Morganton council approves dam repairs, sewer change order, arts center design and downtown parking updates
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Summary
On Jan. 5 the Morganton City Council approved contracts and budget moves: a $126,974 engineering contract for Low Weir Dam repairs, a $10,554.55 change order for the Silver Creek pump station (raising that contract to $6,509,848.01), a $208,000 design contract for the performing arts center, and amendments to downtown parking rules; the consent agenda passed and two Fireman's Relief Fund board members were reappointed.
The Morganton City Council voted Jan. 5 to approve several infrastructure and administrative measures, including engineering services needed to repair flood-damaged structures, a small construction change order, a design contract for the city’s performing arts center and a set of downtown parking regulation changes.
Garver Engineering was authorized on a motion by Councilman Butch McSwain to provide design, bidding and contract-administration services for the Low Weir headwall and downstream embankment repairs — work related to damage from Hurricane Helene — in a contract not to exceed $126,974. The motion passed by voice vote.
Council approved Change Order No. 4 for the Silver Creek Sewer Pump Station upgrade, a $10,554.55 increase described by staff as required to meet OSHA handrail and safety standards. Council recorded that the total contract now stands at $6,509,848.01 and approved a budget amendment transferring contingency funds to cover the change order.
Sharon Jablowski, director of culture and creative development, briefed council on backstage constraints at the Grama Performing Arts Center and recommended hiring SOSTAC Design Incorporated for engineering and design services. The council approved a $208,000 contract for SOSTAC Design Inc., authorizing the mayor or city manager to execute the agreement and noting $8,000 would be moved from marketing to fund the fee.
On parking, staff proposed minor corrections to timed-parking blocks and the addition of a handicapped space on the 300 block of South Green. Council approved a resolution endorsing recommended amendments and then adopted an ordinance amending Appendix 1 of the code of ordinances to remove certain timed designations and add the handicapped parking space; councilmembers noted the enforcement system’s three-hour rule treats a car that briefly leaves and returns as continuous occupancy.
The consent agenda — approved as one motion — included approval of minutes, tax releases totaling $433,470.93, adoption of the 2024 local water supply plan, pay-range amendments for a special projects manager (removing ARPA elements), a $94,688 budget amendment to cover retiree and insurance changes, Morganton ABC board travel policy confirmation, and support for NCDOT pedestrian improvements on West Fleming Drive.
Council also reappointed Jesse Paris and Israel Gibson to the Fireman's Relief Fund Board with terms expiring Jan. 15, 2028. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the minutes for the voice votes taken at the meeting.