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County commission adopt agricultural plan, discuss Troutman development
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Published: October 8, 2008
Iredell County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday evening at the Iredell County Government Center.
Farmland protection
Commissioners unanimously adopted a countywide farmland preservation plan Tuesday night to ensure a viable agricultural economy.
The new ordinance is a follow up to the farmland preservation districts passed in 2001 and the enhanced farmland preservation districts, which passed in late 2007.
The new plan lays a foundation to help the agricultural community and provide new opportunities for farmers, said Farmland Advisory Board Chairman Jim Dobson.
The advisory board and the county have worked on various components of the plan for the past seven years, Dobson said.
"It's essential for our society," he said. "We would like to level the playing field. Let's allow the younger generation as good or better opportunity."
Most government agencies deny grants to farmers who live in counties without farmland protection plans, Dobson said.
Agriculture is one of the biggest employers in Iredell County, which boasts the largest dairy cow population in the state.
Dobson said everyone benefits from agriculture in one way or another.
Commissioner Steve Johnson said the ordinance will guide future land-use and zoning decisions.
Troutman Gateway
Commissioners changed the zoning of more than 21 acres off Ostwalt Amity Road in Troutman from residential agricultural to general business conditional district for a new shopping center.
The developers said the shopping center, which will include an anchor store and several retail locations will be built in phases.
Despite the economic downturn, developer Brian Fletcher said some grocery store chains are still opening up new locations and they expect to fill the anchor position.
Developer Vince Watkins said Troutman officials are cautious about how much commercial development they will allow near the town in order to avoid traffic congestion.
"They want to make an attractive gateway into Troutman," Watkins said.
New fire station
Given the current economic situation, commissioners were a little hesitant about approving a resolution for Troutman Fire Department's new fire station on Perth Road.
Troutman Volunteer Fire Department Chairman Keith Troutman said the department is applying for a $2 million loan and needed a resolution showing the county's support.
Troutman said all the numbers and scenarios they've run have indicated that the fire district can sustain another station without a tax increase.
Johnson was skeptical after Shepherd Fire District said the same thing, and then came back two years ago saying it didn't have the necessary money to fund operations.
Johnson said if he supported the new station, he would vote against a tax increase for the Troutman Fire District, if the board came back within the next couple of years.
"The economy is in the tank," he said. "I look at the horizon and I don't see a ray of sunshine."
Commissioner Ken Robertson asked Troutman to take his time and consider the value of each piece of equipment he purchases.
Recruiting a new manager
Commissioners gave County Manager Joel Mashburn the go-ahead to advertise for his replacement.
Starting this weekend, advertisements will appear in the National Association of Counties, International City/County Management Association and various regional publications.
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