Salisbury, North Carolina February 21, 2023  REGULAR: MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Council  Members Harry McLaughlin, David Post, and Anthony Smith; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr., City Clerk Connie Snyder; and City Attorney J. Graham Corriher.  ABSENT: None.  Salisbury City Council met in Council Chambers in City Hall located at 217 South Main Street. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Alexander at 6:00 p.m. A moment of silence  was taken.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Mayor. Alexander led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. MayorAlexander, Mayor Prol Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted  AYE. (5-0)  PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor to proclaim the following observances: HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH DEEI DEE WRIGHT RECOGNITION  February 2023 February 21,2023  Salisbury City Council  February 21, 2023  Page 1    Mayor Alexander and Council recognized Ms. Dee Dee Wright for her contributions and dedication to the community as al leader and activist whose work has touched the lives ofcountless people. Mayor Alexander stated Ms. Wright has displayed concern and commitment for the Salisbury community, and worked tirelessly tol bring civil rights issues tol light.  Ms. Wright thanked Council and City Manager Jim Greene, and she stated it has been an  honor to serve the community. CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve Minutes of the regular meeting of] February 7, 2023. (b) City Representative - Shelter Ministries of Rowan County  Appoint Ruth Kennerly as the City representative to the Board of Directors for Shelter  Ministries of Rowan County.  (c) Resolution - City Manager Contracting Authority  Adopt a revised Resolution regarding City Manager contracting authority.  RESOLUTION REGARDING CITY MANAGER CONTRACTING AUTHORITY (REVISED (The above Resolution is recorded ini fulli in] Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 4-5, and is known  FEBRUARY21,2023) as Resolution 2023-03)  (d) Update - Employee Pay Grade and Classification Schedule  Approve an update to the adopted employee pay. grade and classification schedule to allow Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and  forr reorganization and classification changes.  Smith voted AYE. (5-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor. Alexander opened the floor to: receive public comments.  Ms. Anne Browlee asked Council to implement an alert system for nearby residents of  Catawba College when emergencies take place on or near the campus.  Salisbury City Council  February 21,2023  Page 2    Ms. Karen South Jones stated more public restroom facilities are needed at City parks and greenways. She asked Council to consider installing call boxes and security cameras in strategic  locations to monitor greenway entrances and exits.  Ms. Mary Walker, Representative of Women for Community Justice, emphasized the importance ofhiring ai new police chief. She added expectations for the new police chiefinclude representing all citizens regardless ofrace, ethnicity, gender identification, or social and economic  status. session.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  FORWARD: 2040: SALISBURY'S FRAMEWORI FOR GROWTH  Planning Director Hannah Jacobson asked Council to consider adopting Forward 2040: Salisbury's Framework for Growth as the City'scomprehensive plan. Ms. Jacobson thanked and recognized the Steering Committee and staff for their work and dedication to the 2040  Comprehensive Plan.  Ms. Jacobson stated since the draft was released in] November, staff has worked to collect public comment and feedback. She added that 21 presentations had been made to various boards and commissions, neighborhood associations, civic groups, businesses and non-profit organizations. She noted three community meetings had been held, and staff was available at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Resource Fair. She indicated staffheld virtual and in-person office hours for one-on-one conversations, and she commented the draft is available on the City  website.  Ms. Jacobson provided a summary of draft changes which include fixing grammatical and spelling errors, improving image quality, adding labels ini maps to street names, updated. Appendix D and added Appendix C. She commented staff removed redundant policies and converted policies to actions. She stated actions were added related to Kesler Mill, a campaign against  littering, and the housing strategy.  Ms. Jacobson noted the plan is 334 pages and composed ofs six different appendices built upon 10 vision themes with 63 goals, 316 policies and 56 actions for short-term action within one to five years. She added the plan includes a Future Land Use Map which serves as geographic policy framework that describes a desired pattern for future growth. She explained that the Future Land Usel Map does not alter current zoning maps or regulations but serves as at tool for evaluating  rezoning cases.  Ms. Jacobson explained the new process using the Future Land Use Map. She added when reviewing zoning cases to determine ifiti is consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan ori inconsistent, there is now an option to amend the Future Land Use Map by stating the zoning  case isi inconsistent, but the proposal has public benefit.  Salisbury City Council  February 21, 2023  Page 3    Ms. Jacobson noted the plan also includes an evaluation and assessment tool that serves as an annual report to review development patterns from the previous year and anticipate trends within the following year. She added the evaluation and assessment tool allows staff to revise, add, or remove policies and offers an opportunity to amend the Future Land Use Mapifnecessary. Ms. Jacobson stated the Steering Committee voted unanimously to advance the plan on February 6, 2023, and the Planning Board held a public hearing on February 14, 2023, and voted unanimously to recommend Council adopt Forward 2040: Salisbury's Framework for Growth as  the City'scomprehensive plan.  City Manager Jim Greene thanked staff and the Steering Committee for their work and dedication to the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He added this plan will shape Salisbury's  growth and future over the next 20 years.  Mayor Alexander congratulated Ms. Jacobson, staff, and the Steering Committee for Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice regarding Forward 2040: Ms. Dee Dee Wright, Mr. John Schaffer and Mr. Gene Goetz, members of the Salisbury Steering Committee. asked Council to consider adopting the Forward 2040: Salisbury's Framework  completing the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan.  Salisbury's Framework for Growth.  for Growth as the City's comprehensive plan.  There being no else to address Council, Mayor. Alexander closed the public hearing. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt Forward 2040: Salisbury's Framework for Growth as the City's comprehensive plan. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem  Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0) LANDI DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT  Senior Planner Victoria Bailiffasked Council to consider adopting an Ordinance amending Chapters 1,4,5,7,8, 10, 11,and 15 ofthel Land Development Ordinance ofthe City of Salisbury,  North Carolina.  Ms. Bailiff commented revisions to Chapters 4, 5,7,8, 10, and 11 include removing references to the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan and replacing them with references to the Forward 2040 Plan. She explained that revisions to Chapter 15 include adding processes for  amending the Comprehensive Plani text and the Future Land Use Map.  Ms. Bailiff stated the text amendments were reviewed by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) on December 15, 2022 who recommended approval with no requested changes. She added the amendments were sent to the Planning Board on February 14, 2023 and it voted unanimously  tor recommend approval. Salisbury City Council  February 21, 2023  Page 4    Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice regarding the proposed text There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Councimember Smith stated the City Council hereby finds and determines that adoption ofa an Ordinance to amend the Land Development Ordinance ofthe City of Salisbury as underlined or stricken herein is reasonable, in the public interest and consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Thereupon, Mr. Smith made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 1 Purpose and Applicability, Chapter 4 Subdivisions and Infrastructure, Chapter 5 Building Types and Standards, Chapter 7 Recreational Open Space, Chapter 8 Landscaping, Chapter 10 Parking, Chapter 11 Lighting on Private Property, and Chapter 15 Development Process of the Land Development Ordinance of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted AYE. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY, CHAPTER 4 SUBDIVISIONS AND INFRASIRUCIURE, CHAPTER 5 BUILDING TYPES AND STANDARDS, CHAPTER7RECREATIOALOPENSPACK: CHAPTER 8LANDSCAPING, CHAPTER 10 PARKING, CHAPTER 11 LIGHTING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, AND CHAPTER 15 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page Nos. 69-89, and is  amendment.  (5-0)  OFTHE CITY OF SALISBURY,NORTE CAROLINA.  known as Ordinance 2023-15.)  PROPERTYTAX REVALUATION PROCESS  Finance Director Wade Furches and Rowan County Tax Assessor Chip Main addressed Council regarding the property tax revaluation process. Mr. Main indiçated property tax revaluations are conducted every four years, and he noted County staff has worked on the revaluation process for the last two years. He explained property tax revaluations are required throughout the state every eight years, and Rowan County conductsi revaluations every four years. Her noted the revaluation will update real property values to reflect fair market value as ofJanuary 1,2023. He stated the Rowan County tax basei is derived from 80,632 parcels of which 13,311 are  located in the City. He pointed out personal property is also taxed.  Mr. Main explained the objective is to revalue the real estate data base to appraise property at 100% market value. He noted the revised property values will stay in place for the next four years unless changes are made to aj property. Hei reviewed the three approaches toj property value:  Market which abstracts value from the sale of property  Cost of land property  Material and labor and income approach which is used to value commercial  Salisbury City Council  February21,2023  Page 5    Mr. Main indicated there have been 16,706 residential sales since 2019 of which 11,941 where qualified sales and 4,765 were unqualified sales. He explained unqualified sales include foreclosures, bankruptcies, auctions, sales among relatives, and condemnations. He displayed a sales map, and hej pointed out the higher volume ofs sales occurred within the City limits nearl I-85. Mr. Main noted the current sales assessment ratio in Rowan County is 73.38%, and he explained al home that sells for $300,000 currently has an assessed value of$220,000. He reviewed the preliminary estimate ofthe City tax base which is $4 billion with an additional $94 million for downtown. He explained once the 78,000 notices are mailed, the appeals process will begin. He pointed out Rowan County offers property tax reductions for certain groups with income  restrictions including elderly and disabled veterans.  Mr. Furches stated the City's current: rate is $.7196 per $100 value, and hei indicated as part ofthel budget process staffmust compute and disclose ai revenue neutral tax rate. He explained the revenue neutral tax rate will provide the same amount of property tax revenue the City had this year with a factor for growth included in the calculation. He indicated the tax rate will probably decrease, and he pointed out the projected values will keep changing until the notices are mailed. He added the City's current tax base is $3.26 billion and the projection is for approximately $4.1  billion.  Councimember Post asked about the valuation for Rowan County. Mr. Main indicated last year the County's tax base was $13.2 billion and the estimated tax base is $18.5 billion.  Mayor. Alexander thanked Mr. Main for his presentation.  BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT- SALES' TAX REVENUE  Finance Director Wade Furches asked Council to adopt an Ordinance amending the FY2022-2023 budget in the amount of $500,000 to appropriate additional sales tax revenue. He explained when thel FY2022-2023 budget was adopted, staffrecommended. $1 million be set aside and ifs sales tax revenue continued to be strong, then staff would come before Council to request an appropriation of the funds. He added a $500,000 request came before Council in October and  staff is requesting the remaining $500,000 be allocated for City projects.  Mayor Alexander asked ifthe City had already received the sales tax revenue funds. Mr. Furches commented the City has received funds from October 2022 through February 2023. Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made al motion to adopt an Ordinance amending the FY2022-2023 budget Ordinance of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina to appropriate additional sales tax revenue. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY2022-2023 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL SALES TAX  McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0)  REVENUE.  Salisbury City Council  February21,2023  Page 6    (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 90, and isl known  as Ordinance 2023-16.)  HUMANRELATIONS COUNCIL  Councilmember Smith noted the Human Relations Council I(HRC), under thel leadership of Human Relations Manager Anne Little and HRC Chair Debra Ellison, have worked to amend the HRC Ordinance. He added the HRC has worked to ensure human rights are honored and  celebrated ini this community.  Ms. Little thanked Councilmember Smith for serving as Council liaison to the HRC. She recognized HRC members in the audience, and she thanked them for their service to the community. Sheintroduced: Human Relations Specialist CherylLeveret-Lide whoj joined the City on January 9, 2023, and will focus on the HRC, fair housing, and the Non-discrimination  Ordinance.  Ms. Ellison reviewed the proposed changes which include a name change to the Human Relations Commission. She reviewed the proposed changes to Appendix D, Part 8 Section 1.01 which states the purpose. She noted the goal is to establish consistency with the City's Non-  discrimination Policy and Ordinance.  Ms. Ellison noted the proposed changes include ai name change, ai membership restructure, and changes to the function, powers, and duties of the HRC. She reviewed the priorities of the  HRC:  Strategic recruitment campaign Reorganization Retreat and training  Enhanced alignment with City Council and its priorities Broadened multicultural community outreach programs and events  Councilmember Post asked if the County has been contacted regarding the proposed changes. Mayor Alexander stated shel has spoken to Commission Chair Greg Edds who stated the  County is committed to the work ofthel HRC.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffieldindicatedi it takesal lot ofwork to update policies, and she thanked Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Appendix D Boards, Committees, Commissions etc. of the code ofthe City of Salisbury, North Carolina relating to the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem  thel HRC for putting in the work which sets the template for future growth.  Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith votedAYE. (5-0)  Salisbury City Council  February 21,2023  Page 7    ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX D BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS ETC. OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA RELATING TO THE (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 91-97, and is  HUMAN RBLATIONS COMMISSION. known as Ordinance 2023-17.) CITY ATTORNEY'S) REPORT  City Attorney Graham Corriher stated at its last meeting Council approved a contract for engineering work on ai relocated pump station for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU). Hei noted the agreement is with Cube Yadkin Generation, LLC toj pay up to $2 million toward the engineering  work for the relocated pump station.  Mr. Corriher indicated the City is a finalist for a $22.5 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. He stated the City is eager toj proceed with the project, and he noted the current waterintake is at risk of flooding and has flooded in the past.  Mr. Corriher stated Cube Yadkin Generation, LLC is the owner of the High Rock Dam, and it has a federal license to operate the dam. He added as a condition of its license Cube is required to make flood protection improvements to the City's pump station. He noted it is the City's opinion that it needs to relocate the pump station to remove it from the floodplain. He indicated Cube isi in agreement and the funds in the contract will be used for the project. He stated the total cost of the relocated pump station is approximately $31.5 million. He pointed out the City has not been officially awarded that grant, but all indications are positive and staff wants to  proceed with the preliminary engineering work with Cube's support.  Mr. Corriher noted the agreement is for $21 million, and hej pointed out Cube has committed Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to approve an agreement with Cube Yadkin Generation LLC to fund up to $2 million for preliminary engineering, design, and permitting for the Water Supply Resiliency Project for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Raw Water Pump Station Project. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers  a1 total $9 million match required by FEMA.  McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  CITY MANAGER'S REPORT  City Manager Jim Greene had nothing to report to Council.  Salisbury City Council  February 21, ,2023  Page 8    COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Smith thanked the Communications Department for recognizing Black History Month on social media, and he thanked the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department  for working to compose the information.  Councimember Smith thanked everyone who attended and shared concerns during the  West End Neighborhood Town Hall that took place last week.  MAYOR PROTEMISCOMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked Ms. Dee Dee Wright for her continued service to the community. She then thanked Women for Community Justice for attending the meeting and  voicing its concerns.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked the 2040 Steering Committee for its hard work on the Comprehensive Plan. She recognized members of the Human Relations Commission for their  work in the community.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield suggested a discussion take place with Council regarding four- year staggered terms instead of the current two-year terms. She explained she wanted to suggest the conversation take place now sO it does not conflict with thel November election.  Councilmember Post suggested the discussion include the public just like the previous discussion regarding the separate mayoral election. He also suggested beginning the discussion in January 2024 after the election sO there is no perception of personal interest ini the outcome. Mayor Alexander suggested City Attorney Graham Corriher go through the process with Council to determine if there is public interest in four-year staggered terms for Council.  Councilmember Post agreed he would like to receive public input.  Mayor Alexander asked Council ifit would like to form a committee to engage with the public regarding the Council terms. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield agreed. She added changes may not apply to the 2023 election, but she wanted to initiate the discussion since the process will take  time to complete.  Councimember Smith pointed out Council serves two-year terms while the Rowan- Mayor Alexander asked if Council wants to create a Council Committee ori ifit wants to take a different approach. City Attorney Graham Corriher explained the process will be lengthy. He noted Council has the authority to change certain items in the Charter such as the length of terms, number ofc council members, mayoral election, but it cannot change everything. He added Council could maket the changes or vote toj puti it on the ballot like the mayoral election. Hej pointed out there are timelines to meet if Council has intent to make the change for the 2023 election. He  Salisbury School Board and the Rowan County Commissioners serve four-year terms.  Salisbury City Council  February 21, 2023  Page 9    commented ift the intention is to place it on the ballot, there would be more time since the change  would not take effect until the 2025 election.  Councilmember Post asked ifthis item could bej placed on the Agenda for the next Council meeting for further discussion. Mr. Greene recommended staffbring information back to Council at its next meeting and Council could provide direction to staff. By consensus, Council agreed to  put the item on the next. Agenda for discussion.  MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS/ AND COMMENTS congratulated Ms. Dee Dee Wright on her recognition.  Mayor Alexander thanked staff for its work on the Council meeting Agenda, and she  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Post. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.  KLAPL  Karen. Alexander, Mayor  Couue Dhuph Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  February 21,2023  Page 10