6 of the Land Development Code; staff recommends transmitting an approval recommendation to city council
• ETJ Relinquishment: discussion of possible abandonment of the city's extra-territorial jurisdiction
• Report on the annual update to the comprehensive land use plan
• Adoption of minutes from the Nov. 18, 2021 Planning & Zoning Board meeting

2021_12_08 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets Dec. 8, 2021 at CityWorks to vote on updated bylaws and its 2022 meeting calendar. The bylaws change clarifies that three of the board's five members must live or own property in the Belmont Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The board will also hear an update on the comprehensive land use plan and work program/subcommittee reports. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public hearings or contracts listed.

• Adoption of updated bylaws clarifying that three of five members must live or own property in the Belmont Historic District
• Adoption of the 2022 annual meeting schedule (second Wednesday monthly, 5:15 p.m. at CityWorks)
• Comprehensive land use plan update
• Work program and subcommittee updates
• Swearing in of members and adoption of Nov. 10, 2021 minutes

2021_12_08 Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meets Dec. 8, 2021 at 3:30 PM at the CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The agenda lists a financial report, a Main Street Program overview, a tourism marketing discussion, and board positions and a Council workshop. The attached November minutes show the board approved a letter seeking legal clarity on whether occupancy tax funds can pay a staff salary, and agreed to move meetings to 3:30 PM on the second Wednesday. The agenda itself is largely procedural; no votes or dollar decisions are listed for the December meeting.

• Financial report covering 2021_12 occupancy tax revenue and BTDA expenses
• Main Street Program overview
• Tourism Marketing Discussion
• Board Positions & Council Workshop
• November minutes: board approved a letter asking whether BTDA can use occupancy tax funds for a staff salary

2021_12_06 Regular City Council

Belmont's City Council holds its organizational meeting on December 6, 2021, swearing in Charlie Martin, Richard Turner, and Alex Szucs, electing a mayor pro tempore, and setting 2022 meeting dates and committee assignments. The regular agenda includes public comment and votes on funding the Abbey Creek Greenway, a Belmont Rail Trail update, making South Fork Parkway a city street, seeking design services for Keener Blvd. and East Catawba St. pedestrian improvements, and amending the skateboard park capital project ordinance. The consent agenda covers prior meeting minutes and authorizes purchasing property for the North Belmont water booster pump station.

• Oaths of office administered to Charlie Martin, Richard Turner, and Alex Szucs
• Consider approval of a project ordinance to fund the Abbey Creek Greenway
• Consider approval of South Fork Parkway as a city street
• Consider authorization to seek design services for pedestrian improvements at Keener Blvd. and East Catawba St.
• Consider approval of Amendment #1 to the Belmont Skateboard Park Capital Project Ordinance

2021_12_06 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board is considering approval of a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for the Smith Farm Neighborhood, a 22.92-acre development on South Point Road south of Stowe Road. The project covers 29.7% of its site with impervious surfaces, exceeding the 24% threshold that requires a high-density permit. City Engineer Jerry Hatton recommends approval, conditioned on a maintenance agreement, a performance bond, and a maintenance security. The city council approved the project on April 5, 2021.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for Smith Farm Neighborhood on South Point Road, 22.92 acres
• Project has 29.7% impervious surface, above the 24% threshold requiring a high-density permit
• One wet pond stormwater control measure proposed, to be maintained by the Homeowner Association
• Conditions include a binding operation and maintenance agreement, a performance bond at 1.25 times estimated cost, and a maintenance security equal to ten-year maintenance cost
• City council approved the project on April 5, 2021; City Engineer Jerry Hatton recommends approval

2021_12_01 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board - SPECIAL MEETING

The Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board holds a special meeting on December 1, 2021, at City Hall. The main item is a presentation by planner Melissa Lockamy on the annual update to the city's comprehensive land use plan, covering the parks and recreation action items in chapter 6. Board members are asked to give input and suggest revisions to draft changes, which include completing the Park and Recreation Plan, adding a Park and Recreation Master Plan implementation item, keeping the Duke Energy Plant Allen transition item, and adding a goal on facilities for all ages and abilities. No votes or final decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation and board input on the annual update to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, chapter 6 parks and recreation action items
• Draft revision would mark PR-1 (update the Park and Recreation Plan) as complete and add a new item to implement the Park and Recreation Master Plan
• Draft revision keeps PR-2, working with Duke Energy to transition part of the Plant Allen property to another public or private use such as a regional park
• Draft revision marks PR-3 (explore a larger recreation/community center) as complete/underway and adds a goal to ensure facilities for persons of all ages and abilities
• Agenda also includes adoption of minutes and an other business item

2021_11_18 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on Nov. 18, 2021 at 8:00 AM. The board will hear staff updates on the 2022 Friday Night Live schedule, the work plan, and Moonlight on Main, review its financial report, and take up board and chair elections under new/old business. It will also consider approval of the September 23, 2021 minutes and a donation to First Presbyterian Church.

• Board/Chair elections under new/old business
• Approval of the 2021_09_23 Downtown Belmont Development Association minutes
• Staff report on 2022 Friday Night Live schedule options
• Financial report showing a current checkbook balance of $54,581.52
• Consideration of a donation to First Presbyterian Church

2021_11_18 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets Nov. 18, 2021 at CityWorks to swear in a new board member, elect a chair and vice chair, adopt October minutes, and consider its 2022 meeting schedule and a December meeting date change. There are no public items. Under other business, staff will give project updates on Crescent, Carolina Riverside/South Fork Parkway, Culver's, permitting and subdivision stats, the pedestrian plan, and trails and greenways.

• Swearing-in of a new board member and election of chair and vice chair
• Adoption of the 2022 meeting schedule (third Thursday monthly at 6:30 p.m.) and a December meeting date change
• Project update: Crescent Project sketch plan
• Project update: Carolina Riverside - South Fork Parkway
• Project update: Culver's sketch plan; also permitting/subdivision stats, pedestrian plan, and trails and greenways

2021_11_18 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board meets virtually on November 18, 2021, at 7:30 AM. The agenda includes adopting minutes from the September 23, 2021 meeting, a downtown update, a public art update, a business recruitment brochure, and a potential project list for NCMS ARP funding. The board will also discuss Shop Small Saturday and Christmas Village promotions. No decisions are listed on the agenda itself; items are for discussion or updates.

• Adopt minutes from the 2021_09_23 Main Street Advisory Board meeting
• Design Committee: Public Art Update
• Economic Vitality: Business Recruitment Brochure
• Economic Vitality: Potential Project List - NCMS ARP Funding
• Promotions Committee: Shop Small Saturday and Christmas Village

2021_11_15 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council holds a workshop meeting on November 15, 2021, to discuss and possibly approve several items. The council will consider guidance on accelerated project funding, a loan for a $1.1 million street paving project, and funding for CATS Silver Line transit design. It will also receive updates on the Belmont Trolley Project, the Belmont Rail Trail, and the Abbey Creek Greenway, and may approve ordinances to close Airline Street and Main Street for Christmas events.

• Consider approval of guidance on accelerated project funding, including a rubric for projects using non-City funding
• Consider approval of a loan for the $1.1 million street paving project
• Consideration of funding for CATS Silver Line transit design and engineering
• Update on the Belmont Trolley Project, including a request to store two additional trolley vehicles at the CityWorks Center garage
• Progress update on the Belmont Rail Trail, which faces a potential $4 million retaining wall and utility relocation cost, and staff seeks direction on route and phasing

2021_11_10 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets Nov. 10, 2021 at CityWorks to discuss a social media calendar and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The board will also adopt minutes from its Oct. 13 and Oct. 25 meetings. No votes on rezonings, contracts, or ordinances are listed on the agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from the October 13, 2021 meeting
• Adoption of minutes from the October 25, 2021 special meeting
• Social media calendar discussion and schedule creation
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan discussion

2021_11_10_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meets Nov. 10, 2021, to adopt October minutes, review its financial report, consider renewing the Lyerly Agency contract, set its board meeting schedule, and hear a Moonlight on Main report. The agenda is mostly routine business items; no votes or dollar amounts are specified for the contract renewal or schedule. The attached October minutes show the board declined to vote on a proposed $3,000 increase to the Lyerly Agency agreement.

• Lyerly Agency contract renewal on the agenda; no dollar amount stated
• Financial report covering 2021_11_OTP Revenue and 2021_11_BTDA Expenses
• Board meeting schedule to be discussed
• Moonlight on Main report
• October minutes show board opted not to vote on adding $3,000 to Lyerly agreement ($1,500 Moonlight on Main, $1,500 holiday marketing)

2021_11_09 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meets Nov. 9, 2021 at 6:30 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board is set to adopt its 2022 meeting schedule, review community survey results, and discuss a draft 2022 work program covering recycling, trees, energy, and bees. It will also hear an update on an EV charging station grant and check in on subcommittee work.

• Adoption of 2022 meeting schedule (second Tuesday monthly, 6:30 p.m. at CityWorks)
• Community survey results presented to the board
• Draft 2022 work program reviewed, including Arbor Day, Bee City USA renewal, and recycling data updates
• EV charging station grant update
• Adoption of minutes from the Oct. 20, 2021 meeting

2021_11_04 Board of Adjustment

The Belmont Board of Adjustment meets November 4, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The agenda calls for adopting minutes from the August 12 meeting, adopting the 2022 meeting schedule, and a board training session with attorney Marshall Walker. No rezonings, contracts, or public hearings are listed on this agenda.

• Adopt minutes from the August 12, 2021 meeting
• Adopt the 2022 Board of Adjustment meeting schedule (second Thursday monthly at 6:30 pm; variance/appeal deadline 21 working days before the meeting)
• Board training session with attorney Marshall Walker
• Other business (no details listed)

2021_11_01 City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council meets November 1, 2021, with a work session at 6:00 PM and the regular meeting to follow. On the regular agenda, the council will consider demolishing the structure at 7212 Wilkinson Boulevard, amending Chapter 150 of the Code of Ordinances, a water and sanitary sewer service agreement for South Shore Phase 2B in South Carolina, and an agreement with Duke Energy to host electric vehicle charging stations. The consent agenda includes routine minutes approvals, a Gaston County 175th anniversary proclamation, a Turkey Day 5K street closure, and two resolutions to use ARP funding for playground equipment at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park and the North Belmont water booster pump station.

• Ordinance ordering demolition of the structure at 7212 Wilkinson Boulevard
• Ordinance amending Chapter 150 of the Code of Ordinances
• Service agreement for water and sanitary sewer for South Shore Phase 2B in South Carolina
• Agreement with Duke Energy to host electric vehicle charging stations
• Resolutions to use ARP funding for Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park playground equipment and the North Belmont water booster pump station

2021_11_01 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council is holding a special meeting on November 1, 2021 at the CityWorks Center to interview candidates for open positions on three city advisory boards: the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the Historic Preservation Advisory Board. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda; the meeting is limited to interviews, with no staff recommendation required. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Interviews for open seats on the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board
• Interviews for open seats on the Planning and Zoning Board
• Interviews for open seats on the Historic Preservation Advisory Board
• Meeting held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
• No staff recommendation or vote listed for the interview item

2021_10_26 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council is holding a special meeting on October 26, 2021 at the CityWorks Center to interview candidates for open positions on city advisory boards and committees. The boards with openings are the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, and the Main Street Advisory Board/Downtown Belmont Development Association. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda; the meeting is set for interviews only, with no staff recommendation required.

• Interviews for open seats on the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board
• Interviews for open seats on the Planning and Zoning Board
• Interviews for open seats on the Historic Preservation Advisory Board
• Interviews for open seats on the Main Street Advisory Board/Downtown Belmont Development Association
• Meeting held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC

2021_10_25 Historic Preservation Advisory Board - SPECIAL MEETING

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board is holding a special meeting on October 25, 2021 at CityWorks. The only substantive agenda item is a board work session to adopt a mission statement and update its work program. No public hearings, contracts, or zoning decisions are scheduled.

• Board work session to adopt a mission statement
• Board work session to update the work program
• Special meeting held at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC

2021_10_21 Main Street Advisory Board - CANCELLED

The City of Belmont Main Street Advisory Board did not hold its scheduled meeting on October 21, 2021. The agenda explicitly states that the meeting was cancelled. No decisions, discussions, or proposals took place at this session.

• Meeting cancellation notice

2021_10_21 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board will hold an informational session on October 21, 2021, to review staff overviews of various development projects. The agenda includes discussions on Lakeview Farms, Park Street Place, Imperial Mills Development, and the Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center. Additionally, the board will discuss a small wireless text amendment and future development plans for the peninsula.

• Overview of Lakeview Farms development case
• Overview of Park Street Place development case
• Overview of Imperial Mills Development case
• Overview of Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center case
• Discussion of small wireless text amendment

2021_10_21 Downtown Belmont Development Association - CANCELLED

The Downtown Belmont Development Association scheduled for October 21, 2021, at City Hall was cancelled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion.

2021_10_20 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Environmental Sustainability Board will discuss the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update and the 2022 Work Program. The agenda includes a check-in on subcommittee progress regarding recycling, trees, energy, and bee city initiatives. No specific votes or financial decisions are listed in the provided agenda text.

• Discussion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update
• Review of the 2022 Work Program and Annual Community Survey
• Update on the Pedestrian Plan Update Grant
• Open Space Steering Committee Update

2021_10_20 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board met to approve September minutes and review project updates. The agenda included a presentation on the Rocky Branch Park trail system by Trail Blazers, an update on the Recreation Center and Splash Pad, and renderings for the Kevin Loftin Playground.

• Rocky Branch Park: Presentation on skills course and black zone trail system by Trail Blazers
• Recreation Center and Splash Pad status update
• Kevin Loftin Playground rendering review (Loftin Shade1, Shade2, Shade3)
• Approval of September 15th meeting minutes

2021_10_18 City Council Workshop

The City Council will discuss a plan to spend $4,002,202.50 in American Rescue Plan funding, with staff recommending investments in water infrastructure and economic recovery. The council is asked to approve a $422,715 contract with Carolina Parks and Play for new playground equipment at the Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park. Additionally, staff recommend approving a $9,100 data audit with WithersRavenel as the first step toward implementing Capital Predictor Modeling software.

• Approval of $422,715 contract for new playground equipment at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park
• Discussion on spending $4,002,202.50 in American Rescue Plan funding
• Recommendation to approve $9,100 data audit contract with WithersRavenel
• Update on code enforcement actions at Woodlawn Industrial Park

2021_10_14 Board of Adjustment - CANCELLED

The October 14, 2021, Board of Adjustment meeting for the City of Belmont was cancelled. The cancellation occurred because there were no agenda items scheduled for discussion.

2021_10_13_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority met to review financial reports and approve a $1,000 expenditure for rack cards promoting the Moonlight on Main event. The board unanimously approved Ted Hall as the new Chair and Melanie McIntyre as Vice Chair following Jim Hoffman's resignation. Members discussed the potential creation of a full-time marketing position but decided to ask City Council staff to develop a plan rather than vote immediately.

• Approved $1,000 motion for Moonlight on Main rack cards and holiday version
• Unanimously appointed Ted Hall as Chair and Melanie McIntyre as Vice Chair
• Discussed proposal for full-time marketing position under City Clerk Jamie Campbell
• Reviewed FY 2021-2022 expenses totaling $14,656.50 and occupancy tax proceeds of $52,013.73
• Deferred decision on subsidizing $7,200 cost for Christmas Parade light packages

2021_10_13 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board will discuss the Woodrow Wonder property with owner Nicole Penalva. A guest speaker from Gaston County will address the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update. The board will also review work program updates.

• Discussion regarding the Woodrow Wonder property with owner Nicole Penalva
• Guest presentation by Jamie Mendoza Kanburoglu on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update
• Review of Work Program Updates

2021_10_11 City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council will hold public hearings and votes on amending the conditional zoning district for the Home2 Suites development on Hawley Avenue. The agenda includes adopting an ordinance for a Traffic Impact Analysis text amendment and approving an infrastructure reimbursement agreement with the Rivermist Neighborhood Developer. Additionally, the council will consider using ARP funding for the Montcross Emerge Program and review a facade enhancement grant application.

• Public hearing and potential adoption of ordinance ZA2018.03A to remove a .44 acre parcel (PID 301397) from the Home2 Suites project area on Hawley Avenue.
• Public hearing and potential adoption of ordinance TA2021.03 regarding a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Zoning Text Amendment.
• Consideration of a resolution authorizing the use of ARP Funding for the Montcross Emerge Program in partnership with the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Approval of an Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement with the Rivermist Neighborhood Developer to implement the City's Master Utility Plan.
• Review of a North Main Station Facade Enhancement Grant Application.

2021_09_23 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board met virtually to review a Facade Enhancement Grant application for the North Main Station. The applicant seeks $2,500 toward a $153,000 project to install a timber frame canopy and solar panels at 4 N. Main Street. The agenda also included adopting previous minutes and discussing updates on downtown business activity and public art projects.

• Review of Facade Enhancement Grant Application #2021-2022.1 for 4 N. Main Street (North Main Station)
• Grant request of $2,500 from a total project cost of $153,000 for a patio canopy
• Adoption of minutes from the August 19, 2021 meeting
• Discussion of open space ordinance steering committee volunteer needs

2021_09_23 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association held a virtual meeting to approve previous minutes and review the organization's financial status. The board discussed a request for financial support for a pollinator garden waterline but tabled the decision until the next meeting to gather more information. Staff also provided updates on upcoming events, including Friday Night Live and Moonlight on Main.

• Approval of August 19, 2021 minutes
• Financial report showing $103,898.09 current checkbook balance
• Request to table financial support for Community/Pollinator Garden Water Line
• Update on Moonlight on Main budget with BTDA support increased to $10,000

2021_09_20 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council will vote to approve a $6,000 agreement with the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce to manage the 2021 Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The meeting also includes informational updates on NCDOT transportation projects, the Master Water and Sewer Plan for the South Point Peninsula, and a proposed job description for a new Chief Technology Officer role.

• Approval of $6,000 agreement with Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce for Christmas event management
• Discussion of transportation projects with NCDOT staff (informational only)
• Update on Master Water and Sewer Plan for the South Point Peninsula, including Rivermist development cost-sharing (informational only)
• Review of proposed job description and Grade 22 salary range ($61,775 - $92,663) for Chief Technology Officer

2021_09_16 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board will vote on an amendment to fix a 2018 administrative error that rezoned more land than intended for the Home2 Suites hotel. The board will also consider a text amendment to Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) regulations, which proposes lowering trip thresholds on the peninsula and adding multimodal transportation requirements. Staff recommends approving both items for transmission to City Council.

• ZA2018.03A: Amendment to remove a .44-acre parcel (PID# 301397) from the Home2 Suites conditional zoning district, reverting it to Highway Commercial (H-C).
• TA2021.03: Proposed TIA text amendment to incorporate multimodal analysis and adjust study thresholds.
• Proposal to lower the TIA trigger threshold on the peninsula to 75 peak hour trips (from 100) and 750 daily trips (from 1000).
• Expansion of language regarding off-site mitigation options and payment-in-lieu standards in TIA regulations.

2021_09_15 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board will review a donations policy for Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and non-CIP projects. The board will also receive updates on the upcoming construction of the Skatepark and Recreation Center, which is scheduled to start at the end of October or November 1, 2021. Additionally, staff will present information regarding bids for infield updates at five local baseball fields.

• Donations Policy for CIP and non-CIP projects
• Skatepark and Recreation Center construction begins late October or November 1
• Bids being sought for infield updates at Crescent, Belmont Central, Rodden, Reid, and Davis baseball fields
• Boy Scout Eagle Scout project to build bird houses at Rocky Branch Park

2021_09_14 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Environmental Sustainability Board will adopt minutes from the July 13 meeting and discuss an energy conservation update. The agenda includes a legislative brief and a review of the 2022 Work Program and Annual Community Survey. The board will also check in on subcommittee progress regarding recycling, trees, energy, and bee city initiatives.

• Adoption of July 13, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Energy Conservation Update
• Review of Legislative Brief
• Presentation of 2022 Work Program and Annual Community Survey
• Subcommittee check-in on recycling, tree, energy, and bee city tasks

2021_09_08 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board will adopt the minutes from its July 14, 2021 meeting and elect a new Chair and Vice Chair. The primary agenda item is a discussion on criteria for local landmark designation featuring guest speaker Kristi Brantley from the NC State Historic Preservation Office. The board will also review work program updates and subcommittee reports.

• Adoption of minutes from the July 14, 2021 meeting
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Discussion on criteria for local landmark designation with Kristi Brantley (NC SHPO)
• Work program updates and subcommittee reports

2021_09_08 Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority met to review financial reports and approve funding for local tourism events. The board unanimously approved a $10,000 grant to the Downtown Business Development Association for the 'Moonlight on Main' event and a $5,000 grant to the Belmont Trolley organization for displaying two Charlotte trolleys. Additionally, the board decided to keep city website hosting with GoDaddy rather than switching to a WordPress package proposed by the Lyerly Agency.

• Approved $10,000 grant to DBDA for Moonlight on Main event
• Approved $5,000 grant to Belmont Trolley organization for trolley display
• Decided to retain GoDaddy hosting for city website instead of Lyerly Agency WordPress package
• Reviewed FY 2021-2022 expenses totaling $7,061.40

2021_09_07 City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council will consider awarding a contract for the 2021 Comprehensive Street Paving Program and adopting an ordinance requiring the demolition of the structure at 305 Devine Avenue. The agenda also includes approval of an interlocal agreement with Gaston County for tax collection and a resolution to apply for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan. Additionally, the council will discuss rules for the new skate park and potential fencing requirements for stormwater ponds.

• Consider award of a contract for the 2021 Comprehensive Street Paving Program
• Adoption of an ordinance requiring the demolition of the structure at 305 Devine Avenue
• Approval of an Interlocal Agreement with Gaston County for Collection of Taxes
• Resolution authorizing the application for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan
• Approval of amendments to civil penalty amounts in the Belmont Code of Ordinances

2021_08_26 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board will consider a draft text amendment to update Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) regulations, including changes to study thresholds and mitigation options. The board will also hold a discussion on the Rural Residential (R-R) Zoning District. No final votes on these items are scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion of TIA text amendment to incorporate multimodal transportation analysis
• Proposal to adjust TIA study thresholds and study areas
• Expansion of language related to off-site mitigation options in TIA regulations
• Discussion regarding the Rural Residential (R-R) Zoning District

2021_08_19 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board held a virtual meeting on August 19, 2021. The board unanimously agreed to pursue a 3-5 year work plan with the North Carolina Main Street program instead of an annual plan. Staff reported that none of the recent grant applications (AARP, Pet Safe Dog Park, Lowe's 100 Hometowns) were awarded to Belmont. The agenda also included updates on public art projects, such as the Juan Logan mural and Everyday Market mural, and economic vitality items like the status of the former Lashing Out On Main building.

• Board members agreed to prepare a 3-5 year NCMS work plan rather than a yearly plan.
• Staff reported that no grants were awarded for the AARP musical garden, Pet Safe Dog Park, or Lowe's 100 Hometowns applications.
• Updates provided on the Juan Logan mural on Catawba Street and the upcoming Everyday Market mural by Matt Hooker.
• Economic Vitality Committee noted movement at the former Lashing Out On Main building and that Honeycomb Cafe is slated to open in August.
• Promotions Committee outlined plans for the School Supply Drive (Aug 6-14) and Shop Small Saturday.

2021_08_19 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association held a virtual meeting to review financial reports and approve new business items. The board approved a $1,688.39 estimate for installing a water line at the Community/Pollinator Garden. They also approved hiring a CPA for tax services with an estimated cost of $5,000 to $7,000.

• Approval of $1,688.39 estimate for Community/Pollinator Garden Water Line installation
• Approval to hire Karen Walker of McCannon Rogers Driscoll & Associates for tax and financial services ($5,000-$7,000)
• Review of financial report showing total available revenue of $87,429.86
• Update on IRS non-profit status resubmission pending review

2021_08_18 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets Wednesday August 18th, 2021 at 6:00 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board will approve minutes from its June 22nd meeting and select a new chair. It will hear updates on the Skate Park, Recreation Center, and Kevin Loftin Play Unit, an Open Space Ordinance presentation from the Planning Department, and a Dog Park presentation including a budget estimate. No votes on the dog park or ordinance are listed on the agenda.

• Select a new Chair for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Approve minutes from the June 22nd meeting
• Update on Skate Park, Recreation Center, and Kevin Loftin Play Unit
• Open Space Ordinance presentation from the Planning Department
• Dog Park presentation with budget estimate totaling $91,578 for Phase I and Phase II combined

2021_08_16 City Council Workshop

At this August 16, 2021 workshop, Belmont City Council is asked to approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $13,231,905 for the new Belmont Recreation Center, built by Edifice. Council is also discussing Capital Predictor Modeling software and a data audit from WithersRavenel, plus applying for two state Asset Inventory and Assessment grants for water and sewer mapping. The recreation center item is a decision request; the modeling and grant items are staff recommendations for council direction.

• Recreation Center GMP: $13,231,905 total contract with Edifice, after bids opened May 18, 2021 came in at $14,377,781, above the $12 million budget goal
• Change Order #1 pre-GMP work: $5,036,434, covering site work, concrete, steel, and pre-engineered metal building
• Capital Predictor Modeling: proposed $22,000 model plus $9,100 data audit from WithersRavenel for water, sewer, and street infrastructure
• Asset Inventory and Assessment grants: $7,500 to prepare two applications, with possible awards of $150,000 water and $150,000 sewer
• Financing timing: city cannot seek project financing until FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021 audits are complete, expected by end of calendar year

2021_08_12 Board of Adjustment

The Belmont Board of Adjustment will hold a mock appeal case to practice hearing an appeal of the planning director's decision to allow fiber cement siding in the Shalimar subdivision. The board will also consider updated rules of procedure and elect a chair and vice chair. The meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2021, at 7:00 PM at the CityWorks Center.

• Mock appeal case: appeal of planning director's decision to approve fiber cement siding in Shalimar subdivision
• Consideration of updated Rules of Procedure
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Swearing in of new member Ken Taylor
• Adoption of minutes from June 10, 2021 meeting

2021_08_11 Historic Preservation Advisory Board - CANCELLED

The City of Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meeting scheduled for August 11, 2021 at 5:15 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street, was cancelled due to lack of quorum. No business was conducted. The agenda had listed a local landmark designation process update and work program subcommittee reports, but these items were not taken up.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• Local landmark designation process update was on the agenda but not discussed
• Work program subcommittee reports were on the agenda but not discussed
• Adoption of July 14, 2021 meeting minutes was on the agenda but not acted on

2021_08_11_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meets August 11, 2021 to adopt minutes from May and June, review its financial report, and take up business items on Moonlight on Main, the Belmont Trolley, and the Lyerly Agency report. At the June meeting the board discussed a proposed $75,000 budget for FY 2021-22 that includes the Lyerly Agency's marketing plan, a possible $5,000 grant to the Belmont Trolley in place of a $20,000 payment, and a potential city-funded marketing staff position. The August agenda itself lists no votes or dollar amounts; the attached May and June minutes and financial exhibits supply the details.

• Proposed FY 2021-22 budget of $75,000 discussed at the June 9 meeting, including the Lyerly Agency marketing plan
• Lyerly Agency proposed $3,000 per month for professional services (up from $2,500) and $600 per month for search engine marketing (down from $2,050)
• Possible $5,000 grant to the Belmont Trolley to display a trolley at the Moon exhibit, with the $20,000 BTDA payment delayed
• Occupancy tax proceeds for FY 2020-2021 totaled $72,115.89, with March 2021 at $10,908.96 and April 2021 at $12,724.30
• June 9 meeting lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken; Lyerly contract approval was targeted for a later meeting

2021_08_10 Environmental Sustainability Board - CANCELLED

The City of Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meeting scheduled for August 10, 2021 at 6:30 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street, was cancelled. The agenda states the cancellation was due to a lack of agenda items. No business was decided or discussed.

2021_08_02 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets August 2, 2021 to continue a public hearing and consider an ordinance to permanently close a portion of Acme Road for a realignment tied to Woodlawn Business Park. The council will also hold a public hearing and consider rezoning a 0.45-acre site for the Imperial Lofts mixed-use project, and vote on a civil engineering contract for a South Point Road sidewalk. Other items include a Historic Belmont Foundation house relocation request and a yard waste collection update.

• Continued public hearing and ordinance to permanently close a portion of Acme Road for realignment
• Public hearing and ordinance for ZA2021.01 Imperial Lofts: rezone 0.45 acres to NC-C/CD for +/- 3,900 SF commercial and 9 dwelling units
• Consider civil engineering design and survey services contract for a sidewalk on South Point Road connecting Smith Farm neighborhood to Stowe Road
• Request from Historic Belmont Foundation to partner on house relocation
• Yard waste collection update

2021_07_22 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board holds a virtual meeting on July 22, 2021, at 7:30 AM. The agenda includes adopting minutes from the June 17 meeting, staff updates on downtown and public safety, and committee reports on public art, grants, and promotions. Items listed include a Back to School Supply Drive, Shop Small Saturday, and Christmas Village planning. The agenda is largely a list of discussion topics with no votes scheduled.

• Adopt minutes from the June 17, 2021 meeting
• Staff report on downtown update, public safety, annual NCMS statistics, and NCMS work plan
• Design Committee: public art and grant updates
• Economic Vitality: Belmont Middle School update, recruitment brochure, vacancy update
• Promotions Committee: Back to School Supply Drive, Shop Small Saturday, Christmas Village

2021_07_22 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on July 22, 2021, to review minutes, staff updates, and its financial report. Staff will report on Red, White, & Belmont, Friday Night Live, an ARP funding request, IRS/tax status, and Moonlight on Main. Committee reports cover the Back to School Bash and Christmas Village. The agenda is largely procedural and does not indicate any votes scheduled for this meeting.

• Staff report includes an ARP funding request
• Staff report includes an IRS/Tax update
• Staff report includes Moonlight on Main update
• Promotions Committee reports on Back to School Bash and Christmas Village
• Treasurer's report includes the 2021_07_22_DBDA Financial Report

2021_07_19 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council holds a special workshop meeting on July 19, 2021, to discuss several items. The council will hear a presentation on strengthening stormwater management and erosion control regulations, particularly along the South Fork River, and provide direction on desired service levels. An update on the approximately $3.67 million in American Rescue Plan funding the city expects over two years will be given, with no action required. The council will consider a resolution to authorize Year 2 funding for a Governor's Highway Safety Program grant for a DWI enforcement officer, involving $47,838 in state funds and $8,442 in local match. A discussion on adding a full-time ABC police officer funded by ABC store distributions is also scheduled, with no action required. The meeting will end with a closed session for attorney consultation on a potential legal claim against the city.

• Stormwater and erosion control regulations discussion, focusing on South Fork River area
• American Rescue Plan update: approximately $3.67 million over two years
• Resolution for Governor's Highway Safety Program grant: $47,838 state, $8,442 local match for DWI officer
• Discussion of ABC police officer position funded by ABC store distributions
• Closed session for attorney consultation on a potential legal claim against the city

2021_07_15 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets July 15, 2021 to consider ZA2021.01, a request by Imperial Lofts, LLC to rezone a 0.45-acre site on the south side of South Main Street next to the Masonic Lodge from Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) to a conditional district (NC-C/CD). The project would build a roughly 14,000-square-foot mixed-use building with about 3,900 square feet of ground-floor office/commercial space and 9 upstairs dwelling units (7 two-bedroom, 2 one-bedroom). Staff recommends the board receive the report and recommend approval to the city council. The agenda also includes routine items: approval of June 17 minutes, a chair/vice chair discussion, and other business.

• Rezoning request ZA2021.01 (Imperial Lofts, LLC) for 0.45 acres at South Main Street next to the Masonic Lodge (201 S Main Street), Gaston County parcel 126708
• Proposed building: about 3,900 SF of ground-floor office/commercial space and 9 dwelling units (7 two-bedroom, 2 one-bedroom)
• Developer seeks relief from open space and perimeter parking-lot landscaping buffer requirements; staff notes a payment in-lieu option of $33,619 for unmet open space
• Staff report says the project would generate 689 daily trips and would not trigger a traffic impact analysis
• Board to adopt June 17, 2021 meeting minutes and hold a chair/vice chair discussion

2021_07_14 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The City of Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets July 14, 2021 at 5:15 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The agenda lists a Comprehensive Land Use Update and a Work Program and Subcommittee Report, along with routine commencement items including adoption of the June 9, 2021 minutes. The attached work program outlines public education, preservation promotion, and collaboration with county and local groups. The agenda itself does not state any decisions or votes to be taken beyond these discussion items.

• Comprehensive Land Use Update listed for discussion
• Work Program and Subcommittee Report, with 2021 work program outline attached
• Adoption of June 9, 2021 meeting minutes
• Work program goals include website updates, social media posts, a guest speaker series, and a Range of Options pamphlet
• Collaboration planned with Historic Belmont Foundation, Belmont Historical Society, Millican Pictorial History Museum, and Gaston County Historic Commission

2021_07_13 Environmental Sustainability Board

The City of Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meets July 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street, to elect a chair and vice chair, swear in new member Ted McGavran, and adopt minutes from its June 8, 2021 meeting. The board will also hear updates on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, social media statistics, Belmont's recycling data, and its work program and subcommittees. The agenda is largely routine board business; no ordinances, contracts, or fee changes appear on it.

• Swearing in of new board member Ted McGavran
• Chair and Vice Chair elections
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update
• Belmont's Recycling Data presentation
• Work Program and Subcommittee Update

2021_07_06 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets July 6, 2021, with a work session at 6:00 PM followed by the regular meeting. The regular agenda includes public hearings and possible ordinances to permanently close portions of Acme Road and Cason Street for a realignment, plus a public hearing and adoption vote on TA2021.04, amendments to the land development code to comply with state law. The council will also consider playground equipment at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, a design proposal for the Belmont Skateboard Park, new financial and citizens software, a job description for a Community Development Coordinator, and an offer to purchase city-owned property.

• Public hearing and ordinance to permanently close a portion of Acme Road for the realignment
• Public hearing and ordinance to permanently close a portion of Cason Street for the realignment
• Public hearing and adoption of TA2021.04, amendments to the land development code for state 160D compliance
• Amendment of municipal code chapters 152, 153, and 154 to comply with North Carolina general statutes
• Consideration of new playground equipment at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park and a design proposal for the Belmont Skateboard Park

2021_06_22 Special Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets June 22, 2021 at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board will consider approving minutes from its May 19 meeting, take public comment, and review final design plans for the Belmont Skate Park. It will also review new play unit designs for Kevin Loftin park from Superior Recreational Products and Great Southern Recreation. No votes on contracts or dollar amounts appear in the agenda.

• Final design review for the Belmont Skate Park
• New play unit designs for Kevin Loftin park from Superior Recreational Products (structure SRPFX-50043-R1, ages 5-12, Marsh theme)
• New play unit designs for Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park from Great Southern Recreation (project GSR210527, ages 2-12 and 5-12)
• Approval of May 19 Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meeting minutes
• Public comment period

2021_06_21 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council held a workshop to review the 2021 paving program, which includes a $1 million resurfacing project for FY 2021-2022. Council members also discussed a potential sale of city-owned property and considered approval of the second budget amendment for FY 2020-2021. Additional items included presentations on local business alliances and marketing alignment with the Belmont Tourism Development Authority.

• Discussion of 2021 Paving Program with $1 million resurfacing project
• Consider Approval of Budget Amendment #2 for FY 2020-2021
• Discussion of Potential Sale of City Property
• Presentation on Gaston Business Alliance (merger of Greater Gaston Development Corp and Gaston Regional Chamber)
• Presentation on Montcross Emerge program for small business recovery

2021_06_17 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on June 17, 2021, to hear staff updates on the Red, White, & Belmont Celebration, FNL Concerts, Articles of Incorporation/IRS status, and Moonlight on Main. The agenda also includes approval of May 20 minutes, a treasurer's financial report, committee reports, and a chair report. No new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of May 20, 2021 meeting minutes
• Staff report on Red, White, & Belmont Celebration
• Staff report on FNL Concerts
• Articles of Incorporation / IRS update
• Moonlight on Main update

2021_06_17 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board held a virtual meeting to review staff reports on downtown development, accreditation statistics, and committee activities. Discussions covered public art installations, a potential dog park design, and strategies for recruiting businesses to vacant spaces like the Iris Room and Belmont Middle School. The board also reviewed updates on upcoming events including a July 4th concert and Shop Small Saturday.

• Mural installation on the Mecca building in E. Belmont designed by Juan Logan
• Proposal for a 10–12-foot sculpture at 100 N. Main building
• Replacement of fence art on Mill Street behind Sammy's with student art
• $3,500 budget allocated for Shop Small Saturday gift card giveaway
• Contract signed with Mosaic for business recruitment brochure

2021_06_17 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets June 17, 2021 to consider TA2021.04, a request to amend chapters 2, 15, 18, 19 and 20 of the Land Development Code to comply with North Carolina's 160D statutes. Staff recommends approval and forwarding a recommendation to city council; the item is a text amendment, not a rezoning. The board also receives an update on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and a development update.

• TA2021.04 160D Amendments: amend LDC chapters 2 (Definitions), 15 (Development Plan Review), 18 (Administration), 19 (Boards and Committees) and 20 (Amendments) to match state law
• Staff recommendation: recommend approval to city council; fiscal impact stated as none
• Chapter 15.6 change would set a minimum two-year approval period for conditional districts, up to seven years for phased plans
• Chapter 20 change would require the Planning Board to make consistency findings and adopt a statement of reasonableness for map and text amendments
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update presented by agenda memo; development update under other business

2021_06_14 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council is meeting to interview applicants for citizen advisory boards and potentially appoint new members. The council will also consider a resolution to accept American Rescue Plan funding and approve a grant ordinance to account for the first tranche of that money. Staff recommend adopting the resolution and approving the ordinance.

• Resolution to accept American Rescue Plan funding (approx. $3.67 million total)
• Grant ordinance approving $1,835,000.00 for the first tranche of federal funds
• Interviews for citizen advisory board applicants
• Potential appointment of new citizen advisory board members

2021_06_10 Board of Adjustment

The Belmont Board of Adjustment convened to swear in new member John Gallegos and elect its Chairman and Vice Chairman. The agenda included a training session led by board attorney Marshall Walker and a general development update. No specific rezonings, variances, or contract approvals were listed for this meeting.

• Swearing in of new board member John Gallegos
• Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
• Training session by board attorney Marshall Walker
• Development Update discussion

2021_06_09 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board is scheduled to recommend adding the property at 611 South Central Avenue to the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission's study list for potential local landmark designation. The board will also swear in new member Nancy Gadd and review its annual work program.

• Recommendation to add 611 South Central Avenue (parcel ID 187401) to the county study list for historic landmark consideration
• Swearing in of new board member Nancy Gadd
• Adoption of minutes from the April 14, 2021 meeting
• Check-in on board work program and subcommittees

2021_06_09_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority reviewed its Community Tourism Action Plan and discussed a proposed $75,000 budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The board examined financial reports showing $72,115.89 in occupancy tax revenue for the previous year. A marketing proposal from the Lyerly Agency to increase professional services to $3,000 per month was discussed but not yet voted on.

• Proposed FY 21-22 budget of $75,000
• Lyerly Agency proposal to increase professional services to $3,000/month
• Review of Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP) developed with Gaston County Travel & Tourism
• FY 2020-2021 occupancy tax revenue totaled $72,115.89
• Discussion of priority projects including Greenway/Blueway Trail Development and Belmont Trolley

2021_06_08 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board is meeting to elect its Chair and Vice Chair and discuss a partnership opportunity with the Stormwater Coordinator. Key agenda items include an update on House Bill 496, which affects tree protection ordinances, and a check-in on the board's work program for recycling, trees, energy, and Bee City USA initiatives.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Discussion of partnership opportunity with Stormwater Coordinator
• Update on House Bill 496 regarding tree protection ordinances
• Check-in on subcommittees: Recycling, Tree/Arbor Day, Energy, and Bee City
• Adoption of minutes from May 11, 2021 meeting

2021_06_07 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets June 7, 2021 to hold a public hearing and consider adopting the city budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. The agenda also includes a development agreement amendment with NW Lake Wylie, LLC, a contract with Parker Poe for bond counsel services for recreation center financing, and resolutions on road closures and the CATS Silver Line. Several consent items are procedural, including minutes approvals and proclamations.

• Public hearing and possible adoption of the FY2021-2022 city budget
• Amendment to development agreement with NW Lake Wylie, LLC
• Contract with Parker Poe for bond counsel services for Recreation Center financing
• Resolutions to set public hearings on permanently closing portions of Acme Road and Cason Street
• Project ordinances for Blue Zone Trail at Rocky Branch Park and Belmont Skateboard Park

2021_05_24 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council holds a special meeting on May 24, 2021 with two main items: a resolution authorizing the Police Chief to sign a law enforcement mutual aid agreement, and a public hearing plus possible ordinance adoption for the Del Webb Community rezoning (ZA2020.02). The rezoning would change 462 acres at Armstrong Ford Road from General Residential/Traditional Neighborhood Development to conditional districts to allow an 809-unit age-restricted subdivision with a commercial village center. The item was continued to allow the applicant and environmental groups more time to collaborate on water quality conditions. The council also recognizes former Mayor Billy Joye with a proclamation.

• Public hearing and possible ordinance for ZA2020.02: rezone 462 acres at Armstrong Ford Road to allow 809 age-restricted homes and a 13-acre commercial village center
• Staff estimate: project could add $323,600,000 in tax base over 10 years and $1,666,540 in annual property tax revenue at buildout, based on $400,000 average home value
• Resolution to authorize Police Chief Hawkins to enter a three-year law enforcement mutual aid agreement, replacing one expiring June 1, 2021
• Proclamation recognizing May 22, 2021 as Mayor Billy Joye Day in Belmont
• Proposed public waterfront park and greenway trails as part of the Del Webb development

2021_05_20 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets May 20, 2021 to consider approving its 2021-2022 draft budget and to hear staff updates on the July 3rd concert, Articles of Incorporation agent, and the Museum of the Moon event. The draft budget projects $370,917 in expenses against $406,155 in revenue, with the Museum of the Moon and Friday Night Live as the largest line items. The board will also review April 22 minutes, a financial report, and chair updates on board governance, insurance, and consultation requests.

• Draft FY21-22 DBDA budget: $370,917 projected expenses, $406,155 projected revenue
• Museum of the Moon projected at $199,741, including $61,900 for tent/lights and $19,000 for the moon exhibit
• Creative Solutions Special Events quote #123652830 for Fall 2021 Main Street tent rental totals $61,899.51
• April 22 minutes show approval of the GarlandBurks contract up to $20,000 pending treasurer review
• Staff report items: July 3rd concert, Articles of Incorporation agent update, Museum of the Moon contract

2021_05_20 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board approved a contract with Mosaic Civic to update the business recruitment brochure, using funds from the current Main Street budget. The board also discussed upcoming events like the July 4th Concert and Christmas Village, as well as design projects including a new mural and dog park activities. Staff reported that downtown businesses are short-staffed but recovering, with several restaurants working to reopen.

• Approved Mosaic Civic contract for recruitment brochure using Main Street budget funds
• Juan Logan mural funding secured via individual donation
• New fence art by Anna Smith and students installed May 15 behind Sammy's
• PAWsome Scavenger Hunt scheduled for May 1 at the Dog Park
• First 'Belmont Breakfast Club' partner meeting planned for June 2

2021_05_20 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets May 20, 2021 at 6:30 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E Catawba Street. The main agenda item is a continued discussion of possible updates to the city's traffic impact analysis (TIA) requirements for new development, following a February 15 joint workshop with City Council and an April 29 special meeting. Staff is seeking board input before drafting a text amendment; no vote or decision is scheduled. The board will also adopt minutes from its April 15 and April 29 meetings.

• Continued discussion of Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) ordinance update; staff seeking board input before preparing a draft text amendment
• Possible changes include bike and pedestrian evaluations and enhanced mitigation for new development
• Discussion follows a February 15 joint City Council and Planning Board workshop
• Adoption of April 15, 2021 and April 29, 2021 Planning & Zoning Board minutes

2021_05_19 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets Wednesday May 19th at 6:00 PM at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board will vote on approving minutes from its March 17th meeting, take public comment, and hear updates on the skate park and recreation center. It will also discuss board reappointments, suicide signs for parks, and a weekly report. The agenda lists no dollar amounts or formal ordinances.

• Approval of March 17th meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Skate Park update
• Recreation Center update
• Board reappointments and suicide signs for parks

2021_05_17 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board meets May 17, 2021 at the CityWorks Center to consider a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for the Dixon Village neighborhood, a Habitat for Humanity project on Lee Road. The site is 7.58 acres with 28 planned single-family houses and 32.1% impervious surface, above the 24% threshold that triggers watershed review. City Engineer Jerry Hatton and the city manager recommend approval, with conditions including a performance bond and permit fee. The rest of the agenda is procedural.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for Dixon Village, 28 single-family homes on 7.58 acres on Lee Road
• Site is 32.1% impervious (2.43 acres), above the 24% threshold requiring watershed review
• Performance bond required at 1.25 times estimated SCM cost, estimated at $73,370
• Ten-year maintenance security estimated at $3,402 per year
• Watershed permit review fee of $1,515.00

2021_05_17 City Council Budget Workshop #2

Belmont City Council held its second budget workshop on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget, presented by City Manager Adrian Miller. The proposed combined budget totals $26,316,295, about 2% more than the current adopted budget, and keeps the property tax rate at $0.515 per $100 and water/sewer rates unchanged. The council also discussed a possible property tax rate reduction to $0.50 per $100, which staff said would cut ad valorem revenue by $283,800. A required public hearing on the budget is set for June 7, 2021, when the council may consider adoption.

• Proposed FY 2021-2022 combined budget of $26,316,295, up 2% from the adopted FY 2020-2021 budget of $25,736,389
• Property tax rate proposed to stay at $0.515 per $100 of valuation; council discussed lowering it to $0.50, which would reduce revenue by $283,800
• General Fund proposed at $16,236,052, an 11% increase over the adopted $14,647,487
• $2.18 million proposed for General Fund capital investments, including a new $1.25 million street and sidewalk improvement project
• Resolution for road closure and alcohol sales at the 2021 Red, White & Belmont Celebration

2021_05_12 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets May 12, 2021 at 5:15 PM at CityWorks, 1401 East Catawba Street. The board will consider a recommendation to the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission on adding 611 South Central Avenue to its study list for possible designation as a local historic landmark. The board will also refine its 2021 work program and assign subcommittee chairs for public education, promoting preservation, and collaborating with county and local groups. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the April 14, 2021 meeting.

• Recommendation to Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission on including 611 South Central Avenue on its study list for a local historic landmark
• Property owners Laura and Steve Duncan requested the designation; the house is known as the Grady Sylvester (GS) and Minnie Osborne Duncan House, built circa 1900-1920 in the Rankinsville subdivision
• Proposed landmark designation would apply only to the building's exterior
• Refine 2021 work program and assign subcommittee chairs for Public Education and Awareness, Promote Historic Preservation Efforts, and Collaborate with County and Local Groups
• Adoption of minutes from the April 14, 2021 meeting

2021_05_12_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meets May 12, 2021 to adopt minutes, review its financial report and the Community Tourism Action Plan, and discuss its budget. The board will also hear a report and a proposal from the Lyerly Agency, its marketing vendor. No votes on new spending are listed on the agenda beyond routine adoption of prior minutes.

• Financial report shows FY 2020-2021 expenses of $48,680.51, including $27,500 to Lyerly Agency and $20,000 to Belmont Trolley
• Occupancy tax proceeds for FY 2020-2021 total $41,949.97 through the January collection
• Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP) presented, listing priority projects such as Greenway/Blueway Trail Development and an Indoor Sports Facility/Venue
• Lyerly Agency report and separate Lyerly Agency proposal on the agenda
• Prior March 10, 2021 minutes include a $10,000 request for the Museum of the Moon exhibit and Moonlight on Main event, deferred to the new fiscal year

2021_05_11 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board is scheduled to discuss House Bill 496 regarding tree protection ordinances and private property rights. The board will also review its updated 2020-2021 work program and check in with subcommittees on ongoing projects like recycling education and energy initiatives.

• Discussion of House Bill 496: Tree Protection Ordinances & Private Property Rights
• Review of updated 2020-2021 Work Program
• Subcommittee check-ins on Recycling, Tree/Arbor Day, Energy, and Bee City projects
• Adoption of minutes from the April 13, 2021 meeting

2021_05_10 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council is holding a special virtual meeting on May 10, 2021, at 4:00 PM via WebEx. The only substantive agenda item is interviews of applicants for open positions on several city boards and committees. No votes, contracts, or ordinances are scheduled, and the agenda lists no fiscal impact.

• Interviews for open positions on the ABC Board
• Interviews for the Parks and Recreation Board
• Interviews for the Historic Preservation Advisory Board
• Interviews for the Environmental Sustainability Board
• Interviews for the Board of Adjustment

2021_05_03 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets May 3, 2021 to hold public hearings and vote on three Land Development Code amendments: regulations for blood plasma facilities (TA2019.04), tree inventory relief for non-residential projects (TA2021.02), and increased parking pad requirements for street lot houses (TA2021.01). The council will also consider a contract award for 'Blue Zone' trail construction at Rocky Branch Park and adoption of a utility billing policy. A consent agenda covers minutes, a resolution opposing NC House Bill 401 and NC Senate Bill 349, a scope of services agreement with First Tryon Advisors, and several street closure ordinances for parades, a 5K, and a film production.

• Public hearing and vote on TA2019.04 to establish regulations for blood plasma facilities in the Land Development Code
• Public hearing and vote on TA2021.02 to allow administrative relief in tree inventory requirements for non-residential projects
• Public hearing and vote on TA2021.01 to increase parking pad requirements for street lot houses
• Consider contract award for 'Blue Zone' trail construction at Rocky Branch Park
• Consent agenda includes resolution opposing NC House Bill 401 and NC Senate Bill 349, and a scope of services agreement with First Tryon Advisors

2021_04_29 Planning & Zoning Board-SPECIAL MEETING

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board is holding a special meeting on April 29, 2021, whose only substantive agenda item is an update to the city's Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) ordinance for new development. Staff say the topic came out of a February 15 joint City Council and Planning Board workshop, and that they have researched options to add bike and pedestrian evaluations, enhanced mitigation, and address traffic concerns in more geographically constrained areas of Belmont. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda; the item appears under the agenda heading with no discussion or action items scheduled.

• Traffic Impact Analysis Ordinance Update is the sole substantive agenda item
• Topic originated at a February 15 joint City Council and Planning Board workshop
• Staff researched options to add bike and pedestrian evaluations to TIA requirements
• Options would provide enhanced mitigation and address traffic in geographically constrained areas
• Staff contact listed as Tiffany Faro, Planning and Zoning

2021_04_22 Main Street Advisory Board

The Main Street Advisory Board holds a virtual meeting on April 22, 2021, to adopt prior minutes and hear committee updates on downtown projects. The agenda covers design grants, public art, a dog park, business recruitment, and promotions like Shop Small Saturday and Christmas Village. The chair will also raise an option for adding an in-person component to committee meetings.

• Adopt minutes from the March 18, 2021 meeting
• Design Committee updates on grants, public art, and a dog park
• Economic Vitality updates on a recruitment brochure and new businesses/vacancy
• Promotions Committee items on Shop Small Saturday and Christmas Village
• Chair Report on an option for an in-person component for committee meetings

2021_04_22 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association holds a virtual meeting on April 22, 2021, to approve prior minutes, hear staff and treasurer reports, and discuss committee and chair business. Agenda topics include the NC Center for Nonprofits, the Museum of the Moon event, the DBDA website, mission statement, and budget status. No new or old business items are listed, and the agenda is largely procedural.

• Approval of March 18, 2021 meeting minutes
• Staff report on NC Center for Nonprofits and Museum of the Moon
• Treasurer's report: current checkbook balance $38,677.62, total available revenue $32,459.90
• Allocated/project funding includes $25,000 for Moonlight On Main and $3,250 for Friday Night Live / Relief Concert
• Chair report on DBDA website, mission statement, budget status, and executive board meeting request

2021_04_19 City Council Workshop

Belmont City Council holds a special workshop meeting on April 19, 2021 to consider several items, including approval of a loan to finance four pieces of leaf collection and yard debris equipment. The council will also discuss its rules of procedure, utility billing policy, a First Tryon Advisors scope of services agreement, approval of a Recreation Center Master Plan, and the Capital Improvements Program. The equipment loan is a carry-over item from the April 5 meeting after Mayor Pro Tem Hefferan raised questions about the lease structure.

• Approval of a loan for yard debris and leaf collection equipment: four vehicles totaling $757,000, with staff recommending United Financial's 1.21% interest rate over Pinnacle's 1.18% due to lower fees
• Discussion on City Council Rules of Procedure
• Discussion of Utility Billing Policy
• First Tryon Advisors Scope of Services Agreement
• Approval of Recreation Center Master Plan and Capital Improvements Program discussion

2021_04_19 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board is considering approval of a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for the Woodlawn Industrial Park, a proposed industrial development on Woodlawn Street. Because the project would cover 30.3% of its site with impervious surface — above the 24% threshold — the board must review it under the watershed protection ordinance. City Engineer Jerry Hatton and the city manager recommend approval. The board may approve the East and West building permits separately.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for Woodlawn Industrial Park (East Building at 640 Cason Street, West Building at 182 Woodlawn Street)
• Project would cover 30.3% of the site with impervious surface, above the 24% high-density threshold
• Two separate permit applications submitted; developer proposes a wet pond stormwater control measure at each site
• Estimated construction cost of $3,000,000 per site; estimated annual maintenance cost of $2,000
• Conditions include operation and maintenance agreements, performance bonds at 1.25 times estimated cost, and maintenance security

2021_04_15 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets April 15, 2021 to hold public hearings on three Land Development Code amendments: regulations for blood plasma facilities, larger parking pad requirements for street lot houses, and administrative relief in tree inventory rules for non-residential projects. The board will also adopt minutes from its March 18 and March 25 meetings. No votes on the Del Webb rezoning are scheduled at this meeting.

• ZA2019.04: amend the Land Development Code to define blood plasma facilities, set the zoning district where they are permitted, and add supplemental regulations
• TA2021.01: revise Chapter 4 to increase parking pad requirements for street lot houses
• TA2021.02: amend Chapter 11 to allow administrative relief in tree inventory requirements for non-residential development
• Adoption of March 18, 2021 and March 25, 2021 special meeting minutes
• Other Business listed with no details provided

2021_04_14 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets April 14, 2021 at CityWorks, 1401 E. Catawba Street. The board will hear from special guests David Hostetler and April Schilpp of the Historic Belmont Foundation and will review, finalize, and adopt its annual workplan. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the February 10, 2021 meeting and an open other-business item.

• Discussion with David Hostetler and April Schilpp of the Historic Belmont Foundation
• Annual workplan review and approval (staff recommends review, finalize, and adopt)
• Draft workplan includes website updates, a preservation pamphlet, a logo contest, and a guest speaker series
• Adoption of minutes from the February 10, 2021 meeting
• Other business item with no details listed

2021_04_14 Belmont Tourism Development Authority_CANCELLED

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority was scheduled to meet on April 14, 2021 at 10:30 AM at City Hall, 115 N. Main Street. The meeting was cancelled because there were no agenda items. No business was decided or discussed.

2021_04_21 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets virtually on April 21st, 2021. The board will approve minutes from its March 17th meeting and hear a public comment period. Discussion items include a tennis and pickleball court rules sign, a skate park update, an indoor play unit, a musical garden at Stowe Park, a weekly report update, and Recreation Commission board appointments.

• Approve meeting minutes from the March 17th meeting
• Tennis and Pickleball Court Rules Sign
• Skate Park Update
• Indoor Play Unit
• Musical Garden at Stowe Park

2021_04_13 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meets April 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM via Webex. The agenda is largely procedural: approval of the March 9 minutes, an Arbor Day Art Contest item, and subcommittee reports on the board's 2020-2021 work plan. No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Arbor Day Art Contest listed under agenda item B.(1)
• Subcommittee reports on the 2020-2021 work plan, including Arbor Day Virtual Celebration (April 22) and recycling education campaign
• Adoption of minutes from the March 9, 2021 meeting
• No dollar amounts, contracts, or public hearings appear on this agenda

2021_04_05 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets April 5, 2021 to consider a conditional rezoning for a 99-unit residential community on a 22-acre site and a related annexation petition, both continued from earlier meetings. The council will also vote on consent items including a budget amendment, a railroad crossing agreement with Norfolk Southern, and a loan for yard debris and leaf collection equipment. A public hearing on the Smith family annexation is scheduled, along with a presentation on the Gaston County Vision 2040 process.

• ZA2020.07: 99-unit residential community on 22 acres, General Residential Conditional Zoning (G-R/CD), continued from February 1
• Contiguous annexation petition for Smith Family Properties on South Point Road (parcels 187898, 187901, 187899, 187900)
• Amendment #1 to FY 2020-2021 budget on consent agenda
• Agreement with Norfolk Southern for a railroad crossing in the proposed Rivermist subdivision
• Loan for yard debris and leaf collection equipment; audit contract amendment with Martin Starnes & Associates

2021_03_25 Planning & Zoning Board - SPECIAL MEETING

The Planning & Zoning Board holds a special meeting to continue its review of ZA2020.02, a request to rezone 462 acres from General Residential/Traditional Neighborhood Development to conditional districts for an 809-unit age-restricted senior subdivision and a 13-acre commercial village center. The item was continued from the March 18, 2021 meeting to allow the applicant and environmental groups more time to work on water quality conditions. Staff recommends the board receive the report and make a recommendation to City Council.

• Rezone 462 acres at Armstrong Ford Road: 449 acres to General Residential Conditional (G-R/CD) and 13 acres to Neighborhood Center Commercial Conditional (NC-C/CD)
• 809 age-restricted single-family homes at a density of 1.8 units per acre, plus a future non-residential village center
• Applicant Pulte Group seeks relief from minimum lot width and maximum block length rules
• Proposed public waterfront park (21 acres), about 100 acres of open space, and 106 acres of tree canopy preservation
• Traffic mitigation tied to development phases, including South Fork Parkway right-of-way dedication and intersection improvements

2021_03_22 Special City Council Meeting - Budget Workshop #1

The Belmont City Council is holding a special meeting as the first workshop for the FY 2021-2022 budget. The agenda lists only a call to order, the budget workshop, and adjournment, with no specific proposals, votes, or dollar figures included in the text. No decisions are scheduled in the agenda as written.

• First budget workshop for FY 2021-2022
• Special meeting held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
• Meeting scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 4:00 PM
• Agenda contains no ordinances, contracts, or public hearings

2021_03_18 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board holds a virtual meeting on March 18, 2021, to adopt February minutes and hear staff and committee updates. Committee reports cover design, economic vitality, promotions, and organization topics, including grants, public art, a dog park, and business activity. The agenda lists discussion items only; no votes or dollar amounts are specified for this meeting.

• Adopt minutes from the 2021_02_18 Main Street Advisory Board meeting
• Staff report on downtown update, work plan, and NC Main Street Conference
• Design Committee: grants, public art, dog park, design guidelines, kiosk
• Economic Vitality: business activity and business recruitment brochure
• Organization Committee: grants and boundary expansion

2021_03_18 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on March 18, 2021. The board will hear staff updates on a charitable solicitation license and the Museum of the Moon exhibit, review the treasurer's financial report, and receive committee and chair reports. No new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Staff report on a charitable solicitation license through the Secretary of State's office
• Staff report on the Museum of the Moon exhibit
• Treasurer's report with a March financial report
• Approval of February 18, 2021 meeting minutes
• Chair report on North Carolina Center for Nonprofits membership

2021_03_18 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board will consider rezoning a 462-acre site at Armstrong Ford Road from General Residential/Traditional Neighborhood Development to a conditional zoning district. The request by Pulte Group would allow an 809-unit age-restricted subdivision with single-family homes and a 13-acre commercial village center. The board is expected to receive a staff report, take public input, and make a recommendation to City Council.

• Rezone 462 acres from G-R/TN-D to G-R/CD (449 acres) and NC-C/CD (13 acres) for Del Webb senior community
• 809 age-restricted single-family homes at 1.8 dwelling units per acre, with about 100 acres open space and 106 acres tree canopy
• 13-acre neighborhood commercial village center proposed
• Request for relief from minimum lot width requirement (42-foot and 52-foot lots proposed)
• Public park and greenway trails offered; Catawba Riverkeepers and Carolina Thread Trail raised environmental concerns

2021_03_17 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM. The board will consider approving minutes from its February 17 meeting, take public comment, and discuss CIP scoring, resolutions supporting a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant application, a naming policy review, and a recreation department update. No specific projects, dollar amounts, or outcomes are listed in the agenda.

• Approval of February 17, 2021 meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• CIP scoring discussion
• Resolutions supporting a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant application
• Naming policy review and recreation department update

2021_03_15 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council holds a special workshop meeting on March 15, 2021. The main item is an information-only update from Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) representatives on the Silver Line light rail project and related land-use planning for the transit corridor; no action is needed. The council also plans to meet in closed session to receive an update on a personnel matter under NCGS 143-318.11(6).

• CATS Silver Line light rail project update and transit-oriented development planning (information and discussion only, no action)
• Closed session for a personnel matter under NCGS 143-318.11(6), recommended by the city manager
• Meeting held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC

2021_03_10 Historic Preservation Advisory Board/CANCELLED

The March 10, 2021 meeting of the Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board was cancelled, so no decisions were made. The posted agenda had listed a discussion with Kristi Brantley of the NC State Historic Preservation Office and a discussion of workplan priorities. The attached February 10, 2021 minutes are from the prior meeting, not this one.

• Meeting marked CANCELLED in the document title
• Planned guest: Kristi Brantley, CLG/Local Government Coordinator, NC State Historic Preservation Office
• Planned discussion on workplan priorities and action items
• Attached minutes are from the February 10, 2021 meeting, not March 10

2021_03_10 Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meets virtually on March 10, 2021 to hear a financial report, a marketing update from the Lyerly Agency, and discuss Main to Main Trail promotion, Museum of the Moon, and a board vacancy. The agenda also includes approval of January meeting minutes. No votes on new spending or ordinances appear on the agenda.

• Financial report on FY 2020-2021 expenditures and occupancy tax revenue
• Lyerly Agency marketing report covering social media, website, and PR activity
• Discussion of Main to Main Trail promotion
• Discussion of Museum of the Moon
• Board vacancy to be addressed

2021_03_09 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Environmental Sustainability Board meets to consider amending Chapter 11 of the tree protection ordinance to allow administrative relief from tree inventory requirements for industrial and commercial projects. The board will also review and discuss updated bylaws and hear sub-committee updates. The meeting is held by teleconference and livestreamed.

• Request to amend Chapter 11 Tree Protection Ordinance to allow administrative relief in tree inventory requirements for industrial and commercial development projects
• Staff proposal would reduce tree inventory area when a developer preserves 200% of the required tree save area, while requiring all heritage trees to be inventoried on the entire site
• Consideration to adopt updated bylaws reflecting changes discussed at prior meetings
• Sub-committee check-in

2021_03_01 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets March 1, 2021 to decide several land-use matters, including a 99-unit residential community on a 22-acre site (ZA2020.07 Smith Farm) and an amendment to the Woodlawn Industrial Park conditional zoning district. The council will also hold public hearings on a historic landmark designation at 304 South Central Avenue, a subdivision at 115 & 117 Prince Street, and a Smith Family Properties annexation petition. Other items include a five-year solid waste contract award, demolition ordinances for 114 Morning Glory Avenue and 325 Todd Street Extension, and a trolley project update.

• ZA2020.07 Smith Farm Community: ordinance for a 99-unit residential community on 22 acres, continued from February 1
• ZA2019.05A Woodlawn Industrial Park: public hearing and ordinance to add land and building square footage to the approved BC-D conditional zoning district
• Public hearing on designating the Charles T. and Beatrice Chafin Stowe House at 304 South Central Avenue as a local historic landmark
• SUP 2021.01 at 115 & 117 Prince Street: request to subdivide two parcels into three lots with widths below block average
• Consider award of a five-year solid waste contract

2021_03_01 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board is considering a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for the Chronicle Mill redevelopment on East Catawba Street. The mixed-use project would cover 30.5% of its 7.04-acre site with impervious surfaces, above the 24% threshold that triggers high-density review. The city engineer and city manager recommend approval, conditioned on a maintenance agreement and performance bond.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for Chronicle Mill, a mixed-use project on 7.04 acres south of E. Catawba Street and west of Park Street
• Site would be 30.5% impervious (1.27 acres); pre-1993 surfaces are grandfathered out of the calculation
• Developer would install an underground piped stormwater control system
• Conditions include a binding operation and maintenance agreement and a performance bond of 1.25 times the facility's estimated cost
• City council approved a conditional zoning district for the project in 2019

2021_02_18 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets Feb. 18, 2021 to hear one public item: a request to amend the approved Woodlawn Industrial Park conditional zoning district, adding about 19 acres, relocating the west building, and adding 20,000 square feet of building area. The board will also adopt minutes from its Jan. 21 meeting and discuss future meeting procedures. The Jan. 21 minutes show the board voted 5-1 to disapprove the Dixon Village rezoning and unanimously approved Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden entrance signage changes.

• ZA2019.05A: amend Woodlawn Industrial Park BC-D/CD to add 19 +/- acres, relocate west building, add 20,000 sf building area, and realign Acme Road and Cason Street
• Adoption of Jan. 21, 2021 minutes, which record a 5-1 vote to disapprove the Dixon Village 28-home rezoning (ZA2020.05)
• Jan. 21 minutes also record unanimous approval of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden entrance signage rezoning (ZA2020.06)
• Discussion of future meeting procedures under Other Business
• No public hearings or fee changes listed on this agenda

2021_02_18 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board meets virtually on February 18, 2021 to adopt its January minutes and consider approval of the 2021 work plan. Committee reports cover downtown business changes, public art murals, a dog park proposal, and a possible "Second Saturday" event series. Most items are updates and discussion; the work plan approval is the main action item.

• Chair report includes a vote on Work Plan Approval
• Secretary report: adopt minutes from the 2021_01_21 meeting
• Design Committee updates on public art, a dog park, and a kiosk
• Economic Vitality updates on business recruitment and retention
• Promotions Committee discusses the "2nd Saturday" event concept

2021_02_18 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association meets virtually on February 18, 2021 to approve its January minutes, hear staff updates on sponsorships, dog park funds, and a PayPal check, and receive the treasurer's financial report. The agenda also includes committee and chair reports and new or old business. No public hearings or ordinances are listed.

• Approval of the 2021_01_21 Downtown Belmont Development Association minutes
• Staff report on sponsorships, dog park funds, and a PayPal check update
• Treasurer's financial report showing a current checkbook balance of $11,339.51
• Dog park donations listed at $7,459.90 in the financial report
• Chair report and any new or old business

2021_02_17 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets virtually on February 17, 2021. The board will vote on approving minutes from its January 20 meeting and hear updates on park maintenance inspections, the dog park, splash pad, Kevin Loftin play unit, Rocky Branch Park, and a skate park. Members will also discuss a naming rights policy, with time set aside for public comment.

• Approval of January 20, 2021 meeting minutes
• Update from Parks and Rec Maintenance on inspections
• Dog Park, Splash Pad, and Kevin Loftin Play unit update
• Rocky Branch Park update
• Skate Park update and discussion of a naming rights policy

2021_02_16 Environmental Sustainability Board SPECIAL MEETING

The Environmental Sustainability Board meets by teleconference to consider a developer's request to modify Belmont's tree preservation rules for The Oaks Lot 1, a roughly 21.353-acre wooded industrial parcel. Applicant Chase Burton of Burton Engineering proposes inventorying trees only in about 4.27 acres left undisturbed plus Heritage Trees property-wide, instead of the full tract required by code. Staff recommend the board receive the alternative plan and make a recommendation to the planning director. No minutes are up for adoption and no other business is listed.

• TP-Mod 2021.02: request to modify tree inventory rules under Section 11.2.2(A) of the Belmont Land Development Code
• Applicant: Chase Burton of Burton Engineering; parcel ID 183168, The Oaks Lot 1, about 21.353 acres
• Developer proposes a 20% tree save area (4.27 acres) instead of inventorying all protected, significant, and heritage trees on the tract
• Code requires a Tree Save Area equal to 10% of gross lot area, about 2.135 acres
• Staff recommendation: receive the alternative tree preservation plan and recommend to the planning director

2021_02_15 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council will hold a joint workshop with the Planning and Zoning Board to review and discuss the traffic impact analysis (TIA) ordinance. Staff from NCDOT and Kimley Horn, the City's TIA consultants, will join the workshop. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; the meeting is set for discussion only.

• Joint workshop of City Council and Planning and Zoning Board
• Review and discussion of the traffic impact analysis (TIA) ordinance
• NCDOT staff and Kimley Horn (City TIA consultants) to participate
• Held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
• No action or vote items listed on the agenda

2021_02_10 Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Belmont's Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets Feb. 10, 2021 to consider a letter of support for a CLG grant application for Main Street design guidelines, and to review a nomination adding the Charles T. and Beatrice Chafin Stowe House at 304 South Central Avenue to the local register of historic properties. Staff recommends both the letter of support and transmitting a recommendation of approval to city council, which would then hold a public hearing, with the item slated for the March 1, 2021 council agenda. The board will also discuss work plan items.

• Letter of support for Main Street Advisory Board and Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission CLG grant for design guidelines in Belmont's 3 Main Street Districts (Historic Downtown, Chronicle, River)
• Nomination of the Charles T. and Beatrice Chafin Stowe House, 304 South Central Avenue, to the local register of historic properties; staff seeks recommendation of approval to city council
• If recommended, the Stowe House item would go to a public hearing and the March 1, 2021 City Council agenda
• Adoption of minutes from the January 20, 2021 meeting
• Discussion of work plan items

2021_02_10_Belmont Tourism Development Authority

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority meeting scheduled for February 10, 2021 at 10:30 AM was cancelled because there were no agenda items. No decisions, discussions, or votes took place. The only content in the document is the cancellation notice and the city's vision statement.

2021_02_09 Environmental Sustainability Board

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board meets by teleconference on February 9, 2021. The main agenda item is a discussion of the board's 2021 work plan with City Council. The meeting also includes routine commencement items and adoption of the January 12, 2021 special meeting minutes. No other business is listed.

• 2021 Work Plan Discussion with City Council
• Adoption of 2021_01_12 Environmental Sustainability Board Special Meeting Minutes
• Meeting held via Webex teleconference, viewable at www.cityofbelmont.org/livemeetings
• No other business listed on the agenda

2021_02_08 Special City Council Meeting

The Belmont City Council holds a special meeting on February 8, 2021, whose only substantive item is a closed session to consult with attorneys on pending litigation from Essex Homes under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3). After the closed session, the council may consider taking action based on that discussion; formal action cannot be taken during the closed session itself. The rest of the agenda is procedural (call to order and adjournment).

• Closed session to consult with attorneys on pending litigation from Essex Homes
• Possible action after closed session on the Essex Homes litigation
• Meeting held at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC
• Staff contact: Adrian Miller; city manager recommends the closed session

2021_02_01 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board is considering approval of a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for The Morris at Belmont, a 322-unit multifamily development on 37.11 acres south of Wilkinson Boulevard and east of Park Street. Because the site would be 30.8% impervious — above the 24% threshold — the project requires board approval and engineered stormwater controls. The city engineer and city manager recommend approval, conditioned on a performance bond and a future maintenance security.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for The Morris at Belmont, a 322-unit multifamily project on 37.11 acres
• Site would be 30.8% impervious (11.43 acres), exceeding the 24% High Density threshold
• Developer proposes three stormwater control measures: a sand filter and two underground piped systems
• Approval conditioned on a performance bond of 1.25 times estimated SCM construction cost, then a maintenance security equal to 10-year maintenance cost
• Conditional zoning for the project was approved by city council in 2019; city manager recommends approval

2021_02_01 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets February 1, 2021 to hold public hearings and vote on three rezoning requests: Dixon Village (28 mixed-income homes on ~7.5 acres), DSBG entrance signage (rezoning ~234.75 acres), and Smith Farm Community (99 homes on 22 acres). The council will also consider a contiguous annexation petition for Smith Family Properties and a consent agenda covering police officer minimum salary, a one-year lease at 37 North Main Street, and a time extension for Worrell's River Neighborhood.

• Public hearing and vote on ZA2020.05 Dixon Village: rezone ~7.5 acres (PID#182236) from Suburban Residential to General Residential Conditional District for 28 mixed-income single-family homes
• Public hearing and vote on ZA2020.06 DSBG Entrance Signage: rezone ~234.75 acres from Institutional Campus Development to IC-D/CD for entrance signage exceeding city size rules
• Public hearing and vote on ZA2020.07 Smith Farm Community: establish G-R/CD for 99 units (43 single-family homes, 57 townhomes) on 22 acres, including realignment of part of Belwood Drive
• Public hearing and adoption on contiguous annexation petition for Smith Family Properties
• Consent agenda includes new minimum salary for police officers, one-year lease of city building at 37 North Main Street, and two-year time extension for Worrell's River Neighborhood

2021_01_23 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council is holding a workshop retreat on January 23, 2021, at the CityWorks Center. The agenda lists only a call to order, a retreat session with presentations, discussion, and participant engagement activities facilitated by CCOG staff, and adjournment. No ordinances, contracts, rezonings, or public hearings appear on this agenda.

• Workshop retreat at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC 28012
• CCOG staff will facilitate presentations, discussion, and engagement activities
• No votes, contracts, or public hearings are listed on the agenda

2021_01_22 City Council Retreat

The Belmont City Council is holding a workshop retreat at the CityWorks Center on January 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The agenda lists only a call to order, a facilitated discussion with CCOG staff, and adjournment. No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings appear on this agenda.

• Workshop retreat at CityWorks Center, 1401 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC 28012
• CCOG staff will facilitate presentations, discussion, and participant engagement activities
• No votes, contracts, or public hearings are listed on the agenda

2021_01_21 Main Street Advisory Board

The Belmont Main Street Advisory Board meets virtually on Jan. 21, 2021 to adopt December minutes and hear reports on downtown business changes, the 2021 work plan, and NC Main Street conference plans. Committees will discuss public art and design guidelines, a dog park, business recruitment, 2021 outdoor events, grants, and a possible Main Street boundary expansion. The agenda is largely a list of discussion topics with no votes scheduled beyond adopting the prior minutes.

• Adopt minutes from the Dec. 17, 2020 meeting
• Staff report on downtown business update and 2021 work plan
• Design Committee: public art, design guidelines, and dog park updates
• Economic Vitality: business recruitment brochure and Main Street work plan
• Organization Committee: grants and Main Street boundary expansion

2021_01_21 Downtown Belmont Development Association

The Downtown Belmont Development Association holds a virtual meeting on January 21, 2021, with a secretary report on December minutes, a treasurer's financial report, and committee, chair, and new/old business items. The January agenda itself lists no specific new business. The attached December 2020 minutes show the board approved a $250 per month operational spending limit for Downtown Director Phil Boggan (up to $500 with executive board approval) and an Asana project-management upgrade costing up to $400 annually.

• Approval of December 17, 2020 meeting minutes
• Treasurer's financial report (2021_01_21_DBDA Financial Report)
• December minutes: Downtown Director authorized to spend $250/month on operational expenses, up to $500 with executive board approval
• December minutes: Asana project management upgrade approved at up to $400 annually ($265 with nonprofit discount)
• January agenda lists no new or old business items

2021_01_21 Planning & Zoning Board

The Belmont Planning & Zoning Board meets Jan. 21, 2021 to hold public hearings on three rezoning requests. The first, ZA2020.05 Dixon Village, would rezone about 7.5 acres at 3100 Lee Road from Suburban Residential to General Residential Conditional District for a 28-home mixed-income subdivision by Habitat for Humanity. Two other requests cover new entrance signage at DSBG and a 99-unit Smith Farm Community. The board may recommend approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval to City Council.

• ZA2020.05 Dixon Village: rezone PID#182236 (approx. 7.5 acres) at 3100 Lee Road from SR to GR/CD for 28 mixed-income single-family homes; applicant seeks relief from system development fees and Powell Bill funds for streets and sidewalks
• ZA2020.06 DSBG Entrance Signage: rezone 13 parcels (approx. 234.75 acres) from IC-D to IC-D/CD for new entrance signage exceeding city sizing rules
• ZA2020.07 Smith Farm Community: establish G-R/CD for a 99-unit community (43 single-family homes, 56 townhomes) on 22 acres, including realignment of part of Belwood Drive
• Dixon Village requests relief from tree save, parking pad size, front setbacks, and other standards; proposed density 3.69 DUA vs. 6 DUA allowed
• No other business items listed on the agenda

2021_01_20 Historic Preservation Advisory Board - Special Meeting

The Belmont Historic Preservation Advisory Board holds a special meeting on January 20, 2021 at City Works, 1401 East Catawba Street. The board will hear a discussion of local landmarks with Lucy Penegar, Vice Chair of the Gaston County Historic Commission, and discuss revising its bylaws to add additional meeting dates. It will also consider adopting minutes from its December 8, 2020 meeting.

• Discussion of local landmarks with guest Lucy Penegar, Vice Chair of the Gaston County Historic Commission
• Discussion on revising bylaws to add additional meeting dates
• Adoption of minutes from the December 8, 2020 meeting
• December 2020 minutes show the board approved a 2021 schedule of quarterly meetings on the second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 5:15 p.m.

2021_01_20 Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Board

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board meets virtually on January 20, 2021. The board will hear splash pad presentations from vendors Vortex and Southern Recreation, discuss naming rights, review a policy on using park property for commercial recreation, and get a dog park update. It will also consider approval of the November 18, 2020 meeting minutes and allow public comment.

• Splash pad presentations from Vortex and Southern Recreation
• Discussion of naming rights
• Policy on usage of park property for commercial recreation
• Dog park update
• Approval of November 18, 2020 meeting minutes

2021_01_19 City Council Workshop

The Belmont City Council holds a workshop with three information-only items: an IT and cybersecurity update, a transportation projects update, and a discussion on leasing the vacant former planning department building at 37 North Main Street. No votes are scheduled; staff want direction on the lease so a resolution can go before council on February 1. Under NCGS 160A-272, leases of one year or less need a council resolution or delegation to the city manager, without the 30-day public notice required for longer terms.

• Leasing of the vacant city-owned building at 37 North Main Street, formerly the planning and zoning department
• A local business owner wants to lease the building as soon as possible; staff seek council direction for a February 1 resolution
• NCGS 160A-272 cited: leases of one year or less require a council resolution or delegation to the city manager
• IT and cybersecurity update from Seth Norket on software and technology upgrades and threat protection
• Transportation projects update from Associate Planner Tiffany Faro on vehicular and pedestrian projects

2021_01_13 Belmont Tourism Development Authority - Virtual Meeting

The Belmont Tourism Development Authority holds a virtual meeting on January 13, 2021 to set its agenda, consider minutes from its October 14, 2020 meeting, and hear a financial report and a report from the Lyerly Agency. The agenda is largely procedural; the attached financial pages show FY 2020-2021 occupancy tax proceeds of $29,485.81 and total expenses of $38,097.51, including a $20,000 payment to the Belmont Trolley Board. No votes or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from the October 14, 2020 meeting
• Financial report covering FY 2020-2021 revenue and expenditures
• Occupancy tax proceeds listed at $29,485.81 for FY 2020-2021
• Total expenses listed at $38,097.51, including a $20,000 payment to the Belmont Trolley Board
• Lyerly Agency report on marketing and tourism promotion

2021_01_12 Environmental Sustainability Board - SPECIAL MEETING

The Belmont Environmental Sustainability Board holds a special teleconference meeting on January 12, 2021. The agenda is largely procedural: it covers setting the agenda, adopting minutes from the November and December 2020 meetings, discussing a social media calendar, and reviewing a revised 2021 meeting calendar. No substantive policy decisions, contracts, or public hearings appear on this agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from the 2020_11_10 and 2020_12_09 Environmental Sustainability Board meetings
• Discussion of a social media calendar
• Review of the revised 2021 ESB meeting calendar (meets second Tuesday monthly at 6:30 p.m. at CityWorks)

2021_01_04 Regular City Council

The Belmont City Council meets January 4, 2021 to hold public hearings and decide on two land-use requests: TA2020.07, which would eliminate the apartment building form in most zoning districts to steer apartments toward the future light rail corridor, and SUP2020.02, a request to split 402 Ferrell Avenue into three parcels with narrower-than-average lot widths. The council will also hear a code enforcement update and receive board reports. Several consent-agenda items are routine, including meeting minutes and declaring surplus police vehicles.

• TA2020.07: public hearing and possible ordinance to remove the apartment building form in most zoning districts, encouraging apartments near the future light rail corridor
• SUP2020.02: public hearing and possible approval to divide 402 Ferrell Avenue into three parcels with lot widths below the average within 300 feet
• Consent agenda: accept a Certificate of Sufficiency for the Smith Properties annexation petition on South Point Road
• Consent agenda: approve a declaration of surplus Police Department vehicles
• Code Enforcement Update presentation to the council

2021_01_04 Watershed Review Board

The Belmont Watershed Review Board is considering approval of a High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for the CaroMont Health Hospital Project, a new hospital on the Belmont Abbey campus at I-85 and Beatty Drive. The 28-acre site would be 53.6% impervious, requiring the permit under the Watershed Protection Ordinance. City Engineer Jerry Hatton and the city manager recommend approval, conditioned on an operations and maintenance agreement, a performance bond, maintenance security, and a $2,883.00 review fee.

• High-Density Watershed Protection Permit for CaroMont Health Hospital on 28 acres leased from Belmont Abbey College at I-85 and Beatty Drive
• Site would be 53.6% impervious (16.27 acres), exceeding the 24% threshold that triggers High Density review
• Developer proposes two stormwater BMPs: a wet pond and a sand filter detention basin
• Conditions include a binding O&M agreement, a performance bond at 1.25 times estimated BMP construction cost, and maintenance security equal to ten-year maintenance cost
• Watershed permit review fee of $2,883.00