Many of our County Commission meetings occur with little or no public comment. The November 3 meeting deviated from the pattern with three presentations from the public. We learned about resources like a Narcan kiosk and a drive-through luncheon for veterans, as well as increased regulation of the sale of kratom and hemp derivatives.

During the public comment period, Yolanda Christiani and Lindsey Potter from the Hope Clinic told the commissioners about a new community health asset coming to Pamlico County. A community wellness kiosk will be installed outside Cowell’s Cleaners in Alliance. The kiosk will be stocked with Narcan, hygiene kits, pamphlets with substance misuse recovery information, and local contacts people can use to ask for help. Goods in the kiosk will be available, free of charge, 24 hours a day.

Christiani cited research showing that over-the-counter Narcan reduced ER visits in Pamlico. She said kiosks have additional value to the community in reducing the strain on EMS services, reducing hospitalizations, and keeping families together with recovery support.

The kiosk is a joint venture with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation. It is the first of its kind in Pamlico County.

The commissioners opened a discussion on proposed regulations that would dramatically restrict the sale of kratom and hemp-derived THC products in unincorporated Pamlico County. Under the proposed ordinance, kratom and THC sales would be required to comply with the following:

The ordinance cited potential health concerns with both kratom and synthetic THC that include dependence and risk of overdose.

No current sellers would be grandfathered in. Instead, they would have one year to divest themselves of the now-regulated products.

“I think the way this regulates it, it’s really kind of a health and safety regulation, not having densities of [these stores] near places where children are most of the time: camps, schools, churches, things like that,” said Commissioner Kenny Heath.

Commissioner Riggs raised the question of fairness to business owners and restrictions on personal property rights. “From Walmart to the Food Lion to the curb by my house, three quarters of a mile, there’s three of them,” said Riggs. “So, hypothetically, which two would go? And who would make that decision?”

Commissioner Doug Brinson said the products are the target, not the businesses. “If you took the kratom out of that, the synthetic marijuana and Delta 8 and Delta 9 and all this stuff out of that, then they could stay open and sell all the gifts and tobacco they wanted,” said Brinson. 

There will be a public hearing about the proposed regulations at the November 17 County Commission meeting.

Larry Summers of Disabled American Veterans - Pamlico County used the public comment period to announce a drive-through luncheon for veterans to be held on November 8 between 10 am and noon at Anderson Elementary School. 

He invited community members to attend, as well. “Everybody’s welcome to come out,” Summers said. “We can always use a few extra hands out there to hand things away, it’s a really good thing. And by gosh, when you do something for a veteran, you feel pretty good at the end of the day.”

The board approved the Pamlico County Creating Outdoor Recreation Economic Strategy Plan. This plan helps facilitate future investment in outdoor recreation in the county. Commissioner Kari Forrest explained that the plan provides a framework that can be used when applying for grants. “If there’s grant funding available for trails and we mentioned trails in the strategic plan, [it shows] the county’s interested in having trails… it adds gravitas to grand funding,” Forrest said.

The county has contracted with consulting firm Kimley Horne to create Pamlico’s land use plan. The commissioners have been asked to approve a committee to review the CAMA plan updates. Up to three commissioners may serve on the committee. Commissioners Forrest and Bohmert have expressed interest in participating. 

The land use plan will address issues that include water table rise and storm drainage, as well as ensuring the county is in compliance with state laws. The county’s land use plan was last fully reviewed in 2008 and updated in 2012. 

A proclamation honored Finance Officer Bill Fentress for 11 years of service. “We want to take a few minutes tonight to recognize a long-time employee, our outgoing finance officer, who’s decided to retire on us,” said Commissioner Riggs.

Fentress joined the Pamlico County government in 2014 as the finance officer. In 2024, he became the assistant county manager, as well. The proclamation reads in part: “Fentress represents the best of our community, often leading with his heart to implement positive changes that benefit the community and make Pamlico County a better place to live, work and do business.”

Member of the public Diane Lemieux spoke to the board about freedom of religion and representation in local government. “America is not a Christian country,” Lemieux began. “America is a place where we are free to practice any religion, including none at all.” She went on to remark that public schools are supported by public taxes and welcome all children. “Requiring any particular religion to be taught… is not freedom of religion. It is indoctrination.” She said that the school should use non-denominational programs such as Character Counts to promote good values.

After thanking the commissioners for their service, Lemieux made a request for additional representation. “For at least two years, the commissioners have restricted public comments to only one meeting a month,” Lemieux said. “I strongly encourage you to reopen public comments at all your meetings.”

The following agenda items were approved:

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