Lashonda Bonsu

The City Council work session included a presentation and discussion on the NorthStar utility billing software, with a focus on the customer view and its benefits. Topics discussed included the costs associated with credit card payments, the automation of route and sequence numbers for new construction, and the real-time interface for technicians. There was also a discussion regarding the Finance Committee's role and process, as well as the scheduling of future meetings. Additionally, the council discussed and considered the Planning Retreat, including its location and costs, ultimately voting to hold it out of town.

The City Council work session included discussions and considerations on various topics. The Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the policy for the Major General Hawthorne Proctor Wall of Honor at Veterans Park, including eligibility criteria and costs. The Public Utilities Committee provided an update on pricing and alternatives for rubber and asphalt speed bumps, as well as a new policy for electrical fee collection. The Planning Committee considered calls for public hearings on amendments related to apartment building spacing and short-term rental units. The Finance Committee discussed a budget amendment for AAU basketball and various financial items and amendments for fiscal year cleanup, including addressing excessive expenditures and GASB requirements. Updates to the purchasing process and procedures were also considered, while updated P-Card procedures were carried forward for further discussion.

The City Council held a regular session where they discussed and approved several key items. They recognized community heroes and proclaimed July as Parks & Recreation Month. A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to the city code concerning vehicles of a certain capacity in residential areas, but no action was taken. The council approved minutes from previous meetings and adopted a street closing ordinance for the Independence Day event. They also accepted funding offers for various water and wastewater projects and adopted end-of-year budget amendments and financial cleanup items. Additionally, there were presentations on ECSU's digital literacy initiative and a discussion on utilizing general fund cash for capital expenditures and debt reduction. The council also re-appointed a member to the Tourism Development Authority and declared a city property as surplus for sale.

The City Council convened an emergency meeting to address a shooting incident involving the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing that the Elizabeth City Police Department was not involved. Discussions included the need for unity, transparency, and accountability, with concerns raised about community safety and the impact on residents. The council also discussed the possibility of enacting a state of emergency and a curfew, and received updates on mutual aid from surrounding areas.

The City Council convened for a regular session, addressing several key issues. A proclamation was read in honor of Mayor Pro Tem Johnnie Walton. Public comments were heard regarding concerns about a rezoning proposal for Walker Avenue, particularly its potential impact on traffic, property values, and safety. The Council held public hearings for a Conditional Use Permit for Grace Montessori Academy and for designating local landmark status to the former Elizabeth City High School/Elizabeth City Middle School. The Council discussed and ultimately took no action on the rezoning for Walker Avenue. The council approved finding funds for a security camera.