Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor William Justice, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf, Commissioner Tamara Pieratti, Commissioner Tim Vannoy, and Commissioner Wayne Herbert. ********************************** Call to Order/Opening Prayer/Pledge The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and Mayor Justice led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Nancy Palbicke of 321 Foster Creek Road, spoke regarding her application for the Appearance Commission. Ms. Palbicke highlighted her background in fashion merchandising and design, and her experience with campus redesign projects at Washburn University Institute of Technology. Amy Poe of 160 E. Ivybridge Drive, head coach of the Star Hill Torpedoes swim team, advocated for a community pool. Ms. Poe emphasized the safety and developmental benefits of swimming programs. She noted that her team trains many swimmers who compete for Swansboro High School and offered to help establish a low-cost summer swim program if a pool were built. Janet Wade of 110 Deer Run, shared her personal experience of waiting 66 years for a public swimming facility and expressed strong support for a community pool in Swansboro, citing the growing population and need for water safety education. Cynthia LaCorte of 220 Elm Street, requested consideration for appointment to the Appearance Commission. Ms. LaCorte emphasized her real estate background and dedication to the commission's mission of enhancing Swansboro's aesthetic appeal and economic development potential. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Herbert, the agenda as prepared and the following consent items were unanimously approved. - January 13, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes - Resolution Adopting the 2026-2031 Southeastern North Carolina Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan - Resolution for Bank Financing of Police Interceptor Vehicles - Tax Refund Request Page 1 of 5 Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations Recognition of Kristin Newbold Mayor Justice presented a proclamation recognizing Kristin Newbold, a Swansboro High School junior, for her selection to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the high school honors performance series. Ms. Newbold thanked the Board and shared her experience during the five days of intensive rehearsals and the honor of performing under conductor Jeffrey Reading. NC Festival & Events Annual Showfest Award Parks & Recreation Director Anna Stanley announced that the Town's 2025 Mullet Festival t-shirt design won "Best T-shirt" for medium-sized events at the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events conference. The award recognized the partnership with What the Fin for the design. Board Appointments Town Clerk Alissa Fender reviewed the process for appointing the inaugural seven members of the newly formed Swansboro Appearance Commission, established by ordinance on January 27, 2026. The commission required six members from within Town corporate limits and one from the ETJ. The Board voted by written ballot from a pool of nine in-town applicants and one ETJ applicant. After counting, four in-town members were confirmed outright: Cynthia LaCorte, Doug Rogers, Nancy Palbicke and Claire Cole. And ETJ member Linda Thornley was confirmed outright. A tie occurred among three in-town candidates: Gary Keroack, Larry Philpott, and Kim Kingrey. On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Herbert, Cynthia LaCorte, Doug Rogers, Nancy Palbicke and Claire Cole, were unanimously appointed to the Swansboro Appearance Commission. Following this, the Board readdressed the tie. A second ballot was conducted to choose between the tied candidates, resulting in Larry Philpott and Kim Kingrey receiving the most votes. On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conway, seconded by Commissioner Pieratti, Larry Philpott and Kim Kingrey were unanimously appointed to the Swansboro Appearance Commission. Lastly, the board handled appointment to the ETJ seat, and on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Herbert, Linda Thornley was unanimously appointed to the ETJ seat for the Swansboro Appearance Commission. Business non-consent Presentation of Community Pool Survey Results Swimming Pool Committee Chair Matthew Prane presented results of a community survey conducted September–December 2025 and provided background on committee Page 2 of 5 research dating to 2020. He noted that a community swimming pool has ranked as the Town’s top requested amenity in multiple Town surveys since 2006. Working with Total Aquatics Programming, estimated costs were identified at approximately $13 million for an indoor three‑pool facility and $7 million for an outdoor pool, exclusive of land costs. A modular above‑ground pool was also evaluated as a lower‑cost, short‑term option. The survey received 415 responses, with 76% indicating they would use a community pool. 66% cited distance to existing facilities as the primary barrier. Preferred programs included water aerobics, recreational use, learn‑to‑swim, and rehabilitation therapy. Respondents favored a year‑round indoor facility with certified lifeguards. Mr. Prane stated that land acquisition was the critical next step, estimating a need for approximately six acres, with about half required for parking. No potential sites have been identified. He requested Board direction on whether the Town wishes to continue pursuing the project. In response to inquiries from the board, Mr. Prane clarified the following:  Progress could proceed without identifying a location.  The Swansboro High School swim team rents pool space in Cape Carteret. During discussion, Board members acknowledged the depth of the committee’s research while expressing varying perspectives on the Town’s ability to advance the project at that time. Comments emphasized that land availability remains the primary obstacle and that survey results may have been influenced by distribution methods. It was also noted that approximately 44 in-town residents completed the survey, representing about one percent of the in-town population, which was indicative of limited participation from residents within the corporate limits of Swansboro. Several members raised concerns regarding overall project scale, land acquisition costs, liability exposure, limited tax base, and competing capital priorities, while also noting that resident feedback during campaign outreach identified other higher priorities. Some members supported continued exploration citing minimal cost to the Town to date, potential regional demand, and interest in creative solutions involving land donations, grants, or nonprofit partnerships, while others supported suspending the committee but preserving its work for possible future consideration should conditions change. On a motion by Commissioner Herbert, seconded by Commissioner Vannoy, the Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee was suspended. The motion carried 3:2. Ayes: Herbert, Vannoy, Conaway Noes: Eckendorf, Pieratti Mayor Justice stated the matter may be revisited should suitable property become available and thanked Mr. Prane and the committee for their service. Page 3 of 5 Monthly Financial Report as of January 2026 Finance Director Sonia Johnson presented the January 2026 financial report. She highlighted the following points:  As of January 31, 2026, the General Fund reflected excess revenues over expenditures of approximately $1.04 million with encumbrances and $1.17 million without encumbrances.  Overall departmental expenditures were at 48.6% of budget, which was approximately 9.7% below the monthly projection of 58.3%.  The Emergency Management Department showed the highest percentage over budget, attributable to costs related to Winter Storm Gianna; a budget amendment will be forthcoming.  The Stormwater Enterprise Fund reported a surplus of approximately $75,576.  The Solid Waste Enterprise Fund reported a surplus of approximately $3,692. In response to an inquiry from the board, Finance Director Johnson confirmed no significant financial concerns were identified at that time. Future Agenda Topics Future agenda items were shared for visibility and comments. In addition, an opportunity was provided for the board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. The following items were addressed:  Guidance from the Town attorney on enforcement options related to Historic Preservation Commission violations.  Traffic light synchronization and optimization, to be coordinated with NCDOT and potentially raised at the upcoming JUMPO meeting.  Review of the capital investment plan as part of the next budget workshop.  Discussion on pickleball courts as a separate item from the skate park.  Further discussion on the use of a project adviser for the public safety building construction. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board for no more than five minutes regarding items not listed on the agenda. No comments were made. Manager's Comments Manager Barlow provided updates on several projects.  Duke Energy would replace downtown utility poles on March 2 and March 9, causing approximately eight-hour power outages for about 36 businesses and residences, with work starting at 4:00 AM under a noise ordinance waiver. Page 4 of 5   Contract negotiations for the Public Safety Building and EOC were ongoing, with staff finalizing the project scope and the Town Manager considering a third-party project adviser due to the project’s complexity.  A revised visitor center floor plan now includes transient boater facilities, local construction estimates were underway, and an Onslow TDA grant application was being prepared for the March 17 deadline.  Sidewalk engineering designs covered five areas and roughly 7,000 linear feet were complete, with next steps including identifying easements, preparing construction bid packages, and pursuing grant funding. In response to an inquiry from the board, Manager Barlow clarified that the Queens Creek school sidewalk project should involve the Onslow County Board of Education and NCDOT as potential funding partners because they were the only property owners on that segment and additional funding opportunities may be available through school- and park-connection grants as well as JUMPO funding for the corridor. Board Comments Commissioners congratulated Kristin Newbold, thanked staff for their work, citizens for attendance, and recognized the evening's achievements, as well as offered appreciative comments to the pool committee for the work they put into the project research. Mayor Justice acknowledged Duke Energy for their collaborative approach to the utility work. Adjournment On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Vannoy, the meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm. Page 5 of 5  2/24/2026 Regular Meeting February 24, 2026 1 1. Please turn cell phones to “off” or “vibrate”. 2. The Board offers the public three opportunities to speak during the meeting: A comment period is offered at the beginning and end of the meeting. Please note that a separate opportunity is provided for those items requiring a public hearing. Public Hearing(s) – There are 0 public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 2 1  2/24/2026 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board for items listed on the agenda. 3 AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Action Needed: Motion to Adopt the Agenda as prepared (or amended) and approval of the Consent Items 4 2  2/24/2026 Recognition of Kristin Newbold Presenter: Mayor William Justice 5 NC Festival & Events Annual Showfest Award Presenter: Anna Stanley – Parks and Recreation Director 6 3  2/24/2026 Board Appointments Appearance Commission In Town ETJ *Gary Keroack *Kim Kingrey *Linda Thornley *Cynthia LaCorte *Claire Cole *Doug Rogers *Sandra Conrad *Nancy Palbicke *Larry Philpott *Sarah Svendsen Recommended action: Consider appointments to the Appearance Commission. Presenter: Alissa Fender, MMC – Town Clerk 7 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Presentation of Community Pool Survey Results A review of the results from the Swimming Pool Community Survey will be provided. Recommended Action: Receive presentation and provide further directions to the Swimming Pool Committee. Presenter: Matthew Prane – Swimming Pool Committee Chair 8 4  2/24/2026 Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee Committee Chair – Matthew Prane Members: Renee Cassiano Laura Holland Scott Evans Brooks Barnett 9 Background – What brought us here? 10 5  2/24/2026 11 Sustainability – Programming MUST Precede Design Costs: Revenue Streams: Revenue Summary: • 6 lane Mega-Insta-Pool: $60,000 • Membership Trgt Goal Year 1 = $-18,840 • Concrete Pad: $36,000 300 x $250 = $75,000 Year 2 = $58,320 • Options: Fence & Deck or Inground??? • L2Swim = $87,360 Year 3 = $77,160 • Insurance (Annual Quote): • Swim Meets = $15,000 • Kids Tri = $4,500 • Liability: $10,000 • Total Potential • Workers Compensation: $3,500 Revenue = $181,860 • Supervisor/Lifeguards/Instructors: $81,900 • Pool Operating costs (Electric, H2O Maintenenance, Heat): $9,300 • Total Year 1 Costs: $200,700 12 6  2/24/2026 Survey Summary 13 Community Demand & Demographics • 415 total responses (1 Michigan, 1 Maryland, 3 near Raleigh) • Majority of respondents reside in Swansboro and unincorporated Onslow County • Population Context • Swansboro: 3,887 • ETJ population: ~1,800 • Total represented population: 5,687 (response = 7%) • (Hubert population not included + 20,000) (response = 1.6%) • Demographics • 15.4% age 64+ • 84.6% age 18–64 • 42.9% households with children (18 and under) • Community Demand • 76.4% (318 of 415) would use a community pool → Sufficient demand to support a small-scale facility • 66.5% (276 of 415) currently do not use a pool due to distance from available facilities 14 7  2/24/2026 Facility Preferences, Programming & Funding Facility Preferences • Indoor pool preferred: 312 Funding Preferences • Outdoor pool preferred: 267 • Grants: 343 • Lifeguards on duty important: 219 • Sponsorships: 289 Programs of interest • Support tax increase: 78 • Water aerobics: 162 Resident Concerns • Recreational & social use: 160 • Learn-to-Swim programs: 125 • No concerns: 260 • Rehabilitation/therapy: 97 • Cost: 110 • Lap swimming: 89 • Sustainability: 85 • Lifeguard training: 76 • Safety: 54 Programs Demand Indicates - (multi-generational & multi-purpose) 15 Community Benefits and Opportunities Economic Impact: Health and Wellness: • Revenue Generation for the • Low-Impact, Joint-Friendly Town Exercise • Local Access and Efficiency • Social Interaction • Competitive and Event Hosting • Full-Body Strength and Muscle Opportunities Tone • Sports Tourism and Visitor • Improved Flexibility and Spending Mobility • Increased Tourism Dollars • Conclusion Programs on Next Page • Enhanced Cardiovascular Capacity • Countless potential • High Caloric Expenditure income no longer leaving • Gravity-Neutral, Stable the city Environment • Inclusive Community Health Benefits 16 8  2/24/2026 Programs • Swim lessons • Special Needs Adults and Children (SONC) • Swim practice – younger age groups • Therapy • Home School Programs • Aquatic Exercise • Recreational events and activities • Mini Clinics/Pool Chats • Springboard diving, scuba, and deep-water exercise • Lifeguard training • Study and TAP workshops and training • Required PE swim class – school age • Recreational swimming • Swim Teams-Club, Middle School, High • Early Bird Lap Swim School, Masters, · Swim Meets-all above • Water Rescue Training - Lifeguard Training (CPR/AED, • Deep water running Lifeguard Cert) • Scuba • Fitness Training (TRI, Water Aerobics, Lap Swim, Water • Water polo Fitness) through CAAP • Artistic Swimming • Aqua-Tech CPO Training • Recreational events and parties (Ninja • Snorkeling & Fin instruction Cross) • Wounded Warriors • Swim lessons-baby, kids, adults, special • Kayak Training needs • 1 meter diving • Aquatic Exercise • After-school programs • Therapy – rehab and continuum programs • Parties • AiChi - Watsu - Water Yoga • Swim Lessons - adult and children in small groups (4 to • Exercise Biking in water 6 students), Spotlight classes (2 students) and Custom • Walking lanes classes (1 on 1) • Lifeguard training • Water Therapy and Rehab via pool rental to partners 17 Draft Concept 18 9  2/24/2026 1. Survey Questions / Decisions Did this survey data demonstrate enough interest to further develop this project for the town? 2. Land - Alignment with the Town of Swansboro Land use Plan In order to advance this project, does the Town have access to 6–8 acres suitable for development through purchase or long-term lease? If not, how do we get this project at the county and state level on behalf of the residents in our area? 3. Funding With sustained community interest in a public pool since 2008, is the Board ready to establish this project as a strategic priority and convene the appropriate county, state, and local stakeholders to explore funding, partnerships, and implementation? 4. Next Steps What would you like to see next from your Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee? 19 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Financial Report Presenter: Sonia Johnson – Finance Director 20 10  2/24/2026 TOWN OF SWANSBORO FINANCIAL REPORT (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) REVENUES EXPENDITURES LOAN PAYMENTS INVESTMENTS GRANT UPDATE 21 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) GENERAL FUND $6,000,000 $5,036,811 $5,000,000 $4,581,016 $4,123,929 $4,000,000 $3,539,345 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 24/25 FY 25/26 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures-$1,041,671 22 11  2/24/2026 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) (ACTUAL) GENERAL FUND $6,000,000 $5,036,811 $5,000,000 $4,581,016 $3,907,566 $4,000,000 $3,412,771 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures 2 FY 25/26 (ENCUMBRANCES NOT INCLUDED) Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures- $1,168,245 23 (PURCHASE ORDERS) SPENT % YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBERED BALANCE January 31, 2026 DEPT. BUDGET NON DEPARTMENTAL 581,365 401,766 468 69.2% GOVERNING BODY 297,004 26,364 2,104 9.6% ADMIN SERVICES 445,135 234,638 1,768 53.1% FINANCE 345,320 187,599 1,199 54.7% LEGAL 59,300 19,127 - 32.3% PUBLIC BUILDINGS 303,843 115,079 4,822 39.5% FIRE 1,607,343 925,443 32,569 59.6% PERMITTING 301,128 160,658 3,462 54.5% PLANNING 92,066 61,114 - 66.4% POLICE 1,429,971 729,820 44,497 54.1% PUBLIC WORKS-STREETS 840,983 204,696 2,060 24.6% POWELL BILL-STREETS 126,580 4,354 367 3.7% PARKS & RECREATION 577,867 193,994 21,347 37.3% DOWNTOWN FACILITIES 108,451 66,295 555 61.6% FESTIVALS & EVENTS 154,689 74,118 9,854 54.3% EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 12,000 7,704 1,500 76.7% TOTAL 7,283,045 3,412,771 126,574 48.60% ** 24 12  2/24/2026 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) STORMWATER ENTERPRISE FUND $160,000 $146,708 $132,492 $140,000 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $68,762 $71,132 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 Revenues Expenditures FY 24/25 FY 25/26 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $75,576 25 TOWN OF SWANSBORO REVENUES/EXPENDITURES TWO YEAR COMPARISON (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND $290,000 $281,575 $281,320 $277,628 $280,000 $270,000 $260,000 $250,000 $245,202 $240,000 $230,000 $220,000 Revenues Expenditures FY 24/25 FY 25/26 ENCUMBRANCES INCLUDED Total Excess of Revenues Over Expenditures $3,692 26 13  2/24/2026 TOWN OF SWANSBORO LOAN REPORT (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) Item Principal Interest End Date Annual Debt Service Balance Rate Town Hall/Tanker DEBT $241,087 2.69 2.08 03/21/2028 $84,724 SERVI E Fire Truck $46,544 11/01/2026 $47,512 Sleeping Quarters $25,000 2.43 12/14/2026 $26,823 Vehicles(Police & Fire $22,955 1.84 7/15/2026 $23,377 Department) & Software Cab Tractor/Dump Truck $208,276 4.82 4/3/2029 $58,491 Jet Vac Truck, Police Vehicle, $474,425 4.40 12/1/2029 $131,934 (2) Fire Chief Vehicles Total Debt $1,018,287 $372,861 27 TOWN OF SWANSBORO CASH & INVESTMENTS REPORT (AS OF JANUARY 31, 2026) CASH & INVESTMENTS BANK BALANCE INTEREST RATE First Citizens Bank $699,767 0.10% NC CMT-General $6,881,831 3.61% TD Bank $8,601,073 3.40% (SCIF Funds for EOC & Sidewalks) 28 14  2/24/2026 GRANT UPDATE Budget YTD Expenditures Encumbrances Unencumbered American Rescue Plan Act Fund $1,102,599 $1,100,792 $1,807 $0.00 Swansboro Bicentennial Park Boardwalk Extension $386,650 $384,314 $0 $2,336 Emergency Operation Center $9,763,727 $1,370,657 $0 $8,393,070 Emmerton School Repairs $499,000 $326,578 $0 $172,422 Stormwater Master Plan $400,000 $346,411 $0 $53,589 Main Street Dock Replacement $170,164 $9,541 $0 $160,623 Total Outstanding Grants $12,322,140 $3,538,293 $1,807 $8,782,040 29 Any Questions ? 30 15  2/24/2026 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Future Agenda Items Future agenda items are shared for visibility and comment. In addition, an opportunity is provided for the Board to introduce items of interest and subsequent direction for placement on future agendas. Action Needed: Discuss and provide any guidance. Presenter: Alissa Fender, MMC – Town Clerk 31 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 32 16  2/24/2026 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Town Manager Jonathan Barlow 33 BOARD COMMENTS Mayor William Justice Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf Commissioner Wayne Herbert Commissioner Tim Vannoy Commissioner Tamara Pieratti 34 17  2/24/2026 ADJOURN 35 18