City Council - Regular Meeting

they feel comfortable and safe within their community. Know that there's individuals out there to help them in times of need, whether it be from private citizens or city staff, and just make sure that they get

All right. Good evening. I'd like to call the April 9th, 2026 meeting of the Greenville City Council to order. I'm Mayor PJ Connelly presiding over tonight's meeting. First, I'd like to call on our city attorney, Mr. McGurt, for the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. Thank you, Mayor. Let us pray. Eternal God, this is the day that you have made and we rejoice and are glad. Help us to set our affections on things above and we ask your blessings upon this the mayor of the council as they deliberate on the decisions they have to make on tonight, the city staff, all the participants in the audience and the entire city. We ask your blessings on the city of Greenville. For Christ's sake, in his name, I offer this invocation. Amen. Amen.

Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Wonderful job, Mr. McGurt. All right. Uh, next I'd like Madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Yes, sir. Mayor Connelly, here. Mayor Foreman. Council member Jones here. Council member Hardy here. Council member Scully here. Council member Robinson here. Council member Wallace here. All right. Mayor Connelly before.

Thank you very much. We'll now move on to the approval of tonight's agenda. Mr. Manager, any recommended changes? Mr. Attorney. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor and Council, I request two items be added. Uh uh to schedule a special meeting uh regarding the city's legislative agenda regarding the Pit County City of Greenville Airport Authority to be to be heard after other items of business immediately after item 25. And the second item is a close session item to be heard following section 12 comments from the mayor and the council. Motion to approve the agenda as amended. All right. All right. Motion's been made by Council Member Scoly, second by Council Member Robinson. All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 5.

We will now move on to special recognitions. All right. I don't need a microphone. So, tonight it is our honor as a city to recognize the graduates of the 2026 city citizen academy. Over the last five to six weeks, we've had individuals within uh our city who have come to learn and and work with our employees to basically get an idea of how this city runs and what we do as city employees to impact their lives every single day. A major part of this is has been two special employees of the city of Greenville, Margot Clark and Anna Edwards who from our special events department who have basically spearheaded this program over the last several weeks. I would like to ask them to come forward. Margo to lead our graduation. Um at this time we're going to recognize as Michael said our in good company participants. Um but before we start, um on behalf of Anna and I, we really truly just want to thank all of city staff who made each week absolutely amazing. Um they were involved in the success of this and we could not have done it without them. Um in Good Company is a sevenweek hands-on interactive opportunity to take take a glance at local government. Um it has three main goals to increase communication and build a relationship between the city and its citizens. to provide education and insight to citizens of Greenville concerning the day-to-day functions as

Michael mentioned and then foster over time a pool of well-informed citizens graduates um that will share newly acquired knowledge and insight with others so they may find themselves in good company and so I'm so thankful that y'all signed up because of course we couldn't have a program without you um and we're excited to recognize you tonight. Uh first off, Nicole Ally Andy Avery, CONGRATULATIONS,

Vanessa Watting, Madison Brewer, Novelyn Douglas Green, Christina Harris, Elaine Ley. MISTY MILLER, Julian Scott Brit Marie Swan,

Stephanie Trip, Gerald Whitley,

Shantel Walters.

What does Big family. We'll move our heads around.

Thank you. Congratulations. Thanks for participating. I promise to be a good citizen. You're always good. I know that. Engage too.

Thank you. Get my bougie look.

Did you hear that? My daughter says bougie look. All right. Now we'll move on to the public comment period. The com public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public. Items that were or are scheduled to be the subject of a public hearing conducted this meeting or another meeting during the same week shall not be discussed. A total of 30 minutes is allocated with each individual being allowed no more than 3 minutes. Individuals who registered with the city clerk to speak will speak in the order registered until the allotted 30 minutes expires. If time remains after all persons who have registered have spoken, individuals who did not register will have an opportunity to speak until the allotted 30 minutes expires. Madam clerk, our first speaker. Yes, sir. Miss Jennifer South, you have three minutes to address the mayor and councel. We'll address them from the public podium right there. self. Thank you.

Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Good evening.

All right. My name is Jen Self of Greenville, North Carolina, and I'm here tonight to call attention to an issue that I believe we as a city should be doing more to prepare for. Uh from what I've observed during my time living here, which is several years now, um our city tends to make reactions instead of uh taking preventative actions. things like cracking down on traffic instead of improving the flow of pedestrians, um expanding into the suburbs without getting your ne necessary infrastructure and uh you know outgrowing some of our roads and sitting back and watching them. Um but we can bicker about these at length, but some things namely basic human rights deserve better and they deserve to be protected well in advance. Right now across the country, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, has been acting in ways that are demonstrably unlawful. Our neighbors in Minnesota may be experiencing the most televised aspects, but it is no secret that the agency is operating in all states. While other cities may not see their citizens being shot in the streets, not yet anyway, they're seeing armed and masked individuals striking their homes, their churches lying in weight outside their schools, their restaurants, their job sites. If you haven't yet, I would really like everyone to listen to some of the 911 calls from Charlotte during the recent ICE crackdown because they're absolutely chilling. People are scared. Uh my friends and co-workers and I talk about this almost daily. I work in healthcare. Uh my patients, their families are scared. I'm scared. Late last year, uh there was just a rumor of ICE activity in the county and I spent that entire day at work comforting people, patients, legal American citizens, comforting them because they were scared. I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I'm calling on you all to adopt the Philadelphia model in response in relation to ICE. No city agency should be collaborating with them in any form that includes the sharing of data. We need to keep this violence off of and out of our city properties. I also want to know if our school system has any plan in place uh for when not if ICE shows up in Pit County. Uh it's easy for some of us to

stand by and say that it's not happening here. It's not happening to us. It's not here in our home. Uh and it may not ever happen. Believe me when I say that I dearly hope it does not ever happen. All the same, I hope a hurricane doesn't pummel its way up the coast. And I prepare my house, myself, and my household for hurricane season. I'm calling on you to prepare my city and prepare my home for the worst. If the news cycle these days has taught us anything, it's that the worst can happen. And it does happen every single day. And we should not just react to the worst. We should take action against the worst. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Michelle. Madam clerk, our next speaker.

Yes, sir. Our next speaker is Miss Patty Crew.

You have three minutes to address the mayor and council.

Good evening, um, mayor and city council. Um, I also am here to speak on um the problems that we have with ICE and not being clear on the direction that we should go within our county. Um, it's come to our attention ever since Minnesota, I mean, when all the things have been going on, um, we've just been trying to think, well, what are we going to do here? Um, I contacted today the sheriff's department, the police department, the um hospital, ECU Health's the the police there and on campus at ECU and P community. And I was only able to talk to two people. Others either left a message or um there was nobody available that could help me. And the people that answered the phone were like, I don't know, I don't know who to connect you with. But um the ECU health police said that they sent out an email about a month ago to all the staff at the hospital um just to let them know in case and but didn't tell me what. And then um the Greenville Police Department said that that Homeland Security is federal. So they if as long as the ICE agents were doing their job, they weren't to interfere. But then I'm thinking, well, what if they don't do their job and something happens to some of our families or individuals in Pit County and Greenville? Um, that's something to think about. And so, I didn't find any cohesiveness within all the systems that we have who are our local law enforcement um that take care of us, you know, serve and protect just like you all do, too. So, we're asking that if this can be brought up um in a way that we all know as citizens and schools know, teachers know, families know. So, whatever jobs we have or if we're retired, we can watch out for each

other. Um the Philadelphia plan was presented as a policy. Um, and they have six good points. And this is something that you could probably look up and um, see, but um, the details of this policy include that in Philadelphia they require ICE and law enforcement to clearly identify themselves, no masks or unmarked vehicles. Um, it also bans 287 agreements that deputize local police as ICE agents. Um, you can't do that. You can't use local police to be ICE agents. Okay. This prohibits city agencies from cooperating or sharing any data with ICE. It's all personal. Um, this also um prevents collection or disclosure of immigration or citizenship status and prohibits ICE use of property for raids or staging within the city. you know, they're not supposed to come here and just set down camp or anything

and that's time. Okay. And also requires a judicial warrant for ICE access to any city facilities like libraries or the shelters or any healthc care facility. So, thank you. Thank you, M. Take this into consideration. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker, next speaker is Miss Nancy Pitman. Miss Pitman, you have three minutes. address the mayor and counsel.

Good afternoon. My name is Nancy Pitman. I live in 160 South 1606003 South Pit Street and my complaint is I was wrongfully fired by the city from the transet center due to uh Devon and Irving and I had been there six years doing my duty that I supposed to done and did over more than I supposed to do. I went beyond under and beyond and I was fired behind it. I lost my waist behind it and everything and I had a sexual harassment charge and I feel they have something to do with it retaliate back at me and I never got apologed the sexual harassment charge. I feel like that's what it really was. But you know, you got to speak up sometime. If we don't speak up, it going to continue to keep going. And I ain't the only lady that down there had a sexual harassment charge. And I've been going through this for a couple months now. And I've been talked to by Devin Irving Gon Gon Thompson had some words with me about a man come used to mock buckling housekeeper that sick years. He came to me. He said, "Have you been back by yourself all day?" And I said, "Yes, I have." I said, "Is there anything wrong? Is there anything you need me to do?" He said, "No, you fine, Miss Nancy." He said, "Well, who was that man that were back here with you that use your mop?" I said, "One of the bus driver. They come get the mop out the bucket when somebody spill something on the bus." So, it felt like I was accused of this man. And then it was just me ever since, ever since. Next thing I know, he gave two weeks for me to be removed from the building. And I don't know why. Sir,

thank you, Miss B. Thank you, ma'am. Don't act like you don't know what she's talking about. I've been emailing for two weeks, so when I get up here, I'm going to blast you professionally. Thank you, sir. Madame Clerk, our next speaker. Next speaker is Mr. Marvin McCousen. Mr. McCousen, you have three minutes. Okay. Nancy Pitman uh is an employee of AMB Cleaning Service.

She's been an employee of AMB Clean Service for a long time. She worked at the transit center, did her job, did an excellent job. She was sexually harassed by uh a uh city of Greenville employee. It was investigated by the HR uh department without my knowledge, without my HR department, without my attorney. And you know better, Mr. Attorney, cuz I'm going to get on you next. And just cut to the chase. I ask all of you all to apologize to Miss Nancy Pittton. And PJ, I think it's you or the attorney said you're not going to do it publicly written. Uh, you're not going to do it. Period. I think that's horrible. The two people that made me remove her from the building, they said they want her gone. And you all know that this is fact. This ain't no, you don't have to go back and say we're looking into it. It's documented. It's a fact. And it's a shame that you take two people out of public works that make $280,000 a year combined and you remove a hourly person. You make me as a contractor. Remove them from the building. Don't care if they can pay their bills or not. And I've emailed every last one of you. And you're scared of me evidently because you're not returning my emails. All of you. I think a lot of you, Miss Jones, you were elected. You hadn't emailed me back either. PJ, I've voted for you two times. I've invited you to the coffee shop to sit on the porch and just have some conversation. Coffee and spicy business we own. Used to jog in my neighborhood. You haven't returned my call. I think you really need to step down. I think you need to step down, but then we'd be in a mess because Miss Foreman, who's the pro Tim, she don't

return my call, she don't email, and she can't do your job. So, the city would be in a total disaster. So, I want to know as I email, Mr. attorney. What is your next step to talk to all the women that worked at the transit center from my with that work with my company and see if they were sexually harassed or sexually assaulted because one of your employees was sexually assaulted by this same person I'm being told. But you can't discuss public I mean your personnel records but I know what happened. So what is your plan for us to get together and figure out how we're going to talk to these women? cuz one of them is my daughter that goes down there. And you know what? 86% of women do not disclose that they were sexually harassed or assaulted. Shame on all of you except Matt Scully. You're a good man. I like you. And Porsha, you went to school at my daughter. I like you. What are you scared of? Why don't you email me back? Why you been avoiding me for two weeks? Let's speak up. Anybody got anything to say?

And that's time. Hey, thanks sir. Madam clerk, our next speaker next speaker is Reverend Anne Harrington. Reverend Harrington, you have three minutes.

Good evening. Good evening.

I am Reverend Anne Harrington, founding priest and pastor of Free Spirit Inclusive Catholic Community here in Greenville, North Carolina. I've lived here for nearly 40 years. I thank you for your service to this city I have come to love. Service is at the heart of the gospel of Jesus. Jesus command to love God's self neighbor and enemy is my guiding light. The terror unleashed by the Trump administration makes my blood boil. Any MAGA supporter who thinks tearing people from their families and putting them in detention centers is consistent with the gospel of Jesus is dead wrong. In this season of resurrection and renewal, I sense a force more powerful than the mega crowd rising in the good of the people of this nation to in embrace a vision of freedom and justice for all. Some of us are here. We ask you to join us by passing resolutions modeled on the Philadelphia ones that ensure we have guard rails in place if ICE shows up. Thank you for listening.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker, next speaker, um, Kyla Mlan. Mlan. MLAN. I think it's MLAN. Okay. Last name MLAN. MLAN. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening.

My name is Kyla Mlan and I am a member of the Young Democratic Socialist of America at East Carolina University here in Greenville. I am here today not just as a student but as someone who is surrounded by people who are scared. Friends, classmates, people I see every day who contribute to this community are living with uncertainty about their safety and their future. These are not just strangers. These are people who sit next to me in class who work jobs in this city who are trying to build life just as anyone else. And right now many of them asking the same question. Am I safe here? When people are afraid to report crimes, to go to schools, or to even exist openly in their own community, it affects all of us. A community cannot truly thrive when part of it is living in fear. That's why I'm asking you to consider what means for Greenville and for ECU to take a stand as a sanctuary city and campus. Not just as a policy, but as a statement of who we are and what we stand for. and what we value. A sanctuary campus or a city does not mean ignoring the law. It means setting a clear boundary of how local institutions participate in immigration enforcement. It can look like a university administration not to voluntarily share student information with federal immigration authorities like DHS without legal requirement. It could mean city or campus police focus on student safety and not immigration status. It could mean ensuring that ICE is not allowed to access campus spaces and that students know their right if they're approached. At the city level, it can mean local law enforcement not using their resources to carry out federal immigration enforcement so that residents can feel safe reporting crimes

just as you. It could mean investing in community resources, legal aid, and support and systems so everyone regardless of status can live, work, and learn without constant fear. Because at the end of the day, this is about people. It is about safety, dignity, freedom from fear, democracy, and as well as willing to protect the members of our community. So, I will leave you this. I will leave you with this. If it were your friend, your classmate, your family member living with this kind of fear, uncertainty, what would you want to do about your community responding to it and how would you be effective in responding? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Madam Clerk. Our next speaker. Yes, sir. Next speaker is Mr. Hunter Reynolds. You have three minutes to address the mayor and council. City Council. Hello.

My name's Hunter Reynolds. I've lived in Greenville all of my life. This city and the community of people who live here are very important to me. Throughout the past few months, I have seen the devastating amount of damage that ICE has done to communities all around the country. And in cases such as Alex, community leaders have been killed in the streets. I couldn't imagine if in his place it was somebody who's a community leader here in Greenville. Somebody like Matt Scoly who I've personally witnessed support his community in any way he possibly can. I've seen that with my own eyes. Any one of us could be taken away at any moment for the crime of defending those we care about. And that's why I will not tolerate ICE in Greenville and why I hope you won't either. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Madam Clerk. Our next speaker, next speaker is Mr. Cayla Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs, you have three minutes to address the mayor and council.

Good evening, council. Thank you for this opportunity. Over the past decade, I have called Greenville home uh as I have continued my academic journey and I've learned a lot about myself as a young person, a young man. And I want to speak on bravery. Um, a lot of voices today are talking about the Philadelphia model and sanctuary cities. And I've uh heard rumors of the argument that if we were to adopt this model, it would make us a target. And I believe that the term for that is extortion. Do not be cowardly of federal oversight extortion. Do not allow Washington leaders to tell us in Greenville what we can and cannot do under the threat of violence. I beg this council not to be cowardly. I remind you that as you sit at your desk behind these computers, you are the ones with the power in Greenville to make these decisions. Not Washington, not Raleigh, you. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker. Okay. Yes, sir. Um, next speaker is Mr. Rod Debs. You have three minutes to address the mayor and council. Again, Debs. Deb. Yeah. Rod Debs. Deb. Thank you.

Hello. Uh, good to see you again. Um I'm here to speak in on behalf of the Philadelphia Philadelphia model. Also, um ICE has an agenda of mass deportation. It's been very publicly said and this is without due process. Um the police and uh deputies in this area are very careful uh to have policies and legal protocols uh to enforce law and to make sure that there is due process to hold all residents uh here legally accountable. But the masked federal agents who have been abducting largely citizens from streets in the United States have been doing it under a color of law. uh color of federal law um based on color of skin on the accents that people have if it's considered a foreign accent and not held accountable um under federal law. They haven't been held accountable. They've not been individually accountable. Their faces are covered. There's no names on their uniforms. Anyone can print militarystyle uh clothing and with ICE on it without their name, without facial recognition. Uh there's no accountability. We've seen armed violence, seen chemical violence, abduction, imprisonment,

deportation, and killing. and it's of American citizens. So, I I think you can uh you've heard some of the details of the Philadelphia model and I hope you'll take it seriously. Thank you, Mr. Debs. Madam Clerk, our next speaker. Next speaker is Mr. Michael Clanden. You've got three minutes to address the mayor council. I don't think I said it right that time. Good evening everyone. Good evening. Good evening.

My name is Mike Linden and I'm from the Greenville area and I'm also here to talk about the situation with ICE. Uh I would like for uh you guys to adopt a policy modeled after the one enacted in Philadelphia regarding cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, otherwise known as ICE. This is no longer a theor a theoretical decision. It is a matter of public safety, constitutional responsibility, and moral leadership. When residents are afraid to call the police, report crimes, or cooperate with investigations because they fear entanglement with federal immigration enforcement, our entire community becomes less safe. That is not speculation. That is documented reality in cities that fail to draw clear boundaries. Policies like Philadelphia has restored trust and trust is the foundation of effective policy. Let's be honest about the roles and responsibilities local law enforcement exists to serve and protect our community, not to act as an extension of federal immigration agencies. Every moment spent diverting local resources into federal enforcement priorities is a moment taken away from addressing crime, supporting victims, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Delaying action sends us a message, whether intended or not, that fear and uncertainty are acceptable conditions for members of our community. That is not leadership. Leadership means making clear, principled decisions that protect all residents and uphold the integrity of local government. Philadelphia has already demonstrated that this approach works. It is lawful. It is practical. And it strengthens rather than weakens public safety. The question before you is simple. Will you act in the best interest of the entire community or will you allow fear and inaction to continue undermining it? I urge you to adopt this policy without further delay. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker, Miss Lori Clandin, you've got three minutes to address the mayor and council.

Good evening. I've lived in or around Green Grievville since 1979 and I consider this city to be my hometown. All my experiences in this city have been positive with folks being friendly, helpful, and caring and I've always felt safe. I'm very concerned now for the safety of everyone in Greenville if I arrives in our city. We've seen the chaos, fear, injury, and death caused by ICE in other cities. I hope that Greenbull can be proactive and adopt practices that will help keep us all safe. Please consider adopting policies such as the ones used by Philadelphia with regards to the level of cooperation with ICE. Thank you for your time.

Madame Clerk, our next speaker. Yes, sir. Our next speaker, Mr. Carlos Alfonso. You have three minutes to address the mayor and council. Council, it's wonderful to see you all again. Good to hear.

Um, I'm not going to go too much into the story I gave last time. You guys all heard that and the fear that having ICE and deportation kind of hanging over your head can do to communities. I hope you heard from a lot of folks in this room here that we want something done and and more than that, we actually just really want to hear from y'all what can be done. We understand that with Raleigh there's a lot of preeemption and million one other rules that prevent y'all and put your arms behind your back and we get that. But we still want to hear what we can do in our communities. If there's something in the Philadelphia model that doesn't work, please tell us what. Like at this point, we just don't know. We don't want to keep sitting in silence and wondering if you guys believe in the same things are seeing the same things that we're seeing. I have a lot of faith in everyone on this council. I've known a lot of you personally. I think you guys are wonderful people and you mean well for our community. But we really need to start hearing stuff about this now and we need to start taking action. We shouldn't wait till ICE is at our doors and harassing our people to finally take action. Um, a lot of what I see the benefits from the Philadelphia model is it can act as an armor. ICE is a very lazy agency. They're going to go elsewhere to hit a quota. If they know coming to Greenville is going to be harder, they ain't going to come here. They're going to go to Snow Hill or Lenor County or anywhere else. That would be the hope. If they know Greenville is going to put up a fight, they'll go somewhere else. So, um, I hope you guys say something at the end of the public comment today. We'd love to hear from you all. Um, that's it for me.

Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker,

next speaker is Mr. Adrien Times. Mr. Times, you have three minutes to address the mayor and council. All right. Hi, my name is Adrien Times and I'm here to request a feasibility study for a high-rise complex in northern Greenville. Uh, this high-rise complex would be 12 stories, top story commercial, bombstory resident, bomb story retail, middle stories residential. There would also be an attached parking garage. Uh it if you check your handouts, the map and height associated is designed to be co- compliant. Uh the south end would also have a bunch of civic offices at a minimum of police station since there is no Greenville PD that far north. This would be located just south of 237 and 13 partly for access to traffic. Uh partly because of the reason to do this jobs. Northeast Greenville is sprouting industrial jobs and then there's industrial mega sites to the north of Greenville. The primary intended audience of this would be the industrial workers and their families. There would also be senior friendly uh units as well. Students are not unwelcome, but they're not the primary intended audience. Uh the second through 12th floors open up and as you see on the map, there's court how there's courtyards for community services. Um, I come from a place which went through the same growing pains as Greenville many decades ago and this was the most effective solution especially if we can get it out in front and Greenville has a chance to do so right now. Dense housing in in a nutshell. Um, it minimizes displacement of existing residents as new residents arrive and they will. It makes city services more effective. mass transit, police department, everything that you pay for gets more effective if this happens and there's ample room to expand that up there. This is basically another urban

core. Now, what I wish to request is one of three actions. So, the feasibility study, I've asked some developers, if there's any other developers who are listening, I'm easy to find online. Um, the maximum quote I found was 50,000. I know that's a bit of a ch a chunk change. If you want to approve it, great. If there are state and federal grants available uh to pay for this if run by a government entity such as the city of Greenville, city manager's office wants me or ask me to get uh city council buy in before they will approve the hours to even propose for that or I know that uh there's a lot a lot a lot of information attached to this and I only have three minutes. Uh if you would like a longer briefing either alongside or in advance of giving that approval, let's put on the calendar. And since I have a few more seconds, uh let me plus one the recommendation that you look at the Philadelphia protocols. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker. Yes, sir. Our next speaker is Miss Melissa Gray. You have three minutes to address the mayor and counsel. While while she's walking up here, do you know how much time we have left? We're actually at time right now. Does the council want to extend the public comment period? How many are left? We'd have to make a motion to do that. Got like to make a motion to extend. We have two more speakers. Second. Okay. All right. Motion's been made by Council Member Scully, second by Council Member Jones. All those in favor say I. Those oppos say nay. Motion passes 6.

Yeah. I was about to say, can we GET A CLAP? HELLO, MAYOR. HELLO, city councilors. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak tonight. I am here to as part of the crowd that is here asking for consideration of the Philadelphia model. I have been a resident of Greenville for over 20 years, which hardly seems possible, but here I am. And I have always felt very safe and very welcome in this city with ICE, the potential of ICE coming in in unmarked vehicles, no badges, no wearing masks, unlike this good officer over here who has a I'm sure a name tape and is not wearing a mask. I don't know who those people are. I don't know if they're really federal officers or if they're somebody kidnapping my friends, family, and neighbors. I would request you to take a look at the Philadelphia model and please consider enacting some or all of those policies. I also would strongly encourage you to at the bare minimum consider making sure that federal officers are wearing identification and that they're not wearing masks and requiring judicial warrants for them to go into public spaces to go after people. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope you have a good evening.

Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Our next speaker.

Okay, next speaker is uh Jesse Little. You have three minutes to address the mayor and councel city council. Glad to be here. Uh, I came here um to talk about policing and housing, uh, landlords coming into communities where families are and people are buying their homes. And I've come here to say to ask if there's any way that we can get something done about this. They they buy up these properties and they rent them out and they don't really have a criteria, I don't think, when they rent them out. And you have might have a house and you might have five or six people staying in that house and cars parked all over in and out traffic in and out all the time women coming in and out. We know what they're doing and I want to know can be something can be done about this. We've lived in our house ever since 2009. It's a nice community. Uh field screen is out from um frog level. nice development, quiet, peaceful, and for the last couple of years, it's been getting worse. And we want something done. And this is a fellow land owner out there. He's

My name is Christopher Godley. I'm a Gulf War Iraqi war veteran. I've lived in my home for 15 years. In the past month, I don't know what. Keep it. There's some people living in this home right next to me. They just moved over a month ago doing stuff that they have no business been doing. There are section 8 people renting this home and they're really disturbing my peace. My anxiety is through the roof now. And what can we do to keep them people out of our neighborhood? It's a real nice neighborhood. It's real quiet. Been very calming up until this past month. And those people come in there. I spoke with the landlord and he told me when I asked him how long are they going to be there because it's no place for them. They have no respect for us. None whatsoever. And I'm to the point now where it's only been a month. I'm I'm tired of them. They have to get out of there.

Thank you. Thank you, sir. Miss Foreman. Hi, Jessie. Okay. Um, how you doing, Miss Jesse? Not good.

Uh, I understand. Um, I I wanted to respond to you guys related to your concern about substandard housing. Uh, because uh, uh, Seth and, um, and we're having it with student housing as well as across the city. Uh this has been an issue that we have been dealing with that has been exacerbating um particularly since co so um one of the challenges that we're having is you know we've got housing insecurity and that is because rent's going up um uh uh utilities are going up uh gas now is going up all expenses are going up except for people's wages And a lot of uh the thought process behind that on how to address it has been supply and demand. If we create more supply then um then it helps with the demand. But one of the byproducts that people have not been uh acknowledging uh widespread is that with um property owners because they know people are desperate for housing. Two things have been happening. number one, um things haven't been kept up and so we're dealing with substandard housing, right? Um the other thing is um situations like what you're describing, Mr. with you know, we've had situations where there's a home in someone's neighborhood and it's causing a lot of issues and um um and it's difficult to respond to. Um, a couple of the situations that we've dealt with particularly cuz you guys are talking about two separate things and so I'm going address them separately is one um when there is some a homeowner in a neighborhood and they may not be uh functioning at a respectful level as to

their neighbors. Um, we have found with North Carolina law that there were a lot of things that prohibited us from responding if it's a homeowner. Now, if it's someone renting that dwelling, then the property owner has the ability to do an eviction from a a council level. We are working very hard to address substandard housing. So, that's that's one issue with the substandard housing with renting versus property owner. I would love to meet with you, Mr. Godly, and share with you an outline of what we found of what we have the ability to address legally and what we do not have the ability to address legally because it'll take a whole lot of time um from this meeting. But then as it relates to substandard housing, a couple of the things that we've done over the last um really year, two years, we've been addressing it, but the last year some things have been put in place. And y'all know me, I'll go ahead and call names. And so, one of the places that we have been dealing with some major issues is, uh, Clubway Apartments. And so, uh, we have there's been situations where you may have substandard housing. And, um, the citizens are struggling with that, but then once they complain whether to us or the media or anyone, uh, involved that they are retaliated against. And so you got people living in fear. What our city has done um and we've been working on this behind the scenes for a bit is made it so that our uh code enforcement is proactively going out and finding situations where they're code violations. That way if a citizen complains then they don't have to fear retaliation from a property owner because by law we cannot stop them from

trying to evict. So without talking too long and taking over the meeting what I do want to say to you Miss Jesse you and I know each other and also I want to address the police in our and we'll talk about that too. We haven't seen nothing.

Okay. Yes ma'am. Um but as as it relates to the substandard housing, I do want to let you know that that has been diligently being addressed. Um it is a major issue um in our community and I think you know in other spaces also, but I'm worried about how we're dealing with it in Greenville. And so we are code enforcement is um being restructured um doing proactive enforcement. Um, there are some other measures being put in place. Uh, as it relates to home ownership or renting, it's a little bit differently and after the meeting, I would love to talk to you, Christopher, about that. Um, and then with the police, we'll talk about that also. Um, so were you were you saying you want more policing or less policing? Cuz we get both.

We don't see anything. Okay. Okay. We I've been out there since 2009 and I think I seen the police one time. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Well, we can definitely talk about that. The address is 1013. The property's right beside my house. Yes, ma'am. What's this? What's the street now? I live 11:01 Sebring Drive. What's that? What's the other address you said? 10. Now, the home that I'm having issues with is 103 Sebring Drive. Now, Miss Mr. Garland, Miss Jess, can I ask y'all you both to provide your information to Deputy City Manager King right there in the blue suit? Absolutely. so that we can we the city manager's office can get directly with you to have some discussions about your issues.

Thank you. Thank you for coming.

Madam Clerk, our next speaker Oh, that was it. All right. I think the motion was just for two more speakers. So I think All right, we're done. No more speakers. All right, we'll close the public comment period and we will move on to I believe it's appointments appointments to the Mid East Commission. Madam Cler, are you handling those?

Yes, sir. Um so you all traditionally historically will make your appointments to M East Commission. You appoint members of staff. Um our recommendation is again following the pattern we've always done is to appoint um community and development services director Tiana Barryman as the primary member and leaf planner Brian Jones as the alternate. Oh, I don't know about that. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. Tiana need a debate on you're the best. You need a motion. Debate. All right. I got a motion to approve. Second. Second. Who second it?

Council Robinson. Motion by Council Member Willis. Second by Council Member Robinson. All those in favor say I. Those oppos say nay. Motion passes 6. Hey, congratulations. Congratulations. I know you're excited. All right. We're going to move on now to the consent agenda. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mayor. Consent agenda. Item number three, adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and policy to amend boards and commissions. Item number four, 2025 20226 city of Greenville state legislative agenda. Item number five, resolution accepting dedication of rightaway and easements for Parkside Bluff section two lot two. Item number six, resolution adopting and or amending city policies as required by for state and federal grants and specifically for American rescue plan act coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds which includes a conflict of interest policy and the updated uniform guidance procurement policy for federal awards. B addendum to the city of Greenville non-discrimination policy item C internal control policy for ARPA. CSLFRF funds. D, allowable cost and cost principles policy for expenditures of ARPA CSLFRF funds. Item number seven, ordinance amending Greenville Utility Commission's fiscal year 2025 2026 gas fund. Item number eight, series resolution for up to 45 million Greenville Utility Commission combined enterprise system revenue refunding bond series 2026. Item number nine, lease agreement for Ros's parking lot located at the corner of Evans and Fourth Street. Item number 10, lease agreement for office space for recreation and parks department and and project management department. Item number 11, amendment number one to professional services contract for the arts district streetscape project. And item number 12, various tax refunds greater than $100.

That was a lot. Motion to approve. Second. Oh, hey. All right, we got before we can get it. Council Willis, I wanted to pull um item number four. Okay, motion to approve items 3 through 12 minus number four. Very nice. All right, do I have a second? Second. All right, motion's been made by Council Member Robinson. Second by Council Member Hardy. All those in favor say I. Post say nay. Motion passes 6. We shall move on to item number four. Thank you, Mayor. Item number four, the 2025 20226 city of Greenville state legislative agenda. I'll turn it over to Council Member W.

Thank you. Um I just wanted to um pull this item because we in included in it is our priorities that we decided in February of this year. So I thought it was important that our citizens um had an opportunity to hear that as well as they had the opportunity to to read it. But these are the things that we have set our priorities. So we have set eight different priorities. Um so number one to proactively enhance community engagement. Number two, enhance safety, wellness, and environmental responsibility. Three, complete public infrastructure improvements and existing uh opportunities related to transportation networks, recreation and parks, and storm water projects. Uh number four, expanding the economic hub of eastern North Carolina, uh which is Greenville Pit County through proactive, responsible economic development and job creation. Next, building a thriving and attractive community by creating meaningful access to affordable, habitable, and quality housing for all citizens. Next, expanding artistic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Next, building a high-erforming, diverse organization governed with transparency and fiscal responsibility and telling our story to the community in the region. And lastly, making Greenville a destination community for all people to call home. And um I I have to say that being able to look back at these priorities and hearing some of the comments that were made tonight, um that last one, making Greenville a destination community and a place for all people to call home, um stands out to me. Um, and also I wanted to review our top legislative priorities because in addition to our personal advocacy for the city of Greenville, we also have our lobbyists that are um advocating for our city and our region. And these are our top priorities for them. that is to seek

legislation and funding to improve the NC DO's financial position and its ability to generate significant revenue and steadily deliver road projects that without further delay or interruption. That's one of the major things we talk about is some of our projects that have been delayed. Um so being able to advocate for that also funding for affordable housing projects. Um funding for the Pit Greenville airport which is extremely important. and then uh funding to for us to be able to construct fire station number eight and renovate fire stations number three, six, and seven. So, I just thought it was important to um highlight what our we said our goals are for the city of Greenville over the next um years as well as what our legislative goals are and what we are petitioning our uh legis our delegation in Raleigh uh to help us with. Um so, with that, I'll offer a motion to approve. Second.

All right. Motion's been made by Councelor Willis, second by Council Robinson. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. All right. We'll now move on to new business, which is the public hearings. This is the policy of a public hearing adopted by the city council. A petitioner or representative, the petitioner, and a leader of those in opposition will each have 10 minutes. Persons following them will have up to three minutes each with a total for each side no more than 30 minutes. Additionally, I remind those in attendance to extend the courtesy to persons speaking during the public hearing and to the city council during discussions. Comments made by members of the public are to occur only during the public hearing as allowed by the mayor in accordance with adopted policy of the city council. There should be no interruptions of speakers or council members, including expressions of support or disagreements verbally or by applause. As this is distracting and makes discussion difficult, we ask for your cooperation. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Our first public hearing.

Thank you, mayor. Item number 13, ordinance to annex Park Ridge Trace involving 6.7719 acres located along the western right ofway of Dickinson Avenue extension and 650 plus or minus feet southwest of West Arlington Boulevard. Now call forward our city planner, Chris Kelly for the presentation. Good evening, mayor and council. Good evening.

So this property is located in the southwestern quadrant of the city. More specifically, this property is located along the western rightaway of Dickson Avenue extension and 650 feet southwest of West Arlington Boulevard. This property is located in the Greens Mill Run WHED and if storm water rules apply, it will Oh, my apologies. The property is also located in the preferred growth area on the tier growth map and would be located in city council building district number one. This property is anticipated to yield 72 multif family units with an estimated tax value of 16.2 2 million. And as this property is located in in the ETJ, it is important to note that under section six of GUC's charter, the development can still be provided sanitary sewer if the annexation is denied. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Any questions for Mr. Kelly?

You did such a great job. There's no questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. Public hearing is now open. Those to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. the first person to send minutes. All others have three minutes. Good evening, good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. My name is Scott Anderson. I'm here tonight on behalf of the applicant. Appreciate the opportunity to present this request to you. Um, and this will allow for the property to develop as um 72 multif family units and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

All right. Any questions for Mr. Anderson? Thank you very much. Anyone else would like to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. You have three minutes. Seeing none, those in opposition to the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, public hearing is now closed. Open for a board discussion or a motion. Motion to approve.

Second. All right. Motion to made by council member Ron. Say something before. Second by council member Willis. Council member for I mean sorry mayor prom.

That's fine. Um, I just wanted to say for the citizens in um in my district that uh there has been some concern citywide about the amount of growth that we're experiencing and we want to definitely see responsible economic growth u particularly on on the southwest corridor of Dickinson. Uh right now there are three developments in that area that are already under development. And last month there was another uh property approved very similar to this one. And so what I want to make clear is that um that property is already zoned residential um and in the ETJ. And with it already having been zoned res residential, no matter what, um, fire, rescue, police, water, and sewer would be provided. Um, not that we want to stop that growth or anything in that area, but I do know that citizens want to be mindful and um, be aware proactively of what growth is coming to the area, and we want that to be done responsibly. And so as these things come up with things that in our district, I will be elevating what's already happening. Um, and you know what that approval process and if it's already zoned one way or if there's a change, if it's a simple annexation, that is because it was already zoned residential.

Thank you very much. Any other comments? Motion was made by Council Member Robinson, second by Council Member Willis. All those in favor say I. I those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. Thank you very much. We'll move on to item number 14. Thank you, mayor. Item number 14, ordinance to annex Douglas Lewis Gnome's property involving 1.0480 acres located at the southwestern corner of the intersection of East 10th Street and LT Hardy Road. Again, call forward our city planner, Chris Kelly, for the presentation.

This property is located in the eastern part of the city. More specifically, this property is located at the southwestern corner of the intersection of LT Hardy Road and East 10th Street. This property is located in the Hardy Creek wershed and if storm water rules apply, it will require 10-year detention. The property is also located in the secondary service area on interior growth map and would be located in city council voting district number four. This property is anticipated to yield 2,000 ft of professional office space with an estimated tax value of $500,000. And as this property is located in the ETJ, it's important to note that under section six of GUC's charter that uh the development can still be provided sanitary sewer if the annexation is denied. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.

All right. Any questions for Mr. Kelly? Thank you very much. Public hearing is now open. Those to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Good evening again, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. My name is Scott Anderson. I'm here on behalf of the applicant. Again, this request um is to allow us to redevelop this property from an existing single family home into a commercial office. Um again, about 2,000 square feet. Um I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. All right. Questions for Mr. Anderson.

Good job. Thank you. Anyone else that'd like to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. You have three minutes. Seeing none, those in opposition to the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, the public hearing is now closed. Open for a board discussion or a motion. Motion to approve. Second. All right. Motion been made by Council Member Scully, second by Council Member Robinson. Any other discussion?

All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. Move on to item number 15. Thank you, Mayor. Item number 15, Orange to annex Cington Group Ltdy involving 0.6458 645 acres located along the southern rightway of East Fire Tower Road and 300 plus minus feet northwest of Wimbleton Drive. Again, call forward our city planner Chris Kelly for the presentation.

This property is located in the southeastern quadrant of the city. More specifically, this property is located along the southern rightway of East Fire Tower Road and 300 U feet northeast of Wimbledon Drive. And just for added reference, I've uh shown directly to the east you have the lidle. This property is located in the fork swamp wershed and if storm water rules apply will require 25-year detention. The property is also located in the primary service area on tier growth map and will be located in city council voting district number four. This property is anticipated to yield 1,000 square feet of fast food restaurant space with an estimated tax value of $1 million. And as this property is located in the ETJ, uh it's important to know that under section six of GEC's charter that the development can still be provided sanitary sewer if the annexation is denied. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Any questions? Um I don't know if we have a site plan, but that there is already a back street there that's helps with um people accessing those businesses without getting on fire tower right in there. You talking about parking lot of LLE? Yes, sir. And there's a there's a side street that goes behind Lidle and Starbucks and all that stuff through there. Is that going to that does continue along the So, you can access Lidle and these other properties through this parking lot and turn right on the

Yes, sir. Yeah. I'm just making sure that that'll continue down into the new development. I I really it's not ideal because there's fire tower's crazy busy and that bend in the road is incredibly dangerous which is why I like the way that that that corners that strip has been developed with a side street that allows people to access the back side of those businesses. Um and I think that does that keep on stretching through there? Yeah, I mean yes. You have a a street but you have connection basically all back way back down to um to uh it goes all the way back out to Arlington, you know, county home or

county home. Yes, sir. Yep. Great. Just wanted to point that out that it's that's a nice feature there that I hope that other developments are utilizing. Getting the side streets and sidewalks so that people have access without giving on getting on the main road. It's great. All right. Any other questions? Public hearing is now open. Those speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Good evening, mayor, council members. My name is David Bergmark. I'm a planner with McAdams, um, which is housed out of Raleigh at 620 Hillsboro Street here on behalf of Coington Group and the applicant for this annexation request. I just wanted to commend your staff, specifically Mr. Kelly, for being especially responsive during the submittal process. Um, we're requesting this annexation uh to support a Dutch Bros coffee establishment and uh asking respectfully asking for your support for this annexation petition as it would be closing a current hole in your uh corporate limits. This property is completely surrounded by your primary corporate limits. Um, and I wanted to make myself available if you should have any questions.

All right. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you very much. Thank you. Anyone else that like to speak on behalf of the alpha may come forward. Please state your name for the record. You have three minutes.

Seeing none, those in opposition to the applicant may have come forward. Please state your name for the record. First person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, public hearing is now closed. Open for board discussion or motion. Motion to approve. Second. All right. Motion's been made by Council Robinson. Second by Council Me Scully. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Oppos say nay. Motion passes 6. All right. All right, we'll move on to item number 16.

Thank you, mayor. Item number 16, resol resolution to close a portion of Hickory Street located north of East Third Street. I will now call forward our director of engineering, Lisa Kirby, for presentation.

Good evening, mayor, council members. Good evening.

Good evening. Um, this item is to provide a recommendation to city council about closing a portion of Hickory Street being located north of Third Street. Closure is requested by the adjoining property owner. Petitioner has posted a cash bond for the required improvements to install a valley gutter at the connection to the adjoining streets. This street closure map was submitted with the council agenda item and at that time was under review by city staff and Greenville Utilities Commission. This revised street closure map details the acquisition of parcel 47936 by United Methodist Retirement Homes Incorporated and has been approved by city staff and Greenville Utilities Commission. The acquisition of this parcel allows all closed rightway to be dedicated to the United Methodist Retirement Homes Incorporated. As such, closure of the public public rightway will not impact access to adjacent property owners. Planning and zoning commission voted unanimously to recommend closure of the street at their March 17th meeting. City staff also recommends closure if it appears to the satisfaction of city council after the hearing that closing this street section is not contrary to the public interest and that no individual owning property in the vicinity of this street section in the subdivision in which it is located would thereby be deprived of reasonable means of ingress egress to their property. City Council may adopt the resolution to close a portion of Hickory Street. That's it.

Any questions from Miss Kirby? Just can you go back to the mat, Lisa? The Would you like the aerial? Is that Yes. easier? Okay. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. Public hearing is now open. Those to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor and council. Good evening. Michelle Clemens with the East Group here to speak in um for Cypress Glenn, which is DBA, United Methodist. Um as was um noted by Miss Kirby, the properties all along that rightway are now owned by Cypress Glenn with the um you know, potential to continue to grow the facility um in the future. Just wanted to be here to answer any questions that may you may have. All right, any questions? Thank you very much. Thank you.

Anyone else would like to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. You have three minutes. Seeing none, those in opposition to the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, the public hearing is now closed. Open for board discussion or a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Motion was made by council member Hardy, second by Council Member Scully. Any other discussion?

Just want to make a comment. U thank you to Cypress Glenn um and United Methodist Retirement Homes Incorporated for making these investments in our community. um had an opportunity to jog by there a week or two ago and the new development is really beautiful. Um and it's providing a a huge need in our community and and throughout the nation really of housing especially for the the elderly um for people that need uh transitional housing. Um so thank you for the service you're providing. Um the investment you're making in our community and where it's located I think is really special too that they have access to downtown and other um parts of our culture uh and community. So, so thank you very much. Just want to make a comment. Thanks, mayor.

Thank you. All right. Any other comments? See none. Motion was made, properly second. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose say nay. Motion passes 6. Move on to item 17. All right. Thank you, mayor. Item number 17, 2026 2027 annual action plan public hearing. I now call for assistant director Renee Scheme for the presentation. Good evening everyone. Good evening. Good evening.

So, as uh city manager said, I will be presenting on the 26 27 annual action plan. Um so, this slide right here shows how our federal funding framework works. Uh the consolidated plan sets our five-year priorities and the annual action plan outlines how we will invest our funds each year and our caper reports on our our accomplishments. So the annual action plan is required by HUD and represents year four of our current consolidated plan. It provides a detailed budget and outlines how we will use both CDBG and home funding to meet the community needs. So CDBG funding supports a wide range of community development activities including including housing activities, public facilities and infrastructure, economic development and activities and public services. The home program focused uh specifically on affordable housing. This includes rehabilitation, rental development, new construction, down payment assistance for first-time home buyers. Okay, this slide right here outlines our public engagement and planning timeline from community meetings to hearings to our final submission to HUD in May. So, here are our top priorities in no particular order. uh acquisition and demolition, rental development and tax credit projects, rehabilitation, new construction, down payment assistance, and education and nonprofit support. This activity allows us to remove blighting structures, improve neighborhood conditions, and create opportunities for future development. We will continue to prioritize rental

development by leveraging funds to incentivize private developers and increase the supply of affordable housing to low to moderate income residents. So our rehabilitation program does remain a key focus and continues citywide with opportunities to expand and preserve exist existing housing stock. We are also supporting uh new construction efforts including city-led and incentivized development along with infrastructure improvements that support long-term neighborhood investment. Uh this program here is also citywide. It provides up to $40,000 in assistance for firsttime home buyers earning 80% AMI or less. this um this program really helps remove the biggest barriers for home ownership. We will continue to support nonprofit partners through our subreient program focusing on services that promote stability, education, economic empowerment. Okay, for this slide I'll need to clarify this was uh the funding uh award that we recommended that staff recommended. uh it's not their actual request. Uh funding recommendations reflected a weighted performance based on a approach that pri prioritizes housing needs and higher scoring applications. Habitat is funded separately through the 50 and 10 initiative allowing these funds to focus on housing stability and supportive services. It's also important to note there's a 15% cap on our public services that we receive from CDBG funding. So, we did uh get notice of the award early this week. It we haven't received

our letter, but the funding has been spread out. Um so, our total for CDBG this year was $824,510. It's about $33,000 or 33,000 less than what we got last year. And then our home funding that we're receiving is $491,000. Uh that's about $15,000 more than what we we received last year. So we'll using these federal funds along with uh local 50 and 10 housing funds and private investment. So staff recommends city council hold a public hearing and approve the 2026 2027 annual action plan for submission to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Any questions? I do have a comment. Um do you mind going back to the slide where it talked about um the allocation and it said the uh yeah the acquis acquisition and demolition $35,000. So am I correct in the idea that if there is a a lot that has a dilapitated home on it uh and we are interested in acquiring that property, these are the funds we would use to acquire that property. That's correct. So, how far do you think that's going to go? Well, these are this is just for this year. We do have rollover funds from prior years,

right? So, I'm just trying to get an idea for how far we feel like and that may not be a a fair a fair question. Um, do you know about how much we have that's rolling over from last year for that particular line item? Right. Not right off the top of my head. Okay. Yes. Okay. Uh and to get that information for you. Sure, no problem. To dovetail that um because we had you guys had a wonderful meeting yesterday at Dream Park.

Um and a person that was there had a question about dilapitated uh property that um is uh I think in the general public's eye, they're wondering why is not why there's not anything being done with it. Um, and we know that behind the scenes that there are things being done, processes in place uh, to be able to acquire property. But I would love to know more about that process because when we asked um, you know, on a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this for you to be able to acquire these homes and address dilapitated conditions? They said a 10. So for us, I would love to know more about that process because I do realize that a lot of the property may be heer property and there is a process um to acquiring that property. So I would love to know more perhaps in a workshop or whatnot on how the city goes about addressing those concerns because what the person specifically said was that they have been kind of keeping tab over the years of different property that nothing's been done to. So, there are questions. I believe believe that people have questions about our efforts to acquire property and be able to um be able to address what they're seeing and being able to possibly use it for um affordable housing or for housing to be rehabilitated. U so I would love to know more about that process because I know it's not as cut and dry as people think it is, but there are ways that we can help to speed it along. Yeah,

that is a uh an interesting conversation because at the we know that over the last year we've tried to spearhead a 50 and 10 program which means that our goal is to not only is to take our vacant lots that we already own and put houses on them that can be um marketed to those that qualify. Then also council has given us authority to pursue as you see here uh through acquisition other properties that can go into our inventory that we can also add

to. So I want to show all our cards but we are we are actively looking at the market to be able to um increase our inventory of properties so that we can meet that goal. Not only meet that goal I want to blow it out of water. I know Tiana knows that uh I have a a salient purpose to be able to increase about a hundred houses over the next 10 years, not just 50. So, um it goes into a strategy that I think that we can work with council in small groups to probably u better explain. Right. So, it doesn't also hurt us in the process.

Absolutely. And that's the perception that there's available land or available property and we're not moving on it. That might not be the correct That's right. There you go. That's right. We also have some developers that are approaching us, too. Is that correct? I don't want to say who, but that that is that is right. Thank you, M.

Any other questions? Thank you very much. Public hearing is now open. Those speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. First person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, those in opposition to the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, public hearing is now closed. Open for board discussion or a motion.

Motion to approve. Second. All right. Motion's been made by Council Member Scully, second by Council Member Robinson. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6-0. All right, we'll move on to item number 18. Thank you, mayor. Item number 18, public hearing on entering into a trust agreement on installment financing agreement not to exceed 22 million for financing public improvements. Now call forward our chief financial officer, Jacob Joiner, for the presentation. Thank you. Good evening.

Good evening. Uh this is a public hearing uh entering into an installment finance agreement not to exceed $22 million. Um and in anticipation of the acquisition, construction and equipping of several capital projects, uh there's need to finance the cost associated with these projects. Um and we'll be doing that through a installment financing agreement arrangement um not to exceed $22 million. Uh these projects include the bulkhead replacement project that is currently ongoing at the town commons as well as phase one of the sports complex project which would be the design installation of rectangle fields. Um, and the application for the financing is set to be considered by the local government commission at their June 4th, 2026 meeting. And CIA asked that following a public hearing, uh, council approved the attached resolution authorizing and approving the execution delivery of the trust agreement. Sorry. Um, any questions? All right. See none. Public hearing is now open. Those to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward, please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. See none. Those in opposition to the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. First person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, public hearing is now closed. Open for board discussion or motion.

Motion approved. Second. All right. Motion been made by council member Robinson, second by council member Hardy. All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. Move on to item number 19. Thank you, mayor. Item number 19, application to receive from the Edward Bur Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. I will now call forward our deputy chief KZ Thomas for the presentation.

Well, good evening, mayor and council. So, so the Greenville Police Department was notified that they were eligible to receive funds for the Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistant Grant Program and it's better known as the JAG grant if you're familiar with that. We apply for it annually and this year the amount is going to be $27,760. Um, the Greenville Police Department intends to use those funds for less lethal equipment. And if you don't know what less lethal equipment is, it's just additional tools for officers to be able to have when they're dealing with high-risisk situations to deescalate those situations. So, the more tools they have, the better the outcome can be. Um, so our intent is to use the funds for that. And some examples of less lethal equipment would be OC spray, um, pepper ball, and a taser. Those are that all fall in that same category of less lethal. There is no city match with this. Um, and this grant is jointly awarded with the P County Sheriff's Office. They also get $27,760. And that is all I have.

All right. Any questions? Any really hard questions? I'm here for it. We would never ask you hard questions. All right. See none. Thank you very much. Thank you. The public hearing is now open. Those to speak on behalf of the applicant may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. coming around to speak down.

All right. See none, those in opposition to the outcome may come forward. Please state your name for the record. The first person has 10 minutes. All others have three minutes. Seeing none, public hearing is now closed. Open for board discussion or a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Motion been made by councelor Willis. Second by council Robinson. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Those say nay. Motion passes 6.

That will conclude our public hearings. We'll move on to other items of business. Item number 20. Thank you, mayor. Item number 20, 2026, home investment partnerships fund commitment for multifamily rental housing development. Again, call forward our assistant director, Reneke, for the presentation.

Hi again. So, we're going to talk about the 2026 home investment partnership fund. Um, our current consolidated plan identifies affordable housing preservation and development as a top priority. It also highlights addressing homelessness and critical need. As a result, the city continues to focus on removing barriers to housing through construction planning and targeted investment low to moderate income communities. One of our most effective strategies is leveraging home funds with lowincome housing tax tax credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. This approach allows us to maximize unit production, ensure long-term affordability, and make developments financially viable. Since 2010, these partnerships have resulted in over 500 affordable units in Greenville. This slide here highlights several su successful developments the city has supported. Uh these projects have produced a mix of family, elderly, and qualifying populations for housing. Here's our timeline. Back in February, we issued a call for developers. In March, we received a proposal from Taff Mills. They were the only one who responded. Um and we put it back out again to encourage additional responses on March the 4th. And then March 18th, uh we did receive another revised proposal from Taff Mills. And then again, they were the only ones who responded. After staff review, we determined made our recommendation. And so we're bringing it here tonight to be presented before city council for final award and approval. So, Fington U Trace Phase 2 is a proposed $20.2 million development. They're pursuing a 9% low income tax

credit. Uh, this project also includes 84 units with a mix of one, two, and threebedroom units. Uh, the rent is ranging from 525 to $1,100 a month. Uh, it's also a set aside for qualified populations, and that would be eight units set aside for the city. Uh Taff Mills is requesting $500,000 in home funds uh to supplement and they have established a track record here in Greenville. Uh here's a map. Uh the parcel highlighted in blue is right off of East Fire Tower Road. Uh this is the property that they are talking about developing. So at this time I will turn it over to Dustin Mills, president of Tap Mills Group to provide additional information and to answer any questions.

Yeah. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Uh thank you for allowing us to appear before you tonight. Um we're here tonight uh to give you just a quick overview of Taff Mills Group um and an overview of the proposed development that we are seeking support from the city uh in efforts to develop additional affordable housing for the residents of Greenville. Um as many of you know uh Taff Mills we're a Greenville North Carolina based company. Been up here before you a couple of times. Um we were established in 2014. We're active in a couple of different states other than North Carolina. Um to date we've developed about 44 uh tax credit communities of about 3,400 units total uh across four states. And in Greenville specifically to date we've developed about 654 affordable housing rental units uh throughout the city. Um we always talk about this because we're really proud that the 33rd largest affordable developer uh in the country is based right here in Greenville. So we we always promote that and um the principles primarily myself and and my partners have developed about 10,000 affordable units in our career. So we've got a long track record of operating developments and understanding how these programs work. Just a visual of a couple of different properties that we've developed, but you can see geographically dispersed throughout North Carolina. Here's an aerial uh of the proposed location. Uh it's the rear half of the the parcel uh that fronts East Fire Tower, but it will be um located it'll enter from Lanenshshire Drive, which is the uh existing roadway uh that in this uh rendering you can see in between the two buildings. This is a site plan uh that was submitted uh during our tax credit uh

application process uh back in uh January. uh we'll submit a final application on May the 15th of this year. And in that application uh should council uh deem fit to support this funding, we would include the city of Greenville funding uh as a source within our sources and uses. And some of this has already been covered in the presentation, so I won't go over it again, but generally speaking, I think it's worth noting um the highlights that this is a $20.2 million investment in in the community. Uh it'll create 84 new construction units. Um the rents will range from $525 to $1,100, which is very affordable uh in our marketplace. Uh the tax credit program requires and as a company we stand behind uh that the fact that these developments will be deeed restricted for those uh earning 60% or less of Pit Countyy's area median income for a minimum period of 30 years. And uh you know, you have seen our developments, but you know, we're very proud of what the end result looks like. Uh and we hope to uh have this be the next development that we're working on in uh in Greenville. Um happy touh answer any questions?

You have a comment. Do you mind going back to the first initial picture that we saw or that one right there? We'll do. Yes. First of all, how are you? Good. How are you? Good. Thank you. Um, thank you first of all. Um, I've had the pleasure of working with some of the residents at Fington Trace and they are very pleased with their uh, their living arrangements um, and love living there. Um, but I did have a resident's mother reach out to me because her mom's from up north used to be in uh, able to walk blocks to go to the grocery store and the uh, drugstore and whatnot. And you see where that sidewalk ends right there? Yes.

She her complaint was her mom walks on the grass to go to uh the CVS or the Terrace Teter or whatnot. And so you got my vote. I'm I'm all for it. But is there anything that can be done about the sidewalks for the walkability of the residents in Fington Trace? Because I know that they are walking to those locations, but they're doing so on the grass.

Yes. It's a it's a good question. Um, where our sidewalk ends is where the prop adjacent property owner uh property line begins. Um, we don't own that piece of the property, this particular development. Um, we would be purchasing just the rear portion of the site. So, as much as we would, it would benefit us as well as owners of the community to have uh that type of access. Um, but we don't have the um ability to do sidewalks on properties that we don't own. Um,

I can mention it to the land seller and see if there's anything that they would be interested in considering for future that we might be able to um supplement financially. Uh, but I don't have any control over that right now. But it's uh it's one of those things where I mean it the the sidewalk ends on on both ends of the property, right? And uh and it's clearly defined. Um the DOT improvements that are going to happen right there will take out these sidewalks eventually. They'll be replaced obviously. Um but uh I'm hopeful and that that's many years to come. That's best we can tell. Um you know, we just built two really expensive signs there and now we're hearing that they have to come down. So that was unfortunate. But uh yeah, I will I'll be happy to ask the the land owner if there's any, you know, interest in from their standpoint in making that connectivity point. I'd appreciate that. Thank you. I appreciate it. Like I said, I'm all for it.

Do you have any concerns about traffic there?

We do. Yeah. So, when we when the first phase of Fington uh in on the right hand the back part of the first phase, um DOT required us to put in these, you know, flexible poles uh in the center lane. um it was not inexpensive uh but it was part of the approved plan. And what they found was that they then got um complaints from the neighbors in adjacent neighborhoods that were going into the neighborhood and doing a turnaround. And then they also found that they were going past them and turning um in uh doing a U-turn on fire tower which was creating all sorts of issues. So they effectively removed them uh within about 6 months of requiring us to put them in. And so that was, you know, that's outside of our control. That's a that's a DOT mandated road. Um it is it is a challenge to get out of uh to turn left out of the property. Um not as much of a challenge to turn right. uh we have found uh from our residents that it's typically associated during the high traffic times in the morning and in the evening and and we knew that that would be the case. Um we have had uh met with DOT appraisers and consultants uh as part of them looking at taking the right of way in front of these properties and the end product for that is that there will be a median in that property a large median not even a not even a left turn like our property will eventually be a right in right out but as of right now uh it is a challenge just like you know um meeting place or any of the other developments in the area uh to turn out onto the property. Uh but again the DOT approvals and I mean they've put stakes up and they're doing appraisals and that sort of thing but it still could be many years before those improvements are even started. Um so it's kind of to be determined but near-term um we don't have any u solution for that at this particular

point in time. If I remember correctly first good to see you again. Good to see you. Thank you and congratulations on Saturday. I'll talk about that more later. Okay. Thank Um, but if I remember correctly, across the road, I believe part of your group, all your group owns that. I remember, didn't they acquire that last little parcel so that you would have a entrance way directly and crossed in front of each other? Is that is that correct? Is my recollection correct about that?

Yes. So, the parcel that you see in the that has the trees in it in this picture. Um, we acquired that property. Um, don't envision um multif family housing on that site right now. um don't have any you know it has previously been approved for um mini storage um and that was uh we have abandoned that idea but yes to answer your question we own the property directly across from the ingress egress point of Fington um so if there was uh future development that would be one of the points of ingress egress further down um where the sidewalk ends just a little bit further past that that'll eventually be a stoplight intersection. Okay.

And so we think that that our hope is that with the traffic control in place in the median um that will, you know, um none of the residents of Fairing Trace will be able to turn left ever again. Um but it also is more convenient because they can go down to the new stoplight intersection and do a U-turn and come back if they needed to get to 14th Street or Cherry Oaks or something like that. Thank you. Thank you.

Any other questions? I don't have any questions. I just would like to reiterate all the concerns about traffic there. And I know that it's I don't even want to waste your time with questions because we know it's outside of anyone's control. And that that is a DOT um road. Um you know, I'm not even quite sure how I feel about the right turn in and um right turn out and having to do a U-turn with the amount of traffic that's on that road. But uh just want to acknowledge because uh citizens in all the communities on that road are concerned about um the traffic. So thank you.

But we appreciate the affordable housing. We we appreciate your support. You know um and you know having more opportunities for people that are you know making a lower income to be able to get housing that is of standard and kept up to quality. um as well as amenities that would be beneficial to families. So I think you just want to reiterate that

we had a citizen reach out to us. I think sent us all an email today and they reiterated that they weren't against the project. They just didn't want to see it completed until the road was expanded to be able to handle the traffic or Mayor Pro Tim for said that's just kind of I think the general consensus but I think that's everybody in the community wants that that project be done.

Yeah. And we understand their concern. The challenge is is that you know we are losing affordable units faster than we can produce them. And so um every area that we identify for affordable housing has some challenge with it. And Greenville's a growing community. Traffic is tough just about everywhere. So we we are concerned about the safety of it. Uh obviously um but realistically, you know, the improvements, I mean, they might be six, seven, eight years from now. And so, um, we don't want to abandon our efforts to develop affordable housing at the the cost of waiting six or seven years because the need will significantly outpace the availability of units if we stop, you know, we pull our foot off the gas.

It's a struggle. It is.

It's a good I mean, I I routinely say that it's a good problem that we have is the fact that we have so much growth that's taking place here. I think I read the article today. posted it about I think we're the sixth largest metro area or growing metro area in the state. I mean I think is number 10 or 11 from a population standpoint which means we're outpacing some of the larger cities from a growth standpoint. That's a good problem to have but like you said if you wait too long then you're playing catchup and you can't build that development in a couple months to meet the need that we have in our community. In a development like this, just to give you all know this, but to give you some perspective, from the day we identify a site till the day we have units available for residents is usually five years.

And so, uh, this is not something that happens overnight. So, uh, all of the concerns are noted and and they're real. We're not disputing them. Um, but, uh, we also have an affordable housing crisis in in our city and our country. Uh, Dustin, what are the eight qualified units? What what population is that slated to serve? Yeah, good question. Uh those formerly homeless who have experienced homelessness. Uh victims former victims of domestic violence who are transitioning back into independent living and veterans.

I know that with a previous um development there were more qualified units. Uh was the reduction for any particular reason? Was that funding um Tiana or was that your you guys' decision or was that our decision based on funding?

It's um it's based on 10% of the number of units. So there were more before because it was a larger. Okay. So it's just by percentage. That's correct. All righty. Any other questions, comments? Anybody have a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Motion's been made by council member Willis, second by council Robinson. All those in favor say I. I. Say nay. Motion passes. 6. Thank you very much. All right. Thank you, mayor. Item number 21, memorandum of understanding between North Carolina Coastal Land Trust Pit County government and the city of Greenville. Call forward our executive director, Don Octagan for presentation.

Good evening, mayor and members of council. For the last few months, uh, city staff have been meeting with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust P County staff uh, to discuss thisou, uh, for additional recreation opportunities, potential recreational opportunities. So, just want to present this to you tonight. Uh, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust intends to purchase Pit County Parcel 800594. wishes to partner with the with and allow the county and or city uh to establish an outdoor recreation area that will benefit uh county and city residents and also protect the property's conservation values. A little bit about the property. It's approximately 65 acres uh located on Riverwall Drive in the city limits and adjacent to the Ironwood subdivision. It's located along the river and possesses uh significant natural and open space conservation values. Couple highlights of this partnership. Uh, this will allow for the potential establishment of outdoor recreation opportunities in an area that is underserved based on standards noted in the 2023 city council adopted recreation parks comprehensive master plan. Uh, this will potentially allow for community conservation, outdoor public passive recreation, and environmental education opportunities on the property. Uh, at this state, there is no uh physical impact to the city at this time. The staff's recommendation is to approve the memorandum of understanding between North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, Pig County government, and the city of Greenville in regards to P County parcel 80594 and allow the city manager to negotiate the terms in the best interest of the city. Be glad to answer any questions. All right, any questions?

Anybody want to make a motion? I move to accept second. All right. Motion made by council Jones, second by council skelly. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6. On to item number 23. Thank you, mayor. Item number 22, resolution approving an inter agency fire rescue manual aid agreement with the city of Newbert. I'll now call forward our fire rescue chief, Jeremy Anderson, for the presentation. Good evening. Good evening.

Um, tonight I want to talk to you about something that often doesn't get talked about. You talk about fire rescue. It's our urban search and rescue team. And I know recently, very recently, we've discussed this as they responded to Herford County for the terrible tragedy that happened up there. But this team was able to respond within 3 hours and put technical rescuers on scene. This is a very important um not only for our region but for our city because all these resources are available for us daily but when we get the call to other places um they're sent out and that's what this is about tonight. Um we partner with the city of Newurn. Um we share staffing. They have additional resources down in Newurn. We're trying to expand this program. So there's very likely you're going to see some some additional agreements we're trying to enter into with uh other departments and other agencies throughout our region. Um but first at this time I'm going to uh turn it over to our um battalion chief of special operations Brad Johnson. He's also the task force leader uh for our task force 10 urban search and rescue team. And he's going to tell you a little bit more about uh why urban search and rescue matters and why it's important to the city and this region.

Good evening, mayor, council.

Um so again, you've heard about this a couple times. Just want to give you a little brief overview of it real quick. So, I'm not going to read all the words to you or anything, but Greenville is a um USAR task force. It's one of seven task forces in the state of North Carolina and it's in the region from US Northeast. That's kind of like our normal response. That doesn't mean we can't respond anywhere else. We can respond anywhere in the state and even out of state if the request is made from state to state mutual aid. So, we have a partnership with North Carolina Emergency Management that we as Greenville entered in with them to say we can provide a service. What that does is give us the local capability and the resources right here at home without asking for any additional assistance or anything and we can um take care of what's needed. So, we do partner with the city of Newburn. We started in 2002 is when the team originally started. And just for a little brief overview of it, reasons why we're having it. Severe weather, flood and hurricanes, tropical systems, um age and infrastructure. You're seeing parking decks, bridges and things like that um have accidents on them. Construction development growth, transportation corridors and industrial areas, they're all growing. The infrastructure is not keeping up. So when something bad does happen there, we have the capability right here in the city of Greenville to handle it and having these partners help out a lot. Um these incidents do occur infrequently, but when they do, they are high risk and they challenge the livability of our citizens and of our personnel theelves. Uh statistics show 90% of victims and disasters are helped out within the first three hours or few hours of incident. So if we did not have a team like this locally, we would have to wait when a team would come in. So the way the teams work is if a local organization exceeds their capabilities to respond. They don't have the personnel or the

equipment. That's when the state gets involved and they start sending teams. We have it right here. We don't have to wait for somebody else. So that 90% is going to go up really big for us. So a little bit of uh capabilities that we have currently uh NIM stands for National Incident Management System. It's a way that they type teams based on their operations, the equipment, the personnel um and the training that they have. In North Carolina, there's a type one and a type three team. The biggest difference between the two of them is the number of personnel. So we are a type three team. We send and have a team of up to 35 personnel that can go out the door to assist. We have a roster of about 68 personnel between the two agencies. Like Chief Anderson said, we are working to try to partner with additional agencies to increase that number so that if we're asked to help somebody, we can help them or build those relationships with other partners. So like Chief Anderson said, we have a contract that says we have to be able to respond in four hours. That means once we get the phone call, we have to leave. So, if you all remember the Herford County incident, the phone call was made at 3:02 in the morning is when I received it. We were on site by 7:00 a.m. And that's pulling together all the personnel, all the equipment, and getting there to start working. That sounds like a long time, but we have to get all the equipment, the people, and then we still have to ensure that city of Greenville is covered for our normal day-to-day operations. We are self-sufficient for 72 hours. That means living, sleeping, eating, whatever it is. We don't have to rely on anybody else. That's some of the equipment that we have. And we deploy up to 14 days at a time. After 14 days, we'll end our mission and we'll come back home. If we do depart, if we're working locally, we'll work until the time uh the event's done. So, some of the uh incidences that we can handle, structural collapse, um we've all seen that the most recent one with Surfside in Florida. That's the

same type of team that we are here. We're just not at a national level um like those SEMA teams are flood swiftwater events that's really known a big here in the city itself. Wide area search if a tornado comes through or something. So last month we had a couple tornadoes in eastern North Carolina. We actually got a phone call twice about it to see if we could assist some other agencies. And that all depends on are we covered here at home first. And that's the same thing for our partners in Newburn. We're not going to leave our area uncovered if there's a problem locally. Trench and confined space, rope rescue, anything elevated. That's some of the equipment that we can handle. So, we have highly trained personnel with specialized um certifications. The initial training is about 300 hours on top of all their fire rescue training that they do locally here. And on top of that, any of the specialties that they have to do is another at least 40 hours of training. So that's divided into search where we have individuals that are trained to search for people whether they're working with canines. We don't have one, but we can work with those groups. They use cameras and listening devices to be able to listen. The rescue where they can breach and break concrete, go through metal, whatever it is, they have that ability and that training. Uh medical is our disaster medical specialists. So number one is our safety. We travel with paramedics that take care of our people and they can actually help victims too in a rubble pile. Um logistics, again, we're self-sufficient for 72 hours, so we have to have food, water, tents, sleeping, you name it. That's what everybody has to have. Planning, that's a big component. The reimbursement is a big piece to this, right? To get the city back the funding that we use if we have a mission. Um, so we have to do all the paperwork and planning, make sure everything's going to go good. And we have a communication side of it to where if the infrastructure is gone for radio system, we can bring in our own radio system and operate flawlessly.

Some of the units that we have, we have seven dedicated units between the two agencies. There are three tractor trailers, a box truck, and we also have uh four boat trailers that we have six boats, motorized boats and four non-motorized boats that we can use in water environments. The tractor at the top is more of our equipment trailer. It's got all the breaching and breaking equipment, shoring and stabilization. If a structure is not fall down, if it's coming down, but it's not down yet, we can put uh shoring devices up to hold it in place so that we can go rescue who's ever needed. Um and then the water equipment. So, benefits to the city, we've already talked about a little bit. We have the ability to have that fast response right here locally if there was an event that takes place. If you looked at that first slide, most of us use our teams are in your big uh metro areas. I consider Greenville a metro area too. It's the 12th largest city in the state and in the east it's one of the largest. So that's why we need that capability here with all the additions that we're having reducing a liability and rescuer risk. There are some incidences out there that a normal firefighter is not trained to handle. this team is trained to handle certain things like that and uh proving community resilience enhancing our regional standing that is one of the big things that I have worked with Chief Anderson on that mutual aid capacity of working with other agencies in the east because there's not much many big uh cities or anything. So if we're not burdened by something how can we help other people with that ability and preparing for those large-scale disasters. So some of our strengths, we have some dedicated strong uh personnel that have that foundation training already. We have a response matrix whether it's a local um going somewhere else. Uh we have that commitment to safety and operational discipline. And all of this helps us provide a reliable

and professional service to the citizens of Greenville, surrounding areas and the state of North Carolina. So going forward, we are trying to be uh financially responsible uh moving forward, but I told you that the team started in 2002. So we are working on enhancing our training. Our current training grounds was on Munford Road. Um we are actually moving that and working on trying to get it right beside the new fire training facility on a parcel right there that the city already owns. Uh so that can give us that area to train a little bit better. We are working on a phase replacement plan of the equipment. The equipment is very very expensive and it takes time to get. So we do get money from the state of North Carolina that we share with our partners and that's to maintain a team to replace equipment or to buy new equipment that we need and then strengthening those regional partnerships. Right now we are talking with three other agencies about partnering with them to be a part of the task force and that is partnering with a city just like this u inter agency agreement is with the city of Newburn. it would be with another city the same way. So main insights, we're already providing this level of service right now. What we are trying to do is enhance that in the region, in the community, and across the state by adding on additional partners. With your continued support, the program is going to remain steady, sustainable, and capable of meeting the increasing demands of the city and surrounding regions. So, um, we are asking for the, u approval of the agreement with the city of Newburn, and I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have.

Any questions? Just a comment. That's amazing. Uh, what y'all are able to do. Uh, and a shout out to my friend Joey Aduchi. He was on that mission um to help out in Herford County. Um, is that did I get that right? Yes, sir. um and told me all about it that um he was just felt really good about the mission that it went really well and that he was able to utilize the skills that he's been working so hard. Um and just really proud of you guys for what you do and um really excited to learn about this. One of the best parts about this job is is learning about the wonderful job that our staff and um employees do for us in the community. So, thank you very much for all you do.

Yes, sir. All right. Any other comments, questions? You want to make a motion? Motion to approve the resolution. Second. All right. Motion has been made by Council Robinson, second by Council Scully. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Post say nay. Motion passes 6. Item number 23. Thank you, mayor. Item number 23, keep America beautiful grant application. I now call for our sustainability officer, Shanghai Sun, for the presentation. Good evening everyone. Good evening.

Good evening. This presentation is uh a little bit in detail about a grant application we did. It is a subgrant of keep America beautiful which is called Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor Community Grant and we will be looking at how this project is and what we're proposing to do and what kind of community and environmental benefit it will generate and how is it aligned with city goals and priorities. So first of all, this grant is focuses uh focuses on revitalizing and transforming areas around the MLK corridor and its neighborhoods. And the city owns many bio parcels around those neighborhoods and currently most of them are vacant and they require constant mowing and upkeep and they generate very limited you functional usage for the resident around them and they has been they have been re repeatedly exposed to flooding and as a city we need to constantly mowing them and upkeep them for basic maintenance which means they are a recurring cost. So what we propose to do here is that we hope that we can take these parcels and then um convert them into lower maintenance but more resilient land landscape which core elements will include native tree planting and on selective locations. We want to establish one or two community gardens and then by um reaching out to ECU coastal studies, we hope that we could involve coastal study professors and into our project and then on places that uh they need to be more uh restoration other than native tree planting. We hope that we will have technical guidance from them about what kind of uplifting or restoration we need to do. And then this project is designed to reduce our

city's maintenance costs on these parcels and at the same time we want to generate operational and environmental benefits for everyone. So uh we requested $15,000 from the grant and the grant doesn't have any local match needed. So what we want to do is that we want to establish native tree canopy which will turn these parcels out of their mowing cycles which I'll explain a little bit in detail in the next slide and then we want to introduce lowmaintenance ground cover and naturalized areas and by um and also adding community gardens where they're viable and supported and by engaging uh a large number of volunteers or local NGOs those uh for installation, the actual installation and planting. We hope to make it into a community event. And then last but not least, we hope that this is designed for minimal long-term intervention. So to break that down into who does what uh city operist will be determining um which species of native trees to plant who are suitable for soil and flood resilience and ECU coastal studies will be doing parcel level on-site survey to see what kind of alternative uplifting or restoration method will be needed and then public works will be in charge of uh project manage management and coordination and then our volunt volunteers and other partners will do the actual planting and installation. So this is a little bit in details of the parcels that we think that have high potential, the ones that are already circled in red. Uh these parcels added up to about 25 acres. And then starting this year from July, we will be the city will be spending $34 dollars per acre

per cut every year. and we need five cuts uh in a year which adds up to $170 per acre per year. So um the city has been maintaining these lots since 2001. So that's has been about 25 years and because the market has been more competitive in recent years. So the price has been a little bit cheaper than before and we have experienced unit price as high as 50 to 70 uh7 $75 in the past. So if we take uh the lower end which is $34. If we um take $34 into the calculation for 25 years, we have already uh the city already spend over $100,000 for maintenance on these 25 acres of land. So, by doing this project, we hope that it could cut down our financial uh cost on these parcels. And we also hope that this project will generate more um benefit not just for the city operation but also for the greater community. Uh we hope that to convert these vacant parcels into into usable land um into shared and usable land. And we hope by establishing more tree canopy it will provide more shade and it will reduce heat island effect which we all experience in summer peak. And then by choosing the native tree that could be um flood resilient, we hope this would improve our storm water absorption and soil stability. And by having more trees, we uh hope that it will clear out the air a little bit even more and support uh habitat for our local animals, insects, squirrels, birds. And uh by engaging um like local

communities, residents and partners, we hope to make that into a community event. And by kind of transforming the landscape around the resident on those parcels, we hope that they will feel a little bit prder about where they're living. And this project aligns with city council goals on priorities 2 and seven which are enhance safety, wellness and environmental responsibility and fiscal responsibility and high performing organization. Happy to answer any questions. Any questions?

Motion. I just wanted to make a comment that uh um was so glad to see this in the packet and that it was coming before us because it addresses some needs that we've been hearing over the last couple of years about um tree canopy and the like and so so happy we're moving in a direction that addresses that. So, thank you for your work on that. Thank you.

I just want to say I love everything about this. Um we are saving the taxpayers money. We are keeping fossil fuels in the ground, uh, not using them in our equipment. Um, we are refurbishing these vacant lots that have really just been sitting there doing nothing for anybody into uh, improved environments that the public can enjoy and that would be better for nature like you were pointing out. U, it's a win-win win. Um, and I just love stuff like this where we can save the taxpayers money and improve our community at the same time. U, why would you not do that? And do our due diligence for the environment. We got to continue to find ways to make a difference uh locally um just to chip away at these problems. So, thank you for the work that you've done on this. Thank you for to the management team um for finding this grant. Uh what a great way um to use 15 grand in my opinion because it's going to pay dividends for years and years and years. Thank you.

All right. Anybody else want to entertain a motion? Motion to approve. Second. About to say. All right. Motion's been made by Council Member. Yes. Second by council member Jones. All those in favor say I. All those say nay. Motion passes 6.

All right. Thank you, mayor. Item number 24, contract with Cherry Beckard LLP for alting services fiscal year 2025 2026. Call forward our chief financial officer, Jacob Joiner, for the presentation. This is uh for fiscal year 2526 audit contract. Um the audit contract would be with Cherry Becker and this would be the third year of a uh five-year contract with Cherry Buck uh Becker to audit the city financial statements. Um the audit will include an audit of the financial statement as well as a single audit which is focused more on grant compliance and controls over uh grant expenditures. Uh the total fee for the contract is estimated to be $130,000 uh which is a $1,000 increase from the prior year. Um just a little brief overview of the audit. Um covers a wide range of topics. It usually lasts from um about mid June till October if we're lucky, but usually goes into November. Um state deadline is December uh 31st. So, but it covers looking at pretty much all aspects of see financials um type of expenditure to record revenues as well as other significant transactions we may or may not have. Um so June, July is usually we start with looking at interim testing and controls. August uh and September we focus mostly on transaction and account balance uh testing and October, November is when we're actually writing the reports and it's being reviewed by the auditors. Um we're and that's where we try to issue but um the LGC uh has a deadline of December 31st and we ask uh council to approve the contract with Cherry Beard.

Any questions, comments, motions? Motion to approve. Second. All right. Motion's been made by councelor Robinson. Second by council member Scully. Any other discussion? See none. All those in favor say I. I. Say nay. Motion passes 60. Number 25.

All right. Thank you, mayor. Item 25, budget ordinance number nine, amending the 202526 general fund, orders number 25-0020, donation fund, orders number 18- 062, opioid settlement fund, orders number 24- 056, special revenue grant fund, ordinance number 11-00003. Again, call forward are chief financial officer, Jacob Joiner, for the presentation. We got a budget orance amendment number nine. It'll be impacting the general fund, donations fund, uh the iloid settlement fund, and special revenue grants fund. Um item A will be appropriating fund balance to support um expenses related to the November 2025 municipal elections. Um that will increase the general fund $40,000. Um item B be recognizing donated funds for the purpose of supporting recreation parks activities. Uh that will increase our donations fund $10,000. Item C be recognizing the opioid submit funds for the distribution to the Pit County Public Health Department. This increase the opioid submit fund by $114,000 and special revenue grant fund by $10,000. And this would be the final expenditure on the city side uh related to the opioid settlement. And item B recognizing state grant revenue for the purposes of supporting the urban search and rescue team. Uh this will increase our special revenue grants fund by $94,000. brings the overall city uh operating budget to uh just shy of $25 million. And we ask that council approve the budget or amendment number nine.

Any questions, comments, motions? Motion to approve. Second. Motion made by council member Robinson, second by council member Hardy. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. Those say nay. Motion passes 6. Can we add item?

We Yeah, we added item number 26, which is relates to a special called meeting. Thank you, mayor. I would like to request the council add a specially called meeting on April 20th, 2026 at 7 p.m. here at the council chamber. This meeting will follow the joint meeting of the city council and GC board of commissioners which is scheduled for April 20th at 6 p.m. Purpose of the meeting will be to consider a resolution of support of a proposed amendment to chapter 571 of the 1967 North Carolina General Assembly session law that will be introduced by Representative Tim Reer in the short session. This amendment is being requested by the Pit Greenville Airport to provide authority changes for the Pit Greenville Airport Authority and members of the Pit Greenville Airport board will be in attendance to present the need for the amendment and to request council consideration and support.

Motion to add that to the calendar. Second. Second. Motion was made by councelor Robinson, second by council member Skully. All those in favor say I. Those say. Motion passes 6. All right.

All right. Tonight we have a special shout out from the city manager and this would be for Justin Skinner. He works with the recreation parks department. Justin is a 27-year veteran of the city that serves as park facility supervisor too overseeing turf and athletic fields. Rising from a part-time role as a hands he's a hands-on leader who manages a crew of four with a focus on mentorship, technical expertise and irrigation and pesticides. He has been very instrumental in maintaining Guy Smith over the years for many impactful baseball leagues that play at the stadium stadium often working late shifts and weekends to ensure the park conditions. And Justin, we just appreciate for everything that you do to keep those fields looking great. There were actually about um 48 teams that came to our community this past past week to not only bring a um a economic impact to our area but to play some great baseball and Justin was the one who was maintaining those fields and his crew and we just say give you a big old shout out for all the work that you do.

That's all I got. All right, city attorney's report. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor and Council, no report. Thank you. City Cler's report. None this month. Check me next. All right. All right. Councilman Robinson. Mayor, thank you. First, I it I'm will take a point of really boowing my chest out and bragging a little bit today. Uh I am so proud to say that my daughter is graduating from NC State in exactly a month and she will graduate Magnaum Law. And I'm even more proud and now relieved that last night about 7:00 she accepted a position with Peter Malar clothing company.

So she'll be working with them and uh we're excited about that because maybe we can kind of push her off the the payroll. So we're excited about that. Uh so Kate, if you're looking honey, congratulations. We're super proud of you. Uh next number two, congratulations to the pirate class. I kind of alluded to it with Destin Mills this weekend. uh the pirate class that was put on and roughly about 300 kids got out into the great outdoors with their family members and it was a great family day and thanks to the Davenport family, the Mills family, Dustin because his wife is a Davenport uh the men's boys man and Landon Menes. Um, of course the Harvest Market which is right there. If you haven't been, you should go out there. A lot of cool stuff in that store. Local products that are all produced and so congratulations to that. It's been going on. But it's a great opportunity for kids to get out in the great outdoors. Enjoy it. It's a big family event went on all day long. So about 300 kids got involved in the outdoors. Uh, next, if you're a baseball fan, uh, please go see NC State and ECU. We're going to have a lot of Pirates, but we're also My daughter's NC State, my other daughter's NC State, so they're gonna kind of be bleeding some red and maybe some Purple Blood. But if you can go out and see uh that game next Tuesday, I hope you will and support our Pirates. They've been on a roll lately, so I hope they continue that. Um we will not have a meeting before Mother's Day. So to all the mothers month from now, happy Mother's Day to you early. And so we're real proud of all the mothers and what you do and the role models that you uh you create for our children. Um, next, y'all know one of the most passionate things I'm crazy about, sports complex. And so, if you want to know more about how that began and where it is and the status of it now, the PIT Greenville Chamber of Commerce is putting on an event April 21st at the Greenville Hilton. And you can go to that event, whether you're a member of the chamber or not, and learn about how it all started, the fruition of it, and how it progressed into where it is now, and where we are status-wise. And again,

that's on April the 21st at 12:00. The deadline to register there for that program is going to be on April the 17th. And also, congratulations to Greenland P County. We are the as as the mayor referred to, the sixth fastest growing city in North Carolina. Even though we're the 12th largest, were the sixth growing. And I think that is really illustrative to all of us up here because we keep talking about we don't have enough housing. We don't have enough housing from the top to the bottom. And so we really, you know, and this is a good problem and a bad problem as the mayor referred to. We got to build more housing, but that brings, you know, pains, growth pains because our infrastructure, uh, tends to lag behind in particular DOT. So DOT, if you're watching any members, y'all need to start tightening up your belt and getting getting done a lot quicker. But, uh, it's a great thing to see us continue to grow. That's why we are. But at the same time, as a city council and the county commissioners, we have to look at development so we can house the people that want to come here because that's a great problem to have and do it as council member Foreman says in a constructive way that's thoughtful and considerate of everybody in the community. Not just develop it and throw it out there, but be very thoughtful in our process. And again, with Dustin Mills and his crowd once again stepping up and doing another affordable housing project. And as as you all know, uh when he builds something, it is super nice and stays that way. And that's great for our community that needs that affordable housing. Um Council Member Foreman and I are sharing a great concern. I want to give credit to her. We had a conversation today. A while back, uh I spoke about our need to look into the VBO style of uh rentals. I think even now we need to do it more. And so I'm hoping that uh maybe we can put on a workshop as to the issues we're having with that style of housing. And number two, uh how we can make sure we're getting the tax revenues from it.

And then number three, and finally, a a workshop as to what can we do to regulate that style housing legally to the extent to address some of the concerns that are being expressed. Council member Foreman and I had a conversation today about it and she's getting some concerns and so together uh we're going to talk next week, but I hope we'll have a workshop on that in the near future because I raised this issue a while back and we kind of went we let that dog go back to sleep and I want to kick it again and wake it up and just do something. Yes, you are correct. We did we did do a presentation probably about three years ago on it at your request. Yes, sir. and we will we will bring that back

because we got some additional issues now and so I look forward I hope this council will do that because that's something is uh I think one can't remember if it's council member for we need to be uh or maybe one of the members in the audience I think one of the members that spoke tonight said we need to be proactive and not reactive. So uh those are my comments mayor thank you very much for letting me make all those. Thank you very much counselor Skully.

Thank you mayor. Um first of all thank you to the community for coming out for public comment period today. It was really impressive the number of people that were here and the passion that they all spoke with lots of different issues. Um just want to let you all know that we hear you um that we are having discussions um about these issues um and trying our best to be effective leaders uh to protect our community. Um so just know that you're heard and that you're appreciated uh and that we're working on it. Um then uh congratulations to the in good company class. Thank you council member Willis for all you do to help out that. But so exciting to see such a big class of people uh smiling faces uh willing and able and excited to learn about the city and um so such a really cool thing to see them out here. Um Pirate Fest is coming up on April 25th. Mark your calendars for that. It's a really big day for our community. I hope um everybody will come out and enjoy the festivities there. Um, and then on a personal note, um, all of my daughters are in place coming up. Um, so I'm going to give them a little commercial real quick. Charlie in the Chocolate Factory opens up this weekend at the Oakwood School. Uh, Anna Grace Scully will be playing a squirrel and, uh, Amy Skully is Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. My daughter Andy Scully has the lead. Um, but so that's this weekend. um opens Friday night at 7 o'clock, Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. And then um two weeks later at Rose High School, my oldest daughter, Ireland, will be performing in Chicago. Um she'll be playing Miss Sunshine. She's also helped out with a lot of the choreography and they do a really wonderful job there as well. So please get out and support these young people. Um and find different ways to support your children and young people throughout our community, especially in the arts. uh we need a big crowd out there to shout and cheer for them because they do an amazing job. So, thank you to their

teachers and all the amazing people that are supporting them through that. So, thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council Willis.

Thank you, Mayor. Again, congratulations to the Ingood Company Citizens Academy. As Miss Marggo said, the goal of the program was to engage our citizens, let them find out more about how their city serves them, but also to spark that interest in uh local government and how they may be able to serve their uh city, whether that's through boards or commissions or um be able to run for elected office and represent citizens because um I believe our goal should be to duplicate ourselves um and to train up leaders after ourselves. because we're not going to be in these seats forever or at least we shouldn't be. Um secondly, um in terms of um the public comment period, um I would like to request a uh workshop to learn more about the Philadelphia um model that's in place and see what we uh may be wanting to to take a look at and adopt for the city of Greenville. Admittedly, um, you know, there may not be a lot that we can do, but I do think that there is when you're talking about, you know, the federal government and their authority, but I do believe that there is um power in taking a moral stand. So, I would like to know what's in that ordinance and be able to get the advice from our attorneys as far as what um may be feasible for the city of Greenville

and I'd like to have that brought to a workshop. I'll second that. Thank you. Thank you for seconding that. Um, and then thirdly, whatever is going on with Mr. McKessan, let's go ahead and nip that in the bud. Um, I want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence um, with whatever uh, his concerns are. And again, admittedly, there may be limits on what we're able to do, but I would love to be updated on how we are handling that situation and when there's a resolution. Um, so I want to make sure that I um made that clear, but I'm I have full faith and confidence in our staff that they are handling it appropriate, but I appropriately, but I'd like to be kept a breast. Thank you, mayor. That's all I have.

Thank you. Council members Hardy.

Uh, first I'd like to shout out First I'd like to shout out ECU IFC for helping out with a park cleanup at JC Park. um in combination with uh College Court and Cogill HOA. I think we had about 80 fraternity members out there helping up helping clean up the park. Uh and it was a night and day difference by the time we left. Uh and then I'd also like to give a huge thanks to the Grimble Police Department and Officer Fitzgerald. I went on a ride along uh about two weeks ago uh to just see, you know, what the average patrol officer goes through every day. Uh and it was a very eye opening experience. And then I think I'm gonna sign up for a night shift and see what they go through at night uh to just get the get the full immersion uh with what it's like to be a police officer here in Greenville. Um and then I'd also like to shout out uh Council Member Mayor Pro Tim Foreman uh for helping out with uh minimal housing standards. We that is something that we uh are very big on tackling right now. Uh it's a big issue in my district as well as hers as well as pretty much the whole city if we're being completely honest. Uh so we've got a good plan in place to tackle uh the co the student housing. Uh and I'm looking forward to implementing that in the fall.

Thank you again. Y'all take my comments away. Oh. All right, Council Member Jones.

Thank you, Mayor. Congratulations to all the graduates in the Good Company Citizens Academy. I hope you learned a lot because I'm truly still learning myself and I am honored to serve in such great company. Being surrounded by dedicated and hard work working leaders who care deeply about our community that reminds me that the work we do is bigger than one person. We um and it's bigger than any of us. It's the collective impact that we the council, the staff, and the community make together. Each voice in this community and this city brings value, perspective, and purpose. And it is through that shared commitment that we continue to move our city forward collectively. Standing together in good company, I know we will continue to lead with integrity and unity and with intention and compassion for everyone. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Mayor Pro Tim for

well um my co-consel has uh that's fine. that's fine taking some of the um uh some of my comments, but I appreciate it. I appreciate the work that we are doing together to address um the VRBOS and Airbnbs. Um I will not um restate that, but we'll reiterate that that does need to be revisited so that we are protecting um both the day-to-day lived experiences and quality of life of our citizens. This kind of lends to um Mr. godly uh your comment of what your experiences are when um you have um people not being so neighborly. Um also um uh mirror the ice comment. Um there have been some conversations had behind the scenes and I I think that you know as we are addressing that we need to talk about what the city's responsibility is and what the county's responsibility is and um oftentimes comments come to us or people come to us with concerns and uh and don't necessarily know where our scopes are and so um as we are addressing that to elevate where those responsibilities actually live because most of my conversation as it relates to that has been had at the county level with our sheriff and county commissioners. Um in addition to that to reiterate what Seth has said about minimal housing standards that was brought up tonight um a couple of times and that is something that we have been um addressing very strongly. Um we understand that that is an issue both um in our city, our county, our state and our country and it is a byproduct of um um housing insecurity. Um and so uh we we are working

diligently on that and um think that our citizens will be um pleased with the progress that's being made and the fact that we are being proactive in addressing that there. It's been an issue that um has been developing in our community long before most of us were even on council. Uh but under the leadership that we have now is being addressed. Um, in addition to that, I will say that I feel like our community knows how hard I work um both for and advocating for our citizens um as it relates to housing and security, uh substandard housing, uh responsible economic growth, workforce development, and people making livable wages. What I do not do and I will make that clear. However, um when um things are brought to me um or to us in general, I do my homework. So when something is brought to me, I do my homework. I do my own homework so that I make sure that not only I am I addressing that um uh with heart but that I am doing the right thing for the right reasons and uh with that being said what I do not do and I um have been clear about that I'm nobody's politician I'm a public servant there's a difference and what I do not do is I do not allow myself to be used as a pawn in anybody's um goals for personal gain or special interest even if it's masked behind service for the community. I do my homework. I serve our community at a grassroots level boots on the ground every day. And so I don't have to depend on anyone what anyone says and I don't

have to have my work validated by what anyone says. I do it because I know because I'm serving our community and meeting them where they are every single day. Thank you. Thank you very much. I've got no comments. I need a motion to go into close session after read by city attorney.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor and council members, I recommend the council adopt the following motion holding a close session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute section 143-318.11 to instruct the public's body, staff, or negotiating agents concerning concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the price of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property or properties by purchase, option, exchange or lease. Second matter, a closed session um to prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential personnel information pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 168 168. Also to hear or investigate a complaint against uh an individual public uh officer or employee. And lastly, that same u matter to consult with an attorney employed by the public body in order to preserve the attorney client privilege between the attorney and the public body. So moved.

Second. All right. Motion's made by councelor Scully, second by councelor Willis. All those in favor say I. Say. Motion passes 60.