City Council

Kinston City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024  Minutes Kinston City Council City Hall · 207 East King Street Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Work Session at 5:30 pm · Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm This meeting was held in person and published electronically at https://www.facebook.com/KinstonCityHall Available for viewing on the local government channels 2 and 102 Mayor Don Hardy called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Adoption of the Agenda If a Councilmember wishes to revise the agenda, the motion to add or delete an item will be entertained before the Adoption of the Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Suggs, and upon a unanimous vote [3-0], the agenda was adopted. Councilmember Felicia Solomon entered the meeting at 5:33 pm. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 1. Eastern Carolina Council Membership Benefits ----------- David Bone, Executive Director Eastern Carolina Council David Bone, Executive Director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Government introduced himself and shared that they are a regional membership organization focusing on partnership and collaboration. They represent nine counties which are Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wayne, as well as 62 incorporated municipalities. The Council is a conduit between local governments in the region and state/federal partners and also provides technical assistance to local governments and administers projects and programs that benefit the region’s citizens. The Department of the Area Agency on Aging includes the Family Caregiver Program and the Ombudsman Program. The Department of Planning, Economic Development, and Grants is comprised of the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) and covers two RPO’s which are the Down East and Eastern Carolina. The RPO has four core duties – develop, in corporation with the Department of (NCDOT) long-range regional and local transportation plans; provide a forum for public participation; develop and prioritize suggestions for transportation projects; and provide transportation-related information for local governments and other interested organizations and persons. The RPO structure is the Transportation Advisory Committee, Technical Coordinating Committee, and Lead Planning Agency. Mr. Bone discussed that the Community Development & Planning Department serves as an extension to local governments who have their staff on current planning issues with the services being provided at a cost that is below market rates. Additionally, informal, or formal consulting, education and information, grant writing, and grant administration services are provided They provide Technical Assistance for the American Recovery Plan, disaster Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 recovery, and training with various workshops and regional convenings. He said there is a Disaster Resilience Training Program that will be offered on April 16th and a couple of times after that as well. This is a one-day FEMA Public Assistance program that is a crash course. Some of the services for fees are ordinance reviews, comprehensive land use plans, master plans, grant writing, planning and zoning administration, executive searches, and retreat facilitation. In economic Development Planning, the ECC is a designated Economic Development District for the US Economic Development Administration. In this role, they work with counties and municipalities who may be looking to apply for grants. ECC is also the designated Local Development District that works with counties, municipalities, and other organizations to apply for grant funds from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission which is a federal agency working to improve economic conditions in rural, coastal communities in nine southeastern states. ECC helps communities connect with the International Economic Development Council and the Kenan Center. Mr. Bone shared that without being a member they could work with Downtown Kinston and connect them to IEDC at no cost. They also work to connect with the Kenan Center, which can do other studies at a reduced cost (lower than the market rate). They have a regional role in developing a regional economic development plan. He noted that the link was in the packet and could be viewed when the Council could. He reviewed the partnerships and collaboration opportunities with NCDOT, EDA, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, UNC School of Government, NC Office of Resiliency and Recovery, International Economic Development Council, NCSU Institute for Emerging Issues at no cost to member governments, and the NC Rural Wate Association. He shared some of the recent and current projects and initiatives they are working on. Mr. Bone also shared ECC’s recent training workshops and some recent and upcoming collaborations and advocacy efforts. He stated the dues for Kinston would be $7,900 ($.40 per capita) and hoped that Kinston would become a member. Councilmember Swinson asked when the last time we were affiliated with the ECC and Mr. Bone stated he thought it had been over ten years. Mr. Swinson asked if they still met in New Bern. Mr. Bone stated the meetings were in New Bern, but they provide a hybrid option for those with travel challenges. Rhonda Barwick, City Manager thanked Mr. Bone for his presentation. She stated that with strategic planning ahead of us and the Downtown Revitalization project that has been discussed with the County to work jointly on funding, the ECC offers a good regional point to be involved in. It provides additional training for our young staff in some departments that can benefit from some of the classes offered. Mayor Hardy thanked Mr. Bone for coming down and said he hoped it would be considered to become a part of the ECC. 2. Social District Information --------------------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Blount Page 2 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Elizabeth Blount, Planning Director stated that in 2021 the NC General Assembly passed House Bill 211 allowing cities and counties to establish social districts within their communities. There have been over 60 municipalities that have adopted social districts across the state. A social district is a defined area where people can consume alcoholic beverages sold by a permittee. In January 2024, the Council decided to move forward and there were three public forums held, and they spoke to business owners in the downtown area. Ms. Blount shared that a committee comprised of stakeholders was formed with members, Wendy Burkett, Anthony Clark, Chief Goyette, and Stephen Hill. The Planning staff served as facilitators and researchers, and the city attorney’s office provided legal guidance. The committee gathered information and quotes, as well as creating various components required for a social district. Ms. Blount shared that the requirements were to have a map (with designated boundaries), a name, designated hours, signage, and a maintenance plan. The committee suggested the name be Downtown Social District, she shared a picture of the logo and explained the significance of the components, has to additionally read “Drink Responsibly - Be 21”, and the hours are Sunday through Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm. Ms. Blount shared that the defined area would be at least six blocks bordered by West Gordon Street, Mitchell Street, Peyton Avenue, and the west side of Queen Street. The committee is proposing establishments that are contiguous to the boundary map to participate in the social district. The map can be amended if we return to the ABC Commission with a new map. Other requirements are to have a website and the Planning staff will be responsible for the development, and the site will include a participation form to opt in or out. The clear cups are the responsibility of the permittee to purchase and not be more than 16 ounces, with their name, the logo, and the date. The business will be sent a downloadable graphic for printing the stickers, causing no cost to the City. Decals are required and we have three to be placed at the front of the establishments. One says Beverages Sold Here, one says Beverages Welcome (non-permittee- but allow beverages inside), and one says No Beverages Allowed. The committee suggested marking the boundaries with 14 signs and posts. They will have a QR code linked to the City’s social district website with all the information needed, the number to the ALE, and the Police Department. The signs are estimated to cost $2,100 with labor included. Trash receptacles (eight) are proposed for $6,654 which are the same type of receptacles there. Ms. Blount shared that there is a maintenance plan and the ordinance will be crafted by the city attorney’s office. The committee has decided that the social district stays intact when there are special events in that area and allows the organizers of the special events to decide whether they want to opt in or out of the social district. We will not disband the social district for special events. The aspirations are that the social district will be a destination; to increase foot traffic, have economic development, and foster socialization for everyone. She shared information from the cities of Brevard, Mt. Airy, and Sylva that had data to prove that implementing the social district did create economic development and foot traffic. Ms. Blount stated that she talked to some non-permittees in Goldsboro regarding their feelings about their social district and they shared that the business owners took pride and ownership as well. She discussed activating our alleys and stated we could do more to our alleys to make people want to use, enjoy, and not be afraid to walk through the alleys. Ms. Blount shared that she wanted to “Reignite the Magic”. The committee Page 3 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 desires to have the social district up and running by the Barbecue Fest on May 3rd and 4th. She stated they did not want to rush the process, and at least could have some promotional materials available. Mayor Hardy thanked Ms. Blount and her team for graciously working on this. Councilmember Suggs asked about a portion of Mitchell Street that is zoned residential and there is primarily one property owner in that area and if that was why it was included. Chief Goyette explained that there is one business/homeowner in that area who discussed the possibility of opening up those houses into a business that could turn into a restaurant where alcohol could be served. Mr. Suggs stated three other homes are owned by someone else and suggested before we officially move forward, engage those owners to be on the safe side. James Cauley, City Attorney stated he was curious about how the committee thought it would work with the special event at the same time that we have an active social district. If at the special event, you can have alcohol and you walk into the social district, but you don’t have the right cup. Ms. Blount shared that they are changing the special event application so they know that they must have the type of cups and associated items. They will be able to opt-out for their special event. Mr. Cauley shared another option in other areas he has seen that the special event trumps the social district. The social district is not in play during a special event. He also stated that in another community the social district is about to be adopted and they are anticipating a July 1st startup because of the period for review by the ABC Commission. 3. Spring 2024 KPD Update --------------------------------------------------------------- Keith Goyette Keith Goyette, Police Chief said he wanted to share quarterly some of the things they have going on in the Police Department to the Council and the community. Tonight, he announced that there would be a CLEAR event held on March 20th at the Veteran’s Home from 10 am to 12 noon, and there would be a promotional ceremony on March 26th in the Council Chambers from 6 to 7 pm. Chief Goyette shared that they will attend the April Child Abuse event at the courthouse, and the Special Olympics at Kinston High School where they will have a booth. He announced that there will be a Church Safety Symposium on April 18th at The GATE from 6 to 7:30 pm. Chief Goyette shared that they are partnering with Safe Kids Eastern Carolina at Walmart on April 27th and stated that will be a drug takeback event that is done annually. There will be a law enforcement torch run on Thursday, May 16th. He invited everyone to come out and enjoy these events with them. Chief Goyette gave some updates regarding a representative from the NC Law Enforcement Accreditation Agency being here this week to tour the agency, specifically the evidence room, and give pointers on improvements to reach the accreditation status that they hope to attain by December of this year. There will be a member from the NC League of Municipalities here at the May 7th council meeting to present the City of Kinston and the Police Department with a Page 4 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 plaque showing that they advanced through their accreditation process that is done every three years. In February there was a hiring event held with six people and they currently have 10 openings. Chief Goyette shared training updates that included three supervisory staff members completing the Law Enforcement Executive Program at NC State University – Jenkins, Walker, and Biggins, and Captain Sam McLawhorn graduated from the NC Police Chief’s Institute. He is the eighth member of the staff to graduate from the Institute. The goal is to have everyone think like a Police Chief. Chief Goyette stated Major Turner applied for the Body Worn Camera Grant that allowed them to receive 10 free body-worn cameras along with the 10 they will purchase. They are hoping to turn in a mental awareness grant in the next two weeks that will allow them to build upon their Project Safe and Sound and collaborate with other members who have specialties in that field. He said they wanted to have some mental health teams come out whenever they have a situation (mental health crisis) as they have had in the past. Today, he heard from the Governor’s Crime Commission that they were approved for $21,000 from another grant. Coming up in May and June there will be department-wide training. Human Connect will be facilitated by Professor Fisher-Davis from Wingate University on how to look at the community and ways to interact with our citizens. In June a free course on Stop Human Trafficking will be taught over four weeks (four different days). Chief Goyette again announced the CLEAR event scheduled for tomorrow and the promotional ceremony scheduled for next week. 4. Consider Special Events Permit - Kinston Strong - Sand in the Streets Concert Series ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keith Goyette Keith Goyette, Police Chief shared that Kinston Strong submitted a Special Event Permit for a concert series - Sand in the Streets. The events will be on Thursdays with the dates being May 23rd, June 6th, June 20th, June 27th, July 18th, August 1st, and August 15th from 6 to 9 pm. There will be a band positioned on North Street (directly in front of the Laughing Owl). The street will be closed from Queen and North to Mitchell and on Heritage Street from Gordon to Blount Street. Two officers will be hired to work at the event and will not have any alcohol. They do not have insurance because the company will not provide it right now, but they wanted it presented so they could plan bands. The intention is before the event a copy of the insurance will be received and sent to the city attorney for approval. 5. Consider Bid Award for Holloway Pool House Renovation --------------------- Scott Alston Scott Alston, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation stated bids were accepted for improvements to the bathhouse at Holloway. The bids were from $78,000 to $120,000 which included a facelift of the facility, cleaning the brick, replacing the windows, doors, siding, and inside of the roof, removing old pipes, repainting everything, and replacing the sinks and commodes. Page 5 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Mayor Hardy thanked Mr. Alston and shared that they are working on the renovations. Mr. Alston stated he had worked as the Pool Manager in 2000/2001 and not very much has changed and this was a big need. Councilmember Swinson asked about flooring in the bathrooms. Mr. Alston said that the broken tiles would be removed but there would not be a complete retiling and it adds two showers in the boy's bathroom. He shared that the roof was replaced about two to three years ago. Rhonda Barwick, City Manager said the bid award for Holloway Center is on the Consent Agenda. If the Council wants to move forward, she would ask the Finance Director to present a budget ordinance amendment at the next meeting to show the funding. She asked for feedback from the Council since they had talked about using the roughly $100,000 remaining of the ARP money. There is $92,500 remaining and it would be enough to cover this. Mayor Hardy stated ARP dollars had been used for Emma Webb Park and he felt it would be fitting to use funding for that as well. Councilmember Solomon shared that she agreed with using those funds to support the bathhouse repairs at Holloway. However, she is interested in the preparation of the budget for the upcoming year, as Council funding is allotted for the homeless shelter. She wanted to see what it looks like to go into partnership with the homeless shelter as we do with the library; what does that continual support look like? The homeless population is growing and there is a growing number of mothers with children coming into the community that are homeless. Mayor Hardy asked Mr. Alston to look at the gymnastics area of Emma Webb as well. Mr. Alston stated they are currently looking into that and it needs repair as well. That is on the Capital Outlay and is not included in the Emma Webb Project. They will continue to look at that and adjust the budget. 6. Consider Award for Electric Field Verification and Data Collection Project --------- Steve Miller Steve Miller, Public Services Director said that in the last couple of years, they have done quite a bit of work trying to get a full picture and handle on the condition of the system they have, the things needed to keep it in good condition and meet the needs of our customers we have today along with growth around Kinston. There was a long-range plan drawn up last year that looked at the reliability of the current system and the things needed to address those needs. Those needs as well as the growth needs we looked at, and how we prepare for the future needs of the city and assigning costs by identifying projects. They looked at the data in the GIS system and the data for the current electric system. Filling in the data about the assets, the poles the transformers, the meters, the switches, and substations will help in preparing for emergencies, responding, information available to the crews, so when something happens they have that information in hand. Mr. Miller said they did proposals for the electric field Page 6 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 verification data collection process. The proposal was for a company to come in and touch all the assets in the electric system and fill in any data that we are missing or is wrong. That includes location, age, manufacture, make and model numbers, and capacity. This will help in doing inventory. Booth and Associates were seen to have the best method, as well as the most existing knowledge that would help in completing the project. The proposal was prepared for a base cost of $385,000 plus trying to figure out how much unknown data in locations we have for underground components for our system. Initially, there were possibly up to $300,000 of additional costs to gather the data on the underground things. Work was done with Booth, looking at our records, having our field workers go out and check, and things were narrowed down of what was needed, and decreased the amount to the project. Because it took so long to complete there have been some increases to the cost to do the base project, they requested to change from $385,000 to $415,000, but the unknown costs were reduced to $40,000. The total project is expected to cost about $456,000 now. Mr. Miller requested the award to Booth and Associates for $415,000 with a 10% contingency to cover any underground location work making the total award $456,500. Funding will be out of the Electric Capital Reserve. 7. Consider Award for Lead Service Line Inventory Project ------------------------ Steve Miller Steve Miller, Public Services Director stated that in February proposals were sought to perform an inventory of customer water service lines to determine which services are made of lead materials. This is part of changes seen in the lead service line requirements from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The lowest cost proposal was from 120Water out of Indiana. They have done projects and have ongoing projects in North and South Carolina. References were obtained from some of the other cities that are using them and everyone is happy with the work they did. The proposed cost is $630,100 with a requested contingency of 10% for a total award of $693,110. Mr. Miller stated last year they received a $ 1 million loan from the State Water Infrastructure Authority for this work with $600,000 of the loan being principal forgiveness. The remaining part would be a 20-year interest loan on the remaining principal. If the project comes in under $1 million the amount of the forgiveness versus the amount to pay back (40%) of the final cost is what we have to pay back. He requested an award of the project and noted that there was a resolution to be adopted. Mayor Hardy asked if there was any other EPA that could be used for this type of project. Mr. Miller said there are funds to be available to help with assistance when you start to do replacements. That is a discussion needed in the next few months about what the requirements are for those funding pots, so we identify what we need to do, especially considering a full lead service line replacement is from the City’s main to the house. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Swinson, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], a closed session was entered into at 6:48 pm. Page 7 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 CLOSED SESSION (THIS ITEM WAS MOVED FROM THE REGULAR MEETING) NC General Statutes §143-318.11 (a)(3) – Attorney/Client Privilege ------------- James Cauley Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Suggs, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the Council returned to the open meeting at 7:08 pm. RECESS UNTIL 7:00 REGULAR MEETING REGULAR MEETING Mayor Don Hardy called the meeting to order at 7:11 pm. Pastor Moses O. Pitt of Greater Church, Kinston, NC delivered the prayer which was followed by the recital of the pledge of allegiance by all attendees. Councilmembers’ Roll Call Present: Councilmembers Felicia Solomon, Chris J. Suggs, Robert Swinson, and Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy. Present Also: Rhonda Barwick, City Manager, and James Cauley, City Attorney. Absent: Councilmember Barbara Seaforth. CITIZEN COMMENT Citizens must sign in before the start of the meeting if they wish to address the City Council. Citizens should state their name and address before beginning their comments and may speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. Citizens seeking assistance or asking questions will be contacted by a member of the Governing Body or by appropriate City Staff. Councilmember Solomon shared that she sent an invitation to Pastor Hany who is the host pastor at the host church of the annual city-wide revival. Pastor Tyrone Haney, St. Peter Church of Christ DOC Church, announced that this is the 11th year doing the interdenominational annual revival. It is to bring all people and denominations together under one roof. The determination is to help change the city and work with the officials to make a change in the city. Pastor Haney stated we can do it together. He shared that the doors are open for the entire week to everyone for the revival from March 24th to March 29th. Bobbie Jean Williams, 303 Sherwood Avenue, Kinston, NC, shared that she was a citizen of Kinston and has been all her life. She is a member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church and has concerns about the citizens and what goes on in a council meeting. Ms. Williams said this was her first time coming. Page 8 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Councilmember Solomon thanked Ms. Williams for expressing a physical interest in what is happening within the community. She hopes that with Ms. Williams’ church, her active engagement and presence will spark the replication of what is desired from the people of the city. Adoption of the Agenda If a Councilmember wishes to revise the agenda, the motion to add or delete an item will be entertained before the adoption of the agenda. Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hardy, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the agenda was adopted. MINUTES Consider approval of the minutes of the City Council meeting held on March 5, 2024 -------- Debra Thompson Mayor Pro Tem Hardy made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Swinson, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the minutes for March 5, 2024, were approved. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Consider Bid Award for Holloway Pool House Renovation --------------------- Scott Alston 2. Consider Award for Electric Field Verification and Data Collection Project --------- Steve Miller 3. Consider Award for Lead Service Line Inventory Project ------------------------ Steve Miller Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Suggs, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the Consent Agenda items 1-3 were adopted. ACTION AGENDA 1. Consider Special Events Permit - Kinston Strong - Sand in the Streets Concert Series ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keith Goyette Councilmember Solomon made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hardy, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], subject to the insurance verification upon the day, the Special Events Permit – Kinston Strong – Sand in the Streets Concert Series was approved. Page 9 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2. Consider Historic District Commission Text Amendment Public Hearing and Approval ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Blount Elizabeth Blount, Planning Director stated this is a text amendment initiated by the Planning Staff because there are issues with the Historic District Commission. She has noticed that the Historic District Commission has not met since February 2022 and she was only able to locate one member. She is in the process of trying to establish an HDC and is in a bind because they are receiving a certificate of appropriateness that is waiting because the General Statutes say it has to be approved by a commission. After speaking with the City Attorney’s Office, they have crafted a text amendment to change the ordinance. There has been some recruitment done on social media, the television, canvassed neighborhoods, and the Public Information Officer created some door hangers and talked to people one-on-one. One person was appointed to the Commission and there is one other prospective. Ms. Blount shared that they would change the name from the Historic District to the Historic Preservation Commission to be in line with 160D. The number of members is going to be three (3) as the General Statues say can be done and the terms will be staggered. Currently, the ordinance says that all of the members must have some type of interest. Ms. Blount discussed the change of the quorum to the majority, they would change 160A to 160D and added to the current language is that they will be able to make recommendations to individual structures, buildings, sites, areas, and landmarks. They will be able to review and act upon applications for alterations, demos, and new construction within historic districts. The additional language allows the commission to take necessary steps to preserve historic property by any lawful means. The commission can go on private land when entertaining a request if they have permission. Ms. Blount discussed 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 talk about the certificate of appropriateness and it is only for structures that are in the historic district. If changes are to be made to only the exterior requestors have to complete an application so that the commission I sure that the integrity of the property is maintained. There are at least five certificates of appropriateness waiting to be approved. Mayor Hardy thanked Ms. Blount for her efforts to get participants for the commission. Councilmember Suggs said in reviewing the proposed additions instead of how they currently stand it does have a lot more authority and responsibility than some of the other boards that are more advisory. Mr. Suggs said we do need to be mindful of who is appointed to the commission. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy shared that the vetting process should be through. Councilmember Solomon said that it needs to be someone who values the history of the community. Ms. Blount announced that the application is online. The current ordinance says that 20 percent of the board has to consist of people who are in the historic district and that has been removed. You have to live in the City of Kinston or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. Mayor Hardy opened the Public Hearing at 7:33 pm and with no one to speak for or in opposition the Public Hearing was closed at 7:34 pm. Page 10 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Solomon, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the Historic District Commission text amendment was approved Page 11 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3. Consider Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Text Amendment Update Approval ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elizabeth Blount Elizabeth Blount, Planning Director stated this is based on a visit from the NC Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Section that brings our ordinance up to speed regarding 160D. The statutory authorization changes to the reference of 160D. We were asked to add a statement that these things were established in 1982 and updated in 1983. Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Solomon, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance text amendment was approved. Page 12 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Ms. Blount shared that the Glenn Raven Request for Qualifications was closed on March 4th, with one package being received. The package will be presented on April 16th. Ms. Blount discussed that the community rating system is something they voluntarily participate in to help the citizens reduce their insurance. We have dropped down a point which means citizens get a greater reduction in insurance and we are up to 20% reduction for flood insurance. 4. Consider Adoption of a Resolution of Intent to Close a Public Street – Laura Lane-------- Steve Miller Steve Miller, Public Services Director stated that at the February Work Session, he presented a public request received about closing Laura Lane between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and East Vernon Avenue. The properties along that street except for the ones on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard are all City-owned with no structures on the section that the City owns. At that meeting, Mr. Miller had asked to hold a Public Hearing today. Since then he researched the process of doing a street closing and there is no official process for doing a temporary closing, if the closing were to become permanent you would have to go through a formal process. The process involves public notification in the newspapers and holding an official Public Hearing. The last time we went through anything like this was in 2005 (closed streets in the buyout area temporarily) we went through the formal process. He stated he felt it would be best to go through the formal process so should it not be reopened; we would have already gone through that process. The process includes passing a resolution of intent (tonight), and then holding a Public Hearing on April 16, 2024. There would be advertising for four consecutive weeks, posting a notice along the street to be closed, hand mail to property owners along the section being considered for closure, holding the hearing, and then taking action. Mr. Miller stated the request to do this was to try to control trash being dumped along the street. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Suggs, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the resolution to close a public street – Laura Lane was approved. Page 13 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 5. Consider Approval of Fireworks Discharge Permit – Down East Wood Ducks (Grainger Stadium) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chad Jackson Chad Jackson, Interim Fire Chief requested approval for the Down East Wood Ducks for their fireworks discharge permit. The company that provides the pyrotechnics has changed but the person who will be setting off the pyrotechnics is the same guy who has been doing it for years and is familiar with the site and how we operate. Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Solomon, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the fireworks discharge permit was approved. APPOINTMENTS Consider Appointment to Parks & Recreation Commission – Aaron Yarus ----- Scott Alston Scott Alston, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation requested the addition of Aaron Yarus to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Mr. Yarus is a citizen of Kinston and has been a coach for Parks & Recreation. Councilmember Swinson made the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hardy, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the appointment of Aaron Yarus to the Parks & Recreation Commission was approved. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT Rhonda Barwick, City Manager announced the grand opening of the Lenoir County Farmers Market Rick Holder Annex Community Commercial Kitchen on April 16th at 2 pm at 100 N. Heritage Street and invited everyone to attend. Leon Steele, Executive Director, Downtown Kinston Revitalization shared information about the Shirley Herring Memorial Garden at North and Mitchell Street. The sign is in place, the mural is nearly finished, the Boy Scouts put the pergolas in, and the landscaping, mulching, and gravel pathways are in. It is across from the playground and can be used as a sitting area for the parents to take a break. Mr. Steele stated another piece that is donated by Rose Clark is going in. The top part of the skirting will have a face that looks like Ms. Shirley Herring. The signage was donated by Jo Anna Dail of DailCo. He reminded everyone that the dedication is tentatively set for April 23 (weather permitting) at 11 am and hoped everyone would come out to see and experience the site. Light refreshments will be served and they are looking at a tentative rain date. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT There was no City Attorney’s Report. Page 14 of 15 Kinston City Council Minutes Tuesday, March 19, 2024 MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS Councilmember Swinson gave birthday wishes to Councilmember Solomon on her birthday that just passed and to Mayor Hardy for his upcoming birthday. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy enlightened the public on the temporary tags received when you purchase a vehicle. The tags have a “T” on them and you have to pay property taxes on the purchase or you will be in violation. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy stated that he and Councilmember Solomon spoke with our Senator at the conference they attended this past week about how they could help advance our homeless shelter. He said he wanted the citizens to know that they are reaching out to the legislators at the federal level as well to address this issue. Mayor Hardy thanked the Department Heads, the City Manager, the Clerk, and the attorney for the work that they do. He shared that he had a round-table discussion at the White House with the Economic Council and the White House Intergovernmental Affairs to discuss industrial investments coming to our area. He noted that we are working collaboratively with the Global TransPark. Mayor Pro Tem Hardy shared that starting in April the Housing Authority will start giving out housing vouchers. CLOSED SESSION (THIS ITEM WAS MOVED TO THE WORK SESSION) NC General Statutes §143-318.11 (a)(3) – Attorney/Client Privilege ------------- James Cauley ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Suggs made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Suggs, and upon a unanimous vote of [4-0], the Kinston City Council Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Debra Thompson, City Clerk Page 15 of 15