Highlights
- Work session was not on YouTube for the first 20 minutes or so for some reason.
- Councilors Black and Branch not present for work session. Councilor Branch not present for afternoon session.
- Proposed new Public Private Partnership policy will focus on eligibility, appropriateness, and fairness.
- Proposed new Sidewalk Policy will focus on switching from resident-initiated petitions to data-driven allocation.
- Mayor announced that she has invited NCSU basketball player D.J. Burns to be mayor for a day.
- Alternative Response Program – Next steps include meeting with focus group and community stakeholders and exploring partnership with Wake County. Recommendations include adding 3 positions to the Emergency Communications Department, adding 3 positions to Housing & Neighborhoods Committee, and allocating $800k for ACORNS to replace ARPA funding. This will be included in FY25 budget.
- Discussion about relationship between City and CACs, particularly around free meeting space and technology. Councilor Jones suggests discussions should include representatives of CACs. Councilor Harrison asks that free access to community centers be granted immediately. Added Barwell Road. Unanimously approved.
- Community Engagement meeting on election reform scheduled from 6-8pm on May 1 at Chavis Community Center. Will come back to Council on May 7 with final decision on May 21. At-large candidate for four-year term will be highest vote-getter. Districts A and B will run in group 1 with Mayor.
- Unanimously approved extending conditional gap financing funding commitments totalling $6,575,000 for the development of 230 affordable rental units in three rental housing developments (Hoke Street Apartments, Lorimer Spring, and Iris Ridge.)
- Unanimously approved $340k for a third-party evaluation of Fire Master Plan.
- Unanimously approved $2,771,911 for Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Expansion and Relocation project
- Unanimously approved $3,720,878 for design and construction oversite for the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Expansion and Relocation project
- Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens – unanimously approved
- Mayor is allowing one minute per person rather than the typical 8 minutes per side, resulting in 13 speakers/13 minutes plus there were several no shows that would have resulted in more speakers and more minutes. Expansion of the Downtown Raleigh Municipal Service District – Councilor Harrison moves to expand borders, excluding some residential areas, and reviewing areas for exclusion on May 7 and then decide about sending to Committee. Approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
- Limited Obligation Economic Refunding – General Government – unanimously approved
- Limited Obligation Bond Anticipation Note Program – General Government – unanimously approved.
- Petition Annexation- AX-01-24- Contiguous to Satellite, Inside ETJ – 4908 & 4930 Forestville Road and 4160 & 4172 Landover Lane (District B) – unanimously approved.
- Petition Annexation – AX-05-24 Contiguous, Inside ETJ – 5042 Tryon Road (District D) – approved unanimously.
- Mayor Baldwin left the meeting at this point and Mayor Pro Tem Melton took over.
- Rezoning Z-50-23: Varsity Drive, west of the intersection of Varsity Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D) – unanimously approved.
- Rezoning Z-51-23: 430 Buck Jones Road, at the intersection of Buck Jones Road and Bashford Road (District D) – unanimously approved.
- Rezoning Z-53-23: Northwest of the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Interlock Drive (District C) – unanimously approved.
- Rezoning Z-54-23: South Saunders Street, 200 feet south of the intersection of West South Street and South Saunders Street (District D) – Unanimously approved holding open until May 21 so conditions can be finalized
- Rezoning Z-58-23: Rawls Drive, north of Poole Road and east of Diversity Way (District C) – Approved 5 to 1 with councilor Black in opposition.
- Rezoning Z-3-24: 933 Cross Link Road, south of Biltmore Hills Park and 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Garner Road & Cross Link Road (District C) – unanimously approved.
- Growth & Natural Resources Committee meeting on April 23 at 4pm to discuss Rezoning Z-22-34 (Strickland Road) and on May 28 at 4pm regarding litter. No other Committee meetings are scheduled.
- Councilor Patton asked for funding to attend a conference in NY – unanimously approved. Referred discussion on revenue capture options in addition to MSDs (TIGs and TIFs) to Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Communities Committee for policy issues in May. Unanimously approved.
- Councilor Harrison holding DDNA meeting Saturday at 9am at Crowder center.
- Public comments included CACs, internet access, 4th ward, election reform, preservation, and international issues.
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Public Private Partnership (P3) Policy – Update and Revisions
- Staff will bring forward a proposal to repeal the current policy and draft a new one for Council approval in May.
- Focus will be on eligibility, appropriateness, and fairness.
- Council Harrison asks about linkage with zoning cases. Staff makes the relationship sound complex.
- Councilor Patton likes the process including advance notice to Council and use of Boards and Commissions.
2. Sidewalk Petition Program – Review and Program Recommendations
- https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/D4DJCG4B5267/$file/20240416RDOTSidewalkPetitionProgramStaffPresentation.pdf
- Recommending switch from resident-initiated to data-driven project to put sidewalks where need is greatest.
- Recommending revising project scoring.
- Recommending balloting, where used, to more residents.
- Recommending allocating 70% of resources to major streets and 30% to neighborhood streets. Major streets generally cost more.
- Current backlog is funded, but not constructed.
- Councilor Harrison asks about 70/30 split.
B. 1:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Pledge of Allegiance
C. CONSENT AGENDA
- Details at end of report
- Unanimously approved.
J. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
1. Planning Commission Report
2. No report. See information below.
- In response to requests from City Council, staff identified potential changes to the timing of the Report of Planning Commission as reviewed for Council via Manager’s Update Issues 2023-34 (September 1, 2023) and 2024-13 (April 1, 2024). Excerpts from those issues are included with the agenda materials.
- Procedural changes identified will be reflected in the agendas of the City Council meeting for April 16 (no Report of Planning Commission) and May 7 (Report of Planning Commission of the April 9 meeting). Going forward, the timing of the Report of Planning Commission will follow a new reporting schedule. Council will receive the Report of the Planning Commission approximately three weeks following each Planning Commission meeting to better align with council agenda preparation and publication.
- The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on May 7, 2024 at 1:00pm
- Rezoning Z-92-22 — New Bern Rezoning and TOD (District C) (Held open from April 2 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-35-23 — 0 Gorman Street (District D) (Held open from February 6 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-36-23 — 1230 & 1234 South Saunders Street (District D) (Held open from April 2 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-39-23 — On the east side of Nowell Road (District D) (Held open from April 2 meeting)
- The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on May 7, 2024 at 7:00pm
- Text Change TC-7-23 — Mordecai Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District – Amendments
- The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on May 21, 2024 at 1:00pm
- Rezoning Z-72-22 — 423 S Blount Street, north of E Cabarrus Street (District C) (Held open from April 2 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-28-23 — Harden Road (District E) (Held open from April 2 meeting)
- The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on June 4, 2024 at 7:00pm
- Statutory hearing for the City Manager’s Proposed Budget
K. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Rezoning Z-46-23: North Boylan Assemblage, at the intersection of North Boylan Avenue and West Lane Street (District D)
- Public hearing set for afternoon of May 7
2. Alternative Response Model – Community Engagement Update
- Next steps include meeting with focus group and community stakeholders and partner with Wake County.
- Recommendations include adding 3 positions to the Emergency Communications Department, adding 3 positions to Housing & Neighborhoods Committee, and allocating $800k for ACORNS to replace ARPA funding.
- Councilor Forte suggests coordinating with Wake County Sheriff Office.
- Councilor Patton asks about coverage hours.
- Will be included in FY25 budget
3. Follow-Up Report – Citizen Advisory Councils
- Proposing access to 6 additional community centers, bringing total to 20 community centers for free monthly meetings. Cost could range from $400-$600/CAC for facility support.
- Limited availability of technology at most centers – no streaming/hybrid technology or laptops for public use, limited availability o screens and projectors. Tech support could range from $400-$600/CAC.
- Estimate $5k – $7k per year to ensure basic technology at each center or $40k-$70k per center to provide higher level of service at each center. $300/annually to provide Zoom licenses to each laptop. Independent licensing could reduce risks and costs.
- Note that upfitting Community Centers would benefit more than CACs. Council agreed.
- Council/staff should compare this level of funding with funding for Community Engagement Department.
- Recommend adding Barwell Road to engagement network sites and authorize staff to proceed with engagement network, excluding CACs.
- Authorize immediate CAC 12 free rentals at 15 engagement network sites or at additional sites.
- Provide feedback re new sites for CACs, technology expectations, and leadership development and model.
- Councilor Jones recommends including CACs in discussing these issues.
- Councilor Jones says free meeting space could be 10/year rather than 12 because CACs often don’t meet in December or in at least one summer month.
- Councilor Jones asks about methods of funding Zoom licenses to CACs, but City provided funding directly to CACs in the past without CACs being incorporated in any way and could do that again.
- Concerns expressed about controlling use of Zoom licenses.
- Councilor Jones says this can evolve over time.
- Councilor Harrison agrees with need to involve CACs but asks if free access to community centers could happen right away.
- Unanimously approved discussing with CACs, allowing free access to list of community centers, including Barwell Road.
4. Municipal Election Changes
- Councilor Harrison wants community engagement meeting before taking a vote as do several other councilors.
- Councilor Harrison wants it to include four-year staggered term with primary as well as decisions about adding seats in community engagement meeting.
- Meeting will be Wednesday, May 1, at Chavis from 6-8pm. Will come back to Council on May 7 for final vote on May 21.
- Everyone agrees process should be transparent.
- Councilor Black asks about prior community engagement efforts on these issues. There was a survey with 1000 responses. Then there was a statistically significant survey as well. Points out a lack of awareness in general.
- At-large candidate for four-year term will be highest vote-getter.
- Districts A and B will run in group 1 with Mayor.
L. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Joint Venture Gap Financing Rental Development Program – Funding Recommendations
- Unanimously approved extending conditional gap financing funding commitments totalling $6,575,000 for the development of 230 affordable rental units in three rental housing developments (Hoke Street Apartments, Lorimer Spring, and Iris Ridge.)
2. Fire Department Master Planning Services – Darkhorse Emergency Corporation
- Unanimously approved $340k for a third-party evaluation of Fire Master Plan.
3. Professional Services – Raleigh Convention Center Expansion Project Phase 1 CMAR Construction Services – Clancy & Theys – Skanska – D.A. Everett, a Joint Venture
- Unanimously approved $2,771,911 for Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Expansion and Relocation project
4. Contract Services – Raleigh Convention Center Expansion Project Owner’s Representative – Cumming Management Group, Inc.
- Unanimously approved $3,720,878 for design and construction oversite for the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Expansion and Relocation project
M. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Unanimously approved
2. Expansion of the Downtown Raleigh Municipal Service District
- Mayor is allowing one minute per person rather than the typical 8 minutes per side, resulting in 13 speakers/13 minutes plus there were several no shows that would have resulted in more speakers and more minutes.
- On May 7 Council could consider individual exemption requests which must be submitted by April 23.
- Councilor Patton recommends pulling out area that overlaps with potential Dix Park MSD. Mayor says DRA meeting recommended that area remain in Downtown MSD. Councilor Harrison suggests northern part remain in Downtown MSD but southern part remain in Dix Park MSD. Mayor Pro Tem Melton reminds that Dix Park MSD is only proposed and so suggests area be included in Downtown MSD and that Council can make any corrections if and when Dix Park MSD is established.
- Councilor Jones expresses concern that all MSDs are located in District D.
- Existing MSDs provide January and July reports with metrics to Council and their contracts are up for renewal every 5 years by Council. They present to Council annually.
- One speaker says that over 800 NOAH (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing) are included in proposed expansion and most are rentals. Not sure how they have been involved. Concerned that higher density will result in destruction of NOAH.
- Councilor Black suggests black-owned businesses in the MSD need more support.
- Councilor Harrison suggests excluding some residents, especially areas with NOAH rentals.
- Suggested further discussion in Economic Development & Innovation Committee and Growth & Natural Resources Committee. Mayor says it shouldn’t go to two committees and EDI is most appropriate because already meeting with MSD.
- Councilor Harrison moves to expand borders, excluding some residential areas and reviewing areas for exclusion on May 7 and then decide about sending to Committee. Approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Jones in opposition.
3. Limited Obligation Economic Refunding – General Government
- Unanimously approved the resolution for all documents related to the Convention Center COPs refinancing in an amount not to exceed $220,000,000.
4. Limited Obligation Bond Anticipation Note Program – General Government
- Unanimously approved the resolution and all related documents required for the East Civic Tower and other fire and public safety buildings short-term financing not to exceed $100,000,000.
5. Petition Annexation- AX-01-24- Contiguous to Satellite, Inside ETJ – 4908 & 4930 Forestville Road and 4160 & 4172 Landover Lane (District B)
- Unanimously approved.
6. Petition Annexation – AX-05-24 Contiguous, Inside ETJ – 5042 Tryon Road (District D)
- Unanimously approved.
- Mayor Baldwin left the meeting at this point and Mayor Pro Tem Melton took over.
7. Rezoning Z-50-23: Varsity Drive, west of the intersection of Varsity Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D)
- Unanimously approved.
8. Rezoning Z-51-23: 430 Buck Jones Road, at the intersection of Buck Jones Road and Bashford Road (District D)
- Unanimously approved.
9. Rezoning Z-53-23: Northwest of the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Interlock Drive (District C)
- Unanimously approved.
10. Rezoning Z-54-23: South Saunders Street, 200 feet south of the intersection of West South Street and South Saunders Street (District D)
- Unanimously approved holding open until May 21 so conditions can be finalized.
11. Rezoning Z-58-23: Rawls Drive, north of Poole Road and east of Diversity Way (District C)
- Approved 5 to 1 with councilor Black in opposition.12. Rezoning Z-3-24: 933 Cross Link Road, south of Biltmore Hills Park and 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Garner Road & Cross Link Road (District C)
- Unanimously approved.
N. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meeting this month.
O. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Meeting on April 23 at 4pm to discuss Rezoning Z-22-34 (Strickland Road) and on May 28 at 4pm regarding litter.
P. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meeting this month.
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meeting this month.
R. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Patton asked for funding to attend a conference in NY – unanimously approved. Referred revenue capture options in addition to MSDs (TIGs and TIFs) to Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Communities Committee for policy issues in May. Unanimously approved.
- Councilor Harrison holding DDNA meeting Saturday at 9am at Crowder center.
S. APPOINTMENTS
1. Arts Commission – Two Regular Vacancies
2. Design Review Commission (Formerly Appearance Commission) – One Alternate Vacancy
3. Environmental Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
T. NOMINATIONS
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
2. Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board – One Regular Vacancy (Professional Category)
U. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes – Various
W. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Public comments included CACs, internet access, 4th ward, election reform, preservation, and international issues.
X. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter Closed Session
Y. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Adjourn Meeting
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Property Rehabilitation Loan – Families Together – 1100 Athens Drive
3. Reimbursement Agreement – Raleigh Convention Center Expansion – Design Costs for New Convention Center Hotel
4. Extension of Bond Orders – 2017 Transportation Referendum
5. Pawnbrokers License Application – Existing Pawn Shop at 3920 New Bern Avenue – Ownership Change (District C)
6. Pawnbrokers License Application – Existing Pawn Shop at 2751 Capital Blvd – Ownership Change (District A)
7. Pawnbrokers License Application – Existing Pawn Shop at 6740 Fleetwood Dr – Ownership Change (District E)
D. CONSENT AGENDA – EASEMENTS
1. Modification and Partial Release of Easement – Little Rock Greenway Trail Pedestrian Bridge
E. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Memorandum of Agreement – Task Force Number 8 – Urban Search and Rescue Team
2. Memorandum of Agreement – Cooperative Agreement – Urban Search and Rescue Team
3. Memorandum of Agreement – Vehicles On Loan – North Carolina Emergency Management
4. Memorandum of Agreement – Statewide Mutual Aid – Urban Search and Rescue Team
5. Professional Services – West Neuse Interceptor Rehabilitation and Replacement Project – Black and Veatch International Company – Amendment Number Three
6. Professional Services – Master Services Agreement – On-Call Professional Engineering Services – Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
7. Contract Services – Digital Camp Instruction Services – Thomsen Systems, Inc DBA Tech Academy
8. Contract Services – Carolina Pines Park Ballfield Lighting– Musco Sports Lighting, LLC
9. Contract for Services – Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Schindler Elevator Corporation – Amendment No. One
10. Contract Services – Infrastructure Hazard Survey and Mitigation – Precision Safe Sidewalks, LLC
11. Lease Agreement – 1200 Blue Ridge Road – T Mobile Northeast, LLC
F. CONSENT AGENDA – BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS
1. Budget Transfer – Municipal Building Generators Replacement – Advance Purchase of Equipment
G. CONSENT AGENDA – REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS
1. Hollybrook Pump Station Developer Reimbursement Agreement Contract Amendment Number Two – Smith Edwards, LLC
H. CONSENT AGENDA – BIDS
1. Bid Award – Buck Jones Water Line Replacements – Park Construction of NC, Inc.
I. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Speed Limit Reductions
2. No Parking Zone – Line of Sight – Falls Church Road
3. Loading Zone Modifications – 00 Martin Street
4. No Parking Anytime “Tow Away” Zone – Brewton Place
5. Traffic Schedule Updates