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Record of Proceedings

Winston-Salem Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee Meeting - October 14, 2024

Meeting Portal — Monday, October 14, 2024
BodyWinston Salem, North Carolina
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, October 14, 2024
StatusFILED
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0:00

And welcome to community development housing government committee meeting.

0:05

I am Councilmember Didi Adams of the North Ward and committee members.

0:11

Councilmember Clark, Council Member Scipio, Councilmember Monday, and members of this committee, and they're all present.

0:18

As you can know, most of you by now we have two parts to our agenda.

0:22

We have a conventional.

0:25

And uh I am going to ask any other council members, committee members, council members, do you have any items that you would like to have?

0:35

C three, please.

0:38

C four.

0:41

Move approval on the balance.

0:43

Is it moved and moved and properly seconded by council member Clark, Councilmember Monday, that we approve the balance of the consent agenda?

0:53

And will the clerk please pull the first pull by space?

1:00

Oh, all those in favor, say aye.

1:02

Aye.

1:02

Aye.

1:03

All those opposed.

1:04

Thank you.

1:06

Item C3, resolution approving city funded staffing and other assistance for select special events, including community parades.

1:14

Mr.

1:14

Brown.

1:16

Good afternoon, Chair Adams, members of the City Council.

1:19

This item is coming before you to basically establish criteria for uh when the city would provide financial support to uh community events uh including parades.

1:32

Uh over the years, the city has provided support for a number of community events.

1:36

Those are provided in attachment A where we've actually provided financial support, oftentimes underwriting uh the calls for police staffing or barricades or use of the uh the mobile stage that recreation parks uh has.

1:51

So the purpose of this item is to is to establish certain criteria that the city management would use to evaluate requests in the future.

2:00

Uh we do provide police staffing and barricades for many other community events, but in a lot of those cases, the event organizers are actually paying uh for those those services.

2:14

So we're wanting to kind of create a little more structure to you know what would be events that the city would financially uh help underwrite.

2:22

So those criteria would include uh that the community event must take place annually and demonstrate a long-term commitment to serving the community.

2:31

Two, attendance or admission to the event is free for residents.

2:34

Three, the event attracts broad-based attendants from throughout the community.

2:39

For the location of the event typically is not self-contained in a dedicated designated facility such as a stadium or arena.

2:47

A good example of that would be parades.

2:49

And then five, event organizers can demonstrate that at least half of the overall cost of the event is covered by sponsorships and other fundraising that they have uh they have raised.

3:00

So the item before you is a resolution basically establishing those criteria.

3:05

Um if approved, then what you'll see with the uh proposed budget for next year for 2526 would be some money to actually dedicated for you know providing financial support to these events right now for the most part, departments are providing or covering some of those expenses out of their current operating budgets.

3:25

Be happy to answer any questions.

3:27

Thank you, Councilmember Monday.

3:29

So um thank you for the explanation.

3:31

The exhibit A attachment A is not the list of exclusively those events that we will support going forward.

3:38

It's just an example, the examples of those that we have in the past.

3:42

Is that correct?

3:42

Yes, sir, Councilman.

3:43

These are the events that the city is providing financial support for.

3:47

So we there's other events that we provide, police staffing, the barricades, but the event organizers are paying for that.

3:53

In this case, this this is the list of events that that we're basically underwriting part, if not all of the cost.

4:00

So if there's an event that's currently paying for these things, but they meet this criteria that's lined out here, they could potentially have uh supply support and other supports from the city without having to pay that in the future.

4:12

Potentially, yes, sir.

4:14

Okay.

4:14

How will we determine what that budget figure is?

4:17

Are we going to go out to the community to kind of ask for a um uh uh uh intent to apply or anything like that?

4:25

So I mean we do have you know historical information for what it's cost for us to staff, uh particularly with you know police staffing.

4:32

That's the usually the largest expense for a lot of these community events, and you can see on the attachment the amount of staffing we have.

4:39

So we'll go back and we'll look at that to kind of see what what these events have cost us over the years and kind of help build a number uh based on that, and then you know, as far as allowing for um additional funding, we'll we'll just have to kind of work through that during our budget development process.

4:57

I'm gonna play devil's advocate just for a minute.

5:00

Um I love the Moravians.

5:02

I'm married to a Moravian, I love the history.

5:04

Um, and I'm not saying that I'm not in favor, but I am saying that to support one church and not others is somewhat of a slippery slope, I think.

5:16

So I don't know.

5:17

I don't know if we want to consider that going forward, but and I understand the the reason for and what it does for the city and what it brings to the city, um, but I think there are some people who might question the wisdom of blurring that line.

5:30

Yes, sir.

5:31

Council Member Scipio.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing██████████████████████████26%
Community Engagement██████████████████18%
Personnel Matters██████████████14%
Comprehensive Planning███████████11%
Public Safety█████5%
Volunteerism█████5%
Procedural████4%
Economic Development████4%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Winston-Salem Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee Meeting - October 14, 2024

The Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee met on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams, with all four committee members present (Adams, Scippio, Mundy, Clark) and additional council members attending. The committee reviewed consent agenda items, discussed two items pulled from consent, and considered four general agenda items, all of which were recommended for approval and referred to the City Council.

Consent Calendar

  • C-1: Request for a public hearing on demolition of structures at 311, 313, 315 Lakeview Boulevard (East Ward). Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024.
  • C-2: Request for a public hearing on demolition of structures at 217, 219, 221, 223 East Drive (East Ward). Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024.
  • C-5: Approval of the committee summary minutes from September 9, 2024. Approved by consent vote.

Discussion Items

  • C-3: Resolution Approving City-Funded Staffing and Other Assistance for Select Special Events (Including Community Parades)

    • Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented criteria for city financial support of annual, free, broad-based community events not held in dedicated facilities. Events must demonstrate that at least half of costs are covered by sponsorships.
    • Council Member Mundy expressed concern about supporting one church (Moravian) over others, calling it a "slippery slope."
    • Council Member Burke questioned how "broad-based attendance" (criterion 3) would be measured and suggested adjusting criteria. Staff noted events will be informed when permit applications are submitted.
    • Council Member Scippio praised the move toward structured support and highlighted the need to communicate with citizens about street closures and police staffing.
    • Motion by Clark, seconded by Scippio. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0.

  • C-4: Ordinance Amending Chapter 38 of the City Code Regarding Special Events in Merschel Park

    • Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented the amendment to allow sale and service of alcohol at Merschel Park for special events. Jason Thiel, president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, noted off-duty police officers would prevent off-site drinking.
    • Council Member Scippio asked about enforcement at existing parks; Thiel said issues are rare. She also noted the ordinance references the now-defunct ID Alliance and suggested correction.
    • Council Member Mundy clarified that private parties (e.g., weddings) could also obtain permits.
    • Motion by Scippio, seconded by Clark. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024.

  • G-1: Resolution Amending Article I of the Personnel Resolution: Employment Matters

    • Dr. Marquis Barnett, Human Resources Director, explained changes to narrow grievable offenses, establish administrative investigations, and address dishonesty during investigations. Grievance data: 62 in 2022, 93 in 2023, 31 in 2024 (year-to-date).
    • Council Member Scippio supported the changes, sharing a personal experience with a lying employee.
    • Council Member Larson asked why secondary/outside employment decisions are not grievable; staff noted discrimination complaints would still be investigated via a separate process.
    • Council Member Scipio suggested focus groups with employees; Dr. Barnett said feedback guides policy. Council Member Mundy noted it is standard practice for municipal governments.
    • Council Member Burke emphasized the need to inform employees and consider mediation.
    • Motion by Mundy, seconded by Scippio. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0.

  • G-2: Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2, Article III: Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Advisory Committee

    • Jakira Westbrook, Business Inclusion Manager, stated the committee currently has 3 of 11 members (8 vacancies) and cannot form a quorum. Proposed reducing membership from 11 to 7 and allowing the city manager to authorize an internal committee when needed.
    • Council Member Scipio and Council Member Mundy expressed concern about low volunteer participation and suggested reviewing how staff engage committees. Council Member MacIntosh noted a post-COVID decline in volunteerism. Council Member Mundy suggested reducing membership for other committees as well.
    • Motion by Mundy, seconded by Clark. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024.

  • G-3: Resolution Adopting the Proposed Forward 2045 Comprehensive Plan

    • Amy Crum, Assistant Director of Planning, presented the plan. Outreach included over 10,000 website visits, an online survey with over 2,900 participants and 4,000 written comments, 20 public input meetings (250 attendees), and a marketing campaign with over 1 million impressions. The plan is under 100 pages with five vision themes: attainable housing, strong economic opportunities, connected spaces, vibrant character, and sustainable environment.
    • Council Member MacIntosh praised outreach but expressed concern that the plan maintains the status quo and does not adequately address poverty (40% of residents live in poverty). Council Member MacIntosh also applauded the outreach effort.
    • Mayor Joines noted the county is about 75% built out and emphasized the need for density and transit-supportive development. Council Member Adams stressed the need for intentionality on food insecurity and grocery stores.
    • Motion by Clark, seconded by Mundy. Referred to City Council for a public hearing on November 18, 2024. Vote: 4-0.

  • G-4: Items Related to Guidelines and Implementation of the Affordable Housing Development Program

    • Shantell McClam, Director of Neighborhood Services, presented a scoring matrix (max 110 points) for projects: development quality (35 pts), leverage/resources (30 pts), developer experience (25 pts), MWBE participation (10 pts), supportive services (10 pts). Also proposed reallocating $2 million from the construction loan program to ARPA revenue replacement, creating $10 million over two years ($5M/year: $4M for LITEC projects, $1M for scattered lot funding).
    • Council Member Mundy questioned proximity to grocery stores vs. transit; City Manager said they might reallocate weight to transit. Council Member Clark raised concerns about minimum lot requirements (3 lots) possibly excluding small developers and about resale/rent restrictions. Staff clarified the program includes rehab and new construction, and Davis-Bacon requirements apply due to federal funds.
    • Council Member Scipio asked about whether small developers would be excluded; staff said three lots minimum ensures development scale, and training sessions will be offered.
    • Motion by Clark, seconded by Mundy. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All eight agenda items (C-1, C-2, C-5, C-3, C-4, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4) were recommended for approval by the committee, all with 4-0 votes.
  • Items C-3, C-4, G-1, G-2, and G-4 were referred to the City Council on November 4, 2024.
  • Item G-3 (Forward 2045 Comprehensive Plan) was referred to the City Council with a public hearing set for November 18, 2024.
  • The committee approved the consent agenda (items C-1, C-2, C-5) without discussion.
  • Staff will adjust the affordable housing scoring matrix to reallocate weight from grocery store proximity to transit proximity.
  • The meeting adjourned at 4:51 PM.

Meeting Transcript

And welcome to community development housing government committee meeting. I am Councilmember Didi Adams of the North Ward and committee members. Councilmember Clark, Council Member Scipio, Councilmember Monday, and members of this committee, and they're all present. As you can know, most of you by now we have two parts to our agenda. We have a conventional. And uh I am going to ask any other council members, committee members, council members, do you have any items that you would like to have? C three, please. C four. Move approval on the balance. Is it moved and moved and properly seconded by council member Clark, Councilmember Monday, that we approve the balance of the consent agenda? And will the clerk please pull the first pull by space? Oh, all those in favor, say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed. Thank you. Item C3, resolution approving city funded staffing and other assistance for select special events, including community parades. Mr. Brown. Good afternoon, Chair Adams, members of the City Council. This item is coming before you to basically establish criteria for uh when the city would provide financial support to uh community events uh including parades. Uh over the years, the city has provided support for a number of community events. Those are provided in attachment A where we've actually provided financial support, oftentimes underwriting uh the calls for police staffing or barricades or use of the uh the mobile stage that recreation parks uh has. So the purpose of this item is to is to establish certain criteria that the city management would use to evaluate requests in the future. Uh we do provide police staffing and barricades for many other community events, but in a lot of those cases, the event organizers are actually paying uh for those those services. So we're wanting to kind of create a little more structure to you know what would be events that the city would financially uh help underwrite. So those criteria would include uh that the community event must take place annually and demonstrate a long-term commitment to serving the community. Two, attendance or admission to the event is free for residents. Three, the event attracts broad-based attendants from throughout the community. For the location of the event typically is not self-contained in a dedicated designated facility such as a stadium or arena. A good example of that would be parades. And then five, event organizers can demonstrate that at least half of the overall cost of the event is covered by sponsorships and other fundraising that they have uh they have raised. So the item before you is a resolution basically establishing those criteria. Um if approved, then what you'll see with the uh proposed budget for next year for 2526 would be some money to actually dedicated for you know providing financial support to these events right now for the most part, departments are providing or covering some of those expenses out of their current operating budgets. Be happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Councilmember Monday. So um thank you for the explanation. The exhibit A attachment A is not the list of exclusively those events that we will support going forward. It's just an example, the examples of those that we have in the past. Is that correct? Yes, sir, Councilman. These are the events that the city is providing financial support for. So we there's other events that we provide, police staffing, the barricades, but the event organizers are paying for that. In this case, this this is the list of events that that we're basically underwriting part, if not all of the cost. So if there's an event that's currently paying for these things, but they meet this criteria that's lined out here, they could potentially have uh supply support and other supports from the city without having to pay that in the future. Potentially, yes, sir. Okay. How will we determine what that budget figure is? Are we going to go out to the community to kind of ask for a um uh uh uh intent to apply or anything like that? So I mean we do have you know historical information for what it's cost for us to staff, uh particularly with you know police staffing.

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