An orientation session for a new City Council member provided a glimpse at some recent accomplishments and goals for 2018 of a city department.

John Rodman, the city’s director of community and cultural resources, provided that glimpse as he reviewed the department’s staff, responsibilities, services and projects with Roland Wyman, who replaces Larry Beeman on the council. Beeman did not seek re-election in the 2017 election cycle.

Rodman told Wyman recent council actions concerning zoning ordinance amendments related to bring a micro-brewery to downtown and activity in the historic district indicate there’s a need to update and clarify the city’s existing zoning rules and historic district guidelines.

“We want to revise the city’s zoning ordinance into a unified development ordinance,” Rodman said.

The historic district guidelines need to be revised so they become more consistent with other development-related regulations and guidelines, he said. The city needs to continue implementing its downtown master plan, Rodman said.

As for the city’s waterfront area, the city needs to find funding so it can complete the construction of a new boardwalk, replace boardwalk and promenade lighting and adding more docks, Rodman said. Another priority is to find way for the city to conduct emergency removals of derelict boats in the Pamlico River off the waterfront, he said.

Completing a new fishing pier at Havens Gardens, finding a site for new tennis courts, providing restrooms at the city’s soccer complex and adding softball and baseball fields (mainly for adult use) at the McConnell Sports Complex are among recreation-related goals, Rodman said.

A document Rodman distributed at the meeting called for evaluating the city-owned pool, which has experienced significant equipment and maintenance problems in recent years, resulting in the costly repairs/replacements.

Among the department’s recent accomplishments, according to Rodman, are replacement of damaged decking on A and B docks, replacement of boardwalk decking, construction of the new dockmaster’s station and completion of the pier adjacent to the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce building. Other accomplishments include obtaining money for a kayak launch at Havens Gardens, installation of the all-inclusive playground at Havens Gardens and completion of three plans — comprehensive recreation master plan, bicycle plan and pedestrian plan.