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Record of Proceedings

Greenville City Council Meeting - May 9, 2024

City Council — Thursday, May 9, 2024
BodyGreenville, North Carolina
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, May 9, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:20:24

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
4:49

Good evening.

4:50

I'd like to call the May 9th, 2024 meeting of the Greenville City Council to Order.

4:55

I'm Mayor P.

4:55

J.

4:55

Connelly of Presiding over tonight's meeting.

5:00

First, I'd like to call on Councilmember Scully for the invitation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

5:03

Thank you, Mayor.

5:05

On this day, a couple of days before Mother's Day, I'd like to pray for mothers.

5:10

So let us pray.

5:13

On this Mother's Day, we give thanks to God for the divine gift of motherhood in all its diverse forms.

5:19

Let us pray for all the mothers among us today, for our own mothers, those living and those who have passed away.

5:27

For the mothers who loved us and for those who fell short of loving us fully.

5:31

For all who hope to be mothers someday, and for those whose hope to have children has been frustrated.

5:38

For all mothers who have lost children, for all women and men who have mothered in any other ways, those who have been our substitute mothers, and we who have done so for those in need.

5:50

And for the earth that bore us and provides us with our sustenance.

5:54

We pray this all in the name of God, our great and loving mother.

5:59

Amen.

6:00

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

6:11

And to the Republic for which it stands.

6:14

One nation, another God, inevisable with liberty justice for all.

6:26

Madam Clerk, will you please call a roll?

6:28

Yes, sir.

6:28

Mayor Connolly.

6:29

Here.

6:30

Mayor Pro Tem Daniels.

6:31

Present.

6:31

Councilmember Foreman, present.

6:33

Councilmember Blackburn.

6:35

Present.

6:36

Councilmember Scully.

6:37

Here.

6:37

Councilmember Robinson.

6:39

Here.

6:39

Councilmember Willis.

6:40

Here.

6:41

All right, Mayor Connolly of a Corm.

6:42

Thank you very much.

6:42

We'll move on to the approval of tonight's agenda.

6:44

Mr.

6:44

Manager, any recommended changes?

6:46

I have no recommended changes.

6:47

The motion to approve.

6:48

Move to approve.

6:49

Second.

6:50

And a closed session to be read and considered at the end of the meeting.

6:54

So moved.

6:56

To add the closed session.

6:58

You go ahead.

7:02

Yes.

7:03

Move to approve to accept the agenda and adding a closed session tonight.

7:08

The second.

7:08

All right, motion to be made by Mayor Pro Tem Daniels, second by Councilmember Blackburn.

7:12

All those in favor say aye.

7:13

Aye.

7:13

Opposed say nay.

7:14

Motion passes 6-0.

7:16

We will move on to special recognitions.

7:46

Come stand beside me, Jerry.

7:49

It is uh it is my honor tonight uh to recognize Jerry Everett for his retirement from our recreation and parks department.

7:59

And I have a few words I would like to uh to read here about Jerry.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use██████████████████18%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Comment██████████10%
Utilities Commission██████████10%
Public Works███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Tourism█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Cryptocurrency Regulation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Greenville City Council Meeting - May 9, 2024

The Greenville City Council met on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, public comments, multiple public hearings, budget presentations, and several unanimous votes. Key actions included approving a major annexation and rezoning, adopting stricter data center regulations, and authorizing a job creation incentive for a new solar manufacturer.

Special Recognitions

  • Jerry Everette was recognized for his retirement from the Recreation and Parks Department after 16 years of service.
  • Lisa Kirby, Director of Engineering, was recognized for completing the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Administration Course.
  • Margot Clark (Special Events Coordinator) and Jeremy Cleaton (Battalion Chief) were recognized as graduates of the 2023-2024 Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Transportation: Three speakers (Darcy Gwell, Sierra Isaacs, Aidan Swiatkowski) urged expanded bus hours, free fares, and better accessibility, noting the system has not been updated since 2004-2005. They cited safety concerns, broken ramps, and missed stops.
  • Gaza/Israel Conflict: Four speakers (Malek, Bayanne Abu Lubde, and two others) called for a ceasefire, divestment from Israel, and redirecting funds to local needs (schools, roads, buses). They expressed concern about anti-Palestinian sentiment and the use of tax dollars for military aid.
  • West Point Park: Robert Garter complained about the park gate never being locked, leading to late-night activity, and damage to his street (Gretna Drive) from park construction.

Public Hearings

Item 5 & 6: Annexation and Rezoning – Bill Clark Homes (Hudson's Crossroads)

  • Annexation of 189.98 acres (voluntary, for sewer access). Estimated to yield 515–525 single-family lots with an assessed value of $182 million. Unanimously approved (6-0).
  • Rezoning of 187.60 acres from RA (Pitt County) to R9S (Residential Single-Family). Staff recommended approval; Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6-0 in favor. Councilmember Foreman expressed concerns about infrastructure in the eastern part of the city. Motion passed 6-0.

Item 7: Rezoning – Hannaford (Dickinson Avenue Extension)

  • Rezone 42.31 acres from RA20 to R6S (180–190 single-family lots). Net increase of 613 trips per day. Staff recommendation and Planning & Zoning Commission approval. Motion passed 6-0.

Item 8: Rezoning – Tom Jose (Old Fire Tower Road)

  • Rezone 4.945 acres from RA20 to OR (Office Residential, high-density multi-family). Net increase of 263 trips per day. A letter of opposition was submitted by adjoining property owner Mr. Self, who noted County Home Road is already over capacity. Councilmember Willis and others expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure. Motion passed 4-3.

Item 9: Future Land Use Map Amendment – ECU Health (B's Barbeque Road)

  • Amend 24.1521 acres from Office/Institutional and High-Density Residential to Medical Transition. Net increase of 1,887 trips per day. Staff recommended approval. Motion passed 6-0.

Item 10: Text Amendment – Data Processing Centers

  • Deletion of definition and standards for modular data processing facilities.
  • Increased separation distance from 2,500 to 3,400 feet from schools, daycares, and conforming single-family dwellings.
  • Sound limit reduced to 30 dB(A) at property line (down from 65/75 dB(A)); sound study required.
  • Hours of operation limited to 9 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday.
  • Abandonment period reduced from 365 to 180 days.
  • Staff recommended approval; Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend. Public speakers (Karen Zip, Selisa Tyson, Don Cavallini, Jeff Monaco) supported the changes, citing noise and environmental concerns. Motion passed 6-0.

Item 11: 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan Public Hearing

  • Presentation on CDBG ($886,512) and HOME ($509,260) funding priorities: new construction, rental development, rehab, down payment assistance, and neighborhood revitalization. No public comments. Motion to approve passed 6-0.

Item 12: Job Creation Incentive – Project Gen (Bovayet Solar)

  • $500,000 job creation grant over five years ($100,000/year) for Bovayet Solar, a solar PV module manufacturer. The company will occupy the former Denzo facility and build an additional 500,000 sq ft. Expected 908 jobs, $294 million capital investment, average salary $52,079. The city is expected to break even on the grant by year five. Motion passed 6-0.

Other Items of Business

Item 13: Budget Presentations

  • Pitt-Greenville Convention & Visitors Authority (Visit Greenville): Proposed FY 2024-25 budget of $2 million, funded by occupancy tax. Record tourism expenditures of $290 million in 2022; ROI of $10.18 per marketing dollar. Plans to add two staff positions and enhance digital marketing.
  • Sheppard Memorial Library: Proposed operating budget with a 2% increase from the city. Requested an additional $100,000 for Phase II HVAC replacement at the main library (total cost $460,450). Library circulates ~500,000 items annually; children's books account for half. Director Greg Needham announced retirement at year-end.
  • Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC): Proposed $302 million budget with a 3.8% electric rate increase (first in 10 years), 7.6% wholesale water increase, 5.1% sewer increase, and no gas increase. GUC will transfer $8.7 million to the city's general fund. New electric vehicle fast-charging rate introduced. Capital improvement plan of $265 million over five years.

Item 14: Contract – Greenville Community Shelter (HOME-ARP Non-Congregate Shelter)

  • Approved a $725,000 contract with Community Crossroads Center to create six family rooms for non-congregate shelter. Construction of a new homeless resource center begins June 2024; renovations for family rooms expected by December 2025. Motion passed 6-0.

City Manager's Report

  • City Manager Michael Cowan summarized the week's achievements: approved highway safety grants, funded a communications backup center north of the river, awarded a $7 million design-build project for Quarry Road detention, added parking and a zip line at Wildwood Park, approved the data center ordinance, and expanded the tax base by over 200 acres.
  • Recognized Mitch Gibbs (Finance) for his service in the US Air Force and recent promotion to Financial Services Manager.

Comments from Mayor and City Council

  • Several council members extended Happy Mother's Day wishes, thanked staff, and highlighted community events. Councilmember Foreman urged workforce development to ensure local residents benefit from Project Gen jobs. Mayor Pro Tem Daniels noted the need for police presence at West Point Park.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of agenda (added closed session) passed 6-0.
  • Appointments: Tina Barnes to Human Relations Council; Darren White and Deborah Shepard to Recreation and Parks Commission (both reappointed).
  • Cancellation of the May 20, 2024 council meeting passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Annexation and rezoning (Item 5 & 6): Approved 6-0.
  • Rezoning at Dickinson Avenue (Item 7): Approved 6-0.
  • Rezoning at Old Fire Tower Road (Item 8): Approved 4-3.
  • FLUM Amendment for ECU Health (Item 9): Approved 6-0.
  • Data Center Ordinance (Item 10): Approved 6-0.
  • Annual Action Plan (Item 11): Approved 6-0.
  • Project Gen Incentive (Item 12): Approved 6-0.
  • Shelter Contract (Item 14): Approved 6-0.
  • Closed Session: Convened at the end of the meeting to discuss economic development matters (N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call the May 9th, 2024 meeting of the Greenville City Council to Order. I'm Mayor P. J. Connelly of Presiding over tonight's meeting. First, I'd like to call on Councilmember Scully for the invitation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Mayor. On this day, a couple of days before Mother's Day, I'd like to pray for mothers. So let us pray. On this Mother's Day, we give thanks to God for the divine gift of motherhood in all its diverse forms. Let us pray for all the mothers among us today, for our own mothers, those living and those who have passed away. For the mothers who loved us and for those who fell short of loving us fully. For all who hope to be mothers someday, and for those whose hope to have children has been frustrated. For all mothers who have lost children, for all women and men who have mothered in any other ways, those who have been our substitute mothers, and we who have done so for those in need. And for the earth that bore us and provides us with our sustenance. We pray this all in the name of God, our great and loving mother. Amen. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, another God, inevisable with liberty justice for all. Madam Clerk, will you please call a roll? Yes, sir. Mayor Connolly. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Daniels. Present. Councilmember Foreman, present. Councilmember Blackburn. Present. Councilmember Scully. Here. Councilmember Robinson. Here. Councilmember Willis. Here. All right, Mayor Connolly of a Corm. Thank you very much. We'll move on to the approval of tonight's agenda. Mr. Manager, any recommended changes? I have no recommended changes. The motion to approve. Move to approve. Second. And a closed session to be read and considered at the end of the meeting. So moved. To add the closed session. You go ahead. Yes. Move to approve to accept the agenda and adding a closed session tonight.

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