Hamlet Council moves on appointments, schedule, proclamations and routine business

The Hamlet City Council handled several administrative and calendar items in a meeting that combined ceremonial, informational and routine action items.

Opening business: Mayor Amy Gwynn administered the oath of office to the new city manager, who identified himself as John. The council adopted the meeting agenda and approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

Planning board vacancies: Assistant City Manager Mackenzie reported three vacancies on the planning board (two regular seats and one ETJ alternate). Councilmember (speaker 4) moved to continue accepting applications through the last day of February and to review and vote on appointments at the council’s second March meeting. The motion was seconded and, after discussion, passed with a recorded outcome of three ayes and one no.

Community events and proclamations: The council proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month. On the July 4 celebration, after vendor timing was discussed, the council voted to hold Hamlet’s fireworks show on July 3, 2025; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Budget calendar and meeting schedule: The city manager proposed a revised meeting calendar tied to a budget calendar and a March 4 budget retreat beginning at noon to review capital outlay and a five‑year capital improvement plan. Council approved removing the July regular meeting date and adopted the proposed budget calendar and retreat schedule with time adjustments discussed to accommodate members’ conflicts.

Code and UDO work: The manager noted $160,000 has been budgeted over two years to develop a unified development ordinance (UDO) that would combine zoning and subdivision regulations; the council approved initiating a code-of-ordinances review and signaled support for pursuing a UDO, with the city attorney advising that an outside consultant often produces a better product than in‑house efforts.

Votes at a glance: planning-board application continuance (approved, 3–1), fireworks date set for 07/03/2025 (approved), $3,000 Memorial Park bullish request (approved pending budget amendment), interlocal agreement with Richmond County for water/sewer (approved), meeting-schedule amendment to remove July meeting (approved), motion to begin code-of-ordinances review (approved). Several votes were by voice with no roll-call tallies provided in the transcript.