Kinston council to consider paving changes, recreation budget reduction
Kinston City Council will consider removing two streets from its current paving project and reducing the budget for maintaining county recreation sites by $102,660 when it meets Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 207 E. King St. The agenda also includes a hearing on an Airport Road development, funding for unfinished housing repairs and selection of a consultant for a traffic safety plan.
Public Services Director Steve Miller recommends removing Macon and East Caswell streets from the 2026 road improvement project because underground utility work must be completed before resurfacing.
A water line on Macon Street needs replacement, but crews have been diverted to more urgent repairs, according to Miller’s memo. On East Caswell Street, an investigation found stormwater pipes in poor condition, including failures at several locations. The pipe system needs full replacement, with work likely taking until next spring.
Staff proposes adding a section of Crawford Street instead. Miller’s memo says the change would not increase the contract amount at this point.
The council awarded the approximately $904,356 paving contract to Coastline Contracting Co. in June. It originally included portions of 17 city streets.
Council members also will consider a budget amendment reducing county recreation spending from $1,103,300 to $1,000,640.
According to Finance Director Donna Goodson’s memo, the city approved its recreation budget before learning that Lenoir County had authorized a lower contribution. The city’s recreation department maintains county recreation sites.
Proposed reductions include $40,000 in maintenance and repair supplies, $25,000 in temporary and part-time salaries, and $24,760 in temporary labor services. The packet does not identify specific facility closures or program changes.
The same amendment would appropriate $50,000 from the community development administration fund balance to address unfinished rehabilitation work at two homes previously funded through a Community Development Block Grant.
Goodson’s memo says the council approved a related grant amendment Sept. 15 and that the city is committed to completing the necessary repairs.
The amendment also includes $107,350 in state-funded police bonuses and related payroll costs. According to the packet, 57 eligible sworn officers would each receive a $1,750 bonus. Another $13,650 would fund 70 first aid kits and 70 emergency choking kits through a Norfolk Southern grant.
During a public hearing, the council will consider a special use permit for a planned commercial development on a 4.2-acre Airport Road parcel owned by 3SC Properties LLC.
The proposal includes a 5,800-square-foot office building, 18 parking spaces, a loading space, an improved access drive and utilities. Planning staff and the Planning Board recommend approval.
Council members also will consider selecting Toole Design Group to develop a comprehensive traffic safety action plan. The project has a $350,000 budget, including a $280,000 grant and a required $70,000 cash match.
The work would examine crash data and traffic conditions and recommend improvements. If selected, the firm would enter contract negotiations with the city, subject to final review and approval by staff and the city attorney.
Other business includes a proposed agreement with Lenoir County governing development review for properties split between the two zoning jurisdictions and a permit request for Brad Fest at Pearson Park on Oct. 17.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel, @thecityofkinston, and available for viewing on KTV Channel 2. Residents wishing to speak during the citizen comment period must sign in before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes.
