Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

July 6th meeting of the Craven County Board of Commissioners to order. Madam Clark, would you please call the roll?

Commissioner Hunt? Yes, here. Commissioner Mason? Here. Commissioner Mitchell? Commissioner Smith? Here. Commissioner Howard? Here. Vice Chairman Jones? Here. Chairman Bucher?

Here. Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have the Pledge of Allegiance, but first we're going to have Mr. Grady, our attorney, do a prayer. So if you'd please stand. And then remain standing for the pledge.

loving and gracious god we ask this day that you pour out your blessings on our nation and county may those who are gathered here as representatives of craven county be given an inspired vision of the common good and may they meet the challenges they face with the resolve and righteousness may your grace bestow upon all who serve craven county a lively hope and the virtues of justice wisdom and compassion that they may be instruments of your holy will in carrying out their noble vocation as public servants. We pray that the work of those who represent Craven County will contribute to the flourishing of this nation and county so that all peoples and families will be raised in dignity, encouraged in solidarity, and blessed with ordered liberty. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, who reigns forever and ever. Amen.

And aren't we blessed that we could live in this great land where we could celebrate a major accomplishment this past weekend. So everybody, I'm sure, was excited about that. Before we get into the agenda, I'm going to take Chairman's privilege and we are going to welcome tonight the New Bern Sunday School League 8U and 10U baseball teams. Obviously, they're not all here. Some of them are on the way to a practice, I believe. But here's the exciting part. Both of these teams are state champions for 2026. They both went undefeated in district and state tournaments. The 8U team will play on July 8th in Smyrna Beach, Florida. And the 10U team will play in Statesville, North Carolina. on July 14th. Both teams consist of players from all over Craven County. So guys, are there any gals or is that all guys? All guys here.

Okay.

We are very proud of you and what you've accomplished. And you're not done yet. Right? Okay. Not done yet. So we need to go on and keep winning. So we'll look forward to hearing how you do when you go to those next two tournaments. And thank you for coming tonight, and thank you for representing our county. That's not enough of them. That's two teams. If they keep winning, we'll get them back. That's exciting. Again, before we get into the agenda, we have a couple of people I'd like to recognize here tonight. In our audience, Mark Larkin, who is a commissioner in the Havelock City Council. We have Mayor Jeff Odom. Welcome. And we have commissioner-elect Guy Smith. Guy will be taking this seat right here in December. So we welcome all of you. Glad you're here tonight. Hope I didn't miss anybody important. You're all important. You're all important.

Okay.

The agenda is in front of you, commissioners. Are there any additions or deletions that you'd like to make to that agenda? Hearing none, do I hear a motion?

Motion to approve the agenda.

Have a second? Second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes. Item number one on the agenda, petition of citizens. Are there any citizens signed up to speak on the agenda? Mr. Chairman, we have no one signed up. Okay, we'll go to item number two, the consent agenda. There are about six items on this agenda tonight. The minutes of the May 18, 19 and June 1 meetings and reconvene sessions of June 1 and June 15, tax releases and refunds, emergency service, township six payment to the Harlow Volunteer Fire Department, budget amendment, emergency services, fire department, workers comp, budget amendment, Another emergency services rescue squads workers compensation budget amendment and information technology polymorphic contract budget amended. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda?

Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.

A motion and a second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes. Item number three, emergency services, a drone budget amendment. Mr. Stanley Kite. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good evening, Stanley.

In fact, some time ago, we started recognizing the problems we were having with our existing drone technology. Your lifespan of technology was expiring. There was no further updates in trying to look at alternatives to replace that resource. I was able to apply with the Duke Energy Foundation and was successful in obtaining $25,000 to replace that equipment or to get an additional drone that is up to date, is modern, has higher technology, and can also be used in inclement weather, whereas I currently cannot. So tonight I'm here before you to ask for permission to use the grant that we have already received to make that purchase during this budget year.

Okay. Do I hear a motion to... Second. Prove the drone budget amendment. We have a motion and a second. All in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Mr. Chairman, you will have to have a roll call. We need a roll call? Okay.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Booker? Yes.

yes okay thank you you got it good job by getting that uh grant thank you okay item number four health department havelock pharmacy central server budget amendment zach orman hey zach Hello. Welcome.

Thank you. Thank you, commissioners. So the Havelock Pharmacy expansion was initially slated for completion June 30th of this year. The new updated completion date is August 31st. In the original budget, we had included $20,000 for hardware and software for the pharmacy. After further consultation with IT, it was determined that a central server would be a better solution for both our staff and patients and better oversight. So tonight, coming forward to ask to carry over the $20,000 of unspent funds and an additional $7,891 so the pharmacy can purchase a central server that will allow both locations to communicate.

Okay, we're being asked to approve the budget amendment in the amount of $27,891 for the central server system.

I would make that motion to approve that.

Second.

Have a motion and a second? Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones?

Yes. You got a question.

Okay.

For your server, you guys have a server room at the Havlock Pharmacy?

There's... So I would have to refer to IT for that. There's actually, it's a dual server, so the central system will actually have a, it's a redundancy system, so it'll have a primary server and then a backup server at an alternative site. I suspect there's one at each, but I'm going to let these guys comment.

Yes, sir. We have dedicated space at the Havlock office. redundant internet, this server will allow them to treat the Havelock pharmacy like its own pharmacy. But in the event of an outage or an emergency, that data is replicated back to the pharmacy here in New Bern.

And I know for our server, we have a lot of physical security, or at least we used to last time I was in that server room. It may be totally different now. Some things have moved to the cloud. Is this room going to have a lot of physical security?

Yes. So there are access control locks. and all the appropriate monitoring and stuff that's done, as well as the normal IT security that's in place.

Thank you.

Okay. We got a motion and a second, and we got approval. Thank you. We're all set. Thank you. And while you're up there, Mr. Bennett, you're next. Steve Bennett. Information Technology Fiber Relocation Budget Amendment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Board. Craven County has approximately 46 miles of fiber running from one end of the county to the next, and these provide network connectivity for a variety of services such as our water assets. the schools, the community college, and even the Pamlico Regional Library. As part of the I-42 expansion, some of that fiber does lay in conflict with the existing road expansion and will need to be relocated. On May 14th, county staff accepted bids for materials and installation of the new fiber optic cable. River City Construction was the lowest qualified bidder, with the estimated cost of the entire project being $400,255.94. North Carolina DOT will reimburse Craven County $335,246.25, leaving the county responsible for the remaining $65,009.69. The board has requested to approve the attached budget amendment, as well as authorize us to execute any contracts.

Okay, board, any questions?

Just one question. This is just a relocation, there's no improvement to the system or anything?

There is a slight improvement. So it is very difficult to put large stretches of fiber in the ground outside of a construction site and so this is the perfect opportunity. This is a once in 25 year project. The existing cable is uh around around 20 years and so we are taking the opportunity to upsize the capacity um and so part of the the cost in here is contract fees and stuff like that not reimbursed by dot and the upgrade of that cable to double our capacity thank you

Mr. Howard?

I just had a comment. Kudos to the looking forward. I've seen two places here that you guys are upgrading that, and we're sharing a little bit of that cost, but that's good to look forward and make sure we have higher capacity because, as we know, it's going to be needed.

Yeah, we hope that they don't open up that ground for another 20 years.

Thank you.

Okay. We have a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Booker?

Yes. Okay. All set, Steve. Thank you. Item number six, Departmental Matters Administration Beginning of the Fiscal Year Budget Amendments. Manager Jack Veit.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. Appreciate the opportunity. We have quite a few actions for you tonight. A lot of this is carryover from our budget process back in June that needs to be dealt with here in July. Item A, which is where I'll start, will be a school capital outlay budget amendment. At the work session the board held on June 1st, 2026, the board of commissioners requested an additional $25,000 be provided to Craven County Schools for fiscal year 27 to complete flooring work at the pre-kindergarten modular classroom that was discussed at that reconvene meeting. But we had already moved pretty far toward our budget ordinance at that point, so we're bringing it back tonight for consideration for the board. It is $25,000. Okay.

Is there a motion to approve that? So move. Second. Second. A motion and a second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Booker?

Yes.

Okay. Item B is Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow Act budget amendment. Normally, Commissioner Mitchell, who serves on that board, would need to recuse herself, but because she's not here tonight, we can proceed without any recusal. The budget request is the traditional $25,000, which is coming from the general fund to cover the membership fees. and or special appropriations to this organization, which serves as an advocate for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and FRC East. They do a lot of work in this space of helping young Marines with education, Marine spouses, and being general advocates for things that the base needs, particularly in the Havelock area.

Okay, questions on that? There are no questions.

I would make a motion to second. Second.

And a second? Second to motion. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Mr. Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes.

OK. Item C is Highway 70, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 14234.3, which requires public officials to recuse themselves from awarding any funds to any nonprofit to which they are associated. For this one and Item D, which is the Craven 100 Alliance, Chairman Denny Booker would need to recuse himself. So we'll need a motion and a second and a vote on that.

I would make a motion that Commissioner Booker recuse himself. I'll second. Okay.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay, I will step out of the room and Vice Chair.

Vice Chairman, you ready for me to proceed? Yes, sir. Okay. Highway 70 membership fee is $25,000. That's been consistent at least over the last decade. They're an advocate for improving. Highway 70 from Johnston County to Carteret County do a lot of work in this space, working with DOT, being advocates for good road projects. Chairman Booker serves on that board. We have spoken about it. Obviously, there's a lot of work going on in Craven now and a lot of work that still needs to take place throughout the region. So,

All right, commissioners, are there any questions for the manager on item C? Hearing none, do we have a motion and a second to approve $25,000?

Motion to approve the $25,000 for Highway 70 membership fees.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard?

Yes.

Vice Chairman Jones?

Yes.

All right, item D. Item D, and I have Mr. Jeff Wood, our economic development director, here with us tonight. This is the C1A annual contribution. It is $50,360. As before, Chairman Bucher also serves on that board. This is a per capita expense. The public sector is made up of Craven County, the City of New Bern, and Havelock, each paying on per capita for their residents. And then the private sector, which generates their own fund through fundraisers, works together to support economic development activities in Craven County. including things like shell buildings, supporting airline generation, and things like that.

All right, any questions for the manager on item D? Hearing none, do I have a motion that we would approve the budget amendment in the amount of $50,360?

I would make that motion, sir. I'll second.

Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion on the motion? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, if you will, please call the roll.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones?

Yes. All right. Would you let Chairman Bucher and I get ready for the meeting?

Okay, Mr. Chairman, item E is realized U252 contract, same general statute 14234.3 would require the recusal of Commissioner Chad Howard.

I make that motion that Commissioner Howard be recused. Second. All in favor? Aye.

Opposed? Order is recused.

Okay, commissioners, I have Caitlin Godley, our opioid director here, program director. So if you have any questions about the RU252 program, she'll come and assist. But generally, this is the same funding we provided over the last several years. $15,000 is for recovery residence program fees where we help pay down the tuition for folks who are from Craven County. $7,000 is for a public awareness campaign on recovery resources and substance use disorder. A lot of it you saw through billboards, online marketing, and other materials. And lastly is $6,200 for Speaker Tony Hoffman to come back and speak to all the eighth graders in Craven County as he's done for the last couple years about recovery and making right decisions and being resilient as a teenager.

Okay, any questions? on that program?

Yes, I have a question for Kaitlyn.

Please.

Hi Kaitlyn, good evening. I attended the last opening of the most recent home that U252 opened and it was wonderful. Do they have any other projections going forward for this coming year, anything new that I haven't heard about?

All I've heard about is them working on potentially an MAT specific house, but I haven't heard of any actual breaking ground or progression further than they're just working on the planning process for that.

Okay, so they might utilize a home that they already have for that program.

Correct, they may. They haven't finalized any decisions with that, but just looking at opening that up for medication-assisted treatment. Sorry, I used the MAT lingo, so I wanted to be specific. Okay, thank you. Sure.

Okay, if there are no other questions, motion to approve the RU252 budget amendment. Motion to approve. Second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason?

Yes.

Commissioner Smith? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes. Mr. Chairman, that takes care of it. Thank you. Okay, thank you.

Okay. Item number seven, human resources. Amber Parker. Request to adopt information technology on-call policy.

Good evening, Chairman, Commissioners. Just when you think you're about done with wrapping up budget. Craven County's Information Technology and Maintenance Departments. They support county functions that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And this necessitates them assigning employees to serve on call to work for employee needs, department needs, emergencies that are outside of the regular business hours. And that includes weekends and holidays. The fiscal year 26-27 budget you adopted includes funds to begin providing on-call pay for information technology employees required to serve on-call and to increase the daily rates for maintenance department employees that serve on-call. The budget daily rates match those approved for the water department last fiscal year which are $25 per day for Monday through Friday, $60 per day for Saturday and Sunday, and $80 for observed holidays. This request is to approve the two proposed on-call policies that have been established in accordance with budgeted rates. The new on-call policy for information technology and the amended on-call policy for maintenance are provided for your consideration.

Any questions for Ms. Parker?

I would make the motion to approve the recommended on-call policies. Second.

I have a motion and a second. No questions? Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you. Okay, item number eight is appointments. We've got five pending, the Community Child Protection Team, Craven Aging Planning Board, Craven County Clean Sweep, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Recreational Advisory Council. Under current, first one is Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. Tim Blaismore seeks reappointment. Mr.

Chair, I nominate Mr. Blasemore.

Are there any other nominations? Mr. Blasemore will be approved by acclamation. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Luann Mack seeks reappointment. Angela Wilson. Well, let's do one at a time. Luann Mack seeks reappointment.

I'll nominate Luann Mack.

Okay. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, she will be appointed by acclamation. Angela Wilson seeks reappointment.

I recommend Angela Wilson.

Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, Angela Wilson will be appointed by acclamation. Newberg Board of Adjustments. We still need someone to fill the seat vacated by Sandra Gray, but I guess we don't have any

It's just the people who actually live there. So before it was all property owners. And I spoke with Commissioner Smith, and I believe I spoke with Commissioner Jones. There was a couple of names of folks that have served in other capacities that probably need another two weeks to...

Okay. We'll pick that one up at our next meeting. Four commissioners are attending the annual conference, Commissioner's Conference. Commissioner Mason, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Hunt, and Commissioner Howard. We need approval for them to be voting delegates. Mr. Chairman, I believe we can only have one. Okay. Do we have somebody here who would like to nominate one of the other three?

Sure, I'll nominate Commissioner Smith to be the voting delegate. No? Need to decline?

I decline only because of my physical condition. I'd hate to be...

Okay, no problem.

I'd love to do it, except that...

I nominate Commissioner Howard. Thank you. Okay.

Commissioner Howard, all in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Mr. Howard, Commissioner Howard will be the voting member. Recreation Advisory Council. Ellen McElry seeks reappointment, District 1.

I'll nominate Ellen McElry for... Are there any other nominations?

Hearing none, she will be appointed by acclamation. Johnny Robinson, District 4. Mr. Chairman, I did speak with Commissioner Mitchell about Mr. Robinson.

She would recommend his approval for this seat if she were here.

I nominate Mr. Robinson. Mr. Robinson has been nominated. Are there any others? Hearing none, he will be appointed by acclamation. Chad Braxton. Seeks reappointment at large. I'll nominate Mr. Braxton for at large. Mayor Braxton has been nominated. Are there any others? He'll be appointed by Acclimation. Regional Aging Advisory Council. Melanie Truitt seeks reappointment.

She seeks appointment and I would make that nomination, sir.

Are there any others? Okay. Okay. She'll be appointed by acclamation. Craven County Planning Board, William Trawick. I'm sorry, this is upcoming. He'll be coming up at a next meeting or a future meeting, as will Sue Arthurs for the Fire Tax Commissioners Board, Township 6. So we'll look at those next meeting. Okay, and now for the most exciting part of our meeting. County Attorney's Report.

I've been called a lot of things over my career, but exciting is not one of them. It's always something new you can aspire to. Yes, sir. We have multiple county-owned surplus properties for sale. All of them have been acquired through the tax foreclosure process that we need to approve this evening. Mr. Chairman, with your permission, I'll jump right in. Yes, sir. The first property is located at 315 Drymonia Road out in the Tuscarora community with a parcel ID number of 9045169. We've got an initial offer in the amount of $9,000. The original taxes and cost of foreclosure together were $9,076.01. The tax value of the property is $9,000. Most of these properties we aim jointly with municipalities. This one is not. It is owned 100% by the county. I would suggest that the county consider giving the preliminary approval so we can move forward with the upset bid process.

Okay. Do I have a motion to approve? Motion to approve. All in favor? Aye. I'll second the motion. I'm sorry. That's fine. I thought I heard second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay, motion passes.

The second property is another initial offer to purchase for property located at 405 East Maple Street with a parcel ID number of 7006083. We've got an offer amount of $3,500, the original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure Together were $4,928.87. The tax value of the property is $9,800. As with the prior one, I would suggest that the board consider granting preliminary approval so we can begin the upset bid process.

Okay. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

The next one is another initial offer for property located at 623 2nd Avenue. It is within the city of New Bern, which has already given its approval of the initial offer. Parcel ID number is 8012147. The offer amount is $2,700. The original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure totaled $5,152.36. The tax value of this property is $5,400. I would ask that the board consider giving preliminary approval so we may get this one out for upset debts.

Okay. Do I have a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

The next one is another initial offer to purchase for property located at 2302 McKinley Avenue. It is within the city of New Bern, which has already given its approval to the preliminary offer. The parcel ID number is 8038064. The offer amount is $3,040. The past due taxes and cost of foreclosure Together, we're originally $3,136.20. The tax value of the property is $6,080. As with the others, I would ask that the board give its approval so we can get this one out for upset bids as well.

Okay. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

The next property is 1110 Mechanic Street within the city of New Bern with the parcel ID number 8014226. It is an initial offer and the city of New Bern has given its preliminary approval as we do own this property jointly with the city. The offer amount is $3,000. The original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure were $2,492.10. The tax value of the property is $6,000. As with the others, I would ask that the board consider granting its approval so we can get this one out for offset bids as well.

Okay. Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

The next property is another initial offer for property located at 1902 E.F. Tompkins Lane. It is within the city of New Bern, which has already given its approval for the initial offer. The parcel ID number is 8067033. The offer amount is $4,500. The original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure total $15,966.57. The tax value of the property is $9,000. As with the others, I would ask the board to give its approval so we can get this out for upset bills.

Okay, do I hear a motion? So moved. Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

The next property is located at 1205 Mechanic Street within the city of New Bern. We have a parcel ID number of 8014318. This is a final approval after the expiration of the upset bid period. The original offer amount was $3,000. There have been no upset bids, so that becomes your last and highest bid. The original taxes and past due taxes and cost of foreclosure together were $4,000. $555.58. The tax value of the property is $6,000. As with the others, the city of New Bern has given its approval to this final sale and I would ask that the board consider doing likewise.

Okay. Motion to approve? I would make that motion, sir. Second. Motion and a second. Madam Clerk, I'd like a roll call on this one, please.

Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Smith? Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman Bucher?

Yes. The next property is for a final approval after expiration of the upset bid period. The property is located at 824 Lees Avenue within the city of New Bern. We have a parcel ID number of 8. 007234. The initial offer amount was $4,000. We've received no upset bids, so that becomes your last and highest bid. The original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure were $6,127.59. The tax value of the property is $6,000. The City of New Bern has given its approval and I would ask that the Board consider doing likewise so we can I get this one closed and back on the tax rolls.

Motion to approve. Second. And a motion and a second. Roll call, please.

Commissioner Hunt. Yes. Commissioner Mason. Yes. Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard. Yes. Vice Chairman Jones. Yes. Chairman Zucker.

Yes. Mr. Chairman and Commissioners, our last property is located at 615 First Avenue with a parcel ID number of 8012205. It is a final approval after the expiration of the upset bid. period. We do own this property jointly with the City of New Bern, which has given its approval already. The original offer amount was $2,700. There were no upset bids, so $2,700 becomes your final bid. The original past due taxes and cost of foreclosure totaled $388.96. I actually verified that three different times because I didn't really believe it. The tax value is $5,400. And as with the others, I would suggest that this board give its approval so we can close this transaction and get the property back on the tax rolls.

Motion to approve. Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Roll call, please.

Yes. Commissioner Mason. Yes. Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard. Yes. Vice Chairman Jones. Yes. Chairman Bucher.

Yes. That concludes my report.

Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Appreciate it. County Manager's Report. Mr. Veidt.

Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, for the opportunity to come up again. One action item for you tonight I'd like to present to you. The Board would be willing a proclamation honoring recipients of the Purple Heart. So, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to read it in the record and let you have consideration of it.

Okay.

Whereas the Purple Heart Medal, an American decoration that is awarded in the name of the President of the United States, is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use, Whereas the Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York on August 4th, 1782 during the Revolutionary War as an incentive to the Continental Army. Whereas the Purple Heart is awarded directly or posthumously to members of the armed forces who are wounded or die from wounds received in armed conflict with an enemy force or while held by an enemy force as a prisoner of war, or are wounded or killed as a result of friendly fire or as otherwise designated by the President of the United States. Whereas the Purple Heart may also be awarded to a civil or foreign service employee from a U.S. government agency or department attached to a military unit performing intelligence, counterterrorism, or other duties with a military unit wounded by international terrorists. And whereas a new design of the Purple Heart Medal was issued on February 22nd, 1932, Whereas the recipients of the Purple Heart have known the meaning of sacrifice and the preservation of the United States of America and the preservation of natural interest in home and abroad. Whereas Craven County has the third highest veterans as a percentage of population in North Carolina with around 200 Purple Heart recipients here in our county. Whereas the sacrifices made on our behalf will forever be an inspiration to all citizens of Craven County, North Carolina. And whereas Craven County, North Carolina is a Purple Heart County and pledges its ongoing commitment to and support for the men and women who so honorably serve our nation. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Craven County Board of Commissioners hereby salutes valiant men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart and recognizes the support and sacrifice of their loved ones adopted this sixth day of July 2026. And I should give you a little preface that this year, in a couple weeks, we're going to be the proud host of the National Purple Heart Convention here in New Bern. Craven County. We're really excited about that. We'll have folks coming in from all across the United States. Certainly be a time to recognize these individuals. There is a planned ceremony by our Purple Heart Monument on the courthouse lawn on the 16th at 1 p.m. for anybody that's interested. I know that the gentlemen who are putting this event on have spared no effort in making that a special event that day. Mr. Chairman, I put this before the board for consideration at this time.

Okay. Is there a motion to approve that? Motion to approve. Second. A motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

Two small things I wanted to recognize. Shane Diagon and Dwayne Alligood got out of here before I could make this presentation on their recent promotions. Shane is the budget director. Dwayne is our water and engineering services director. We're really proud of both of them. They do a great job, work very hard for the people of Craven County. And last, I couldn't resist, Go USA tonight, big soccer game for the folks who watch soccer. I know you guys are moving quick. I don't know if we have soccer fans or not, or we're just moving that fast. But anyway, Go USA tonight. So thank you, and let you have things for me.

I heard today the last game 30 million people were watching.

Got to be more tonight. Got to be more tonight. Amazing. Thank you, guys.

Okay, next item on the agenda is a petition of citizens. Mrs. Smith, Commissioner Smith, would you go first?

I don't have anything to present tonight. Okay.

Ms. Hunt?

I don't have anything to present tonight.

Well, I'll talk then. I'm going to reinforce the military where the Purple Heart is having their national conference here. It'll be next week, and the ceremony out there did a great job Clearing it out, making it look good. And I look forward to the convention next week.

That's on Monday, if I remember. Well, it's all... I know, but the...

Right.

That's on... On the lawn on Monday.

Yeah.

Okay.

It's on the final day, I think it was the 16th. 16th. Yeah. July 13th or 16th.

We have three citizens who signed up this evening for general topics. The first is Mr. David French. We would ask each speaker this evening if they would to give their address as they approach for the record and we have three minutes. Thank you.

Are these being recorded? Are you recording it? Is it being recorded?

We'll find out.

I'm David French, 104 Johnson. Since 2018, I have advocated for my cousin, Mary Ann, who died in 2022, and since for myself and others to get us back home. Fighting against the fraud of North Carolina and Rebuild NC, they inflict daily harm and suffering on us, the over 8,000 still homeless, hurricanes, Matthew and Florence flood survivors and victims. It is fraudulent for Craven County, the state of North Carolina, and the USA to spend our taxpayer bucks on walks. when there are needs like those of a 93-year-old lady here in Craven County who is still living in a cramped travel trailer going on eight years. Shameful, sinful, shame on all of you. Chairman Mal Bucher decided without any public discussion or notice to start censoring we the people and stop recording and sharing their general public comments to prevent and to provide the Craven County taxpayers a knowing understanding what their fellow Craven Countians have to say. Shane Diagon, the public information officer, lied to the Sun-Journal on June 15th, 2026 article about the real reason why you all stopped recording the comments. It's because I have been here every month since last fall seeking redress of my grievances and exposing Bluchers and his old boys hypocrisy. You all have proven that you don't care for history by destroying the Sudan shrine, wasting 9 million of our taxpayer bucks, and for erasing black and white folks' historical words at these meetings. This is discrimination writ large, a violation of our constitutional and civil rights. It is true democracy dies in darkness. We, the people, are the light to shine upon all of you. It's happening all over the country, especially with the forced data centers that are destroying our water supply environment and people's lives by both political parties. We the people demand the following. One, we the people demand that you all start recording and sharing the general public comments via YouTube now. Two, we the people demand that you all bring back all those whose comments were censored, not recorded, and not shared by Craven County for May, June, and July. so that they can be heard, recorded, and shared to the Craven County taxpayers. They are Ms. Cleopatra Hargett Lawton, Reverend Robert Johnson, Dr. Kwasi Fulaki, M.D., Reverend Ray Griffin, Russell Bauer, Jr., David French, and anyone else in those speaking tonight. Three, we the people demand a written and public apology in an official meeting with public comments from Chairman Booker, Vice Chairman Jones, and Commissioners Howard Hunt, Mason, Mitchell, Smith, and County Manager Veit, Assistant Manager Hodges, P.I.O. Diagon, and Clerk Wilson for censoring and depriving your constituents. Four, we the people demand that all public comments, both agenda and general, be placed at the beginning of the meeting going forward. Five, we the people demand five minutes to share our thoughts going forward. Six, we the people demand that the clerk Wilson do her sworn duty to actually report the minutes for May, June, July, and future written by updating who speaks in their topic. Seven, we the people demand that public comments be available at both official meetings. You all are making decisions with our money, and we have no real say whatsoever. There are hundreds of millions of us from all sides who are not going to put up with it any longer. Man is mighty, but God is almighty. I will not yield. So was this recorded or not? Was it recorded?

No, was it recorded or not? Your time is up, sir.

Mr. Chairman, our next citizen is Reverend Ray Griffin.

Amen.

God bless. Another routine.

Ray Griffin, 1981, Streets 40 Road, the Vance Forum. I'm sure all of you know why I'm here. You will not say the name of Jesus. And all I've asked was to permit information, what's going on, why the lawsuit, who brought it up, and all these kind of things. I've got nothing. And all I've heard is Democratic Party. I heard that the Democratic Party issued this lawsuit, and I would like to know why. What reason they had to issue it. And right now, if you know, many of the Democrats now are saying we have gone too far to the left. And many of them are coming out and saying, yes, we were wrong. And now they need to change and we need to just get some information so I can get it to my folks. We as Christians are to keep our focus on eternal matters rather than temporary war politics. The Bible tells us we are to seek the kingdom of God. We are to align with him and the Father on what matters. We are not to get involved in political mess that we are in today. We must put our thoughts and energy into action that furthers the purpose of God rather than earthly authority. What is truth? Truth has never been a question to be decided by polls or opinion. Truth is a democracy. It's something that God has written into every fabric of nature. We must be the same person in private and public. Only the Christian worldview gives us the basis for this kind of integrity. Our hope is not in who governs us or what laws are passed or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of the people. To change others, we must show our faith, live out our faith in both public and private. Removing religious symbols from where it was placed is not neutrality. A lot of people say we can move these things because others don't like it, or we can just be neutral and forget about it. But we can't do that. On the contrary, Being neutral, it sends a message that religion is something shameful, embarrassing, or at the best, strictly private. Look around at what's going on in our schools. Look around what's going on in our society. Look around what's going on with our kids, juvenile detention centers, and all these things that happen. Look at our society. Look what happened over the Fourth of July. Shootings in the backyard parties and people being killed. For what reason? For no reason because this nation is not the nation that was founded in 1776 on the word of God. This is, as I know of, America was the only nation founded on the freedom of religion. And I'm saying that we need to straighten up, get fired up, get prayed up. And all I asked was for information why this lawsuit was put into place. It was overturned one time. It was overturned. And I don't understand why the lawyer don't bring up some information. It was overturned because the same thing happened back in 2010 or so. So I'm just asking for some information. I don't know why that's so hard to let me know what's going on. I know if it's a Democratic Party, I think you need to be looking into that. The Democratic Party now have become socialist, and they have become to the point that they just don't care about anybody but themselves. Amen?

Mr. Chairman, our next speaker is Reverend Damon King.

Good evening, Board. Good evening, Mr. Chairman. Vice Chair, Chair. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to come up and speak, and that's all I wanted to do. I just wanted to make sure I was going to come up here and not get censored, because I've been told for the last two days you won't let me speak. And that's all I wanted to do. Just come up here and make certain that I won't be censored. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to speak without you telling me what to say and permitting me to say. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, that's all our citizens have signed up.

Okay? If there's no other business tonight, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn. Second.

All in favor? Aye.