Salisbury, North Carolina February 18, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Presiding; Council Members Carlton Jackson, Jr., Harry McLaughlin, Jr. and David Post; 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 Pro Tem Sheffield 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 Jackson made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) OATHS OF OFFICE - MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCILMEMBER City Clerk Connie Snyder administered the Oath of Office of Mayor to Tamara Sheffield as Ms. Marnie Stoker held the Bible. Mayor Sheffield was joined by Ms. Heather DePalma- Spivey, Ms. Robin Rogers, Ms. Hen Henderlite, and Ms. Shari Graham. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 1 City Clerk Connie Snyder administered the Oath of Office of Mayor Pro Tem to Harry McLaughlin as his wife Ms. Lalita McLaughlin held the Bible. Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin was joined by Ms. Shirley McLaughlin, Ms. Caren Lightfoot, Mr. John McLaughlin and Ms. Carolyn McLaughlin. City Clerk Connie Snyder administered the Oath of Office of Councilmember to Susan Kluttz as her husband the honorable William Kluttz held the Bible. Mayor Sheffield welcomed Councilmember Kluttz to Council. Councilmember Kluttz stated the City has been through a devastating loss and she wants to help move the City forward. She thanked everyone for their support. Councilmember Post congratulated Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin, and Councilmember Kluttz on their new appointments. Councilmember Jackson welcomed Councilmember Kluttz to Council. He added she brings a wealth of experience to Council and he is excited to work with her. Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin noted the City has gone through many changes in the last several months, and he pointed out the new Council will work together to achieve Council'sgoals. Mayor Sheffield thanked everyone who has supported Council. She recognized Mayor Alexander's family in the audience, and she thanked them for their continued support. She also recognized Granite Quarry Mayor Brittany Barnhardt and former Mayors Margaret Kluttz, Paul Woodson and Al Heggins who were also in the audience. She added Council will move forward as a collective body with a focus on a Salisbury for all. CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes Approve the Minutes of the regular and special meetings of February 4, 2025. (b) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Plaza Rental Revenue Adopt a Budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $102,000 to appropriate additional Plaza rental revenues. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL RENTAL REVENUES. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 45, and is known as Ordinance 2025-08) Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 2 (c) Budget Ordinance Amendment - Hurley Park Donation Adopt a Budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $39,200 to appropriate a donation to the Parks and Recreation Department for Hurley Park. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A PARKS AND RECREATION DONATION. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 46, and is known as Ordinance 2025-09) (d) Budget Ordinance Amendments - Parks and Recreation Donations Adopt two Budget Ordinance amendments to the FY2024-2025 budget in the total amount of$5,166 to appropriate donations to the Parks and Recreation Department, $4,166 for the Reels and Riffs Summer Concert Series at Bell Tower Green and $1,000 for the Festival de Independencia Latinoamericana. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A PARKS AND RECREATION DONATION. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 47, and is known as Ordinance 2025-10) ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A PARKS AND RECREATION DONATION. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at. Page No. 48, and is known as Ordinance 2025-11) (e) Budget Ordinance Amendments - Parks and Recreation Donations Adopt a Budget Ordinance amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget in the amount of $2,083 to appropriate a donation to the Parks and Recreation Department for the Reels and Riffs Summer Concert Series at Bell Tower Green. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE A PARKS AND RECREATION DONATION. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 49, and is known as Ordinance 2025-12) Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 3 (f) Contract = Martin Starnes and Associates, CPA"s Award a contract to Martin Starnes and Associates, CPA's in the amount of $47,600 for auditing services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. (g) Alley Closing Adopt a Resolution declaring the intent to permanently close an unimproved portion of an alley located off oft the 1000 block of Holmes Avenue and set a public hearing for March 18, 2025. RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO THE PROPOSED CLOSING OF AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF AN ALLEY LOCATED OFF THE 1000 BLOCK OF HOLMES AVENUE. (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 9, and is known as Resolution 2025-07.) (h) Update - Job and Pay Classification System Approve an update to the job and pay classification system to add two new positions for Salisbury-Rowan Utilities. (i) Parking Ordinance Adopt an Ordinance to amend Chapter 13, Article X, Section 13-338 of the City Code as it relates to parking on the north side of West Fisher Street from Ellis to Fulton Streets to no parking at any time and from Church to South Jackson Streets to allow parking. And (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 50, and is known as Ordinance 2025-13) () Light Transit Vehicle Purchase Approve the purchase of one light transit vehicle to replace one transit bus at a total cost of$180,000. This vehicle will be purchased from a state contract and is included in the FY2024- 2025 budget. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin and Councilmembers Jackson, Kluttz and Post voted AYE. (5-0) PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Sheffield opened the floor to receive public comment. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 4 Mr. John Henderlite addressed Council regarding House Bill 12 which would eliminate daylight savings time. He asked Council to do what it can to help keep daylight savings time in place. Mr. Tim Norris stated he lives on Sell Road in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) district. He expressed concerns about the traffic that will be created by the proposed development on Sells Road. He requested a traffic analysis be conducted to include surrounding neighborhoods. Ms. Leigh Ann Norris stated she also lives on Sells Road and will be directly impacted by the proposed development and the traffic it will bring to the area. She requested a comprehensive traffic study be conducted that will include Sells Road and the surrounding community. Mr. Karl Arthur noted the proposed development on Sells Road will have a major impact on the neighborhoods and adjacent roads including Highway 601. He requested the City conduct at traffic study and determine options for the area. Ms. Mary Arthur agreed with Mr. Karl Arthur. Mr. Michael Kirksey stated on February 13, 2025 shot were fired into his home. He referenced crime in the area, and he requested funds from the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) grant be used to install cameras in the West End. There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Sheffield closed the public comment session. Mayor Sheffield asked City Manager Jim Greene to address the issues raised during public comment. Mr. Greene noted the Sells Road property was annexed into the City at Council's February 4, 2025 meeting, and he indicated the proposed development can take place by right. He stated staff will reach out to the speakers to provide additional information. Transportation Director Wendy Brindle stated Sells Road is maintained by the North Carolina Department ofTransportation (NCDOT) and is located in the City's ETJ. She noted the development in question is did not trigger NCDOT or City requirements for a full traffic impact analysis. She added several years ago a preliminary study was conducted and the data was reviewed by Traffic Engineer Victoria Trexler. She explained the impact of the school drop off has not been considered, and she noted staff will work with NCDOT regarding the issue. She indicated NCDOT may have funds available to study school queuing. Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin asked if there is a process to consider the school drop off. Ms. Brindle noted staff can complete an inhouse study and provide the data to NCDOT. Councilmember. Jackson askedifthe proposed development will require deacceleration lanes. Ms. Brindle noted she is not aware of NCDOT placing de-acceleration requirements on the development. Councilmember Post requested clarification regarding the number oftrips per day that will be generated by the new development. Ms. Brindle noted the development is expected to have 94 single-family homes. Sheindicated the development will generate about 950 vehicle trips per day. She explained the metric used to calculate the vehicle trips per day is based on the Institute of Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 5 Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 11th edition, and based on this data, one home will generate approximately 10 trips per day. Mr. Greene noted staff will continue to work with NCDOT regarding the traffic issues. He added the Police Department continues to look for opportunities to place additional cameras in the West End and other areas ofthe City. He stated Police Chief Patrick Smith is aware of the crime conçerns in the West End and is working closely with Mr. Kirksey. LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT - CHPATERSZ3IIAND 18 Land and Development Services Director Phillip Lookadoo asked Council to consider a text amendment to the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) to amend Chapters 2, 3, 11 and 18 regarding outdoor athletic facilities which addresses: Size o Restricted to stadiums and ball fields with a seating capacity of up to 10,000 seats Height: o Bleachers stands, backstop and walls shall not exceed 76 feet in height o Fences shall not exceed 10 feet in height Outdoor lighting used to eliminate the fields shall not exceed 170 feet in height Mr. Lookadoo reviewed staff recommendations to Chapter 2 which would allow outdoor athletic facilities in General Residential (GR)and Community Institution (CI) zoning districts. He noted the standards to be considered include size, setback, height, access, parking and lighting. He stated the recommendation keeps the size restriction to 10,000 seats. He noted staff proposed a 25-foot setback from all property lines that would include a height requirement. He pointed out the expansion of those uses defined as outdoor athletic facilities and in existence prior to February 18, 2025 shall not be subject to the 25-foot setback requirement. He explained the 25-foot setback would be for new facilities and at the 25-foot setback line there would be a height maximum of 35-feet that would progress to maximum height of 100 feet. He added the goal is to maintain the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Lookadoo stated each new facility must have access on a major or minor thoroughfare. He indicated a provision was added for existing facilities that the maximum distance from a thoroughfare or collector street shall not exceed 1,600 feet. He indicated practice fields are not required to meet the requirements. He pointed out all sites containing athletic facilities will require a 20-foot wide opaque buffer when there is an adjacent residential land use. Mr. Lookadoo referenced parking, and he noted a minimum of one parking space will be required for every five stadium seats with a maximum of one parking space for every two seats. He indicated a minimum 5% of vehicle parking spaces provided will be required for bicycle parking spaces. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 6 Mr. Lookadoo explained there are outdoor athletic facilities in the GR zoning district sO provisions were added to allow those facilities to expand. He pointed out no new facilities can be built in the GR zoning district, SO a new facility would require a rezoning. He referenced lighting, and he indicated the mounting heights for the outdoor recreational facilities shall be unlimited. He stated the lighting should be aimed toward the primary playing area. He stated Chapter 18 which defines outdoor athletic facilities, removes ball fields and tennis courts from the definition. Mr. Lookadoo noted the Technical Review Committee (TRC) reviewed the request at its January 16, 2025 meeting and recommended changes. He added the Planning Board reviewed the request at its January 28, 2025 meeting and found it to be consistent with the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan and voted six to one to recommend approval subject to the removal of the 25-foot setback requirement for outdoor athletic facilities existing as of February 18, 2025. Councilmember Post asked if Catawba College supports the proposed text amendment. Mr. Lookadoo agreed. Mayor Sheffield noted staffhas reached out to Salisbury High School and Livingstone College. Mr. Lookadoo agreed, and he stated an email regarding the proposed changes was sent to all the schools in the City. Mayor Sheffield convened a public hearing, after due notice regarding the proposed text amendment. Ms. Leigh Prince, Land Use Attorney representing Catawba College, stated Catawba College requests Council support the proposed text amendment as modified by the Planning Board. There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield closed the public hearing. Councilmember Post stated the City Council hereby finds and determines that adoption of an Ordinance amending Chapters 2, 3, 11, and 18 oft the Land Development Ordinance ofthe City of Salisbury, North Carolina as recommended by the Planning Board and underlined or stricken herein, is reasonable, in the public interest, and is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Thereupon, Mr. Post made a motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapters 2, 3, 11, and 18 ofthe Land Development Ordinance oft the City of Salisbury, North Carolina. Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin and Councilmembers Jackson, Kluttz and Post voted AYE. (5-0) ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 2, 3, 11, AND 18 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA. (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 51-59, and is known as Ordinance 2025-14) Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 7 SUPPLEMENTATL AGREEMENT - NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Transportation Directors Wendy Brindle and Jared Mathis addressed Council regarding a Supplemental Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to adjust funding for Project C-5603H, sidewalk on Brenner Avenue between Statesville Boulevard and Horah Street and intersection improvements at Brenner and Link Avenues. Ms. Brindle explained the project was impacted by COVID and has incurred cost increases. Mr. Mathis referenced the Strategic Plan, and he noted the key focus area is Sustainable Infrastructure. He stated the project is located directly across from the VA Hospital and consists ofapproximately 3,000 linear feet ofs sidewalk to include necessary drainage, curb and gutter along Brenner Avenue. Hei noted the project will also include left turn lanes at the intersection ofBrenner and Line avenues and pedestrian improvements. Mr. Mathis reviewed the funding history, and he stated the original agreement took place July 2018 and the total cost oft the project was $760,000. He noted in May 2024 Council adopted a Resolution to reallocate funding from Project BL-0034, sidewalk on Jake Alexander Boulevard, in the amount of $845,000, of which 80% or $676,000 consists of federal funding and 20% or $169,000 is the required local match. He pointed out $381,250 from the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) will be used to cover the remaining costs for utilities and construction with 80% federal funding and a required 20% local match. He noted the total cost of the project is $1.9 million with a local match of$397,2 250. He: indicated $173,000 has been used to cover preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition. Ms. Brindle pointed out funding for the project is included in the current year's budget. Councilmember Jackson asked how the existing electrical infrastructure will be impacted by the installation of sidewalk on Brenner Avenue. Ms. Brindle stated utility coordination was considered in the plan design and will include the relocation of a few utility poles. Thereupon, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a Supplemental Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to adjust funding for Project C-5603H, sidewalk on Brenner Avenue between Statesville Boulevard and Horah Street and intersection improvements at Brenner and Link Avenues. Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin and Councilmembers Jackson, Kluttz and Post voted AYE. (5-0) TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY DRAFT Transportation Director Jared Mathis and Traffic Engineer Victoria Trexler presented a draft of the Traffic Calming Policy to Council. Mr. Mathis noted the policy is intended to create safe streets, reduce thoroughfare traffic and speeding while also guiding staff' S response to traffic calming requests. He stated the policy identifies a process for citizens to request an evaluation for traffic calming on a neighborhood street. He explained the policy incorporates non-physical measures of education and enforcement and physical measures such as engineering devices to address neighborhood traffic issues. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 8 Mr. Mathis noted the proposed policy addresses local streets. He stated local streets have public rights-of-ways that have been dedicated and accepted for vehicular traffic by the City and provide access for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic to residences and some businesses. He added that North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) maintained roadways and private streets or alleys will not be covered under the policy. Mr. Mathis explained to qualify for a traffic calming evaluation, all necessary warrants must be met. He reviewed the warrants which state the street must be: City-maintained A two-lane residential street Classified as a thoroughfare The posted speed limit must be 35 mph or less There must have been at least two years since an application for any traffic calming measure was denied or has become void It must be at least two years since a traffic calming measure was implemented or removed from the street Mr. Mathis reviewed the procedure for initiating a traffic calming evaluation request. He explained that the City must receive a petition that is signed by at least 75% of the property owners on the affected street(s). He added once the petition is verified, staff will collect and analyze data and prioritize the request utilizing a ranking system for traffic calming projects. He stated after evaluating and ranking the request, a final recommendation will be presented to Council. Mr. Mathis reviewed potential funding options for traffic calming projects which include the use of City general operating funds, implementation of special assessments and private funding. He explained if a project is recommended for private funding, the applicant will be responsible for raising 90% of the estimated costs and 100% of the contract quote/bid within 30 days of receipt. Councilmember Post asked if a resident who wanted a speedbump on their street could pay for the speedbump themselves. Mr. Mathis confirmed the residents could pay for the speed bump themselves if the request is approved by Council. Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin asked if the City is responsible for the maintenance of privately funded traffic calming devices. Mr. Mathis stated that the City would incur most of the maintenance costs. Councilmember Post asked about the criteria required for Council to approve a traffic calming request. Mr. Mathis explained that Council has the authority to approve requests, but the request must meet all necessary warrants. City Manager Jim Greene added each request would be evaluated in terms of public safety. Councilmember Kluttz raised concerns about speedbumps, noting that they can create issues for emergency vehicles. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 9 Councilmember Jackson asked whether the traffic calming devices installed on Sunset Drive underwent a similar approval process. Transportation Director Wendy Brindle explained that Sunset Drive was included in a pilot project to install traffic calming devices and assess their effectiveness. Mr. Mathis reviewed effective traffic calming measures and noted the following are not traffic calming measures: "children at play" signs, stop signs, and traffic signals. He stated traffic calming engineering devices include speed tables, raised crosswalks, speed cushions, speed humps, bulb-outs, median islands, chicanes, and residential traffic circles. Mr. Mathis stated once the project is approved by Council, staff would complete the detailed design, specifications, and an updated cost estimate. He noted that the final plans would be reviewed by the Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Planning Services, Transit, and representatives from the neighborhood. He added the design and construction phase could take up to 12 months. Mayor Sheffield asked about the public comment period for the Traffic Calming Policy draft. Mr. Mathis stated public comment is open for 14 and citizens can submit feedback on the City'swebsite. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (a) Weather Update City Manager Jim Greene invited Public Works Director Chris Tester and Fire Chief Bob Parnell to provide an update on the possibility of winter weather. Chief Parnell stated staff is assessing the potential impact of winter weather and will continue to monitor the weather radar for any updates. Public Works Director Chris Tester stated the Public Works Department applied 1,600 pounds of salt brine to the roadways in preparation for potential winter weather. He noted additional equipment and vehicles are ready to go. (b) Federal Government Changes City Manager Jim Greene announced that the federal government is retracting the HOME grant for the City in the amount $725,000 which will impact projects such as Kesler Mill. He stated staff will explore other funding sources for the Kesler Mill site and is excited to receive proposals for the project. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Kluttz stated she is honored to serve on Council. Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 10 Councilmember Post congratulated Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin, and Councilmember Kluttz. He stated he is looking forward to serving with them. He also thanked staff for its preparation for the upcoming winter weather. MAYOR PRO TEM COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin congratulated Mayor Sheffield and Councilmember Kluttz. He stated he looks forward to working with Council to continue moving the City forward. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS (a) We Dig Salisbury Mayor Sheffield announced the Community Appearance Commission and the Tree Board will host the 4th We Dig Salisbury event on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Miller Recreation Center, located at 1402 West Bank Street. The event will include demonstrations on tree planting and pruning techniques, educational booths, raffle prizes, and residents mayi leave with a redwood or dogwood tree. For more information contact Alyssa Nelson at 704-638-5235. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made. by Councilmember Post. Mayor Sheffield, Mayor Pro Tem McLaughlin and Councilmembers Jackson, Kluttz and Post voted AYE. (5-0) The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Jaman SYLW Tamara SheffielMayor Couue bbuc Connie B. Snyder, City Clèrk Salisbury City Council February 18, 2025 Page 11