Kinston public meetings in 2024

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to discuss proposed code of conduct rule changes. They will also approve minutes from November and recognize Merwyn Smith. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the code of conduct discussion is the only substantive item.

• Discuss proposed code of conduct rule changes
• Approve November 14, 2024 meeting minutes
• Recognition of Merwyn Smith

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved proposed changes to athletic program rules, focusing on ejections and unsportsmanlike conduct. The new rules require suspended adults to stay away from recreation athletic games until their suspension ends and add more detail on infractions and consequences. The rules will be posted at each recreation facility. The commission also approved the November 14, 2024 minutes and recognized Merwyn Smith for his service.

• Approved November 14, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved athletic program rule changes on ejections and unsportsmanlike conduct (unanimous)
• Directed that rules be posted at each recreation facility (unanimous)

City Council

The Kinston City Council will vote on a resolution to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement funding and an ordinance amendment for the Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project, increasing its budget by $36,000 for a BRIC grant application. They will also consider approving the posting of the Organization Support Grant Application to the city website and the 2025 meeting schedule. Information items include a splashpad update and a presentation on organizational support.

• Resolution to apply for Lead Service Line Replacement funding
• Project Ordinance Amendment for Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation (T9302) – $36,000 increase for BRIC application
• Approval to post COK Organizational Support Application and Guidelines to the city website
• Approval of 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule
• Emma Webb Project Splashpad Update (information only)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several contracts and lease agreements, including those for the Lions Water Adventure Park and Historic Grainger Stadium. The body is also considering a budget amendment to fund demolition costs, fire equipment, and a new scoreboard. A public hearing is scheduled regarding a special use permit for a pool hall.

• FY2025 Operating Budget Amendment including $64,237 for demolition of former Super 8 Motel
• Contract with LIVunLtd for Lions Water Adventure Park
• Lease agreements for New Beginnings Outreach Center and Historic Grainger Stadium (Down East Bird Dawgs, LLC)
• Special Use Permit request and public hearing to operate a pool hall
• Special Event Permit for the 2024 Kinston Christmas Parade

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to approve October minutes, introduce new staff, and receive director's reports. Updates will be given on the Emma Webb Project, Freedom Classic and winter programs. The commission will also discuss a coach code of conduct.

• Introduction of Aaron Samuel Hines, Crew Supervisor II
• Introduction of Blake Roberson, KCC Assistant Facility Director
• Introduction of Chad Kearney, LaGrange Recreation Director
• Emma Webb Project update
• Discuss coach code of conduct

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider approval of a rezoning request for a property on Hwy 258 South from RA-6 (Residential) to I-B (Industrial Business). Also on the agenda: approval of engineering services agreements for sewer replacement projects on Upper Neuse and Herritage Street, discussion of lead service line replacement requirements, updates to Parks & Recreation rental policies, and multiple budget ordinances for ARPA closeout and project amendments.

• Public hearing on rezoning parcel at Hwy 258 South from RA-6 to I-B
• Consider approval of engineering services agreement with Wooten Company for Upper Neuse Sewer Rehabilitation/Replacement Project
• Consider approval of engineering services agreement with Wooten Company for Herritage Street Sewer Replacement Project
• Discuss final rule for lead service line replacements, inventory status and options
• Consider Parks & Recreation Rental Policy Update

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding a special use permit for a sand mining operation and a residential rezoning request. The body is also considering several special event permits and the allocation of final ARPA funds.

• Public hearing for a Special Use Permit to operate a sand mining operation
• Public hearing for rezoning from RA-12 (Residential) to RA (Residential)
• FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for $14,463.00
• Approval of Granger Stadium Score Board Replacement
• ARPA Funds Final Project Closeout Allocation

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates to rental fees and rental policies. The commission will also receive reports on Fall programs and the Fairfield Gym.

• Update on rental fees
• Rental policy update
• Report on Fairfield Gym and Fall programs

City Council

The City Council will consider an upset bid process to sell a 0.20-acre city-owned property. The body is also reviewing updates to Parks & Recreation fees and a special event permit for Pearson Park.

• Upset bid for city-owned property at 229 S Queen Street with a suggested starting price of $1,500
• Parks & Recreation Fees and Rental Policy Update
• Special Event Permit for Brad Fest at Pearson Park
• Appointment for Historic Preservation Commission
• Proclamations for Public Power Week, Customer Service Week, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

City Council

The Kinston City Council will hold work session discussions on the FY 2023-2024 fourth-quarter budget status and an update on ARPA funds, then at the regular meeting consider action items including rezoning requests, a special use permit for a mining operation, and two special event permits. Council will also consider a resolution for the annual settlement of property taxes collected and a de-obligation of CDBG funds.

• Rezoning of three properties from RA-8 and B-1 to O&I (Office and Institutional)
• Rezoning of one property from RA-12 to RA-20 (Residential)
• Special use permit to operate a mining operation (public hearing)
• Special event permits for Church in the Park Assembly at Pearson Park and Health Awareness & Gook Out at Grainger Stadium
• FY 2023-2024 Q4 budget report shows $105.5 million revenues and $99.9 million expenditures

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to review rental fees and guidelines. The body will also receive updates on the USTA tournament and discuss fall programming.

• Discussion of rental fees and guidelines
• Update on USTA tournament
• Discussion of fall programs and football rules
• Discussion of park signage
• Post Tropical Storm Debby update

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider approving an interlocal agreement with Lenoir County to assign exclusive zoning authority for a parcel off Goodman Road to the county, facilitating a proposed mining project. The council will also review bids for an emergency sewer repair project and vote on several special event permits, including a half marathon, gospel concert, and block party. A presentation on domestic violence is scheduled, and the meeting opens with citizen comment.

• Resolution and interlocal agreement to give Lenoir County zoning authority over parcel 18674 (Everett Development mining project) off Goodman Road
• Bid award for Upper Neuse Outfall TS Debby Emergency Sewer Repair Project (bids under review)
• Special event permit for H. Stadium Open House Concert & Assembly
• Special event permit for Mother Earth Ironclad Half Marathon foot race
• Special event permit for African American Heritage Commission Gospel Concert

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider awarding a $125,784 demolition bid for the condemned Super 8 Motel at 212 E. New Bern Ave., with Lenoir County covering half the cost. Other action items include a bid award for a city/county recreation master plan, a resolution for a Safer Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, and establishing a special revenue project for Tropical Storm Debby. The work session is canceled; only the regular meeting will be held.

• Award demolition bid for Super 8 Motel to Ernie Everette for $125,784 (total cost with asbestos abatement $128,474; city share $64,237)
• Consider bid award for City/County Recreation Master Plan
• Adopt resolution for Safer Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant
• Establish Special Revenue Project for Tropical Storm Debby (S2909)
• Approve minutes of August 6, 2024, City Council meeting

Parks & Recreation Commission

The August meeting of the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission was canceled due to inclement weather.

City Council

The City Council will review several infrastructure and equipment purchases, including a digger derrick truck and electric interrupters. The body is also considering an amendment to the FY2025 Operating Budget and the establishment of a new water line extension project.

• Change order for 2024 Road Improvements to add streets at a cost of $563,634.50
• Adoption of FY2025 Operating Budget Amendment
• Establishment of C-130 Water Line Extension Project (W9123)
• Purchase of Digger Derrick Truck for the Electric Division
• Preservation and restoration Grant Agreement for the Paramount Theater

City Council

The City Council will discuss several infrastructure awards and the closure of multiple project funds. The body is also holding a public hearing regarding a residential to general business rezoning request.

• Acceptance of $1,000,000 loan from N.C. Dept of Environmental Quality for Lead Service Line Inventory Project
• Award of 2024 Road Improvement Project to Barnhill Contracting Company for $712,755
• Award of Emma Webb Splashpad Project to Churchich Recreation for $287,104.13
• Award of Emma Webb Playground Project to Churchich Recreation for $103,076.73
• Professional Services Agreement with WithersRavenel for water line extension to C-130 Project at NCGTP for $309,000

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will introduce Keith Mitchell, Parks Superintendent, and Josh Bass, Recreation Superintendent. Members will discuss facility rental updates and contract drafts. A tour of the Holloway pool house renovation is also scheduled.

• Introduction of Keith Mitchell, Parks Superintendent
• Introduction of Josh Bass, Recreation Superintendent
• Discussion of facility rental updates and contract drafts
• Update on All-Stars
• Tour of Holloway pool house renovation

City Council

The council will consider adopting the new fiscal year budget and several operating budget amendments. The agenda also includes a $3,000,000 grant for flood mitigation and various project closures.

• Adoption of FY 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
• $3,000,000 grant award for Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project
• Budget amendment transferring $3,283,190 from Electric Fund to Water Operations Fund
• Replacement of Bucket Truck #224 and Dump Truck #3041
• Approval of 4th of July fireworks permit and Pearson Park concert permit

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss increasing fees for renting facilities and picnic shelters. Members will also review potential adjustments to the rental policy. The meeting includes updates on summer programs and park projects.

• Facility/picnic shelter rental fee increase discussion
• Rental policy adjustment discussion
• Pearson Park to Nature Center Footbridge Endorsement update
• Holloway pool and summer programs update
• All-Star tournament update

City Council

The council will discuss the FY24-25 recommended budget and hold a public hearing regarding NCDOT's request to remove traffic signals on Queen Street. They are also considering an ordinance amendment to increase funds for the NCHFA Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool.

• $408,250 increase for NCHFA home rehabilitation loans
• Public hearing on removing traffic signals on Queen Street
• Discussion of FY24-25 Manager’s Recommended Budget
• Presentation on UNC Health Lenoir Strategic Plan

Mayor's Crime Intervention Task Force

The Mayor's Crime Intervention Task Force is meeting to hear presentations on violence prevention models and first-quarter crime statistics. The body will also consider adopting the agenda and approving minutes from a February 2023 meeting. No votes on policy or funding are scheduled.

• Presentation by Siarra Scott, Deputy Director, NC Office of Violence Prevention, on overview and models
• Presentation by Chief Keith Goyette, Kinston Police Department, on 1st quarter crime stats
• Consider approval of minutes from February 23, 2023

City Council

The City Council will consider a development agreement and hold a public hearing for a project at 2401 North Heritage Street. The agenda also includes budget amendments for recreation office rentals and a request from NCDOT to remove traffic signals on Queen Street.

• Development Agreement for 2401 North Heritage Street
• Bid award for the PSC Lift Station Replacement Project
• Budget amendment for recreation office rent at KCC
• Lease agreement for 518 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
• NCDOT request to remove traffic signals on Queen Street

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss applicants for the Pink Hill/Moss Hill P&R Commission. The meeting includes updates on soccer, LWA, and summer programs. New commission members and administrative staff will also be introduced.

• Discussion of Pink Hill/Moss Hill P&R Commission applicants
• Soccer update by Athletic Superintendent Josh Bass
• Update on LWA and summer programs

City Council

The Kinston City Council will consider an ordinance for the FY2024 operating budget amendment. The council will also review change orders and agreement amendments for the Lawrence Heights Water and Sewer Replacement Project. Additionally, several special event permits and appointments are on the agenda.

• FY2024 operating budget amendment ordinance
• Lawrence Heights Water and Sewer Replacement Project change order
• Purchase of a used front loader
• Lease authorization with The Gate of Lenoir County
• Special event permits for Holloway Park and Pearson Park

City Council

The Kinston City Council will hold a special meeting to consider a second reading of an ordinance for a Social District. Following that item, the council will enter a closed session to discuss economic development matters as permitted under North Carolina law. State statutes restrict discussions in the closed session strictly to the advertised purpose.

• Second reading of the Social District ordinance
• Closed session for economic development discussions under N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(4)

City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to establish a Downtown Kinston Social District. The agenda also includes discussions on downtown economic strategies and a resolution to apply for $3,384,756 for the Heritage Street Sewer Replacement Project.

• Proposed ordinance to create a Downtown Kinston Social District
• Resolution to apply for $3,384,756 for the Heritage Street Sewer Replacement Project
• Adoption of ordinances for two Kinston Police Department PSN grants (P9150 and P9151)
• Approval of special event permits for the 2024 BBQ Festival and BMX & Skate Festival
• Review of downtown economic conditions and potential development strategies

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will approve minutes from the March 14, 2024 meeting and introduce several new staff members. The agenda also includes a tentative discussion regarding concerns with Gwen Canady and reports on Emma Webb and baseball/softball.

• Tentative discussion of concerns with Gwen Canady
• Introduction of new Parks & Recreation personnel
• PowerPoint update on Emma Webb
• Update on baseball/softball

City Council

The Kinston City Council will review the FY2023 Annual Financial Report, which reports a general fund balance of $16,288,930 and an unmodified audit opinion. Members are also considering action on several infrastructure projects, including electric field verification (E9137) and lead service lines inventory (W9122), as well as accepting two Project Safe Neighborhood grants totaling $43,249 for local safety initiatives. These items affect city budgeting, public health monitoring, neighborhood funding, and land use at 408 Airport Road.

• Review FY2023 Annual Financial Report ($16,288,930 general fund balance)
• Approve audit contract with RH CPA’s, PLLC for $62,925–$66,925
• Accept 2021 and 2022 Project Safe Neighborhood grants ($22,849 and $20,400)
• Approve electric field verification project (E9137) and lead service lines inventory (W9122)
• Adopt resolution for wastewater asset inventory and release easement at 408 Airport Road

City Council

The Kinston City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting on March 19, 2024. The agenda includes consideration of bid awards for infrastructure projects and several permit requests. The council will also address text amendments for the Historic District Commission and flood damage prevention.

• Bid award for Holloway Pool House Renovation
• Electric Field Verification and Data Collection Project award
• Lead Service Line Inventory Project award
• Special Events Permit - Kinston Strong - Sand in the Streets Concert Series
• Fireworks Discharge Permit – Down East Wood Ducks at Grainger Stadium

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission will review director's reports regarding the Freedom Classic and Holly Jolly show. The meeting also includes updates on Emma Webb and Pink Hill gym.

• Freedom Classic update by Lynetta Powell
• KCC rental and Holly Jolly show update
• Update on Emma Webb & Pink Hill gym
• Approval of February 8, 2024 minutes

City Council

The City Council will consider several items regarding flood mitigation and stormwater management. This includes a resolution to accept a grant from the NC Department of Public Safety for the Adkin Flood Mitigation Project. The agenda also covers economic development grants and special event permits.

• Resolution to accept NC Department of Public Safety grant for Adkin Flood Mitigation Project
• Professional Services Agreement for Stormwater AIA Project
• Special Event Permit for Sunday Dinner & Community Block Party with Kinston Teens
• Ordinance to establish Regional Economic Development Reserve Grant Capital Project (P9149)
• Ordinance to amend NCEM Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Project (T9302)

Mayor's Crime Intervention Task Force

The Mayor's Crime Intervention Task Force is meeting to approve minutes from October 2023 and the 2024 meeting schedule, and to hear a presentation from Dr. Gerard Tate, Director of the NC Office of Violence Prevention. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the guest speaker.

• Approval of minutes from October 26, 2023
• Approval of 2024 Schedule of Meetings
• Presentation by Dr. Gerard Tate, Director, NC Office of Violence Prevention

City Council

The City Council will discuss potential street candidates for the 2024 Road Improvement Project and a request to close Laura Lane. The council will also consider lease agreements for office space at the Kinston Community Center and special event permits.

• Review of 2024 Road Improvement Project street candidates
• Request to close Laura Lane and set a public hearing date
• Lease agreement with Nathan Perry Realtor, LLC for Kinston Community Center office space
• Ordinance to amend Ballistic Vest Program project budget (P9129)
• Special event approval at Pearson Park for the Spirit of Lenoir Christian Music Festival

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates on the Bill Fay disc golf course and KCC membership drive, discuss potential baseball rule changes, and hear updates on the Freedom Classic, Fairfield Reunion, and the Parks & Recreation Director search. They will also nominate a 2024 Chair and Vice-Chair.

• Update on Bill Fay disc golf course from Andy Spence
• KCC membership drive update from Kelly Cannon
• Discussion of potential baseball rule amendments/additions
• Updates on Freedom Classic, Fairfield Reunion, and Parks & Recreation Director search
• 2024 Recreation Commission Chair/Vice-Chair nominations

City Council

The City Council will review several action items including requests for electric division equipment and a real property sale. The meeting also includes presentations regarding the 2023 Police Annual Report and animal control.

• Public hearing and approval of the 2023 Edward Byrne JAG Grant
• Resolution authorizing sale of Herbert Drive/Uplands Park Open Space Lot Area
• Bid award to Evans Custom Builders for ESFRLP Case #4
• Purchase of a 41’ bucket truck for the Electric Division
• Purchase of a 55’ bucket truck for the Electric Division

City Council

The City Council will discuss the completion of a $300,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant used to evaluate properties along the Queen Street corridor. The meeting also includes discussions on street condition surveys, road improvement projects, and a request for the city to fund part of a grant match for the Riverwalk Project.

• Brownfield Assessment Closing Report regarding the Queen Street corridor
• FY2024 Operating Budget Amendment
• Request for City to fund $334,950 cash match portion for NCDOT Carbon Reduction Plan Grant (Riverwalk Project)
• 2022 Street Condition Survey information
• 2024 Road Improvement Project information

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, introduce a county commissioner, and receive director's reports. Updates will cover the Parks Safety Committee, pickleball, and winter programs including the Freedom Classic.

• Approval of December 14, 2023 minutes
• Introduction of County Commissioner Keith King
• Parks Safety Committee update
• Pickleball update
• Update on Winter programs/Freedom Classic

City Council

The City Council is considering a resolution to accept a $2 million grant from the NC Land & Water Fund for the Adkin Branch Flood Mitigation Phase I Construction Project. The agenda also includes discussions on social districts and a request for proposals regarding Glen Raven Mill.

• Resolution to accept a $2,000,000 grant from the NC Land & Water Fund for flood mitigation
• Information only update regarding Glen Raven Mill Request for Proposals
• Discussion and direction on Social Districts
• Consideration of donation or license agreement for 808 N. East Street
• Retiree presentation for Blaine Hargett, Recreation Supervisor