491  CONCORD CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL PLANNING SESSION JANUARY2 20, 2023  As special meeting oft the City Council fort the City of Concord, North Carolina, was held in the 3rd floor City Hall Council Chambers located at 35 Cabarrus Ave, West, on. January 20, 2023 beginning at 8:00 a.m. with Mayor William C. Dusch presiding.  Council members were present as follows:  Members Present: Mayor Pro-Tem JCI McKenzie Council Member Andy! Langford Council Member W. Brian King Council Member Betty! M. Stocks Council Member Terry L. Crawford Council Member Jennifer Parsley-Hubbard Council Member John A. Sweat, Jr. City Manager, Lloyd Wm. Payne, Jr. Assistant City Manager, Joshua Smith Assistant City Manager, LeDerick Blackburn Assistant City Manager, Pam Hinson City Attorney, Valerie Kolczynski City Clerk, Kim J. Deason Department Directors  Others Present:  Mayor Dusch called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. The following was  discussed:  Financial Analysis - Comprehensive Financial update for FY 22-23 and FY23-24 The Finance Director, Jessica Jones, summarized the local economic conditions including unemployment rate, newo construction of single family homes, residentialhome sales, and average home sales price. The top ten taxpayers represent 9.06% of the  projections  City's revenues. General Fund  Operating revenues will continue to outpace operating expenditures in 2022. FY23 operating expenses are estimated to be an increase of 3% over FY22 operating expenses. This increase is due mainly to ani increase in personnel in public safety (19 new positions int fire). Public Safety makes up 56% ofg general funde expenses. The next largest function is Public' Works with 18% oft total general fund operating expenditures. Total general fund operating revenues for FY23 are estimated to increase 4% when compared to FY22 operating revenues. Ad Valorem, or property tax, makes up 60% of Local option sales taxi increased 19.07% in FYending 2022. A5% growth is estimated The Finance Director stated assessed values increased 3.5% in FY2022. Based on  total operating revenues and sales tax makes up 23%. for FYE 2023 and a 5% growth also for 2024.    492  estimates from Cabarrus County, 2023 reflects a 2.9% increase. Staff is projecting an estimated growth of 2% in 2024 since iti is a non reval year. The next reval will be in 2024 and the revenue would be received in FY2025 with staff estimating a 10% Utility Sales Tax collection in FY2 is estimated at $4.8 million. In 2022, there was no growth in the beer and wine distribution. FY23 collections are estimated at $420,000. The Powell Bill collection had a 1% increase inl FY2022. Development fees collected in  increase.  FY22 was $294,000. FY23 estimates are lower at $250,000.  Fund Balance  The Finance Director stated as of June 20, 2022, unassigned fund balance was at 38% for all governmental fund types and 54% for the general fund. Current projections for FY23, are: for unassigned fund balance in all governmental funds to remain at 38% and general fund to decrease to 47%. This estimated decrease in unassigned fund balance  int the general fund is a result of transfers for projects.  Debt Administration  The Finance Director stated thet total debt service for FY23i is $9.8r million which includes principal andi interest payments. Ofthat total, 30% isi in the generali fund and 52.5%i is in the utility funds. She stated debt service represents about 3.2% of the total budget.  Debt planned for FY2024 include: Water System Improvements GAC installation ($13.45M) Future Considerations include: Upcoming Budget Issues  GO Bond $19.95M - Hillgrove settling basin upgrades ($6.5M) and Hillgrove  Fire Station 6/David District Police Substation- $9.8M  Fire Station 13 construction- $6.2M Renovation of Fire Station 3  The Finance Director stated there are many factors to consider as each budget is being prepared. The impact of funding and/or regulations from the federal and state government: are always al big factor andi important to monitor. Asa City, we also wantto continue to maintain competitive compensation plans for our employees, dealwith future growth and personnel request. Capital improvement needs and related potential issuance of debt to meet these needs are also important issues to consider during the  budget process.  Some upcoming budget issues could include: Federal Government - HUD, FAA, FTA, etc. Maintaining competitive compensation plans  State Government - Powell Bill, Sales Tax, continued erosion of local control  Growth Personnel Requests Capital Improvement Needs Revenue and GO bond issuance  Transportation Fund  The Finance Director stated currently 2.5 cents of the tax rate is allocated to Current future projects balance (not including amount allocated for sidewalks or concrete streets) is $5,068,479 which includes the required reserve amount of  Transportation ($3,605,745 for FY23).    493  $400,000. Reserves will be needed for Derita Rd and Concord Mills Flyover overages which are estimated at approximately $3M between the two projects. No debt is  projected as of 2022 and all existing debt has been paid off.  Aviation- - FY2021  Operations (takeoffs and landings) increased 18%. Allegiant Enplanements increased 41% and Allegiant passengers increased 41%. Parking revenue increased 52%.  Utility Funds  Water - revenue increased 4.9%; projecting 2023 to be 3% increase due to Wastewater - 2023 revenues are projected tol be a 2% increase over prior year. Rates and charges are at 41% through first 5 months and consumption is up System Development Fees - Water has collected $4.7Mir in system development fees with $1.9M allocated to projects. Sewer has collected $5.1M with $3.7M allocated to projects. These funds must be spent as described in the General Statutes. The Study must be redone every 5 years - due. July 1,2023. Raftelisi is currently int thep process of doing as study to update the system developmentf fees. More details will be presented to Council at a later date once the study is Stormwater = Revenues are projected to increase 2% for FY23. Electric- Rate revenue is up 32.4% thrui first 5months ofF FY23 when compared with the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to the purchase power adjustments that were implemented. Purchase power is 51% spent (4  consumption increasing over prior year.  about 2%.  completed  months of bills).  Other Funds  Transit - Fixed route ridership decreased 15.71% for calendar year 2022. ADA Paratransit ridership increased. 24% for calendar year 2022. The totall budgeti is  $6.2 million.  Revenue Bond Issuance Overview  The Finance Director explained City's GO Bonds can be issued in one or more bond offerings over the next seven years. The full financing process generally takes approximately 3 months. One Council meeting is required to approve bond resolution and LGC approval is not required, since the bonds were approved during the referendum process. LGC will prepare the offering documents (with some City staff assistance). The LGC requirements for GO Bonds issuance are 1) sold through a competitive bid public sale and 2) structured with 20-year final maturity, level principal payments. On the sale date, underwriters bid competitively on internet platform (Parity/IPREO). TheLGCt typically only permits sale dates on Tuesdays. Thel bonds are awarded to the underwriter proposing the lowest true interest cost ("TIC"). Typically,  close on the financing approximately 3 weeks after the sale date. She presented the GO Bond scenarios (assuming 5% interest rate): Issue $18M in FY28 - first payment due FY29 Parks and Recreation = General Obligation Bond Strategy  Issue $42M November/December 2023 - first payment due July 2024  The Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, Sheila Lowry, stated in the recently approved bond package, Council identified 9p park priorities for $60,000,000 dollars. The City of Concord willl have 7 years to issue the bonds and a goal of 10 years to complete  the projects.  The following are each bond project and estimated costs:    494  Caldwell Park  Design May 2023 Bid - June 2023 Estimated cost $7,289,118 Utilizing LWCF and PARTF grant funds Design - April 2023 Bid-I May 2023 Estimated cost $19,300,000 Design - June 2023 Bid-July 2023  Jim Ramseur  Dorton Park  Estimated cost - Phase I- $4,628,787 Estimated cost - Phase II - $2,424,090  Poplar Tent Trailhead Park Design March 2024 Bid - June 2024 Estimated cost -S $1,840,000 Academy Gibson Complex Design to be completed Bid by 2026 - Phases 1,2&3 Estimated cost Phase 1- $3,246,400 Estimated cost - Phase 2- $1,841,280 Estimated cost Phase 3- $880,000 Estimated cost - Phase 4 $4,315,720 Dave Phillips Activity Center Park Design to be completed Bid by 2026 Estimated cost - $2,820,000 Hartsell Park Complex Design underway Bid! by 2028 Estimated cost $7,220,000 WWE Flowe Park Master Plan - March 2023 Design to be completed Bid by 2028 Estimated cost - $2,757,000 Wilson Street Park Design to be completed Bid! by 2028 Estimated costs - $1,050,000  Total of all is $59,612,395. (2) $18,000,000. can in-house.  She presented the recommended priority list; priority list( (1),$42,000,000: and priority list Following the presentation, the City Manager stated staffi is attempting to do what they Following the presentation, it was the consensus of the Council to move forward withi the    495  recommended priority list and timeline.  Parks and Recreation- - Public/Private Funding Partnerships  The Parks and Recreation Senior Planner, George Berger, stated staff is seeking authorization to develop amendments tot the existing Public Facilities Naming Policyt to provide additional guidance for naming significant Park & Recreation facilities and capital assets. He stated as current (and future) facilities & amenities age and need replacement, there willl be opportunities for naming & re-naming existing facilities. He stated the current Naming Policy has not been amended since 2008. Staff would like Council tol have an updated 'tighter' mechanism availablet that provides a more clear and objective process fort the Council and general public andf fori individuals, companies Council Member Langford asked that public art be added to the amended Policy. Council Member King stated he didn't agree with the formal application process; he would rather have Council's discretion and final approval of naming requests. Itv was the consensus of the Council to move forward with establishing consistent guidelines for naming recreation facilities or amenities owned byt the City; to establish the responsibility for approving all names for these facilities, including naming and/or renaming timeline; andt toy provide for review and approval by Council the criteria and/or Concord-Padgett Regional Airport = Land Acquisition for General Aviation The Aviation Director, Dirk Vanderleest, stated the Aviation Department has a waiting listo of approximately 120 aircraft fort tie-down and t-hangars. Many ont the listh have been In2017, the City of Concord: and the! Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) participated in a FAA Airport Master Plan update for CPRA. This update was required under FAA guidelines. During the 18-month process, the Aviation Department identified a number of parcels of land for ai future General Aviation (GA) Complex. The GA complex will allow fori future growth by capital investments ini thet following infrastructure: GA apron, public access, utility upgrades, T-hangars, Tie-downs, self-fueling pumps and a Flight Training Center. FAA accepted the recommendations by the City in the summer of Ine early 2020, an effort was made to begin a conversation with land owners that were identified in the Master plan update. At total of 6 parcels in the Mistywood Subdivision was suggested for a possible purchase as outlined in the plan. One additional parcel was located outside thes subdivision. The Aviation Departmentwas' working closely with FAA in obtaining additional discretionary funding for the project. By April of 2020, the project was suspended indefinitely duet tot the pandemic and until new funding sources The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed into lawi in 2021. The BIL provides $15 billion for airport-related projects under the Airport Improvement Grant criteria. The money can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and land acquisitions. Under the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), CPRA is to receive $1.8M for the next five years. Thel FAA/ Airport District Office has tentatively approved thel FY22-23 allocation of $3.6M Itv was the consensus of the Council to move forward with Phase Ifor the GA complex which willi include thet followingt tasks: appraisal, review appraisal, relocation assistance, property plats survey, and a phasel IEnvironmental Site Audit on all parcels. The funding  and organizations interested in partnering with the City.  financial contribution thresholds subject to periodic revision.  Complex  ont the listi for more than two years and some as long as four years.  2019.  become available.  for Phase loft the land acquisition.  for these services willl be paid out of the BIL, AIG grant.    496  Fire - Affordable Housing for Firefighters Tim Emig to introduce this program to the Council.  Deputy Fire Chief, Steve McClendon, introduced Captain James York and Firefighter Captain Yorks stated the programi is tol help Concord firefighters' transition from renteri to homeowner. Captain York and Firefighter Emig explained who would be eligible, the guidelines for participation ini the program, and desired outcome of the program. This program willl be aj partnership with Concord Fire andt the Housing Department. The Fire Department would select a tenant through a confidential scoring process of applications andt thel Housing Department would manage the property liker normal rental property and would manage an escrow account. The applicant would sign a 12-month lease to rent and complete financial literacy and home buying counseling Fire personnel is requesting to permit the home at 524 Allison Street, funded by the affordable housing revolving fund with ani initiali intent tos sell and recover thoset funds, to be converted to a rental house fort thel Firel Department/Joe Cannon affordable housing program andt to authorize the City Manager to execute and sign an MOU between the Itv was the consensus of the Council to take all steps necessary and required to move Building and Grounds - Enhanced Landscaping at NCDOT Roads/interchanges The! Buildings and Grounds Director stated the City currently maintains foure exits onl I-85 (42.94 acres) pert the current agreement with NCDOT. These exits are: Exit4 49/Concord Mills; Exit 52/Poplar Tent; Exit 54/Georgel Liles; and Exit 55/Hwy 73. Itcosts $3,679 per NCDOT has approached the City requesting the City mow and maintain two additional exits (Exit 58/1-85 at US29 & Hwy 601 and Exit 60/1-85 at Dale Earnhardt Blvd) for an additional estimated cost of $120,000. NCDOT is also requesting the City enteri into a landscape improvements agreementf for George Liles - from Poplar Tent Rd to Roberta  Housing and Fire Departments fort this use if required.  forward with this program.  acre for mowing, bed maintenance, and trash removal.  Rd. This would result in an annual cost to the City of $27,000. Building and Grounds - Cemetery Expansion(s)  The Buildings and Grounds Director, Susan Sessler, presented the following  information: Rutherford Cemetery  10.6 acres undeveloped 240 full burial lots available 210 cremains lots available Estimated cost is $250,000 Estimated cost is $850,000 West Concord Cemetery 6acres undeveloped 93f full burial lots available 143 cremains lots available Estimated cost is $230,000. Estimated cost is $700,000  Phase I- completion 2024 development of one acre to create 400 graves. Phase Il- completion 2030 - development of one acre to create 400 graves.  Phasel I-i inj progress - development of %a acre to create 94 grave. Costi is $2,000 Phase I- completion in 2030 - development of % acre to create 200 graves. Phase III - completion in 2036- - development of 2.3 acres to create 700 graves.    497  Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium  17r niches available - possible development to create 60 niches. Estimated cost It was the consensus of the Council to proceed with the expansion of the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium using the liquidatedi trust funds available; tos support Phaselof the Rutherford Cemetery expansion; and to support Phase I of the West Concord Planning and Neighborhood Development Services = Concord Mills Blvd/Bruton Thel Planning and Neighborhood Development: Services Director, Steve Osborne, stated the goal of the plan is to address land use changes necessary' for retail and other uses to remain viable; multimodal connectivity along the corridor and other challenges. He reviewed plans outlined in the Implementation Work Program, the boundaries of the Concord Mills Blvd/Bruton Smith Blvd Small Area Plan and the following timeframe for  is $150,000 (funding available from a liquidated trust)  Cemetery expansion. Smith Blvd Small Area Plan  hiring and working with a consultant to assist in completing this Plan.  RFQ Selection Process for Consultant: RFQ Posted RFQ Response Deadline RFQ Review & Evaluation Interview(s) of Finalists Anticipated Consultant Selection Scope of Work/Contract Negotiations City Council Agenda Item Project Kick-Off Project Timeline  Jan 9, 2023 Feb 10,2023 Feb 13-24, 2023 Feb 27-Mar 3, 2023 Mar 6, 2023 Mar 6-17, 2023 April 2023 ETA Late Spring 12-18 Months  It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with this process. Planning and Neighborhood Development Services - McGill Corridor Reuse The Planning and Neighborhood Development Services Director stated the section of McGill Avenue NW from Allison Street NW to Harris Street NW has many vacant, dilapidated structures. A number of these units have not been utilized for many years. As a main connector from Downtown to Concord Parkway and Poplar Tent Road, this portion has nots seen the redevelopmentwhich has occurred in and around Gibson Mill. The railroad tracks have become the demarcation point of where reuse begins and Staff was approached by the owner of three parcels, two on McGill Avenue NW with structures and one vacant parcel located on Allison Street NW. Addresses of the structures are 240,236, 234, and 228 McGill Avenue NW. These buildings have been mostly vacanti for multiple years. The only occupied uniti is 234 McGill Avenue NW. This lease for this unit has reverted to month to month several years ago as there is no active lease in place. Code Enforcement has been working with the owner for a number of years to correct violations with allt the units. Staff has thoroughly assessed the structures and determined their physical condition does notl lend for a renovation. Additionally, their Staff has reviewed different uses fori this area such as an urban outdoor food hall, small business hub, and community gathering space comprised of shipping containers. The area would be an incubator for local, small businesses. Potential partnerships with Flywheel and RCCC to fill space and seek grant opportunities has been discussed with  ends.  size consumes most of the lots leaving no room for parking.  Peter March and Megan Smit.    498  The Planning and Neighborhood Development Services Director outlined the potential acquisition and upfit costs. He also outlined possible revenue and/or funding sources. Itv was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to continue reviewing possible uses  fort this area.  Administrative, Financial and General Policy Issues  State Legislative Agenda Presentation from Erin Wynia, NC League of Municipalities Ms. Wynia discussed the State legislative goals that are proposed by the NCLM. She stated there are 16 proposed goals. Each City and Town was asked to appoint one Federal Legislative Agenda Presentation from Jennifer Imo, The Ferguson Group  elected official to vote on 10 of the 16 goals by January 13th. Ms. Imo discussed the following 2021 Federal priorities:  Concord Regional Airport - Ensure projects that are included on FAA's Work Plani maintain priority andi funding; secure discretionaryfunding for development projects on the north and south ends of the airport; support full funding for the contract tower program in FY2024 budget and appropriations; support contract tower staffing/annuity bill to address growing shortage in qualified air traffic controllers at federal contract towers; ensure FAA's AIP funds can be used for remote tower operations; support increased funding for AIP and FCT; explore discretionary funding opportunities fori fire station 6 security center at the airport. Rider Transit- - Supporte efforts tos secure discretionary funding fors system needs; assess and support transit options to serve The Grounds at Concord, CMS, Concord Mills/Exit 49, and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport; pursue change to federal policy that does not allow FTA1 funds to be used to purchase buses from Transportation: Support continued funding for DOT's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program; explore opportunities to address sidewalk gaps using federal transportation funds; secure federal assistance for the Lincoln Street bridge replacement through the off-system bridge program. Water Infrastructure Monitor federal funding opportunities fori improvements at Brownfields - Review potential brownfield locations and monitor EPA funding Concord Police Department- - Monitor funding opportunities for law enforcement technology; skytower, mobile field force equipment, mobile vehicle barriers; training for de-escalation, simunition, co-responders; monitora and reportonpolice Concord Fire Department - Pursue federal assistance for department needs, including thel FEMAAssistance tol Firefighters Grant program and FEMAS SAFER Grant; support firefighter cancer registry and other health and wellness legislation Concord Police and Fire Departments - monitor funding opportunities to help Housing -F Pursue federal assistance for department needs; HUDFSS Services Coordinator Grant, Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency Program, Emergency Safetyand Security Grant, Lead-Based Paint Capitall Fund Program, Mainstream Voucher Program, Family Unification Programt through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Project Safe Neighborhood, and Good Neighbor Next Door; support HUD VASH Program and continued efforts to secure VASH Future Park Sites - Pursue federal assistance tos secure landi fort future park site. Open Space and Connectivity Plan - Pursue federal assistance to implement FY2024 Budget and Appropriations - Support continued funding for the  the General Services Administration.  Hillgrove and Coddlecreek WTP's.  opportunities. reform initiatives.  monitor funding opportunities for HazMat equipment. support the Joint Public Safety Complex.  vouchers working with the VAI hospital in Salisbury. parts of the City's Open Space and Connectivity Plan.    499  Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to allow communities to fully develop and implement impactful Financing- - Support tax-exempt municipal Ibonds and advance refunding bonds.  programs.  Electric = Cost of Service Study and Rate Plan  The Electric Systems Director, Alex Burris, explained fixed charges include capacity charges which are based on Concord's monthly demand multiplied by contractually set rates; and variable O&M Charges which are based on Concord's monthly energy multiplied by contractually set rates. The Market Based Charges include fuel costs which are based on Concord's monthly energy multiplied by an energy rate set from the He stated historical and projected purchased power costs are impacted by the cost of natural gas. In FY: 2023, natural gas prices are projected to be 37% higher than FY 2022 levels and purchased power costs are projected to be $86.6 million. He stated there are two components to gas prices; the cost of gas and the cost for transporting the gas. Concord is in the Transco Z5S zone. This zone is the most volatile in the winter months due to pipeline capacity constraints. Staff will continue to monitor gas prices for FY2024 budgeting purposes and explore options to mitigate the Chris Lund and Dawn Lund, Utility Financial Solutions, LLC, presented the following:  cost of natural gas.  volatility.  Financial Projection & Targets Debt Coverage Ratios Minimum Cash Reserves Target Operating Income Review Cost of Service Results Cost of Service Summary by Class Monthly Customer Charges by Class  Projected Customer Impacts - Residential (RS), Commercial (5-G) & PPA-Purchased Power Adjustment or Power Cost Adjustment (PPA/PCA) Projections assumed current PPA will be held through 06/30/2023 Next Steps: Suggest moving to monthly or at least quarterly adjustments  Industrial (7-I)  They presented ai five-year financial projection without rate adjustments and projected Ins summary, the following are recommendations to be taken into consideration:  annual billing impacts with recommended base rate adjustments.  Contingent upon current forward gas curve continue with current PPA of  027382/KWh through end of fiscal year 2023 (06/30/2023) Adjust PPA as needed starting fiscal year 2024 (07/01/2023) effective 07/01/2023 using existing rate structures  Suggest PPA being updated more frequently = every month or every 3 Hold current base retail rates through FY2023 and suggest new base rates Move to cost of service monthly customer charges over time (3t to 5 years) Consider new rate structures if time allows prior to 07/01/2023 or as soon as All projections above will be adjusted prior to final recommendation  months at thel longest  studies are completed  The Electric Systems Director stated July 1 would be the date to implement the rate change. The City! Manager stated morei information willl be presented during the! Budget Information Technology - Transitioning from Contract Service to In-House  Workshop in April.    500  Assistant City Manager, Pam Hinson, stated in 2011, staff inquired with peer cities about their IT services. At the time, Concord was the only one that contracted IT services. In 2022, staff initiated a contract with VC3 to evaluate the City's current IT needs. In tandem with this study, staff reached out to peers we had benchmarked against in 2011 and others tol have ar more accurate picture ofh how our services compare against others.  The current IT costs is approximately $2.2M per year  Tech Edge Support Contract Agio Cyber Security contracts  $1,881,588/Yr. $135,372/Yr.  Additional hourly rates ($80/Hr.) $187,360/r. 146 employees serving the City plus, contracted GIS DBA  Staff has benchmarked against peers, completed VC3 assessment, written IT job descriptions, completed IT pay structure, and developedarecommencet. organizational She stated the City's IT budget is about 1.5% of the entire budget (on the lower end of the localities surveyed). Concord has 86 FTE/T staff; the average is 49  chart.  VC3 observations were:  Departmental staff try to handle IT issues themselves due to cost concerns/fear Public Safety and other City departments need quick response/resolution to IT issues 24x7x365; a formal scheduling and documentation of tickets and Signs point to IT staff being reactive, leaving little time for proactive support. ITGovernance and Steering functions are limited or missing. She presented the new recommended, job grades, recommended organizational chart and cost comparison estimates. The following is the projected timeline:  ofb being charged hourly rate.  resolutions.  January - February 2023- begin Recruitment Process for IT Director March - June 2023 work with IT Director to Hire Staff July 2023 - transition to fullyi inhouse IT Strategic Plan update and discussion  The City Manager provided updates on the ongoing 2020-2023 Strategic Plan Goals &  Objectives.  The following Goals & Objectives are ongoing:  General Government  Continue to adhere to approved financial management policies that maintain the City's financial strength and integrity including continuation of conservative Invest in coworker compensation and benefits to ensure the recruitment and Continue to enhance partnership among management, directors, and Customer Service Advancement Team to serve our employees and citizens, apply best practices to enhance satisfaction levels, and focus on continuous improvement. Implement recommendations from employee survey to ensure employee voice is Support the recognized neighborhood program and seek opportunities to enhance the quality of relationships, strengthen communications, and build Explore additionalresources to provide enhanced communications and outreach int the form of more original content and improved social media engagement. Continue to establish and cultivate relationships at the local, State, and Federal  revenue estimates that reflect economic conditions. retention of talent to deliver community services.  a priority throughout our organization. capacity of neighborhood leaders.    501  levels to facilitate collaborative projects for Concord.  Public Safety  Support thep projected Public Safety facility, equipment, and personnel needs to Actively look for property to construct a Fire/Police training facility.  meet service demands.  Public' Works  Fund recommendations to fully implement Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Continue emphasis on improving community appearance through regular street sweeping, litter pick-up and removal of signs that violate City ordinance. Focus on litter through enforcement, communication, and City-led roadside activities. Strengthen the City's fiberi infrastructure and ensure all City facilities have fiber Continue to pursue strategies to promote water conservation, water re-use, and investigate alternatives to reducing individual water use. Examine ways to better educate the public on importance of recycling. Support the connectivity of City parks, neighborhoods, and community centers through the enhancement of greenways, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. Continue to explore options to acquire propertyi in the northwest area of Concord Worky with internal City departments toi identify projects that offer opportunities for Consider enhancing the City'ssupport of public arti installations with process and funding models recommended by the Public. Art Advisory Committee. Address the deteriorating health of downtown street trees and communicate with stakeholders and the community in general about how street trees and lighting relate to the Downtown Master Plan's streetscape and beautification goals. Actively look for opportunities to open space/greenspace inl Downtown Concord. Work with Planning Department with a goal of having ordinances in place by 2020 to require dedication and potential construction of greenways and connectivity. Supporting language exists int the Parks and Recreation section of Pursue funding for acquisition and construction consistent with the Parks & Recreation Open Space Connectivity. Analysis and Comprehensive Master Plan. Evaluate ways to enhance the City's role in maintaining and building affordable housing, including exploring the pros and cons of investing in a General Fund allocation, creation ofa an affordable housing non-profite entity, and/or establishing Implement the 2030 Land Use Plan, including prioritization off follow-up corridor Continue strategic implementation of the Downtown Master Plan, according to Continue to regulate the design criteria for commercial development in accordance withi the Concord Development Ordinance (CDO), with emphasis on Continue to work closely with economic development partners in Cabarrus County to present a complete coordinated recruitment and retention effort. Workwith! public and private partners to redevelop andi revitalize abandoned and Continue, at ar minimum, appropriating existing revenue amounts using 2-cents of the Ad' Valorem tax and $5.00 of the Vehicle tax for the Transportation Fund. Continue to routinely monitor projects and consider participation in additional  master plans.  capability.  Recreation and Culture  fort the development of passive and active recreation. greenway, park, and connectivity development.  the draft 2030 Land Use Plan.  Economic Development  formal designation as al Housing Authority. the plan's existing implementation matrix.  and area plans.  lowi impact development. blighted properties.  Transportation    502  projects to assure Transportation Fund revenues are being used to fund highest priorities andi funds are available for local matches to leverage additional projects Continue efforts to secure funding for Congestion Mitigation. Air Quality (CMAQ), Federal Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program (TCSP), Economic Enhancement, Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP), and small construction projects from the federal government and/or the NCDOT and continue to coordinate associated local activities with NCDOT Division 10. Develop a viability analysis process to support privately and/or publicly-owned corporate/general aviation hangars at Concord Regional Airport. Work with CATS, Cabarrus County, and the City of Kannapolis on the extension of the light raili into Concord/Cabarrus County. Work with Cabarrus County and the City of Kannapolis to implement recommendations from the Public Transit Master Plan. The following Goals & Objectives were complete or almost complete:  with a focus on City infrastructure.  General Government Public Safety Public Works  Redesign City website to make it more user and mobile friendly. Secure property for Fire Station #12 and budget for construction. Complete the Weddington Road communication tower relocation. Explore options for implementing a solid waste fee Secure property for Electric Delivery #4 and budget for construction  Discussion for updating the Strategic Plan use to update the Strategic Plan.  The City Manager stated the Council should think about the process they would want to  With there being noi further business to discuss, ar motion was made! by Council Member Stocks, seconded by Council Member Langford, and duly carried, to adjourn the  meeting- the vote: all aye.  MAA William C. Dusch, Mayor  Dmss  KimJ. Deasor/CiyClerk