HIGHLIGHTS

  • Councilor Patton’s request to defer Shaw rezoning due to her unavailability on April 4 was voted down; public hearing will be April 4.
  • Rezoning Z-55-22: Johnson Street, held open until April 4 for further negotiation.
  • Rezoning Z-75-22: Edwards Mill Road, held open until April 4 for discussion on broader issues of walkability at March 23 Transportation & Transit Committee
  • External Text Change Request: Use Standards (Protective Yards) was approved 7 to 1 to begin the process
  • Unanimously approved the issuance of General Obligation Public Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes for total amounts not to exceed $85,000,000 (tax-exempt) and $25,000,000 (taxable) and for the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2023AB for total amounts not to exceed $158,746,666 (tax-exempt) and $4,700,000 (taxable) and of General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2023C for total amounts not to exceed $26,800,000.
  • Recently, Raleigh Water has finished Phase 1 of 2 phases of a utility affordability study. The purpose of this study is to assess water and sewer affordability and develop solutions to how Raleigh Water can address concerns that may be identified. About 5.1% or 9400 customers face unaffordable water bills. The City’s existing customer assistance program helped ~5277 customers in 2022
  • Civic Campus – unanimously approved a contract amendment of $700k to complete design and bid the project.
  • Unanimously approved $6500 for marketing materials for the Police Advisory Board
  • Councilor Harrison recommended moving items out of GNR Committee and scheduling a public hearing on April 4 afternoon meeting for the Dix Edge study and Z-53-22B, and holding a public hearing for Z-72-21 hearing during the April 4 evening meeting. Unanimously approved
  • Mayor Baldwin announced that Rezoning Z-54-22: Peace & West (District D) remain in Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Community committee for further discussion
  • Councilor Harrison asked for an update on virtual attendance for Boards and Commissions. Staff will bring recommendations to Council on March 21. She also requested a work session to discuss election process. That will be scheduled in April. Councilors can submit work session topics by end of next week as work session topics are being rescheduled.
  • On Saturday March 18 at 9:30am there will be a DDNA  (District D Neighborhood Alliance) meeting on Vision Zero, including a community bike ride, at the  Crowder Center
  • Mayor Pro Tem Branch will be holding a District C meeting on 3/18 from 10am to 12noon on 1214 Lenoir Street.
  • Councilor Black will hold a District A meeting on March 25.
  • Councilor Melton will hold listening hours on 3/18 at 11am at Anisette at 209 Bickett  Blvd
  • Public comments focused on homelessness, police accountability, and on planning issues
  • Rezoning Z-67-21: North Hills Assemblage, withdrawn by applicant
  •  Rezoning Z-43-22: 405 Clover Ln, — applicant asked for deferral to March 21 for further negotiation — unanimously approved
  • Rezoning Z-61-22: 4500 Falls of Neuse Road — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-65-22: Willard Place — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-74-22: Levister Ct — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-81-22, 3304 Clearfield Drive — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-82-22: Mitchell Mill Road — applicant asked for deferral until March 21 to address affordable housing conditions and traffic issues
  • Wakefield Small Area Study Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendments — approved unanimously

AFTERNOON SESSION

Consent Agenda – see details at end of this document

  • Staff pulled item E1: Business Investment Grant – Project Omega
  • Approved unanimously

Report and Recommendation of the Planning Commission

The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council meeting on March 21, 2023 at 1:00pm:

  • Annexation Petition AX-1-22 — Contiguous Outside ET] – 6720 Rock Quarry Road (District C) (Held open from 01/24 meeting)
  • Annexation Petition AX-21-22 — Contiguous inside ETJ – 7640 Oak Hill Drive (District B) (Held open from 01/24 meeting)
  • Annexation Petition AX-32-22 — 5100 Forestville Road (District B) (Deferred at 01/17 Council meeting)
  • Annexation Petition AX-35-22 — Contiguous Inside ETJ – 4301 Whitfield Road (District C)
  • Rezoning Z-2-22 — Rock Quarry Road (District C) (Held open from 01/24 meeting)
  • Rezoning Z-38-22 — 7640 Oak Hill Drive (District B) (Held open from 01/24 meeting)
  • Rezoning Z-41-22 — Old Milburnie Road (District B) (Held open from 02/07 meeting)
  • Rezoning Z-69-22 — 3540 Auburn Knightdale Road (District C)
  • Rezoning Z-86-22 — 5308 Falls of Neuse Road (District A)

The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council meeting on April 4, 2023 at 7:00pm:

  • Southeast Special Area Study Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendments (CP-12-21)
  • Rezoning Z-67-22 – 7910 Skyland Ridge Parkway (District E)

The following were approved 5 to 2 for public hearings on April 4, 2023 at 7:00pm, except for Z-16-20 which applicant has requested be deferred. Councilors Jones and Patton voted no because of Councilor Patton’s request to defer Shaw case.

  • Rezoning Z-16-20: Hodge Rd, south of the intersection of Poole Road and Hodge Road (District C) – applicant requests deferral until next meeting to revise conditions
  • Rezoning Z-59-22: Shaw University, 17 properties generally located near the intersection of S. Blount Street and E. South Street (Districts C & D) – Councilor Patton asks that meeting be postponed until May because she will miss April 4 meeting and this is a major issue. Mayor suggests hearing can still be heard on April 4, with decision deferred until next meeting. Councilor Jones asks to honor Councilor Patton’s request. Mayor Pro Tem Branch backs Mayor. Councilor Patton asks if there can be assurance that no vote will be taken on April 4 and Mayor says that can’t be guaranteed.
  • Rezoning Z-79-22: 6119 Corporate Ridge Rd, 0 Hillsborough St, on the west end of Corporate Ridge Rd (District D)
  • Rezoning Z-87-22: Four properties on the northern half of the block bounded by W Davie St, S Salisbury St, W Cabarrus St, and S McDowell St. (District D)

Special Items – Afternoon Public Hearings

  • Rezoning Z-55-22: Johnson Street, on the south side of Johnson Street, between St. Marys Street and Boylan Avenue (District D) – Councilor Harrison moves to hold case open until afternoon of April 4 for further negotiation. Approved unanimously.
  • Rezoning Z-75-22: Edwards Mill Road, northwest side, approximately one quarter-mile from the intersection with Glen Eden Drive (District E) – Councilor Jones moves to refer to Transit & Transportation Committee to deal with some walkability and safety issues. Staff is accelerating study and should be finished in a week but will need to be coordinated with NCDOT. Mayor Pro Tem Branch moves to hold until April 4 when study and NCDOT info will be ready. Unanimously agreed to discuss the issue broadly at 3/23 Transportation and Transit Committee and hold the rezoning request until April 4 in the afternoon.
  • Unfit for Human Habitation – approved unanimously

Special Items

  • External Text Change Request: Use Standards (Protective Yards) – approved 7 to 1, with Council Harrison objecting, to move forward with drafting the text change

Report and Recommendation of the City Manager

  • Financial Management 

https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CPPNVC61BF79/$file/20230307FINFinancialManagementOverview.pdf

  • Focus on bond ratings, process, and how to reach highest status and keep it
  • General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note Program – unanimously approved
  • General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2023ABC

https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CPPNY661CFB8/$file/20230307FINGeneralObligationBondsFinancing.pdf

  • Unanimously approved the issuance of General Obligation Public Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes for total amounts not to exceed $85,000,000 (tax-exempt) and $25,000,000 (taxable) and for the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2023AB for total amounts not to exceed $158,746,666 (tax-exempt) and $4,700,000 (taxable) and of General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2023C for total amounts not to exceed $26,800,000.
  • Raleigh Water Utility Affordability Study

https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CPPNY961E184/$file/20230307PUDAffordabilityStudy.pdf

  • Recently, Raleigh Water has finished Phase 1 of 2 phases of a utility affordability study. The purpose of this study is to assess water and sewer affordability and develop solutions to how Raleigh Water can address concerns that may be identified.
    • About 5.1% or 9400 customers face unaffordable water bills. The City’s existing customer assistance program helped ~5277 customers in 2022
    • Mayor Pro Tem Branch challenged staff to address issues in the interim while study continues. Councilor Harrison asks about coordinating with similar County efforts.
  • Professional Services – Civic Campus – East Civic Tower – Ratio States – NC, PLLC, Amendment No. 1

https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CPPRUK6FB1F6/$file/20230307ESDCivicCampusEastCivicTowerAmd1.pdf

  • Unanimously approved a contract amendment of $700k to complete design and bid the project.

Report and Recommendation of the Police Advisory Board

  • Police Advisory Board-FY23 Annual Workplan

https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CPFMVA593191/$file/20230307DEIPoliceAdvisoryBoardAnnualWorkPlan.pdf

  • Unanimously approved $6500 for marketing materials

Report and Recommendation of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee

  • Economic Development Roundtable with HBCUs has not yet been scheduled

Report and Recommendation of the Growth and Natural Resources Committee

  • Dix Edge Area Study Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendment discussed at February 28 meeting – recommended adoption 3 to 0 with removal of urban corridor along Fayetteville Street and changes to FLUM re Z-53-22B
  • Rezoning Z-53-22B: S Wilmington St, and Water Works St (District D) – voted 4 to 0 to recommend against this rezoning (Sites 1 and 3)
  • Rezoning Z-72-21: Lake Wheeler Road, Mercury Street, Maywood Avenue (District D) – did not discuss but moved out of committee with no recommendation except to resume the public hearing
  • Councilor Harrison recommended moving these items out of GNR and scheduling a public hearing for April 4 afternoon meeting, except holding Z-72-21 public hearing during evening meeting. Unanimously approved

Report and Recommendation of the Safe, Vibrant, and Healthy Community Committee

  • Rezoning Z-54-22: Peace & West (District D) remains in committee for further discussion

Report and Recommendation of the Transit and Transportation Committee

  • Will get with staff to schedule next meeting

Report from the Mayor and Council

  • Councilor Harrison asked for an update on virtual attendance for Boards and Commissions. Staff will bring recommendations to Council on March 21. She also requested a work session to discuss election process. That will be scheduled in April. Councilors can submit work session topics by end of next week as work session topics are being rescheduled.
  • On Saturday March 18 at 9:30am there will be a DDNA  (District D Neighborhood Alliance) meeting on Vision Zero, including a community bike ride, at the  Crowder Center
  • Councilor Forte announced that Parks & Rec will be holding a meeting on Saturday at 10am about Method Road area
  • Councilor Jones announced that third graders she read to recently asked that Council save trees in every rezoning case. WCPSS would like to have input into rezoning and annexation cases. She also asked about how Council can hold each other accountable for working together well. Mayor Baldwin points out that Code of Conduct has no teeth. Revisions would require five votes.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Branch will be holding a District C meeting on 3/18 from 10am to 12noon on 1214 Lenoir Street. These will continue on the third Saturday of the month. Says property owners along Blount Street want to be removed from Prince Hall Overlay District. City Manager will outline the process and follow up.
  • Councilor Black will hold March 25 District meeting. Will be speaking at South by Southwest on Gen Z Women in Politics.
  • Councilor Patton highlighted some of the things that happen as part of Consent Agenda.
  • Councilor Melton will hold listening hours on 3/18 at 11am at Anisette at 209 Bickett  Blvd
  • Mayor Baldwin asked for update from HRC on Mayor’s Unity Day

EVENING SESSION

Public Comment

  • Lucy Lynn asking for cutting budget for police 
  • Chris Crew on importance of preservation
  • Polina Voronsky on issues with City planning and development processes
  • Sergey Kesel on issues with City planning and development processes
  • Helen Tart about the benefits of mixed use development
  • Nell Perry concerned about safety issues with individuals panhandling in traffic in several Raleigh locations. Asked for prohibitions of panhandling during rush hour and/or on high-traffic zones. Mayor asked City Manager to follow up on options.
  • Octavia Rainey concerned about racism in City government, especially as evidenced by gentrification resulting from rezoning.
  • Gene Alston asking for relief on water bill for facility housing 75 families and asking for documented follow up on public comments.
  • Lisa Hughet on issues created by Peace Street Hookah Bar in neighborhood; asking for more reasonable laws to address the issues. Mayor asked City Attorney to get involved.
  • Matt Lail concerned about Transit Overlay District’snnegative impact on neighborhoods.
  • Kara Sanders on families
  • Jennifer McKenney on police accountability and budget priorities
  • Frank Hielema on issues with Missing Middle and suggestions for how to build more affordable housing
  • Donna Bailey on improvement suggestions to the rezoning process.
  • Eddie Davis on Affordable Housing, rent control, and price gouging
  • Nicole Williams on homelessness and sexual harassment
  • Kerrie Collins asked for moratorium on rezonings in North Hills area until all the buildings under construction are completed so their real impact can be understood
  • Delmonte Crawford on need for council to try to influence legislation
  • Josh Bradley asking for more action to provide more housing and to provide services to the homeless
  • Matthew Brown on value of historic preservation and need to balance growth and concerns about Shaw University’s rezoning request
  • Shane Collins on need for more affordable housing, incentives for builders
  • Kim Schliep on the negative impact of transit overlay districts on neighborhoods
  • Kim Muktarian on police misconduct
  • Andrea Fennell on homelessness and racial categories
  • Cole McMullin on issues with plurality elections and requesting Council to fix, plus asking for more support for affordable housing and public transit and less for the police
  • Eugene Myrick says Shaw doesn’t need rezoning; just better management. Also brought up issues with Planning Commission process.
  • Isabel Mattox on annexation issue
  • Laura Harris on homelessness and ARPA funds and need for more engagement
  • Carlton Watson on homelessness
  • Pam Griffin on homelessness and ARPA funds
  • James Tousignant on homelessness and ARPA funds
  • Barbara Smalley-McMahan on affordable housing

Public Hearings

  • Street Closing STC-12-2022: Connectivity Way Right-of-Way — 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) — withdrawn by applicant
  • Rezoning Z-43-22: 405 Clover Ln, both sides, east of Wake Forest Road (District C) — applicant asked for deferral to March 21 for further negotiation
  • Rezoning Z-61-22: 4500 Falls of Neuse Road, just north of the intersection with Old Wake Forest Road (District A) — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-65-22: Willard Place, east of N Boylan Avenue, bounded by Willard Place and Hillsborough Street (District D) — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-74-22: Levister Ct, east of the intersection of Fayetteville St and Levister Ct (District D) — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-81-22, 3304 Clearfield Drive, located at the northeast quadrant of I-540 and the CSX rail corridor (District A) — approved unanimously
  • Rezoning Z-82-22: Mitchell Mill Road, on its north side approximately 1,000 feet west of Forestville Road (District B) — applicant asked for deferral until March 21 to address affordable housing conditions and traffic issues
  • Wakefield Small Area Study Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendments — approved unanimously

CONSENT AGENDA

  • Raleigh Housing Authority Bond Issuance – Toulon Place and Summit at Sawyer
  • Modifying and Reissuing Loans to DHIC for Avonlea, Jeffries Ridge, Madison Glen, and Ripley Station
  • Petition Annexation – AX-22-22- Contiguous to Satellite- Outside ETJ – 3540 Auburn Knightdale Road (District C)
  • Petition Deferral Annexation – AX-11-23- Contiguous Inside ETJ – 8716 Silverthorne Drive (District E)
  • Business Investment Grant – Project Omega
  • Grant Award – North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure Sewer Grant
  • Grant Award – North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure Water Grant
  • Easement Request: 3500 Forestville Road (Fire Station 28)
  • Purchase property located at 1909 Glenwood Avenue
  • Storm Drainage – Stream Stabilization Program – New Project Approvals
  • Storm Drainage – Drainage Assistance Program – New Project Approvals
  • Professional Services – Master Services Agreement for On-Call Engineering Services – Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Amendment Two
  • Professional Services – Master Services Agreement – On Call Engineering Services – CDM Smith, Inc. – Amendment No. One
  • Contract for Services – RCC Cooling Tower and Boiler Maintenance and Repair Services – Piedmont Service Group, Inc – Amendment No. Five
  • Contract Services – Digital Evidence Management System – Carahsoft Technology Corporation
  • Alvis Farm Property Lease to Corral Riding Academy, Inc.
  • Solid Waste Services Multi-family Recycling Container Contract Renewal
  • Staffing Additions – Police Department – ACORNS Team
  • 122 Glenwood Avenue – Fire Escape, Awnings and Fence
  • 2901 Hostetler Street – Brick wall
  • Seaboard Station Utility Improvements
  • Traffic Schedule Changes- Downtown Pedestrian Safety
  • Traffic Schedule Updates
  • Speed Limit Reductions – Atkins Drive, Bailey Drive, Boaz Road, Bledsoe Avenue, Clarendon Crescent, E. Lenoir Street, Gainsborough Drive, and Kimberly Drive
  • Multi-way Stops – Charny Drive at Mantua Way & Mantua Way at Toccopola Street
  • Mixed Use Loading Zone and Two-Hour Parking Time Limits – 2300 Stafford Avenue
  • City Code 11-2191 ADA Accessible Parking