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Council members in Locust unanimously tabled a conditional rezoning request by Caliber Associates as part of a light agenda at its April 10 meeting.
In addition, the board voted to move ahead with the bidding process for the second half of the East Basin Gravity Outfall Upgrade of the town’s sewer system, with a projected cost of approximately $3.3 million, to be paid through ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds.
“We have some ARRA funds remaining, approximately $3.5 million, that can be used,” said Locust City Manager Cesar Correa, who also described two other qualifying projects.
“The total cost to do all three exceeds the available funds,” Correa noted in presenting the tasks to the council, and noted that of the three, the East Basin project has been identified as the city’s top priority.
Councilman Mike Haigler concurred, and moved to initiate the process.
“We need to move forward with (this project) ahead of the others,” he said.
Councilman Larry Baucom seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
A public hearing to consider a request by Russell Huntley of Caliber Associates for conditional rezoning of a tract in the Meadowcreek Business Park was also conducted. The proposed use, “Contractors Office/Shop with Outdoor Storage,” had been unanimously recommended for approval on Feb. 24 by the Locust Planning & Zoning Board.
During the hearing, concerns were expressed by Keith Brack over visibility of materials that would be stored on the site, noting that a nearby recycling center’s storage exceeds the height of the six-foot fence surrounding the site.
In response, Michael Bunch, architect for Caliber Associates, stated that his client “wants to be a good neighbor,” and noted that material stacks on Caliber’s sites customarily do not exceed eight feet.
Haigler proposed that action on the request be tabled until the May meeting to allow Huntley time to address the outside storage area concerns. Council members approved unanimously.
Other business included:
● Council members unanimously approved a motion to oppose fees for fire marshal services from Cabarrus County.
● Locust Police officers Adam Hartsell and Jerry Wallace were recognized as “Officers of the Month” for March.
● Correa described the council’s recent budget workshop as “very productive,” adding that City Council and staff continually strive to be “good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars.”
● Councilman Barry Sims announced that the bidding process for construction of the West Stanly Senior Center facility was under way.
● A public hearing to consider conditional rezoning for a new Cook Out restaurant was scheduled for the council’s next meeting, which will be at 7 p.m. May 8 at Locust City Hall.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that City Council had approved a rezoning request.