Elizabeth City public meetings in 2023
32 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council held a recessed meeting to tour various city facilities, including the wastewater treatment plant and fire stations. Discussions focused on facility maintenance needs, gas corrosion at the Knobbs Creek Substation, and the condition of the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center gym floor.
- Discussion regarding corrosive gases at the Knobbs Creek Substation and potential County responsibility
- Review of Harney Street Fire Station capacity and need for relocation or repurposing
- Observation of progress on the gymnasium at Betsy Town Flats
- Report on the poor condition of the gym floor at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center
- Identification of equipment storage needs at the Electric Distribution Center
City Council
This was the final meeting for the incumbent City Council members following the October 2023 election. The session included the approval of previous minutes and remarks from retiring Councilwoman Barbara Baxter.
- Approval of November 27, 2023 Work Session Minutes
- Approval of November 27, 2023 Regular Session Minutes
- Remarks by retiring Councilwoman Barbara Baxter
Meeting
The City Council voted to deny a request by Homelink Properties to rezone land from O&I to General Business. Officials cited concerns regarding the impact of business uses on the surrounding residential neighborhood.
- Denial of rezoning case RZ #01-23 for property between Culpepper, Spellman and Grice Streets
- Authorization to submit a modified Golden LEAF grant application for the Park-Dawson Canal Project
- Approval of lease addendum amendment with Betsy Town Flats for ECMS / ECHS Gymnasium
- Adoption of amendments to Section 6.0 (Political Activity) of the Employee Personnel Policy Manual
- Authorization to apply for the FY2024 PAL Mentoring Grant
City Council
The City Council held a work session to review progress on several municipal projects. Key discussions included an update on the North Carolina Rural Water Association's $15,000 rate study and the status of the Rivershore Road/Fairfax Avenue Bridge replacement.
- Update on $15,000 water rate study by North Carolina Rural Water Association
- Rivershore Road / Fairfax Avenue Bridge replacement project timeline update
- Follow-up report on traffic calming effectiveness on West Church Street and Pritchard Street
- Discussion regarding the ECHS / ECMS lease addendum
City Council
The City Council approved an increase in the purchase price for 95-gallon black garbage cans to $85 plus tax. The Council also adopted a $5 monthly fee for any secondary trash cans used by residents.
- Increased purchase price of 95-gallon 'black' garbage cans from $60 to $85 plus tax
- Adoption of a $5 monthly fee for secondary trash cans
- Proclamation of January 10, 2024, as Max Roach Day
- Recognition of the Harbor Towns Board for bringing $2 million to the community
City Council
The Public Utilities Committee discussed a proposal to allow residents to use orange recycling cans as secondary trash cans for a $5 monthly fee. The committee also reviewed a contract award for the Rivershore Road/Fairfax Avenue Bridge project and a resolution regarding stormwater compliance.
- Proposal for a $5 monthly fee to repurpose orange recycling cans as secondary trash cans
- Proposed increase in 95-gallon black trash can purchase price from $60 to $85
- Motion to award the Rivershore Road/Fairfax Avenue Bridge project contract to Eastern Carolina Construction
- Adoption of a resolution to implement a compliant NPDES MS4 Program for stormwater
- Update on Grace Drive upgrades totaling approximately $3.1 million
City Council
The City Council met to approve agenda adjustments and recognize the growth of local public schools. Mayor Rivers issued proclamations for several schools within the ECPPS district to celebrate their recent performance improvements.
- Added a Closed Session for Discussion of Personnel to the agenda
- Proclaimed October 13th as 'ECPPS Recognition Day'
- Recognized Central Elementary, J.C. Sawyer, Northside, P.W. Moore, Pasquotank, Sheep-Harney, and Weeksville Elementary schools
City Council
During a work session, the Public Utilities Committee presented a study on flooding in the Dawson-Hunter area, including potential canal improvements. The Community Development Committee received an update on how Pasquotank County plans to use opioid settlement funds for harm reduction strategies.
- Dawson-Hunter Stormwater Improvement Study presentation
- Proposed $1.1 million project for Dawson-Hunter area flooding
- Golden LEAF grant applications totaling $420,000 for flood mitigation
- Update on Pasquotank County Opioid Settlement Committee activities
City Council
The City Council met to approve the August 28, 2023, meeting minutes and several consent agenda items. The council also heard public comments regarding foster care services in North Carolina.
- Approved changes to Peddler’s License Procedure
- Authorized grant application for NCLM Insurance Pool Safety Grant
- Called for a public hearing on amendments to Parks and Recreation athletic league and golf fees
City Council
The City Council held a work session to discuss procedural changes for peddler's licenses and potential increases to Parks and Recreation athletic fees. The council also received updates on the city audit progress and internal control analyses.
- Recommended procedural change requiring peddler's license applications to begin at the Community Development office
- Discussion of increasing golf rates, such as moving a specific rate from $8 to $10
- Proposed athletic fee structures for seniors, military, and first responders
- Update on the first draft of financial audit writing by Greg Isley Firm
City Council
The City Council approved an ordinance closing East Ehringhaus Street and South Water Street for the Welcome Back Bash on August 29. The meeting also included recognitions for local businesses, employees, and community volunteers.
- Ordinance #2023-08-01 declaring a road closure for the Welcome Back Bash
- Award bid for Halstead Mowing Contract
- Contract award for Tree Trimming and Row Clearing
- Contract award for 34kV Distribution Line Improvements
- Finalize grant application for Lead Service Line Inventory
City Council
The City Council met to discuss potential fiber optic services from Fybe and updates on Flora Street infrastructure. The Council also approved several grant applications and a contract with the Teiza Group.
- Approved contract with the Teiza Group
- Authorized grant applications to Leary Firefighter’s Foundation and Firehouse Subs Grant
- Briefing on Fybe fiber optic service for city facilities and public Wi-Fi
- Update on Flora Street design and Golden LEAF grant deadlines
- Proclamation of National Night Out and Parks and Recreation Month
City Council
During a budget work session, the City Council voted to ensure a $500 payment from the previous year is classified as a salary increase for all employees. The Council also discussed the FY 2023-2024 budget ordinance, including solid waste fee changes and potential funding for a new trash truck.
- Approved application to Firehouse Subs Grant
- Approved application to Leary Firefighter’s Foundation for rescue jacks
- Proposed $1 increase for solid waste and downtown district refuse fees
- Decision to treat the $500 payment as a salary increase for all employees
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to discuss the FY 2023-2024 budget, specifically focusing on potential savings from discontinuing curbside recycling. Members debated whether to implement solid waste rate increases or use fund balances to purchase new equipment.
- Discussion of $378,697 increase in Administrative Department salaries and wages
- Analysis of $193,000 in potential savings if curbside recycling is discontinued
- Discussion regarding a $350,000 available truck for solid waste collection
- Review of $129,000 allocated for an assistant city manager position
- Closed session held for consultation with City Attorney and personnel discussion
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review proposed changes for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions included police equipment, Parks and Recreation staffing, and potential salary increases for full-time employees.
- Purchase of 10 additional police cameras at a cost of $38,000
- Parks and Recreation parking lot budget decreased from $85,000 to $80,000
- Proposed $500 salary increase for full-time employees, estimated at a $151,000 budget impact
- Fire Department request for airpacks totaling $80,000
- Discussion of Nexgrid smart meter deployment costing $2.6 million
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the General Fund, Electric Fund, and Water and Sewer Fund. Discussions included potential salary increases for linemen, upcoming water rate adjustments, and infrastructure needs for public utilities.
- Discussion of increasing journeyman lineman wages from $42 to as high as $46 per hour
- Potential $93,000 to $94,000 salary savings if electric department staff is reduced from 18 to 15
- Consideration of a 4.02% water and sewer rate increase following a Rural Water study
- Review of energy management needs including replacement of a 1987 peak generation unit
- Discussion regarding $1.3 million in contingency funds for potential repairs
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the General Fund Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on addressing a $126,125 deficit, managing rising retirement costs, and evaluating staffing needs in IT and Human Resources.
- Proposed $5,000 donation to Arts of the Albemarle
- Discussion of $543,000 capital outlay for Parks and Recreation
- Review of $43,000 in Human Resources contracted services
- Proposal for $15 per hour pay for part-time or temporary employees
- Evaluation of new IT positions for cybersecurity and systems analysis
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the General Fund presentation for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on reallocating street repair funds and reviewing Parks and Recreation departmental expenses.
- Council agreed to reallocate $15,000 from contracted line markings to street patching and repair
- Public Utilities Director Bell reported using the full $45,000 allocated for patching and paving repair
- Parks and Recreation budget includes a $50,000 upfit cost and an $80,000 parking lot fee
- The Rivershore Road bridge project is currently at approximately 65% design completion
- Parks and Recreation lease payment for the new building is estimated at $165,000 annually
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the General Fund Budget for FY 2023-2024. Discussions focused on adjusting police salary projections from 58 officers down to 50 and reviewing potential costs for new surveillance camera systems.
- Proposed $80,000 increase for fire department air packs
- Police budget adjustment to reflect a staffing level of 50 officers instead of 58
- Discussion of a $42,500 shot-detection camera system
- Potential purchase of eight additional surveillance cameras
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the General Fund presentation for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on potential employee bonuses, property tax revenue projections, and the status of a vacant building superintendent position.
- Proposed $500 employee bonus would cost $150,459.76
- Proposed $1,000 employee bonus would cost $300,919.53
- Discussion of 1% to 3% COLA costs ranging from $198,224.58 to over $594,000
- Estimated tax revenue of $74,000 from 50 new houses and $126,000 from 90 new houses
- Decision to remove the proposed building superintendent position from the current budget
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review revenue and expenditure projections for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on property tax trends, the use of fund balances to balance the budget, and administrative staffing needs.
- Projected property tax revenue of slightly over $9.1 million
- Projected local option sales tax revenues of $4.0 million
- Proposed use of $500,000 from fund balance to help balance the budget
- Proposed general fund expenditures are $185,000 less than the previous budget
- Planned addition of two new IT positions for internal controls and cybersecurity
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to review the fiscal year 2020-2021 audit presented by PB Mares. The auditor reported that the City received an unmodified opinion, which is considered a clean audit, despite several identified material weaknesses.
- Presentation of FY 2020-2021 financial results and audit opinion
- Discussion of material weaknesses regarding utility overcharges and procurement documentation
- Review of OPEB allocation issues affecting the $587,000 stormwater fund position
- Report on fixed asset discrepancies requiring a full inventory
City Council
The City Council approved two capital project ordinances to fund infrastructure upgrades. The council also recognized local organizations through proclamations and addressed public comments regarding speed bumps.
- Curb Ramp Retrofit Project: $250,000 appropriation from State Capital and Infrastructure Fund
- Downtown Street Improvement Project: $250,000 via NC Dept. of Commerce grant
- $30,000 Sentara Healthcare grant for pickleball court construction
- Proclamation for Record Store Day at Shut Up and Listen
- Proclamation for GFWC-NC Elizabeth City Women’s Club Federation Day
Meeting
Following a traffic study and community meeting, the police department is proposing traffic calming measures for the 100-200 block of Pritchard Street. Staff recommends installing speed humps or lumps along with signage and striping. The project will be reevaluated in six months to determine effectiveness.
- Proposed installation of speed humps or lumps on Pritchard Street
- Proposed addition of signage and striping by Public Works
- Six-month reevaluation period for traffic calming effectiveness
City Council
The City Council discussed expanding the downtown garbage district boundaries and adding a new compactor. They also reviewed a proposed resolution of support for a grant requested by Harbor Town regarding waterfront preparations.
- Expansion of the downtown garbage district to include MLK and Elizabeth streets
- Proposed $18,000 cost for site development of an additional garbage compactor
- Discussion of potential split costs between the City and the County for trash services
- Resolution of support for a Harbor Town grant regarding waterfront and ferry preparations
City Council
The City Council discussed a potential water and sewer rate increase, with staff recommending 4.06% for water and 2.35% for sewer. Council members debated whether to update a rate study by Raftelis for $25,000 or set increases between 5-8%. No final decision was made; the item was listed as discussion/consideration.
- Discussion of water/sewer rate increase with proposed 4.06% water and 2.35% sewer increases
- Consideration of $25,000 Raftelis study update to inform rate decisions
- Consent agenda approved including ordinance for street closures for the North Carolina Potato Festival (May 16-23, 2023)
- Call for public hearing on amendment to electric fee schedule
Meeting
The City Council will recognize Dawn P. Garrett, who retired on March 1, 2023, after 33 years with the Elizabeth City Police Department. She began as a college intern in 1989 and served as Administrative Assistant to the Office of Chief of Police since 2001.
- Recognition of retiree Dawn P. Garrett, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Chief of Police
- Garrett served alongside 13 Chiefs of Police during her tenure
- She began her career as a freshman intern from Elizabeth City State University in 1989
City Council
The City Council discussed removing the requirement for a survey on rezoning applications, which staff said is unnecessary and costly for applicants. They also reviewed the Water Street Transformation Project, which will proceed without a planned amphitheater due to a reduced grant award of $640,000. The council received a grant activity report for 2022, noting nine of 12 grants were funded, and discussed nonprofit engagement and housing repair programs.
- Proposal to remove survey requirement for rezoning applications to save applicants money
- Water Street Transformation Project awarded $640,000 grant; amphitheater removed from scope
- 2022 grant report: City received funding for 9 of 12 competitive grants
- Discussion of Albemarle Commission home repair program offering up to $11,000 per household
- Council consensus to move Water Street project forward to RFQ phase
City Council
The City Council voted to rename Dog Corner Park as College Park after a public hearing with no speakers. They also accepted a $666,000 Rural Transformation Grant for the Water Street Transformation Project, with $641,000 from the state and $25,000 from Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. A $98,380 project ordinance for George M. Wood Park restoration was adopted. The council tabled a decision on applying to the Tourism Development Authority for the River City Skippers until February 27, following concerns about TDA processes raised by Councilman Walton.
- Renamed Dog Corner Park to College Park (ordinance approved unanimously)
- Accepted $666,000 grant for Water Street Transformation Project ($641,000 state, $25,000 local match)
- Adopted $98,380 project ordinance for George M. Wood Park restoration (funded by $88,542 state grant and $9,838 city maintenance funds)
- Tabled application to Tourism Development Authority for River City Skippers until Feb. 27
- Fire Department ISO rating improved from Class 4 to Class 3, potentially lowering residents' home insurance costs
Meeting
The City Council will vote on authorizing the Police Department to apply for a Governor's Highway Safety Program grant for FY2022-2023. If approved, the grant would fund a portable light tower and two radar kits totaling $10,180, with the city providing a 50% match of $5,090. The application deadline is January 30, 2022.
- Authorize application for $10,180 GHSP grant for traffic safety equipment
- City would provide $5,090 match (50%) for portable light tower ($6,285) and two radar kits ($3,895)
- Application deadline is January 30, 2022; award announcements expected October 2022
City Council
The City Council heard a presentation from the Food Bank of the Albemarle about using the Hugh Cale Community Center as a client-choice pantry hub, and discussed a potential Enterprise fleet management contract to replace aging vehicles. The Council also reviewed grant opportunities for emergency shelter and housing assistance, with staff directed to research options and potential nonprofit partners.
- Food Bank of the Albemarle proposes using Hugh Cale Community Center as a client-choice pantry hub
- Enterprise fleet contract discussed to replace aging city vehicles, with potential cost savings
- Grants Administrator Jon Hawley asked to research grants for emergency shelter and CDBG housing assistance
- City exploring making Knobbs Creek a certified emergency shelter with Salvation Army and ECSU
- Council requests cost breakdown of Hugh Cale Center ownership and maintenance expenses
City Council
The City Council voted to table a budget amendment for the hospital project after members raised questions about funding sources and whether the $1.5 million estimate covers labor or just materials. The Council also authorized applying for a Governor's Highway Safety Grant, despite concerns about the city's ability to spend grant funds while on a state watch list. Several public comments addressed senior center issues, conflict resolution in schools, and employee benefits.
- Tabled budget amendment for hospital project (estimated $1.5 million for labor, with $900,000 already spent on materials)
- Authorized application for Governor's Highway Safety Grant for traffic safety equipment
- Renewed lease agreement for Armory Facility (consent agenda)
- Approved December 12, 2022 regular session minutes (consent agenda)
- Public comment raised concerns about senior center programs and youth activities