Fayetteville City Council Work Session - June 3, 2024

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.