HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0994she didn't feel the ordinance should be changed just for the convenience of the board of
commissioners.
Commissioner Johnson said he wasn't suggesting that the ordinance be crafted
to meet the needs of one organization. He said, however, the amendment might prevent
some other nonprofit organization, that provided a good service to the county, from
being involved in litigation.
Commissioner Williams said a sign at New Prospect Baptist Church was moved,
but not because it was in the way. He said the ordinance was changed, but the church
moved the sign anyway. Williams said there was a difference in this particular case,
because everyone across the county benefited. He said in Shepherd's case, not
everyone would benefit. Mr. Williams defended the private sector, and said this was
the group paying the taxes for the government to keep running.
Chairman Tice noted the Board of Adjustment's Rules of Procedure and said
they weren't followed by the fire department. She said that when the Board of
Adjustment made a variance denial, the next step was to appeal to Superior Court. Tice
said this procedure was not followed. She said the Rules did not offer the option for the
board of commissioners to amend an ordinance.
Commissioner Norman said he would follow the county attorney's advice
regarding the ordinance amendment and the fire department sign.
VOTING: Ayes — 2 (Johnson/Norman); Nays — 2 (Tice/Williams)
(Due to no majority, the motion failed to amend the sign ordinance.)
Chairman Tice asked Mr. Pope to briefly review his previous suggestion
regarding a different type of amendment.
Pope said something could be written in Section 11.6 that said, "provided the
signs of volunteer fire departments and other government agencies shall not be exempt
from the provisions of Section 11.16."
OTIO by Chairman Tice to amend the zoning ordinance as was indicated
by Attorney Pope (change to read "provided the signs of volunteer fire departments and
other government agencies shall not be exempt from the provisions of Section 11.16").
Commissioner Williams said he preferred not to vote on the revision since it had
only been proposed during the meeting. In addition, he mentioned that Commissioner
Robertson was absent. He requested to delay any further action until a future meeting.
Chairman Tice then withdrew her motion. She said the staff needed instruction
on how to proceed with the ordinance and the fire department.
Commissioner Johnson said his interpretation of the proceedings was that the
fire department needed to comply with the ordinance.
County Manager Mashburn asked for a motion to provide clarification for the
staff on how to deal with the Shepherd's VFD sign.
OTIO by Chairman Tice for the staff to proceed, as necessary, in obtaining
compliance with the Iredell County Zoning Ordinance from the Shepherd's Volunteer
Fire Department.
VOTING: Ayes — 1 (Tice); Nays — 3
Mashburn said nothing was clear on how the staff should proceed. He said
some direction was needed.
Commissioner Williams asked Mr. Mashburn want he specifically wanted.