MIINUTES OF MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SANFORD, NORTH CAROLINA The City Council met at the Sanford Municipal Center, 225 E. Weatherspoon Street, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in Council Chambers. The following people were present: Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon Mayor Pro Tem Mark Akinosho Council Member Byron Buckels Council Member Jean Dabbs Council Member Walter Ferguson Council Member Linda Rhodes Council Member Charles Taylor Council Member James Williams City Manager Hal Hegwer City Attorney Susan Patterson City Clerk Bonnie Bryant Deputy City Clerk Vicki Cannady CALLTO ORDER Mayor Salmon called the meeting to order. Council Member Dabbs led the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. APPROVALOF AGENDA Mayor Salmon requested that an item be added under New Business as Item 8-C, "Consider Ordinance Amending the Annual Operating Budget (Public Building). ? Council Member Rhodes made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Akinosho, the motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Professional Services Agreement with Freese and Nichols. Inc... for Pittsboro Lift Station and Force Main (Exhibit A) Resolution by City of Sanford - TriRiver Water - Siler City Lead Service Line Inventory (Exhibit B) Resolutionl by City ofSanford - TriRiver Water - Chatham County Lead Service Line Inventory (Exhibit C) Council Member Ferguson made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Council Member Dabbs, the motion carried unanimously. SPECIAL AGENDA Recognition of Sanford 101 Participants (Exhibit D) Mayor Salmon thanked those who participated in the most recent session of Sanford 101 (listed on Exhibit D) and Public Information Officer Jessica Wess played a video recap of this session's highlights. Mayor Salmon presented certificates and keys to the City to each participant and encouraged anyone interested to apply for the next session. REGULAR AGENDA There were no items on the regular agenda. NEW BUSINESS Grant Project Ordinance Amendment - Siler City Wastewater Improvements (Exhibit E) Paul Weeks, TriRiver Water Executive Director ofUtilities, explained that this item encompasses two projects, one: a 32"interceptor (anticipated to be completed in June) and the Wastewateri improvement plan. The contractor for this project is Shook, and the anticipated completion date is in the first quarter of City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 2027. This ordinance, if approved, would move funds from the debt issuance to the Siler City Wastewater Improvements account, in the amount of $4,450,391 for this work and future change orders. Council Member Rhodes made a motion to approve the Grant Project Ordinance Amendment = Siler City Wastewater Improvements. Seconded by Council Member Williams, the motion carried unanimously. Resolution of the Sanford City Council Decreasing the Membership of the Sanford Housing Authority (Exhibit F) City Attorney Susan Patterson explained that this resolution would reduce the current membership ofthe Sanford Housing Authority Board from seven members to five members. Mayor Salmon explained that Council believed this would better position the board for efficiency and it is in the purview ofCouncil to make this change. Council Member Buckels noted that the board membership was previously increased from five to seven and questioned whether this reduction is necessary at this time since the Sanford Housing Authority has a new CEO. He suggested that board members who are not attending the meetings should be removed and he noted that he is not in favor of reducing the board membership from seven to five members. The current seven-member board provides a better opportunity for individuals to serve. Council Member Taylor stated that Council voted to increase the board membership from five to seven members in 2014, not in order to provide opportunities for people to apply but to assist with the hiring of the director at the time. Mayor Salmon encouraged anyone interested in serving, including current board members, to apply. Council Member Rhodes stated that she supports this resolution since she believes it is a step toward assisting the Sanford Housing Authority board to be more effective in doing the good work they do, and strengthening the board. Council Member Dabbs made a motion to approve the Resolution of the Sanford City Council Decreasing the Membership of the Sanford Housing Authority. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Akinosho, the motion carried by a vote of six to one, with Council Member Buckels casting the dissenting vote. Ordinance Amending the Annual Operating Budget (Public Building) (Exhibit G) Assistant City Manager Beth Kelly explained that this ordinance allocates funds for the purchase of! property. Council Member Buckels made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Council Member Rhodes, the motion carried unanimously. CLOSED SESSION Council Member Rhodes made a motion to go into closed session in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-318.11()(), to prevent the disclosure ofi information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or the United States or not considered a public record within the meaning ofChapter 132 of the General Statutes; and (3), to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. Seconded by Council Member Dabbs, the motion carried unanimously. RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION Council returned to regular session at 6:03 p.m. CASES FOR PUBLIC HEARING (held jointly with the Planning Board at 6 p.m.) Application by Mark Lyczkowski to amend the Burns Towns Conditional Zoning District to allow the redesign of the townhome community subject property on the east side of Burns Drive to include road realignment. adding an off-street parking area, and adding four townhome lots/units. The proposed 2 City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 redesign affects one ofthe two parcels included in the overall 7.11 +/- acre project site zoned Burns Towns Conditional Zoning District. All other conditions included in the original 2022 site plan/subdivision plan conditional zoning approval shall remain unchanged. The subject property is a 3.3-acre vacant tract of land located in the southeastern corner of Burns Drive and Friars Drive, owned by Burns Drive. LLC, and is identified as Lee County tax parcel 9643-57-6362-00 as depicted on Tax Map 9643.02. The proposed amended zoning district would be referenced as Burns Towns Conditional Zoning District, Amendment #1 (Exhibit H). Mayor Salmon called the public hearing to order. Senior Planner Amy McNeill reviewed information on this rezoning request (Exhibit G) and explained that Mark Lyczkowski has requested to amend the Burns Towns Conditional Zoning District to allow the redesign of the road realignment on the east side, adding a six-phase parking area, and adding four townhome lots/units, which will be a total of44 units. The subject property proposed to be amended consists of3.3 acres at the intersection of Friars and Burns Drive. She noted that this proposal conforms to the Plan SanLee Land Use Plan. She added that as part of the original 2022 approval, the applicant agreed to incorporate several conditions (as described in the exhibit) into the design as requested by the adjoining property owners and they will remain in effect if this request is approved; therefore, staff is supportive of this request. Mark Lyczkowski, 1500 Stoneridge Road, Sanford, stated the conditions previously approved have not been modified. The main reason for the redesign is to allow an alleyway, parallel to Duke Energy easement. If approved, this amendment will allow additional parking for townhomes. He confirmed a neighborhood meeting was held and he was the only one who attended. With no other speakers, Mayor Salmon closed the public hearing. Application by 2MM. LLC, to rezone vacant land with frontage on Cool Springs Road (SR 1325) from Rural Neighborhood (RN-20) to Suburban Neighborhood-Low. (SN-12) to allow the development ofa residential subdivision with a minimum lot size of 12.000sf. The subject property is a U-shaped 3.37-acre +/- tract of land that surrounds 602 Cool Springs Road (between 610 and 510 Cool Springs Road) and adjoins the western terminus of Pebblebrook Drive within the Bellaire subdivision. It is owned by 2MM, LLCandi identified as] Lee County Tax Parcel 9632-48-4424-00: as depicted on Tax Map 9632.01 (Exhibit I). Mayor Salmon called the public hearing to order. Senior Planner Amy McNeill reviewed information on this request (Exhibit H) and reiterated that this request is to rezone vacant land with frontage on Cool Springs Road and Pebblebrook Drive from Rural Neighborhood RN20, which required a 20,000 square foot minimum lot size to Suburban Neighborhood Low SN12 to allow development of a residential subdivision with a minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet. This is a standard general use rezoning request, as opposed to a Conditional Rezoning request; therefore, no site plan, subdivision plan nor building plans are required as part of the rezoning request submittal. This property adjoins the western terminus of Pebblebrook Drive, within the Bellaire Subdivision. The adjoining zoning to the north, south, east, and west is Rural Neighborhood RN20 and the adjoining land uses are single-family homes. The Plan SanLee Long-Range Land Use Plan identifies this property as Suburban Neighborhood, which encourages the development of large-scale residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of a core-urbanized area. Staffis supportive of this request because it will allow the development of the site in a manner that aligns with the Suburban Neighborhood designation per the Plan SanLee Long Range Plan Use Plan. She explained that if the developer chose to, they could reconfigure the lots to a larger size, as long as the minimum 12,000 square foot was satisfied. 3 City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 Applicant representative Martha Bright, of2305 Carthage Street, Sanford, North Carolina, stated that she is the Civil Engineer for this project, and explained that the owner is planning between eight to ten lots with homes 2,400 to 2,800 square feet, using stone and hard plank façade to blend with the existing homes in the neighborhood. The price of the homes will range from $490,000 to $520,000 with two-car garages, sodded yards, with access on Cool Springs Road and a cul-de-sac on Pebblebrook Drive. Public water and sewer service are available from Pebblebrook Drive and Cool Springs Road and will be extended to serve these lots. The lots sizes will average 1,000 square feet. Rachel Stone, of 713 Cool Springs Road, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request, stating the proposed development is not responsible or sustainable for the existing neighborhood; and out-of-town company wants to develop and maximize revenue. This property has been neglected; it has not mowed. If approved, this development would impact the quality oflife in this neighborhood. Iti is not consistent with the surrounding properties; the vast majority of the existing homes are on lots larger than 20,000 square feet. There would also be additional traffic. Scott Bruce, of 2805 Pebblebrook Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request, with specific concerns about drainage (hard surfaces) and water coming downhill on Pebblebrook Drive. Storm drains are maximized now after heavy rains and he is concerned this will only increase with this development. Glenn Jones, of 2717 Pebblebrook Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, noted that his property backs up to proposed development property, and he expressed opposition to this request, stating it will harm nature in the area. Jim Turner, of 615 Creekside Drive (corner of Belaire and Creekside), Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request and stated that he has lived here for 50 years. He is also concerned with flooding and damage to nature in this area. During storms, the property floods with water coming from Pebblebrook Drive, Cool Springs Road, and Belaire Drive. He questioned what will be done to prevent these problems if the rezoning request is approved. Tammy Ledford, of 2709 Bellaire Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request and expressed concerns with flooding in the area. Alasia Ledford, of 2709 Bellaire Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request and reiterated concerns expressed by others regarding the lot sizes and the detrimental environmental impact the development would have to surrounding properties if approved. Chris Puryear and Justin Puryear declined to speak. Jim Foster, of 702 Cool Springs Road, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request, stating that he has lived at this residence for 53 years. He voiced concerns about the 12,000 square foot lots and he asked those opposed to stand. He noted that all of the subdivisions near the subject property are all zoned RN-20 with larger lots and have been established for a long time. There is no need to rezone this property after all these years. This request is not consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods and he requested that the Planning Board and Council deny this request. Steve Malloy declined to speak. 4 City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 Clarence Neal, of 3002 Royal Pines Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request and suggested the development will look like a hotel and stated that it will not conform to the existing neighborhood. Timothy Harris, of 2702 Bellaire Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request and expressed concern about water runoff in this area. He suggested that RN12 zoning may allow duplexes. Amy McNeill responded that RN12 zoning district does allow duplexes. Judith Ray- declined to speak Linda Stone, of 605 Cool Springs Road, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request. She stated that she moved here from Cary and has seen positive and negative impacts from rezoning and neighborhoods that were "invaded" by apartments and townhomes. Council Member Taylor requested clarification from staff regarding the assigned zoning on the opposite side of Pebblebrook Drive from the proposed development, and was it conditional zoning. Community Development Director Marshall Downey replied that all of Pebblebrook Drive is currently zoned RN20, as well as the south side of Franklin Drive. Council Member Taylor asked staff if the existing development at this location was conditional zoning and staff replied that they did not recall the details of the original zoning. With no other speakers, Mayor Salmon closed the public hearing. Application by John Woodliefto1 rezone vacant land with frontage on Lee Avenue (SR 1133). Commerce Drive and Robert E. Lee Drive from Suburban Neighborhood-Low. (SN-12) to the Lee Avenue Conditional Zoning District to allow the development of a townhome community via the site plan/subdivision plan conditional (re)zoning process. The subject property is a 36.38- acre +/- tract of land owned by AGA Corporation and identified as Lee County Tax Parcel 9651-90-8705-00 as depicted on Tax Map 9632.01 (Exhibit J. Mayor Salmon called the public hearing to order. Senior Planner Amy McNeill reviewed the details ofthis request as described in the agenda packet and explained that the owner is requesting to rezone vacant land with frontage on Lee Avenue, Commerce Drive and Robert E. Lee Drive. This proposed development is site plan, subdivision plan specific conditional rezoning request; therefore, the conceptual development plans and proposed conditions are required as part of the request. She explained the conditions that are applicable to the Lee Avenue Townhomes conditional zoning district as described in Exhibit I and stated that it is proposed for 125 townhome units with 3.44 units per acres and 2,000 square foot lots and she reviewed the proposed landscaping. She mentioned that there are 32 parking spots proposed in the overflow parking area. She reviewed design standards for the homes and explained that Commerce Drive terminates at the southernmost property line of the subject property. A public information meeting was held and the applicant agreed to add the conditions documented in Exhibit J in an effort to address concerns of area residents, as well as investigate other potential issues as described in Exhibit I. Staffis supportive oft this request since it conforms with Plan SanLee Long Range Plan. Fred Webb, of 5507 Swanns Station Road, Sanford, North Carolina, stated that he represents the Thomas family who live at 3910 Lee Avenue Lee Avenue, Sanford, North Carolina. They are opposed to this request since Lee Avenue is not constructed to accommodate the volume of traffic that this development would generate and it would increase safety hazards. It would also harm the Thomas' 5 City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 farming operation and horses. He also expressed concern about the bridge on Lee Avenue crossing Gasters Creek; whether it is designed to handle the increased traffic. Jeffrey Mills, of 101 Tyvola Street, Sanford, North Carolina, expressed opposition to this request because ofp potential consequences, such as sidewalks, streets, traffic and speeding along Commerce Drive. His former neighborhood in Georgia grew very rapidly and he is concerned about the consequences of rapid growth in this area. Robert Sosa, of 301 Manning Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, voiced concern regarding the extension of Commerce Drive. He asked for transparency, accountability, and community inclusion regarding review ofthis proposal. He stated that about 8,000 square feet oft this development is located in a part of his community's open space area. As of today, no formal agreement or formal communication has been occurred regarding this issue, which is deeply concerning. Not only are there property rights issues but also safety. He mentioned that he had not seen evidence of a traffic impact study and he also expressed concerns with wetlands in an area already prone to flooding issues. John Woodlief (Applicant Representative), of 105 Chatham Walk Lane, Cary, North Carolina, expressed concerns about the traffic issue that were voiced regarding the existing Commerce Drive. The Commerce Drive Extension is essentially an extention of an existing plan, which has been on the City's and NCDOT's State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for many years, since it would provide connection between Lee Avenue and Highway #87. He noted there are three transportation links (Lee Avenue, Harvey Faulk Road, and Commerce Drive) and Commerce Drive currently has no sidewalks while the development will include them. He confirmed that a traffic impact analysis will be performed if warranted during development. No plans are included for the 8,000 square foot area since they are still in the conceptual design plan but this will be addressed and it will be reviewed by City staff. Additional room is being requested from the homeowners' association to make this road possible. There will be moderate impacts to wetlands area which have been designated by the Environmental Engineer. Council Member Taylor noted there is a need for a fire station in this area and agreed that staff will discuss this issue along with the extension of Commerce Drive. He stated that he would be interested in any impact this development would have to Wilson Road and suggested they consider this if a traffic impact analysis is performed. Mr. Woodlief: stated that the have discussed whether a turn-lane is warranted on Lee Avenue at the Commerce Drive intersection with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), which has not been decided at this time. Mayor Salmon explained that she is on the Lee County Transportation Committee and they have discussed Commerce Drive at their last meeting. She asked Mr. Woodlief if the connector portion of Commerce Drive would be built to the current standards imposed by NCDOT and would it require that the original portion of Commerce Drive be upgraded to match the proposed section of Commerce Drive. Mr. Woodlief stated that this would be correct. If NCDOT makes this upgrade, their proposal will be much more suited for functionality, and he is not sure how it would be coordinated, but he will work them for compliance. Council Member Rhodes mentioned that she is concerned with the impact this development will have on the farming and agriculture in this area. Mr. Woodlief responded that this area is somewhat rural but it matches the Plan SanLee Land Use Plan for mixed-use with higher density. He mentioned the fact that 50 percent ofthis site is open space, with a natural area with trees preserved. With no other speakers, Mayor Salmon closed the public hearing. 6 City Council Meeting May 20, 2025 The Planning Board retired to the West End Conference Room. DECISIONS ON PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no decisions on public hearings. OTHER BUSINESS City Manager Hegwer announced that next week' s Council workshop has been cancelled. Mayor Salmon mentioned that an agreement was signed today by City and County representatives on the micro-transit program currently being developed. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Rhodes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Akinosho, the motion carried unanimously. ALL EXHIBITS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE HIEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES. Respectfully Submitted, Lhadhsl REBECCA WYHOF SALMON, MAYOR ATTEST: Onnie Duyant BONNIE BRYANT, CITY CLERK 7