Kellianne D. Williams

The retreat focused on administrative and operational discussions, including the introduction of an interim assistant city manager and guidance on the budget cycle. Agenda amendments were approved regarding home ARP funding processes. The Information Technology department provided an overview of its operations, staffing, and equipment needs, specifically requesting additional staff positions and new vehicles to support city infrastructure, including fiber network maintenance and security camera management. The Council also discussed the potential for a more centralized motor pool approach to maximize vehicle utilization across departments.

The Council discussed additions to the agenda, including an AVN agreement for setting aside a judgment, a resolution in support of the combat arms training and maintenance facility at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and a Second Chance Month proclamation. The meeting included reports from the Historic District Commission and a presentation on the 2024 employee benefit survey results, focusing on employee preferences for 401(k) contributions and other benefit improvements. The Council also appointed a voting delegate for the North Carolina League of Municipalities and moved into a closed session to discuss economic development and potential litigation.

The City Council meeting included updates on a parking moratorium ordinance, recognition of a high school wrestling team, and committee reports from the Goldsboro Mayor's Youth Council and the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities. Key initiatives discussed involved sidewalk safety improvements, the installation of adult changing tables in local businesses, and fundraising for an adaptive playground at North End Park. Procedural items included the adoption and amendment of the agenda and the discussion of temporary street closures.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including the review of proposals for the city manager job search. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a presentation regarding small business pop-up craft markets in the downtown area. Key topics included the potential for street closures, parking availability, application fees, permit requirements, and the need for improved communication and signage for such events. Council members discussed the balance between supporting local economic initiatives and managing the frequency and impact of street closures on downtown infrastructure and safety.

The council held a work session focused on a review of the upcoming budget. Discussions included a high-level overview of expenditure categories, with a primary focus on personnel costs, debt service, and operational expenses for the general and utility funds. The city manager and finance director detailed strategies for balancing the budget, including the deferral of certain capital projects and the recommendation of a property tax increase. Additionally, the council discussed the procedural timeline for future budget work sessions and the eventual adoption of the fiscal year budget.