General Membership
Meeting Report

Present:

Approximately 60 people were in attendance.

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Call to Order:

Dottie Corning called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. She welcomed the group, including Alderman Rick Prill and Mayor Jeffrey Odham, and thanked David Daniels for allowing the use of the space at the lodge for the meeting.

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Announcements:

• Tracey Krumel: There is a sign-up sheet for Ghost Walk, which will take place October 24-26, 2024. Two shifts are available. Please sign up to volunteer if available.

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Speakers:

Mayor Jeffrey Odham:

• City Growth: $86 million in permitting and renovations have been approved.

• Bond Referendum: There will be projects on the 2024 ballot related to transportation and pedestrian walkways.

• Budget: The budget passed with a .01 cent tax increase. Electric rates went up by 6%, still lower than Duke Energy's rates.

• Footloose on the Neuse: Approximately 4,200 people attended.

• Paid Parking: Revenue from the lot across from City Hall has increased, mostly from tourists.

• Economic Development Study: Recommendations were made for the S. Front/Hancock Street and Days Inn lots.

• Traffic Lights and Infrastructure: A stoplight at Middle St./Broad St. is expected to be installed by October.

• Rebranding and New Developments: Capt Ratty’s will rebrand as Buzzy’s Chophouse. Stanley White Recreation Center is on track for completion by the end of 2024.

• Baseball Team: The New Bern South Paws are performing well in the Old North State League, with strong merchandise sales.

A brief Q&A session followed, discussing the Shriners lot/building, a proposed fishing pier, the Elks Building, and the train depot site.

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Ward One Alderman Rick Prill:

• Gave a brief update on the city's project to update the land use ordinance to make it more user-friendly.

Captain David Daniels (NBPD and St. John’s Masonic Lodge):

• NBPD Update: Violent crime is down, with a slight decrease in property crimes (mainly vehicle break-ins). The majority of vehicles targeted were unlocked.

• Shot Spotter System: A system that detects gunfire is now in use, covering about one square mile. 15-20 arrests have been made related to gunfire.

• Gangs and Drugs: The situation in New Bern is comparable to other communities; no significant increase in gang or drug activity.

• Masonic Lodge Update: The lodge is undergoing renovations, including HVAC replacements. The event space on the second floor is available for rent.

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Closing:

Dottie asked members to check the sign-up sheets for HDRA PODS and to consider getting involved. She reminded everyone about the Ghost Walk event.

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Adjournment:

Dottie adjourned the meeting at 7:04 pm, followed by a tour of the building.

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Respectfully submitted,

Kumi Anzalone, HDRA Secretary