Patrick Lee

The Board of Commissioners received a donation from the Havelock Animals Association for animal control support and presented a Key to the City to Colonel Brendan C. Burks. Financial reports for the General, Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, Stormwater, and Tourist & Event Center funds were presented and discussed. The Board approved an amended award and resolution for the McCotter Canal Bank Stabilization Project due to increased ARPA grant funding, and authorized the use of CIP funds for the purchase of a new Christmas tree for City Park. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Citizens Police Academy, the upcoming Annual Planning Retreat, and an upcoming Easter Egg Hunt.

The board conducted an annual planning retreat to evaluate departmental performance and budget priorities. Key discussions included a review of year-end financial projections across various municipal funds, the implementation of a credit card convenience fee model to offset processing costs, and capital improvement planning for the police department's vehicle fleet and public services infrastructure. The board received updates on wastewater collection system assessments, authorized the development of a Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan, and revised recreation membership fees. Additionally, the commissioners adopted formal policies regarding compensation philosophy, light pole banners, and fund balance requirements, and approved the scheduling of future public hearings for zoning and ordinance amendments.

The board meeting agenda includes the consideration of several consent items, such as policy revisions, a contract for an audit, funding for the recreation complex, and an interim manager contract amendment. Key discussion topics involve public hearings on a rezoning request for 94 Belltown Road and a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding minor subdivisions. The board will also deliberate on joining the Craven County Metropolitan Planning Organization, review the monthly financial report, and conduct a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key discussion points. Recognitions will be presented, including the Key to the City to Colonel Brendan C. Burks for his service as Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, highlighting his contributions since 2022. The financial portion involves the presentation of the January 2026 monthly financial report. Infrastructure discussions center on the McCotter Canal Bank Stabilization Project, seeking approval to accept additional ARPA grant funding ($1,347,087) and amend the contract with Trader Construction Company to include Area 6 for a revised total construction cost of $4,297,587. Furthermore, authorization is sought to use allocated CIP funds ($25,000) to replace the City Park Christmas Tree with a new commercial-grade display. The session will conclude with reports and comments from elected and appointed officials.

The workshop meeting addressed several key agenda items. A primary discussion centered on the formal acceptance of the TAV-8B Trainer aircraft from the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), which required authorizing funding options ranging from approximately $193,972.00 to $211,821.00 for restoration and placement through Fleet Readiness Center East (FRC East), with Option D being formally accepted. Discussions also touched upon the potential future receipt of the "Last Flight" AV-8B Aircraft. The Board determined that a future workshop or retreat should be scheduled to discuss the overall aviation plan and long-term museum strategy. Additionally, the Mayor reported on upcoming lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., regarding various infrastructure and economic development projects, including updates on Congressionally Directed Spending and collaboration on the middle school property redevelopment. Brief reports included an announcement regarding the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) expansion planning meeting.