Salisbury, North Carolina  June 4, 2024  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 B. 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 6:14 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 AGNEDA  Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted  AYE. (5-0)  RECOGNITION-SALISBURY-ROWAN UTILITIESSTAFF  City Manager Jim Greene noted staff received an email from Ms. Brunetta Franklin regarding the excellent customer service provided by Salisbury-Rowan Utilities staff Chad Jennings, Johnny Hawkins, Jon! Handy, and Damon Davis during a sewer lateral transfer that took place at her home. Mayor Alexander read the email from Ms. Franklin regarding her experience  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 1    and the professionalism of the staff and the pride they took in their work. Council thanked Mr. Jennings, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Handy and Mr. Davis for their exceptional customer service and for  all they do for the City.  RECOGNITION- NEW ASSISTANT CITYMANAGER KELLY BAKER  City Manager Jim Greene stated Administrative Services Director Kelly Bakerv will assume her new role as Assistant City Manager effective June 10, 2024 where she will provide administrative leadership for all departments, coordinate communication with Council, lead customer service initiatives and the City's State and Federal agendas, assist with special projects and coordinate implementation of Council's Strategic Plan. He added Ms. Baker will supervise several departments including Human Resources, Downtown Development, Internal and External Communications, Information Technology and the City Clerk'soffice. He pointed out Ms. Baker  ist the first woman to serve as. Assistant City Manager.  Council congratulated Ms. Baker on her promotion and thanked her for all she does for the City. Ms. Baker thanked Mr. Greene for the opportunity to serve as. Assistant City Manager. She added she is excited to be aj part oft the vision Council is setting for the community.  PROCLAMATION  Mayor toj proclaim the following observances SALISBURY PRIDE DAY  June 22, 2024  CONSENT. AGENDA (a) Minutes May 14, 2024.  Approvel Minutes of the regular meeting of] May 7,2024, and the two special meetings of  (b) Assignment Agreement for Retention and Expansion Assistance  Authorize the City Manager to execute an Assignment Agreement for Retention and Expansion Assistance for DHL to assume the economic incentive agreement for real property initially provided to Crow Holdings. The incentive provides fora grant equivalent to 90% of the  property taxes paid on real property for aj period ofthree years.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 2    (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Parks and Recreation  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $2,083 to appropriate. a donation tol Parks and Recreation for the Summer. Reels and Riffs Concert ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A PARKS AND RECREATION (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 55, and is known  Series at Bell Tower Green Park.  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2024-33.)  (d) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Fire Department  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $4,275 to appropriate ai reimbursement received by the Fire Department from Rowan Cabarrus ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE FIRE TRAINING (The above Ordinance is recorded ini full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at. Page No. 56, and: is known  Community College for 50% oft the cost for leadership training.  REMBURSEMENT. as Ordinance 2024-34.)  (e) Interlocal Agreement - Rowan County  Authorize the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Rowan County fort thea administration OfHOME-ARP funds for the construction of permanent supportivehousing  through Shelter Ministries, Inc. (f) Brenner Avenue Improvements  Approve additional compensation in the amount of$21,958.85 for required easements for  the sidewalk and intersection mprovements on Brenner Avenue. (g) Purchase Order- - Land Application Services  Authorize the City Manager to approve ai new purchase order in the amount of $148,000 for] EMA Resources for land application services for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities. Thiswill replace a previously approved purchase order to cover the final invoice for land application services.  Funds are available in Salisbury-Rowan Utilities FY24 budget.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 3    (h) Purchase Order- Dodge Chargers  Authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order in the amount of $115,480.17 for the purchase of new 2023 Dodge Chargers from Performance Automotive Group. This will replace the previously approved purchase order to Parks Ford who is experiencing severe production delays. Vehicles from Performance Automotive are ready for delivery.  (1) Sale of Sidearm and Badge  Authorize the sale of sidearm and badge to Police Lieutenant Joseph Miller in the amount  of$1.00 in recognition ofhis retirement from the Police Department on June 1, 2024.  G) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Police Department  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $2,000 to appropriate Controlled Substance tax funds for the Police Department for the use as a ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE POLICE DEPARTMENT (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 57, and is known  donation to Crime Stoppers.  CONTROLLED: SUBSTANCETAXES.  as Ordinance 2024-35.)  Thereupon, Councimember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post  and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to receive public comment.  Mr. Ethan Chirico addressed Council regarding occupational cancer concerns for fire Ms. Heather Depalma-spivey thanked Council for the Salisbury Pride Day Proclamation. She invited Council to lead the Rainbow Walk that will take place at the Pride Festival, and she  fighters.  thanked Council fori its continued support ofthe Pride Festival.  Salisbury Pride President Michael Brooksalsoi thanked Council fori the Salisbury. Pride Day Proclamation, and he noted the events that will take place during the Pride Festival on June 22,  2024.  Mr. Michael Kirksey addressed Council regarding concerns in the West End community.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 4    There being no one else to address Council, Mayor. Alexander closed the public comment  session.  PROPOSED FY2024-2024 CITYE BUDGET  City Manager Jim Greene, Assistant Finance Director Mark Drye and Budget Manager Tracey Keyes provided an overview ofthej proposed FY2024-20250 City budget. Mr. Greene noted the proposed budget emphasizes the City's commitment to financial stewardship and prioritizes  strategic investment.  Ms. Keyes noted the priorities for the City budget were based on the Strategic Plan, and include investment in employees, realistic revenue estimates, plan and manage for growth, infrastructure and capital improvements, using Fund Balance wisely for Council priorities sand one-  time needs, and a high quality oflife.  Ms. Keyes stated thei total recommended budget for FY2024-2025 is 119,746.375,an1194 increase from the FY2023-2024 adopted budget. She noted the increase is due to $7,000,000 in grants, infrastructure, compensation, new positions, and increased benefit costs.  Mr. Drye noted the proposed budget includes the following pay adjustments: 1.5% Cost ofl Living Adjustment (COLA)in August 2024 4.5% salary range adjustment in September 2024 3.0% average merit in January 2025 Annual 1% lump sum bonus December 2024  Mr. Drye reviewed the proposed budget tax and fee adjustments which include:  Tax/Fee  Current Rate Proposed Rate Difference  Recommended Property Tax Rate Stormwater Fee Water and Sewer Rate Solid Waste Fee Recycling Fee  $.616 $4.81 $63.08 $9.28 $5.80  $.665 $5.29 $65.20 $11.57 $6.28  $.049 $.48 $2.12 $2.29 $.48  Mr. Drye stated thej proposed budget recommends ai monthly property tax increase of$9.50 per month for an average home valued at $231,685. He reviewed the General Fund Balance for FY2025 and: noted the budget recommends appropriating $2,446,7941 inl Fund Balance toi fund one-  time projects. He explained the budget adoption process steps which includes:  Budget Presentation to Council - May 14, 2024 Budget Public Hearing - June 4, 2024 Additional Budget workshop June 11, 2024 Budget Adoption - June 18, 2024 (per Council approval)  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 5    Mr. Greene thanked Ms. Keyes, Mr. Drye, and the Finance Team for their work on the budget. He noted the budget focuses on public safety and: recommends adding three police officer  positions and six firefighter positions.  Councilmember Post asked what the General Fund balance as a percent of expenditures will be if the recommended budget is approved. Mr. Drye stated the estimate is 48% or  $11,718,634.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Mr. Clyde noted concerns with the $.049 cent tax increase and the increase in solid waste, Ms. Dee Dee Wright inquired about the Downtown Dumpster Pilot project and the rental income generated by the Plaza. She requested additional information regarding the $1,500 budgeted for Dixonville Cemetery and the $50,000 budgeted for the Fred M. Evans Pool.  regarding the proposed FY2024-2025 City Budget.  stormwater, and recycling fees.  Mr. Ethan Chirico asked Council to consideri increasing the proposed 1.5% COLA to a3% There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing Councilmember Post noted he spoke with Ms. Dione Adkins, Executive Director of the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, who expressed concern about filling teaching positions for Head Start programs. He asked Council to considerapproving: as stipend for Salisbury  increase.  Head Start teachers to help recruit and fill open positions. recommended pay adjustments for City employees.  Councilmember Smith and Councilmember McLaughlin noted support for the Councilmember Post urged citizens to participate in thel budget work sessions and public Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked citizens for providing feedback on thej proposed budget. She also thanked staff and the Finance Department for their work on the budget. She noted the  hearings to ask questions and provide funding suggestions.  City is committed toj public safety and providing exceptional City services.  Mayor Alexander stated it is essential for the City to have a healthy General Fund. She thanked employees for working to acquire grants to help pay for long-term projects that benefit  the City.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 6    CONDITIONAL DISTRICT OVERLAY-SACRED HEARTO CHURCH  Senior Planner Victoria Bailiff addressed Council regarding amending an existing Conditional District (CD) Overlay for Sacred Heart Church, located at 37 Lumen Christie Lane, toj permit ai newi rectory and 36 additional parking spaces ini the existing parking lot. She noted the  site includes seven parcels that total approximately 107 acres.  Ms. Bailiff stated the CD Overlay has multiple base zoning districts, and she pointed out the requested changes will take place in the northernmost parcel. She noted surrounding uses include residential, agricultural, institutional and undeveloped properties. She indicated the property is partially wooded with many grade changes and it includes a blue line stream and  floodplain that will not be disturbed by the proposed development.  Ms. Bailiff noted the master plan proposes a 5,083 square footrectory and 361 newj parking spaces with additional landscaping. She indicated the Future Land Use Map has the property categorized as Public Office and Institutional, which is consistent with the Community Institution (CI) zoning district. She stated staff finds the proposed rezoning is consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan Policy 6.3.3. She added the master plan wasi reviewed by the Technical Review Committee on. April 18, 2024 who recommended approval of the master plans subject to  minor revisions, which were satisfied upon resubmittal.  Ms. Bailiffindicated Planning Board held a courtesy hearing on May 14, 2024. She noted the applicant's representative was available to answer questions, and one citizen expressed concerns regarding increased runoff due to additional impervious surface. Shei noted the Planning Board considered the citizen's concerns and ultimately found the proposal to be consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan and recommended approval. She added the Planning Board noted the flooding issues are concerning, but it did not appear that the additional impervious surface would create enough runoff to exacerbate the flooding issues in the Hidden Creek  community.  Councimember Post asked if water from the property flows toward the Hidden Creek development. Public Works Director Chris Tester stated the water naturally flows in the direction ofHidden Creek and approximately 340 acres drain to the drainage basin in the creek. He. added thej proposal includes four ofthose acres and the additional impervious surface will equate to one- halfacre.. He pointed out approximately 20 acres oft the 107 acre site are: inside the City limits and there will be a minimal impact to the drainage basin. He stated during the construction examination process a review will be conducted to make sure the criteria for impervious surface  area for the City and the state is met. regarding the proposed CD Overlay.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Ms. Gwen Mangler stated she lives in Hidden Creek development and expressed concern regarding the impact of water erosion from the proposed rectory and the 16 additional parking spaces. She pointed out the rectory appears to have no additional landscaping proposed, but itis  on the cliff that downgrades toward Hidden Creek.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 7    Mr. Gray Stout, architect for the project stated he supports the proposal. He noted approximately 15 years ago, the master plan for the Sacred Heart campus was brought before Council and it includes best management practices that were required for engineering and state and City regulations. He explained the regulations include multiple wet retention ponds and detailed civil engineering plans to study where the water from the campus would go. Heindicated the changes will not add water to the creek due to the site's distance from the creek. He pointed out the church has continued to maintain the existing ponds and retention ponds as required by  state standards. Mr. Stout agreed.  Mayor Alexander noted the proposal meets City and state requirements for water retention. Mayor Alexander invited Ms. Mangler back to the podium. Ms. Mangler stated she walks the trail from Hidden Creek to Sacred Heat, and she indicated there is erosion on the hill near the  top ofthe trail.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Ms. Bailiff indicated an erosion control plan is not required because the disturbance is under one acre, but Chapter 9 of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) requires appropriate erosion control measures even ift the disturbance is under one acre sO that mud and sedimentation  do not run offt the site.  Councilmember Post stated the City Council hereby finds and determines that adoption of an Ordinance to amend the Conditional District Overlay is consistent witht the goals objectives and policies ofthel Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. City Council finds that the map amendment is reasonable due to the limitations set forth in thej petition and the compatibility oft the proposed use and existing surrounding uses. Thereupon, Mr. Post made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending the Land Development District Map oft the City of Salisbury, North Carolina, amending the existing Conditional District Overlay for 375 Lumen Christi Lane, approximately 107.56acres toj permit a new: rectory and parking lot expansion. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, ORDINANCE AMENDINGTHELANDDEVELOPMENT: DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITYOF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, AMENDING THE EXISTING CONDITIONAL DISTRICT OVERLAY FOR 375 LUMEN CHRISTI LANE, APPROXIMATELY 107.56 ACRESI LOCATEDATTAXMAP: 326. PARCEL 239. ANDTAX: MAP: 327PARCEIS001,129, 130, 131, 132AND: 133TOPERMIT Al NEW RECTORY AND: PARKING LOT EXPANSION. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 58-59, and is  and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  known as Ordinance 2024-36.) Council took a short recess.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 8    UPDATE-1 10-YEAR HOUSING STRATEGYPLAN  Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson and Thomas P. Miller and Associates Housing Director Aaron Finley addressed Council regarding the 10-year Housing Strategy Plan. Mr. Finley reviewed the timeline for the project, and he indicated the final should be completed in July. He noted the proposed Housing Strategy Plan is consistent with report the  Strategic Plan and will meet four proposed goals:  Increase opportunities for new affordable for-sale and for-rent developments Ensure residential development meets the community'sneeds Maintain and improve the existing supply off for-sale and for-rent housing Fostèr efficient and collaborative housing approaches Mr. Finley noted since 2019 there has been a 66% increase in the median sale home in the City, and he indicated 19% of homeowners are cost burdened. He stated price there has been a 26% increase in median gross rent from 2017 until 2022, and he pointed out 48% ofrenter  ofa.  households are cost burdened.  Mr. Finley reviewed the housing demand model, and he noted the demand for new units for sale and rent by 2033 is projected to be between 5,200 and 5,500 units. He added 26% oft the new units will be for households earning less than 60% of the area median income. He then reviewed the strategies to address Goal 1 to increase opportunities for new affordable for-sale. and  for-rent developments:  Strategy 1.1 Establish a dedicated affordable housing trust fund  Strategy 1.2 Explore an option to partner on a community land trust for long-term Strategy 1.3 Develop a strategic approach to City-endorsed Low Income Housing Tax Strategy 1.4 Offer regulatory incentive packages to developers that include affordable Strategy 1.5 Maximize funding opportunities and programs for affordable housing There was discussion among Council regarding housing choice vouchers which are not available in the City or County at this time due to long waiting lists. There was discussion regarding owner. households that are cost burdened, and Mayor Alexander requested clarification regarding the affordable housing data. Mr. Finley explained the data includes estimates from the American Community Survey calculated for Salisbury by the United States Census Bureau. Mr. Finley stated aj public survey took place between October 2023 and. January 2024 with over 550 surveys completed. He noted policies with over 70% support include increased code enforcement, owner-occupied rehabilitation funding, energy efficiency programs, affordable home ownership, tenant's rights, minimum housing enforcement and replacing vacant commercial spaces with residential units. He reviewed Goal 2 to ensure residential development meets the  affordable housing Credits (LIHTC) applications units in new developments development  community'si needs: Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 9    Strategy 2.1 Formalize al land bank with the Community Development Corporation Strategy 2.2 Encourage. missing middle development through zoning changes Strategy 2.3 Improved construction standards to improve quality of new builds Strategy 2.4 Ensure that needs for executive housing are met  Mr. Finley referenced Goal 3 to maintain and improve the existing supply of for-sale and for-rent housing, and hei indicated over 55% ofthe City'sl housing stock was built before 1980. He  reviewed the strategies for Goal 3:  Strategy 3.1. Expand programming to assist/fund home rehabilitation Strategy 3.2 Develop an affordable housing preservation inventory and campaign Strategy 3.3 Develop a strategy to encourage infill redevelopment and commercial- to Councilmember McLaughlin asked about the location- of infill redevelopment opportunities. Ms. Jacobson stated thel Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plani includes al Future Land Use map that identifies areas with potential for mixed use and infill redevelopment.  residential conversions  Mr. Finley then referenced Goal 41 to: foster an efficient and collaborative housing approach, and he noted there are: many collaborative partnerships in the City. Hei reviewed the strategies for  Goal 4:  Strategy 4.1 Review the existing staffing capacity to administer current and new  programs  Strategy 4.2 Convene a housing solution task force  Strategy 4.3 Take. an active role in improving tenant-landlord relations Strategy 4.4 Conduct a public education campaign around affordable housing Strategy 4.5. Advocate for changes to the state-level housing policy  Mr. Finley noted the next steps are to focus on a final recommendation based on feedback from Council, develop implementation steps, identify best practices and performance metrics and  to prepare the final report.  Mayor Pro' Tem Sheffield indicated the strategies for each goal included big ideas such as converting unused commercial properties to residential properties. Mr. Finely noted the report willinclude: recommendations that will require future conversations. Councilmember Post pointed out the projection for new housing will require a lot of land, and he questioned if there will be  available land to meet the need.  Council thanked Mr. Finley and Ms. Jacobson for theirj presentation.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 10    BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Community Appearance Commission  Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE; the following appointments were made to the Community Appearance Commission to fill unexpired terms:  Mr. Carlton A.Jackson, Jr. Mr. Keith Cohick  Term Expires 3/31/2025 Term Expires 3/31/2026  Greenway, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee  Upon a motion by Councilmember McLaughlin with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following appointment was made to the Greenway, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to fill an  term:  unexpired  Ms. Karen South. Jones  Term Expires 3/31/2025  CITYMANAGER'S REPORT  (a) Express Educate and Connect for a Safer Salisbury  City Manager Jim Green stated the Human Relations Commission (HRC) is hosting Express Educate and Connect for a Safer Salisbury Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. He asked Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director and HRC staff liaison Anne Little to provide additional information. Ms. Little stated the event is a community round table regarding public safety and raising the quality of life for all. She stated former Salisbury Deputy Police Chiefand current Police ChiefofMadison, Wisconsin Shon Barnes will be the guest speaker. She added small group discussions will address issues related to crime in the City. She noted Mr. Willie Ratchford and Dr. Anthony Wade with WPR Consulting will facilitate the small conversations along with members of the HRC and the Police Chief's Advisory Board. group She indicated members of the Salisbury Youth Council will participate in the event, and she invited  the community to attend. COUNCIL COMMNETS  Councilmember Smith recognized members oft the Human Relations Commission for their work on the Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Awards, and he congratulated award winners (HRC) Emily Perry, Jason Walser, David Whisenant, and Edward and Susan Norvell and thanked them  for their contributions to the City.  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 11    MAYOR PROTEMCOMMENTS  Mayor Pro. Tem Sheffield wished all dads a Happy Father's Day, and she congratulated  iss. Assistant City Manager Kelly Baker on her promotion. She noted there are decisions to be made Sa regarding the proposed. budget. She indicated she is committed to making the .5. She added shei is thankful for the Councilmembers that serve with her.  an City employer  -  of choice, making fair decisions for citizens and staying aligned with the City's Strategic Plan.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked Mayor Alexander and Council fori its continued support ofSalisbury Pride by setting an example, being visible and creating a safe space for all citizens.  MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS  Mayor Alexander noted the NAACP will sponsor a Juneteenth Commemoration  Celebration that will include:  A Stronger Together Prayer Vigil on Thursday, June 13th Southern Soul Music and Fish on Friday, June 14th Soulful Sunday Celebration on Sunday, June 16th Youth Culture Day on Monday, June 17th Juneteenth: A Day of Service on Tuesday, June 18th Juneteenth Heritage Breakfast on Wednesday, June 19th  Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 15th at Bell Tower Green  Mayor Alexander thanked staff for all it does for the City, and the quality of  professionalism that is extended to citizens.  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 9:36j p.m.  LACh  Karen K.. Alexander, Mayor  Covue B5rel Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  June 4, 2024  Page 12