The idea of Sunday morning alcohol sales met with public opposition during last week’s council meeting in Locust.

The Brunch Bill is a piece of state legislation that would allow for alcohol sales beginning at 10 a.m. on Sundays if permitted by the local government. Three citizens spoke against the bill during a public hearing on the matter.

“In our community, the hours between 10 and 12 is known as church time,” said longtime resident Coy Eudy. “The sale of alcohol during that time, to me, it just doesn’t seem right.”

Clint Lewey, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Stanfield, also opposed the bill. “Sunday has long been recognized in communities as a unique day, a day where people worship…Issues like this will change our community, not just for now, but for our children as they come up.”

Real estate agent, Judy Godwin, agreed. “Let’s vote no and stand up for what we believe in.”

Council members agreed that the extra two hours of alcohol sales was not needed in Locust.

“I don’t see that two hours will make that much difference in economic impact,” said council member Mike Haigler. “I think it should stay as it is.”

The council took no action on the bill. Sunday alcohol sales will remain as is in Locust.

In other matters:

• After hearing no comments during public hearing, the council approved Redah pump station improvements.
• After hearing no comments during public hearing, the council approved the Sewer Ordinance change – Disconnect Devices.
• After hearing no comments during public hearing, the council approved the Zoning Ordinance change – Multi-family uses. This change removed multi-family uses from every zoning district except City Center.
• Tracy Davis, outreach committee chairperson for Esther House of Stanly County, spoke regarding October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Esther House provides safe shelter and services for domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking victims. Mayor Steve Huber read the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation.
• The Safe Routes to School sidewalk project is nearing completion. The city recently received grant funds in the amount of $130,032 for the project.
• Dan Burris spoke regarding Marine Corp League Combat Wounded parking signs. As a Purple Heart City, Burris asked the council to consider purchasing several signs for Locust in recognition of the sacrifices military men and women have made for our freedom.
• City Administrator Cesar Correa provided an update on the development of the Whispering Hills subdivision. Originally, True Homes planned to build a bridge connecting the existing phase of the development to the next phase. Because of cost and design issues, they have instead decided to create a secondary entrance on Mission Church Road and start building 73 homes in that area of the subdivision. True Homes has also committed to building a playground in the existing phase of the subdivision and hopes to have this in place by spring.
• Correa said the Lions Club recently approached the city about helping with this year’s Christmas parade and possibly taking over the parade next year. Correa said the city would look into changing the date of the parade, a possible change of route and would possibly tie the parade into a tree lighting and festival next year. Correa will continue discussions with the Lions Club to obtain a more complete idea of cost and the logistics of taking over the parade before bringing the topic to the council for their approval.
• The council approved the Cabarrus County Tax Collection Resolution.
• The council approved an easement request from Duke Energy.
• There will be an E-waste drop off on Thursday, September 21 from 2-5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Locust Government Center. Acceptable items include laptops, desktop computers, scanners, printers and cell phones. Unacceptable items include washing machines, dryers, lightbulbs, tube TV’s and hazardous waste.
• The council approved appointments for the Economic Development Commission (EDC).
• Donna Carter, owner of Carter’s Place Art Center spoke during public hearing regarding an island proposed at the end of Dixon Road, directly across from Carter’s Place driveway. She said an island would hinder traffic for her business and neighboring Mi Fuente Mexican Restaurant.
• Patrick Ess, owner of Stanly Wellness Center, spoke during public hearing regarding the speed limit on Hwy. 24-27. He said he has seen several traffic accidents and would like to see the speed limit lowered.