Town of Smithfield

The Town Council meeting included several public hearings concerning conditional rezoning requests (CZ-25-07 for a convenience store, CZ-25-08 for a flex commercial building, and CZ-25-06 for a large residential R-8 conditional master plan) and an annexation request (ANX-25-05) for approximately 500 acres. A major agenda item involved a Comprehensive Map Plan Update Request (CA-25-01) due to recent growth. The consent agenda covered employee matters, specifically a request for sick leave donation and two separate requests for career ladder promotions from Firefighter I to Firefighter II. Additionally, the council considered awarding a badge and service weapon to a retiring Police Lieutenant, the purchase of a new Fire Inspection Vehicle, and the purchase of a Dodge Durango using GHSP grant funds for the police department.

The Town Council meeting agenda included a proclamation for 'All in Red Month.' Key discussions involved two public hearings concerning zoning amendments: ZA-25-03 to repeal the Rowhouse Overlay District and establish the Downtown Overlay District, and RZ-25-02 to establish the corresponding zoning map boundaries. Consent agenda items included approving minutes from a previous session, considering a Temporary Use Permit for the Johnston County Building and Industries Discover Construction Day, authorizing the auction of surplus property (a 2003 Ford F150 Truck), and reviewing a New Hire Report. Business items focused on initiating a contract for the CMAC Grant for sidewalks on Venture Drive with a recommended two-year funding match, considering advisory board appointments via ballot for the Historic Preservation Committee and Planning Board, and considering an appointment to the Appearance Commission. Additionally, the Council addressed adopting the Cape Fear Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, approving a contract amendment for Pump Station #1 rebuild using ARPA funding, approving a contract for water line extension construction, and acknowledging successfully filled positions from the FY 2025-2026 Budget.

The Town Council reconvened for a budget meeting to discuss initial outlines and priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget by department, covering significant capital requests such as the Fire Department's Engine 4 Replacement, various Parks & Recreation needs including a fishing pier design, and Water/Sewer Fund improvements like Pump Station upgrades. Personnel requests were detailed across multiple departments, including additional firefighters and police officers. The council reviewed previously completed and ongoing budget goals, and discussed concerns regarding salary compression. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update from Eagle Eye Consulting regarding state and federal funding strategies, emphasizing the need for 'shovel-ready,' prioritized infrastructure projects. The council also debated the process for hiring a new Town Manager, weighing the costs and benefits of using external recruitment firms versus internal management, concluding they would finalize the hiring approach at the next meeting. Finally, the structure of the second monthly meeting was discussed to promote a more productive, workshop-style format.

The Town Council meeting agenda included several key items. Presentations covered a proclamation honoring the service and retirement of Town Manager Michael L. Scott, and the appointment of Kimberly Pickett as Interim Town Manager, effective February 1, 2026. The council was scheduled to hold two public hearings regarding Special Use Permit requests: SUP-25-01 for Adrenaline Designs to operate a tattoo establishment, and SUP-25-02 for Aruza Pest Control to operate an exterminating business. The consent agenda included the promotion of a police officer from Captain to Deputy Chief, setting a public hearing date for annexation petition ANX-25-05 involving E & F Properties (498.283 acres), approval for a budget amendment to cover the cost of a new fire engine, approval of a Utility Preliminary Engineering Agreement for electric pole relocation due to US-301 Highway improvements, and approval of contracts for sports court resurfacing, repair of fencing along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and replacement of the HVAC system at the Sarah Yard Community Center. The council also considered appointments to the Library Board of Trustees and the Recreation Advisory Committee. Business items included authorizing Kimberly Pickett as the Town's representative on the Electricities Board of Commissioners.

The Town Council meeting commenced with the approval of an amended agenda, which included adding consideration for the DSDC to hold a Jingle Ball Jubilee and scheduling a budget work session. Key old business items approved on the Consent Agenda included the adoption of new Safety Policies, specifically the Exposure Control Plan and PPE Hazard Assessment Program, and the acceptance of streets in the Franklin Townes development for Town maintenance, adding approximately 3,162 linear feet of roadway. The meeting also included a New Hire Report detailing filled positions and current vacancies across various departments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Organizational Meeting agenda, featuring the recognition of outgoing Councilman Dr. David Barbour, the administration of oaths of office to returning and newly elected council members, and the unanimous election of Councilman Sloan Stevens as the Mayor Pro-Tempore. Furthermore, the Council made several appointments to Advisory Boards, including the Appearance Commission, Library Board of Trustees, and various committee and authority positions. The 2026 Town Council Meeting Schedule was adopted, along with a modification to the Appearance Commission's meeting date and time. The session concluded with Councilmember Comments reflecting on service and unity, the Town Manager's Report, and a formal recess until December 9, 2025.