The Greenville City Council met on April 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, a public comment, approval of consent agenda items, a contested annexation vote, approval of a public art mural, an affordable housing update, a solid waste rate plan, and a budget amendment. The council also discussed future agenda items and shared community announcements.
Old Business – Annexation of Mann Farm, Lot 1 (Item 9): Chief Planner Shante Gooby presented a detailed overview of the annexation process, including the property's history, development plans, traffic circulation, and crash data. The property is located at the northwestern corner of East 10th Street and Evolve Way. Councilmember Blackburn expressed concerns about East 10th Street being at 92% capacity and high crash rates (5 crashes per month, with 4 serious or fatal in some months). He initially moved to deny but withdrew after discussion. Councilmember Foreman stated her opposition, emphasizing safety and the need to prioritize citizen concerns. After further debate, the annexation was approved 5-1 (Councilmember Foreman opposed).
New Business – Public Art on Elizabeth Street Roundabout (Item 10): Holly Garriott from Emerge Arts Council presented a proposal for a mural by local artist Sherry White on the retaining wall of the roundabout at Elizabeth Street, Albemarle Avenue, and West Fifth Street. The project was funded through community efforts and involved Black creatives of Pitt County in the selection process. The council approved the request unanimously.
New Business – Affordable Housing Update (Item 11): Neighborhood Business Services Director Tiana Berryman presented a 10-year plan to increase city investment in affordable housing. The proposal includes a phased increase in annual appropriation from $200,000 in year one to $1 million by year five, creating a revolving fund for infill development. The goal is to produce 50 new homes for first-time homebuyers over the decade. Council members praised the plan as bold and noted the need to leverage multiple developers. The presentation was informational; no vote was taken on the plan itself.
New Business – Solid Waste Services 3-Year Plan (Item 12): Public Works Director Kevin Mulligan and CFO Jacob Joyner presented the plan. The city currently charges $16/month for weekly refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection, the lowest rate among comparable cities. Costs have risen significantly (truck prices up 50% in 10 years). Two rate options were presented: Option 1 (no cart replacement) increasing to $20 by 2028; Option 2 (with cart replacement) increasing to $21.50 by 2028. Staff recommended Option 2. Council approved Option 2 unanimously (6-0).
New Business – Budget Ordinance Amendment #9 (Item 13): CFO Jacob Joyner presented the amendment, which appropriates $44,000 for ADA website upgrades and recognizes $1.2 million in proceeds from the sale of Lincoln Park homes for affordable housing. Approved unanimously (6-0).
Good evening. I'd like to call the April 7th, 2025 meeting of the Greenville City Council to Order. I'm Mayor P. J. Connolly after presiding over tonight's meeting. First, I'd like to call on Councilmember Foreman for the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Mayor. Um tonight I am going to just share scripture. I'm going to use God's word instead of mine. So we're I'm going to share James chapter two, verses 14 through 17. Uh, what does it profit, my brethren? If someone says he has faith but does not have works. Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, depart in peace, be warm and filled, but do not give them the things which are needed for the body. What does it profit? Does also faith by itself. It does if it does not have works, is dead. College of the leadership. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice straw. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Yes, sir. Mayor Connolly. Here. Present. Councilmember Foreman. Here. Councilmember Blackburn. Present. Councilmember Scully. Here. Councilmember Robinson. Here. Councilmember Willis. Here. Mayor Connelly of the Clark. Thank you very much. We'll now move on to approval of the agenda. Mr. Manager, any recommended changes? I have no recommended changes. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. All right. Motion to made by Councilmember Blackworth, second by Mayor Pro Tim Daniels. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed say nay. Motion passes 6-0.