Kinston council to consider downtown service criteria, police dog retirement Nov. 2
Kinston City Council will consider a process for selecting a downtown service provider, the retirement of police dog Nero and a sewer service request when it meets Monday, Nov. 2, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 207 E. King St.
Council will consider a resolution establishing criteria for selecting a nonprofit to provide services in the Downtown Kinston Municipal Service District, a 27-block area where an additional property tax supports supplemental services.
Planning Director Elizabeth Blount’s memo says the city previously allocated district revenues to Downtown Kinston. The organization’s restructuring and the expiration of its agreement prompted the proposed selection process.
Applicants would be evaluated on their work plans, business engagement, staffing and governance, financial accountability and past performance. Proposals would need an average score of at least 70 out of 100 points to qualify for a recommendation.
The proposed process includes gathering input from district residents and property owners, soliciting proposals and holding a public hearing before council selects a provider.
Council also will consider retiring Nero and authorizing his sale to his former handler, Sgt. Lucas Miller, for $1.
Police Chief Keith Goyette’s memo says Nero is more than 7½ years old and has experienced worsening mobility problems. Veterinary evaluations prompted the recommendation that he retire from full-time police work.
Nero has lived with Miller for more than six years. Under the proposed transfer, Miller would assume responsibility for his care.
Another action item would authorize sewer service for 111, 119, 123 and 129 Old Second St., outside city limits. Owners Doug and Heather Moody plan to renovate the dwellings for short-term rentals, according to a memo from Public Services Director Steve Miller.
Council approved sewer service in February for two adjacent properties owned by the Moodys.
Public Services staff determined the sewer force main has sufficient capacity for the additional properties. The owners would pay applicable connection fees and the costs of private service lines, pumps and controls. The properties would pay outside residential sewer rates.
Goyette also is scheduled to present the Police Department’s third-quarter crime statistics. His memo reports 30 violent crime incidents during the quarter, down from 65 in the second quarter. Aggravated assaults declined from 59 to 27 over the same period.
The agenda also includes a discussion of a proposed energy emergency response plan.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel, @thecityofkinston, and available on KTV Channel 2 and their Facebook page.
Residents wishing to speak during citizen comment must sign in before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes.
