Greenville City Council Meeting - November 9, 2023

The Greenville City Council met on November 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognition of a retiring employee, public comments on a withdrawn zoning text amendment, appointments, a detailed discussion on a community solar project, approval of multiple public hearings, first reading of code updates, and a budget amendment. The council also voted to enter closed session.

Special Recognitions

• Calvin Burney, Public Works Department, was honored for his 24 years of service (1999–2023) as a seasonal leaf collector, grounds maintenance worker, and beautification specialist. He retired on November 1, 2023.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11 (withdrawn): Six speakers expressed strong opposition to the proposed text amendment that would have allowed fraternity/sorority houses on East Fifth Street. Maura York (President of Truna) called it spot zoning and asked the council to enforce current zoning and work with ECU for an alternative location. Bill Crew described disruptive experiences with a fraternity near his home. Dr. Andrew Moorhead noted costs to the city (tax-free conversions, increased crime risk, property devaluation). Jack Robertson (Cypress Glen representative) opposed spot zoning. Chris Mansfield (professor emeritus) urged against rezoning and warned of legal challenges. Mayor Connelly thanked them and reiterated that the item was withdrawn.
• A citizen (Mr. King) asked about a bus route to the D&V area, noting the closest stop is a mile away. Deputy City Manager Graves was asked to follow up.

Appointments

• Boards and Commissions: Affordable Housing Loan Committee (on hold); Human Relations Council and Police Community Relations Committee appointed to Mayor Pro Tem Glover; Shepherd Memorial Library Board continued; Youth Council appointed Kajai Fu and Rihanna Knight (motion passed 6-0).
• Mid-East Commission: Les Everett (regular) and Chris Kelly (alternate) appointed (motion passed 6-0).

Consent Calendar

• Item 4 (Boards & Commissions Policy amendment), Item 6 (Power Sales Agreement), Item 7 (Police forfeiture funds for equipment/software), and Item 8 (tax refunds >$100) were approved 6-0 after Item 5 was pulled for discussion.

Discussion Items

• Item 5: Community Solar Project – GUC General Manager Tony Cannon explained the 0.5-megawatt solar farm near the wastewater plant. Residential subscribers would receive a credit of ~5.9 cents/kWh (avoided cost) versus the standard rate of ~9 cents/kWh, resulting in a marginal increase of $2–$5 per month for a typical $100 bill. Subscriptions limited to 5 panels per customer initially. Councilmember Blackburn praised the program as progressive and self-contained. The ordinance was approved 6-0.
• Item 9: Abigail Trails Phase 2 Annexation – 9.6363 acres, anticipated 35 two-family lots with $12.255 million estimated tax value. No public speakers. Approved 6-0.
• Item 10: Bluemax Rentals Rezoning – Rezone 0.43 acres from OR (Office-Residential) to CH (Heavy Commercial) to unify the zoning of the parcel. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public opposition. Approved 6-0.
• Item 12: Code Updates (First Reading) – Lead Code Enforcement Officer William Lauer presented updates to Title 9 (Inspections & Code Enforcement) and Title 12 (Weeds, Vegetation & Nuisances) to align with state statutes, update penalties (first violation $100, second $250, third+ $500), and clarify procedures (e.g., abandoned structures, pest elimination, graffiti). Councilmember Robinson expressed concerns about pollinator-friendly vegetation and urban meadows. The first reading was approved 6-0; final adoption scheduled for December after a public hearing.
• Item 13: Budget Ordinance Amendment #4 – Director Byron Hayes outlined adjustments including $300K for firefighter grant, $500K for Gas Smith improvements, $77K in recreation park donations, $70K for housing training program, $500K for Greenfield Terrace, $240K for ShotSpotter, and $171K for police forfeiture funds. The city’s operating fund budget increased to $175.7 million. Approved 6-0. Mayor Connolly thanked Hayes for his service.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11 (fraternity/sorority text amendment) was withdrawn by the applicant and removed from the agenda without a vote.
• All other public hearing items (9, 10) and the budget amendment passed unanimously (6-0).
• First reading of code updates passed 6-0; final vote in December.
• Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session under NCGS 143-318.20(11) to consult with an attorney and discuss economic development incentives.

Council and Mayor Comments

• Councilmember Robinson and Mayor Connolly recognized Veterans Day and encouraged attendance at a Saturday ceremony.
• Councilmember Bell thanked candidates and cautioned the media about factual reporting.
• Councilmember Blackburn thanked voters, noted the 14% turnout, and commented on the environmental impact of balloon releases, referencing a whale death caused by a mylar balloon.
• Councilmember Daniels announced a small business assistance grant program (Nov 14) and a shred event (Nov 18), and congratulated Ivory Muborn as Ayden’s first African American mayor.
• Mayor Pro Tem Glover expressed gratitude to her husband and prepared for retirement.
• Mayor Connolly thanked the community and outgoing council members, and looked forward to working with the new council.