Salisbury, North Carolina January 2, 2024  REGULAR MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield; and  Council Members Harry McLaughlin and Anthony Smith; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr., City Attorney. J. Graham Corriher, and City Clerk Connie B. Snyder.  ABSENT: Councilmember David Post.  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 6:10 p.m. A moment of silence  was taken. Councilmember Post attended the meeting via Zoom.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Mayor. Alexander welcomed everyone and led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag. She noted the public hearing regarding an. Annexation Agreement with the Town of Spencer advertised for Council's January 2, 2024 meeting has been postponed until  January 16, 2024.  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield a motion to adopt the. Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE.  (4-0)  RECOGNITION - COMMUNCATOASTFAM  Council recognized the Communications Team for awards received from the Charlotte Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Communications Director Linda McElroy stated the Communications Team won first place for crisis communications and second place for  Salisbury City Council  January 2,2 2024  Page 1    the City's "Be The Difference" integrated marketing communications clampaign. Council thanked Ms. McElroy and the Communications Team for their work tol keep citizens informed.  RECOGNITION- DAVID WHISENANT  Council recognize Mr. David Whisenant for his extensive career in news and radio and for his dedicated service to the community. Mayor Alexander read a Resolution of Recognition, and  she presented a framed copy to Mr. Whisenant.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield: madea ai motion to adopt al Resolution of Recognition for David Whisenant. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers  McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR DAVID WHISENANT.  (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 1, and is known  as Resolution 2024-01.)  Mr. Whisenant thanked Council for the recognition, and he stated he is grateful for the  opportunity to: report on his hometown for over 30 years.  PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor toj proclaim the following observances: DR. MARTINLUTHER KING, JR. DAY NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH PREVENTION MONTH  January 15, 2024 January 2024 January 2024  NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve Minutes oft the special meetings of May 11,2023 and August 15, 2023 and the  regular meeting ofl December 5, 2023.  (b) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Parks and Recreation Donation  Adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $2,083 to appropriate a sponsorship/donation for the Reels and Riffs Movies and Music Series at Bell  Tower Green Park.  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 2    ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE PARKS AND RECREATION (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 1, and is known  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2024-01.) (c) Sale of Sidearm and Badge  Authorize the sale of sidearms and badges to Captain Lee Walker and Lieutenant Russell DeSantis in the amount of$1.00 each ini recognition oft their retirement from the Salisbury Police  Department on. January 1,2024. (d) 2024 State Action Plan  Adopt the 2024 State. Action Plan.  (e) 2024) Federal Action Plan  Adopt the 2024 Federal Action Plan. (f) Agreement - CC&W Development Group, LLC  Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CC&W Development Group, LLC for the Alexander Court subdivision sewer infrastructure improvements. The CC&W Development Group, LLC will pay Salisbury-Rowan Utilities $77,000 to complete the required  work.  (g) Preconstruction Planning Grant  Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Funding Offer and Acceptance of a pre-construction planning grant in the amount of $400,000 for the Salisbury-  Rowan Utilities Wastewater Master Plan project. RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF RECEPIENT.  (The above Resolution is recorded in full inl Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 2, and is known  as. Resolution 2024-02.) (h) Local Water Supply Plan  Adopt a Resolution approving the Local Water Supply Plan for the City of Salisbury water  system.  RESOLUTION FOR APPROVING LOCAL WATER SUPPLY PLAN.  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 3    (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 atl Pagel No. 3, and is known  as Resolution 2024-03.)  (i) Voluntary Annexation - WoodleafRoad  Receive a request for voluntary. annexation of 58.07 acres located on WoodleafRoad, Tax Map 328 Parcels 050, 066, and 110and adopt al Resolution instructing the City Clerk toi investigate RESOLUTION: DIRECTINGTHE CITY CLERKTOINVISTIOATEA PETITION. RECEIVED UNDER G.S. 160A-58.1, FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF TAX MAP 328 PARCELS (The above Resolution is recorded in fulli in Resolution Book No. 17a at Page No. 3a, and is known  thes sufficiency oft the request.  050, 066, AND 110, 58.07 ACRESLOCATED ON WOODLEAF ROAD.  asl Resolution 2024-03a.)  () Update - Police Department Job Classification System  Approve an update to the job classification system in1 the Police Department to change the title of Captain to the title of Major. There will be no changes to the salary classification orj job  duties.  (k) Public Hearing- - Annexation Agreement  Set a public hearing regarding an Annexation Agreement with the Town of Spencer for Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers) McLaughlin and Smith  January 16, 2024.  voted AYE. (4-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to receive public comments. Ms. Dee Dee Wright wished Council a Happy New Year.  Mr. Jay Wagoner stated he is the: former Mayor ofl High Point and a candidate for District There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  6ofthe United States Congress which represents Rowan County.  session.  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 4    LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK - 229 WEST BANK STREET ANDREW MURPHY  HOUSE  Planner Emily Vanek addressed Council regarding designating the Andrew Murphy house located at 229 West Bank Street as a Local Historic Landmark.. She indicated the property is located within the' West Square Local Historic District and the Salisbury National Register Historic District. She stated the home was designed in the southern Greek revival style and was built in  1853 by Michael Davis.  Ms. Vanek displayed photographs of the home which is located on the corner of South Jackson and West Bank Streets. She explained to meet the criteria for local historic landmark designation the property must have special significance in at least one of four criteria and the Andrew Murphy house is proposed for designation under criteria B for an association with important people in our past and criteria C for the embodiment oft the distinctive characteristics of at type period or method of construction. She added the property must have integrity in seven aspects, which include location, setting, design, materials, workmanship feeling, and association and staff finds that the property holds special significance as an excellent example of a southern Greek revival house and through association with five generations of Murphys. She added the house retains many original materials, details and workmanship on the front elevation that conveys its historic character, the rear elevation has been modified through several additions, and the  original shingle roofing was replaced with asphalt in 2018.  Ms. Vanek stated the landmark application proposes the entire exterior of the house and sitel bei included in the landmark designation. She explained the property is within the West Square Local Historic District SO the exterior of all buildings and site features will be subject to the Certificate of Appropriateness process and local historic design standards. She added the interior  has not been proposed for landmark designation.  Ms. Vanek indicated at its August 10, 2023 meeting the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the pre-application and found the Andrew Murphy house to have special significance and integrity warranting designation as a local historic landmark in the property category. She added the applicant submitted a full landmark designation report to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) which stated the application appears to meet the criteria for local landmark designation. She indicated at its November 9, 2023 meeting the HPC voted to  recommend approval ofthe request.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Ms. Karen Lily-Bowyer stated she supports the designation oft the. Andrew Murphy house as a local historic landmark. She pointed out the Andrew Murphy house is the first Salisbury Landmark to be approved by the State Preservation office for its architectural integrity, and she  regarding designating the Andrew Murphy house as a Local Historic Landmark.  asked Council to approve the request.  There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing.  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 5    Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt an Ordinance designating the Andrew Murphy House located at 229 West Bank Street in Salisbury, North Carolina, as a Local Historic Landmark. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE ANDREW MURPHY HOUSE" LOCATED AT 229 WEST BANK STREET IN SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC (The above Ordinance! is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 2-4, and is known  McLaughlin and Smith voted. AYE. (4-0)  LANDMARK.  as Ordinance 2024-02.)  LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK - 203 WEST BANK STREET MURDOCH WILEY  HOUSE  Planner Emily Vanek addressed Council regarding local historic landmark designation for the Murdoch Wiley House located at 203 West Bank Street. She noted the property is within the West Square Local Historic District and the Salisbury National Register Historic District and was built in the Italianate style between 1868 and 1869 by Stone Mason William Murdoch. She displayed photographs of the home which is located ati the corner of South Church and West Bank  Streets.  Ms. Vanek explained the Murdoch Wiley house is proposed to be designated under criteria Cfor the embodiment of the distinctive characteristics ofat type period or method of construction, that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values which is represented it its architecture and fori its association with William Murdoch. She pointed out the property must also retain integrity in terms of location, setting, design materials, workmanship feeling, and association,: and shei indicated: stafffinds that thej property holds special significance as an excellent example of an Italianate house and through its association with William Murdoch. She indicated  staff also finds the property retains all seven aspects ofintegrity.  Ms. Vanek noted the landmark application proposes the entire exterior of the house and site be included in the landmark designation. She explained since the property is within the West Square, the exterior of all buildings and site features will be subject to the Certificate of Appropriateness process and the local historic design standards. She indicated no portions of the  interior have been proposed for the designation.  Ms. Vanek stated at its September 14, 2023 meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the pre-application and found the Murdoch Wiley house to have special significance and integrity warranting designation as a local historic landmark property. She: noted the applicant prepared ai full landmark designationi report which was: forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). She commented SHPO stated the house is an excellent example of the Italianate style and exhibits a high degree of integrity given its age, integrity, and local significance and it appears to be a good candidate for landmark designation. She commented at  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 6    itsNovember 9, 2023 meeting thel HPC1 reviewed the application: and voted to recommend approval  oft the request.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments regarding designating the Murdoch Wiley house, located at 203 West Bank Street as a Local  Historic Landmark.  Ms. Karen Lily-Bowyer stated she supports the designation of the Murdoch Wiley house There being no one1 to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made ai motion to adopt an Ordinance designating theMurdoch Wiley House located at 203 West Bank Street in Salisbury, ,North Carolina, as a Local Historic Landmark. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE "MURDOCK WILEY HOUSE" LOCATED AT 203 WEST BANK STREET IN SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 5-7, and is known  as al local historic landmark, and she asked Council to approve the request.  McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  LANDMARK.  as Ordinance 2024-03.)  CONTRACT-SUMMIT DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, PLLC  Transportation Director Wendy Brindle addressed Council regarding a contract with Summit Design and Engineering Services, PLLC: in the amount of $222,090.20 for the design of safety improvements on Brenner. Avenue. She reviewed the history of the project, and she noted thes areaofconcern is specifically at the driveways ofthe shopping centers near Milford Hills. She noted over the years staff has received multiple concerns from citizens regarding this section of Brenner Avenue. She stated staff completed a study and found during a five-year period there were 29 accidents along Brenner Avenue between Milford Hills and Jake Alexander Boulevard. She added 21 of those accidents were at the driveways of the shopping centers. She explained when five or more correctable accidents occur within a 12-month period alternatives should be  considered.  Ms. Brindle pointed out al neighboring parcel that could be used formultifamily housing in the future. She noted staff considered options to help reduce the number of accidents closer to Jake. Alexander Boulevard. She explained staffd determined the dimtonofaroundabout at Milford Hills would prevent left turns and cross movements in the area while accommodating traffic leaving the shopping centers and heading towards Jake Alexander Boulevard. She added the roundabout would also address the neighboring property possibly being developed into multi- family housing in the future. She pointed out through the Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) there are options for transportation funding including the Surface  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 7    Transportation Block Grant Program. She stated staff submitted the project and it received the grant funding which will require a 20%: match from the City. She stated the total estimated cost  oft the project is $1,028,060 and the City will receive approximately $820,000.  Ms. Brindle pointed out the municipal agreement came before Council in August of2022. Shei indicated staff went through ai request for lettero ofinterest process for on-call design firms and 13 submittals were received. She noted staff selected three firms to use for these type projects over ai five-year period and Summit Design and Engineering Services, PLLC was selected for the project. She added their contract has been reviewed and approved by NCDOT and would include base mapping, exhibits for right of way and easement acquisition, utility coordination, any environmental documentation, and the design and bid documents. She added the contract would be executedi in. January and the designi is anticipated to be completed by October 2024. Shej pointed out $75,000 was' included in the current budget for this project and there is an unencumbered balance ini transportation special projects which could cover theadditional costs.  Councilmember McLaughlin askedifBrenner. Avenue would be shut down for an extended period oft time. Ms. Brindle noted the impact to Brenner Avenue will be determined through the  design process and staff will work to reduce the impact as much as possible.  Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Summit Design and Engineering Services, PLLC in the amount of $222,090.20: for the design ofs safety improvements on Brenner Avenue. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin and Smith voted. AYE. (4-0) CONTRACT- CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS  Administrative Services Director Kelly Baker explained the City currently partners with KTS Strategies for state lobbying services. She stated KTSisadivision of Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton, and the lobbyists have created a new lobbying firm, Checkmate Government Relations. She noted nothing will change regarding the City'se engagement and all nine lobbyists that made up KTSI have moved to the new company. She added KTS has agreed to allow the City to contract with the new: firm. She requested Council consider transferring the contract from KTS Strategies to Checkmate Government Relations. She pointed out the pricing will remain the same  and the lobbyists have provided outstanding service to the City.  City Manager Jim Greene stated he supports this recommendation, and he pointed out the Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to approve a contract with Checkmate Government Relations forstate lobbying services. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem  firm has been great to work with.  Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 8    COUNCILI HASONAPPOINIMENTS  Mayor. Alexander suggested the following liaison appointments to community groups for  2023-2025:  (a) ABC Board - Mayor Karen Alexander  (b) Bell Tower Green Committee Councilmemberlarry, McLaughlin (c) Centralina Council of Governments - Mayor Karen Alexander (d) Centralina Council of Governments - Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield (e) Community Appearance Commission - Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield (f) Downtown Salisbury, Inc. - Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield (g) Economic Development Commission - Councilmember Harry McLaughlin (h) Fireman's ReliefFund- - Councilmember Harry McLaughlin () Housing Advocacy Commission- - Councilmember David Post @) Human Relations Commission - Councilmember Anthony Smith (k) Metropolitan Planning Organization - Mayor Karen. Alexander () Metropolitan Planning Organization- - Alternate Mayor Pro' Tem Tamara Sheffield (m). Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - Councilmember Harry McLaughlin (n) Public Arts Commission - Mayor Karen Alexander (o) Rowan County Tourism Development Authority - Mayor Karen Alexander (p) Rufty-Holmes Senior Center Councilmember David Post (9) Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency -Councilmember David Post (r) Transportation Advisory Board - Councilmember Anthony Smith (s) Tree Board-C Councilmember Harry McLaughlin () Youth Council - Councilmember Anthony Smith  Thereupon, Councimember Smith made a motion to approve Council liaisons to various Boards and Commissions. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers  McLaughlin and Smith voted. AYE. (4-0) CITYI MANAGER'S) REPORT  (a) New Year's Eve Event at Bell Tower Green  City Manager Jim Greene thanked staff for its work to make the New Year's Eve event that took place at Bell Tower Green a success. He added the event was family oriented and  everyone had a good time. (b) Grant Funding  City Manager Jim Greene pointed out approximately $1.2 million in grant funding was included on1 the current Agenda including $800,000 on Brenner Avenue and $400,000 grant for a Wastewater Master Plan. He thanked staff for its work to help the City receive grant funding to  complete important projects.  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 9    COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Smith thanked the Human Relations Commission and staff for its work to Councilmember Post wished everyone a Happy New Year, and he thanked staff: for all it  prepare: for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration weekend.  does for the City.  Councilmember McLaughlin wished everyone a Happy New Year.  MAYOR PRO' TEM COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield wished everyone al Happy New Year. She noted the Bell Tower Green New Years' event was fantastic, and she thanked everyone who worked to makei itas success. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked members of the Fire Department that responded to a false alarm call at her home for their professionalism and work to verify everyone was okay.  MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS  Mayor Alexander thanked staff for its work on the Bell Tower Green New Year's event.  She added it was a wonderful event. (a) MLK Weekend Celebration  Mayor Alexander announced the Human Relations Commission will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Saturday, January 13th through Monday, January 15, 2024. The weekend kicks off with a parade Saturday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Community Resource Fair: from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00j p.m. at the Civic Center. The MLK breakfast will take place Monday, January 15th at 8:00 a.m. at the Civic Center. Admission to the breakfast is free, but registration is required. The Civic Center is located at 315 Martin Luther King, Jr.  Avenue. For more information, please contact Anne Little at (704)638-5218.  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE.(4-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Coue Bbupk Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Karen Alexander, Mayor  LIA  Salisbury City Council  January 2, 2024  Page 10