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Lincoln County commissioners approve rezoning, road renaming, digitization contract and several infrastructure upgrades
Summary
The board unanimously approved a planning board rezoning recommendation (ZMA 743), adopted a private road name (Fern Creek Trail), authorized a $275,000 digitization contract (state grant plus $30,000 county match), accepted a $7,141 SHIP grant, approved AMI and SCADA infrastructure purchases funded by ARPA, and approved other routine items and appointments.
At their December meeting Lincoln County commissioners approved a series of routine and capital items that the board said will move projects forward across departments.
Planning: The board adopted the planning board’s statement of consistency and approved ZMA 743, rezoning a 0.58‑acre parcel in Catawba Springs Township from Residential Transitional to Neighborhood Business. Andrew Bryant (planning staff) said the planning board voted 5–0 to recommend approval; Commissioner Cecena made the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Road naming: The board held a public hearing on renaming a private drive from Nolan Farm Lane to Fern Creek Trail. With no public opposition, Commissioner Patton moved to adopt the ordinance and the name change passed unanimously.
Archives digitization: Dr. Jennifer Sackett requested approval to contract with US Imaging to digitize Lincoln Times microfilm and related historical documents. The project cost was presented as not to exceed $275,000, funded with a $245,000 state grant and a $30,000 county match; the board approved the contract unanimously.
Grants and social services: The board authorized SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) FY25 funding of $7,141 to support on‑site counseling and outreach at the senior center (no county match). Commissioners also approved continuing the county’s Work First electing‑county status, which staff said provides flexibility in workforce planning and preserves local funding/administrative options.
Utilities and capital purchases: The board approved a Consolidated Pipe proposal for an AMI automated meter reading system (transcript lists the price as "4,626,000 $339.25" in the record) and authorized a SCADA upgrade for water plant monitoring at an amount listed as $1,010,305.48, both projects noted as funded by ARPA. Presenters said the SCADA upgrade includes 33 stations and a backup server.
Airport and land‑use items: Commissioners approved an FAA assignment and assumption agreement to remove the City of Lincolnton as a cosponsor of the Lincoln County Regional Airport and approved a density amendment updating Blueprint 2043 to align with recent UDO changes.
Appointments and process: Commissioners appointed Trent Carpenter to the Board of Health and Alex Patton to the Social Services Board; the board entered a closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. 143‑318.11(a)(3) to consult with counsel and returned with no action taken.
Votes at a glance (selected): - ZMA 743 rezoning (Richard Reber, applicant): motion by Commissioner Cecena — approved unanimously. - Fern Creek Trail private road naming (formerly Nolan Farm Lane): motion by Commissioner Patton — approved unanimously. - US Imaging contract to digitize Lincoln Times microfilm (not to exceed $275,000): motion by Commissioner Carpenter — approved unanimously. - SHIP FY25 grant ($7,141): motion by Commissioner Mullin — approved unanimously. - AMI system (Consolidated Pipe; price transcribed as "4,626,000 $339.25"): approved unanimously. - SCADA system upgrade ($1,010,305.48): motion by Commissioner Carpenter — approved unanimously. - Work First electing county status: motion to continue electing status — approved unanimously.
Each of the above approvals was moved and then the board recorded an aye vote; meeting minutes and packet materials list the supporting staff reports and the planning board recommendation for ZMA 743.
