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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting: September 15, 2026

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, September 15, 2026

BodyGreensboro, North Carolina

SessionCity Council Meetings

DateTuesday, September 15, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:33:46

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Greensboro's hosting of Team Norway.

0:02

And I believe we have several in the audience.

0:05

If you would like to come to the podium while uh the resolution is read, you are welcome to do so.

0:12

Mr.

0:12

Holston is going to help me out on this.

0:14

And if you will start, Mr.

0:15

Holston.

0:16

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

0:18

This is the resolution recognizing the distinguished contributors behind Greensboro's hosting of Team Norway for the FIFA World Cup.

0:26

Whereas Greensboro was selected as the team-based camp city for the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

0:35

With University of North Carolina at Greensboro designated as the team's official training facility and Grand Over Resort and Spa serving as its accommodations.

0:45

Whereas this prestigious election strengthened Greensboro's reputation as a premier tournament town and demonstrated the community's ability to welcome and support athletes competing at the highest level of international sports.

1:00

Whereas the successful hosting of Team Norway resulted from nearly two years of preparation and collaboration among Grand Over preparation and collaboration among Grand Over Resort and Spa, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, the Greensboro Sports Foundation, the City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other community partners.

1:24

Whereas Team Norway's selection of Greensboro showcased the city's outstanding athletic facilities, hospitality, accessibility, and commitment to excellence before an international audience while contributing to tourism and economic activity throughout Greensboro and Guilford County.

1:43

Whereas Christina York, Director of Sales and Marketing at Grandover Resort and Spa played an essential role in preparing for and coordinating the team's accommodations and ensuring that Team Norway received an exceptional level of hospitality throughout its day.

2:00

Whereas Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at UNCG, and Laura Massiota of UNCG Intercollegiate Athletics provided leadership, coordination, and operational support necessary to meet the extensive requirements associated with hosting an international football team.

2:22

Whereas Matt Kirkman of UNCG grounds demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and attention to detail in preparing and maintaining the training pitch to the elite standards required for the FIFA World Cup competition.

2:37

Whereas though much of their work occurred behind the scenes, the commitment, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of Christina York, Jennifer Aguilar, Laura Macchioda, and Matt Kirkman were instrumental in making Team Norway's Greensboro experience a tremendous success.

2:55

And now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the Greensboro City Council hereby recognizes and expresses its sincere appreciation to Christina York, Jennifer Aguilar, Laura Maziota, and Matt Kurtman for their exceptional service and invaluable contributions to Greensboro's successful hosting of the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

3:25

That the City Council commends these four individuals for representing Greensboro with excellence and for helping bring positive international attention to the city, its institutions, and its proud tradition as a premier destination for athletic competition.

3:41

Adopted this the 15th day of September 2026.

3:45

I would like to make that motion.

3:47

Seconded by Mr.

3:48

Holston.

3:49

Council, please vote.

3:50

I have several council online.

3:52

Councilmember Black.

4:02

Councilmember Crawford.

4:09

Okay.

4:12

No.

4:25

Councilmember Black, can you hear us?

4:29

I'm an aye.

4:30

All right, Councilmember Crawford.

4:33

I'm an I.

4:35

Councilmember Allen.

4:43

Councilmember Marshall is excused.

4:46

So we're not sure.

4:48

Is he the council please vote?

5:14

There we go.

5:15

That carries seven to zero.

5:18

Unanimous for what for our council members here.

5:36

Okay, so there we go.

5:41

Someone want to say a few words.

5:44

Okay, sure.

5:45

I need to present it.

5:47

Okay.

6:40

Thank you.

6:42

Thank you.

6:50

Thank you to the council for the honor and the recognition certainly means a lot.

6:55

In thinking back on the beginnings of the project back in 2024, it calls to mind, you know, it was really a big risk for certainly the resort to dedicate two years for both the Club World Cup and the World Cup sleeping room accommodations for six weeks out of each year function space without any guarantee that it would actualize.

7:23

Now that the project is behind us and the success is recognized, obviously, it's important to know, and we've tracked the social media impressions from the World Cup and Greensboro.

7:45

Which is really significant, and I think most important.

7:48

But then of course the relationships that were built throughout the process will last forever.

7:56

So again, thank you for the recognition.

7:58

Much appreciated.

7:59

Thank you.

8:01

Thank you.

8:04

Madam Mayor, thank you so much for this honor.

8:07

Um tell you, UNCG is similar to uh Grandover about two years ago, got into the business of trying to get international soccer here.

8:15

Um as you know, UNCG is a soccer school, so it was we were very excited about the opportunities.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning█████████████████████████████29%

Water And Wastewater Management█████████████13%

Procedural████████████12%

Sports and Recreation██████████10%

Economic Development███████7%

Public Safety██████6%

Community Engagement██████6%

Event Planning█████5%

Public Engagement█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Greensboro City Council Meeting: September 15, 2026

The Greensboro City Council met on September 15, 2026, to address a range of topics including a resolution honoring contributors to hosting Team Norway for the FIFA World Cup, multiple zoning and annexation requests, a contract for legal support on clean water litigation, a downtown greenway rezoning initiative, public safety updates, and councilmember reports. The meeting began with a lengthy recognition ceremony and concluded with administrative actions.

Consent Calendar

Approved a 60-day continuance for the final approval of annexation and rezoning of 4430 Randleman Road due to a legal dispute over property ownership. Motion carried unanimously.
Adopted the consent agenda as amended without any items removed. Motion carried 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

Aiden Lorentz (public speaker) spoke in favor of the city obtaining legal representation for PFAS-related litigation, emphasizing the need for clean water and inviting additional expertise from organizations like the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Susan Krotz (public speaker) expressed concern about I4-dioxane pollution from local industries and urged the city to be more proactive in regulating industrial discharges and considering the long-term health impacts of economic development.
Roosevelt Smith (applicant for 5118 Summit Avenue) presented the proposed 32-unit townhouse development, noting it would be moderately affordable and align with city goals. He described the project as single-family townhomes with a 45-foot height cap.
Sheila Colas (co-applicant) added that they had addressed neighbor concerns about traffic and held a neighborhood meeting.
Jeff Mueller (via Zoom) initially expressed uncertainty but later stated he had no issues and supported the proposal.
Tom Terrell (representing applicant for 1177 Pleasant Ridge Road) noted the developer's strong outreach and lack of opposition.

Discussion Items

Recognition of Team Norway Hosting Contributors: The council adopted a resolution honoring Christina York, Jennifer Aguilar, Laura Massiota, and Matt Kirkman for their roles in hosting the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speakers highlighted the international attention, social media impressions, and the strong relationships built. The resolution passed 7-0 (one member absent).
Public Hearing for 5118 Summit Avenue: Staff presented an annexation and conditional zoning request (CD RM8) for 32 townhouses on 4.05 acres. The planning commission vote was 7-1 for annexation and 6-2 for zoning. Council approved the item 8-0 after closing the public hearing, finding it consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Public Hearing for 1177 Pleasant Ridge Road: A conditional zoning request (CD R7) for a portion of the property, with no opposition. The planning commission voted favorably. Council approved annexation and zoning 8-0.
Contract for Legal Support on NPDES Permit Litigation (J1): A $700,000 contract with Mincy, Bell Rhodes LLP was approved 8-0. Councilmember Thurm clarified that the city is appealing DEQ's stringent, scientifically unattainable standards for PFAS/PFOA, which could cost up to $1 billion to meet. Water Resources Director Mike Borchers noted the city has already achieved a 97% reduction in I4-dioxane through a voluntary consent order.
Sale of 817 Summit Avenue (J2): Authorized the sale to a subsidiary of Affordable Housing Management, preserving all affordability conditions. Approved 8-0.
Voluntary Downtown Greenway Rezoning Initiative (J3): Authorized staff to contact property owners to initiate voluntary rezoning to Central Business (CB) district along the downtown greenway. The program is ongoing, with the first potential hearing in October. Approved 8-0.
Public Safety Update: Assistant City Manager Harrell reported deploying 15 additional officers (five per problem location) on Friday and Saturday nights for at least six weeks to address altercations near nightlife venues. The department is also working with venue owners, the ABC Task Force, and private security to improve crowd control.
City Manager's Update: Announced the launch of a City Manager's Fellow Academy for professional development, starting this Thursday. Also introduced Jemiah Waterman as acting support for ACM Oliva's portfolio during her leave.
Councilmember Reports: Several councilmembers reported on community events, including the Pride parade, 9/11 memorials, Folk Festival preparations, storm response, and the Road to 10,000 housing initiative, which has added over 4,000 homes (40% of goal) in 18 months.

Key Outcomes

Recognition Resolution: Adopted 7-0.
4430 Randleman Road Continuance: Approved unanimously.
5118 Summit Avenue Annexation & Zoning: Approved 8-0 with consistency statement.
1177 Pleasant Ridge Road Annexation & Zoning: Approved 8-0 with consistency statement.
J1 Legal Contract: Approved 8-0.
J2 Property Sale: Approved 8-0.
J3 Downtown Greenway Rezoning: Approved 8-0.
Boards & Commissions: Appointed Cheryl McGaver to the Transportation Commission (unanimous).
Adjournment: Motion carried.

Meeting Transcript

Greensboro's hosting of Team Norway. And I believe we have several in the audience. If you would like to come to the podium while uh the resolution is read, you are welcome to do so. Mr. Holston is going to help me out on this. And if you will start, Mr. Holston. Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is the resolution recognizing the distinguished contributors behind Greensboro's hosting of Team Norway for the FIFA World Cup. Whereas Greensboro was selected as the team-based camp city for the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026. With University of North Carolina at Greensboro designated as the team's official training facility and Grand Over Resort and Spa serving as its accommodations. Whereas this prestigious election strengthened Greensboro's reputation as a premier tournament town and demonstrated the community's ability to welcome and support athletes competing at the highest level of international sports. Whereas the successful hosting of Team Norway resulted from nearly two years of preparation and collaboration among Grand Over preparation and collaboration among Grand Over Resort and Spa, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, the Greensboro Sports Foundation, the City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other community partners. Whereas Team Norway's selection of Greensboro showcased the city's outstanding athletic facilities, hospitality, accessibility, and commitment to excellence before an international audience while contributing to tourism and economic activity throughout Greensboro and Guilford County. Whereas Christina York, Director of Sales and Marketing at Grandover Resort and Spa played an essential role in preparing for and coordinating the team's accommodations and ensuring that Team Norway received an exceptional level of hospitality throughout its day. Whereas Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at UNCG, and Laura Massiota of UNCG Intercollegiate Athletics provided leadership, coordination, and operational support necessary to meet the extensive requirements associated with hosting an international football team. Whereas Matt Kirkman of UNCG grounds demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and attention to detail in preparing and maintaining the training pitch to the elite standards required for the FIFA World Cup competition. Whereas though much of their work occurred behind the scenes, the commitment, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of Christina York, Jennifer Aguilar, Laura Macchioda, and Matt Kirkman were instrumental in making Team Norway's Greensboro experience a tremendous success. And now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that the Greensboro City Council hereby recognizes and expresses its sincere appreciation to Christina York, Jennifer Aguilar, Laura Maziota, and Matt Kurtman for their exceptional service and invaluable contributions to Greensboro's successful hosting of the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026. That the City Council commends these four individuals for representing Greensboro with excellence and for helping bring positive international attention to the city, its institutions, and its proud tradition as a premier destination for athletic competition. Adopted this the 15th day of September 2026. I would like to make that motion. Seconded by Mr. Holston. Council, please vote. I have several council online. Councilmember Black. Councilmember Crawford. Okay. No. Councilmember Black, can you hear us? I'm an aye. All right, Councilmember Crawford. I'm an I. Councilmember Allen. Councilmember Marshall is excused. So we're not sure. Is he the council please vote? There we go. That carries seven to zero. Unanimous for what for our council members here. Okay, so there we go. Someone want to say a few words. Okay, sure. I need to present it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the council for the honor and the recognition certainly means a lot. In thinking back on the beginnings of the project back in 2024, it calls to mind, you know, it was really a big risk for certainly the resort to dedicate two years for both the Club World Cup and the World Cup sleeping room accommodations for six weeks out of each year function space without any guarantee that it would actualize.

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