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City manager gives updates on CDBG reporting, building occupancy, parks and hiring
Summary
The City Manager updated the council on the HUD CDBG annual performance report (due end of January), certificates of occupancy at Stateside Landing Family Apartments, skate-park construction at Emory Park, a forthcoming code-enforcement report on the Turtleback House, a planned 7-Eleven development, and police hiring needs including eight patrol vacancies.
The City Manager delivered the regular administrative report, covering multiple projects and operational updates.
On federal grants, the manager said staff will work with a consultant to complete the 2025 annual performance report required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the city's Community Development Block Grant; that report is due at the end of January. The manager also announced that certificates of occupancy have been issued for all buildings at Stateside Landing Family Apartments on Highway 158.
The manager reported construction for a new skate park at Emory Park is underway, with concrete foundations set and preparation for pouring. The Fire Department is implementing a new software system called "1st Arriving" to integrate critical information and improve situational awareness. Regarding a long-troubled property at 100 Hamilton Street (the "Turtleback House"), staff have completed code-enforcement steps and will present a report to council next month with recommendations.
The manager said the building that formerly housed Carolina Barbecue at Julian Allsbrook and Old Farm Road will be demolished to make way for a new 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station; site work will begin soon. The manager also corrected the next Main Street Committee meeting to Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m. and said the Main Street Director revised a Halifax Horizons application to focus on facade improvements after emergency-lighting towers were declined for funding.
On administrative items, Public Works will assist with a citywide pavement and asphalt condition survey to prioritize street work. The Finance Department's independent auditors will present their report on Jan. 20 after the state revised audit deadlines. The manager noted the Police Department has eight vacancies in the Uniformed Patrol Division and asked applicants to contact Captain Gorton Williams or Human Resources Director Christina Cottle; the manager welcomed new Police Support Specialist Ashley Sparks and announced Joey Spraggins' promotion to Police Lieutenant.
The manager closed with holiday-hours guidance for city offices and parks; staff will follow up on the code-enforcement report and the other items in subsequent meetings.
