HIGHLIGHTS
- Mayor Baldwin cut public comments time from three minutes per speaker to two minutes, despite previous guarantees of three minutes. She sprung it upon the speakers as the meeting started rather than giving advance notice as was customary. Councilor Jones made a motion to allow three minutes, but it failed. Disappointingly Councilor Harrison voted against the motion. Also disappointing was that many of the people who had signed up didn’t show up.
- Public comments focused on issues with GoRaleigh, historic preservation especially with regard to the Fourth Ward, homelessness, and issues with the reparative justice resolution
- Mayor, City Manager, and Transportation Manager David Walker apologized for GoRaleigh transit disruptions. Staff will bring back a report at next Council meeting and will engage members of the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities. Referred to Committee on Transit and Transportation as well.
- Grant of $25000 from Council Contingency funds to Oak City Cares approved unanimously
- Additional Gap Funding of $500,000 for Terrace at Rock Quarry approved unanimously
- Unanimously approved moving forward with drafting UDO Text Amendments to Promote Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction through three main initiatives regarding electric vehicle charging capabilities, expanding drive-thru restrictions, and increasing pedestrian connectivity
- Unanimously approved package that includes arena enhancements, an indoor sports facility, downtown Raleigh hotel, Red Hat amphitheater relocation and expansion of convention center, transition funding to Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Operating Budget, and town of Cary sports facilities capital maintenance, plus competitive process funding for small projects
- Unanimously approved bylaws and work plan for Community Engagement Board
- Unanimously approved work plan and referral of Solid Waste Services Report to the Council’s Growth & Natural Resources Committee
- All public hearing items were approved with the exception of three that were deferred at applicant’s request
- Economic Development and Innovation Committee and Growth and Natural Resources Committee both will meet on September 26
- Coouncilor Harrison moved that Council consider letting CACs meet in their preferred locations if those locations are available. Councilor Jones asked that such a request come through the Community Engagement Board. Mayor asks that this be delayed until next meeting. Harrison’s motion failed.
- Councilor Forte asked for more facilities at homeless camps
- Councilor Jones raised issues about Dix Park funding, asked Parks Department to provide an update about invasive species plan, asked Planning to show Council data on Missing Middle 2.0 including how much affordable housing has resulted , and raised the issue of a guarantee to the public being reneged upon today.
- Mayor Pro Tem Branch asked for more focus on home buying rather than just rental housing and for an update on rehab support. Asked that staff work with the community on recognition for Fourth Ward. Raised safety issues at Transit Center and on busses. Asked for more attention to cleanliness and safety issues on Fayetteville Street. Asked RPD to look at gun violence at Fox Hollow and for Transportation to look at speeding there.
- Councilor Black called attention to “Black August.” Referred an initiative that supports artists and musicians to the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. Supported community proposal on police reforms and recommendation on adopting proposal that supports workers despite possible backlash from the NCGA. Decried recent anti-semitic actions in District A. Holding Community Offices hours on 9/2 and 9/16 at North Regional Library and Green Road Community Library.
WORK SESSION
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Historic Overlay Districts and the Prince Hall Historic Overlay District
- Historic Overlay Districts comprise 1% of Raleigh parcels
AFTERNOON SESSION
B. 1:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Pledge of Allegiance
C. RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL AWARDS
1. 50 Years of Hip Hop
D. CONSENT AGENDA
- Details at end of this report
- Unanimously approved except for D2 which Council Member Patton pulled for more information. Asked for more guidance from HR and Legal regarding position definitions. Will come back on September 5.
M. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Octavia Rainey spoke about Black history in Raleigh and the Fourth Ward
- Lisa Hughet did not speak
- Andrea Fennell did not speak
- Chris Crew spoke about preservation of historic resources that are threatened by BRT and TOD planning that was done during pandemic without much opportunity for public engagement
- Curtis Johnson spoke about issues with police behavior issues
- Stephen Skordinski did not speak
- Nathan Spencer made a farewell speech as he is leaving Wake Up Wake County
- Adam Mason spoke about issues with new GoRaleigh software that is negatively impacting residents
- Lauren Johnson did not speak
- Ruthie Davis spoke about Fourth Ward
- Rosa Rand spoke about Fourth Ward
- Toni Rand did not speak
- Barbara Yates Jones spoke about Fourth Ward
- William Massey expressed concerns about safety issues with GoRaleigh’s new system
- Geoffrey Menko spoke about problems with new GoRaleigh software that is negatively impacting residents
- Johnny Blaylock spoke about the Fourth Ward
- Deborah Bromiley did not speak
- John Shuford asked Council to revisit the Reparative Justice resolution
- Larry Taylor spoke about HOA issues
- Virginia Laughlin spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Joseph Gibbs spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Clearthur Davis spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Donnie Best spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Helen Tart spoke about housing affordability and missing middle
- Hwa Huang about gentrification
- Katherine Kussmaul asked Council to revisit the Reparative Justice resolution
- Andrea Fennell didn’t speak
- Carmen Cauthen spoke about the Fourth Ward
- Nabil Billa spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Troy Steele spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Momma Kai Sanders spoke about homelessness and asked to be hired as a consultant
- Barbara Lara did not speak
- Nicole Williams spoke about homelessness
- Denia Mangum did not speak
- Deborah Bridger did not speak
- Kimberly Muktarian spoke about racism and police brutality
- Nikki Thompson spoke about issues with gun violence as well as with speeding through a family neighborhood (Fox Hollow Drive)
- Dwight Jones spoke about issues with GoRaleigh and the need to do something about Fourth Ward and homelessness
- Brandi Hunter spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Alicia Ingram spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Lori Adams spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Renee Carter did not speak
- Ricky Scott spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Eugene Myrick spoke about importance of the disabled, Raleigh’s erasure of Black history, gentrification, and disappointment with current Council
- Kesha Monk spoke about Mayor Baldwin’s stifling of public comment
- Robert Parrish spoke about GoRaleigh issues
- John Lyons did not speak
- Donnell Beday did not speak
- Kay Maningas did not speak
- Marilyn Alphin did not speak
- Dawn Blagrove spoke about issues with City Council and political will. Spoke about issues with GoRaleigh transit.
- Robert Rice did not speak
- John Johnson did not speak
- Nique Williams did not speak
- Brea Perry did not speak
- Donna Bailey spoke about violation of open meetings law, importance of keeping clerk’s office independent, and importance of allowing CACs to meet in their preferred community ceners.
- Haley Kinsler spoke about accountability with regard to policing issues and about housing
- Sergey Kesel did not speak
- Polina Voronsky did not speak
- Faye Griffin did not speak
- EmmaCole O’Naizer spoke about issues with GoRaleigh
- Isabella Barrios-Silva spoke about housing affordability and interested in getting more involved with the City
- Mayor, City Manager, and Transportation Manager David Walker apologized for GoRaleigh transit disruptions. Staff will bring back a report at next Council meeting and will engage members of the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities. Referred to Committee on Transit and Transportation as well.
N. 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 September 5th, 2023 at 7pm
- Rezoning Z-72-22- 423 S Blount St (District C)
- Rezoning Z-90-22 – Rock Quarry Rd & Diamond Dr (District C)
- Rezoning Z-15-23 – 513 S West Street & 514 S Harrington Street (District D)
- Rezoning TCZ-16-23 – Midtown Exchange (District A)
2. Rezoning Z-50-21: Fairview Road and Bickett Boulevard, east of the intersection of Fairview Road and Bickett Boulevard (District E) — If the City Council wishes to hold the request to allow changes to be made before setting the public hearing, staff recommends deferral to September 5, 2023 as a special item. Councilor Jones moved to refer to Transportation and Transit Committee in September. Mayor Pro Tem Branch suggests holding hearing first and then going to Committee in October.
3. Rezoning Z-04-23: East side of Creedmoor Road, south of Millbrook Road and just north of Sherborne Place, (District A) – 9/19 public hearing approved
4. Rezoning Z-17-23: West side of Jones Franklin Road, south of Centerview Drive and north of Woodsdale Road (District D) – 9/19 public hearing approved
5. Rezoning Z-23-23: Buffaloe Road, north side, approximately 300 feet east of Iron Horse Road (District B) – 9/19 public hearing approved
6. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-3-23: Kellam-Wyatt Farm Park, 1/2 mile south of the intersection of N Rogers Lane and New Bern Avenue (District C) – not sure what happened to this item – it was apparently not discusssed
O. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Appropriation from Council Contingency – Oak City Cares
- $25,000 approved unanimously
P. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. North Carolina Department of Transportation S-Line Project Update
2. Additional Gap Funding – Terrace at Rock Quarry
- $500,000 approved unanimously
3. Community Climate Action Plan Implementation – UDO Text Amendments to Promote Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction – Authorize Text Change
- Unanimously approved moving forward with drafting UDO Text Amendments to Promote Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction through three main initiatives regarding electric vehicle charging capabilities, expanding drive-thru restrictions, and increasing pedestrian connectivity
4. 2023 Hospitality Tax Allocation Recommendations
- Unanimously approved package that includes arena enhancements, an indoor sports facility, downtown Raleigh hotel, Red Hat amphitheater relocation and expansion of convention center, transition funding to Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Operating Budget, and town of Cary sports facilities capital maintenance, plus competitive process funding for small projects
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BOARD
1. Bylaws and Annual Work Plan
- Unanimously approved bylaws and work plan
R. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
1. Annual Report and Work Plan
- Unanimously approved work plan and referral of Solid Waste Services Report to the Council’s Growth & Natural Resources Committee
S. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Demolition of Unfit Building
- Approved 6 to 2 with councilors Jones and Black in opposition
2. Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Approved 6 to 2 with councilors Jones and Black in opposition except for 2407 Garner Road which has been paid
3. Petition Annexation – AX-12-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 205 Chatterson Drive (District A)
- Unanimously approved
4. Petition Annexation – AX-13-23- Non-contiguous inside ETJ – 4001 Maynard Place (District C)
- Unanimously approved
5. Petition Annexation – AX-14-23- Non-contiguous inside ETJ – 4005 Maynard Place (District C)
- Unanimously approved
6. Petition Annexation – AX-16-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 8014 Broad Street (District A)
- Unanimously approved
7. Petition Annexation – AX-12-20 – Contiguous Outside ETJ – Hodge Road Assemblage (District C)
- Unanimously approved deferral to September 5
8. Rezoning Z-16-20: Hodge Road, south of the intersection of Poole Road and Hodge Road (District C)
- Unanimously approved deferral to September 5
9. Rezoning Z-88-22: Kindley Street, northeast of the interchange of S McDowell Street and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard (District D)
- Approved 6 to 2 with Councilors Black and Jones in opposition
10. Rezoning Z-02-23: Northeast of the intersection of Litchford and Old Wake Forest Roads (District A)
- Unanimously approved applicant’s request for deferral to October 3
11. Rezoning Z-06-23: 5715 Glenwood Avenue, north of Crabtree Valley Mall
- Unanimously approved
12. Rezoning Z-8-23: Ratchford Drive, north of the intersection of Ratchford Drive and Capital Boulevard (District C)
- Approved unanimously
13. Text Change to Zoning Conditions TCZ-09-23: Poole & Dowling Roads, at the southeast corner of the intersection of Poole Road and the I-440 Beltline (District C)
- Approved unanimously
14. Rezoning Z-10-23: Carolina Pines Avenue & Cherry Circle, south of the I-40 interchange at South Saunders Street (District D)
- Approved unanimously
15. Rezoning Z-14-23: Kirkland Road, at the northeast corner of Lake Wheeler and Kirkland Roads (District D)
- Approved unanimously
16. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-11-22: Affordable Housing Location Policy Map
- Approved unanimously
T. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be September 26 at 1:30pm on Stormwater Management Regulations. HBCU Economic Development discussion will be in October.
U. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be in September
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meetings
W. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meetings scheduled
X. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Patton supported Councilor Forte’s request for basic sanitation facilities at homeless camps as well as safe parking areas for people living in their cars. Asked for response to safety issues on Capital Boulevard.
- Councilor Black called attention to “Black August.” Referred an initiative that supports artists and musicians to the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. Supported community proposal on police reforms and recommendation on adopting proposal that supports workers despite possible backlash from the NCGA. Decried recent anti-semitic actions in District A. Holding Community Offices hours on 9/2 and 9/16 at North Regional Library and Green Road Community Library.
- Mayor Pro Tem Branch asked for more focus on home buying rather than just rental housing and for an update on rehab support. Asked that staff work with the community on recognition for Fourth Ward. Raised safety issues at Transit Center and on busses. Asked for more attention to cleanliness and safety issues on Fayetteville Street. Asked RPD to look at gun violence at Fox Hollow and for Transportation to look at speeding there.
- Councilor Jones raised issues about Dix Park funding, asked Parks Department to provide an update about invasive species plan, asked Planning to show Council data on Missing Middle 2.0 including how much affordable housing has resulted , and raised the issue of a guarantee to the public being reneged upon today.
- Councilor Forte asked for more facilities at homeless camps
- Councilor Harrison moved that Council consider letting CACs meet in their preferred locations if those locations are available. Councilor Jones asked that such a request come through the Community Engagement Board. Mayor asks that this be delayed until next meeting. Motion failed.
Y. APPOINTMENTS
1. Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board – One Alternate Vacancy (Community Category)
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2. Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board – One Alternate Vacancy (Professional Member Category)
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3. Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
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4. Human Relations Commission – One Alternate Vacancy
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5. Human Relations Commission – One Regular Vacancy
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6. Police Advisory Board – Two Alternate Vacancies
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7. Raleigh Transit Authority – One Alternate Vacancy
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Z. NOMINATIONS
1. Board of Adjustment – One Alternate Vacancy (County Appointee)
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2. Civil Service Commission – One Regular Vacancy
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3. Community Engagement Board – One Regular Vacancy (Long-Time Resident Slot)
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4. Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau – One Regular Vacancy (At-Large Slot)
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5. Historical Resources and Museums Advisory Board – Three Regular Vacancies
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6. Raleigh Sister Cities – One Regular Vacancy
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7. Substance Use Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
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AA. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
BB. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes – Various
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CC. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter Closed Session
DD. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Adjourn Meeting
CONSENT AGENDA
D. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Civil Service Act – Exemption by Position
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3. Donation of Equipment – Nights of Lights Event
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4. Donation of Athletic Equipment – Outdoor Basketball Court System – John Wall Family Foundation
5. Raleigh Housing Authority Bond Issuance – New Bern Crossings
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6. Raleigh Housing Authority Bond Issuance – Terrace at Rock Quarry
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E. CONSENT AGENDA – PETITION ANNEXATIONS
1. Petition Annexation – AX-21-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 2516 Prince Drive (District D)
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F. CONSENT AGENDA – GRANTS
1. Federal Aviation Authority Grant Offers – Raleigh Durham Airport Authority – North Cargo Taxilane and Ramp Pavement
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G. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Supplemental Utility Construction Agreement – NCDOT (B-4654) Replace Bridge 69 of US 70 on NC 50 (Benson Road) – Town of Garner
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2. Utility Construction Agreement – NCDOT (P-5715) New Hope Church Road Grade Separation Over CSX Rail Line
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3. Utility Construction Agreement – NCDOT (U-2719) I-440 Improvements, South of Walnut Street to North of Wade Avenue
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4. Utility Relocation Agreement – NCDOT (R-2829B) Eastern Wake Construction of new route of I-540 South of Rock Quarry Road to I-87/US 264
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5. Professional Services – Master Services Agreement – On-Call Engineering Services – Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. – Amendment Number Two
6. Professional Services – Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility Secondary Equalization Basin Addition – CDM Smith, Inc.
7. Professional Services – Durant Road 36-inch Transmission Main Project – HDR, Inc.- Amendment No. One
8. Professional Services – Master Services Agreement On Call Engineering Services – Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. – Amendment No. One
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9. Contract Services – Placement and Access License Agreement – In-Stream Trash Collector – Sound Rivers, Inc.
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10. Contract Termination for Cause – Declaration of Default – Atlantic Avenue Improvements Project – JSmith Civil, LLC
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H. CONSENT AGENDA – PERSONNEL CHANGES
1. Position Reclassification – Engineering Services Department
2. Position Reclassification – Finance Department
3. Position Reclassification – Fire Department
I. CONSENT AGENDA – ENCROACHMENT REQUESTS
1. 621 Mills Street – Concrete Sidewalk
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2. 3900 Sumner Boulevard – Stormwater Pipe
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3. 400 S West Street – Retaining Wall, Drainage Pipes and Soil Nail Anchors
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J. CONSENT AGENDA – BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS
1. Appropriation from Special Reserve – Police Department
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2. ARPA Program Income – Improvements to Brentwood Road Hotel – Studios at 2800
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K. CONSENT AGENDA – BIDS
1. Bid Award – Garner Road Sewer Improvements – Moffat Pipe, Inc.
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L. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Multi-way StopsWhitmore Drive at Lexington Drive
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2. Speed Limit Reductions – Pickwick Drive, Old Colony Road, Grimstead Lane, Dew Drop Court, Shadow Court, Castle Court, Sherlock Court, and Pointe Vista Circle
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3. Parking Restriction Modification – Merrywood Drive
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4. Controlled Residential “U” Permit Parking – 2300 Clark Avenue
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5. No Parking Tow Away Zones – 2300 Stafford Avenue
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6. No Parking Zones – Line of Sight – Carnelian Drive
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