MSD Advisory Committee Meeting - September 15, 2022

The MSD Advisory Committee met on September 15, 2022, to discuss a proposed quarter-cent sales tax referendum for public transit, trails, and rail realignment; elect officers; receive updates on the recently completed tree well project; and hear reports from WDI and the city. The meeting began after quorum was established with six members present.

Discussion Items

• Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Referendum: A presenter from New Hanover County presented a proposal for a 1/4 cent sales tax on the November 8, 2022 ballot, dedicated to public transit, trail connectivity, pedestrian safety, and rail realignment. The tax is estimated to generate $14 million per year or $144 million over 10 years. The funding breakdown would be 45% for Wave Transit, 39% for bicycle/pedestrian improvements, and 16% for the city's rail realignment project. Committee member Chris expressed full support but questioned whether ongoing Wave Transit funding needs would tie up the new revenue. The presenter clarified that the tax is statutorily dedicated to public transit and would provide a sustainable, independent funding source.
• Election of Officers: Chance nominated himself for chair; Thomas (Tom) was nominated and elected by acclamation (no formal tally recorded). For vice chair, David Gross was nominated and elected over Bill Bryden by a show of hands: 6 votes in favor (Ryan, Chris, Nancy, Terry, and two others), with one abstention or not voting? The chair announced Gross elected. Bill Bryden noted he would be traveling frequently so the committee accepted the result.
• PEER Insight Platform Update: Christina from WDI introduced Mark Mazzoni of PEER, a veteran-owned technology company, presenting a data and analytics platform for economic growth in the central business district. The platform will ingest employment, tax, and property data to provide visualizations for decision-makers. WDI has funded the first year. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the next 12 months was presented. Committee members requested the MOU be emailed for review; no vote was taken, and action was deferred to the next meeting.
• Tree Well Project Update: Chance reported the completion of approximately 188 flex-pave tree wells in the MSD area, replacing older, uneven wells and metal grates. The installation was done by the city's public facilities and Jimco Construction. Committee members praised the look and safety. Regarding the 200-300 blocks of Front Street, Chance noted that metal tree grates were originally planned but sourcing delays may lead to using flex-pave instead. He agreed to follow up with engineering.

Reports

• WDI Report (Christina): The five-year MSD contract with the city has been fully executed. The street outreach program continues. A new indemnity agreement with NCDOT allows access to the rail corridor and Third Street bridge site for cleanup. Two coordinated cleanups removed over 2,500 pounds of trash, with NCDOT pledging quarterly large cleanups. The MSD truck was sold for $6,000. Summer statistics: 2,500 business contacts, 237 pieces of graffiti removed, 376 hand bills removed. Four new facade improvement grants were approved totaling $1,500, with $10,000 remaining for the fiscal year.
• City Update (Chance): Bijou Park opening delayed due to lighting component shortages; temporary lighting may be installed for Riverfest. The 200-300 block of Front Street streetscaping was paved; work will move to the 300 block. The Second Street parking deck CIP rehab is ongoing, with interior work expected to finish in 2-3 weeks. The Coast Guard property on Water Street has been reopened, but barricades were added for safety; the federal government is deciding on future use.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote (all in favor).
• Officers Elected: Tom (Thomas) was elected Chair, and David Gross was elected Vice Chair.
• MOU Deferred: No vote was taken on the PEER MOU; it will be sent to committee members for review and voted on at the next meeting.
• Tree Well Project Completed: The flex-pave tree well installation is finished; follow-up on Front Street grates was directed to city staff.
• WDI Initiatives Ongoing: Cleanup efforts will continue monthly, and the street ambassador program remains fully staffed.