# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** September 17, 2024 12:00 AM EDT (2024-09-17T00:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766 ## Summary On Tuesday, September 17th, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting, addressing a range of topics impacting residents and the county's future. The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, setting a tone for discussions focused on community well-being and economic development. **A Landmark Decision: Great Meadows Rezoning Approved** The most significant outcome of the meeting was the Board's 4-1 vote to approve a conditional zoning request for the Great Meadows property, a sprawling 745-acre parcel in western Burke County. This decision paves the way for a large-scale industrial development near Dysartsville Road and US-70. The proposal, presented by Alan Wood and Alan Glynes, aims to create an industrial district with extensive buffer zones, restrictions on certain activities like mining and landfills, stormwater management plans, and lighting controls to minimize light pollution. While proponents emphasized the potential for job creation and increased tax revenue, aligning with the county’s “Blueprint Burke” plan, several citizens voiced concerns during a public hearing. These included worries about environmental impacts on water quality and wildlife, potential declines in property values for nearby residents, and disruption to the area’s rural character. The Board acknowledged these concerns, incorporating them into the conditional zoning agreement to address some of the public's anxieties. **Recognizing Senior Services & Approving Budget Adjustments** Beyond the Great Meadows rezoning, the Board took time to recognize and celebrate the vital work of the Burke County Senior Services Department. They unanimously approved a proclamation declaring September as “Senior Center Month” and honoring the 40th anniversary of the Burke County Senior Center, expressing their appreciation for the department's nutrition, health programs, and Medicare counseling services. The Board also approved several budget amendments totaling $127,000 to support flood rescue exercises, electrical upgrades at the Foothills Higher Education Center for emergency operations, and planning efforts by the America 250 NC Committee. **Community Voices Heard & What's Next?** The public hearing regarding the Great Meadows rezoning was a focal point, allowing residents to share their perspectives. While many supported the potential economic benefits, others passionately expressed concerns about environmental impact and quality of life. The Board listened attentively to these comments, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community concerns. Looking ahead, the County Manager will prepare a response to these public comments and staff will continue reviewing the conditional zoning request. Another meeting is scheduled to further discuss and potentially finalize the Great Meadows project, ensuring ongoing community engagement throughout the process. Additionally, a public hearing is planned for zoning map amendments near Snow Hill Church and an upcoming meeting will address ZTA 2024-02. **Why This Matters to You:** The decisions made at this meeting will significantly shape Burke County’s future. The Great Meadows development has the potential to bring new jobs and economic opportunities, but it also raises important questions about balancing growth with environmental protection and preserving the county’s unique character. The Board's recognition of Senior Services highlights their commitment to supporting our aging population, and the budget adjustments demonstrate a focus on essential services. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for all Burke County residents, and you can find official meeting minutes and agendas on the Burke County Government website: [https://www.burkecountync.gov/](https://www.burkecountync.gov/). ## Agenda - [May 7, 2024, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26787) - [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6717) - [May 21, 2024, BOC Regular Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26788) - [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6718) - [PRESENTATIONS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6719) - [June 4, 2024, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26789) - [June 18, 2024, BOC Regular Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26790) - [SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6721) - [SC - Departmental Update & Proclamation - Presented by Roxanne Powell, Senior Services Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6720) - [Comm. Dev. - Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2024-09 & Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. - Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/6722) - [Comm. Dev. - Planning Board Recommendation for ZTA 2024-02 to Adjust the Future Land Use Map 2 Parcels - Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26791) - [BOC - Resolution in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26792) - [BSAN - Proclamation for National Recovery Month 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26793) - [Clerk - Removal of Board of Health Advisory Member Due to Employment Change / Resignation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26794) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 2 - $25,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26795) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 3 - $107,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26796) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 4 - $10,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26797) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 5 - $169,249](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26798) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 6 - $252,605](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26799) - [CM - Budget Amendment No. 7 - $2,714](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26800) - [CM - HARBOUR Grant Modification Request - $12,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26801) - [Fire Marshal - Proclamation of Fire Prevention Week, October 6 - 12, 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26802) - [NCEIPD - National Disability Employment Awareness Month (Oct.) 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26803) - [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for August 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26804) - [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for August 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26805) - [ASFI - Resolution Supporting a Capital Fundraising Campaign for the New Animal Shelter & Naming Policy - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26806) - [Clerk - Appointments / Reappointments to BC Board of Adjustment - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26807) - [CD - MOU for Partnership with Hickory to Construct a New Airplane Hangar at the Hickory Regional Airport (Place Holder) - Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26808) - [CM - Public Safety Radio Purchase & Budget Amendment - Presented by Hugh Sandoe, Budget Strategy and Performance Analyst](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26809) - [CM - Presentation of the End of Year Report (Place Holder) - Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26810) - [Health - Bimonthly Opioid Update - Presented by Katie Varnadoe, Human Services Planner](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26811) - [BOC - Reports & Comments - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26812) - [Clerk - Boards and Committees Vacancy Report - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26813) - [BOC - Closed Session to Prevent the Disclosure of Privileged or Confidential Information, Discuss Threatened or Pending Litigation, to Preserve the AttorneyClient Privilege, to Discuss Economic Development Matters, to Discuss Contractual Matters and to Discuss Personnel Matters, If Needed. - Presented by Jeffrey Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766/item/26814) ## Votes - To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the meeting minutes of May 7, 2024 (pre-agenda), May 21, - 2024 (regular), June 4, 2024 (pre agenda), and June 18, 2024 (regular) as written. — Passed, 5-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtu.be/XH5LK1LmQCY?si=Omb835nbmnxsWvI3 - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1279/segments ## Documents - [agenda_2024-09-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766?document=4148) - [minutes_2024-09-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766?document=4150) - [agenda_packet_2024-09-17.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/1766?document=4149) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/823)