BY MILES LAYTON

EDENTON — The Edenton Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Council Chambers at 504 S. Broad Street for a packed agenda that includes housing code enforcement actions, a new school partnership, and discussion of police reorganization.

The special meeting will be followed by committee meetings and a closed session to discuss the initial conditions of the town manager’s employment.

While the agenda covers a wide range of issues — from budget amendments to speed limits — the spotlight will be on housing code enforcement. Council will consider three separate ordinances tied to deteriorated homes that town inspectors have deemed “unfit for human habitation.”

Housing Code Enforcement at Center Stage

The minimum housing ordinance gives Edenton the authority to act when a structure becomes unsafe, dilapidated, or poses a health hazard. On Monday, the council will vote on enforcement actions against three properties:

• 124 E. Carteret Street, owned by Jalees and Mariam Ahmad, was first inspected in February 2024. Code enforcement found it unsafe, and following a hearing in January 2025, the inspector issued an order requiring the structure to be repaired, demolished, or removed within 90 days. The deadline has passed, pushing the matter to council.

• 148 Paxton Lane, owned by William and Martha White, was inspected in December 2024. After a hearing in March 2025, the inspector issued an order requiring repair or demolition within 30 days. That deadline too has expired, leaving council to authorize stronger enforcement measures.

• 700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, owned by Gary Alexander Beaver Jr., was inspected in December 2024. Following a March 2025 hearing, inspectors ordered the property to be repaired or demolished within 30 days. Council must now decide whether to proceed with formal enforcement.

Town staff say these cases highlight an ongoing challenge: how to balance property rights with neighborhood safety and livability. By law, owners are given opportunities to bring structures into compliance before demolition or closure is ordered. Monday’s votes will determine whether the town takes direct action.

Housing advocates argue enforcement protects neighbors from hazards like collapsing roofs, fire risks, and vermin. Critics sometimes counter that demolition orders can strip families of property and legacy homes. For Edenton, where historic preservation and revitalization remain priorities, the debate underscores tensions between maintaining charm and addressing neglect.

Partnership with Schools: Firefighter Training Program

Another highlight of Monday’s meeting will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Edenton-Chowan Schools and the town’s fire department.

The agreement will allow John A. Holmes High School students to enroll in a Firefighter Technology Program, gaining workplace experience, industry certifications, and a pathway to volunteer or career service.

“This program is about workforce development,” the MOU states, “supporting an emerging pipeline of trained firefighters in Edenton, Chowan County, and beyond.”

Council will hear from Police Chief Henry Bass, who is presenting the agreement on behalf of the town. Leaders say the program aligns with broader efforts to connect students to real-world career opportunities while helping the town recruit and retain first responders.

Budget Amendment: Redirecting ARP Funds

Finance Director Virginia Smith will present a budget amendment reallocating $47,531.22 originally earmarked for housing rehabilitation. The funds would instead support neighborhood parks, specifically the Accessible Parks Project and recreation initiatives.

The shift reflects a strategy of enhancing community spaces with American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars while addressing housing needs through other funding sources.

Police Department Restructure and Pay

The Administrative Committee will meet following the special session, where Police Chief David LaFon is expected to outline a reorganization plan.

The proposal would eliminate the existing captain and detective sergeant positions, creating instead two lieutenant roles. According to a justification memo, the restructure would:

• Strengthen the chain of command by balancing leadership across divisions.
• Improve efficiency by enabling lieutenants to cover both administrative and field duties.
• Provide better oversight of investigations.
• Potentially reduce salary disparities and improve cost-effectiveness.

The committee will also consider part-time officer pay, an issue that has gained urgency as Edenton competes with surrounding towns for staffing in a tight law enforcement labor market.

Public Works: Speed Limit Adjustment

On the Public Works Committee agenda, council members will weigh a proposed speed limit change along West Queen Street, from the 1100/800 block down to the 600 block. Town officials say the change is intended to enhance safety in a corridor that mixes residential, commercial, and pedestrian traffic. Basically, Council will discuss the change to where 35 mph zone starts — closer to town (green dot) vs across the bridge (yellow dot, where it starts now) a short hop from Pembroke Creek.

Other Business and Closed Session

At the top of the meeting, Mayor Hackney High is expected to administer an oath of appointment for Brian Towers as a member of the Edenton Preservation Commission, reinforcing the town’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding historic properties.

Following the committee sessions, the council will move into closed session under N.C. General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss the conditions of initial employment for Town Manager Corey Gooden. This discussion could touch on salary, contract terms, or performance benchmarks, though details will remain confidential until any public action is taken.