[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6429008,"mediaKeyId","5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3","parentId",5888147,"title","Votes at a glance: Morganton City Council approves funding modifications, contracts and street dedication Oct. 6","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",2067000,"endMs",2392000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3&start=2067&end=2392","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3/thumbnail_2067000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6429008/Morganton/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Morganton-City-Council-approves-funding-modifications-contracts-and-street-dedication-Oct-6","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429008-51d56f1eba8db0645de32a54612fad90/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=oKICyilK~RZpLny7XEkDP4wbpqlVoaC3vfEzTNp2ruSme~kq10K5OjNJ7iS93l0os4~6QAzxFOm94J9oP~5c2D5v5G6jM8FJOaHhtRd4Cl-bJnQsQMsk~E1z-brBaTN~LN49NGmlVbYGe9kLUO0PT5IoMI7lJmUebqgaby2HfN-HHEJ3qz7TbN9OMwoAdzynLpCfIOYEHKL9cuZLRZ2nxMyqOxl9RIWqz6YfIcp2SkY~Qastcm4ssOdfB7owfLm60doVtpnWyjjnHUYOF2eiP6EuNyw7x-othsRoG~pB31JIUlzv08Tns6HjmX~D4wyqhC389F~4TmazlBi9rMWfcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Morganton","date","2025-10-06T15:10:17Z","article","MORGANTON, N.C. — At its Oct. 6 meeting the Morganton City Council approved a series of formal actions covering utilities funding, street acceptance, equipment purchases and engineering contracts. Most motions passed by voice vote; the transcript records council approval for each item listed below.

Summary of actions approved

- Division of Water Infrastructure funding modification and budget amendment: Council approved a resolution accepting a funding offer modification from the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure in the amount of $7,165,744 and then approved a budget amendment to accept $564,344 (the remainder of the funding) into the project fund. The motions passed by voice vote.

- Carriage Park Lane dedication and stop sign: Council accepted dedication of Carriage Park Lane — a 1,449-foot residential street off Shore Drive — into the city street system and adopted an ordinance establishing a stop sign at the intersection of Carriage Park Lane and Shore Drive. Motions were moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Oak Hill Booster Pump contract: Council awarded a contract to Kemp Construction Inc. for removal and replacement of the split-case booster pump at the Oak Hill Booster Station in an amount not to exceed $29,942 and authorized the mayor or city manager to execute the contract. The motion passed by voice vote.

- Shoey Park equipment purchase: Council awarded a contract to Revels Turf and Tractor LLC for equipment purchases for the Shoey Park project in an amount not to exceed $259,048.27; motion approved by voice vote. Staff reported the city has received $541,800.72 from FEMA toward Shoey Park restoration.

- Sale and development agreement for 112 West Union Street and termination of right of first refusal: Council approved a development agreement with Cranford Properties of North Carolina LLC and approved an agreement terminating the McGimpseys’ right of first refusal (see separate story).

- Engineering services for recreation maintenance building: Council approved a master services agreement and awarded a contract (design, bidding, and construction services) for the recreation maintenance building replacement at Catawba Meadows Park in an amount not to exceed $135,000. The contract name appears in the agenda as Domicore and Associates (transcript spelling inconsistent); staff will file the signed contract in the city clerk’s office.

- Larger Catawba Meadows / soccer-complex engineering procurement postponed: Council voted to postpone action on a larger, higher-value engineering procurement until a recessed meeting on Oct. 14 at 8:15 a.m. to allow additional negotiation and clarification.

- Budget amendments for FEMA funding: Council approved two budget amendments related to Hurricane Helene recovery totaling $3,929,469 (two amendments of $2,795,618 and $1,133,851) to recognize FEMA receipts and to transfer funding to the FEMA Capital Projects Fund.

Votes and formal motions: The meeting transcript records motions, seconds and council voice votes for each item above. Where the transcript recorded the mover and seconder, those names are listed below; the transcript records only general “aye” voice votes rather than individual roll-call tallies for most items.

Noted movers and seconders (per transcript)

- Funding modification (Division of Water Infrastructure): motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Wendy Kato; vote: aye.
- Budget amendment ($564,344 project fund): motion by Wendy Kato; second by unspecified; vote: aye.
- Carriage Park Lane acceptance: motion by Butch McSwain; second by Chris Jernigan; vote: aye.
- Stop sign ordinance at Carriage Park Lane/Shore Drive: motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Wendy Kato; vote: aye.
- Kemp Construction contract (Oak Hill Booster Pump): motion by Chris Jernigan; second by unspecified; vote: aye.
- Revels Turf and Tractor LLC contract (Shoey Park equipment): motion by Butch McSwain; second by Wendy Kato; vote: aye.
- Development agreement with Cranford Properties: motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Wendy Kato; vote: aye.
- Termination of right of first refusal (McGimpseys): motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Butch McSwain; vote: aye.
- Master services agreement for recreation maintenance building: motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Chris Jernigan (procedural confirmation in transcript); vote: aye.
- Postpone larger engineering procurement to Oct. 14 at 8:15 a.m.: motion by Chris Jernigan; second by Chris Jernigan; vote: aye.
- FEMA budget amendments (two amounts): motion by Butch McSwain; second by Wendy Kato; vote: aye.

Notes and context

- The transcript frequently records only voice votes (“Aye. Motion passes.”) rather than roll-call tallies; the council approved each item listed above by voice unless otherwise noted.
- Staff said some awards were made to the “lowest responsive, responsible bidder” and that funding for several park items came from a mix of FEMA, flood insurance and other insurance recoveries. The exact contract documents and final invoices will be filed with the city clerk.
- One agenda item was postponed to give staff time to complete negotiations and clarifications; the council recessed the meeting until Oct. 14 at 8:15 a.m. per state statute cited in the motion.

The items above represent formal council actions taken on Oct. 6; staff and the city clerk hold the official contracts, ordinances and signed documents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","October 6, 2025 Morgaanton City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","On Oct. 6 the Morganton City Council approved a series of consent and new-business items including a state funding modification and budget amendment for a water-plant sedimentation project, acceptance of Carriage Park Lane, multiple contracts for pumps and park equipment, and FEMA-related budget amendments tied to park recovery.","taxTitle","Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina","taxId",51078,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429011,"Parks and recreation: mountain bike trail signage, Greenway reopening and Catawba Meadows design progress",186,1035000,1221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3&start=1035&end=1221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3/thumbnail_1035000.jpg","/articles/6429011/Morganton/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Parks-and-recreation-mountain-bike-trail-signage-Greenway-reopening-and-Catawba-Meadows-design-progress","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429011-9122242f922bf28bef32ee1ea9290e12/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=BZKKz9wEJRqN1KrRN3XDZWq8JWakVKn68bSWSMF75X7GYope8wJKxy~n7M5Q76Ng3On8pWPjddPQk-okRA1Ou9lj8S5idVOJrGpdS1Lev7zy342fo6-pkP7DyxrNlioWQUhwkQjF5g~Ub16BLbvaRiUqFRxn~DVSqOSzASB6yWtTiRn0C2jczinYJOZ9n3dVxgsNfbSOyrt9C-7J~mRzw2FQCEq7HsFxGramxG0sIOs3XJGEiO3AxZ2OFhM~Qhl2TJZamI3ttt4xr5xzSexGCpJOoMWWlhF1vQ~7JddOKN8ll-tjPegdRtTuYIhCXf2JzK3XnazBh0gynKoeoIOeOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTON, N.C. — The Morganton City Council received a detailed parks and recreation update on Oct. 6 that outlined several near-term openings and larger reconstruction projects following storm damage.

Brian Fish, director of recreation, told the council that signage for the long-delayed mountain bike trail is in and that staff hope to install it “by the end of the month,” with a public opening possible in November. Fish said a segment of the Greenway behind Town Tavern that connects to the soccer complex will reopen immediately; the boardwalk to Catawba Meadows remains closed while design work continues.

Fish said staff expect to award design work for Catawba Meadows and the soccer complex “in the coming weeks.” The scope includes ball fields, restroom and concession buildings, a maintenance building and site work such as fencing and silt removal. He said the new maintenance building is planned for a site behind the nursery ball field so equipment can be stored out of the flood plain.

At Bethel Park, Fish reported that new pickleball and futsal courts are completed, playground equipment and shade structures are under construction, and bridge abutment work is under way before bridge installation and paving. He said the park’s restrooms are likely not to be completed until 2026 but that the park will open after paving and bridge installation.

Shoey Park has received multiple funding streams, Fish said, and the city has begun renovation work on concession and maintenance buildings. Later in the meeting the council approved purchases and FEMA reimbursements tied to Shoey Park recovery (see separate votes summary).

Fish provided participation numbers for fall youth sports: the flag football and soccer program currently has 208 participants, down from 268 the previous year; he said the reduction reflects limited field availability and the consolidation of activities at Shoey and Legion fields.

The recreation director also thanked staff and volunteers for maintenance and programming work and noted the city-run shooting range is busier than ever and open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

The council and staff discussed engineering procurement and FEMA procurement guidance for major park projects. City Manager Sally Sandy told the council the request-for-qualifications and request-for-proposal process for larger park engineering work produced multiple responses and that the city had shortlisted firms for interview. For one specific maintenance-building replacement at Catawba Meadows, staff recommended awarding design, bidding and construction engineering services to the selected firm; the council later approved that contract.

Fish’s remarks were largely informational; several capital and contract decisions tied to park recovery were taken later on the agenda.","Parks and Recreation Director Brian Fish told council the city expects to open a mountain bike trail and large sections of the Greenway by late October or November, and outlined design and construction plans for Catawba Meadows, Bethel Park, and Shoey Park recovery work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6429013,"Council approves sale of 112 West Union Street to Cranford Hospitality; development agreement cleared",274,2458000,2732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3&start=2458&end=2732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5888147-b3e68c49f7a1c545534e1c4b2b8f14b3/thumbnail_2458000.jpg","/articles/6429013/Morganton/Burke-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-sale-of-112-West-Union-Street-to-Cranford-Hospitality-development-agreement-cleared","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6429013-d9ca30dcde1b6f82838e2971330b9876/orig.mp4?Expires=1773610377&Signature=LjA9zp-deECYGbwqoR4Y32AMA7n1NRcfCHAtakcqnmRrhZz5nSDS0g-YaVwq-Re-EGf~vwiY9NRO4l94xNIdfbzUi5~JPq9v3CnA1CaxzCYm6xep82AWRGXZPhpqvgWokQDPXujac09UjPYAL-1Enni6CrQ4fixzJBKmSSC8MWE914Y8KLB7QFhtHhwyUWDzAahTz-ZbeY0sSyDoTG7jJvWqnJzS3Ak31BLcC2iQ4BV4HcagUPNZUP92OQsIdQppTnucEBL23AG7Qw91m7NYJbjpSL2YPRRpoK7RcqJhtvK7LrDTtsHok1NRHGpuEhhkh1ZcSRZ65T1RagzMOwKtdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTON, N.C. — The Morganton City Council on Oct. 6 approved a development agreement to sell city-owned property at 112 West Union Street to Cranford Properties of North Carolina LLC and cleared an outstanding right-of-first-refusal, allowing the developer to move forward with rehabilitation and a restaurant concept.

The vote follows a presentation from Zach Cranford of Cranford Hospitality, who described plans for a new American grill called The Union that he said would operate at least six days a week offering lunch and dinner, occasional breakfast or brunch, and a full bar. Cranford told the council the concept is “tailored to the needs of Morganton” and showed exterior renderings and branding materials.

Council approval completes the transaction steps the council began in September, when the city declared 112 West Union Street surplus and accepted Cranford’s offer after an upset-bid period produced no qualifying bids. City staff and the developer also negotiated an agreement to resolve a right-of-first-refusal held by the McGimpseys; council later approved a termination of that right so the sale may close.

Zach Cranford, speaking for the family-owned development group, said the Cranford businesses currently operate multiple food and beverage concepts in the greater Hickory area and employ roughly 150 people locally. Cranford said the new restaurant would be called The Union “to signify a place for the community to come together to break bread.” He displayed a rendering and referenced a project landing page at www.unionmorganton.com.

Councilman Chris Jernigan made the motion to approve the development agreement; Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Kato seconded. The council then voted in favor. Shortly afterward, Jernigan moved — and Butch McSwain seconded — approval of an agreement terminating the McGimpseys’ right of first refusal; the council approved that motion as well.

The contracts approved direct the mayor and the city manager to execute the documents and permit technical, clerical or editorial amendments as needed. City staff noted the sale followed the required public-notice and upset-bid process under state law.

The council did not discuss a sale price in detail during the public portion of the presentation; sale terms and closing logistics were included in the agreements on file with the city clerk.

Speakers in the meeting who addressed the proposal included Zach Cranford (developer), Kent Cranford (family, present), Sally Sandy (city manager), Mayor Ronnie Thompson and council members who moved and seconded the motions.

The council’s approval allows Cranford Hospitality to begin formalizing design and construction steps described in the development agreement.","Morganton City Council on Oct. 6 approved a development agreement to sell 112 West Union Street to Cranford Properties of North Carolina LLC, clearing a right-of-first-refusal issue and allowing the developer to proceed with plans for a restaurant called The Union.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Morganton City Council approves funding modifications, contracts and street dedication Oct. 6

Parks and recreation: mountain bike trail signage, Greenway reopening and Catawba Meadows design progress

Council approves sale of 112 West Union Street to Cranford Hospitality; development agreement cleared