HIGHLIGHTS
- Work session on Dix Park highlighted that annual operating costs currently are about $10.5M and City is considering allowing “concessions” within the Park and assessing Municipal Service Districts to cover future costs. Will come back to Council in November. Several councilors emphasized the importance of community engagement and affordable housing.
- Public comments focused on the New Bern Avenue TOD, the Christmas Parade, and the Six Forks Road Improvement project.
- Granted requested extensions to Planning Commission for Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-7-22: New Bern Station Area Planning Study and Comprehensive Plan Amendments and 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). Public hearings scheduled for January 30 at 7pm. Also sent to Transit & Transportation Committee to discuss impact of gentrification.
- External Text Change Request – Streetscape and Signage modifications – Citizen Initiated – unanimously approved to move forward
- Six Forks Road Improvements Project moved to Transportation & Transit Committee on 10/26. Staff suggests additional public engagement from 10/23 – 11/10, resubmitting funding proposal to CAMPO by 10/31, and reporting back to Council on 11/21.
- Affordable Housing – Joint Venture Rental Development Program – $3.1M Funding for 919 @ Cross Link Development unanimously approved
- Upper Neuse River Basin Association – Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy – Consensus Principles II unanimously approved
- City Manager introduced new Housing & Neighborhoods Head Emila Sutton.
- City Manager announced that November 7 meeting will include updates on City Clerk, Crisis Unit, and budget updates.
- Unanimously approved work plans and annual reports for Raleigh Historic Development Commission, Raleigh Human Relations Commission, and Police Advisory Board
- Mayor Baldwin announced that a committee has been appointed to plan the January retreat. It will be chaired by Councilor Patton and will include Councilors Melton and Jones. Councilor Patton asked if Councilor Black could replace Councilor Jones on the committee. Councilor Jones agreed, but the Mayor asked to hold that discussion.
- Rezoning Z-30-23: Trawick Road, One half mile east of US-1 on the north side (District C) – Mayor Pro Tem Branch asks to hold for two weeks until afternoon of November 7 to discuss concerns
- Mayor Baldwin left at 4:15pm and was excused and turned over meeting to Mayor Pro Tem Branch.
- Rezoning Z-32-23: 3902 Stratford Court, at the end of Stratford Court abutting Latisser Mill Road (District A) – unanimously approved
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-3-23: Kellam-Wyatt Farm Park, 1/2 south of the intersection of N Rogers Lane and Hwy 64 (District C) – unanimously approved
- Next meeting of Economic Development & Innovation Committee will be 10/24 at 1:30pm
- Next meeting of Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Community Committee will be 10/24 at 11:30am to continue conversation on downtown safety. Councilor Black brings up issue raised by Forward Justice about traffic stops and will work with staff to find the appropriate venue for further conversation.
- Next meeting of Growth & Natural Resources will be on 10/24 at 4pm re Greenway Master Plan and Mordecai NCOD Text Change request.
- Next meeting of Transit & Transportation Committee will be 10/26 at 3pm.
- Councilor Harrison announced 10/21 District D Neighborhood Association meeting at 1:30pm regarding Parks and Transportation at Crowder Center at Lake Johnson. Requested Manager’s Report on Employee Satisfaction Survey practice. Councilor Harrison reports that City Attorney’s office has raised liability concerns about Christmas parade.
- Councilor Jones encouraged people to attend budget listening sessions. She raised concerns about dissemination of information in a timely fashion to all council members at the same time. Motioned to create an Ethics Committee to hold each other accountable and ensure transparency. Mayor Pro Tem Branch asked for more time to consider. Councilors Patton and Black support. Councilor Harrison asked for more information. Councilor Jones will bring back a more fleshed out proposal. Councilor Jones asks who is approving/funding armed guards at bus terminal.
- Councilor Black asks for a Manager’s Report to deal with quorum issues on Boards and Commissions and asked for a Manager’s Report about hybrid meetings for Boards and Commissions. District A Town Hall on 10/25 at 6 to 7:30pm at Sertoma Arts Center.
- Councilor Patton will be hosting a community meeting on November 9. Wants staff to respond to concerns about taxi fees.
- Mayor Pro Tem Branch announced meeting on November 2 to discuss safety and security on New Bern corridor. District C meeting from 10-12am at 1214 East Lenoir Street this Saturday. Asked for report on ordinances about vape shops near schools as Wake County has just passed an ordinance restricting them.
WORK SESSION
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Dix Park Project Update
During the work session staff shared an update on Dix Park projects including the early recommendations of the Building and Site Analysis (BSA). The purpose of the BSA is to review and advance the recommendations of the Master Plan through an assessment of the existing conditions of the buildings, including an analysis of all the infrastructure and utilities supporting the built environment. Staff presented information supporting the following short-term implementation efforts for Council consideration:
- Negotiation with the State for the continuation of small-scale abatement and demolition consistent with the Master Plan.
- Negotiation with the State for the adaptive reuse of two buildings on campus to support park operation.
- Negotiation with the Dix Park Conservancy to provide concessions for the park.
- Initiation of a process to develop a strategy and criteria for the adaptive reuse of select buildings.
- Initiation of a Municipal Service District (MSD) feasibility study.
Will come back to November council meeting asking for authorization for the above.
Councilor Harrison points out the importance of community engagement.
Councilor Forte asks if Wake County has been asked to share costs and the answer is no, except for minimal contributions to date.
Councilor Jones asked how City decides where to put MSDs in an equitable fashion so that the whole City benefits, especially lower-income areas.
Councilor Black asks if there are any ideas about Affordable Housing development in the Park, especially considering its history with indigenous people and enslaved people. Kate Dixon says they will bring back ideas for Affordable Housing on Park property across Wheeler Road.
Councilor Patton emphasizes front-loading Affordable Housing component, being sensitive to gentrification impact, and making sure that people who live outside the beltline benefit from the Park.
Orage Quarles from the Dix Conservancy asking for bond revenue to go to Park and for parking to be considered.
AFTERNOON SESSION
B. 1:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Pledge of Allegiance
C. RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL AWARDS
D. CONSENT AGENDA
- See details at end of report
- E2 annexation – Councilor Patton asked that this be held until first meeting in January due to fire service constraints. Applicant doesn’t want to hold. Councilor Harrison suggests scheduling hearing for November 21 and can decide about holding at that point. Approved 7 to 1 with Councilor Patton in opposition.
- L1 regarding digital signage – Councilor Harrison questioning large dollar amount and funding source. Unanimously approved.
- Unanimously approved remainder of items.
N. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Octavia Rainey called for rejecting the race-biased upzoning of New Bern Avenue as part of the TOD, especially after getting her neighborhood rezoned from R-20 to R-10 many years ago. Asked that the African-American Cultural Complex be moved to New Bern Avenue and asked that the name of New Bern Avenue be changed to Clarence Lightner Avenue. Asking for mental health center and single-room-occupancy housing at 30%. Asking for drive-throughs on New Bern Avenue
- Allen Oakley owns a home slated to be torn down as part of the Six Forks Road project. Expressed concerns about project delays and budget overruns, especially with impact on homeowners who are still waiting for offers on their homes. Complained about lack of transparency regarding the project.
- Larry Helfant spoke about the need to more fully discuss the impact of delays and overruns on the Six Forks Road project and asked that the item be put into committee.
- Momma Kai spoke about the burden of hotel taxes on unhoused people.
- Matthew Brown again asked that vehicles be allowed to be part of the Christmas parade.
- Nicole Williams did not speak.
- Michael Mullins asked that vehicles be allowed to be part of the Christmas parade.
- Deborah Daniels asked that vehicles be allowed to be part of the Christmas parade, especially to allow differently abled individuals to participate.
- Jennifer Martin asked that vehicles be allowed to be part of the Christmas parade.
- Angela Millenbaugh asked that vehicles be allowed to be part of the Christmas parade.
O. 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 November 7, 2023 at 7:00pm:
- Petition Annexation AX-09-23 – Watkins Road Assemblage
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-4-23 – Downtown Transition Areas (District D)
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-5-23 – Hillsborough Street Plan Amendment (District D)
- Rezoning Z-17-23 – West side of Jones Franklin Road (District D) (Held open from October 3 meeting)
- Rezoning Z-20-23 – The block bounded by Hillsborough Street, West Street, Morgan Street, and the railroad to the west (District D)
- Rezoning Z-25-23 – Poole Road, on the north side, west of the intersection of Poole and Riverview Roads (District C)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on November 21, 2023 at 1:00pm:
- Rezoning Z-50-21 – Fairview Road and Bickett Boulevard (District E) (Held open from October 3 meeting)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on December 5, 2023 at 7:00pm:
- Rezoning Z-72-22 – S Blount Street, north of E Cabarrus Street (District C) (Held open from September 5 meeting)
2. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-7-22: New Bern Station Area Planning Study and Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Planning Commission request for 20-day extension to December 12 approved. Public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, at 7pm. Councilor Harrison motions to send to Transit & Transportation Committee to discuss impact of gentrification – unanimously approved.
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)
- Planning Commission request for 50-day extension to December 12 approved. Public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, at 7pm. Councilor Harrison motions to send to Transit & Transportation Committee to discuss impact of gentrification – unanimously approved.
4. Rezoning Z-13-23: 0, 4209, and 4217 Watkins Road, 1/2 mile south of the intersection of Mitchell Mill and Watkins Roads (District B)
- Deferring action on scheduling public hearing until next meeting
5. Rezoning Z-21-23: 1501 Kirkland Road, Approximately 700 feet east of the intersection of Lake Wheeler and Kirkland Roads (District D)
- Hearing scheduled for November 21
6. Rezoning Z-24-23: 5100 Forestville Road, southwest of the intersection of Forestville and Buffaloe Roads (District B)
- Hearing scheduled for November 21
7. Rezoning Z-29-23: A portion of 8113 Ligon Mill Road, One mile north of the intersection of Ligon Mill and Louisburg Roads (District B)
- Hearing scheduled for November 21
8. Rezoning Z-31-23: 4317 Whitfield Road, south of the intersection of Battle Bridge Road and Whitfield Road (District C)
- Hearing scheduled for November 21.
9. Rezoning Z-37-23: Needham Road, 1/4 mile southeast of the intersection of Buffaloe Road and I-540 (District B)
- Hearing scheduled for December 5
10. Rezoning Z-94-22: Creedmoor Road, approximately 400 feet south of the intersection with Sherborne Place (District E)
- Hearing scheduled for December 5. Councilor Jones moves to put in Transit & Transportation Committee before December 5.
11. Rezoning Z-22-23: Trailwood Drive, 1/4 mile east of the intersection of Gorman Street and Avent Ferry Road (District D)
- Hearing scheduled for December 5
P. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Rezoning Z-35-23: 0 Gorman Street, 0.27 Miles 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 November 7 so applicant can submit new conditions and then set public hearing for December 5
2. External Text Change Request – Streetscape and Signage modifications – Citizen Initiated
- Unanimously approved
3. Six Forks Road Improvements Project Update
- Staff suggests additional public engagement from 10/23 – 11/10, resubmitting funding proposal to CAMPO by 10/31, and reporting back to Council on 11/21. Councilor Jones moves to send to 10/26 Transit & Transportation Committee meeting. Mayor Baldwin suggests moving to November 30 Committee meeting with report to Council in December or January. Mayor Pro Tem Branch says they can handle it on 10/26.
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Affordable Housing – Joint Venture Rental Development Program – Funding for 919 @ Cross Link Development
- $3.1M unanimously approved
2. Upper Neuse River Basin Association – Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy – Consensus Principles II
- Unanimously approved
R. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE RALEIGH HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
1. Annual Work Plan and Report
- Unanimously approved
S. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
1. Annual Work Plan and Report
- Unanimously approved
T. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
1. Annual Work Plan and Report
- Unanimously approved
U. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Approved 6 to 2, with Councilors Jones and Black objecting.
2. Rezoning Z-30-23: Trawick Road, One half mile east of US-1 on the north side (District C)
- Councilor Jones questions neighborhood engagement and Councilor Patton asks for compatibility with neighborhood in terms of cost. Mayor Pro Tem Branch asks to hold for two weeks to address Councilor concerns.
3. Rezoning Z-32-23: 3902 Stratford Court, at the end of Stratford Court abutting Latisser Mill Road (District A)
- Councilor Harrison asks about stormwater impacts. Approved unanimously
4. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-3-23: Kellam-Wyatt Farm Park, 1/2 south of the intersection of N Rogers Lane and Hwy 64 (District C)
- Approved unanimously
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting is 1:30pm on 10/24
W. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting on 10/24 at 4pm re Greenway Master Plan and Mordecai NCOD Text Change request.
X. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting on 10/24 at 11:30pm to continue downtown safety conversation, including Wake County partners. Mary Black brings up issue raised by Forward Justice about traffic stops and will work with staff to find the appropriate venue for further conversation.
Y. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting on 10/26 at 3pm.
Z. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Mayor Baldwin announced that a committee has been appointed to plan the January retreat. It will be chaired by Councilor Patton and will include Councilors Melton and Jones. Councilor Patton asked if Councilor Black could replace Councilor Jones on the committee. Councilor Jones agreed, but the Mayor asked to hold that discussion.
- Councilor Harrison announced 10/21 District D Neighborhood Association meeting at 1:30pm regarding Parks and Transportation at Crowder Center at Lake Johnson. Requested Manager’s Report on Employee Satisfaction Survey practice. Councilor Harrison reports that City Attorney’s office has raised liability concerns about Christmas parade.
- Councilor Jones encouraged people to attend budget listening sessions. She raised concerns about dissemination of information in a timely fashion to all council members at the same time. Motioned to create an Ethics Committee to hold each other accountable and ensure transparency. Mayor Pro Tem Branch asked for more time to consider. Councilors Patton and Black support. Councilor Harrison asked for more information. Councilor Jones will bring back a more fleshed out proposal. Councilor Jones asks who is approving/funding armed guards at bus terminal.
- Councilor Black asks for a Manager’s Report to deal with quorum issues on Boards and Commissions and asked for a Manager’s Report about hybrid meetings for Boards and Commissions. District A Town Hall on 10/25 at 6 to 7:30pm at Sertoma Arts Center.
- Councilor Patton will be hosting a community meeting on November 9. Wants staff to respond to concerns about taxi fees.
- Mayor Pro Tem Branch announced meeting on November 2 to discuss safety and security on New Bern corridor. District C meeting from 10-12am at 1214 East Lenoir Street this Saturday. Asked for report on ordinances about vape shops near schools as Wake County has just passed an ordinance restricting them.
AA. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appearance Commission – One Alternate Vacancy
2. Fair Housing Hearing Board – One Regular Vacancy
3. Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board – Two Regular Vacancies
4. Human Relations Commission – One Regular Vacancy
5. Human Relations Commission – One Alternate Vacancy
BB. NOMINATIONS
1. Board of Adjustment – One Alternate Vacancy (County Appointee)
2. Board of Adjustment – One Regular Vacancy (City Appointee)
CC. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
DD. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes – Various
EE. CLOSED SESSION
1. Enter Closed Session
FF. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Adjourn Meeting
D. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Urban Water Consortium – Assignment of Representation
3. Sale of Surplus Equipment – Authorize Public Sale by Electronic Auction
4. Extension of Utility Service – Outside City Limits – 3641 Kapalua Way – Urgent Request
E. CONSENT AGENDA – PETITION ANNEXATIONS
1. Petition Annexation – AX-23-23 Contiguous, Inside ETJ – 5040 Tryon Road (District D)
2. Petition Annexation – AX-28-23 Contiguous, Inside ETJ – 5100, 5201 Needham Road (District B)
F. CONSENT AGENDA – GRANTS
1. Grant Award – 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership
G. CONSENT AGENDA – EASEMENTS
1. Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility Project – GoTriangle – 224 S. West Street
H. CONSENT AGENDA – STORM DRAINAGE
1. Storm Drainage – Drainage Assistance Program – New Project Approvals
2. Storm Drainage – Stream Stabilization Program – New Project Approvals
I. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Railroad Agreement – North Carolina Railroad Company – Boylan Bridge Crash Wall – Maintenance and Other Considerations
2. Contract Services – Health Insurance Stop Loss/ Reinsurance Coverage – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Inc.
3. Professional Services – Master Services Agreement – On Call Engineering Services – Black & Veatch Corporation – Amendment No. Two
4. Contract Services – Armored Car Service – Loomis Inc.
5. Contract Services – Off-Street Parking Decks Daily Operations and Collections – McLaurin Parking
6. Contract Services – Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Full Maintenance and Services for Elevators, Escalators and Lifts – Schindler Elevator Corporation
7. Contract Services – Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Rigging Inspections and Services – OnPoint Rigging Rental, LLC
8. Contract Services – Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Event and Security Services – Staff-1 Services Group, Inc. – Amendment No. Three
9. Contract Services – Software Support – ERP Analysts, Inc.
J. CONSENT AGENDA – ENCROACHMENT REQUESTS
1. 3435 Bradley Place – Landscape items
2. 509 North West Street – Various existing items
K. CONSENT AGENDA – BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS
1. Information Technology – Connected Triangle+ Summit Smart Cities Conference
L. CONSENT AGENDA – BIDS
1. Bid Award – Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – Digital Signage Fabrication and Installation – DeNyse Companies, Inc.
M. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. Speed Limit Reductions
2. Multi-way Stops
3. No Parking Zones – Line of Sight – Brennan Drive
4. No Parking Zones – Line of Sight – Ed Drive
5. Unregulated Parking Zones – Lake Dam Road