Meet Our Town Manager
The Town Manager is responsible to the Board of Commissioners for administering all municipal affairs placed in his or her charge by them. He shall have the duties and powers as provided in the Town’s Charter.
Town Council
The Mayor and five Board of Commissioners are elected by the citizens of the Town of Farmville in November. The Mayor serves a two-year term while each of the Commissioners serves a four-year term.
Board Meetings
Town of Farmville Board of Commissioners hold a regular meeting on the first Monday of each month, except if a regular meeting day is on a legal holiday. If the meeting falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held at a later date pending approval by the Board of Commissioners. Please check the calendar on the homepage for any amended meeting dates. The meeting is held in the Municipal Building Courtroom and begins at 5:30 p.m. Any individual or group who wishes to address the Town Board shall make a request to be on the agenda to the Town Manager. Citizens who would like to present any comments to the Board of Commissioners must sign in before 5:20 p.m. with the Town Clerk.
A copy of the board meeting schedule and minutes shall be filed with the Town Clerk.
2023 Council Meetings
Minutes:
The Farmville Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom with Mayor John Moore presiding. Present for the meeting were Commissioners Alma Hobbs, Bert Smith, David Shackleford and Jamin Dixon; Town Attorney Christopher Edwards, Town Manager David Hodgkins and Deputy Town Clerk Cindy V. Thomas. Commissioner Brenda Elks attended the meeting by phone.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Paul Ellis offered the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Commissioner Bert Smith.
Citizen presentations
Linda King, who is a Farmville resident, spoke of Black History Month being celebrated in February and that she is planning an event to be held on February 18.
Town Manager’s Comments
Town Manager Hodgkins made the following comment(s) to the Board:
- Banners with the new branding logo have been installed in the downtown area. The banners will be used in between holiday decorations and Dogwood Festival banners.
- Signage with the new branding logo has been installed on most of the Town owned properties.
- Pharmville Drug is currently selling merchandise with the new branding logo and other merchants have expressed interest in selling the merchandise as well.
Financial Report
Finance Director Amy Johnson provided the financial report for the month of December 2022.
Changes/Additions/Deletions to Agenda
Mayor Moore asked if there were any additional changes to the agenda.
Commissioner Hobbs made a motion to accept the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Proclamation- Mayor Moore
- Human Trafficking and Awareness Month
Mayor Moore presented Allison Eastwood from Eastern Stop Human Trafficking Now with a proclamation declaring January 2023 as Human Trafficking and Prevention Awareness Month in Farmville. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Shackleford and read by Mayor Moore.
Items for Consent
- Approval of Minutes
To approve the minutes from the following session(s):
- December 5, 2022 – Regular session
- Appointment of Fire Chief for 2023
To approve Tommy Brady as Fire Chief for another one-year term.
- Resolution Supporting Closing North Carolina’s Health Insurance Gap
To adopt a resolution supporting closing North Carolina’s Health Insurance Gap.
On a motion by Commissioner Shackleford, the Board adopted/approved the following:
- Approved the minutes from the December 5, 2022 regular session
- Approved Appointment of Tommy Brady as Fire Chief for 2023
- Approved Resolution (2023) 1574, Resolution in Support of Closing North Carolina’s Health Insurance Gap
The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Discussion or Decision
- Appointment of NC League of Municipalities Voting Delegate
Town Manger Hodgkins stated to the board that every other year, the NCLM formulates policy goals to advocate for in the NC General Assembly over the next two years and that they are now requesting each municipality to designate a voting delegate and submit the top ten preferred goals for the municipality. The suggested top ten topics are:
- Expand federal and state resources for affordable housing
- Revitalize vacant and abandoned properties with enhanced legal tools and funding
- Create adequate and permanent funding stream for local infrastructure
- Extend deadlines for completion of federal infrastructure projects
- Expand state transportation funding streams for construction and maintenance for municipal and state-owned secondary roads
- Expand incentives and funding for local economic development
- Enhance state systems and resources for local law enforcement officer recruitment, training, and retention
- Revise state contracting laws to better protect public entities from the effects of inflation
- Update annexation petition thresholds to make voluntary annexations easier to initiate
- Provide locate revue options beyond property tax
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board approved the ten topics and appointed David Hodgkins to serve as the NC League of Municipalities Voting Delegate for 2023-2024. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of Agenda for Annual Board of Commissioners Planning Retreat
Town Manager Hodgkins informed the board that the retreat will be held at the library on Monday, January 30 and Tuesday, January 31. The agenda for the retreat was presented.
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board approved the agenda for the 2023 Annual Board of Commissioners Retreat with the addition of discussion for Chamber of Commerce plan. The motion carried unanimously.
Citizen Presentations
John “Buzzy” Wells, a Farmville resident and member of the Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, spoke of the 2022 year in review for the Farmville Fire Department.
Adjournment
On a motion by Commissioner Smith, the meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
Minutes:
The Farmville Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom with Mayor John Moore presiding. Present for the meeting were Commissioners Alma Hobbs, Bert Smith, Brenda Elks, David Shackleford and Jamin Dixon; Town Attorney Christopher Edwards, Town Manager David Hodgkins and Town Clerk Amy B. Johnson.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Paul Ellis offered the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag lead by Boy Scout Liam Phillips.
Citizen Presentations
Mayor Moore recognized Ashanti Williams, the founder of All Things Autastic LLC and Team Ziggy. She stated since April is Autism Awareness month, she would like for the Board to designate the 3rd week of April as Autism Acceptance week in Farmville. Ms. Williams added the week would end with the annual Autastic Extravaganza at the Babe Ruth Baseball field.
Mayor Moore introduced Zack Hackney, from the Farmville Community Garden. He updated the Board on the recent happenings with the garden and how they have been highlighted on national news and their new partnership with ECU Health.
Town Manager’s Comments
Town Manager Hodgkins made the following comment(s) to the Board:
- Budget calendar is provided in the agenda packet for information.
- Retreat was held last week and the Board’s willingness to have the retreat is appreciated.
- There are 2 items on tonight’s agenda from the retreat.
- New brand marketing efforts continue: working on new park signage, working on terms and conditions with retail partners and developing official licensing
Financial Report
Finance Director Amy Johnson provided the financial report for the month of January, 2023.
Changes/Additions/Deletions to Agenda
Mayor Moore asked if there were any additional changes to the agenda.
There were none.
On motion by Commissioner Elks, the Board approved the evening’s agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Proclamation- Mayor Moore
- African American History Month
Mayor Moore presented a proclamation declaring the month of February as African American History Month in Farmville.
Items for Consent
- Approval of Minutes
To approve the minutes from the following session(s):
- January 9, 2023- Regular Session
- Ordinance to Temporarily Close Main Street Between Horne Avenue and Church Street for the Dogwood Festival
To adopt an ordinance per NCDOT request to close North Main Street for the Dogwood Festival.
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board adopted/approved the following:
- Approved the minutes from the January 9, 2023 regular session
- Adopted Ordinance (2023) 1004, An Ordinance to Temporary Close Main Street Between Horne Avenue and Church Street in Farmville, NC on April 28-30, 2023
The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Discussion
- Presentation of Audit Report for FY 2021/20221
Jay Parris, from Barrow, Parris and Davenport, presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board approved the audit for the year ended June 30, 2022. The motion carried unanimously.
- Fire Department Report- Chief Tommy Brady
Fire Chief Tommy Brady presented a report on the Fire Department activities and statistics.
- Amendments to Construction Fee Schedule
Code Enforcement Officer Paul Ellis presented a proposed new fee schedule for permit fees for construction projects.
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board approved the new permit fee schedule as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
- Amendments to Water and Sewer Tap Fee Schedule
Utility Director Brian Shackleford presented a proposed increase of tap fee cost by $400 to offset the cost of materials which would bring us more in line with surrounding areas.
On motion by Commissioner Dixon, the Board approved the increase in tap fee cost by $400. The motion carried unanimously.
- Budget Calendar for FY 2023/2024
Town Manager Hodgkins provided the Board with the Budget Calendar for the FY 2023/2024.
Citizen comments
Mayor Moore asked for citizen comments at this time.
There were no additional comments.
Adjournment
On motion by Commissioner Dixon, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
The Farmville Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom with Mayor John Moore presiding. Present for the meeting were Commissioners Alma Hobbs, Bert Smith, David Shackleford and Jamin Dixon; Town Attorney Christopher Edwards, Town Manager David Hodgkins and Town Clerk Amy B. Johnson. Commissioner Brenda Elks tried to attend the meeting by phone but due to technical issues, on the town side, was unable to.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Paul Ellis offered the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag lead by Mayor John Moore.
Citizen Presentations
Mayor Moore stated there were no citizen presentation at this time.
Town Manager’s Comments
Town Manager Hodgkins made the following comment(s) to the Board:
- We have been awarded two new state grants totaling 746,000, one for doing a sanitary sewer asset inventory and one for doing a water system asset inventory.
- New sculptures have been installed, one at the Community Center and one at Oliver Murphrey Park. These are part of a rotating exhibit sponsored by Pitt County Arts Council in cooperation with the Town of Farmville and Farmville Arts Council.
- Our annual retreat was held last week and the Board’s willingness to have the retreat is appreciated. There are 2 action items on tonight’s agenda which come from the retreat.
- New brand marketing efforts continue: working on new park signage, working on terms and conditions with retail partners, and developing an official licensing agreement
Financial Report
Finance Director Amy Johnson provided the financial report for the month of February, 2023.
Changes/Additions/Deletions to Agenda
Mayor Moore asked if there were any additional changes to the agenda.
There were none.
On motion by Commissioner Dixon, the Board approved the evening’s agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Special Presentation
- Special Recognition of Police Sergeants David Newton and Melissa Pierce for Earning the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the NC Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Standards Division
Chief Jeffrey Spencer presented the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate to Sergeants David Newton and Melissa Pierce.
Public Hearing
- Ordinance to Amend Various Provisions Contained in Chapter 157 of the Code of Ordinances to Implement Requirements of Chapter 160D, Implement Formatting Changes and Clarifications, and Implement Comprehensive Land Use Plan Related Recommendations
Town Manager Hodgkins stated that the public hearing was to receive citizen input on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to comply with the new Chapter 160D requirements, begin implementing recommendations contained in the newly adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and make text formatting and corrections. Hodgkins stated, currently that the Zoning Ordinance is out of compliance with SL 2022-75, which mandated certain ordinance changes in definitions and terminology.
Andrea Radford, a Planning Consultant from Stewart, Inc., presented the proposed text changes and was present to answer any questions.
Mayor Moore opened the public hearing at 5:44 p.m.
There being no further comments, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing at 5:45 p.m.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the text amendments and adopt Ordinance (2023) 1005, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Chapter 157, Zoning, To Comply with Chapter 160D, Implement Comprehensive Land Use Plan Recommendations, and Text Formatting and Clarifications. The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Discussion
- Approval of Minutes
To approve the minutes from the following session(s):
- January 30, 2023- Retreat Session 1
- January 31, 2023- Retreat Session 2
- February 6, 2023- Regular Session
Commissioner Dixon made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of Adopting a New Pay and Classification Plan for Town Employees
Town Manager Hodgkins presented the updated Employee Pay and Classification Plan and requested approval.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board approved the updated Employee Pay and Classification Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
Citizen comments
Mayor Moore asked for citizen comments at this time.
There were no additional comments.
Adjournment
On motion by Commissioner Shackelford, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
The Farmville Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Courtroom with Mayor John Moore presiding. Present for the meeting were Commissioners Alma Hobbs, Bert Smith, David Shackleford and Jamin Dixon; Town Attorney Christopher Edwards, Town Manager David Hodgkins and Town Clerk Amy B. Johnson. Commissioner Brenda Elks attended the meeting by phone.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Commissioner David Shackelford offered the invocation, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Commissioner Bert Smith.
Citizen Presentations
Mayor Moore recognized Aa’ishah Salaam.
Ms. Salaam expressed her concern about pedestrian safety in regards to bicyclists needing to ride in the streets and the condition of sidewalks in Town need to be even to avoid tripping hazards.
Town Manager’s Comments
Town Manager Hodgkins made the following comment(s) to the Board:
- The Town has made the switch from GUC water over to well water, so customers may notice a slight smell of chlorine during the switch over.
- The Town has been recognized again for various safety awards by the NC Department of Labor.
- Recreation and Library Departments had their annual Easter Egg Hunt and it was a good turnout.
Financial Report
Finance Director Amy Johnson provided the financial report for the month of March, 2023.
Changes/Additions/Deletions to Agenda
Mayor Moore asked if there were any additional changes to the agenda.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board approved the evening’s agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Consent
- Approval of Minutes
To approve the minutes from the following session:
- March 6, 2023 – Regular Session
- Approval of Certificates Requested by NCDOT to Repeal and Then Enact Speed
Zones on US 264 (Formerly US 264 Alternate)
To approve speed zone certificates that reference the old road name of the former US 264 Alternate to change it to the new road name of US 264.
- Resolution Declaring Certain Personal Property as Surplus
To adopt a resolution declaring certain property as surplus and to authorize the disposing of the items by private sale.
On a motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board adopted/approved the following:
- Approved the minutes from the March 6, 2023 regular session
- Approved the NCDOT Speed Zone Certificates
- Approved Resolution (2023) 1575, Resolution Authorizing Town Manager to Dispose of Surplus Personal Property
The motion carried unanimously.
Items for Discussion
- Consideration of a Resolution to Support Applying for Funding for a Wastewater Improvement Project Through the Division of Water Infrastructure
Rich Moore, from McDavid Associates, explained that Carolina Poultry Power is looking to expand capabilities to produce alternative fuel by converting reuse water from the wastewater treatment plant to hydrogen. He further explained treated wastewater from the Town’s wastewater treatment plant will need to be processed through some advanced treatment to convert effluent to meet reuse quality standards and be pumped to Carolina Poultry Power’s Farmville, NC facility. Moore said that Carolina Poultry Power would have responsibility for cost; however, they are not a unit of government eligible to apply for Division of Water Infrastructure funds. Therefore, Moore stated is it proposed that Farmville serve as applicant for financial assistance for funding needed for this new infrastructure. He further stated that the application is the initial step to developing cost feasibility for Carolina Poultry Power to develop alternative fuel generation facilities.
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board adopted Resolution (2023) 1576, A Resolution to Support Development of a Wastewater Improvement Project. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of a Resolution to Accept a Funding Offer from the Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Funds for Assistance to Rehabilitate Galvanized and Cast Iron Waterlines
Rich Moore, from McDavid Associates, stated the Division of Water Infrastructure has issued an Offer and Acceptance package to the Town. He further stated the funding offer, which is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, is a $2,454,000 grant to replace existing remaining old galvanized and cast-iron waterlines. Moore stated the Town must formally approve the offer.
On motion by Commissioner Dixon, the Board adopted Resolution (2023) 1577, Adopting Capital Project Budget Ordinance – Galvanized and Cast-Iron Waterline Rehabilitation, Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Project SRP-D-ARP-0120. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of a Resolution to Accept a Funding Offer from the Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Funds for Assistance to Relocate a Portion of the Middle Swamp Sewer Outfall
Rich Moore, from McDavid Associates, stated the Division of Water Infrastructure issued an Offer and Acceptance package to the Town on February 16, 2023. He further stated that the funding offer, which is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, is a $4,431,000 grant to relocate a portion of existing 36” diameter sewer outfall along Middle Swamp that is currently located in the floodplain/floodway. Moore stated the Town must formally approve the offer.
On motion by Commissioner Smith, the Board approved the funding offer and adopted Resolution (2023) 1578, Adopting Capital Project Budget Ordinance – Middle Swamp Sanitary Sewer Outfall Relocation, Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Project SRP-W-ARP-0157. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of a Resolution to Accept a Funding Offer from the Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Funds for Assistance to Rehabilitate the Existing Pump Station in the Farmville Housing Authority
Rich Moore, from McDavid Associates, stated the Division of Water Infrastructure has issued an Offer and Acceptance package to the Town. He further stated the funding offer, which is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, is a $3,580,000 grant to replace existing sanitary sewer collection assets within the original section of the Farmville Housing Authority and rehabilitation of the existing sanitary sewer pump station. Moore stated the Town must formally approve the offer.
On motion by Commissioner Hobbs, the Board approved the funding offer and adopted Resolution (2023) 1579, Adopting Capital Project Budget Ordinance- Housing Authority Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Division of Water Infrastructure ARPA Project SRP-W-ARP-0251. The motion carried unanimously.
- Consideration of a Lease Agreement Between the Town of Farmville and the Farmville Community Garden
Town Manager Hodgkins presented a five-year lease agreement between the Town of Farmville and the Farmville Community Garden. He recommended approval.
Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the lease agreement. The motion carried unanimously.
- Reschedule Regular July Board of Commissioners Meeting to June 26, 2023
Town Manager Hodgkins asked the Board to reschedule the regular July Board meeting to June 26, 2023.
Commissioner Hobbs made a motion to reschedule the regular July Board meeting to June 26, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.
- Reschedule September Board of Commissioners Meeting to August 28, 2023
Town Manager Hodgkins asked the Board to reschedule the regular September Board meeting to August 28, 2023.
Commissioner Dixon made a motion to reschedule the regular September Board meeting to August 28, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.
Citizen comments
Mayor Moore asked for citizen comments at this time.
There were no additional comments.
Adjournment
On motion by Commissioner Shackelford, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.