Council set to discuss bond issue
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on November 2, 2013 11:11 PM
The Goldsboro City Council will continue its discussion Monday regarding asking voters to pass a $18.9 million parks and recreation bond this May.
The bond would fund the construction of a new W.A. Foster Recreation Center, a multi-sports complex, Herman Park Center and Herman Park improvements and paving of city greenways.
The referendum, if passed, would raise the property tax rate about three cents per $100 valuation. Increasing the tax rate would bring in about $600,000 a year, which would serve as the collateral for the bond.
In addition, city public information officer Kim Best will update to the City Council on the city motto contest during the work session, which begins at 4 p.m. in the city hall annex.
The city marketing team will pitch marketing packages to go along with the top two entries. Council members will choose the winner.
The top entries are: "Soaring To New Heights" and "Be More, Do More, Seymour."
Prize packs will be given for the top 21 entries. Additional prizes will be given for the top five entries and the grand prize winner.
The city's new motto will be announced at Lights Up Downtown Nov. 26.
Council also is expected to vote on a slew of zoning requests discussed during the Planning Commission's meeting Oct. 28.
The commission recommended that a rezoning effort to have a residential property on Cuyler Best Road zoned as an Office Use District be denied without prejudice.
A request that is denied without prejudice is exempt from the minimum six month waiting period for the owners to reapply for zoning changes.
The owners want the property rezoned to help the property sell faster. It has been for sale for several years.
Neighbors have signed a petition opposing the rezoning, saying they do not want a business next to their residential area.
A 6-1 vote by the council is required to approve the rezoning because of the protest petition.
The commission left the door open for a residential office type use in its discussions, but would want to know what the business was first.
The property owner would have to return to the council to get approval for any residential office use.
Other zoning requests on the table are a proposed 14-acre subdivision off Corbett Street; a rezoning of the First Citizens Bank property; approval for two used car lots; and a site plan revision for Trinity Child Care.