Durwood Copeland

The Town Council meeting addressed several budget amendments, with the American Rescue Plan amendment being pulled for separate discussion, while others related to the Police Department Commission for Calendars, CDBG Housing Grant, Airport Runway Lighting, and NCLM Safety Grant were approved as part of the consent agenda. Public comments included requests for partnership on the annual Dr. M L King Jr. Celebration, appreciation for Public Works and Police during a snowstorm, and concerns regarding the Harbortowns project. Key presentations included the FY 2024/25 Audit and an update on Harbortowns projects. New business involved the appointment of Mr. Dennis H. Wright to the Northeastern Regional Airport Commission and the approval of a handicap accessible parking space on South Broad Street. The Council also approved the tentative award of Contract #2 for the WTP interconnection project (VUR-D-ARP-0055) to Burnette Enterprises, approved travel for the National Mainstreet Conference, and approved a budget amendment reallocating housing funds to neighborhood parks projects. Timely items included updates on the electric meter installation project and construction notification procedures on Court Street, as well as updates on the Marriott Hotel and Provalus projects.

The Council discussed various community projects and administrative matters. Key agenda items included the acceptance of funding for the Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant, budget amendments for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project and runway pavement and lighting repairs, and a request for the transfer of ownership of the Swain Auditorium from the county to the town. Additionally, the Council addressed the fiscal year audit response, approved travel requests for the National Mainstreet Conference, and reviewed monthly reports from the police, fire, and public works departments regarding operations, infrastructure, and community service updates.

Key discussions during the meeting included the establishment of a Town Staff Allotment/Time Policy, setting a limit of three hours per citizen request/issue for staff efficiency. The Council received an update on the R-3 zoning proposal regarding smaller lot sizes for affordable housing. Two budget amendments were presented: one to reallocate remaining housing funds to neighborhood parks improvements (which was tabled for consideration of using funds for resident housing repairs), and another to recognize the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) Phase 3 award for the restoration of Filbert's Creek. The Council voted to approve a letter of support for NCDOT Project BR-0183 Alternative Two, favoring staged construction on West Queen Street to maintain traffic flow. An Internal Controls Policy for ARP/CSLFRF funds was approved to meet federal compliance requirements. A clerical error correction in the FY25/26 Budget Ordinance was passed, and a resolution was approved fixing the date of the public hearing for the 316 Old Hertford Road annexation for September 9, 2025. The Council also approved an intent to apply for the 2025 NCEM HSGP Grant and appointed Brian Towers to the Edenton Preservation Commission. Public comments addressed thanks for recent event coordination and concerns from businesses regarding the high volume of Town-hosted events.

The meeting included public comments concerning a septic system at Hayes Plantation, the extension of natural gas service down West Queen Street, observations about employee parking on Broad Street, a suggestion to adopt a balloon ban ordinance, and a request regarding a tied vote from the Board of Adjustment. Special presentations covered the annual update from SnapBack NC and an update on monitoring the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound from the Edenton Chowan Environmental Group. An update was provided by NCDOT regarding the Pembroke Creek bridge replacement project. The public hearing for the FY 2025/26 Budget Proposal included public comments. A text amendment (Case No. TA 25-03) to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding signage for religious institutions in residential districts was discussed and subsequently denied. A Major Special Use Permit application (Case No. MSUP 25-04) for an apartment complex was tabled. Committee meetings resulted in the approval of new job descriptions and classifications for the Fire Marshall and GIS/Special Projects Program Manager, an Administrative Policies update, and a Personnel Policy Resolution. New business included the approval of a lease agreement with Chowan County Sheriff's Office for boat storage. The Town Manager's report addressed prior public comments regarding crosswalk studies, noise restrictions, crime prevention strategies, stop light timing, and sales tax revenue. Other discussions involved railroad maintenance meetings, the town's paving schedule, EV charging stations, and the Colonial Park Site Design.

The special session included three public hearings. The first, concerning a Major Special Use Permit for Chowan County ABC Board regarding a property subdivision, was tabled until the next meeting due to recusal resulting in a lack of quorum for voting. The second public hearing involved a rezoning application from Herritese, LLC, requesting to change property zoning from SC to CH; this rezoning was unanimously approved after confirming that it would not endanger public health or safety, injure adjoining property values, harmonize with the area, and conform to the Land Use Plan. The third public hearing addressed a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to increase Minimum Lot Size and Minimum Lot Widths in the RA district, which was approved. The Council also addressed an Economic Development Funding Allocation for Project Teapot, which was approved, involving Town funds from the Conger Building sale and a ten-year agreement with Main Street Edenton. A request for a Memorial Bench for Aiden Chase Radke at Colonial Park was approved, specifying its location near the south entrance walkway to the playground. Finally, the Council approved Work Authorization No. 20-03 for additional professional services for the airport runway rehabilitation design and a corresponding Budget Amendment funded 100% by grant proceeds for the project.