Salisbury, North Carolina September 19, 2023  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 6:04 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, Councilmember Post made. ai motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted. AYE.  (5-0)  RECOGNITION: - PARKSAND RECREATION DIRECTORNICK, ACEVES  Mayor Alexander thanked Parks and Recreation Director Nick Aceves for his eight years of service to the City, and she recognized the many accomplishments the Parks and Recreation  Department had under his leadership.  Council recognized Mr. Aceves for his service to the City and wished him the best on his  future endeavors.  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 1    Mr. Aceves thanked Council for the opportunity to serve the City, and he noted the work  of Parks and Recreation is a team effort.  PROCLAMATION  Mayor to proclaim the following observance: CONSTITUTION WEEK  September 17-23,2023  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve Minutes of the special and regular meetings of September 5, 2023 and the special  meeting of September 7, 2023.  (b) Budget Ordinance Amendment = Controlled Substance Tax Funds toa appropriate Police Department controlled substance tax funds.  Adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to thel FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of$4,000  ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE POLICE DEPARTMENT (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No.31 at Page No. 312, and is known  CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TAX FUNDS.  as Ordinance 2023-62.)  (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Festival De Independencia  Adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget ini the amount of $500  to appropriate donations for expenses related to Festival De Independencia.  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 fulli in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 313, and is known  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2023-63.)  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 2    (d) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Hurley Park Gazebo  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $10,000 to appropriate a donation tol help with expenses related to thel Hurley Park gazebo repairs 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.31 at Page No. 314, and is known  and tree replacement.  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2023-64.)  (e) Contract- - Carolina Siteworks, Inc.  Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Carolina Siteworks, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $186,206 for the Pearl Street Water and Sewer Project and to adopt al budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $186,206 to appropriate revenue from Water Sewer Fund tap fees to fund the contract with Carolina Siteworks, Inc. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE CONNECTION FEES FOR THE (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No.31 at Page No. 315, and: is known  PEARL STREET WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION.  as Ordinance 2023-65.)  (f) Purchase Order Contract - Transit Building Roof $313,400 for the replacement oft the Transit building roof. (g) Alley Closing - North Jackson Street  Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Purchase Order contract in the amount of  Adopt a Resolution declaring thei intent toj permanently close an alley located offoft the 800  block ofl North Jackson Street and set a public hearing for October 17,2023.  RESOLUTION PERTAINING TOTHE PROPOSED CLOSING OF AN ALLEY LOCATED (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17at Page No. 36, and is known  OFF THE 800 BLOCK OF NORTHJACKSON STREET.  as Resolution 2023-28.)  Salisbury City Council  September 19, 2023  Page 3    (h) Right-of-Way Encroachment - Hotwire Communications  Approvear right-of-way encroachment for installation ofaerial and underground fiber optic cable by Hotwire Communications within the rights-of-way of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Klumac Road, and Mooresville Road per section 11-24(27) of the City Code subject to North  Carolina Department ofTransportation approval.  Councilmember McLaughlin referençed the proposed alley closing on North Jackson Street, and he asked if any property will be landlocked if the alley closing is approved. Transportation Director Wendy Brindle stated the City does not allow alley closings of permanent  rights-of-ways that would landlock another parcel.  Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as Presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and  Smith voted AYE. (5-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor. Alexander opened the floor to receive public comments.  Ms. Annie Boone-Carroll thanked Council, the Community Appearance Commission, and the Housing Advocacy Commission for selecting the 200 and 300 blocks ofl Lloyd Street for the  2023 BlockWork event.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  session.  FY2022-2023 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION  REPORT  Planner Malikia Cherubala addressed Council regarding the FY2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds. She noted the City received $290,752 in CDBG funds, $204,168 in HOME Program funds, and $20,000 in program income  fora total of$514,920.  Ms. Cherubala reviewed the housing goals, and she noted the City primarily uses CDBG funding for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation. She pointed out in FY2022-2023 three housing units were rehabilitated and three additional projects were initiated. She displayed  photographs of the rehabilitation projects.  Ms. Cherubala referenced the Park Avenue Housing Rehabilitation Program, and she explained funds were appropriated for the program that began in the West End community and progressed to the Park Avenue neighborhood. She stated 21 rehabilitation projects have been  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 4    completed in the Park Avenue neighborhood since 2020, and she pointed out 18 of the projects were owner-occupied and 3 were rental projects that required a private match from the property owner. She indicated the majority of the projects benefited households at or below the 80% area  median income.  Ms. Cherubala noted the Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the Housing Advocacy Commission (HAC) recommend the Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program proceed to BamenPark. She pointed out Eamen Park contains 127 parcels ofwhich 65%are owner-occupied, which is higher than the City'saverage of 46.6%. She noted surrounding areas include Salisbury High School and the West End community. She added the program has an adopted budget of  $200,000 and 8 to 9 projects are anticipated to be completed in FY2023-2024.  Ms. Cherubala indicated HOME Program funds were used to provide down payment assistance to two low-income households for the purchase oftheir first home. She pointed out the sidewalk on Lash Drive was completed and offers a walkable connection to transit service and  daily destinations for approximately 1,700 housing units.  Ms. Cherubala stated CDBG funds are used to support public service agencies that serve lowtomoderate income populations. She noted the goal was to: serve 130 people withi non-housing public service benefits and 150 people were actually assisted with homelessness prevention. She added approximately 1,600 people were assisted with non-housing public service benefitsa and: 345 people were assisted with homelessness prevention by the City's community partners Rowan Helping Ministries, Family Crisis Council, Meals on Wheels, Terriel Hess Child Advocacy Center, Community Care Clinic, and One Love Community Services. She pointed out the remaining CDBG Cares Program funds were provided to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan, A Bridge 4 Kids, a Community Resource Fair, Piedmont Players, and Rowan Helping Ministries for activities in the  community.  Ms. Cherubala noted staff's objective was to implement a well-managed community development program, and she indicated the City made effective progress toward its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan five year goals. She pointed out in FY2022-2023 programs and activities took place that promoted fair housing awareness, round table discussions were conducted, updated landlord and tenant rights brochures were distributed, and staff presented to the Rowan County Democrats and Rowan Concerned Citizens regarding housing and fair housing.  Ms. Cherubala stated the CAPER draft was available for public review September 1,2023 through September 19, 2023 and the final draft will be sent to the United Stated Department of  Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on September 30, 2023.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing, after due notice, regarding the City's There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Councilmember Post requested staffp place an emphasis on1 tenant'sr rights. Councilmember Smith commended staff for using the funds to meet human needs and to provide services.  FY2022-2023 CAPER.  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 5    Mayor Alexander stated she is pleased that Eamen Park was recommend for the Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program, and she thanked Ms. Cherubala for her presentation. GRANITE QUARRY- SALISBURYY NON-ANNEXATIONAGREEMENT  City Manager Jim Greene and Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson addressed Council regarding the Granite Quarry-Salisbury non-annexation agreement. Mr. Greene stated it isi important to plan for future growth, and he noted at its last two Retreats Council  prioritized strategically managed growth.  Mr. Greene explained Salisbury and Granite Quarry were among the first municipalities to meet and collaborate on growth boundaries. He added the conversations were open, thorough and collaborative. He explained the growth areas, or non-annexation boundaries, before Council were developed by professional staff and based on public safety, fire response, planning principals, comprehensive plans, service delivery, and state law. He stated the information has been shared with Rowan County and Granite Quarry's Board of Alderman approved the non-annexation boundaries at its August 31, 2023 meeting. He thanked Granite Quarry for its commitment to having the conversations with the City, and he thanked staff for its work on the proposed non-  annexation agreement.  Mr. Greene noted approval of the growth boundaries does not imply any intent of Granite Quarry or Salisbury to proactively annex properties. He explained the proposed agreement establishes logical boundaries if future development occurs. He added with the agreements in place the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and developers will know where the boundaries are and can plan for future development. He addedifthe agreement is approved staff  will work with surrounding municipalities to develop similar agreements.  City Attorney Graham Corriher displayed a map that showed the half-way point between all the municipalities in Rowan County that is used to determine the location ofa natural line. He noted state law dictates annexation and Council only has the authority to annex based on aj petition that is received from a property owner. He stated no part of a parcel being considered for annexation can be closer to another city than it is to the annexing city unless there is an annexation  agreement inj place.  Mr. Corriher pointed out the agreement provides certainty to the EDC and the municipalities regarding planning and development. He displayed a concept map of the I-85 corridor and another map that focused on an area to the east of the City. He explained the maps, will be used to structure a formal agreement that will require a public hearing. He added staffis requesting Council consider the concept of the maps and if the maps are approved a formal  agreement will be brought to Council at a later meeting.  Ms. Jacobson noted the growth conversations took place while the City was working on its Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan which calls for well-managed growth. She explained the City can grow through voluntary annexation, increased density, and infill development. She added it  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 6    is important to have a balance of the three approaches. She indicated the City must be realistic  regarding where it can provide services effectively for the next 20 years.  Ms. Jacobson stated the EDC requested the City work with other municipalities along the I-85 corridor to develop a uniform zoning district that would promote economic development. She noted City staff met with Granite Quarry staff to consider legal constraints and the City's water and: sewer network infrastructure availability. She indicated a major focus was placed on the ability to respond to fires and emergencies. Fire Chief Bob Parnell pointed out Fire Station 6, located at 310 Cedar Springs Road, allows access to the interstate and for a quicker response time. He pointed out both Fire Chiefs were in agreement regarding the proposed boundaries.  Ms. Jacobson indicated the teams also considered long-range transportation plans. She added the teams respected each other's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and planning jurisdictions, and considered current development proposals and developable land. She pointed out a major area of discussion was the area east ofI-85 and west of Old Concord Road. She displayed a map of the proposed non-annexation areas, and she pointed out the municipal boundaries, ETJ districts, the proposed growth areas, and the proposed non-annexation boundary. Ms. Jacobson pointed out the proposed southern non-annexation boundary is Webb Road which is as far south and east that the City can reasonably provide water, sewer, and fire services. She indicated there was a strong desire by Granite Quarry to have interstate access, and she reviewed the proposed non-annexation boundary for Granite Quarry that includes residential areas and the Summit Industrial Park. She noted the eastern boundary is along Stokes Ferry Road and Dunns Mountain Road. She then reviewed an area where the Town of Faith has indicated it would  like to discuss growth with the City.  Mr. Corriher pointed out the agreement for Council's consideration is between Salisbury and Granite Quarry. He stated there is ai three-mile limit for annexations, and he indicated a lot of thel land on the west side ofI-85 is more than three miles outside thet town limits of Granite Quarry  and Faith, but is part oft the City's growth area.  Mr. Corriher requested Council consider endorsing the maps that staff can use to produce a formal non-annexation agreement. He added the next steps will include a public hearing and formal adoption on the non-annexation agreement. He pointed out Granite Quarry has already endorsed the maps, but there is no formal agreement in place. He explained once the maps are endorsed by Council staff will work with Granite Quarry regarding the formal agreement and then  itv will go through the same process with the other municipalities.  Councilmember Smith noted growth is coming to the area and it is beneficial for the municipalities work together to handle the growth. He asked ifstaff is looking to other counties for precedent. Mr. Greene stated staffl looked to other cities regarding best practices. Mr. Corriher noted Granite Quarry and the City are both aware oft the proposed boundaries and staff will make the EDC aware sO there will not be any delay for future development.  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 7    Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to endorse the Granite Quarry Salisbury Non-annexation Agreement Boundary Map. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem  Sheffield, Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post, and Smith voted AYE. (5-0)  UPDATE  CITY PROJECTS  City Manager Jim Greene asked Transportation Director Wendy Brindle to provide an update on various City projects. Ms. Brindle referenced a spreadsheet that wasprovidedto Council  that includes 36 projects that are taking place throughout the City.  Ms. Brindle noted the electric vehicle charging stations located at 301 South Main Street were funded by a $300,000 Duke Energy Park and Plug Grant. She added the charging station is expected to be operational by the end ofthe month. She referenced thel Fisher Street Bridge project and noted staffi is working with the consultants to evaluate options for aj pedestrian bridge. Ms. Brindle indicated new windows are needed at City Hall and the City Office Building (COB) and staffi is looking for options that provide historic preservation and sustainability. She stated a new roof was installed over a portion of the COB and cornice and waterproofing are needed to mitigate water issues. She pointed out City Hall and COB also need to have their exteriors cleaned. She stated the projects should go to construction in the summer of2024. Ms. Brindle referenced the Wells Fargo Building, and she noted the offices are nearly completed and Parks and Recreation staff has moved into the facility. She added work is progressing on the events space. She noted the HVAC in the building needs to be addressed, and she added getting the HVAC equipment could take 12to 181 months. She then referenced the Civic Center Master Plan, and she explained it will be a feasibility study for a joint use, multi-purpose recreation center and aquatics facility in partnership with the Rufty Holmes Senior Center. She indicated a firm to conduct the feasibility study should be selected by mid-October.  Ms. Brindle pointed out thei Miller Recreation Teen Center isi nearly complete and willl have asoft opening on Saturday. She added work is continuing on Hall Gym, and she noteda a consultant is looking at options to remove a load bearing wall in Hall Gym to create access between the two  facilities.  Ms. Brindle reviewed the Water Supply Resiliency Project, and she noted the objective is to relocate the existing Yadkin River raw water facility to a location that will be accessible during flooding events and more resilient to storms. She stated a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant is the primary funding source for the project. She noted Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has revised the tentative grant award dated to March 2024 and Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU) is moving forward with private funds from Cube  Hydro.  Ms. Brindle stated the Micro-Transit Pilot Project is supported with state and federal funds and the implementation date will be delayed because the state has not approved its fiscal budget.  Salisbury City Council  September 19, ,2023  Page 8    Shei indicated once the state budget is approved, it will take approximately four months to complete  the paperwork and the anticipated start date is spring or summer 2024.  Ms. Brindle pointed out the City'sportion ofthe mast arm replacement at Innes and Church Streets was completed on September 14, 2023. She noted the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will install vehicle detection loops on Church Street and Duke Energy will provide power to the street light. She reviewed a map of the street light pole painting and replacement project. She explained the project is being conducted in three phases and will be completed in 2025. She added staffi is working with Duke Energy to repair and replace damaged  and missing street light poles.  Ms. Brindle noted the Main Street Streetscape- - Construction Level Design began a month ago. She stated there will be minor traffic interruptions as the consultants complete the surveying work. She indicted the consultant is creating a flyer for business owners, and staffis working with the Communications Department to keep citizens informed regarding the project. She added the  project will enter construction in the fall of2024.  Councilmember Post asked about Shober Bridge. Ms. Brindle noted bridge inspections are conducted every two years and at this time there is nothing documented on the inspection. She added the federal program that was considered for the Fisher Street Bridge could be applied to Shober Bridge, but the bridge did not score low enough during its last inspection to qualify for the  program.  Mayor Alexander noted a lot of projects are taking place in the City, and she thanked Ms.  Brindle for her presentation.  CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS (a) LeafCollection  City Manager Jim Greene asked Public Works Director Chris Tester to provide an update on leaf pickup. Mr. Tester noted the loose leaf collection will run from October 10, 2023 until March 22, 2024. He stated leaves should be placed at the pavement, but not in the street, by 7:00 a.m. the Monday morning oft the collection week, and he noted there is a leaf collection map on  the City's website. He explained the leaves cannot be mixed with any debris.  Mr. Green thanked: stafff fori its work during the Dixonville Cemetery Memorial dediçation and the Festival de Independencia Latinoamericana event that took place over the weekend.  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Post thanked staff for the projects update, and he noted the work that has been completed using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds.  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 9    Councilmember Smith noted he had an incredible sense of pride when he attended the events that took place over the weekend in the City. He stated everyone should be proud that the City can tell a different story such as Dixonville and honor the people who are buried in the unmarked graves. He added the City strives to be equitable for all people. He stated the Hispanic Heritage Celebration that took place at Bell Tower Green was powerful and for the City tol host a space for Latin American citizens to honor their culture is a profound act oflove and equity. He  thanked everyone who worked to make the events a success.  MAYOR PRO TEMISCOMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted the weekend was great and the thanked staff for its work  tor make the events great.  MAYORSANNOUNCEMENTSAND: COMMENTS  (a) Fall Spruce Up Week  MayorAlexander. announced Fall Sprucel Up' Week willl bel held October2 2nd through October 6th,2023. This week is designated for residential customers who have City of Salisbury garbage service. Items must be placed at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on resident's regular garbage collection day. Foradditionali information or fora al list ofitems Public Works can and cannot collect  call (704)638-5256.  Mayor. Alexander thanked staff for its service to citizens and all it did over the weekend to  make the community shine. 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 7:38 p.m.  KLAh  Karen Alexander, Mayor  Couuo Bbupl Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  September 19,2023  Page 10