Fayetteville City Council Work Session – February 3, 2025

The Fayetteville City Council held a work session on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The agenda included a watershed master plan update, adoption of historic district design standards and associated text amendments, and two council member agenda item requests concerning a permitting performance review and a park renaming. The meeting began with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the city manager's report. The council approved the agenda unanimously and proceeded through four major discussion items.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the agenda as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during the work session.

Discussion Items

6.01 Watershed Master Plan – Beaver Creek 2 Solutions

Alicia Lanier, managing the watershed master plan program, and Mark Van Auken of Arcadis presented an overview of the citywide watershed studies. Since 2018, the city has accelerated its stormwater capital improvement program, studying 8 of 15 watersheds to date. The council had previously approved two tranches of proposed solutions totaling over $1 billion (first tranche $500+ million, second tranche $500 million) and 200+ proposed solutions, which have resolved over half of impacted lane miles, traverse road crossings, and disconnected structures. The city has been awarded $26 million in grants. For Beaver Creek 2, staff presented 31 proposed solutions (from 95 initial concern areas) that resolve all disconnected dwellings, eliminate most impacted lane length, and reduce nearly half of traverse road crossings. Councilman Mahondros moved to provide consensus to accept the 31 proposed solutions and incorporate them into the annual CIP prioritization process. The motion passed unanimously. Staff noted that the city has received the Association of State Flood Plain Managers James Lee Witt Award for Excellence, the first such award in North Carolina in 38 years.

6.02 Adoption of Historic District Design Standards and Text Amendments

Assistant City Manager Strickland and Will (presenter) introduced the updated historic district design standards, required to comply with a 2021 state law change. The new document replaces the 2000-era guidelines with a more user-friendly format, updated language, and new sections on signage/murals and disaster preparedness. Staff emphasized that the changes make the process less restrictive, with more items qualifying as "minor works" (staff-approved) or "non-reviewable." Council members raised concerns about the burden on businesses, especially regarding window replacement (no vinyl allowed) and the cost of custom wood windows that must meet fire code. Mayor Colvin questioned whether the standards align with the city's economic development goals. Councilman Benavente moved to adopt only the ordinance portion to achieve state compliance, referring the standards themselves to the Policy Committee for detailed review, including a line-by-line comparison with peer cities (e.g., Winston-Salem, Raleigh) and specific items such as windows. The motion passed unanimously. Councilman Thompson, as Policy Committee chair, committed to returning with recommendations.

6.03 Permitting Performance Review (Mayor Colvin's Request)

Mayor Colvin requested a third-party review of the city's permitting and code enforcement processes. He cited discussions at a recent mayor's conference where cities like Austin and San Diego used external consultants (e.g., McKinsey or AIA) to improve efficiency. He argued that process layers inadvertently slow housing development and contribute to homelessness. Councilman Thompson expressed support but cautioned against funding studies that are not implemented. The council consensus was to direct staff to gather information on third-party review options and bring back a proposal.

6.04 Park Renaming Request (Council Member Greene's Request)

Council Member Greene proposed renaming Woodrow Street Park to "Haymount Park at Woodrow" upon request from the Friends of Haymount, a grassroots civic group. The group desires to add the historic Haymount name while retaining the street location. Council members noted mixed community feedback (two against, three in favor from an email list of ~199). Councilman Thompson pointed out that city policy requires a recommendation from the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee before council action. Councilwoman Davis confirmed that some opposition came from her district. The council agreed to refer the request to the Parks and Rec Committee for a recommendation and to determine if a public hearing is needed. The motion to initiate that process passed.

Key Outcomes

• Watershed Master Plan: Council provided unanimous consensus to accept the 31 proposed solutions for Beaver Creek 2, authorizing staff to program them into the CIP and pursue grants.
• Historic District Standards: Council adopted only the ordinance portion (to comply with state law) and referred the design standards to the Policy Committee for detailed review, including peer city comparisons and a line-by-line change list. The committee will bring recommendations back to council.
• Permitting Performance Review: Council directed staff to explore third-party review options for the permitting process and report back.
• Park Renaming: Council referred the request to rename Woodrow Street Park to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for a recommendation; staff will also assess any financial costs and potential public hearing requirements.