HIGHLIGHTS
- Councilor Branch is absent and excused.
- Transit budget facing $8.2M deficit, even assuming resumption of fares on July 1, 2024. Several options proposed for addressing.
- Public comments covered rezoning issues, bus ridership, Prince Hall District, natural disasters, homelessness and hunger, international issues, and paratransit issues.
- Rezoning Z-40-23 13120 Strickland Road (District E) sent to April 23 Growth & Natural Resources Committee meeting for further discussion.
- Appropriation from Council Contingency – unanimously approved $14,000 for Wake Blueprint to Dismantle Systemic Racism and held on the $5,000 for Raleigh Skate Park pending some clarifications
- Digital Billboards – Staff will take Council recommendations to Planning Commission.
- Omnibus Text Change Program – Authorized sending to PC with separate authorization for White Flag shelters to be expedited.
- Public hearing scheduled for April 2 at 7pm to discuss changing to four-year staggered terms with a primary and to add three district seats. Despite previous commitment to put these changes on a ballot in November, Council now says they haven’t decided whether to let the public decide through a ballot referendum or whether to adopt the changes under their own authority.
- Blue Ridge Corridor Municipal Service District public hearing scheduled for May 7.
- Authorized Text Change Amendment regarding Historic Preservation
- Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Lien approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Black opposed
- Rezoning Z-53-23: Northwest of the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Interlock Drive (District C) — Hearing continued to April 16.
- Rezoning Z-18-23: Wilson Street & Garner Road Assemblage, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Garner Road and E. Tryon Road (District C) — Approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Black opposed.
- Rezoning Z-39-23: On the east side of Nowell Road, approximately 0.2 miles north of Chapel Hill Road (District D) — Held until 1pm meeting on April 2 to allow for more conversation about conditions.
- Rezoning Z-41-23: Portions of 8301 & 8317 Buffaloe Road, approximately 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Old Crews and Buffaloe Roads (District B) — Unanimously approved.
- Rezoning Z-50-23: Varsity Drive, west of the intersection of Varsity Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D) — Held until afternoon of April 16 to allow more conversation about conditions.
- Streetscape Plan Amendment: SSP-1-23 Village District Common Signage Plan Amendment — unanimously approved
- Rezoning Z-35-23: 0 Gorman Street, 0.27 mi south of the intersection of Gorman Street and Avent Ferry Road and west of the intersection of Gorman Street and Shire Lane (District D) — held until to 1pm on May 7 to allow more conversation about conditions.
- Next meeting of Economic Development & Innovation Committee on March 26 at 1pm
- Growth & Natural Resources Committee will meet at 4pm on March 26 to discuss Harden Road. They will discuss Strickland Road at their April meeting and litter at their May meeting.
- Councilor Harrison mentioned that there is a possibility of a public/private partnership for a pool at Lake Johnson.
- Councilor Forte asked staff for a budget note to cover separation allowances for operational departments beyond what is required by law. Councilor Black asked that this be broken out by each department.
- Councilor Jones announced her next District meeting will be on April 10 from 6-8pm at New World Cafe on Duraleigh Road. She said the Community Engagement Board would like some input about their role now that CACs have been reinstated. Councilor Patton suggested that their workplan be circulated among Council to review how well it aligns with Council priorities. Councilor Jones also suggested creating some kind of link between the RCAC and Council, perhaps a board like various business alliances have. She suggested this could involve a council liaison, but not necessarily a staff liaison although Councilor Forte supports both. Jones also suggested the RCAC present an annual work plan and describe plans for orientation of new leaders. She noted that Council is expecting a report back from staff in April.
- Councilor Black noted that the City should support the RCAC in reviving the dormant CACs since the City was responsible for their demise. She agrees there is a need for coordination and a workplan, but also noted that the RCAC needs to maintain its independence. Black also shared concerns of the Human Relations Commission about their grant process and equity, especially how new organizations can effectively compete with legacy organizations.
- Councilor Patton called attention to the April 2 public hearing for the Annual Action Plan that was established during the consent agenda.
- Mayor Baldwin says that Skate Park request is for $7500 to cover nine-month cost of portajohns as well as a wrap. Approved 5 to 2 with Councilors Black and Patton opposed.
- Unanimously approved a motion to allow the Police Chief to appoint non-residents to the Police Advisory Board.
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. FY25 Transit Proposed Budget and Fare Strategies
- Combination of rising costs and depletion of relief funding expected to result in FY25 General Fund budget deficit of $8.2M, assuming fares will be reinstated July 1, 2024.
- Considering options ranging from remaining fare-free to raising fares.
- Councilor Forte suggests reaching out to Wake County Public Schools and the Salvation Army to help publicize any changes.
- Councilor Melton re-emphasizes his support for fare-free, but also supports some of the other programs presented. Councilor Black agrees.
- Councilor Jones asks about a model similar to “A Place At The Table” where riders can sponsor other riders. Councilor Harrison agrees.
- Councilor Patton has concerns about reinstating fares and is especially opposed to raising fares at this point. Suggests looking into creative ways to use Medicaid dollars toward transportation. Cautions against implementing new programs without adequate testing.
B. 1:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Pledge of Allegiance
C. CONSENT AGENDA
- Full details at end of this document
- Unanimously approved
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Public comments covered rezoning issues, bus ridership, Prince Hall District, natural disasters, homelessness and hunger, international issues, and paratransit issues.
J. 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 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)
- Z-92-22 – New Bern TOD
- 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)
- Text Change TC-8-23 — Appearance Commission Name Change (Rescheduled from March 5 meeting)
2. Text Change TC-3-23: Clean Transportation Ordinance – Request for 60-day Extension granted
3. Text Change TC-7-23: Mordecai Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District – Amendments – May 7 public hearing scheduled
4. Rezoning Z-40-23 13120 Strickland Road (District E) – Councilor Jones asks about additional input. Mayor Baldwin and Mayor Pro Tem Melton suggest sending to April 23rd meeting of Growth & Natural Resources Committee for further discussion.
5. Rezoning Z-46-23: North Boylan Assemblage, at the intersection of North Boylan Avenue and West Lane Street (District D) – Councilor Harrison wants to hold until she can discuss with applicant
6. Rezoning Z-51-23: 430 Buck Jones Road, at the intersection of Buck Jones Road and Bashford Road (District D) – April 16 public hearing scheduled
7. Rezoning Z-54-23: South Saunders Street, 200 feet south of the intersection of West South Street and South Saunders Street (District D) – April 16 public hearing scheduled
8. 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) – April 16 public hearing scheduled
K. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Rezoning Z-28-23: Harden Road, southeast of the intersection of Harden Road and Blue Ridge Road (District E)
- April 2 public hearing scheduled
2. Rezoning Z-36-23: 1230 & 1234 South Saunders Street, west of the intersection of South Saunders Street and Prospect Avenue (District D)
- held until 1pm on April 2 for applicant to submit revised conditions
3. Appropriation from Council Contingency
- unanimously approved $14,000 for Wake Blueprint to Dismantle Systemic Racism and held on the $5,000 for Raleigh Skate Park pending some clarifications
4. Text Change TC-4-23: Digital Billboards
- Mayor expresses concerns about the number of billboards and suggests sending to Planning Commission.
- Councilor Harrison expresses concerns and asks about the public benefit.
- Councilor Jones agrees about number of signs and questions public benefit. Suggests sending to Committee as well. Mayor Baldwin says process is to go to PC and then to Committee.
- This was initiated by Councilor Branch.
- Councilor Black asks about impact on trees and existing natural areas.
- Councilor Patton expresses concerns as well.
- Mayor Pro Tem Melton wants to hear from PC and from the public.
- Mayor Baldwin and others like the idea of potentially using for public service announcements.
- Councilor Harrison expresses concerns about equity in placement.
- Staff will take Council recommendations to Planning Commission.
5. Omnibus Text Change Program
- Authorized sending to PC with separate authorization for White Flag shelters to be expedited.
6. Resolution of Intent – Changes to Council Terms and Implement a Nonpartisan Primary and Election
- Preliminary quotes received for redistricting ranging from $20k to $60k.
- Holding redistricting until 2028 presents some issues. 2026 is an option.
- Census will occur again in 2030 and might require further redistricting.
- Councilor Patton asked when decision will need to be made about whether to make this change through Council action or via ballot referendum. Staff says decision does not need to be made today.
- Councilor Patton asked when to agree on adding additional seats and of which type. Staff says that should be made today.
- Mayor Pro Tem suggests moving ahead with changing election format and adding additional seats effective 2026.
- Public hearing scheduled for April 2 at 7pm to discuss changing to four-year staggered terms with a primary.
- Councilor Patton moves to hold a public hearing on April 2 regarding adding 3 district seats. Approved 6 to 1 with Mayor Baldwin opposed.
- Mayor Pro Tem doesn’t like adding more district seats without adding additional at-large seats based on split at other cities.
- Mayor Baldwin would like to see more options offered to balance addition of district seats with at-large seats.
- Mayor Pro Tem wants some information about expense of adding three district councilors in terms of pay, staff support, etc.
7. Municipal Service District – Blue Ridge Road Corridor
- Concerns expressed about including renters and about need for transportation improvements. Current MSD rules don’t allow monies to be spent on capital improvements.
- Councilor Patton isn’t sure she can support.
- Councilor Jones asks how MSD actually would advocate for Affordable Housing.
- Councilor Harrison moves to schedule public hearing for May 7.
L. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Authorize Text Change Amendment – Unified Development Ordinance – Historic Preservation
- Unanimously approved
M. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Black opposed
2. Rezoning Z-53-23: Northwest of the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Interlock Drive (District C)
- Hearing continued to April 16.
3. Rezoning Z-18-23: Wilson Street & Garner Road Assemblage, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Garner Road and E. Tryon Road (District C)
- Approved 6 to 1 with Councilor Black opposed.
4. Rezoning Z-39-23: On the east side of Nowell Road, approximately 0.2 miles north of Chapel Hill Road (District D)
- Held until 1pm meeting on April 2 to allow for more conversation about conditions.
5. Rezoning Z-41-23: Portions of 8301 & 8317 Buffaloe Road, approximately 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Old Crews and Buffaloe Roads (District B)
- Unanimously approved.
6. Rezoning Z-50-23: Varsity Drive, west of the intersection of Varsity Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D)
- Held until afternoon of April 16 to allow more conversation about conditions.
7. Streetscape Plan Amendment: SSP-1-23 Village District Common Signage Plan Amendment
- Unanimously approved.
8. Rezoning Z-35-23: 0 Gorman Street, 0.27 mi south of the intersection of Gorman Street and Avent Ferry Road and west of the intersection of Gorman Street and Shire Lane (District D)
- held until to 1pm on May 7 to allow more conversation about conditions.
N. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting will be 1pm on March 26
O. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Growth & Natural Resources Committee will meet at 4pm on March 26 to discuss Harden Road. They will discuss Strickland Road at their April meeting and litter at their May meeting.
P. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No items so no meeting scheduled.
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- No report
R. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Harrison mentioned that there is a possibility of a public/private partnership for a pool at Lake Johnson.
- Councilor Forte asked staff for a budget note to cover separation allowances for operational departments beyond what is required by law. Councilor Black asked that this be broken out by each department.
- Councilor Jones announced her next District meeting will be on April 10 from 6-8pm at New World Cafe on Duraleigh Road. She said the Community Engagement Board would like some input about their role now that CACs have been reinstated. Councilor Patton suggested that their workplan be circulated among Council to review how well it aligns with Council priorities. Councilor Jones also suggested creating some kind of link between the RCAC and Council, perhaps a board like various business alliances have. She suggested this could involve a council liaison, but not necessarily a staff liaison although Councilor Forte supports both. Jones also suggested the RCAC present an annual work plan and describe plans for orientation of new leaders. She noted that Council is expecting a report back from staff in April.
- Councilor Black noted that the City should support the RCAC in reviving the dormant CACs since the City was responsible for their demise. She agrees there is a need for coordination and a workplan, but also noted that the RCAC needs to maintain its independence. Black also shared concerns of the Human Relations Commission about their grant process and equity, especially how new organizations can effectively compete with legacy organizations.
- Councilor Patton called attention to the April 2 public hearing for the Annual Action Plan that was established during the consent agenda.
- Mayor Baldwin says that Skate Park request is for $7500 to cover nine-month cost of portajohns as well as a wrap. Approved 5 to 2 with Councilors Black and Patton opposed.
S. APPOINTMENTS
1. Board of Adjustment – County Alternate Appointment
2. Substance Use Advisory Commission – Three Regular Vacancies
T. NOMINATIONS
1. Appearance Commission – One Alternate Vacancy
2. Arts Commission – Three Regular Vacancies
3. Community Engagement Board – One Regular Vacancy (Staff-Nominated, First Time Serving Slot)
4. Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board – One Regular Vacancy (Professional Category)
U. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
1. Police Advisory Board – Appointee of the Police Chief
- Unanimously approved a motion to allow the Police Chief to appoint non-residents to the Police Advisory Board.
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes
W. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter Closed Session
X. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Adjourn Meeting
C. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Sale of Surplus Equipment – Authorize Public Sale – Electronic Auction
3. Donation of Equipment – Raleigh Police Foundation – Various Items
4. Affordable Housing – Thrive at South End – Gap Funding – Additional Allocation
5. Revisions to the Adopted Strategic Plan
D. CONSENT AGENDA – REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Housing and Community Development Programs – Federal Grant Funding – FY 2024-25 Annual Action Plan
E. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Professional Services – GoRaleigh Operations and Maintenance Facility (Poole Road) Expansion Design Services – WSP USA, Inc.
2. Professional Services – State Street Basin Water and Sewer Improvements Project Phase 4 – CDM Smith, Inc – Contract Amendment No. Five
3. Contract Services– Stormwater Control Measures and Dam Maintenance – Dragonfly Pond Works, LLC
4. Contract Services – Police Promotional Process – Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc.
F. CONSENT AGENDA – RIGHT- OF – WAY ITEMS (CONDEMNATION REQUESTS)
1. Battle Ridge Community Connector Trail Project and Battle Ridge North Community Connector Trail Project
G. CONSENT AGENDA – BIDS
1. Bid Award – Southall Road Water Main Relocation – Moffat Pipe, Inc.
2. Bid Award – Parks Phase III Site Security Project – Premier Commercial Security, Inc.
H. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Speed Limit Reductions
2. No Parking Zone – Line of Sight – Grove Barton Road
3. No Parking Tow Away Zones – Frazier Drive at Beacon Lake Drive.