Board of Commissioners

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioners March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes In attendance: Mayor William Justice, Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway, Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf, Commissioner Tamara Pieratti, and Commissioner Wayne Herbert. Commissioner Tim Vannoy was absent. ********************************** Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and Mayor Justice led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Citizens were offered an opportunity to address the Board regarding items listed on the agenda. No comments were given. Adoption of Agenda and Consent Items On a motion by Commissioner Pieratti, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, the agenda as prepared and the following consent item was unanimously approved. - January 13, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes (Corrected) Appointments/Recognitions/Presentations Oath of Office for Officer Daniel McLaughlin Mayor Justice administered the oath of office to Officer Daniel McLaughlin. Police Chief Dwayne Taylor welcomed Officer McLaughlin, noting he came from Carteret County and was a graduate of West Carteret High School. Police Department 2025 Annual Report Police Chief Dwayne Taylor presented the 2025 annual report, highlighting how the department managed safety across neighborhoods, businesses, and major roads with a team of sworn and reserve officers. They responded to numerous incidents including break-ins, disturbances, and traffic accidents, and actively engaged in community programs such as National Night Out. Recognition was given to the Officer of the Year, Cadet of the Year, and an officer who received the Purple Heart for a duty-related injury. The department added three officers in 2025 and offered services like vacation checks and wellness calls. Improvements included new vehicle graphics and donated gym equipment. Future goals focused on recruitment, risk assessment, accreditation, grant seeking, and enhanced community and social media engagement. The PowerPoint slides he reviewed are attached to the minutes herein. Board members expressed strong support for the police department, highlighting effective community engagement, increased visibility, and positive relationships with Page 1 of 6 residents. They recognized the department’s workload, professionalism, and improved staffing, and praised leadership and team morale while showing interest in supporting future goals. Public Hearing Rezoning Request- Parcel ID 012535 (Swansboro Loop Road) Town Planner, Rebecca Brehmer reviewed that Pinnacle Construction and Development, LLC, on behalf of property owners, Family Freedom, LLC had submitted a rezoning request for a property on Swansboro Loop Road from RA - Residential/Agricultural to R10SF - Residential. The property was located in Swansboro’s ETJ, and was further identified as tax parcel ID 012535, and the total acreage requested for rezoning was +/- 1 acre. Planner Brehmer explained that the applicant was under contract to purchase the property contingent upon approval of the rezoning request, with plans to subdivide the parcel for construction of single-family homes. She noted that under the existing RA zoning, which required a minimum lot size of one and a half acres, subdivision of the one-acre parcel was not feasible; however, an R10 designation would have allowed for 10,000-square-foot lots and made subdivision possible. Planner Brehmer stated that although residential use was permitted within the RA designation, the request was determined to be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Area Management land use plan, despite nearby properties being zoned R10SF and R20SF. She further reported that the Planning Board initially reviewed the request on December 2, 2025, and did not recommend approval due to this inconsistency, and after the Board of Commissioners returned the matter for reconsideration at its January 27, 2026 meeting due to a potential voting error, the Planning Board reviewed the request again at a special meeting on February 12, 2026, and maintained its recommendation against approval. Planner Brehmer also provided additional context on surrounding properties, noting that several nearby parcels had been rezoned over time from RA to other residential or planned classifications, including adjacent and nearby developments now zoned R10SF, R20SF, or designated as planned unit developments. In response to inquiries from the board, Planner Brehmer clarified the following:  The adjacent properties at 233 and 229 Swansboro Loop Road were confirmed to remain zoned RA, and both currently contained existing dwellings under that designation.  Additional development on the adjacent parcel zoned R10 was not anticipated and it was further explained that due to the presence of existing structures on the property would make subdivision difficult. Page 2 of 6   The future land use map was clarified as a general, forward-looking planning tool rather than a direct reflection of current zoning, which explained why some previously rezoned properties were not shown as such on the map.  The timing of nearby rezonings was confirmed, with the Sand Dollar Homes property having been rezoned to R20SF in 2024, while the adjacent R10 parcel had maintained its zoning designation since at least 2007 based on the earliest available zoning records. The public hearing was opened at 6:48 pm and the following individuals spoke. Vicki Brown, 601 West Broad Street, expressed concern that repeated rezonings inconsistent with the land use plan had weakened its reliability and noted that much of the surrounding area had already transitioned from RA to residential subdivisions. She urged denial of the request but suggested that, if approved, it include conditions addressing density, environmental impacts, access, and infrastructure, while also raising concerns about past enforcement of such conditions. Jamie Petani, 2102 Holly Hill Court, identified herself as a Planning Board member who voted against the rezoning. She noted that the area contains many small one- to two-acre plots, and she felt that approving this request could create a precedent making it difficult to deny future similar requests and urged the Board to follow the Planning Board's recommendation. Tom Pieratti, 708 Meeting Park Lane, also identified himself as a Planning Board member, acknowledged the land use plan’s importance but stated that the surrounding area no longer reflected what the map showed, citing a mix of nearby uses. He questioned relying on an outdated plan and encouraged the Board to consider current conditions and update the plan rather than use it as the sole basis for denial. Lisa Maness, 532 Sabiston Drive, urged the Board to deny the rezoning, citing concerns about setting precedent, difficult site conditions due to water and runoff, and the potential for increased traffic similar to issues experienced on Queens Creek Road. The public hearing was closed at 6:58 pm. Attorney Rasberry clarified that the hearing had been noticed as a standard rezoning and could not be changed to a conditional rezoning and added that ordinance requirements would likely limit the property to no more than two lots. Planner Brehmer noted that the rezoning did not determine what would be built, as any subdivision would require a separate review under town regulations. Page 3 of 6 Mayor Justice stated that only a limited number of homes would realistically fit on the parcel and noted the recent approval of a larger subdivision nearby, expressing support for the request while acknowledging the importance of preserving green space and confirming that conditional rezoning was not an option. Commissioner Herbert voiced opposition, citing inconsistency with the land use plan, the Planning Board’s recommendation, and concerns about setting a precedent, while Commissioner Eckendorf supported approval, noting the area already included a mix of zoning types and raising fairness concerns for the applicant. Commissioner Herbert made a motion to deny Ordinance 2026-O1 to rezone parcel ID 012535 (Swansboro Loop Road) from RA - Residential/Agricultural to R10SF – Residential, with a second from Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, and the motion tied 2:2. Ayes: Herbert, Conaway Noes: Eckendorf, Pieratti In the instance of a tie, per Town Code § 3.7 (A) the mayor shall vote in case of equal division among the board. Mayor Justice voted no to break the tie and the motion failed 2:3. Commissioner Pieratti made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-O1 to rezone parcel ID 012535 (Swansboro Loop Road) from RA - Residential/Agricultural to R10SF – Residential, with a second from Commissioner Eckendorf, and the motion tied 2:2. Ayes: Pieratti, Eckendorf Noes: Herbert, Conaway In the instance of a tie, per Town Code § 3.7 (A) the mayor shall vote in case of equal division among the board. Mayor Justice voted yes to break the tie and the motion passed 3:2. Business Non-Consent Lease Renewal for 106 Church Street (Cigar Shop) Town Manager Jon Barlow presented a recommendation to renew the lease for the town- owned property at 106 Church Street with the current tenant for an additional five-year term at a monthly rate of $1,880.23, subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index. In response to an inquiry from the board, Manager Barlow clarified that this amount would serve as the starting rate under the new lease and explained that staff reviews the Consumer Price Index each January to adjust the rent, allowing for potential yearly increases. Page 4 of 6 On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, seconded by Commissioner Pieratti, Resolution 2026-R5 was unanimously adopted approving the lease extension of 5 years to George El-Asmar for the property at 106 Church Street. Amending the Town Code § 130.02 No Smoking in Town Buildings or Vehicles Town Manager Barlow reviewed a proposed ordinance amendment to remove an existing exception in Town Code Section 130.02 that had previously allowed smoking in town vehicles when the driver was the only occupant and no non-smoker was present. The amendment would prohibit smoking in all town-owned or leased vehicles, with no exceptions. On a motion by Commissioner Pieratti, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, Ordinance 2026-O2 effectively amending Town Code section §130.02 by removing the smoking exception for Town vehicles was unanimously approved. 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: - Recognition of Cadet Telesforo Seymon 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 reported submitting a grant application for the visitor center project and noted that work would begin once funding is secured. He also updated the Board that the budget is currently unbalanced, with staff reviewing requests and planning upcoming work sessions. Board Comments Board members generally expressed appreciation for citizens who attended and participated in the meeting, as well as for staff efforts across various projects, departmental work and budget preparations and welcomed Officer McLaughlin. Commissioner Eckendorf commended the town manager for navigating a complex budget process and reminded the Board that the primary purpose of government is to protect the rights of individual citizens. Page 5 of 6 Mayor Pro Tem Conaway acknowledged the difficulty created by an inconsistent land use plan and expressed the view that the plan needs to be updated to accurately reflect existing conditions. She noted the Board should wait for clarity from the state regarding ETJ authority before investing in a full land use plan update. Commissioner Herbert thanked Chief Taylor for the detailed annual report and expressed anticipation for upcoming reports from the fire department and Parks and Recreation. He reported attending the Onslow County Commissioners meeting the prior week, where Swansboro Commissioner John Davis raised concerns about the pace of growth and traffic impacts in the Queens Creek and Sand Ridge areas. Commissioner Herbert expressed agreement with those concerns and stated that development in the ETJ and in Hubert collectively impacts Swansboro, reinforcing his reasoning for voting against the rezoning. He encouraged residents to enjoy the spring weather and participate in upcoming town events. Commissioner Pieratti reiterated the need for an accurate and updated land use map, and noted that the rezoning approved this evening was consistent with surrounding development patterns even if not reflected on the current map. Mayor Justice thanked Commissioners Herbert and Conaway for their engagement with county officials, and noted that he, Town Manager Barlow, and County Commissioner John Davis were scheduled to meet with the county's interim manager in the near future to discuss matters of mutual concern. He commended local resident Jim Hamrick's fire mitigation and long-leaf pine restoration work on nearly 100 acres near the center of town. Mayor Justice noted that Major Capers was close to receiving the Medal of Honor, with approval having passed both the House and Senate and now awaiting a presidential signature. Mayor Justice also shared Swansboro United Methodist Church's upcoming summer literacy program, involving Silverdale School, and encouraged town staff and citizens to volunteer. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Conaway, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm. Page 6 of 6  3/9/2026 Regular Meeting March 10, 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 1 public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 2 1  3/9/2026 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  3/9/2026 Oath of Office for Officer Daniel McLaughlin Presenter: Mayor William Justice 5 Police Department 2025 Annual Report Presenter: Dwayne Taylor – Police Chief 6 3  3/9/2026 Swansboro Police Department 2025 Annual Report 7 Letter from the Chief of Police 8 4  3/9/2026 The Swansboro Police Department provides 24-hour law enforcement services to the residents, businesses, and visitors within the jurisdiction of the Town of Swansboro. • Mission • It is the mission of the Swansboro Police Department to professionally serve our community with Respect, Fairness, Honesty, and Integrity. We are committed to working with the community to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone and ensure that Swansboro is a place where people can work and raise a family within a safe and caring community. • Core Values • Our core values are Commitment, Service, Integrity, and Excellence. 9 The Town of Swansboro • Within the jurisdiction of the town, the SPD is responsible for patrolling 25 housing subdivisions, 8 multi-unit housing areas, 208 businesses, 4 schools within the patrol area, 2 assisted-living facilities, and more than 50 surface miles of roads. Also, W Corbett Avenue (NC Hwy 24) is a major east-west roadway that approximately 30,000 vehicles pass daily. 10 5  3/9/2026 Department Organization • The Swansboro Police Department is composed of 13 full-time sworn law enforcement officers and 2 reserve officers. In addition, the department is supported by a civilian Administrative Assistant. The department maintains thirteen police vehicles that are equipped with mobile data terminals and speed enforcement equipment. All officers are issued body worn cameras which record all interactions. • All officers have received and maintain their certification as a law enforcement officer through the NC Training and Standards Division. Within the department, four officers have earned their Advanced Law Enforcement Certification. 11 2025 Statistics 12 6  3/9/2026 Reportable Incidents • The department responds to a variety of calls throughout the calendar year. Not every call for service the department responds to requires a report to be generated. The FBI Uniform Crime Report provides guidelines for the type of incident that requires a report to be generated. 13 Patrol Events The Patrol Division performed 51,462 total events for the calendar year. Patrol events include reportable and non-reportable calls for service, foot patrols, business checks, escorts, neighborhood patrols, and any other activity an officer performs while on duty. 14 7  3/9/2026 In 2025, the department Calls for service are requests responded to a total of 7,265 received from the public which Calls For Service calls for service. The tables on the next few pages detail the initiate a response from the department. Not all calls for main types of calls officers service require a written responded to for the calendar report. year. 15 • 911 Hang Up 29 • Alarm/Open Door 164 • Animal Complaint 42 • Assaults (Felony) 35 (5) • Assist OCSO 249 • Assist Fire/EMS 113 • Assist Parks & Rec (Bathrooms/Dock) 720 • Assist NC SHP 17 • Break & Enter 14 • Business Request Assistance (non-crime) 1,188 2025 Calls for • Business Closing Standby • Civil Disputes 189 70 Service • Communicating Threat • Crisis Intervention 14 47 • Death (Suicide) 9 (2) • Disputes/Public Disturbances 81 • Domestics 57 • Drug Offenses (Felony) 54 (21) • Drug Overdose (Fatal) 6 (1) 16 8  3/9/2026 • DWI 29 • Fingerprint Requests 98 • Fraud 39 • Funeral Escorts 30 • Juvenile Issue 14 • Larceny (Felony) 108 (17) • Lost/Found Property 43 2025 Calls for • Missing Person 1 Service • Noise Complaint • Property Damage 18 118 • Residence Checks 680 • Resist, Obstruct, Delay 3 • Sex Offense (Felony) 5 (2) • Shots Fired 5 • Suspicious Incident/Vehicle/Person 239 • Town Ordinance Violations 79 17 • Traffic Complaints 216 • Traffic Control-No Wreck 26 • Transport 47 • Trespassing 61 • Unavailable to Respond to Call 65 2025 Calls for • Vehicle Unlocks 99 Service • Warrant Service 61 • Welfare Check 53 • Traffic Enforcement (Citation; V/W Warn) 1,749 • Wrecks 281 • Total Calls for Service: 7,265 • Reportable: 2,073 18 9  3/9/2026 In 2025, the Investigations Division investigated 109 felonies. Investigations 19 Arrests Statistics • The Swansboro Police Department made 266 physical arrests in 2025. The next few slides show what crimes arrests were made for and the number of arrests for each crime. 20 10  3/9/2026 Conspiracy to Commit a Felony 1 Embezzlement 1 Elder Abuse 1 Fleeing to Elude Arrest 1 Felony Narcotics Possession 19 Arrests Obtaining Property by False Pretenses Possession of Stolen Property 1 1 Possession with Intent to Manufacture Sell & Deliver 2 Uttering a Forged Instrument 1 Total 28 21 Misdemeanor Arrests Aid & Abet DWI 1 Animal Cruelty 2 Assault 6 Breaking & Entering 1 Carry Concealed Weapon 1 Child Abuse 1 Consuming Less than 21 Years of Age 1 Defraud the Innkeeper 1 Disorderly Conduct 1 Domestic Assault 3 Driving While Impaired 29 Elderly Abuse 1 False Imprisonment 1 22 11  3/9/2026 Misdemeanor Arrests File False Police Report 1 Injure/Tamper with Vehicle 1 Larceny 33 Maintain Vehicle for Selling Narcotics 2 Misuse 911 1 Narcotics Possession 20 Open Container in Vehicle 2 Possession of Stolen Goods 2 Property Damage 7 Resist, Delay, Obstruct Public Officer 3 Traffic related not DWI 42 Trespassing 14 Total 177 23 Arrests made by Warrant Service: 61 Warrant service arrests are made when officers Warrant encounter an individual, either Service through a traffic stop or a call for service, and the individual has a warrant for their arrest. 24 12  3/9/2026 Admin Assistant • For the calendar year 2025, the Admin Assistant: • Answered 3,520 phone calls. • Assisted 1,670 walk in requests for assistance. • Took 772 requests for copy of reports. • In addition to those above, the Admin Assistant assists the Chief, Deputy Chief, Lieutenant, Detective, and Patrol Staff with the everyday operation of the department. 25 26 13  3/9/2026 The Swansboro Tiny Trekkers 3-Trunk-or-Treat Events Touch-a-Truck Veteran’s Day Ceremony Police Pirate Fest Memorial Day Ceremony Swansboro by Candlelight Swansboro Christmas Flotilla Department SHS Seniors Parade Arts by the Sea Thanksgiving Day meals distribution Operation Deployed Santa Participated in Independence Day Celebration Safety Town Shop-with-a-Cop Santa Parade around Town 24 Community Tunnel to Towers 5k Events National Night Out Moving Mullet 5k throughout 2025 Mullet Festival Halloweenie Roast 27 Touch-a- Truck 28 14  3/9/2026 Tiny Trekkers 29 Cadet Summer Camp 30 15  3/9/2026 • The Cadet Summer Camp is a weeklong program that Cadet Summer immerses the cadets in a Police Academy environment. Cadets go through numerous classroom and practical exercises that Camp gives the cadets an experience as a police officer. 31 Tunnel to Towers 5k Run • SPD Officers participate in the Tunnel to Towers 5k Run each year. 32 16  3/9/2026 33 National Night Out • On September 19, the Swansboro Police Department held our first ever National Night Out. The event was quite a success with 35 vendors and approximately 1,000 patrons for the two-hour event. Thank you to our business sponsors, the vendors, and, especially, to the community for making the event successful. 34 17  3/9/2026 Halloween Decorations Contest 35 Halloween Decorations Contest 36 18  3/9/2026 • A great time for officers and the children. Thanks to our corporate sponsors Shop with a Cop and to the residents who donated to make this a joyous occasion for these children 37 Official drop-off point for Letters to Santa Kids could drop off a letter for Santa Clause. Santa Clause left his reply which was delivered to the child. 38 19  3/9/2026 Christmas in the Boro Santa pays a visit to the Friendly City By the Sea 39 Off- Duty Details 40 20  3/9/2026 Awards and Achievements 41 • Huge shoutout to our spouses and family for their Our Biggest constant support. Without that support this profession would be even more difficult. You all have the hardest jobs Supporters and we thank you! 42 21  3/9/2026 Officer of the Year Congratulations Officer Eric Mason 43 Chief’s Award Congratulations Police Admin Tom Peluso 44 22  3/9/2026 Cadet of the Year Congratulations Cadet Telesforo Seymour. 45 Community Service Award Congratulations to Officer Amanda Hipps for Outstanding Community Service. 46 23  3/9/2026 Congratulations Deputy Chief Ben Brim Follow in the Footsteps Award 47 Special Achievement Congratulations Detective Kymberly Schott on obtaining NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certification 48 24  3/9/2026 Special Recognition • Sgt. Jason Rodriguez receives the Law Enforcement Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the performance of his duties 49 New Hires 50 25  3/9/2026 Officer Eric Mason 51 Officer Daniel Gregor 52 26  3/9/2026 Officer Stephen Ferguson 53 Miscellaneous 54 27  3/9/2026 Additional Information • The department, also, offers other services to its citizens. Among the services offered by the police department are: • Residence Checks • RU Ok? • Fingerprinting • Golf Cart inspections 55 New Patrol Car Graphics • Patrol vehicles will have a lightbar and white graphics for higher visibility on the roadways and in the neighborhoods. 56 28  3/9/2026 New Gym Equipment Thanks to Walmart #7079 for the donation of new gym equipment 57 Intoximeter EC/IR II 58 29  3/9/2026 Around the PD Completed painting project of our entry foyer and hallway. 59 Bernie Everyone’s favorite, Bernie. Bernie helps to adjust the attitude of all who meet him. 60 30  3/9/2026 • Continue to recruit quality candidates. • Work to improve retention rate. 2025 was the first positive increase in officers in several years. • Continue with NC League of Municipality Risk Assessment. • Apply for NC Law Enforcement Accreditation. Departmental • Seek out more grant opportunities. Goals • Increase PD’s online presence. • Continue to publish quarterly statistics. • Increase officer’s community presence with outreach programs (informational presentations). • As staffing increases, have a greater presence on W Corbett Avenue to work on traffic safety. • Increase training opportunities for officers. 61 PUBLIC HEARING Rezoning Request- Parcel ID 012535 (Swansboro Loop Road) Pinnacle Construction and Development, LLC, on behalf of property owners, Family Freedom, LLC has submitted a rezoning request for a property on Swansboro Loop Road from RA - Residential/Agricultural to R10SF - Residential. The property is located in Swansboro’s ETJ, and is further identified as tax parcel ID 012535, and the total acreage requested for rezoning is +/- 1 acre. Recommended Action: 1. Hold a public hearing 2. Motion to approve or deny Ordinance 2026-O1 to rezone parcel ID 012535 (Swansboro Loop Road) from RA - Residential/Agricultural to R10SF – Residential. Presenter: Rebecca Brehmer, CFM, CZO– Town Planner 62 31  3/9/2026 ZONING MAP 63 CAMA FUTURE LAND USE MAP 64 32  3/9/2026 EXPANDED ZONING MAP 65 EXPANDED CAMA LAND USE MAP Planning Board Special Meeting 2.12.2026 66 66 33  3/9/2026 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Lease Renewal for 106 Church Street (Cigar Shop) The Board will consider a lease extension to George El-Asmar for the property at 106 Church Street (4,410 square feet) for five (5) additional years for use of a retail shop (Cigar Shop). Recommended Action: Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-R5 approving the lease as described in the overview above and upon other such terms as the Town Manager determines to be in the best interests of the Town and authorizes and directs the Town Manager to execute, at the appropriate time, any instruments necessary to consummate the lease agreement. Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 67 NEW BUSINESS/NON-CONSENT Amending the Town Code § 130.02 No Smoking in Town Buildings or Vehicles Amendment to completely prohibit smoking in Town vehicles. Recommended Action: Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-O2 effectively amending Town Code section §130.02 by removing the smoking exception for Town vehicles. Presenter: Jon Barlow – Town Manager 68 34  3/9/2026 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 69 PUBLIC COMMENT Citizen opportunity to address the Board. 70 35  3/9/2026 MANAGER’S COMMENTS Town Manager Jonathan Barlow 71 BOARD COMMENTS Mayor William Justice Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Conaway Commissioner Douglas Eckendorf Commissioner Wayne Herbert Commissioner Tim Vannoy Commissioner Tamara Pieratti 72 36  3/9/2026 ADJOURN 73 37