Kinston, North Carolina

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider a resolution to apply for $1 million to fund Phase II of the Lead Service Line Inventory. Other agenda items include a $107,500 purchase of a 2024 International semi‑tractor, a text amendment for a Planned Commercial Development at 310 Airport Road, and several special‑event approvals. The meeting also covers the FY 2026‑2027 operating budget amendment and ordinances related to Tropical Storm Debby and city funds.

• Resolution to apply for $1 million for Lead Service Line Inventory Phase II
• Purchase approval for a 2024 International semi‑tractor costing $107,500
• Text amendment for a Planned Commercial Development at 310 Airport Road
• FY 2026‑2027 operating budget amendment
• Ordinance to close Special Revenue Fund Tropical Storm Debby (C2909)

Planning/Board of Adjustment Boards

The Planning and Board of Adjustment will consider a proposed text amendment from Ark Consulting Group, PLLC for a Planned Commercial Development. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of June 9 minutes, a congratulatory note for Jess Edwards, and announcements of new members and a multimodal survey. No decisions are noted beyond the amendment request.

• Proposed text amendment request from Ark Consulting Group, PLLC for a Planned Commercial Development
• Approval of minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting
• Congratulatory acknowledgment for Jess Edwards
• Announcements of new board members and a multimodal survey

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider and vote on the Annual Budget Ordinance for fiscal year 2026‑2027, which outlines a total budget of $116,310,700. Other items include a public hearing on rezoning a property from industrial to general business, an amendment to the FY 2025‑2026 operating budget, updates to transportation infrastructure projects, and several contract awards for city services and a new garbage truck.

• Approval of Annual Budget Ordinance for FY 2026‑2027 ($116,310,700 total)
• Public hearing and approval of rezoning from I‑1 (Industrial) to B‑1 General Business
• Approval of FY 2025‑2026 Operating Budget Amendment
• Amendment to Transportation Infrastructure Projects (G9144)
• Award of bids: $44,700 to Precision Lawn Care (City Complexes), $197,000 to Scott Marett (Cemeteries), $85,400 to Precision Lawn Care (Grounds and Right‑of‑Way), $210,000 for a used 2024 Freightliner garbage truck

Planning/Board of Adjustment Boards

The board will meet to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Members will also receive an update regarding surveys and the Multimodal Plan.

• Elections for Chair and Vice Chair
• Update on Multimodal Plan and surveys

The board approved the May 12, 2026 meeting minutes. Clifton Hargett was elected Chair and Travis Towne was elected Vice Chair, each by a show of hands with no opposition. Staff noted the board is now short one county‑appointed member.

• Approved May 12, 2026 minutes (motion carried)
• Elected Clifton Hargett as Chair (show of hands, no opposition)
• Elected Travis Towne as Vice Chair (show of hands, no opposition)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY26‑27 Manager’s Recommended Budget and consider several action items. Items include a rezoning of 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from I‑1 to B‑1, a special use permit for a convenience store, and approvals of contracts and ordinances. The council will also vote on a $904,355.96 road improvement project and other infrastructure contracts.

• Rezoning of 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from I‑1 (Industrial) to B‑1 (General Business)
• Special Use Permit request to operate a convenience store at the same property
• Engineering Services Agreement with Sidebotham Substation Services for the PEAK Load Reduction Project – $198,850.00
• Award of bids for 2026 Concrete Replacement Project – $70,744.00 for sidewalks and $112,477.00 for curb and gutter
• Award of bid for 2026 Road Improvement Project to Coastal Contracting Company – $904,355.96

The council voted to place a personnel matter on the closed‑session agenda, with the motion passing unanimously. The council also adopted the amended agenda and approved the meeting minutes, each by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were decided during this meeting.

• Add personnel matter to closed session – carried unanimously
• Adopt amended agenda – carried unanimously
• Approve meeting minutes – carried unanimously

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will vote to approve the minutes from its April 21, 2026 meeting. A new member will be introduced during the new business segment. No public hearings or old business items are scheduled, and the next meeting is set for June 16, 2026.

• Approval of April 21, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission minutes
• Introduction of a new commission member
• No public hearings scheduled for this meeting
• No old business items to discuss
• Future meeting confirmed for June 16, 2026 at 8:30 AM

The commission adopted the meeting agenda unanimously. It approved the April 21, 2026 minutes and the March 17, 2026 minutes, each with a motion that carried. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 21, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 17, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council will consider an amendment to the FY 2025-2026 operating budget and an ordinance to start a citywide demolition and cleanup capital project. A $134,325 bid will be awarded to Fulcher Electric to replace traffic signal cabinets at four intersections. Several special event permits will be reviewed, and a public hearing will be held on a text amendment for tobacco, vape, CBD, and hemp retailers.

• Approve FY 2025-2026 operating budget amendment
• Approve ordinance to establish Citywide Demolition and Cleanup Capital Project (G9151)
• Approve award of $134,325 bid to Fulcher Electric for traffic signal cabinet replacements at four intersections
• Approve special event permits for Block & Roll Downtown Music Series, Good Health Awareness Health Fair, Juneteenth Food Truck Festival, and Medicaid Made Simple Community Care Market
• Hold public hearing and approve text amendment for Tobacco/Vape/CBD/Hemp retailers

The council voted to add a closed session for personnel matters and attorney consultation at the end of the regular meeting, and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes from the April 7 and April 21, 2026 meetings were also adopted unanimously. The new Tool Shed Program was scheduled to launch on June 1, 2026.

• Added closed session for personnel matters and attorney consultation (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from April 7 and April 21, 2026 meetings (unanimous)
• Set Tool Shed Program launch date to June 1, 2026

Planning/Board of Adjustment Boards

The Planning and Board of Adjustment boards will consider a special use request for a convenience store and a rezoning application. The body will also review a preliminary plat for a housing project.

• Special use request for a convenience store with a kitchen at 515 N Queen Street
• Rezoning application for 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from I-1 to B-1
• Preliminary Plat review for Academy Heights Villas
• Update on Tobacco/Vape/Hemp/CBD retail establishments and consequential amendments

The Board unanimously denied Samir Ali's special use permit for a convenience store with a kitchen at 515 N. Queen Street. It then unanimously approved the rezoning of 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from I‑1 to B‑1, finding it consistent with the comprehensive plan. Finally, the Board unanimously approved the preliminary plat for the Academy Heights Villas subdivision.

• Denied special use permit for 515 N. Queen St. (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from I‑1 to B‑1 (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat for Academy Heights Villas subdivision (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will approve the postponed minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting. It will consider a correction to the Rules of Procedure to require at least two members to attend one informational or educational meeting each federal fiscal year. Staff will present the CLG Grant contract with Chronicle Heritage, including a payment schedule of $4,946.50, $4,927.00, $8,274.50, $5,830.50 and $6,773.00 for the historic district design standards update, and will seek commissioner feedback on the current Certificate of Appropriateness process.

• Approve postponed minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting
• Amend Section 3.12 of the Rules of Procedure to match SHPO training requirements
• Review CLG Grant contract with Chronicle Heritage and its five‑phase payment schedule
• Request commissioner comments on the Certificate of Appropriateness workflow and design guidelines
• Discuss HPC commissioner training opportunities (no action required)

The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously adopted its agenda. It voted to table approval of the March 17, 2026 minutes. The commission approved a revision to Section 3.12 of its Rules of Procedure to align with SHPO training requirements. Staff agreed to extend the feedback deadline for the CLG Grant project to May 31, 2026.

• Agenda adopted unanimously
• Approval of March 17, 2026 minutes tabled (motion carried)
• Amended Section 3.12 of Rules of Procedure to match SHPO training standards (motion carried, no opposition)
• Extended CLG Grant feedback deadline to May 31, 2026 (staff agreed)
• Meeting adjourned (motion carried)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider approving a contract for a city audit, a new fire engine, and a capital project for a fire truck. The body will also approve permits for several local events and grant agreements for road improvements.

• Approval of FY26 Audit Contract with RH CPA’s, PLLC ($78,500-$87,500)
• Consideration of Capital Project for FY26 E-One Typhoon Pumper Fire Truck
• Approval of Safe Streets and Roads for all (SS4A) Grant Agreement
• Approval of Special Event Permits for Juneteenth, Praise in the Park, and BBQ Festival
• Consideration of Updated Gym Rental Policy and Fee Schedule

The council unanimously approved the final contract price for a new E‑One Typhoon pumper fire truck, authorizing the $1,034,000 purchase through Sourcewell. It also approved the audit contract with RH CPAs PLLC, the fire‑truck capital project ordinance, the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant agreement, the water‑system capital improvement plan revision, and several special‑event permits. All motions passed unanimously except two fireworks permits, which each faced a single dissenting vote.

• Approved final contract price $1,034,000 for new fire engine (unanimous)
• Authorized execution of FY2026 audit contract with RH CPAs PLLC ($87,500 fee) (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance establishing fire‑truck capital project fund G9150 ($1,234,000) (unanimous)
• Approved Safe Streets and Roads for All grant agreement ($280,000 grant, $70,000 city match) (unanimous)
• Approved water‑system capital improvement plan revision for Grove Park waterline project (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to apply for state funding for Grove Park waterline (unanimous)
• Approved Juneteenth celebration parade permit (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks discharge permit for city event, contingent on state burn‑ban status (1 opposed)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to assign rental fees for currently unassigned rooms. The commission will also review softball rules and receive updates on athletics and summer programs.

• Assignment of rental fees for unassigned rooms
• Review of softball rules by Josh Bass
• Update on spring athletics and summer programs
• Fairfield Through the Years update

The commission unanimously approved the March 12, 2026 minutes. It also unanimously adjusted the 10U girls softball base‑stealing rule and changed the pitch rule. A $50 per hour weekday rental fee (max two hours) was approved for the Holloway game room, Fairfield aerobics room, and Lovit Hines. The commission unanimously set gym availability for non‑Recreation teams with a $125 fee (max two hours) and specified the schedule.

• Approved March 12, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjusted 10U girls softball base‑stealing rule to match 12U (unanimous)
• Changed 10U girls softball pitch rule to four walks per inning (unanimous)
• Approved $50/hr weekday rental for Holloway, Fairfield, and Lovit Hines rooms (max 2 hrs) (unanimous)
• Approved gym schedule for non‑Recreation teams with $125 fee (max 2 hrs) (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider several action items, including awarding a tree‑trimming and right‑of‑way maintenance contract to Xylem Tree Services and approving a Sourcewell contract to purchase a new fire engine for up to $990,000. The council will also vote on a fireworks discharge permit for the Fly Exclusive Party scheduled for April 25, 2026, and consider appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment.

• Approve award to Xylem Tree Services for the Electric Division Tree Trimming and ROW Maintenance RFP
• Approve contract through Sourcewell to purchase one new fire engine (E‑One vendor) for up to $990,000
• Approve fireworks discharge permit for the Fly Exclusive Party on April 25, 2026 at approximately 8:15 pm
• Consider appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission
• Consider appointment to the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (Betty Jean Nobles and Tonyu A. Mashall)

The council adopted the meeting agenda and approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, each by unanimous vote. It also approved awarding the Electric Division tree‑trimming and right‑of‑way maintenance contract to Xylem Tree Services, again unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Approve March 17, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approve award of Electric Division tree‑trimming contract to Xylem Tree Services (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will vote on designating three properties as local landmarks and consider establishing a $50 fee for Certificates of Appropriateness. The body will also elect new leadership and approve meeting minutes.

• Landmark designation for 200 N. Queen Street (The O'Neil)
• Landmark designation for 426 N Heritage St. (Imperial Tobacco Company Office Building)
• Landmark designation for 501 N Heritage St (Midtown Motor Lodge)
• Consideration of a $50 Certificate of Appropriateness application fee
• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

The Historic Preservation Commission denied a proposed $50 Certificate of Appropriateness fee. It approved a correction to its Rules of Procedure, changing “secretary” to “vice‑chairperson.” The commission re‑elected its current chair and vice‑chair, and unanimously chose Chronicle Heritage as the consultant for the Kinston Design Standards Update.

• Denied establishment of a $50 COA application fee (unanimous)
• Approved correction to Section 3.6 of Rules of Procedure, replacing “secretary” with “vice‑chairperson” (unanimous)
• Re‑elected Clifton Hargett as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Re‑elected Travis Towne as Vice‑Chairperson (unanimous)
• Selected Chronicle Heritage as consultant for Kinston Design Standards Update (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review a Compensation & Classification Study recommending a full market salary adjustment for FY27. The body is also deciding on a water storage tank maintenance contract and the 2026 street resurfacing list.

• Proposed $1,248,093 total salary adjustment across city funds
• Award of RFP for potable water storage tank maintenance to USG Water Solutions
• FY2025-2026 Operating Budget Amendment
• 2026 Street Resurfacing Candidates consensus
• Appointment of Rickey Tah’Ron Cannon to the Neuse Regional Library Board

The council unanimously approved the city’s compensation and classification study, including related park and recreation budget recommendations. It also approved the award of the potable water storage tank maintenance contract to Utility Service Group Water Solutions, the 2026 street‑resurfacing plan, the FY2025‑2026 operating budget amendment, and a special event request for a Young Professionals kickball tournament. All motions passed without dissent.

• Approved compensation and classification study (unanimous)
• Approved award of water‑tank maintenance contract to Utility Service Group Water Solutions (unanimous)
• Approved consensus for 2026 street resurfacing candidates (unanimous)
• Approved FY2025‑2026 operating budget amendment (unanimous)
• Approved special event request for Young Professionals Kickball Tournament (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 3, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to elect Chair and Vice-Chair positions. The body will also discuss open gym hours for recreation facilities and receive an update on Spring/Summer programs.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair positions
• Discussion of open gym hours for Recreation facilities
• Spring/Summer program update

The commission approved the February 12, 2026 minutes. Aaron Yarus was installed as Chair and Mary Margaret Keith as Vice‑Chair. Open‑gym hours were set for 2 pm–6 pm on the first and third Sunday of each month at Fairfield and Holloway Gyms, starting June 1, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved February 12, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Installed Aaron Yarus as Chair and Mary Margaret Keith as Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Approved open‑gym hours 2‑6 pm first and third Sunday each month at Fairfield and Holloway Gyms, excluding holidays, beginning June 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider several actions, including approving an engineering services agreement worth $463,530 with Ampirial Solutions for the Cunningham Substation transformer replacement project. Council members will also vote on an amendment to the FY2025‑2026 operating budget that reallocates funds for a city‑manager search, a multimodal planning grant, and Grainger Stadium improvements. Additional items include adopting ordinances related to the Federal Drug Forfeiture Fund, establishing a police donations project, and appointing three members to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Approve $463,530 Engineering Services Agreement with Ampirial Solutions for Cunningham Substation Transformer Replacement Project
• Adopt FY2025‑2026 Operating Budget Amendment with multiple fund transfers and appropriations
• Adopt Ordinance to Amend Federal Drug Forfeiture Fund (P9136)
• Adopt Ordinance to Establish the Kinston PD Donations Project (P9156)
• Appointment of Jerry Burns, Sue Ellen Maddux, and Roger Jones to the Parks and Recreation Commission

The council unanimously approved the FY2025‑2026 operating budget amendment and adopted ordinances to restructure federal and state drug forfeiture funds and to create a police donations fund. It also approved a $463,530 engineering services agreement with Empirical Solutions for the Cunningham Substation transformer replacement. Additionally, three members were reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Approved FY2025‑2026 operating budget amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance to amend federal drug forfeiture fund (P9136) (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance to establish state forfeiture fund (P9155) (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance to establish Kinston PD donations project (P9156) (unanimous)
• Approved engineering services agreement with Empirical Solutions for $463,530 (unanimous)
• Appointed Jerry Burns to the Parks and Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Sue Ellen Maddox to the Parks and Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Roger Jones to the Parks and Recreation Commission (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider several actions, including a public hearing on three local historic landmarks and special event permits for a teens' dinner and a music concert in Pearson Park. The council will adopt ordinances for the NCDOT-IMD multimodal planning project (C2128) and for the Herritage Street Stormwater Improvement Capital Project (T9304). It will also vote on a $104,500 amendment to the engineering services agreement with the Wooten Company for the Herritage Street stormwater improvement, and review a request for sewer service at two properties in the ETJ.

• Public hearing on three local historic landmarks
• Special event permit for Jackson Heights Music Concert in Pearson Park on April 18, 2026
• Adoption of ordinance for NCDOT-IMD Multimodal Planning Project (C2128)
• Adoption of ordinance establishing Herritage Street Stormwater Improvement Capital Project (T9304)
• Approval of $104,500 amendment to Engineering Services Agreement with the Wooten Company for the Herritage Street stormwater project

The council adopted the meeting agenda after a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, seconded by Councilmember Les Lipford, with a unanimous vote. A motion by Councilmember Antonio Hardy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, to approve the minutes of the January 20 and January 30, 2026 City Council meetings also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were recorded in the excerpt.

• Adopt agenda – passed unanimously
• Approve minutes of Jan 20 and Jan 30, 2026 meetings – passed unanimously

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission approved the minutes from its January 20 meeting and adopted revised Rules of Procedure that delete Section 5.5. It voted to designate three properties—200 N. Queen St., 426 N. Heritage St., and 501 N. Herritage St.—as local historic landmarks. Commissioners changed the regular meeting time to 8:30 AM on the third Tuesday of each month. The commission discussed Certificate of Appropriateness fees but took no action, directing staff to seek clarification from the Planning Director.

• Approved January 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Adopted Rules of Procedure update removing Section 5.5 (Review Sub‑Committee)
• Designated 200 N. Queen St. (The O'Neil), 426 N. Heritage St. (Imperial Tobacco), and 501 N. Herritage St. (Midtown Motor Lodge) as local historic landmarks
• Changed regular meeting time to 8:30 AM on the third Tuesday of each month
• Discussed COA fees; no decision made, staff to consult Planning Director

The February 17, 2026 Historic Preservation Commission meeting was cancelled and no official business was conducted. Consequently, no agenda items were voted on or acted upon.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet on February 12, 2026 at the Kinston Community Center. The commission will approve the January 8, 2026 meeting minutes, review baseball rule changes, and discuss applications for commission membership as well as the Chair and Vice‑Chair positions. A director’s report will provide an update on winter and fall recreation programs.

• Approve January 8, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review baseball rule changes
• Discuss applications for Recreation Commission membership
• Discuss selection of Chair and Vice‑Chair positions
• Director’s report on winter and fall programs

The Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved the January 8, 2025 meeting minutes. The commission also unanimously approved the applications of Sue Ellen Maddux and Jerry Burns for the open city seats on the Recreation Commission; both applications will be presented to City Council at its March 3 meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved January 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Sue Ellen Maddux application for recreation commission (unanimous)
• Approved Jerry Burns application for recreation commission (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider Amendment 1 to the Engineering Services Agreement with the Wooten Company for $104,500 to perform engineering services on the Herritage Street stormwater improvement project. The council will also review a request for sewer service to properties at 1697 U.S. Hwy 258 South and 109 Old Second Street. Additional items include streets to be included in the FY2025-26 street resurfacing project and the FY2026-2027 proposed budget calendar.

• Approve $104,500 amendment with Wooten Company for Herritage Street stormwater project
• Consider sewer service request for 1697 U.S. Hwy 258 South and 109 Old Second Street
• Review streets slated for FY2025-26 resurfacing project
• Discuss FY2026-2027 proposed budget calendar
• Update on Kinston/Lenoir County recreation summer jobs

City Council

The City Council is convening for a special meeting. The agenda consists of a closed session to discuss personnel issues.

• Closed session regarding personnel issues under NC GS 143-318.11 (a) (6)

The Kinston City Council accepted the resignation of interim manager Steve Harrell. The Council then employed Ralph Clark as the new interim city manager. Both motions passed unanimously. The meeting also included unanimous votes to enter and exit a closed session and to adjourn.

• Accepted resignation of interim manager Steve Harrell (unanimous)
• Employed Ralph Clark as interim city manager (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss personnel matters (unanimous)
• Exited closed session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:50 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider three special‑revenue ordinances, a contract award for a Belt Filter Press refurbishment, and the appointment of a search consultant for a new city manager. The contract would award Andritz $295,805 plus a 10% contingency for a total of $325,385.50. The ordinances relate to a $182,000 housing‑finance loan pool and two FY25 special‑revenue projects.

• Approve Ordinance establishing NCHFA 27ESFR loan pool project ($182,000 grant)
• Approve Ordinance for FY25 CPD LEA Accreditation – COK Special Revenue Project
• Approve Ordinance for FY25 LEMHWA Implementation – COK Special Revenue Project
• Award bid to Andritz for Belt Filter Press refurbishment ($295,805 + 10% contingency, total $325,385.50)
• Appoint search consultant to conduct search for a new city manager

The council approved three ordinances to create special revenue funds for state and federal grants, approved a $325,385.50 belt filter press refurbishment, and voted 3‑2 to appoint Raftelis as the search consultant for a new city manager with added stakeholder involvement. All other motions passed unanimously.

• Approved ordinance establishing NCHFA 27ESFR Loan Pool Project ($182,000 grant) – unanimous
• Approved ordinance establishing FY25 CPD LEA Accreditation project ($51,270 grant) – unanimous
• Approved ordinance establishing FY25 LEMHWA Implementation Project ($136,020 grant) – unanimous
• Approved award of Belt Filter Press Refurbishment to Andritz for $295,805 plus 10% contingency, total $325,385.50 – unanimous
• Appointed Raftelis as search consultant for new city manager with stakeholder involvement – vote 3-2

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will vote on whether to forward a recommendation to the Kinston City Council to designate 200 North Queen Street, known as The O’Neil, as a local historic landmark. The meeting also includes approval of the November 18, 2025 minutes and updates on the CLG Historic Preservation Fund grant and procedural rules. No new business items are presented.

• Public hearing and vote on recommending 200 N. Queen Street (The O’Neil) for local historic landmark status
• Approval of the November 18, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes
• Update on CLG Historic Preservation Fund grant: $22,000 from SHPO with a $10,000 city match ($32,000 total) for design‑guideline work
• Draft update to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure to be reviewed for adoption
• Discussion of COA fee changes and a meeting‑time change under New Business

The Historic Preservation Commission approved local historic landmark designations for 200 N. Queen Street (The O'Neil), 426 N. Heritage St. (Imperial Tobacco Company Office Building), and 501 N. Heritage St. (Midtown Motor Lodge). It also adopted an updated Rules of Procedure, changed the regular meeting time to 8:30 AM, and approved the updated 2026 HPC meeting calendar. The commission took no action on COA fee changes and asked staff to seek clarification from the Planning Director.

• Approved designation of 200 N. Queen Street (The O'Neil) as a local historic landmark (unanimous)
• Approved designation of 426 N. Heritage St. (Imperial Tobacco Company Office Building) as a local historic landmark (unanimous)
• Approved designation of 501 N. Heritage St. (Midtown Motor Lodge) as a local historic landmark (unanimous)
• Approved removal of Section 5.5 (Review Sub‑Committee) from the Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Approved change of meeting time to 8:30 AM on the third Tuesday of each month (unanimous)
• Approved the updated 2026 HPC Meeting Calendar (unanimous)
• Decided not to take action on COA fee changes; staff to consult the Planning Director (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to approve prior minutes and discuss minor league baseball rule recommendations and upcoming vacancies on the commission.

• Approval of November 13, 2025 minutes
• Discussion of minor league baseball rule recommendations
• Discussion of upcoming vacant Commission seats
• Update on parks and Spring programs

The commission unanimously approved the October 2, 2025 and November 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted a rule for the minor league baseball team to use a pitching machine for the first half of the season and player pitching for the second half. The commission also approved new Mock Gym rules setting a minimum entry age of 12 without an adult. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved pitching machine for first half of minor league season, player pitching second half (unanimous)
• Approved Mock Gym rule: minimum age 12 for entry without adult (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider a rezoning request for a property on Towerhill Road, approve several grants and contracts, and adopt an operating budget amendment for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Rezoning 519 Towerhill Road from I-1 to RA-5 (Residential Office)
• Award of bid for POD I Substation structures and equipment ($646,900)
• Approval of COPS Grant for mental health and wellness ($136,020)
• Adoption of FY2025-2026 Operating Budget Amendment
• Acceptance of NCDOT Multimodal Network Plan Grant ($65,000)

Council Member Swinson moved to adopt the agenda and Council Member Suggs seconded; the motion carried with a roll‑call vote of 4‑1. Earlier motions to table items 1 and 2 and to adopt the agenda both failed for lack of a second. The minutes for the December 2, 16 and 23, 2025 meetings were slated for approval at the next meeting.

• Motion to table items 1 and 2 under the action agenda died (no second)
• Motion to adopt the agenda died (no second)
• Motion to adopt the agenda passed (4‑1) – Council Members Seaforth, Swinson, Suggs, and Mayor Pro Tem Hardy voted yes; Council Member Solomon voted no
• Minutes for Dec 2, Dec 16, and Dec 23, 2025 scheduled for approval at next meeting