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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Okay. Hello, everyone. I would like to call the April eighth, twenty twenty-four meeting of the Greenland City Council to order. I am Mayor Pro Tim Daniels, and I will preside in over the meeting tonight. I'd like to provide the invocation. Um Mr. McGurk for us tonight. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem and Council. Let us pray. Eternal God. This is the day that the Lord has made. We rejoice on our clan in it. We ask for your blessings on the entire city. The mayor and the council members, the city staff, the members of the public who are present and the entire community, particularly those who uh who are most vulnerable, and we ask for the safety of our residents. And we ask for your blessings tonight as we conduct the public's business. And we ask for a spirit of civility and respect for Christ's sake in his name. I pray. I'm sorry, Daniel Daniel present. Councilmember Foreman. Present. Council Member Blackburn. Present. Council Member Skeleton. Present. Councilmember Robinson. Councilmember Willis. Here. Mayor Pro Tim Daniels, you got for them. Thank you. We will now move to the approval of the agenda, Mr. Manager. Are there any recommended changes? I have no changes, but I'll turn it over to the current. I would ask that a closed session be added to the agenda and it will be read at the end of the meeting. Motion to the approval approve the agenda as amended. Second. Motion was made by Councilmember Blackburn, seconded by Councilmember Robinson. Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. All those opposed. All right. Motion passes 6-0. Okay. Um, on to our public comment period. The public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public. Items that were or are scheduled to be subject of public hearings conducted at 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 three minutes. Individuals who registered with the clerk to speak in order registered until the allocated 30 minutes expires.