Charlotte Water Installation Project
Charlotte Water has begun the installation phase of a new Water Transmission Main generally on the west side of N.C. Highway 115, beginning from the intersection of Main and Walnut streets and ending near the Davidson Town Limits, along NC 115. You’ll see a lot of this work currently happening on Sloan Street and at the intersection of Griffith Street, Sloan Street, and Beaty Street right now. The new larger diameter water main will improve system pressures and hydraulics, as well as enhance fire protection. The extension into Iredell County is still being evaluated, so there’s no news there for those wondering about that. We appreciate everyone’s patience as Charlotte Water completes this project, including patience in dealing with heavy construction equipment, any lane closures that need to occur, etc.

More information may be found in the “Partner Projects” page on the “Town Projects” portal on the Town of Davidson website. You can learn more by visiting www.townofdavidson.org/townprojects.

Mecklenburg County Virtual Mental Health Town Hall
Mecklenburg County’s COVID-19 Renewal and Recovery Task Force is having a town hall focusing on mental health next Thursday, December 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m. During the town hall participants will learn about the mental and emotional effects of the pandemic, how to manage the stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19, and how to access local mental health resources.

Panelists for this event will include:
- Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director
- Kathy Rogers, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas
- O’Neale Atkinson, Interim Executive Director of Time Out Youth 

This issue is so important for our community so we hope many of you will register and join. You can do so by visiting MeckHope.com, or you can visit our town website to learn more.

Town of Davidson COVID-19 Response
Assistant Town Manager Karen Whichard shared Governor Cooper’s announcement that North Carolina will begin a Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. Executive Order 181, which goes into effect Friday, December 11, requires people to stay at home between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.  The order will be in effect until at least January 8, 2021. Click here for more information. 
 
Economic Development Manager Kim Fleming gave an update on the Covid-19 impact on our town’s restaurants and businesses.  Kim discussed with commissioners an opportunity to assist businesses with providing additional grant funding for Covid related expenses and contacting state and federal legislators to support funding programs.  The board unanimously approved allocating $40,000 from unassigned fund balance for local business development needs related to Covid-19

PUBLIC COMMENTS
One person submitted comments for the public comment period.

CONSENT
Consent items are typically non-controversial and routine items. Prior to the board's adoption of the meeting agenda, the request of any member to have an item moved from the consent agenda to old business must be honored by the board. All items on the consent agenda must be voted on and adopted by a single motion. All items were approved including:

• Meeting Minutes from November 10 virtual regular meeting and the November 17 virtual special meeting
• Ordinance 2020-08 and Consistency Statement: Changes to the Davidson Planning Ordinance (Section 14.18 and 15.31.1.D, “Appeals and Variances”)
• Ordinance 2020-09 Helper-Walley House (603 N. Main Street) Historic Landmark Designation 
• Ordinance 2020-10 Johnson-Sherrill (21515 Shearer Rd.) Historic Landmark Designation 

OLD BUSINESS

Items for old business typically have been previously presented and are for discussion and possible action.

NCDOT Project U-5873 Potts/NC 115 Roundabout Update
The board of commissioners continued the discussion with staff and a representative from NCDOT regarding project U-5873, Potts/NC 115 Roundabout. At the July 28, 2020 virtual regular meeting, the board of commissioners requested NCDOT to study the reduction of the multi-use path width along the 200-foot section and provide additional information. Concurrently at that meeting, the Town of Cornelius was asked to consider the request to reduce the width of the multi-use path.  NCDOT studied the 200-foot section and then NCDOT, Town of Davidson, and Town of Cornelius staff met virtually to discuss the results.  After receiving this information, the Town of Cornelius discussed this potential change and the Cornelius town manager informed town staff that the Town of Cornelius will proceed with the project as currently designed and not make the requested change.  

On Tuesday, the board directed NCDOT to provide a concept sketch of a wider side path design that tapers down along the property north of the railroad bridge to Twin Oaks Drive. The board will continue to discuss the project at a future meeting.

Water/Sewer Extension for Boulder Rock Loop Master Plan (18647 Davidson-Concord Rd.)
Under the town’s agreement with Charlotte Water, Davidson Board of Commissioners approved the water and sewer extension request to service a property located at 18647 Davidson-Concord Road. Palillo Holdings, LLC proposes developing the Boulder Rock Loop Master Plan consisting of 15 units (11 single-family, 4 duplex units) on 5.81 acres with 45% open space.

Water/Sewer Request for East Rocky River Master Plan (15016 East Rocky River Rd.)
Under the town’s agreement with Charlotte Water, Davidson Board of Commissioners approved the water and sewer extension request to service a property located at 15016 East Rocky River Road. Developer Andy Wilfong proposes six single-family homes on 5.507 acres with 70% open space. The board approved the request based on the current Master Plan provided that such current Master Plan that has been submitted to the town is given final approval by the planning department.

Passive Recreation Use Policy and Horsepower Limitation for Lake Davidson
Last month, the Davidson Pointe neighborhood had requested that the horsepower limitation for boats at their neighborhood dock as required by their approved master plan be removed. After the November 10 meeting this request was withdrawn by the neighborhood.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the town board reached a consensus to continue with the long-standing existing policy of passive recreation uses on Lake Davidson. The horsepower limitation for the neighborhoods in Davidson is in keeping with this overall policy. The town board voted unanimously to affirm the existing passive recreation use policy direction and instruct staff to implement a plan for beginning the dialogue between the Town of Davidson and Town of Mooresville to formalize a joint passive recreation use policy direction for Lake Davidson and instruct staff to inquire with the Lake Norman Marine commission about options to support this passive recreation use policy direction for Lake Davidson. 

NEW BUSINESS

Changes to the Davidson Planning Ordinance (DPO) requested by The Pines at Davidson
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, the request from The Pines at Davidson was withdrawn. This item was removed from the meeting agenda.  

Growth Management Planning Board Committee Update
Planning Director Jason Burdette and Nora Barger, a member of the Planning Board, provided an update on the Growth Management Planning Board Committee.  In response to public feedback on the proposed targeted conditional zoning growth management tool, the board of commissioners directed the Planning Board to form a committee to explore other viable growth management tools and to reevaluate targeted conditional. The committee includes four members from the Planning Board. The discussion included strategies, processes, and potential tools for managing future growth in Davidson. The board provided additional feedback and the committee will continue to discuss the tools and bring back recommendations to the board.  Click here to view the presentation.  

FY2021 Revenue Update
Finance Director Piet Swart provided an update on the FY2021 revenue projection, which was originally reduced to adjust for the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presentation included a budget development strategy, funds received to date from the prepared food and occupancy taxes, ad valorem taxes, and sales tax revenue.  Click here to view the presentation.  

Staff will provide a revenue update and recommended expenditures at the January 12 virtual work session, and the board will consider budget amendments at the January 26, 2021 virtual regular meeting. 

Upcoming Board Agenda Items
The board reviewed upcoming agenda items for the January 12, 2021 virtual work session.  The board of commissioners and staff will continue to hold virtual meetings on the Zoom platform and streamed via YouTube.  Check the town’s website, social media sites, or e-Crier emails for public access to meetings.  If you have additional questions, please email me at jjustice@townofdavidson.org or Town Clerk Betsy Shores at bshores@townofdavidson.org.