Sanford council directs investigation of petition to annex about 165.22 acres; public hearing set for Jan. 21

The Sanford City Council on Tuesday voted to direct the city clerk to investigate a petition to voluntarily annex roughly 165.22 acres of noncontiguous land near the intersection of Pendergrass Road and Steel Bridge Road and set a public hearing on the proposal for Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.

The action came after a staff presentation describing the requested parcels and the three preliminary steps a municipality must take before a public hearing on annexation. A staff member told the council the petition involves "approximately a 165.22 plus or minus acres" and pointed the audience to a map shown behind the dais.

The council then voted on a motion "to direct the city clerk to investigate the petition for noncontiguous annexation under GS 168-58.1." Councilman Charles Taylor moved the motion; a second was recorded. The council voted in favor and the mayor pro tem announced the motion carried. The city clerk later confirmed the certificate of sufficiency for the petition.

Separately, the council approved a resolution fixing the date for a public hearing on the question of noncontiguous annexation. The hearing will be held in these chambers on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m., the council was told.

No council member raised substantive questions about public services, tax effects or annexation conditions during the discussion recorded on the agenda; staff said they would answer questions as the petition investigation proceeds. Petitioners named on the agenda included Arocho; Bobby Hall, Trustee; Waterview Estate; and others listed as Lehi Jones and Cornelius Scribe.

The councils actions at this meeting were preliminary steps required under state law to advance an annexation petition to public hearing; no final annexation ordinance or voter action was taken Tuesday.

The public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.