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Notice to Bidders:
Catawba Meadows Park Festival Area Phase 2
Posted March 8, 2010

A pre-bid meeting at the Catawba Meadows Park – Festival Area is scheduled for Thursday March 11th, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend.

Sealed proposals will be received by the City Engineer at the City of Morganton City Hall Conference Room 3 in the Development and Design Services Department until 2:00 PM on Thursday March 25th, 2010, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. No proposals shall be received after the above-stated time. Proposals will be on the following construction:

Catawba Meadows Festival Area Phase II

Read full notice

Human Relations Commission seeks nominations
for 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Morganton, NC: March 1, 2010

Do you know someone who should be Citizen of the Year? If so, you need to submit a nomination by Friday March 19, 2010!

The Morganton Human Relations Commission is currently accepting nominations and will announce the City's 2010 Citizens of the Year during an awards banquet Thursday April 8, 2010. Nomination forms are available on the City website, at the front desk in City Hall, at Collett Street Recreation Center and from a Human Relations Commission member.

Read more
Nomination Form

Studio XI on display for Art in the Hall
Friday Feb. 26, 2010

Now on display in Morganton City Hall is work from Studio XI.

Studio XI is a unique alternative to the traditional day treatment option, offering an art studio/gallery, work opportunities for artistically gifted adults with intellectual disabilities and programs in pottery, music, jewelry making, movement/drama, woodworking, weaving, horticulture and various other opportunities for creative expression.

Visit Art in the Hall

City Council meets Monday, March 1
Friday Feb. 26, 2010

The Morganton City Council will hold the Council's regular meeting Monday, January 4, 2010, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall.

Items on the agenda include:

Public Hearing to Consider a Rezoning request submitted by Beacon Management to change the zoning on property located at 500 and 502 South College Street from Office and Industrial Conditional Use (OI-CU) to Residential High (RH).
Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Disaster Assistance.
Consideration of New Rates for CoMPAS Cable Internet and Telephone Services.
Consideration of an Agreement to pay a Portion of Local Match for Rural Center Reuse and Restoration Grant.

Read the agenda
Visit the City Council page

Main Street Program to hold Small Business Meetings
Morganton, NC: Feb. 19, 2010

The Morganton Main Street Program is gearing up to apply for a new grant funding opportunity. This particular grant is designed to impact small businesses within Main Street Communities.
The goal of the grant is to:

provide direct financial benefits to small businesses
retain and create jobs in association with small business
spur private investment in association with small business

Between $20,000 and $300,000 is available, and the Main Street Program wants to make sure it maximizes its chances for the highest dollar amount. The first step in qualifying for this grant is to meet with small business owners in *downtown or small businesses who would like to move downtown to determine the community's top five small business/economic development needs.

Visit the Downtown Morganton website for more information and to fill out the survey.

Greenway Public Transportation Community Transportation Service Plan
Public Opinion Survey

The Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority, doing business as Greenway Public Transportation, is conducting a Community Transportation Service Plan (CTSP) for the service area that includes the Counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba.

Greenway Public Transportation currently operates the services that were previously provided by Piedmont Wagon, Alexander County Transportation (ACT), Burke County Transit Administration (BCTA), and the Caldwell County Area Transit System (CCATS).

The purpose of this study is to develop strategies to improve transit services in the region. An important task for this planning effort is to solicit input from residents concerning transit needs. This survey is one method that is being used to obtain this important public input

Take the survey!

One lane on N. Green Street closed this week
Morganton NC: February 8, 2010

The inbound lane of N. Green Street will be closed this week from College Street to the fork of Green Street and Sterling Street in Morganton. The lane will be shut down from approximately 7:30 am to 5:00 pm each day from Monday Feb. 8 through Friday Feb. 12.

Drivers coming into Morganton on N. Green Street will be directed onto College Street and can then take King Street or Collett Street back into downtown.

City utility workers are relocating power lines and removing trees along N. Green Street to prepare for construction of the Downtown Greenway Project, which is scheduled to start in March. The City will work to maintain traffic flow on North Green Street as much as possible, but residents should expect delays and detours at various times during construction.

The work is the first phase of the Downtown Greenway Project approved by the Morganton City Council in January. About 1,700 feet of existing sidewalk will be converted to greenway path. Grass islands will be added to provide a buffer between vehicle traffic and the greenway path.

Click here to read more about the
'Downtown Greenway Connection: Phase 1.'

Special Meeting Notice
February 4, 2010

Update: The Council Workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 due to inclement weather.

Notice is hearby given of a Special Meeting of the Morganton City Council to be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Saturday Feb. 13, 2010 beginning at 8:30 am for the purpose of conducting an annual workshop and to consider and take action if necessary regarding any item that nay be properly brought before the City Council.

Read the Agenda

What to expect during inclement weather
Some City services must be adjusted
during heavy snow and icy conditions
Morganton, NC: January 26, 2010

For many people, snow brings smiles, snow ball fights and snowmen. Other people would be just as happy if the roads remained slush free all year long. But no matter their inclination, snow usually requires everyone to change their routine.

When a lot of snow, sleet or ice hits Morganton, the City Public Works Department must change its routine as well.

Downtown Greenway Connection: Phase 1

The City recently obtained partial funding and approved plans for Phase I of a new downtown Greenway connector to the Catawba River Greenway. This greenway will eventually connect Catawba Meadows Park with the historic downtown via a one-mile greenway path extending along North Green Street and then along a small tributary to the Catawba River.

This greenway extension will eventually connect Mountain View Elementary School, the Morganton Aquatic Center, the Mountain View Recreation Center, the Morganton Housing Authority and numerous businesses and neighborhoods to the downtown and river by means of a fully accessible 10-foot paved trail.

The highlight of this proposed greenway will be a 60 foot tunnel under Sanford Drive to provide safe non-motorized obstructed access for children and pedestrians.

Downtown Greenway Connection Review
Phase 1 Aerial Overview
Phase 1 Exhibit 1
Phase 1 Exhibit 2 & 3
Phase 1 Exhibit 4

Phase 2 Aerial Overview
(JPEG) Phase 2 Tunnel Concept

History of the Catawba River Greenway

Special Meeting Notice
January 15, 2010

Notice is given that a Special Council meeting of the City Council has been called for Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 305 East Union Street, Morganton, North Carolina, at 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering and taking any necessary action regarding a legal matter involving the City of Morganton. It is anticipated that a closed session will be conducted, but any final action required will be taken in an open meeting.

This notice is given on the 15th day of January, 2010 pursuant to G.S. 160A-71.

Planning & Zoning Commission meets Thursday
Morganton, NC: January 11, 2010

The City of Morganton Planning and Zoning Commission will meet Thursday Jan. 14 at 5:15 pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall. Items on the agenda include:

Consideration of a request submitted by Redwood Development Company to amend certain amended rezoning conditions established for Phase 2 of the Henry's Glen Planned Residential Development in March of 2008. This amendment seeks the permission to construct five (5) individual detached one story condominium buildings on approximately 0.5 acres of property located at the corner of Alley A and Ivy Court where plans currently would allow a two story building containing five (5) attached condominium units.

Read the agenda
Visit the Planning & Zoning page

Fireworks training at Catawba Meadows Park
Morganton, NC: January 6, 2010

It's not New Year's Eve and it's not Independence Day, but residents will hear and see some fireworks explosions at Catawba Meadows Park Saturday afternoon.

Cold temperatures causing water line breaks
Water Resources Director asks residents
to report problems as soon as possible
Morganton, NC: January 6, 2010

The recent freezing temperatures in Morganton have caused several water line breaks during the past few days, and the City's Water Resources Director is asking residents to call if they see any other water line breaks in town.

Burke County Health Department to hold two H1N1 vaccine clinics for the general public, weather permitting
Morganton: Jan. 5, 2010

The Burke County Health Department will be holding two H1N1 vaccine clinics to all persons wanting to receive the vaccine. The first H1N1 vaccine clinic will be held on Friday January 8, 2010 at the Morganton-Burke Senior Center on North Green Street from 12:00pm until 6:00pm. The second clinic will be held on Saturday January 9, 2010 from 9:00am until 12:00pm at the Saint Charles Catholic Church on Union Street.

City Council meets Monday, Jan. 4

The Morganton City Council will hold the Council's regular meeting Monday, January 4, 2010, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall.

Items on the agenda include:

Consideration of Resolution Honoring the folling employees

Rick W. Brendle
Mary L. Ellis
Doff E. Browning
Debbie B. Ogle

Public Hearing on a Request to Rezone 2.49 Acres at 802 and 804 Burkemont Avenue and 109 and 111 Henredon Road from Residential Medium (RM) to General Business (GB).
Consideration of Award of Service Contract for City-Wide Security and Fire Alarm Monitoring/Maintenance Service.
Consideration of Award of Bids – Downtown Greenway Project.

Read the full agenda
Go to City Council page

City Council meets Monday, Dec. 8
Morganton, NC: December 3, 2009

The Morganton City Council will hold the Council's regular meeting Monday, December 7, 2009, at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall.

Items on the agenda include:

Organization of Council.

Swearing in of Council Members
Election of Mayor Pro Tem

Consideration of Grant Award of CDBG Entitlement Funds to Non-Profits.
Consideration of Calling for a Public Hearing on a Request to Rezone 2.49 Acres at 802 and 804 Burkemont Avenue and 109 and 111 Henredon Road from Residential Medium (RM) to General Business (GB).
Consideration of a Resolution Giving Final Approval to an Offer to Purchase Certain Real Property Located on College Street.
Consideration of a Resolution Requesting that the Speed Limit on Bost Road be Changed from 35 MPH to 45 MPH by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Consideration of a Conceptual New Street Striping and Parking Plan within the Downtown along Both One-Way Sections of Green and Sterling Streets.
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing an Application for NCDOT Grant Funds to Prepare a City Bikeway Plan.

Read the full agenda
Go to City Council page

Christmas Parade DVDs on sale!

Did you miss the Morganton's 2009 Christmas Parade? If you did, you can still watch it on Ch. 2 Monday through Saturday at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

You can also buy a DVD of the Parade for $15.00

Call 438-5397 for more information.

H1N1 Vaccine Available to the General Public by Appointment or Clinic through the Burke County Health Department

The Burke County Health Department is now able to offer the H1N1 vaccine, nasal spray or flu shot, to all persons wanting to receive the vaccine. Appointments are available between 8:00 am to 4:45 pm Monday through Friday through out the month of December. Or you can attend one of three clinics the Burke County Health Department will be offering.

City Hall closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Morganton, NC: November 20, 2009

City Hall Hours
City Hall will be closed Thursday Nov. 26, and Friday Nov. 27
in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

Garbage Collection will be on a regular schedule.

OVTA-125px Morganton proposes locations for
future National Park Service facility
Morganton, NC: November 20, 2009

About 100 people gathered at the Historic Burke County Courthouse Wednesday evening for a meeting with National Park Service (NPS). The NPS is planning to build a headquarters and visitor's center to serve the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

Voice Your Support!

1. Visit the NPS project website here.
2. Fill out the NPS Comment form.

Direct Link to NPS Comment Page
http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?parkID=400&projectID=25061&documentId=30312

City Hall closed Veterans Day
Morganton, NC: November 6, 2009

City Hall Hours
City Hall will be closed Wednesday November 11, 2009
in observance of Veterans Day.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

Garbage Collection
The City of Morganton will not collect garbage
on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Pickup Dates
Monday Nov. 9 Regular pickup
Tuesday Nov. 10 Regular pickup
Thursday Nov. 12 (Wednesday's pickup)
Friday Nov. 13 (Thursday's pickup)

Burke County Health Department
H1N1 Vaccine Clinic for Target Groups
November 6, 2009

Due to the overwhelming response from Burke County citizens wanting appointments to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine, the Burke County Health Department has scheduled a H1N1 flu shot clinic for people that fall into H1N1 target groups. This clinic will take place on Thursday November 12, 2009 from 5:15pm until 8:00pm in the Burke County Health Department lobby.

Pumpkin Bowl Disc Golf tourney heads to
Morganton's Catawba Meadows Park
City's newest disc golf course open for play
Morganton, NC: October 30, 2009

Discs will be flying this Saturday at Catawba Meadows Park as disc golfers compete in the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Bowl disc golf tournament. Proceeds from the event will benefit Burke United Christian Ministries (BUCM).

Jay Pendley with the Burke Association of Disc Golfers said he's excited to have the Pumpkin Bowl at Catawba Meadows Park this year. Pendley said the course offers a new challenge for local disc golfers and visitors