Public Meetings - Winston Salem, North Carolina

The Finance Committee of the City of Winston-Salem met on October 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM and adjourned at 4:19 PM. The committee reviewed a consent agenda and two general agenda items. All items were approved unanimously and referred to the City Council for further action. Consent Calendar - C-1: Resolution authorizing an increase in the primary lender’s deed of trust on a loan to Front Street Capital for construction of a speculative industrial building at Union Cross Industrial Center. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - C-2: Resolution authorizing an increase in the federal procurement policy micro-purchase threshold. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - C-4: Resolution awarding a purchase order for four fire trucks to Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. for $5,257,020. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 10/21/2024. - C-6: Resolution authorizing additional cash flow payments for ARPA-enabled transformational grant recipients. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - C-7: Resolution and ordinance related to the Main and Liberty Streets two-way conversion, awarding a construction contract to Sharpe Brothers, a division of Vecellio & Grogan, Inc., for $5,417,448.12 and amending the project budget. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - C-8: Resolution and ordinance accepting a 2023 Historic Preservation Fund Semiquincentennial grant of $505,360 for rehabilitation of the Potter's House at Historic Bethabara Park and amending the project budget. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - C-9: Ordinance amending the annual appropriation and tax levy and project budget for FY 2024-2025. Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. Discussion Items - C-3: Resolution awarding a purchase order for two side-loading refuse trucks to Carolina Environmental Systems, Inc. for $813,770. Council Member Clark pulled this item from the consent agenda to comment on the significant price increase—noting that similar trucks cost approximately $250,000 eight to ten years ago, a near doubling. He stated this was an example of why taxes have increased. The committee approved the item unanimously, and it was referred to City Council on 10/21/2024. - G-1: Resolution authorizing the purchase of 6.14 acres of property at Long Creek Park along Bethania-Tobaccoville Road (North Ward) for $16,550 from the Conservation Fund. William Royston, Director of Recreation and Parks, presented. The property was purchased by the Conservation Fund in December 2023 for $33,100 and sold to the city at half price. It will be used for passive recreation and to eventually connect to Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Council members expressed support, noting the addition brings the park to approximately 164 acres and is a good investment for the growing area. The motion carried unanimously; referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - G-2: Resolution authorizing an agreement with NASCAR to pass through state Motorsports Assistance Grant funds (balance of $56,000) for improvements to Bowman Gray Stadium. Ben Rowe, Assistant City Manager, explained that the city originally received $530,000 in state ARPA funds for motorsports assistance. After initial improvements, the balance will be passed to NASCAR (which acquired Winston-Salem Speedway Inc.) to upgrade stadium lighting to LED for high-definition broadcasting, benefiting weekly racing, the upcoming NASCAR Clash (February 2025), and Winston-Salem State University football. Council members expressed strong support, noting the economic and tourism benefits. Discussion included coordination with neighbors on traffic and parking. The motion carried unanimously; referred to City Council on 10/21/2024. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (C-1, C-2, C-4, C-6, C-7, C-8, C-9) were approved and referred to City Council on the dates noted. - Item C-3 (refuse trucks) was approved unanimously and referred to City Council on 10/21/2024. - Item G-1 (Long Creek Park land purchase) was approved unanimously and referred to City Council on 11/04/2024. - Item G-2 (NASCAR grant pass-through) was approved unanimously and referred to City Council on 10/21/2024.

The Winston-Salem Public Safety Committee met on October 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The committee approved three consent agenda items related to grant awards, received updates on Hurricane Helene response and the Police Department's Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, approved an amendment to Civil Service Board regulations, and held a proposed ordinance on massage businesses for further review. Consent Calendar - C-1: Resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Grant ($300,000, no match) – Unanimously approved, referred to City Council on 11/4/2024. Chief Penn reported the grant will fund genealogy work on cold cases, demonstrating that the department has not forgotten unsolved homicides. - C-2: Resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2024 COPS Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Grant (no match) – Unanimously approved. Councilmember Scipio highlighted the stress officers face; Chief Penn noted the grant funds wellness programs, with City Manager adding that employee health is emphasized from orientation. - C-3: Resolution authorizing interlocal agreement with Forsyth County for 2024 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award (50-50 split) – Unanimously approved. Funds used for gym equipment and license plate readers (LPRs). Councilmember Mundy requested data on LPR results to counter naysayers. Discussion Items - G-1: Update on City Assistance Related to Hurricane Helene – August Vernon, Director of Emergency Management, presented. Details: The city activated its situation room; over 28 fire personnel, 38 police personnel, multiple county/city departments (utilities, EMS, health) deployed to western NC. Responders operated in areas with no fuel, power, or water. Vernon warned against self-deployment, urged donations through established groups, and noted misinformation impacting response. Over 40 military aircraft and 1,000 responders were operating in the region. The mutual aid system is in effect, but reimbursement may take 3-5 years. - G-2: Update on Winston-Salem Police Department "Drone as a First Responder" (DFR) Program – Assistant Chief Jose Gomez presented. As of October 2024, the program has flown 175 missions since January 5, 2024. In 143 missions, the drone arrived first on scene before officers. Average response time is 90 seconds (vs. 4.5 minutes for priority one calls). The program currently operates from one site (North Carolina School of the Arts) with a two-mile beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver; three additional sites are under MOU negotiation. The program has 27 pilots and 19 in training, including professional staff. A partnership with the Career Center creates a pipeline for licensed drone operators to join the police department. Councilmember Mundy raised privacy concerns; Gomez stated policies restrict camera use during transit. The tactical drone program provides citywide coverage with officer-deployed drones. - G-3: Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2, Article III: Civil Service Board Regulations – City Attorney Angela Carmon proposed changing the absentee ballot notification period from 60 to 30 days to align with the election timeline, following adoption of the civilian public safety pay plan. Unanimously approved, referred to City Council on 11/4/2024. The goal is to hold board elections by February 2025. - G-4: Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 34: Establishing Regulations for Massage and Bodywork Therapy Businesses – Detective Susan Warner and Assistant City Attorney Pridgen Green presented. Warner described illicit massage businesses (IMBs) that offer commercial sex under the guise of legitimate massage, often involving human trafficking. A three-year multi-jurisdictional investigation led to federal and state charges. The proposed ordinance requires businesses to show state licensure and imposes penalties (notice of violation, then revocation of permit for second offense within 12 months). Councilmembers Larson and Mundy raised concerns about the inclusion of "moral reasons" as a basis for the ordinance, potential harm to legitimate businesses, and enforcement burdens. Councilmember Scipio questioned whether the ordinance discriminates and how enforcement would work. The item was held in committee and referred to the Committee of the Whole on 11/18/2024 for further discussion. Staff will address questions before the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent items C-1, C-2, C-3 approved unanimously (4-0) and referred to City Council on 11/4/2024. - Item G-3 approved unanimously (4-0) and referred to City Council on 11/4/2024. - Item G-4 held in committee; referred to Committee of the Whole on 11/18/2024. Councilmembers were asked to submit additional questions to Assistant City Attorney Pridgen Green. - Presentations on Hurricane Helene response (G-1) and DFR program (G-2) were informational; no votes taken. - Meeting adjourned at 3:19 PM.

The Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee met on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams, with all four committee members present (Adams, Scippio, Mundy, Clark) and additional council members attending. The committee reviewed consent agenda items, discussed two items pulled from consent, and considered four general agenda items, all of which were recommended for approval and referred to the City Council. Consent Calendar - C-1: Request for a public hearing on demolition of structures at 311, 313, 315 Lakeview Boulevard (East Ward). Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. - C-2: Request for a public hearing on demolition of structures at 217, 219, 221, 223 East Drive (East Ward). Approved by consent vote. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. - C-5: Approval of the committee summary minutes from September 9, 2024. Approved by consent vote. Discussion Items - C-3: Resolution Approving City-Funded Staffing and Other Assistance for Select Special Events (Including Community Parades) - Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented criteria for city financial support of annual, free, broad-based community events not held in dedicated facilities. Events must demonstrate that at least half of costs are covered by sponsorships. - Council Member Mundy expressed concern about supporting one church (Moravian) over others, calling it a "slippery slope." - Council Member Burke questioned how "broad-based attendance" (criterion 3) would be measured and suggested adjusting criteria. Staff noted events will be informed when permit applications are submitted. - Council Member Scippio praised the move toward structured support and highlighted the need to communicate with citizens about street closures and police staffing. - Motion by Clark, seconded by Scippio. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0. - C-4: Ordinance Amending Chapter 38 of the City Code Regarding Special Events in Merschel Park - Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe presented the amendment to allow sale and service of alcohol at Merschel Park for special events. Jason Thiel, president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, noted off-duty police officers would prevent off-site drinking. - Council Member Scippio asked about enforcement at existing parks; Thiel said issues are rare. She also noted the ordinance references the now-defunct ID Alliance and suggested correction. - Council Member Mundy clarified that private parties (e.g., weddings) could also obtain permits. - Motion by Scippio, seconded by Clark. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. - G-1: Resolution Amending Article I of the Personnel Resolution: Employment Matters - Dr. Marquis Barnett, Human Resources Director, explained changes to narrow grievable offenses, establish administrative investigations, and address dishonesty during investigations. Grievance data: 62 in 2022, 93 in 2023, 31 in 2024 (year-to-date). - Council Member Scippio supported the changes, sharing a personal experience with a lying employee. - Council Member Larson asked why secondary/outside employment decisions are not grievable; staff noted discrimination complaints would still be investigated via a separate process. - Council Member Scipio suggested focus groups with employees; Dr. Barnett said feedback guides policy. Council Member Mundy noted it is standard practice for municipal governments. - Council Member Burke emphasized the need to inform employees and consider mediation. - Motion by Mundy, seconded by Scippio. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0. - G-2: Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2, Article III: Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Advisory Committee - Jakira Westbrook, Business Inclusion Manager, stated the committee currently has 3 of 11 members (8 vacancies) and cannot form a quorum. Proposed reducing membership from 11 to 7 and allowing the city manager to authorize an internal committee when needed. - Council Member Scipio and Council Member Mundy expressed concern about low volunteer participation and suggested reviewing how staff engage committees. Council Member MacIntosh noted a post-COVID decline in volunteerism. Council Member Mundy suggested reducing membership for other committees as well. - Motion by Mundy, seconded by Clark. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. - G-3: Resolution Adopting the Proposed Forward 2045 Comprehensive Plan - Amy Crum, Assistant Director of Planning, presented the plan. Outreach included over 10,000 website visits, an online survey with over 2,900 participants and 4,000 written comments, 20 public input meetings (250 attendees), and a marketing campaign with over 1 million impressions. The plan is under 100 pages with five vision themes: attainable housing, strong economic opportunities, connected spaces, vibrant character, and sustainable environment. - Council Member MacIntosh praised outreach but expressed concern that the plan maintains the status quo and does not adequately address poverty (40% of residents live in poverty). Council Member MacIntosh also applauded the outreach effort. - Mayor Joines noted the county is about 75% built out and emphasized the need for density and transit-supportive development. Council Member Adams stressed the need for intentionality on food insecurity and grocery stores. - Motion by Clark, seconded by Mundy. Referred to City Council for a public hearing on November 18, 2024. Vote: 4-0. - G-4: Items Related to Guidelines and Implementation of the Affordable Housing Development Program - Shantell McClam, Director of Neighborhood Services, presented a scoring matrix (max 110 points) for projects: development quality (35 pts), leverage/resources (30 pts), developer experience (25 pts), MWBE participation (10 pts), supportive services (10 pts). Also proposed reallocating $2 million from the construction loan program to ARPA revenue replacement, creating $10 million over two years ($5M/year: $4M for LITEC projects, $1M for scattered lot funding). - Council Member Mundy questioned proximity to grocery stores vs. transit; City Manager said they might reallocate weight to transit. Council Member Clark raised concerns about minimum lot requirements (3 lots) possibly excluding small developers and about resale/rent restrictions. Staff clarified the program includes rehab and new construction, and Davis-Bacon requirements apply due to federal funds. - Council Member Scipio asked about whether small developers would be excluded; staff said three lots minimum ensures development scale, and training sessions will be offered. - Motion by Clark, seconded by Mundy. Committee recommends unanimous approval. Referred to City Council on November 4, 2024. Vote: 4-0. Key Outcomes - All eight agenda items (C-1, C-2, C-5, C-3, C-4, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4) were recommended for approval by the committee, all with 4-0 votes. - Items C-3, C-4, G-1, G-2, and G-4 were referred to the City Council on November 4, 2024. - Item G-3 (Forward 2045 Comprehensive Plan) was referred to the City Council with a public hearing set for November 18, 2024. - The committee approved the consent agenda (items C-1, C-2, C-5) without discussion. - Staff will adjust the affordable housing scoring matrix to reallocate weight from grocery store proximity to transit proximity. - The meeting adjourned at 4:51 PM.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen Joines, with all nine council members present. The meeting included proclamations, a consent agenda with one item removed, several public hearings, and a closed session. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM. Honorariums - Proclamation Declaring October 2024 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Presented to Dr. J. Nelson-Weaver, Vice President of Clinical and Community Services of Family Services. Speakers highlighted partnerships with city departments and other agencies to support survivors. - Proclamation Declaring Lights Out Winston-Salem 2024: Accepted by Chris Marsh, President of Forsyth Audubon Club, emphasizing collaboration to reduce light pollution and protect migratory birds. - Proclamation Declaring October 2024 as Fire Prevention Month: Accepted by Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Chaz Browning, who noted that modern furnishings and open floor plans make fires more deadly and stressed the importance of working smoke alarms. City Manager Update City Manager Pate provided updates on: - Hurricane Helene response: Over 20 fire department personnel, 60% of emergency management, and approximately 25 police officers deployed to western North Carolina; utilities on standby. - Incident at the fair: Adults and juveniles acting inappropriately; police increasing surveillance; strong encouragement for families to attend together; no mandates yet. - Customer Service Week celebrations. - Upcoming events: Winston-Salem Beautiful Big Sweep (Oct 12), WSTA public input session (Oct 16), strategic planning drop-in sessions (Oct 21-30), Fire Station 13 rededication (Oct 17), International Village Festival (Oct 26). - Recognition: State Attorney General Josh Stein presented Dogwood Awards to Chief William Penn and BEAR Team Director Kristen Ryan. Consent Calendar - Items C-1 through C-5, C-7, and C-8 were approved unanimously by voice vote after C-6 was removed for individual consideration. - C-1: Resolution to apply for federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Program. - C-2: Resolution authorizing changes in the State Highway Secondary Road System. - C-3: Items related to use of Federal Transit Administration Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program (local match $80,000). - C-4: Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant for BEAR Team expansion ($700,000). - C-5: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Ordinances amendment. - C-7: Contract for replacement of four bus lifts to Alan Tye & Associates ($821,843.59). - C-8: Approval of City Council Summary of Minutes from September 16, 2024. Discussion Items - C-6: Resolution Awarding Purchase Order for Sixty Ford Interceptor Police Pursuit Vehicles – Deacon Jones Ford – $2,395,974.00: Removed from consent for discussion. Councilmember Larson inquired about delivery of hybrid vehicles (three received so far) and whether hybrids are considered for police use. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - G-1: Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Report of the Downtown Winston-Salem Business Improvement District: Jason Thiel, president of Winston-Salem Downtown Partnership, presented the report. The BID raises about $600,000 annually from an additional property tax in the core downtown for clean, safe, and marketing programs. He acknowledged the Clean Team and the summer concert series. Councilmember Scippio praised downtown improvements. This was an information item only. - G-2: Consideration of City Council’s 2024 Revised November Meeting Schedule: The city manager recommended moving the November 25 meeting to November 18 to avoid Thanksgiving week. Councilmember Adams questioned conflict with diversity training but was clarified. Motion approved unanimously. - G-3 through G-5: Public Hearings on Street Closings (North Ward): - G-3: Petition to close a portion of Deacon Boulevard and terminate the encroachment agreement for an underground pedestrian tunnel. No public comment. Councilmember Scippio asked for clarification; city staff explained the old portion will close only after the realigned Deacon Boulevard is built and accepted. Motion approved unanimously. - G-4: Petition to close portions of Baity Street, Silas Street, and W 32nd Street. During the public hearing, an individual attempted to speak but was ruled out of order by the mayor (public comment not scheduled for that item). No other speakers. Motion approved unanimously. - G-5: Petition to close portions of Bethabara Road, unnamed right-of-way, and Joyce Avenue. No public comment. Motion approved unanimously. - G-6: Resolution Authorizing Annual Submission of Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant Application, Acceptance of Grant Funds and Execution of Subgrantee Agreements for Fiscal Year 2024: Presented by Shereka Floyd, Home Program Manager. The city is requesting more funds than previous years due to biannual application, system improvements (in-person assessments, removing bottlenecks), and a higher score (82% vs. national median 72%) enabling bonus requests. Councilmembers discussed communication with affected populations and assurance of receiving requested funds. Funds will be awarded in spring 2025. Motion approved unanimously. Closed Session A motion was made to go into closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1) and (6) to discuss applicants for city attorney and other personnel matters. The motion passed 8-0. The closed session ended, and a motion to adjourn was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (8-0) with C-6 removed. - C-6 (police vehicles) approved unanimously. - G-2 (November meeting schedule change) approved unanimously. - G-3, G-4, G-5 (street closures) approved unanimously. - G-6 (homeless assistance grant) approved unanimously. - City Council entered closed session (8-0) to discuss personnel.

The Winston-Salem City Council met on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Allen Joines with eight members present (Council Member Robert C. Clark absent). The agenda included a proclamation, consent agenda items, five general agenda items (including public hearings), a public comment period, and a closed session. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Proclamation & Recognitions - Winston-Salem State University Day (September 27, 2024): Mayor Joines presented a proclamation to Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, who spoke about the university's 130+ year history, $500 million+ annual economic impact, and invited all to wear red on September 27. Troop 31137 Girl Scouts were also recognized. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved by a 7-0 vote after adding a new item (C-8: Elizabeth E. Dampier appointment to Tourism Development Authority) and pulling item C-2 for separate consideration. - Approved items: - C-1: Ordinance amending Chapters 2 and 10 of City Code (deeds and SAB). - C-3: Reappointment of Priscilla Green to Public Assembly Facilities Commission. - C-4: Appointment of Celine V. Richard to Fair Planning Committee. - C-5: Appointments to Affordable Housing Coalition (Dixon B. Pitt, Frances J. Sullivan, Noah B. Sibbett, Richard Daniels). - C-6: Appointment of Ned Erikson to Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee. - C-7: Approval of September 3, 2024, meeting minutes. - C-8: Appointment of Elizabeth E. Dampier to Tourism Development Authority. Public Comments & Testimony Eight citizens addressed the council during the public comment period: 1. Melvyn Brown – Requested a hearing regarding reduced WSTA paratransit service since March 2024; city staff agreed to follow up. 2. Doreen Pollock – Complained about neighborhood cleanliness (trash, overgrown weeds), an abandoned church (Beulah Church) with squatters, and changes to the flower bed program; requested a community meeting. 3. JoAnne Allen – Announced a renewed request for a city audit; criticized council for inaction. 4. Pam Phillips – Questioned neighborhood boundary definitions (Boston vs. East Winston); staff agreed to follow up. 5. Matthew Mayers – Updated on the Solarize the Triad campaign (prices at tier 5, over $1 million in local business); urged council to support the C-PACE program for commercial clean energy financing. 6. Arnita Miles – Criticized the lack of line items in the FY24-25 budget for homelessness and the BEAR program; demanded more affordable housing. 7. Cynthia Herson – Challenged council to respond to public concerns; addressed affordable housing, the Cleveland Avenue project, and asked for no rent increases on renovated units. 8. Ghali Hasan – Accused the mayor and city attorney of lying; demanded a meeting and more transparency for Section 3 residents. Discussion Items - G-1 (Zoning Petition W-3625): Public hearing for rezoning 0.86 acres on Old Mill Circle from GO and GO-S to GO. No opposition. Approved 7-0. - G-2 (Site Plan Amendment W-3626): Public hearing for YMCA Robinhood Road parking addition (2.12 acres, changing previously approved bank to parking lot). No opposition. Approved 7-0. - G-3 (Stormwater Management Ordinance Amendment): Public hearing and discussion. Assistant City Attorney Fredrick Evans explained updates to Chapter 75 to comply with HB 488 (state legislation). Changes included removing escrow account requirements for stormwater infrastructure, allowing more authority for inspections, and routing stormwater appeals to the Board of Adjustment. Council Member MacIntosh noted that removing escrow accounts puts municipalities and HOAs at risk if stormwater systems fail. The ordinance was approved 7-0. - G-4 (UDO Amendment UDO-CC27): Public hearing and discussion. Director Chris Murphy presented four changes: aligning Board of Adjustment procedures with stormwater appeals, updating voting procedures per state statute, correcting title references from planning director to planning and development services director, and clarifying site plan information requirements. Approved 7-0. - G-5 (Personnel Compensation Plan): Dr. Barnett (Human Resources) presented the first phase of a comprehensive classification and compensation study by MAG International. Key elements: 4% adjustment for eligible employees, minimum pay grade increases, and equity/compression adjustments. The plan includes five pay plans (unified, fire, police, civilian public safety, flat rate). Council Member Mundy noted the outdated use of the term "personnel." The ordinance and resolution were approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - All consent items approved 7-0 except C-2, which was voted separately. - C-2 African American Heritage Initiative Committee appointments: - Quamin Finney: approved 7-0. - Kimberlee McNeil: approved 6-1 (Council Member Burke opposed). - Chanice Withers: approved 7-0. - General agenda items (G-1 through G-5): All approved 7-0. - Closed Session: Motion to enter closed session (N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(1) and (6)) to discuss city attorney applicants and personnel matters approved unanimously. - Adjournment: 7:40 PM.

The Public Works Committee met at 2:00 PM on September 10, 2024, in the Committee Room at 101 North Main Street. All four committee members were present: Council Member Jeff MacIntosh (Chair), Council Member Barbara Hanes Burke (Vice Chair), Council Member John Larson, and Council Member Annette Scippio. The committee considered consent agenda items, two public hearings on road naming, and an extensive information presentation on downtown parking modernization. Consent Calendar - C-4 Voluntary Annexation – Brookberry Farm, Phase II: Request for a public hearing on the voluntary annexation of approximately 19.765 acres west of the confluence of Brookberry Farm Circle and Rosewind Lane and south of Brookberry Farm Circle (Petition of Brookberry Farm, LLC). The committee recommended approval and referred it to the City Council for October 21, 2024. Pulled Consent Items (Discussed Individually) - C-1 Lead Service Line Replacement Funding: Resolution authorizing an application for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Staff explained that the funding would cover replacement of lead service lines in the public right-of-way; rules for private property will become clearer after the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are finalized in October. The funding cycle provides $2 million per cycle. Approved unanimously (motion by Scippio, second by Burke). - C-2 State Highway Secondary Road System Changes: Resolution authorizing changes to the State Highway Secondary Road System within city limits. The transfer involves a remnant of University Parkway from NCDOT to city ownership; it remains an active street and will be eligible for Powell Bill maintenance funds (derived from fuel taxes). Approved unanimously (motion by Larson, second by Burke). - C-3 FTA Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Pilot Program: Resolution and budget ordinance amendment to accept a $320,000 federal grant, with $80,000 local match from Winston-Salem Transit Authority reserves. The funds will upgrade obsolete paratransit scheduling software (Trapeze to Echo Lane) and support mobile ticketing. Approved unanimously (motion by Scippio, second by Burke). Discussion Items - G-1 Salem Academy & College Road Naming/Renaming: Public hearing on an ordinance to name two campus access roads (Spirit and Saber) and rename a section of Rams Drive to Leaders Drive. The action improves addressing for emergency services. No public comments. Approved unanimously (motion by Larson, second by Scippio). - G-2 Jones Road Private Right-of-Way Naming: Public hearing on naming an unnamed private right-of-way in the 200 block of Jones Road to Jones White Trail. The name was requested because a third residence was built, exceeding the threshold for unnamed ways, and Jones Road addresses are exhausted. No public comments. Approved unanimously (motion by Scippio, second by Burke). - G-3 Parking Program Modernization (Information Only): Transportation staff (Jeff Fansler, Director of Transportation; Reid Hutchins, Transportation Operations Manager) along with PayByPhone representative Sang Huang presented a proposal to modernize downtown parking. Highlights include: - Existing parking meters, gate arms, and pay stations date to 1999 and are obsolete/unmaintainable. - PayByPhone was selected through an RFQ to provide mobile payment and license-plate-recognition enforcement. - Proposed on-street rate is $1.50/hour (up from $0.25 meters/$1.00 pay stations); off-street remains $1.00/hour. - Parking violation fines would rise from $15 to $30. - The program aims to reduce the city's annual parking subsidy of about $700,000. - Staff will hold two public engagement sessions later in September and return to the committee in October for action; implementation targeted for spring 2025. - Committee members raised questions about startup costs, expense projections, night/weekend fees, and employee impacts; staff committed to providing financial details in October. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously (4-0): C-1, C-2, C-3, G-1, and G-2. - Recommended approval and referral to City Council: C-4. - Received G-3 as information only; no vote taken. Staff directed to return in October with an action item after public engagement.

The Community Development/Housing/General Government Committee of the City of Winston-Salem met on September 9, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:23 PM in Committee Room 101 North Main Street. Chair Denise D. Adams presided, with members Annette Scippio, Kevin Mundy, and Robert C. Clark present, along with Mayor Joines and Council Members Larson, Hanes Burke, and MacIntosh. The meeting covered a consent agenda (three items, one pulled for discussion) and two general agenda items: a right-of-way donation and an update on the affordable housing development process. Consent Calendar - C-1: Resolution awarding a purchase with installation contract for replacement of four bus lifts to Alan Tye & Associates for $821,843.59. Approved unanimously. - C-2: Resolution awarding a purchase order for sixty Ford Interceptor Police Pursuit Vehicles to Deacon Jones Ford for $2,395,974.00. Approved unanimously. - C-4: Ordinances amending the FY2024-2025 budget ordinances. Approved unanimously. (Item C-3 was pulled for discussion and considered separately.) Discussion Items Item C-3: Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant for BEAR Team Expansion ($700,000) Mayor Joines requested the item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. Kristin Ryan, Director of the Behavioral Evaluation and Response (BEAR) Team, reported that the team has responded to 3,157 calls in just over a year, with a 17-minute average response time. The team operates 24/7 and responds independently (without law enforcement co-response), making Winston-Salem a leader in North Carolina. The $700,000 grant from Congresswoman Kathy Manning will fund four additional crisis counselors, sustaining the 24/7 model. Council members expressed strong support; Kevin Mundy suggested a community feedback session to evaluate the program. Barbara Hanes Burke highlighted the team's work with unhoused individuals and partnerships with Baptist Hospital. The resolution was approved unanimously (4-0). Item G-1: Acceptance of Donation of Surplus Right-of-Way from NCDOT (South Ward) Jeff Fansler, Director of Transportation, presented a donation of approximately 1.9 acres of surplus right-of-way from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, located west of Liberty Street on both sides of Salem Parkway. The property includes part of the realigned Strollway and carries a reversion clause requiring it to remain in public use. Council members discussed its use as public green space and compatibility with the Peter Oliver project. The resolution was approved unanimously (4-0). Item G-2: Update on the Affordable Housing Development Process Shantell McClam, Neighborhood Services Director, presented a new annual application process for affordable housing funding, developed in response to a council request in May 2024 for a clear, equitable process. Key elements include: - Alignment with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) schedule. - Improved scoring matrix incorporating location scores (proximity to schools, grocery stores, greenways). - Developer training on software and forms. - An annual application cycle with predictable deadlines. - Approximately $10 million in available funds (ARPA replacement, state ARPA, CDBG, HOME, and leftover bond funds), with a recommendation to reallocate $2 million from an unused construction loan fund. - An 80/20 funding split between multifamily and scattered-lot projects. - A $35,000 per-unit cap on gap financing. Discussion included concerns from Council Member Scippio about the rigidity of the cycle potentially excluding developers with different timetables, and the need for clear housing goals and quality standards. Council Member Hanes Burke noted the Northeast Ward has an existing revitalization plan and argued special state legislation allows bypassing RFP requirements; she also questioned defunding the construction loan program for small businesses and nonprofits. Council Member Clark emphasized the importance of aligning with the LIHTC cycle to leverage state funding. Mayor Joines supported concurrent cycles for this year to avoid delays. The item was informational; no vote was taken. Staff will incorporate feedback and bring a refined proposal to the committee in October 2024, with the goal of issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity in November 2024. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (excluding C-3): Approved unanimously (4-0). - Item C-3 (BEAR Team Grant): Approved unanimously (4-0). The resolution accepts the $700,000 Byrne grant and amends the budget. - Item G-1 (Right-of-Way Donation): Approved unanimously (4-0). The resolution authorizes acceptance of the donation with a public use restriction. - Item G-2 (Affordable Housing Process): Received as information. Next steps: Council members to submit feedback to staff; a revised process to be presented for approval at the October 2024 committee meeting.