OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - September 2, 2025: Resolutions, Public Safety, and Water Quality Concerns

City Council MeetingsTuesday, September 2, 2025
BodyGreensboro, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:58:23

Transcript — Verbatim
2:31

Good evening.

2:35

Welcome to the September second, twenty twenty five meeting of the Greensboro City Council.

2:40

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber.

2:43

Let the record reflect that all members are in attendance.

2:47

Mrs.

2:48

Hoffman is via Zoom.

2:51

We will begin tonight's meeting with a moment of silence.

3:54

In order to speak at tonight's meeting, individuals must sign up to speak by six PM.

4:00

If you signed up to speak online previously, please let the courier know that you are in attendance.

4:15

For zoning matters, well, we don't have zoning tonight.

4:19

Speakers cannot relinquish their time to others, and the speaker order is determined by the presiding officer.

5:00

Individuals who are suspended will still have the option to participate virtually via Zoom to ensure their right to free speech.

5:10

Zoom participants shall not speak until they are called upon.

5:15

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.

5:27

All votes will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote total.

5:32

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.

5:45

Any council member may withdraw an item from the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest or for the purpose of voting no.

5:54

Items removed from the consent agenda for discussion will be placed on the next business meeting agenda.

6:02

This meeting includes closed captioning.

6:06

Depending on the length of tonight's meeting, we may take a short recess around 7 30 p.m.

6:12

Now is the time for our ceremonial and presentation items.

6:17

Item E1 is a resolution honoring the legacy and continued impact of the Coach Allo Boxing Program.

6:25

Mr.

6:25

Mithini.

6:28

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

6:29

Over the last few years, I've heard a lot about this program.

6:32

I know we've got some folks young and I'll say mature here in celebration of this.

6:39

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.

6:49

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.

7:03

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.

7:17

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.

7:32

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.

7:46

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.

8:04

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.

8:24

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.

8:42

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.

8:58

Successfully, I might add.

9:00

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.

9:25

Other expenses such as lodging and animals have been historically covered from personal contributions from coaches and volunteers.

9:33

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.

9:48

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.

10:00

The Coach Awlow Boxing Program stands as a powerful example of what sustained community rooted investment can achieve.

10:05

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.

10:23

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.

10:45

Moves by Mr.

10:46

Metheny, seconded by Mr.

10:48

Holston.

10:48

Council, please vote.

10:50

Do y'all want to come to the uh dais?

10:57

And that passes 9 to 0.

11:10

It's the place that I love the most, you know.

11:13

Like my parents even know that, you know, whenever I used to get in trouble, they knew I love the sport so much and stuff, that they will literally punish me by not letting me go to the gym.

11:21

It doesn't always have to be about competition.

11:23

It doesn't always have to be about hate or all of that.

11:26

It can just be about peace and love and just meeting a community and helping each other out.

11:32

A place that you can, this is like home, you know.

11:34

That's how I feel whenever I come here.

11:36

You know, like I'm so into the sport and so into the gym coaches and stuff.

11:41

Now, whenever I come here, I just it makes my day.

11:45

I just want people to know this is a community of people who want to get better in their life.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████████22%
Community Engagement███████████11%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████9%
Procedural███████7%
Youth Programs███████7%
Racial Equity███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - September 2, 2025

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.

Ceremonial and Presentation Items

  • Resolution Honoring Coach Allo Boxing Program (Item E1): Recognized the program's 50+ year history serving over 300 youth annually. Passed 9-0. Speakers included program representatives and Councilman McFinney, highlighting the need for sustainable funding.
  • Resolution Recognizing Coach Freddie Johnson (Item E2): Celebrated Greensboro Day School basketball coach's career with most wins in NC high school history. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution Recognizing National Deaf Awareness Month (Item E3): Recognized September as Deaf Awareness Month, with First Friday event featuring ASL classes and performances. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution Honoring Interdenominational Ushers Association of North Carolina (Item E4): Marked the organization's 100th anniversary. Passed 9-0.
  • Resolution Recognizing Greensboro Bison Baseball Team (Item E5): Honored the team's 2025 Black World Series win. Passed 9-0.
  • Duke Energy Grant (Item G3): Ordinance accepting $25,000 for tree planting and shelter supplies. Passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • SSEP Methane Pipeline: Multiple speakers (Andrew Willis, Sarah Raleigh, Aidan Lauretz) urged the council to oppose the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, citing risks to Reedy Fork Creek (headwaters of city reservoirs), environmental justice concerns, and urging a resolution. Aidan Lauretz requested a meeting with the mayor.
  • Brown Water in Southeast Greensboro: Crystal Black, Cheryl McIver, and Keith Peterson described persistent discolored water over a year, demanding transparency and a community meeting. Water Resources Director Mike Borchers responded, stating the issue is related to system disturbances (e.g., Toyota plant, growth) and that flushing and a deep-cleaning program are underway, with improvements expected by Q1 2026. He provided a 24-hour complaint line (373-2033).
  • Police Accountability: A large group of speakers (Jason Hicks, Cecily Crawford, Mary Westling, Dennis White, Gail Garvin, Terrell Dunn, Jean Blackman, Terrell Williams, Lynn McCoy, Karen Lilly, Portia Shipman, and others) presented four demands: end regulatory stops, end safety frisks, implement written consent for searches, and fire Officer B.W. McDaniel. They cited data showing 66% of regulatory stops involve Black drivers (42% of population) and 70% of searches are on Black individuals. Speakers referenced the May 14, 2025 incident involving three Black youth and the August 5 death of Said Azine. They called for immediate council action.
  • Park Safety: Eddie Southern raised concerns about a new playground at Country Park lacking handrails, posing fall hazards. Parks and Recreation staff noted upcoming toddler amenities and additional signage. Mayor Vaughan suggested roping off unsafe equipment.
  • Housing and Homelessness: Malik Hugh requested a work session on homelessness and lifting the ban on feeding in parks. City Manager noted existing efforts and the homeless task force.
  • Other: Scott Jones (County House) reported on job training programs and three individuals exiting homelessness. Adrian Scott Singleton (Wheels for Hope) requested access to surplus city vehicles for car donation program. Brenda Barksdale asked about a traffic light at Randleman Road and other community concerns. Kevin Lightsey and Wendy Cutler (Criminal Justice Advisory Commission) invited council and public to their monthly meetings.

Discussion Items

  • Consent Agenda: Items G1-G6 (excluding G3) approved 9-0.
  • General Business (I1-I4): Approved contracts for temporary labor services with Blue Arbor Inc. and LaLa World (dba Higher Quest Direct) totaling approximately $3.86 million. All passed 9-0.
  • Boards and Commissions Appointments:
    • Mrs. Thurm appointed Omar Jones to Minimum Housing Commission (replacing Tracy Furman). Passed.
    • Dr. Wells nomination of Jerry Savoy postponed pending composition review.
    • Mr. Mithini appointed Jay Thompson to Historic Preservation Commission. Passed.
    • Mr. Holston reappointed Mark Isaacson to War Memorial Commission. Passed.

Key Outcomes

  • All ceremonial resolutions and the Duke Energy grant passed unanimously (9-0).
  • Consent agenda and all general business contracts approved 9-0.
  • Council heard extensive public comment on police reform; multiple members (Hightower, Pinder, Wells) requested data on written consent policies in other cities (Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville) and a review of the original policy. Dr. Wells and Mr. Mithini indicated they need more information before making a motion.
  • Councilwoman Hightower asked for a report on community safety funding and expressed interest in funding additional nonprofits.
  • Councilman Massini requested an update on the Summit Executive Center project; staff said it would be presented within 30 days.
  • Mayor Vaughan committed to meeting with Aidan Lauretz regarding the SSEP pipeline resolution.
  • Water Resources committed to scheduling a community meeting on brown water within 30 days.
  • The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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