Highlights
- Expansion of Downtown Municipal Service District — scheduled public hearing for April 16 with outreach to current and prospective property owners; approved 6 to 2 (with Councilors Forte and Jones opposed). Councilor Forte expressed serious concerns with expansion based on complaints from current property owners in the downtown MSDs.
- Unanimously approved motion for staff to bring back a resolution for public hearing on staggered four-year terms with a primary to be implemented in 2026, with an at-large seat in each election cycle. Requested more information from staff on process and costs for study of adding up to three additional seats, whether at-large or district, including redistricting. This will all come back to next meeting.
- Unanimously approved recommended changes to realign building upfit and facade rehabilitation grant.
- Staff presented information about water and sewer costs and rates. Also presented ideas for helping with affordability.
- Economic Development and Innovation Committee will meet on 3/26 at 1:30pm to continue discussion on downtown economic development strategy.
- Growth and Natural Resources Committee will meet on 3/26 at 4pm to discuss stormwater issues related to Harden Road rezoning request (Z-28-23)
- Transit and Transportation Committee discussed Harden Road rezoning (Z-28-23) at their last meeting and recommended staff look at policies regarding allowing applicants to offer traffic calming as a condition.
- Councilor Jones announced a meeting on Monday, 3/11, for a local business showcase connecting commerce with council at Bowstring Pizza, from 6-8pm. Her monthly district meeting will be Wednesday, 3/13, from 6-8 at TBD.
- Councilor Branch’s district meeting will be on 3/16 at 10am at 1214 E. Lenoir St.
- Councilor Black asked Council to vote on a ceasefire resolution. Motion didn’t pass with Baldwin, Forte, Branch, and Melton voting against.
- Councilor Patton holding office hours from 6-8pm on March 14 at Salty Turtle.
- Rescheduled Public Hearings – Defective Public Notice of March 5 Public Hearing Date
- Street Closing STC-04-2023: Portion of Fairview Road — unanimously approved
- Rezoning Z-92-22: New Bern Station Area Planning, 744 properties along New Bern Avenue between Downtown and Hedingham Boulevard / Freedom Drive (Districts B & C — This was a continuation of the January 30 public hearing. Council approved mapping of the TOD in three areas with no issues concerning NCODs, no removal requests, and no public comment. They also excluded historic properties and state-owned properties. They then mapped the TOD on 600 New Bern Avenue, removing the NCOD to allow a developer to build a grocery and affordable housing. They also mapped the TOD on Duplex Village, except allowing some of the property to retain requested Green Plus frontage. They also mapped the TOD on property they referred to as Zack’s. Council plans to tour the remaining three sections in April and will allow members of the public to join them. On April 2 they will discuss the remaining Affordable Housing sites owned by CASA and DHIC. As soon as the DMV property becomes city-owned, they will consider it. They plan to consider some of the remaining sections before their summer break and tackle the rest after that time.
AFTERNOON SESSION
A. 1:00 P.M. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Pledge of Allegiance
B. RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL AWARDS
C. CONSENT AGENDA
- Details at end of document
- Unanimously approved
J. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
1. Planning Commission Report
2. No report. The Planning Commission did not meet as scheduled on Februrary 26 due to lack of a quorum.
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at 1:00pm
- Rezoning Z-18-23 — Wilson St. & Garner Rd. Assemblage (District C)
- Rezoning Z-35-23 — 0 Gorman Street (District D) (Held open from February 6 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-39-23 — On the east side of Nowell Road (District D)
- Rezoning Z-41-23 — Portions of 8301 & 8317 Buffaloe Road (District B)
- Rezoning Z-53-23 — Northwest of the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Interlock Drive (District C)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on April 2, 2024 at 7:00pm
- Rezoning Z-72-22 — 423 S Blount Street, north of E Cabarrus Street (District C) (Held open from February 6 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-57-23 — 2339 Spring Forest Road and 0 & 5621 Atlantic Avenue (District A)
- Rezoning Z-58-23 — 611, 619, 623 and 627 Rawls Drive (District C)
- Rezoning Z-64-23 — 15 Summit Avenue (District D)
K. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Rezoning Z-36-23: 1230 & 1234 South Saunders Street, west of the intersection of South Saunders Street and Prospect Avenue (District D)
- Scheduling of public hearing delayed until March 19 for further work on height and stormwater conditions
2. Downtown Municipal Services District – Expansion of District Boundary
- Councilor Forte expresses serious concerns with expansion based on complaints from current property owners in the downtown MSDs.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton very supportive of expansion.
- Councilor Jones asks about outreach efforts to property owners in an MSD.
- Mayor Baldwin says Economic Development & Innovation Committee is working on several issues of concern.
- Approved 6 to 2 (with Councilors Forte and Jones opposed) scheduling public hearing for April 16 with outreach to current and prospective property owners.
- Mayor Baldwin expressed her appreciation for DRA’s outreach.
3. Municipal Election Changes
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton doesn’t want four-year terms without a primary election. Prefers staggered terms. Regardless of whether this goes on a ballot or is handled as a charter amendment.
- Councilor Black prefers Ranked Choice Voting while realizing that isn’t an option. Says that runoffs and primaries disadvantage younger and less well-off candidates. Likes adding 3 district seats and four-year terms.
- Councilor Branch supports four-year terms with primaries. Says currently voters have a voice in electing four of eight council members — mayor, 2 at-large, and their district. Adding extra districts changes that. Supports adding more at-large seats.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton also likes ranked choice voting while understanding that’s not an option. Says four-year terms with primary address the equity issue. Wants to hire an outside agency to handle council expansion by 2028 and move ahead with four-year staggered terms with primary now. Wants one district for downtown.
- Councilor Forte favors expansion of district seats.
- Councilor Harrison doesn’t favor a downtown district. Likes districts with a mix of neighborhood types.
- Mayor Baldwin says there seems to be consensus around staggered four-year terms with a primary.
- Unanimously approved Melton’s motion for staff to bring back a resolution for public hearing on staggered four-year terms with a primary to be implemented in 2026, with an at-large seat in each election cycle.
- Melton asked for more information from staff on process and costs for study of adding up to three additional seats, whether at-large or district, including redistricting.
- This will all come back to next meeting.
4. Disparity Study – Update on Implementation and Consulting Services
- Mayor Baldwin encourages outreach to Hispanic & Immigrant Affairs Board as well as the LGBTQ+ community.
- Councilor Forte recommends reaching out to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Harmony, as well as a minority contractor group.
L. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Façade Rehabilitation and Building Upfit Grants – Realignment of Programs
- Staff recommend implementation of a quarterly funding cycle for facade rehab to align with building upfit grants cycle and allow applicants to apply for both at the same time and implement review by the same committee and require grant award prior to applying for permits or COA and require improvements to be maintained for at least three years, as well as removal of University Village District for facade grant and prioritization of BRT routes. Other recommended changes include no second awards to same business in same space, make branded franchises ineligible, making unpermitted projects ineligible, and making signs ineligible. If a business cannot convert a letter of intent into a lease, they can reapply during the grant cycle. Also recommending changes to scoring criteria.
- Councilor Jones expresses concerns about BRT route prioritization because District E doesn’t include any proposed BRT routes. Staff will bring back more information on this.
- Councilor Branch asks if $25k match is sufficient and staff will check on that. City Manager says staff is reviewing current grant levels across all programs.
- Mayor Baldwin asks if all monies are spent every year. Staff says it can vary based on issues like the pandemic. Also asks them to re-think whether signs should be allowed or not because she thinks they can add a lot of value.
- Unanimously approved recommended changes.
2. Raleigh Water Cost of Service Study Update
- Key Take-Aways
- Sewer is providing a small subsidy to water; water rates should see a higher increase
- Sewer rates should see smaller increases relative to water
- Fixed Charges
- The 5/8” meter charge (water and sewer) needs to increase more relative to other meter sizes to bring it into alignment
- Larger water meter charges (>3”) need to increase more relative to other meter charges
- Volumetric Charges
- A return to pre-pandemic residential tier thresholds is recommended; tier 2 limit at 10ccf
- The residential tier 2 water rate and nonresidential water rate should see higher increases relative to other volumetric rates
- Increases are recommended for high-strength waste surcharges
3. Raleigh Water Utility Affordability Study Update
- Approximately 5.2% or about 9,800 customers potentially face unaffordable bills.
- Affordability priorities include minimizing service shut-offs, addressing emergency needs, maximizing program enrollment, and making “essential usage” more affordable for all customers.
- Mayor Baldwin suggested that allowing water revenues to be used to assist with affordability could be put on legislative agenda.
M. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING (AFTERNOON SESSION)
1. Rescheduling of Various Public Hearings – Defective Notice – Originally Scheduled for March 5
2. 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)
- Unanimously approved.
3. Rezoning Z-28-23: Harden Road, southeast of the intersection of Harden Road and Blue Ridge Road (District E) (TO BE RESCHEDULED)
- Applicant requests deferral to March 19 to set hearing to allow revisions. Issues with traffic and stormwater. Councilor Harrison moves to refer to March 26 GNR meeting regarding stormwater issues. Both unanimously approved.
4. Rezoning Z-50-23: Varsity Drive, west of the intersection of Varsity Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D) (TO BE RESCHEDULED)
- Applicant requests March 19 public hearing; Councilor Harrison moves for 3/19 and unanimously approved.
5. Text Change TC-8-23: Appearance Commission Name Change (TO BE RESCHEDULED)
- Mayor Baldwin moves for April 2 public hearing. Unanimously approved.
N. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Downtown Raleigh economic development strategy was discussed at last meeting. Asked for high-impact funding items and how to pay for them. Also no-cost policy changes that would be high impact. Will report back at next meeting.
- Next meeting on 3/26 at 1:30pm to continue discussion.
O. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting 3/26 at 4pm.
P. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No meeting scheduled
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. Item 22-08: Rezoning Z-28-23 – Harden Road (District E)
2. Items Pending
- Recommended staff look at policies regarding allowing applicants to offer traffic calming. If developer offers traffic calming as a condition, a development agreement would not be required and the normal process would not be required, which could create an equity issue.
- Melton points out this helps with limited funding for traffic calming.
- Mayor asks for more discussion with applicant.
- Councilor Patton suggest bringing back sample zoning conditions for this type of situation. Unanimously approved.
- No meeting scheduled.
R. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Harrison asked for update on Green Growth Tools previously approved including touchpoints and milestones. Will be in Manager’s Update. Asked about green roof bus shelters, especially along BRT, to integrate biophilic principles.
- Councilor Forte mentioned Chamber’s efforts regarding blueprint to eliminate systemic racism, including hiring RTI to do an environmental scan. Wake County contributing $25k. Chamber contributing $14k. Asking for $14k from Council contingency funds. Will vote at next meeting.
- Councilor Jones announced a meeting on Monday, 3/11, for a local business showcase connecting commerce with council at Bowstring Pizza, from 6-8pm. Her monthly district meeting will be Wednesday, 3/13, from 6-8 at TBD.
- Councilor Branch’s district meeting will be on 3/16 at 10am at 1214 E. Lenoir St.
- Councilor Black asked Council to vote on a ceasefire resolution. Council unanimously voted to vote on a resolution this afternoon. Motion didn’t pass with Baldwin, Forte, Branch, and Melton voting against.
- Councilor Patton holding office hours from 6-8pm on March 8 at Salty Turtle.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton brought up issue of residency for appointees for Police Advisory Board. Staff will report back at next meeting.
- Mayor Baldwin requested $5k from Council contingency on behalf of Raleigh Skate Park to cover cost of public restrooms and cost of fencing. Will vote at next meeting.
S. APPOINTMENTS
1. Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Centers Authority – One Regular Vacancy
2. Stormwater Management Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
3. Substance Use Advisory Commission – Two Regular Vacancies
T. NOMINATIONS
1. Planning Commission – One Regular Vacancy
2. Raleigh Transit Authority – One Regular Vacancy
3. Substance Use Advisory Commission – One Regular Vacancy
U. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. 2024 Municipal Elections – Establish Filing Fees
- Approved setting of fees at $250 for Mayor and $200 for other seats
2. Minutes – Various
W. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter into Closed Session
X. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Recess Meeting
EVENING SESSION
Y. 7:00 P.M. EVENING AGENDA
Z. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Rescheduled Public Hearings – Defective Public Notice of March 5 Public Hearing Date
2. Street Closing STC-04-2023: Portion of Fairview Road
- Approved unanimously
3. Rezoning Z-92-22: New Bern Station Area Planning, 744 properties along New Bern Avenue between Downtown and Hedingham Boulevard / Freedom Drive (Districts B & C)
- This was a continuation of the January 30 public hearing. Council approved mapping of the TOD in three areas with no issues concerning NCODs, no removal requests, and no public comment. They also excluded historic properties and state-owned properties.
- They then mapped the TOD on 600 New Bern Avenue, removing the NCOD to allow a developer to build a grocery and affordable housing.
- They also mapped the TOD on Duplex Village, except allowing some of the property to retain requested Green Plus frontage.
- They also mapped the TOD on property they referred to as Zack’s.
- Council plans to tour the remaining three sections in April and will allow members of the public to join them.
- On April 2 they will discuss the remaining Affordable Housing sites owned by CASA and DHIC.
- As soon as the DMV property becomes city-owned, they will consider it.
- They plan to consider some of the remaining sections before their summer break and tackle the rest after that time.
AA. ADJOURNMENT
1. Adjourn Meeting
CONSENT AGENDA
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Upper Neuse River Basin Association – Assignment of Representation
D. CONSENT AGENDA – PETITION ANNEXATIONS
1. Petition Annexation (Deferral)- AX-36-23- Contiguous inside ETJ – 5425 Live Oak Trail (District E)
E. CONSENT AGENDA – EASEMENTS
1. Easement Request – NCDOT – 975 Buffaloe Road, Garner (Lake Benson)
F. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Contract Services – On-Call Digital Orthophotography & Base Mapping – The Sanborn Map Company, Inc.
2. Contract Services – Permitting and Licensing Software Portal – Credit Card Payment Processor – Tyler Technologies, Inc.
G. CONSENT AGENDA – BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS
1. Budget Amendment and Transfers – Lake Lynn West Loop Trail Improvements Project
H. CONSENT AGENDA – BIDS
1. Bid Award – Blue Ridge Road Widening, South – Carolina Sunrock, LLC
I. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Speed Limit Reductions
2. Bus Zones – 600 Glenbrook Drive
3. Mixed Use Loading Zone – 200 South Wilmington Street
4. No Parking Zones – Line of Sight – Maywood Avenue