Salisbury, North Carolina August 15, 2023  REGULAR MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield; Council  Members David Post, and Anthony Smith; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr., City  Clerk Connie B. Snyder; and City Attorney J. Graham Corriher.  ABSENT: Councilmember Harry McLaughlin.  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 6:05 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.  ADOPTIONOFTHE AGENDA  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted  AYE. (4-0)  RECOGNITION- ROWANLITTLE LEAGUE  Mayor Alexander and Council recognized the Rowan Little League 10U Softball team for winning the All-Star District 2 Championship, North Carolina State Championship, All-Star Southeast Regional Championship, and the Tournament of State Champions. She read a proclamation proclaiming August 15, 2023 as Rowan Little League 10U Softball Championship  Day in the City and presented a copy to each member of the team.  Salisbury City Council  August 15,2023  Page 1    Mayor Alexander and Council congratulated the team and stated they look forward to  another successful season.  RECOGNITION-SALISBURY YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM  Human Resources Business Partner Souwan Kiengham recognized Summer Youth Employees Bralen Mitchell, Eva Carter, and Kimberly Turcios who shared their experience in the Summer Youth Employment Program. Hei noted the Summer Youth Employees conducted a food drive to help Rowan Helping Ministries, and he thanked everyone who worked to make the  program a success. PROCLAMATION  Mayor toj proclaim the following observance: LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH  September 2023  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes August 1,2023.  Approve Minutes oft the regular meeting of. July 18, 2023 and the special meeting of  (b) Right-of-Way Use Permit  Approve a Right-of-Way Use Permit for the use of three parking spaces adjacent to 132 North Main Street from August 14 through September 1, 2023 for roofrepairs to the building.  (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Parks and Recreation  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $13,500 to appropriate donations and sponsorships to appropriate revenue for the Bell Tower ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE PARKS AND RECREATION (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 260, andi is known  Green Movie and Concert Series and Hurley Park Gazebo repairs.  DONATIONS.  as Ordinance 2023-54.)  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 2    (d) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Parks and Recreation  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 INSURANCE CLAIM PROCEEDS (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 261, and is known (e) Budget Ordinance Amendment - 2023 National Night Out and Community Resource Fair Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2023-2024 budget in the amount of $500 to appropriate a donation from the Civic Federal Credit Union for the 2023 National Night Out ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023-2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (The: C above Ordinance isi recorded in fulli in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 262, and is known  $25,100 to appropriate insurance proceeds for Hurley Park Gazebo repairs.  FOR THE HURLY PARK GAZEBO.  as Ordinance 2023-55.)  and Community Resource Fair.  DONATION.  as Ordinance 2023-56.)  (f) Sale ofSidearm and Badge - Lieutenant Andy Efird  Authorize the sale to Lieutenant Andy Efird his sidearm and badge ini the amount of$1.00  ini recognition ofH his retirement from the Salisbury Police Department August 1,2023.  (g) Agreement LaBella Associates, P.C.  Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with LaBella Associates, P.C. in the amount of $405,000 for engineering services associated with the Spencer Water Main Capacity Upgrades project. Funds for this service were approved in the FY2023-2024 budget.  (h) Voluntary Annexation - 1810 Enon Church Road  Receive a request for voluntary annexation of 1.558 acres located at 1810 Enon Church Road, Tax Map 329 Parcel 385, and a adopt a Resolution instructing the City Clerk to investigate RESOLUTIONDIRECTINGTHE CITY CLERK TOINVESTIGATE AJ PETITION RECEIVED UNDER N.C.G.S. 160a-58.1 FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF TAX: MAP: 329 PARCEL  the sufficiency oft the request.  385, 1.55. ACRES LOCATED ATI 1810 ENON CHURCH ROAD.  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 3    (Thea above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 31, and is known  as Resolution 2023-24.)  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post, and  Smith voted AYE. (4-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Alexander opened the floor to: receive public comments.  Ms. Dee Dee Wright expressed her concern regarding the unhoused in the City, and she suggested reaching out to Rowan County regarding converting the old Department of Social Services building on West Innes Street into a shelter. She notedthere are many reasons people are  without shelter and ifr reason can be defined we can better handle the problem.  There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment  session.  STREET CLOSING- WEST MAPAVENUE  Transportation Director Wendy Brindle addressed Council regarding closing an unimproved portion of West "A" Avenue located in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Second Street. She stated on July 18, 2023 Council adopted a Resolution of Intent to permanently close the unimproved portion. She displayed a map of the area, and she noted the unimproved area is a right-of-way that does not include a street. She explained the two adjacent property owners are the petitioners, and she noted the proposal is to close the unimproved portion to the existing alley. Ms. Brindle reviewed the survey, and shei noted according to State Statute the portion to be closed will be split equally between the petitioners. She added staff has followed the procedures for N.C.G.S. 168-299 and the next step is for Council to hold a public hearing and to find the proposed closingi 1S not contrary to the publici interest and that no one will be deprivedofreasonable  means ofi ingress and egress to their property.  Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing, after due notice, regarding the closing an unimproved portion of West "A" Avenue located in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Second Street. There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt a Resolution pertaining to the proposed closing of an unimproved portion of West "A" Avenue located in the 1500 and1600 blocks of Second Street. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, and  Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 4    RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO THE PROPOSED CLOSING OF AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF WEST"*A". AVENUE LOCATED OFF THE 1500/1600 BLOCKS OF SECOND (The above Resolution is recorded ini full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 30, andi is known  STREET.  as Resolution 2023-23.)  Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to adopt an Order closing an unimproved portion of West "A" Avenue. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield,  and Councilmembers Post, and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  ORDER CLOSING AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF WEST "A" AVENUE.  (The above Order is recorded in full at the Register of Deeds and maintained in the City Clerk's  Alley Closing File dated August 15, 2023.)  LAND DEVEOPMENT DISTRICT MAP AMENDMENT - WEST RICHIE ROAD  Senior Planner Victoria Bailiff addressed Council regarding a request to amend the Land Development District Map to rezone one parcel, approximately 7.91 acres, located along West Richie Road, from Rural Residential (RR) to Highway Business (HB) in anticipation of future development. She stated Mr. Kevin Smith is the petitioner, and she noted the property is located approximately one half-mile from the intersection of West Richie and Julian Roads.  Ms. Bailiff reviewed the surrounding zonings, and she pointed out the request is for a general use SO there will be no conditions or site plans to accompany the rezoning. She then reviewed permitted uses, and she noted any requested use in HB zoning will be allowed. She indicated the Future Land Use Map that is included in the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan designates the area as an Employment Center which is consistent with HB zoning.  Ms. Bailiff stated the Planning Board considered the request at its July 11, 2023 meeting Mayor Alexander convened a public hearing, after due notice regarding the proposed There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Councilmember Post asked about the property's location. Ms. Bailiff stated the property  and voted unanimously to recommend approval as submitted.  rezoning.  is located in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) district.  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 5    Councilmember Smith stated the City Council hereby finds and determines that adoption ofa an Ordinance to rezone the property described herein, as requested, is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan due to the proposed petition, site characteristics, surrounding development pattern, and observations provided by City planning staff, identifying the policies that support the petition. Thereupon, Mr. Smith made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending the Land Development District Map oft the City of Salisbury, North Carolina, to rezone one parcel, approximately 7.91 acres located on Tax Map 401 Parcel 030 from Rural Residential to Highway Business. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, ORDINANCE/ AMENDING THELAND: DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: MAP OFTHEC CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, TO REZONE ONE PARCEL, APPROXIMATELY 7.91 ACRES LOCATED ON TAX MAP 401 PARCEL 030 FROM RURAL RESIDENTIAL TO (The above Ordinance isi recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 31 at Page No. 263, and is known  and Councilmembers Post, and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  HIGHWAY BUSINESS. as Ordinance 2023-57.)  UPDATE- - UNSHELTERED POPULATION  City Manager Jim Greene asked Police Chief Patrick Smith, Homeless Advocate Dennis Rivers, and Code Enforcement Manager Michael Cotilla to address Council regarding the unsheltered population in the City. He added staff approaches the situation as a team and its strives tob be compassionate while enforcing the rules to promote public safety. He noted additional resources, partners and facilities are needed to address the situation. He stated the City must continue to evaluate its programs, and staff will look at what is being done in other communities  to address the needs oft the unsheltered population.  Chief Smith stated the City's objective is to provide assistance and to work with community partners to get ahead of what appears to be a growing unsheltered population. He added staffis approaching the situation with openness and researching what is being done in other cities to establish a long-term solution. He pointed out the issue will require partnerships, including County resources, to reach the long-term goal of finding shelter for members of the  unsheltered community that will accept the resources being offered.  Mr. Rivers explained as the City's Homeless Advocate he works fort the Police Department and inj partnership with Rowan Helping Ministries. He added as the City's Homeless Advocate he  has:  Co-facilitated the Rowan-Salisbury Homeless TASK Force team that includes over 30 Worked with the unsheltered (homeless) population to direct them to Rowan Helping Transported unsheltered (families or individuals) to Rowan Helping Ministries from  agencies  Ministries or other supporting agencies that can provide resources  encampments  Salisbury City Council  August 15,2023  Page 6    Worked with unsheltered domestic violence victims to assure they understand their Coordinated and transported sheltered and unsheltered individuals to the Department Connected unsheltered individuals to mental health and substance use agencies that Worked with business and property owners to address concerns regarding the Collaborated with City departments to provide services and enforce Ordinances Mr. Rivers reviewed the Outreach Statistics Report from January through June 2023, and  options and resources as a victim of crime Conducted wellness checks for unsheltered individuals ofMotor Vehicles to obtain North Carolina identification  provide free services unsheltered population  he noted:  19 individuals were moved into emergency shelter  9i individuals were successfully moved from the shelter to permanent housing 9 individuals received transportation assistance by bus, train, or Lyft service  2 individuals went to a detox program  14 individuals received North Carolina State identification Ip person received transportation to a doctor's appointment  Mr. Rivers explained the Homeless Outreach Team includes the Salisbury Police Department, Rowan Helping Ministries, Rowan County Health Department, and the Salisbury VA Hospital which brings its services to the encampment. He stated it can be difficult for unsheltered individuals to travel and ift they are willing to accept the help being offered, someone is there to speak with them immediately. He noted the goal is to help the person while maintaining order. Mr. Rivers stated the Homeless Task Force is led by Rowan Helping Ministries and the Salisbury Police Department and it meets on the fourth Thursday of each month via Zoom. He added the meeting is open to the public and the contacts are Rowan Helping Ministries Crisis Assistance Housing Manager Cathy Wood and himself. He noted over 30 agencies are included  ini the Homeless Task Force:  Rowan Helping Ministries City of Salisbury Police Dept. Downtown Development, /DSI Code Enforcement Parks & Recreation Salisbury Transit Rowan Health Department Novant Medical Center Community Care Clinic One Love Treatment Services Daymark Recovery  Rowan County Department of Social Services United Way of Rowan County Goodwill Services Salisbury Housing Authority VAI Medical Center S&H Youth and Adult Services Rowan-Salisbury Schools Rowan County Veteran Services Rowan County DMV Family Crisis Council Salvation Army  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 7    Rowan County Clerk's Office Rowan County District Court  Salisbury-Rowan NAACP Lantern Realty Unlock Me Bail Bonding Salisbury Human Relations Council  Judges Rowan Helping  Mr. Rivers pointed out the organizations work together to get unsheltered individuals into housing and also assist with the first month's rent and utilities. He commented many residents have their rent and utilities covered for the first two months. He: stated the resources are available, but the residents must be willing to commit to the program. Hei noted the resources available to  homeless individuals include:  Free treatment for substance use and mental health Reconnecting homeless individuals with family members  Identification documents Help with domestic violence cases Connecting with service agencies Rent and utilities assistance Workforce development Sheltering  . Difficult because there is not enough shelter for everyone who is homeless Provide a bus ticket for individuals to go back to family members once it is determined there are: no charges against them and they have somewhere to go Mr. Cotilla stated the work Mr. Rivers does is invaluable and is done with compassion and empathy. He noted additional staffing and resources are needed to address the situation. He reviewed the work done by the City and private property owners to clean up the campsites:  Bendix Drive next to IHOP $1,100.00 to contractor $787.85 for container and dump  fees with a total cost of$1,887.85 to the City 9.87 tons of trash removed from the property This property does not have a designated owner 9.63 tons oftrash removed from the property Vegetation cleared by NCDOT contractors Properties that were abated by the property owners South Arlington Street and Cedar Street 1700 South Jake Alexander Boulevard  Bendix Drive across from IHOP $1,200.00 to contractor and City trucks were used to haul the trash total dump fees $346.68 with a total cost of$1,546.68 to the City North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) right-of-way maintained  by City contractors  Once the properties are abated the property owners incur the cost of cleanup Mr. Cotialla stated the Public Works Department is a tremendous partner when dealing with campsites and the removal of shopping carts. He displayed photographs of the properties before and after cleanup, and he pointed out the costs the City incurs is paid out oft the Minimum  Housing Budget. Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 8    Chief Smith noted a lot of work has been done to address the campsites. He pointed out when a campsite is eliminated it creates displacement and other encampments appear and have occurred in City parks including Bell Tower Green and Gateway Park. He explained Mr. Rivers isthe first contact when encampments are addressed. He noted some people are. homeless due to circumstances beyond their control, some people are homeless because they do not realize they  have an issue, and some chose to be homeless.  Mayor Alexander thanked Chief Smith, Mr. Rivers, and Mr. Cotialla for their work to address the situation. She added Council is committed to working with the County, and she stated the City is in desperate need of funding. She explained the County is responsible for human services which is not included in the City's budget. She thanked the Police Department for its work to secure a grant to fund the Homeless Advocate position, and she then thanked staff for reaching out to other communities to see what they are doing regarding their unsheltered population. She commented Council and staffa are aware oft thei issue and have been working on it for several years, but iti is overwhelming. She pointed out the encampments create aj public safety hazard and the City must balance its responsibility to all citizens. She requested concerned citizens bring their suggestions to Council and staff, sign upi to serve on1 the Task Force, reach out to Rowan Helping Ministries, and go to the County Commission meetings to request County assistance. Councilmember Smith stated he wants to make sure the public understands the unprecedented nature ofwhat the Cityi ist trying to do, and hej pointed out cities the size ofSalisbury do not have the infrastructure for human services. He added hei is grateful for the way the City has worked to address the issue, but it is not sustainable and more resources are needed from the County, state, and federal governments. He pointed out cities across the Country are experiencing the effects of homelessness, many locations are becoming unaffordable, and there are less resources for people who are suffering from mental health crisis. He requested citizens also hold the stakeholders who can offer resources in this work accountable and let them know more than a criminal justice approach is needed. He clarified it is a public health issue, and he would love to see Social Services, Catawba College, and Livingstone College conduct research to provide a clearer analysis of what is happening locally. He added Council is committed toj public safety and  looking for ways to be a vehicle of public health ini the community.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield recognized Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb for her work with the unsheltered population. She thanked: staffi fori its work to secure grant funding for a Homeless Advocate position. She pointed out it is a problem the City cannot arrest its way out of, and she noted staffi is working to address the issue with compassion. She asked citizens to continue to show compassion to the unsheltered population, and she pointed out the unsheltered population are citizens of the community and their numbers have outpaced available  services.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted the City has to ensure safety for all its citizens and laws and policies must be enforced. ChiefSmith noted the unsheltered population did not just appear. He pointed out when the encampments were cleaned upi it created an opportunity for visibility. He noted if people will not accept the resources that are being offered proper enforcement action will be needed based on City Ordinances. He commented some of the Ordinances need to be re- examined. He added the Police Department will continue to offer resources, but there are people  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 9    who chose to be unsheltered and there are unsheltered individuals who do not realize resources are  available to them.  Councilmember Post noted citizens tend to complain about situations they see, and he pointed out when an encampment is cleaned up the unsheltered move to another location. He stated iti isi important tol have a strategy with ai multifocal lens. Hecommented the work being done is phenomenal, and he added it is important to know where you want to go in the future. He thanked Mr. Rivers for his work, and he pointed out itisac collaborative effort that will required la long-term strategy. He thanked Rowan Helping Ministries for all it does tol help the unsheltered  population.  Mayor Alexander thanked staff: for its work to service all citizens, and she noted Council isl looking for additional partners that can provide funding. She commented the County has started to receive its share of the opioid settlement, and she indicated many unsheltered individuals are suffering from mental illness and addiction. She stated to be successful the programs will need to be comprehensive and include services that address the issues faced by the unsheltered.  Councilmember Smith noted a larger regional approach is needed.  TRANSIT VEHICLE PURCHASE  Transit Director Rodney Harrison asked Council to consider approving the purchase of three smaller Transit vehicles to replace the three 25-foot low floor, light duty vehicles approved  int the FY2023-2024 budget at a total cost of $327,615.  Mr. Harrison stated in the FY2024 budget Council approved three 25-foot low-floor, light- duty transit vehicles for $575,000. He explained due to supply issues staffis requesting to replace the low-floor, light-duty transit vehicles with three smaller transit vehicles which are: morei readily available. He added the replacement vehicles are equipped with cameras and two-way radios. He noted the smaller vehicles can be used to support microtransit, ADA paratransit, and the fixed- route system. He commented additional seating could be purchased and the floor plan could be adjusted to accommodate six passengers and one mobility device. He noted the replacement cost oft the three small transit vehicles is $327,615 and the remaining funds can be used to purchase  Transit vehicles with seating capacity for 15 passengers.  Mr. Harrison displayed photos of the Council-approved 25-foot low floor, light duty Transit vehicles, and Councilmember Post asked how many passengers the vehicle seats. Mr. Harrison stated it seats up to 14 passengers and the driver. Mr. Harrison displayed photos of the smaller vehicles that are readily available. Mayor Alexander asked if the smaller vehicle meets ADA requirements. Mr. Harrison agreed, and he noted the 25-foot low-floor vehicle includes a  ramp and the smaller vehicle will have a rear lift.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield asked if the smaller vehicles would include bike racks. Mr. Harrison said hei is unsure, but will reach out to the vendor and provide the information to Council.  Salisbury City Council  August 15,2023  Page 10    Councilmember Post expressed concerns about replacing the 25-foot low floor, light duty vehicles with smaller vehicles due toj passenger seating. He askedi if passengers would have longer wait times at the bus stops. Mr. Harrison noted that purchasing smaller transit vehicles would fill ag gap until the supply of vehicles becomes more readily available. He added with remaining funding, staff could purchase vehicles similar to the 25-foot low floor, light duty vehicle, which would include more passenger seating. Mayor Alexander asked ift the smaller vehicles would be  utilized for microtransit. Mr. Harrison agreed.  City Manager Jim Greene stated staffiss struggling to meet equipment needs due to thel lack of supply. He thanked Mr. Harrison for identifying a solution to continue Transit routes and provide flexibility for microtransit. He noted staff can continue to look for a larger vehicle with Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to approve the purchase of three smaller Transit vehicles in lieu oft the three 25-foot low floor, light-duty vehicles approved in the FY2023-2024 budget which fits with the City'smicrotransit plans. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  additional seating.  BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Hurley Park Advisory Board  Uponamotion by Councilmember Post. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post, and Smith voting AYE, the following appointment was made to thel Hurley  Park Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term:  Ms. Anne Cave  Term Expires 3/31/2025  CITY MANAGER'SCOMMENTS (a) Storm Response  City Manager Jim Greene thanked staff for its response to the storm that took place on Monday, August 7, 2023. He added multiple departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Transportation, and alisbury-Rowan Utilities worked to ensure citizens, homes, and businesses were taken care of. He shared an email from a citizen thanking the Public Works Department for  its quick response to storm cleanup.  Mr. Greene provided a summary oft the work completed by the Public Works Department. He added Solid Waste, Street, and Grounds Maintenance crews spent over 645 hours clearing storm debris and addressing issues caused by the storm. He noted 41 trees were reported down in public right-of-ways or on City property, and the Public Works crews have worked to clear the debris. Het thanked Public Works Director Chris Tester and the Public Works Department for their  response to the storm.  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 11    Mr. Greene recognized outstanding storm response from the Transportation Department who called in Traffic Signal crew and Signs and Markers crew. He added 15 traffic signals went into flashing modes on the night of the storm, and those traffic signals must be checked, troubleshot, and returned to: service. He stated City crews got all 151 traffic signals back online that night. Hej pointed out six traffic signals went dark with power outages, and Public Works worked with the Transportation and Police Department to establish new traffic patterns to ensure public safety. He added the Transportation Department worked closely with Duke Energy and power was restored through all intersections by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He thanked Transportation Director  Wendy Brindle and the Transportation Department for their hard work.  (b) Strategic Plan Processes  Mr. Greene noted at its Retreat Council established a priority to develop a Strategic Plan. He stated a consultant for the plan has been hired and has met with the Management Team and a team of City staff to begin the process. He added that the consultants would like to discuss the Strategic Plan with Council at the next Council meeting. Mr. Greene asked if Council would consider beginning the meeting at 5:00 p.m. instead of6:00p.m. He stated the consultant will also reach out to each Councilmember individually to receive input on primary focus areas for the  Strategic Plan.  (c) Addition to Pay Grade  Mr. Greene asked Council to consider adding a Transportation Division Manager Grade 17 to the employee classification system. He explained staffi is not adding an additional position but is requesting to add the position title to the Employee Classification System and determine the  salary range.  Thereupon, Mayor Alexander made a motion to approve adding a' Transportation Division Manager Grade 17 to the City's Employee Classification System. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  Mayor Alexander thanked Mr. Greene for his response to the storm and for ensuring the Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield askedifthe Strategic Planning conversation will requirea aspecial meeting or ifs staffwill change the Council meeting start time to 5:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. Mr.  safety of all citizens.  Greene noted staff will work with Council to move the meeting to 5:00 p.m.  COUNCIL COMMENTS  Councilmember Post noted conference highlights from his trip to Scranton Pennsylvania to attend the Mayors Innovation Project. He added the conference highlighted topics including  private sector. job quality, budget transparency and renters' rights.  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 12    MAYOR PROTEM'S COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield congratulated the Rowan Little League 10U Softball team champions. She thanked the Fire Department for a wonderful groundbreaking for Fire Station #3  MAYORSANNOUNCEMENTSAND COMMENTS  Mayor Alexander stated a young marketing professional made a presentation about the Rowan Young Professionals Club at a recent Rotary meeting. She added the Rowan Young  Professionals is a community group that meets every Thursday.  Mayor Alexander noted she had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Catawba College Convocation for the beginning oft the school year. She stated it was amazing to see how diverse  the student population is. ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember Post. Mayor Alexander,  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted AYE. (4-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.  KLAL  Karen Alexander, Mayor  Coiou B5apl Connie B. Snyder, City Clèrk  Salisbury City Council  August 15, 2023  Page 13