Fayetteville City Work Session Recap – April 1, 2024

Fayetteville City Work Session Recap - April 1, 2024

Watch the full meeting here.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville City Council met April 1 at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers for the monthly work session to discuss matters relevant to the city with regards to their strategic plan.

The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. by Mayor Mitch Colvin followed by the invocation was offered by Councilmember Derrick Thompson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by the Mayor and Council.

Approval of the Agenda

Councilmember D.J. Haire made a motion to go into closed session concerning a personnel matter. This was seconded by Councilmember Malik Davis. This was approved unanimously (10-0). The motion PASSED at 2:02 p.m.

The meeting was called back to order at 2:38 p.m.

Councilmember Benavente moved to approve the agenda and add the discussion on "Community Safety Summit" on Item 5.001 in lieu of a second special meeting and take action. This was seconded by Councilmember Deno Hondros. This FAILED in a 6-4 vote. Those voting in opposition were Councilmembers Thompson and Haire, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen and Mayor Colvin.

Of note, it takes a super majority of eight votes to make an addition to the agenda during the meeting.

Councilmember Thompson moved to approve the agenda with Item 5.011 to move earlier in the agenda to 5.04a. This was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jensen. This PASSED (9-1). Voting in opposition was Councilmember Hondros.

City Manager's Report

Assistant City Manager Jodi Phelps presented information concerning the Community Safety Summit taking place on April 30 in the Fayetteville State University's Student Center.

Councilmember Benavente moved to direct staff to bring back information before the April 30 meeting. This was seconded by Councilmember Thompson. This was approved unanimously (10-0).

Other Items of Business:

The City Council discussed the Project Homerun: 5-Year Review with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. The Woodpecker's General Manager, Michelle Skinner, presented a 5-year review of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. They play a 132 game season with 66 home games. Since opening, 821,869 people have attended a game at the stadium.

Community Impact includes a variety of programs to include Community Leaders Program, a reading program, school tours, and team and mascot appearances. Fayetteville has seen an economic impact of $1.15 million in sales tax paid.

Council Member Benavente moved to accept the report which was seconded by Councilmember Courtney Banks-Mclaughlin. This was approved unanimously (10-0). You can read more about this presentation here.

The City Council discussed the Employer of Choice - Compensation. A presentation was given to Council on the Employer of Choice with a focus on competitive compensation. The City of Fayetteville has two different pay structures, pay ranges for jobs that are similar internal and external worth and step plans for very clear pay progressions and used with police and fire. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

The City Council discussed the Murchison Road Grocery Co-operative Feasibility and Options. Discussion ensued about the many municipalities with co-op programs specifically about food deserts which are areas with a poverty rate above 20% with limited access to healthy food options within one mile. Impacts of food deserts are physical and mental health, economic impacts, and crime rates.

The Choice Grant Project would look at a plan with a grocery store, satellite bank, and pharmacy. The commitment is $6 million where the Choice funds provide $2 million, CDFI is $3 million and the City provides $1 million. The next step is to wait until the notification list is available for Choice Neighborhoods. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

The City Council discussed Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Housing Opportunities for People with HIV/AIDS Program. The CBDG, HOME and HOPWA are entitlement funds from the Federal Government. Each of these come with requirements to receive the funds. Staff has not yet received the official information for the coming year but do anticipate an expected increase in annual funds for a total of $4 million. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

The City Council discussed the Enforcement of City-Initiated Demolition Liens. There are four enforcement Methodist, Debt Setoff, Civil Lawsuit, Foreclosure, and wage garnishment. Because of the difference and each case is different it is the City Attorney's decision on how to manage each case. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

The City Council discussed the Code Enforcement Compliance Times Report. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

The City Council discussed the Administrative Report on City, County and State-Owned Property. The City does not generally have surplus property. Property is purchased for a specific project however, some of the projects have not come to fruition. Depending on the funds used to purchase it may create restrictions on if a property is able to be sold or not. For properties that are condemned, they City must offer it up to the original owners first, but it must be sold for fair market value. You can read more about this presentation here. This presentation was for information only.

City Council Agenda Item Request:

Councilmember Thompson requested to discuss the Storage or Parking of Heavy Trucks. He requested changing the ordinance for Chapter 16 to get large buses off property. Councilmember Thompson is seeking for consensus to remove only buses. The motion was made by Councilmember Thompson, seconded by Councilmember Greene. Consensus was achieved (7-3). Those in opposition were Councilmembers Benavente, Hondros, Banks-McLaughlin. You can read more about this item here.

Councilmember Brenda McNair requested to discuss Free Bus Fares for Elderly and Disabled Residents. She asked for staff to review the budget so Council can remove fare for FAST Fixed Route Services for the elderly and disabled. Consensus of Council was to have staff review the budget and include the consultant so they can conduct an equity impact analysis. The motion was made by Councilmember McNair and seconded by Councilmember Benavente. Consensus was achieved (9-0). You can read more about this item here.

Councilmember Brenda McNair requested to discuss Amusement Park Information. She requested consensus to have Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation present the benefits of having an amusement park developed in Fayetteville. The motion was made by Councilmember McNair and seconded by Councilmember Benavente. Consensus was achieved (9-0). You can read more about this item here.

Councilmember Davis requested to discuss a Playground for Fire Station 16. Councilmember Davis made a motion to have staff bring back cost and information on making a playground at the new Fire Station 16 on Cedar Creek Road at the May Work Session. This was seconded by Councilmember Haire. Consensus was achieved (9-0). You can read more about this item here.

Councilmember Benavente requested to discuss a Resolution in Support of Immigrant Communities in Fayetteville. This proclamation is about supporting the individuals in the community and improve on the message from the Governor's Latino Council. Discussion ensued. The motion was made by Councilmember Benavente and seconded by Councilmember McNair. Consensus was NOT achieved (4-4). Those in opposition were Mayor Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Jensen, Councilmembers Davis and Greene. Of note, Councilmembers Thompson and Haire had been formally excused. Councilmember Hondros vote was in the affirmative as he was not properly excused from the meeting. You can read more about this item here.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The next City Council Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall. Meetings also air live on Spectrum Channel 7, at FayTV.net and on the FayTV app available on your streaming device. Meeting agendas, supporting documentation and minutes are publicly available here. For more information about the Fayetteville City Council, please visit fayettevillenc.gov/citycouncil.

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