Cherryville Council Meeting: Cats, Vultures, Burnt House and More
By: Rusty Wise – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN) – The City of Cherryville City Council held its regular meeting on July 8th, 2024, at the W. J. Allran Council Chambers in the Community Building at 106 S Jacob St. In Mayor H.L. Beam’s absence due to illness, Mayor Pro-Tem Jill Puett conducted the meeting.
Mayor’s Comments
In the Mayor’s comments, Mayor Pro-Tem Jill Puett stated that Mayor Beam was out of surgery and progressing, per his family. Mayor Beam was also instrumental in booking the Swingin’ Medallions band for the City’s July 3rd Independence Event, and the band sent him a video since he could not attend.ร
Employee Recognition
City Employee Mary Beth Tackett was recognized for her ten years of service to the City. Tackett is the City Event Coordinator and Director of the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce.
Citizens to be Heard
During the citizens’ speaking time, Stephanie Caldwell addressed the feral cat and turkey vulture issue at several houses on N Pine Street. She stated, “We are overrun with vultures and feral cats; there are probably 200 feral cats….and like last week, in the morning, 4 or 5 houses will be covered in turkey vultures, and it’s really coming into a health issue because you’ve got feces everywhere.” City Manager Brian Dalton noted that the cat issue is with Gaston County Animal Control. The next speaker was Rick Shull, who asked for the Rudisill Stadium walking track gates to be unlocked. “The walking track, the gates are locked. I know there are at least at least five gates. Can one of those gates be left unlocked?” asked Shull. City Manager Brian explained that Gaston County Schools had locked those gates due to the construction being in progress and that construction should be completed in about two weeks.ย
Code Of Ordinance Appeal
Richard Elam spoke and gave a short narrative on the home structure located at 500 N Mountain St. The home structure suffered a fire on January 17th, 2024. In a June 5th “Notice of Public Nuisance” letter from Richard Elam (Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer) to the owner Collette Anderle in Huntersville, NC, the letter states, “To bring the property into compliance, either obtain permits to make all repairs to the house or permits to demolish the house.” In a response letter dated June 11th, 2024, the owner, Anderle, appealed the findings and requested a hearing per Cherryville City Code Sec. 14-41. The City found the structure unsafe; thus, the appeal hearing was held during the meeting. Elam stated that the owner has obtained the necessary permitting from Gaston County, hired a contractor, and will demolish the home and adjacent buildings on the property. Council unanimously voted to extend the timeframe to the following August 15th Council meeting to see how progress was progressing on the property.
Cherryville Historical Museum
The Cherryville Historical Museum has nominated two more board members to its current five, making it seven total members. The two nominees are Alice Dellinger and Anita Millwood, who are previous board members. The Council voted unanimously to accept these two new board members to the museum board. Also, the City Attorney is preparing a new lease agreement between the City and the Museum. Per City Manager Brian Dalton, the lease will be the same as the last lease, with no lease or utility fees, and the Museum will be responsible for the inside maintenance. Councilman Gary Freemen asked Museum President Pete Craft why the Museum was closed last Saturday, July 6th. Craft stated that everyone was off for the July 4th Holiday. However, the museum board is working to open the Museum more per the discussion.ร
Other
The Council mentioned the free work by Cherryville resident Michael McSwain and Callaway Industrial on painting the concession stand and bathrooms at the City Pool and wanted to thank him publicly in the meeting. McSwain was absent from the meeting. City Manager Brian Dalton stated that the City Splash Pad is now open, and the City Gym steel structure has started being erected.
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