By Jesse Deal, for the SNAP

The Stanfield Town Council officially announced the hiring of a new town planner at its regular meeting Thursday night. The council began its job search less than a month ago but as of Oct. 8, Kathy Liles has worked in the town’s inaugural role.

“She’s already helped progress a couple issues that we’ve been kicking back and forth over the last month, trying to come up with resolutions,” Mayor Kevin Barbee said. “I appreciate her involvement. She is easy to talk with at a level that is easy to understand, which is a good thing.”

Though Liles was unable to attend Thursday’s meeting, the Stanfield council commented on her newfound position within the town as it pertains to zoning issues.

“Since we have our town planner, I respectfully request that we ask her to review our ordinances as it relates to R20 (residential) zoning,” Commissioner Rick Williams said.

He contended that property rights are going to be a “hot topic issue” going forward.

“Based on what’s coming in the way in enforcement, I’d like her to review our ordinances to make a determination if what we have in R20 is sufficient,” Williams said. “If isn’t in writing, we won’t be able to enforce it.”

The council also discussed the upcoming Stanfield Public Works Thanksgiving Food Drive, which is set for Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be at the Stanfield Log Barn Park on 101 West Stanly St.

Done in conjunction with West Stanly Christian Ministries, among other local charities, the food drive is a community event designed to assist needy families in the area with Thanksgiving dinner. Non-perishable are needed include canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes as well as stuffing and gravy.

The event will be rain or shine.

Another topic of conversation among the commissioners was the recent opening of a new business in Stanfield, Steven Grissom’s Set Apart Barbershop, at 205 West Stanly St.

“In a small town, you notice when new businesses start — they don’t start every day, so we are happy to have a barber,” Barbee said.

The Stanfield Board of Commissioners will next meet Nov. 15 in a special-called meeting to coincide with a subdivision ordinance public hearing.

Another town item not brought up during the meeting is the schedule for leaf pick-up. Dates are Nov. 10, Dec. 8 and Jan. 12, 2019. Leaves should be at the road the day before.

Jesse Deal is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News & Press.