Project updates top City Council news

Janet Imrick

Randolph Hub

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council surprised City Manager John Ogburn at the start of its Feb. 6 meeting. 

Congressman Richard Hudson’s Field Director Cam Mills presented a framed Congressional record to the retiring city manager. It was read on the floor of the House of Representatives to thank Ogburn for his service. Ogburn will end his tenure as city manager in March.

His was not the only recognition. Mayor David Smith announced that on Jan. 31, Council member Kelly Heath received the ATHENA Leadership Award from the Chamber of Commerce, an award recognizing women for their contributions to their communities. Also, Downtown Asheboro, Inc. was named Organization of the Year. Executive Director Addie Corder, was named Emerging Leader.

The council then turned to its agenda, which included a progress report on Trade Street construction and a proposal to add a digital board.

Billboard near NC 49

Jaeco General Contracting asked for a special use permit for a billboard at the interchange of NC Highway 49 South and Jaeco Caudill Drive.

The council opened a quasi-judicial hearing, and Community Development Director John Evans presented the proposal for an LED billboard about 30 feet above the ground on the northwest corner. 

Real estate attorney Nick Blackwood said the company feels they have some underutilized space on their property that could be served promoting businesses.

The request must pass four tests:

- It cannot endanger public health and safety.

- It must meet the Asheboro Zoning Ordinance.

- It cannot hurt the property value of neighbors.

- It must be in harmony with the character of the area

Also, its light cannot exceed 5,000 nits in daytime and 500 nits from dusk to dawn. It must be at least 100 feet from residential properties. The only neighboring residential property belongs to Charles Reeder and is up for sale.

The City Council approved the permit. Jaeco will also need a permit from the NC Department of Transportation.

Tourism update

Melody Varner, Tourism Marketing Coordinator for Hearth of North Carolina, shared that organization’s annual report for 2023. She said the county saw $189.5 million in visitor spending. The I-73/74 visitor center passed the 100,000-visitor milestone.

Varner highlighted the Friday Night Tribute bands, the Fall Festival, shows by RhinoLeap Productions and the soft opening of the Cone Health Zoo City Sportsplex as major draws.

Heath asked how Heart of NC has been involved in lodging for Sportsplex events. Varner said they have monthly follow-ups with the hotels and put together welcome packages for tournament groups.

Other agenda items

- Public Works Director David Hutchins gave a progress report on the new garbage bins installed near the corner of Trade and North Fayetteville Streets. He said they did a test with one of their garbage trucks to make sure it could successfully raise the bins, which are partially underground. 

They are waiting on Duke Energy to move a power pole before they pave the parking lot.

The dumpsters will be locked, and local businesses will register to get a key. The red dumpster on Trade Street will be removed once the new dumpsters are in use.

- The council approved a professional services agreement for the next phase of the Wolfspeed Water Main Extension Project following the Highway 64 corridor to the CAM Site in Chatham County. They will continue to use HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas. Water Resources Director Michael Rhoney said compensation for Phase 2 is not to exceed $465,857 and will be reimbursed by the Department of Commerce.

- Council members voted for Alan York to join the board of the Asheboro Airport Authority. He was one of two people recommended by the board to replace Linda Brown.

- A new lease for communications equipment on the South Church Street water tank will be considered at the April meeting. At the request of City Attorney Jeff Sugg, the council approved the resolution giving the public at least 30 days’ notice. Alltel Corporation owns the equipment on behalf of Verizon Wireless.

- Ogburn announced that he, Smith and Assistant City Manager Trevor Nuttall will go to Washington to try and secure an exemption from the Department of Agriculture’s rural development rules for the new fire station.