Winston-Salem City Council Meeting – June 15, 2026

The Winston-Salem City Council met on June 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included honorariums, a consent agenda, public hearings, and a lengthy general agenda. Key actions included approval of a temporary youth protection curfew (5-3), extension of a lease for the downtown amphitheater (7-1), adoption of Phase 2 noise regulations, and numerous funding allocations for nonprofits and community agencies.

Consent Calendar

• C-1. Noise Ordinance Phase 2 (First Reading) – Approved unanimously after discussion. City staff will continue work on crowd noise issues and sidewalk cafe permitting.
• C-3. Partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad – Approved unanimously. Councilmember Adams highlighted the need to better publicize city investments in youth programs.
• C-12. Bridge Betterments for 3rd, 4th, 5th Street Bridges – Approved unanimously. Councilmember Hall requested honoring former state legislator Evelyn Parman; Transportation Director Fansler agreed to explore creative options.
• C-15. Security Services Contract ($3,236,475.50) – Approved unanimously. Councilmember Hall noted concern over lack of local vendor preference in scoring criteria.
• C-16. Hydroponics Greenhouse Lease to Anders Family Farms – Approved unanimously. Councilmember Hall encouraged the lessee to donate post-harvest vegetation scraps to local community gardens.
• The balance of the consent agenda (C-2, C-4 through C-11, C-13, C-14, C-17, C-18) was approved by a single 8–0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Youth Protection Ordinance (G-1)

• Phoenix Samson Young (RJ Reynolds student) – Opposed; stated youth were not included in planning, called for investments in programs rather than restrictions.
• Lucia Brisbane (youth advocate) – Opposed; argued curfew does not address root causes like poverty and disinvestment.
• Olivia Doyle (Hate Out of Winston) – Opposed; criticized the process, noted meetings with police resulted in a curfew despite commitments to co-create non-police solutions.
• Valerie Glass (Triad Restorative Justice) – Opposed; said deeper justice involvement increases recidivism, urged investment in positive youth activities.
• Paul Ford (Summer After Dark/Action for Equity) – Opposed; cited disproportionate minority contact and asked for cost estimate of enforcement vs. programming.
• Al Jabar – In support; held parents accountable, supported police department.
• Q. Shavers – In support of curfew for adult accountability, but criticized outreach and asked for youth input in program design; called police presentation insufficient.
• Waldo Ma – Opposed; argued curfew is unconstitutional and will not stop serious crime.
• Also noted: Mayor Joines read statements of support from NAACP President Harrison and Rev. Brown Dix.

During Public Comment Period

• Laura Garner – Expressed concerns about rezoning and development in her neighborhood (Jarro Drive), especially floodplain construction and infrastructure strain.
• Matthew Mayors – Asked for a concrete sustainability plan to address climate change, noting the city’s 2020 sustainability resolution remains unimplemented.
• Shaina Millius – Asked about progress on the apology and commission promised for historic discrimination against the Silver Hill community.
• Terry Bottoms – Requested street and curb maintenance on North Patterson Avenue.
• Rev. Laura Spangler – Offered a prayer denouncing the city’s Pride events, calling for repentance.
• Brian Hoffman – Introduced the Twin City Veterans Bridge nonprofit to recruit transitioning military personnel to Winston-Salem.
• Jamal Womble – Supported the youth curfew and the public prayer, defended freedom of speech.

Discussion Items

G-1. Youth Protection Ordinance (First Reading)

Lieutenant Morissette presented data showing juveniles are identified as offenders in 73% of police contacts during 10 PM–6 AM (vs. ~60% during other hours). The proposed ordinance restricts unsupervised minors under 18 from public places citywide from 10 PM to 6 AM, effective until October 12, 2026. Exceptions include parental accompaniment, interstate travel, emancipated minors, and college students. Penalties include fines up to $500 and mandatory court appearance; goal is compliance, not criminalization. Council debate centered on civil liberties, enforcement, and need for youth programming. Councilmember Andree-Bowen opposed, citing government overreach; Councilmember Joiner supported as a first step. A substitute motion to delay to July 6 failed 3–5. Original motion passed 5–3 (Burke, Clark, Joiner, Scippio, Adams in favor; Andree-Bowen, Hall, Taylor opposed). A special meeting for second reading was scheduled for June 22 at 4 PM.

G-4. Long-Term Lease for Downtown Amphitheater (Artist Village)

The item extends a prior five-year lease to 30 years for city parkland to support the amphitheater and backstage area (Artist Village). Lease payments increase from $1/month to $1,000/month for first five years, then CPI-adjusted. Proponent Bucky Dame cited $25M investment and need for stability. Opponent Dan Rose raised concerns about quorum at the Parks Commission meeting (city attorney later determined quorum existed), alleged conflict of interest by Councilmember Hall (she serves on board of employer that has a board member also on Flow Company board), and criticized environmental impact and noise. Councilmember Clark defended the project. Motion passed 7–1, Councilmember Burke opposing.

G-2 and G-3. Zoning Petitions

• G-2 (W-3684) – First Baptist Church rezoning from RM18 to IP on 0.64 acres. Unanimously approved.
• G-3 (W-3685) – Housing Authority rezoning from RSQ and RM18 to RM18 on 2.92 acres. Unanimously approved.

G-6 through G-17. Nonprofit and Community Agency Funding

A series of resolutions allocated FY 2026-2027 funding, with council members recused where conflicts existed (e.g., members serving on boards of recipient organizations). All items passed unanimously with the appropriate recusals.

G-18. July Meeting Schedule

Approved; the council’s July meeting schedule was adjusted.

Key Outcomes

• Youth Protection Ordinance – Approved on first reading (5–3); second reading set for June 22, 2026, at 4 PM special meeting.
• Noise Ordinance Phase 2 (C-1) – Approved unanimously on first reading; also requires second reading on June 22.
• Amphitheater Lease Extension (G-4) – Approved (7–1).
• Zoning Petitions (G-2, G-3) – Both approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda – 18 items approved en bloc; five items removed for discussion were individually approved unanimously.
• Funding Resolutions (G-6 through G-17) – All passed with appropriate recusals.
• City Manager Update – Noted Northern Beltway funding progress ($700 million in new state funds), extreme heat protocols, compensation study, and Juneteenth holiday.
• Honorariums – Recognized America 250 and A Bed and A Book Day.
• Next Meeting – Special meeting June 22, 2026; regular July meeting schedule adjusted.