Salisbury, North Carolina  March 5, 2024  REGULAR MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Council  Members Harry McLaughlin, David Post, and Anthony Smith; Deputy City Manager Richard White, City Clerk Connie B. Snyder; and City Attorney J.  Graham Corriher.  ABSENT: City Manager Jim Greene, Jr.  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 6:08 p.m. A moment of silence  was taken.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Mayor Alexander led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith  voted AYE. (5-0)  RECOGNITION-S STATE DELEGATION  Mayor Alexander and Council recognized Senator Carl Ford and Representative Harry Warren for their assistance in Salisbury's receipt of a $10 million state grant to support public safety initiatives. Mayor Alexander presented Senator Ford and Representative Warren with a Key to the City, and she thanked them for all they do to support the City and the: state. She pointed  Salisbury City Council  March 5, 2024  Page I    out the grant is transformative and will allow the City to replace a fire station that is sinking, complete the downtown fire loop and help to protect the City's first responders.  Senator Ford and Representative Warren thanked Council for the Key to the City and for  ther recognition.  RECONGTION- - RUTH KENNERLY AND PATRICK SMITH  Deputy City Manager Richard White recognized Human Resources Director Ruth Kennerly and Police Chief Patrick Smith for obtaining their Master degrees. He stated Ms. Kennerly obtained her Master Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and he added Chief Smith obtained his Master Degree in the Science ofLeadership with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Pfeiffer University. Council thanked Ms. Kennerly and Chief Smith for their  work to obtain their Master degrees and for their service to the City.  PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor to proclaim the following observances: WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK  March 2024 March 3-9,2024  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes February 20,2024.  Approve Minutes oft the special meeting of February 6, 2024 and the regular meeting of  (b) Right-of-Way Encroachment - AT&T  Approve ai right-of-way encroachment for the installation ofunderground fiber optic cable by AT&T within the rights-of-way ofOld Mocksville Road per Secionll-242Poflnes City Code  and subject to North Carolina Department ofTransportation approval.  (c) Agreement CDM Smith, Inc.  Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. in the amount of $527,435 for engineering services associated with the Wastewater Facilities Master Plan and adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $400,000 to appropriate grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to be  used for pre-construction planning associated with the plan.  Salisbury City Council  March 5, 2024  Page 2    ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A GRANT FROM NORTH (The above Ordinancei is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 29, andi is known  CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY  as Ordinance 2024-16.) (d) Purchase Order Approval  Authorize the City Manager to approve Purchase Order 240861 in the amount of $260,603.38 for the purchase ofa new TL-3 Petersen limb truck from Amick Equipment Co, Inc.  for the Public Works Department. (e) Contract - McAdams Engineering  Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with McAdams Engineering in the amount of $72,7501 to complete the design ofstormwater drainage improvements for South Sunset  Drive.  (f) Property Access Consent Form  Authorize the City Manager to sign a Property Access Consent form to permit the North Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post  Carolina Department of] Environmental Quality's contractor to access City property.  and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to receive public comments.  Ms. Dee Dee Wright thanked the Salisbury Fire Department for its work putting out ai fire Mr. Geoffrey Hoy expressed concerns regarding public education and teacher salaries. There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  atan neighboring residence, and she requested a salary increase for the Fire Department.  session.  CITYOFSALISBURY STRATEGIC CPLAN  Administrative Services Director Kelly Baker asked Council toconsideradopting the City of Salisbury's Strategic Plan. She thanked City Manager Jim Greene for his leadership and  Salisbury City Council  March 5,2 2024  Page 3    guidance. She thanked Budget Manager Tracey Keyes for serving as the project lead, and members of Management Team and Across-departmental Lead Team for their work on the plan. She thanked Council fori its support ofthe plan and feedback that was used to develop the plan. Ms. Baker noted the Strategic Plan covers three to five years and will bei foundational for future budget and determining how time and resources are allocated. She stated the Strategic Plan process began in September 2023 with a kick-off event. She added once the consultants were hired a focus group was held for Board and Commission Chairs, an employee survey was conducted, and the consultant met with members of the Management Team and Across-  departmental Lead Team.  Ms. Baker stated the consultants held individual interviews with Council and in October 2023 Council held its first workshop where iti received the results from focus group meetings and employee surveys which helped Council determine the focus areas for the plan. She added in November the focus areas were refined and then presented to Council at a Strategy Workshop in  January 2024.  Ms. Bakerstated thel key focus areas identified by Council are Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Neighborhoods, Economic and Workforce Development, Public Safety, Organizational Excellence, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Cultural Amenities. She reviewed changes made to the plan, and she noted the final vision statement: "The City of Salisbury is a welcoming and forward-thinking community, inclusive for all generations, aspiring to offer a vibrant economy,  high quality ofl life, and greater opportunities for everyone."  Ms. Baker commented specific project names were removed from the Strategic Plan's Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Neighborhoods. She explained staff found it beneficial to capture a theme for the strategy instead of including specific projects, which provides flexibility over the life of the plan. She referenced the Economic and Workforce Development Strategy and stated due to conversations with the Rowan Economic Development Council (EDC)astrategy to perform  am market analysis was removed from the plan.  Ms. Baker noted park and recreation programming to support youth safety and crime reduction initiatives strategy was added under Public Safety based on a top Council priority. She indicated changes to Sustainable Infrastructure included a rewording to better address cyber  security as part ofs supportive information technology.  Ms. Baker referenced changes to Cultural Amenities, including no longer identifying specific partners which broadens the City's ability to work with additional partners. She added Organizational Excellence had no changes, and she reviewed the Organizational Mission and Values, which were based on employee surveys and discussions among staff, including the Employee Advisory Committee. She stated the organizational values identified to best reflect the organization are collaboration, compassion, fairness, equity, innovation, sustainability, and  integrity.  Council thanked Ms. Baker and staff for its work on the Strategic Plan which will serve  as aj roadmap to help prioritize goals and initiatives.  Salisbury City Council  March 5, 2024  Page 4    Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt the City of Salisbury Strategic Plan. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin,  Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  2025 DOWNTOWN SALISBURY MASTER PLAN  Downtown Development Director Sada Troutman asked Council to consider approving the2025 Downtown Salisbury Master Plan which is built on previous plans to assess strengths and opportunities for the community, to manage public and private infrastructure improvement, development, and business recruitment. She noted staff will distribute the plan as a poster-sized  document and it will be available online.  Ms. Troutman noted the plan will be used by Downtown Salisbury, Inc. (DSI) and Downtown Development as a guiding document for planning and growth. She stated that the 2025 Downtown Salisbury Master Plan includes strategies, goals, demographics, a market analysis, an interactive map, and contact information. She noted the strategies and goals include a place to experience history, a place to learn and to experience the arts, a place ofb business, a place to shop,  dine and play, a place to live and a place to gather as a community.  Ms. Troutman stated in 2022 North Carolina Main Street completed a market analysis for DSI, which was shared with Council. She explained the analysis orients Salisbury within the market and reviews retail opportunities, bike-ability, walkability, and target demographics. Ms. Troutman displayed the map included in the Master Plan, and she pointed out increased parking options and potential infill on underutilized lots. She also noted continued development in coordination with community partners to create increased opportunities for  walkability.  Ms. Troutman stated the Downtown Salisbury Master Plan has been approved by the DSI Board of Directors. She thanked the DSI Design Committee, including past Chair Davis Cooke and current Chair Bob Potter, who helped lead the project. She also thanked Urban Design Planner Alyssa Nelson and Web and Marketing Service Coordinator Fern Blair who worked on the plan.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked Ms. Troutman for her leadership on the project which Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to approve the 2020 Downtown Salisbury Master Plan. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers  will promote growth in the downtown.  McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  Salisbury City Council  March: 5, 2024  Page 5    DOWNTOWN MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICT - COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC  DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA  City Attorney Graham Corriher requested Council consider designating the Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) as a Community and Economic Development Project Area. He stated the designation would provide Council a tool to use in conjunction with the Downtown Salisbury Master Plan, the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Plan.  Mr. Corriher explained state law governs the sale of City-owned real property such as land and buildings, and he reviewed state procedures regarding the sale of City-owned real property:  Public auction as allowed by NCGS 160A-270 Sealed bid as allowed by NCGS 160A-268 Upset bid as allowed by NCGS 160A-269  For artistic, historic, scenic purposes to ai nonprofit as allowed by NCGS 160A-266  Subject to limitations:  Fora affordable housing as allowed by NCGS 160A-279 Fore economic development projects as allowed by NCGS 158-7.1 For community development projects as allowed by NCGS 160A-457  Mr. Corriher stated Council has local authority, and he explained in 2000 the General Assembly adopted a state law that gave Salisbury the authority to engage in the public or private sale ofr real property in designated areas. He commented Council must designate the area which provides flexibility to meet goals that are not met by State Statutes. He indiçated public auction and: sealed and upset bids are designed to get the most money from the: saleofCity-owned; property, but Council does not have control over what happens to the property once it is sold. He added if Council has goals other than obtaining the highest selling price its options are limited without the  local authority included in the City's Charter:  City Charter Section 9.1 equivalent of state law authorizes public or private sale of City-owned real property within a designated Community and Economic Development  Project Area  Designating the area does not sell property Still subject to state constitutional requirements Public benefit must outweigh the private benefit  All sales are subject to a 10-day public notice and final approval by Council in open No effect on private property within the Community and Economic Development Staffrecommends designating the MSD as a Community and Economic Development Mr. Corriher explained the first step is to designate the area and if after the designation Council decides to sell a piece ofproperty within the project areaa public notice would bei required and Council would adopt a Resolution to approve the sale. He reviewed a map of the MSD, and  session Project Area Project Area  hej pointed out City-owned property within its boundaries.  Salisbury City Council  March: 15,2024  Page 6    Councilmember Post requested clarification regarding the 10-day public notice. Mr. Corriher explained the 10-day public notice is the minimum required by the City Charter, and he added Council can hold a public hearing or provide a longer notice at its discretion.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted the proposal is forward thinking and there is a concentration of City-owned properties in the MSD. She added the proposal will help Council  ensure it can sell a property for the right reasons.  Councilmember Post indicated he will vote against the proposal due to the lack ofap public hearing component. Councilmember Smith stated Council has the option tol hold aj public hearing. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to designate the Downtown Municipal Services District as a Community and Economic Development Project Area pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Salisbury City Charter. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Smith voted AYE. Councilmember Post voted NAY. (4-1)  PANHANDLING  City Attorney Graham Corriher addressed Council regarding the second reading of an Ordinance amending various sections of the Code of Ordinances related to panhandling. He explained since the proposed Ordinance has criminal penalties it requires a second vote.  Mr. Corriher noted a change to the proposed Ordinance that will place aggressive panhandling in Chapter 15 instead of Chapter 22. He explained the substance of the proposed Ordinance did not change, and he stated if approved the streets and sidewalks sections of the Ordinance will be in Chapter 22 and aggressive panhandling regulations will be in Chapter 15. Henoted the proposed Ordinance will replace the City'sp prior Ordinance regarding soliciting alms. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made al motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 22, Article I, and Chapter 15-13 ofthe Code ofthe City of Salisbury. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE I, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 30-32, and is  SALISBURY, RELATING TO: STREETS AND SIDEWALKS.  known as Ordinance 2024-17.)  CONTRACT. AMENDMENT - BLACK & VEATCH INTERNATIONAL  Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU) Director. Jim Behmer provided an update on the Yadkin River Water Supply Resiliency Project. He pointed out the location of the existing river pump station and two river intakes, and he noted the goal of the project is to move this infrastructure 2,100 feet downstream to higher ground that is less likely to flood and will provide continuous  access. He reviewed the Yadkin River Water Supply Resiliency Project:  Salisbury City Council  March: 5, 2024  Page 7    The City is a finalist and should receive a $22.5 million 2021 BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management $9r million local match from Cube Hydro Generation LLC to contribute to the project Final Draft Environmental Assessment being reviewed by FEMA before being put out Three years to complete the projecta afterreceipt of federal award anticipated May 2024 Mr. Behmer stated Black & Veatch International has completed 60% oft the design which was a $2.9 million contract approved by Council in 2023. He indicated the North Carolina Emergency Management Commission Water Quality Committee will consider the proposed watershed boundaries on May 8,2024 and begin the review process. Hej presented the timeline of the project, and he asked Council to consider a contract amendment with Black & Veatch International in an amount not to exceed $1.358 million for the continuation of the design environmental permitting for the relocation ofthe Yakin River Raw Water Pump Station.  Agency (FEMA) for public comment Project completion in 2027  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield asked how many people are reliant on the Yakin River Raw Water Pump Station. Mr. Behmer stated the station services 53,000 people. He recognized the legislative support that hasl helped with the project including Resolutions of Support from Rowan, Davidson: and Davie Counties. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated this] project is bigger than the City. Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to approve a contract amendment with Black & Veatch International in an amount not to exceed $1,358,000 for the construction of detailed design to completion and environmental permitting for the relocation ofthe Yadkin River Raw Water Pump Station. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers  McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  UPDATE-F FIRESTATION3  Public Works Director Chris Tester, Fire Chief Bob Parnell and Architect Bill Burgin provided an update ofl Fire Station 3. Mr. Tester noted Council awarded the construction contract tol KMD Construction on June 20, 2023 and a ground breaking was held on August 13, 2023. He stated Fire Station 3 will be 19,000 square feet and will include three bays and a Fire Safety  Education Center for community outreach.  ChiefParnell reviewed an artist's rendering of the project, and he pointed out the location of the City's Emergency Operation Center, Public Outreach Center and Public Education Fire Safety Education Center. He stated the fire station will house the Fire Marshal's office, Assistant Fire Marshal, three Fire Inspectors/Life Safety Educators, and the City's Telecom Division. He added the fire station will include quarters for 10 staff, a dayroom and training area and will  include:  Fire Engine Company #3  Salisbury City Council  March 5, 2024  Page 8    Ladder Truck #3  Fire Scene Investigation Lab Trailer Emergency Field Communications Truck Firefighter gear and decontamination equipment  Fitness room Storage mezzanine Breathing compressor refill room  Chief Parnell introduced Mr. Tom Couch from KMD Construction. Mr. Burgin reviewed the progress taking place, and he pointed out the back wall is complete and work has begun on the footings. He noted the sediment basin is large enough for the fire station and the property to the right as required by the purchase agreement. He pointed out construction may be behind due to the rainy winter weather and site challenges. Mr. Couch noted KMD Construction is working to complete the project by the anticipated completion date. He added the footings should bei in place  by the end ofMarch and then visible progress will take place.  Mayor Alexander asked if the majority of subcontractors are local. Mr. Couch agreed.  Council thanked Mr. Burgin, Mr. Couch, Mr. Tester and Chief Parnell for the update.  BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS  Human Relations Commission  Upon a motion by Councilmember Smith with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following  appointments were made to the Human Relations Commission:  Mr. Matthew Beaver Mr. Edward Brown Mr. Jonathan Handy Ms. Shanikka Gadson Harris  Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027  Upon a motion by Councilmember Smith with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following: appointment were made  to the Human Relations Commission to fill an unexpired term:  Ms. Susannah McNeil  Term Expires 3/31/2026  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  reappointment was made to the Community Appearance Commission:  Ms. Kelly Vanager  Term Expires 3/31/2027  Salisbury City Council  March: 5, 2024  Page 9    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:  Ms. Jennifer Baldi Ms. Krystal Biskner Ms. Linda Moser Ms. Beth Ruthledge  Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027  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 an unexpired term:  Ms. Rebecca Wells  Term Expires 3/31/2026  Housing Advocacy Commission  Uponamotion! by Councilmember Post with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following appointment was  made to the Housing Advocacy Commission to fill an unexpired term:  Ms. Annie Boone-Carroll Tree Board  Term Expires 3/31/2025  Upon a motion by Councilmember McLaughlin with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following  reappointment was made to the Tree Board:  Ms. Melissa Shaver  Term Expires 3/31/2027  Historic Preservation Commission:  Upon a motion by Councilmember Post with Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following appointments were  made to the Historic Preservation Commission:  Mr. Michael Kepley Ms. Ephrum Schwartz-Laubhann  Term Expires 3/31/2027 Term Expires 3/31/2027  DEPUTY CITYMANAGER'S COMMENTS  Deputy City Manager Richard White noted staff will provide information within the next  two weeks regarding where toj pick up the panhandling signs.  Salisbury City Council  March: 5, 2024  Page 10    COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember McLaughlin noted the Panhandling Ordinance is to not discourage the kindness and generosity of people in Salisbury, or to discourage those panhandling, but to ensure  public safety.  Councilmember McLaughlin pointed out the West End Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) Program grant applications have been reviewed three times. He noted 42 applications will go through one more review process and individuals will then be selected to receive the grants.  Mayor Alexander thanked everyone who is involved in the grant process.  MAYOR PRO' TEM'S COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated it was her honor and duty to vote as every election is important. She thanked the poll workers and volunteers who give of their time to support the  election.  MAYOR'S/ ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS  Mayor Alexander thanked Council and staff for its great work it does for the City. She  thanked Deputy City Manager Richard White for his presence at the meeting.  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 7:58 p.m.  ARh  Karen, Alexander, Mayor  Coisliy Bbucks Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  March 5,2024  Page 11