Potential New Housing, New City Clerk, New Position Created

1:26 PM EST |April 15, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|Government, News Articles, People

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The Cherryville City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 14th, 2025. Specifically, this meeting addressed agenda items that included setting public hearing dates for rezoning and annexation requests and celebrating the city’s recent recognition.

Meeting Called to Order and Initial Business

The meeting commenced with Mayor H.L. Beam calling the session to order. Following this, Reverend Matt Thomas of Second Baptist Church delivered the invocation. This was directly followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council swiftly approved the meeting agenda as presented, as well as the minutes from the March 10th regular meeting and the March 25th work session, both by unanimous votes.

Mayor’s Comments Highlight City Progress and Recognition

Mayor Beam’s address covered a range of city developments and accolades. He detailed the ongoing restoration of the Community Building and the old Rescue Squad building, including brick cleaning and the removal of certain architectural elements for better visibility. Landscape improvements are also planned for these sites, with an anticipated completion by the summer.

The newly refurbished H.T. White Memorial at Ballard Park. March 29th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN)

The mayor acknowledged the commencement of the Little League and Dixie Youth seasons and the installation of a new statue honoring Tom White at the Little League field, expressing gratitude to Dr. Thomas White for his support. Meanwhile, plans for a new mural in the mini park honoring Bob and Pat Barker, in recognition of Mr. Barker’s past generous donation, are underway, with the family providing photos for the design.

Congratulations were extended to the Cherryville Historical Museum for the recent installation of outdoor lighting, Mayor Beam encouraged citizens to view them at night. Mayor Beam also noted new lighting that has been installed on the mural located outside of the Cherry Pit, urging residents to see it as well. Retirees Paige Green and Larry Wright were also commended for their three decades of service to the city.

The Cherryville mural located on E 1st Street in Cherryville, NC. July 26th, 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN)

City Manager Brian Dalton’s report included a successful meeting with the Department of Transportation, resulting in the finalized paperwork for a speed limit reduction on Highway 150 between the country club and Walmart. The DOT has also scheduled the installation of a left turn signal at the intersection of Highway 150 and Cherry Street, with a similar request made for the intersection at Mountain Street.

New Event Coordinator Hired, Federal Funding Explored, City Recognition Celebrated

The hiring of Emily Dellinger as the city’s new part-time event coordinator, effective April 23rd, was announced. Dellinger’s prior involvement with city festivals was noted as a valuable asset.

Mayor Beam and City Manager Brian Dalton also met with James Estes from Congressman Tim Moore’s office. They did so to explore potential federal funding opportunities for the city.

The city’s recent recognition at a countywide dinner in Mount Holly for its Main Street program contributions and World Atlas’s naming of Cherryville as one of the nine best places to live in North Carolina were highlighted. City Manager Dalton elaborated on the World Atlas distinction, emphasizing Cherryville’s heritage, community spirit, festivals, historical preservation efforts, and affordability. He also cited another report indicating Cherryville’s rapid growth within Gaston County and nationally.

Citizen Comments and Public Hearing

The floor was open for citizen comments, but no citizens wished to speak.

A map of the current zoning off of Delview Road from the Cherryville Agenda Materials.

The council then addressed requests for public hearings. Unanimous votes were cast to set public hearings for Monday, May 12th, 2025, concerning a rezoning request and a voluntary annexation for parcel 305524.

Oath of Office Formalizes City Clerk’s Role

Mary Beth Tackett being sworn into office as the new Cherryville City Clerk. April 14th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN).

A key part of Monday’s City Council meeting was the official swearing-in of Cherryville’s new City Clerk Mary Beth Tackett. Mayor H.L Beam led this ceremony with assistance by Councilman Jon Abernethy. During the oath, Tackett promised to uphold the laws of the United States and North Carolina. She also swore to perform her duties as Cherryville’s City Clerk honestly and responsibly. This formal step confirmed Tackett’s commitment to her new position within the city government.

Other Business: Pool and Splash Pad Updates

Under other business, Councilwoman Janice Hovis inquired about the opening of the city pool and splash pad. City Manager Dalton indicated the pool typically opens around Memorial Day, following the end of the school year, and a meeting with the YMCA to finalize details is scheduled. Regarding the splash pad, the company responsible for its installation has been contacted to reinstall the shades. Later plans for painting the splash pad are pending the installation of a water-conserving actuator.

Cherryville NC Splash Pad on its first open day. July 5th, 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN)

City Manager Dalton reminded the council of the upcoming work session and budget meeting on April 29th at the Cherryville Fire Department.

Adjournment

With no further business, Councilman Jon Abernethy moved to adjourn the meeting, Councilwoman Jill Puett seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.

For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork

For further WNN articles and news stories, visit https://wisenewsnetwork.com

Contact WNN at [email protected]