Salisbury, North Carolina October 15, 2024  REGULAR MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield: Presiding, Council Members Harry McLaughlin  and David Post; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr. City Clerk Connie B. Snyder; and  City Attorney J. Graham Corriher.  ABSENT: Absent Mayor Kare K. Alexander.  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 Pro Tem Sheffield led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States  flag.  ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (3-0)  UPDATE-I HEALTH AND WELLNESS OLYMPICS  Administrative Specialist Claire Karriker provided an update on the employee Health and Wellness Olympics which was led by the Health and Wellness Committee. She explained departments were divided into four teams and the challenge focused on physical and mental health. She stated employees received points for a physical activity, an activity that enhanced their well-  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page I    being and mental health, attending a financial planning seminar, and collaborating with the other departments on their teams. She indicated a food drive was held as part of the Olympics and employees donated a total of 1,863 items which equaled 1,983 pounds of canned food to Rowan Helping Ministries. She added teams were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals and the overall  winner, the Yellow Team, was awarded the Salisbury Cup.  Council thanked Ms. Karriker, the Health and Wellness Committee, and staff for its participation in the Health and Wellness Olympics. Council emphasized the importance of  employees' physical and mental health.  PROCLAMATIONS  Mayor to proclaim the following observances:  WORLD POLIO DAY RED RIBBON WEEK MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY  October 15,2024 October 23-31,2024 October 26, 2024  CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes  Approve the Minutes ofthe regular meetings of September 17, 2024 and October1,2024.  (b) Budyet Ordinance Amendment - College Night Out  Adopt a budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $1,618 to appropriate a sponsorshp/donation to Downtown Development Department for the ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE COLLEGE NIGHT OUT (The above Ordinance is recorded ini full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 125, and is known  College Night Out event.  DONATIONS.  as Ordinance 2024-69)  (c) Agreements - North Carolina Department of Transportation  Council to authorize the Transportation Director to execute agreements with the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding the maintenance of signs (Schedule A). of markings and markers (Schedule B), of traffic signals (Schedule C), and of the computerized  traffic signal system (Schedule D).  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page 2    (d) Right-of-Way Encroachment- - AT&T  Approve a right-of-way encroachment by AT&T for the installation of under- ground fiber within the rights-of-way of Lash Drive in accordance with Section 11-24(27) of the City  Code.  (e) Voluntary Annexation - 1795 Faith Road  Receive a request for the voluntary annexation of Tax Map 064 Parcel 222, 3.206 acres, located at 1795 Faith Road, and adopt a Resolution instructing the City Clerk to investigate the RESOLUTIONI DIRECTINGTHECITYCLERK TOINVESTIGATE A PETITION RECEIVED UNDER G.S. 160A-58.1, FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF TAX MAP 064 PARCEL (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 39, and is known  sufficiency oft the request.  222, 3.206 ACRES LOCATED AT 1795 FAITH ROAD.  as Resolution 2024-28.)  Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and  Post voted AYE. (3-0) PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield opened the floor to receive public comment.  Ms. Kristen Estepp Project Director for Youth Substance Use Prevention (YSUP) Rowan thanked Council for issuing the Red Ribbon Week Proclamation and for its dedication to the youth  of Salisbury.  Mr. John Martin spoke in opposition to executing a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds for the  Multi-Modal Depot Project.  Ms. Kimberly Stieg delivered a statement on behalf oft the Historic Salisbury Foundation Board ofTrustees regarding agenda item 11 referencing the Multi-Modal Depot project. There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield closed the public  comment session.  VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION. - 2800 WOODLEAF ROAD  This item was withdrawn by the petitioner and not heard by Council.  Salisbury City Council  October 15,2024  Page 3    LOCAL ASSISTANCE FOR STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS  GRANT  Stormwater Program Manager Elise Tellez addressed Council regarding the City's receipt ofal Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments (LASII) grant totaling $400,000 for stormwater services. She noted the grant is funded by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). She explained that the project will support the updated Stormwater Master Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, and inventory and condition assessments. She added staffiscollaborating with the civil and environmental engineering firm WithersRavenel. Ms. Tellez explained the grant is divided into phases and neighborhoods in Memorial Park and Eaman Park have been selected for surveying. She reviewed the steps following the inventory and assessment of current infrastructure which includes compiling and analyzing the assessment results. She noted once staff receives feedback from NCDEQ, it will present a report to Council.  She stated staff plans to have all documentation completed by July 2026.  Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City's acceptance of a Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments grant in the amount of $400,000 for Stormwater Services. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ACCEPTANCE OF A LOCAL ASSISTANCE FOR STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 40, and is known  McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (3-0)  $400,000 FOR STORMWATER SERVICES.  as Resolution 2024-29.)  Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt a Project Grant Ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (3-0)  GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE. known as Ordinance 2024-70)  (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 126-127, and is  Thereupon, Councilmember Post motion to adopt Ordinance amending the 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance of the City of Salisbury, North Carolina in the amount of $400,000 to appropriate a Stormwater Grant. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000 TO APPROPRIATE A  Post voted AYE. (3-0)  STORMWATER GRANT.  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page 4    (The above Ordinance is recorded ini full in Ordinance Book No. 32 at Page No. 128, and is known  as Ordinance 2024-71)  MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT - CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY  FUNDS  Transportation Director Wendy Brindle addressed Council regarding a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds for the Multi-Modal Depot Project which aligns with  the City's Strategic Plan key focus area of Sustainable Infrastructure.  Ms. Brindle explained in 2009 the City partnered with NCDOT to build a pedestrian platform at the Depot on the west side oft the train tracks that allowed Amtrak to expand its services. She stated the current project in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Project P- 5726, proposes a second platform on the east side of the tracks and an access tunnel underneath the tracks and the canopy. She noted the cost oft the project is approximately $16 million and the City's portion is $780,000. She pointed out NCDOT has purchased the right-of-way from the Historic Salisbury Foundation (HSF) for the project which is currently on hold.  Ms. Brindle stated Salisbury was selected as ai municipal project sponsor to apply for funds regarding a study of passenger route service to western North Carolina. She explained $500,000 was awarded for the study and the total cost of the project is estimated to be $665 million. She stated the City would be a hub for the project, and she referenced a 2045 target ridership analysis that estimates 290,000 connecting trips and 100,000 local trips will take place annually. She added the City applied for CMAQ funds in 2022 which seeks to increase ridership and reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles by expanding the waiting room and providing other forms of transportation to and from the Depot. She stated the City's application was supported by the Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the NCDOT Rails Division. Ms. Brindle explained implementation of the final project requires a municipal agreement between NCDOT and the City that would outline the federal grant requirements. She reviewed project funding sources, and she referenced a $3.2 million STIP project for site improvements around the Depot that requires a $320,000 local match and $8.5 million in statewide CMAQ funds for building improvements that will require a match of $1.7 million from the STIP project. She clarifiedthe City'sinvestment is $320,000andi the total project cost is estimated tol be $11.7million which includes acquisition and renovation oft the Depot and site improvements.  Ms. Brindle stated due to increased ridership and the proposed Amtrak expansion NCDOT looked at a connectivity study and a station improvement study. She noted the station improvement study was conducted in 20181 by Moffitt andl Nickel and Capital Building consultants who reviewed the building and provided an estimate for the renovations that was used for the CMAQ application. She reviewed the concept plan which proposes to convert the Grand Hall back to a passenger  waiting room and to restore the ticket office and baggage claim.  Salisbury City Council  October 15,2 2024  Page 5    Ms. Brindle indicated the connectivity study was conducted by NCDOT using at third party and it noted that better connections would increase the station use and enhance the operational characteristics of the facility by allowing multiple modes of transportation in one location. She pointed out changes to the street in front of the Depot that would add pedestrian amenities, accommodate local and long-distance bus service, enhance pedestrian and bicycle amenities and allow for private providers such as Lyft and Uber. She stated the multi-modal project should:  Enhance the community by preserving, restoring and improving the Depot Provide ai multi-modal center for convenient, direct and safe transportation choices Promote future development opportunities and be the centerpiece of public and private Ms. Brindle noted before the City can use the federal funds it must execute the municipal  Contribute to an expansion in tourism and entertainment  partnerships near the Depot  agreement. She stated once the agreement is executed:  Acquisition, design and construction of the Depot can take place Allocation of Fund Balance to cover City's portion as the project progresses $2.9 million is budgeted in the current fiscal year Capital Projects Ordinance forthcoming to set up a Capital Projects Fund City is responsible for $320,000 plus any costs exceeding the available CMAQ  grant and state funds  Councilmember McLaughlin noted the City must own the Depot to receive the grant funding. Ms. Brindle explained in order to receive the grant funding the City will need to have control ofthe Depot inj perpetuity. Mr. McLaughlin noted no other entity can receive the grant, it must come through the City. Ms. Brindle stated the City cannot transferthe grant to another entity. Councilmember Post pointed out the concept of an east west corridor has been considered fori many years. Ms. Brindle agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield indicated the municipal agreement isaf first stepi in the second platform project and the railroad connectivity to the western part ofthe state. Ms. Brindle agreed, and she explained executing the municipal agreement would start the process for the multi-modal hub. She pointed out the City must authorize funds for everything it does and it cannot begin negotiations regarding acquisition of the Depot until the funds are authorized ifit wants to receive reimbursement. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield clarified the proposed municipal agreement does not mean the City has reached an agreement with the HSF, and she added this is the first step toward a project that will preserve the Depot. Ms. Brindle agreed, and she added once the municipal agreement is executed there is a five-year window to complete the  project.  Thereupon, Councilmember McLaughlin made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a municipal agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds in the amount of $8,520,440 with a corresponding local match of $320,000 and state funds of$2,879,560 for the Multi-Modal Depot project. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (3-0)  Salisbury City Council  October 15,2024  Page 6    RIGHT-OF-WAY ENCROACHMENT-I MCNC  Traffic Engineering Coordinator Vickie Eddleman explained the MCNC Hero Project will install 209 miles of fiber optic pathways as a statewide project. She noted a right-of-way encroachment is needed for the project, and she reviewed the roads in which the fiber will be  installed.  Ms. Eddleman pointed out the project is federally funded and will provide technology and security services to school systems and government and commercial entities. She added the project will include the installation oft fiber optic utility in areas where gaps exist with a primary goal to connect the school system and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She noted MCNC isan non-profit organization who has allowed their partner, Education, Community and Corporate (ECC)Technology to sell fiber connections to commercial entities where technology options are  limited.  Ms. Eddleman commented MCNC provided detailed maps showing there are no potential conflicts with City infrastructure and the company also provided a $20,000 bond to ensure any damages would be repaired. She added there is an estimated six-week construction timeline and MCNC will work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)  regarding rights-of-ways and crossing railroad tracks.  MCNC Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Client Advocacy James Nestor explained the Hero Project stands for Highspeed Economies for Rural Opportunity, and will extend the network 209 miles through twostrategic routes, one from Winston Salem to Albemarle and one from Stanford to Jacksonville. He noted MCNC received $11.2 million from the Department of Commerce and contributions from the Golden Leaf Foundation for the project. He explained the intent is not to compete with current providers, but to facilitate connectivity,  expansions and enhancements to the education community.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked MCNC fort their work and welcomed them to the City. Councilmember McLaughlin asked ifcitizens would be impacted and how they will be informed. Mr. Nestor pointed out citizens may experience a minor traffic inconvenience, but ample notice  will be provided.  Mr. Greene clarified MCNC focuses on rural areas and education, and Salisbury is the connection point to other routes. MCNC ChiefOperating Officer Tommy Jacobson agreed, and he noted the goal is to connect all 58 community colleges directly to the NCREN network. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to approvea a Right-of-Way encroachment for MCNC for the installation of fiber within the rights-of-way of Old Concord Road, Jake Alexander Boulevard South, East Innes Street, North Main Street, North Long Street, Horah Street and Rowan Tech Road in accordance with Section 11-24(27)oft the City Code, subject to approval by the North Carolina Department ofl Transportation and applicable Railroad entities. Mayor Pro  Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (3-0)  Salisbury City Council  October 15,2 2024  Page 7    BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Public Arts Commission  Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post voting AYE, the following appointment was made to the  Public Arts Commission to fill an unexpired term:  Mr. William BainJones, Jr.  Term Expires 3/31/2027  CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS (a) LeafCollection Update  City Manager Jim Greene asked Public Works Director Chris Tester to provide a leaf Mr. Tester pointed out leaf collection takes place in the City from October 7, 2024 through March 17,2024. He explained loose leaves should be placed behind the curb or sidewalk by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday morning of a customer's regular pick up week. He added there needs to be a three-foot clearance of leaf piles, mailboxes and cars to allow room for pick up, and the piles should be no more than five-feet deep consisting of only leaves, no sticks, limbs, or grass. He  collection update and to remind citizens ofthe process and rules ofleaf pick up.  added al leafc collection schedule is available at alsburync-govleat.  (b) Customer Service Video  City Manager Jim Greene introduced Assistant City Manager Kelly Baker, who is also serving as interim Communications Director. He noted Customer Service Week was recognized last week and the Communications Department put together a video to recognize and thank  employees for the excellent customer service they provide each day.  Ms. Baker thanked Internal Communications Coordination Kaisha Brown and Video Administrator Jason Parks for their work on the video. She noted it was important to showcase stafft throughout the City for the exceptional customer service they provide to the community. She shared the customer: service week video which speaks to the City's core values shown and adopted  in the Strategic Plan.  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield noted it was great to see customer service across the City represented in the video. She thanked Ms. Baker, Mr. Greene and the employees for all they do  for the City.  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page 8    COUNCIL COMMNETS  Councilmember Post commented the Customer Service Department does a great job assisting with water or sewer issues citizens may have. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield pointed out Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU) has an "Eye on Water" app to help citizens monitor their water  usage, and she noted it detects and notifies customers ofa water leak. customer service, and he thanked employees for all they do for the City.  Councilmember McLaughlin commented as a business person you have to appreciate  MAYOR PROTEM COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield stated the outpouring of concern and support for Mayor Alexander has been overwhelming. and she thanked the community for its continued support.  ANOASANOINCANINIRAND COMMENTS (a) Cultivating Community Conversations  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield announced Rufty Holmes Senior Center will partner with the Police Department to host Cultivating Community Conversations on Thursday, October 17th at 11:30 a.m. at City Park Recreation Center. A second Cultivating Community Conversations will take place on Tuesday, October 29th at 5:30 p.m. at City Park in partnership with Salisbury Pride and the Police Department. For additional information please call (704)638-5220.  (b)  BlockWork  Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield announced the 14th annual BlockWork neighborhood improvement project will take place Saturday, October 26th in the 1100 and 1200 blocks ofWest Horah Street. The Community Appearance Commission and Housing Advocacy Commission are seeking volunteers to help with exterior home repairs. T-shirts, gloves, meals and drinks will be provided. Sign up to volunteer by visiting: wcaAlspewARduaN by Friday, October  18th.  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page 9    ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember McLaughlin. Mayor Pro Tem  Sheffield, and Councilmembers McLaughlin and Post. (3-0) The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.  -  Karen K. Alexander, Mayor  Coilo B5uuchs Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  October 15, 2024  Page 10