Two Oakboro residents complained to Town Council Monday about an alleged reoccurring noise ordinance violation in the 3rd Street area.

Cindy Feis and Darrell Davis said a neighbor’s dogs have caused issues since February 2014. Feis alleged she’s had to take “nerve pills” due to the constant noise, saying neighbors are uncooperative. She has more than 104 videos to support her claim, she said, though she did not play them during the meeting due to a technical issue.

Davis supported her statement, saying while they love animals, the noise is a problem.

“Please help us,” he said.

Feis felt the town hasn’t been supportive enough and wondered if the neighbor’s standing in the town has potentially affected the response.

“I might be a cotton mill worker, but I make your clothes, and I think we’d all feel pretty weird sitting around here without clothes on right now,” Feis said. “So I feel like I’m important, too, and I shouldn’t be treated differently.”

The town did not immediately respond to the complaint.

David Huneycutt spoke during the time for open forum, telling Council he is working to support senior softball in the western area of the county.

“We’re here trying to promote health, well-being and so forth,” he said.

While an Albemarle team exists, he said they want to start a team in Oakboro and would appreciate the town’s support.

Zoning
The council approved a rezoning request for multiple properties owned by Oakmont Acquisition, LLC. Six properties on Buster Road, Lighthouse Road and Shinn Road were all changed from residential to industrial zoning at Oakmont’s request.

Charles Brown, an attorney with Brown, Brown and Brown in Albemarle, and attorney Max Justice of Charlotte, represented Oakmont at the meeting.

Brown said if approved it would make those properties’ zoning match those of others in the area.

The council approved the rezoning request, with Councilwoman Georgia Harvey absent.
Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith told the council about the free Oakboro United Holiday Meal he is organizing for 5 p.m. Dec. 1.

He also told the council about a toy drive Oakboro Police is holding for Toys for Tots on Dec. 5. Smith and the police captain plan to stay on the department’s roof until a truck is filled with toys.

Josh Almond, director of the town’s parks and recreation office, told the council the community building dedication was a “success,” adding that they are doing renovations at the other community building on Long Street.

Almond said the North Carolina Forest Service visited the town park and advised the town to perform tree thinning and a possible ground burn, adding he will research it.

The council went into closed session to discuss a personnel issue. Upon resuming open session, it approved hiring a new full-time police officer, Matt Howard, provided his paperwork has no issues.

The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 17.

Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News and Press.