Fayetteville City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council held a regular meeting on May 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with an invocation by Dr. Ann Dockery of Soul Harvest Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember DJ Hare, returning after an illness, made announcements including a 'Doug in the District' event on May 13. City Manager Dr. Douglas Hewitt provided updates on pedestrian improvements funded by NCDOT (leveraging $3.4 million with a 5.8% city match), the Safe Streets for All plan, and the retirement of IT employee Derek Bowens after 25 years of service. The council approved the agenda unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the exception of items 7.0A2 (Historic Preservation Fund Grant for College Heights and Seabrook Hills) and 7.0A5 (Market Square Pedestrian Improvements), which were pulled for separate discussion. Remaining consent items included: approval of meeting minutes (April 13 and April 22, 2026), authorization for NCDOT municipal agreements for Morganton Road and Raeford Road improvements, bid award for Market Square Pedestrian Improvements ($648,519.20 to Morgan Trucking & General Construction), acceptance of the FTA grant for transit ($138,601.76 for Omicron CMC 500), and several capital project ordinance amendments.

Discussion Items

• 7.0A2 – Historic Preservation Fund Grant: Councilmember Jones provided context, noting that the Bright Air neighborhood was previously designated for the National Register and that this item extends the nomination process to include College Heights and Seabrook Hills. A motion to authorize the city manager to apply for the FY2026 CLG grant passed unanimously.
• 7.0A5 – Market Square Pedestrian Improvements: Councilmember Green pulled this item to discuss project delays and community commitments. Staff detailed the work: structural repairs to the market house, installation of 55-inch informational kiosks, pedestrian hardscape improvements with brick crosswalks, ADA-accessible ramps, stormwater drainage upgrades, and uplighting. The mayor noted the 2020 community compromise on the market house’s future and directed staff to re-engage the Human Relations Commission to develop a process for curating kiosk content. The council approved the award to Morgan Trucking & General Construction and the reallocation of $401,980 in capital project funds. Completion is expected before Dickens holiday.

Reports from Boards and Commissions

• 8.01 – Linear Park Annual Report: Dr. Wayne Riggins, President of the Linear Park Corporation, requested expansion of the corporation’s purview to include the Central City Park Trail, connecting multiple downtown green spaces via signage and QR codes. He noted all costs are already covered. The council voted to expand the boundaries to cover the entire city parks trail system, with a suggestion to include west Fayetteville in future phases.
• 8.02 – Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority Annual Report: Assistant Executive Director Crystal De Petro reported serving over 2,800 households (6,700 residents) across public housing and voucher programs. The agency administers 2,000 housing vouchers, 84 new units at Central Park Terrace, and a Choice Neighborhood initiative adding 323 units. There are 1,500 families on the waiting list. The report was received unanimously.
• 8.03 – Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Report: Chairman Tom Hatch highlighted accomplishments including the grand opening of courts at Glenville Lake and ongoing construction of tennis/pickleball courts. He recommended development of an indoor aquatics center. The report was received unanimously.
• 8.04 – Firefighters Local Relief Fund Annual Update: Battalion Chief Jason Davis explained the fund’s origins, governance, and current holdings ($12,999.99 checking, $5,303.06 money market, $1,500,119.93 invested). The fund provides supplemental retirement stipends to firefighters with 20+ years of service (144 retirees in February 2026) and financial assistance for injuries. The report was received unanimously.

Staff Reports

• 9.01 – FY26 3rd Quarter Strategic Performance Report: Strategy Manager Chris Lowry and Analyst Andrew Brayboy reported progress on five council priorities. Highlights: Fayetteville C.A.R.E. resource center had 1,084 unique interactions (90% of annual target); 42 community safety microgrants awarded ($199,500); violent crime down 18% from baseline; 38,066 stormwater assets inspected (triple target); 32,044 linear feet of sidewalk constructed (exceeding annual target); 72 affordable housing units added; 27 first-time homebuyers assisted; 3,718 youth program participants; 87% of 2018 pedestrian plan completed. Council discussed the need for more frequent resident and employee surveys, disaggregated data, and the potential to add environmental protection to strategic priorities. A motion to receive the report carried.

Public Hearing

• 10.01 – PWC Phase 5 Annexation Area 26: Lamont Henson presented the preliminary assessment roll for the Cliffdale West and Woodmark neighborhoods. The project area includes 287 properties, with typical assessment cost of $5,000 (fixed per 2005 agreement). Financing options include pay-in-full within 51 days (no interest) or installment plans at prime plus 2% (not to exceed 8%). Two residents (John and Betty Amaker) spoke, questioning the cost calculation and interest. Council responded that the city recently expanded a connection assistance program with higher income limits. No action was required; the final confirmation is scheduled for June 8, 2026, with a community meeting on June 25.

Key Outcomes

• Approved agenda (unanimous).
• Approved consent agenda with two items pulled for separate votes.
• Authorized application for FY2026 Historic Preservation Grant (unanimous).
• Approved Market Square Pedestrian Improvements contract and fund reallocation (unanimous).
• Directed staff to re-engage Human Relations Commission on kiosk content for Market Square.
• Expanded Linear Park Corporation purview to include Central City Park Trail (unanimous).
• Received FMHA, Parks & Rec, and Firefighters Relief Fund reports (all unanimous).
• Received FY26 3rd Quarter Strategic Performance Report (unanimous).
• Conducted public hearing on PWC Area 26 assessment; no action taken.