Board of Commissioners — Cornelius, NC
Date: 2025-05-09

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
 April 21, 2025
 MINUTES


DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP - 3:00PM
Mayor Washam called the workshop to order at 3:32PM. Commissioners Osborne and Carney were
not present at the meeting.

  Downtown Master Plan Workshop
 Kyle Baugh with Kimley-Horn provided an update on the master plan schedule. He outlined
 the transportation framework along the corridor along with intersection analysis, feedback
 received from the community meeting held on March 27th, and a reconnected downtown
 network that improves the movement of bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles. He also provided
 visionary concepts of what the streetscapes could look like.

 Commissioner Johnson asked what the intent was for the roundabout identified on Smith
 Circle. Mr. Baugh stated that it’s more of a geometric cleanup of the area. Commissioner
 Higgins stated that he was glad to see the roundabout location as it will help with the traffic of
 the added neighborhoods and school traffic.

 Commissioner Sansbury asked about the area in front of the school and if the primary roads
 will need improvement. Mr. Baugh explained that the intersections identified are the
 recommended intersections to analyze to help justify the framework decisions being made.

 Commissioner Higgins stated that he loves the live music area illustration.

 Manager Grant summarized who’s going to pay for the plan and how it’s going to be
 implemented. He stated that depending on which properties are on the table for development,
 it’s likely going to be the Town brokering a deal with multiple parties for public infrastructure.

 Mayor Washam thanked Mr. Baugh for his update.

PRE-MEETING - 4:30PM
Mayor Washan called the Pre-meeting to order at 4:41PM. All commissioners were present for the
Pre-meeting.

  Agenda Review
 Manager Grant provided the Board with an overview of the 6PM agenda items.

  FY26 Budget Workshop - cont'd.
 Manager Grant provided the Board with updated FY26 budget information and stated that the
 Manager’s recommended budget presentation and public hearing will be held on May 5th.

 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 1
 Commissioner Johnson stated that she would like to see priority placed on funding a mental
 health clinician vs. hiring a transportation planner. Commissioners Sansbury and Higgins
 stated that the budget needs to include hiring three new firefighters as called for in the
 Transition Plan.

  Text Amendment Discussion
 Asst. Planning Director David Cole presented proposed Land Development Code text
 amendments for Vape Shops and Electronic Gaming. He identified existing
 Vape/CBD/Tobacco shops in Cornelius and how they are currently classified before presenting
 the proposed definition, use table, use standards, and separation distance.

 Due to the limited time for discussion, the Board agreed to add the topic to the 6PM agenda
 under New Business.

Commissioner Carney made a motion to adjourn the Pre-meeting at 6:03PM. Commissioner Johnson
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

REGULAR MEETING - 6:00PM

1. CALL TO ORDER
 Mayor Washam called the meeting to order at 6:12PM.

2. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
 All commissioners were present at the meeting.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 Mayor Washam requested an amendment to the agenda by adding under New Business item 11A
 – Text Amendment Discussion.

 Commissioner Carney made a motion to amend and approve the agenda as requested.
 Commissioner Sansbury seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

4. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 Mayor Washam led the pledge after a moment of silence was observed.

5. CITIZEN CONCERNS/COMMENTS
 Kim Wokatsch – 11613 Truan Lane, asked the Town for assistance with various issues taking
 place in her neighborhood.

6. REPORTS
 Parks Director Fitzsimmons reported on the following:
 • Summer Sports Camps (added 155 spaces) – 60 partial-day camps; 1,351 children
 registered; 64% of spaces are filled; and 105 children are on a waitlist.
 • Summer Recreation Camp – 10 partial-day camps; 116 children registered; 85% of spaces
 are filled; and 52 children are on a waitlist.
 • Summer Day Camp (1 less week) – 7 weeks of full-day camps; 1025 children are
 registered; 98% of spaces are filled; and 196 children are on a waitlist.
 • Cain Park Musical Playground ribbon cutting was held on Mar. 12th with approximately 50
 attendees.


 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 2
 • Humpty Dumpty Statue rededication was held on Apr. 1st with approximately 35
 attendees.
 • Caldwell Station Tributary Greenway ribbon cutting was held on Apr. 8th with
 approximately 45 attendees. The greenway is provided by Mecklenburg County.
 • Hop Into Spring was held on Apr. 5th with approximately 600 attendees, and 299 pre-
 registered for the Egg Scrambles and approximately 218 attended.
 • Egg My Yard was a sold out event that was held Apr. 15-17.
 • Earth Jam was held on Apr. 12th with approximately 600 attendees.
 • Clean & Green will be held on Apr. 26th (9AM-12PM). The Town will earn two trees for
 every 25lbs. of trash collected.
 • Hooked on Cornelius will be held on Apr. 26th (10AM-2PM), this event is sold out.
 • ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival will be held on Apr. 26th (2PM-8PM).
 • The town sponsored Second Friday Street Festival series has been cancelled for 2025.
 • North Meck Farmer’s Market is relocating to the lawn behind Town Hall and will begin on
 May 14th thru Sept. 24th (9AM-12PM).
 • Lake Norman Bike Expo (in partnership with the Town of Davidson) will be held on May
 3rd (10AM-12PM), starting at Davidson Town Green.
 • Cornelius Cardboard Regetta will be held on May 3rd (10:30AM-12:30PM) at Ramsey
 Creek Park. Cornelius resident teams $25 and non-resident teams are $35.
 • Family Campout will be held on May 10th-11th at Robbins Park. This event is sold out.
 • Cornelius Jazz Festival (in partnership with the Smithville Community Coalition) will be
 held on May 10th (6PM-10PM) at Smithville Park.

7. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENT
 A. REZ 02-25 Sunset Cove
 Senior Planner Aaron Tucker presented a rezoning request made by applicant Larry Griffin,
 Jr. and Mike Griffin to rezone 8.6 acres located at 18311 and 18323 Nantz Road from
 General Residential to Conditional Zoning to allow for a wedding/event venue that will
 convert two existing homes to commercial standards, construct a 6,000sqft. event venue with
 a parking lot of 103 spaces. He gave an overview of the location that is adjacent to Ramsey
 Creek Park. A community meeting was held on Apr. 15th with approximately 22 attendees
 who expressed concerns about additional traffic on Nantz Road and limiting the number of
 events.

 Commissioner Higgins asked if staff have any recommendations for the number of events.
 Mr. Tucker stated that he talked with the applicant who is willing to consider a certain
 number of events per year.

 Commissioner Sansbury asked if there is an opportunity for shared parking at Ramsey Creek
 Park during events. Mr. Tucker stated potentially yes, however, it would require some type
 of joint use agreement with the County.

 Mayor Washam asked what the approval timeline is. Mr. Tucker stated that it is anticipated
 to be considered by the Planning Board in the June/July timeframe.

 Mayor Washam invited the applicant to speak.



 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
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 Mike Griffin presented the request for the Griffin Brothers Companies. He explained that the
 plan is to preserve the family’s homestead by using the existing two homes plus adding an
 event pavilion for higher end events. The parking lot is buffered from the neighbors and the
 events will be limited due to the targeted demographic. Mr. Griffin outlined the event space,
 the new on-site retirement homes for the Griffin families, their management expertise in
 owning/managing Pine Island Country Club, the seasonal use of the venue, as well as the
 distance between the site and neighbors.

 Commissioner Osborne thanked the Griffins for offering to share the waterfront by using the
 venue. He asked if there was an HOA for the neighborhood and if conversations with
 Mecklenburg County Parks have occurred. Mr. Griffin stated that there is no HOA for the
 neighborhood and that they will communicate their proposal with the County. He added that
 their intent is to keep all venue parking on-site. Commissioner Osborne asked about the
 noise ordinances and the impact on the neighbors. Deputy Manager Herron stated that the
 venue will be subject to the same Town noise ordinances as others.

 Mayor Washam invited the public to speak and the following comments were made:

 Ken Miller 18526 Nantz Road, stated that he was opposed to the project due to the additional
 traffic the event venue will create.

 Marty Gaunt – 18300 Nantz Road, stated that he was opposed to the project due to the
 commercial use within a residential area and would never have built a home in that area if he
 had been aware of the Griffin’s intent.

 Robert Simon – 18214 Delray Drive, stated that he was opposed to the project due to the
 additional traffic the event venue will create.

 Mark Lomartire – 18125 Pompano Place, stated that he was opposed to the project due to the
 additional traffic the event venue will create.

 Bob Weimer – 18203 Pompano Place, stated that the layout was beautiful but wished it was
 being proposed in a different location on the lake and not in the middle of a residential
 neighborhood.

B. REZ 03-25 Jetton Rd (Cashmere)
 Asst. Planning Director David Cole presented a rezoning request made by applicant Adam
 and Iryna Jones to rezone .489 acres located at Jetton Road Extension and Bethel Church
 Road from Village Center to Conditional Zoning to allow for a 6-story mixed-used building
 (2,500sqft. commercial and 14 condominiums) with one level structured parking (14 spaces).
 He gave an overview of the location, current zoning, and proposed building elevations. The
 Architectural Review Board has recommended additional pedestrian scale elements along the
 bottom floor with additional material variations and was supportive of the proposed building
 height when factoring in the grade change of Bethel Church Road. The community meeting
 held on Apr. 1st had approximately 15 attendees who in general supported the retail uses and
 building architecture, but expressed concerns with the building height and additional traffic it
 will create along Jetton Road Extension.



 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 4
Commissioner Johnson expressed her concerns with the garage entrance on Jetton Road
Extension not having enough space to enter the garage without impeding traffic on Jetton
Road Extension. Mr. Cole stated that staff will continue to work with the applicant to ensure
that the garage entrance does not cause any traffic issues.

Commissioner Higgins expressed his concerns with the current bike lane and visibility on a
blind curve at the garage entry location. He also asked about the parking lot located behind
the building. Mr. Cole identified the lot line configuration and explained the shared parking
access with the existing buildings.

Commissioner Sansbury asked where the anticipated retail customers will park. Mr. Cole
identified the available on-street parking area and then the shared parking spaces in the rear.
Commissioner Sansbury asked what the proposed heights were for the proposed buildings on
Sefton. Deputy Manager Herron stated that the Land Use Plan (LUP) shows two-story
heights/30-feet; however, the Growth Management Committee recommends revisiting
building heights once the road infrastructure improvements have been completed, so it’s at
the Board’s discretion on how heights are reviewed.

Commissioner Carney stated that based on the current LUP two-stories are enumerated, but
there are some variations of discussion relative to that; however, the current entitlement on
the property is three-stories.

Commissioner Osborne asked what is considered grade-level. Mr. Cole stated that the site
frontage would be along Jetton Road Extension, therefore, that would be considered grade-
level.

Mayor Washam invited the applicant to present their rezoning request.

The applicant Adam Jones presented their rezoning request and vision for the project. He
provided an overview of the retail plan pre-PDRC and after receiving feedback, the building
design/contextual fit, and smart parking and ground level design. He explained that due to
the topography of the land, their building will be 13 feet less than the approved REZ 12-21
Cornelius Mixed Use building.

Commissioner Johnson asked what the condominium square footage and price point would
be. Mr. Adam stated that the condominiums will start at 1,750sqft. and will be priced
between $800K-$1.2M.

Commissioner Sansbury asked for clarification on the parking spaces per unit. Mr. Adam
stated that each unit will have 1 underground parking spot, and the overflow would be part of
the shared parking in the rear.

Mayor Washam invited the public to speak, and the following comments were made:

Stan Ott – 18717 Daymark Drive, expressed his opposition to the building height.

Kimberly Thaxton – 15928 Northstone Drive, expressed her opposition to the building height
and the shared parking issue. According to the Declarations of the land, it prohibits any
rezoning variance unless you have 100% written approval from the other owners.
 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
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 Kenny Colbert – 18741 Daymark Drive, expressed his opposition to the building height.

 Ed Braxton – 18725 Daymark Drive, expressed his opposition to the building height.

8. PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL
 A. 2018 GO Bond Extension
 Mayor Washam called for a motion to open the public hearing for the bond extension. The
 public notice is attached hereto.

 Commissioner Sansbury made a motion to open the public hearing. Commissioner Higgins
 seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Finance Director Niswonger gave an overview of the process necessary to extend the 2018
 GO Bond from 7 to 10 years.

 Mayor Washam invited the public to speak. There being no public comments, he called for a
 motion to close the public hearing.

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Higgins
 seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve Resolution #2025-01165 extending the
 2018 GO Bonds from seven years to ten years. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion,
 and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Resolution #2025-01165 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

 B. ANNEX 01-25 - 12411 and 12415 Mayes Road
 Mayor Washam called for a motion to open the public hearing for Annex 01-25. The public
 notice is attached hereto.

 Commissioner Higgins made a motion to open the public hearing. Commissioner Johnson
 seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Asst. Planning Director David Cole presented the annexation request from Keystone Custom
 Homes for 92.58 acres as part of the conditions of the Mayes Meadows rezoning.

 Mayor Washam invited the public to speak. There being no public comment, he called for a
 motion to close the public hearing.

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Sansbury
 seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve Ordinance #2025-00869 annexing
 12411and 12415 Mayes Road as part of the Town of Cornelius. Commissioner Higgins
 seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Ordinance #2025-00869 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.
 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 6
9. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL
 A. Capital Project Ordinance - Infrastructure Capital Project Fund
 Finance Director Niswonger explained that the Capital Project Ordinance establishes an
 Infrastructure Capital Project Fund with a transfer in the amount of $11,335,980 from the
 Transportation Capital Reserve Fund that will be utilized for the design and construction of
 infrastructure projects that will cross multiple fiscal years.

 Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve Ordinance #2025-00870 establishing an
 Infrastructure Capital Project fund. Commissioner Sansbury seconded the motion, and it
 passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Ordinance #2025-00870 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

 B. FY2025 Transportation Capital Reserve Transfer
 Finance Director Niswonger explained that the $11,335,980 balance at the end of FY24 will
 be transferred to the Infrastructure Capital Project Fund and then the Transportation Capital
 Reserve Fund will be closed out.

 Commissioner Carney made a motion to approve Ordinance #2025-00871 transferring
 $11,335,980 from the Transportation Capital Reserve Fund to the Infrastructure Capital
 Project Fund. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

 Ordinance #2025-00870 is hereby made part of the minutes by reference.

10. CONSENT AGENDA
 A. 2024 Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Emergency Operations Plan Update (Approved 5-0)
 B. Tax Refunds - $11,598.77 (Approved 5-0)
 C. Cornelius Library Endowment Committee Reappointment (Approved 5-0)
 th
 D. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes - April 7 (Approved 5-0)
 E. Approve Closed Session Minutes - April 7th (Approved 5-0)

 Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
 Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-0.

11. NEW BUSINESS
 A. Text Amendment Discussion
 Asst. Planning Director Cole recapped the proposed text amendment related to
 Vape/CBD/Tobacco Shops and the existing shops in Cornelius. Commissioner Osborne
 asked if the limitation being proposed is consistent with other municipalities. Mr. Cole
 stated yes. Commissioner Sansbury asked if the shop owner on Catawba knows that the
 Board is discussing this topic. Mr. Cole stated that he did not believe so. Commissioner
 Sansbury asked if the property owner is aware that his signage is not appropriate for what is
 desired in the downtown area. Mr. Cole stated that staff has not taken that step yet, because
 at the time of permitting it was allowed. Deputy Manager Herron stated that it would be good
 to have the conversation with the shop owner. Commissioner Johnson asked if this
 amendment would create other issues as gas stations are also selling CBD products. Mr.
 Cole explained that the definition enumerates “A use that primarily engages in the sale…”,
 so gas stations will not be impacted as it is not their primary sale of products. Mayor

 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 7
 Washam asked what kind of challenges could be anticipated from an ordinance like this.
 Attorney Wolter stated that the Town’s job is to protect the health, welfare and well-being of
 the citizens of Cornelius. A potential challenge could be the infringement on the 1st
 Amendment; however, there are several municipalities implementing language similar to
 what’s being proposed. Commissioner Sansbury asked Chief Baucom if children under 18
 can enter the store. Chief Baucom stated that someone under the age of 18 can enter the
 store because it’s up to the private business owner to regulate. Attorney Wolter stated that
 the State statutes specifically say that products cannot be purchased by anyone under the age
 of 18. Commissioner Sansbury reiterated that the owner should be made part of the
 conversation. Manager Grant stated that as part of the text amendment process owners can
 be part of the public hearing process.

 Asst. Planning Director Cole presented the proposed text amendment for electronic gaming
 establishments, the use table, and use standards. He explained that if the Board is okay with
 moving forward with both recommended amendments, the Planning Board will review and
 provide a recommendation at their May 7th meeting before the Town Board public hearing
 and the decision is scheduled for June 2nd. The Board consensus was to move forward with
 the proposed text amendments and schedule.

12. COMMISSIONER CONCERNS
 A. Bump Out on Jetton Road Improvements
 Commissioner Osborne asked that staff have these improvements on their radar if they don’t
 already.

 B. Nantz Road Issues
 Mayor Washam asked Chief Baucom for some insight on what was reported earlier. Chief
 Baucom stated that CPD does not have anything specific related to property damage made by
 vehicles pulling boats tearing up yards along Nantz Road.

13. ADJOURNMENT
 There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Johnson made a motion to adjourn the
 meeting at 8:24PM. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously, 5-
 0.

 Approved this 5th day of May 2025.



 ATTEST: Woody Washam, Jr., Mayor



 Lori A Harrell, Town Clerk




 04/21/25 Regular Meeting
 Page 8
 AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Account # Order Number Identification Order PO Cols Depth
 34684 650549 Print Legal Ad-IPL02257740 - IPL0225774 1 23 L


Attention: Accounts Payable North Carolina } ss
TOWN OF CORNELIUS Mecklenburg County }
PO BOX 399
 Before the undersigned, a Notary Public of said
CORNELIUS, NC 28031
 County and State, duly authorized to administer
 oaths affirmations, etc., personally appeared,
accountspayable@cornelius.org
 being duly sworn or affirmed according to law,
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 representative of The Charlotte Observer
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 County of Mecklenburg, and State of North
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 Corporation and by reference to the files of said
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 and Publication.
 2 insertion(s) published on:
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 In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand
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 Notary Public in and for the state of South Carolina,
 residing in Beaufort County




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