HIGHLIGHTS
- Mayor Baldwin absent from Work Session and absent and excused for portion of afternoon session and for evening session.
- City Council Retreat will be held on Friday, January 26, from 1-5pm at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary and on Saturday, January 27, from 8:30am — 5pm at the Five Points Active Adult Center in Raleigh. All meetings will be live-streamed. Agenda will be posted on City website and will include discussions of soccer, public comments process, lobbyist update, budget, Wake County partners, priorities, strategic plan, Affordable Housing, Community Engagement including Boards and Commissions and CACs.
- Work Session focused on Green Growth Toolbox and steps Raleigh could take to better protect our environment. Any action will take place at afternoon session.
- Rezoning Z-28-23: Harden Road, southeast of the intersection of Harden Road and Blue Ridge Road (District E) – Scheduled March 5 hearing but Councilor Jones moved to also refer to February 22nd meeting of Transit & Transportation Committee meeting. Unanimously approved.
- Rezoning Z-33-23: 3206 Old Buffaloe Road, approximately 400 feet east of the intersection of US 1 (Capital Boulevard) and Old Buffaloe Road (District C) – Scheduled February 20 hearing. Councilor Patton would like to see mixed use development including residential, with some prohibited uses.
- Unanimously approved Councilor Harrison’s motion to move forward on all recommendations from Work Session on Green Growth Toolbox.
- Election survey results — Even though the majority did not support moving to four-year terms, the presentation focused on the demographics of those who did support the move. Councilor Harrison asks that any changes go into effect in 2026. Mayor Baldwin suggests this could go on ballot in 2024 to go into effect in 2026. Asks staff to bring back to work session for more discussion. Also mentions that Primaries weren’t mentioned and that she would support primaries if the decision was made to go to four-year terms. Councilor Branch asks when primary would be held because City elections are non-partisan. Mayor Baldwin doesn’t seem to understand that District Councilors advocate for their District as well as the good of the overall City.
- Unanimously approved $32M Professional Services Contract for Raleigh Convention Expansion with RATIO USA, LLC
- Set public hearing for February 20th on lease amendment and financial assistance for SWING Racquet + Paddle
- Added an agenda item with no documentation concerning changes to calculation of retirement benefits for employees. Staff will continue to work on details.
- Unanimously approved $337k over 7 years in Business Incentive Grant to Audemars Piguet
- Unanimously approved Petition Annexation- AX-29-23- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 3600 Creekside Drive (District B)
- Unanimously approved Petition Annexation- AX-31-23- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 10909, 10913 Leesville Road (District E)
- Unanimously approved Petition Annexation- AX-33-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – Ray Road Assemblage (District A)
- Unanimously approved Petition Annexation- AX-34-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 3116 Tryon Road (District D)
- Unanimously approved deferral to February 6 evening as requested by applicant for Rezoning Z-84-21: Millbrook Road, on the north and south sides, 300 feet east of Six Forks Road (District A)
- Rezoning Z-22-23: Trailwood Drive, 1/4 mile east of the intersection of Gorman Street and Avent Ferry Road (District D) — Approved 6 to 2 with Councilors Jones and Forte in opposition
- Rezoning Z-26-23: Glenwood Avenue, a portion of the block bounded by Glenwood Avenue, Boylan Avenue, North Street, and Lane Street (District D) — Approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
- Rezoning Z-34-23: On the western half of the block bounded by Hillsborough Street, N Harrington Street, Morgan Street, and Dawson Street (District D) — Approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
- Rezoning Z-37-23: Needham Road, 1/4 mile southeast of the intersection of Buffaloe Road and I-540 (District B) — approved unanimously
- No meeting of Economic Development & Innovation Committee scheduled
- Next meeting of Growth & Natural Resources Committee will be 1/23 at 4pm
- Next meeting of Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Communities Committee will be 1/23 at 11:30am
- Next meeting of Transit & Transportation Committee will be 1/25 at 3pm
- Councilor Patton’s next Town Hall will be February 22 at Marsh Creek Community Center from 6-8pm
- Councilor Black mentioned the Human Relations Commission is sponsoring an event at 6pm tonight at Chavis recognizing the Day of Racial Healing. She will hold another Walk Around the District on 2/24 at Lake Lynn and will hold a District A meeting at Millbrook Exchange Park on 2/3 from 12:30 — 1:30pm.
- Councilor Branch will hold a District C meeting this Saturday at 10am at 1214 E. Lenoir Street.
- Councilor Jones will hold a meeting on 2/15 at a location TBD.
- Councilor Harrison will be at DDNA (District D Neighborhood Alliance) meeting this Saturday, 1/20, at 9:30am at Crowder Center. February DDNA meeting will be on 2/17 at 9:30am at Carolina Pines Community Center focused on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton has office hours this Saturday, 1/20.
- Mayor Baldwin announced that January 30 public hearing on TOD/BRT will be one hour per side, but will decide how much time per speaker once sign up closes.
- Wake County 2024 Real Property Reappraisal — will be discussed further at Council Retreat, including calculation of revenue neutral tax rate
- Public comments focused on the Middle East, election reform, and gentrification.
WORK SESSION
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR PRO TEM
1. Follow Up – Green Growth Toolbox Program – Growth and Natural Resources Committee Item 22-05 – Staff Report
- This could be used to prohibit invasive species, review parking lot landscape requirements, explore ways to increase opportunities for native and pollinator habitat, update street tree species list to include more native options, develop recommendation for a policy for plant use for City projects, allow privately built Green Stormwater infrastructure to be allowed in the Right of Way, encourage Green Stormwater infrastructure with Affordable Housing, identify a pilot project for developer reimbursement for Green Stormwater Infrastructure, and evaluate stormwater program resources.
- Item will be dealt with during regular afternoon session
AFTERNOON SESSION
B. 1:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR PRO TEM
1. Pledge of Allegiance
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
- Details at end of report
- Unanimously approved except for F4 regarding No Parking Zone on West Roanoke Park Drive which was pulled by Councilor Jones. After discussion, it was also unanimously approved, but will look at other solutions such as four-way stops.
G. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
1. Planning Commission Report
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on January 30, 2024 at 7:00pm
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-7-22 — New Bern Station Area Planning Study and Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Rezoning Z-92-22 — New Bern Station Area Planning (Districts B & C)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on February 6, 2024 at 7:00pm
- Rezoning Z-72-22 — S Blount Street, north of E Cabarrus Street (District C) (Held open from 9/5/23 meeting) (Rescheduled from 12/05/23 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-44-23 — 4430 Louisburg Road, 4429 James Road (District B) (Held open from 01/02/24 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-45-23 — 1025 Schaub Dr (District D) (Held open from 01/02/24 meeting)
- Rezoning TCZ-49-23 — A portion of 1421 Old Watkins Road, north of Old Watkins Road (District B)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on February 20, 2024 at 1:00pm
- None
2. Rezoning Z-28-23: Harden Road, southeast of the intersection of Harden Road and Blue Ridge Road (District E) – Scheduled March 5 hearing but Councilor Jones moved to also refer to February 22nd meeting of Transit & Transportation Committee meeting. Unanimously approved.
3. Rezoning Z-33-23: 3206 Old Buffaloe Road, approximately 400 feet east of the intersection of US 1 (Capital Boulevard) and Old Buffaloe Road (District C) – Scheduled February 20 hearing. Councilor Patton would like to see mixed use development including residential, with some prohibited uses.
H. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Growth and Natural Resources Committee Item 22-05 – Green Growth Toolbox Program (6/6/23) – Work Session Follow Up
- Unanimously approved Councilor Harrison’s motion to move forward on all recommendations from Work Session on Green Growth Toolbox.
2. Survey Results – Municipal Elections
- Even though the majority did not support moving to four-year terms, the staff presentation focused on the demographics of those who did support the move.
- Councilor Harrison asks that any changes go into effect in 2026
- Mayor Baldwin suggests this could go on ballot in 2024 to take effect in 2026. Asks staff to bring back to work session for more discussion. Also mentions that Primaries weren’t mentioned and that she would support primaries if the decision was made to go to four-year terms. Councilor Branch asks when primary would be held because City elections are non-partisan.
- Mayor Baldwin doesn’t seem to understand that District Councilors advocate for their District as well as the good of the overall City.
I. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Professional Services Contract – Raleigh Convention Expansion – RATIO USA, LLC
- Unanimously approved $32M Professional Services Contract for Raleigh Convention Expansion with RATIO USA, LLC
2. SWING Racquet + Paddle Lease Amendment and Economic Development Grant
- Set public hearing for February 20th on lease amendment and financial assistance
3. Wake County 2024 Real Property Reappraisal
- Will be discussed further at Council Retreat, including calculation of revenue neutral tax rate
4. Added an agenda item with no documentation concerning changes to calculation of retirement benefits for employees. Staff will continue to work on details.
J. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES AND MUSEUMS ADVISORY BOARD
1. Annual Work Plan and Report
K. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Business Incentive Grant – Audemars Piguet Holding SA
- Unanimously approved $337k over 7 years
2. Petition Annexation- AX-29-23- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 3600 Creekside Drive (District B)
- Unanimously approved annexation with immediate effective date.
3. Petition Annexation- AX-31-23- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 10909, 10913 Leesville Road (District E)
- Unanimously approved annexation with immediate effective date.
4. Petition Annexation- AX-33-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – Ray Road Assemblage (District A)
- Unanimously approved annexation with immediate effective date.
5. Petition Annexation- AX-34-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 3116 Tryon Road (District D)
- Unanimously approved annexation with immediate effective date.
6. Rezoning Z-84-21: Millbrook Road, on the north and south sides, 300 feet east of Six Forks Road (District A)
- Unanimously approved deferral to February 6 evening as requested by applicant.
7. Rezoning Z-22-23: Trailwood Drive, 1/4 mile east of the intersection of Gorman Street and Avent Ferry Road (District D)
- Approved 6 to 2 with Councilors Jones and Forte in opposition
8. Rezoning Z-26-23: Glenwood Avenue, a portion of the block bounded by Glenwood Avenue, Boylan Avenue, North Street, and Lane Street (District D)
- Approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
9. Rezoning Z-34-23: On the western half of the block bounded by Hillsborough Street, N Harrington Street, Morgan Street, and Dawson Street (District D)
- Approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
10. Rezoning Z-37-23: Needham Road, 1/4 mile southeast of the intersection of Buffaloe Road and I-540 (District B)
- Approved unanimously
L. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meeting scheduled as they are waiting for more information in order to move forward with HBCU Roundtable discussion
M. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be 1/23 at 4pm
N. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be 1/23 at 11:30am
O. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be 1/25 at 3pm
P. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Patton’s next Town Hall will be February 22 at Marsh Creek Community Center from 6-8pm
- Councilor Black mentioned the Human Relations Commission is sponsoring an event at 6pm tonight at Chavis recognizing the Day of Racial Healing. She will hold another Walk Around the District on 2/24 at Lake Lynn and will hold a District A meeting at Millbrook Exchange Park on 2/3 from 12:30 — 1:30pm.
- Councilor Branch will hold a District C meeting this Saturday at 10am at 1214 E. Lenoir Street.
- Councilor Jones will hold a meeting on 2/15 at a location TBD.
- Councilor Harrison will be at DDNA (District D Neighborhood Alliance) meeting this Saturday, 1/20, at 9:30am at Crowder Center. February DDNA meeting will be on 2/17 at 9:30am at Carolina Pines Community Center focused on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton has office hours this Saturday, 1/20.
- Mayor Baldwin announced that January 30 public hearing on TOD/BRT will be one hour per side, but will decide how much time per speaker once sign up closes.
Q. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appearance Commission – Two Alternate Vacancies
2. Environmental Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
3. Fair Housing Hearing Board – One Regular Vacancy
4. Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
5. Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority – One Regular Vacancy
6. Raleigh Transit Authority – One Alternate Vacancy
7. Stormwater Management Advisory Commission – Two Regular Vacancies
R. NOMINATIONS
1. Appearance Commission – One Regular Vacancy
2. Arts Commission – One Regular Vacancy
3. Police Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy (Mental Health Provider)
4. Police Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy (At-Large)
5. Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Centers Authority – One Regular Vacancy
6. Raleigh Sister Cities – One Regular Vacancy
7. Stormwater Management Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
8. Substance Use Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
S. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
T. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes
U. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter Closed Session
V. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Recess to Public Comment at 7PM
W. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Public comments focused on the Middle East, election reform, and preservation.
X. ADJOURNMENT
1. Adjourn Meeting
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Donation of Property – 4301 Creedmoor Road
3. Lease of City Owned Property – Affordable Rental Development – New Bern Crossings
D. CONSENT AGENDA – GRANTS
1. Federal Aviation Authority Grant Offer – Raleigh Durham Airport Authority – Design Services for Runway Replacement
E. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Lease of City Owned Property – Cellular Communications Site – 2651 Southall Road (Fire Station #21) – Amendment
2. Professional Services – Big Branch Greenway Connector Project Design – Kimley Horn
3. Professional Services – Walnut Creek Trail Project Design – McAdams
4. Contract Services – I-40/I-440 (Fortify) Mowing & Mulching – Natural Choice Contracting, LLC.
5. Contract Services – Maintenance and Servicing for Elevators, Escalators, Dumbwaiters, and Lifts at Multiple Sites – TK Elevator Corporation
F. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Multi-way Stops
2. Speed Limit Reductions
3. No Parking Zones – Line of Sights – Hatton Way
4. No Parking Zone – Line of Sight – West Roanoke Park Drive