HIGHLIGHTS
- Work session focused on non-public safety-related downtown issues. Crime issues will be discussed at September 26, 11:30am meeting of Safe, Vibrant & Health Communities Committee.
- Public comments focused on gentrification, transportation issues, and the controversy about the Raleigh Christmas Parade, and in particular the decision-making process.
- Text Change requested by Mordecai NCOD sent to Growth & Natural Resources Committee, along with other infill concerns
- Civil Service Act exemption by position approved unanimously with more narrow definition of secretary
- Unanimously approved staff recommendation to rezone and readvertise City Initiated Rezoning at 15 Summit Avenue for Affordable Housing.
- Unanimously approved land acquisition for affordable housing at Parkside Apartments
- Provided a little over $2M total to 88 small businesses with ARPA funding through Oak City Biz Labs
- Unanimously approved staff to enter into negotiations with the preferred developer for the Omni Hotel Development and approved funding to support consulting services related to the negotiations for a downtown convention hotel
- Next steps on City Clerk position will be delayed while more information is made available
- Paul Kallam promoted to Director of Transportation, succeeding Michael Moore who has become an Assistant City Manager
- Two rezonings rescheduled due to improper notice
- Property liens for public nuisance abatement on several properties were approved 6 to 2 with Councilors Black and Jones opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Branch and Councilor Jones made several suggestions about the process
- Two annexation requests unanimously approved; one held for more information about fire department response time issues
- Rezoning Z-23-23: Buffaloe Road, north side, approximately 300 feet east of Iron Horse Road (District B) unanimously approved
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-3-23: Kellam-Wyatt Farm Park, 1/2 south of the intersection of N Rogers St and HWY 64 (District C) moved to Transit and Transportation Committee
- Economic Development & Innovation Committee meeting on 9/26 at 1:30pm in Council Chambers to discuss TC-1-23
- Growth & Natural Resources Committee meeting on 9/26 on omnibus text change and green growth tools
- Safe, Vibrant, & Healthy Communities Committee meeting at 11:30 on 9/26 regarding downtown public safety
- Transit & Transportation Committee meeting on 9/28 at 3pm on Fairview and Bickett Boulevard issue and Rogers Lane issue
- Councilor Patton highlighted items from Consent Agenda, including items related to Affordable Housing and the environment. On 10/13 at 3:30pm there will be a memorial to honor victims and survivors of the Hedingham shooting. On 10/14 at Nash Square from 10am — 12noon there will be an event to honor responders to the Hedingham shooting. Request for $1600 from Travel budget to attend a conference was approved. Request for staff to identify $68000 in funds for operational support to CASA to support existing residents impacted by Grovesnor Gardens rent increases was approved. Volunteered to serve on committee planning winter retreat. Raised issue of poor communication, especially related to the Christmas parade.
- Councilor Black volunteered to serve on committee planning retreat. Supports public comments request to allow Single Room Occupancy in TOD, increase in taxi rates, and concerns about delays and changes to Six Forks Road improvement project. Asked for a Manager Update about communications with impacted properties. Also expressed concerns about plans to hire private security forces for downtown and impacts on people of color of increased police presence.
- Councilor Jones will host community meeting via Zoom this Friday, 9/22, at 7pm. Next meeting will be in person on 10/11 from 7 to 9pm at Crafty in Five Points. Asking $12000 for the Great Raleigh Clean-up to activate unemployed people in helping clean up — will be voted on at next meeting. Expressed concerns about communication and transparency among council and staff.
- Councilor Harrison asked for information on low-income property tax voucher and reminder about Tuesday’s meeting on public safety.
- Mayor Baldwin suggested a work session on AI.
- Agreed to hold option for chief to appoint non-Raleigh residents to the Police Advisory Board.
WORK SESSION
A. 11:30 A.M. WORK SESSION CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
1. Downtown Issues: Non-Public Safety Related
During the work session, staff provided an update on the efforts of several City departments to address various concerns that have been expressed by downtown business owners, residents, visitors, advocacy organizations and other stakeholder groups.
Presentations covered initiatives by the Transportation Department, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department, and the Planning & Development Department and focused exclusively on the non-public safety related interventions underway to address the areas of concern.
Public-Safety related downtown issues will be discussed at the September 26, 11:30am, meeting of the Safe, Vibrant, and Healthy Community Committee, specifically addressing efforts being undertaken by the Raleigh Police Department, among others, to address and curtail criminal activity in the downtown area.
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 at end of document
- Unanimously approved
M. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Rules of Decorum for Public Comment
2. Voice Mail Public Comment
- Octavia Rainey spoke about gentrification and racism.
- Adam Asfari asked for an increase in taxi fares and shared concerns about reactions to new software system.
- Momma Kai Sanders spoke about homelessness.
- Clearthur Davis asked that downtown streets be made more accessible, especially during downtown events.
- Robert Courts spoke about the importance of local businesses and the negative impact of the cancellation of the Christmas Parade on local businesses. Asked for an investigation of the decision-making process.
- Gene Alston spoke about the negative impact of the changes to the Christmas Parade.
- Tara Robbins spoke about the need to take action on the long-delayed Six Forks Road improvement project.
- Jennifer Martin requested that the Christmas Parade be restored per the original plan. She pointed out that the City had lied about the decision process and that councilors were not consulted or involved.
N. 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 October 3, 2023 at 7:00pm:
- Rezoning Z-50-23 – Fairview Road and Bickett Boulevard, east of the intersection of Fairview Road and Bickett Boulevard (District E)
- Rezoning Z-02-23 – Northeast of the intersection of Litchford and Old Wake Forest Roads (District A) (Held open from 08/15)
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday December 5th, 2023 at 1:00pm:
- Rezoning Z-72-22 – S Blount Street, north of E Cabarrus Street (District C) (Held open from 09/05)
2. Rezoning Z-30-23: Trawick Road, half a mile east of US-1 on the North side (District C)
- Public hearing scheduled for October 17
3. Rezoning Z-32-23: 3902 Stratford Court, at the end of Stratford Court, abutting Latisser Mill Road (District E)
- Public hearing scheduled for October 17
4. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-4-23: Downtown Transition Areas, east and south of the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood (District D)
- Public hearing scheduled for November 7
5. Text Change TC-2-23: Transit Overlay District (-TOD) Revisions
- Public hearing moved up to October 3 as decision will facilitate mapping of New Bern TOD
O. SPECIAL ITEMS
1. External Text Change Request – Mordecai Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts – Citizen Initiated
o Unanimously approved sending to Growth & Natural Resources Committee, along with other issues impacting infill development
2. Civil Service Act – Exemption by Position – Deferred from August 15 and September 5
o Councilor Harrison asks to narrow definition of secretary and otherwise approved unanimously
P. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
1. Authorization for City Initiated Rezoning – 15 Summit Avenue – Disposition of Property for Affordable Housing
o Staff recommends rezoning and re-advertising to permit more units — unanimously approved
2. Parkside Apartments – Land Acquisition
o unanimously approved
3. American Rescue Plan Act Funding – Oak City Biz Labs – Final Program Report
o Provided a little over $2M total to 88 small businesses and will return with recommendations for spending additional funds
4. Convention Hotel Development Partner – Results from Request for Interest Process and Recommendation of Development Partner
o Unanimously approved staff to enter into negotiations with the preferred developer for the Omni Hotel Development and approved funding to support consulting services related to the negotiations
5. City Clerk Functions and Next Steps – Discussion and Direction
o Decision delayed to gather more information
6. Paul Kallam promoted to Director of Transportation, succeeding Michael Moore who has become an Assistant City Manager
Q. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUBSTANCE USE ADVISORY COMMISSION
1. Annual Work Plan
R. MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. Rezoning Z-04-23: East side of Creedmoor Road, south of Millbrook Road and just north of Sherborne Place (District A)
- Rescheduled to October 3 due to improper notice issue
2. Rezoning Z-17-23: West side of Jones Franklin Road, south of Centerview Drive and north of Woodsdale Road (District D)
- Rescheduled to October 3 due to improper notice issue
3. Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
o Mayor Pro Tim Branch asks for information about what other cities are doing about abandoned properties in light of our housing crisis.
o Councilor Black offers to help staff liaise with private sector groups that may be able to help property owners with upkeep
o Approved 6 to 2 with Councilors Black and Jones opposed
4. Petition Annexation – AX-17-23 Contiguous Inside ETJ – 2533, 2537 Wall Store Road (District C)
o Concerns about fire department response time; rescheduled for October 3 afternoon meeting
5. Petition Annexation – AX-21-23 Contiguous Inside ETJ – 2516 Prince Drive (District D)
o Unanimously approved
6. Petition Annexation – AX-24-23 Non-Contiguous Inside ETJ – 3001 Sadie Hopkins Street (District D)
o Unanimously approved
7. Rezoning Z-23-23: Buffaloe Road, north side, approximately 300 feet east of Iron Horse Road (District B)
o Unanimously approved
8. Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-3-23: Kellam-Wyatt Farm Park, 1/2 south of the intersection of N Rogers St and HWY 64 (District C)
o Moved to Transit and Transportation Committee
S. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting is 9/26 at 1:30pm in Council Chambers to discuss TC-1-23
T. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE GROWTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting at 9/26 on omnibus text change and green growth tools
U. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE SAFE, VIBRANT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Next meeting at 11:30 on 9/26 regarding downtown public safety
V. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
1. No Report
2. Items Pending
- Meeting on 9/28 at 3pm on Fairview and Bickett Boulevard issue and Rogers Lane issue
W. REPORT FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
1. Individual Reports from the Mayor and Council Members
- Councilor Patton highlighted items from Consent Agenda, including items related to Affordable Housing and the environment. On 10/13 at 3:30pm there will be a memorial to honor victims and survivors of the Hedingham shooting. On 10/14 at Nash Square from 10am — 12noon there will be an event to honor responders to the Hedingham shooting. Asking for $1600 from Travel budget to attend a conference. Asked staff to identify $68000 in funds for operational support to CASA to support existing residents impacted by Grovesnor Gardens rent increases. Unanimously approved. Volunteered to serve on committee planning winter retreat. Raised issue of poor communication, especially related to the Christmas parade.
- Councilor Black volunteered to serve on committee planning retreat. Supports public comments request to allow Single Room Occupancy in TOD, increase in taxi rates, and concerns about delays and changes to Six Forks Road improvement project. Asked for a Manager Update about communications with impacted properties. Also expressed concerns about plans to hire private security forces for downtown and impacts on people of color of increased police presence.
- Councilor Jones will host community meeting via Zoom this Friday, 9/22, at 7pm. Next meeting will be in person on 10/11 from 7 to 9pm at Crafty in Five Points. Asking $12000 for the Great Raleigh Clean-up to activate unemployed people in helping clean up — will be voted on at next meeting. Expressed concerns about communication and transparency among council and staff.
- Councilor Harrison asked for information on low-income property tax voucher and reminder about Tuesday’s meeting on public safety.
- Mayor Baldwin suggested a work session on AI.
X. APPOINTMENTS
1. Environmental Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
2. Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
3. Historical Resources and Museums Advisory Board – Two Regular Vacancies
4. Human Relations Commission – One Alternate Vacancy
5. Human Relations Commission – Two Regular Vacancies
6. Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
7. Raleigh Transit Authority – Two Alternate Vacancies
8. Substance Use Advisory Commission – Two Regular Vacancies
Y. NOMINATIONS
1. Board of Adjustment – One Alternate Vacancy (County Appointee)
2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board – One Regular Vacancy
3. Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board – One Regular Vacancy (Community Member Category)
4. Historical Resources and Museums Advisory Board – Two Regular Vacancies
5. Raleigh Sister Cities – One Regular Vacancy
6. Raleigh Transit Authority – One Regular Vacancy
Z. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
1. Police Advisory Board – Appointee of the Police Chief
o Agreed to hold option for chief to appoint non-Raleigh residents to the Board.
AA. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY CLERK
1. Minutes – Various
BB. CLOSED SESSION
- Enter Closed Session
CC. OPEN SESSION
1. Return to Open Session
2. Adjourn Meeting
CONSENT AGENDA
D. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consent Agenda Process
2. Wake County Housing Authority Bond Issuance
3. Authorize Retirement Plan Amendments
E. CONSENT AGENDA – PETITION ANNEXATIONS
1. Petition Deferred Annexation – AX-22-23 Contiguous, Inside ETJ – 7615 Louisburg Road (District B)
F. CONSENT AGENDA – GRANTS
1. 2023 Justice Assistance Grant – U.S. Department of Justice
2. 2023 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Grant Award
G. CONSENT AGENDA – CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANT SERVICES
1. Operating Support Agreement – Wolfline Bus Route – North Carolina State University
2. Biltmore Hills Park Stormwater Control Measures – North Carolina State University – Amendment No. One
3. Professional Services – Master Services Agreement – On Call Engineering Services – HDR, Inc. – Amendment No. One
4. Contract Services – Newsome Watershed Protection Project – Triangle Land Conservancy
H. CONSENT AGENDA – PERSONNEL CHANGES
1. Position Reclassification – Public Utilities
I. CONSENT AGENDA – ENCROACHMENT REQUESTS
1. North East Street – Retaining Wall and Steps
2. Leagan Drive – Monitoring Wells
J. CONSENT AGENDA – BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND TRANSFERS
1. Appropriation from Special Reserve – Police Department
K. CONSENT AGENDA – RIGHT- OF – WAY ITEMS (CONDEMNATION REQUESTS)
1. South State Street Sewer Replacement
L. CONSENT AGENDA – TRAFFIC
1. No Parking “Tow Away” Zone – Commerce Park Drive
2. Food Truck Loading Zone – Davie Street and Parking Modifications – Commerce Place
3. Mixed Use Loading Zone – 400 North Harrington Street
4. Traffic Schedule Updates