Winston-Salem City Council Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting included a moment of silence for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, an honorary resolution recognizing first responders, a city manager update on transit and community events, and action on a consent agenda and five general agenda items.

City Manager Update

• City Manager Pat Pate reported on the implementation of the new WSTA transit network (West Division Network) on Sunday, September 6. Director Jeff Fansler noted the changes included increased 30-minute headways for 70% of routes and two new crosstown routes (WSTA X West and WSTA X South). The first week went well with minor hiccups; staff helped confused riders. A microtransit pilot is planned for January 2027. Councilmember Andree-Bowen shared positive feedback from riding the WSTA X West route. Pate also announced:
  • Yard waste sticker adhesion issues resolved; new stickers ordered, and collection continues.
  • A new greenway guide, Long Branch Trail public meeting (Sept. 30), Salem Creek Greenway survey, and upcoming events (International Village Festival, Rural Hall area plan meeting, City Services Expo, Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful Big Sweep cleanup on Oct. 3).
  • The city received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2026.

Honorary Resolution

• H-1: A resolution honoring the memory of September 11, 2001, and recognizing first responders was adopted unanimously (8 aye, with Mayor Joines not voting). Fire Chief Trey Mayo and Assistant Police Chief Jake Swaim accepted the resolution and spoke about the lasting impact of 9/11 on public safety.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved by a single consent vote (8 aye, Mayor not voting) after items C-4 and C-8 were removed for separate discussion:

• C-1: Grant from NC Governor's Highway Safety Program for BikeSafe Regional Coordinator.
• C-2: Grant for Forsyth County Joint DWI Task Force and interlocal agreements.
• C-3: Grant for WSPD Overtime Traffic Enforcement and associated budget ordinances.
• C-5: Public hearing date (Oct. 5, 2026) for closing a portion of South Spring Street.
• C-6: Abandonment and relocation of access easement on Tax PIN 6867-50-1123.
• C-7: Supplemental NCDOT funding ($2,086,722) for Silas Creek Parkway Sidewalk Project.
• C-9: Construction contract ($968,622.64) to Robbins Construction Group for Miller Park Improvements.
• C-10: Approval of additional sole source vendors for FY 2026-2027.
• C-11: Debt payment agreement ($42.70) with Mineral Springs Volunteer Fire Department.
• C-12: FY 2026-2027 budget ordinance amendments.
• C-13: Approval of city council minutes from August 17, 2026, June 22, 2026, and June 15, 2026.

Discussion Items

• C-4: Resolution rescinding $2,258,234 HOME-ARP funding allocation to Step Up America.
  • Shereka Floyd, Home Programs Manager, presented the item. The remaining budget after approved projects is $2,572,567; $2,258,234 was allocated to Step Up America and is being rescinded due to difficulty finding developers willing to partner for very low-income housing. Councilmember Adams asked about past uses of HOME-ARP funds (rental arrears, non-congregate shelter) and stressed the need for auditing compliance. The council voted unanimously to approve.
• C-8: Resolution amending WSTA Extreme Weather and Special Events Fare Policy.
  • Jeff Fansler presented the amendment to provide fare-free service the entire operational day when thresholds are met, simplifying communication and ensuring round-trip coverage. Current thresholds are 95°F (or 100°F heat index) for heat and wind chill at or below 20°F for cold. Councilmember Joiner noted that a heat index of 104°F occurred on a 93°F day and moved to amend the policy to define extreme heat as a heat index of 100°F or above, eliminating the 95°F threshold. Fansler supported the change. The motion passed unanimously.

General Agenda

• G-1: Demolition of 2608 Stockton Street (Southeast Ward). Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Council approved unanimously (8 aye).
• G-2: Demolition of 3005 Teresa Avenue (Northeast Ward). Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Councilmember Burke requested a list of all properties being considered for demolition with estimated costs. The motion passed 7-1 (Councilmember Joiner voted no).
• G-3: Demolition of 1511 Attucks Street (East Ward). Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Council approved unanimously (8 aye).
• G-4: Designating the Chatham Block as a Local Historic Landmark.
  • Michelle McCullough, Historic Resources Officer, presented. The designation covers exterior, interior, and site due to architectural significance (Harold Macland design) and commercial significance (businesses run by women, including Montaldo's). The Forsyth County Historic Resource Commission and State Historic Preservation Office recommended approval. A public hearing was held with no speakers. Council approved unanimously (8 aye).
• G-5: Ordinance amending Chapter 38 to allow state/federal wildlife officers to discharge rifles at Smith Reynolds Airport for deer and wild turkey elimination, extended through August 31, 2027. Council approved unanimously (8 aye).

Closed Session

• The council moved into closed session (N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(6)) to conduct the city manager's annual performance evaluation. Motion to enter passed 8 aye; motion to exit also passed 8 aye.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items except G-2 (7-1) passed with either 8 aye (unanimous) or, for G-2, 7 aye, 1 nay. Mayor Joines did not vote except on the consent agenda voice vote.
• Directive: Councilmember Burke requested that staff provide a detailed list of all properties under demolition consideration with estimated costs.
• Next Steps: The public hearing for closing South Spring Street is set for October 5, 2026. Microtransit pilot zones for WSTA are expected in January 2027. Council will receive the demolition property list at a future meeting.