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The Badin Town Council unanimously passed a resolution honoring Badin native and jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson Tuesday night.

The town raised the money last month to apply to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a name change of a portion of N.C. Highway 740. The council hopes to rename it Lou Donaldson Boulevard.

The resolution celebrates Donaldson and publicly declares the town’s intention to rename the road.

Donaldson, also known as “Sweet Poppa Lou,” has received many awards throughout his career, including admission to the International Jazz Hall of Fame.

Donaldson “…has kept Badin, North Carolina, an active part of his private and professional life, serving in 2013 as Grand Marshal for the town’s centennial parade and returning through the years to perform for local audiences…,” according to the resolution.

In addition to noting his other achievements and aspects of his life, the document goes on to thank the musician “for his representation and ambassadorship of his hometown of Badin and for the joyously indelible effect he has had on those he encountered through the years.”

Duck calling competition

Mayor Anne Harwood announced that Badin will host the Uwharrie regional duck calling competition May 23-24. The town will host a small festival that weekend to coincide with the competition.

Census

Peter Sabo, a representative with the United States Census Bureau, asked the town to support the census by encouraging resident participation. Sabo suggested the council review the materials he provided, which included sample scripts that could be used for phone messages sent using the reverse 911 system.

The council could let people know that the census is coming up, that it is legitimate, that information remains private and that the results could affect the town, Sabo said.

The results of the census can help determine the how much federal and state funding is given for roads, medical programs and more, as well as whether a congressional seat is added. While some of the effects would be broader, Badin could benefit from an accurate count if it qualifies for funding for its roads, local Head Start programs and other services.

“This is an opportunity for you to shape your future for the next 10 years,” Sabo said.

Boat landing

The council granted Town Manager Jay Almond permission to look into adding boat docks by Badin Waterfront Park. There is currently only one dock at the site, according to Harwood, and the council has discussed adding more dock space.

Other business

Almond said the town is still working on the Falls Road Median, but that the contractor planning to work on it has been delayed by the weather. The town will discuss the project with the contractor before making plans to wait for better weather, pursue another contractor or work with the contractor to find another solution.

The animal ordinance was briefly discussed, but no progress was made. Almond said he is waiting to receive feedback from the board members about what changes they would like to see in the ordinance, but that he hadn’t received any comments.

The next regular council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in Badin Town Hall.

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