Charlotte City Council Business Meeting Summary – April 28, 2025

The Charlotte City Council convened on April 28, 2025, at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center for two sessions: an Action Review (5:00 PM) and the Business Meeting (6:30 PM). The council addressed a range of items including consent agenda approvals, public hearings, filling a vacant council seat, community area planning, affordable housing support, and public comments on animal welfare, airport worker wages, and the arts. Several key decisions were made, and multiple items were deferred for future discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Items 17 through 36 were approved in one motion, except for items 23 (Nutrient Harvesting at McAlpine Creek), 26 (Water Treatment Plants Force Main and Pipeline Change Order), and 34 (Arts and Culture Grantmaking Services), which were pulled for separate discussion and votes.
• Item 23 (Nutrient Harvesting Facility – $30,340,000 GMP with MEB General Contractors) was approved unanimously after a question about regional partnerships.
• Item 26 (Change Order #3 for $4,167,950.95 for water pipeline repairs) was approved after discussion about its emergency nature and missed subcontracting opportunities. Councilmember Mayfield noted the original contract’s low participation goals (2% MBE, 8% SBE) and questioned whether the additional $4 million could have been used to increase MWSBE participation. Staff explained the urgency due to a leaking water main under I-85.
• Item 34 (Arts and Culture Grantmaking Services – $2,000,000 contract with Charlotte Is Creative) was approved on a 6-2 vote (Councilmembers Johnson and Mayfield opposed) after a public speaker session. Discussion included the source of arts funding, the RFP process, and the administrative fee of 14.25% ($285,000). Several council members emphasized the urgency of distributing funds to support local artists and small arts organizations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Forum (Business Meeting): 15 speakers addressed the council on topics including:
  • Animal Welfare: Multiple speakers (Carrie Clumett, Katie Ferrioli, Kristen Lasprilla, Jason Swarzinski) urged the city to move Animal Care and Control from under CMPD, increase shelter capacity, and fund a new facility. Statistics: Over 10,600 animals entered the shelter in 2024; 127 dog intakes per week in 2025 (up from 117 in 2024); shelter under emergency space shortage 13 times in 2025; kennel space last added in 1993 while city population grew 114%.
  • Airport Worker Wages and Conditions: Speakers (Timothy Lowe, Dorothy Griffin, Justine Lamoglia) described poverty wages, homelessness, and high turnover among contracted airport workers. They urged the council to introduce a “CASE” ordinance or committee hearing to address wage standards.
  • Arts Funding: Wendy Hickey (ArtPop), Robin Stockton (RA Arts for All), Melody Cassen, and Jonathan Diaz spoke in support of expedited arts funding, noting that delays have caused job losses and risk of closure for some organizations.
  • Other: Dr. LaVisha Cummings (Youth Advocate Programs) advocated for continued funding for ATV Beatty Ford location; June Blotnik (Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders) requested $2 million for AC units in rental apartments; Dorothy Griffin (airport worker) shared personal financial struggles; Jonathan Diaz spoke about the transformative power of art for his grandmother.
• Public Hearings (Items 10-12): No speakers signed up for the three public hearings (Dixie River Road Firehouse No. 44 annexation, right-of-way closure on South Gardner Avenue, and Airport 2025 General Airport Revenue Bonds). All were closed and approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Filling Vacant Council District 6 Seat (Item 4): The council debated the process to replace departing Republican Councilmember Bukhari. Two options were presented: an expedited schedule (vote today, applications open April 29, appointment by May 19) and a regular schedule (vote on May 12, appointment by June 2). After extensive discussion, a compromise was adopted: vote today (April 28) to approve the process; applications open April 30 for two weeks (closing May 13); public forum and interviews between May 13-19; appointment on May 19; swearing in on June 2 (committee meeting). The motion included the optional question about intent to run for the seat (not legally binding). Vote: 8-0 in favor.
• Community Area Planning (Item 4_2): Staff presented an overview of the 14 draft Community Area Plans, developed over two years as a key implementation of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The plans include a policy map update (6% change), mobility assessments, and illustrative concepts. Discussion focused on community engagement (less than 1% of population participated), the need for tailored outreach (e.g., webinars, town halls), and how the plans will inform rezoning and capital investment decisions. Councilmember Johnson requested on-demand webinars for each area. Councilmember Ajmera requested overlay neighborhoods on maps and a summary of how public comments were incorporated. The plans are scheduled for a public hearing on May 12 and a council decision by May 27.
• Minimum Housing Code (Item 4_3): This item was deferred from the Action Review due to time constraints and was not discussed at the Business Meeting.
• Affordable Housing Development Support Requests (Item 15): Staff recommended approval of up to $30,104,000 in Housing Trust Fund allocations for 10 developments, plus $800,000 in federal funds for Long Creek Commons, $1,500,000 in TOD bonus funds for Urban Trends, and a 20-year rental subsidy for Woodford Estates. Councilmember Molina requested deferral of the Havenridge at Sharon Amity project ($6,000,000) to the next business meeting (May 12) to address community concerns about accessibility, aesthetics, and property management. The remainder of Item 15 was approved unanimously. The motion to defer Havenridge was approved (8-0).
• City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing (Item 16): Approved to authorize staff to negotiate conveyance of two parcels: Freedom Drive (3924/3932) to True Homes and Prosperity Alliance for homeownership, and Tyner Street (7825) to Camino Community Development Corporation for for-rent townhomes and transitional housing. Councilmember Mayfield raised concerns about construction quality by True Homes, citing resident complaints about roofs, HVAC, and electrical issues. Councilmember Johnson supported ensuring quality standards. The motion passed 7-1 (Mayfield opposed).
• Regional Express Bus Service Agreement with Gastonia (Item 14): Approved unanimously to renew the interlocal agreement for one year (estimated cost $224,844) with option to renew for four additional one-year terms.

Key Outcomes

• District 6 Vacancy: Adopted a modified expedited process (applications open April 30, close May 13, appointment May 19, swearing in June 2).
• Consent Items: Approved all except those pulled (23, 26, 34) – all passed separately.
• Public Hearings: Approved Dixie River Road annexation (effective April 28, 2025), right-of-way closure on South Gardner Avenue, and Airport 2025 General Airport Revenue Bonds (up to $350 million).
• Affordable Housing: Approved $30,104,000 in HTF allocations (excluding Havenridge deferred), $800,000 federal funds for Long Creek Commons, $1,500,000 TOD bonus for Urban Trends, and Woodford Estates rental subsidy. Deferred Havenridge to May 12.
• City-Owned Land for Affordable Housing: Authorized staff to negotiate conveyances for Freedom Drive and Tyner Street parcels.
• Regional Bus Service: Approved interlocal agreement with Gastonia.
• Closed Session: The council voted to enter closed session at the end of the meeting.

Next Steps: The council will reconvene on May 5 for a Budget Workshop (no business meeting), and the next business meeting is May 12, 2025. The Community Area Plans will be considered for adoption by May 27, 2025. The Minimum Housing Code update will be rescheduled.