Commissioners Reflections on the Presidential Transition
Mayor Knox and the board discussed the events in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021 and the significance of democracy, the historical foundation of the peaceful transition of power in the United States, and how to move forward together as a nation and in our town.  

Town of Davidson COVID-19 Response
Dr. Gibbie Harris from the Mecklenburg County Health Department provided an update on county wide data, Town of Davidson statistics and vaccine distribution plans.  Dr. Harris issued a specific directive for the people of Mecklenburg County for the next three weeks, beginning January 12, 2021. The Directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect for the next three weeks, until February 2, 2021. Click here to read the directive.  

Kim Fleming, Economic Development Manager, provided an update on the COVID Business Support Grant.  In December, the board allocated $40,000 to support local businesses which have expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen (15) businesses received grants and 2/3 of recipients were minority or women owned businesses. Kim also announced the Davidson Main Street Business Grant program for 2021.  The goals of the program are to provide direct financial benefit to small businesses, retain and create jobs in association with small businesses, and to spur private investment in association with small businesses. Click here to read more about the program. 

Many Davidson businesses continue to offer specials, curbside pick-up, or local delivery. Please consider calling to place orders and then picking them up in one of the conveniently marked parking spaces, or, ask about delivery options.

Asbestos Update
Staff from the EPA, DEQ and Davidson Project Manager Doug Wright provided an update on the asbestos remediation project related to the former Carolina Asbestos Company site (301 Depot Street), and answer questions related to the remediation project.  Click here  to view the presentation.

The property sampling portion of the project for the adjacent residential properties is complete, and the abatement work is scheduled to start in late January 2021, following the third virtual Community Meeting on January 27 at 6:00 p.m. via zoom.

Davidson Fire Department Ladder Truck Replacement
The Davidson Fire Department is scheduled to replace current Ladder 1 which is encroaching on twenty-four (24) years of service life. The town has prepared vehicle replacement schedules for each department based on the useful life of each vehicle class.  During the May 12 proposed budget presentation, staff shared that the Davidson Fire Ladder Truck was coming up on replacement and due to COVID, the process could be delayed for the first 6 months of the fiscal year.  However, with lead time for the contract and ordering, we can begin the process in FY21, with financing in FY22. We have evaluated our financial picture and recommend proceeding.

Interim Fire Chief Ryan Monteith presented the apparatus recommendation to the board of commissioners and the board requested additional information on financing options.  The board will be asked to consider approval of the contract at the January 26 meeting.

Proposed Sewer Extension to 222 Brook Street
The board of commissioners received a sewer extension request for 222 Brook Street. The property owners request that sewer extension be granted to allow for construction of a single-family detached home. The parcel is currently vacant. Under the town’s agreement with Charlotte Water, Davidson Board of Commissioner approval is required for any water and sewer extension (extension of water and sewer lines to serve a property that is not a connection to existing lines adjacent to a property) to service a property. The board discussed the request and will consider approval at the January 26 meeting. 

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. 

The board will consider approval of budget amendments to restore recommended expenditures items including legal service, IT equipment, resurfacing, additional street lights, merit pay for staff, police lieutenant position at the January 26 meeting.  

Town of Davidson 2021 - 2022 Advocacy Agenda
The board unanimously approved Resolution 2021-01, the 2021-2022 Advocacy Agenda. The North Carolina General Assembly convenes in January 2021 for the biennial (long) session. The Town of Davidson has historically created a legislative agenda to further the town’s goals and advocate for what’s in the best interest of Davidson. The agenda includes advocacy items for Mecklenburg County, the State of North Carolina, and the Federal Government. The advocacy agenda will be transmitted to our elected representatives and the board and staff can begin advocating for the priorities related to the Town of Davidson. 

Upcoming Board Agenda Items
The board reviewed items for the January 26 virtual regular meeting. The board of also amended the 2021 meeting schedule to move the February 2^nd Tuesday virtual work session from February 9 to Thursday, February 11. Click here to view the 2021 meeting schedule.

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.