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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Regular Meeting - September 28, 2026

City Council — Monday, September 28, 2026

BodyFayetteville, North Carolina

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, September 28, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:10:04

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

3:40

So

Speaker 1

3:40

meeting order we welcome those who are joining us in the audience, those who may be joining us remotely, we welcome you as well.

3:46

Uh as with every meeting we start with the invocation, we'll ask that Pastor Wesley Pritchard from the Fabial Community Church if he would please come to the podium.

3:54

If all could please stand for the prayer immediately following.

3:57

If we could repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

Yes, sir.

Speaker 2

5:00

Federal Community Church started in 1972.

5:03

So I'm a I'm a second and a third generation pastor.

5:06

My mom and dad started with just 13 people, and the Lord has blessed us for over 50 years.

5:11

And we kind of carry the motto of L G L E O, and that's loving God and loving each other.

5:16

And I hope I can be around to carry it to the next generation.

5:19

I thank you for the opportunity tonight, sir.

5:21

Thank you,

Speaker 1

5:21

sir.

5:21

Thank you for joining us.

Unassigned speaker

5:27

All right,

Speaker 1

5:27

Council, as we move to uh have one announcement, go to Councilmember Jones.

Unassigned speaker

5:33

Thank

Speaker 3

5:33

you, Mr.

5:33

Mayor.

5:34

I just want to announce tomorrow night uh there will be a community meeting at Country Club Community Outreach Center, 651 Country Club Drive.

5:43

Uh we'll discuss some updates uh as it relates to the city.

5:46

In addition, we will have some state legislators present to discuss me the three constitutional amendments that will be on our ballots and all are welcome.

5:56

Thank you, Mr.

5:57

Mayor.

5:58

6 30 to 8 30 p.m.

6:00

Thank you.

Speaker 1

6:02

Thank you.

6:02

Thank you, Councilmember Jones.

6:04

And uh Council moving to the next item of business, uh go to the city manager for his report.

Speaker 4

6:11

Good evening, Mayor.

6:13

Um members of council.

6:14

Um several um quick announcements tonight.

6:17

Um I want to first start by uh taking a moment to recognize and congratulate uh the city of Fayville um on receiving multiple honors at the up and coming weekly 29th annual best of favel awards uh that were held on Wednesday, September 23rd.

6:34

The city was recognized in three categories, those being the market house was named the best historical building.

6:39

Uh Lake Rim Park was named the best local picnic area, and highways and infrastructure was named as the best use of local tax dollars.

6:48

And we have those awards upstairs and will display those against all the other awards that the city's received.

6:53

These recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of our employees, council, and continued commitment to providing quality facilities, services, and investments for our community.

7:04

I'd also like to announce to the council and to the community, thank you because we were recognized by um the Federal Fire Department for being awarded the staffing and adequate fire and emergency response or safer grant, um, which will provide staff support for 18 personnel that will provide staffing for our ladder trucks chief.

7:24

And um uh is this a four-year commitment?

7:27

Four-year commitment.

7:28

The grant provides direct federal funding to local fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations

Unassigned speaker

7:34

to

Speaker 4

7:34

help recruit, train, and hire and retain frontline personnel.

7:38

This award will provide valuable support to the Federville Fire Department and strengthen our ability to provide fire and emergency services to our community.

7:46

Again, congratulations to the Federal Fire Department.

7:54

I don't see uh him here or them there here, rather.

7:59

I suspect they're all at home somewhere, hopefully getting a well-earned rest.

8:02

But um, mayor and council, uh, on behalf of the entire community, I'd like to say thank you for your support for 910 Future Fest.

8:10

Um, as you know, and as the people who are here who participated in events of this past weekend, um, starting on I think it was Thursday night as well with the opening all the way through the concert on Saturday.

8:22

We learned a lot.

8:23

Um we um uh strengthened the community a great deal, and uh anyone who attended the concert on uh Saturday night also had a great great time.

8:32

The artists were amazing, and that um all that thanks should go not only council for your vision but also to Fedville next commission for putting it on, as well as I FCYC and all of those young people who were there as well to support that effort.

8:45

Um and I won't name any names, but we actually had um a local citizen and highly connected to member of our community who actually volunteered and provided a guitar for Lloyd to play with as well.

9:00

I mean, so when you make the call out to folks that you need assistance with stuff, Faville is that can do city, and we had someone step up to the plate.

9:08

And for one last announcement, Mayor, um, I'd ask that um uh Jody come forward um and bring our newest employee that we'd like to introduce on behalf of uh the manager's office to the council and to the community as well.

Speaker 5

9:23

Good evening, Mayor and Council and our community.

9:26

It is a great pleasure tonight to introduce Miss Carla Banks to you.

9:30

Today is her first day with the city of Fayetteville and one of our newest residents.

9:35

Uh, she will be joining us as our director of marketing and communication.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning And Land Use███████████████████19%

Public Safety██████████████████18%

Technology and Innovation████████8%

Procedural███████7%

Budget███████7%

Public Engagement██████6%

Permit Regulations██████6%

Youth Programs█████5%

Community Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Fayetteville City Council Regular Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Fayetteville City Council met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a rezoning appeal, staff reports on community safety and financial updates, and a debate on a multi-year police technology contract. Key outcomes included approval of a rezoning for 5210 Arbor Road, a 90-day stay on demolitions for three Raeford Road properties, and approval of a 75-month master service agreement with Axon Enterprise ($17.3M over 6.25 years, with savings of $12.6M).

Consent Calendar

Approved meeting minutes for September 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
Approved revisions to Council Policies 150.1, 155.2, and 155.6.
Approved conditional rezoning (P26-38) for 5113 Meadowbrook Drive (SF-10 to OI/CZ).
Approved conditional rezoning (P26-40) for 131 Pepsi Lane (HI to HI/CZ) after Councilwoman Green recused herself (motion carried unanimously).
Approved conditional rezoning (P26-43) for a portion of 5649 Bragg Blvd (SF-6 to LI/CZ).
Adopted ordinances for demolition of uninhabitable structures at 303 Maloney Avenue, 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road (with pulled items addressed separately).
Adopted Capital Project Ordinance for Stamper Road Culvert Replacement ($300,000).
Approved Affordable Housing Loan Extension for Eastside Green (from October 2026 to November 2037).
Authorized the Mayor to execute the FY2024 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) amendment.
Adopted Special Revenue Fund Project Ordinance for Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant.
Accepted and appropriated $644,285 from SBI for law enforcement bonuses.
Authorized Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for PSAP and Fire Station 4.
Authorized contract with Samet Corporation for Fire Station 4 preconstruction services (up to $400,000).
Approved PWC purchase of two relay control houses ($1,009,762 to VFP, Inc.).
Adopted Resolutions for State Reserve and Revolving Loan Offers for PO Hoffer Glenville Lake GAC projects.

Public Comments & Testimony

Appeal P26-39 (5210 Arbor Road): Three speakers addressed council:
- Arland Nguefack Tsobgou (applicant, veteran, government contractor): Expressed support for rezoning from SF-10 to SF-6 to build a four-unit townhome project serving veterans. Noted he followed staff recommendations after a prior MR5 denial.
- David North (adjacent neighbor): Opposed the rezoning, citing incompatibility with single-family character, loss of tree buffer, increased traffic, stormwater concerns, and building mass. Requested denial or conditional rezoning with conditions.
- Wilma Lenonin (Candlelight Drive resident): Opposed the rezoning, warning it would set precedent for other vacant lots in the area, increase density, and worsen existing stormwater drainage problems. Noted that 24 additional homes could be built if all vacant lots rezoned.

Discussion Items

P26-39 Arbor Road Rezoning: Council debated the straight rezoning (no conditions) versus conditional rezoning. Councilmember Hondros noted the zoning commission initially recommended SF-6 for the earlier MR5 application, making the denial puzzling. Councilmember McNair raised buffering concerns. Councilmember Hare suggested a better process to avoid repeated fees. The motion to deny failed 4-6, then a motion to approve carried 6-4 (McNair, McMillan, Green, Jones, Hondros, Davis in favor).
Demolition Ordinances (7.0A6): Council debated 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road. Councilmember McNair initially moved to remove from demo list, but after discussion, amended to a 90-day stay (remain on list) to allow owner to comply. Motion carried 8-2 (Green and Hondros opposed).
Office of Community Safety Annual Report: Director Jones presented year-one metrics: 692 unhoused responses, 550 partner referrals, 181 mental health referrals, 1,300+ residents reached via safe space activations, 168 activations, 300+ youth engaged, $200,000 in microgrants, and a partnership with Harvard’s Government Performance Lab for alternative response model. Councilmember McMillan emphasized evaluation and data-led coordination.
Financial Advisor Update – Limited Obligation Bonds: David Cheekwood (First Tryon Advisors) presented a $28.5 million bond financing for MacArthur Road Sports Complex ($18M) and fire apparatus ($8M), with no tax increase. The city's credit rating is AA+ (S&P) and AA1 (Moody’s). Council adopted the preliminary resolution unanimously.
BerryDunn Development Process Review: Consultant Carrie Willette presented findings from a comprehensive review of site plan and permitting processes. Identified six challenges (e.g., system alignment, customer service) and 15 recommendations across five focus areas (roles, change management, customer service, IT, resources). Council received the report.
Axon Enterprise Contract (10.02): Chief Bryant presented a 75-month master service agreement bundling body-worn cameras, fleet cameras, Taser 10, drones-as-first-responder (DFR), counter-drone system, and virtual reality training. Total cost $17.3M over 6.25 years, saving $12.6M versus separate contracts. Councilmember McMillan raised concerns about rushed approval, lack of community input, and surveillance oversight. Councilmember Jones asked about data retention (90 days, court-authorized release). Motion to table failed; motion to approve carried 6-4.

Key Outcomes

P26-39 (5210 Arbor Road): Approved straight rezoning from SF-10 to SF-6 (6-4). No conditions binding the developer to the proposed four-unit townhome plan.
Demolition Stay: 6313, 6325, and 6329 Raeford Road placed on 90-day stay (remains on demo list). Approved 8-2.
Limited Obligation Bonds: Preliminary resolution adopted (unanimous) to finance MacArthur Park and fire apparatus (up to $28.5M). Public hearing scheduled for October 12, 2026.
Axon Contract: Approved (6-4) for 75-month master service agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. Authorized City Manager to execute.
Office of Community Safety Report: Received and accepted (unanimous).
BerryDunn Report: Received (unanimous); implementation phase to follow.
Red Light Camera Program (11.01): Referred to November 2026 work session (consensus).
Administrative Reports: Fay Connect status update noted for information.

Meeting Transcript

So meeting order we welcome those who are joining us in the audience, those who may be joining us remotely, we welcome you as well. Uh as with every meeting we start with the invocation, we'll ask that Pastor Wesley Pritchard from the Fabial Community Church if he would please come to the podium. If all could please stand for the prayer immediately following. If we could repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. Yes, sir. Federal Community Church started in 1972. So I'm a I'm a second and a third generation pastor. My mom and dad started with just 13 people, and the Lord has blessed us for over 50 years. And we kind of carry the motto of L G L E O, and that's loving God and loving each other. And I hope I can be around to carry it to the next generation. I thank you for the opportunity tonight, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you for joining us. All right, Council, as we move to uh have one announcement, go to Councilmember Jones. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to announce tomorrow night uh there will be a community meeting at Country Club Community Outreach Center, 651 Country Club Drive. Uh we'll discuss some updates uh as it relates to the city. In addition, we will have some state legislators present to discuss me the three constitutional amendments that will be on our ballots and all are welcome. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 6 30 to 8 30 p.m. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Jones. And uh Council moving to the next item of business, uh go to the city manager for his report. Good evening, Mayor. Um members of council. Um several um quick announcements tonight. Um I want to first start by uh taking a moment to recognize and congratulate uh the city of Fayville um on receiving multiple honors at the up and coming weekly 29th annual best of favel awards uh that were held on Wednesday, September 23rd. The city was recognized in three categories, those being the market house was named the best historical building. Uh Lake Rim Park was named the best local picnic area, and highways and infrastructure was named as the best use of local tax dollars. And we have those awards upstairs and will display those against all the other awards that the city's received. These recognitions reflect the hard work and dedication of our employees, council, and continued commitment to providing quality facilities, services, and investments for our community. I'd also like to announce to the council and to the community, thank you because we were recognized by um the Federal Fire Department for being awarded the staffing and adequate fire and emergency response or safer grant, um, which will provide staff support for 18 personnel that will provide staffing for our ladder trucks chief. And um uh is this a four-year commitment? Four-year commitment. The grant provides direct federal funding to local fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help recruit, train, and hire and retain frontline personnel. This award will provide valuable support to the Federville Fire Department and strengthen our ability to provide fire and emergency services to our community. Again, congratulations to the Federal Fire Department. I don't see uh him here or them there here, rather. I suspect they're all at home somewhere, hopefully getting a well-earned rest. But um, mayor and council, uh, on behalf of the entire community, I'd like to say thank you for your support for 910 Future Fest. Um, as you know, and as the people who are here who participated in events of this past weekend, um, starting on I think it was Thursday night as well with the opening all the way through the concert on Saturday.

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