By Mark Wineka
Salisbury Post
Salisbury City Council voluntarily annexed new phases of two residential developments Tuesday.Developer Jim Burgess asked that the city annex Phase 2 of The Gables at Kepley Farm and Phase 2A of Stone Ridge.
The second phase at The Gables at Kepley Farm, located off Faith Road, includes 10.7 acres and is considered a satellite annexation.
Phase 2A of Stone Ridge takes in 20.4 acres and is a contiguous annexation. Stone Ridge is located off Old Concord Road.
Both annexations become effective June 30.Its always exciting to add acreage to our city limits, Councilman William Pete Kennedy said.
Its also nice if they want to come in, Woodson said of the voluntary nature of this annexation.
City Council recently approved an involuntary annexation of four different areas that will add roughly 1,400 people to the city population as of June 30.
Councilman Mark Lewis asked City Manager David Treme what the tipping point was for having to add another sanitation truck and another employee with all the annexations that have happened recently.
Lewis said he realized the Burgess annexations have yet to add houses, but at some point the city will have to add vehicles and staff to cover the new developments, including Drummond Village off Stokes Ferry Road.
Treme agreed but said Public Services could handle the additions for now.In other business Tuesday, council:
Recognized Sgt. Paul Johnson IIIs recent selection as Salisbury Police Departments Officer of the Year. The Optimists of Rowan County honored Johnson recently. The officer of the year is determined by a vote of Police Department employees.
Johnson, a patrol sergeant, joined the department in March 1981 and has worked as a patrol officer and in investigations. He is a graduate of east Rowan High and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Recognized Police Chief Mark Wilhelm for receiving the Paul Wilson Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from the Optimists. I cant say enough good things about him and the job he does for us, Mayor Susan Kluttz said.
Approved the site plans for the 10,226-square-foot addition of the Buck Hurley Youth Center at the Hurley YMCA in Salisbury.
Approved the site plan for a 6,110-square-foot addition at Salisbury Pediatric at 129 Woodson St.
Approved a budget amendment reflecting an $8,000 donation from the Woodson Foundation toward additional markers on the Salisbury History and Art Trail.
Approved a $73,400 budget amendment to allocate the insurance proceeds from two wrecked police cars ($40,500) and a wrecked sanitation packer ($32,900). The money will be applied toward the purchase of replacement vehicles.
Approved the Aug. 4 closing of Beard Street from 1301 Beard St. to 1225 Laurel St. for the Gaston family reunion. The street will be closed from noon to 9 p.m.