Kelley Craig

The regular meeting included the renaming of Depot Railroad Avenue Park to Jimmy Harris Railroad Depot Park in tribute to former mayor Jimmy Harris, and a proclamation recognizing Veterans Day. A public hearing addressed a proposal to amend city code to regulate the sale of hemp derived consumable products, requiring businesses within 2,000 ft of schools or parks to check IDs and restrict sales to individuals under 21. Key actions included approving a four-way stop at the intersection of Mills Avenue, Hillview Avenue, and Hillview Street near Silverstein Park. The council also approved the annexation and rezoning of a city-owned parcel off Cashier's Valley Road, and the rezoning of five parcels off Pisca Drive recently sold by Transennsylvania Regional Hospital. Additionally, amendments were approved for the unified development ordinance, specifically adding aviation facilities to the use matrix.

The upcoming City Council meeting agenda includes the swearing-in ceremony and oath of office for the new Police Chief, Christy Wells, whose appointment was confirmed in November. The Mayor will read a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the St. Phillip's Episcopal Church cornerstone laying. The agenda also features a public comment period for general public address. A required public hearing will address the staff recommendation to integrate certain functions of a housing authority into city operations to clarify legal authority for city-led housing creation. Ministerial actions include accepting a contract change order for the sewer pump station rehab project and approving a budget amendment related to the sale of surplus city vehicles. The Council will also take action on the previous meeting's public hearing regarding the voluntary rezoning of 11 parcels near Routes 64 and 268 into the Pisga Gateway mixed-use zoning category (PGX). Finally, the Council will consider new guidelines for when private vendors can operate on city property, balancing support for small businesses with maintaining public property use for general enjoyment.

The regular meeting included the swearing in of the new Police Department Chief. A public hearing was held and subsequently approved the request for the city to assume the powers and responsibilities of a housing authority for legal purposes, which will not impact the existing Brevard Housing Authority's work. The council approved the voluntary rezoning of 11 parcels near US64 and 268 to the new Pisga Gateway mixed-use zoning category. Furthermore, the council authorized applying for loan funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's State Revolving Fund program to construct an enhanced second intake at the water treatment plant for system resiliency improvements. Recommendations from the finance committee regarding operations for vendors with non-motorized push carts were referred back to the finance committee for further review.

The meeting began with introductions and the administration of oaths of office for the new police chief, Christy Wenzel, including both the standard oath and a separate statutory oath for law enforcement officers. A proclamation designating February 8th, 2026, as St. Phillip's Episcopal Church Cornerstone Centennial Day was presented, recognizing the church's 100 years since its cornerstone was laid and its community contributions, including addressing historical issues related to slavery. Public comments featured reports from the Brevard Sustainability Council (BSC) regarding their 2025 activities, such as the resolution endorsing the BSC, partnering with Brevard Rotary, seeking funding for an 'Adopt a Drain' program with Riverlink, installing native plant boxes, and compiling sustainability recommendations for events. Future plans for 2026 include an 'Adopt a Stream' event, projects on plastic reduction, a green business pledge, a composting program, and landfill reduction efforts concerning styrofoam and food waste. Another speaker addressed the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor welcoming attendees and remarks from a local pastor regarding the seventh annual summer literacy program, which has been recognized as a promising practice. Following the pledge of allegiance, the agenda was approved with a modification to move item K2 to new business, and the minutes from the January 20th, 2026 regular meeting were approved. During public comment, one speaker addressed the importance of recognizing Black American patriots from the founding era, and another speaker provided an update on recent wastewater spills into the French Broad River and recommended monthly updates on sewer pump rehabilitation and water treatment plant improvement projects. The special presentations included the City of Brevard's annual independent audit for the year ending June 30, 2025, presented by the independent auditing firm. The audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and a clean yellow book report, with no material weaknesses noted. A minor budget violation in the health insurance internal service fund was noted for reporting purposes as required by the Local Government Commission. The presentation also summarized general fund revenues and expenditures, noting that the movement of sanitation fees into the general fund caused increases in both revenue and public works expenditures, while public safety expenditures increased due to new police department lease space.