Winston-Salem City Council Meeting: February 16, 2026\n\nThe Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, with Mayor Allen Joines presiding. The meeting began with a city manager update on the city's response to two major winter storms, followed by consideration of the consent agenda, a budget amendment, legislative priorities for 2026, a public hearing on downtown improvement district services, a street renaming, and a public comment period with six speakers. All votes were recorded by voice; the Mayor did not vote on any motion.\n\n### City Manager Update and Winter Storm Response\n- City Manager Patrick Pate thanked city staff for their work during the dual winter storms, noting employees worked around the clock for two weeks. He highlighted efforts by sanitation, utilities, police, fire, WSTA, and other departments.\n- Keith Huff, Director of Traffic Operations, provided details: the city deployed 19 plow trucks, 4 brine trucks, 4 motor graders, and 4 F-250s to clear 1,250 centerline miles. Approximately 2,800 tons of road salt were used, with 900 tons remaining in stock; an additional order has been placed. Huff acknowledged that the storm series (ice followed by 8–10 inches of snow) caused delays in clearing residential streets, and that lessons are being learned for future events.\n- Pate also announced that solid waste collections resumed fully, overflow trash beside carts will be picked up, and recycling overflow should be stored until the next scheduled pickup. Leaf collection in quadrants 3 and 4 (west/northwest) was to resume the following week.\n- Upcoming public meetings were noted: WSTA service changes (Feb 23 virtual, Feb 24 at Central Library, Feb 25 at Clark Campbell Transportation Center, March 4 at Sprague Street Community Center, March 5 at Haynes Hosiery Community Center); Northeast Suburban Area Plan public input meeting rescheduled to Feb 25 at Forsyth Tech Transportation Technology Center; and the Electrify the Triad launch event on Feb 28, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Piedmont Triad Regional Council offices.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- The consent agenda (items C‑1 through C‑4 and C‑6 through C‑11) was approved by a single motion (8–0) after Councilmember Joiner pulled item C‑5 for separate discussion. Approved items included:\n - C‑1: Updated annexation ordinance for tax parcel 6863-56-3853.000 (4015 Wallburg Road).\n - C‑2: Resolution authorizing agreement with NCDOT for Greenway Wayfinding Signage Project.\n - C‑3: Resolution approving a new Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with SHI International Corporation ($3,965,406).\n - C‑4: Renewals of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for three limousine companies, one trolley pub company, and one taxicab company.\n - C‑6 through C‑11: Appointments and re‑appointments to the Public Art Commission (Sauda Mitchell), Zoning Board of Adjustment (Phil Shugart, Brad Klosterman), Citizens' Budget Advisory Council (Haysetta Shuler, Jamesina Woodyard), Community Sustainability Program Committee (Victoria Allen, Kristie Campbell), and approval of January 20, 2026 City Council summary minutes.\n\n### Budget Amendment (Item C‑5)\n- Councilmember Joiner removed item C‑5 (FY2025-2026 budget ordinances) from the consent agenda for discussion.\n- Scott Tesh, Director of Budget and Performance Management, explained that the amendment appropriates principal and interest payments for water/sewer and solid waste debt that was issued earlier than originally planned (in August/September timeframe). The change shifts the payment schedule but does not affect other budget areas.\n- Councilmember Joiner expressed a need for clarification on the many proposed amendments before passage; after explanation, she moved approval. The motion passed unanimously.\n\n### Legislative Priorities (Item G‑1)\n- Dr. Angel Wright-Lanier, Assistant City Manager, presented the resolution adopting the City of Winston-Salem’s legislative priorities for the 2026 short session (beginning April 21, 2026 in Raleigh). Key items include continued advocacy on non‑conforming signs, downzoning (repeal of Senate Bill 382), exemption from system development fees for affordable housing, and a request for authority to rezone property via the planning board with council appeal rights. A legislative breakfast is set for March 27, 2026.\n- Councilmember Barbara Hanes Burke voiced strong concern that the city and public lack a clear understanding of workforce development, noting that funding is provided without clear reporting on job creation numbers or outcomes for Winston-Salem residents. She urged the council to demand better definitions and accountability.\n- The resolution was approved by a vote of 8–0.\n\n### Downtown Improvement District Services (Item G‑2)\n- Ben Rowe, Assistant City Manager, explained that state law requires a public hearing when the city considers a new contract for Business Improvement District (BID) services. The boundaries of the Downtown Winston-Salem BID were displayed; the upcoming RFP will focus on cleaner environment, enhanced physical appearance, stronger marketing and promotion, and economic development. An online survey will be posted, and postcards will be mailed to BID property owners.\n- Jason Thiel, President of Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership (DWSP), spoke in support of the BID, noting it was established in 2013 and has provided supplemental cleaning, graffiti removal, and other services. He emphasized the BID’s purpose is to supplement, not replace, city services. He also recognized his board chair, Heidi Schwartz.\n- Mayor Joines opened the public hearing; no other speakers came forward, and the hearing was closed. The item will return to the Finance Committee in April.\n\n### Street Renaming (Item G‑3)\n- Mayor Joines opened a public hearing on the proposed renaming of Bumgardner Street to Barton Mews Lane, which had received a recommendation of approval from the Committee of the Whole. No one spoke in opposition.\n- Councilmember Barbara Hanes Burke moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously (8–0).\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n6 speakers addressed the council during the public comment period (limited to 30 minutes, 3 minutes each):\n1. Richard Sebastian (1514 Cloverdale Avenue) – Praised the Electrify the Triad program but urged the city to improve its own energy efficiency and monitoring of HVAC, lighting, etc., to save tax dollars and advance climate goals.\n2. Sheila Brewton (832 Charles Court, Southeast Ward) – Presented a petition requesting improvement in consistent garbage, leaf, brush, and recycling collections. She reported recurring issues: recycling carts left in streets, trash dragged, and city employees parked for long periods. She thanked Councilman Taylor for past help but asked for lasting solutions.\n3. Matthew Mayers (2844 Wesleyan Lane) – Thanked city staff for storm response and endorsed Electrify the Triad, correcting that it also serves renters with landlord permission. He urged the council to lead by example on sustainability and attend the Feb 28 launch event.\n4. Cynthia Herson (1200 Willie Davis Drive) – Spoke on behalf of her daughter Christina Hayden and four grandchildren facing imminent displacement. She requested immediate referral to housing stability staff, activation of homelessness prevention funds, and coordination with Aspire to pause displacement. She stressed that prevention is cheaper than shelter. Mayor Joines noted that the issue had been looked into after a previous meeting and promised follow-up.\n5. Terrique Bligen – Presented the Home Sweet Grown Farm Project, a planned tiny house community and farm on the south side, aimed at providing housing, employment, and farming training. He shared updates on the farming phase.\n6. Tanya Sheffield (2700 Reynolda Road, Apt. 1401) – Expressed concern about the unsanitary condition of bus seats (cloth, stained) and disputed claims of weekly steam cleaning. She urged the city to address interior cleanliness of buses as it affects rider dignity and health.\n\n### Mayor/Council Comments\n- No formal comments were recorded beyond those made during agenda items.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Consent agenda (minus C‑5): Approved 8–0.\n- Item C‑5 (Budget Amendment): Passed unanimously.\n- Item G‑1 (Legislative Priorities): Approved 8–0 (workforce development concerns noted).\n- Item G‑3 (Street Renaming): Approved unanimously.\n- All motions carried without opposition; Mayor Joines did not cast a vote on any motion.\n- The meeting adjourned following the public comment period.