Kinston City Council approves sewer camera, discusses budget and Downtown Revitalization
The Kinston City Council convened Tuesday for a work session and regular meeting, addressing a range of topics including budget updates, infrastructure improvements, and community recognitions.
During the work session, Finance Director Donna Goodson presented the FY 24-25 Quarter 2 budget status, noting that the city had received $52,358,541 in revenues and expended $46,236,481 as of December 31, 2024.
"The interim financial report summary reflects six months or 50% of fiscal year 2025 and does not include any accruals... Combining all funds the city received $52,358,541 in revenues and expended 46 million $236,481," Goodson stated. She also provided an update on the use of ARPA funds. "The ARPA funds report is just a recap of where we are spending our allocated funds from the ARPA proceeds we were awarded," Goodson explained.
A significant action item during the regular meeting was the unanimous approval of the purchase of a CCTV sewer camera system at a cost not to exceed $415,000. Public Services Director Steve Miller detailed the need for the new equipment, as the city's current system, purchased in 2007, is nearing the end of its service life.
"In 2007, the city purchased its first ever sewer inspection equipment. And it is still in service today... what we've been looking at it for a replacement is considering using a van mounted system," Miller said. The new system will offer improved maneuverability and the ability to inspect customer service lines.
In other business, the council received an informational presentation from Planning Director Elizabeth Blount regarding the relocation of the 1951 Adkin High School walkout murals. The murals will find a new home at the Community Council of the Arts, with a public showcase scheduled for Thursday, March 20th.
"We are announcing the new home of the 1951 Aken High School mural... The mural will be located at the Community Council of the Arts which is located on Queen Street," Blount announced.
The council also recognized the efforts of local organizations. Mayor Don Hardy issued a proclamation declaring March 29, 2025, as "STRIDES: Lions for Diabetes Awareness Day" in support of the Kinston Host Lions Club's initiative to raise awareness and funds for diabetes education and support. Sharon Axelberg of Strides – Lions for Diabetes Awareness shared information about their upcoming Rockin' Walk-A-Thon.
"We decided to have what we call our rock and walkathon which means you can walk or you can rock or you can just go out and fellowship but we have a mini health fair... This money is used to send kids to camp," Axelberg said.
Mayor Hardy also issued a proclamation designating March as "Women's History Month", highlighting the contributions of American women.
"Now, therefore, I Mayor Hardy do proclaim that March is designated as Women, History Month," he stated.
The council recognized the DK Revitalization Design Committee for their volunteer work in enhancing the downtown area. Leon Steele, Director of Downtown Kinston Revitalization, praised the committee's dedication, noting their involvement in projects like the Shirley Herring Memorial Garden..
"We want to recognize and and thank this special group of volunteers for their work. Their primary responsibility of course as the design committee is pretty much as that implies the appearance of downtown," Steele said.
Frances Theodorakis, chair of the committee, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. "The DK Design Committee is thrilled to be recognized for this award. The garden stands is a testament to our collective dedication to beautifying our town and preserving the legacy of Shirley Herring," Theodorakis commented.
Councilmembers considered a request to review the special use permit for a dance hall at 1610 N Queen Street. Blount reported that the police and fire departments had no significant incidents to report since the permit was issued with conditions in July 2023. However, after discussion regarding security and operating hours, the council voted to table the item until the next meeting to allow for the applicant to be present and provide further information.
The council approved a motion to move forward with advertising the property at 502 and 514 East Bright Street for sale at the current bid price of $7,000.
In an appointment matter, the council unanimously approved the appointment of Mathew Young to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Finally, Councilwoman Felicia Solomon raised the possibility of changing the meeting time for all city council meetings to 5:30 PM. After a brief discussion and consensus among the council, City Attorney James P. Cauley III advised that this change would require a formal ordinance amendment, which will be prepared for a future meeting.
"I believe that will be an ordinance that would be required because the city code set forth sets forth the date and times of meeting. We'll draw an ordinance for your next meeting," Cauley stated. The meeting was adjourned shortly after.
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