The Greensboro City Council met on May 4, 2026, at the Katie Dorsett Council Chambers with all nine members present. The meeting opened with procedural matters, followed by a series of ceremonial resolutions, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, a lengthy public comment period heavily focused on the hiring of the new police chief, and approval of several business items. The meeting included a brief recess around 7:30 p.m. and adjourned after council comments.
More than 25 speakers registered; the mayor allowed three minutes per speaker. Key topics included:
No separate discussion items were listed on the agenda beyond the ceremonial and business items. Council comments included responses to public concerns.
Good evening, everyone. If everyone could find a seat, please. Thank you. Welcome to the May fourth, twenty twenty six meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council chambers, and let the record reflect that all members are in attendance. And this is pursuant to the rule rules prior to the council meeting. Those who registered online should confirm their attendance with Mr. Canapino. Canopino, and all handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution prior to the start of the council meeting. For the public comment period, each speaker signed up to speak will get three minutes. If there are more than 25 speakers, the time may be reduced to two minutes per speaker at the discretion of the presiding officer. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for their remarks. All speakers are expected to adhere to established rules of decorum and 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 will result in a 12-month suspension. Any violation of state criminal laws may also subject the individual to criminal charges. For those suspended from in-person participation, they will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom. This ensures their right to free speech. If the Zoom speaker violates the rules of procedure and decorum, they will be muted. Speakers may have the city IT team play videos that have already been sent into the city clerk for a security check. Any videos, media, or supplemental documents utilized by speakers during this meeting are not reviewed or verified by the city for accuracy, completeness, 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 or presiding officer may modify the time allotted to each individual, and approaching the dais is not permitted at all. Speakers may not address the audience nor employees of the city of Greensboro. The public comment period is for speakers to address council and only with their comments. This is 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 F1 through F10 consist 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. Items withdrawn for discussion will be carried forward to the next business meeting. And 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 depending on the duration of proceedings. A brief recess is anticipated around 7:30 p.m. We have first item D1, a motion to amend Greensboro City Council Council policy and procedures, and rules of decorum for signs, posters, and banners. If everyone has read or if anyone needs explanation, I would accept the motion. Move by Mrs. Thurm. Do I hear second? Seconded by Miss Black. Any further discussion? Hearing none, council please vote. And that carries nine to zero. Thank you. Now the updated rules of decorum and procedure may now be found on the city website under the city clerk department. This is the time for the ceremonial and presentation items. We are going to present the Willina Cannon family with a resolution, and Councilmember Black would like to read it, please.