Elizabeth City public meetings in 2022

City Council

The City Council heard a presentation from the State Treasurer's Office directing the city to adopt a stricter utility collections policy by March 2023. Officials said the city is too lenient with payment deadlines and disconnections, and that current practices are not generating enough cash for infrastructure repairs. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included a budget amendment for an emergency management grant and a resolution to resume maintenance of East Burgess Street from NCDOT.

• State Treasurer's Office requires a revised utility collections policy by end of January 2023, adopted by end of March 2023
• Council approved a budget amendment of $596,000 for CDBG-CV grant capital projects
• Council approved a resolution to resume maintenance of East Burgess Street from Poindexter Street to the Pasquotank River
• Council approved the 2023 meeting calendar with regular meetings and work sessions scheduled through December
• Public comment reported $454,060.95 in COVID funds used for direct assistance, with 303 households helped

City Council

The City Council discussed a proposed contract with WolfeStein, LLC for lobbying services and voted to move the item to the regular session for formal consideration. Council also discussed delaying a decision on Legal Aid renewal at the Hugh Cale Building until cost figures are available, and received updates on infrastructure repairs and the ongoing audit process.

• Motion to move lobbyist contract with WolfeStein, LLC to regular session consent agenda
• Discussion of delaying Legal Aid renewal at Hugh Cale Building pending cost figures
• Update on water/sewer infrastructure: Grace Drive pump station, Hoffler Street sewer line repair, Pearl Street and Main Street basin studies
• Audit update: target completion end of December 2022, positive working relationship with LGC coaching team
• Closed session added to regular agenda for attorney-client discussion on housing issues

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved a text amendment to the flood plain ordinance (Chapter 154: Floods). No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The amendment updates regulations to minimize flood damage and maintain eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program.

• Unanimous approval of flood plain ordinance text amendment (Chapter 154: Floods)
• Proclamation declaring November 18, 2022 as Arbor Day in Elizabeth City
• Proclamation honoring Reverend Dr. Ricky L. Banks as 34th president of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
• Certificate of recognition presented to Main Street Halloween Committee for 17 years of youth-focused Halloween events
• Police Department named Department of the Month; Interim Chief J. Phillip Webster named Department Head of the Month

City Council

The City Council held a strategic planning session to set goals and discuss committee structure. Members shared priorities including improving council unity, addressing blighted properties and infrastructure, supporting homeless services through SOULS, and exploring vehicle leasing to cut costs. No binding decisions were made; the session was a discussion to guide future agenda items.

• Discussion of committee assignments and consent agenda process
• Councilwoman Felton proposed grants for low-to-moderate income home repairs
• Councilman Peel suggested selling city-owned lots for low-income housing
• City manager reported $500,000 annual vehicle spending, proposed leasing
• Councilwoman Whitehurst advocated city support for SOULS homeless ministry

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council and Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners met jointly to receive updates from the public schools superintendent, Sentara hospital officials, and county staff on the proposed Newland Park. The school update covered enrollment growth, a $300,000 grant for school resource officers, and student presentations. The hospital update described the new Sentara facility's size, bed count, and phased opening timeline. The park update reported a $2 million budget, $463,000 in grants, and a community naming discussion.

• ECPPS received a $300,000 grant to add more school resource officers.
• New Sentara hospital on Halstead Extended will have 88 beds and open in winter 2024.
• Newland Park on Millpond Road and US-158 has a total budget of slightly over $2 million.
• County will be responsible for about $1.7 million of the park's capital costs.
• Discussion arose over naming the park, with some commissioners favoring naming it after General Hawthorne Proctor.

City Council

The City Council discussed a $925,000 Rural Transformation Grant application for streetscape improvements on Water Street and upgrades to Mariners' Wharf, including a concessions area and small amphitheater. The item was moved to the Regular Session for approval. The Council also received an update on the Local Government Commission's assistance with the city's audit processes.

• Grant application for $925,000 for Water Street sidewalk and curb improvements, and Mariners' Wharf upgrades
• Proposed repurposing of a building at Mariners' Wharf into a concessions area with refrigeration and tables
• Planned small amphitheater with raised platform, lighting, and truss at Mariners' Wharf
• NCDOT partnership to implement Road Diet plan from Southern Avenue to Main Street
• LGC team on-site to assist with audit processes, with no cost to the city

City Council

The council voted 5-4 to offer the city manager position to Montre’ Freeman, following a closed session on personnel. The meeting was a continuation of a recessed session from October 10, 2022. No other business was discussed.

• Council voted 5-4 to hire Montre’ Freeman as city manager after a closed session on personnel.
• Mayor Kirk Rivers broke the tie vote in favor of hiring Freeman.
• The meeting was a continuation of a recessed session from October 10, 2022.
• No other business was discussed; the meeting adjourned immediately after the vote.

City Council

The City Council approved a new Emergency Management Ordinance in coordination with Pasquotank and Camden Counties. The body also recognized the Chamber of Commerce and the Fire Department.

• Approved the Emergency Management Ordinance for Pasquotank County, Camden County, and the City of Elizabeth City
• Repealed the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Emergency Management Code (1985) and the State of Emergency Ordinance for Elizabeth City (1988)
• Recognized the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce for raising $16,100 during the Bra-ha-ha event
• Named Chief Chris Carver as Department Head of the Month

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review the allocation of Pasquotank County opioid settlement funds and CDBG-CV grant distributions. Members also received updates on finance department operations and ARPA fund obligations.

• Discussion of $180,000 annual Pasquotank County opioid settlement funds for recovery and prevention
• Proposed CDBG-CV grant distribution: $500,000 for rent/utility assistance via River City CDC and AAUW, and $265,000 for Food Bank capital purchases
• New Wells Fargo contract resulting in a $22,000 offset
• Proposal for Local Government Commission (LGC) to provide a staff member for 1-3 months to assist the Finance Department at no cost

City Council

The City Council adopted a master plan to mitigate repetitive flooding in the Tiber Creek Drainage Basin. The body also held a public hearing on the youth curfew ordinance and approved a budget amendment for police surveillance equipment.

• Adoption of the Tiber Creek Drainage Basin Stormwater Master Plan
• Budget amendment of $28,978.00 for Police Department surveillance items and storage cabinets
• Public hearing held on the Youth Curfew Ordinance
• Scheduled public hearings for September 26 regarding Kramer Street closing and signs in the public right-of-way
• Delayed approval of service contracts for Rivershore Road Bridge and Water-Church Street Replacement Project

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review significant delays in the 2021 audit and the status of financial reconciliations. Members also discussed the potential hiring of a lobbyist to represent the city in Raleigh starting in February 2023.

• Discussion of a $4 million fixed asset discrepancy affecting the 2021 audit
• Report that bank reconciliations are current through April 2022
• Proposed lobbyist contract estimated at $3,000 per month or $36,000 per year
• Termination of TASCO services effective August 31
• Proposed move of fire radio ARPA funding and speed bump discussions to the Public Safety Committee

City Council

The City Council held a recessed session focused on fiduciary responsibility and financial training provided by the Local Government Commission. Discussions centered on budget ordinances, fund balance policies, and the pre-audit process for municipal spending.

• Financial training on GS-159 and Dillon's Rule
• Discussion on establishing a fund balance policy to meet peer medians of 46%
• Review of the pre-audit process for contracts and purchase orders
• Discussion on consolidating capital project ordinances
• Confirmation that the Finance Director is bonded at $100,000

City Council

The City Council addressed several administrative and community items, including a $4.7 million check from the NC General Assembly for local projects. The council also reviewed various consent agenda items regarding infrastructure improvements and event ordinances.

• Ordinance #2022-08-01: Temporary road closure of East Ehringhaus Street on August 25, 2022
• Resolution #2022-07-02: Authorization of $500,000 in ARPA funds for Grace Drive and Herrington Village pump station improvements
• NC General Assembly contribution of $4.7 million for Elizabeth City projects
• Adoption of the CDBG-Infrastructure Section 3 Action Plan

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review engineering presentations regarding the city's wastewater treatment plant and collection system. Consultants identified capacity issues and proposed a multi-phase upgrade strategy to avoid potential sewer moratoriums.

• WithersRavenel recommended capital improvements for 2022 ($1,673,000), 2023 ($1,743,000), and 2024 ($1,837,000)
• Timmons Group proposed a four-phase upgrade plan with Phase 1 estimated at $14,260,000
• Timmons Group estimated Phase 2 at $13,180,000, Phase 3 at $36,960,000, and Phase 4 at $24,070,000
• Identification of critical gravity sewer basins at Main and Pearl Streets
• Discussion of DEQ notice of violation for bacteria and solid suspended liquid limits

City Council

The City Council met to review revenue sources for the upcoming fiscal year, including property taxes and sales tax projections. The discussion included a proposal for a $500 one-time salary increase for employees to be implemented in the next fiscal year.

• Review of FY 2021-2022 budget revenue sources
• Projected property tax revenue of $8,772,383
• Proposed $500 one-time salary increase for employees
• Discussion of local option sales tax of $2.15 million
• Discussion of Powell Bill funds totaling $540,000

Meeting

The City Council will hold a work session featuring two presentations. The meeting includes a presentation on the Long Range Financial and Debt Management Plan and a discussion regarding Enterprise Fleet Solutions.

• Presentation: Long Range Financial and Debt Management Plan by Ted Cole of Davenport & Company, LLC
• Presentation/Discussion: Enterprise Fleet Solutions

City Council

The City Council approved the annexation of 57.40 acres and the rezoning of two parcels to General Business. These actions prepare the land on the north side of Halstead Boulevard Extension for a Royal Farms convenience store.

• Approved annexation of 57.40 acres on the north side of Halstead Boulevard Ext. (Ordinance #2022-06-01)
• Approved Rezoning Case No RZ 01-22 to change Parcel IDs 7993 890743 and 7993 972938 to General Business (GB)
• Discussion regarding the job posting for the city manager
• Discussion regarding Remote Meetings

Meeting

The City is considering a contract award to Atlantic Sewage Control for sludge removal at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. This follows the termination of a previous contract with Synagro Technologies. The new agreement aims to reduce costs associated with bio solids processing.

• Award of bid to Atlantic Sewage Control for sludge hauling
• Wasting rate of $0.034 per gallon

June 21 Special City Council

The City Council will meet to consider awarding a bid for an employee health clinic. The council will also receive a presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget.

• Award bid for Employee Health Clinic
• Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Presentation

Meeting

The City Council will meet to accept election results from the May 17, 2022, municipal election. The session includes the seating of the new Mayor and Councilors through formal oaths of office. Additionally, the council will elect a Mayor Pro Tempore.

• Acceptance of Abstract of Votes for the May 17, 2022, Municipal Election
• Oath of Office for Mayor-Elect E. Kirk Rivers
• Oath of Office for Ward 1 Councilors Johnson Biggs and Joseph Peel
• Oath of Office for Ward 2 Councilors Javis Gibbs and Rose Whitehurst
• Oath of Office for Ward 3 Councilors Katherine Felton and Kem Spence, and Ward 4 Councilors Barbara Baxter and Johnnie Walton

City Council

The City Council meeting was canceled because a quorum of members was not present. All agenda items were passed over to the June 27, 2022, Regular Session.

City Council

The City Council discussed the general and enterprise funds, focusing on water and sewer infrastructure needs. Interim Manager Hicks presented a list of capital requests and discussed the city's current plant capacity and financial health.

• Proposed revenue neutral tax rate of 58 cents and a necessary rate of 59 cents
• Recommended FY 2022-2023 water and sewer budget of $10,283,50
• Priority capital requests totaling $1,869,842, including Aydlett Circle and Parkview sewer replacement
• Estimated $25 million in immediate needs for sewer line repair, pump stations, and plant upgrades
• Proposed smart metering project for 4,000 meters at $824,510

Meeting

The City Council is meeting to nominate and elect one of its members to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. This individual will perform the duties of the Mayor during their absence or disability.

• Nomination and election of Mayor Pro Tempore

City Council

The City Council approved a capital project ordinance for the Providence Road Bridge replacement and accepted a land donation from the Boys and Girls Club. The body also voted on health insurance rates for FY 2022-2023 and closed out two water-related project budgets.

• Providence Road Bridge Replacement project totaling $2,054,882
• Acceptance of 4.28 acres of land at 121 Ranch Drive valued at $35,000
• FY 2022-2023 health insurance renewal with Cigna
• Budget amendment to close out Raw Water Transmission Project ($1,113,964.22 actual expenditure)
• Budget amendment to close out Water Asset and Inventory Project ($128,286 actual expenditure)

Meeting

The City Council will review the official Abstract of Votes from the Pasquotank County Board of Elections regarding the May 17, 2022, municipal election. This action includes the re-election of current members and the introduction of six new councilor-elects and a mayor-elect.

• Acceptance of the May 17, 2022, Municipal Election results
• Swearing in of re-elected Council members, six new councilor-elects, and the Mayor-elect

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review the proposed General Fund budget for FY 2022-2023. Interim City Manager Richard Hicks presented a recommended budget of $22,775,898 against a requested budget of $26,137,911.

• Recommended General Fund budget of $22,775,898
• Requested General Fund budget of $26,137,911
• Total capital item requests amounting to $2,300,470
• Fire Department capital requests totaling $878,500
• Police Department capital requests totaling $415,586

City Council

The City Council approved a restructuring of the Elizabeth City Police Department to improve efficiency amid recruitment challenges. The body also approved several budget amendments and the sale of surplus property.

• Approved restructuring of Police Department to add an Administrative Lieutenant and Administrative Sergeant
• Declared 1002 Hunter Street as surplus property with an opening bid of $500
• Approved $350,000 budget transfer for sludge disposal costs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Approved $24,420 budget amendment for Parks and Recreation donations
• Adopted 2022 Budget Calendar with final budget adoption set for June 27, 2022

City Council

The City Council approved several budget amendments to correct over-expended funds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The body also authorized a state loan and grant application for sewer improvements on Pearl Street and declared a property surplus.

• Application for Pearl Street Sewer Improvements to replace over five linear miles of pipes
• Declaration of 419 Perry Street as surplus with an opening bid of $600
• General Fund budget amendment increasing Fund Balance Appropriated by $1,132,700
• Water and Sewer Fund budget amendment increasing Retained Earnings Appropriated by $2,050,800
• Investigation of a voluntary annexation petition for 57.40 acres by Ponderosa Landco, LLC

Meeting

The City Council is considering a request to accept a $18,900 sub-recipient grant for the Elizabeth City Police Department. The funds from the US Department of Justice are intended for the National PAL Mentoring program for FY2021-2022.

• Acceptance of $18,900 PAL Mentoring Grant for FY2021-2022
• Funding for direct operating expenses to serve 21 youth
• Funding for local and out-of-town educational trips

City Council

The City Council approved the sale of three city-owned properties via an upset bid process. The body also adopted a budget amendment for raw water reservoir loans and heard public concerns regarding speed bumps on West Main Street.

• Declared 711 Cale Street as surplus with an opening bid of $1,000
• Declared 812 Morgan Street as surplus with an opening bid of $1,000
• Declared 901 Hunter Street as surplus with an opening bid of $1,000
• Budget amendment increasing Debt Services – Drinking Water Loan by $13,416.30
• Authorization of applications for RAISE and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grants

City Council

The City Council held quasi-judicial public hearings to review and approve three conditional use permits for properties on Hunter Street, Commercial Boulevard, and Jordan Plaza. The body also awarded a service weapon and badge to a retiring police sergeant.

• Approved CUP 01-22 for Harbor Presbyterian at 600 Hunter Street
• Approved CUP 02-22 for Grace Montessori Academy at 104 Commercial Boulevard
• Approved CUP 03-22 for Tutor All, Inc. at 127 Jordan Plaza
• Resolution #2022-03-01 awarding badge and service sidearm to Sergeant Thurlis L. Jackson, Jr.
• Approved bids for 104 Bell Street, 705 Hunter Street, and George M. Wood Memorial Park repairs

Meeting

The provided text is not a meeting agenda. It is a report on pre-marathon litter sweep activities conducted by volunteers and city staff.

City Council

The City Council approved Ordinance #2022-03-01 to amend the FY 2021-2022 fee schedule. The changes include new rental rates for various facilities, shelters, and athletic fields, as well as updated Senior Center participation fees.

• Ordinance #2022-03-01: Amends the FY 2021-2022 Fee Schedule
• Knobbs Creek Recreation Center Gymnasium: Proposed fee change from $250 per use to $500 per use
• Mariners Wharf Park Shelter: Proposed fee change from $75 a day to $200 for 4 hours
• Senior Center Non-Resident Participation Fee: Set at $25 annually
• Athletic Field Rentals: New hourly and half-day rates for Holmes Field, Enfield Park, River Rd-Soccer, and PAL Field

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing regarding a petition to close a section of Ward Street. Following the hearing, the Council voted to adopt a street closing order for the area between Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Gregory Street.

• Street closing order for portion of Ward Street (formerly Morgan Street) between Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Gregory Street
• Recognition of retirements for Thurlis Jackson (Police Department) and Olivia Jordan (Purchasing Department)

Meeting

The City Council approved a street closing order for a section of Ward Street between Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Gregory Street. The council also recognized two retiring employees and heard public comments regarding safety, news outlets, and city hiring processes.

• Street closing order for Ward Street (formerly Morgan Street) between Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Gregory Street
• Retirement recognition for Thurlis Jackson of the Elizabeth City Police Department
• Retirement recognition for Olivia Jordan of the Elizabeth City Purchasing Department

City Council

The City Council reconvened a recessed session to discuss personnel in a closed session. The council decided to appoint a new interim city manager to lead the city.

• Appointment of Richard N. Hicks as Interim City Manager effective March 21, 2022
• Interim City Manager terms include a $25 per diem and a $75 phone allowance

City Council

The City Council approved several actions including transferring airport land to the Airport Authority and declaring two properties as surplus. The council also adopted an ordinance to allow temporary road closures for a marathon event.

• Transfer of 9.6-acre parcel P125-5A from City to Airport Authority
• Declaration of 618A Parsonage Street as surplus with $1,500 opening bid
• Declaration of 606 Witherspoon Street as surplus with $500 opening bid
• Road closure ordinance for the Coast Guard Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Run

Meeting

The City Council approved the transfer of airport land to the Airport Authority and renewed a five-year interlocal agreement. The body also authorized the sale of two surplus properties and established road closures for the first annual Coast Guard Marathon.

• Transfer of parcel P125-5A (9.6 acres) and 114 +/- acres of aviation airpark to the Airport Authority
• Declaration of 618A Parsonage Street as surplus with an opening bid of $1,500
• Declaration of 606 Witherspoon Street as surplus with an opening bid of $500
• Road closures for the Coast Guard Marathon from March 3 to March 6, 2022, including S Water Street and E Ehringhaus Street
• Award of bid for street resurfacing

Meeting

The City Council is considering the acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Governor’s Crime Commission’s Local Law Enforcement Block grant. The funds would be used by the Elizabeth City Police Department to purchase 20 replacement in-car cameras from Axon Enterprise, Inc.

• Acceptance of Governor’s Crime Commission’s Local Law Enforcement Block grant for $23,370.00
• Purchase of 20 replacement in-car cameras from Axon Enterprise, Inc.

Meeting

The City is considering a contract for the 2021-2022 street resurfacing project. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Barnhill Contracting Company for an amount not exceeding $350,000 to resurface several local streets.

• Contract award for 2021-2022 Street Resurfacing
• Barnhill Contracting Company bid of $326,012.50
• FSC II LLC dba Rose Brothers Paving Company bid of $485,000
• Resurfacing locations include Queen Street, Cedar Street, Etheridge Street, A Street, W. Main Street, W. Wain Street, Horner Street, Persse Street, N. Griffin Street, E. Penny Drive, and Park Street

City Council

The City Council held a work session with the Greg Isley Firm to discuss the city's financial situation. The presentation highlighted significant issues with manual accounting processes, outdated software, and a lack of bank reconciliations since August 2020.

• Report of $60,000 in fees paid to Greg Isley Firm for financial recovery work
• Discussion of transitioning to Tyler Encode software to reduce manual errors
• Identification of bank reconciliation failures dating back to August 2020
• Discussion regarding the city's late audit and impact on borrowing ability

Meeting

The City Council approved a consent agenda including grant applications and a public hearing for a street closing. The council also received a preliminary engineering report from Timmons Group regarding wastewater treatment plant capacity and expansion alternatives.

• Public hearing scheduled for February 28, 2022, regarding the closing of a portion of Ward Street (formerly Morgan Street)
• Authorization of grant applications for the Governor’s Crime Commission Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative
• Acceptance of final bid for 1404 Peartree Road
• Presentation by Timmons Group on Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity and a proposed four-phase improvement approach

City Council

The City Council approved the condemnation and demolition of a property on Southern Avenue. The body also received a presentation from WithersRavenel regarding the city's sewer system performance and future growth capacity.

• Approved condemnation and demolition of 707 Southern Avenue
• Accepted final bids for 605 West Church Street, 113 West Burgess Street, and 815 North Road Street
• Presentation on sewer system performance and pump station evaluation by WithersRavenel

City Council

The City Council met in a special session on January 5, 2022. The body entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

• Closed session for discussion of personnel per NCGS 143-318-11(a)(6)