# October 5, 2026 Morganton City Council Meeting

**Body:** City of Morganton — City Council
**Date:** October 5, 2026 6:06 PM EDT (2026-10-05T18:06:44-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3199

## Summary

**Morganton City Council Meeting Recap: October 5, 2026**

The Morganton City Council convened for its regular meeting on October 5, 2026, focusing on economic development updates, public safety initiatives, and significant infrastructure funding. The session included presentations from Burke Development Incorporated (BDI) regarding local manufacturing trends and community engagement efforts from city departments on electric services, fire prevention, and leaf collection. The Council also held a public hearing for a major park restoration grant application and authorized several contracts for public works and safety equipment.

A primary discussion point was an update from Brandon Roof of Burke Development Incorporated, who highlighted that 22% of Burke County workers are employed in manufacturing, earning an average of $55,289—higher than the county median. Roof emphasized the importance of retaining local graduates and clarified that a new 100,000+ square foot building at the Burke Business Park, expected to reach substantial completion by the end of December, is intended for advanced manufacturing rather than data centers. Additionally, Fire Chief Andrew Gibson provided safety guidance on lithium-ion batteries, noting that physical damage from improper handling, such as sitting on devices, combined with overnight charging, can lead to catastrophic failures. Public Works Director Michael also outlined guidelines for the upcoming leaf collection season, directing residents to the city website for proper disposal procedures.

The Council took several decisive actions during the meeting, passing voice votes to accept proclamations declaring Public Power Week, Fire Prevention Week, Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, and Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. Regarding infrastructure, the Council authorized a resolution for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to submit a $15 million application for park restoration at Catawba Meadows Park and the Catawba River Soccer Complex. Furthermore, the Council approved two $1 million grant applications for lighting replacements at these same facilities. Contracts were awarded for water treatment plant repairs to T.P. Howard’s Plumbing Company, Inc. for $285,500, wetland delineation services for $5,900, and a new knuckle boom truck for no more than $225,000. The Council also authorized $1,404,500 in installment financing for annual vehicle purchases.

Public input was limited but focused on community programs and the park restoration hearing. Representatives from Calvary Lutheran Church discussed a free swimming lesson program funded by a city grant, stating that classes would begin "sometime in October" and that they are coordinating with school counselors and public housing to identify residents in need. During the public hearing for the $15 million CDBGDR application, no members of the public spoke, and the hearing was closed immediately. Mayor Thompson announced that Daniel Morgan Day will be celebrated on October 22, 2026, and Council Member Butch McSwain concluded the meeting by noting that while the infrastructure spending was significant, it was necessary for the community.

Looking ahead, the Council has agreed to specific follow-up actions based on the presentations. BDI expects the new Burke Business Park building to have substantial completion by the end of December, with final finishes occurring in early 2027. Calvary Lutheran representatives indicated they are working to identify residents for the swimming program through school counselors and public housing, with lessons starting in October. For residents requiring leaf collection assistance, Public Works has made proper placement visuals and contact information available on the city website and social media, with a direct contact number of 828-438-5248. These actions underscore the city’s focus on balancing economic growth, public safety, and essential service maintenance.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzkwxIbjbS8
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2149/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzkwxIbjbS8)