So I think we should start.

Um welcome to the city council meeting.

Uh as always, we will start with a Pledge of Allegiance and I'll leave.

And to the Republic for which it stands.

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

Next we have the consent agenda, and there were no items polled.

Do we have a motion?

All in favor of the motion, aye.

Aye.

All opposed, nay.

All right, so that passes.

Next we have the planning commission.

We have uh Bynum Walter and our new chair, Dwight Otwell.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Vine I'm Walter, Planning and Development, joined by Dwight Otwell, Chair of the Planning Commission.

Uh preview of upcoming holidays over the next sixty days or so.

A reminder about hearings that are already scheduled.

You always flash those holidays so quick that I can and there's a lot on there.

Reflect on them longer.

Do any of them.

Not to my knowledge, no.

Uh well, I believe we are meeting on Cinco de Mayo.

Okay.

Noted.

So I expect beer.

All right.

And then we do have some uh public hearings already scheduled for the 21st for your afternoon meeting.

There is an annexation, three rezoning requests, as well as a comprehensive plan amendment.

Right now we don't have anything scheduled for the evening agenda on May 5th.

As previously mentioned, May 5th.

Uh we are suggesting three items for that evening.

Uh, and I'll I'll talk about each of these uh coming out of planning commission.

So the first is three parcels on Trailwood Drive.

This is the northernmost of the three requests that are currently pending.

The other two are uh public hearing this evening.

So this is just under thirteen acres, going to a residential mixed-use district, three-story height with conditions, as well as a portion of the site would be uh residential ten with conditions.

This is consistent overall with the comprehensive plan, but inconsistent with future land use map as well as the urban form map.

Planning commission does recommend approval by a split vote.

Uh I will note that after conversation with the applicant, I understand they would like for you to delay taking actions at the public hearing.

Uh they would prefer to come back at a future meeting so they could make some revisions to the request.

Um there are uh yeah.

Uh next up, uh this is 3470 Blue Ridge Road.

This is under two acres.

Uh and I apologize, the districts here are inappropriately listed.

This is going from a residential district to our a residential mixed use three-story district.

This is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

But inconsistent with future lane use map and urban form pack.

Planning commission recommends approval again, suggesting a May 5 public hearing.

I will note the correct information about the request does appear in your agenda materials if you need to refer to those.

Some has frontage, some has conditions, all going to a unified downtown mixed district, mixed use district with 20-story height and conditions.

This is consistent with your comprehensive plan with the future latest map and the urban form map.

Planning commission does recommend approval.

RHDC recommends approval, but with caveats, they would like some uh concessions to preservation.

Again, suggesting a public hearing of May 5 here.

What questions could I answer for you before you take action?

Any questions?

Yes.

Mayor Purple?

Yeah, on this rezoning.

Can you tell me about the Planning Commission, the uh vote against what was the concern?

Uh so I'm actually would Mr.

Otwell like to be able to do that.

I'm gonna defer to Chair Otwell, yes.

Okay.

And welcome, Chair Otwell.

Thank you for your service.

Greetings to the council.

Thank you for having me here.

Um the one no vote on the Martin and Davies Street rezoning was myself.

Uh we do it.

The uh the conditions remove the shop front frontage.

And I felt that the uh offered conditions were neither sufficient nor binding.

Thank you.

Um and then a question on the prior rezoning case that came up, your first one.

Um for trailwood, just checking with the applicant, Molly.

If we delay setting the hearing, my guess is it wouldn't come until early June, that first meeting June, because we'll want a 7 p.m.

time.

Um because I think there's considerable interest in this one.

Is that okay?

Thank you.

I defer to staff on what's possible here.

Um we believe we could get the conditions in by this Friday to potentially be set for May 5th, but I don't know if that remains possible on the staff side.

Thank you.

Uh who would answer that best?

I can help without uh mailed notice is required.

And with uh the knowing today that that might be a possibility, we can certainly prepare if you think that at the mid-April meeting you might schedule an evening hearing for May.

We can be ready.

Okay.

So just clarifying, we could delay and schedule it at our next meeting for still for May 5th.

If you would like, yes, ma'am.

Okay.

So that is doable.

All right.

I just want to make sure that no matter what, we have it at a 7 p.m.

meeting.

Thanks.

Um so I guess with that, or do you have any other questions?

Yeah.

Go ahead.

Yep.

Cool.

Um staying on trailwood.

Um, this was recent, this was before us in recent years.

Um it's my understanding that some conditions are being removed related to greenways and stuff.

Can you speak to what's being removed from the case?

Sure.

So the greenway uh connection from the internal site sidewalk network directly to the greenway to the uh rear of the property is being removed.

Okay.

And are there is there like green stormwater infrastructure or the permeable paver uh condition?

And I believe there is also a green stormwater condition.

That are being all of those, I believe all three of those are being removed.

Yes.

Got it.

Helpful.

At this, but you know, they're asking to change the request.

Yep.

Um and then flashing forward to the Martin Street case.

Um the RHDC caveat is listed here in our packet, says contingent on talks about fenestration and masonry.

It are those now reflected in the case.

Have those been added since that time?

No.

No.

Okay.

Okay.

Any other questions?

Sounds like yes.

Um on the Martin case, and I'm sorry if this was just asked and answered.

I got sidetracked.

But with the caveat, I know that on the call when I was reviewing with a few counselors, it would we just like some clarity as to what that, why RHDC or has that uh caveat.

So I was wondering if the applicant can speak to uh if that if that's okay.

Sure.

There is a memo in your packet from the Historic District Development Commission that outlines their um explicit um specific language about what they are what they would have liked to do.

Sounds like if she's here as well.

Yeah, if you want to share that.

Good afternoon, Council.

Jamie Schwey there.

Yes, we had a thorough discussion with RHDC and Planning Commission and the RHD staff.

The consideration was for the openings in on the historic buildings to have more certainty as to what flexibility we were requesting.

And the RHCC wrestled with whether to send it forward with a recommendation, a denial or um, or kind of be more specific.

And their recommendation for approval with the caveat was we recommend approval if you'll continue to work on these conditions to get tighter language around that.

We've since done that.

We've worked out that language with the staff, but we'd like to move forward in scheduling the public hearing so we can present that at a public hearing and then formally offer those while the case is still open and come back uh hopefully on the 19th for action.

Awesome.

Thank you so much.

Okay.

So it sounds like no further questions.

Do we have motions?

Yeah, motion to um uh set the public hearing for this one, rezoning C 126 as suggested, May 5th at the 7 p.m.

Um and then for the uh first rezoning on trailwood, we're gonna delay setting that till our next meeting.

So we'll bring that back as a special item.

Also Z 5225.

Suggested public hearing as May 5th at 7.

Okay.

Those are three.

Okay.

Is there a second?

All in favor of those motions, aye.

Aye.

All opposed, nay.

Passes.

Thank you.

Okay.

Uh next we have the report and recommendation of the city manager.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.

Just one item today in my report.

You will recall earlier in the year when we brought forward a um new MOA memorandum of agreement between the city and the Dix Park Conservancy.

And as part of that, there was the reconstitution of the leadership committee, which is now named the Commission, the leadership commission, or the Dix Park Commission.

And so you should have received the ballot last night and then a follow-up ballot today.

So we have Stephen Bentley with Parts Recreation and Culture Resources to kind of walk you through that process.

Yeah, I have very short presentation, seven slides.

Um help to remind you and set context for your discussion about your appointments.

Uh your action on January 20th had multiple directions uh related to the memorandum of uh agreement authorizing the manager to move forward with it.

Um core changes, including looking at updates to our naming rights policy, more flexibility to privately funded public art, clarified roles and responsibilities with the uh between the city and the conservancy, makes the Conservancy our primary partner related to buildings in the park, and then ultimately what we're here to talk about today is it establishes or reconstitutes the Dix Park Commission.

Uh the focus of the Commission will be about recommending priorities to you related to budget, projects, plans, and studies for your review and approval, um, helps set up further park policies as the park changes and continues to, and then approves privately funded uh public art in the park.

Other areas that it will um help establish this updated naming rights policy for you to review and approve at a future meeting will help um look at smaller changes to the master plan, but may uh recommend major ones to for your approval.

It consolidates two existing committees, which we are currently working on and which is currently uh being advertised.

Uh we sent a manager's update to you on Friday.

So if you are uh you have constituents that want to participate in this committee, there is currently a publicly advertised process to do that.

Um then it advise um advises the council related to the building strategy.

Here is the makeup.

I have uh put in bold the three appointments for your consideration today.

Um I believe uh we have informed you of the Conservancy appointments.

We're still waiting for Wake County to make their appointment.

I have confirmed that David Smith will be the appointment from the Department of Agriculture.

The chair of the Parks Board will remain the appointee, and we are working on this uh new group uh in your last bullet.

And some things we wanted to highlight that are in the pipeline for this group to focus on is looking at the building strategy in the future, exploring and reviewing the consideration for an MSD, the potential for uh the need for a rezoning of the property, the future schematic design for Rocky branch, and then initiate the review and update of the naming rights policy for your consideration.

So those are just things that are they'll uh be looking at as work plan items in 2026.

Stephen, just going back to the NC State.

Um do you know who uh the chancellor is appointing?

I have emailed Alicia Knight uh to seek her confirmation.

She wanted to reach out to the new chancellor to confirm that she will remain.

Thank you.

So now I will turn it back to the table for you all to discuss.

Okay.

Any questions for Mr.

Bentley?

Okay.

So we'll turn it to the clerk's office.

Yes.

As um mentioned, there were a couple of rounds of balloting.

Two individuals did receive enough votes to be appointed.

Those are Ashton Fisher and Christopher Moore.

So those would be the two city council uh appointments.

Great.

And then um for the mayoral appointment, uh, former mayor Charles Meeker has accepted and offered to serve.

So be a three.

All right.

Thank you.

Our assignment has been completed, Stephen.

All right, that is all in my report today.

Thank you.

Great, thank you.

The uh design review commission has their annual work plan, and we have Casey Evans from planning and development, and then Kyle Springer, who is the Commission chair.

Yes, good afternoon, Council.

Um Casey Evans, I'm a uh planning supervisor in the plan development department and staff liaison to the design review commission.

And we have our current commission chair, Kyle Springer here to present to you the 2025 uh annual report and their FY27 work plan.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioners.

Uh Councilman Women.

Um again, this is the design review, uh, our design review commission, our annual report for 2025 and our uh work plan for fiscal year 2027.

As most of you are probably aware, uh the design review commission is an advisory board.

Uh we perform duties and responsibilities granted to us by state law and when acting as a quasi-judicial board.

We perform quasi-ducial duties of the planning commission per state law.

Um looking back at last year, we had 18 cases with 80 individual kind of requests therein, or the majority of those related to the new street cross-section that um requirements, guidelines that were in the new street uh design manual.

Um then trends um over the last year.

Transparency uh for certain building types continues to be a real challenge.

Um as a commission, as part of our work plan for this year, we're really gonna dig a little deeper into some of those areas of the UDO and see what some of the stumbling blocks are if they're related by project type or certain districts in the city and try and help uh claim department alleviate some of that workload.

Um then in our internal discussions, um we often see projects later in their design phases, DD, contractual uh construction documents.

Um we are curious as to how, as a commission, if you even if it's a separate kind of board that gets spun out, um, exploring opportunities where we can weigh in earlier on design.

Um again, kind of as it stands.

We're we're viewing projects that are pretty far down the design pipeline.

Um so we're just reviewing items as they relate to areas of the UDO with which they do not comply.

Um again, as I alluded to earlier, street cross sections.

Um this was new for 2025 for the commission.

Um, and with the new guidelines for the street uh design manual, um, a lot of these new guidelines kind of butt up against uh constrictions and development sites.

Um so it'll be interesting to see how developers, builders come to us uh trying to mitigate these new design standards for the city.

Um just a quick graph of our caseload uh kind of by month last year.

Um pretty heavy loaded uh kind of February, March, uh tapered through the summer and then uh pick back up through the end of the year.

Um we've started off again pretty heavy in 25 this year.

Uh we're starting off at a little slower pace, but we've got three or four cases on the docket next month, um, and we're going to continue to monitor the workload and evaluate our meetings and schedules for best practice uh engagement of our staff members.

Uh as a commission, we have 15 members, nine regular and six alternate.

Um we over the last year had nine members either resign or their terms expired.

Um we also have one member whose term will expire July 2026 this year.

Uh we had no instances of missing quorum, uh so we were able to hear all the cases before us.

Um and it is our goal to maintain a full commission of 15 members.

Before you are just a few of the projects that were awarded.

And then you also see the certificate that was given out and then in the center kind of part of that package, the graphic design package stickers that were available for anybody.

This one had a little snaffu, uh kind of getting off the line contractually, but we anticipate that this will begin construction in the coming months and we'll be wrapped up.

And we'll share that in our report next year.

But we also, um, thanks to the work of Will Gaskins, the chair last year, have kind of more formalized process for the legacy projects.

Um we've rebranded this to be a design impact grant.

Um this year was our kind of first foray into um granting these funds in this fashion.

I think we had a really surprising number of applicants.

I want to say that was 13 this year.

Um with the amount of time that we kind of had to do this, I'm really excited to see how this unfolds next year and the number of applicants we have.

Um again, our work plan items for this fiscal year, um, studying some of the UDO items and suggesting text changes uh if we find any areas that we think could be improved upon, uh contributing to the design of the city with the design impact grants.

Um then want to alert you all to the 2026 Sir Walter Raleigh Awards.

These are going to be in September, I believe September 30th at 6 p.m.

The Chapel at Dix Park.

Um nominations open this coming Monday, April 13th.

Any questions?

Sir.

Counselor Silver.

Thank you for the uh the uh presentation on both the work plan and uh the annual report.

Had a question on the trends.

You had mentioned that there were two trends you identified.

Uh if you can go back.

The first one.

Um you said that there was a desire to have earlier input because when it gets to you, it's pretty advanced.

Uh but then at the end you also had a recommendation for potential teaches.

Uh I'm just trying to understand, are you just looking to have that discretionary advice to applicants, or are you also looking for potential text changes?

You know, I've always struggled when you have discretionary advice versus, you know, this is what we encourage you to do versus what you're mandated to do, including alternates.

So I'm just trying to clarify.

Are you looking to provide some input in a discretionary informal format, or are you looking for some code changes that may include some design alternates which will get to where you want to go?

So that's both for the transparency as well as distrete uh design as well.

Um I think on the transparency side, um there are a few really specific requirements in that kind of really and forgive me for not being fully versed on this, but um spell out certain requirements for the glazing itself or uh ground level transparency that I think um while it's been less of a stumbling block.

I think there are certain applicants that continue to kind of bump up against that um and it relates to energy performance of that type of glazing while it still meets uh the visibility requirements in the spirit, it does it align with the letter of the UDO.

Um street cross sections, uh this being so new, I think we are going to continue to observe trends on that before we would recommend any changes to the street design manual.

Um but I think with transparency, we've seen enough of this to be able to make some suggestions and or recommendations um for potential text changes.

Um then the early design review, I think that would be uh separate of our kind of mandate as a design review commission, um, and it it would be more informal.

I don't know that we would the way the commission is formed or formulated right now that early design review would kind of jive well with everything that we're gonna do.

Yeah, but that's the concern I'm raising.

I hear the intent uh of what the design commission wants to do.

I just get concerned because we used to have design guidelines, they were encouraged, people didn't follow them.

Guidelines somehow were interpreted as law, and so I just want to make sure if you certainly want to explore uh some text changes, including some other alternates.

I'm fine, but you know, I'm just struggling.

Again, this is your work plan, I'm sure we'll get to see it.

But I was sit down with staff to see if there is a way, because uh a code tends to be objective.

Either you do it or you don't.

Subjective becomes a great area, and I think that's where the Commission is struggling.

So I just other than that, you know, I just really appreciate the work the United Commission is doing, and I understand quasi-judicial can be a challenge at times to get to the goal you want to reach.

Thank you.

Commissioner.

Any other questions?

We just we appreciate you serving as chair as well.

I know that's time consuming.

So if I've understood correctly through the um Hi, also thank you for being here.

Um based on the packet materials, it looked like there were five recommendations, but based on your slides here, it really sounds like the transparency one is the area where you have the most trend data where you would be most likely to have uh like informed input on a text change that would like alleviate some of these pressures.

Is that right?

I'll dig in too too deep into it.

I think the cases that we're seeing primarily that bump up against that are kind of the quick service restaurants as they um come online around the area outside of the downtown corridor, um storage unit facilities.

Um that's I think the biggest kind of headache for the Commission is how do we handle that while we want to do our best to have things meet the guidelines of the UDO or the requirements of the UDO.

Um there's kind of balancing the energy and usage of that.

Um putt windows on buildings makes them uh more beautiful.

Um you get that visibility into it, but on that type of facility, they're not occupied throughout all hours of the day and kind of create an additional energy demand on the building that isn't necessary.

Um so I think we all are going to continue to study that on our kind of off-week or off-Q meetings and really try and work with uh the planning department on how we can make some recommendations to those text changes to hopefully avoid those issues coming before us again and again.

Okay.

So do you don't need direction from the council today to work on that and bring us forward some options?

I do not believe we do.

Thank you.

Okay.

Yeah, Patrick Young is right behind lurking behind you.

Um I just want to take a moment, Pat Young planning and development.

Um, thanks to the design review commission, their insights about where we can improve objectivity and clarity have been very helpful in the past.

I think uh the chair mentioned that there's been a consistent decrease in their workload.

That's due to their help working with you and us to make the standards uh more administratively applicable and clear.

Councilmember Phil Silver framed it out very nicely that standards really have to be objective, but they can be criteria-based.

And I think that's what we understand the Chair to and the Commission to be asking for.

So we absolutely stand ready.

We're interpreting if you if you approve the work plan as requested, that will be our signal to work with the group to bring you back something with options.

And it would be my my vision to implement their vision is um a criteria-based approach.

You know, certain locations, certain types of buildings.

Well, you can have a menu, you just can't have a discretion.

So thank you for the opportunity to elaborate.

Well, with that, I listed all the questions.

I'll move to adopt the 2025 annual report and a 2027 work plan for the design review commission.

Second.

Right.

All in favor of the motion, aye.

Aye.

All opposed, nay.

Passes.

Thank you.

Thank you, Council.

Okay.

Next we have the report and recommendation of the Historical Resources and Museums Advisory Board, and we have Troy Burton here from Parks and Rec.

Hello, good afternoon.

I'm Troy Burton, staff for Historic Resources and Museums, and I have with me today our Vice Chair, Elizabeth Calendo, who will deliver our report.

Um Good afternoon.

Um as Troy said, I'm Elizabeth Calliendo, Vice Chair of the Historic Resources and Museums Advisory Board.

Our Chair Jenny Harper is traveling today and was unavailable to be here.

I appreciate being able to give you a brief update of our work over this past year.

Two thousand twenty-five had many highlights, but these are the most significant.

Um, the continued popularity of the historic resources and museums program.

This past year across all our sites, we served 883, 486 visitors, reflecting a 2 percent increase from the previous year.

Second, we welcomed new friends as a historic cemeteries advisory board dissolved with the remaining members joining our board.

Third, the HRM program produced another successful Holiday Express at Pullham Park to rave reviews.

The r event ran 17 nights, sold out quickly, and welcomed over 42,000 42,000 guests.

A new record.

We look forward to bringing Holiday Express to the public next year.

Fourth successfully published another 2,300 objects from the HRM program collection online for the public, bringing the total online HRM program object database to more than 32,000 objects.

And finally, the John P.

Top Green Community Center was renamed to the John P.

Top Green African American Cultural Park.

And new staff were added to the site, as well as the Dr.

M.T.

Pope House Museum, significantly elevating the interpretation of the African American experience in Raleigh.

And there are several issues we continue to view as pivotal for the HRM program.

The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department and the City of Raleigh that are reflected in our work plan.

First, we continue to advocate for standalone visitor center that will support tourism by promoting all the other wonderful things there are to see and do in Raleigh, because our city has grown so fast, a standalone visitor center which serve residents and visitors alike.

Second, we hope to resolve the private ownership of our artifact collection.

The City of Raleigh does not own most of the historic objects in our collection.

And this complicates decisions about interpretation, conservation, and stewardship.

And then finally, we completed a real estate study considering options for a permanent home for the City of Raleigh Museum.

Currently, the museum sublets space in the Briggs Building on Fayetteville Street, whose lease expires in 2029.

The study provided by HRA consultants recommended the museum stay in the Briggs Building and expand as opportunities arise.

So we've enjoyed great support from the Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and staff over the years and trust that we will continue to make an impact on future Raleigh and Parks Department projects and initiatives.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Questions for Ms.

Caliendo or Mr.

Burton, yes.

Yeah, not really a question.

I just want to uplift the visitors center idea of a location.

I know our money is tight this year, but I think just looking at that idea and maybe if there's a way for you all to really figure out what options are there, then maybe in a couple years we can when the money is a lot better in our budget, we can look at something, doing something.

But um maybe it's tied to, I know the report says keep the city museum where it is, but if we're talking about a visitor center and we talk about a museum, there may be a way to actually merge the two into something.

Um but I just want to uplift that and say I like that.

As an architect, I like that too.

I guess I would also just are have there been conversations with the state.

I mean, have they contemplated a visitor center?

Yes, and they still stand up a kiosk down down at the um uh the Martin Mary, not Martin Maria, but the convention center across the street, but it's it's not open all the time, and so a lot of people don't understand that it's there, A, and then B the hours they keep, and so I think it's not a sort of consistent presence for visitors that come to the Capitol City.

There's also a Moore Square visitor center, which I have never been in, but is there potential that that could be a visitor center for a broader?

Certainly.

It's it's across the street on Martin.

Um it's not a big space, and so there would need to be some pretty intentional visioning on how that might be a solution.

Uh I think ultimately we would probably want something that had a little larger footprint than than that building, but but certainly that could be an option.

Yeah.

And then the other question I had was you talked about we don't own the artifacts.

I mean, who does own the artifacts?

It's a private nonprofit called Capital Area Preservation.

Okay.

And they used to manage uh Mordequay Historic Park on a contract with the City of Raleigh.

Um when that contract expired in 2005, 21 years ago, they elected not to relinquish claim to those items, and so all these subsequent years, we have continued to sign a loan agreement with them to continue to display and interpret those artifacts.

Okay.

Yeah.

All right.

I guess we need a motion to approve the work plan and adopt the resolution to revise the title.

Move for approval.

Second.

All in favor of the motion, aye.

All opposed, nay.

Thank you.

Okay.

Now we have the report of committees.

I don't think we have anything coming out of these, so I will start with the report of Mayor and City Council with the Mayor Pro Tone down here.

Just good to be with you all.

I am going to have a District D neighborhood alliance meeting on Saturday, April 18th.

That will be at uh 9 30 a.m.

at the Crowder Center.

That's all.

I want to first of all thank our convention center for their work with this food and beverage and everything over the last two and three months.

I know everyone looks forward to the new HVAC system being implemented this week or soon.

But we put off three successful events with our temporary kitchen.

So I definitely want to thank the staff and everyone that worked in partner there.

Secondly, um in some conversations and reading all the comments that are out there about our Go Raleigh system.

I just asked that staff come back and present to council, maybe in a work session or however way you see fit, where we are with our transportation system, because I think there's a lot of misinformation out there, and I think there's a lot of things of people just not knowing what's going on and where this system is going.

So if staff can present to us where we are to the whole community, where we are, where we're going, um I think that would be extremely helpful.

Just a few things.

Yesterday I asked about the program being created for those in our community who will not be able to take care of their leaves in their yard when the loose leap program ends next year.

Um I'm just wondering what was the plan for the disabled and elderly who will not be able to physically remove their leaves.

I know that uh I and Counselor Lambert Melton had sent uh staff a proposal to use a nonprofit partner to assist in getting the leaves bagged and to the curb for weekly pickup, but we have not heard back as to why this idea can or can't work.

So I would like to ask uh and direct can we have a follow-up from staff uh as to the details of the program beyond signing up for the need space assistance program uh as more specifically what does being approved for that list mean for leaf removal?

So if that can be um uh sent out uh maybe in the manager's update or just an email to staff or to the council that would be appreciated.

Yes.

Awesome.

Thank you.

Um the next thing I have is District E's next monthly community meeting will be held tomorrow evening, April 8th at La Cusina Italian Restaurant from 6 to 8 p.m.

Come out, enjoy dinner and conversation about city issues.

Um Saturday, we will be doing our decoding democracy book club.

Uh we'll meet April 11th from 9:30 to 1130 at New World Cafe on Dirley Road.

We will be discussing the remainder of Chapter 1.

Last month we focused our time on the purpose and intent portion of the UDO and participants were tasked with going through that list and identifying their priorities.

Uh so I look forward to seeing you there.

And then lastly, on April 17th, I will be performing with other elected officials, uh elected leaders for a week on stage to benefit the United Arts Council.

Proceeds will underwrite education programs for the 26-27 school year.

So I hope to see you there.

Thank you.

Yep.

And I just want to echo and thank Councilor Branch and also Councilor Patton for raising up the whole issue of transit and not just the transit hub and routes, but also budget, safety of both riders, drivers, um, the whole um issue.

It's a very important part of our city, and I appreciate staff coming back with more information so we can all um talk about some of those those facts here uh at City Hall.

And then I want to thank everyone for their work on the state of the city.

I know a lot of staff put a lot of time into that and all the counselors who um read poems and just a reminder that we do have an open uh solicitation if you are interested in potentially being considered for the Poet Laureate for the City of Raleigh.

That is open through April 18th.

No pre-qualifications or you know, so it's a it's a very open invitation uh on the city's website if you are interested.

Thank you.

I had a community workshop last week uh March 3rd on Monday.

I want to thank all the residents who came out.

Uh it involved both traffic and pedestrian issues around Dixie Forest and Old Wake Forest Road.

I personally want to thank uh Paul Callum and the transportation staff.

Uh the community outlined a number of issues and uh both working with me and and Maya Singh uh who supports me at the council uh really gave us a lot of information to help walk through a number of issues.

It was a well done uh report, and so we'll be getting back to the residents.

Uh so I really just want to thank them, all who came out and look forward to uh responding and help them address some of the issues.

Uh this location is right by Millbrook High School and Millbrook Exchange.

And so it was a very productive meeting, and I just want to thank everyone involved uh for helping us uh find a path forward.

Awesome.

Just a couple of things for me to continue the through line of talking about uh transit, safety and transit's future, the transit system's future.

Uh I would like to ask that um a similar presentation to whatever will be presented to the council would be offered to RTA for consideration with their agenda, because I know they have an interest in this topic as well.

Um that's one.

And the other is that I have received feedback from members of our boards and commissions.

It's my understanding that when the boards and commissions as a whole selected how they would meet, whether in person or virtually that that applied all the way down through to their their standing committees, and that that has created a little bit of it can create a little bit of friction for those smaller committees.

And so I'd like to explore the opportunity for them, the subcommittees to meet in a different way than what their full commission has selected.

And so if um if I could ask staff to kick the tires on the challenges and opportunities with that and provide a write-up in the manager's update so we can see if we can pursue that.

No report.

Uh April is actually fair housing hearing month.

I mean, fair housing uh month.

And so um there have been a number of um organizations that have celebrated, um, including the Fair Housing Advisory Board.

Um they actually uh had a celebration this morning in downtown, and I think all of the buses are going to be running an advertisement for them for the remainder of the month.

And then also um I did a proclamation for them this morning and also one for the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors that had a um conference uh about fair housing uh last week.

Okay.

Thank you all.

Uh next we have nominations.

Yes.

First, under appointments, these are your ballot results.

Oh, yes.

Design review commission, one alternate vacancy.

Janine McClough received eight votes, so would be appointed.

Raleigh Transit Authority, one regular vacancy.

Eddie Sackinger received eight votes, so would be appointed.

Um as a reminder, this vacancy is uh from a regular member expiring.

Your alternate member did not want to be considered for elevation, so discussion took place last time on that.

Um so technically you have a full board now.

Um I'm sorry.

Just kidding.

Raleigh Transit Authority alternate vacancy.

Next item.

Um said that too early.

Umot received four votes.

Uh Councilmember Patton nominated Hart Evans.

So both of those names will be coming back and then pretend I said the last reminder here.

Uminations, Arts Commission, two regular vacancies and a removal request, terms of two members, Jay Campbell and Eliza Kaiser are expiring.

Both would like to be considered for reappointment.

Uh explanation of attendance was included in the agenda materials for Mr.

Campbell.

Additionally, the chairperson has submitted a request for the removal of a member due to attendance concerns.

This process is laid out in the city code, so they're just following that process.

Uh that formal request was included in your agenda materials for Lodarius Hicks.

Move to reappoint Eliza Kaiser.

Second.

Okay.

So all in favor of that reappointment, aye.

Aye.

All opposed, so that is unanimous.

Um the removal.

Do we need a move to um remove Lodarius Hicks?

Okay.

Second.

All in favor of that motion.

Aye.

Aye.

All opposed, nay.

I think we should explore nominations for the other seat with the attendance issue, is my opinion.

I agree.

We always express concern about a quorum.

We did see the response from the other commission member.

Read through the packet.

I believe the deputy clerk tried a number of times to reach this individual, finally did respond.

But I do believe we should explore another opportunity for someone to serve.

So we'll just hold it and make nominations.

That will be coming back on your ballot.

Next is historical resources, now historic resources and museum advisory board.

Cassidy.

Real quick, I'll go ahead and just nominate Jay Campbell so that they're pending on the ballot, but it opens it up for other nominations, and then Jay can reach out to council members and provide.

I guess the pitch if that's fair.

That's fair.

Historic resources and museum advisory board.

Um various vacancies here.

As you will recall, the council took action last year to formally dissolve the HRMAB, or I'm sorry, the historic cemeteries, and consolidate it with the HRMAB.

Um sometime has passed since that action, and there's have been several membership updates since that time uh due to resignations, natural attrition, term expirations.

I think it was five to ten individuals that rolled off.

Um after a temporary period of surplus due to these actions and uh touch points with all members, the temporary surplus has now kind of uh been resolved.

Um touch points have been made with all members except for one we were not able to reach regarding their continued inter interest to serve.

So staff is now bringing forward um the stabilized roster.

Um attendance is a little different because there was so much information information, so attendance information was also consolidated in that roster.

So staff is kind of requesting the formal reappointment of all those members that are requesting just because there was such a high number.

Um let me know if you have any questions.

No questions.

Okay, and then we also have the parks and rec.

Uh I'm sorry, just to clarify, staff is requesting the formal reappointment of the members.

Okay.

Yes.

Yeah.

Move for a reappointment.

Second.

All in favor of that motion.

Aye.

Aye.

All opposed.

Okay.

So that yes.

And lastly, Parks Recreation Greenway Advisory Board resignation has been received from Jack Hilton.

Mayor Cowell has nominated Deborah Thompson Thompson.

Um that will be coming back on your next ballot.

And that's it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh report and recommendation of the city attorney.

Good afternoon, Mayor and members of council.

I'm joined this afternoon by Rand Northam, who will be moving the slats for me.

Uh but uh if you'll recall, back on uh January 20th, you adopted your tobacco-free uh ordinance with an effective date of April 20th.

The ordinance made city properties tobacco-free and free from the use of e-cigarettes and expanded non-smoking protections to all enclosed public places.

Uh cross-departmental team that includes communications, engineering services, and I do think some of them are here today.

Engineered services, Riley Water, Transportation, HR, Convention and Performing Arts has been working to implement the new ordinance.

What do you have before you is the visual of what the signage will look like?

On the left is what uh Wake County, when they adopted the ordinance, you see their signage, and then on the right will be the city signage, so that the signage is fairly consistent across throughout the community.

Um it is includes the universally uh recognized icons for smoking, vaping, and tobacco with the hash uh slashed out, meaning not um uh no smoking vaping uh or tobacco usage on our facilities.

Uh we also include on that signage um a QR code uh for individuals who may be interested in quitting.

We are next slide.

You also see additional signage, those decals will be at the entrance to all of our um city buildings, as well as we will have decals in our vehicles since uh smoking is not permitted in it, or vaping uh will be permitted in our vehicles.

We are also again following along that theme.

We'll have the QR code for those interested in quitting.

Um, go back.

I'm sorry.

Uh, we're also uh that signage will also be uh placed at our park facilities on our greenways, since again, uh no smoking, vaping, or tobacco products will be permitted there as well.

Then moving to the next slide.

We've also been working with HR.

HR has put together a new policy that is being circulated, as well as we will be posting flyers, and we are developing uh frequently asked questions for our employees as we again move forward with implementing the ordinance effective on April twentieth.

Then next slide.

And then finally, uh, the tobacco free uh coalition, the Wake County, I'm sorry, Wake County Tobacco Free Coalition will be hosting an event to celebrate the passage of the ordinance, which is scheduled for April twentieth from three thirty to five at the chapel at Dix Park.

And you should be receiving an invitation or additional notice about that.

Any questions?

Questions.

All right.

Thank you for your efforts on this.

Louis and this through in the questions there just in the minutes, the one nominee, their name is captured incorrectly.

Yeah, we we will make that change in that one.

I should have mentioned that, but yes, that moves.

Cool.

It's uh administrative change.

Got it.

Cool.

Well, move move for approval with that amendment.

Okay.

All in favor of that motion, aye.

All opposed, nay.

It's unanimous.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh we are now have a motion uh to enter into closed session pursuant to general statute one forty three three eighteen eleven A three to consult with the city attorney in order to preserve attorney client privilege.

And uh General Statute one forty three three eighteen eleven A six to consider qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of uh initial employment of an individual public officer, employee, or prospective public officer, employee.

So moved.

Second.

All in favor of that, aye.

All opposed, nay, and that is unanimous.

So we are now in closed session.

Rapid fire.

Good.

Same risk.

We good.

I think we're good.

Okay.