City of Greensboro Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council

Tuesday, April 04, 2023 at 4:30 P.m. - 9:30 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:

• City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba, 
• Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson, 
• City Attorney Chuck Watts, 
• City Clerk Angela Lord, 
• and Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa 

---

A.

CALL TO ORDER

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 Pro-Tem Johnson, presiding as Chair, stated that Mayor Vaughan and Councilmember Hoffmann would participate via Zoom.

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Thurm, to go into closed session to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the City's attorneys and the City Council regarding several ongoing claims and litigation matters. A list of the parties to be discussed was attached to the motion as Exhibit A and made a part of the public record. The list of litigation matters to be considered in Closed Session may be obtained from the City Clerk (listed below). The motion carried by voice vote.

Council recessed to closed session at 4:32 p.m.

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Hightower, to return to open session. The motion carried by voice vote. Council reconvened into open session at 5:32 p.m.

EXHIBIT A

LITIGATION MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION ON 4/4/23

True Homes, LLC, D.R. Horton, Inc., Estate of Lopez, Estate of Crenshaw, Warren, Kretschmaier/Gerlach, Fangman, Chilton, Chappell, Chavis, Frye, Eagle, Marshburn

B.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

The meeting opened with a moment of silence.

C.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson recognized Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

D.

COUNCIL PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson explained the Council procedure for conduct of the meeting.

E.

CEREMONIAL AND/OR PRESENTATION ITEMS

E.1

2023 – 137 Resolution Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and Resilient and Thriving Communities Week

Councilmember Abuzuaiter read the resolution into the record; highlighted upcoming events; and recognized Kellin Foundation stakeholders.

Co-Founder and Executive Director Dr. Kelly Graves provided an overview of statewide statistics; spoke to the pinwheel symbolism; and expressed appreciation for the honor.

Councilmember Hightower commended Dr. Graves on outreach efforts; and community endeavors.

• Moved By Councilmember Abuzuaiter
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  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)

  071-23 RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH AND RESILIENT AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES WEEK

  WHEREAS, resilient and thriving communities are vital to our state’s future health, success, and prosperity to ensure a strong foundation for everyone at all ages and stages of life;

  WHEREAS, the science is clear that resilience is built, and that communities and systems play a key role in promoting safe, secure, nurturing environments for all;

  WHEREAS, adverse childhood and life experiences, adverse community environments, and adverse climate events impact overall quality of life and well-being of an entire community;

  WHEREAS, the Resilient Guilford Network coordinated by the Kellin Foundation and the City of Greensboro partner with dozens of agencies to collectively work to build safe, secure, and nurturing communities;

  WHEREAS, investing in policies, programs, and strategies that address adversity and strengthen community resilience is essential to the health of our community;

  WHEREAS, the City of Greensboro encourages individuals and all sectors, public and private, early childhood through post-secondary education, faith-based organizations, healthcare systems, justice systems, social service systems, businesses, and elected leaders to collaborate to strengthen our communities; and

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

  That the Greensboro City Council recognizes the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and April 29 through May 6 as Resilient and Thriving Communities Week, and commend its observance to all citizens.

  (Signed) Marikay Abuzuaiter

  
  

E.2

2023-235 City Manager Report

City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba introduced Greensboro Police Department (GPD) Chief John Thompson to provide 100 day update.

GPD Chief Thompson highlighted violent crime statistics; response time impacts; gang ramifications; spoke to a departmental reorganization plan; to staffing needs; to community concerns; and to compensation.

Councilmember Abuzuaiter voiced concerns regarding safety; personnel salary ranges; requested staff to review vacancies; highlighted Neighborhood Watch concerns; referenced a request for a market study; and requested staff to provide Body Warn Camera policy changes.

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Matheny, to review market study public safety salary incentives; and increase salaries up to $57K in the next fiscal year budget (FY23-24). 

Councilmember Hightower voiced concern regarding vacancy salaries.

Discussion took place regarding recommendations for salary increases; addressing staffing shortfalls; training timelines; budget discussions; recruitments and retention; property taxes; sworn and non-sworn positions; premature budget discussions; Economic Development risks; safe communities; funding sources; the need for additional data; housing development; district specific crime statistics; Neighborhood Resource Centers; traffic concerns; community engagement; federal partnerships and grant awards; and competitive wages.

Discussion continued regarding Greensboro Motorist Assistance Patrol; alternative responses; the Behavorial Health Resource Team (BHRT); grant opportunities; Body Warn Camera (BWC) policies; funding allocations; and fund balances.

Friendly amendment moved by Councilmember Thurm to reduce 30 GPD positions to allow a $3000 raise effective immediately; and for a $57,000 salary for the upcoming fiscal year.  There was no second received to the motion.  Councilmember Abuzuaiter did not accept the friendly amendment.  The motion died from a lack of a second and the unacceptance of the friendly amendment.

Discussion resumed regarding an across the board $3,000 pay increase for  employees; homicide rates; implementation challenges; budget gaps; district representation; equitable treatment; and concerns with the staff report. 

Councilmember Abuzuaiter called the question.

• Moved By Councilmember Abuzuaiter
  Seconded By Councilmember Matheny

  Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Matheny to ask staff to do everything in their power to get GPD officer starting salaries to $57,000 that our peer cities are offering.

   

  Ayes (7)	Mayor Vaughan, Councilmember Abuzuaiter, Councilmember Hoffmann, Councilmember Thurm, Councilmember Wells, Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, and Councilmember Matheny
  Noes (2)	Councilmember Hightower, and Councilmember Holston

  Carried (7 to 2)

  Councilmember Hightower explained her 'no' vote.

  
  

E.3

2023-247 Lights On 

Mayor Vaughan introduced the item; referenced a Duke Energy power savings flyer; and spoke to the street lighting program. 

Discussion took place regarding purple lighting events; and public safety.

F.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Paulette Montgomery voiced concern regarding Councilmembers' driving records; and highlighted past criminal offenses.

The following speakers spoke to the Crime Stoppers anonymous program; to law enforcement participation at community events; to public safety salaries; and to the Mothers Against Gun Violence organization: Rebecca Bilello, Sheri DuPuis, and Michelle Davis

Del Stone voiced concern regarding the unhoused.

Luis Medina voiced concern regarding poverty; and economic systems.

Dana Daughtry voiced concern regarding the homeless population; and mental health issues. 

Billy Belcher voiced concern regarding homelessness; and poverty. 

Malique Hough voiced concern regarding homelessness; domestic violence victims; and bus transit routes.

Ben Holder voiced concern regarding human trafficking issues.

Bryce Carter voiced concern regarding employee compensations. 

Chris Yancey spoke to employee pay structure and benefits.

Koreanne Burt spoke to property permits; and tax payments.

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson left meeting at 7:47 p.m.; and returned at 7:50 p.m.

Laura Jackson voice concern with safety; home invasions; and spoke to Community Watch programs.

Christine Hoepfner voiced concern regarding Body Worn Camera; and litigation cases.

MaryAnn Contogiannis voiced concern regarding the State Street Social District; and requested business  location exclusion. 

G.

CONSENT AGENDA (One Vote)

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson 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 Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the consent agenda was approved.

  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

2023-212 Resolution Authorizing Municipal Agreement with NC Department of Transportation for Schedule A Reimbursement 

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  Carried

  072-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHEDULE A REIMBURSEMENT

  WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. 136-18 and N.C.G.S. 136-66.1, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has the responsibility for the maintenance of highways on the State Highway System;

  WHEREAS, the provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §136-66.1 and §136-18 authorize the City to contract with NCDOT for the installation, repair, operations, and maintenance of highway signs and markings, electric traffic signals and other traffic control devices on State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHERAS, the City and NCDOT have a mutual interest in the safe and efficient operation of the State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHEREAS, NCDOT seeks to enter in to a reimbursement agreement with the City for the installation, repair, and maintenance of highway signs and supports on State Highway System streets within the City of Greensboro; and

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

  That City Manager is authorized to enter into agreement with the NC Department of Transportation for Schedule A Reimbursement Agreement.

  (Signed) Zack Matheny

  
  

G.2

2023-214 Resolution Authorizing Municipal Agreement with NC Department of Transportation for Schedule B Reimbursement 

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  Carried

  073-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHEDULE B REIMBURSEMENT

  WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. 136-18 and N.C.G.S. 136-66.1, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has the responsibility for the maintenance of highways on the State Highway System;

  WHEREAS, the provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §136-66.1 and §136-18 authorize the City to contract with NCDOT for the installation, repair, operations, and maintenance of highway signs and markings, electric traffic signals and other traffic control devices on State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHERAS, the City and NCDOT have a mutual interest in the safe and efficient operation of the State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHEREAS, NCDOT seeks to enter into a reimbursement agreement with the City for the installation, repair, and maintenance of highway pavement markings on State Highway System streets within the City of Greensboro; and,

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

  That City Manager is authorized to enter into agreement with the NC Department of Transportation for Schedule B Reimbursement Agreement.

  (Signed) Zack Matheny

  
  

G.3

2023-215 Resolution Authorizing Municipal Agreement with NC Department of Transportation for Schedule C Reimbursement 

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved. 

  Carried

  074-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHEDULE C REIMBURSEMENT

  WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. 136-18 and N.C.G.S. 136-66.1, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has the responsibility for the maintenance of highways on the State Highway System;

  WHEREAS, the provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §136-66.1 and §136-18 authorize the City to contract with NCDOT for the installation, repair, operations, and maintenance of highway signs and markings, electric traffic signals and other traffic control devices on State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHERAS, the City and NCDOT have a mutual interest in the safe and efficient operation of the State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHEREAS, NCDOT seeks to enter into a reimbursement agreement with the City for the operation of traffic signals at certain intersections on the State Highway System within the City of Greensboro; and

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

  That City Manager is authorized to enter into agreement with the NC Department of Transportation for Schedule C Reimbursement Agreement.

  (Signed) Zack Matheny

  
  

G.4

2023-216 Resolution Authorizing Municipal Agreement with NC Department of Transportation for Schedule D Reimbursement 

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  Carried

  075-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHEDULE D REIMBURSEMENT

  WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. 136-18 and N.C.G.S. 136-66.1, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has the responsibility for the maintenance of highways on the State Highway System;

  WHEREAS, the provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §136-66.1 and §136-18 authorize the City to contract with NCDOT for the installation, repair, operations, and maintenance of highway signs and markings, electric traffic signals and other traffic control devices on State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHERAS, the City and NCDOT have a mutual interest in the safe and efficient operation of the State Highway System streets within the City;

  WHEREAS, NCDOT seeks to enter into a reimbursement agreement with the City for the operation of the computerized traffic signal system and related equipment and staffing costs within the City of Greensboro; and

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

  That City Manager is authorized to enter into agreement with the NC Department of Transportation for Schedule D Reimbursement Agreement.

  (Signed) Zack Matheny 

  
  

G.5

2023 -218 Budget Adjustments Approved by Budget Officer 3/14/23 through 3/27/23

Motion to adopt the budget adjustments requiring Council approval from March 14, 2023 through March 32, 2023 over the amount of $50,000 was approved.

(A copy of the report is filed in Exhibit Drawer F, No. 14, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm
  Carried

G.6

2023 – 219 Budget Adjustments Requiring Council Approval 3/14/23 through 3/27/23 

Motion to adopt the budget adjustments accepted by the Budget Officer from March 14, 2023 through March 27, 2023 was approved.

(A copy of the report is filed in Exhibit Drawer F, No. 14, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

• Moved By Councilmember Matheny
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm
  Carried

I.

GENERAL BUSINESS AGENDA

I.1

2023 -232 Ordinance in the Amount of $2,969,525 to Purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Firefighters from Rhinehart Fire Services, Inc. 

• Moved By Councilmember Thurm
  Seconded By Councilmember Wells

  Motion to adopt the ordinance was approved.

  23-035 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,969,525 FOR PURCHASE OF SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

  Section 1.

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

  That the appropriation for the General Capital Improvements Fund be increased as follows:

  Account                         Description                           Amount

  411-40- 4097001.6059  Other Capital Equipment   $2,969,525

  Total:                                                                           $2,969,525

  And, that this be financed by increasing the following General Capital Improvements account:

  Account                          Description                       Amount

  411-40-4097001.9009    Proceeds from Installment Purchase Financing                                                                 $2,969,525

  Total:                                                                        $2,969,525

  Section 2.

  AND THAT, the expense and revenue amounts here-in-above authorized and made for the General Capital Improvements Fund shall be documented and recorded by line item within the accounting system of the City of Greensboro so as to provide a foundation for the proper recording of actual revenue and expenditures and shall be duly filed with the City Clerk of the City of Greensboro.

  Section 3.

  And, that this ordinance should become effective upon adoption.

  (Signed) Tammi 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)

I.2

2023 – 221 Resolution to Authorize Contract in the Amount of $500,000 with the Greensboro Housing Coalition - 2023-221

Councilmember Hightower recognized Greensboro Housing Coalition Executive Director Josie Williams.

Ms. Williams announced retirement; provided career highlights; and expressed appreciation to the Greensboro Housing Authority partnerships. 

Council commended Ms. Williams and extended well wishes on her new endeavors.

Councilmember Holston requested to be recused due to a conflict of interest.

Moved by Councilmember Hightower, seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter to excuse Councilmember Holston from voting on the item.  The motion carried by voice vote.

Councilmember Hightower presented a Key to the City to Ms. Williams.

Discussion took place regarding federal funding; housing issues; scope of work; and emergency rental assistance.

 

• Moved By Councilmember Abuzuaiter
  Seconded By Councilmember Wells

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  075-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO CONTRACT FOR CITY-ARP ENABLED FUNDS FOR OPERATING COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 WITH GREENSBORO HOUSING COALITION

  WHEREAS, City Council provided direction to establish funding totaling $500,000 for support of the following funding request:

  Greensboro Housing Coalition – Operating Funds - $500,000

  WHEREAS, American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $59.4 million was awarded to Greensboro with the first allocation of $29.7 million received by the City on May 19, 2021 and the remaining allocation of $29.7 million received by the City on June 21, 2022;

  WHEREAS, the grantor, U.S. Treasury, has provided guidance on the use of funds, including purposes of recovering revenue losses and grant funds can be used for authorized government services under this category;

  WHEREAS, funding from the American Rescue Plan will provide revenues for authorized government activities under the revenue loss category. This will provide grant availability in other revenues to allow for expenditures of $500,000;

  WHEREAS, Staff will administer the recording of these general government expenses using these funds in accordance with the guidance provided by U.S. Treasury and the use of grant revenues will make available general and other fund revenues to support projects identified through the American Rescue Plan process by City Council;

  WHEREAS, City-ARP funding in the amount of $500,000 will allow Greensboro Housing Coalition to assist with housing operation needs and provide hotline services in Fiscal Year 2023-2024;

  WHEREAS, City-ARP funds in the amount of $500,000 will be utilized to fund said contract; and

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

  That the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the aforementioned agency subject to the terms outlined above.

  (Signed) Marikay Abuzuaiter

  Ayes (8)	Mayor Vaughan, Councilmember Abuzuaiter, Councilmember Hightower, Councilmember Hoffmann, Councilmember Thurm, Councilmember Wells, Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, and Councilmember Matheny
  Recuse (1)	Councilmember Holston

  Carried (8 to 0)

J.

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

Mayor Vaughan spoke to the State of the City Address; commended staff; and recognized Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa.

Councilmember Hightower requested staff to provide bereavement pay and 401K data; voiced concern with city-wide employee salaries; requested peer city crime statistics and salary comparisons; and highlighted upcoming events.

Discussion took place regarding match-based plans; upcoming work sessions; and small group meetings.

Councilmember Holston referenced a previous resolution for Jim Newlin; spoke to a ribbon cutting; and to support of public safety.

Councilmember Matheny spoke to I-CODE small business benefits; to reward of residents; and to customer service commitments.

Councilmember Thurm spoke to citywide road construction; to worker safety; and extended wishes for the holiday.

Councilmember Wells highlighted Ms. Williams and Deputy City Clerk Rosa; voiced concerns regarding code enforcement; to the need for legislation; to upcoming events; to the Claremont Homes homicide; recognized the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. assassination; and Pastor Angeline Wall Chair of Safer Cities in Northeast Greensboro.

Councilmember Abuzuaiter referenced an upcoming event; spoke to the need for Boards and Commission appointments; and to recent crimes.

Moved by Councilmember Hightower, seconded by Councilmember Holston to remove Morgan Woodard from the Commission on the Status of Women due to attendance.  The motion carried by voice vote. 

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson highlighted recent events; spoke to code compliance; and extended wishes for the holiday. 

K.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CITY MANAGER 

There were no items for discussion by the City Manager.

L.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY

There were no items for discussion by the City Attorney.

M.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Councilmember Matheny, seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.

The City Council Adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

*These minutes were noted by Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa and formatted by City Clerk Angela R. Lord

 

___________________________                        ____________________________

Nancy Vaughan, Mayor                                           Angela R. Lord City Clerk