LINDA PAYNE

Linda Payne

lpayne@newstopic.net

Members of the Granite Falls Town Council Monday called two public hearings concerning town zoning issues.

The first public hearing, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at 6 p.m. involves a proposed text amendment to the current zoning ordinance. Granite Falls Town Planner Greg Wilson said the planning board has created a new zoning district that modifies the current M-1 district to include a specific planning process for development.

The text amendment states the additional district, M-1 PD, will "provide for the possibility of well-planned and tightly controlled industrial development in areas that are suitable for such development but are not deemed M-1." It goes on to say that developments are not to disturb surrounding areas because of "noise, odor, smoke, light, dust or the use of dangerous materials."

"This district would be very similar to the M-1 district, but gives us more control of the planned development," Wilson said. "This rule will apply to all lot sizes greater than 10 acres and allows us to handle each case on an individual basis."

Wilson said this text amendment coincides with a rezoning petition filed by town staff concerning 66.6 acres of land on New Farm Road.

During the Oct. 19, meeting, council members annexed the property, known locally as the Whisnant property, at the request of Caldwell EDC Properties, LLC. The annexation goes into effect Tuesday, Dec. 1, but before the land officially is annexed, it must be properly zoned.

Wilson said the creation of the M-1 PD zone will accommodate this property without putting too many restrictions on its future use.

Council members will entertain public comment concerning both issues during the Monday, Nov. 16 meeting at 6 p.m.

In other news:

* Council members received a detailed report from Clarence Lockamy, of the Wooten Company, concerning a study recently completed at the Water Treatment Plant. He discussed the current needs of the treatment plant and possible future growth. As part of the study, he forecasted projected populations, maximum day flow capabilities and current equipment for up to 20 years away. He predicts that the town could see its average daily water use jump nearly 900,000 gallons a day.

Lockamy outlined steps the council can take to begin the process, including a projected cost estimate, and told them the process could take several years to complete.

*The council awarded Bill Duncan a plaque in honor of 29 years of service to the Granite Falls Board of Adjustment.

* Council members adopted a new ethics policy that requires them to complete two hours of ethics education each calender year they serve and to follow five specific principals, including: obeying all applicable laws regarding official actions taken as council members; upholding the integrity and independence of the office; avoiding impropriety in the exercise of their official duties; faithfully performing their duties; and conducting the affairs of the council in an open and public manner.

*Council members were reminded about several upcoming events, including The memorial service for Maxie Williams Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at Mackie-High Funeral Home; the Day of Caring, Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.; and Festival on the Square, Monday Nov. 23 at 6:15 p.m.