OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting on February 17, 2026: Detention Facility Zoning Amendment, Historic Landmarks, and Routine Business

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, February 17, 2026
BodyGreensboro, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, February 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:51

Good evening and welcome to the case to the February 17th, 2026 meeting of the Greensboro City Council.

0:58

We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chambers.

1:01

Let the record reflect that all council members are in attendance, and we will begin this meeting with a moment of silence, please.

1:22

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:24

And Mr.

1:24

Marshall, would you please lead us?

1:33

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:36

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

1:45

Thank you.

1:46

If you would please silence any and all electronic devices.

2:05

And all speakers are expected to read and adhere to the rules when addressing the council during speaking opportunities.

2:13

To address the council this evening, participants must have completed speaker sign-up by 5 30, pursuant to the rules prior to the council meeting.

2:21

Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr.

2:25

Canopino.

2:26

All handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting.

2:33

Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for remarks.

2:41

For zoning applications, each side will get 15 minutes to speak, and then five minutes for rebuttal each side.

2:49

All speakers are expected to adhere to established rules of decorum.

2:53

Any inappropriate or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal.

2:58

A first removal carries a three-month suspension from in-person participation.

3:03

A second violation results in a six-month suspension, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations results in a 12-month suspension, suspension.

3:16

Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges.

3:23

Those suspended from in-person participation will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech.

3:33

If the Zoom speaker violates the rules of procedure and decorum, they will be muted.

3:50

Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting are not reviewed or verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, or authenticity.

4:01

The city does not endorse or adopt the content, and all opinions and views expressed are solely those of the speaker.

4:11

Speakers may not transfer their time to others, and the mayor or presiding officer will determine the speaking order based on the number of speakers.

4:19

The mayor may modify the time allotted to each individual approaching the dais is also not permitted.

4:26

Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro.

4:32

The public comment period is for speakers to address council members only with their comments and an opportunity for council to listen and take notes.

4:42

Any violation of this protocol and the speaker's time will be surrendered.

4:47

Zoom participants must refrain from speaking until they are recognized and called upon.

4:53

State statute requires council members to vote on all matters unless a direct financial interest exists, or if the council member serves on the board of a nonprofit organization that receives city funding.

5:06

All motions will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote tally.

5:13

The consent agenda covering items G1 through G12 consists of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote.

5:24

Any council member may request the removal of an item due to a conflict of interest or to vote in opposition.

5:31

And items withdrawn for discussion will be carried forward to the next business meeting agenda.

5:37

If an item is found to be time sensitive, the mayor may request that a vote be taken.

5:43

Closed captioning is provided for this meeting, and depending on the duration of proceedings, a brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m.

5:54

First, we will have our ceremonial and/or presentation items.

5:58

And I will have the introduction of the RAVE employee of the year.

6:03

And if Maria Hicks Few and Ethan Inglehorn would come forward, please.

7:01

I think some of you have either been a part of or you've seen some of these things.

7:06

These are some just some of the amazing, and I'll call them superheroes for our organization that do the things every day that make this city work and uh allow us to serve the citizens and the community in a way that we do with excellence.

7:20

So I want to say thank you.

7:22

And if if employees are in the audience, please give Marie Hicks view a hand.

7:33

And while they're trying to bring this up, then I will go ahead and I'm sorry.

7:38

It's up, okay.

7:38

It's up.

7:39

Go ahead.

7:40

Thank you, Madame Mayor.

7:41

Thank you, Council, and thank you, Mr.

7:44

City Manager.

7:45

Information Technology Department staffer, Ethan Englehorn.

7:49

He's somewhere behind me.

7:50

Yes.

7:50

Ethan received the City of Greensboro's inaugural respect, accountability, value, and excellence, or RAVE Employee of the Year Award at a luncheon in the Melvin Municipal Office Building a few weeks ago.

8:03

The EEAC, which is our employee engagement advisory committee, in conjunction with human rights belonging and engagement division, developed the RAID program as our city manager said to recognize one city employee per month and an employee of the year.

8:18

Monthly winners are selected from nominations submitted by fellow employees, which is very, very important.

8:24

Members of the city's employee engagement advisory committee, or EEAC, selected Ethan from a pool of six winners of RAVE employees from the month of July to December.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Historic Preservation████████████████16%
Immigration Policy██████████████14%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Personnel Matters████4%
Racial Equity████4%
Affordable Housing██2%
Public Safety██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Greensboro City Council met on February 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting began with a moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance, and procedural announcements. The council recognized Ethan Inglehorn as the inaugural RAVE Employee of the Year for 2025, awarded for his exceptional service to the payroll team. The consent agenda (items G1–G12) was approved unanimously (9–0). The council then conducted public hearings on annexations, zoning, a HUD annual action plan, historic landmark designations, and a text amendment regarding secure detention and custodial facilities. All votes were 9–0.

Consent Calendar

  • Items G1 through G12: Routine and non-controversial matters approved unanimously (9–0). No items were removed.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item H10 (George and Nancy Kessler House Historic Landmark):
    • Joyce Johnson (founder, Beloved Community Center) spoke in favor, emphasizing the building's role in fostering unity and civil rights work, including the Kmart labor struggle. Samantha Stewart (Gate City Preservation) detailed the architectural significance (built 1876, high integrity). Mr. Thigpen urged support, noting the County Commission had already passed it 9–0.
  • Item H8 (Text Amendment on Secure Detention and Custodial Facilities):
    • Alejandro Lee: Supported the amendment, stating it provides transparency and protects the immigrant community; urged passing to prevent ICE detention facilities.
    • Carmen Calhoun (Forza Triad): Supported as a first step but called for stronger legislation to ban ICE cooperation, citing human rights abuses.
    • Nathan Lewis: Initially opposed, but after city attorney clarification, supported with qualifications; urged council to go further by not cooperating with ICE.
    • Reverend Julie Peoples: Supported the amendment, opposed any ICE detention facility, and called for proactive resistance.
    • Ricky Draper: Supported the amendment but urged a resolution to fully cut ties with ICE and declare Greensboro a Fourth Amendment City.
    • Liz Torres Melendez (Guilford for All): Supported the amendment as a protective barrier, thanked council for using levers of government to stand with marginalized communities.
    • Marilyn Lacunza (Mexican Cuban dreamer): Supported the amendment, noting it closes loopholes and imposes siting constraints (2,500 ft buffers), but urged clear public explanation of intent.

Discussion Items

  • H1–H6 (Annexations and Original Zoning): Three properties (3800 Pine Needle Dr., 3804 Pine Needle Dr., 125 Vivian Ln.) were annexed and rezoned to City R3 residential single-family. Staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval on January 21, 2026. Each passed 9–0 with statements of consistency.
  • H7 (FY2025 Annual Action Plan for HUD): Public hearing for feedback on use of federal entitlement funds. No formal document yet; further community input planned. Passed 9–0.
  • H9 (Mill House at Revolution Mill Historic Landmark): Designation of the 1915/1935 building as a Guilford County Historic Landmark. Applicant Emma Haney (Self-Help) described architectural features (Art Deco, Flemish bond brick, cast-in-place concrete columns). Passed 9–0.
  • H10 (George and Nancy Kessler House Historic Landmark): Designation of the 1876 house as a historic landmark. Speakers supported. Passed 9–0.
  • H8 (Text Amendment to Chapter 30 of the Land Development Ordinance): The city attorney provided a detailed explanation: the amendment clarifies definitions for secure detention and custodial facilities, adds a special use permit requirement (S) and development standards, including 2,500 ft buffers from residential zones, schools, parks, childcare, religious assembly, and healthcare facilities. It also requires a variance if standards cannot be met. The amendment is citywide and neutral, not site-specific. Planning and Zoning Commission approved it as is on January 21, 2026. Council voted 9–0 to approve after public comments.
  • I1 (Farmington Drive Sidewalk Project): Resolution approving bid of $1,242,893 with Atlantic Contracting Company. Passed 9–0.
  • I2 (Limited Obligation Bonds for Fleet Servicing Garage Improvements): Passed 9–0.
  • I3 (Limited Obligation Bonds for Coliseum Complex Improvements): Passed 9–0.
  • Boards and Commissions Appointments:
    • Brian Starrett reappointed to War Memorial Commission (unanimous).
    • Ernestine Surgeon appointed to Greensboro Housing Authority Commission (unanimous).
    • Doug Bender reappointed to Cultural Affairs Commission (unanimous).
    • Anthony Pass nominated for Parks and Recreation (unanimous).

Key Outcomes

  • All votes on the record were unanimous (9–0).
  • The council approved the text amendment (H8) requiring a special use permit and strict buffers for any secure detention or custodial facility in Greensboro, adding three levels of scrutiny.
  • Two historic landmarks (Mill House and Kessler House) were designated, preserving significant architectural and community history.
  • Three annexations and rezonings were approved, allowing low-density residential development.
  • The FY2025 Annual Action Plan for HUD funds was advanced for public input.
  • Infrastructure projects (sidewalk, fleet garage, coliseum) were funded via bonds and contracts.
  • Council members announced upcoming town halls: Budget town hall on March 10 at Kraft Recreation Center, District 2 town hall on March 18 at Peeler Recreation Center, and District 1 community walk planned for warmer weather. Councilmember Roth proposed regular agenda review work sessions to enhance transparency.
  • The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after council comments.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the case to the February 17th, 2026 meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chambers. Let the record reflect that all council members are in attendance, and we will begin this meeting with a moment of silence, please. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And Mr. Marshall, would you please lead us? And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. If you would please silence any and all electronic devices. And all speakers are expected to read and adhere to the rules when addressing the council during speaking opportunities. To address the council this evening, participants must have completed speaker sign-up by 5 30, pursuant to the rules prior to the council meeting. Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr. Canopino. All handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for remarks. For zoning applications, each side will get 15 minutes to speak, and then five minutes for rebuttal each side. All speakers are expected to adhere to established rules of decorum. Any inappropriate or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal. A first removal carries a three-month suspension from in-person participation. A second violation results in a six-month suspension, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations results in a 12-month suspension, suspension. Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges. Those suspended from in-person participation will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech. If the Zoom speaker violates the rules of procedure and decorum, they will be muted. Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting are not reviewed or verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, or authenticity. The city does not endorse or adopt the content, and all opinions and views expressed are solely those of the speaker. Speakers may not transfer their time to others, and the mayor or presiding officer will determine the speaking order based on the number of speakers. The mayor may modify the time allotted to each individual approaching the dais is also not permitted. Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro. The public comment period is for speakers to address council members only with their comments and an opportunity for council to listen and take notes. Any violation of this protocol and the speaker's time will be surrendered. Zoom participants must refrain from speaking until they are recognized and called upon. State statute requires council members to vote on all matters unless a direct financial interest exists, or if the council member serves on the board of a nonprofit organization that receives city funding. All motions will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote tally. The consent agenda covering items G1 through G12 consists of routine and non-controversial matters that are approved with a single vote. Any council member may request the removal of an item due to a conflict of interest or to vote in opposition. And items withdrawn for discussion will be carried forward to the next business meeting agenda. If an item is found to be time sensitive, the mayor may request that a vote be taken. Closed captioning is provided for this meeting, and depending on the duration of proceedings, a brief recess is anticipated around 7 30 p.m. First, we will have our ceremonial and/or presentation items. And I will have the introduction of the RAVE employee of the year. And if Maria Hicks Few and Ethan Inglehorn would come forward, please. I think some of you have either been a part of or you've seen some of these things. These are some just some of the amazing, and I'll call them superheroes for our organization that do the things every day that make this city work and uh allow us to serve the citizens and the community in a way that we do with excellence. So I want to say thank you. And if if employees are in the audience, please give Marie Hicks view a hand. And while they're trying to bring this up, then I will go ahead and I'm sorry. It's up, okay. It's up. Go ahead.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com