Kinston council advances sewer, housing projects and appoints new city manager
The Kinston City Council on Tuesday approved a $3 million grant application for the Washington Avenue sewer rehabilitation project, advanced housing and public safety funding and, after a closed session, unanimously appointed Jon Mendenhall as the city’s next manager.
The meeting opened with service awards for former Mayor Dontario Hardy and former Councilmember Robert A. Swinson IV. Hardy served two terms as mayor, while Swinson served on the council for 20 years.
“Public service has never simply been about holding a title,” Hardy said. “It has always been about serving people, building relationships and working together to leave our community better than we found it.”
The council also recognized the Kinston Toastmasters’ 75th anniversary.
Later, council approved an application for up to $3 million in Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure funding for the Washington Avenue project. The proposed work would replace or rehabilitate sewer lines along East Washington Avenue between North Independence Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, including nearby side streets.
City staff estimated the project would cost about $3.3 million, with the grant covering up to $3 million and the city providing the balance.
Quarla Blackwell, who spoke during the public hearing, said she supported the project but asked the council to ensure stronger oversight than the city had on an earlier neighborhood rehabilitation project.
“I support the project,” Blackwell said. “Anything done on the east side is better than nothing that has been done for so many years.”
Blackwell questioned how the city would prevent incomplete work and how residents would be notified about construction-related service disruptions.
Public Services Director Steve Miller said contractors would be responsible for maintaining sewer service through bypass pumping or temporary storage while connections are transferred to the new line.
“The customers should be able to use their facilities throughout the project,” Miller said.
Council also approved a revised wastewater asset management plan and a 10-year wastewater capital improvement plan. Miller said the plan identifies 26 projects totaling about $65 million, with 15 projects scheduled during the next decade as city and grant funding becomes available. The Washington Avenue project is the highest priority.
Other unanimous actions included:
Allocating $50,000 from the city’s community development fund to complete rehabilitation work at two homes connected with the former CDBG neighborhood revitalization project.
Establishing a $137,500 special revenue fund for the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program for qualifying low-income homeowners.
Establishing a $14,570 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant fund for the Kinston Police Department and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
Accepting a $13,650 Norfolk Southern Safety First Program grant for police vehicle first-aid kits and anti-choking devices.
Transferring an easement to Lenoir County to support the planned Riverwalk project.
The meeting also included a Kinston Housing Authority update from Executive Director Vivian Perry.
After citizen comments, council members entered closed session for attorney-client and personnel matters. When the public meeting resumed, council unanimously appointed Mendenhall as Kinston’s next city manager.
Mendenhall will begin Sept. 28 and succeed interim City Manager Ralph Clark. He most recently served as city manager in Eden.
“It’s a profound honor to be standing before you,” Mendenhall told council members and residents. “I appreciate this opportunity to work for you, the council and the public here in Kinston.”
Mendenhall said he had already met members of city staff and planned to lead collaboratively.
“My door is always open, and I’m just a phone call away,” he said. “I want to make that commitment to the public that I am here to help them and to serve the public to the best of my ability.”
The next city council meeting will be on October 6, 2026 at 5:30 pm. All meetings are held in the City Council Chamber in City Hall at 207 East King Street, Kinston, NC 28501.
