Long Agenda For September Cherryville Council Meeting
By: Rusty Wise – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)—Cherryville City Council held its monthly meeting on September 9, 2024. The hour-and-sixteen-minute meeting had a long agenda and public recognition awards. Mayor Pro Tempore Jill Puett conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor H.L. Beam, who is recovering after surgery.
ABC Store Brings In The Money
The first significant item was a presentation by the Cherryville ABC Board. Board members James Beam, Tim Moss, Gail Jenkins, and ABC store manager Allen Fraley were present. The board presented a check for $20,000 to the City of Cherryville. During the presentation, it was mentioned that the ABC Board has been saving money with the expectation that a new roof would cost $100,000 and has saved $93,000 thus far. After getting an exact quote of $56,000, not exceeding $58,000, there is a surplus of money, meaning there is more potential money for the City of Cherryville in the future. Per Board member Tim Moss, the ABC Store has contributed $1,076,486 to the City since 1982, and so far this fiscal year, a record amount totaling $56,000.
Employee Recognition
Two City of Cherryville employees received recognition for years of service. First was Nathan Bowman with the Cherryville Fire Department for ten years of service. Next was Brandon Parker for twenty years of service to the Cherryville Police Department. Additionally, Parker received an Advanced Certificate from the North Carolina Department of Justice – Criminal Justice Standards Division.
Cherryville High School Power Player Awards
Two Cherryville High School athletes, Jenna Anthony and Stephen Wyatt, were recognized for their outstanding sports contributions. Anthony’s volleyball coach, Lee Kiser, presented her with the award, saying, “She is very dependable and always doing over and beyond what is asked of her.” Cross-country coach Antonio Griggs presented the next award to Stephen Wyatt. “Not only is Stephen one of the top runners in the area, but he also stands out in the classroom with a current 4.2 GPA,” per coach Griggs.
Recognition of Andy West
Mayor Pro Tem Jill Puett presented a Resolution Of Appreciation Honoring Andrew C West. West accepted the resolution, which honored him with family by his side. West grew up in Cherryville, served in the US Army for 22 years, and was chair of the City of Cherryville Audit Committee. In addition, he was the first chairman of the Cherryville Main Street Program. Over the years, he served on various committees in Cherryville. A part of the resolution read, “The City Council of the City of Cherryville hereby gratefully records and extends the appreciation of the entire community to Andrew C. West for faithful and excellent service to the Nation and to the City.” The resolution was also in recognition of West’s 75th birthday. In addition to the resolution, West was presented with a “Key To The City Of Cherryville” plaque with many other friends and local colleagues in attendance.
Constitution Week
Mayor Pro Tem Jill Puett read a proclamation for Constitution Week 2024. Constitution Day is September 17, 2024, and marks the two hundred and thirty-seventh anniversary of the Constitutional Convention’s drafting of the United States Constitution. Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution—Tryon Resolves Chapter were present to receive the proclamation.
Ripple Fiber
Ripple Fiber representatives introduced themselves to the City Officials and community. The two-year-old company from Charlotte, NC, is new to Cherryville. It will bring fiber optic broadband communications to areas of the City that do not have fiber optic options from other companies such as AT&T. The Ripple service will be available to approximately 2,600 homes in Cherryville. Citizens will receive more information as Ripple services become available in their neighborhoods.
City Gives American Legion $237,000
After much discussion, the Council approved a Resolution of Support to help fund new artificial turf for John L. “Buck” Fraley Field. Initially, the resolution had the wording “loan” to the Cherryville American Legion. City Attorney Yansea Taylor did not think that was appropriate terminology because it does not serve a City function and is not City property. Hence, the word “loan” was removed, and the resolution passed, hoping the Cherryville American Legion Post 100 would voluntarily pay back the City when funds became available. Funding is allowed through an interlocal agreement with Gaston County Schools and the City of Cherryville, where either party can improve interlocal agreement facilities.
The current interlocal agreement is renewed every three years and was renewed in 2022. The artificial turf baseball project consists of replacing the infield areas of Buck Fraley Field and leaving the outfield natural grass. The estimated cost is $487,000, with the City contributing $237,000. The remainder will come from other possible donations to the American Legion Post 100.
Surplus Light Poles
The City Council approved designating 28 decorative light poles as surplus. The old light poles were removed and replaced with new ones during the Main Street renovation. Four light poles will be installed on First Street between Mountain Street and Mulberry Street, and several will be used at the new City gym location. Per City Manager Brain Dalton, the remainder of the surplus poles will be sold on govdeals.com.
Annexation of Dollar Tree
Piedmont Companies Inc. has submitted a voluntary City Annexation request for the new Dollar Tree constructed at 2301 Lincolnton Hwy. The property is contiguous to the current City limits and will use City of Cherryville utilities. A public hearing is scheduled for the following October 2024 council meeting.
Street Paving
Four Cherryville City streets have been designated to be repaved before winter: Elm Street to Main Street, Styers Street to Old Post Road, Rudisill Street from Main Street to Pine Street, and Pine Street to Main Street. It was also discussed that ongoing pothole patching will continue and the possibility of paving Academy Street in sections starting in 2025.
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