City of Greensboro Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council

Tuesday, July 09, 2024 at 4:30 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Katie Dorsett Council Chamber

300 West Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

Present:

• Mayor Nancy Vaughan, 
• Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson, 
• Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter, 
• Councilmember Sharon Hightower, 
• Councilmember Nancy Hoffmann, 
• Councilmember Hugh Holston, 
• Councilmember Zack Matheny, 
• Councilmember Tammi Thurm, 
• and and Councilmember Goldie Wells 

Also Present:

• Assistant City Manager Trey Davis, 
• City Attorney Chuck Watts, 
• and and City Clerk Angela Lord 

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A.

CALL TO ORDER

These City Council minutes are a general account of the July 9, 2024 meeting.  For full details of discussions, the meeting video can be located on the City of Greensboro website at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings.

This City Council meeting of the City of Greensboro was called to order at 4:30 P.M. on the above date in the Katie Dorsett Council Chamber of the Melvin Municipal Office Building.

Mayor Vaughan confirmed all Councilmembers in attendance.

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Thurm to recess to closed session.  The motion carried by voice vote.  Council recessed to closed session at 4:31 P.M.

Council reconvened to open session.  Moved by Councilmember Thurm, seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter to return to open session.  Council reconvened at 5:30 P.M.

Mayor Vaughan stated Councilmember Hoffmann would participate via zoom.

B.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

The meeting opened with a moment of silence.

C.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Vaughan recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 

Assistant City Manager Trey Davis recognized Jayda Gibson as the Junior Courier; explained Ms. Gibson attended North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (A & T); and was currently serving an internship in the City Manager's office. 

D.

COUNCIL PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

Mayor Vaughan explained the Council procedure for conduct of the meeting; and addressed the removal of Item I.2./2024-502 from the agenda.

E.

CEREMONIAL AND/OR PRESENTATION ITEMS

E.1

2024 – 323 Resolution To Honor The Late Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. 

Councilmember Holston stated he wished to move the item for adoption; read the resolution into the record, and presented the resolution to a family representative.

Family representatives voiced appreciation; spoke to helping people; and to a continued legacy.

Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

• Moved By Councilmember Holston
  Seconded By Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson
  Carried

  171-24 RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE LATE DR. JOE L. DUDLEY, SR.

  WHEREAS, on February 8, 2024, the community lost an outstanding community member with the passing of the late Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr.;

  WHEREAS, Dr. Dudley Sr., was born in Aurora, North Carolina on May 9, 1937; and graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration;

  WHEREAS, in 1957 Dr. Dudley invested $10 in a Fuller Products sales kit and began selling door-to-door hair care products; and later met and married his wife that also worked for the company;

  WHEREAS, The Dudleys settled in Greensboro; opened a hair care product line underneath the “Dudley Products label”; and unlike many hair and skin care providers, the Dudley’s sold products directly to salons rather than retailers;

  WHEREAS, in 1976 Dr. Dudley moved to Chicago, Illinois to takeover Fuller Products; eventually consolidated the Fuller Products company with his operations, therefore, keeping the Dudley Products brand name; and in 1984, Dr. Dudley moved the company back to Greensboro;

  WHEREAS, the Dudley Products had an annual revenue of over $30 million; had over 400 hair and skin care products; and operated the Dudley Cosmetology University, with locations in North Carolina and abroad; and

  WHEREAS, Dr. Dudley received numerous awards including President George Bush’s 467th Point of Light Award for the Dudley Fellows and Ladies Program, The Direct Selling Association (DSA) Vision for Tomorrow Award, the Maya Angelou Tribute To Achievement Award, Inc. Magazine’s North Carolina Master Entrepreneur Award, and the 2005 Trumpet Award;

  WHEREAS, Dr. Dudley was inducted into The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Business/Industry), The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, and Inducted into the DSA Hall of Fame;

  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:

  1. That the City Council wishes to express its sense of gratitude and offer its condolences, to the family and friends of Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. The legacy he leaves will be remembered by the residents of Greensboro, and the world.
  2. That a copy of this resolution shall be delivered to the family of the late Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. as a symbol of the gratitude of the City of Greensboro for his contributions in the world.

  (Signed) Hugh Holston

  
  

F.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Crystal Black highlighted the STEM in My City program (STEM); commended staff; made a Power Point Presentation (PPP); and spoke to collaboration.

Donald Black voiced accolades for the STEM program; spoke to scientific and hands-on projects; and voiced appreciation to participants. 

Frank McCain United Way President and Chief Executive Officer made a PPP; voiced appreciation for the city/county campaign; outlined funding allocations; highlighted Sprit of North Carolina Community Ambassador Award winner, People and Culture Director Jamiah Waterman; and spoke to the Family Success Center.

Mayor Vaughan requested Mr. McCain to attend a future meeting for an additional update as a presentational item.

The following speakers voiced concerns regarding the Interactive Resource Center (IRC); leadership; additional and wrap-around services; Washington Street frustrations; impact on collegiate students; available homeless services; criminal activities and community safety; missing recycling containers; squatter issues; and emergency services on the property.

Andrew Zimmerman; Phillip Marsh; Kim Grimsley; Dr. Sharon Stokes; Lynch Hunt; and Toad of the Mountain.

Mayor Vaughan requested staff to research the missing recycling container.

The following speakers voiced the need for homelessness support; Interactive Resource Center support; concerns regarding advocation; transit access; and rental costs. 

Megan Eller; Eduardo Diaz; Malique Hough; Billy Belcher; Del Stone; and Luis Medina.

Ben Holder referenced comments from Mayor Vaughan; a memo; and shared a video.

Following actions at the podium, Mayor Vaughan banned Mr. Holder from in-person Council Chamber for three months.

Barbara Israel voiced concerns regarding toxins in Bingham Park; the White Street Landfill; and property values.

Bryon Gladden voiced opposition for Bingham Park toxins begin taken to White Street Landfill; spoke to illegal dumping; cancer study results; requested an updated study by the State; and voiced support for the IRC.

Cates Construction President Calvin Stevens Jr voiced concerns regarding Michelle water treatment partnerships; Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) selection processes; and participation at Windsor Center project.

Jason Hicks voiced support for IRC; and homelessness concerns.

Isaac Myers voiced concern regarding Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) & GTA Depot security.

Sidney Branch voiced concern regarding street traffic; a code enforcement meeting; and referenced a conflict with neighbors.

Travis Burrell voiced concerns regarding homelessness; spoke to working collectively; referenced a Charlotte project called Heal Charlotte; spoke to the need for leadership; and to project management.

Ron Harris spoke to a hotel and hospital stay; and to a part time job. 

(A copy of the PowerPoint Presentations are filed in Exhibit Drawer G, No. 25, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

G.

CONSENT AGENDA (One Vote)

Mayor Vaughan asked if anyone wished to remove any items from the consent agenda; and reminded Council that any items removed from the consent agenda, other than for a recusal or for the purpose to vote 'No' would be placed on the next business meeting agenda as a business item.

• Moved By Councilmember Thurm
  Seconded By Councilmember Wells

  Ayes (9)

  Mayor Vaughan, Councilmember Abuzuaiter, Councilmember Hightower, Councilmember Hoffmann, Councilmember Thurm, Councilmember Wells, Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, Councilmember Holston, and Councilmember Matheny

  Carried (9 to 0)

G.1

2024 - 472 Resolution Guilford County Board of Education Schools School Safety Resource Officer Contract FY 24-25 $1,667,353

Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

• 172-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZNG EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH THE GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE SCHOOL SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM

  Whereas, the Guilford County Board of Education desires the assistance of the City (Greensboro Police Department) in providing School Safety Resource Officers for additional police services to create safe and crime free educational campuses;

  Whereas, there is a need to maintain the School Safety Resource Officer Program (SRO) jointly operated by the Greensboro Police Department and the Guilford County Board of Education in select public schools;

  Whereas, the City agrees to provide seventeen (17) officers to be assigned to specific middle/high schools by the Chief of Police and three (3) sworn supervisor to oversee the School Safety Resource Officers and program;

  Whereas, The Guilford County Board of Education shall reimburse the City $1,667,353 for the salaries of the officers assigned to the program for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025;

  Whereas, The Greensboro Police Department and the Guilford County Board of Education shall continue to work together to ensure the successful protection of those educational campuses;

  Whereas, the Greensboro Police Department would like to enter into a contract with the Guilford County Board of Education for School Safety Resource Officers; and

  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:

  That the Greensboro Police Department is hereby authorized to execute a contract with the Guilford County Board of Education for the School Safety Resource Officer program in Greensboro, NC for payment of $1,667,353 (FY 2024-25) to be paid in quarterly reimbursements, to be funded with Guilford County Board of Education funds.

  (Signed) Tammi Thurm

  
  

G.2

2024 – 473 Ordinance Amending State, Federal, and Other Grants Fund Budget in the amount of $400,000 to Continue Police Software Subscriptions 

Motion to adopt the ordinance was approved.

• 24-90 ORDINANCE AMENDING STATE, FEDERAL AND OTHER GRANTS FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000 FOR POLICE SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS

  BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:

  That the State, Federal and Other Grants Fund Budget of the City of Greensboro is hereby amended as follows:

  That the appropriation for the State, Federal and Other Grants Fund be increased as follows:

  Account name- Police Software Subscriptions

  Account                             Description                                        Amount

  220-35-3598159.5223      Subscriptions                                    $400,000

  and, that this increase be financed by increasing the following State, Federal and Other Grants Fund accounts:

  Account                               Description                                       Amount

  220-35-3598159.7104         Federal Forfeiture                           $400,000

  And, that this ordinance should become effective upon adoption.

  (Signed) Tammi Thurm

  
  

H.

PUBLIC HEARING

There were no public hearing items for this agenda.

I.

GENERAL BUSINESS AGENDA

I.1

2024 - 479 Resolution Requesting City Council Approval of an Emergency Change Order to Contract 2020-007C with Jimmy R. Lynch and Sons, Inc. in the Amount of $1,454,613

Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

• Moved By Councilmember Holston
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Ayes (9)

  Mayor Vaughan, Councilmember Abuzuaiter, Councilmember Hightower, Councilmember Hoffmann, Councilmember Thurm, Councilmember Wells, Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, Councilmember Holston, and Councilmember Matheny

  Carried (9 to 0)

  173-24 RESOLUTION REQUESTING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AN EMERGNCY CHANGE ORDER WITH JIMMY R. LYNCH AND SONS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,323,672 FOR THE REPAIR OF A 48-INCH SEWER FORCE MAIN BETWEEN THE NORTH BUFFALO TRANSER PUMP STATION AND T.Z. OSBORNE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

  WHEREAS, routine mowing discovered a 50-foot by 12-foot sinkhole over the 48-inch force main used to transfer wastewater from the North Buffalo Transfer Pump Station to the T.Z. Osborne Wastewater Treatment Facility;

  WHEREAS, further evaluation determined approximately 1000 feet of force main is deteriorated and compromised;

  WHEREAS, Jimmy R. Lynch and Sons, Inc. is under contract with the City of Greensboro constructing a lift station, forcemain, and gravity sewer improvements in the vicinity of the failed North Buffalo sewer forcemain, for the Army Reserve Center on Camp Burton Road;

  WHEREAS, Jimmy R Lynch and Sons Inc. was requested by Water Resources to provide a quote to repair the critical force main;

  WHEREAS, NCGS § 143-129(e)(2) provides an exception to competitive bidding and MWBE goal setting in cases of special emergency involving the health and safety of the people or their property;

  WHEREAS, the 48-inch force main referenced above has more than one obvious structural failure resulting in holes approximately 2 feet by 3 feet;

  WHEREAS, these failures represent an imminent threat to the health and safety of the people or their property;

  WHEREAS, Water Resources is requesting City Council approval for an emergency change order to contract 2020-007C to cover the cost to complete an emergency repair to this critical sewer line; and

  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:

  That the City Manager is authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Greensboro, an Emergency Change Order in the amount of $1,323,672 with Jimmy R Lynch and Sons, Inc.

  (Signed) Hugh Holston

  
  

I.2

2024 - 502 Resolution Authorizing Commitment of $1,000,000 Additional Funds to Trinity Consulting & Development, LLC for Solomon’s Plaza Apartments 

Prior to the Ceremonial items, Mayor Vaughan stated staff had requested the removal of item I.2./2024-502.

Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Holston to remove item I.2. from the agenda.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Motion to remove the resolution was approved.

J.

MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL

Moved by Councilmember Hightower, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson to reappoint Sharon Graeber to the Historic Preservation Commission.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Moved by Councilmember Holston, seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter to reappoint Marcus Thomas to the Redevelopment Commission.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Moved by Councilmember Matheny, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson to appoint Ziad Fleiahn to the Parks and Recreation Commission.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Hightower to reappoint Jo Leimenstoll to the Historic Preservation Commission.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson extended congratulatory acknowledgements to Councilmember Holston and Assistant City Manager Nasha McCray for Power 100 awards.

Councilmember Abuzuaiter highlighted July 4th activities.

Councilmember Thurm extended wishes to Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson on her retirement from One Step Further.

Councilmember Matheny referenced speaker from the floor comments; spoke to false accusations; voiced support for homelessness; the need for street outreach; support for IRC; referenced the Continuum of Care (COC) program; and requested staff to research Regency Inn ownership.

Discussion took place regarding speaker comments; IRC history; the need for respect; homelessness and businesses support; the need for solutions; homeless families; accountability; and integrated services.

Councilmember Thurm requested staff to research winter sheltering; a work session on pallet shelters; and spoke to supply chain issues. 

Councilmember Hightower requested staff research expansion of the Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) division into a department. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson requested staff to schedule a collaborative meeting with United Way.

Mayor Vaughan spoke to Regency Inn concerns; referenced partnerships; IRC security discussions; COC support for IRC; exterior camera installations; highlighted safe parking locations; requested staff to research alternative pallet shelter locations; and traffic plans due to pedestrian and vehicular fatalities. 

Councilmember Hightower requested an update on red light cameras.

Assistant City Manager Trey Davis explained a timeline; spoke to combined efforts; and to upcoming update.

K.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CITY MANAGER 

Assistant City Manager T. Davis referenced a potential upcoming work session; and recognized Assistant Police Chief Stephanie Mardis as a Power 100 award winner.

L.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY 

There were no items for discussion by the City Attorney.

M.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Matheny, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.

The City Council Adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

 

___________________________                        ____________________________

Nancy Vaughan, Mayor                                         Angela R. Lord, City Clerk