Elizabeth City public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council approved a resolution to reimburse $18 million in capital costs for water wells and an electric substation using future debt proceeds. The meeting was the final session for the incumbent council members following the October 2025 election.

• Adopted Resolution #2025-12-01 for $18M utility project reimbursement
• Approved November 24, 2025 Regular Session minutes
• Incumbent Council members held final meeting
• No public comments received
• Meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.

Meeting

The council will review the Master Site Development Plan for the PilotRock property, a proposed Planned Unit Development covering 99.37 acres. The plan proposes 779 residential units of various types, 2,415 parking spaces, and publicly maintained streets. Officials will consider zoning changes, street maintenance responsibilities, and the addition of a clubhouse, pool, and recreation areas.

• Approval of PilotRock PUD covering 99.37 acres with 779 residential units
• Zoning change to R-8 & GB (proposed PUD‑PDR) for the site
• Provision of 2,415 parking spaces (2,232 on‑lot, 183 shared off‑street)
• All streets within the development to be publicly maintained
• Addition of clubhouse, pool, and 24 AC open space plus 5.9 AC recreation area

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council voted to table a request to rezone approximately 16.3 acres at 1317 West Main Street from industrial to residential. The vote followed a public hearing where residents raised concerns about traffic, utility timelines, and wetlands. The Council asked staff to return with additional information.

• Tabled rezoning request (RZ 04-25) for 1317 West Main Street
• Approval of November 10, 2025 Regular Session minutes
• Accept award for Pasquotank Blueways Feasibility Study
• Consideration to authorize application for PAL Mentoring Grant
• Consideration to approve budget amendment for Economic Development Commission

Meeting

The Elizabeth City Council approved agenda adjustments, recognized local churches, and heard public comments. A public hearing was held on rezoning request RZ 04-25 to change 16.3 acres at 1317 West Main Street from I‑2 Industrial to R‑15 Residential, and the Council voted to table the decision pending additional information. The Council also approved the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted an award for the Pasquotank Blueways Feasibility Study grant project.

• Tabled rezoning request RZ 04-25 for ~16.3 acres at 1317 West Main Street (Industrial to Residential)
• Mayor Pro Tem recognized Victory Life Christian Center and Greater Anointing Ministries
• Approved November 10, 2025 regular session minutes
• Accepted award for Pasquotank Blueways Feasibility Study (Grant Project Ordinance #2025-11-07)
• Agenda adjustments included PAL Mentoring Grant application and budget amendment for Economic Development Commission

Meeting

The City Council is considering Resolution #2025-11-01 to take ownership and maintenance of two roads. These streets are located within the Hunter’s Lake Phase II subdivision.

• Acceptance of Nugget Trail (approximately 4,580 feet) into the public street system
• Acceptance of Compass Drive from Savin Road (approximately 2,100 feet) into the public street system

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council approved the amended agenda, recognized Ronald G. Penny, and heard public comments on the proposed rezoning of The Pines golf course. The Council then approved the October 27, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted three consent‑agenda items: a grant project ordinance funding the Lead Detection & Removal Plan Phase II ($1,120,000), a FY 2026 budget amendment shifting $20,000 between professional services and the Water & Sewer Grant Project Fund, and a street‑closing ordinance for the annual holiday parade.

• Adopt Lead Detection & Removal Plan Phase II grant ordinance – $1,120,000 total revenue and expense
• Amend FY 2026 budget – decrease Professional Services (Water) $10,000, increase Professional Services (Sewer) $10,000, transfer $20,000 to Water & Sewer Grant Project Fund
• Adopt street‑closing ordinance for the annual holiday parade
• Approve October 27, 2025 regular session minutes
• Public comments on The Pines golf‑course rezoning proposal

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council approved the amended agenda by a motion that carried unanimously. After the agenda approval, the council opened a public comment period during which residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed Charlie Kirk mural on East Colonial Avenue. No formal action on the mural was taken during this meeting.

• Motion to approve the amended agenda – approved unanimously
• Public comment on a proposed Charlie Kirk mural on East Colonial Avenue, with petitions both supporting and opposing the mural

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for a parcel at 1525 N. Road Street from R-15 to Planned Unit Development (PUD-PDR). The proposal involves the construction of 117 townhomes and nine single-family lots. Residents expressed opposition based on density, traffic safety, and environmental concerns.

• Public hearing for rezoning 1525 N. Road Street for 117 townhomes and 9 single-family lots
• Budget amendment for Basin Rehab Rollover
• Authorization for Homeland Security Domestic Preparedness Grant submission
• Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan
• Proclamations for International Alpha Delta Kappa Month and Arbor Day

Meeting

The City Council will adopt a proclamation designating October 24, 2025 as Arbor Day for Elizabeth City. The proclamation highlights the benefits of trees and encourages residents to celebrate and protect the urban canopy.

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council and Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners held a joint session to coordinate on regional infrastructure and services. Discussions focused on the transition of the animal shelter to county control and the future of the former Sentara Albemarle Medical Center property.

• Proposed county assumption of a $300,000 USDA loan to take over the SPCA animal shelter
• Estimated annual animal shelter budget of $800,000 and animal control budget of $250,000
• Adaptive reuse evaluation of the former Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (SAMC) property
• Proposed drainage study for Knobbs Creek with an estimated cost of $250,000 or more
• Report that Bassmaster will return to the waterfront in June 2026

City Council

The City Council approved the agenda and minutes, then adopted a consent agenda that includes a $177,900 grant contract for the College Park Renewal Project, a budget amendment for the chlorine booster station, an internal controls policy for ARPA compliance, and bids for 803 Walker Avenue and 306 West Cypress Street. The Council also approved a $30,000 tourism‑fund request from ECSU for its Homecoming event. Discussion on the TA 05‑25 ordinance was tabled, and staff reported progress on the EC Live app.

• Authorization of $177,900 grant contract for College Park Renewal Project (FY2025‑26 RCCP award)
• Approval of $30,000 TDA funding request for ECSU Homecoming
• Budget amendment for Chlorine Booster Station line‑item rollover/continuation
• Adoption of internal controls policy for ARPA compliance
• Acceptance of bids for 803 Walker Avenue and 306 West Cypress Street

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council met on September 8, 2025, to discuss opioid settlement fund allocations and adopt a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement. The Council also held a public hearing on a text amendment (TA 05-25) regarding landscaping requirements in the Halstead Overlay District.

• Adopted Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (updated version of 2023 agreement)
• Discussed opioid settlement fund allocations: $50,000 for early intervention programs, $36,000–$51,000 for peer-support specialist role, $45,000 for vehicle purchase, and $25,000 for suboxone supply
• Public hearing on TA 05-25 addressing landscaping requirements in Halstead Overlay District (306 E. Colonial Avenue area)
• Announced reopening of police substation on September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
• Noted completion of Waterfront Park improvements, including certificate of occupancy for park bathroom

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council held a work session to review committee reports and updates, including zoning amendments for the Halstead Overlay and a rezoning request for The Pines property, traffic calming measures for Pritchard, Main, and Church Streets, and a proposed mental health co-responder position funded by a grant match.

• Call for public hearing on Halstead Overlay text amendment (TA 05-25) for September 8, 2025
• Call for public hearing on rezoning request for The Pines property (RZ 02-25) for October 13, 2025
• Authorize transfer of funds from Land Use Plan to UDO update (26-year-old document needing overhaul)
• Permanent traffic calming measures proposed for Pritchard, Main, and Church Streets
• Mental Health Co-Responder position MOA with $27,500 local match from unassigned fund balance

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss personnel in a closed session. The council then voted to confirm a recommended appointment for a city director position.

• Appointment of Carl Best to the position of Development Services Director

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing a proposal to award a two-phase street resurfacing contract to Barnhill Contracting Co. The project will be funded using Powell Bill funds across two separate phases.

• Proposed contract with Barnhill Contracting Co. for Phase 1 not to exceed $765,000
• Proposed contract with Barnhill Contracting Co. for Phase 2 not to exceed $491,008.96
• Resurfacing of 14 streets in Phase 1
• Resurfacing of 10 streets in Phase 2

City Council

The City Council denied a proposed amendment to reduce the required space between multi-family buildings to 10 feet, maintaining the 20-foot minimum. The Council also adopted a new Electric Development/Accessibility Fee Collection Policy and approved several infrastructure contracts.

• Denied TA 03-25 to reduce multi-family building spacing from 20 feet to 10 feet
• Adopted new Electric Development/Accessibility Fee Collection Policy
• Awarded street resurfacing bid to Barnhill Contracting
• Authorized $4,000 TDA application for Splash Week 2025
• Approved Weeksville Road Accessibility and Connectivity Plan contingent award

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review a proposed policy for the Major General Hawthorne Proctor Wall of Honor and discuss permanent replacements for speed bumps on city streets. The Council also approved a new policy for electrical fee collection from developers.

• Proposed $500 per placard fee for the Major General Hawthorne Proctor Wall of Honor (total wall cost over $20,000)
• Discussion of replacing speed bumps on Church Street, Main Street, and Pritchard Street (estimated cost for two streets at $18,600)
• Approval of a new electrical fee collection policy requiring developers to pay Development and Electrical Accessibility fees simultaneously
• Proposed addition of the Civil War to the list of recognized conflicts for the Veterans Park wall

Meeting

The City Council is considering the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The proposal includes total revenues of $81,241,393 across general and enterprise funds. The budget outlines spending for city departments and establishes tax rates and employee bonuses.

• Proposed property tax rate of $.59 per $100 valuation
• Proposed Municipal Service Tax District tax rate of $.063 per $100 valuation
• Motor vehicle fee of $15.00 per vehicle
• $1,000 bonus for employees employed on July 1, 2025, and a $300 holiday bonus
• General Fund budget of $32,334,257, including $8,226,188 for Police and $7,121,726 for Fire

City Council

The City Council held a budget work session to discuss employee raises and final budget preparations. The Council decided to move a specific allocation for raises into a contingency line for future review. A final vote on the budget will occur after a public hearing at a Regular Session.

• Decision to place $300,000+ allocated for employee raises into a budget contingency line
• Confirmation that each council member has $10,000 set aside for specific initiatives in their wards

Meeting

The City is discussing a well study to address aging infrastructure and declining well yields. The proposal outlines a short-term plan for Yorktown aquifer wells and a long-term transition to the Castle Hayne aquifer.

• Short-term Yorktown well project estimated cost of $6-7 million
• Long-term 6 MGD Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant estimated at $115 million (2023 figures)
• Proposal to add 3 replacement and up to 8 new Yorktown wells to increase yield to 3.81 MGD
• Long-term plan to drill 6-14 wells into the Castle Hayne aquifer
• Short-term design and permitting estimated at $400,000

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council held a work session reviewing updates from city committees. The Parks and Recreation Committee presented a nomination for Old Oak Grove Cemetery to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery on Peartree Road is the city’s only formal Black burial ground from the late 19th to 20th century, with about 5,400 probable burials. The council also discussed a $19,614 veterans park signage project and internship placements with ECSU students.

• National Register nomination for Old Oak Grove Cemetery on Peartree Road
• Veterans Park signage project with $19,614 budget
• Four ECSU student interns placed in city departments
• Chief’s Community Engagement Committee proposed by Interim Police Chief Graham
• Budget amendments discussed for June work session

Meeting

The Elizabeth City council will review the draft nomination to list Old Oak Grove Cemetery in the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination documents the cemetery’s significance to the city’s Black community from 1884 to 1975 and outlines next steps for state and federal review.

• Nomination prepared for Old Oak Grove Cemetery, founded 1886 by Black community leaders
• Cemetery recognized for Black ethnic heritage and social history significance
• Federal historic preservation grant awarded to support nomination process
• Next state review scheduled for June 12 by NC National Register Advisory Committee

City Council

The City Council held a budget work session focusing on the Water & Sewer Fund and potential infrastructure bonds. Members discussed the need for a well study and a plan to phase out payment kiosks in favor of a new customer app.

• Water & Sewer Fund budget of $12,303,000
• Church Street Pump Project moving to a $4 million multi-year project fund
• Proposed design for eight new wells costing $400,000
• Data Processing budget increase of $219,000 for five Meter Reader positions
• Discussion of $146 million city borrowing capacity for bonds

City Council

The City Council discussed the Enterprise Fund budget, including Electric, Water, Sewer, Stormwater, and Sanitation. Members debated reallocating funds from safety glass and bridge repairs toward parks and ward-specific projects, while reviewing electric utility costs and staffing.

• Proposed $35,455,000 budget for the Electric Fund
• Discussion of $300,000 for a new street sweeper and $450,000 for a trash truck
• Proposed reallocation of $70,000 from bulletproof glass to other projects
• Proposed $150,000 for switch replacements in Electric Distribution
• Discussion of $30,000 for bridge repairs at Knobbs Creek golf course

City Council

The City Council received the FY2024 audit, which showed an unmodified opinion but revealed several violations including a late submission and budget ordinance errors. The Council voted to accept the audit and approved a formal response letter to the Local Government Commission addressing four financial performance indicators of concern. Discussion also covered ARPA fund usage and utility fund financial performance.

• Accepted FY2024 audit with unmodified opinion; $19.35M general fund balance, $15M unassigned
• Approved FPIC response letter to the Local Government Commission citing late audit, budget violations, material weaknesses
• Discussed ARPA fund revenue replacement—$1.5M transferred to general fund; Councilman Walton requested itemized spending details
• Water & Sewer fund: $68M total assets, $13.5M unrestricted; electric fund: $8M unrestricted, $300K operating income
• Audit compliance report noted budget software issues causing incorrect amendments; sales/use tax finding corrected

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council reviewed the proposed FY 2025-2026 General Fund budget, including revenue projections and departmental increases. Property tax revenue is projected at $9.38–9.39 million. Discussions covered new positions, a $300 council Christmas bonus, and demolition funding.

• Property tax revenue projected at $9.38–9.39 million
• $300 Christmas bonus for City Council and Mayor included in legislative budget
• Demolition budget set at $75,000, with potential addition of surplus sales
• New Senior Accountant position added to Finance Department budget
• Public Buildings budget increased by $383,000 for customer service upgrades

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing on a proposal to rename Veterans Park as 'Major General Hawthorne L. Proctor at Veterans Park.' Several veterans spoke against the change, citing state law and tradition. The council also issued proclamations for Women's Clubs and Lineworker Appreciation Day, and recognized volunteer cleanup groups and a community member for feeding seniors. No other business was considered.

• Public hearing on proposed renaming of Veterans Park to include Major General Hawthorne L. Proctor
• Proclamation declaring April 24, 2025 as General Federation of Women's Clubs Day
• Proclamation declaring April 14, 2025 as Lineworker Appreciation Day
• Recognition of Green Saves Green, MACU & ECSU, and Kappa Alpha Psi for community cleanup efforts
• Recognition of Fleetwood Spence for providing free meals to seniors

Meeting

The Elizabeth City Council will vote on accepting a $20,700 grant from the National PAL Mentoring Program to fund youth mentoring activities. The funds, awarded to the Police Department, must be spent by December 31, 2025, and will support 23 youth through mentoring, events, and educational trips.

• Accept $20,700 National PAL Mentoring Grant for FY2024-2025
• Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2025
• Grant supports 23 youth via mentoring and educational trips

City Council

The City Council held an emergency meeting to appoint Brian Lewis, formerly Assistant Finance Director, as Interim Finance Director and Interim Finance Officer. The council voted unanimously in favor, with no opposition. Two council members were absent.

• Unanimous 6-0 vote to appoint Brian Lewis as Interim Finance Director and Interim Finance Officer
• City Manager Reggie Goodson recommended Lewis, citing his budget session leadership and financial knowledge
• Councilwoman Felton asked about a potential pay increase; manager confirmed only the standard 4% was requested
• Mayor Pro Tem Spence confirmed Lewis remains bonded for the role
• Meeting lasted six minutes and was called as an emergency session

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss the Manager's recommended budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The proposed budget includes significant capital expenditures funded by a high general fund balance, though no rate increases were proposed for the Enterprise side.

• Proposed General Fund budget of $31,860,864
• Proposed $1.1 million for a new fire engine
• Proposed $329,000 for a street sweeper and $190,000 for a new tractor
• Proposed $160,000 for a new boat ramp at Waterfront Park
• Proposed $300 Christmas bonus for the Mayor and all Council members

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss a proposed agreement with Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP for bond counsel and a fleet management contract with Enterprise. Council members expressed concerns regarding the lack of a pricing range for legal services and the impact of tariffs on vehicle costs.

• Proposed agreement with Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP for General Obligation Bond Counsel
• Proposed fleet contract with Enterprise to replace 30-39 vehicles in Year 1
• Estimated $500,000 cost for Year 1 vehicle replacements (without resale)
• Discussion of Geotab telematics for fleet mileage and maintenance tracking

City Council

The City Council held a public hearing and approved two resolutions authorizing up to $22 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the 155-unit Walker Landing Apartments at 1003 Walker Avenue. The city assumes no debt liability. The council also amended the agenda to add discussion items on Veterans Park, naming the former National Guard Armory, and an audit contract amendment.

• Approval of Resolution #2025-03-01 authorizing issuance of a $22M multifamily note for Walker Landing
• Approval of Resolution #2025-03-02 approving financing terms for the Walker Landing note
• Public hearing on the bond financing held with no public comments
• Agenda amended to add 'Consideration – Veterans Park' and 'Consideration – Naming of the Former National Guard Armory'
• Audit contract amendment moved from consent to regular agenda for further discussion

City Council

The City Council heard presentations on municipal bond options and a first draft of a $130 million Capital Improvement Plan. Discussions focused on financing major infrastructure needs, including water, sewer, electric, and a new fire station, with a potential general obligation bond referendum in November 2025. No final decisions were made; staff will bring back prioritized project lists.

• Presentation on general obligation, revenue, and installment bond options for capital projects
• Capital Improvement Plan first draft totals $130,320,000 over 5–10 years
• Discussion of prioritizing Halstead infrastructure and a new fire station
• Possible bond referendum in November 2025 requiring council action starting in May
• City needs a financial advisor to proceed with bond planning

Meeting

The City Council is asked to authorize staff to apply for FEMA grants as they become available throughout the year. These grants target staffing, equipment, and fire prevention efforts, often requiring a 5% to 10% city match.

• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant for additional personnel
• Assistance to Firefighters Grant for equipment such as turnout gear, apparatus, air packs, and extrication equipment
• Fire Prevention & Safety Grant for community prevention equipment

Meeting

The City Council is considering a mid-year salary adjustment for all sworn police personnel and recruits to address a high vacancy rate of 23 open positions. The proposed raises total $380,047 and aim to make ECPD salaries more competitive with neighboring agencies. To fund the increase, the department would freeze seven positions and eliminate sign-on bonuses and recruitment incentives.

• Proposed salary increases range from $5,927 for the Chief to $12,710 for Detectives
• Police recruit salary would rise from $39,684 to $50,000
• 23 of 66 sworn positions currently vacant
• Department would freeze 7 positions in FY2025-2026 to sustain increases
• Forgoing $3,000 sign-on bonus and $1,000 recruitment incentive

City Council

The City Council met for a special work session on February 10, 2025. The meeting consisted primarily of a closed session to discuss personnel and contract negotiations.

• Closed session for contract negotiation (NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5))
• Closed session for personnel discussion (NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6))

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss the Minimum Housing program, including three completed demolitions and a nearly exhausted demolition budget. They also reviewed quarterly development fee collections and debated whether to earmark electric availability and water fees for capital improvement funds. Mayor Rivers requested a study on fee policies and possible transfer of surplus property sale proceeds to the demolition fund. No final votes were taken on these items.

• Demolition of properties at 1605 Lark Street ($8,700), 1318 Highland Avenue ($8,500), and 905 South Martin Street ($15,191) completed this fiscal year
• Former funeral home at 504 Road Street to be demolished by owner at estimated cost of $34,000
• Council discussed collecting all development fees at final plat to protect against developer defaults
• Mayor requested investigation into earmarking electric availability fee for Electric Capital Improvement
• Council asked staff to research how other municipalities handle development fees and to meet with Pasquotank County

City Council

The Elizabeth City Council approved a consent agenda including a $20,000 youth sports grant, a street-closing ordinance for the Coast Guard Marathon, and a mutual-aid renewal with Chesapeake Fire. They appointed Lee Martin to the Historic Preservation Commission. The council debated a $100,000 tourism funding request for the Coast Guard Marathon (of which the city's share would be about $33,333), a sharp increase from last year's $5,000 contribution. A $500,000 appropriation for a chlorine booster station at the USCG Base was tabled pending a budget amendment.

• Accepted $20,000 NCAS Youth Sports Equipment Grant for gym improvements
• Adopted street-closing ordinance for Coast Guard Marathon on March 6-9, 2025
• Renewed mutual-aid agreement with Chesapeake Fire Department
• Accepted final bids for properties at 708 Park Street, 406 Roanoke Avenue, 00000 Shannon Street, and various parcels
• Discussed $500,000 chlorine booster station installation at USCG Base (tabled)