Elizabeth City public meetings in 2024
40 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting, entering closed session under state law to discuss personnel and privileged information. Upon returning to open session, the council voted unanimously to hire Dr. Aresta Johnson as the new HR Director, citing her extensive budget experience. Johnson is expected to start after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- Closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) for personnel and (a)(1) for privileged information
- Council unanimously approved hiring Dr. Aresta Johnson as HR Director
- Interim Manager Goodson praised Johnson's high-value budget experience
- Start date set for after Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
- Council members Peel and Whitehurst were absent
City Council
The City Council approved a rezoning request and a Council Use Permit to allow the River City CDC to operate a homeless shelter. The body also adopted the 2025 meeting calendar and accepted final bids for properties on Culpepper Street and Park Street.
- Approved rezoning of 318 South Hughes Boulevard from General Business (GB) to Office & Institutional (O&I)
- Approved Council Use Permit (CUP 03-24) for a homeless shelter at 318 South Hughes Boulevard
- Adopted the 2025 Council Calendar
- Accepted final bids for 00000 Culpepper Street and 706 Park Street
- Approved budget amendment for contract renewal with lobbyist
City Council
The City Council held a work session to review committee reports and prepare items for the regular session. Discussions included a proposal for military honor banners and several utility budget transfers.
- Proposed 'Hometown Heroes' banner program for military officers (deferred for further staff research)
- Budget amendment of $300,000 for WithersRavenel 'Find and Fix it' project
- Budget amendment for insurance reimbursement regarding retention pond fence damages
- Budget amendment for Lead Service Line Inventory Phase 1 completion
- Proposed lease amendment for the River City Skippers
City Council
The City Council awarded a construction bid for a bridge replacement project and declared several properties as surplus for sale. The council also authorized police department promotions and the hiring of a Crime Scene Investigator.
- Awarded Rivershore Road Bridge Replacement Project to ST Wooten for an amount not to exceed $918,442
- Declared 103 Harding Street as surplus with an opening bid of $2,000
- Declared 00000 Culpepper Street, 00000 Shannon Street, 405 North Martin Street, and 706 Park Street as surplus with $1,000 opening bids per parcel
- Authorized ECPD to promote existing personnel and hire an additional Crime Scene Investigator
- Called for public hearings to repeal the Taxicab Ordinance and amend parking fine ordinances
City Council
The City Council held an emergency meeting to fill a finance leadership role. The council voted to appoint Interim City Manager Reginald Goodson as the Interim Finance Officer.
- Appointment of Reginald Goodson as Interim Finance Officer
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to discuss a motion to terminate City Manager Montre' Freeman. Council members debated grounds for dismissal, including alleged policy violations, while others cited the city's financial progress under his leadership. The discussion also touched on Freeman's FMLA status and p-card use by the mayor. No final vote is recorded in the agenda.
- Motion to terminate City Manager Montre' Freeman effective October 31, 2024
- Discussion of FMLA paperwork submitted by Freeman during the meeting
- References to violations of the city's purchasing and p-card policies
- Allegations that Mayor Rivers used a p-card taken from the city manager
- Council members' conflicting statements about the city's financial turnaround and audits
City Council
The City Council held a work session to receive an update on Pasquotank County's opioid settlement funds and discuss a new policy for selling surplus city property.
- Pasquotank County reports an average annual opioid settlement share of $242,506 through 2039
- Proposed $20,000 allocation for Narcan distribution and training
- Building inspection of 103 Harding Street found the structure in a state of disrepair
- Proposed policy to set opening bids for surplus property at 10% of total value
- Requirement for city inspection of any surplus property containing structures
City Council
The City Council held a public hearing on a conditional rezoning request to rezone 35.57 acres from Light Industrial to Conditional Zoning Apartment District for up to 248 townhome units. Residents raised concerns about drainage, traffic, and proximity to the airport runway. The agenda was amended to also add a budget amendment for a Senior Center ADA door project funded by an Albemarle EMC grant and to remove a sedimentation basin repair item to a later work session.
- Public hearing on CZ 01-24 – Conditional rezoning of 35.57 acres (Tax Map P123 Parcels 4A and 1) from Light Industrial to Conditional Zoning Apartment District
- Budget amendment added to account for Albemarle EMC grant for ADA accessible door project at Senior Center
- Removal of Item C (Sedimentation Basin Repair Project using GA Appropriations) from consent agenda to October 28th Work Session
- Addition of discussion on Committee Responsibilities to regular agenda
- Public comments regarding drainage issues, traffic safety, and airport drop-zone concerns
City Council
The Council reviewed three options from Pasquotank County regarding water service for 341 customers on Halstead. Options include building a new city main, paying approximately $2.45 million for meters and capacity, or conveying the mains to the County. No decision was made pending further internal data analysis.
- Proposed Option 2 water costs: $600,000 for meters and $1,852,000 for reserve capacity
- Proposed Option 3 water rates: $18 base rate and $6 per 1,000 gallons
- Public Utilities Committee approved applying for AIA grants up to $300,000 with a $30,000 city match
- Fire Chief requested authorization to spend up to $5,000 for a surplus NC Wildlife Commission boat
City Council
The City Council voted to accept a $440,000 Byrne grant for policing technologies as part of a Violent Crime Reduction Initiative. It also called public hearings on proposed code amendments regarding camping, soliciting, and public urination, and on two rezoning requests by CP Investments and Freedom Baptist Ministries. Other actions included approving a budget amendment for an employee transfer from Police to IT and confirming an appointment to the Animal Control Board. The Council discussed future items like hiring processes and a budget amendment update, and heard public concerns about ballpark conditions and downtown lighting.
- Accepted $440,000 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant for policing technologies
- Called public hearings on code amendments regulating camping, soliciting, and public urination
- Called public hearings on rezoning applications RZ 04-24 (CP Investments 1, LLC) and RZ 05-24 (Freedom Baptist Ministries)
- Approved budget amendment transferring funds between Police and IT departments ($65,500)
- Confirmed Kaitlyn Carey to the Animal Control Board by roll call vote
City Council
The Elizabeth City Council discussed several items during its work session, including a presentation on the Stable Housing Improvement Program (SHIP) addressing homelessness, a call for a public hearing on amendments to city code regarding camping, soliciting, and public urination, and approval of a salary study for code enforcement officers. The council also moved discussion of AQUA to closed session for contract negotiation and reviewed a traffic study request for Griffin Street.
- Call for public hearing on rezoning 45.34 acres on Halstead Boulevard Extension from Highway Business to General Business for a 21-lot subdivision and hotel
- Call for public hearing on amendments to Code of Ordinances concerning camping, soliciting, and public urination
- Approval of salary study results for code enforcement officers (average current salary $38,448)
- Presentation on Stable Housing Improvement Program (SHIP) to address homelessness and housing instability
- Discussion of a traffic study request for Griffin Street due to a constituent's speed bump request
City Council
The City Council met in special session and voted unanimously to enter closed session under state law for legal consultation and personnel discussions. No public business was conducted; the meeting adjourned immediately after returning to open session.
- Council voted to enter closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) (attorney consultation) and (a)(6) (personnel discussion)
City Council
The City Council continued discussion from July 29 on employee raises, ultimately approving a 5% salary increase and $1,500 bonus for Public Utilities workers and a 3% increase for all other full-time employees, except those who received raises within the last 120 days. A friendly amendment added Police, Fire, and Electric personnel to the 3% increase. The budget amendment to fund the raises will be prepared for the August 26 meeting.
- Approved 5% salary increase and $1,500 bonus for Public Utilities Department employees
- Approved 3% salary increase for all other full-time employees, including Police, Fire, and Electric personnel via friendly amendment
- Excluded from 3% increase those employees who received raises within the last 120 days (approximately $67,000 in total)
- Budget impact discussed: Fund 10 reduced by $180,893, Fund 30 reduced by $4.5 million, Fund 31 reduced by $97,892 to $5.7 million
- Budget amendment to be prepared for the August 26 City Council meeting
City Council
The City Council held a special work session to discuss pay increases for city staff. Members proposed a 5% raise and $1,500 bonus for Public Works employees, with a 3% raise for other full-time staff, though current contingency funds are insufficient to cover the total estimated cost.
- Proposed 5% raise and $1,500 bonus for Public Works employees
- Proposed 3% raise for remaining full-time employees
- Total estimated cost of proposed plan: roughly $646,000
- Available contingency funds for pay increases: $462,729
- Identified funding shortfall of $183,000
City Council
The Council discussed potentially moving the August meeting date due to pending employee pay increases. They also approved a road closure for the Back to School Bash and authorized a grant application for park improvements.
- $378,000 grant application for Causeway Park Restoration Project
- Road closure on East Ehringhaus Street for Back to School Bash on August 29, 2024
- Public hearing call for rezoning Case RZ 03-24 in Halstead Overlay District
- Public hearing call for school signage regulations in residential districts
City Council
The City Council approved the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, which includes no property tax increase. During the session, council members discussed a last-minute budget amendment regarding salary overages in certain departments. The meeting also addressed upcoming electric rate changes and infrastructure investments like smart water meters.
- Approval of FY 2024-2025 budget with no property tax increase
- Property tax rate set at $0.59 per $100 valuation
- Establishment of a 3% cost of living adjustment for general personnel
- $300 holiday bonus for FSLA exempt employees in November
- $15.00 motor vehicle fee
City Council
The City Council reviewed a series of proposed updates for the upcoming fiscal year budget. Discussions included adjustments to department staffing, travel allowances, and fund allocations for community programs. The session also addressed specific funding for police equipment and public utilities.
- Increase Council travel allowance from $75 to $125 per month
- Allocate $20,000 for Albemarle Hopeline and bulletproof vests
- Move $100,000 from Salaries and Wages to Capital Outlay for Newland Park
- Cut one full-time position in the Human Resources department
- Allocate funds for SOULS, Boys and Girls Club, Arts of the Albemarle, and Salvation Army
City Council
The City Council continued its FY 2024-2025 budget work session focusing on the Customer Service Department. Members discussed whether the department should have 10 or 11 full-time positions following recent salary increases. The Council suggested proceeding with the requested $206,935 and requested a follow-up recommendation in July.
- Requested budget of $206,935 for Customer Service Department
- Recommended budget of $230,000 including COLA and performance increases
- Discussion regarding a position split between Customer Service and Community Development funds
City Council
The City Council reviewed budget items for water line replacements and grass cutting at 50 pump stations. Officials discussed managing a $400,000 city match for a state water line grant and evaluated options for maintaining station grounds.
- $600,000 state grant for replacing water lines with a required $400,000 city match
- $1 million annual departmental request for water line upgrades
- $43,000 lowest bid received for contracting grass cutting services
- $5 million allocated for infrastructure on pump stations
- $300,000 AIA request for the Charles Creek Basin Find and Fix It project
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session regarding the FY 2024-2025 General Fund. Members discussed reinstating the Recreation Superintendent position after its previous removal from the budget recommendation. The Council voted to approve $40,000 in funding for the role.
- Voted to allocate $40,000 to fund the Recreation Superintendent position
- Discussed moving funds from Salaries and Wages to Equipment if certain positions are removed
- Reviewed budget impacts of staff vacancies in Parks and Recreation
- Noted Newland Park is expected to come online in June 2025
City Council
The City Council held a work session to continue discussions on the FY 2024-2025 budget. Members reviewed cost-sharing agreements with the County for Parks and Recreation and discussed capital needs for Newland Park. The session also addressed significant differences between requested and recommended funds for vehicle maintenance.
- Review of the 55/45 cost-sharing split with the County for Parks and Recreation
- Discussion of potential equipment costs for Newland Park
- Debate over reducing vehicle maintenance and repair funding from $335,000 to $25,000
- Review of vacant Parks and Recreation positions, including Crew Leader and Grounds Maintenance
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to continue discussions on the FY 2024-2025 budget. Members reviewed police department staffing, overtime costs, and equipment needs. The Council also voted to restore $12,500 in annual funding for Albemarle Hopeline.
- Increased bulletproof vest allocation to $20,000 by moving funds from the salary line
- Restored $12,500 in annual funding for Albemarle Hopeline using salary line funds
- Reviewed a recommended $350,000 budget for police department overtime
- Discussed police department staffing levels and frozen positions
City Council
The City Council reviewed a presentation from ElectriCities regarding power cost adjustments, including a $2.2 million rider for Rider 1-22. The session also included discussions on an NCDOT encroachment agreement for the Water Street project and budget amendments for fire station repairs and police fund transfers.
- ElectriCities presentation on power cost adjustments, including a $2.2 million rider (Rider 1-22)
- Proposed $32,500 cost of services study for ElectriCities
- NCDOT encroachment agreement for the Water Street project
- Budget amendment for insurance payments related to Fire Station One repairs
- Proposed $200,000 transfer from Police to Fire funds for capital needs
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the FY 2024-2025 General Fund. Discussions focused on Public Utilities upgrades, Streets department staffing, and Police Department salary discrepancies. The City Manager confirmed that $406,000 from the fund balance is being used to balance the budget.
- Recommended $32,000 for Public Utilities salaries and wages
- Estimated $11,000 for a new vehicle lift in Fleet Maintenance
- Use of $406,000 from the fund balance to balance the budget
- Discrepancy in Police Department salary figures between $275,000 and $350,000
- Proposed installation of exterior cameras for Public Utilities buildings
City Council
The City Council adopted a resolution to support a North Carolina Building Reuse Grant application for Project White Eagle. The meeting also included several proclamations recognizing public works, law enforcement, and the AKA Zeta Kappa Omega Chapter.
- Resolution # 2024-05-01 supporting the Project White Eagle Building Reuse Grant application
- Proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 19-25)
- Proclamation for National Law Enforcement Week (May 10-16)
- Proclamation designating May 13 as AKA Zeta Kappa Omega Chapter Day
- Agenda amendment to include consideration of an Alcohol Beverage Control Board appointment
City Council
The Elizabeth City Council met in a special session on May 9, 2024. The council voted to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters. No other business was discussed during the open session before adjournment.
- Closed session for discussion of personnel
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the FY 2024-2025 General Fund. Members discussed staffing changes in Human Resources, IT department expenditures, and potential position transfers within Community Development.
- Reduced part-time HR salary from $38,000 to $17,000
- Decreased Wellness program funding from $10,000 to $5,000
- Approved an additional $7,000 for Phase 1 of Fybe capital outlay
- Confirmed group insurance costs at $9,552 per person
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the FY 2024-2025 General Fund. Members discussed potential cost-of-living adjustments for employees, specifically debating between a 2% and 3% increase. The session also addressed staffing levels in Human Resources and Community Development.
- Correction of HR budget total to $299,200
- Discussion of proposed 2% vs 3% COLA for employees
- Review of Cigna wellness funding totaling approximately $42,000
- Proposed reduction of Human Resources staff from four positions to three
- Debate over the removal of a senior planner position in Community Development
City Council
The City Council discussed a $1 million cost overrun for the Rivershore Road Bridge project due to unexpected stormwater and roadwork needs. A presentation also detailed potential water rate increases of 22% and sewer rate increases of 10% to fund future infrastructure. Officials reviewed ways to improve revenue through updated billing policies for landlords and multi-unit complexes.
- Rivershore Road Bridge project is approximately $1 million over initial bid totals
- Proposed water rate increase of roughly 22% and sewer rate increase of 10%
- Discussion regarding the use of Powell Bill funds for bridge-related roadwork
- Review of potential revenue loss from current landlord billing policies
City Council
The City Council held a budget work session to review the FY 2024-2025 General Fund Overview. Manager Montre’ Freeman presented a budget that includes a 3% cost of living adjustment for most employees but no proposed tax increase. The session also included discussions regarding IT infrastructure and human resources.
- No proposed tax increase for the FY 2024-2025 budget
- A 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for most employees
- Estimated $200,000 needed for dark fiber network integration
- Approximately $47,000 needed for pump station upgrades
- $1.2 million in licenses and permits revenue
City Council
City Manager Montre’ Freeman presented the recommended FY 2024-2025 budget, which includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for most employees but proposes no tax increase. The session also addressed updates on the city's annual audit and potential changes to electric rates and fee schedules.
- Proposed 3% cost-of-living adjustment for most city employees
- Increase in employee health insurance contributions from $49.73 to $60
- Potential $175,000 Enterprise fleet contract pending the 2023 audit completion
- Review of the city's fee schedule currently underway
- Discussion regarding potential electric rate increases from ElectriCities
City Council
The Elizabeth City Council discussed expanding a smart water-meter pilot to replace aging meters across the city, alongside a review of development coordination within the Halstead Overlay District. Staff presented a $1.4 million cost estimate for full system integration and projected $691,000 in annual savings from reduced water loss and leak detection. Council members debated installation methods, existing meter compatibility, and zoning management; no votes or final decisions were recorded in this agenda excerpt.
- Presentation on expanding the Nexgrid smart water-meter pilot program citywide
- Cost estimate of $1.4 million for 6,879 meters with projected $691,000 annual savings from leak prevention
- Discussion on replacing a current $100,000/year cellular data plan for existing Badger meters
- Review of the Halstead Overlay District zoning (2,100 acres) and uncoordinated development challenges
- Introductions of new Community Development staff including Planner II Dylan Lloyd and Minimum Housing Inspector Todd Henry
City Council
The Elizabeth City Council reviewed four Public Utilities Committee recommendations that will move to a full council vote, including budget amendments for storm-related overtime and emergency pump station repairs. Members also discussed homelessness resources provided by River City CDC and debated the city’s role in addressing local shelter needs. Mayor Rivers proposed creating a dedicated committee to coordinate police, planning staff, and community agencies on loitering and housing issues. These items affect municipal spending, public safety coordination, and local social services.
- Authorization for a streetscaping project grant application requiring a 5% city match
- Budget amendment to transfer county funds for a trash compactor purchase
- Budget amendment covering emergency repairs at the city pump station
- Budget amendment addressing overtime costs driven by storm response and water plant staffing shortages
- Discussion of River City CDC’s temporary shelter at 318 South Road Street and proposed homelessness committee
City Council
The Elizabeth City Council held a special work session to discuss infrastructure needs for the growing Halstead Corridor. Officials discussed the necessity of a new electric substation and potential water supply challenges. Council members requested more detailed data on development permits and fees to ensure growth pays for its own impact.
- Estimated $10 million cost for Halstead Corridor electric substation and underground circuits
- Perkins Substation is at 80% capacity and expected to reach 90%
- Discussion of water supply being purchased from the County for the corridor
- Request for detailed maps and data on current and upcoming developments in the corridor
City Council
The council reviewed upcoming electricity rate changes due to NCEMPA true-up bills. Committees also considered a street resurfacing bid award, police recruit salary increases, and off-duty pay for fire personnel.
- Bid award to Simmons Public Utility Site Work, Inc. for street resurfacing with a $23,400.19 budget amendment
- Proposed $40 per hour off-duty wage for ECFD personnel at private events
- Proposed $6,500 mid-year salary increase for seven BLET police recruits
- Discussion of NCEMPA electrical rate increases including a $91,274 true-up bill
- Recommendation for non-intrusive traffic calming measures on Harney Street
City Council
The City Council approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow for commercial pedal vehicles in specific districts. The council also recognized several community organizations and a retiring public works employee.
- Approval of UDO Text Amendment TA 01-23 regarding commercial pedal vehicles
- Recognition of Committee of 100 and $10,000 contribution to Mariners’ Wharf dock improvement
- Recognition of River City Rowing youth team
- Retirement recognition for Darryl “JD” Staton of Public Works
Meeting
The City Council will consider approving Master Services Agreements with six engineering firms recommended by the Public Utilities Department.
- Authorize execution of Master Services Agreements for On-Call Engineering Services with Weston & Sampson, AECOM, WithersRavenel, Timmons Group, JMT, and Gradient
Meeting
The City Manager is recommending a contract award for the 2023-2024 street resurfacing project. The proposal involves hiring Fred Smith Construction Company to resurface Hyman Circle, York Street, East Burgess Street, and Holly Street.
- Contract award for street resurfacing not to exceed $274,107.00
- Resurfacing of Hyman Circle, York Street, East Burgess Street, and Holly Street
- Bid from Fred Smith Construction Company: $798,675.00
- Bid from Barnhill Contracting Company: $815,912.00
- Bid from Simmons Public Utility Site Work, Inc.: $847,378.39
Meeting
The City Council is considering authorization to submit a preliminary grant application to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. If approved, the city would be responsible for a 50% match of the costs for new police equipment.
- Preliminary grant application for $11,198.00 in traffic safety equipment
- Purchase of one portable light tower totaling $6,913.50
- Purchase of two radar kits totaling $4,284.50
- Proposed 50% city match requirement of $5,599.00 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year
City Council
The City Council met to approve several budget amendments, appoint Rhonda Windley to the Board of Zoning Adjustment, and name Reggie Gibson as the permanent Community Development Director. The Council also issued a $50,000 check to the Boys and Girls Club.
- $50,000 payment to the Boys and Girls Club
- Appointment of Rhonda Windley to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a three-year term
- Appointment of Reggie Gibson as full-time permanent Community Development Director
- Budget amendments for 508 Kramer Street, sewer line repair, and lead service line inventory
- Authorization to sell surplus fire radios