Newton OKs Meadows at Smyre Farm annexation, sets Jan. 7 hearing on Gaither property and adopts sewer/meter budget amendment

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Newton City Council unanimously approved several procedural and budget items: a voluntary annexation for the Meadows at Smyre Farm development, adoption of a resolution and hearing date for a separate Gaither Property annexation petition, and a budget ordinance amendment to fund sewer repairs and water-meter materials.

Planning Director Randy Williams said the Meadows at Smyre Farm annexation covers about 61.485 acres (Catawba County PINs 3649-13-12-8644 and 3649-14-22-6665). The development was approved by the council in March 2024 for as many as 179 single-family homes; the project representative said topography reduces the current plan to about 158 homes and the owners seek access to city utilities. The council closed the public hearing and approved the annexation by unanimous vote.

On the Gaither Property, council adopted a resolution directing the City Clerk to investigate the petition, accepted the clerk’s certification of sufficiency, and fixed a public hearing for Jan. 7, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Public Utilities Director Dusty Wentz described a request to reimburse the Collections & Distribution budget for two items: a localized sewer intercept stabilization using four 24" x 4' Cured In Place Pipe sections (TransState LLC quote $34,335; staff requested $40,000 including contingency) and materials for water and sewer taps on AC Little Drive Phase I (materials $45,861.26 plus meters and transmitters $19,200). The council adopted the $85,900 budget amendment unanimously.

Council’s votes on these items were recorded as unanimous; associated ordinances and records are on file with the City Clerk.