Winston-Salem City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - November 18, 2024

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. Mayor Allen Joines presided. Eight council members were present; Councilmember John C. Larson was absent. The consent agenda was approved, and staff pulled item G-5. The meeting adjourned at 2:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, comprising minutes from the Public Safety Committee (C-1), Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee (C-2), Public Works Committee (C-3), and Finance Committee (C-4), was approved by a 7–0 vote (Larson absent).

Discussion Items

• G-1 – Audio Recording System (Purchase Order, $62,685): Councilmember Taylor moved approval for the Eventide Nexlog System 64-channel logging recorder from Carolina Recording Systems; seconded by Councilmember Mundy. Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council.
• G-2 – Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (Purchase Order, $3,627,357.98): Councilmember Taylor moved approval for SCBA equipment from Rhinehart Fire Services Co., Inc.; seconded by Councilmember Scippio. Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council.
• G-3 – Turnout Gear (Purchase Order, $663,075): Councilmember Taylor moved approval for turnout gear from Newton’s Fire and Safety Equipment, Inc.; seconded by Councilmember Scippio. Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council.
• G-4 – Ice Rink Reconstruction (Contract, $1,191,360): Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented the project. The Fairgrounds Arena (opened 1989) ice rink serves as home ice for the Carolina Thunderbirds, Wake Forest University club hockey, youth and adult leagues, and public skating. The rink generates about $114,000 per year in net income. Staff used a Sourcewell cooperative after the lowest bid exceeded the budget. Reconstruction will begin June 1, 2025, and requires new piping and concrete. Rowe noted a new dehumidifier system will be needed at an estimated cost exceeding $1 million. Councilmembers asked about other infrastructure issues, revenue from Wake Forest, parking, and concessions. Motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Councilmember Scippio. Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council.
• G-5 – UMO Mobility App (Pulled by Staff): This item was removed by staff before the vote.
• G-6 – 2025 City Council Calendar: City Manager William “Pat” Pate presented the proposed calendar. The calendar is not for adoption until December 2. Key dates include first and third Monday meetings, a July recess, January 9–10 Essentials of Municipal Government in New Bern, January 30–31 council retreat (proposed at Grayland or Tanglewood), National League of Cities in March and November, League of Municipalities City Vision in April, and budget sessions in May. Newly elected council members will vote on the calendar on December 2. No action was taken.
• G-7 – HanesBrands Economic Development Incentive: Staff presented a proposal to provide up to $200,005 over five years to HanesBrands, Inc., equal to 50% of estimated sales tax revenue from a $40 million annual payroll. The company will relocate its global headquarters to the Park Building at 101 North Cherry Street, bringing 500 employees and investing $6 million. In return, HanesBrands must retain 500 jobs for at least five years, keep its headquarters downtown, operate in Winston-Salem for at least seven years, and maintain a $40 million payroll. Councilmember Adams confirmed the old building had been sold to Carolina University. Councilmember Clark noted the pay-for-performance structure. Motion by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams. Approved unanimously and referred to the City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (7–0).
• G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and G-7 approved unanimously and referred to the City Council for formal action at the evening meeting.
• G-5 pulled by staff.
• G-6 discussed; adoption scheduled for December 2.
• Meeting adjourned at 2:34 PM.