Raeford City Council approved what could become a 70-90-home subdivision near Turnpike Road and N.C. 211. “Gates Farm” would be built on 17 acres of land just north of the highway in 58 lots. No one spoke during a public hearing held Monday night at Council’s regular meeting, though the developer answered a few questions. He said the size of houses hadn’t yet been determined but he was expecting 3,000-square foot homes.

Council also began deliberations for a new fire truck, which could cost more than $650,000. Fire chief Donnie Smith told council a 1994 pumper is due for replacement, with life expectancy for a fire truck of 20 years, the last 10 as a reserve vehicle.

The board is considering pre-paying for the truck to save 2.91 percent, but finance officer Scott Edwards warned of risks during building the truck, which is a one-to-two-year process. He said if the company were to fail, the City would have to find another to finish construction, though he added the scenario isn’t likely. The board asked Edwards to investigate a pay-as-you-go approach or split the liability.

In other business, the City is creating a parks advisory board. City Manager Dennis Baxley said its creation would aid in getting grants. Members will serve two-year terms and will set goals, hold hearings, take surveys and plan park improvements and additions. One frequently discussed possibility is turning a pond off Oakwood Avenue into a city park.