Salisbury, North Carolina February 20, 2024  REGULARMEETING  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 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- FINANCE DEPARTMENT  Finance Director Wade Furches stated the Budget Team has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 32nd consecutive year. He recognized Finance Manager Mark Drye, Budget Manager Tracey Keyes, Budget Analyst Kaley Sink, and Budget Analyst Shueyeng Vue for the receipt of this award for  their work on the FY2024 budget.  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 1    Mr. Furches then recognized Senior Accountant Crissy McBride on her designation as a Certified Local Government Finance Officer. He explained certification is achieved through a combination of professional experience, continuing education requirements, and successful completion of four examinations in the public finance field. He noted Ms. McBride is the third  Finance employee to receive this designation.  Council congratulated the Finance Department on its recognitions and thanked them for all they dot toi manage the City's finances. City Manager Jim Greene thanked the Finance stafff for the great work they do for the City, and he pointed out the Cily'saccomplishments: start with sound  financial and budgetary practices. CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve! Minutes oft the regular meetings ofFebruary 6,2 2024. (b) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Parks and Recreation Donation to appropriate a donation related to the Hall Gym Recreation Program.  Adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budgeti in the amount of$4,000  ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-20245 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. 21, and is known  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2024-10)  (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Insurance Proceeds  Adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to thel FY2023-2024 budget int the amount of $8,500  toa appropriate insurance proceeds from an accident claim at Fire Station 4.  ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE INSURANCE CLAIM: PROCEEDS FOR (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 22, and is known  FIRE STATION4. as Ordinance 2024-11.)  (d) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Police Department  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $10,050 to appropriate $10,000 in grant funds from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Foundation for the 2023 BlockWork event and a $50 donation for the Dixonville Cemetery Memorial.  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 2    ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 23, and is known  SALISBURY,NORTHCAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE DONATIONS.  as Ordinance 2024-12.)  (e) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Public Arts Commission $18,480 to appropriate revenue for the Public Arts Commission.  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE REVENUE FOR THE PUBLIC ARTS (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 24, and is known  COMMISSION.  as Ordinance 2024-13.)  (f) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Property Tax Revenue $700,000 to appropriate additional property tax revenue.  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of  ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTHCAROLINA TOAPPROPRIATE PROPERTYTAX REVENUE. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 25-26, and is  known as Ordinance 2024-14.)  (g) Right-of-Way Encroachment - AT&T  Approve a right-of-way encroachment for the installation of underground fiber optic cable by AT&T within the rights-of-way of Statesville Boulevard and Holly Avenue per Section 11-  24(27) ofthe City Code and subject tol NCDOT approval. (h) Right-of-Way Encroachment - Conterra  Approve a right-of-way encroachment for the installation of underground facilities by Conterra within the rights-of-way of West Innes Street, Mahaley Avenue, North Park Drive, Statesville Boulevard, Yost Street, and Summit Avenue per Section 11-24(27) of the City Code  and subject to NCDOT approval.  (i) Contract - Martin Starnes and Associates, CPA auditing services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.  Award a contract to Martin Starnes and Associates, CPA's in the amount of $45,100 for  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 3    G) Agreement Dependable Development. Inc.  Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Dependable Development, Inc. for the Shay Crossing Phase 4 sewer infrastructure project. The developer will pay the cost oft the  improvements estimated to total $77,000.  (k) Contract Extension - Trammell Crow Company  Approve a one-year contract extension on an economic development incentive grant with Trammell Crow Company. The anticipated investment will remain the same and the new  completion date will be. January 1, 2026. (I) Voluntary Annexation - WoodleafRoad  Receive the Certificate of Sufficiency for the voluntary annexation of 58.07 acres located on Woodleaf Road, Tax Map 328 Parcels 050, 066 and 110 and a adopt a Resolution setting the RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON QUESTION OF THE ANNEXATION OF WOODLEAF ROAD, PARCELS 328 050, 328 066, AND328 110 (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 12-14, and is  date oft the public hearing for March 19,2024.  PURSUANT TO. G.S. 160A-58.1. known as. Resolution 2024-09.) (m) Sale ofG Garbage Truck  Adopt al Resolution declaring specifice equipment as surplus and authorize the sale ofa2015  Freightliner M2 106 garbage truck on Govdeals.com  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY WITH POTENTIAL VALUE (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 15, and is known  OF $30,000 OR MORE as. Resolution 2024-10.)  Councilmember McLaughlin referenced item 6j - Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Dependable Development, Inc. for the Shay Crossing Phase 4 sewer infrastructure project. He asked who will be responsible ift the cost of the improvements is over $77,000. Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Director Jim Behmer explained the request is for the Crane Creek sewer lift station and equal funding from multiple developers will be combined to improve  capacity at the lift station.  Councimember Post referenced Item 6f- Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $700,000 to appropriate additional property tax revenue, and he askedifthe extra funding is from thej property tax revaluation or additional growth. Finance Director Wade Furches explained some of the additional property tax revenue will come from  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 4    growth, but the majority can be attributed to the property tax revaluation.  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) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to: receive public comments.  There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  session.  LAND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT MAP AMIPDANENT-IINCOINTON ROAD Senior Planner Victoria Bailiff addressed Council regarding a Land Development District map amendment to rezone one parcel, approximately 0.113 acres, located at the intersection of Ludwick Heights Lane and Lincolnton Road from General Residential (GR-6) and Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMX) tol NMX. She stated the petitioner is Sekeithia Moye, and she noted the parcel iss split-zoned between GR6 and NMX. She reviewed the surrounding zoning, and she pointed out  adjacent residential properties to the northeast and west oft the parcel.  Ms. Bailiffe explained the request before Council is a general request that does not include conditions or a site plan. Shei reviewed the permitted uses, and she pointed out both GR and NMX permit residential uses, but] NMX: also allows non-residential uses. Sherefèrenced thel Future Land  Use Map which designates the area as multifamily community.  Ms. Bailiff noted the parcel has water and sewer utility lines running through it and would require 15-foot easements on both sides of each utility line. She pointed out the easements take up the majority ofthe parcel and would prohibit thej property owner from building on the site. She explained the parcel is not suited for outdoor recreational facilities due to the rights-of-way which leaves aj parking lot as the only primary use. She indicated the parcel could bej paved with a hold harmless agreement, but staff does not believe that a parking lot would fit within the multifamily community place type. She added staff finds that the requested rezoning is not consistent with  Forward 2040 based on Policies 5.5.3 and Policy 4.6.11.  Ms. Bailiff stated Planning Board considered the request at is January 23, 2024 meeting and there was discussion regarding impacts to adjacent properties, concerns over permitted uses within the NMX district, and the compatibility with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She stated Planning Board recommended denial of the request stating it was not consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan and was not reasonable or in the public interest due to the  incompatibility ofthe proposed uses in the existing neighborhood.  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 5    Councilmember McLaughlin asked if anything can be built on the parcel with GR-6 zoning. Ms. Bailiff explained the property owner must adhere to the utility line requirements which would leave a narrow strip of approximately six or seven feet in the middle of the parcel. She added, regardless of the zoning, a structure cannot be built on the parcel, and she pointed out NMX zoning would allow the parcel tol be used as aj parking lot. She noted ifthe rezoning request was approved once the landscaping buffers and parking requirements were met very few parking  spaces would be allowed.  Ms. Bailiff noted Livingstone College owns the adjacent parcel and representatives attended the Planning Board meeting to voice the opposition to the request. Mayor Alexander  added Planning Board was unanimous in their denial.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Mr. Dan Poteat stated he does not support the proposed rezoning as it would be an intrusion Ms. Sekeithia Moye stated she reached out to Livingstone College to see if the College would be interested in the property, and she noted their property, which is adjacent tol her parcel, isa abandoned. She indicated she has property that cannot be developed, and she questioned what  regarding the proposed Land Development District Map amendment. into the neighborhood. He asked Council to deny the: request.  can be done on the site.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing Councilmember Post stated the City Council hereby finds and determines that the Ordinance amending the Land Development District Map oft the City ofs Salisbury, North Carolina as proposed is not reasonable because it does not fit within the nature of the surrounding and adjacent properties, isi incompatible with the zoning of adjacent properties, is not consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan policies 5.5.3. and 4.6.11,is not in the public interest, and isn not consistent with the overall goals and policies of the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, Mr. Post made a motion to deny the request. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem  Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0) VOLUNTARY AMNEXATION-ASPEACIE ORCHARDLANE  Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson asked Council to consider adopting an Ordinance to extend the corporate limits oft the City of Salisbury, North Carolina to include 11.0855 acres on Tax Map 407B Parcel 043 located at 285 Peach Orchard Lane.  Ms. Jacobson stated the parcel is a satellite annexation. She explained the parcel is not within the City's current. Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) but is within thei its growth area. She noted ai rezoning case does not accompany the annexation, but an application has been submitted to the Land and Development Services Department to rezone the property to Light Industrial zoning. She explained the applicationis: a general-use rezoning, sO there are: no site-specific plans  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 6    to accompany the request, but the applicants propose using the land as a contractor's yard for  storage.  Ms. Jacobson noted the zoning request will be brought to Planning Board at its February 27, ,2024 meeting for its consideration. She added the expected tax revenue for the sitei is $3,385, she pointed out the City would incur additional costs for police and fire services however, there  are no objections to this annexation from City departments.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Mr. Jason Dolan, applicant and representative of Timmons Group spoke in favor of the There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt an Ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina to include 11.0855 acres on Tax Map 407B Parcel 043 located at 285 Peach Orchard Lane effective February 20, 2024. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted ORDINANCE TO EXTEND THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO INCLUDE 11.0855 ACRES ON TAX MAP 407B PARCEL 043 LOCATED AT: 285 PEACH ORCHARD LANE EPECTIVEFEBRUARY2, 2024. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 27-28, and is  regarding the proposed voluntary annexation of285 Peach Orchard Lane.  annexation.  AYE. (5-0)  known as Ordinance 2024-15.)  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS  Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson and Planner Malikia Cherubala addressed Council regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds received from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Ms. Cherubala stated for 2024-2025, staff anticipates receiving $560,000 in CDBG funds. She noted the 2020-2024 Action Plan goals include increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving public facilities and infrastructure, providing homeownership opportunities, assisting public service agencies, promoting business growth and a robust workforce, affirmatively  furthering fair housing and effectively planning and administering programs.  Ms. Cherubala stated public service support for the 2024-2025 program year will include funding non-profit agencies by providing support to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. She explained the City reserves 15%ofthetotal allocation which provides an opportunity toa award $5,000 to $10,000 grants depending on the number ofapplicants. She noted previously  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 7    due to supplemental CARES Act Funds, the City could support more agencies than the upcoming  budget will allow.  Ms. Cherubala noted staffv will evaluate the application process and conduct aj public survey to determine program focus areas. She stated staff will postpone the application process until the  focus areas are determined. She provided an action plan timeline:  February 20, 2024 - Public Hearing April 1,2 2024 - Public Input Meeting  March 19, 2024 - Presentation ofthe draft Annual Action Plan March 19, 2024 through April 19, 2024-3 30-day public comment period May 7, 2024- City Council to consider approval oft the Annual Action Plan Tentative open applications for public service agencies  Ms. Cherubala asked Council to hold a public hearing to amend the 2022-2023 Action Plan. She stated staffi is proposing to reallocate $45,000 in program funds that resulted from the cancellation ofprojects to extend thel Memorial Park Greenway to Best Street. Shenoted amending the 2022-2023 Action Plan will allow the project to bej paid in full using CDBG funds. She added staffi is also recommending amending the 2020-2021 Action Plan to reallocate $60,0000fCDBG  funds from small business assistance to homelessness prevention coordination.  Councilmember Smith asked how staffv will receive publici input regarding CDBG priorities for 2024-2025. Ms. Jacobson noted staff plans to engage the public through community surveys,  neighborhood meetings, and social media.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield asked if delaying the application process will impact CDBG grant deadlines. Ms. Jacobson stated delaying the application process will not impact CDBG  deadlines.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing after due notice to receive comments Rowan Helping Ministries (RHM) Grant Writer Leslie Cabagnot stated CDBG funding supports case managers and the Street Outreach Program. She added there are 203 sheltered and unsheltered individuals living in Rowan County and in the past: fiscal year RHM provided shelter services to 727 men, women, and children with 287 oft the sheltered guests obtaining permanent  regarding the use ofCDBG program funds.  housing.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing.  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 8    CONTRACT- SHELTERM MINISTRIESOF) ROWAN COUNTY  Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson asked Council to consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Shelter Ministries of Rowan County in the amount of$487,247 to construct 101 units ofpermanent supportive housing with funds available through the HOME Investment Partnership American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP). Ms. Jacobson explained the funding has been made available through the American Rescue Plan and às ai member oft the Cabarrus/redel/Rowan HOME Consortium, Salisbury is eligible for $525,940 in HOME-ARP funding. She stated $487,247 is available for project funds and the remaining funds are available for administration. She added staff has worked closely with its partners at the HOME Consortium, including Rowan County, to explore funding opportunities. Ms. Jacobson stated staff's recommendation is to award the funds to Shelter Ministries of Rowan County to help build their First Horizon's Community, which would include 10 units of permanent supportive! housing. She displayed ai map oft the area, and she indicated the community will bel located on East Council and North Shaver Streets. She added the project budget is $2.933 million, and she stated Rowan Helping Ministries was awarded $1.63 million from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and is requesting $738,812 from Rowan County and $487,247  from the City.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Shelter Ministries of Rowan County in the amount of $487,247 to construct 10 units of] permanent supportive housing with fundsavailable through the HOME-ARP Program. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post  and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  Councilmember Post asked how long people can reside in the proposed housing development. Rowan Helping Ministries Director Ms. Kyna Grubb stated the community would provide permanent supportive housing and community members could live there permanently.  PANHANDLING  City Attorney Graham Corriher asked Council to consider approving the first reading of Ordinance revisions related to panhandling. He explained the Ordinance would require two readings since it has criminal penalties and would be effective after Council approves the second  reading.  Mr. Corriher referenced the 100-foot rule proposed in the Ordinance revision, and he explained the rule prohibits engaging with a vehicle and standing on a median within 100 feet of high-traffic, high-collision roads identified by the Police Department. He stated the rule does not  prohibit anyone from standing on the side ofhigh-traffic, high-collision roads.  Mayor. Alexander asked ifeducational signs will be posted near the high-traffic and high- collision roads. Mr. Corriher stated the educational signs will be placed in areas staff believes  Salisbury City Council  February 20,2024  Page 9    would bet thei most effective and where thel North Carolina DepartmentofTransportationNCDOT)  will allow.  Mayor Alexander asked if the educational signs would be available to private property owners. Mr. Corriher noted Council's approval is needed to amend the fee schedule to allow  private property owners to purchase signs.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked Mr. Corriher for his work on the Ordinance revisions, and she added the City is not criminalizing poverty and homelessness but trying to promote public safety. Councilmember Smith added the Ordinance is needed for public safety in high-traffic,  high-collision roads.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made ai motion to Ordinance Amending Chapter 22, Article I, ofthe Code ofthe City ofSalisbury, relating to streets and sidewalks. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  ** It will be necessary to have a second reading on the above Ordinance.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to an addition to the City's fee schedule to include $60 for the purchase of an educational sign and $45 for the purchase of the sign post. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post  and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  Councilmember McLaughlin left the meeting at 7:11 p.m.  DOWNTOWN PARKING PILOT PROGRAM  Downtown Development Director Sada Troutman provided an update on the Downtown Parking Pilot Program. She asked Council to consider approving an additional yearofthe program  and adding additional parking in the Wells Fargo parking lot.  Ms. Troutman noted two of the three parking lots in the pilot program had 100% of the parking spaces leased in less than six minutes. She added the parking spaces have been used consistently with one incident where parking spaces were used without a parking permit. She added the parking program brought in $6,300ofrevenue to the City with 15 parking spaces leased  at acost of$35 ai month per parking space.  Ms. Troutman stated adding an additional year to the program would include Downtown Development staff continuing to handle permits and applications. She added the program would be implemented on a first come, first serve basis and proof of downtown residency, property  ownership, or employment would be required to lease aj parking space.  Ms. Troutman noted staffi is proposing to lease 25 parking spaces across two parking lots. She added staff recommends eliminating the City Office Building parking lot since none of the parking spaces were leased. She commented staffi is proposing to keep five parking spaces in the  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 10    Central City lot and toi increase the number ofp parking spaces in the Wells Fargo parking lot to 15. She added the remaining parking spaces in the Wells Fargo parking lot are unrestricted and open to the public. She indicated the remaining parking spaces in the Central City lot are open to the public but are limited to two-hour parking. She noted that the proposed 25 parking spaces  comprise less than 5% oft the 535 City-owned off-street parking spaces.  Ms. Troutman stated a Downtown Liaison willl be hired andi trained inj parking enforcement and will have software to track parking violations and repeat offenders. She added Finance and Police Department staff have looked at the process to collect past due fines and will bring that  proposal to Council for its consideration.  Mayor Alexander congratulated staff on the success oft the program.  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to approve an additional year of the Downtown Salisbury Parking Pilot Program and approve additional parking spaces to lease. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE.  (4-0)  PINK GRANTE STRUCTURE AT219 EAST INNES STREET  Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson provided an update regarding the pink granite located at 219 East Innes Street. She pointed Downtown Properties, LLC owns Bankett Station located at 201 East Innes Street which is the former location of a pink granite filling station. She added Downtown properties LLC also owns 211 East Innes Street which is a warehouse being rehabilitated forresidential upfit and the parking lot at 2191 East Inness where the pink granite is currently stored. She displayed photographs ofe each property, and she reviewed an  event timeline:  September 2016 the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approved the demolition During the 365-day negotiation period Downtown Properties, LLC acquired the November 2017 - Council adopts an Ordinance for demolition with no discussion of the intent to reuse the pink granite and no formal or enforceable agreement March 2018 - HPC approved the construction at 201 East Innes Street which was May 2022 -HPC approves new construction using the pink granite at 219 East Innes May 2022 - Pre-application meeting with Land and Development Services to initiate site plan review; received feedback but no formal application has been submitted Downtown Development Director Sada Troutman pointed out staff met with the property owners who have worked with three different groups regarding proposals for the site over the past five years. She added the property owner is working with local parties regarding a plan that  with a 365-day delay warehouse and the parking lot  January 2018 - Demolition permit was issued  completed fall 2021 Street  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 11    incorporates the site as well as adjacent sites with a focus on connectivity and engagement with the Lee Street and Innes Street corridors. She noted the proposal is in the early stages, and the  property owner does not wish to share additional details at this time.  Ms. Troutman noted the property owners plan to wrap the fence at 219 East Innes Street with renderings of the plan for the site and will continue to keep the site clear and mowed. She added Code Services Manager Michael Cotilla reached out to the property owner to explain the  code enforcement process.  Ms. Jacobson clarified the City does not have a formal agreement it can enforce regarding the pink granite and its reuse in the redevelopment of the site. She added the property owners have continued pursuing opportunities for the property and are committed to improving the  appearance ofthe site.  Councilmember Post pointed out it may be hard to find a tenant before a building is in place. Mayor Alexander suggested the pink granite could be incorporated into ai new building that would not be a replica of the gas station. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated the City can enforce safety and appearance, and she pointed out the location has looked bad for too long.  City Manager. Jim and Council thanked Ms. Jacobson and Ms. Troutman for their work to  research the information regarding the pink granite. ROCO ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM  Communications Director Linda McElroy explained RoCo Alerts is a mass notification system used to keep residents up to date in real-time regarding emergency and non-emergency situations. She added the service is free and provides residents options to receive their messages via text or email. She reviewed the history of RoCo Alerts, and she indicated staff first explored ai mass notification system in 2016. She explained the City and County partnered in 2020 on a notification system, and she explained the City pays ap portion ofthe County'sE Everbridge contract. Ms. McElroy commented in the initial training the administrators were City Communications, Rowan County Emergency Management, Salisbury Fire Department and Public Works, and further training now includes the Salisbury-Rowan Utilities and Police Department.  She pointed out appropriate alerts include:  Severe, inclement weather alerts Heavily-traveled road closures Water main breaks or other losses of water Hazardous materials leak Missing persons Power outages  Criminal activity or active shooter Large-scale solid waste collection delay  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 12    Ms. McElroy noted inappropriate alerts include: One-lane closures on. less-traveled side streets  Temporary lane closures for one. hour or less such as pothole repair Advertisements of private events unassociated with the City or County Minor traffic signal repair not related to aj power outage or traffic incident Ms. McElroy pointed out citizens are encouraged to download the Everbridge app, and she added alerts are delivered viai text message, but alsoi includei telephone calls tol landlines and mobile devices, email, and teletype machines. She noted other uses include internal alerts for City and County employees, and she added the police tipping feature that was used with Nixle is still active through the Everbridge app. She explained Cheerwine Festival attendees can opt-in for festival  information.  Mayor Alexander asked ifl Nixle participants are automatically enrolled in RoCo Alerts. Ms. McElroy agreed, and she added participants should not receive duplicate messages. She explained how to sign up for the RoCo alerts, and she pointed out if someone drives into an area  that has an alert they will receive the message.  City Manager. Jim Greene noted information about RoCo Alerts and how to sign up for the service will be included in the next Lamplighter. Ms. McElroy noted there is work to be done to get the information out to the public and have citizens sign up for the service. She noted even though the numbers are low staff has found the messages spread through word of mouth  communication.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked staff for providing clarity regarding the alerts.  CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS (a) Microtransit Update  City Manager Jim Greene noted Council asked about the City of Gastonia approving its microtransit program. He asked Deputy City Manager Richard White: and' Transit Director Rodney Harrison to provide an update on the City's transition to ai microtransit program.  Deputy City Manager Richard White pointed out thel Microtransit Pilot Program grant was approved by the state and is awaiting federal approval, which may take two to three months. He indicated once the approvals are complete the City should receive its funding and be able to proceed with its Microtransit Pilot Program in June or July. He added it could take up to nine  months to implement the program.  Mr. White reviewed the launch process and the shared responsibility between the City and the vendor once it is selected. He noted staff has developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) and once the grant funds are: received staff will release the RFP and begin the launch process.  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 13    Mr. Greene pointed out Gastonia did not use grant funding toj proceed withi its microtransit program. Mr. White explained Gastonia is implementing its service city-wide using its state and federal funding. He noted in their first year Gastonia anticipates spending $1.6 million of their own funds plus an additional $1 million to purchase 14 vehicles. He added their implementation took approximately six months. He added the City anticipates its service will begin on July 1, 2024 with a contracting company called Via which is responsible for the dispatch, call center and fiber management. He added the City will maintain its fleet for at least a year and will retain ADA  paratransit during this time.  Councimember Post noted Gastonial has chosen toi implement isl program city-wide for one year, but plans to keep its buses in case they need them. Mr. White agreed. Mr. Post commented  he likes that approach. (b) Budget  City Manager Jim Greene suggested Council meet on March 14, 2024 for a budget presentation and then again on March 21, 2024 prior to the Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield indicated she liked receiving information in sections last year instead of all at one time.  Mr. Greene noted he plans to do the same this year.  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Post thanked staff: for the great work it does for the City. He then thanked Code Enforcement Manager Michael Cotilla for all he does including a recent clean up at an unsheltered area. City Manager Jim Greene noted staff addressing issues with the unsheltered population also includes Homeless Advocate Dennis Rivers and Public Works Director Chris Tester who do an outstanding job providing assistance to individuals and cleaning up the areas.  MAYOR PROTEM'S COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked the Finance Department for their great work to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 32 consecutive years. She then thanked Ms. Allison Summit from Rowan County Emergency Services for being a part of the RoCo Alerts conversation, and she noted she appreciates the partnership between the County and the City.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield commended staff on the partnership with First Horizon  community, and she thanked staff for all it does for the City.  MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS (a) Neighborhood Beatification Grant  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 14    Mayor Alexander announced the Community Appearance Commission invites Salisbury neighborhoods to apply for a Neighborhood Beautification Grant. Selected neighborhood will receive funding to support implementing a neighborhood improvement project. The maximum award is $2,500. There is no fee to apply and grant applications will be accepted through Friday,  March 1,2024. For additional information pleàse call (704)638-5235.  (b) Cultivating Community Conversations  Mayor Alexander announced the Salisbury Youth Council will partner with the Police Department tol host a Cultivating Community Conversation for local youth on Tuesday, February 27th at 5:00 p.m. at City Park Recreation Center. Local businesses are invited to attend a second Cultivating Community Conversation Thursday, February 28"at8:30a.m. at the Salisbury Police  Department. For additional information please call (704)638-5218.  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mayor Pro' Tem Sheffield. Mayor Alexander,  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.  Karen  LAbh  Alexander, Mayor  Cotue Bbruych Connie B. Snyder, City Clèrk  Salisbury City Council  February 20, 2024  Page 15