Winston-Salem City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025

The Winston-Salem City Council met on October 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM, adjourning at 6:49 PM. Key actions included approval of a $2 million affordable housing trust fund, a new transit daily fare cap, and issuance of bonds for solid waste and water/sewer projects. The meeting featured the introduction of a new Housing Director, a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, and an update on the Carolina Classic Fair.

City Manager Update

• Assistant City Manager Wright Lanier introduced Michael Blair as the new Housing Director, highlighting his 20+ years of experience in housing, regional planning, and community development. Blair expressed gratitude and commitment to affordable and mixed-market housing solutions.
• Transportation Director Jeff Fansler announced a new $2 daily fare cap for WSTA riders, aligning with the upcoming launch of the UMO mobile fare app, aimed at improving accessibility and affordability.
• City Manager provided updates: progress on the 2-way street conversion, a biannual resident survey mailed to 20,000 randomly selected households (online version at WSNCSurvey.org), and new behavior guidelines for city parks in response to disruptive behavior at Merschel Park, including removal of furniture and Wi-Fi, and pending code amendments for stricter penalties.
• Assistant City Manager Rowe provided an update on the Carolina Classic Fair, noting early attendance of 67,416 (down from 73,000 year-to-date), food gross sales of $1,044,123 (up from $929,503), and ride revenue of $239,140 (up from $237,942). New security policies (clear bag policy, 9 PM gate closure) resulted in fewer ejections. Fair Director Cheryl Clark announced her retirement after 35 years of service.

Honorariums

• Proclamation declaring October 5–11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week. Fire Chief Mayo received the proclamation and reported 299 building fires last year (one every 30 hours) and highlighted emerging risks from lithium-ion batteries in household devices, noting that cooking and smoking remain leading causes but battery-related fires are increasing.

Consent Calendar

• Items C-1 through C-10 and C-13 through C-16 were approved unanimously by consent vote (8-0) with no discussion. Key consent items include:
  • C-1: Public hearing set for November 3, 2025 on alley closure off Polo Road.
  • C-6: Resolution establishing a daily fare cap for WSTA.
  • C-9: Sale of city-owned parcel (PIN 6835-61-0966) to Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. for the Shotgun House Legacy Site, removing it from the affordable housing list.
  • C-10: $2 million contribution to the Winston-Salem Foundation to establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
  • C-4: Guardrail purchase and installation contract with Nickelston Industries, Inc. for $80,000.
  • C-13: Purchase of automated side-loading refuse trucks from Velocity Truck Center for $852,046.76.
  • C-14: Lease renewal with the State of North Carolina for property at 226 South Liberty Street.
  • C-15: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget ordinance amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• G-1 Street Closure Hearing: Angela Dixon (4141 Carnation Drive) and Sharon McIntyre (4145 Carnation Drive) expressed concern that they were not aware of the proposed closure of an unnamed right-of-way north of Carnation Drive. Assistant City Manager Aaron King clarified the city is closing a long-unused right-of-way with no existing street or future need. Petitioner Mike Ruthrock (4540 Harry Street) stated the closure would allow adjacent property owners to build a house. No other speakers. Public hearing closed.

Discussion Items

• C-11 (Personnel Resolution): Removed from consent. Dr. Coefield Jones, Human Resources Director, explained the revised compensation policy: employees below the new salary minimum will automatically be brought to that level; increases for employees already within the pay range will be at the City Manager’s discretion rather than an automatic 5% raise. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams, seconded by Council Member Clark. Passed unanimously.
• C-12 (Rear-Loading Refuse Trucks): Removed from consent. Mayor Pro Tempore Adams inquired about expected delivery dates and whether the contract includes penalties for late delivery, referencing past delays after COVID. Darren Redfield, Purchasing Director, stated delivery timelines: 90–120 days for 25-yard trucks, 180–210 days for 27-yard trucks. He will follow up on penalty provisions. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams, seconded by Council Member Hall. Passed unanimously.
• G-2 (Solid Waste Limited Obligation Bonds): CFO Kelly Latham presented the required public hearing for issuing limited obligation bonds for the landfill expansion. No public comments. Motion by Council Member Clark, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams. Passed 8-0.
• G-3 (Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds): CFO Latham presented the formal bond order for $70 million in water and sewer revenue bonds for capital projects, following initial approval on September 15. No public hearing required. Motion by Council Member Clark, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams. Passed 8-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (8-0), excluding C-11 and C-12 which were individually approved unanimously.
• G-1: Motion to approve the street closure passed 8-0.
• G-2: Resolution approving an amendment to an installment purchase contract with the North Carolina Municipal Leasing Corporation passed 8-0.
• G-3: Resolution directing application to the Local Government Commission for water and sewer revenue bonds passed 8-0.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:49 PM.