Salisbury, North Carolina September r17,2024 REGULAR MEETING PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander, Presiding; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Council Members Harry McLaughlin, David Post and Anthony Smith; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr., City Clerk Connie B. Snyder; and City Attorney J. Graham Corriher. ABSENT: None. Salisbury City Council met in Council Chambers in City Hall located at 217 South Main Street. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Alexander at 6:00 p.m. A moment of silence was taken. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Alexander led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag. ADOPTION OF THE AGNEDA- CHANGESTOTHE AGENDA Mayor Alexander noted the following change to the. Agenda: Add a Proclamation and pull an item from the Consent Agenda. Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to adopt the Agenda as amended. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0) Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 1 RECOGNITION- COUNCILMEMBER ANTHONY SMITH honoring Councilmember Anthony Smith for his service to the City. Mayor Alexander asked Council to consider adopting a Resolution of Recognition Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt a Resolution of Recognition honoring Councilmember Anthony Smith. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION HONORING COUNCILMEMBER ANTHONY SMITH. (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 32, and is known as Resolution 2024-24.) Councilmember Smith. Mayor Alexander read the Resolution of Recognition and presented a framed copy to Mayor. Alexander and Council thanked Mr. Smith for his work on Council and for all he has done to make the City al better place for the entire community. Council wished Mr. Smith the best in future endeavors and stated he will be missed. Mr. Smith thanked everyone who supported him, and he stated it has been an honor to serve with Council. He noted Salisbury is a very special community that has a heart to serve. He added it is important to give people the benefit of a doubt, and he stated ifc community members listen to each other there is nothing the City cannot accomplish. City Manager Jim Greene, City Attorney Graham Corriher and City Clerk Connie Snyder also thanked Mr. Smith for his service to the City and wished him the best. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor to proclaim the following observances: JULIAN AND. JOSIE ROBERTSON ART COLLECITON AT WATERWORKS ART CENTER MONTH September 2024 September 17-23,2024 CONSTITUTION WEEK CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember McLaughlin requested Council pull item b regarding the voluntary annexation of Woodleaf. Road from the Consent. Agenda for further discussion. Salisbury City Council September 17, 2024 Page 2 (a) Purchase Order Axon Enterprises Authorize the City Manager to approve aj purchase order in the amount of$131,579.991 to Axon Enterprises for the Police Departments third year of their fleet camera contract. The contract includes the cost to up-fit new vehicles with cameras, maintenance on existing vehicles and the operating software. This item is included in the FY2024-2025 budget. (b) Voluntary Annexation - WoodleafRoad Receive the Certificate of Sufficiency for the voluntary annexation of 58.07 acres located off of Woodleaf Road, Tax Map 328 Parcels 050, 066, and 110 and adopt a Resolution setting RESOLUTION SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON QUESTION OF THE ANNEXATION OF WOODLEAF ROAD, PARCELS 328 050, 328 066, AND 328 110 (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 33-35, and is the date oft the public hearing for October 15, 2024. PURSUANTTONORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTE 160A-58.1. known as Resolution 2024-25.) (c) Sale of Surplus Equipment Adopt a Resolution declaring specific equipment as surplus and authorize the sale ofa 2006 Sterling L7501 Sewer Jet Vac Truck on GovDeals.com. Salisbury-Rowan Utilities has RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY WITH POTENTIAL (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 36, and is known determined the equipment has reached the end ofits useful life. VALUE OF $30,000 OR MORE. as Resolution 2024-26.) (d) Purchase Order - Ferguson Enterprise Authorize the City Manager to approve a purchase order with Ferguson Enterprise in the amount of $211,068.51 for inventory purchases for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities including piping, couplings, and fittings. This item is included ini the FY2024-2025 budget. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) City Manager Jim Greene asked Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson to address Council regarding the voluntary annexation for Woodleaf Road. Ms. Jacobson explained this is the second meeting in a series of three meetings required for voluntary annexations, and she noted the request is to set the date of the public hearing for October 15,2024. Salisbury City Council September 17, 2024 Page 3 She added there has been conversations regarding the proposed rezoning for a development that could be located off of Woodleaf Road. She added the proposal went before the Planning Board, but it did not receive ai favorable recommendation so the developer is considering his options. She pointed out the item before Council is aj procedural step to set the public hearing for the proposed voluntary annexation and it is not associated with the proposed rezoning. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to Receive the Certificate of Sufficiency for the voluntary annexation of 58.07 acres located offo ofWoodleaf Road, Tax Map 328 Parcels 050, 066, and 110 and adopt a Resolution setting the date of the public hearing for October 15, 2024. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) Resolution 2024-25. listed above. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Alexander opened the floor to receive public comment. Dr. Roy Dennis, on behalf of community pastors, expressed appreciation to Councilmember Smith for his service to the City. He stated Mr. Smith will be missed and he wished him the best. Ms. Deel Dee Wright recognized Councilmember Smith for his service to the City on behalf of the West End Community Organization and the West End Neighborhood Organization. She thanked Mr. Smith for all hel has done to make the City a better place and she wished him well. Ms. Shirley McLaughlin on behalf of the West End Pride Community Group thanked Councilmember Smith for his service to the City and she wished him the best in future endeavors. There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public comment session. PROGRAM YEAR 2023 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT AND COMMUNITY DEEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson and Community Development Corporation (CDC) Executive Director Chanaka Yatawara addressed Council regarding the Program Year 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and the annual report on programs and activities administered by the CDC. Ms. Jacobson stated the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds are federally allocated funds the City receives annually from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She explained staff is required to develop a CAPER report that outlines how closely CDBG program outcomes aligned with the goals and objectives established by Council. She pointed out other funding sources are leveraged Salisbury City Council September 17, 2024 Page4 by the CDC to advance the goal ofa healthy, safe and engaged neighborhood as part of the City's Strategic Plan. She stated the program year is aligned with the fiscal year ofJuly 1,2 2023 through June 30, 2024. She reviewed a summary ofthe goals and accomplshments: Goal 1: To increase the supply of decent, affordable housing by three units. She indicated in partnership with the CDC the City completed four substantial homeowner rehabilitation projects using CDBG funds which exceeds the goal by one home Goal 2: To provide opportunities for home ownership through down payment assistance to two new homeowners using HOME Program funds. She pointed out down payment assistance was provided to three low-income households to aid in the Goal 3:Toi improve public facilities and infrastructure by constructing a Greenway trail connector: from Jersey City to Memorial Park Cemetery. She indicated the project was not completed SO the goal wasi not met inl FY2023-2024. She explained the Cityapplied for the West Innes Street Corridor Plan grant that will consider multimodal transportation SO staff decided to coordinate the project with the West Innes Street Goal 4: To aid public service agencies by partnering with nonprofit organizations through a grant program. She added the goal was to assist 280 people with services related to food access, case management, employment readiness, mental and physical health and the City's nonprofit partners supported nearly 600 individuals in Salisbury. She noted applications are being accepted for 2024 public service grants through Goal 5: To effectively plan and administer programs. She noted the City exceeded its Goal 6: Further Fair Housing. She indicated in FY2023-2024 several programs and activities were geared toward promoting awareness of fair housing including purchase oftheir first homes which exceeded the goal by one. home Corridor Plans and the Greenway Trail connector October 14, 2024 goals and is in good standing with HUD translating the Tenant's Rights brochure to Spanish Mayor Alexander convened aj public hearing after due notice regarding Caper. There being no one to address Council, Mayor Alexander closed the public hearing. Mr. Yatawara noted the CDC's goal is to support the City in providing affordable housing througho owner-occupied: rehabilitation, affordablel home ownership, and down payment assistance. He pointed out with increased construction cost and interest rates down payment assistance is critical for low income families. He added anonymous private donors have contributed to the down-payment assistance fund, including one whol has contributed: $100,000 for the past two years. Mr. Yatawara stated the CDC receives funding from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Rowan County and the City that is used for home repairs, rehabilitation, and new. home construction. He reviewed the urgent repair program that allows the CDC to make the repairs needed tol keep a family in their home. He commented the Home Investment Partnership Program ist used for new construction and helps to provide home ownership opportunities to local families. Salisbury City Council September 17, 2024 Page 5 Mr. Yatawara noted construction costs have increased, and he pointed out a 1,300 square foot affordable home can cost up to $244,000. He stated the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency hasa $50,000 grant, that is combined with a $15,000 first-time home buyer grant, $20,000 from the City along with an anonymous donor who provides $10,000 for a total of $95,000 in down payment assistance. He explained the $50,000 grant must be paid back, but if the person lives in the home for 10 years the remaining grants are forgiven. He noted the homebuyers must receive credit counseling and attend home ownership classes. Mr. Yatawara reviewed FY2023-2024 accomphshments: Three CDBG owner-occupied rehabilitation projects were completed Two new. homes were completed and sold Twol homes under construction on North Shaver Street Nine projects were completed through the City's Neighborhood Revitalization Mr. Yatawara displayed photographs of the projects completed by the CDC during the previous year. He refenced the City Neighborhood Revitalization Program that was established in 2018 to support homeowners, and improve housing conditions and quality oflife ofi in Salisbury's neighborhoods, and he stated 66 households have been assisted since 2018. He pointed out the City has invested over $1.3 million into target neighborhoods ini the last six years. Program Council thanked Mr. Yatawara for his presentation and all he does for the City. GREENWAY COMMITTEE Transportation Director Wendy Brindle and Greenway, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Committee Chair. Amy Smith addressed Council regarding the Greenway Committee. Ms. Brindle explained the Greenway, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Committee helps to provide healthy, safe, and engaged neighborhoods, through partnerships that promote thriving neighborhoods. She stated in 2020 the Greenway Committee became the Greenway, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Committee with a focus on greenways, multimodal transportation and connectivity. Ms. Smith stated the Greenway Committee originated under the Parks and Recreation Department, and she noted the focus changed to include bicyclist, pedestrians, multiple modes of transportation, and improving safety within the rights of ways. She pointed out the Greenway includes connectivity throughout the City. Ms. Smith noted the committee will continue to rely on the Park and Recreation and Public Works Departments to reach its goals and to maintain the facilities it advocates for. She stated the focus will be on greenway expansion, but it will include connecting people through healthier modes of transportation. She indicated due to the expansion of its focus the Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is requesting Council to allow the Transportation Department to take the lead with its advisory board; with continued support from the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments. Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 6 Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 16, Article X oft the Code ofthe City of Salisbury relating to the Greenway Committee. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE X OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 118-120, and is voted AYE. (5-0) SALISBURY RELATING1 TO THE GREENWAY COMMITTEE. known as Ordinance 2024-64.) ROBERTSON EASTERN-GATEWAY PARK FOUNTAIN Public Works Director Chris Tester and Landscape Architect Stephen Brown addressed Council regarding the interim conversion of the Robertson Eastern Gateway Park Fountain, Rebecca, into a planter. Mr. Brown provided a history of the fountain that is located in the Gateway Park at the intersection of] Depot and East Innes Streets. He stated the current fountain isar replica oft the original fountain that resided in the center of town in 1888. He explained the fountain was removed in 1905 and melted for metal during World WarI II. Mr. Brown noted the water lines servicing the fountain are leaking and need to be replaced. He explained the fountain would be shipped tol Robinson Iron in Alabama, the foundry that cast the original statue, for repairs. He pointed out the fountain has not operated in overt two years and there are incidents of vandalism and inappropriate use. He noted the estimated cost to restore the fountain is $55,000 and the estimated cost of reconstructing the plumbing, concrete, seal coating, and the pump is an additional $20,000. He indicated staff has coordinated with Downtown Salisbury, Inc., the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation regarding possible solutions. He added staff recommends an interimi improvement project to convert the: fountain into a planter for the foreseeable future while staff evaluates the options. He pointed out the conversion would cost approximately $2,500 and isr reversable. He stated the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation has agreed to donate $2,500 for the project. City Manager Jim Greene thanked Mr. Tester and Mr. Brown for working with the different community groups, designing the project and completing the work in-house if the project is approved. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield made a motion to approve the interim conversion of the Robertson Eastern-Gateway Park Fountain to a planter and adopt a budget Ordinance Amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $2,500 to appropriate a Public Works donation to be used for the conversion. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY,NORTE CAROLINA TO. APPROPRIATE PUBLIC WORKS DONATION. Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 7 (The above Ordinance isi recorded ini full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 121, and is known as Ordinance 2024-65.) 2024STREET RESURFACING CONTRACT Public Works Director Chris Tester presented the FY 2024-2025 street resurfacing contract to Council for its consideration. He stated in 2022 the City contracted with TransSystems to perform a pavement conditioning survey and to develop a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that would determine the streets to be paved over the next five years. He noted the City is in the fourth year of the plan, and he pointed out last year 8.34 lane miles were paved, which equates to a 25-year cycle. He reviewed the street paving map and list, which includes mill and fill and thin lift options. He explained staffhas worked to reset the degradation curves on paving projects tol help keep the streets up to City standards. Councilmember Post requested clarification regarding thin lift. Mr. Tester explained thin lift is three-quarter of an inch of pavement that is place on top of the asphalt to help reset the degradation curve oft the street. Mr. Tester reviewed the low-bid of $1,069,450, and he added staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to enter into a unit based contract with. JT Russell and Sons, Inc. in the amount of $1,069,450 for street paving in the City. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a unit-based contract with J.T. Russell and Sons, Inc. in the amount of $1,069,450 for street paving. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted. AYE. (5-0) STORMWATER GRANTS Public Works Director Chris Tester introduced Stormwater Program Manager Elise Tellez to Council. Hei noted the Stormwater Grants support the City's Strategic Plan through Sustainable Infrastructure. Ms. Tellez stated the Stormwater Grant program was initiated by Council in 1996 to assist citizens with drainage issues on private property that impact public stormwatersystems. She: stated Council typically allocates $25,000 annually to the program that is administered through an application process that requires three quotes, cost estimates, supporting documents, property surveys or photographs of the affected areas. She added applicants meet with staff regarding the process. She explained the application deadline was September 1, 2024 and two applications were received. Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 8 Ms. Tellez: noted Miracle Church of God applied for $9,937.50 in grant funds for essential environmental improvements. She explained the grant would support the removal of debris and vegetation and the reconstruction of the stream that is causing the Church's basement to flood. She indicated the second grant application is forj private property on Monroe Street ini the amount of $3,750 to address critical drainage issues. She added the grant would be used to replace an underground stormwater culvert built alongside the house and to repair a ditch located at the rear ofthe property. She displayed photographs ofboth properties, and she pointed out the debris and damage to both locations. Mayor Alexander explained the property owneri is required to obtain cost estimates and the City will pay 50% of the eligible cost up to the $25,000 allocated through the grant funding. She added ift the property owner does not have the funding to pay for their halfthey can reach out to a private donor. Ms. Tellez referenced the Miracle Church of God property, and she explained the City is paying 50% as the grant requires and a private anonymous donor is paying 25% of the church's 50% contribution. Ms. Tellez pointed out if Council approves the grant applications there will be funds available if an additional Stormwater grant is needed. Mr. Tester explained applications received from. July 1,2024 until September 1, 2024 are competitive and after September 1, 2024iffunding isavailable the grants are awarded on ai first-come first-serve basis until the funds are expended. Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a stormwater grant agreement with Miracle Church of God in the amount of $9,937.50 or 50% of the actual grant-eligible expenses and adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $5,000 to appropriate a donation to support the required grant match. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE STORMWATER DONATION. (The above Ordinance is recorded ini full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 122, andi is known Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) as Ordinance 2024-66.) Thereupon, Councilmember Smith made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a stormwater grant agreement with Gwinnett Holdings LLC ini the amount of$3,750 or 50% of the actual grant-eligible expenses. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin, Post and Smith voted AYE. (5-0) COUNCIL MEETINGTIMES City Clerk Connie Snyder stated Council previously discussed the possibility of moving one of its regular monthly meetings to an earlier time and it requested staff provide information regarding meeting times for surrounding boards. She added staff reached out to neighboring municipalities and to Rowan County regarding board meeting times. Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 9 Ms. Snyder noted Rowan County meets the first Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. and the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. She added both meetings include public hearings and public comments, and she indicated popular items are placed on the agenda for the 6:00 p.m. meeting which tends to have greater attendance. She stated Kannapolis meets the second Monday ofeach month at 4:30 p.m. for a work session and the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. for a business meeting. She pointed out the work session is typically for discussion items and public hearings, and public comments take place on the fourth Monday of each month. Ms. Snyder explained traditionally in Salisbury no meeting is scheduled for the first week in July due to the July 4th holiday and the first meeting is August is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. SO Council can attend National Night Out events. She commented if Council decides to pursue an earlier meeting time staff would recommend moving the first meeting of the month to 3:00 p.m. which would affect 10 meetings. She added the change could be noted at the December 3, 2024 meeting when Council adopts its regular meeting schedule for 2025 and the changes could go into effect. January 2025. City Manager Jim Greene noted after an earlier meeting that took place on August 3, 2024, Council asked staff to evaluate meeting times and bring the information back fori its consideration. There was discussion among Council who decided to not make a change at this time. Mr. Greene noted staff can follow up with additional information if needed. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT (a) Council Vacancy City Attorney Graham Corriher thanked Councilmember Smith for his service to the City. He reminded Council and the public that a Council vacancy will be created by Mr. Smith's departure and state law says its Council's decision, but it does not provide a process or a timeline. He added the City Charter does not have a provision that provides a more explicit process other than it is Council's decision. He stated staff will assist in any way it can, but the decision is ultimately up to Council. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT he added Mr. Smith will be missed. (a) United Way Campaign City Manager Jim Greene thanked Councilmember Smith for his service to the City, and City Manager Jim Greene noted the City will kick off its United Way campaign which generates approximately $30,000 for United Way. He stated in the past the City has given eight- hour leave days as incentives for the campaign. He noted he would like to continue to do this if Council is agreeable. By consensus, Council agreed. Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 10 (b) Paint the Pavement City Manager Jim Greene asked Planning and Neighborhoods Director Hannah Jacobson to provide an update on Paint the Pavement that is scheduled to take place this weekend. Ms. Jacobson stated five artists were selected to refresh the painted crosswalks located at the intersection of North Lee and East Kerr Streets, and the mid-block crossing at the Rail Walk between the Farmer's Market and the Lee Street Theater. She explained the art installations were selected by the Public Arts Commission and the work will be completed by local artists. Ms. Jacobson explained the event will require some road closures and staff wanted to make sure Council and the public were aware. She stated the road closures will begin Saturday morning, will continue through Sunday and the road will reopen on Monday. COUNCIL COMMNETS Councimember McLaughlin wished Councilmember Smith the best in future endeavors. Councilmember Post noted Councilmember Smith has been the conscience oft the community and he will be missed. Councilmember Smith stated he whenever Council deliberates on an issue regarding the City he asks himself: who isi in thei room, who isi noti ini the room, and how will this decision impact those who may not be in this room. He stated it has been an honor to. serve this community alongside Council and staff. MAYOR PROTEM COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated she met Councilmember Smith in 2013 and they both participated in Citizens Academy in 2015. She added Mr. Smith will be missed, and she thanked him for his work to make the City a better place. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted today is National Voter Registration Day and citizens can go to vote.com to seei if they are registered and determine where they go to vote. She noted every election is important. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated the Waterworks Museum is hosting the Julian and Josie Robertson art collection that includes work by Picasso, Monet, Chagas and Kandinsky and will also include the Boston's Alley exhibit which is a collection of photographs taken in 1937 during the depression era. Salisbury City Council September 17,2024 Page 11 MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS Mayor Alexander thanked Councilmember Smith for his service to the community. (a) Festival de Indepencdencia Latinoamericana Mayor. Alexander invited citizens to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Festival de Indepencdencia Latinoamericana on Saturday, September 21, 2024. from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. at Bell Tower Green Park. This event is free and open to the public and will include latino owned businesses, food trucks, a parade of flags and a variety of live entertainment. For more information call (704)216-PLAY. 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 7:50 p.m. ELAPh Karen K. Alexander, Mayor Couuo Bbuyt Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk Salisbury City Council September 17, 2024 Page 12