Salisbury, North Carolina  April 16, 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 6:00 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 OFTHE ACFADACIANGESTOTHE AGENDA  Mayor Alexander requested the following change to the Agenda:  Add: statement from Mayor Alexander regarding weekend violence and update from Police Thereupon, Councilmember. Post made a motion to adopt the Agenda as amended. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted  Chief Patrick Smith.  AYE. (5-0)  Mayor Alexander read a statement, on behalf of Council, extending its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims of the violence that took place over the weekend. She requested the  community continue to support each other during this difficult time.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 1    City Manager Jim Greene extended sympathy on behalfofCity employees to the families who lost loved ones over the weekend. He stated public safety is a priority for Council and staff andi itwill take everyone working together to address the senseless crimes that have taken place.  He asked Police ChiefPatrick Smith to provide an update to Council.  Chief Smith extend sympathy on behalf of the Police Department, and he stated the investigations team has worked around the clock to process the crime scenes. He indicated aj plan was put in place and resources were reallocated to known active focus areas. He noted federal, state and local agencies have aided in the investigation. He noted ways the public and contact the Police Department to leave any information they may have. Hstartedt thei investigation is ongoing  and there are strong leads.  RECOGNITION - UNITED WAY SPIRIT OF NORTH CAROLINAAWARDS  Rowan County United Way Executive Director Jenny Lee recognized Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Director Jim Behmer and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director Anne Little for wining United Way Spirit of] North Carolina Awards. She explained the Spirit ofl North Carolina Award an opportunity to nominate those who exemplify the spirit of their community.  Ms. Lee stated Mr. Behmer won the United Way Ambassador award and has been an active volunteerwithi Rowan County United Way for the past 20: years. She noted Ms. Little won. Leading through the DEI lens which recognizes an individual who addresses community problems through  their core values of diversity and inclusion.  Council thanked Ms. Little and Mr. Behmer for all they do for the community.  INTRODUCTION- DEPTY FIRE CHIEF TERRY SMITH  Fire Chief Bob Parnell introduced Division Chief Terry Smith who was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, effective. April 15, 2024. Hei noted ChiefSmith is a 28-year veteran ofthe Fire Department, holds numerous specialized fire service certifications and has led the Fire Prevention Division for the past 17 years. He added Deputy Fire Chief Smith will oversee the Fire  Department's Administrative, Support Services and Fire Prevention Divisions.  PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor toj proclaim the following observances: LINE WORKER APPRECIATION DAY NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION WEEK  April 18, 2024 April 21-27,2024 April 22,2024 April 22-26, 2024 April 26, 2024  EARTH DAY ARBOR DAY  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 2    NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER  May 2, 2024  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve Minutes ofthe regularmeeting of March 19, 2024.  (b) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Hurley Park  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $12,846 to appropriate a donation to Parks and Recreation for expenses related to Hurley Park. 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. 45, and is known  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2024-26.)  (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Hurley Park toa appropriate Salisbury Youth Council grant funds.  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $800  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. 46, and is known  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2024-27.)  (d) Right-of-Way Encroachment - AT&T  Approve a right-of-way encroachment for thei installation ofunderground fiber optic cable by AT&T within the right-of-way of Peeler Road per Section 11-24(27) of the City Code and  subject to North Carolina Department ofTransportation approval.  (e) Contract - Hanes Construction, Inc.  Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Hanes Construction, Inc. in the amount of $222,631 for the asphalt reconstruction oft the 210 West Franklin Street parking lot.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 3    (f) Funding Agreement - Rowan County Chamber ofCommerce  Authorize the City Manager to execute a funding agreement with the Rowan Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $30,000 for allocation of special project funds to be used for a pilot  Small Business Assistance Grant Program.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield 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) PUBLICCOMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to receive public comments.  Mr. Clyde addressed concerns regarding recycling, and he suggested the use of plastic Ms. Dee Dee Wright addressed Council regarding her support of the Police and Fire Ms. Annie Boone-Carroll shared concerns regarding violence that took place in the West Ms. Kaisha Brown referenced the two homicides that took place in the City over the weekend, and she asked Council to consider additional investment in the Police Department and  bottles and bags be discontinued in the City.  Departments.  End community over the weekend.  the community partners who support them.  Mr. Kenny Hardin thanked Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and CoumalimemherMalmghlin for attending the two-year anniversaryofthe Veterans Social Center. Mr. Zack Smith expressed concern regarding the violation he received for parking his RV in his front yard. Mayor Alexander asked City Manager Jim Greene to follow up with Mr. Smith. Mr. Michael Kirksey expressed his concerns regarding the violence that took place in the Mr. Korey Deese stated he is an avid cyclist and the bike lanes on North Main Street are There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  City over the weekend.  not effective due to debris in the street.  session.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 4    UPDATE- CHEERWINE FESTIVAL  Event Coordinator Vivian Koontz provided an update on the upcoming Cheerwine festival and measures being taken to enhance the festival's footprint and toi increase safety. She stated the festival will extend to West Fisher and West Innes Streets with a cut off at Jackson Street. She added festival attendees will be able to utilize the tables and chairs and the lawn at Bell Tower Green to eat. She stated staffis adding additional amenities, such as porta-potties and shuttles and  working with phone companies to enhance Wi-Fi and cellular service.  Mayor Alexander asked how staffi is addressing public safety for the festival. Police Chief Patrick Smith noted the Police Department has contacted suroundingjurisuictions for assistance. He added standby security will be available for reinforcement and 30 additional officers and mobile cameras will be deployed. He noted barricades will be placed at each major interaction to secure the festival footprint. Fire Chief Bob Parnell noted the command post will be relocated to better accommodate the larger festival footprint and three ATV medical crews will be onsite. Councilmember Smith asked how many shuttle locations will be available for the festival. Ms. Koontz noted there will be three shuttle locations at Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Catawba College, and an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) offsite shuttle location at Livingstone Culinary School. ChiefSmithadded. security will be provided at each shuttle location.  INCENTIVE GRANT T-RP SALISBURY,LLC  Economic Development Council Vice-President Scott Shelton asked Council to consider awarding a Level 3 incentive grant to RP Salisbury Partners, LLC (RP) equal to 85% of real property taxes to bej paid to the City, with the estimated value of$3.14 million tol be paid in annual  installments for a five-year period.  Mr. Shelton noted RP Salisbury Partners, LLC (RP) recently purchased a 92-acre tract located between Peeler and Webb Roads. He added RP plans to develop a class A industrial park on the property. He stated the property is currently located outside of the City limits and the company intends to request annexation into the City. He displayed a map of the proposed site, and  he stated the company is proposing to extend Lane Parkway to Webb Road.  Mr. Shelton stated RP will invest $120.2 million into the project which will be developed in phases that could include multiple buildings. He added the developers plan to solicit both manufacturing and distribution companies. He commented in order to make the property a viable location for the industrial park, RP must complete public infrastructure improvements, including the extension ofLane Parkway, the installation of new turn lanes on Webb Road, and a one-mile water main extension. He added the estimated total cost for these improvements is $3.4 million. Mr. Shelton added RP will pay for the improvements, but is requesting Council consider: a tax incentive grant to help offset the infrastructure costs. He noted based on the City's current incentive policy, RP's project would be eligible for a Level 3 Grant. He stated the grant is equivalent to 85% ofany new real property taxes paid to the City over five years.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 5    Mr. Shelton noted that during the five incentive years the total revenue is estimated to be $3,702,160. He stated the total value oft the incentive grant is estimated to be $3,146,836, and he  pointed out the City would retain approximately $555,324.  Mr. Shelton noted RP's incentive request would apply only to real property improvements and taxes. He stated once a job-creating tenant occupies the building RP would like the City to offer an incentive grant to the tenant based oni its taxable investments inl business personal property. Mr. Shelton referenced a draft Incentive agreement and commented in addition to the previously mentioned basic incentive terms, the incentive agreement also states the following:  The total grant payment will be no more than $3.4 million  The company must submit a petition for annexation into the City within 90 days of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for any building on the property Water and sewer service to the property can be suspended for failure to comply with Mr. Shelton mentioned that the project is expected to be completed by the end of2028, and the first grant year is set for January 1, 2029. He explained ifa CO has not been issued by December 31, 2028, but the property has been annexed, the applicable grant will be based on the percentage completed and assessed for that year. He stated that the agreement cannot be  the annexation clause  transferred without the City's consent.  Councimember Post inquired about the size of the proposed buildings. Mr. Shelton explained one building would be 900,000 square feet and there is aj possibility for another building  at 332,000 square feet.  City Manager Jim Greene thanked Mr. Shelton for the EDC'sand RP fori its willingness to Vice President of Rooker Real Estate Cason Bufe thanked Council for its support of the project. He added the project will bring economic development to the City and help attract new  invest in the City which will bring, jobs to Rowan County and the City.  companies and industries.  Mr. Chis Kouri, an economic development lawyer with Maynard Nexsen, spoke in support Councilmember McLaughlin inquired about potential growth areas following construction of the industrial park. Mr. Bufe suggested extending Webb Road could attract more commercial  oft the project and thanked the City and Council for its support.  and retail properties to the area.  Councilmember Smith asked what industries would occupy the space. Mr. Bufe stated that developers are looking to attract light manufacturers or warehousing and distribution operations. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield asked ift the request is consistent with Council'si incentive grant  policy. City Manager Jim Greene agreed.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 6    Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to award a Level 3 incentive grant to RPSalisbury, Partners, LLC equal to 85%ofreal property taxes paidt tot the City, withi the estimated value of $3.14 million to be paid in annual installments for aj period offive years.  regarding the proposed incentive grant.  FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS  Fire Chief Bob Parnell asked Council to consider supporting an application for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to support six additional fire fighter positions and a Fire Prevention Safety Grant application. He stated the grants would assist with  funding tools, equipment, and fire personnel.  Chief Parnell noted the SAFER Grant would support six firefighter positions for three years. He added the total request for six firefighters over three years is $1.2 million, which covers the cost of salaries, benefits and training. He stated the grant would help the Fire Department meet staffing needs and reduce overtime costs. He explained that after the three-year period, the City  would be fully responsible for the six additional positions.  Chief Parnell stated the Fire Prevention Safety Grant would support the Fire Marshall's efforts in fire prevention. He noted the Fire Department is requesting $27,320 for tools and equipment, including protective gear for arson investigation and a trailer for transporting fire equipment to investigation scenes. He explained the grant covers 95 % and the City match would  be $1,302.  City Manager Jim Greene thanked/ChiefPamnel. and thel Firel Department for pursuing grant opportunities for additional firefighters. He noted staff will continue to work with state  representatives and lobbyists to identify grant opportunities.  Councimember Smith asked if the additional positions would be entry level or vary in Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to support grant applications for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and the Fire Prevention Safety Grant. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin,  experience. Chief Parnell noted the six positions are firefighter level positions.  Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  UPDATE BRYNE CRIMINALJUSTICE INITIATIVE Justice Initiative (BCJI) for the West End community.  Police ChiefPatrick Smith and Dr. Jessica Herbert provedanu update on the Bryne Criminal  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 7    ChiefSmith noted environmental surveys were conducted during the first year. He stated IDEA. Analytics has served as the research partner since the grant's inception, and he pointed out Rowan County United Way has agreed to distribute the non-profit grant awards. He added the Planning and Neighborhoods Department will be responsible for the next phase when applications open for the planning and the beautification grant awards. He indicated Parksand Recreation staff helped conduct the environmental surveys, and he thanked the Grant Review Committee who  reviewed 40 applications and narrowed the pool to 23 awardees.  ChiefSmith indicated BCJI has taken three years to progress, and hej pointed out there were many questions that were hard to answer. Dr. Herbert explained the United States Department of  Justice (DOJ) has four budget categories:  Personnel and fringe Travel  - Anyone funded to support the project including the Project Coordinator Position Individuals with the Police Department and or community to travel for national meetings and conferences that are required by the grant, peer exchanges and  training Equipment  Purchased equipment that is allowable within the grant guidelines  Procurement contracts and subawards ofitems to support the goals oft the award  Funding provided to an entity to carry out part of the award or the purchase/lease  Dr.Herbert explained procurement contracts and awardsalsoi includes consultants, services for different parts of the community, United Way for the distribution of the grant funds, and the contract withIDEA. Analytics as required by thel DOJ forj planning, implementation, and evaluation work for the grant. She reviewed a grant timeline, and she pointed out the first year consisted of data collection that is required for the grant. She noted $50,705 was allocated in the first year for:  $2,800 for computer and phone for the Project Coordinator $40,455 for procurement contracts IDEA Analytics  $6,100 for consultant travel $1,350 for data storage  Dr. Herbert noted Project Coordinator Chanel Nestor was hired during year two, and she began the community outreach aspects of the program and facilitating meetings. She pointed out environmental survey results were presented to Council in May 2023 that identified the desires of the community. She pointed out community input is required by the DOJ to make sure there is a clear idea of what will be done with the funding. She pointed out the second-year funding  increased to $96,008:  $34,168 for personnel and fringe benefits $53,940 for research partners and consulting fees $6,100 for consultant travel $1,800 for data storage  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 8    Dr. Herbert indicated 84% of the funding was held for year three to be distributed to community groups. She pointed out the Action Plan has been reviewed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the next step is the release of funding sO the United Way can proceed with implementation. She noted IDEA Analytics has continued to collect data regarding grant activities, crime and the community to support the evaluation that is due in six months. She indicated the community identified six goals during community meetings:  Youth and family program capacity Small business growth and development Community beautification project Community visioning project  Community capacity technical assistance and public safety responses  West End Community Council for sustainability  Dr Herbert noted $653,287 has been allocated for this third year, and she reviewed the Transportation Director Wendy Brindle commented during the community meetings a concern was noted regarding neighborhood lighting. She displayed a map of the area, and she pointed out existing street lights that will be updated tol LED. She explained two pilot projects are being implemented in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of West Bank Street where streetlights will be upgraded to a white LED light, and a two-block residential area along Lloyd Street that is being upgraded to a warm LED light. She stated the project should be implemented in the next two weeks and a survey will be conducted to determine the neighborhood preference for street lighting. Mayor Alexander asked about the timeline for converting the street lights to LED. Ms. Brindle stated street lighting was one oft thei items funded for year three, and the estimated cost is $10,000. She indicated the City would contract with Duke Energy to change out the lights.  current budget.  Councilmember Post asked about the proposed security cameras. Dr. Herbert stated without the proper lighting the cameras will not function properly. She added once the street lighting project is complete additional cameras would bei installed. There was discussion regarding the placement of the cameras and how many cameras can be purchased with the grant funding. Chief Smith noted the Police Department will work with the community to identify locations for  the cameras which will be in addition to existing cameras in the West End.  Chief Smith asked Council to consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a funding agreement with the United Way ofRowan County to administer: andi manage non-profit grant funds  awarded through BCJI.  Councilmember Post requested clarification regarding the $100,000 allocated to the West End Community Board. Dr. Herbert explained one of the goals ist tol be able to support a West End Community Board to become a nonprofit that could compete for future grants. Chief Smith explained the $100,000 is seed money to help build the board. He stated Neighborhoods for Better Neighborhoods has been awarded $4,000 to work with the community to establish a 501c3 that canapply for grant funding. Councilmember Smith pointed outitisan investment tol help maintain the community health of the West End. Chief Smith agreed. BCJI Project Coordinator Chanel  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 9    Nestor stated the $100,000 will go towards hiring a coordinator and supporting programs to enhance crime prevention, beautification, and overall community development.  Councilmember McLaughlin thanked everyone who has been apart of the BCJI grant process. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield added there are a lot of people in the West End who have put their heart and soul into the project. Mayor Alexander thanked everyone who worked on the  project and in the community.  Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute at funding agreement with United Way of Rowan County to administer and manage non-profit grant funds awarded through the Byrne Criminal Justice Initiative in the amount of $222,200. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith  voted AYE. (5-0)  CAFTALIMPROVENENT PLANFY202S-FY2034  Budget Manager Tracey Keyes provided an update on the FY2025-FY2034 proposed General Fund Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and she indicated first year project costs are incorporated into the annual operating budget. She explained the CIP is a tool to strengthen the link between community infrastructure and the City's financial capacity. She added the CIP also  assists with building the Strategic Plan that Council approved in February.  Ms. Keyes stated for FY2025 the General Fund request is $18,853,238 which does not include Microsoft 365, general operating equipment and turnout gear. She added CIP requests include facility upgrades, equipment, and street and neighborhood improvements. She noted all  requests will be tied to Strategic Plan focus areas.  Ms. Keyes reviewed specific CIP requested projects: ai fueling site, the Main Street Project, thel Depot, and sidewalk projects. Shes stated the fueling sitei is part ofthe Sustainable Infrastructure focus area that will have an estimated $300,000 in design costs for FY2025 with construction anticipated tol begini inl FY2026 with an estimated cost of$1.7n million. She commented the fueling station will be located at 600 North Church Street and will include charging stations for electric vehicles, a wash bay, and serve gasoline, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and diesel vehicles to provide  as sustainable fuel supply for normal operations and emergencies.  Ms. Keyes referenced the Main Street Project, and she indicated it is included in the Sustainable Infrastructure focus area. She added the project willl be multi-year and construction is anticipated to begin after the Cheerwine Festival in May of 2025. She noted the project will be  grant funded.  Ms. Keyes then reviewed the Depot Project, and she pointed out thei focus area is Economic and Workforce Development. She added the costs will depend on the purchase oft the property and when construction will begin. She commented the project is grant funded with $2.95 million for  the purchase and design of the site included in the FY2025 budget.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 10    Ms. Keyes stated Neighborhood Rehabilitation and Revitalization is another project that goes toward Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Neighborhoods and will include blight removal, improve overall living conditions, preserve and retain existing housing stock, and enhanced community appearance. She added $300,000 is budgeted in FY2025. andi funding will continue throughout the  proposed CIP with increases each year.  Ms. Keyes reviewed sidewalk projects that align with Sustainable Infrastructure. She explained the projects includes adding sidewalks to various roadways including Jake Alexander Boulevard, Brenner Avenue and Old Concord Road. She explained the funding will come from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants which include an 80/20 split for the City. She pointed out the. Jake Alexander Boulevard project will require additional costs to complete the project and staff recommends abandoning the project and moving the funds to Brenner Avenue.  Ms. Keyes pointed out additional projects in the CIP include: Fire infrastructure and equipment (Public Safety) at $1.150 million City Office parking paving (Sustainable Infrastructure) at $32,500 Public Art opportunities (Cultural Amenities) at $113,500  Parksa and Recreationi infrastructure (Sustainable Infrastructure and Cultural Amenities)  at $1.811 million Wells Fargo Events Center Play structures Greenway extensions  Ms. Keyes referenced future projects beyond 2025 which include the Multi-use Community Center and a firing range for the Police Department that will be included in the  FY2025 budget.  City Manager Jim Greene stated the proposed CIP is multi-year and ties into the Strategic Plan to better plan for projects, consider funding, make better use of grant opportunities and help to educate the community regarding planned projects. He pointed out it is difficult to predict the future, but the CIP is an important planning tool. He thanked Ms. Keyes and her work on the CIP.  UPDATE - BROADBAND SERVICES FUND  Finance Director Wade Furches addressed Council regarding thel Broadband Services Fund projected budget for FY2025. He reviewed the operations income and expenses. He explained the interfund loan consisted of $7,176,961 that was borrowed from the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund for the startup of Fibrant. He stated $2.375 million oft the loan has been repaid and  the remaining balance is $4.8 million.  Mr. Furches stated the Broadband budget includes debt on the $33 million that was borrowed for Fibrant. He noted the total debt and interest payment is approximately $2.7million, and he explained $2.7 million is transferred from the General Fund to cover the debt service  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 11    payment. He indicated the remaining balance on the loan is $12.7 million and the loan payment equates to approximately $.063 on the tax rate. He added the final payment is due March 1,2 2029. Mr. Furches indicated at its Retreat Council discussed the possibility of prepaying the Broadband debt. He explained any prepayment would go to the end ofthe debt and include a 1% prepayment penalty. He stated if the money remained in the bank the City would make more money from interest earned, and he added at this time prepayment ofthe loan does not make sense. He stated the City is earning approximately 5% on its money, and he commented interest rates would have to drop substantially before it would make sense to prepay any amount. He added the interest rate on the Fibrant debt 2.75%. He pointed out staff will review the prepayment option  each year.  Council thanked Mr. Furches for his presentation.  BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS  Parks and Recreation Advisory Board  Upon a motion by Councilmember McLaughlin. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following appointment was made to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term:  Mr. Kevin Auten Tree Board  Term Expires 3/31/2026  Upon a motion by Councilmember McLaughlin. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following  appointment was made to the Tree Board to fill an unexpired term:  Dr. Louis Kandl  Term Expires 3/31/2025  CITYN MANAGER'S COMMENTS (a) Update on Traffic Signal Timing.  City Manager Jim Greene asked Transportation Director Wendy Brindle to provide an update on traffic signal timing particularly along East Innes Street. He stated Fire Station 1 is located along East Innes Street which: includes preemption devices to allow a quicker response for  the Fire Department.  Ms. Brindle stated the City maintains 91 signaled intersections of which 86% are either owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) ori intersect with the state roadway. She explained the City is responsible for the timing and maintenance of those signals.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 12    She added Traffic Engineer Victoria Trexler developed coordination plans for Innes and Main  Streets that will be implemented in the coming week.  Ms. Brindle explained once the coordination plans are implemented adjustments will be required. She noted once Main Street is completed the plan for Innes Street will be implemented and then work will begin on Jake Alexander Boulevard. She stated changes have been made to the traffic signals on East Innes Street to include a four-second pedestrian interval at the  intersection ofl Innes and Long Streets to enhance pedestrian safety. Mayor Alexander thanked Ms. Brindle for her update.  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Post stated cities have passed Ordinances that ban the use of plastic bags and the sale ofv water bottles. He questioned if Council would want to consider banning the use of plastic bags in grocery stores. City Attorney Graham Corriher noted the General Assembly stated  municipalities do not have the authority to ban plastic bags and bottles.  Councilmember McLaughlin noted Brighter Beginnings Community Daycare Center will hold a community event on May 4, 2024a at 529 West Innes Street. He stated for more information  community members can email orighterbegimmingsrowan@gmal.om  Councilmember Smith stated community churches will gather on May 4, 2024 at Bell Tower Green near the intersection of Church and Innes Streets to hold a prayer vigil in response  to the recent community violence. MAYOR PROTEM'S COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted Litter Sweep took place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 and over 311 pounds of litter was collected by City staff and volunteers. She added Earth Day Jam will take place Saturday, May 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Bell Tower Green. Shet thanked Event Coordinator Vivian Koontz for providing an update on the Cheerwine Festival, ands she thanked staff for its work tol keep the growing event safe for everyone who attends.  MAYORSANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS  Mayor Alexander stated she is participating in the Duke University Fellowship which is made upofelected officials, community members and activist who specialize in communitys safety. She added communities across North Carolina are facing violence and itisi important that we come  together to address the situation and engage our youth.  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 13    (a) Cultivating Community Conversations  Mayor Alexander announced Cultivating Community Conversations will take place Tuesday, April 23rdat5 5:30 p.m. at City Park Recreation Center. The Police Department will host the event with an emphasis on: members ofthe lispmieLatinocommunty, For more information  call (704)638-5220.  (b) 2024 Salisbury Sculpture Show Meet the Artists  Mayor Alexander announced the Public Arts Commission invites the public to drop in and meet the artists of the 2024 Salisbury Sculpture Show Thursday, May 2nd from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. The event is free and open to the public. Coffee, pastries and a group sculpture activity will be provided. For more information call (704)638-5240.  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Smith. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.  LxbL  Karen Alexander, Mayor  Covuuo 6 bope Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  April 16, 2024  Page 14