Greenville City Council Meeting - October 10, 2024

The Greenville City Council met on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor P.J. Conley presided with Councilmembers Foreman, Blackburn, Robinson, and Willis present. Councilmember Daniels (Mayor Pro Tem) and Councilmember Scully were absent. The meeting included special recognition, public comments, appointments, two public hearings, several business items, and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Approved 4-0 with the addition of a closed session motion.
• Special Recognition: Recognized Scott Stanton, Police Department retiree, for 24 years and 4 months of service, including roles as patrol officer, detective, hostage negotiation team leader, and founding member of the Greenville Public Safety Pipes and Drums.
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions:
  • Human Relations Council: Duncan Patrick and Anitra Cook (approved 4-0).
  • Police Community Relations Committee: Philip Lyons reappointed (direct appointment by Mayor).
  • Shepherd Memorial Library Board: Dorothy Muller and Patricia Rawls reappointed (approved 4-0, motioned by Councilmember Robinson on behalf of absent Councilmember Scully, who is serving in Western NC hurricane relief).
  • Recreation and Parks: Sean Matthews (approved 4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. York (speaker, one of two who spoke): Expressed support for the proposed solid waste ordinance amendment regarding carts left at curbs, noting safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. He urged the city to clarify that carts should be placed on property at the curb, not in the street. He also commended the city for securing a federal grant for bus stop shelter upgrades, specifically mentioning a proposed new shelter on Mosley Drive near the food line. No other public comments were registered.

Public Hearings

1. Annexation of Davenport Farms at Emerald Park, Phase 9 (Item 3)

• Proposal: Ordinance to annex 4.7966 acres located at the terminus of Rhinestone Drive, anticipated to yield 18 single-family lots with an estimated tax value of $6.3 million. Located in the Swift Creek watershed (10-year detention required) and in the primary service area on the tiered growth map (Council District 5).
• Action: No public speakers for or against. Motion to approve by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Blackburn. Passed 4-0.

2. Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) (Item 4)

• Proposal: Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement with Pitt County to apply for $23,366 in JAG funds. Police Chief Ted Sowells presented: funds are based on crime stats, population, and service costs. The grant will be split nearly evenly with the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, with no city match required. City funds will be used to restock less lethal specialized equipment (e.g., tear gas) that must be used in training annually, and to purchase two lockers for the communications unit.
• Action: No public speakers. Motion to adopt by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Willis. Passed 4-0.

Discussion Items

5. Temporary Downpayment Assistance Program for Lincoln Park Phase II

• Proposal: City staff (Renee Scheme, Neighborhood & Business Services Program Manager) presented a temporary program to fill a funding gap caused by the exhaustion of the North Carolina Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) for the 2024 cycle. The CPLP typically provides 20-25% of home sales price up to $50,000, but no new reservations will be accepted until early 2025. The city's program offers up to $50,000 as a no-interest forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers buying one of six newly constructed homes in Lincoln Park Phase II. Eligibility: must not exceed 80% area median income, occupy as principal residence, and meet credit/employment standards. The program will last until CPLP funds return or all homes are sold, whichever comes first. Councilmember Foreman suggested better outreach to local realtors and the Home Builders Association. Two homes are already under contract pending CPLP; five are in the pipeline.
• Action: Motion to approve by Councilmember Blackburn, second by Councilmember Willis. Passed 4-0.

6. Contract Award for Bus Stop Shelter Amenities

• Proposal: Director of Public Works Kevin Mullen presented a contract to Tolar Manufacturing Company for $650,000 in ARPA funds. It will provide a minimum of 28 shelters (modular, 9-15 ft wide), benches (including pole-mounted and ADA-accessible), bike racks, solar lighting, and trash cans. New shelters are indicated by blue stars on a map; red stars indicate replacement of existing shelters. About 15% of the city's 200 bus stops will have shelters. Seating is planned for all stops. Next steps include working with NCDOT on encroachment agreements and installing in 2025.
• Discussion: Councilmember Blackburn expressed concern about bench designs with ridges (often used to prevent sleeping) and asked if solar panels could provide heat/fans; Mullen clarified panels provide light only. She found the ridges dehumanizing but did not want to delay the project. Councilmember Foreman asked about the timeline and future expansion of shelters. Staff noted automatic passenger counts from a new telematics system will help determine shelter need.
• Action: Motion to approve by Councilmember Blackburn, second by Councilmember Robinson. Passed 4-0.

7. Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 of Title 6 – Garbage and Refuse Collection

• Proposal: Kevin Mullen presented ordinance changes to address carts left at the curb/sidewalk after collection, unlawful deposits of refuse, cart purchase requirements, dumpster specs, and suspension of refuse fees for vacant properties. Key points:
  • Carts left at curb: New provision allowing city staff to move carts that are safety/ADA hazards. After education and stickers, a $50 service fee may be added to the resident's utility bill for carts left in the right-of-way after the day of service.
  • Time adjustments: The original ordinance stated carts could not be set out before dusk the day before and must be removed by daybreak the day after. Councilmember Robinson requested changing to noon on both ends to accommodate shift workers. Staff agreed to modify.
  • Unlawful deposits: A $50 service fee for cleaning up garbage left on the ground; education and warnings precede fines.
  • Cart purchase requirement: Clarified that residents may purchase carts from the city or any vendor as long as the cart is approved and compliant. The current ordinance erroneously restricted purchases to before July 1, 2010; this will be corrected.
  • Suspension of refuse fees: Currently, residents not using service for months can suspend fees. Staff proposed ending this practice, as the city is the only one among the top 15 cities allowing it. Refuse fees would be charged whenever a utility account is active. Councilmember Robinson questioned this but staff noted difficulties with logistics and fairness.
• Discussion: Councilmember Foreman expressed concern about enforcement discretion and the potential for unintended ticketing of residents on vacation or with emergencies. Staff emphasized a compassionate, education-first approach with warnings, stickers, and a six-month reset for violators. The mayor and council agreed to defer the ordinance to the November meeting to allow staff to incorporate the time changes (noon to noon), fix the cart language, and seek input from absent councilmembers.
• Action: Motion to defer and cancel the October 21 special meeting (originally scheduled for further discussion) was passed 4-0. The item will return in November.

City Manager's Report

• Cancelled Meeting: The October 21 meeting was cancelled; solid waste ordinance will be brought back in November.
• 250th Anniversary: Showed a video from the reflection series featuring former Fire Chief Raymond Carney, the first African American fire chief in Greenville, recalling his ambition to become chief. City Manager gave a shout-out to Brock (Public Information Officer) for outstanding work on the anniversary materials.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Annexation of Davenport Farms Phase 9: Approved 4-0.
  • JAG Grant Interlocal Agreement: Approved 4-0.
  • Temporary Downpayment Assistance Program: Approved 4-0.
  • Bus Shelter Contract Award: Approved 4-0.
  • Solid Waste Ordinance Amendments: Deferred to November meeting; October 21 meeting cancelled (4-0).
• Directives: Staff to modify solid waste ordinance language (change 'dusk' and 'daybreak' to 'noon', fix cart purchase language) and bring back in November.
• Closed Session: Motion to hold a closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with attorney on attorney-client privilege regarding a claim or judicial action. Passed 4-0.