Elizabeth City public meetings in 2021

City Council

The City Council met for a special work session on December 13, 2022. The body voted to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters as allowed by NCGS 143-318-11(a)(6).

• Closed session regarding personnel

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council and Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners held a joint session to discuss community facility projects. Key topics included a leaseback agreement for a middle school gymnasium and the potential repurposing of the National Guard Armory.

• Proposed 20-year lease for the former middle school gym with estimated annual costs between $155,000 and $165,000
• Discussion of a feasibility study for the 6.6-acre National Guard Armory for use by the Boys and Girls Club and Police Department
• Proposed $10,000 contribution to the SOULS program pending 501c3 status
• Presentation by the NC Human Relations Commission on establishing a local commission
• Dedication of 3.5 acres of county-owned land to the City for Parks and Recreation

City Council

The City Council discussed a professional analysis of fire station locations to improve emergency response times and vulnerability risk. The body also received an update on the conversion of a former middle school into apartments and community spaces.

• Acceptance of FY2021 NC Emergency Management Homeland Security Grant Program Award
• Discussion of fire station location analysis including potential for a third station near Halstead Boulevard Extended and Thunder Road
• Update on middle school redevelopment into 84 market rate apartments
• Review of $150,000 County contribution to the Boys and Girls Club for rent payments
• Discussion of candidate screening dates for Developmental Associates

City Council

The City Council met for a special work session to discuss redistricting alternatives based on census data. The body reviewed population imbalances in wards two and four and heard public comment regarding the inclusion of student populations.

• Discussion of two redistricting map alternatives based on census data
• Review of population imbalances: ward two was 19% over range and ward four was 23% below range
• Public comment from Holly Audette regarding the impact of student populations on ward balance

City Council

The City Council heard extensive public testimony regarding traffic safety and the firing of the city manager. Residents requested the immediate installation of previously purchased speed bumps on Main and Church Streets.

• Proposed installation of speed bumps on Main Street and Church Street
• Discussion of Robert's Rules of Order
• Formal acceptance of Councilman Adkins' resignation
• Public comments regarding the termination and potential reinstatement of the city manager
• Proposed one-waying of a street

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss personnel and consult with city attorneys in a closed session. Upon returning to open session, the Council voted to terminate the City Manager's employment.

• Vote to terminate the City Manager without cause, effective immediately (Passed 4-2)

City Council

The City Council is establishing a timeline for redrawing electoral wards and seeking additional state funding for a water reservoir project. A public hearing on redistricting guidelines is set for October 11.

• Public hearing for redistricting guidelines scheduled for October 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• Approval of Resolution 2021-9-04 to apply for a secondary state loan of approximately $1.3 million for Raw Water Reservoir Rehabilitation
• Redistricting update noting that Ward 2 and Ward 4 are outside the permissible population range
• Discussion of a potential staff-led redistricting committee including councilors, community members, and a member of the NAACP

City Council

The City Council met for a special session on September 20, 2021. The meeting consisted of a closed session for personnel discussion and consultation with city attorneys.

• Closed session regarding personnel (NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6))
• Closed session for consultation with City Attorneys (NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3))

City Council

The City Council approved a five-year loan for vehicle and equipment purchases and granted a conditional use permit for a pawn and jewelry shop. The body also adopted budget amendments for community development and data processing operations.

• Approved $1,714,487.86 five-year installment financing via Town Bank of Currituck for police cars, a fire truck, and other equipment
• Approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a pawn and jewelry shop at 417 South Hughes Boulevard
• Adopted budget amendment increasing Community Development building inspections costs by $53,753.22
• Adopted budget amendment increasing Data Processing Department overtime by $14,000
• Proposed road closure of S Water/Southern Avenue Street from Oct 5 to Oct 12, 2021, for the Fall Amusement & Music Festival

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss whether redistricting is necessary based on upcoming census data. Members debated whether to handle the process in-house, use the League, or hire a law firm for nonpartisan expertise.

• Presentation by Poyner Spruill regarding a $17,500 redistricting service package
• Discussion of Senate Bill 722 deadline of November 17, 2021
• Review of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act regarding minority citizen protection

City Council

The City Council meeting was canceled because a quorum of members was not present. Mayor Parker announced the cancellation at 7:15 p.m.

City Council

The City Council approved the sale of two surplus properties via an upset bid process and appointed David Jordan to the Historic Preservation Commission. The Council also called for a public hearing regarding a BIG program application for renovations at 102 North Water Street.

• Declared 1104 Wood Street surplus with an opening bid of $1,100
• Declared 1404 Peartree Road surplus with an opening bid of $1,500
• Appointed David Jordan to the Historic Preservation Commission
• Called for a public hearing on August 9, 2021, for renovations at 102 North Water Street with an estimated cost of $85,500
• Approved applications for Community Policing Development and Edward Byrne Memorial JAG FY 2021 grants

City Council

The City Council approved the FY 2021-2022 budget, which includes an 8.5-cent tax increase to fund employee salaries and a compensation study. The budget also implements rate increases for city utilities and specific employee bonuses.

• 8.5-cent tax increase for properties within the Municipal Service Tax District
• Water rates increased by 2% and sewer rates increased by 28%
• Implementation of a compensation study for City personnel
• $300 holiday bonus for all FLSA non-exempt employees
• Homeless shelter funding cut to $50,000

City Council

City Council authorized a $200,000 grant application for a stormwater improvement study to address flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. The body also received presentations on fair housing and the city's ADA transition plan.

• Approved $200,000 grant application for Dawson-Hunter Street Stormwater Improvement Study ($100,000 city match)
• ADA Transition Plan estimates: $1.3 million for curb ramps and $140,000 for sidewalk improvements
• ADA Transition Plan timelines: communications and sidewalks by 2030; curb ramps and facilities by 2040
• Fair Housing presentation reporting 497 total responses to the most recent survey
• WalkEC presentation on pedestrian infrastructure planning and safety concerns

City Council

The meeting was called to receive employee comments on the budget. Because a quorum of Council members was not present, the meeting could not be called to order.

• Proposed discussion of the budget with employees

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review budget options, including the impact of five-cent and seven-cent tax increases. Discussions focused on funding for employee raises, new staff positions, and emergency equipment.

• Proposed 7-cent tax increase ($782,725) to fund a 5% COLA, HR and IT positions, and $100,000 for a homeless shelter and Boys and Girls Club
• Proposed 5-cent tax increase ($559,089) to fund a 3% COLA, HR and IT positions, and $100,000 for a homeless shelter and Boys and Girls Club
• Proposed funding for a fire truck ($946,464) and five police patrol vehicles ($312,000)
• Proposed water and sewer rate increases to generate $1,139,245 in additional revenue
• Proposed $100,000 for ADA sidewalks and $250,000 for street resurfacing via Powell Bill

City Council

The City Council held a work session to continue the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget overview. Discussions focused on potential property tax increases, employee salary adjustments, and health insurance costs. The Council voted to move forward with a presentation based on a five-cent tax increase scenario.

• Proposed five-cent tax increase generating $559,088 in revenue
• Proposed ten-cent tax increase generating $1,118,178 in revenue
• Discussion of a $589,577 cost for a 5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all employees
• Projected water and sewer rate increases: 2% for water and 28% for sewer
• Water and sewer projects totaling $1,833,290 including Raw Water Reservoir, well rehab, and treatment plant conversion

City Council

The City Council held a budget work session to review a compensation study regarding employee wages. The session also addressed a $534,749.77 water billing overcharge involving the USCG and a proposed move to Cigna insurance.

• Presentation of a pay study noting Elizabeth City is 31.9% behind on top-end wages
• Discussion of a $534,749.77 water billing overcharge to the USCG due to an incorrectly installed meter
• Proposal for a transition to Cigna insurance including a $10,000 transition fee and $40,000 in wellness rewards

City Council

The City Council approved budget increases for the Senior Center and Police Department and declared a property at 512 West Cypress Street as surplus. The body also called for a public hearing regarding the closeout of the Raw Water Transmission Main Project.

• Budget increase of $34,270.00 for Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults
• Budget increase of $8,262.00 for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant
• Declaration of 512 West Cypress Street as surplus with an opening bid of $2,000
• Call for a public hearing on May 24, 2021, for the Raw Water Transmission Main Project closeout
• Acceptance of final bids for 511 Roanoke Avenue and 1110 Parkview Drive

City Council

The City Council met for a rescheduled budget work session to review enterprise fund debt and revenue. The body discussed potential utility rate increases to address infrastructure strain, though no final decision was made.

• Enterprise Fund outstanding debt reported at $2,110,303
• Proposed 2% water rate increase and 28% total sewer rate increase
• Expected energy sales of $32,637,600
• Budgeted $115,000 for recycling fees
• Debt payment for FY 2021-2022 projected at $747,159

City Council

The City Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the release of body camera footage regarding a shooting incident involving the Sheriff's Department. The Council decided to formally request the footage from the Sheriff, the SBI, and other necessary parties.

• Decision to send a formal letter requesting body camera footage from the Sheriff and SBI
• Decision to petition the court for the footage if the initial request is denied

City Council

The City Council met to discuss a shooting involving the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown family. Council members discussed the need for transparency and community unity while the SBI leads the investigation. The body also discussed the potential for a curfew or state of emergency, though no such actions were taken.

• Discussion of shooting incident involving Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office
• Confirmation that the SBI is leading the investigation
• Discussion of potential curfew and state of emergency
• Report of 150 mutual aid officers on the ground from surrounding areas

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing regarding proposed fee schedule changes for Parks and Recreation classes and camps. The agenda also included discussions on updating city code to comply with new state statutes.

• Public hearing for Parks and Recreation fee increases, such as raising instructional class fees from $2.50 to $5.00
• Proposed text amendment to consolidate City and County enabling statutes into chapter 160D
• Budget amendment to increase the Police Drug Enforcement Unit fund by $10,000
• Budget amendment to increase the General Fund Wellness Program and Financial Wellness Partners Grant by $22,000
• Proclamation of April 16, 2021, as Lineman Appreciation Day

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review the manager's recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions included a proposed 10-cent property tax increase intended to fund wastewater capacity and various departmental requests.

• Proposed property tax increase of 10 cents
• Proposed $5 million in federal funds for wastewater capacity
• Request for two new positions (HR and IT) totaling approximately $100,000
• Installment purchase of gym floors at Knobbs Creek for $150,000
• Installment purchase of a Harper Hawk tractor for $52,969

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council and Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners met for a special joint session. The meeting focused on regional updates regarding workforce development, community college expansion, and COVID-19 vaccination progress.

• Proclamation recognizing Women's History Month and Mayor Bettie J. Parker
• Introduction of Brian Parnell as Emergency Management Director
• College of the Albemarle report on a $2-plus million fundraising goal for new facilities
• COVID-19 update reporting 40% of the population received one vaccine dose
• Northeastern Workforce Development Board report of $170,000 in scholarships provided

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss employee financial wellness and potential funding for the Boys and Girls Club. The council also authorized the purchase of a used mobile command bus to be shared across four city departments.

• Approved purchase of a 2004 mobile command bus from David Dozier for up to $40,000
• Discussed potential $150,000 funding request for the Boys and Girls Club for 2022
• Presentation on the grant-funded LearnLux financial wellness platform for employees and retirees
• Report on the inaugural Coast Guard Marathon with over 5,000 runners

City Council

The City Council discussed granting local landmark status to the former EC Middle School located at 306-312 North Road Street. This designation is part of an economic redevelopment effort and includes potential property tax deferrals. The council also approved several items via a consent agenda, including budget amendments and surplus property declarations.

• Public hearing for landmark status of 306-312 North Road Street
• Budget amendment to reallocate $40,000 for a Public Utilities Director vehicle
• Declaration of 512 Edge Street as surplus property with a $1,000 opening bid
• Declaration of 109 Hines Avenue as surplus property with a $1,000 opening bid
• Resolution honoring the life and service of former Mayor H. Rick Gardner

City Council

The City Council held public hearings regarding two land-use requests. The Council voted to deny a rezoning request for a 60-unit apartment complex and approved an amendment to allow microbreweries in more zoning districts.

• Denied Case No: RZ 01-21 to rezone two parcels from General Business to Apartment District for a 60-unit complex by Woda Cooper Development, Inc.
• Approved Case No TA 01-21 to amend the Unified Development Ordinance allowing microbreweries in GB, HB, I-1, and PDM districts.
• Discussed affordable housing rent ranges for proposed apartments from $362 to $957.

City Council

The City Council met for a planning retreat to hear presentations from various department heads regarding future needs and infrastructure. Discussions covered human resources staffing, parks maintenance, and electrical capacity requirements for upcoming hospital construction.

• Human Resources: Discussion of a $40,000 salary estimate for a needed full-time position
• Human Resources: A $20,000 compensation study being conducted by Management Advisory Group
• Parks and Recreation: Estimated $150,000 cost to repair a gym floor
• Electric: Potential $3.5 million investment for hospital electrical redundancy systems
• Electric: Discussion of potential service agreements with the Town of Hertford and ECSU

City Council

The City Council recommended the Elizabeth City Industrial Historic District for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The body also approved several administrative items, including the sale of surplus city property.

• Recommendation for the Elizabeth City Industrial Historic District to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places
• Declaration of 207 East Cypress Street as surplus property with an opening bid of $15,000
• Call for public hearing on CASE NO: RZ 01-21 to rezone two parcels to Apartment District
• Call for public hearing on CASE NO: TA 01-21 to allow microbreweries in additional zoning districts
• Request from SOULS coordinator for a one-time $5,000 monetary gift

City Council

The City Council approved a rezoning request for a gas station and the final phases of the Tanglewood subdivision. The body also swore in a new City Manager and declared a property on Factory Street as surplus.

• Approved SUB 05-19 for Tanglewood Phases 3 & 4, including a $48,000 fee in lieu of parks dedication
• Approved RZ 03-20 to rezone the southwest corner of Halstead Boulevard and Body Road from residential to general business for a gas station
• Declared 612 Factory Street as surplus with an opening bid of $7,500
• Approved financing up to $40,000 through Truist Bank for a new City Manager vehicle
• Swearing in of new City Manager Montre’ Freeman