The Fayetteville City Council met on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included announcements, consent agenda approval, quarterly reports from the Fire and Police Departments, a discussion on the School Resource Officer program, public hearings on zoning text amendments and an annexation, and two evidentiary hearings on special use permits for group homes. Key decisions included approval of the consent agenda, acceptance of department reports, adoption of zoning text amendments with exceptions, approval of an annexation, and denial of both special use permit requests.
Meeting adjourned after the final vote.
Good evening to everyone. I would like to call the November 25th, 2024 City Council meeting to order, and welcome everyone. Um, first, I would like to invite Pastor Dunham from Great Harvest Global Ministries up to give us the incation. Welcome, ma'am. If I could have everyone stand. Greetings to all from Greater Harvest Global. Let us pray. Heavenly Creator, Divine Spirit, Source of Wisdom. We gather here today in the spirit of unity, seeking guidance and strength as our elected officials convene for the betterment of Fedville. We ask for clarity of thought, purpose, that each decision made in this meeting reflects the best interests of all of our citizens. May those who lead us be endowed with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Grant them the ability to listen deeply to the voices of the community, valuing the diversity of perspectives that enrich our city. Inspire collaboration among the council and the mayor, fostering an environment of honor, respect, and dignity. Let us remember our shared commitment to serve with humility and grace, ensuring that every action today contributes to the common good. Amen. Okay, so I have some announcements that I would like to make. Um, first of all, I would like to have Miss Fateville, Jada Johnson to come up, and Miss Fayetteville team, Jenna Grace Nance. These young ladies represented us very nicely at the Miss North Carolina pageant. So we are very proud of them. So I'll let you speak and tell us who you are and what your CIAS is and all that good stuff. Well, hello, everyone. I'm so happy to be here tonight. My name is Janae Johnson, and I'm your current Miss Fayetteville. My community service initiative is called Power of Voice. And with this initiative, I equipped young women with the tools they need to find the power that their voice holds. And I hope that they use this voice to positively impact their communities. So far, I've been able to visit some of the high schools here in Cumberland County and really teach the young women not only how much power their voice holds when we're talking to other people, but when we're talking to them ourselves. Thank you so much for having me tonight. Thank you. Hello, everyone. My name is Jenna Grace Nance, and I am Miss Fayetteville's teen. I attend Grace Creek High School, and I am 16 years old. My CSI is freedom to be kind. My main initiative is to encourage people to always choose kindness, and that is our right, and it is to exercise it every single day with no matter who you're talking to or what circumstances that you're in. I think tonight's a great night for me to be here because I'm a proud member of the Lumby Tribe of North Carolina, and they are here tonight to be recognized. So thank you so much for having me, and thank you for all you do for the community. And if you stay right there, we'll get a picture. Councilmember Banks McLaughlin. Thank you, Mayor. Snout. Okay, there we go. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. Um, this proclamation is for the Native American Heritage Month. Um, if you guys can stand up and come to the podium. Come on, I don't mind. Whereas Native American Heritage Month is observed by acknowledging the contributions of Native Americans long before the formation of the United States, which we recognize and extrably woven into the history of this country. And whereas the contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of the American today. Their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States. And whereas Native Americans Awareness Week began in 1976, and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George H. W.