Statesville City Council Meets Virtually, Advances Major Infrastructure and Airport Projects

The Statesville City Council held a virtual meeting Monday evening, approving a streamlined agenda and receiving updates on major infrastructure, public safety, and airport development projects, while also recognizing the challenges posed by recent winter storms.

The meeting opened with an invocation thanking city employees and first responders for their efforts during consecutive winter storms that brought significant ice and snowfall to the area. City officials noted that the storms strained resources but praised crews for working around the clock to keep roads and essential services operating.

After removing several agenda items and presentations due to the virtual format and newly received information, council members unanimously approved the amended agenda and later passed the consent agenda without objection.

City Manager Ron Smith provided an extensive report highlighting progress across multiple departments. He acknowledged the difficulties crews faced in clearing roads due to ice beneath accumulated snow, explaining that the city’s limited snow and ice equipment made conditions especially challenging. Smith commended the streets department, police, fire, stormwater, and other staff for their efforts under difficult circumstances.

Among the most notable updates was the completion of the new terminal building at the Statesville Regional Airport. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 9 at 2 p.m. Smith also reported significant progress on additional airport projects, including the apron expansion design near the fixed-base operator area, which will allow for future hangar construction. The design is approximately 90 percent complete and is expected to go out for bids once finalized.

Council was also informed that bids for the airport’s corporate development area have been awarded to Country Boy Landscaping, clearing the way for expanded apron space behind the Victory Air hangar. In addition, the city received confirmation of a $3 million state grant to support West Star Aviation’s hangar expansion, a project expected to accelerate economic development at the airport.

Infrastructure projects across the city remain a major focus. Smith detailed progress on the Circuit 63 undergrounding project in the Valley Stream area, where overhead power lines are being upgraded and placed underground to improve reliability and reduce storm-related outages. He noted that while the project is costly, it represents a long-term investment in system stability.

Updates were also provided on the downtown parking deck, which is expected to reach substantial completion by late March or early April, weather permitting. The new police department facility remains on track for substantial completion in August. Construction at Fire Station Five continues, with the roof completed and interior work expected to begin in March. The city has already completed hiring for the station, with approximately 15 new firefighters expected to be pinned in the coming weeks.

Smith also addressed the city’s $23 million waterline replacement project, which is currently 53 percent complete. Recent storms have delayed progress, but paving on Brookdale Drive has been completed, with work on Stockton Street expected to begin soon, followed by South Meeting Street and U.S. 21. Council members raised concerns about road conditions on Stockton Street, prompting Smith to commit to providing updated timelines to council and the public.

Another milestone noted was the completion of the South Yadkin pump station recapitalization, a multi-million-dollar project that modernizes one of the city’s key raw water sources. An unveiling ceremony is expected to be scheduled in the near future.

During the consent agenda, council unanimously approved budget amendments related to sewer relocation and water system modeling, authorized the submission of a grant application for funding two police officer positions, established a new 25-mile-per-hour speed zone on a portion of West Front Street, approved a special use permit for the Winston Avenue townhomes, designated city officials to pursue hazard mitigation grants, and accepted a $150,000 annual aviation grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Smith closed his report by noting that the city currently has only five open positions, a significant improvement amid ongoing workforce challenges. Council members expressed appreciation for staff efforts and the progress being made across departments.

With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned after unanimous votes, concluding a concise virtual session focused on recovery, development, and long-term infrastructure planning.