Forest City public meetings in 2021

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will receive the FY 2020-21 audit presentation, hold a public hearing on closing an unnamed street, and consider budget amendments and appointments. The audit report includes an unmodified opinion but notes a repeated control deficiency regarding reliance on utility fund transfers to subsidize the general fund.

• Public hearing to close unnamed street (Willow Run area)
• FY 20-21 audit presentation by Gould Killian CPA Group
• Budget amendments for FY 21-22
• Ex-officio appointments to boards and committees
• Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will consider a request for about $40,000 to replace the non-operational irrigation system at Summey Park's track field, and will review proposed Parks and Recreation fee increases for 2022. The meeting also includes a closed session for attorney-client privilege. The agenda is otherwise routine, with public comments, minutes approval, and an oath of office for a new police officer.

• Irrigation system replacement at Summey Park track field, estimated $36,280 for the field alone, with a budget amendment request of approximately $40,000
• Proposed Parks and Recreation fee increases effective January 1, 2022, including pool season memberships (family up to $125), gym rentals (up to $15/hour), and ballfield rentals (up to $30 for 2 hours)
• Swearing in of Police Officer Juan Campos
• Recognition of Commissioner David Eaker
• Closed session under attorney-client privilege (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3))

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will meet on October 4, 2021, to consider the 2022 meeting schedule, bids for manhole replacements, a resolution to close an unnamed street, and other routine business.

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment will hold a public hearing and decide on a special use permit (SUP 2021-02) requested by Leonard and Virginia Knowlden to build an accessory dwelling at 153 Countrywood Dr, partially within the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The board will also approve minutes from the August 19, 2021 meeting. No other business is listed.

• Special Use Permit SUP 2021-02 for an accessory dwelling at 153 Countrywood Dr (22.41 acres, partially in R-15 ETJ)
• Proposed 3,000 sq ft structure (75' x 40') with 643 sq ft living area; staff recommends approval
• Applicant plans to use structure as primary residence while building main home outside ETJ, then as guest house
• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2021 meeting

Regular Council - 18 Oct 2021 CANCELLED

The October 18, 2021 regular council meeting of the Town of Forest City has been cancelled. No business will be conducted at this scheduled time.

• Meeting cancelled

Regular Council

The Forest City Council is meeting to consider a zoning text amendment (TA 2021-05) to comply with state law NCGS 160D, which consolidates development regulations. They will also discuss potential property acquisitions from NCDOT on Oak Street and a Seitz Drive parcel, a street closure for the Thomas Jefferson Homecoming Parade, and a speed study on Turner Street. The agenda includes a public hearing on the zoning amendment and public comments.

• Public hearing on TA 2021-05, a text amendment to align the UDO with NCGS 160D
• Potential property acquisition of NCDOT parcels on Oak Street (IDs 428881, 427251, 428629, 428621)
• Potential property acquisition of Seitz Drive parcel 1621145
• Street closure ordinance for Thomas Jefferson Homecoming Parade Fall 2021
• Turner Street speed study and traffic calming recommendation

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hold a public hearing on TA 2021-04, a text amendment to the UDO allowing unused wall sign square footage to be transferred between building walls, and will consider calling a public hearing for TA 2021-05, which updates Chapter 15 to comply with NCGS 160D. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from August 16, 2021.

• Public hearing on TA 2021-04: allows transferring unused wall sign square footage up to 25% of total permitted signage
• Call for public hearing on TA 2021-05: adoption of NCGS 160D amendments to Chapter 15 (Administration)
• Approval of minutes from August 16, 2021 regular meeting

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment will consider adopting a historic preservation commission ordinance required by North Carolina General Statute 160D. The agenda also includes approval of the July 15, 2021 minutes. No other business is listed for the Board of Adjustment or Historic Preservation Commission.

• Adoption of HPC ordinance to comply with NCGS 160D (TA 2021-05)
• Approval of July 15, 2021 meeting minutes

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will consider calling a public hearing for a text amendment to the sign ordinance (TA 2021-04) that would allow transferring unused sign square footage between walls. They will also discuss speed mitigation on Turner Street and approve a budget amendment for donated funds. The meeting includes routine items like minutes approval and a closed session.

• Call for public hearing on TA 2021-04 to allow transferring unused sign square footage between walls, up to 25% of total permitted signage
• Discussion on Turner Street speed mitigation
• Budget amendment to appropriate $500 donated for a light kit for a donated ATV for the Fire Department
• Closed session for attorney-client privilege

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment will consider a text amendment to the wall sign ordinance that would allow unused permitted sign square footage from one wall to be transferred to another wall, subject to conditions. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. No other business is listed.

• Text amendment TA 2021-04 by John Bousselot & Stephen Soto to allow transferring unused wall sign square footage between walls, with conditions including a 25% cap on total permitted signage
• Proposed changes to UDO 6.4.3.1 (Flexibility in Administration) and related sign ordinance sections
• Approval of minutes from June 17, 2021 regular meeting

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will consider reducing the speed limit on Arlington Street to 25 mph, formally accept American Rescue Plan Act funds, and approve the annual addendum to the county fire service district contract. The agenda also includes a youth council update and routine items like minutes approval and public comments.

• Ordinance to reduce speed limit on Arlington Street from Old Caroleen Road to Webb Drive to 25 mph
• Resolution accepting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for FY2021-22
• Annual addendum to the County Service District Contract with Forest City Fire Department for $10,595
• Youth Council update from Commissioner Justin Conner

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hold public hearings and consider several items, including two zoning text amendments, the adoption of the FY 21-22 budget, a solar interconnection agreement, and a contract with Enterprise Fleet Management. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of two police officers and a public hearing on the proposed budget.

• Public hearing and possible action on text amendment TA 2021-02 to allow signs on mansard roofs as canopy/awning signs
• Public hearing and possible action on text amendment TA 2021-03 to comply with NCGS 160D zoning code changes
• Adoption of the FY 21-22 budget and budget ordinance
• Approval of a solar interconnection agreement and procedures
• Approval of a contract with Enterprise Fleet Management for vehicle leasing

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a special use permit request by Brenda Logan to use the existing structure at 119 W Main Dr as educational space for young adults, in addition to the current daycare use. The board will also approve minutes from the May 20 meeting. No other business is listed.

• Special Use Permit SUP 2021-01: Educational space at 119 W Main Dr, R-8 zoning, 0.44 acres
• Proposed classes 6-9 pm, 3-4 people, no new development
• Staff recommends approval of the special use permit

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hear a presentation on the Foothills NC HOME Consortium, a regional affordable housing partnership, and consider approving its joint cooperation agreement. The council will also discuss RRDC bylaws, call public hearings for two text amendments, reappoint two board members, and hold a budget work session for the preliminary FY 2021-22 budget.

• Foothills NC HOME Consortium joint cooperation agreement for affordable housing funding
• RRDC bylaws and membership resolution
• Call for public hearings on Text Amendments 2021-02 and 2021-03
• Re-appoint Kim Warner and Sonja Smith to Board of Planning and Adjustment
• Budget work session for preliminary FY 2021-22 budget

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will consider awarding a $272,625 contract to Hyatt Pipeline for the Walter Horn Road water line project, and will vote on ordinances to close streets for several community events. The council will also receive the preliminary FY 2021-2022 budget and schedule a public hearing for June 21, 2021.

• Award water line contract to Hyatt Pipeline for $272,625
• Ordinance to close Main Street for Memorial Day, Car Show, Christmas Lighting, and Christmas Parade
• Ordinance for intermittent traffic delays during Meet Me at the Fountain 5k
• Preliminary FY 2021-2022 budget distributed at meeting
• Public hearing set for June 21, 2021 on FY 2021-2022 budget

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hear presentations on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan and Enterprise Fleet Management, consider renewing the FY 20-21 audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group for $29,800, and receive budget information for FY 21-22. A closed session is scheduled for attorney-client privilege.

• Presentation: Thermal Belt Rail Trail Enhancement Master Plan by Eric Woolrich, Destination by Design
• Presentation: Enterprise Fleet Management by Chad Elbert
• New Business: FY 20-21 Audit Contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, P.A. for $29,800 (increase of $1,150 from prior year; additional $2,950 per major program if Single Audit required)
• New Business: Budget Information for FY 21-22
• Closed Session: Attorney-Client Privilege (G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3))

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hold public hearings on a rezoning request for about 12 acres on College Avenue (Gateway West) and a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance. The rezoning would change the property from M-1 Industrial to C-3 Highway Business, despite a planning board finding it inconsistent with the land use plan. The text amendment would allow single-family homes in C-3 districts, responding to complaints about vacant properties. The council will also consider a resolution supporting a PARTF grant application and a concessions contract for Explore Forest City.

• Public hearing on REZ 2021-02: rezone ~12 acres on College Ave from M-1 to C-3 (Gateway West)
• Public hearing on TA 2021-01: text amendment to allow single-family homes in C-3 districts
• Resolution supporting PARTF grant application
• Explore Forest City concessions contract (POPS Concession Lease Agreement 2021)

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will hear a presentation on the Parks and Recreation 5-Year Comprehensive Plan and consider several new business items, including a proposed soccer complex agreement with RHI Legacy Foundation, calls for public hearings on a subdivision, rezoning, and text amendment for Gateway West, an appointment to the Board of Planning and Adjustment, a lease agreement for 129 First Street, and a budget amendment. The meeting also includes a closed session for attorney-client privilege.

• RHI Legacy Foundation proposed soccer complex interlocal agreement
• Call for public hearing on SUB 2021-01 Gateway West preliminary plat
• Call for public hearing on REZ 2021-02 Gateway West rezoning
• Call for public hearing on TA 2021-01 text amendment
• Budget amendment for FY 20-21

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Forest City Board of Planning and Adjustment will consider a preliminary plat for the Gateway West Commerce Park, a 7-lot commercial subdivision on College Avenue proposed by Rutherford County. The board will also review three rezoning requests: Gateway West, Poplar/Westside/Rollins, and Kent Dr, plus a text amendment to allow single-family homes in C-3 zoning. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and a proposal for an ETJ alternate member.

• SUB 2021-01: Preliminary plat for Gateway West, 7 parcels on College Ave, with a proposed new 60-ft right-of-way road (staff recommends approval).
• REZ 2021-02: Rezoning for Gateway West (M-1 proposed).
• REZ 2021-01: Rezoning for Poplar/Westside/Rollins area.
• REZ 2021-03: Rezoning for Kent Dr.
• TA 2021-01: Text amendment to allow single-family homes in C-3 zoning.

Regular Council

The Forest City Council will consider waiving the $250 parking lot rental fee for two McNair Field events: the East Rutherford High School reverse homecoming parade and a McNair Educational Foundation event. The council will also vote on a street closure ordinance for the Thomas Jefferson homecoming parade and appoint two members to the Beautification Committee. The meeting includes a closed session for attorney-client privilege.

• Waive $250 parking fee for ERHS Reverse Homecoming Parade
• Waive $250 parking fee for McNair Educational Foundation event
• Street closure ordinance for Thomas Jefferson Homecoming Parade
• Appoint Lillian King and Pat Nanney to Beautification Committee
• Swearing in of Police Officer Jeffrey Burgess

Regular Council - 01 Mar 2021 Cancelled

The regular Forest City Council meeting scheduled for March 1, 2021 has been cancelled. No other business is listed on the agenda.

Regular Council

The Council is reviewing a request to repair or replace the HVAC system at 129 First Street. The body is also considering the sale of several surplus police and public works vehicles.

• Proposed $9,992 contract with Rutherford Heating & Air for HVAC at 129 First Street
• Proposed sale of surplus vehicles including three police cars, an IT bucket truck, and a WWTP Ford Ranger
• Proposed sale of surplus Street Department Ford Backhoe-Loader and New Holland Tractor
• Sewer tap request for 169 US Hwy 74 Business
• Information on Pryor Street Substation Drainage Project

Regular Council

The Council is meeting to discuss a sewer connection request for a proposed restaurant and a contract award for a culvert replacement. The body will also consider appointments to the Recreation Commission and a budget amendment for CMI Industries.

• Sewer connection request for 169 US Hwy 74 Business
• Westwood Drive Culvert Replacement contract recommendation to Marvin Hoyle Construction, Inc. for $42,211.00
• Appointments to the Recreation Commission
• FY 2020-2021 Budget Amendment for CDBG for CMI Industries
• Power Purchase and REPS Compliance Service Agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

Board of Planning and Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will review two applications for zoning variances. These requests concern property setbacks and driveway dimensions for residential properties.

• VAR2021-01: Setback variance request for a single-family dwelling at 158 Fox Croft St
• VAR2021-02: Driveway dimension variance request for 373 W Main St

Regular Council

The Council is meeting to discuss the adoption of an emergency paid sick leave policy for employees affected by COVID-19. The body will also review the FY 19-20 audit and the 2021-2022 budget calendar.

• Resolution to adopt the Town of Forest City Emergency Paid Sick Leave Policy
• FY 19-20 Audit Presentation by Travis Keever, Gould Killian CPA Group
• Rezoning of Town Property (Florence Mill)
• FY 2021 - 2022 Budget Calendar