Public Meetings - Winston Salem, North Carolina

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, with Mayor Allen Joines presiding. The meeting included a City Manager update, approval of a consent agenda (with one item pulled for discussion), and three informational updates on pre-K initiatives, federal advocacy, and housing. A closed session was held for legal and economic development matters, and the meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM. Council Member Robert C. Clark was absent. City Manager Update - City Manager Mr. Pate addressed recent news reports about the Fire Department, clarifying that staffing numbers have not been cut. He explained that the department reduced minimum staffing from 89 to 79 firefighters per shift to stay within the overtime budget (which was increased by $2.4 million this past year). In practice, the department has averaged 85 firefighters per shift, and on structure fires typically sends 29 personnel, exceeding the NFPA recommendation of 17. He noted that 75% of the overtime budget has been spent to date. - He announced that bulky item collection began on March 3 and runs through September 5, with postcards mailed to residents in advance. - The Business Inclusion and Advancement department will launch a small business plan contest on March 11, with two $5,000 grants for winners. - A virtual MWBE meeting on 2025 capital projects will be held March 4. - The sustainability department is promoting a "No Mow March" campaign to protect pollinators. - NCDOT will hold a public input meeting on the Long Ranch Trail extension on March 5. - Tom Kurecka, Chief Information Officer, was recognized as one of Government CIO Outlook's Top 10 City Government CIOs for 2024. Consent Calendar Items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote (Council Member Clark absent), with the exception of item C-4, which was pulled for discussion and later approved separately. - C-1: Approval of the February 17, 2025 Council Minutes. - C-2: Resolution approving the Winston-Salem Transit Authority's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan. - C-3: Ordinance establishing a school zone for Winston-Salem Christian School on Patterson Avenue. - C-5: Resolution authorizing a supplemental agreement with NCDOT for additional funding for sidewalk construction on Robinhood Road. - C-6: Resolution awarding the Robinhood Road sidewalk construction contract to Country Boy Landscaping, Inc. for $620,154.24. - C-7: Ordinance amending the project budget ordinance for FY2024-2025. - C-4 (discussed individually): Resolution awarding a contract for parking lot resurfacing at 14 city parks to Ruston Paving Company, Inc. for $1,617,281. William Royston, Director of Recreation and Parks, explained that the lots selected are in the worst condition and prioritized based on safety, accessibility, and internal circulation. The motion to approve carried unanimously. Discussion Items G-1: Update on Smart Start of Forsyth County Pre-K Initiatives Dr. Louis Finney (President/CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth County) and Dr. Tatia Prieto (President of Prismatic Services, Inc.) presented on the ARPA-funded pre-K initiative. Key points: - The city contributed $350,000 in ARPA funds in 2023 and an additional $175,000 in fall 2024. - One in five families in Forsyth County has access to affordable child care; families spend 25–30% of income on care. - Smart Start works with 90 licensed child care centers, serving 13,000–16,000 children daily. - Dr. Prieto presented evaluation data: teacher retention in ARPA classrooms was 100% halfway through year two (vs. four resignations in year one). In year one, 40% of classrooms achieved high scores on CLASS assessments; 39% of students were at or above average in literacy and 65% in math. - The initiative faces sustainability challenges as ARPA is one-time funding. Dr. Finney noted the state goal of 70% of counties meeting NC Pre-K funded slots; Forsyth County is at 27%. He discussed efforts to partner with businesses, foundations, and the county to secure ongoing funding. - Council members asked about the drop in participants from 352 to 250 at mid-year (explained as mid-year snapshot vs. full year) and the comparison of ARPA vs. non-ARPA classrooms. Dr. Finney stressed the low wages ($11–$13/hour) and lack of benefits in private child care, and that the initiative focused on salary supplements and retention bonuses. G-2: Update on National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional Visit Kyle Leopard of Strategics Consulting LLC presented the agenda for the NLC Congressional Visit scheduled for March 9–12, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Key points: - Hill Advocacy Day on March 11 will include meetings with the North Carolina Governor's Washington Office, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, and new U.S. Representatives Pat Harrigan (10th District) and Addison McDowell (6th District). - The city's 2025 Federal Action Plan will be presented, highlighting priorities in affordable housing, workforce development, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. - He noted that the city was awarded six grants in 2024; two grants (a $4.5 million low-no bus grant and a Safe Streets Planning Grant) are still under pending agreements and will be raised with congressional offices amid federal funding uncertainties. - A request will be made for the new House members to visit Winston-Salem. G-3: Update on Triad Housing Summit and Affordable Housing Process Samuel Hunter, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services, provided updates: - The Piedmont Triad Regional Housing Summit was held on February 27 (the prior Thursday) at the Benton Convention Center, attended by 260–280 people. - Keynote speaker Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research presented a housing assessment for the region, including vacancy rates and strategies to increase affordable housing stock. - Tyler Mulligan from UNC School of Government defined affordable housing, promoted low-income housing tax credits, and encouraged use of city-owned land. - Panels included local elected officials (Mayor Pro Tempore Adams) and cross-sector collaboration. - Regarding the city's affordable housing development process: The request for proposals opened December 10, 2024, and closed January 24, 2025. A total of 50 proposals were submitted; 27 were deemed responsible and responsive. Four of the developers are based in Winston-Salem. - An internal review committee scored the proposals, and the Affordable Housing Coalition conducted a qualitative review on February 28. Next steps: staff will present to council on April 14 (committee) and for final action on May 5, aligning with the NCHFA tax credit application deadline. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved (7-0, with C-4 removed). - C-4 (Parking Lot Resurfacing) approved unanimously. - Closed Session: A motion was made by Council Member Taylor to enter closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1) and (a)(4) to discuss privileged information and business location/expansion. The motion carried 7-0. The closed session ended, and the meeting adjourned. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM by unanimous vote.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber at 101 North Main Street. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen Joines with all nine council members present. The meeting included a city manager update, consent agenda, two public hearings on zoning petitions, a public comment period with 13 speakers, a closed session to discuss opioid litigation, and adjournment at 7:41 PM. City Manager Update City Manager Pat Pate provided updates on several items: Stephanie Pace Brown of Visit Winston-Salem reported on the successful NASCAR Clash event held at Bowman Gray Stadium, noting tens of thousands of promotional items distributed, 2,200 contest entries, and nearly 2,000 prizes given away. The city is considering an economic impact study. Other updates included: completion of leaf collection, lifeguard hiring for summer, sustainability awards nominations (deadline Feb 24), City Link restoration, No-Mow March campaign, a housing summit on Feb 27, a public input meeting for the Long Branch Trail extension on March 5, recognition of fairground staff certifications, and a winter weather briefing (2-4 inches of snow expected Wednesday). Mr. Pate also clarified misinformation about a prison labor program for litter pickup, stating no contract is in place and any such program would require council direction. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved with a motion by Council Member Clark, seconded by Council Member Scippio, with 8 ayes. Items included: - Approval of the summary of minutes from February 3, 2025 (C-1) - Appointment of David M. Myers to the Affordable Housing Coalition (C-3) - Appointments of Sarah E. Blanton and Cynthia L. Thompson to the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee (C-4) - Appointment of Kristie M. Campbell to the Community Sustainability Program Committee (C-5) - Appointment of Jamestris G. Watson to the Human Relations Commission (C-6) - Appointment of Annette D. Hayes to the Urban Food Policy Council (C-7) - Appointment of Natasha Smith to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (C-8) Item C-2 (Resolution Authorizing the CY 2025 Federal Action Plan) was pulled from the consent agenda and considered separately. After a presentation by Dr. Shaylene Miller, the resolution was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Thirteen citizens spoke during the public comment period. Key positions and topics included: - Doris Extrom (4533 June Avenue) questioned the qualifications of several mayoral appointees to boards and commissions, suggesting they were not properly vetted. - Aurora Dixon (4205 Rosa Street) urged the council to adopt an ordinance restricting the advertisement of tobacco, alcohol, and vape products on business windows, citing youth exposure and public health. - Contessa Smith (3712 Foxton Drive) criticized Police Chief Penn for negligence and lack of service in the Northeast Ward, claiming a firearm incident was ignored. - JoAnn Allen (P.O. Box 284) spoke about historical contributions of Curtis E. Dixon and called for some council members to step down, stating they represent the people, not the mayor. - L.M. Burch (2324 Dunbar Street) reported being shot multiple times, alleging her case was closed prematurely and that bullets were recently dropped near her home, with inadequate police response. - Gwendolyn Hay (625 West 6th Street, Crystal Towers resident) reported plumbing problems, lack of painting, and a resident found dead in the building, asking for help from the city. - Dan Rose (1332 Pleasant Street) presented a petition with 106 signatures from Crystal Towers residents, citing sewage backups, mold, expired fire extinguishers, and retaliation by management. He also expressed solidarity against prison labor. - Michael Douglas (625 West 6th Street, Crystal Towers tenant council president) demanded justice for a resident who died in a fire, claiming no fire extinguishers were available, and called for Kevin Cheshire to step down. - Olivia Doyle (12 West Devonshire Street) requested resolution of plumbing issues at Crystal Towers, opposed prison labor for litter cleanup unless pay grades are publicized, and asked for a speed limit reduction on Peters Creek near Parkland High School due to pedestrian safety concerns. - Justin Cashel (1027 Nancy Lane, city employee) opposed a proposed prison labor program for litter pickup, stating it would pay incarcerated individuals only a dollar a day, undermine current workers, and pose safety risks. He said employees were told to sign consent or face discipline. - Caroline Warren (2330 Leight Street) supported work release but opposed the dollar-a-day plan, calling it modern slavery. She urged the city to communicate with state legislators to change the law. - Dr. Arnita Miles (5048 Wrangler Drive) highlighted the growing homeless population and requested additional staff for the city's homeless outreach coordinator, noting the current ratio of one coordinator to over 1,000 homeless individuals. - Tariq Bligen (3694 Tech Avenue) presented the "Camp Creek One Acre at a Time Project," a comprehensive initiative to provide housing, education, employment, and rehabilitation for underprivileged youth and adults, aligning with city goals. Discussion Items G-1: Zoning Petition of Sedge Garden Baptist Church, Inc. (W-3640) – A public hearing was held for a rezoning from RS9 to IP on 2.11 acres at the northwest intersection of Linville Road and Kernersville Road (East Ward). Chris Murphy, Planning Director, presented the staff report, noting the area is under construction for the beltway and the zoning is consistent with the area plan. One citizen, Doris Extrom, asked questions about the petition but did not oppose. The Planning Board had recommended approval unanimously. Council Member Scippio moved to approve the statement of consistency and the petition, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams. The motion passed 8-0. G-2: Zoning Petition of Jemsite Development, LLC (W-3641) – A public hearing was held for a rezoning from GB-S to GB-S to add the use of motor vehicle body and paint shop on a 3.25-acre site at the south side of Fairlawn Drive (North Ward). The applicant, represented by Luke Dickey, presented plans for a Caliber Collision facility, including enhanced screening with brick walls and opaque gates. Bradley Friesen, attorney for Crown Partners (owner of nearby Crown Park Apartments), opposed the petition, citing concerns about high-intensity use, traffic from tow trucks, and industrial creep. He noted that the auto body use was excluded when the property was rezoned nine years ago. The applicant offered to discuss additional conditions. After the public hearing, Council Member Adams moved to continue the item to the March 17, 2025 council meeting to allow further discussion. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ford Hall and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (8-0) including all routine items except C-2 which was pulled. - Resolution Authorizing CY 2025 Federal Action Plan (C-2) – Approved unanimously. - Zoning Petition W-3640 (Sedge Garden Baptist Church) – Approved 8-0. - Zoning Petition W-3641 (Jemsite Development) – Continued to March 17, 2025, by unanimous vote. - Closed Session – Council entered closed session under G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1) and (3) to discuss the National Prescription Opioid Litigation. The session was ended and the meeting adjourned.

The Public Works Committee of the City of Winston-Salem met on February 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to consider a consent agenda and three general agenda items. The meeting was chaired by Council Member Barbara Hanes Burke and included Vice Chair Scott Andree-Bowen, Council Member Robert Clark, Council Member James Taylor Jr., and additional attendee Council Member A. Scippio. The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m. Consent Calendar - C-1: Resolution Approving the City of Winston-Salem Transit Authority's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan – Approved unanimously via consent vote. Referred to City Council on March 3, 2025. Discussion Items - G-1: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities Update – Courtney Driver, Director of Utilities, presented an update covering four topics: - Regulatory: New EPA maximum contaminant levels for PFAS ("forever chemicals") announced April 10, 2024. Source water levels are below the limits, and no issues are anticipated. The utility is monitoring industrial users and upstream sources. - Lead and Copper Rule: A public-facing inventory of service line materials is available at cityofws.org/pipes. Completed 400 vacuum excavations on homes built before 1988; 3,194 connections remain unknown. A replacement program is being developed with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (a $2 million grant received, with a $5 million grant application pending). The utility cannot force private property replacements but will fund them and notify owners annually if lead is found. - Cyber Event: No impact on water/wastewater treatment controls. Manual processes for work orders, move-ins, permits, and payments were implemented. Online payments resumed as of February 10, 2025. Billing expected to resume next week; no late fees or disconnections during the recovery period. Meters remain accurate; automated meter reads were unaffected. - Winter Weather: 80 water main breaks occurred in January 2025, triple the number from the previous year due to frost loading and ground shifting. Crews documented breaks manually. Questions were raised about leak detection and pipe materials (ductile iron is standard; pipe ages range from 1950s to present). - Haynes Mill Landfill: Construction of a mechanically stabilized earth berm (12–18 months) will increase capacity by 23%, adding roughly seven years. Cells 6 and 7 are planned; remaining capacity is projected to last until 2043, but a decision on additional space is needed by 2035 due to permitting timelines (10+ years). A master planning process has begun; city council involvement will be needed for rezoning. - This item was for information only. - G-2: Winston-Salem Transit Authority Update – Jeff Fansler (Director of Transportation) introduced new provider RATP Dev, represented by General Manager Bruce Adams and Assistant Director Kelly Garvin. - Transition: RATP Dev assumed operations on August 1, 2025, retaining 194 of 210 employees (92%). Evening service on 13 routes was restored November 11, 2025. - Technology: New AVL (live bus tracking), Echolane scheduling software for paratransit (TransAid), Zonar vehicle maintenance tracking, and DriveCam driver behavior cameras were implemented. - Ridership: Fixed-route ridership increased 7% from calendar year 2023 to 2024. TransAid ridership declined 4% due to better capacity management to improve on-time performance. Evening service expansion saw an 11% increase. A marketing campaign is planned to boost ridership. - Fleet: Pursuing grants for bus replacements (Low/No grant, MPO funding). New smaller ADA-compliant vehicles are being considered. - Future: Yumo mobile app for trip planning and fare payment is under contract negotiation (target March 2025). Service changes (removal of routes 90, 100, 110) expected by end of March 2025. New signage being installed. - Council Member Scippio clarified that WSTA employees are not city employees. TransAid serves elderly and disabled; riders should book trips up to 7 days in advance. Service to Currituck VA hospital is available. - This item was for information only. - G-3: Ordinance Amending Section 42-124 – School Zone for Winston-Salem Christian School – Jeff Fansler presented a request to establish a 25 mph school zone on Patterson Avenue between Burnham Drive and Perimeter Point Boulevard during school hours. The school (formerly Woodland Christian) met traffic and population thresholds. The designation will allow additional safety improvements on adjacent Frampton Street. The item was approved unanimously (motion by Council Member Clark, second by Council Member Andree-Bowen). Referred to City Council on March 3, 2025. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (including the Transit Safety Plan resolution) was approved unanimously. - The school zone ordinance for Winston-Salem Christian School was approved unanimously and referred to City Council. - The Utilities and Transit Authority updates were received as information; no votes were taken. - The committee acknowledged the need for future landfill capacity decisions, with a master planning process underway and city council involvement required for rezoning.

Date: February 11, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM Location: 101 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC Committee Members Present: Council Member Robert C. Clark (Chair), Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams (Vice Chair), Council Member Annette Scippio, Council Member James Taylor Jr. Other Attendees: Council Members B. Burke, V. Joiner, S. Andree-Bowen The Finance Committee met to review consent agenda items, discuss a proposed City Sponsorship Policy, and enter closed session. All consent items were approved unanimously and will be referred to the City Council on March 3, 2025. The sponsorship policy was held for further refinement and will return to the committee on April 15, 2025. Consent Agenda - C-1: Parking Lot Resurfacing at 14 City Parks – Award to Ruston Paving Company, Inc. ($1,617,281) Mayor Pro Tempore Adams asked staff to verify the ward designation for Old Town Park on Exhibit A (she believed it should be Northwest Ward, not North Ward). Staff will correct if needed. The contract was awarded unanimously. - C-2: Supplemental Agreement with NCDOT for Robinhood Road Sidewalk (West Ward) Authorized additional funding from NCDOT. Approved unanimously. - C-3: Construction Contract for Robinhood Road Sidewalk – Award to Country Boy Landscaping, Inc. ($620,154.24) Approved unanimously. - C-4: Ordinance Amending the Project Budget Ordinance for FY 2024-2025 Approved unanimously. All consent items recommended to City Council for approval on March 3, 2025. Discussion Items - G-1: Resolution Establishing a City Sponsorship Policy Presented by Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe as an information item. The policy aims to govern how the city supports local festivals, events, and community projects through financial or in-kind sponsorships. Key elements include: - Defining "approved sponsorships" (those listed in the annual budget) and "departmental sponsorships" (requiring city manager approval). - Requiring that expenditures meet the public purpose test under NC General Statute 168-209C and the state constitution. - Creating an application process requiring submissions at least 30 days before the event (discussed as possibly too short; may need to align with the 45-day special event permit process). - Restricting sponsorships to governmental entities or nonprofits with at least one year of operating history; exceptions for religious groups providing secular public services (e.g., soup kitchens) were discussed. - Adding controls to prevent duplicate requests to multiple departments. - Proposing that unapproved sponsorships would require repayment by the city official or employee. Council discussions raised several concerns: - Mayor Pro Tempore Adams expressed concern about the 30-day submission window, noting that police and other departments need more lead time for permitting; she also emphasized that smaller nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status should not be excluded unfairly. - Council Member Scippio questioned how new or small organizations would get on the approved list, whether past recipients automatically remain, and whether there is a dollar threshold for council approval. She suggested the process should allow at least six months of lead time. - Council Member Clark highlighted the need to distinguish between small donations (e.g., $500 program ads) and significant commitments (e.g., major events requiring police support). He stressed the importance of not breaking public purpose laws and ensuring equitable treatment. - Mayor Pro Tempore Adams called for a matrix to clarify funding levels and audience impact, and for a policy that ensures equitable access for all nonprofits, referencing historical inequities in city funding. The committee held the item for further refinement and plans to bring back a revised policy in April. Closed Session - The committee unanimously approved a motion to enter closed session under N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss financial considerations, location, and/or expansion of a spec building within the city limits. The closed session ended, and the meeting adjourned at 5:15 PM. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (C-1 through C-4) approved unanimously and referred to City Council on March 3, 2025. - Sponsorship policy (G-1) held in committee; will return to the Finance Committee on April 15, 2025, with revisions based on council feedback. - Staff to correct ward designation for Old Town Park on Exhibit A if necessary. - Closed session authorized for discussion of a spec building; no votes taken.

The Public Safety Committee of the City of Winston-Salem met on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Chair Annette Scippio called the meeting to order. Present: Council Members Annette Scippio, Vivián V. Joiner, and Scott Andree-Bowen. Absent: Council Member Regina Ford Hall. Also in attendance: Council Member R. Clark. The agenda included a police grant award, the 2024 citywide crime review, and the 2024 fire department annual report. The meeting adjourned at 2:39 PM. Consent Calendar - None. Discussion Items - G1: Information on Police Department Grant Award from Firehouse Subs Foundation for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) - Chief of Police William H. Penn, Jr. reported that the police department received a grant of $12,560 from the Firehouse Subs Foundation, which will be reimbursed after purchase. The grant will fund eight AEDs for police department facilities. Council members asked clarifying questions; the item was for information only and no vote was required. - G2: 2024 Citywide Crime Review - Chief Penn presented a PowerPoint overview of crime statistics comparing 2024 to 2023. Violent crime decreased: homicides down 32%, robberies down 8.6%, and aggravated assaults, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts also declined. Total crime was down 10% year-over-year. The homicide clearance rate was 85%, compared to the state average of 45% and national average of 57%. The police department had a net gain of 23 sworn officers in 2024, after net losses in previous years. Chief Penn attributed the reductions to targeted enforcement, community cooperation, and partnerships. He noted the department remains about 88 sworn officers below full strength. Council members asked about the Cure Violence program and other challenges. No action was taken. - G3: 2024 Winston-Salem Fire Department Annual Report - Fire Chief Trey Mayo presented highlights from the annual report. Key points: The Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team (BEAR) is now fully staffed at 11, the only team in the state providing 24/7/365 behavioral health services. The fire and life safety branch now has an assistant fire marshal on each shift, improving response times. Station 3 on Liberty Street, a 2018 bond project delayed by COVID, opened in July 2024. Two new pumpers arrived, but apparatus lead times remain 24–30 months. A "Q cutter" traffic signal was installed at Station 10 to help apparatus exit safely. Total responses increased 33% over pre-COVID levels, with approximately 58,000 emergency responses annually. The department achieved accredited agency status from the Center for Public Safety Excellence in August 2024, joining only 311 accredited fire departments worldwide. Four staff graduated from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program. Chief Mayo noted that unattended cooking is the leading cause of building fires, and improperly discarded smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths. Council members asked about maintenance, station call volume variation, and training hours. The report was received as information only. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; all items were presented as information only. - The committee received the police grant notification and both annual reports. - A motion to adjourn was made by Council Member Joiner, seconded by Council Member Andree-Bowen, and carried unanimously.

The Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee of the City of Winston-Salem met on February 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM, adjourning at 4:26 PM. Chair Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams presided. Present: Mayor Pro Tempore Adams, Council Member Vivián V. Joiner, Council Member Barbara Hanes Burke. Absent: Council Member Regina Ford Hall. Also attending: Council Member A. Scippio and Council Member S. Andree-Bowen. The sole agenda item was a resolution authorizing the CY 2025 Federal Action Plan for the City of Winston-Salem. The committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution and refer it to the full City Council on February 17, 2025. Additional discussion included updates on grant status, the upcoming National League of Cities trip to Washington, D.C., and a forthcoming housing rehabilitation initiative. Discussion Items - Resolution Authorizing the CY 2025 Federal Action Plan for the City of Winston-Salem (Item G-1): - Dr. Miller, Director of Sustainability, and Leslie Mozingo, Owner/CEO of Strategics Consulting, LLC, presented the plan. Dr. Miller explained that the federal action plan reflects the city's needs for local-federal partnership support, with priorities including affordable housing, workforce training, job creation, transportation (roads, bridges, greenways, commuter passenger rail, support for Winston-Salem Transit Authority), police (COPS grants, Byrne JAG grants), fire department (requesting more low/no-cost matching and longer notice periods), and quality of life (arts, parks, health, environment, equity). The plan also requests that no unfunded mandates be imposed on local government. - Leslie Mozingo highlighted that the plan is shared with the congressional delegation to ensure awareness of priorities, and it remains flexible to address emerging issues (citing COVID as an example). She noted that Winston-Salem has been above average in both application and award rates compared to other cities of similar size, based on proactive pursuit of grants. - Council Member Scipio asked whether the city’s grant application effort compares favorably to peers. Ms. Mozingo responded that Winston-Salem is above average, but cautioned that applications must be competitive and properly aligned with available grants. - Mayor Pro Tempore Adams emphasized the importance of meeting with new congressional representatives in person or via video, and requested an updated schedule for the upcoming NLC trip (planned in three to four weeks). Ms. Mozingo confirmed that outreach to local congressional offices for district visits had begun. - The committee discussed the need to monitor federal changes closely. Mayor Pro Tempore Adams noted that smaller cities depend on NLC and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, and appreciated having a direct federal advocate. - Housing Program Update: - The city manager indicated that several previously approved house rehabs are nearing completion and will soon be put on the market for homeowners. He reported strong interest in the recent housing application process (which closed the previous Friday), with internal staff reviewing applications. A full report including scoring criteria and funding recommendations will be brought to the committee at a future meeting. The city manager also noted that single-family housing component will be rolled out sooner than the LITEC component. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the CY 2025 Federal Action Plan (voice vote). The resolution is referred to the City Council on February 17, 2025. - Staff will provide a detailed housing application update at the next committee meeting after the internal review is complete. - The city will continue to prepare for the National League of Cities conference, including a briefing session for council members prior to the trip.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 101 North Main Street. Mayor Allen Joines called the meeting to order with all nine council members present. The meeting included a consent agenda with ten items and three general agenda items: a property revaluation presentation, adoption of a city council code of conduct, and consideration of a state grant for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash event. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (8-0): Ten items were approved without discussion, including: - Approval of Committee of the Whole and City Council minutes from January 21, 2025. - Resolution supporting Winston-Salem Transit Authority's FY25 Bus Facilities and Low Emission Grant Application. - Resolution recognizing intradepartmental collaboration to facilitate natural areas in city parks. - Resolution authorizing amendment of the interlocal agreement with Lewisville, NC for zoning enforcement. - Resolution extending time for Wynnefield Properties to close on the Lofts at Motor Road affordable housing development. - Resolution to enter on-call agreements for construction engineering and inspection services. - Resolution declaring city-owned equipment surplus for auction. - Ordinance amending the FY2024-25 budget. - Ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 2 (Administration). Discussion Items - G-1: 2025 Property Revaluation Presentation – John Burgiss, Forsyth County Tax Assessor and Collector, presented the 2025 countywide reappraisal. Key points: - Forsyth County reappraises every four years; the 2025 reappraisal brings all property to 100% of fair market value to ensure fairness. - There are 165,000 parcels in Forsyth County, approximately 98,000 within Winston-Salem. - Over the last four years, 30,600 qualified sales were analyzed; assessment levels for residential properties were as low as 63% of market value before adjustment. - The reassessment increased values significantly: 61,000 Winston-Salem properties saw increases of 40% to 100%, and some areas (e.g., condominiums) experienced up to 300% increases. - Approximately 3,000 value-pending notices will be issued for properties requiring further review. - Notices were mailed February 1; informal appeals due within 30 days; formal appeals deadline is last business day in June. - Tax relief programs for seniors (age 65+, income under $37,900) and disabled veterans were outlined. The most common senior exemption reduces taxable value by up to 50%. - A new online Tax Property Portal was launched for easier access to assessment data and appeals. - G-2: Resolution Approving Code of Conduct for the City Council – City Manager William Pate introduced the code, resulting from strategic planning sessions. Councilmember Barbara Hanes Burke opposed, arguing the code is redundant (state law and ethics training already apply), not legally binding, and unenforceable; she cited an October 2024 incident where a council member's conduct was legally defended using city funds, creating inconsistency. Councilmember Robert C. Clark supported the code, stating it sets a personal standard for respectful, professional discourse. The resolution passed 6-2, with Burke and Councilmember James Taylor Jr. dissenting. - G-3: Consideration of Items Related to North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund – Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe explained the state-established grant program for large-scale events. The city co-applied with NASCAR for the Cook Out Clash held at Bowman Gray Stadium. The state awarded a grant covering 80% of qualifying expenses up to $2 million, with no local match required. The city’s role is to verify expenses and provide reporting. Council ratified execution of the grant agreement and approved a budget amendment to appropriate the maximum $2 million for pass-through to NASCAR. The motion passed unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously (8-0). - Code of Conduct approved 6-2 (Burke and Taylor opposed). - NASCAR Major Events Fund Grant approved unanimously (8-0). - City Manager Update highlighted: successful strategic planning workshops; upcoming Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Walk of Fame nominations (due Feb 28); Black History Month events (Feb 5, 13, 20); Community Roots Day tree planting (Feb 22); and a Housing Summit (Feb 27). Ben Rowe reported the Cook Out Clash weekend was a sell-out both days, with no complaints received; all city departments contributed to event support. Economic impact data is pending. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen Joines with all nine council members present. The agenda included honorariums, a consent agenda, seven general agenda items (annexations, zoning changes, and Unified Development Ordinance amendments), and a public comment period with 12 speakers. All votes were unanimous (8-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the summary of minutes from January 6, 2025. - Renewed Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for four companies: Carolina Custom Transportation (two limousines), Express Cab Company (five taxicabs), Hook and Ladder Entertainment, LLC (one trolley pub), and Safe Ride Transportation (eight taxicabs). - Issued a new Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to HyLyfe, LLC for one trolley pub. Public Comments & Testimony - Quamekia Shavers (3850 Heather View Lane): Requested a resolution instructing the city manager to disclose disciplinary actions involving Police Chief William Penn Jr., citing personnel policies and alleging abuse of power. - Carol Hoover (515 Archer Road), Chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Active Mobility Advisory Committee: Presented three recommendations for the 2025 strategic plan – increase maintenance budget for sidewalks/trails/bike lanes, increase funding for transit safety improvements, and expand staffing for a livable streets coordinator and greenway program coordinator. - Meaquan Evans (990 East 2nd Street), member of Housing Justice Now and Crystal Towers United: Urged the city to fulfill a three-year-old promise of $10 million in funding for repairs at Crystal Towers, citing plumbing issues, mold, and health hazards. - Samuel Grier (625 West 6th Street), Crystal Towers resident: Described poor living conditions, including mold and plumbing problems, and felt targeted by false charges. - Rhonda Robinson (625 West 6th Street), Crystal Towers resident: Reported ongoing plumbing issues and mold since moving in two years ago, leading to frequent ambulance calls. - Gwendolyn Hay (625 West 6th Street) and Dan Rose (1332 Pleasant Street): Hay yielded time to Rose, who noted a 2017 needs assessment showing $7 million in needed repairs, now estimated at $10 million, and urged the city to provide funding and oversight. - Matthew Mayers (2844 Wesleyan Lane): Encouraged the council to prioritize sustainability in strategic planning, increase funding for the sustainability director, and consider zoning reforms to address housing affordability. - Olivia Doyle (112 West Devonshire Street): Requested immediate short-term pedestrian safety measures at Parkland High School (crossing guard, school zone markings, full stop crosswalk) and encouraged the city to hold commercial businesses accountable for student safety. - Miranda Jones (405 Corona Street), educator at Parkland High: Called for an oversight committee for the police department, urged the council to respond to emails, and supported pedestrian safety improvements for students. - Cynthia Herston (1200 Willie Davis Drive): Complained about an $85 parking ticket from a private company based in Florida, asked the city to keep parking revenue local, and urged better communication from city officials. - Abigail Lightfoot (2129 Storm Canyon Road): Supported short-term pedestrian safety solutions at Parkland High School and also advocated for fixing plumbing at Crystal Towers. - Sharri Williams (1900 Queen Street): Reported issues with bus operators denying transfers after paying fare, requested a marketing campaign to educate riders about transfer policy, and called for attention to Crystal Towers. Discussion Items - City Manager Update: William Pate introduced Jeff Fansler, Director of Transportation, who reported on pedestrian improvements along Brewer Road near Parkland High School. Funded sidewalk projects (BL-0018, BL-1916, and an unfunded project on Peters Creek Parkway) were discussed. A targeted traffic signal improvement project, funded by the city’s traffic safety budget, is expected to be completed by August 2025. Pate also announced: community agency funding applications due January 31, 2025; a housing summit on February 27, 2025; the point-in-time count of unhoused persons on January 29, 2025; the city ranked 6 most affordable place to retire; and an update on the cyber event – City Link phone services restored and systems being rebuilt. - Honorarium: Resolution honoring the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Young Dreamers Award recipients, Reverend Angelica Regalado-Cieza and Sergeant James Singletary, was approved unanimously. - G-1 and G-2 – Voluntary Annexations: Mount Hope Estates (26.966 acres) and Kershaw Commons (17.14 acres) were approved after public hearings with no speakers. - G-3 – Zoning Petition (W-3636): Site plan amendment for an outparcel at the AMC Theater property (Hanes Mall Boulevard and Kester Mill Road) to allow retail/restaurant with drive-through, approved unanimously. - G-4 and G-5 – Zoning Petitions (W-3638 and W-3639): Rezoning of two parcels (Mount Hope Drive and Rink Road) from County RS-9 to City RS-9, approved unanimously. (Note: Councilmember Taylor initially misspoke the motion for G-4, but corrected for the record.) - G-6 – UDO Amendment (UDO-CC28): Amendment to Chapter 4 to standardize minimum lot size for single-family uses in multifamily districts to 5,000 square feet, approved unanimously. - G-7 – UDO Amendment (UDO-CC29): Technical corrections to align Historic Resources Commission language with NC General Statutes, approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes on the consent agenda and general agenda items were unanimous (8-0). - The council directed staff to continue work on pedestrian safety improvements at Parkland High School, with a target completion of August 2025. - The city manager’s office will follow up on public comments regarding Crystal Towers, police oversight, bus transfers, and parking enforcement. - Councilmember Regina Ford Hall offered to meet with Crystal Towers residents after the meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.

The Committee of the Whole of the Winston-Salem City Council met on January 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. Mayor Allen Joines presided. Eight members were present initially; Council Member Barbara Hanes Burke joined later. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a resolution for an affordable housing project extension, a food resilience report, a resolution on natural areas in parks, an ordinance amending administration policies, and a proposed sponsorship policy. The meeting adjourned at 3:57 PM (note: minutes state 3:57 PM, which is before the 4:00 PM start time; likely a typo). Consent Calendar - Items C-1 through C-5, C-7 through C-10 were approved unanimously without discussion. These included: - Approval of minutes from various committees (Public Safety, Community Development/Housing/General Government, Public Works, Finance). - Resolution supporting Winston-Salem Transit Authority's FY25 Bus Facilities and Low Emission Grant Application. - Resolution to enter on-call agreements for construction engineering and inspection services. - Resolution declaring city-owned equipment surplus and authorizing sale by public auction. - Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the interlocal agreement with Lewisville for zoning enforcement. - Ordinance amending the FY 2024-25 budget ordinances. - Item C-6 was removed from the consent agenda for individual discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - C-6: Resolution Extending Time for Wynnefield Properties to Close on Purchase of Real Property for The Lofts at Motor Road (Affordable Housing) – Shantell McClam, Director of Neighborhood Services, explained that the developer requested an extension due to receiving a LITEC award and a project-based voucher award from the housing authority, which will increase the number of affordable units. The motion to approve and refer to the full City Council on February 3, 2025, passed unanimously. - G-1: 2025 Food Resilience Planning Report (Informational) – Dr. Shaylene Miller, Director of Sustainability, presented the report. Key statistics: Over 55,000 food insecure individuals in Forsyth County; Second Harvest Food Bank served 41,000 individuals, 37% under 18, 12% over 60, and for the first time the Hispanic/Latino population was the largest served at 43%. Highest serving zip codes were 27105 and 27107. Seven of eight city wards contain a food desert. The report included 303 resident surveys, four in-person meetings, and stakeholder engagement. Themes included access to groceries, public transportation barriers, and education on resources. Proposed strategies: funding, planning/zoning, transportation, education, and partnerships. Council members expressed support and noted the need to address cultural differences, transit limitations, and urban agriculture. - G-2: Resolution Recognizing Intradepartmental Collaboration to Facilitate Natural Areas in City Parks – Dr. Miller and Leah Friend (Recreation and Parks) presented. The resolution formalizes the city’s commitment to preserving natural areas in parks, creating management plans, and expanding grant opportunities. It was supported by Forsyth Audubon, the Parks Commission, and the Sustainability Committee. Council members praised the initiative and discussed concerns about pesticide use and edible landscaping. The resolution was approved unanimously and referred to the full City Council on February 3, 2025. - G-3: Ordinance Amending Article IV of Chapter 2 (Administration) – City Manager William Pate explained this ordinance addresses residency requirements for the city attorney and city manager. The discussion focused on whether to align these requirements with those for other senior managers. Council members noted the need for congruency. The item was moved to the February 2, 2025, council meeting for further action. - G-4: Information Regarding a Proposed City Sponsorship Policy – Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented a draft policy to provide guidelines for city sponsorships. Key elements: must meet a public purpose test, align with city goals, exclude political or religious events, and require council approval for non-budgeted sponsorships. The policy would create an approved list of sponsorships as part of the annual budget. Council members raised questions about funding for new organizations, transparency, and community engagement. The item will return for formal action at a later date. City Manager’s Update - City Manager Pate reminded council of upcoming events: Commit to Civility program (Jan 22), Legislative Breakfast (Jan 24, 8:30 AM), city facilities tour, and a strategic planning session on Jan 29-30 facilitated by Ralph Tells. He also noted that a code of conduct and rules of procedures are being developed for council. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (except C-6) approved unanimously. - C-6 approved and referred to City Council on 2/3/2025. - G-2 approved unanimously and referred to City Council on 2/3/2025. - G-3 moved to the February 2, 2025, City Council meeting for action. - G-4 received as information; staff will bring back a revised policy for action. - Adjournment at 3:57 PM (motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Adams, seconded by Council Member Joiner, unanimous).