Craven County names members to advisory boards and hears three public commenters; meeting adjourns

Chairman Denny Bucher recognized members of the 2026 Leadership Craven class and the board moved through multiple appointment items on June 1. By nomination and acclamation the board appointed Kitti Hardison to the Craven Aging Planning Board, reappointed Karlos Kowalczewski to the Recreation Advisory Council and the Fire Tax Commissioners Board (and reappointed Brently Hart to a fire district seat), and appointed Commissioner Beatrice R. Smith to the Social Services Board to fill an expired term. Additional appointments and upcoming vacancies were announced for the Coastal Regional Airport Authority, Havelock Planning Board and the Nursing Home Advisory Board.

During the petitions-of-citizens portion of the agenda three speakers addressed the board: David French (citing a fraud concern), Ray Griffin (raising a government issue) and Russ Bauer (regarding a Service Academy). The transcript records that after Mr. Griffin’s comments, David French became disorderly; Chairman Bucher warned him he would be removed if disruptions continued. The board then adjourned at 7:03 PM on a motion by Commissioner E.T. Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Beatrice R. Smith.

Commissioners also delivered brief reports: reminders about hurricane-season preparedness, recaps of Memorial Day events, an agriculture round table attended by state officials, and praise for budget work. County Manager Jack B. Veit, III reported on Hwy 70 Corridor Commission activity and local economic-development consulting in Havelock. No formal action beyond appointments and the adjournment occurred in this segment.