Public Meetings - Fayetteville, North Carolina

The Fayetteville City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting began with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and several recognitions. Key topics included the approval of a consent agenda, public comments on permitting, community safety, downtown development, and an administrative report on the Day Resource Center scope of work. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (9-0) the consent agenda containing 11 items: approval of minutes (April 26, 2024 Special and May 22, 2024 Agenda Briefing); FAMPO Memorandum of Understanding; lease for Cross Creek District Police Office; quitclaim deed for 939 Taft Street; street additions to city system; capital project ordinance amendments for Ray Ave Drainage Improvement; special revenue fund amendments for HOME program, Juvenile Justice Grant, vehicle/equipment purchases, Ivy & Lyon Road Drainage Grant; and PWC bid for Cliffdale Forest project. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Lee Woods (resident) expressed frustration with the new electronic permit system, stating it now takes approximately two hours instead of 10-12 minutes to obtain an electrical permit. He requested a return to paper forms for simplicity. - Monica Cannon (Co-chair, Friends of Haymont) requested renaming Woodrow Park to Haymont Park and asked for a traffic assessment on Oak Ridge Avenue for potential speed humps due to dangerous speeding. She noted 75 members in her group. - Sean McMillan (resident) called for transparency and accountability regarding police homicides (Lawrence Artis, DeMarcus Brody, Joshua Oxendine, Jada Johnson), demanded timely updates, and urged structural changes. He criticized council's silence on these issues. - Joel Cook (resident) criticized the council for not acknowledging or responding to an email about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed titanium plant, including water contamination risks. He asked for improved communication. - Angela Malloy (resident, business owner) urged full funding for the Office of Community Safety (OCS) and independent oversight. She also requested a moderate increase (15% instead of the proposed 20%) to the Municipal Service District (MSD) tax. - Whitaker Grannis (Stormwater Advisory Board Vice Chair, cancer survivor) requested that the budget include and highlight funding for preventative cancer screenings for firefighters, suggesting it become a key performance indicator. He noted an 84% success rate and 19 trainees in the FTCC CDL program. - Ebony Warfield Graham (Cool Spring Downtown District representative) read a letter from the district board expressing concern over the proposed MSD tax increase from 10 cents to 21 cents per $100 of assessed value, recommending a more moderate increase instead. Discussion Items - Administrative Report: Scope of Work for Day Resource Center – Manna Dream Center Operation (Item 9.01) - City staff presented the scope clarifications for the operating contract with Manna Dream Center. The contract includes operating hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Staff noted that the contract must be signed by July 1, 2024, as the previous contract expires June 30. - Council members discussed whether to approve the scope immediately, move it to the next Work Session (August 1), or a special meeting (June 12). A motion to defer to the June 12 meeting died for lack of a second. Council concluded the report was informational only, as the contract had already been awarded. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously (9-0). - No action taken on the Day Resource Center scope of work; council accepted the administrative report as information. The city will proceed with the contract with Manna Dream Center. Council may revisit details at a future work session.

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on June 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM to discuss multiple agenda items including festival park management, a police district lease, a community safety micro-grant program, downtown parking policies, parks and recreation project updates, and the proposed FY 2024-25 operating and capital budget. The council took several votes and reached consensus on a number of items, with additional budget discussions scheduled for June 12, 2024. Consent Calendar - Resolution Authorizing Lease for Cross Creek District Police Office: A five-year lease for 4,200 square feet of office space and 1,200 square feet of outbuilding on Raeford Road was presented. Councilmember Thompson expressed concern over the cost (nearly $1 million over 10 years) and suggested exploring city-owned property or co-location with fire stations. The lease will be brought forward on the consent agenda at the next council meeting. Discussion Items - Festival Park Management Proposal (24-4025): Staff presented a response from OVG360 to manage Festival Park, following a council member request for an RFP. Councilmember Green raised questions about the park's design (no gates, low stage, limited access) and the ability to host large ticketed events. Others noted the company's projections for profitability and suggested capital improvements. The council voted 10-2 to invite OVG360 for a future discussion to answer detailed questions. - Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Program Close Out Report (24-4062): Chris Collie presented the final report on the program, which awarded 96 grants totaling $225,000 over four rounds. The program funded community watch groups, individuals, and nonprofits, with over 20,000 residents participating. Seven recipients became new nonprofits. Councilmember Benavente moved to fund two more cycles (12 months) at $100,000 using ARPA dollars, seconded by Councilmember Mahondros. The motion carried by consensus. - Fayetteville Downtown Parking (24-4064): Traffic Engineer Brian McGill presented data on paid parking and the Franklin Street parking deck. Changing the paid parking end time from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. would result in a 19-20% loss of paid parking revenue, require sign updates, and potentially reduce turnover for downtown businesses. Councilmember Mahondros moved to end paid parking at 5 p.m. effective July 1, 2024, and to review the entire paid parking program during the July retreat. The motion passed 10-2. - Parks and Recreation Projects Report Card (24-3997): Staff provided updates on multiple projects. Highlights included: Mazarick Tennis Center – remaining funds of $3.3 million, with two contracts (site work and tennis courts) to be combined and rebid; Mabel Smith Center – awaiting new contractor after abandonment, with 4-6 month completion timeline; Cape Fear River Park – phased development within existing $1.7 million budget; MacArthur Road Sports Complex – $2.8 million remaining but full build-out estimated at $13-19 million; MLK Park – monument moved to avoid PWC issues, with $100,000 in bonds and additional funding from county and state. The council also discussed the Merrill Road access to Maserett Park, which uses FAMPO funding and is in design phase. - Recommended FY 2024-25 Operating and Capital Budget (24-4067): ACM Yates presented the final budget work session, responding to council questions. Discussion included the use of ARPA funds: staff had reallocated $2 million originally set aside for the Step Up America program to the Hillside Manor rehab project without explicit council approval, which drew criticism. Councilmembers Thompson and Benavente pressed for clarity on unspent project funds, fund balance usage, and the feasibility of using ARPA for police pay compression. The council decided a final work session on June 12, 2024, at 12:00 PM was needed to resolve remaining questions before adopting the budget. Key Outcomes - Festival Park Management: Consensus to invite OVG360 for further discussion (10-2 vote). - Police District Lease: Will be placed on consent agenda for approval. - Community Safety Micro-Grant Program: Motion to fund $100,000 for two cycles using ARPA dollars passed by consensus. - Downtown Parking: Motion to end paid parking at 5 p.m. effective July 1, 2024, and review the program in July, passed 10-2. - Budget: Additional work session scheduled for June 12, 2024, at 12:00 PM to conclude budget discussions. - Parks and Rec Projects: Staff directed to proceed with rebidding Mazarick Tennis Center contracts and to continue progress on other projects as funding allows.

The Fayetteville City Council met on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included announcements, consent agenda approval, staff reports from the Fire and Police Departments, public hearings on Project Aero (a proposed titanium mill), eight Unified Development Ordinance text amendments, and the FY2024-2025 budget, as well as an evidentiary hearing for a special use permit. Key decisions included approving consent items (with one pulled to a work session), approving the UDO text amendments, approving incentives for Project Aero, and approving the special use permit. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: All consent agenda items except Item 7.0A4 (lease for Cross Creek District Police Office) which was pulled by Councilmember Thompson and moved to the June 3, 2025 work session (motion carried 6-2). - Consent items included approval of minutes, rezoning, watershed master plan, lease amendments, pedestrian plan study, airport lease, street sweeping and mowing agreements with NCDOT, audit contract, towing ordinance amendment, transit Title VI update, drainage project bid, and water treatment chemicals contract. Public Comments & Testimony - On Project Aero (incentives for titanium mill): Three speakers opposed. Concerns included lack of public information about the company (incorporated Sept. 2023, Delaware), environmental risks near the Cape Fear River (PFAS, titanium in breast milk), potential for overpromising/underperforming (like Amazon warehouse), and opposition to tax breaks for weapons manufacturing given conflicts abroad. - On FY2024-2025 Budget: 15 speakers registered. Key themes: - Opposition to tax increase: Several residents argued against a 5-cent property tax increase, citing existing bonds, reassessments, and economic strain. - Support for full funding of Office of Community Safety (OCS): Multiple speakers urged the council to allocate the full $3 million for OCS, emphasizing a need for alternative response teams for mental health crises, diversion programs, and nonviolent calls. Speakers noted the success of models like Durham HEARTS and CAHOOTS. They requested that police-related items (e.g., ShotSpotter, PAL) be moved out of the OCS budget to ensure genuine community-based funding. - Downtown concerns: Representatives from Cool Spring Downtown District and a downtown business owner requested that the Municipal Service District (MSD) increase be reduced and that general fund support be restored. They noted 59% of downtown properties are tax-exempt, placing burden on 41% of property owners. Also opposed to a proposed outdoor use permit fee increase from $30 to $100 and tree removal funding. - Solid waste and recycling: A resident requested funding to enforce the 2011 multifamily recycling ordinance, citing noncompliance and landfill capacity issues. Discussion Items - Fire Department 2024 Q1 Report (Chief Kevin Dove): - Total incident response increased by 380 calls vs. 2023; 66% medical/rescue. Structure fires decreased by 20; kitchen fires down 10%. Smoke alarm installations up 27% (351 smoke, 70 CO alarms). 19 vacancies; academy class 50% underrepresented. 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur where no smoke alarms or nonworking ones. Chief urged council to promote free smoke alarm checks via QR code or phone (910-433-1329). - Council questions focused on recruitment, female firefighters (daycare barrier), and demographics. Motion to receive report passed unanimously. - Police Department 2024 Q1 Report (Chief Kemberle Braden): - Total crime down 1%; violent crime: homicides down 72% (3 vs. 12), aggravated assaults down 31%; property crimes up (motor vehicle thefts +79%, 208 vs. 116). Juvenile crime concerning: B&E petitions almost reached 2023 total in Q1 (62 vs. 78). Overdose deaths down 50% (16 to 8) attributed partially to Faith in Action program. Traffic unit (7 officers) conducted 2,306 traffic stops in one month. Disparities in stops and searches persist (black drivers stopped more, searched at 2.65% vs 1.23% for white drivers, contraband recovery similar). 76 sworn vacancies, 21 by resignation. Uses of force in 0.82% of arrests. - Council questions addressed suicide prevention, juvenile justice partnerships, staffing, and stop/search disparities. Councilmember Benavente expressed concern about over-policing of minority communities and lack of action. Motion to receive report passed with majority (Councilmember Benavente voted no). - Project Aero Incentives (Public Hearing): - Presented by Robert Van Geons (Economic Development). Proposal: tiered incentives (based on jobs and investment) for an integrated titanium mill (300 jobs avg. $120k salary, $895M initial investment, 200-acre site near Cape Fear River). County approved similar package May 20. City resolution would commit to negotiating, with final approval required. - Council discussion: Questions about environmental impact (minor air permit, PWC sewer connection), timeline (not 2025), and workforce (local via FTCC, FSU, Fort Liberty). Motion to approve incentives passed 7-1 (Councilmember Benavente voted no). - UDO Text Amendments (TA24-001 through 08): - Proposed by staff (Mr. Harmon) as cleanup and business-friendly changes: reduced parking for adaptive reuse and infill, defined office-warehouse, added truck stop definitions, increased canopy height for truck stops, reduced industrial parking, adjusted sign standards, allowed backing into streets for small multifamily. All had favorable Planning Commission recommendation. - No public speakers. Council unanimously approved. - FY2024-2025 Budget Public Hearing: - Presented by Jeff Yates: total $319 million (2.83% increase); recommended 5-cent ad valorem tax increase (for public safety market adjustments to raise police starting salary to $50k+, fire and 911 parity); 4% midpoint merit increases; $1/month stormwater increase; $10/year solid waste increase; 11.1-cent MSD increase. For a $100k home, total increase $6/month. Office of Community Safety: $4 million in budget (including $2M general fund, $1.5M unallocated, $500k for items like ShotSpotter, PAL). - Public testimony detailed above (15 speakers). No action taken (hearing only; adoption to follow after work sessions). - Evidentiary Hearing (SUP24-04): - Request to reduce 250-foot separation requirement between automotive wrecker service and residentially zoned property at 639 Gillespie Street. Staff testimony (Thomas Lloyd, retired planning director): nearest residential structures are churches 300 ft away; property is zoned heavy industrial; applicant needs to get on city towing list. No opposition. Council approved with findings of fact (motion by Councilmember Thompson, second by Hare, unanimous among those voting). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved with item 7.0A4 moved to June 3 work session (6-2). - Fire Department Q1 Report: Received unanimously. - Police Department Q1 Report: Received (7-1, Councilmember Benavente opposed). - Project Aero Incentives: Approved (7-1, Councilmember Benavente opposed). - Eight UDO Text Amendments: Approved unanimously. - FY2024-2025 Budget Public Hearing: Concluded; council scheduled additional work sessions (June 3 at 2 PM) for further budget discussion before adoption. - SUP24-04 (Special Use Permit): Approved with findings (motion carried). - Administrative Reports: Items 11.01 (Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Program), 11.03 (Stormwater ARP Projects), and 11.04 (Downtown Parking) moved to future work session; Items 11.02 (Cool Spring Downtown District Q3 Report) and 11.05 (City Manager's Update) approved.

The Fayetteville City Council held a regular meeting on May 13, 2024, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included recognitions, public comments on community safety and downtown parking, approval of consent items, acceptance of the FY2023 audit, two street closure public hearings, adoption of the FY2025 Strategic Plan, and presentation of the recommended FY2024-2025 operating budget. The council unanimously approved most items, including setting a public hearing on the budget for May 28, 2024. Announcements and Recognitions - Mayor Mitch Colvin proclaimed May 12–18, 2024, as Police Week, honoring fallen officers and all Fayetteville Police Department employees. The proclamation was presented to Chief Braden, along with representatives from the Fayetteville Police Foundation. - Councilmember Benavente read a proclamation designating May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Sal Mampong of North Carolina Asian Americans Together spoke about the growing AAPI community in the state. - The council recognized Kenneth Williams, student body president at E. Smith High School, for his leadership and academic achievements. Williams will intern with the City Attorney's Office through the ICON program. Public Comments & Testimony 17 speakers signed up; all were heard. Key positions expressed: - Lizette Rodriguez (1701 Cherokee Dr.): Criticized the recent Public Safety Forum for not presenting Dr. Tate’s OCS data and for only spending 10 minutes on mental health response. She urged the council to follow models from Durham and other cities that respond to a broader range of calls. - Gerard Falls (226 Judge St., Superintendent of Capitol Encore Academy): Shared an incident involving a mentally ill person repeatedly cycling through jail and release without care. He argued that an Office of Community Safety director could advocate for better mental health resources. - Michael Penick (325 Hay St., Cool Springs Downtown District): Announced that the Cool Springs board unanimously voted to support reducing paid parking hours from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Elaine Kelly (242A Hay St.): Supported reducing paid parking to 5 p.m. to encourage evening foot traffic. - Molly Arnold (227 Hay St., Bay of Bills): Asked the council to reduce parking hours, stating small businesses are struggling. - Nancy Ramos (108 Hay St., Vagabond Cafe): Blamed paid parking for declining foot traffic and said customers refuse to come downtown because of it. She also requested a loading/unloading zone. - Bobby Burgess (2108 Constitution Dr.): Spoke in favor of the Office of Community Safety, noting that personal mental health challenges would benefit from such a program. He also supported reducing paid parking hours. - Diane Poffett (112 Hay St., City Center Gallery and Books): Supported reducing paid parking to 5 p.m., noting that book clubs meeting at 6 p.m. are uncertain about whether to pay. - Sean McMillan (6224 Golden Rain Dr.): Praised the city’s efforts on public safety but criticized the forum for not discussing specific funding for OCS or independent oversight. He called for more transparency and mentioned Lawrence Artis and Marcus Brody, two individuals who died recently in interactions with law enforcement. - Other speakers addressed homelessness, hate crimes, street lighting (Barbara Gaither, 7912 Gaelic Dr., asked for streetlights in Springfield Crossing), and moral responsibility of churches. Consent Calendar The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, including: - Approval of meeting minutes from April 2024. - Amended independent auditor contract for FY2023. - Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-14 for council member travel. - Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-13 for the Summer Fire Camp Grant. - Capital Project Ordinance 2024-12 for a battery electric bus. - Bid recommendation for Sunbury Drive Drainage Improvement Project. - PWC bid recommendation for electric substation on-call construction. Staff Reports Audit and Financial Results for FY2023 Robert Bittner of PB Mares presented the external audit. The city received a clean (unmodified) opinion. One material compliance finding: the audit was submitted late (several months past the December 1, 2023 deadline). There was one significant deficiency in internal control over the CDBG program (late quarterly reports). The Local Government Commission flagged three performance indicators of concern: late audit, material weakness, and a $500,000 reduction in general fund balance (the city still met its 10% fund balance policy). Council accepted the report unanimously. Public Hearings - Carthage Drive Closing: No public speakers. The street is unopened and will be closed to allow landscaping at Senior Center East. Approved unanimously. - Joseph Street Closing: No public speakers. A portion of the street will be closed to facilitate a commercial development. Approved unanimously. Other Items of Business Adoption of FY2025 Strategic Plan Chris Lowry (Strategy and Performance Manager) and Andy Brayboy presented the plan. It is built around five priorities adopted at the January retreat: 1. Integrate a comprehensive approach to violence reduction and mental health response. 2. Continue revitalization efforts emphasizing affordable housing. 3. Increase parks and recreation opportunities for youth. 4. Use city-owned property to enhance economic growth. 5. Articulate and define the city’s story to attract residents and businesses. The plan incorporates resident survey results and includes performance measures. Councilmember Benavente moved to adopt with an amendment to include the Office of Community Safety on the organizational chart. The motion passed unanimously. Presentation of Recommended FY2024-2025 Annual Operating Budget City Manager Hewitt presented a balanced $319 million total budget. Key elements: - 5-cent property tax increase (from $0.5395 to $0.5895 per $100 valuation) to fund $8.3 million in public safety market adjustments (police, fire, 911). This includes raising police Step 0 from $43,000 to $50,000 and firefighter Step 0 from $40,800 to $45,000. - $4 million allocated for Office of Community Safety activities ($2.1 M general fund, $1.3 M ARPA, $460,000 block grants). - Stormwater fee increase from $6 to $7 per month. - Solid waste fee increase from $265 to $275 per year. - 4% merit increase for non-sworn employees plus a 1% 401(k) increase. - 35 terminally vacant positions frozen, saving $10.6 million. - Maintenance of all capital programs and community event funding. The council received the budget presentation and set a public hearing for May 28, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - FY2023 Audit: Accepted unanimously. - Carthage Drive Closing: Resolution adopted unanimously. - Joseph Street Closing: Resolution adopted unanimously. - FY2025 Strategic Plan: Adopted unanimously with amendment to include OCS in the organizational chart. - FY2024-2025 Budget: Received; public hearing scheduled for May 28, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Council will hold budget work sessions on May 16 (10 AM), May 23 (date to be rescheduled), and June 3 (2 PM).

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on May 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM, covering 14 agenda items ranging from crime prevention and zoning to transportation, stormwater, financial updates, parks agreements, a day resource center, housing assistance, tourism development, and city branding. Mayor Colvin presided and was excused at approximately 3:30 PM. Most items passed by consensus or unanimous vote, with a few receiving opposition. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended (swapping items 4.07 and 4.08) — unanimous. - Received the report on the Improper Towing Ordinance amendment (4.03) — no objections. - Received the FY 2024 Financial Update (4.09) — unanimous. - Received the update on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Operations Agreement amendment (4.010) and directed staff to have it ready before budget season — unanimous. - Provided consensus to select MANA Dream Center as the Day Resource Center operator (4.011) for a one-year contract — unanimous. - Provided consensus to expand the Down Payment Assistance Program (4.012), removing the match requirement and increasing to $30,000 for public service employees — unanimous. - Provided consensus to promote the All-America City brand with banners (4.014) — unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the session. Discussion Items - 4.01 Crime Deterrent Opportunities with FMHA: Police Attorney Aaron Swinney presented data from the Neighborhood Improvement Team (NIT) showing lower crime rates on FMHA properties compared to the city overall. Council members questioned the data, citing media reports of shootings at Cross Creek Point and Rosemary community. The police chief noted the NIT partnership is working but agreed to provide more detailed breakdowns of calls for service. The report was received. - 4.02 Text Amendment to Chapter 30 – Tobacco and Hemp Retail: Staff proposed a 1,500-foot separation requirement, adding religious institutions, and exempting convenience stores. Discussion centered on definitions and enforcement. Councilmember Hondros criticized the policy for focusing on supply rather than demand and noted peer cities do not have such bans. Consensus was reached to send the proposal to the Planning Commission for further refinement, with Councilmembers Hondros, Banks, McNair, and Benavente opposed. - 4.04 Storage of Heavy Trucks, Trailers, and Recreation Equipment: Councilmember Thompson requested a change to ban buses in residential areas. Four options were presented. A motion to direct staff to prepare a text amendment banning buses from residential zones failed 5–5. Extended debate occurred over enforcement and the specific case of a school bus in a backyard. No action was taken. - 4.05 Fayetteville Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: Consultant Zach Bug (Kittelson & Associates) presented the CTP, identifying 17 priority street connections to address single-access subdivisions and improving corridor performance. Council discussed specific neighborhoods (e.g., Rayconda, Robin Hill). The report was accepted by unanimous consensus. - 4.06 Supplemental Fayetteville Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Study: The supplement focuses on 65 K–12 public schools, aiming to develop 20 additional sidewalk and crosswalk projects within a mile of schools. Councilmember Thompson stressed “connectivity to schools” rather than just proximity. The scope and fee were approved by unanimous consensus. - 4.07 & 4.08 Watershed Master Plan Solutions (order swapped): First, staff presented 28 proposed solutions for Little Rockfish Creek One and Bones Creek ($90 million total), then 83 solutions for Cross Creek ($380 million total). Each set of solutions was approved by consensus to be programmed into the CIP prioritization process. Council commended the data-driven approach. - 4.013 FCEDC Recruitment of Amusement and Attractions: Robert Van Geons discussed the need to define a “win” (e.g., water park, theme park, adventure park) and noted that a feasibility study would cost $75,000–$100,000. Council debated whether to first gather stakeholders or proceed directly to a study. A motion to have staff facilitate a meeting of stakeholders (e.g., TDA, CVB, Crown Complex) passed, directing staff to organize the meeting. Key Outcomes - The tobacco/hemp retail text amendment will be refined by the Planning Commission with input from council. - The motion to ban bus parking in residential areas failed (5–5). - The Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Pedestrian Plan supplement, and two sets of watershed solutions were accepted for further action. - Staff was directed to finalize the Parks Operations Agreement amendment before the FY2025 budget. - Staff was directed to convene a stakeholder meeting to define the scope for a potential amusement/attraction feasibility study. - All other items on the consent calendar were approved without dissent.

The Fayetteville City Council met on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included the swearing-in of a new city attorney, a proclamation for National Community Development Month, recognition of a young gospel singer, a city manager report on the upcoming Public Safety Summit and the Broadell community historic survey, a public hearing on the 2024-2025 HUD Annual Action Plan, authorization to apply for a state grant for Phillips Towing, and a motion to move a text amendment on tobacco and hemp retail to a work session. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included: approval of minutes from March 25, 2024; rezoning requests (P24-17 and P24-18); special use permits (SUP24-01 for a duplex and SUP24-03 for 111 townhomes); adoption of Special Revenue Fund Ordinance amendments 2024-10, 2024-13, and 2024-14; affordable housing loan commitments for Aubrey Hills and Eutaw Landing Apartments; a resolution of support for an FTA grant for battery-electric buses; acceptance of the OSFM Summer Fire Camp Program Grant; and four PWC bid recommendations for electrical infrastructure. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing for the 2024-2025 HUD Annual Action Plan. Discussion Items - City Manager Report: Assistant City Manager Jody Phelps announced the Public Safety and OCS Summit on April 30 at 1:00 PM at Fayetteville State University's Student Center. The summit aims to gather a broad cross-section of organizations to discuss mental health, homelessness, violence prevention, and youth intervention, and will inform the development of the Office of Community Safety. - Broadell Community Historic Survey: Economic and Community Development Director Christopher Collie reported that the Broadell community was approved by the state for its historic significance. A second grant application (due May 10, 2024) will be submitted to nominate the area for the National Register of Historic Places. Staff emphasized ongoing community engagement. - Administrative Reports: City Council considered two administrative reports: an update on the Broadell survey (already discussed) and a potential text amendment to Chapter 30 regarding tobacco and hemp retail. Councilmember Hare moved to move the text amendment item to a future work session for further discussion. The motion passed 9-1, with Councilmember Benavente voting in opposition. - Public Hearing on HUD Annual Action Plan: Christopher Collie presented the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA grants, totaling approximately $4.3 million. The plan includes continued funding for affordable housing, small business support, and homeless initiatives. A substantial amendment was noted due to a loan extension from a developer. No public speakers appeared, and the council voted unanimously to approve the plan. - Authorization for Grant Application: The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city manager to apply for a North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Grant for Phillips Towing Services, Inc. The company plans to expand operations with a corporate office and call center in Fayetteville, creating jobs. Key Outcomes - Swearing-in: LaCelle Holmes Pulliam was sworn in as the new city attorney. - Proclamation: April 2024 was proclaimed as National Community Development Month. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - HUD Annual Action Plan: Approved unanimously after public hearing with no speakers. - Phillips Towing Grant: Resolution to apply for state grant approved unanimously. - Text Amendment: Motion to move administrative report on tobacco/hemp retail zoning to a work session passed 9-1. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned shortly after the last vote.

The Fayetteville City Council met on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included a presentation from Fayetteville State University on the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneurial and Business Hub, public comments on community safety and development, and a vote on additional funding for Fire Station 4 that failed 4-5. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from March 14 and March 20, 2024. - Adopted Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-10 to appropriate the 2023 MOTIVA First Responder Grant. - Adopted Capital Project Ordinance Amendments 2024-19 and 2024-20 for the Adam Street Drainage Improvement Project. - Adopted Capital Project Ordinance Amendment 2024-18 and Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-11 for additional funding to the Fire Station 4 Relocation Project (this item was later pulled for a separate vote). - Adopted Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-12 to appropriate funds for the Property and Liability Fund. Public Comments & Testimony - Antoinette Mormon (founder, Dreams to Goals) presented a proposal for a comprehensive resource hub to serve underserved populations, citing fragmented existing resources. - Channing Perdue (resident, 1531 Cedar Creek Road) raised concerns about a proposed development on Cedar Creek Road, stating that the technical review committee report was completed after the zoning meeting and that the applicant provided false information about preliminary reviews. She also noted that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had not been consulted on the project. - Lizette Rodriguez (Fayetteville Freedom for All) urged full funding of the Office of Community Safety (OCS), citing a 52% increase in suicides in Fayetteville and 4,000 mental health calls per month to FPD. She referenced the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, Oregon, which saves $8.5 million annually, and cautioned against repeating mistakes from the Day Resource Center. - Sean McMillan (resident, 6224 Golden Rain Drive) called for fully funding the OCS at $3 million (1% of the municipal budget), supporting its four pillars: mental health response, resources for unhoused, violence interruption, and independent oversight. He referenced multiple police-involved deaths and urged the council to establish an interagency task force and engage state and federal legislators. - Joel Cook (Fayetteville Freedom for All) spoke in favor of fully funding the OCS, sharing personal family history of trauma and lack of mental health resources. He noted that the city has a $300 million budget and asked for 1% ($3 million) for the OCS. - Lonya McCoon (resident) proposed building a Spartan obstacle course in partnership with local gyms, noting that Spartan races are held in other cities but there is no training facility in Fayetteville. Discussion Items - Re-Appointment to Airport Commission (Item 9.01): Tabled by council vote. Councilmember Hare sought clarification on whether the item would go to the appointments committee; the council confirmed it is tabled until reintroduced. - Fire Station 4 Relocation Project (Item 9.02, formerly 8.04): Councilmember Green pulled the item for a separate vote, stating he was not comfortable allocating an additional $1.5 million without hearing from the bonding company about workmanship issues. Councilmember Thompson supported the motion, noting the need to complete the project but requesting that any overages be brought back to council. The motion failed 4-5 (votes in favor: Thompson, Colvin, Davis; opposed: Hondros, McNair, Banks McLaughlin, Green, Benevente). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Fire Station 4 Funding: Motion to approve additional funding failed (4-5). - Administrative Report 10.01 (Crime Deterrent Opportunities): Moved to the May 2024 work session (unanimous). - Administrative Report 10.02 (FY 2024 Financial Update): Moved to the May 2024 work session (vote 8-2, with McNair and Davis opposed). - Appointment of Lachelle Pullham as City Attorney was announced. Presentations & Recognitions - Fayetteville State University Chancellor Allison presented the first-year results of the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneurial and Business Hub, launched in September 2022. Key statistics: over 300 events, 5,000 participants, 2,500 registered clients, 54 new businesses launched, 240 new jobs created, and approximately $30 million in contracts won with hub assistance (94% locally owned, 77% minority/women-owned, 80% veteran-owned, 98% awarded to at least one targeted segment). The city invested $250,000. A business owner, Eddie Lucas of PREXICO Construction, testified that he secured nearly $20 million in contracts in 2023 and expects up to $50 million in the next few years, crediting the hub for help with certification, bonding, and growth. Councilmembers expressed support and noted the disparity study that showed only 0.5% of city contracts going to African American firms. - Line Worker Appreciation Day: Councilmember Hondros recognized PWC line workers.

The Fayetteville City Council met on March 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included announcements, consent agenda approvals, a public hearing on renaming Providence Street, two evidentiary hearings for special use permits, and tabling of compensation and administrative report items to future work sessions. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from February 26, 2024 (Regular) and March 4, 2024 (Work Session and Special). - Approved rezoning cases: P24-08 (4.75 acres at 5510/5414 Bragg Blvd to MR-5), P24-09 (0.42 acres at 916 Hay St to NC), P24-10 (conditional rezoning at 0 Rock Creek Lane/Mount Rainer Road), and P24-11 (rezone to CC at 5709 Bragg Blvd). - Approved contract for African American Museum (item 7.06 was pulled for separate vote and passed 8-1, Councilmember Benevento opposed). - Approved quitclaim deed for 1128 Sun Valley Drive, public hearing settings for closing Carthage Drive and a portion of Joseph Street. - Approved stormwater ordinance amendments (Sec. 23-33 and Sec. 23-35) and legal representation for Sergeant Don Bell and Detective Krista Zentner. - Approved tentative award of ARPA-funded sewer main rehabilitation contract, capital project ordinance for Winslow St/Russell St parking lot improvements, Ray Avenue drainage improvements, and PWC bid recommendations for water main replacement and Gillespie solar PV utility station. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing – Street Renaming (SN24-001): Consideration to rename Providence Street to JP Swinson Street to honor the late Bishop James P. Swinson. Eight speakers testified in favor, describing his community service, including feeding the homeless, opening his church for funerals/weddings, and assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Three speakers (two property owners/tenants) opposed, citing financial burden for residents to change IDs and addresses. County survey: 12 responses in favor, 1 opposed, but some respondents owned multiple properties. Council voted 5-5 to deny (motion failed), then voted 7-2 to reconsider and tabled the item to allow Councilmember Hare to meet with stakeholders to explore alternative honors. Discussion Items - Announcements & Recognitions: - Grant Bennett, founder of the 26 Project, reported over $400,000 in community support, $15,000 in scholarships, and partnerships with Google, Nike, Bank of America. Two student participants spoke. - Fayetteville Police Accountability Community Task Force (FEVOPAC) presented an award to Chief Braden for transparency and community engagement. - Proclamation of April as Development Services Month. - Proclamation of March 25, 2024 as Greek Independence Day, with participation from local Greek Orthodox church. - Evidentiary Hearing – SUP24-01 (1040 Stamper Road): Applicant sought special use permit for a duplex on a 0.25-acre lot zoned SF-6. Opposition cited safety (hilltop, blind curves), incompatibility with single-family Greenwood Homes neighborhood, and discrepancies in profit. Applicant clarified single driveway and corrected profit amount. Council approved 6-3 (Mayor Pro Tem Jensen, Councilmembers Davis and Benevento opposed). - Evidentiary Hearing – SUP24-03 (Old Bunce Road): Applicant sought expansion of previously approved special use permit from 42 to 111 townhomes on three parcels totaling 17.61 acres. No opposition. Unanimously approved. - Other Items of Business: Item 10.01 (Employer of Choice – Compensation) was tabled to the April work session for further discussion on compression and other details. - Administrative Reports: Report on city, county, and state-owned property to be returned to tax roll was moved to a work session. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with item 7.06 separately approved 8-1. - Providence Street renaming tabled for further stakeholder engagement. - Special use permit for duplex at 1040 Stamper Road approved (6-3). - Special use permit for 111 townhomes at Old Bunce Road approved unanimously. - Employer of Choice compensation tabled to April work session. - Administrative report on public property moved to work session. - Meeting adjourned.

The Fayetteville City Council met on March 14, 2024, to address routine matters, receive presentations on the city's sustainability plan and community satisfaction survey, approve appointments to boards and commissions, and authorize legal action regarding body camera footage. The meeting opened with an invocation, recognition of pageant queens, and several proclamations declaring March as Women's History Month, Transit Driver Appreciation Day, and American Red Cross Month. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda and individual items were approved unanimously with no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Archie Barringer spoke for the final time regarding the slogans on the Market House. He urged the council to view the Market House not as a symbol of slavery but as a shrine for freedom for all people, quoting Saint Francis's prayer. He asked for forgiveness for any prior offense and expressed his belief that this would honor Fayetteville as an All-American city. Discussion Items - Sustainability Plan Kickoff (8.01): Brooke Redding (Special Project Manager) introduced consultants from Blue Strike, Rich Swanson and Anna Bugankova. They outlined a year-long process to develop a new sustainability plan for the city, which will include a greenhouse gas inventory, community engagement, and a prioritization matrix. The plan is expected to be delivered in February 2025. Councilmembers asked about the plan's intended lifespan (suggested updates every five years) and whether it covers the entire city (yes). The report was accepted unanimously. - Community Survey Results (8.02): Jason from ETC Institute presented findings from the fifth community survey, conducted over winter 2023-2024 with 605 randomly selected residents (margin of error ±4%). Key findings: 64% satisfied with overall quality of life in their neighborhood; top priorities for the council are maintenance of city streets, quality of police protection, enforcing codes and ordinances, and communication with the public. The city rated 17 percentage points above the U.S. average for customer service. Councilmember Benavente raised concerns about the survey's framing of public safety solely through policing, while Councilmember Banks McLaughlin inquired about next steps. The city manager noted that action plans will be developed for each priority area. The report was accepted unanimously. - Appointments Committee (10.01): Councilmember Hare presented nominations for various boards and commissions, including the Airport Commission, Community Police Advisory Board, Economic Development Board, Ethics Commission (one vacancy requiring a CPA), and many others. Several vacancies remain open. The slate was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda: Unanimous (9-0). - Accepted sustainability plan report: Unanimous. - Accepted community survey report: Unanimous (8-0, one absent). - Approved boards and commissions appointments: Unanimous. - Approved motion to authorize legal representation and petition court for disclosure of body camera footage (10.02): Unanimous. This item (originally 7.03) was pulled from the consent agenda and moved to a separate vote. - Meeting adjourned.