Greenville City Council Meeting – April 8, 2024

The Greenville City Council met on April 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers under Mayor Pro Tem Monica Daniels. The meeting included a public comment period dominated by opposition to cryptocurrency mining, discussion and first reading of a new stormwater ordinance, and a vote to tighten regulations on data processing facilities.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of previous meetings.
• Resolution authorizing an application to the Federal Transit Administration for a FY2024 Low- or No-Emission grant (electric buses).
• Contract with Cherry Bekaert, LLP for auditing services for FY2023-2024 — pulled for a brief question, then approved unanimously, 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Tyson (NOTRA) expressed frustration with the city’s handling of crypto mining, noting nine N.C. counties and three municipalities have banned or limited crypto. She urged reverting zoning to its original state.
• Karen Zipf (ECU professor, EAC member) called cryptocurrency mining bad for the environment, citing carbon emissions, noise, and links to illegal activity. She supported a full ban.
• Minerva Freeman (Pitt County Family Development Corp) opposed crypto mining on health and sustainability grounds.
• Bobby Weatherly argued crypto mining would raise residential electricity costs and offer few jobs.
• Hap Maxwell (former Planning & Zoning member) recalled a 2021 meeting where he felt uninformed about negative impacts.
• Cindy Elmore warned of energy grid strain, citing federal studies and Georgia’s pivot away from data centers.
• Walter Fields said crypto mining would harm quality of life and the environment.
• Ann Maxwell invoked the city’s Horizons 2026 plan to argue crypto contradicts sustainability goals.
• Susan Redding detailed health effects of air and noise pollution from crypto facilities.
• Mark Parker focused on $34 million in potential GUC revenue, questioning who benefits and accusing GUC of ignoring the public.
• Ann Harrington urged rejecting crypto as an unregulated industry.
• Vivian Kennion read a biblical passage about righteousness in the city.
• Aidan Swiatkowski (YDSA/SAGA president) called crypto a failing bubble.
• Jalen Lampa (NOTRA) asked council to repeal the ordinance, citing community unity.
• Alfred Adams, a nearby resident, worried about noise affecting his peace.
• Carla Hart highlighted hundreds of hours of community research.
• Carlos White asked council to listen to elders.
• Bob Edwards asked for repeal of the ordinance.

Discussion Items

Little League Softball World Series Agreement Extension

Don Octigan (Recreation Director) presented an extension through December 2027. The 2023 tournament generated $1.2 million economic impact and millions in media impressions. The city’s responsibilities include maintaining facilities, providing $25,000/year, security, and transportation. Approved unanimously, 6-0.

Resolution for EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

Engineering Director Lisa Kirby presented a request to apply for up to $20 million (no local match) to build an emergency operations center in north Greenville with green technologies. The partnership includes a community-based nonprofit. Approved unanimously, 6-0.

Stormwater Management Ordinance (First Reading)

Civil Engineer Daryl Norris explained state-mandated updates to nutrient rules (Tar-Pamlico and Neuse). The new ordinance adds higher density thresholds, eliminates some exemptions, allows fee-in-lieu options, requires annual inspections, and establishes compliance procedures. A stakeholder committee held 12 meetings over a year. The ordinance was approved in a preliminary vote, 6-0; a second reading and public hearing are set for April 11, 2024.

Data Processing Center and Modular Data Processing Facility Standards

Chief Planner Chantae Gooby presented options after a March workshop. The city’s current ordinance (adopted Jan 2022) restricts such uses to industrial zones with a 2,500-foot separation from schools and homes, noise limits, and other standards. Staff recommended against a moratorium or ban, citing legal risks under N.C. law. City Attorney Emanuel McGirt explained that a ban would shift the burden to the city and could be challenged as arbitrary. Council invited GUC Assistant General Manager Chris Padgett and ENC Alliance President Josh Lewis. Padgett said GUC had no active recruiting of crypto miners, and recent Duke Energy rate changes made the area less attractive. Lewis said the Alliance focuses on other industries. Council members expressed frustration but acknowledged legal constraints. Councilmember Blackburn moved to (1) delete modular data processing facility standards, (2) increase separation to 3,400 feet, (3) restrict operating hours to 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and (4) reduce allowable decibel levels to the extent lawful. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Staff will take the changes to the Planning & Zoning Commission and return for a final vote in May.

Budget Ordinance Amendment #9

CFO Jacob Joyner presented adjustments to multiple funds, including $17,000 for Guy Smith Stadium, $30,000 for a museum grant, $56,000 for traffic safety, and $179,000 return for internet utility services. Total general fund budget reaches $109.7 million. Approved unanimously, 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (minus item 3) and item 3 approved 6-0.
• Little League Softball World Series Extension approved 6-0.
• EPA Community Change Grants application authorized 6-0.
• Stormwater Ordinance passed first reading 6-0; final action set for April 11.
• Data processing center standards amended by a 6-0 vote: modular facilities eliminated, separation increased to 3,400 ft, hours restricted, noise standards tightened; to be brought back for second reading in May.
• Budget Ordinance Amendment #9 approved 6-0.
• Council voted to add a closed session to discuss economic development incentives.
• Next regular meeting agenda reviewed for April 11, 2024.