OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - October 8, 2025

City Council Meetings — Wednesday, October 8, 2025
BodyGreensboro, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateWednesday, October 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:38:44

Transcript — Verbatim
2:20

Welcome to the October eighth, twenty twenty-five meeting of the Greensboro City Council.

2:25

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber.

2:28

Let the record reflect that all council members are in attendance.

2:33

We will begin this meeting with a moment of silence.

2:45

Thank you.

2:54

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

2:59

And to the Republic for which it stands.

3:02

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:17

Tori, welcome.

3:18

We know that you'll enjoy it here.

3:20

It might be a little confusing.

3:21

We have two Tories.

5:02

Zoom participants.

5:06

Zoom participants shall not speak until they are called upon.

5:10

By state statutes statute, 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.

5:23

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

5:28

We do have a consent agenda for items G1 through G13, which are a grouping of agenda items that are voted on with one single vote to expedite what is believed to be a routine and non-controversial item.

5:43

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

5:51

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

5:58

This meeting does include closed captioning.

6:02

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

6:07

Now is the time for our ceremonial and presentation items.

6:11

Item E1 is a resolution of the City of Greensboro affirming environmental protection and expressing concerns regarding the Transco pipeline expansion.

6:22

Mrs.

6:23

Boozerweiter will read it.

6:24

We do have two speakers who will speak before we vote.

6:28

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

6:31

Whereas the proposed Transcoast Southeast Supply Enhancement Project will impact communities in and around Greensboro, and whereas this pipeline expansion project raises a range of concerns for residents, including but not limited to public safety risks, potential impacts on water resources, environmental degradation, increased utility costs, and broader economic risks.

6:58

And whereas the City of Greensboro recognizes the importance of protecting public health, natural resources, and the community's quality of life.

7:09

And whereas in December 2022, the City of Greensboro adopted a strategic energy plan with the overall goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040.

7:21

And whereas in 2020, the City of Greensboro received a silver LEED designation from the United States Green Building Council, USGBC, in recognition of its sustainability efforts.

7:36

LEED, leadership in energy and environmental design, is the world's most widely used green building rating system and promotes strategies to reduce environmental harm, enhance human health, and support economic development.

7:52

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Greensboro City Council urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to fully and transparently consider the health, safety, environmental, and quality of life concerns raised by Guilford County residents and other affected stakeholders, require a comprehensive environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act that evaluates all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline expansion, and ensure that impacted communities are consulted and that their input is meaningfully reflected in any final determinations regarding the project's approval, route, and regulatory conditions, and require the Williams companies to provide immediate notification of emergency events to affected residents and local emergency management agencies.

8:49

Be it further resolved that the city clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Guilfrey County, and the members of Greensboro's federal legislative delegation adopted this the eighth day of October 2025.

9:09

I would like to make that motion, Madam A.

9:12

And we do have two speakers, Margaret Rowlett and Aidan Lawitz.

9:26

Good evening, Mayor Vaughan and Mayor Pro Tembuza Wader and Council members.

9:31

My name is Margaret Rallett, and I would like to start thank you.

9:38

I'd like to start by thanking you so much for your service to the city.

9:43

Y'all are a great city council.

9:45

You listen to your constituents, you take the time to meet with your constituents, and we really appreciate that.

9:58

Hope you'll pass it unanimously.

10:00

I know this has been a busy time of the year for you, and um you have many pressing concerns.

10:07

So I really appreciate your taking the time to create this resolution, work through the issues around it, and put this forward.

10:16

Um, you know, we we appreciate your listening and taking our concerns seriously.

10:21

You you have an impressive history of support for sustainability, conservation, clean energy, um, and we're glad to see that continuing.

10:32

Um Mayor Vaughn, Dr.

10:35

Wells, and Council uh Member Hoffman, we know you didn't put your hats in the ring to continue serving um by running again.

10:44

Um, but we're we're so happy that um this is the way that you're concluding your support for sustainability with all your efforts here.

10:52

Um, and it's been very valuable to have your support through the years on this, and to have Mayor Vaughn, your all the experience you've brought over the years around the things you've learned as mayor, and that you were able um to help us work through on this.

11:08

And this resolution has really important points in it, with you reaffirming your commitment to your renewable energy goal and strategic energy and having the concern uh concerns of Guilford County and Greensboro residents considered, including things around the risk of this pipeline that is very negative when it comes to thinking about clean energy for our area.

11:30

It's um not consistent with our goals.

11:33

So we would very much appreciate you passing this resolution unanimously.

11:37

Thank you.

11:38

Thank you.

11:43

Hi, City Council.

11:44

Uh, my name is Aidan Loretz.

11:46

I've chatted with a lot of you here and also individually.

11:49

Um, and I just want to say a really big thank you, Mayor Vaughn.

11:53

Thank you to the whole council.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters██████████████████18%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Arts And Culture█████████9%
Fiscal Sustainability████████8%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Homelessness███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - October 8, 2025

The Greensboro City Council met on October 8, 2025, in the Katie Dorsett Council Chamber. The meeting included ceremonial resolutions, public comments, and discussions on employee health insurance changes, public safety, and housing. Several council members noted the low voter turnout (under 10%) in the recent primary and encouraged participation in the upcoming November election.

Consent Calendar

  • G1–G13: Approved unanimously (9–0) as part of the consent agenda, covering routine and non-controversial items.

Ceremonial and Presentation Items

  • E1 – Transco Pipeline Resolution: The council adopted a resolution (9–0) urging FERC to fully consider health, safety, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns regarding the proposed Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project. Two speakers, Margaret Rowlett and Aidan Lawitz, expressed support, thanking the council for its sustainability efforts and urging unanimous passage.
  • E2 – Honoring Pastor Nancy Wilson: A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Pastor Nancy Wilson was adopted unanimously (9–0). Family members and Bishop Brian Pierce spoke, expressing gratitude.
  • E3 – Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A resolution declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was adopted unanimously (9–0). Sonia Desai, Interim Director of the Guilford County Family Justice Center, highlighted that over 100,000 survivors have been served since 2015 and noted the center’s relocation due to fire damage.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dave Coker (Professional Firefighters of Greensboro) opposed the proposed 7% health insurance premium increase, higher deductibles, and a new $100/month spousal surcharge. He argued the changes were communicated too late (only two days before the meeting) and would disproportionately affect lower-paid employees. He requested the council maintain 2025 rates and remove the spousal penalty.
  • Shirley Samuel expressed concerns about speeding, lack of police presence, and a homeless individual near Gate City Boulevard. She reported limited response from police when calling about fireworks and a roaming dog.
  • Lily Otis (Founder, Not Just Headlines Media) thanked council members for participating in candidate interviews to increase Gen Z voter turnout. She noted 20 million views on Instagram since June.
  • Trey Rosley and Michael O'Neill (GSO Peace Corps Center) introduced their free youth programs in studio engineering, media, and gaming, and requested support for a community basketball court.
  • Robert Hoke raised concerns about a decline in his job application at the Tanger Center and difficulty speaking to city staff.
  • Malik Hugh (Beacon Bridge) thanked peer support and requested lifting a park feeding ban, urging a meeting with City Manager Davis.
  • Tayson Hicks criticized DGI for using public funds on trips and hotels while ignoring homeless individuals. He noted an SBI investigation is underway.
  • Andy Zimmerman congratulated candidates and requested a meeting with the Transportation Department about parking issues on the South End, near Gate City Boulevard and Eugene Street.
  • Dr. Tanya Palacios (Beacon Bridge) requested a meeting with the council regarding a behavioral health urgent care center RFP from Trillium Health Resources, noting her proposal was not acknowledged.
  • Cheryl McIver questioned the reopening of an RFP for a neighborhood development project after the closing date, alleging a modification was approved despite staff recommendation not to reopen.
  • Tony Hayes complained about code enforcement regarding vehicles on his property, disputing the city's authority to remove unregistered cars.

Discussion Items

  • Health Insurance Changes (Employee Benefits): Council members and City Manager Larry Davis discussed the proposed 7% rate increase, higher deductibles, and spousal surcharge. Davis explained the plan is self-funded and faced a $7 million deficit last fiscal year. The changes aim to recover about $2 million of that deficit. Over 900 employees are on GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic), whose copay will increase from $50 to $75/month. Davis noted the spousal surcharge (about $100/month) affects roughly 25% of employees. Council members expressed concerns about poor communication (employees notified only via newsletter two days prior), the impact on lower-paid workers, and the abruptness of changes. Several requested a phased approach or reevaluation of copay structures. Davis agreed to review the concerns and provide a follow-up.
  • Transportation and Traffic Calming: Multiple council members criticized a new traffic calming device on David Caldwell Road, calling it confusing and hazardous. They requested a review of such installations citywide and an update on red light cameras at five intersections (in process but delayed by vendor licensing).
  • Winter Sheltering: Council members discussed the exclusion of four churches that provided Wi-Fi shelters last year. City staff noted a new RFP process saved $200,000 and doubled case management. A meeting with faith partners is scheduled for October 13 at 6 p.m. at Glenn McNairy Branch Library to discuss involvement. Families with children will be directed to White Flag shelters.
  • Minimum Housing Commission: Councilwoman Thurm noted the commission often has no cases due to a disconnect between code enforcement and the commission. She requested a joint workshop with the new council after seating.
  • Miscellaneous: Council members reported on the opening of McConnell Ridge (343 single-family homes and 275 townhomes, priced $260,000–$320,000), the completion of the urban greenway, and community events (Bob McAdoo Park renaming, Native American Powwow, Greensboro Fire Department Memorial).

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution E1 (Transco Pipeline): Passed 9–0.
  • Resolution E2 (Pastor Nancy Wilson): Passed 9–0; signage will be installed to honor her legacy.
  • Resolution E3 (DV Awareness Month): Passed 9–0.
  • Consent Agenda (G1–G13): Approved 9–0.
  • Item I1 (ABC Board Travel Policy): Approved 9–0.
  • Item I2 (Pleasant Gardens ABC Merger): Approved 9–0.
  • Item I3 (Bryan Park Pickleball Court Contract): Approved 9–0.
  • Boards & Commissions Appointments: Rebecca Whitney appointed to Commission on the Status of Women; Sandra Davis appointed to GCJAC (replacing David Coates). Both approved unanimously.
  • Health Insurance: City Manager Davis will return with a response to council concerns. No formal vote was taken, as these are administrative changes, but council direction will be followed.
  • Road to 10,000 Housing: Staff will present a panel discussion for developers on October 9; 2,100 houses built or rehabbed since March.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to the October eighth, twenty twenty-five meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber. Let the record reflect that all council members are in attendance. We will begin this meeting with a moment of silence. Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Tori, welcome. We know that you'll enjoy it here. It might be a little confusing. We have two Tories. Zoom participants. Zoom participants shall not speak until they are called upon. By state statutes statute, 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 G13, which are a grouping of agenda items that are voted on with one single vote to expedite what is believed to be a routine and non-controversial item. 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 does include closed captioning. Depending on the length of tonight's meeting, we will take a short recess around 7 30. Now is the time for our ceremonial and presentation items. Item E1 is a resolution of the City of Greensboro affirming environmental protection and expressing concerns regarding the Transco pipeline expansion. Mrs. Boozerweiter will read it. We do have two speakers who will speak before we vote. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Whereas the proposed Transcoast Southeast Supply Enhancement Project will impact communities in and around Greensboro, and whereas this pipeline expansion project raises a range of concerns for residents, including but not limited to public safety risks, potential impacts on water resources, environmental degradation, increased utility costs, and broader economic risks. And whereas the City of Greensboro recognizes the importance of protecting public health, natural resources, and the community's quality of life. And whereas in December 2022, the City of Greensboro adopted a strategic energy plan with the overall goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. And whereas in 2020, the City of Greensboro received a silver LEED designation from the United States Green Building Council, USGBC, in recognition of its sustainability efforts. LEED, leadership in energy and environmental design, is the world's most widely used green building rating system and promotes strategies to reduce environmental harm, enhance human health, and support economic development. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Greensboro City Council urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, to fully and transparently consider the health, safety, environmental, and quality of life concerns raised by Guilford County residents and other affected stakeholders, require a comprehensive environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act that evaluates all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline expansion, and ensure that impacted communities are consulted and that their input is meaningfully reflected in any final determinations regarding the project's approval, route, and regulatory conditions, and require the Williams companies to provide immediate notification of emergency events to affected residents and local emergency management agencies. Be it further resolved that the city clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Guilfrey County, and the members of Greensboro's federal legislative delegation adopted this the eighth day of October 2025. I would like to make that motion, Madam A. And we do have two speakers, Margaret Rowlett and Aidan Lawitz. Good evening, Mayor Vaughan and Mayor Pro Tembuza Wader and Council members. My name is Margaret Rallett, and I would like to start thank you. I'd like to start by thanking you so much for your service to the city. Y'all are a great city council. You listen to your constituents, you take the time to meet with your constituents, and we really appreciate that. Hope you'll pass it unanimously. I know this has been a busy time of the year for you, and um you have many pressing concerns. So I really appreciate your taking the time to create this resolution, work through the issues around it, and put this forward. Um, you know, we we appreciate your listening and taking our concerns seriously. You you have an impressive history of support for sustainability, conservation, clean energy, um, and we're glad to see that continuing. Um Mayor Vaughn, Dr. Wells, and Council uh Member Hoffman, we know you didn't put your hats in the ring to continue serving um by running again. Um, but we're we're so happy that um this is the way that you're concluding your support for sustainability with all your efforts here. Um, and it's been very valuable to have your support through the years on this, and to have Mayor Vaughn, your all the experience you've brought over the years around the things you've learned as mayor, and that you were able um to help us work through on this.

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