City Manager October 2025 Update to City Council

At the October 6, 2025 City Council meeting, City Manager Ron Smith shared updates on major City projects, public safety efforts, and upcoming community events.

🎥 Watch the full City Council Meeting or review a summary of updates from Ron below:

Public Safety Update

A gas line incident occurred on Broad Street when a contractor struck a line, prompting quick response from the Statesville Fire Department (SFD). Broad and Green Streets were temporarily closed, and nearby residents were safely evacuated until the area was cleared.

Major Construction & Infrastructure Projects

• Statesville Police Department Expansion & Parking Deck – Construction continues with a crane now in place for parking deck work. Tradd Street will remain closed for about six weeks while pre-cast materials are offloaded. Demolition is underway at the Police Department building, including removal of the lower-level awning and basement entrance.
• Statesville Regional Airport Terminal – The third-floor balcony roof is complete, and the project remains on schedule for a late December 2025 completion.
• Statesville Fire Station 5 – Seventy applicants completed the agility course over the weekend as part of hiring efforts. Engineering is finalizing renovation plans and will soon present cost estimates to Council.
• Municipal Operations Center (Phases 3 & 4) – This multi-phase project includes design and site planning, environmental testing, and electrical upgrades. The new facilities will house Public Works and Public Utilities staff.

Parks & Recreation

• Kimbrough Park – Playground installation is complete, and a new shelter kit is scheduled for delivery in November.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park – Work has begun on four new pickleball courts. Concrete will be poured soon, marking a major milestone in expanding local recreation offerings.
• Other Recreation Projects – Site planning is underway for upgrades at Newtonville, and new audio-visual systems are being installed at the Statesville Civic Center, including mounted projectors and screens in each great hall.

Public Works & Utilities

• The 2025 Street Resurfacing Project is complete. Sidewalk projects along Alexander and Stockton Streets are expected to finish by November, and City crews will soon begin fence and wall work at the Flats.
• Waterline Spline Project – Several road closures are planned through mid-October along Stockton Street, Brookdale Drive, and Hartness Road as this critical utility improvement continues.
• South Yadkin Pump Station – Pumps are set to ship mid-October, and conduit installation is underway.
• Outage Management System (OMS) – The new system will provide real-time power outage maps and text alerts before the end of the year. Residents are encouraged to update their contact info by calling 704-878-3564 or visiting the City’s website.

Upcoming Events

• Carolina BalloonFest: October 17–19
• Trick or Treat in Downtown: October 30, 4–6 PM
• 22nd Annual Pumpkin Fest: November 1, 10 AM–5 PM

City Employment

The City is currently hiring for multiple positions, including Key Accounts & Economic Development Manager, Police Officer, Procurement & Contracts Specialist, Landscaping/Groundskeeper, and part-time Recreation Attendant.

Staff Highlights

Congratulations to recent promotions and career milestones, including:

• Police Department: Solana Craig promoted to Master Police Officer.
• Airport: Frederick Jetter advanced to full-time Airport Line Service Technician.
• Statesville Public Power: Lee Keller, Josh Lamberth, and Justin Spencer earned Lineworker Level III Certifications.

The City also welcomes Mary Ann Gentry (Finance), Tyler Phillips (Public Power), and Michael Riddick (Public Works, Garage). A special “welcome back” goes to Hunter Galliher, a returning Line Technician in Public Power.

View the full presentation here

Read all City Manager updates to City Council here