The Greensboro City Council convened on September 2, 2025, at the Katie Dorsett Council Chamber. The meeting included ceremonial resolutions honoring community figures and programs, extensive public comments on issues such as the proposed SSEP methane pipeline, brown water in Southeast Greensboro, and police accountability demands, followed by approval of consent agenda items and general business contracts. All council members were present, with Mrs. Hoffman participating via Zoom.
Good evening. Welcome to the September second, twenty twenty five meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber. Let the record reflect that all members are in attendance. Mrs. Hoffman is via Zoom. We will begin tonight's meeting with a moment of silence. In order to speak at tonight's meeting, individuals must sign up to speak by six PM. If you signed up to speak online previously, please let the courier know that you are in attendance. For zoning matters, well, we don't have zoning tonight. Speakers cannot relinquish their time to others, and the speaker order is determined by the presiding officer. Individuals who are suspended will still have the option to participate virtually via Zoom to ensure their right to free speech. Zoom participants shall not speak until they are called upon. By statute, council members must vote on all items unless there is a direct financial interest or if they serve on a board of a nonprofit receiving funding from the city. All votes will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote total. We do have a consent agenda for items G1 through G6, which are a grouping of agenda items that are voted on with one single vote to expedite what is believed to be routine and non-controversial. Any council member may withdraw an item from the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest or for the purpose of voting no. Items removed from the consent agenda for discussion will be placed on the next business meeting agenda. This meeting includes closed captioning. Depending on the length of tonight's meeting, we may take a short recess around 7 30 p.m. Now is the time for our ceremonial and presentation items. Item E1 is a resolution honoring the legacy and continued impact of the Coach Allo Boxing Program. Mr. Mithini. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Over the last few years, I've heard a lot about this program. I know we've got some folks young and I'll say mature here in celebration of this. Whereas Coach Allo began his boxing journey as a student on a local high school team and later continued to box while serving in the United States military. Whereas in the late 1960s, upon returning to Greensboro, Coach Lowe recognized an opportunity to turn neighborhood robberies into opportunities for structure, discipline, and personal growth through the sport of boxing. Whereas in 1972, Coach Lowe founded the Coach Allo Boxing Program at Lindley Recreation Center, launching what would become one of Greensboro's longest standing and most impactful youth development initiatives. Whereas what began as a grassroots effort to provide direction and mentorship to young men, evolved into decades-long community-based program that continues to change lives and foster personal transformation. Whereas over the years, the program has served thousands of youth, especially those from underserved and economically challenged communities, providing not only athletic training, but mentorship, structure, and life skills. Whereas today the Coach Allo boxing program continues to thrive, serving over 300 youth annually, with 40 to 60 active participants training four days a week year-round under very careful supervision and guidance of the dedicated coaching staff. Whereas the current coaches, head coach Robert Chapman, Coach Kerry Cagle, Knard Moorehead, and Mickey Osborne are all former participants in the program who experienced firsthand the transformative impact of Coach Lowe's vision and now serve as mentors and role models to the next generation. Whereas these coaches promote far more than athletic excellence, instilling core values such as accountability, mutual respect, discipline, and resilience principles that prepare young people for success both inside and outside the ring. Whereas a major source of inspiration and aspiration for participants is the program's traveling boxing team consisting of 10 to 12 youth athletes who represent Greensboro and USA Boxing Foundation sanction events across the Southeast. Successfully, I might add. Whereas the program benefits from substantial support from the Greensboro Parks and Recreation, including facility space, coaching salaries, equipment, and transportation services, the Greensboro Boxing Club has also established a partnership with One Step Further Incorporated, through which private funding is facilitated, and to whose support the program is gratefully indebted. Other expenses such as lodging and animals have been historically covered from personal contributions from coaches and volunteers. Whereas despite financial challenges, the program's continued growth and success demonstrate its resilience, relevance, and importance as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and community empowerment for young people in Greensboro. Whereas the City of Greensboro works to ensure equity in youth services and foster safe, enriching environments for all children, the Coach Awlow boxing program stands as a powerful example of what sustained community rooted investment can achieve. The Coach Awlow Boxing Program stands as a powerful example of what sustained community rooted investment can achieve. And now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the City Council hereby honors the life and legacy of Coach Awlow and celebrates the more than 50 year history of the Coach Allo Boxing Program as a cornerstone of youth development in Greensboro. The City Council extends its deepest appreciation to head coach Robert Chapman, Coaches Carrie Cagle, Kernard Moorhead, and Mickey Osborne for their continued leadership, dedication, and mentorship, and recognizes them as both stewards and shining examples of Coach Lowe's enduring vision. Moves by Mr. Metheny, seconded by Mr. Holston. Council, please vote. Do y'all want to come to the uh dais? And that passes 9 to 0.