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Residents press council on homelessness, air quality and solar; city introduces new staff and community events
Summary
City Manager Elton Daniel introduced Bradley Walters as a new director and announced Stormwater Awareness Week and community events. Public commenters urged more resources for homeless residents, raised air‑quality and cancer‑rate concerns, promoted a mental‑health event and urged exploring municipal solar.
City Manager Elton Daniel introduced Bradley Walters as a new director (Walters joined the city's executive leadership after 17 years with Rocky Mount and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NC State and a professional engineering license).
Daniel also listed upcoming community events: the city’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony, a Coffee with a Cop event on Sept. 17, and he presented a proclamation designating Stormwater Awareness Week to highlight protection of the Tar River and the city’s stormwater program under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
During the public comment period, several residents spoke:
Joanne Jones thanked city staff for a $300,000 American Rescue Plan award to United Ministries and urged the council to coordinate resources and create facilities and services for displaced and homeless residents. Jones described outreach done in parks and called for continued support.
Ed Shankarelli said locomotives previously parked near his South Church Street property are no longer there and thanked the council; he cited the American Cancer Society’s data that Edgecombe County has a high local cancer rate and suggested two local businesses may contribute to unhealthy air and water quality.
Nia (Mia) Yuill, a recent graduate and court coordinator, requested council support for 'Boogie Day' on Sept. 20 at Hillsdale Lancaster Park — a mental‑health awareness event featuring speakers, resource tables and vendors.
Reginald Harrell urged the city to pursue rooftop and facility solar, citing examples in neighboring counties where large solar installations have generated revenue and reduced costs; he recommended studying the city event center as a candidate site.
Thelma Lee Bullock introduced herself as a candidate for Ward 7 and expressed concern about recent layoffs at local employers including Pfizer and other firms, saying she would advocate for job replacement and creation.
Council acknowledged the speakers and thanked them; no formal council action was taken on the public comments during the meeting.
