Public Meetings - Fayetteville, North Carolina

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on Monday, November 2, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The session covered a range of topics including code enforcement collections, noise ordinance amendments, removal of properties from the Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD), a resident engagement strategy, and updates to city council policies. Council members also introduced items on a catalyst site, a data center moratorium, and after-action reviews for city-funded events. The evening concluded with recognitions and a public forum. Public Comments & Testimony - Data Center Moratorium: Multiple speakers, including Constance Pratt, Rosemary Harris, Angela Tatum, Lorena Murray, Dale Dees, Joshua Schwab, and others, urged the council to adopt a moratorium on data center developments to allow time for comprehensive impact studies and community engagement. They cited concerns about infrastructure capacity, environmental effects, and transparency. A written comment from Eric Harris supported data centers, citing potential private investment and tax base expansion. - Downtown Safety: Stacey Graybill, a downtown business owner, described ongoing violence and excessive noise at a particular establishment, requesting nuisance abatement action. - Charitable Giving: Isaac Alfaro raised concerns about unregulated charitable giving downtown potentially enabling illegal activity and called for a joint city-county assessment. - Neighborhood Development: Deborah Nixon spoke against a proposed connection from a new apartment complex into the Tarlaton Plantation neighborhood, requesting alternative access be considered. - Other Concerns: Melissa Williams expressed frustration with the lack of response to her ongoing issue. Christopher Cruz asked the city to consider Family Heritage as a supplemental insurance vendor. Discussion Items - 6.01 Code Enforcement Collections Framework: Assistant CFO Amanda Mott presented a framework to standardize the collection of code enforcement assessments, totaling approximately $3.9 million (including $2 million in interest/penalties). The framework includes accounting write-offs for aged receivables (without debt forgiveness), a formal administrative appeal process, and limited authority for the City Manager and CFO to waive interest and penalties. Council discussed fairness, notification, and repeat offenders. Motion passed 9-1, moving the framework and resolution to the November 9, 2026 consent agenda. - 6.02 Amend Noise Ordinance: Police Attorney Aaron Swinney recommended updates to Chapter 17, including a 150-foot quiet buffer around sensitive uses, enforcement based on a plainly audible standard, and new provisions for non-commercial free speech amplified sound. Council adopted specific provisions: a warning requirement before citation (Section 17-17) and a five-minute duration requirement (Section 17-10), both effective January 2027 after a December public forum. Minor editorial changes (Sections 17-7, 17-12, 17-14) and reorganization (Section 17-11) were adopted effective November 23, 2026. New definitions and major revisions were deferred to a future work session. - 6.03 Parkview MSD Removal: The council considered petitions to remove 49 residential units from the Downtown Municipal Service District. After debate about fairness, precedent, and district services, council voted 6-4 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for removal, requiring two public hearings and final adoption by fiscal year-end. Opposed: Councilmembers McNair, Ferguson, Davis, and Hondros. - 6.04 Fay Connect Engagement Strategy: Staff outlined a plan to expand the existing Everbridge system for outward-facing resident notifications at an additional cost of $15,000 per year. The strategy includes voluntary subscriptions, geo-targeting, and ADA-compliant features. Council gave unanimous consensus to proceed with implementation. - 6.05 Council Policy Changes: Council adopted revisions to Policy 155.4 (naming of city properties) allowing revocation under certain conditions, and Policy 110.1 (filling committee vacancies) giving preference to alternates. - 6.06 Catalyst Site One: Councilmember Greene modified her request to refer the remaining portion of the catalyst site to staff for a flood zone survey and feasibility study, with a report due by February 2027. Consensus was granted. - 6.07 Data Center Moratorium: Councilmember McMillan presented a model work plan for a moratorium, including capacity studies and a community benefits framework. No vote was taken; staff was directed to use the feedback in drafting a moratorium ordinance statement of actions. - 6.08 After-Action Review Policy: Councilmember Ferguson requested a policy requiring after-action reports for city-funded community events within 30 days. Council gave consensus to direct staff to develop the policy. Key Outcomes - Code Enforcement Framework: Approved for November 9, 2026 consent agenda (9-1). - Noise Ordinance: Partial adoption of specific amendments; warning and five-minute requirement to be effective January 2027 after a public forum; minor edits and reorganization effective November 23, 2026; other changes deferred. - Parkview MSD Removal: Council directed preparation of removal ordinance (6-4). - Fay Connect: Consensus to continue implementation. - Policy Changes: Policies 155.4 and 110.1 adopted. - Catalyst Site One: Referred to staff for survey, report due February 2027. - Data Center Moratorium: Staff to develop draft ordinance statement of actions. - After-Action Policy: Staff to develop policy.

The Fayetteville City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The Council approved the consent agenda with four items pulled for separate votes, held public hearings on annexation and downtown municipal service district removal, and took action on a Fort Bragg micro-transit program, a sewer assessment appeal, and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments addressing data centers. The invocation was delivered by Bishop Mark Rowden of Savannah Missionary Baptist Church. Consent Calendar - Approved the draft minutes from the October 5, 2026 Work Session, October 12, 2026 Discussion of Agenda Items, and October 12, 2026 Regular Meeting. - Adopted the 2027 City Council meeting dates calendar. - Approved consent rezoning requests: P26-32 for 9.49 acres on Gillespie Street; P26-37 for 1.61 acres at 4201, 4203, and 4207 Sweetwater Dr.; and P26-42 for approximately 0.39 acres at 582 N Reilly Rd. - Adopted demolition ordinances for 409 Lamon Street, 1124 Southern Avenue, 1510 Bragg Boulevard, and 1514 Bragg Boulevard. - Authorized a municipal agreement and grant acceptance with NCDOT for the Bicycle Plan Update TIP M-0580. - Authorized issuance of Limited Obligation Bonds, Series 2026, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $28,500,000 for the McArthur Park Sports Complex and fire apparatus reimbursement. - Accepted the $1,000,000 HUD Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration Grant and adopted Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 26-0685. - Appropriated $100,000 for a two-year Reclaiming Futures youth mentoring agreement with Cumberland County CommuniCare, Inc. - Approved PWC contract awards: Annual Underground Distribution Boring Construction Contract to River City Construction in the total amount of $2,366,720.50, and Inventory BABA Galvanized Steel Transmission Poles to WESCO Distribution in the total amount of $3,414,390.00. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the exception of items 7.0A6, 7.0A10, 7.0A12, and 7.0A14, which were pulled for separate votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Annexation hearing: Khalid Motorwala, co-founder of Vival Reality LLC, spoke in favor of AX26-02. He stated the company builds flex spaces in the Dallas area and selected Fayetteville as a high-growth corridor because of the military presence and federal funding, described the proposal as a mixed-use park with retail and flex space, and said they do not build tin sheds but aesthetically improved buildings. - Downtown MSD hearing: Joseph Jackson spoke in favor of removing the Parkview condominium and townhome properties from the Downtown Municipal Service District. He stated the community is 100 percent residential, receives no additional city funding or services from the MSD, pays for its own services, and had been billed for trash services for over a decade without receiving them. He said residents would pay about $1,000 per owner per year if the assessment continued. Discussion Items Items Pulled from Consent - 7.0A6 (3001 Village Dr conditional rezoning): Councilmember Hondros pulled the request to rezone approximately 2.9 acres from Community Commercial (CC) to Conditional Community Commercial (CC/CZ), citing the medical district overlay and an abundance of gas stations along corridors. The request included conditions allowing parking to the front, side, and/or rear; side parking up to 50 percent of total parking; gas pumps between a building and the principal street; and UDO-only buffering. A motion to approve the staff and Zoning Commission recommendation failed; a subsequent motion to set the matter for a public hearing carried, with Councilmembers Green and Hondros opposed. - 7.0A10 (Human Relations Commission bylaws): Councilmember McMillan pulled the item because diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language had been removed from the bylaws. The Human Relations director said the change was not mandated by the city, state, or federal government and that the work continues. Council voted to send the bylaws to a work session to discuss affirming city values. - 7.0A12 (Murchison Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant): Staff presented the $25.1 million HUD grant, requiring a 5 percent city match that would be exceeded by more than $20 million in planned city investments. The Council approved the grant, adopted Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance 26-0687, authorized the City Manager to execute grant documents, and approved a bridge loan to the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority (FMHA) to support acquisition of Elliott Circle. Staff noted 208 of 323 planned mixed-income units would be on the approximately 16.5-acre Elliott Circle site, with a $3.5 million acquisition price confirmed by appraisal, $75,000 already invested by FMHA, and a 15-year loan term expected to be repaid starting in March 2028. The vote was unanimous. - 7.0A14 (Hay Street Parking Deck Elevator): Councilmember McMillan supported the project but requested cost and funding-source transparency. The City Manager said a design-build bid was open with a November 24 closing date and staff would return with bids and funding details after closing. Council unanimously authorized the use of design-build for the Hay Street Parking Deck Elevator Project and directed staff to proceed with procurement. Public Hearing: Annexation AX26-02 - Planning staff recommended annexation of 9.49 acres at unaddressed Gillespie Street, owned by Vival Reality LLC, effective October 26, 2026. The property has been undeveloped since at least 1968 and is adjacent to heavy industrial, county industrial, and commercial zoning. Staff connected the annexation to the related consent zoning case P26-32. Council unanimously adopted the annexation ordinance with an effective date of October 26, 2026. Public Hearing: Parkview Downtown MSD Removal - The two Parkview owners associations requested removal of 49 residential units at 301 Bragg Boulevard from the Downtown Municipal Service District. Staff said removal requires a Council finding that the parcels do not need district services to a demonstrably greater extent than the rest of the city; removal would require two ordinances and take effect at the end of the fiscal year. Staff provided no recommendation. The estimated annual revenue impact is $20,000 to $25,000, about 8 percent of the approximately $360,000 annual downtown MSD budget. Council voted 8-2 to refer the matter to the November 2 work session; Councilmembers Hondros and Green opposed. A resident noted the matter must be resolved before the January tax assessment. Fort Bragg Micro-Transit Program Overview - Staff presented a proposed on-demand, no-cost, app-based microtransit service for Fort Bragg service members, families, and civilian employees. The program is fully funded by the Army through an existing intergovernmental service agreement with NCDOT; NCDOT would act as pass-through agency, and FAST and the city would implement the service. Staff visited Fort Carson and Fountain, Colorado to review a five-month-old program. The plan includes a soft launch limited to locations such as the new campus dining facility and Womack, then expansion to housing areas and the broader cantonment area; future connections to FAST express routes and the airport were discussed. Council authorized the City Manager to draft an agreement with USAG Fort Bragg and NCDOT and to coordinate with NCDOT's Integrated Mobility Division for federal funding through the Micro-Transit Finance Program. The motion carried. Sewer Assessment Appeal - 1420 Hoke Loop Rd - The appeal was on the agenda with a staff recommendation that Council determine the property owner does not have a valid defense to the sewer assessment. Councilmember Ferguson moved to table the item to the December special meeting; the motion was seconded by Councilmember McMillan and carried. The transcript refers to the special meeting as both December 6 and December 7. UDO Text Amendments - Data Storage Facilities (Data Centers) - Staff and outside counsel presented amendments responding to a Council directive from October 19, 2026, and to state downzoning limits. The amendments would remove a sentence used to prohibit hyperscale data centers as unlisted uses, add definitions for data storage facility/data center and utility impact statement, fold data centers into warehouse storage, apply existing warehouse storage standards including a 500-foot separation from residential districts, schools, and child care, add new data-center standards including acoustical compliance memorandum, utility impact statement, 24-hour contact, lighting and air quality compliance, and include a savings clause. A second ordinance also required conditional rezoning for warehouse storage uses containing data centers. - Attorney Tosco explained that state law prohibits decreasing development density, reducing permitted uses, or creating nonconformities; the existing 500-foot setback was retained because a new larger setback could be challenged as downzoning. He said only 14 North Carolina jurisdictions have adopted data center regulations and that the proposed approach gives more protection than the current ordinance, which permits data centers to seek an unlisted-use interpretation. Councilmembers raised concerns about rushed process, lack of peer-city analysis, 1,000-foot setbacks, utility capacity, and vested rights. - Mayor Pro Tem moved to adopt the revised amendment providing for conditional rezoning applications for warehouse storage uses as data centers, find it consistent with the comprehensive plan, and make it effective after the public hearing on the moratorium. The motion carried; Councilmembers McMillan, Ferguson, Green, and Jones voted against it. Administrative Report: Economic Mobility Program Update - The Economic Mobility Program Update was presented for information only. Council voted to move it to the January work session. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda as modified; four pulled items received separate votes. - Unanimously adopted annexation AX26-02 for the 9.49-acre Gillespie Street property. - Set the 3001 Village Dr conditional rezoning request for a public hearing. - Sent Human Relations Commission bylaws and the Parkview Downtown MSD removal petitions to work sessions; the MSD referral vote was 8-2. - Unanimously approved the Murchison Choice Neighborhoods grant and Elliott Circle bridge loan, and the Hay Street Parking Deck elevator design-build authorization. - Authorized the City Manager to proceed with the Fort Bragg micro-transit agreement and federal funding coordination. - Tabled the 1420 Hoke Loop Rd sewer assessment appeal to the December special meeting. - Adopted the revised UDO text amendment for data centers with conditional zoning, with four Councilmembers opposed, and directed that it take effect after the moratorium public hearing. - Directed staff to confirm whether a moratorium ordinance requires Planning Commission review and to report back on scheduling.

The Fayetteville City Council held its regular meeting on October 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Dr. Carrie Cameron and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scouts from Troop 82 (Scouting America). Presentations highlighted the listing of the Broadell Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places and the Old North State Award to Dr. Tamara Holmes Brothers. The council addressed consent items, a public hearing on bond financing, and deferred actions on code enforcement and reporting structure. Presentations and Recognitions - Broadell Historic District Recognition: Dr. Tamara Holmes Brothers of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced the listing of the Broadell Historic District (approximately 533 properties) in the National Register of Historic Places. The district, developed in the 1950s, preserves African American heritage in Fayetteville. She presented the certificate to Mayor Colvin, thanking community members and city staff. - Old North State Award: Representative Mike Colvin presented the Old North State Award, the highest honor from Governor Josh Stein, to Dr. Tamara Holmes Brothers for her service and leadership. - Other Announcements: Councilmembers recognized October as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (walk on Oct 24 at Segra Stadium) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, promoted the “Stroll to the Polls” event on Oct 18, the Greek Festival, and the Terry Sanford High School Hall of Fame inductees. Consent Calendar The following items were approved as part of the consent agenda (with items 7.0A3 and 7.0A4 pulled for separate discussion): - 7.0A1: Approve meeting minutes (multiple dates). - 7.0A2: Set public hearing for Parkview requests to remove from Downtown Municipal Service District. - 7.0A5: Accept and appropriate $117,938 NCDOT reimbursement for transit bus purchases. - 7.0A6: Accept and appropriate $235,875 NCDOT Urban State Match for transit bus purchases. - 7.0A7: Accept and appropriate $2,000,000 Passenger Facility Charges for reconstruction of North General Aviation Apron. - 7.0A8: Accept and appropriate $3,000 N.C. Amateur Sports Youth Sports Grant. - 7.0A9: Authorize electronic auction of six decommissioned city vehicles. - 7.0A10: Accept and appropriate SAFER Grant award. - 7.0A11: PWC – Approve design-build contract for 5 MW Battery Energy Storage System at Sally Hill. The agenda itself was approved with a vote of 8-2 (Mayor Pro Tem Thompson and Councilmember Davis dissenting). Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Limited Obligation Bonds: Mayor opened the public hearing regarding $28,500,000 in limited obligation bonds for the McArthur Road Sports Complex ($18 million) and fire apparatus ($8 million plus issuance costs). No speakers appeared, and the hearing was closed. The council will consider the final resolution at its October 26 meeting. Discussion Items - 7.0A3: Downtown Parking Management Contract (Pivot Parking): Councilmember McMillan pulled this item from consent, requesting additional public input and analysis of eliminating paid parking. Staff explained the bid process, the $62,000/month cost under the current contract with Republic Parking, and that delaying would continue month-to-month payments. Councilmembers debated the thoroughness of the process and public feedback. A motion to approve the contract passed 8-2, with Councilmembers Ferguson and McMillan voting no. - 7.0A4: E.E. Smith High School Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Funding: Councilmember McMillan pulled this $25,000 appropriation from ARPA interest earnings to highlight unforecasted expenditures after the budget, but stated he would support it. Councilmembers noted the source is ARPA interest, not general funds, and that the city challenged Cumberland County to match (the school board contributed approximately $9,000). The item passed unanimously. - 9.01: Code Enforcement Collections Framework: Council voted unanimously to move this item to the next work session for further discussion. - 10.01: Reporting Structure of the City Clerk: Council voted unanimously to move this administrative report to the January 2027 work session. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: 8-2, with items 7.0A3 and 7.0A4 pulled. - Parking Contract Approved: Contract with Pivot Parking authorized; amounts up to $394,736.74 (FY27), $651,806.32 (FY28), $672,169.61 (FY29). Vote 8-2. - E.E. Smith Funding Approved: $25,000 from ARPA interest for band’s Chicago parade trip. Unanimous. - Bond Public Hearing Conducted: $28.5 million limited obligation bonds for sports complex and fire apparatus; final action set for Oct 26. - Code Enforcement and City Clerk Items Deferred: Framework moved to next work session; Clerk report moved to January 2027. - City Manager Report: Applications for Can Do economic development programs due Oct 30; special meeting on data center study on Oct 19 at 11 AM.

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on Monday, October 5, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered 14 agenda items, including stormwater infrastructure, recycling crisis response, parking management, behavioral health data analysis, and several council member requests. The council also held a public forum beginning at 6:15 PM with 26 registered speakers. Key decisions included advancing the Cross Creek Channel Improvement project to 30% design, approving 13 watershed solutions, selecting Pivot Parking as the new parking service provider, authorizing emergency recycling measures, and approving funding for the E.E. Smith High School band to participate in a Thanksgiving parade. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Data Centers and UDO: Multiple speakers (Rashad Rahman, Rick Kuliev, Jacob Herrera, Dale Dees, Barbara Thrasher, Brian Reed) opposed the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments that would allow data centers. They cited concerns over water and power use, noise, air pollution, lack of meaningful limits, and environmental impacts. Several called for a moratorium on data centers, expressing distrust of the city's process and lack of transparency. - Surveillance Technology: Abraham Jefferson, Austin Wiley, and others opposed the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and the recently approved Axon contract, arguing they constitute unconstitutional surveillance and lack oversight. They requested public disclosure of surveillance systems, costs, and data retention policies. - Police Response Times: Isaac Alfaro (Downtown Alliance member), Amberie Edge (downtown business owner), and others reported long waits for police response to incidents near downtown, including a violent assault. They requested publication of 911 response times, a nighttime patrol officer, trained mental health professionals paired with officers, and a direct contact for downtown businesses. - Public Forum Decorum: Fern Davis and Joseph Schwab criticized the council for interrupting and muting speakers during previous public forums, asserting violations of First Amendment rights. Joshua Reed echoed these concerns, demanding a public apology to Carol Ollinger and others. - Child Care Worker Wages: Tammy Cogdell highlighted the low wages and high costs for early childhood professionals, calling for better investment in the field. - School Bus Safety: Jose Cardona urged the council to address the lack of seat belts on Cumberland County school buses. - Noise Ordinance: Suzanne Pennick (downtown resident and property owner) requested enforcement of noise ordinances, citing loud parties vibrating her windows on weekend nights. - Quality of Life: Melissa Williams repeated her request for a centralized mechanism to address neighborhood quality-of-life issues, stating she has gone unresolved for 2.5 years. Discussion Items 6.01 Cape Fear Regional Theatre Reimbursement Schedule Taylor Floyd (Budget Director) presented a request to accelerate the final $500,000 payment of a $2.5 million commitment to help the theater save on interest costs before its planned opening in January 2027. Council members discussed budget implications; the city had already moved the payment to the current fiscal year. Approved unanimously. 6.02 Cross Creek Channel Improvements Jim Tallion (Capital Projects Program Manager) and consultants from Hazen and Sawyer presented the 15% design for flood mitigation along Cross Creek through downtown. Two modified concepts (7A and 9A) were recommended, with cost estimates of $46 million and $9 million respectively. Benefit-cost ratios were 0.95 for 7A and 5.0 for 9A. The staff recommended advancing to 30% design, including coordination with CSX and property owners. Councilmember Davis made a motion to advance to 30% design, which passed unanimously. Estimated timeline: 5-10 years to completion. 6.03 Watershed Master Plan - Cape Fear 1 Top Proposed Solutions Dr. Haven Cashwell (Public Services) and Sam Ellis (Kimley-Horn) presented 13 proposed solutions for the Cape Fear 1 watershed, costing an estimated $50.7 million. These address flooding from undersized pipes and culverts. Council approved the solutions to be programmed into the CIP and pursue grants. The total citywide stormwater need is estimated at $1.4 billion. 6.04 Parking Management Services Update Brian McGill (Assistant Public Services Director) provided a detailed update on the parking contract, responding to previous council questions. He recommended selecting Pivot Parking (P2 of NC) as the new provider. The contract includes provisions for equipment maintenance, financial penalties for non-performance, and a transition period. Council approved consensus to select Pivot Parking and bring the contract to a future regular meeting for consent. 6.05 Downtown Municipal Service District FY26 Q4 Update Ashanti Bennett (President/CEO, Cool Spring Downtown District) reported on Q4 (April-June 2026) activities, including Juneteenth Jubilee with 17,000 attendees, Fourth Fridays, and the launch of a new website. Downtown saw about 520,000 unique visitors. The council voted to receive the report. 6.06 Office of Community Safety-Behavioral Health Crisis Response 911 Data Analysis Director John Jones introduced Dr. David Tillman (Campbell University) who presented a quantitative and qualitative analysis of behavioral health-related 911 calls from 2021 to 2025. Key findings: approximately 7,000-8,000 calls per year, 64% occurring between 8 AM and 8 PM, with peak at 5 PM. Calls disproportionately burden patrol with report writing. Staff already moving forward with hiring crisis response specialists. Council voted to receive the report. 6.07 PRATT Notice Of Termination Daniel Edwards (Solid Waste Manager) reported that Pratt Industries terminated its recycling services contract due to lease expiration, effective January 2026. The city processes 7,000-9,000 tons of recyclables annually. Staff recommended pursuing an emergency interim contract, regional partnerships, an RFP for hauling and processing, and evaluating a transloading facility at the T1 Transfer Station. Council authorized the City Manager to pursue these options and return with implementation details. 6.08 Proposed 2027 City Council Meeting Dates Calendar City Clerk Jennifer presented the draft 2027 calendar. Council discussed moving the October and November work sessions to Thursdays to avoid conflict with primary and general elections. Council approved the calendar with amendments: October work session moved to October 7, and November work session moved to November 4, 2027. 6.09 Parking Deck Elevator - Mayor Colvin Mayor Colvin requested consensus to move forward with completing the elevator in the Hay Street parking deck, originally completed in 2020 but left unfinished pending a developer agreement. Council approved issuing an RFP for the elevator installation, with staff to return with cost estimates and funding sources. 6.10 Seabrook-Broadell Signage - Council Member Jones Councilmember Jones requested funding for historic signage in the Seabrook-Broadell area, recently designated as historic. Staff indicated the cost would be negligible and can be covered within existing resources. Council provided consensus to fund signage. 6.11 Choice Neighborhood Grant Implementation - Council Member Jones (Pulled) Councilmember Jones withdrew the item after speaking with staff. 6.12 E.E. Smith High School - Thanksgiving Day Parade - Council Member Jones Councilmember Jones requested up to $50,000 to support the E.E. Smith High School band's travel to the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade (not Macy's). After discussion, council approved up to $25,000 and directed staff to ask Cumberland County for a matching contribution. Total cost for the trip is $100,000; the school has raised $45,000. 6.13 Best Practices for Municipal Policy Regarding Technologies - Council Member Hondros Councilmember Hondros requested that the City Attorney and City Manager research best practices, including consulting the UNC School of Government, to develop a framework for technology usage policies (e.g., data collection, storage, auditing, public transparency). Council provided consensus to proceed with research. 6.14 Funding Reclaiming Futures Communicare Mentoring Program - Council Member Davis Councilmember Davis requested $50,000 per year for two years ($100,000 total) to fund the Reclaiming Futures mentoring program, which was inadvertently omitted from the current budget. Council approved the request and directed staff to find funding and return with options within 30 days. Key Outcomes - 6.01 Unanimously approved accelerated reimbursement for Cape Fear Regional Theatre. - 6.02 Unanimously approved advancing Cross Creek Channel Improvements to 30% design. - 6.03 Unanimously approved 13 proposed watershed solutions for CIP and grant pursuit. - 6.04 Unanimous consensus to select Pivot Parking as parking service provider. - 6.05 Unanimously received Cool Spring Downtown District Q4 report. - 6.06 Unanimously received Behavioral Health Crisis Response data analysis. - 6.07 Unanimously authorized City Manager to pursue recycling service alternatives. - 6.08 Unanimously approved 2027 meeting calendar with changes to October and November work sessions. - 6.09 Unanimously approved moving forward with RFP for parking deck elevator. - 6.10 Unanimous consensus to fund Seabrook-Broadell historic signage. - 6.11 Item withdrawn. - 6.12 Unanimously approved up to $25,000 for E.E. Smith band, with challenge to county for match. - 6.13 Unanimous consensus to research best practices for technology policy. - 6.14 Unanimously approved funding for Reclaiming Futures mentoring program, with staff to identify funding source. Adjournment The public forum concluded, and the meeting adjourned without additional action.

This was a working session between Manny (Granicus tech support) and Jad (city staff) to address ongoing issues with generating minutes and managing video within Legistar and related software. The focus was on resolving formatting problems in Word documents, adding new motion options, and streamlining the minutes creation process. No official city council business was conducted. Discussion Items - Word Document Formatting Issues: Jad reported that when generating minutes as a Word document, every section appeared as a separate box, requiring manual adjustment on 13 pages. Manny demonstrated that the boxes do not print, but Jad found the layout cumbersome. They tested copying and pasting text to reduce box manipulation. - Adding the “Recuse” Motion: Jad noted that a council member recused themselves during a vote, but the “recuse” action was not available in Legistar motions. Manny added “Recuse” as a procedural action and applied it to all relevant file types (public hearings, staff reports, etc.). - Handling Items Pulled from Consent: For items pulled from the consent agenda, Jad wanted to show the original item number but replace the title with “This item has been pulled for a separate vote.” Manny recommended copying the file to create a new version with the desired title, then replacing the original in the minutes while keeping the agenda unchanged. - Admin Reports Section: Jad encountered extra text in the admin reports section that appeared in minutes but not in the agenda. Manny suggested splitting the section into a separate, non-numbered subsection that can be manually deleted from minutes. - Live Manager Shortcuts and Video Workflow: Manny showed how to set up text expansion shortcuts in Live Manager for common meeting actions (e.g., “MCO” for meeting call to order). They discussed using Media Manager to edit notes after recording and the option to mark items as consent for bulk voting. - Video Export and Hidden Meetings: They reviewed exporting a hidden test meeting to avoid public visibility and confirmed the video encoder setup. Jad reported that Live Manager works well, but entering votes during fast-moving council meetings is challenging. Key Outcomes - The “Recuse” motion was added to Legistar actions and will appear in future meetings. - A method was established for handling pulled consent items: copy the file, change the title in the copy, and replace the original in the minutes. - The admin reports section may be restructured to a separate subsection for easier management (pending confirmation with Sam). - No changes were made to the test minutes; they will remain as a training record. - Manny will send a recap and continue to investigate the locked item number field in minutes. - A follow-up session is planned for the next week to address any remaining issues.

The Fayetteville City Council met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a rezoning appeal, staff reports on community safety and financial updates, and a debate on a multi-year police technology contract. Key outcomes included approval of a rezoning for 5210 Arbor Road, a 90-day stay on demolitions for three Raeford Road properties, and approval of a 75-month master service agreement with Axon Enterprise ($17.3M over 6.25 years, with savings of $12.6M). Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes for September 8, 14, and 15, 2026. - Approved revisions to Council Policies 150.1, 155.2, and 155.6. - Approved conditional rezoning (P26-38) for 5113 Meadowbrook Drive (SF-10 to OI/CZ). - Approved conditional rezoning (P26-40) for 131 Pepsi Lane (HI to HI/CZ) after Councilwoman Green recused herself (motion carried unanimously). - Approved conditional rezoning (P26-43) for a portion of 5649 Bragg Blvd (SF-6 to LI/CZ). - Adopted ordinances for demolition of uninhabitable structures at 303 Maloney Avenue, 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road (with pulled items addressed separately). - Adopted Capital Project Ordinance for Stamper Road Culvert Replacement ($300,000). - Approved Affordable Housing Loan Extension for Eastside Green (from October 2026 to November 2037). - Authorized the Mayor to execute the FY2024 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) amendment. - Adopted Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance for Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant. - Accepted and appropriated $644,285 from SBI for law enforcement bonuses. - Authorized Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for PSAP and Fire Station 4. - Authorized contract with Samet Corporation for Fire Station 4 preconstruction services (up to $400,000). - Approved PWC purchase of two relay control houses ($1,009,762 to VFP, Inc.). - Adopted Resolutions for State Reserve and Revolving Loan Offers for PO Hoffer Glenville Lake GAC projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Appeal P26-39 (5210 Arbor Road): Three speakers addressed council: - Arland Nguefack Tsobgou (applicant, veteran, government contractor): Expressed support for rezoning from SF-10 to SF-6 to build a four-unit townhome project serving veterans. Noted he followed staff recommendations after a prior MR5 denial. - David North (adjacent neighbor): Opposed the rezoning, citing incompatibility with single-family character, loss of tree buffer, increased traffic, stormwater concerns, and building mass. Requested denial or conditional rezoning with conditions. - Wilma Lenonin (Candlelight Drive resident): Opposed the rezoning, warning it would set precedent for other vacant lots in the area, increase density, and worsen existing stormwater drainage problems. Noted that 24 additional homes could be built if all vacant lots rezoned. Discussion Items - P26-39 Arbor Road Rezoning: Council debated the straight rezoning (no conditions) versus conditional rezoning. Councilmember Hondros noted the zoning commission initially recommended SF-6 for the earlier MR5 application, making the denial puzzling. Councilmember McNair raised buffering concerns. Councilmember Hare suggested a better process to avoid repeated fees. The motion to deny failed 4-6, then a motion to approve carried 6-4 (McNair, McMillan, Green, Jones, Hondros, Davis in favor). - Demolition Ordinances (7.0A6): Council debated 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road. Councilmember McNair initially moved to remove from demo list, but after discussion, amended to a 90-day stay (remain on list) to allow owner to comply. Motion carried 8-2 (Green and Hondros opposed). - Office of Community Safety Annual Report: Director Jones presented year-one metrics: 692 unhoused responses, 550 partner referrals, 181 mental health referrals, 1,300+ residents reached via safe space activations, 168 activations, 300+ youth engaged, $200,000 in microgrants, and a partnership with Harvard’s Government Performance Lab for alternative response model. Councilmember McMillan emphasized evaluation and data-led coordination. - Financial Advisor Update – Limited Obligation Bonds: David Cheekwood (First Tryon Advisors) presented a $28.5 million bond financing for MacArthur Road Sports Complex ($18M) and fire apparatus ($8M), with no tax increase. The city's credit rating is AA+ (S&P) and AA1 (Moody’s). Council adopted the preliminary resolution unanimously. - BerryDunn Development Process Review: Consultant Carrie Willette presented findings from a comprehensive review of site plan and permitting processes. Identified six challenges (e.g., system alignment, customer service) and 15 recommendations across five focus areas (roles, change management, customer service, IT, resources). Council received the report. - Axon Enterprise Contract (10.02): Chief Bryant presented a 75-month master service agreement bundling body-worn cameras, fleet cameras, Taser 10, drones-as-first-responder (DFR), counter-drone system, and virtual reality training. Total cost $17.3M over 6.25 years, saving $12.6M versus separate contracts. Councilmember McMillan raised concerns about rushed approval, lack of community input, and surveillance oversight. Councilmember Jones asked about data retention (90 days, court-authorized release). Motion to table failed; motion to approve carried 6-4. Key Outcomes - P26-39 (5210 Arbor Road): Approved straight rezoning from SF-10 to SF-6 (6-4). No conditions binding the developer to the proposed four-unit townhome plan. - Demolition Stay: 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road placed on 90-day stay (remains on demo list). Approved 8-2. - Limited Obligation Bonds: Preliminary resolution adopted (unanimous) to finance MacArthur Park and fire apparatus (up to $28.5M). Public hearing scheduled for October 12, 2026. - Axon Contract: Approved (6-4) for 75-month master service agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. Authorized City Manager to execute. - Office of Community Safety Report: Received and accepted (unanimous). - BerryDunn Report: Received (unanimous); implementation phase to follow. - Red Light Camera Program (11.01): Referred to November 2026 work session (consensus). - Administrative Reports: Fay Connect status update noted for information.

The Fayetteville City Council met at 6:30 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026, in the Council Chamber. Council approved the agenda and most consent items, but pulled several items for separate votes or staff presentations. One grant acceptance passed 9 to 1. Opening and City Manager's Report - Minister Terrance Phillips of True Vine Ministries offered the invocation and community announcements. - City Manager Hewitt reported that additional HUD grants had been awarded and that the city had discussed with HUD how to build on $531 million in public and private investment, including roughly $20 million that is generating over $100 million in new development and about 323 new housing units on the corridor. - The City Manager also described a nonprofit roundtable effort with United Way and other leaders to identify about 20 strong nonprofits and provide board development, financial oversight, and outcome measurement. - The City Manager highlighted the Fayetteville Woodpeckers' possible Carolina League championship game against the Charleston River Dogs and promoted 910 Future Fest, September 24-26. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from August 19, 2026, and August 24, 2026 (Special, Discussion of Agenda Items, and Regular). - Approved declaring 0.49 acres on Webb Street surplus and authorizing the upset bid process and sale. - Approved accepting Arts Council funding for the Independence Concert. - Approved a resolution supporting Project Crossing and an application for a $152,000 North Carolina Department of Commerce Building Reuse Grant. - Approved accepting Federal Transit Administration grants NC-2026-058 and NC-2026-066. - Approved other routine consent items. - Items pulled from the consent agenda were considered separately: 7.0A3, 7.0A5 and 7.0A11, 7.0A10, and 7.0A12. Discussion Items - 7.0A3 - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ($112,795): Council discussed federal "strings attached" to grants, including reporting obligations and the need to keep the public informed about conditions. Staff explained the city applied voluntarily and could either accept the grant with its terms or decline it. The Police Chief described canine use-of-force reporting: any canine use of force is reviewed through the chain of command and reported to council in quarterly use-of-force reports. The motion to accept and appropriate the grant passed 9 to 1, with Council Member McMillan voting no. - 7.0A5 and 7.0A11 - Alcohol sales at Glenville Lake and ABC law changes: Council voted to adopt the ordinance amending Section 5-5 of the City Code to authorize alcohol sales by permit vendors at the courts at Glenville Lake and other locations, along with the related ABC-law item. - Airport / NCDOT Division of Aviation funding and capital project ordinance: Council heard staff explain that a formal capital project ordinance was needed to account for and disburse funds in the city's budget accounting matrix. A council member noted the airport is enterprise-funded and generally operates in the black. The related project ordinance was approved. Key Outcomes - Council approved the agenda as amended, moving item 7.0A6, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre support/expansion contract item, to the next available work session and moving item 8.01 to the September 28 meeting. - The consent agenda was approved with the exceptions noted above. - The Byrne grant was accepted 9 to 1; Council Member McMillan was the sole no vote. - The Section 5-5 alcohol ordinance and related ABC item were adopted. - The airport/NCDOT capital project ordinance was approved. - Upcoming community events include 910 Future Fest (September 24-26) and the Woodpeckers championship game.

This was a technical working session between city staff (Jennifer and Sam) focused on optimizing the Legistar meeting management system. The session covered agenda and minutes formatting, audio/video publishing, historical archives, and meeting body setup. No public comments or formal votes occurred; the meeting was purely administrative. Discussion Items - Accessible Agenda & Minutes: Sam enabled accessible agenda, minutes, and audio columns. A design ticket was created to add the necessary template code for automatic publishing of accessible versions. - Audio Publishing: Sam enabled automatic MP3 transcoding in the media manager but noted existing meeting audio links were broken due to a non-retroactive setting. A new “Audio” column was created for manual audio uploads; testing will occur after the next video meeting. - Attendance & Name Formatting: Jennifer requested moving the district number after the council member’s name. Sam adjusted settings to display “Last Name, Office Title” and reordered the member list (Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, then council members). Attendance now shows correct order. - DJ Hair Attendance Issue: A duplicate record for DJ Hair was causing his name not to appear. Sam removed the duplicate and activated the correct record, fixing the issue. - Historical Minutes Archives: Sam demonstrated how to create a dedicated view page in Media Manager for pre-2013 minutes, using a tabbed interface by year. Jennifer plans to upload historical PDFs. - Agenda Briefings: Jennifer wanted a way to display virtual agenda briefings (third Wednesdays) without a full agenda. Sam created a new meeting body called “City Council Agenda Briefing” and granted security access so staff can create events with location/notes fields containing the meeting link and reference to the related agenda packet. - Minutes Template Customization: Sam reviewed Jennifer’s markups and confirmed changes including removing the “District 1” language, adjusting header bolding, and hard-coding location information. A design ticket will be submitted to implement these changes. - Insight Portal Review: Sam showed examples of other cities’ Legistar Insight pages (e.g., Seattle, San Mateo, King County) for inspiration on splash pages, upcoming meetings separation, and embedded widgets (Google Translate, social media links). Jennifer will discuss options with senior leadership. Key Outcomes - Tickets Created: An engineering ticket to investigate DJ Hair attendance issue (now resolved); a design ticket for minutes template updates and enhanced ADA styling. - Meeting Body Created: “City Council Agenda Briefing” added to Legistar; security permissions granted to staff. - Historical Archives Setup: A pre-2013 archive view page and folder created in Media Manager; Jennifer will upload PDFs and Sam will add an iframe tab to Insight. - Next Steps: Sam will send Jennifer the iLegislate web link and documentation; will update names in the database (first/last name swapped); will submit design ticket with due date before next training session. Jennifer will test the new audio column after her next video meeting. - Follow-up: Sam will record the session and upload to media manager; training is scheduled to begin soon, with ongoing email support.

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on the afternoon of September 8, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered several business items, including a parking management contract, a road culvert repair, streetlighting policies, council policy updates, and two council member agenda requests. The session also included a city manager’s report on a major federal grant award, recognitions, and a public forum dominated by opposition to proposed data centers. Key decisions included sending the parking contract back to staff for further refinement, authorizing design for the Stamper Road culvert repair, and directing staff to develop options for residential streetlight funding. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously by council members present. - Updates to City Council Policies 150.1, 155.2, and 155.6 (regarding utility assessments, property disposal under $30,000, and real property leases) were reviewed by the Policy Committee and will be brought forward for adoption on a future consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Approximately 30 speakers signed up, with many rollovers from the previous meeting. The majority of speakers addressed the proposed hyperscale data center near Eastover, urging the council to pass a moratorium. Speakers expressed concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, noise, property devaluation, and lack of community benefit. Several speakers also apologized for previous heated remarks, thanked council members who listened, and called for a pause to study the issue thoroughly. Other topics included: speed limit reductions on Rim Road and 71st School Road, soccer field shortages at Jordan Soccer Complex, and election integrity concerns. A few speakers voiced support for the Murchison Choice Neighborhood grant and thanked council for that investment. Discussion Items - 6.01 Parking Management Services Contract Update – Staff recommended Pivot Parking (P2 of North Carolina LLC) as the new parking contractor, replacing Republic Parking. The proposed contract was for two fiscal years with a possible three-year extension. Council members raised concerns about the lack of a financial plan, the requirement that the contractor return within 30 days with revenue recommendations, the condition of pay kiosks, signage, and the need for downtown stakeholder input. After discussion, the council reached consensus to send the item back to staff to incorporate the concerns raised and to schedule a work session (tentatively September 28) for further review. No formal vote was taken. - 6.02 Stamper Road Culvert Failure & Road Closure – Staff presented an emergency repair project for a culvert failure that closed Stamper Road. Design costs were estimated at $300,000, funded from leftover stormwater enterprise project balances. The project timeline is 6–8 months for design and 6–8 months for construction. Councilmember Hondros raised questions about coordinating with PWC on water/sewer lines and about using design-build to expedite. Council gave consensus to proceed with a Capital Project Ordinance to initiate design, approved by a voice vote with a motion by Councilmember Davis and a second. - 6.03 Thoroughfare Streetlighting and Subdivision Streetlighting – Staff presented an overview of unlit thoroughfares (56 miles) and seven unlit residential subdivisions (most in annexed areas). The current CIP for thoroughfare lighting is $530,000; no funding exists for residential lighting. Three policy options were presented: charter option (special assessments), ordinance option (petition process with assessments), and project option (city-funded CIP). Council discussion focused on equity for annexed areas, using the city as the account holder for utility bills, and avoiding liens on residents. A motion by Councilmember Hare to direct staff to bring back options including the city as account holder and to explore funding for the residential installations passed unanimously. - 6.04 City Council Policies Review Committee Recommendations – The Policy Committee (Chair Mayor Pro Tem Thompson, members Hare, Jones, Ferguson, Hondros) presented recommended revisions to policies 150.1, 155.2, and 155.6. No questions were raised. Council agreed to bring the revised policies to a future regular meeting for consent approval. - 6.05 Council Member Agenda Item Request – Park Lighting Hours (Mayor Colvin) – The mayor requested a review of the policy on park lighting hours to allow extended hours at high-use parks (e.g., tennis, pickleball, soccer). Staff noted current practice allows lights for rentals and programs. The council voted to send the item to the Policy Committee for further study. - 6.06 Council Member Agenda Item Request – Research How to Encourage or Compel Owners to Repair Private Streets and Parking Lots (Councilmember McNair) – Councilmember McNair presented a request for a staff study of private streets and parking lots, their condition, ownership, legal options, and policy ideas, with a report due by December 2026. After discussion about private property rights and potential impacts, council voted to refer the item to the Policy Committee. Key Outcomes - Parking Contract: Sent back to staff for additional work and a work session (no vote). - Stamper Road Culvert: Consensus to proceed with a Capital Project Ordinance for design (approved by voice vote). - Streetlighting: Staff directed to bring back options, including the city acting as account holder for residential streetlights, and to explore funding for the seven unlit subdivisions (motion passed unanimously). - City Council Policies: Approved to be placed on a future consent agenda. - Park Lighting Hours: Referred to the Policy Committee. - Private Streets/Parking Lots: Referred to the Policy Committee. - Public Forum: No action taken; a motion by Councilmember McMillan to suspend rules to add a data center moratorium agenda item failed for lack of a second. The meeting then adjourned. City Manager Report: Announced that the city was awarded a $25.115 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant (the top-scoring grant among 13 submissions nationwide) for the Murchison Corridor, leveraging over $530 million in public and private investment. The council recognized the Murchison Choice Ambassadors, city staff, and the Housing Authority. Recognitions: The council recognized the Terry Sanford High School boys’ golf team (national champions), FAST Transit’s 50th anniversary, the National Day of Remembrance (September 11), Blue Star Welcome Week, and presented a special key to the city to Pastor T.W. Campbell for his decades of community service.