DISCUSSION
Downtown Park/Davidson Farmers’ Market Site Improvement Options and NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Grant
Economic Development Manager Kim Fleming discussed site improvement options for the area that is located behind Summit and hosts the Davidson Farmers’ Market. This project is one of the top priorities for the board of commissioners since this area is used and enjoyed by many citizens of Davidson. Our next steps will be to get examples of the potential look and feel of the area based on other built spaces so that we can manage the improvement of this space that has grown organically over the years.
The Davidson Board of Commissioners are interested in moving forward with plans, would like to review potential designs and material choices, and would like to spend $275,000 in town dollars, plus use $100,000 in grant funding from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They will likely put the consideration of $40,000 in construction drawings on the agenda at an upcoming board meeting.
North-South Connector Study Update
Senior Planner Travis Johnson and Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director Bill Thunberg gave an update on the North-South Connector Study. Because of large population increases in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties, we need to continuously assess possible improvements to our transportation network. This study to consider an additional north-south route for vehicular traffic is funded by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Citizens are invited to provide input at the upcoming session on September 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Charles Mack Center (215 N. Main Street, Mooresville). While all Davidson citizens are welcome to attend the session in Mooresville, the Davidson Board of Commissioners requested a public input opportunity to take place in Davidson to make it easier for people to participate.
Salary Study Update
Public Sector Human Resources Consultant Susan Manning gave an update on the three-town salary study included in the FY 2018-19 budget. This study examines the market for staff positions in the towns of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville to determine if adjustments are needed to our salary structure in order to stay competitive. Our last pay study was conducted in 2015. Next steps include a presentation to the board of commissioners by Susan at the board meeting on September 11 to share the findings and recommendations for the board of commissioners to consider.
North Harbor Conditional Planning Area Work Session
Planning Director Jason Burdette and Planner Lindsay Laird provided an update on the proposed work on the North Harbor Club to make improvements to their kitchen and add a banquet facility and outdoor deck. Next steps will be for the Design Review Board to make a final recommendation on September 19, the Planning Board to make a recommendation at their September 24 meeting, a public hearing on September 25, and a potential decision by the board of commissioners at an October board meeting.
Draft Noise Ordinance Revisions
Police Chief Penny Dunn recommended changes for the Town of Davidson noise ordinance to improve understanding of the code for residents and officers, establish reasonable and measurable levels of sound, and clearly define the measuring location for officers responding to a complaint. These proposed changes would extend the hours for a higher decibel level into the evening and increase the decibel range for residential, multi-family and commercial/institutional noise. Noise created by construction workers, refuse collection vehicles, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc. is not permitted from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (Monday-Friday) or 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. (Saturday-Sunday). The board of commissioners will hear public comments on the proposed changes and consider approval at a future meeting.
Process for Naming Town Parks
The town currently has no formal process for naming our new parks. With two potential parks coming online in the near future, staff and the Livability Board recommend developing a process to engage community input. The board of commissioners directed our Livability Board to start the process to name the new park near Bailey Springs, which will open on November 10 at a celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Coffee Chats
Because the venue for coffee chats is no longer available, we stopped scheduling coffee chats in May. After reviewing the results of the Open Town Hall survey, the board of commissioners will temporarily suspend coffee chats for the immediate future. If there is a need to add the coffee chat meeting format to the schedule in the future, they will.
Board of Adjustment
Town Attorney Cindy Reid explained that the town’s Board of Adjustment, comprised of Planning Board members, hears cases concerning ordinance interpretations, requests, or appeals for variances. Historically, all members of the Planning Board also serve as members of the Board of Adjustment, either presently serving or serving as alternates. The five presently serving members are elected by the Planning Board and include an ETJ representative.