Gilbert Acevedo

The agenda includes discussions on approving a change order for the 2024-2025 Road Improvement Project, updates on the Lead Water Service Line Project and the Electrical System Financial Review, and adopting an ordinance to close out the Riverwalk Project Phase I, II, III. Further discussion will cover the adoption of the FY2025-2026 Operating Budget Amendment, revisions to the Mayor and Council Travel Policy, a policy statement on leasing City-owned facilities, and a special event permit request for the Annual Christmas Parade. Additionally, there will be consideration of an appointment to the Board of Adjustment/Planning Board, followed by reports from the City Manager and City Attorney.

The council meeting included discussions on concerns about local shelters, property taxes, and recent property tax increases. The council approved a special event permit request for the Greene Lamp Fall Festival. A downtown master plan project was approved to provide strategic direction for redevelopment, revitalization, and repurposing of the downtown area. The council also adopted a resolution to provide notice of claim of lien and authorizing foreclosure to recover unpaid charges for a demolished property, as well as adopting a City of Kinston Investment Policy and approving an MCA between NC Wildlife and the City of Kinston for improvements at the nature center.

The Kinston City Council meeting addressed several community concerns, including requests for cyclist safety ordinances, issues at Roland Paylor Apartments, and rising property taxes. The Kinston Housing Authority presented updates on hot water outages and other property concerns. The council discussed the possibility of rezoning a property for an athletic facility. They approved resolutions for the Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Program, the purchase of components to repair the Pollock Street bar screen, and an installment purchase contract. Additionally, they approved a special permit for the DKR Annual Turn on the Lights event, funding for HVAC repairs at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, and the extension of fiber to electric substations. A public hearing was scheduled to consider an economic development agreement for Cardon Rehabilitation and Medical Equipment. The council also approved a policy on naming city-owned facilities, while a policy on leasing city-owned facilities was tabled for further review. Property tax rates and potential relief options were discussed, along with the need for diversified revenue streams and economic development.

The council addressed citizen concerns about property taxes and blight, approved a 4% electric rate reduction, and continued consideration of a developer agreement with smART Kinston Foundation. They also approved a special use permit for a tattoo parlor and discussed the FY 24-25 budget status and the allocation of additional property tax revenue. Furthermore, the council approved the purchase of a jet vacuum truck, special event permits for Brad-Fest 2025 and the Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church Fall Festival, and a resolution authorizing the sale of real property. Updates were provided on Kinston Christmas events and the annual Public Services Fall Cleanup.

The Kinston City Council meeting includes a public hearing on a rezoning request for a property from I-1 (Industrial) to I-B (Industrial Business). The agenda also covers the approval of a resolution to accept an award for the Essential Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Program from the NC Housing Finance Agency, including the adoption of an assistance policy. Additional items for consideration include the purchase of components to repair the Pollock Street Bar Screen, a resolution to execute an installment purchase contract, the adoption of a City of Kinston Investment Policy, and a special permit request for the DKR Annual Turn on the Lights event at Pearson Park. The council will also discuss contributing to the replacement of the boiler and HVAC controls at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, scheduling a public hearing for an economic development agreement with Cardon Rehabilitation and Medical Equipment, extending fiber to electric substations by Greenlight Community Broadband, and establishing policies on naming and leasing city-owned facilities and property.