FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting, which was held May 15, 2023, at 6:45 p.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
Madi Royal, the granddaughter of Commissioner Michael Boose, led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC) Members Faith Bullard with Cross Creek Early College High School and Akire White with Reid Ross Classical High School gave an update on the organization’s activities over the past several months.
Commissioners recognized the winners of the annual Soap Box Derby, that was held in April at the Crown Complex and was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Cape Fear. Commissioners Vice Chairman Glenn Adams noted that this was the first time the Soap Box Derby was held in Cumberland County in 50 years. Winners included Jackson Stillman, who won in the Stock Division and Aiden Stillman, who won in the SuperStock Division. Both will compete in the All-American World Championships in July.
The Board unanimously approved the following items as part of the CONSENT AGENDA.
- Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Hoke County Health Department and Cumberland County Health Department
- Consideration of Approval of Property Tax Collection Agreement With the Town of Stedman
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the May 15, 2023 Board of Commissioners' Agenda
- Approval of Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session Items
- Crown Event Center Committee Recommendation Regarding Proposed Building Program and Project Budget
- Chapin Hall FY 22-23 Contract Amendment
- Amendment to the Resolution Establishing the Eligibility for Continued Participation in the County's Group Health Insurance Plan for Certain Retired Employees
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
- Rezoning Case ZON-23-0008. Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District to M(P) Planned Industrial District or to a more restrictive zoning district for 13.24 +/- acres; located at 1500 Middle River Loop Road and two abutting parcels; submitted by Brian Fulcher (applicant) on behalf of Fulcher Real Estate, LLC (owner). The Board voted unanimously to approve this request.
- Rezoning Case ZON-23-0009. Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District to R40A Residential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for 2.00 +/- acres; located at 6104 Sisk Culbreth Road; submitted by Christopher Lockamy Sr. (applicant) on behalf of Kathern Heffelbower (owner). The Board voted unanimously to approve this request.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
- Consideration of the Submission of the Program Year 2023 Community Development Annual Action Plan. Community Development has completed its preparation of the Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan is a required document that must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to continue to receive annual entitlements of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds. The plan identifies projects that will be undertaken during the period from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The Draft 2023 Annual Action Plan was available for a 30-day public review and comment period throughout Cumberland County from March 20, 2023 to April 18, 2023. A public hearing was held on April 17, 2023 at the Board of Commissioner's meeting to allow for public comment. The Board voted unanimously to approve the annual plan.
- Consideration of Designating a Voting Delegate to the 2023 NACo Annual Conference. The Board voted to designate Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart as the voting delegate to the 2023 NACo Annual Conference and business meeting and Vice Chairman Glenn Adams as the backup delegate.
- Consideration of Conceptual Design for Crown Event Center. Assistant County Manager for General Government & Stewardship Brian Haney presented the recommended conceptual design for the Crown Event Center. The recommended concept includes a two-story lobby and a rooftop terrace that faces Gillespie Street, which will serve as the “front” of the facility. The three-story concept also includes a main event hall that can hold 3,000 attendees, additional meeting and event space on the first floor, and VIP spaces on the second floor designed to enhance the facility’s ability to generate revenue. Haney noted the concept includes the 0.31-acre property located at 115 East Russell Street, which is currently occupied by the Yarborough, Winters & Neville law firm. He said the County acquired the property earlier today and that it will allow for enhanced efficiencies related to the design and operation of the new Crown Event Center. He said approval of a conceptual design will allow the Project Delivery Team to continue working through the design process. The Board voted unanimously to approve the recommended concept design.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meetings are streamed live on CCNCTV (Spectrum Channel 5), the County’s website cumberlandcountync.gov and the County’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/CumberlandCountyNC.