By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson’s Town Board voted 4-1 Tuesday night to revise the town’s development approval process in a move some town officials said would make it “more predictable” for developers. The vote came after a lengthy debate and discussion with citizens, some concerned that it would reduce public involvement in planning decisions.

The 4 hour and 47 minute meeting included a presentation and public hearing about the $9.3 million town budget for 2012-13 and a presentation by Carolinas HealthCare System officials about a planned mental health hospital off N.C. 73. The board also adopted a new ordinance limiting and regulating the use of golf carts and utility vehicles in town. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a proposal to overhaul – and streamline – the town’s development approval process in a move designed to make it easier for developers. The board also will hold public hearings on the proposed 2012-13 budget, ordinance changes governing outdoor wall murals, changes in the conditional planning area approval process, and an ordinance spelling out how golf carts and utility vehicles can operate on local streets.

Also on the agenda is a presentation by Carolinas HealthCare System on its plan to build a $36 million, 66-bed mental health hospital on the former Davidson East site, off N.C. 73. Commissioners also will hear a presentation about results of the town’s recent citizen survey and will hear from Mary Anne Hammond, chair of the Committee on Aging. And they’ll vote on a budget amendment that will help fund a shortfall at the MI-Connection Communications System. Read the full story

Davidson commissioners got their first glimpse at a proposed 2012-13 budget Tuesday night that envisions little or no increase in spending and projects slightly higher revenues from taxes and fees, amid an improving economy. Read the full story

Davidson’s Town Board holds its monthly work session Tuesday, April 24, at Town Hall, with an agenda that includes a presentation on the proposed 2012-13 town budget by Town Manager Leamon Brice and Finance Director Cindy Jones. Read the full story

Mayor John Woods (right) hands out Town of Davidson pins to the newest crop of graduates from the town's Civics 101. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Thirty-two Davidson residents wrapped up two months of training at Tuesday night’s Town Board meeting with a graduation ceremony for the latest Civics 101 citizens’ academy. The program is designed to boost civic involvement by helping residents learn how things work in town government.

Mayor John Woods handed out “Town of Davidson” pins to the graduates, who took either morning or evening classes. “We hope that we can further the knowledge of what makes Davidson Davidson,” the mayor said. “We are unique community.” Read the full story

Davidson’s Town Board adopted a new animal control ordinance Tuesday night that updates and consolidates existing rules and adds a new ban on “tethering” – the practice of chaining unattended dogs. The board also voted to renew the town’s contract with the City of Charlotte Animal Control for another year, approved master plan changes for the Exit 30-area Northeast Quadrant and River Run Phase 5 projects, and amended planning rules governing building facade design. Officials said the latter change was intended to help an unnamed developer considering a project in town. Read the full story

The Town of Davidson announced Monday, April 9, that a special meeting/closed session of the Town Board, which had been scheduled before Tuesday’s monthly board meeting, has been canceled.

The monthly meeting will begin as scheduled at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

The board is expected to vote on a variety of items, including adding $133,300 to the budget for new police cars, approving amendments to Section 9.2 of the planning ordinance, and seeking additional funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control to continue the Davidson Design for Life program, which is studying the impact of planning on public health. Read the full story

Updated 7:45 p.m.
Davidson’s Town Board will hold a 30-minute closed session before its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night, April 10. The topic has not been disclosed. The closed session begins at 5:30 p.m., and the board “anticipates” returning to open session at 6 p.m., according to an announcement Thursday. (UPDATE: On Monday 4/9/12 the board announced it was canceling the closed session.)

Tuesday’s meeting also will include public hearings on four planning and zoning amendments or projects: Read the full story