# Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Materials **Body:** Burke County Government — Board of Commissioners **Date:** April 16, 2024 12:00 AM EDT (2024-04-16T00:00:00-04:00) **Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111 ## Summary On April 16th, the Burke County Board of Commissioners (BOC) convened for their regular meeting, addressing a wide range of topics impacting the community. This recap highlights key decisions, discussions, and next steps for residents to stay informed about local government actions. **Significant Decisions & Approvals:** The meeting saw unanimous approval of several key items, demonstrating broad agreement among Commissioners. Notably, the Board approved a zoning text amendment (ZTA 2024-01) that introduces "conditional zoning" as an option for land use decisions. This change aims to provide greater flexibility in managing development impacts by allowing the Board to attach specific conditions to properties, ensuring alignment with community goals. Commissioners also approved a rezoning request that will allow for the expansion of a marina and transition several parcels from industrial to residential use. Finally, they approved a master plan for the Jonas Ridge Cranberry Bog Park and authorized staff to pursue grant funding to support its development, signaling a commitment to expanding recreational opportunities. **Discussion Highlights: Balancing Development and Community Concerns:** A significant portion of the meeting focused on land use planning. The discussion surrounding conditional zoning sparked debate, with some citizens expressing concerns about potential impacts on residential areas and water quality. Commissioners acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of responsible land use practices, with Commissioner Britton highlighting the need to ensure development aligns with community goals and provides a good quality of life for residents. The Board also heard presentations regarding the County’s broadband initiative, receiving updates from various internet service providers. **Community Input: Voices Heard on Development and Environmental Concerns:** Several residents voiced their opinions during public hearings, particularly regarding the conditional zoning amendment. Concerns centered around potential negative consequences of development and the need to prioritize resident health and well-being, especially in light of discussions surrounding a proposed mega-site. One resident shared a personal story about the impact of industrial pollution, urging the Board to prioritize environmental protection. The Lake James litter cleanup was also a topic of community discussion, with residents highlighting the ongoing issue of litter along North Powerhouse Road and requesting assistance from the county. **Action Items & What's Next:** Following the meeting, several action items were assigned to County staff. Staff will continue working on implementing the new conditional zoning ordinance, a process that will involve further engagement with the community. They will also be submitting grant applications for the Jonas Ridge Cranberry Bog Park project, seeking funding to bring the park’s master plan to fruition. The County Manager will investigate options for addressing litter along North Powerhouse Road, potentially utilizing the community beautification program. The Board also agreed to revisit a presentation on financial data from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and Burke County Public Schools (BCPS) at a future meeting. **Why This Matters to You:** The decisions made during this BOC meeting will directly impact the future of Burke County. The introduction of conditional zoning provides a new tool for managing development and ensuring it benefits the community. Approving funding for the Cranberry Bog Park demonstrates a commitment to providing recreational opportunities and preserving natural spaces. Addressing litter concerns along North Powerhouse Road reflects the Board’s dedication to maintaining a clean and attractive environment for all residents. Staying informed about these decisions ensures you can participate in shaping the future of Burke County. We hope this recap provides a clear understanding of the key events and decisions made during the April 16th Board of Commissioners meeting. For more detailed information, you can access the full agenda and supporting documents on the Burke County Government website. ## Agenda - [January 16, 2024, BOC Regular Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27133) - [APPROVAL OF AGENDA](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7462) - [APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7463) - [February 6, 2024, BOC Pre-Agenda Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27134) - [February 8, 2024, BOC Special Meeting](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27135) - [BOC - Recognition of Kathy Bailey, President, UNC Health Blue Ridge - Presented by Jeff Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7464) - [DE - Proclamation Declaring April 18, 2024, as Lineman Appreciation Day - Presented by Robin Nicholson, Duke Energy](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7465) - [LJAWNS - Lake James Litter Clean-Up Report (Place Holder) - Presented by Howard Morgan, LJAWNS](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7466) - [CM - Recognition of Animal Services Employees for Certificate Completion Presented by Brian Epley, County Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7467) - [Comm. Dev. - Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2024-01 & Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7468) - [COMM. DEV. - ZONING MAP AMENDMENT ZMA 2024-01 & PUBLIC HEARING](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/7469) - [Comm. Dev. - Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2024-01 & Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27136) - [Comm. Dev. - Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 2024-02 & Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27137) - [Comm. Dev. - Jonas Ridge Cranberry Bog Park Master Plan PARTF Grant - Public Hearing - 6:00 P.M. - Presented by Alan Glines, Deputy Co. Manager / Planning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27138) - [Clerk - Approval of Amendments to Council on Aging](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27139) - [Clerk - Appointment to LEPC Seat No. 11, Media](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27140) - [Clerk - Reappointments to the Parks & Recreation Commission](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27141) - [Clerk - Rutherford College PB / BOA ETJ Appointments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27142) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 8 - $75,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27143) - [CM - Approval of Budget Amendment No. 9 - $75,000](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27144) - [CM - Project Ordinance for 201 Avery Avenue Property](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27145) - [CM - Proclamation Declaring May 2, 2024, as National Day of Prayer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27146) - [Finance - Applications for Public School Building Capital Funds](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27147) - [Finance / FC - Canoe Creek Restoration Grant Bid - $200,000 & Budget Amendment](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27148) - [FM - Request for Approval of a Written Agreement Between Home Trust Bank and Triple Community Fire Department, Inc.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27149) - [GAL - Proclamation Declaring April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27150) - [Health - Public Health Month Proclamation](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27151) - [Health / Opioid - RFQ Vendor Selection Videography](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27152) - [Tax Dept. - Tax Collection Report for March 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27153) - [Tax Dept. - Release Refund Report for March 2024](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27154) - [HR - HR Policy Modernization- Phase I - Presented by Joe Lutz, HR Project/Policy Manager](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27155) - [BOC - Resolution Establishing the Burke Co. America 250th Planning Committee Presented by Jeff Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27156) - [BCPS - Form of Agreement for New Elementary School in Eastern Burke County - NEW Presented by Mike Swan BCPS Superintendent and/or Keith Lawson, BCPS Finance Officer](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27157) - [BOC - Reports & Comments - Presented by Jeff Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27158) - [Clerk - Boards and Committees Vacancy Report - Presented by Kay Draughn, Clerk to the Board](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27159) - [BOC - Closed Session to Discuss Threatened or Pending Litigation, to Preserve the Attorney-Client Privilege, to Discuss Economic Development Matters, to Discuss Contractual Matters and to Discuss Personnel Matters - Presented by Jeff Brittain, Chairman](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111/item/27160) ## Votes - To approve the agenda as presented. — Passed, 5-0 - To approve the meeting minutes of January 16, 2024 (regular), February 6, - 2024 (pre agenda) and February 8, 2024 (special) as written. — Passed, 5-0 - To accept the report as presented and express appreciation. — Passed, 5-0 - To adopt Ordinance No. 2024-04 to add a new section 8.11.2 Conditional Zoning and other minor changes to the Burke County Zoning Ordinance. — Passed, 5-0 - To adopt Ordinance No. 2024-05 as it relates to ZMA 2024-01, a request to rezone 0.41 acres of land located at 8896 NC 126 Nebo, NC and corresponding to PIN: 1743388242 from Residential One (R-1) to the General Business (G-B) Zoning District. — Passed, 5-0 ## Video & Transcript - Recording: https://youtu.be/WbdSmTk19-4?si=gVNg7sBLABtjrFHx - Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1631/segments ## Documents - [minutes_2024-04-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111?document=4615) - [agenda_2024-04-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111?document=4613) - [agenda_packet_2024-04-16.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2111?document=4614) ## Sources - [CivicClerk](https://burkeconc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/784)