Cynthia Sullivan Bennett

The regular session addressed the approval of the agenda and several consent items. Key actions included adopting the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Preparation and Adoption Schedule, adopting a Capital Project Ordinance to accept donations for the History Center & Museum Project, and approving an NC Emergency Management Grant Application for purchasing an off-road vehicle for search and rescue. Reports were provided on the Washington-Warren Airport Authority, noting ongoing hangar construction. Appointments were made to the Planning Board (Alternate Member) and the Washington Housing Authority. New business involved approving the transition of the Grant Manager position from part-time to full-time, approving an Engineering Agreement Amendment for the Lead Service Line Inventory, approving Change Order #1 for the Medical District Project (due to additional concrete work), adopting an updated fee schedule for the Washington Warren Airport, and approving the development agreement for the Avon Avenue Extension project, which involves infrastructure improvements for traffic congestion relief. The Council also entered and exited a closed session concerning personnel and attorney/client privilege, and approved an employment contract for the City Clerk.

Key discussions during this special meeting included the approval of a Budget Ordinance Amendment concerning the City Clerk's contract, acceptance of the City Manager's resignation, and the approval of a Budget Ordinance Amendment related to the City Manager's severance payout.

The special meeting agenda was approved. The Council entered into a closed session under NCGS 143-318.11 (A)(6) regarding Personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, discussion focused on the hiring of Bobby Roberson as the Interim City Manager. A motion was made and carried (3-2) to hire Mr. Roberson effective immediately, despite concerns raised regarding foregoing the process for previously planned candidates. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

The City Council meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025, was canceled due to potential inclement weather and rescheduled for December 10, 2025, using the same agenda. Key agenda items for the meeting include presentations by Councilmembers and the Mayor, action on a consent agenda item regarding a donation from Tractor Supply, public comments, and old business such as awarding the construction contract for the Cherry Run Pump Station and 5th Street Force Main Project and declaring election results official. New business involves administering oaths, nomination of a Mayor Pro Tem, assignment of Council Liaisons, and approval of contracts for an Interim City Manager, a City Manager Consultant (Bobby Roberson), and a Washington Utilities Consultant (Knight Advantage, LLC). The council also planned to discuss a Social Media Policy and a City Council Code of Ethics.

The special meeting included several key actions and discussions. The agenda was approved after amendments that removed several New Business items. Discussions covered NCGS 160a-161 Oath of Office for council-elect members and best practices for hiring as explained by the Human Resources Director. The Consent Agenda, which included accepting a donation from Tractor Supply and adopting a corresponding budget ordinance amendment, was approved. During public comments, individuals addressed utilities, removed new business contracts, and homelessness. In Old Business, the Council tentatively awarded the Cherry Run Pump Station and 5th Street Force Main Project to KBS Construction Company, approved a Grant Project Ordinance Amendment, and approved a subsequent purchase order. The election results were declared official and seats vacant. New Business prominently featured the administration of oaths of office to the newly elected Mayor and Council members, followed by the nomination and appointment of Councilmember Nick Fritz as Mayor Pro Tem. The Council approved an extension for the Fiscal Year 2025 audit contract due to federal government shutdown delays affecting compliance supplements. Discussions were noted regarding the need to revise the Council Code of Ethics policy and the Social Media Policy.