HIGHLIGHTS
- Corey Branch will be Mayor Pro Tem for the first year and Jonathan Melton will be Mayor Pro Tem for the second year. Council Committee assignments will be announced either at December 13 work session or in January. Councilors asked to submit preferences to Mayor by end of day today.
- Approved $25k appropriation from Council Contingency for emergency shelter and $500k from ARPA funding for emergency shelter.
- 2023 Council Meeting Schedule approved
- Councilor Harrison asked about scheduling options to allow more time for public comments – will discuss at January 27/28 retreat.
- Councilor Melton asked to start budgeting process earlier and discuss participatory options at retreat.
- Councilor Melton asked for update on plans to reduce pedestrian accidents.
- Councilor Patton asking for update on noise ordinances and buffer zones around abortion clinics.
- Councilor Branch expressed concerns about gun violence. Gun violence will be on retreat agenda.
- Councilor Jones moved that staff bring forward a proposal for in-person regional engagement meetings. Mayor Baldwin says this will be discussed at retreat. Councilor Harrison asks for immediate interim opportunity like neighborhood registry to establish a more formal community engagement structure at least in each District – monthly, with staff support and resources, residents determining structure and agenda. Asking staff to come back with menu options for community engagement, looking at the neighborhood registry and determining if that could be a method for moving forward, and bringing this forward at retreat, and ensure community engagement board understands their remit.
- Councilor Harrison asked for an emergency shelter status update.
- Mayor Baldwin moved to approve a task force to look at ways to better serve the homeless and announced that Councilor Forte will lead the effort and will partner with Wake County. Moved to hire Urban Land Institute (ULI) to study housing affordability and unsheltered so City can be more proactive in their response. Councilor Harrison questioning sole sourcing with ULI and where funding comes from. Mayor then asked for options based on goals and said money would be found. Will Allen resigning from GoTriangle at end of month with one year left on his term. Mayor Baldwin appointed to serve that year.
- Public comments focused on homelessness, housing affordability, community engagement, abortion clinic protests, and public safety.
- Public Hearing on Annual Housing Action Plan – Fiscal Year 2023-24 — there will be additional opportunities for public input through surveys (hard copy and online), written comments, and in-person and virtual events. Speakers commented on need for robust engagement. Procedural hearing requiring no motion.
- Rezoning Z-67-21: North Hills Assemblage: applicant asked that rezoning be rescheduled to first evening meeting in March to allow for discussion with new councilors and to clarify some issues
AFTERNOON SESSION
Consent Agenda – approved unanimously; see details at end of this document
Report and Recommendation of the Planning Commission
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council meeting on January 3, 2023:
- Rezoning Z-02-22 – Rock Quarry Road (District C)
- Rezoning Z-38-22 – Oak Hill Drive (District B)
- Rezoning Z-43-22 – Clover Lane (District C)
- Rezoning Z-53-22 – Dix Edge Affordable Housing (Districts C, D)
- Rezoning Z-54-22 – Peace & West Streets (District D)
- Rezoning Z-55-22 – Johnson Street (District D)
- Rezoning Z-62-22 – Crosslink Road (District C)
- Rezoning Z-72-21 – Lake Wheeler Road (District D)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council meeting on January 17, 2023:
- Rezoning Z-37-22 – Plainview Drive & Polly Street (District C)
- Rezoning Z-71-22 – 849 W Morgan Street (District D)
Recommendations made during the meeting
- Rezoning Z-16-20: Hodge Road Assemblage, located south of the intersection of Poole Road and Hodge Road (District C) – PC requested 60-day extension to allow for additional discussion
- Rezoning Z-64-21: Baileywick Road, on the north side of Baileywick Road adjacent to the Magellan Charter School, approximately 1/3 of a mile north of Lead Mine Road (District A) – Public hearing set for February 7
- Rezoning Z-52-22: Globe Road, on its north side, at the intersection of Globe Road and Aviation Parkway (District E) – January 17 public hearing recommended
- Rezoning Z-68-22: W Jones Street & N Boylan Avenue, at the northeast corner of the intersection of W Jones Street and N Boylan Avenue (District D) – Public hearing set for January 17
- Rezoning Z-65-22: Willard Place, east of N Boylan Avenue, bounded by Willard Place and Hillsborough Street (District D) – Deferred until January 3 to allow for revised conditions
- Rezoning Z-75-22: Edwards Mill Road, northwest side, approximately one quarter-mile from the intersection with Glen Eden Drive (District E) – Applicant has asked to defer request and will come back January 3
Special Items
- Hotel Sheltering/Temporary Stays – Approved $25k appropriation from Council Contingency to help with temporary emergency assistance for the homeless. Approved $500k from ARPA funding for emergency shelter.
Report and Recommendation of the City Manager
- 2023 Council Meeting Schedule approved: https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A4EMF95B00BF#
- Councilor Harrison asked about scheduling options to allow more time for public comments – will discuss at January 27/28 retreat.
- Councilor Melton asked to start budgeting process earlier and discuss participatory options at retreat.
- City Manager introduced new Director of Budget & Management Services
- RPD Chief Patterson introduced new Deputy Chief of Administration
Report from the Mayor and City Council
- Councilor Melton regarding Human Rights Campaign – score has steadily increased over the years to latest score of 85; requesting work session to discuss continued improvement. Asked for update on plans to reduce pedestrian accidents. Asked for options for funding an e-bike rebate program.
- Councilor Patton asking for updates on mulch fire and what can be done, lessons learned from Christmas parade, and update on noise ordinances and buffer zones around abortion clinics.
- Councilor Branch met with homeless people, highlighted December 13 work session on transit, and expressed concerns about gun violence. Gun violence will be on retreat agenda.
- Councilor Jones moved that staff bring forward a proposal for in-person regional engagement meetings. Mayor Baldwin says this will be discussed at retreat. Councilor Harrison asks for immediate interim opportunity like neighborhood registry to establish a more formal community engagement structure at least in each District – monthly, with staff support and resources, residents determining structure and agenda. Asking staff to come back with menu options for community engagement, looking at the neighborhood registry and determining if that could be a method for moving forward, and bringing this forward at retreat, and ensure community engagement board understands their remit.
- Councilor Harrison asked for an emergency shelter status update.
- Mayor Baldwin moved to approve a task force to look at ways to better serve the homeless and announced that Councilor Forte will lead the effort and will partner with Wake County. Moved to hire Urban Land Institute (ULI) to study housing affordability and unsheltered so City can be more proactive in their response. Councilor Harrison questioning sole sourcing with ULI and where funding comes from. Mayor then asked for options based on goals and said money would be found. Will Allen resigning from GoTriangle at end of month with one year left on his term. Mayor Baldwin appointed to serve that year.
EVENING SESSION
Public Comment
- Octavia Rainey thanked Council for naming Smoky Hollow Park and asked for City Council liaison to Raleigh Housing Authority
- Rev. Renee Bethea requested funding for Justice Served to help with emergency housing; Mayor mentioned options for applying for funding
- Jeremy Gilchrist asked for statement from the City condemning the Proud Boys coming to Raleigh and asking that RPD be investigated to ensure there are no white supremacists in their ranks. Mayor moved that Human Relations Commission look at the issue.
- Josh Bradley presented each Council member with a book on gentrification. Asked City to focus on protection for abortion clinics through mechanisms other than RPD. Asked for a moonshot on housing affordability and expanded public bathrooms.
- Kerrie Collins asked for a third meeting each month for public comments. Asked Councilors to pay attention during public comments. Asked Councilors to look at what kind of housing they could afford on their recently upgraded salaries.
- Diana Powell asking for more help to deal with homelessness crisis. Mayor said Councilor Forte will be heading a task force to partner with the county on this issue.
- Johnniemae Grandy regarding homelessness
- Stacie McGregor regarding homelessness
- Quateshia Sills regarding homelessness
- Tunisha Wilson regarding housing insecurity
- Lillie Harris regarding housing insecurity
- Jaci Field thanked previous speakers for their courage and spoke about First Night Raleigh and recognition of outgoing director Michael Lowder
- Donna Bailey regarding community engagement and need for more affordable housing NOW — homelessness has doubled in the last two years — need replacements for NOAH that is being removed due to new development, and needs to be affordable not just at 80% AMI
- Woody Biggs regarding Glenwood South crime and noise. City Attorney has been working on noise ordinance.
- Lexie Nuell regarding abortion clinic protests disrupting neighborhoods. Mayor said City Attorney is working with clinic regarding buffer zones and other mechanisms.
- Cole McMullin regarding public transit — free bus fare, better compensation for drivers — no TIGS while public transit is underfunded
- Oscar Guarin regarding annexation
- Kate Burnie regarding abortion clinic protests
- Michael Lindsay regarding community engagement and asking for support for CACs. Mayor said this will be discussed at retreat.
- Tim Niles regarding immediate relief for community engagement and housing affordability — advocating density bonuses city-wide similar to the program in Transit Overlay Districts
- Bea Young regarding affordable housing, homelessness, and impact on women
- Polina Voronsky regarding unprofessional behavior of city inspectors
- Sergey Kesel regarding city inspectors
- Elizabeth Savage regarding abortion clinic protests
- Shane Collins regarding first responder pay
- Terry Snyder regarding affordable housing crisis — use City-owned land for AH, provide tax relief for residents rather than developers, enact a moratorium on tear downs of NOAH, incentivize AH builders, etc.
- Delmonte Crawford regarding housing crisis and in memory of the Hedingham Five
- Leon Cooke congratulating new council members and asking for improved community engagement and asking for help for the homeless and those experiencing housing insecurity
- Haley Kinsler regarding the Proud Boys in Raleigh and need for protection for LGBTQ+ persons. Mayor Baldwin said that it is no longer required to announce your address during public comments.
- Matthew Brown regarding historic preservation — Society for Preservation of Historic Oakwood would like to buy surplus City property to relocate one of two historic houses that are currently endangered. This is being sold through upset bid process with proceeds to be used for AH.
- Chris Crew regarding historic preservation
- Larry Miller regarding Glenwood South concerns about crime and noise issues
- Dee Penven-Crew regarding historic preservation
- Pam Griffin regarding homelessness and impact on disabled and veterans
- James Tousignant regarding homelessness
- Laura Harris regarding homelessness and inadequacy of white flag shelters that only operate at 35 degrees and below; wants representation of homeless people on boards that make decisions about funding
- Anthony Almanzar regarding Glenwood South
- Hwa Huang regarding new council and disrespect from previous council, as well as protection for abortion clinics, destruction of NOAH, environmentalism, and gentrification
- Casey Styers regarding Glenwood South and on behalf of Lauren Roper and Dwight Gatlin — requesting more police on weekends. Mayor Baldwin asked for follow up.
- Reeves Peeler praised move to November elections and asked for lower campaign contribution limits
Public Hearings
- Annual Housing Action Plan – Fiscal Year 2023-24 — there will be additional opportunities for public input through surveys (hard copy and online), written comments, and in-person and virtual events. Lisa Hughet asked for robust engagement on this, easier to read materials, and specific objectives with metrics. Hwa Huang commented on need for better engagement, AMI issues, Dix Park gentrification, impact of ADUs on rent, and issues with Missing Middle. Haley Kinsler spoke of need for better engagement, transparency, and inclusion of the homeless in coming up with solutions. Procedural hearing so no motion is needed.
- Street Closing STC-08-2022: Portion of Seaboard Avenue — approved unanimously
- Street Closing STC-09-2022: Triangle Town Boulevard Extension — approved unanimously
- Petition Annexation – AX-31-22- Contiguous inside ETJ – 12201 Leesville Road (District E) — approved unanimously
- Rezoning Z-67-21: North Hills Assemblage, located at the intersections of I-440 at Lassiter Mill Road, and Lassiter Mill Road at Six Forks Road (District A) — applicant asked that rezoning be rescheduled to first evening meeting in March to allow discussion with new councilors and clarify some issues
- Rezoning Z-31-22: Harrington Street, on the west side of S. Harrington Street, mid-block between Cabarrus Street and Lenoir Street (District D) — approved unanimously
- Rezoning Z-34-22: Hillsborough Street Assemblage, located at the intersections of Hillsborough Street and Grand Avenue, Grand Avenue and Dorcas Street, and Hillsborough Street and Youth Center Drive (District D) — approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Black opposed
- Rezoning Z-46-22: 4900 Old Poole Road, located at the southeast intersection of Old Poole Road and South New Hope Road (District C) — notice wasn’t proper for hearing so will come back on afternoon of January 3
- Rezoning Z-57-22: McLean Drive/Old Wake Forest Road Assemblage, approximately 0.2 miles northeast of the intersection of Old Wake Forest Road and Falls of the Neuse Road (District A) — notice wasn’t proper for hearing so will come back on afternoon of January 3
CONSENT AGENDA
- Ratification of Referendum Results – 2022 Parks Bond
- Disposition of Surplus Property – 508, 510, 514 S. East St. – Negotiated Offer and Upset Bid Process
- Sale of Surplus Equipment – Authorize Public Sale by Electronic Auction
- Petition Annexation – AX-26-22- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 8031 and 8101 Louisburg Road (District B)
- Petition Annexation – AX-21-22- Contiguous inside ETJ – 7640 Oak Hill Drive (District B)
- Easement Request – Duke Energy Progress LLC – New Bern BRT at 1451 N. New Hope Road
- Interlocal Agreements – Wake Transit Plan General and Special Agreements
- Professional Services – Master Services Agreement for On Call Engineering Services – CDM Smith Inc. – Amendment No. 1
- Professional Services – Consulting Engineering Services for Raleigh Stormwater ARPA Projects – AECOM and Tetra Tech
- Professional Services – Gipson Play Plaza– Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates – Amendment No. 3
- Contract Services – Wellness Program Portal and Administration – Virgin Pulse, Inc.
- Contract Services – Public Safety/911 Communications Contract for Equipment Lease – AT&T
- Contract Services – Removal of Stockpile Material at Yard Waste Center – Wade Moore Equipment Company – Amendment No. 1
- Contract Services – Beverage Partner Sponsorship – Performing Arts Center
- Street Closing STC-10-2022: Spring Street/East Street Right-of-Way
- Street Closing STC-11-2022: Sawyer Road Right-of-Way
- 1716 Nottingham Road – Private Drain Inlet
- Budget Amendment – Gipson Play Plaza
- Speed Limit Reductions – Bridgeport Drive, Pennfine Drive, Ryegrass Court, Talison Court, Thistlegate Trail, and Stone Mountain Road
- No Parking Zone – Line of Sight – Turf Grass Court
- No Parking Zones – Line of Sight – Broadlands Drive