Clinton public meetings in 2025
16 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will conduct a public hearing on a rezoning request for 0.66 acres at 200 Northeast Boulevard, changing the land use from residential to highway commercial. Two additional public hearings will consider special use applications for indoor recreation facilities at 200 and 357 Northeast Boulevard. New business includes reviewing a recreation sponsorship and naming rights policy, budget amendment(s), and pay plan amendment(s). The meeting also addresses appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustment, and updates on downtown projects.
- Public hearing on rezoning 0.66 acres at 200 Northeast Blvd from R-8 Residential to HC-Highway Commercial
- Public hearing on special use request by Environmental Justice Community Action Network for an indoor recreation facility (<1,000 people) at 200 Northeast Blvd
- Public hearing on special use request by Ibrahim Awawdeh for an indoor recreation facility (<1,000 people) at 357 Northeast Blvd
- Consideration of Clinton Recreation Sponsorship & Naming Rights Policy
- Consideration of budget amendment(s)
The council unanimously reappointed City Manager James Duncan and City Attorney Joel Starling. It also unanimously approved rezoning 0.66 acres at 200 Northeast Boulevard from R-8 Residential to HC-Highway Commercial. A special‑use permit was approved for Environmental Justice Community Action Network to operate an indoor recreation facility for fewer than 1,000 people at the same address, while a similar request by Ibrahim Awawdeh at 357 Northeast Boulevard was denied.
- Reappointed City Manager James Duncan (unanimous)
- Reappointed City Attorney Joel Starling (unanimous)
- Approved rezoning of 0.66 acres at 200 Northeast Blvd from R-8 to HC-Commercial (unanimous)
- Approved special‑use permit for Environmental Justice Community Action Network indoor recreation facility (<1,000 people) at 200 Northeast Blvd (approved)
- Denied special‑use permit for Ibrahim Awawdeh indoor recreation facility (<1,000 people) at 357 Northeast Blvd (denied)
- Re‑elected Mayor Pro Tem Marcus O. Becton (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of November 5, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The Clinton City Council will consider several agenda items, including budget amendments and temporary closures for holiday events. Public hearings will address code changes for itinerant merchants. The council will also discuss a resolution supporting state juvenile‑justice funding and a possible scope change for the Phase IV Downtown Revitalization Project.
- Approval of budget amendments
- Closing City Market parking lot for the “Christmas Carousel” Dec 11‑13, 2025
- Street closures for the “Clinton‑Sampson Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade” Dec 13, 2025
- Public hearing on text amendment to Section 14‑221 of the City Code updating registration requirements for itinerant merchants
- Consideration of amending the scope of Phase IV Downtown Revitalization Project
No items were presented for other business. The mayor and a councilmember made brief remarks about the recent election and community engagement. A motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Pro Tern Becton, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:11 PM.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The Clinton City Council will discuss and vote on several items, including budget amendments and a one‑year lease with U‑Care for the property at 309 Lisbon Street. Public hearings will be held on a special use request for an accessory apartment at 122 Colonial Drive and on two code amendments concerning itinerant merchants. Resolutions to award surplus K9 units to their handlers will also be considered.
- Public hearing on a special use request by Randy Wiggins for a 20 × 20 ft accessory apartment at 122 Colonial Drive (R‑8 Residential District)
- Public hearing on a text amendment to Section 14‑221 of the City Code to update registration requirements for itinerant merchants
- Public hearing on a text amendment to Section 14‑222 of the City Code to define itinerant merchants
- Consideration of approving budget amendments
- Consideration of a lease with U‑Care for the property at 309 Lisbon Street for one year, with automatic renewal options
The council unanimously approved the September 2 minutes and adopted three proclamations for Fire Prevention Week, National American Indian Heritage Month, and World Polio Day. It also unanimously approved a special‑use request for a detached accessory apartment at 122 Colonial Drive and a budget amendment that increases both expenditures and revenues by $27,255. Finally, the council declared K9 Brembo surplus and awarded the dog to Sergeant Christian A. Simmons.
- Approved September 2 minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted Fire Prevention Week proclamation (unanimous)
- Adopted National American Indian Heritage Month proclamation (unanimous)
- Adopted World Polio Day proclamation (unanimous)
- Approved special‑use request for accessory apartment at 122 Colonial Drive (unanimous)
- Adopted FY2025‑2026 budget amendment #3, increasing expenditures and revenues by $27,255 (unanimous)
- Declared K9 Brembo surplus and awarded to Sergeant Christian A. Simmons (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will consider a special use request for an accessory apartment and vote on accepting two Asset Inventory and Assessment grants for water and sewer. The body will also discuss budget amendments and the adoption of Shamrock Drive as a city street.
- Public hearing: Special use request for accessory apartment at 300 Millbrook Avenue
- Resolution to accept Asset Inventory and Assessment Sewer Grant (AIA-W-0314) and Water Grant (AIA-D-0319)
- Resolution to accept Shamrock Drive as a city street between Pierce Street extension and Sunset Avenue
- Proposed crosswalk installation from Shamrock Plaza to Immanuel Baptist Church
- Street closures on October 31, 2025, for 'Halloween on the Square'
The City Council unanimously accepted a $150,000 State Reserve Grant to fund a sewer asset inventory and assessment. It also approved a second $150,000 grant for a water asset inventory, and authorized a special use accessory apartment at 300 Millbrook Avenue. Additional actions included writing off uncollectible water and sewer bills, setting spring and fall clean‑up weeks, rescheduling the November council meeting, and adopting Shamrock Drive as a city street.
- Approved $150,000 State Reserve Grant for sewer asset inventory (unanimous)
- Approved $150,000 State Reserve Grant for water asset inventory (unanimous)
- Approved special use request for accessory apartment at 300 Millbrook Ave (unanimous)
- Wrote off unpaid water and sewer billing accounts (unanimous)
- Designated Spring Clean‑up Week (April 13‑17, 2026) and Fall Clean‑up Week (Oct 19‑23, 2026) (unanimous)
- Rescheduled November 4, 2025 council meeting to November 5, 2025 (unanimous)
- Accepted portion of Shamrock Drive as a city street (unanimous)
- Approved First Responders Appreciation Day proclamation (unanimous)
🏢 Building at this address: 4 m tall
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will hold four public hearings regarding text amendments to the Land Development Ordinance. The body will also consider budget amendments, pay plan changes, and street closures for a local event.
- Public hearing on amending Section 6.5 (Prohibited Signs) of the Land Development Ordinance
- Public hearing to define and provide for Tobacco and Hemp Retail in the Land Development Ordinance
- Public hearing on amending Section 4 (Special Requirements) of the Land Development Ordinance
- Proposed street closures on October 10 and 11, 2025, for the Annual Square Fair and Barbecue Cook-off
- Consideration of budget amendments, Pay Plan amendments, and Personnel Policy amendments
The City Council removed the closed‑session item, approved the July 1 minutes, and unanimously passed three text amendments to the Land Development Ordinance: updating prohibited signs in Section 6.5, defining tobacco and hemp retail in Appendix A, and adding special requirements for those retailers in Section 4. The council also approved street closings for the Annual Square Fair and Barbecue Cook‑off and adopted two budget amendments, all by unanimous vote.
- Removed closed session from agenda (unanimous)
- Approved July 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Amended Section 6.5 prohibited signs (unanimous)
- Amended Appendix A to define tobacco and hemp retail (unanimous)
- Amended Section 4 special requirements for tobacco/hemp retail (unanimous)
- Approved street closings for Annual Square Fair and Barbecue Cook‑off (unanimous)
- Adopted two budget amendments (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will discuss a request to close a portion of East Main Street on August 9, 2025. The body will also consider a resolution regarding the use of facsimile signatures on checks and contracts.
- Proposed closure of East Main Street (Simply Brewed Coffee Company to Professional Eye Care) on August 9, 2025
- Resolution authorizing facsimile signature machines or stamps for checks and purchase orders
- Appointment of Beth Stewart to the Planning and Zoning Board
- Resolution to surplus the firearm and badge of retiring Lieutenant Stokes McKoy
- Closed session to discuss personnel
The council approved the minutes from June meetings and proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month. It adopted resolutions to award surplus police badge and weapon to a retiring officer, to allow facsimile signature devices for financial documents, and to close East Main Street for a Battle of the Badges event. The council also appointed Greg Thornton to the Planning and Zoning Board and reappointed Perry E. Solice, Jr. to the ABC Board. All actions passed unanimously.
- Approved June 3 and June 17 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month (unanimous)
- Declared police badge and Glock Model 45 pistol surplus and awarded to Lt. Stokes McKoy (unanimous)
- Authorized use of facsimile signature machines for checks, drafts, and pre‑audit certificates (unanimous)
- Closed East Main Street from Simply Brewed Coffee Company to Professional Eye Care on Aug 9, 2025, 9 AM‑3 PM for Battle of the Badges (unanimous)
- Appointed Greg Thornton to Planning and Zoning Board, term until Jan 2028 (unanimous)
- Reappointed Perry E. Solice, Jr. to ABC Board, term until Aug 2028 (unanimous)
Special Meetings
The City Council will meet to discuss the adoption of the FY 2025-2026 Budget, including the budget ordinance and fee schedule. The body will also consider budget amendments for FY 2024-2025 and a resolution regarding lead service line inventory.
- Adoption of FY 2025-2026 Budget, budget ordinance, and fee schedule
- Budget amendment(s) for the FY 2024-2025 Budget
- Resolution regarding lead service line inventory and designation of authorized representatives
The council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager, Finance Director and Public Works Director to act on a $446,720 lead service line inventory project. It also adopted three FY2024‑2025 budget ordinance amendments and two project‑fund amendments for the Alleyway Grant and Highway 24 relocation. Finally, the FY2025‑2026 budget ordinance, fee schedule, and a 0.34 ¢ per $100 ad valorem tax rate were adopted unanimously.
- Approved Lead Service Line Inventory resolution, authorizing City Manager, Finance Director and Public Works Director (unanimous)
- Adopted three FY2024‑2025 budget ordinance amendments (unanimous)
- Amended Alleyway Grant Project Fund, increasing expenditures by $1,335 (unanimous)
- Amended Highway 24 Infrastructure Relocation Project Fund, transferring $293,489 and closing the project (unanimous)
- Adopted FY2025‑2026 budget ordinance with fee schedule (unanimous)
- Established ad valorem tax rate of $0.34 per $100 property valuation for FY2025‑2026 (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the FY2025-2026 budget and several land development ordinance amendments. The body is also considering multiple construction contracts for airfield improvements and law enforcement service agreements.
- Construction contract with Barnhill Contracting Company for $2,650,080
- Construction contract with Rifenburg North Carolina for $2,335,770
- Special use request for Sampson Community College expansion at 395 Enterprise Drive
- Proposed text amendments to the Land Development Ordinance regarding minor subdivisions and townhouse lot widths
- Request to close Graham Street and Clinton City Market parking lot on June 19, 2025
The City Council approved the minutes of the May 6 and May 13 meetings unanimously. It unanimously approved a special use request for Sampson Community College to expand its trade and vocational school at 395 Enterprise Drive. The Council also unanimously adopted Ordinance #2025.06.01 to amend Appendix A of the Land Development Ordinance, allowing five lots in minor subdivisions, and Ordinance #2025.06.02 to amend Section 12.3.3 Plat Labeling Requirements.
- Approved May 6 & May 13 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved special use request for Sampson Community College expansion at 395 Enterprise Drive (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance #2025.06.01 amending Appendix A to allow five lots in minor subdivisions (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance #2025.06.02 amending Section 12.3.3 Plat Labeling Requirements (unanimous)
Special Meetings
This is a special recessed meeting continuing the budget workshop from May 6. The council will discuss the FY2025-2026 budget. No specific proposals or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.
- Continued discussion of the FY2025-2026 budget
The City Council approved the FY2025‑2026 budget ordinance. Council members agreed to increase council salaries and to raise paving and code‑enforcement expenditures. The council decided to keep the pool admission fee unchanged while raising youth athletics fees, and the mayor instructed the City Manager to send a letter to Senator Brent Jackson requesting $10,000,000 for the wastewater‑treatment‑plant expansion. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Adopted FY2025‑2026 budget ordinance (no vote tally recorded)
- Council salary increase agreed: $600 for councilmembers, $650 for mayor pro tem, $800 for mayor
- Approved increase in paving expenditures
- Approved increase in code‑enforcement expenditures
- Consensus to leave pool admission fee unchanged and increase youth athletics fees
- Mayor instructed City Manager to send letter to Senator Brent Jackson requesting $10,000,000 WWTP assistance
- Adjournment motion passed unanimously
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will hold a public hearing on annexing property along Martha Lane owned by Minnie Webb and consider an annexation ordinance. Old business includes a 36-lot preliminary subdivision plat for property off West Elizabeth Street owned by Ismail Awawdeh. New business includes closing a courthouse parking lot for events, a resolution for a theater seating grant, adopting a Property Management Policy, and budget amendments. The meeting will continue as a budget workshop on May 13.
- Public hearing and ordinance on annexation of Martha Lane property (Minnie Webb)
- Consideration of 36-lot subdivision plat request by Dwight Miller off West Elizabeth Street
- Request to close Sampson County Courthouse parking lot on select Saturdays May–September 2025
- Resolution for Sampson County CVB Capital Grant for theater seating
- Adoption of Property Management Policy and budget amendments
The council approved the minutes from the April meetings unanimously. It passed several proclamations—including National Public Works Week, National Police Week, Municipal Clerks Week, and Smoke Alarm Saturday—each unanimously. Finally, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance annexing the property on Martha Lane, extending the city’s corporate limits.
- Approved April 1 and April 15 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adopted National Public Works Week proclamation (unanimous)
- Adopted National Police Week proclamation (unanimous)
- Adopted Municipal Clerks Week proclamation (unanimous)
- Adopted Smoke Alarm Saturday proclamation (unanimous)
- Annexed property along Martha Lane, extending city limits (unanimous)
Special Meetings
This special meeting continues from April 1, 2025. The council will continue the presentation of the 2023-2024 Financial Audit and consider a 36-lot preliminary subdivision plat request by Dwight Miller for property off West Elizabeth Street owned by Ismail Awawdeh. A budget workshop for the FY2025-2026 budget will also be held, and a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer will be issued.
- Continuation of 2023-2024 Financial Audit presentation
- 36-lot preliminary subdivision plat request by Dwight Miller for property off West Elizabeth Street owned by Ismail Awawdeh
- FY2025-2026 Budget workshop discussion
- Proclamation of National Day of Prayer on May 1, 2025
The City Council adopted a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer and formally received the 2023‑2024 financial audit. A motion was passed unanimously to contact North Carolina state legislators for assistance funding the city's limited water capacity and wastewater‑treatment‑plant expansion. The council also continued consideration of a 36‑lot subdivision plat and scheduled a meeting with NCDOT and the developer for April 28. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Proclamation of National Day of Prayer (unanimous)
- Received 2023‑2024 financial audit (unanimous)
- Motion to contact state legislators for water capacity funding and WWTP expansion (unanimous)
- Continued consideration of 36‑lot subdivision plat until May 6 (unanimous)
- Scheduled meeting with NCDOT, developer, and staff for April 28 at 10:00 AM (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The Clinton City Council will hold a public hearing on a rezoning request to change 9.52 acres along West Elizabeth Street and West Morisey Boulevard from I-1 Light Industrial to R-8 Residential. New business includes consideration of a 36-lot preliminary subdivision plat for the same area, approval of a special ABC permit and street closures for the 'Alive after Five' events, and a budget amendment. The meeting also features a continued public hearing for a tattoo studio at 919 College Street and recognition of the 2024 Clinton Main Street Champions.
- Continued public hearing on special use request for a tattoo studio at 919 College Street in HC-Highway Commercial District
- Public hearing on rezoning 9.52 acres along West Elizabeth Street and West Morisey Boulevard from I-1 to R-8 Residential
- Consideration of special ABC permit and closing Lisbon Street parking lot and part of Graham Street for five 'Alive after Five' events in 2025
- Consideration of 36-lot preliminary subdivision plat by Dwight Miller for property off West Elizabeth Street owned by Ismail Awawdeh
- Consideration of budget amendment(s) and voluntary contiguous annexation of property along Martha Lane for Minnie Webb
The City Council approved a special use permit for a tattoo studio at 919 College Street and adopted a zoning amendment to rezone 9.52 acres along West Elizabeth Street and West Morisey Boulevard from Light Industrial to Residential. It also approved contracts with Sampson Community College for SRO services and with Sampson County for fire protection, and voted to close the City Market parking lot and a section of Graham Street for Alive after Five concerts. Additionally, the council appointed a voting delegate for the CityVision NC League of Municipalities meeting.
- Approved special use permit for Luis Guzman tattoo studio (unanimous)
- Adopted rezoning amendment for 9.52 acres to R-8 Residential (unanimous)
- Approved SRO services contract with Sampson Community College ($14,135.60 + $50,000 vehicle) (unanimous)
- Approved fire protection contract amendment with Sampson County (unanimous)
- Closed City Market parking lot and Graham Street section for concert dates (unanimous)
- Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Becton as voting delegate for CityVision NC meeting (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of March 4, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
- Added walk‑on items (John Adams appearance, college presentation, contracts) to agenda (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will hold public hearings on a rezoning request and a special use permit for a tattoo studio. Members will also consider an agreement for Phase IV Downtown Development Project engineering services and a budget amendment.
- Rezoning request by HH] Group, LLC for 16,155 square feet at De Street and Beaman Street from Highway Commercial to R-8 Residential
- Special use request for a tattoo studio at 919 College Street
- Engineering services agreement for Phase IV Downtown Development Project
- Annexation petition investigation for property along Martha Lane
- Revised Administrative Policy for Workers’ Compensation, Leave Benefits, and Light Duty
The Clinton City Council approved a rezoning request at De and Beaman Streets, adopted a budget amendment for school police officers, and passed several resolutions including surplus property for a retiring lieutenant and a pass-through fire truck purchase. A tattoo studio special use request was continued to April 1, 2025.
- Approved rezoning 16,155 sq ft at De and Beaman Streets from HC to R-8 (unanimous)
- Adopted budget amendment #2025.3.01 increasing school police officer expenditures by $41,727 (unanimous)
- Approved resolution to surplus Lt. Robbie King's badge and Glock 45 pistol (unanimous)
- Approved pass-through resolution for Taylor's Bridge Fire Department fire truck purchase (unanimous)
- Approved salvage of 2019 Dodge Charger body (unanimous)
- Directed City Clerk to investigate Minnie Webb annexation petition (unanimous)
- Named internal street at Sampson Community College 'Campus Drive' (unanimous)
- Authorized City Manager to negotiate Phase IV Downtown Development engineering contract (unanimous)
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will hold public hearings on a special use request to expand a mini-storage facility at 1564 Hobbton Highway and on the Clinton Fire Department's service district tax rate and tentative budget. New business includes a resolution to raise the fire protection service district tax rate, budget amendments, and awarding a bid for the Sampson Community Theater renovation. A closed session is scheduled for contract negotiations.
- Public hearing on special use request by Frank Owens to expand mini-storage at 1564 Hobbton Highway
- Public hearing on Clinton Fire Department service district tax rate and tentative FY2025-2026 budget
- Consideration of resolution to increase Clinton Fire Protection Service District tax rate
- Consideration of awarding bid for Sampson Community Theater renovation project
- Presentation on Downtown Revitalization Project Phase 4 update
The Clinton City Council approved moving forward with Downtown Revitalization Project Phase 4, which includes a stage at the City Market and underground power lines, funded partly by a $250,000 state grant. They also unanimously requested that the Sampson County Board of Commissioners increase the fire protection service district tax rate from $0.08 to $0.10 per $100 valuation and adopt a tentative FY 2025-2026 fire department budget. Additionally, they approved a special use permit for expanding a mini-storage facility at 1564 Hobbton Highway, awarded a theater renovation contract to Brock Construction Company, and made several appointments.
- Approved Downtown Revitalization Project Phase 4 (unanimous)
- Approved special use permit for mini-storage expansion at 1564 Hobbton Highway (unanimous)
- Requested fire district tax rate increase from $0.08 to $0.10 (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution requesting fire district tax rate increase and tentative FY 2025-2026 budget (unanimous)
- Adopted budget amendment adding $8,750 for athletic supplies (unanimous)
- Awarded theater renovation contract to Brock Construction Company, Inc. (unanimous)
- Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Becton as delegate to Mid-Carolina Regional Council (unanimous)
- Appointed Tyler Baxter to Board of Adjustment and Shatoria Monroe Leggett to Recreation Advisory Board (unanimous)
Special Meetings
The City Council will continue a meeting from January 7, 2025. The session is dedicated to a workshop regarding the Capital Improvement Plan, including a review of the council's vision and capital requests.
- Review of City Council vision, mission, and focus areas
- Review of Capital Improvement Plan and capital requests
The City Council held a special meeting to review the FY 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a workshop to discuss upcoming projects, including a proposed fire truck, street resurfacing, and Downtown Revitalization Phase 4. The council also discussed the upcoming lead service line inventory, with a 2027 deadline, and noted that approximately 500 residents had responded.
- No formal decisions made; CIP workshop only
- Discussed proposed fire truck plan for next meeting
- Noted $320K allocated for street resurfacing
- Reviewed Downtown Revitalization Phase 4 ($2M) with design services next step
Regular Council Meetings
The City Council will consider calling a public hearing for February 4, 2025, to receive citizen input on a service district tax rate matter and a proposed tentative budget for the Clinton Fire Department. Other business includes adopting a resolution to support an accessible park grant application and designating a voting delegate for NC League of Municipalities legislative goals. The council will also recognize the CHS boys' soccer team, Police Officer of the Year, and Firefighter of the Year, and make appointments to the Board of Adjustment and Cemetery Advisory Board.
- Consideration of public hearing on Clinton Fire Department service district tax rate and tentative budget
- Resolution to support application for accessible park grant via NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
- Designation of voting delegate for NC League of Municipalities 2025-2026 legislative goals
- Appointments to Board of Adjustment (Glenn Pope, Chuck Spell) and Cemetery Advisory Board (Margie Hill, Timothy Butler)
- Recognition of CHS Dark Horses Boys' Soccer Team as 2024 State Champions
The Clinton City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting an application for an accessible park grant through the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, aiming to build splash pads at Newkirk Park. The council also approved a public hearing for a fire department service district tax rate and budget, appointed officials to boards, and recognized community achievements.
- Approved resolution supporting accessible park grant application for Newkirk Park splash pads (unanimous)
- Approved advertising for public hearing on service district tax rate and fire department budget (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of December 3, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
- Appointed Neil Faircloth to Board of Adjustment, District 2 (unanimous)
- Reappointed Chuck Spell to Board of Adjustment, ETJ member (unanimous)
- Reappointed Margie Hill and Timothy Butler to Cemetery Advisory Board (unanimous)
- Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Becton as voting delegate for NCLM 2025-2026 goals (unanimous)