February 2025 City Council Meeting

Morganton City Council Meeting Recap: February 3, 2025

The Morganton City Council convened on February 3, 2025, for its regular meeting, addressing a range of topics from employee recognition to ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting began with acknowledgements and recognitions, setting a tone of appreciation for both long-standing city employees and community organizations. This recap will outline the key decisions made, significant discussions that took place, and what these developments mean for Morganton residents.

A central focus of the meeting was recognizing and supporting key community groups. The Council formally acknowledged Black History Month through a resolution read by Malik Harris of the Morganton Human Relations Commission, encouraging residents to participate in related events and support local Black-owned businesses. Following this, Alicia Connolly presented a proclamation celebrating the achievements of African Americans and announced the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration for the Burke County NAACP. Further demonstrating community partnerships, a proclamation recognizing the League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC) was presented by Tricia Evans Hunt, highlighting their crucial role in assisting residents during Hurricane Helene. LULAC President Christopher Pedro spoke passionately about the organization’s dedication to empowering Latino communities, reinforcing their commitment to service.

Beyond recognition, the Council addressed several important business matters requiring formal decisions. The consent agenda was unanimously approved, streamlining approvals for routine items including minutes from previous meetings and the appointment of Jessica Lohman as Assistant City Clerk. A significant decision involved approving a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan to L&D Restaurant Group for the rebuilding of the Town Tavern, a beloved local establishment damaged by Hurricane Helene. This loan comes with a condition: the creation of at least 10 jobs, prioritizing positions for low-to-moderate income residents. The Council also approved a contract with Charles R. Underwood, Inc. for diving services at the city's water and wastewater treatment plants to assess damage from the hurricane, totaling $74,512.50. Finally, recognizing the ongoing financial strain from storm recovery, budget amendments were approved to allocate funds from various city accounts – including the Cable and Electric Funds – totaling an additional $370,000 to cover all Hurricane Helene-related expenses.

Discussion revolved heavily around the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, particularly concerning the silt removal project at the Greenway and Wastewater Treatment Plant. Brad Boris provided an update indicating that the amount of material being removed is exceeding initial estimates, highlighting the scale of the storm’s impact. Mayor Thompson consistently emphasized the importance of diversity within Morganton and acknowledged the challenges associated with hurricane recovery, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring equitable support for all residents.

What's Next & How You Can Get Involved:

• Celebrate Black History Month: Participate in events and actively support black-owned businesses within the community.
• Consolidated Action Plan Public Hearing: Attend the public hearing on March 3rd to provide input on the Consolidated Action Plan, a key document outlining community development priorities.
• Mark Your Calendars: Be sure to note the upcoming events announced during the meeting, including Art in the Park/Hall, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Winter Farmers Market.

The February 3rd City Council meeting demonstrated a commitment to both recognizing community contributions and addressing the ongoing challenges presented by Hurricane Helene. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming opportunities to shape the future of Morganton.