Kinston council extends interim manager’s contract, approves development ordinance change

The Kinston City Council approved a text amendment Tuesday that adds Planned Commercial Development to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, allowing more flexibility for certain commercial and office developments.

The council met July 21 at City Hall. Mayor Kareem Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon and Councilmembers Sammy Aiken, Antonio Hardy, Les Lipford and Barbara Seaforth were present.

Planning Director Elizabeth Blount said the request came after a property owner at 310 Airport Road sought to subdivide commercial property but had difficulty meeting dimensional setbacks while aligning a proposed building with an existing structure.

Blount said the city currently allows Planned Residential Development, Planned Unit Development and Mixed Use, but those categories require a residential component. The new Planned Commercial Development category is intended for commercial and office uses.

“The intent of this text amendment is to encourage a more creative approach in land and building site planning for commercial and office uses,” Blount said.

The amendment applies in certain zoning districts, including Industrial Business, Shopping Center, General Business and Office and Institutional districts. Blount said the change does not approve a specific project. A developer would still have to return for a special use permit before establishing a Planned Commercial Development.

During the public hearing, engineer Scott Anderson said the amendment would provide another planning tool for larger commercial and office sites. He said it could help create internal lot lines for financing or leasing purposes.

A resident questioned liability, stormwater and flooding concerns if multiple owners operate within one development. Blount said a site plan, drainage, stormwater, erosion control and utility review would be required during the special use permit process.

Another speaker raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the planning process and questioned why the city should change the ordinance for one request. Blount clarified that the previous site plan had expired and that the change would apply citywide in eligible zoning districts, not only to one property.

Moore said the amendment could open opportunities for other property owners.

“This kind of opens up opportunities for the rest of the citizens in our community that may have opportunities on property they already own,” Moore said.

Council approved the amendment unanimously.

Council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to apply for $1 million for Phase II of its lead service line inventory project. Engineering Project Manager Charmaine Powell said the city plans to inspect about 1,340 of the remaining 2,600 service lines where pipe materials are still unknown.

Powell said the project is for inventory only and would not replace pipes. Public Services Director Steve Miller said the city has not found lead service lines outside homes where testing has been completed, but galvanized lines may require further review under federal rules.

Council approved the purchase of a 2024 International semi-tractor for $107,500. Miller said the city budgeted about $129,583 to replace a 2000 Volvo semi-tractor with about 757,000 miles. The truck is used to move excavators, front-end loaders and materials. Miller said the used replacement truck has about 153,000 miles and remains under engine warranty.

The council approved several special event requests, including the Kinston Community Health Fair on Aug. 8, Mother Earth Oktoberfest on Sept. 26, Taking It to the Street’s Ministry event on Aug. 1, and United for the Next Generation’s back-to-school celebration on Aug. 8.

Council also authorized the transfer of two Glock 9mm service firearms to retiring Major Rodney Russell. Police Chief Keith Goyette said Russell is retiring in good standing after 28.5 years with the department and 30 years total service.

The council approved several finance items, including a fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget amendment, closure of the Tropical Storm Debby special revenue fund, an amendment to the State Forfeiture Fund project and an amendment to the Kinston Police Department donation project. The forfeiture fund amendment included $55,000 in state tax distribution revenue and $600 in investment earnings. The police donation project amendment included a $10,000 donation reserved for a future police memorial.

Council added discussion of Holloway Pool hours to the agenda after Aiken said residents had asked whether hours could be extended during extreme heat. Recreation staff said the city is reviewing possible extended hours, but staffing, lifeguard burnout and safety concerns must be considered.

The council also received updates on code enforcement abatement services and blighted properties. Blount said the city awarded abatement contracts to Charles Hughes for grass cutting and public nuisance abatement and Envision Professionals LLC for boarding structures, emergency services and painting boarded openings.

Blount said the city identified about 44 blighted, condemned or abandoned properties. Notices have been mailed or posted for 21 properties, six owners have contacted city staff, and 14 properties were scheduled for condemnation hearings July 22.

After a closed session for personnel, council voted to extend Interim City Manager Ralph Clark’s contract. The terms of the extension were not discussed in open session.