New Bern aldermen approve zoning, policy and finance package; unanimous votes on multiple ordinances and resolutions

The New Bern Board of Aldermen on June 9 unanimously adopted a series of ordinances, resolutions and financing measures that shape zoning, municipal finance and administrative policy for the coming year.

The meeting produced a block of routine but consequential actions. The board adopted initial C3 commercial zoning for two recently annexed parcels at 4095 East U.S. Highway 70 and rezoned 1100 Pine Tree Drive from R10A to C5 for O'Brien Family Wellness. Planning staff told the board the Planning & Zoning Board recommended the changes based on consistency with the land‑use plan and adjacent zoning.

The council also approved a land‑use text amendment to modernize animal‑services language: removing the term 'kennel,' adding 'boarding,' and adding indoor and outdoor animal‑training categories. Staff said outdoor training in some zones will require a special‑use permit to address noise, screening and safety concerns.

Financial and administrative actions included adoption of the CDBG 2026 annual action plan (CDBG allocation $240,314), revisions to the city’s capital‑assets policy to reflect GASB considerations, a subaward monitoring policy for grant oversight, and authorization of an installment‑purchase financing agreement (not to exceed $5 million) with Truist Bank to fund FY2026 vehicle and equipment purchases. The board also designated Truist as an additional official depository to receive financing reimbursements.

Utilities staff asked the board to authorize submission of an NCDEQ 'Power Up' grant application, proposing a request of up to $2 million with a 33% match (staff estimated an approximate $660,000 in in‑kind/match resources). Staff described a tentative scope of right‑sizing feeders, selective undergrounding, and control‑room modernization; awards were expected in late July–August.

Other items approved included an ordinance authorizing removal and disposal procedures for abandoned vessels within city limits, an amendment clarifying solar‑rate language in the city’s electric service schedule, a parks fee adding a $2,500 memorial‑swing option at Union Point Park, and a budget amendment to accept a Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant for the police department (the transcripted grant amount was garbled in the meeting materials; official records should be used for the exact figure).

Votes and outcomes: All recorded roll calls on legislative and financial items were unanimous in favor. Where recorded, each successful motion carried with the mayor and seven aldermen voting yes.

The board also amended its rules of procedure to allow citizens to sign up to speak up until the start of the public‑comment period at which that agenda item is called.

Next steps: Ordinances and resolutions become effective according to the language in each adopted document; staff and applicants will follow applicable permitting and implementation processes.