Public Meetings - Greenville, North Carolina

The Greenville City Council met on March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting included approval of consent items, three public hearings for annexations, special recognitions for a Gold Award Girl Scout and a retiring police officer, and councilmember comments. All votes were unanimous (5-0). The meeting also featured a request to cancel the March 23, 2026 City Council meeting itself, which was approved. Consent Calendar - Item 8 (Fire Rescue Live Burn Facility): The council approved appropriating $17,000 to the capital project management fund for completion of the fire rescue live burn facility, bringing the overall operating budget to $204.9 million. Motion by Councilmember Willis, second by Councilmember Robinson. Passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public registered to speak during the public comment period. Recognition - Madison Wallace: Recognized for achieving the Gold Award Girl Scout designation, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Her project focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia populations, creating 50 fidget blankets and leading workshops for fellow Girl Scouts. - Master Police Officer Brandon Peebles: Recognized upon his retirement after 24.5 years of service. Peebles was a key investigator in complex fugitive, drug, and terrorism cases, and an expert in cellular analysis. His work involved seizures of over $10 million in drugs and assets, and hundreds of arrests. Public Hearings 1. Gateway West LLC Annexation: Ordinance to annex 2.952 acres at Stantonsburg Road and Gateway Drive, anticipated to yield 25,000 sq ft of self-storage with an estimated tax value of $2 million. Approved 5-0. 2. Hannaford Family Farm Annexation: Ordinance to annex 3.60 acres along Dickinson Avenue Extension, anticipated to yield 5–10 single-family lots with an estimated tax value of $1.8 million. Approved 5-0. 3. MCV Fire Tower LLC Annexation: Ordinance to annex 0.839 acres on East Fire Tower Road, anticipated to yield 7,000 sq ft of automobile repair with an estimated tax value of $1.2 million. Approved 5-0. Discussion Items - Councilmember Jones: Celebrated Barbie Day (March 9, 1959 debut) and emphasized the importance of imagination and opportunity for children. - Councilmember Willis: Reported on the Police Athletic League Black History Wax Museum, Girl Scouts Week, the renaming of Neighborhood and Business Services to Community and Development Services, and the Empower Her event. - Councilmember Scully: Congratulated the NC Alliance (now Invest Greenville Pitt County) on rebranding, and noted the positive impact of economic development efforts. - Councilmember Robinson: Highlighted the city’s strong financial audits, Greenville Utilities Commission’s continued awards, ECU baseball, and Awaken Coffee’s work with special-needs young adults. - Mayor Pro Tem Foreman: Raised concerns about substandard housing conditions, citing Clubway apartments and retaliatory evictions, and called for stronger enforcement against slumlords. - City Manager’s Report: Requested and received approval to cancel the March 23, 2026 City Council meeting due to lack of agenda items. Key Outcomes - Appropriation approved: $17,000 for fire rescue live burn facility (vote 5-0). - Three annexation ordinances approved: Gateway West, Hannaford family farm, MCV Fire Tower (all 5-0).n- March 23 meeting canceled: Approved unanimously. - Public hearings closed without opposition. Note: The transcript also includes segments from other meetings and events (e.g., March 9 workshop on pavement conditions, March 11 affordable housing loan committee, March 17 planning and zoning commission, and community promotional content), but the core council meeting summarized here is the primary business conducted on the given date.

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair John Collins presided. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing and vote on a petition to close a portion of Hickory Street, and adjournment. Approval of Minutes - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Will Hilliard, surveyor with the East Group on behalf of Cypress Globe (the adjacent property owner), spoke in favor of the street closure petition. He had no additional comments beyond the staff presentation and was available for questions. Discussion Items - Petition to Close a Portion of Hickory Street: Staff planner Daryl Norris presented the request. The closure would affect the segment of Hickory Street north of Third Street to its terminal end. The petition was submitted by adjacent property owners, primarily Cypress Galen retirement development. The closure requires a cash bond for street improvements, including installation of a valley gutter at the Third Street intersection. City and Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) reviewed the plan. Staff recommended approval. Key Outcomes - Approval of January 20, 2026 Minutes: Approved by voice vote with no opposition. - Approval of Hickory Street Closure: The commission voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve the petition to close the designated portion of Hickory Street, subject to the required bond and improvements. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The Greenville City Council met on March 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor P.J. Connelly presided. Roll call showed Mayor Connelly, Mayor Pro Tem Foreman, Councilmembers Jones, Scully, Robinson, and Willis present; Councilmember Hardy was absent. The agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). The meeting included special recognitions, three public hearings on voluntary annexation ordinances, and the City Manager's report. Note: The transcript contains varied spellings (e.g., 'Danzi Road,' 'Greensboro Run,' 'fork swamp'), but the agenda names are used in this summary. Special Recognitions - Madison Wallace received the Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Her project focused on Alzheimer's and dementia populations, involving over 100 hours of research and implementation. She donated 50 fidget blankets to assisted living facilities and support groups in Pitt County, and created project kits, a video tutorial, and workshops to teach other Girl Scouts. - Master Police Officer Brandon Peebles was recognized on his retirement after 24 years and 6 months with the Greenville Police Department. Mayor Connelly and council members highlighted his career as a lead case agent in complex investigations, including DEA task forces, wiretapping cases, cellular analysis, and his role as a coach and mentor. Public Comments & Testimony - No registered speakers came forward. The public comment period was closed after the City Clerk confirmed no speakers and no one from the audience came forward. Discussion Items - Public Hearings (Three annexation ordinances): - Item 3: Ordinance to annex Gateway West, LLC property (2.952 acres) at the northwestern corner of Stantonsburg Road and Gateway Drive. City Planner Chris Kelly presented: property in the Greensmill Run watershed, requiring 25-year detention if stormwater rules apply; in the primary service area; Voting District 1; anticipated 25,000 sq ft of self-storage with estimated tax value of $2 million. Applicant representative Brian Fagundis spoke in favor, noting the annexation is a prerequisite to subdividing and recording a final plat. No opposition. Approved 5-0. - Item 4: Ordinance to annex Hannaford Family Farm property (3.60 acres) along eastern right-of-way of Dickinson Avenue Extension and east of Dansey Road. Kelly: property in the Greensmill Run watershed, requiring 25-year detention; primary service area; Voting District 2; anticipated 5-10 single-family lots with estimated tax value of $1.8 million. Applicant Brett Hannaford spoke, explaining the annexation will help clean up family estate boundaries and subdivision of the 3.6-acre parcel; future development continues on adjacent parcel. No opposition. Approved 5-0. - Item 5: Ordinance to annex MCV Firetower, LLC property (0.839 acres) along southern right-of-way of East Fire Tower Road, 300+/- feet southwest of Charles Boulevard. Kelly: property in the Forks Swamp watershed, requiring 25-year detention; primary service area; Voting District 4; anticipated 7,000 sq ft of automobile repair with estimated tax value of $1.2 million. No applicant speakers or opposition. Approved 5-0. - City Manager's Report: Requested cancellation of the March 23, 2026 City Council meeting because there is no agenda. Motion passed 5-0. - Comments from Mayor and Council: Councilmembers made announcements, including ECU baseball games, Rock Your Socks Day (World Down Syndrome Day) on March 21, thanks to Greenville Utilities, downtown Dickinson Avenue, small business technical assistance program, Citizens Academy visits, Sterling Point community day, and holiday greetings. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously (5-0). - All three annexation ordinances were approved unanimously (5-0 each). - The March 23, 2026 City Council meeting was cancelled. - Special recognition was given to Madison Wallace and Brandon Peebles.

The Greenville City Council met on March 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public comment period, approval of a consent agenda, presentation of the annual financial audit, a budget amendment, and council member comments. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session. Consent Calendar - Approved 18 items en bloc, including dedications of rights-of-way for River Bend and Fairview Acres, closure of a portion of Hickory Street, grant applications, and multiple mowing/landscape maintenance contracts. - Councilmember Robinson requested a future report on renaturalization of vacant lots and potential conversion to urban meadows. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike: Urged the council to codify an executive order banning 287(g) agreements, prohibit discrimination based on citizenship, and bar ICE from using city property without a warrant. He stated it is a public safety and community stability issue. - Carlos Alfonso: Spoke from personal experience as child of immigrants, expressing support for the same measures. He emphasized that ICE actions scare people from interacting with the community and sometimes detain citizens by mistake. Discussion Items - Financial Audit (Item 19): CFO Jacob Joyner presented the results of the audit for FY ended June 30, 2025. The city received an unmodified opinion on both the financial statement audit and the single audit (no findings). The city also received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for the 34th consecutive year. Available fund balance was 32.42%, above the 25% LGC guideline. The fund balance change from FY24 to FY25 was $5.5 million, mostly encumbered, with a net change of about $1.5 million. Councilmember Jones thanked Joyner for restoring fund balance levels. - Budget Ordinance Amendment (Item 20): CFO Joyner presented Budget Ordinance 8, amending the General Fund, Recreation & Parks Capital Project Fund, and Capital Project Management Fund. The amendment appropriates $54,520 for police equipment, reallocates remaining budget from Greenfield Tariff Project to the Wildwood boardwalk project, closes the Elm Street improvement project, and appropriates $17,000 for the fire rescue live burn facility. The total operating budget becomes $204.9 million. Approved unanimously. Council Member Comments - Councilmember Jones: Congratulated Barbie Day (March 9), celebrated the message of possibility and opportunity for youth. - Councilmember Willis: Congratulated PAL and police department for Black History Wax Museum, Girl Scouts Week, community development rebranding, Empower Her event, and the Grow Local program. - Councilmember Scully: Congratulated ENC Alliance on rebranding to Invest Greenville Pitt County, and wished happy birthday to his father-in-law. - Councilmember Robinson: Praised the audit and staff, recognized Greenville Utilities Commission and Commissioner Swain, promoted ECU baseball, and highlighted Awaken Coffee for employing special needs young adults. - Councilmember Foreman (Mayor Pro Tem): Raised concerns about substandard housing, specifically mentioning Clubway apartments and retaliatory evictions. He also expressed excitement for the upcoming sports complex and encouraged community members to coach youth sports. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda as amended (adding closed session motion) – 5-0. - Approved consent agenda items 1-18 en bloc – 5-0. - Approved Budget Ordinance 8 – 5-0. - Approved motion to enter closed session to discuss real property acquisition – 5-0.

The Greenville City Council held a workshop on March 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Conference Room 337. Mayor P.J. Connolly presided. Roll call showed Mayor Connolly, Mayor Pro Tem Foreman, Council Members Jones, Scully, Robinson, and Willis present; Council Member Hardy was absent. The agenda included two new business items: a presentation on the 2024 Pavement Condition Survey and Asset Inventory Project, and a presentation on recommendations for city boards and commissions. Discussion Items 1. Greenville MPO 2024 Pavement Condition Survey and Asset Inventory Project Final Report - Asset Manager Kevin Lee introduced the presentation by Alan Foster of KCI Technologies. The survey used laser sensors and LIDAR to collect pavement condition index (PCI) data citywide. - The current weighted average PCI is 70.6 (on a 0-100 scale). 31% of the network is in poor to serious condition. Major thoroughfares are in good shape, while industrial roads and residential neighborhoods show significant deterioration (38% of industrial roads are very poor). - The report modeled budget scenarios: the current annual budget of $2.85 million leads to gradual decline to approximately PCI 63 within five years. A $5 million annual budget would stabilize conditions, while $10 million would yield steady improvement. - Council members discussed the impact of inflation on purchasing power, the need to increase funding to close the $2 million gap, and concerns about developer-built roads failing prematurely due to heavy construction traffic. Staff proposed district-level briefings to discuss specific neighborhood conditions. - Council expressed support for preservation strategies (crack sealing, microsurfacing, rejuvenator) as cost-effective alternatives to full resurfacing. The presentation concluded with recommendations to emphasize preservation, update the pavement management system regularly, and conduct condition surveys every 3-5 years. 2. Presentation of Recommendations for Boards and Commissions - The city clerk presented findings from a year-long evaluation of the city’s 17 advisory boards and commissions. The evaluation focused on advisory boards (9 boards) and proposed structural changes for consistency. - General structural recommendations: Standardize membership to 7 members, set term lengths to 3 years, assign each council member a nomination seat on each board, require majority vote for appointments, and implement a cooling-off period (1 year after first term, 3 years after subsequent terms). - Individual commission recommendations: - Dissolve the Affordable Housing Loan Committee (work can be staff-driven using rubrics). - Soften membership requirements for the Environmental Advisory Commission. - No changes to Historic Preservation and Planning & Zoning Commissions at this time. - Reduce Human Relations Council from 18 to 7 members with council-assigned seats. - Maintain Multimodal Transportation Commission; encourage subcommittees. - Dissolve the Neighborhood Advisory Board (not meeting for 3+ years). - Reduce Police Community Relations Committee to 7 members, change appointments to majority vote. - Refocus Youth Council as a leadership training opportunity with 7 members. - Implement a rotating schedule for ENC Alliance (Invest NC) appointments with 3-year terms and mayor-assigned liaison. - Council discussion centered on the Affordable Housing Loan Committee. Council Member Foreman and others expressed concerns about losing community oversight of grant allocations and transparency. Council Member Jones supported dissolution, noting staff capability and ongoing community input sessions. After debate, council agreed to move forward with all recommendations except the Affordable Housing Loan Committee, which will undergo further staff review. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to proceed with all recommended structural and individual commission changes (consent to dissolve Neighborhood Advisory Board, adjust Youth Council focus, etc.) except for the dissolution of the Affordable Housing Loan Committee. - The Affordable Housing Loan Committee will be studied further, with staff to bring back revised recommendations addressing council concerns about grant oversight and community trust. - Staff will prepare an ordinance for formal adoption at the next council meeting (April 2026) incorporating the approved changes. - For the pavement condition report, council discussed the need to increase the annual road maintenance budget from $2.85 million to at least $5 million and requested district-level meetings to prioritize specific streets.

On February 26, 2026, the Greenville City Council held its regular meeting, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included public comments, approval of a consent agenda, a speed limit ordinance for East 10th Street, an update on the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a budget ordinance amendment, a schedule amendment, and various reports from council and staff. All votes were unanimous (6-0) unless noted. Consent Calendar - Items 2 through 7 were approved unanimously (6-0): - Resolution accepting dedication of right-of-way and easement for Davenport Farms at Emerald Park Phase 9. - Reimbursement resolution for the Town Common bulkhead and sports complex. - Ordinance amending the manual of fees for the North Recreation Complex. - Design service contract award to ADW Architects PA for Fire Station No. 8. - Approval to purchase three additional vehicles for the transit division. - Various tax refunds greater than $100. Public Comments & Testimony - Marion Blackburn (River Hills neighborhood) expressed support for the proposed speed reductions on East 10th Street, calling them essential for safety near the greenway and daycare. She recommended extending the 35 mph zone from Brownlee all the way to Greenville Boulevard instead of reverting to 45 mph, citing bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and park access. - Mike Tan (chair of 5501 Greenville) voiced concerns about federal actions, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany. He called on the council to adopt a “Philadelphia model” to prohibit local police from coordinating with ICE, require officers to display clear identification, and bar ICE from using city property without a judicial warrant. - Anthony echoed similar concerns about federal overreach, urging the city to avoid signing 287G agreements and to ensure that local law enforcement authority remains clear and accountable to residents. He supported a mayoral executive order prohibiting city participation in 287G. Discussion Items - Item 8 – Speed Limit Revision on East 10th Street: Director of Engineering Lisa Kirby presented DOT’s recommendation to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph between Elm and Evans (campus corridor) and adjust transition zones to 35 mph. The study followed the opening of the 10th Street Connector and increased pedestrian activity. The city must concur with DOT’s ordinance; if not, speeds remain unchanged. Councilmember Hardy praised the reduction, noting its long-term importance for pedestrian safety. The council approved the ordinance unanimously (6-0). - Item 9 – Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update: - Fire Rescue: A new live-burn facility was completed ($600,000, with $100,000 donation). Fire Station 8 design was approved (design budget $650,000, construction unfunded at $6 million). Fire Station 9 land acquired near South Central High (design $650,000, construction $6.5 million, unfunded). Renovations of Stations 1, 3, and 4 for gender-diverse accommodations ($2.5 million construction, unfunded). - Police Department: Evidence storage expansion at Public Safety Annex ($230,000). Additional storage ($2.9 million) and new police headquarters ($25 million) were noted as long-term needs. - Public Works: Street maintenance facility renovations ($750,000, ongoing). Solid waste office renovations (75% complete). Stormwater pipe replacement phases I and II completed ($12 million); phase III unfunded ($6 million). - Recreation & Parks: Town Common bulkhead on schedule (completion fall 2026). Woodlawn Park improvements ($600,000: $500,000 grant + $100,000 city). Wildwood River Park North boardwalk connection ($1.7 million, mostly grant-funded). Future needs include Town Common recreation upgrades ($10 million), Bradford Creek soccer field lighting ($1 million), a new gym at Boyd Lee Park, and investments in West and South Greenville. - Engineering: Lisa Kirby reported on pavement management, stormwater, pedestrian improvements, stream bank stabilization, and traffic safety. Major projects included the North-South Connector multi-use path ($4.3 million), Arts District streetscape, Vision Zero plan, and multiple drainage projects (Quarry Road, Trafalgar, East Fire Tower). Several projects are grant-funded but challenged by FEMA policy changes. Council members highlighted the need for fire station construction (Stations 8, 9, 10) and equity in park investments for underserved communities. - Item 10 – Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 7: Recognized additional revenues and appropriated funds for transit vans, watershed master plan, stormwater projects, and donations. The total operating budget was set at $204.8 million. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Item 11 – Amendment to 2026 Meeting Schedule: The council cancelled the February 12 meeting (due to lack of quorum) and moved its items (annexation, MOU for research campus, police stats, transit update) to a special meeting on February 23 at 7:00 PM, adding a 4:00 PM workshop on goals and priorities. Approved unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval (6-0) of: consent calendar, speed limit ordinance, budget amendment, and meeting schedule amendment. - Authorized closed session (6-0) under NCGS §143-318.11 for real property negotiations. - Council directed staff to continue discussions on extending speed reductions on Memorial Drive and to evaluate pedestrian safety improvements. - Staff will present findings from the Classification and Compensation Study in March-April 2026, and provide updates on the Vision Zero Action Plan and watershed master plan. - Council members voiced support for a coat drive (Robinson, Foreman), appreciation for city’s snow response (all members), and a call for increased investment in West and South Greenville recreation and housing (Councilmember Foreman). - Fire Station renovations (Stations 1, 3, 4) remain unfunded but were elevated as a priority by Councilmember Scully.

The Greenville City Council met on February 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor P.J. Connolly presided. The meeting included a public hearing, presentations on the East Carolina Research and Innovation Campus, police statistics, and transit updates. Several agenda items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - An unidentified speaker (likely an ECU Student Government Association representative) presented a handout and advocated for road improvements in the Truna neighborhood (District 3). He cited a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 68–72 in the neighborhood versus a citywide average of 82, and argued that investing in roads would improve property values, safety, and neighborhood quality. - Ann Maxwell, representing the Tar University Neighborhood Association (Truna), expressed support for the road improvements and called for better sidewalks (noting many stop mid-block), bike lanes, stronger minimum housing standards, and continued collaboration between students and permanent residents. She referenced a 2004 task force on neighborhood preservation. Public Hearing – Annexation of 43 Apartments, LLC Property City Planner Chris Kelly presented the proposal to annex 145.2 acres along West 5th Street and north of B's Barbeque Road. The property is in the ETJ and is expected to yield 192 multifamily units and 50,000 square feet of medical office, with an estimated tax value of $60 million. The development will require 10-year stormwater detention in the Harris Mill Run watershed. Councilmembers expressed concerns about traffic, particularly at the B's Barbeque intersection, but found the project in character with the area. The public hearing had no speakers in favor or opposition. The council approved annexation by a vote of 6–0. Discussion Items - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for East Carolina Research and Innovation Campus (Intersect East): City Attorney Scott Dixon presented the agreement between the City and Greentown Properties, Inc. (an ECU foundation affiliate). The project is a public-private partnership with ECU, Pitt County, and GUC to redevelop the warehouse district in West Greenville (a Qualified Census Tract). Phase two includes a digital transformation center, commercial/light industrial space, incubator space, and relocation of Pitt County Economic Development. Each coalition partner commits up to $150,000 per year for five years, contingent on all partners approving. The city’s support begins only after phase two completion (target Q1 2028). The MOU was approved 6–0. Councilmember Hardy disclosed a prior internship with a subcontractor (TA Loving Construction) but had no conflict of interest. Councilmembers praised the partnership and economic development potential. - Greenville Police Department 2025 Statistical Overview: Chief Richard Tindall presented data. In 2025, there were 4,532 reportable crashes (less than 1% increase), 7 fatal crashes (up 2 from 2024, but below 5-year average), and pedestrian injuries up 4. Traffic stops increased 52% to 29,348, with a focus on data-driven enforcement at hot spots (Greenville Blvd/Evans St, 10th St, Arlington Blvd). Part 1 violent crime was unchanged from 2024; property crime decreased 13%; overall part 1 crime decreased 12%. The department seized 819 firearms. Chief emphasized community policing, juvenile justice collaboration, and responsible gun ownership. Councilmembers discussed correlation between aggressive traffic enforcement and lower insurance rates, and the need for balanced capital investment in west/south Greenville. - Update on GREAT Transit System: Director of Engineering Kevin Mulligan and new Transit Manager Wood Davidson presented. Technology upgrades included automated voice annunciation, real-time bus tracking (AVL), security cameras, and automatic passenger counts. Extended hours (6 AM–8 PM weekdays, Saturday 9 AM–4 PM) have added 30% ridership in previously unserved hours. Over 170 benches and 30+ shelters are being installed with ARPA funds. Councilmember Jones criticized bench dividers as “hostile architecture” and noted open-sided shelters offer inadequate rain protection. Councilmember Willis defended the design as progress. On-demand service (GREAT Plus) launched Feb. 18 in North Greenville (Route 4 zone), curb-to-curb, fare-free, with a transition to two vans scheduled after one month of data. Paratransit will transition from county to city operation by July 1, 2026, using four ADA-equipped vans (three new approved in January). Estimated annual cost after federal reimbursement is $140,000 (local share). Standard fare will resume mid-May at $1.25 (paratransit $2.50). Councilmember Robinson proposed a fare-free day for Disability Awareness Day (July 12). Discussion included the 4–6 AM service window for dialysis patients, with a plan to bring options back to council. Key Outcomes - Approved annexation of 43 Apartments, LLC property (6–0). - Approved MOU with Greentown Properties for East Carolina Research and Innovation Campus (6–0). - Approved the agenda (6–0). - Noted that paratransit 4–6 AM service decision will be brought back for council discussion. - Councilmember Robinson requested staff research on occupancy tax collection for short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) and draft an ordinance if needed.

Mayor P.J. Connelly called the workshop to order at 4:00 PM on February 23, 2026, in City Hall Conference Room 337. The council unanimously approved the agenda and then proceeded to a detailed review and revision of the city's seven strategic goals and objectives for the next two years. City Manager Michael Randler and Public Information Officer Brock Letchworth presented accomplishments from the previous term, followed by a facilitated goal-setting session led by Joe Durham of the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Key Discussion Items Goal 1: Enhance community engagement, safety, wellness, and environmental responsibility – Councilmember Foreman argued that community engagement should mean more than informing the public; it should involve the community in decision-making. After discussion, council decided to split this goal into two separate goals: "Proactively enhance community engagement" and "Enhance safety, wellness, and environmental responsibility." Goal 2: Deliver public infrastructure improvements – Councilmember Foreman requested changing "deliver" to "complete" to emphasize finishing projects on time and budget. Several members also stressed better communication with the state DOT and increasing local funding for road maintenance. The council agreed to the wording change. Goal 3: Expand the economic hub of eastern North Carolina through proactive, responsible economic development and job creation – Extensive debate occurred over whether to narrow the phrase to "Greenville/Pitt County" or keep the broader "eastern North Carolina." Mayor Connelly and Councilmember Sully supported the broader language, citing the importance of regional collaboration and the Greenville ENC Alliance. Councilmembers Foreman and Willis preferred a narrower focus. After a non-binding show of hands, the council voted to retain the original wording (majority in favor). Goal 4: Build a thriving and attractive community by creating affordable access to vibrant neighborhoods – Councilmembers Foreman and Liston argued for explicit mention of affordable housing and substandard conditions. After rewording, the council adopted: "Building a thriving and attractive community by creating meaningful access to affordable, habitable, quality housing for all citizens." Goals 5–7 (artistic/cultural opportunities; high-performing organization; destination community) – These were left unchanged with unanimous support. Key Outcomes - The council adopted seven revised goals for 2026–2028, with explicit changes to Goals 1, 2, and 4. - Goal 1 was split into two separate goals: proactive community engagement and safety/wellness/environment. - Goal 2 wording changed from "deliver" to "complete." - Goal 4 now includes "meaningful access to affordable, habitable, quality housing for all citizens." - All other goals were reaffirmed as originally written. - Staff will now develop action steps and incorporate these priorities into the upcoming budget. - The council also highlighted the need for more neighborhood parks in underserved areas and diversification of city events.

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM was canceled due to lack of a quorum. During the February 9, 2026 regular meeting, council voted unanimously (6-0) to cancel the February 12 meeting and reschedule its agenda items to Monday, February 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM, with a council workshop added at 4:00 PM for goal-setting. Items Originally Scheduled for February 12 - Public hearing: Ordinance to annex 43 Apartments, LLC property (145.2 acres) along West 5th Street and north of B's Barbeque Road - Memorandum of Understanding between Green Town Properties, Inc. and the City of Greenville for the development of the East Carolina Research and Innovation Campus - Presentation: Greenville Police Department 2025 Statistical Overview - Update on the City's GREAT Transit System