Tag Archive for: #hendersoncitycouncil

String Of Gun-Violence Incidents Prompts Mayor To Declare 5-Day Citywide Curfew Beginning Friday, Jan. 24 At 10 PM

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The City of Henderson will be under a mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Friday, Jan. 23, in response to several incidents of gun violence that have rocked the city over the past 72 hours.

In an emergency called meeting, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott declared the curfew to be in effect from Friday evening through Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Elliott read the declaration that put in place a state of emergency and subsequent curfew, which will be in effect for all residents. Exceptions include those traveling to and from work, those seeking medical assistance, or those who are seeking food or other commodities necessary to sustain the wellbeing of oneself or family.

Elliott called the emergency meeting for Thursday at 5 p.m. in light of a string of incidents that resulted in several injuries.

The first incident took place on Monday, and several people were injured – including an infant. Three more incidents took place on Tuesday, one on South Garnett Street, one on Roberson Street and one on Water Street.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said the investigations are ongoing, and his officers, along with help from the SBI, are working to apprehend those responsible. In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, Barrow said the acts are not random; rather, they are “targeted and retaliatory in nature.”

In the Council meeting, Barrow called the incidents “egregious” and said they have identified the individual/s who are involved. He declined to name the suspects, adding that he and his officers are “doing our best to find probable cause to make an arrest.”

Elliott said she has full confidence in the police department. “Our chief and his employees (will) work very hard to apprehend the suspects. I feel like they’ll be in custody before Tuesday,” Elliott said.

Barrow told Council members that he would not be in favor of specifying specific ward on which to impose the curfew, but left the final decision to the Council and the mayor.

“We have to do something,” he said. “I’m not saying what that is,” referring to the specifics of the curfew.

Council Member Michael Venable said he felt the original 8 p.m. start time would negatively affect businesses and suggested the start time be moved to 10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

City Council Votes To Name Police Department In Memory Of Chief Melvin G. Smith

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In a unanimous decision, the Henderson City Council approved naming the Henderson Police Department in honor of the late chief, Melvin G. Smith.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow made the request, which will require no money from the city – the $5,000 estimated to place signs at the front and rear entrances will come from a money generated through the taxation of unauthorized drugs seized locally.

Smith died in July 2025, but Barrow told the Council that he’d been considering the request long before.

Smith was the first Black police officer at the department, joining before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Barrow said.

“He wasn’t just the first (Black) police officer,” he continued. He was the first sergeant, lieutenant, the first and only African American major, Barrow noted.

“He was the most qualified person for any position he held,” Barrow said. “His 50 percent was better than anybody else’s 100 percent.”

Barrow knew Smith through the Basic Law Enforcement Training classes, when Smith was an instructor and Barrow a student.

“He was kind, thoughtful…he was an educator. He wanted us to learn…He was a tough man, but a fair man.”

Barrow proposes to install a large plaque at the front entrance and a smaller version at the rear entrance – one that officers use and can see and be reminded of Smith’s legacy.

“It’s time,” Barrow said. “The police department needs a name.”

What better name than Melvin G. Smith.

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Newly Elected Council Members Sworn In; Tami Walker New Mayor Pro Tem

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The Henderson City Council made history Monday when the first Latina was administered the oath of office and took her seat on the eight-member council.

With her husband and mother at her side, Kenia Gómez-Jimenez took the oath of office and became the Ward 1 at-large alderman.

And there’s a brother-sister duo on the council as well, with Catherine “Kitty” Gill joining her sibling Michael Venable as a member on the City Council.

Gómez-Jimenez defeated Sara Coffey in the Ward 1 at-large contest and Gill defeated Ola Thorpe-Cooper to win the Ward 4 seat.

In other action, the Council also voted Tami Walker to be Mayor Pro Tem, replacing Council Member Garry Daeke.

The Council officially approved Paylor Spruill as city manager and the Hartzog Law Group and Dan Hartzog, Jr. as the city attorney.

TownTalk: New Council Members Set For Swearing-In Ceremony On Dec. 29

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The two newest members of the Henderson City Council will have to wait until after Christmas to be sworn in. According to City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell, the Dec. 8 meeting that was cancelled because of inclement weather has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.

Kenia Gómez-Jimenez and Catherine “Kitty” Miles Gill will join incumbents Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel, who won election or re-election to the Council in the fall elections.

Gómez-Jimenez defeated Ward 1 at-large Council Member Sara Coffey in the Oct. 7 election and Gill defeated Ola Thorpe-Cooper for the Ward 4 seat in the Nov. 4 runoff election.

Gómez-Jimenez expressed disappointment over the delay but said the decision to delay was the right call.

“Of course my family and I, along with our supporters and campaign team, were really looking forward to this Monday,” she said. “It was going to be such a
special moment for us and for our community. But at the end of the day, this really does come down to keeping everyone safe.

After the weather predicted for last Friday, I think many of us, myself included, weren’t sure if we were actually going to get any snow. Our City Manager and his team made the right call in closing City Hall on Monday because the roads really were getting slick that night. So while I’m a little disappointed, I also know December 29 will be here before we know it.

My hope is that the weather cooperates so our citizens can safely attend, be part of this moment, and witness the organizational votes and decisions that will shape the next four years. I truly hope to see you there!”

Kimbrell said finding a good time for all Council members proved to be a little tricky, especially given the holiday season.

“It’s the time of year,” Kimbrell said.”It was difficult finding a day that everyone was available.  With it being such an important meeting, we wanted everyone to be there, especially the four newly elected and the two outgoing members of Council.”

Following the December installation, the Henderson City Council makeup is as follows:

  • Ward 1 – Geraldine Champion
  • Ward 1 at-large – Kenia Gomez-Jimenez
  • Ward 2 – Sam Seifert
  • Ward 2 at-large – Lamont Noel
  • Ward 3 – Garry Daeke
  • Ward 3 at-large – Michael Venable
  • Ward 4 – Catherine “Kitty” Gill
  • Ward 4 at-large – Tami Walker

The council members serve four-year staggered terms, and the mayor serves a four-year term.

In the 2027 municipal elections, Henderson voters will vote for mayor, as well as Wards 1 and 2 aldermen, and Wards 3 and 4 at-large aldermen.

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Henderson City Council Will Get $5K Refund From Law Firm That Conducted Investigation Following Working Conditions Survey

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The law firm that conducted an investigation of results from a working conditions survey of city employees and Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott has apologized for tardiness in producing the report and said it will refund the city’s payment of $5,208.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, Council Member Tami Walker read the short statement from the Brough Law Firm, LLC, which follows in its entirety:

“We sincerely apologize for the delay in producing the report and have discussed the matter with the attorney. We agree that the report should have been provided to you already as work on the investigation has been completed. The attorney’s final report will be given to you by 11-6-25.

The city will not be charged for the investigation and the report. Also, we will provide the city a full refund of the fees charged to date for the investigation and report. The attached client ledger shows that the city has been billed a total of $5,828. The city has paid us $5,208 all of which will be refunded to you. The remaining $620 will be written off.”

Walker’s remarks came after Elliott read a letter aloud that she addressed to the Council:

It read:

“Dear members of the Council:

I want to formally acknowledge receipt of the investigative report conducted by the attorney Brough Law Firm, which was commissioned to review allegations made by various individuals concerning my role as mayor of Henderson.

I have fully cooperated with the investigation and supported a transparent process from the outset, as I believe deeply in accountability and ethical governance. After a careful review of the findings, it is clear that there is no criminal conduct, no ethical violations, and no substantiated wrongdoing found.

The report instead reflects on a collection of unverified statements, opinions and hearsay, primarily originated from individuals with different political or personal perspectives. Such narratives, while concerning, do not constitute credible evidence.

It is important to underscore that no legal or policy breach was identified. I have always upheld the highest standard of public service and work diligently to improve our city’s operations, community programs and partnerships.

I will continue to do so with transparency, fairness and the best interests of our residents at heart. I recognize that leadership can invite scrutiny, lots of scrutiny in my case, and I welcome any process that strengthens trust between our government and the citizens we serve.

However, it is equally vital that future actions and reports be guided by facts rather than conjecture.

Henderson’s residents deserve governance based on integrity and truth, not unfounded allegations.

In my closing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve all citizens of Henderson, with honesty, humility and dedication.

I look forward to continuing work collaboratively with the council to advance our shared mission of building a stronger, safer and more unified community.”

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City Council Retains Raleigh Law Group In Absence Of City Attorney

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In a special called meeting on Wednesday, the Henderson City Council approved retaining a Raleigh law firm to provide legal counsel in the absence of a city attorney.

When the Council reconvened following a closed session, Council member Sara Coffey made the motion, seconded by Council Member Tami Walker, to retain the services of Hartzog Law Group.

In making the motion, Coffey said, “After careful consideration, talking with everyone, that we go ahead and retain the law firm of Hartzog to represent the city and get this taken care of so that we will have a law firm on hand when we need them, as we need them.”

The vote was 5-1, with Council member Sam Seifert casting the “no” vote.

Council members Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel were not present.

The city has been without an attorney since Sept. 9, when City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry’s resignation was accepted by the City Council.

According to information on its website, Hartzog Law Group specializes in employment law, municipal law and education law.

TownTalk: Gill Wins Ward 4, Henderson City Council Seats Come December

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As a result of Tuesday’s runoff election for the Ward 4 seat on the Henderson City Council, Catherine “Kitty” Gill will join fellow newcomer Kenia Gomez-Jimenez and two incumbents to be sworn in at the City Council’s December meeting.

Gill beat incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper to take the seat.

Gomez-Jimenez beat incumbent Ward 1 at-large Council member Sara Coffey in the Oct. 7 election. Incumbents Garry Daeke (Ward 3) and Lamont Noel (Ward 2 at-large) also won their contests in the Oct. 7 election.

Gill led Thorpe-Cooper by 12 votes in the Oct. 7 election, prompting a runoff on Nov. 4. The unofficial tally was 132 to 84 in Gill’s favor. County elections officials will convene on Nov. 14 to certify the results of the Nov. 4 elections, which also included contests for mayors and council members in Kittrell and Middleburg.

Following the December installation, the Henderson City Council makeup is as follows:

  • Ward 1 – Geraldine Champion
  • Ward 1 at-large – Kenia Gomez-Jimenez

 

  • Ward 2 – Sam Seifert
  • Ward 2 at-large – Lamont Noel

 

  • Ward 3 – Garry Daeke
  • Ward 3 at-large – Michael Venable

 

  • Ward 4 – Catherine “Kitty” Gill
  • Ward 4 at-large – Tami Walker

 

The council members serve four-year staggered terms and the mayor serves a four-year term.

In the 2027 municipal elections, Henderson voters will vote for mayor, as well as Wards 1 and 2 aldermen, and Wards 3 and 4 at-large aldermen.

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Challenger Gill Overtakes Incumbent Thorpe-Cooper In Runoff To Win Ward 4 Seat On Henderson City Council

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It took two tries, but it appears that Catherine “Kitty” Gill  has defeated incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper to win the Ward 4 seat on the Henderson City Council.

Thorpe-Cooper trailed the challenger Gill after the Oct. 7 election, and a runoff was declared.

Gill got 132 votes – accounting for 61.11 percent – to 84 – 38.89 percent for Thorpe-Cooper.

The final tally was released by the Vance County Board of Elections just about one hour after the polls closed at 7:30 p.m.

A total of 262 Ward 4 voters cast ballots in the runoff, accounting for just under 12 percent of the 2,237 eligible voters. Unofficial counts by precinct showed that Central Henderson had the most voters turn out – 105 for Gill and 75 for Thorpe-Cooper. The Sandy Creek precinct had 7 votes for Gill and 4 for Thorpe-Cooper; South Henderson voters cast 20 votes for Gill and 5 for Thorpe-Cooper. Not a single voter in the Northern Vance precinct cast a vote.

In other municipal elections in the county, Kittrell Mayor Gene Pulley ran unopposed and earned another term. Pulley received 23 votes of 26 total votes cast; there were three write-in votes.

Kittrell Town Commissioners – all incumbents – were re-elected as well. Mary Jo Floyd got 22 votes, Susan Pulley got 23 votes and Robert B. Tunstall got 20 votes.

In Middleburg, incumbent Mayor Ray Bullock, running unopposed, got 18 votes out of 18 total votes cast. Incumbent Council members Hazel A. Baskett got 13 votes, Shirley H. Bullock got 18 and Mamie Turner got 14 votes.

The returns are unofficial until the Nov. 14 canvass, when the results will be finalized beginning at 11 a.m.

November 4th Henderson City Council Ward 4 Runoff

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UPDATE 11-3-25:

Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day for Kittrell and Middleburg townships, as well as for the runoff election in the contest for the Ward 4 seat on the Henderson City Council.

Incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper is seeking to retain her seat on the Council, facing challenger Catherine “Kitty” Gill.

The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and local elections officials remind voters that only residents of Ward 4 will be casting votes in this runoff election.

Henderson Ward 4 residents who vote on Nov. 4 should cast ballots at their polling precincts which include Sandy Creek, Central, Northern Vance (campus of Vance County Middle School) and South Henderson. These four precincts are the only sites that will be open on Nov. 4, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles.

As for Kittrell and Middleburg voters, you’ll be voting for mayor as well as members of council.

In Kittrell, the incumbents are seeking re-election, including Mayor Gene Pulley and town commissioners Mary Jo Floyd, Susan Pulley and Robert B. Tunstall.

In Middleburg, incumbents Mayor Ray Bullock and council members Hazel A. Baskett, Shirley H. Bullock and Mamie Turner are seeking to retain their seats.

These mayoral contests are unopposed, and the member positions are vote for three, and there are only three candidates available in each contest.

Vance County Board of Elections Chair Susan Floyd reminds voters that they will be asked to show a photo ID before casting their ballot. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections.

If you have questions, please contact the Vance County Board of Elections at 252.492.3730.

Click Play for our Broadcast Audio from the 11 a.m. hour on 11-3-25!

Henderson City Council Special Called Meeting Thursday, October 30 at 3 p.m.

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UPDATE 10-30-25 at 5:20 p.m.

In a special called meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Henderson City Council named Gary “Paylor” Spruill as city manager. The Council went into closed session at 3 p.m.

The vote was unanimous, with Council Member Sara Coffey absent.

Spruill was appointed interim city manager at the Sept. 8, 2025, City Council meeting, after the Council accepted the resignation of Hassan T. Kingsberry, who had served as city manager since January 2025.

Kingsberry had been serving in the dual roles of city manager/city attorney. He was sworn in as city attorney on Dec. 10, 2024 and was then chosen to assume the role of city manager after former manager Terrell Blackmon tendered his resignation effective Jan. 10, 2025.

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UPDATE 10-29-25 at 11:20 a.m.

Along with the community, WIZS News hopes to learn more about the City’s process to hire an attorney, or at least contract with an attorney or firm, as well as efforts to hire a new city manager.

If so, it will require Mayor Melissa Elliott, or a council member or Interim City Manager Paylor Spruill to make an announcement, presumably after the meeting, because the entire meeting is listed as a closed session.

As of now, the public notice below has been issued but an actual agenda for the meeting has not been forwarded to WIZS or placed on the City’s web page.

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Public Notice

The Henderson City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS § 143-318.11 (a)(6) regarding a Personnel Matter.   The public is welcome. https://youtube.com/@CityofHenderson-NC