City of Greensboro Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council

Monday, August 01, 2022 at 5:30 P.m. - 9:00 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 Justin Outling, 
• Councilmember Tammi Thurm, 
• and and Councilmember Goldie Wells

Also Present:

• City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba, 
• City Attorney Chuck Watts, 
• and and Deputy City Clerk Tebony Rosa

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A.

CALL TO ORDER

This City Council meeting of the City of Greensboro was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on the above date in the Katie Dorsett Council Chamber of the Melvin Municipal Office Building.

Mayor Vaughan conducted a roll call to confirm Councilmembers in attendance.

B.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

The meeting opened with a moment of silence.

Mayor Vaughan expressed condolences to the late Greensboro Fire Department Engineer Rick Murrell and his family. 

C.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Vaughan recognized Councilmember Abuzuaiter to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

D.

COUNCIL PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

Mayor Vaughan explained the Council procedure for conduct of the meeting.

E.

CEREMONIAL AND/OR PRESENTATION ITEMS

E.1

2022 – 809 Resolution Declaring the Month of August Black Philanthropy Month

Councilmember Hightower read the resolution into the record; recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson to present the resolution to Black Investments in Greensboro (BIG) Steering Committee member Kendrick Mayes.

Mr. Mayes highlighted the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG) equity fund; spoke to philanthropic endeavors; and extended an invitation to an upcoming fundraising event.

• Moved By Councilmember Hightower
  Seconded By Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  Ayes (9)

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

  Carried (9 to 0)

  261-22 RESOLUTION DECLARING THE MONTH OF AUGUST BLACK PHILANTHROPY MONTH

  WHEREAS, Dr. Jacqueline Copeland-Carson of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (formerly affiliated with AWDF USA) established the month of August as Black Philanthropy Month in 2011 with recognition by the United Nations as part of its Declaration of 2011 as the International Year for People of African descent; 

  WHEREAS, Black Philanthropy Month is an annual, global celebration of African descent giving in all its forms;

  WHEREAS, the month-long observance invites all people of African ancestry and allied brothers and sisters to celebrate August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives;

  WHEREAS, Black communities have vested reasons to celebrate and renew their rich, shared traditions of giving, self-help, and innovation throughout the United States and the world;

  WHEREAS, an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy and ongoing achievement in philanthropy merit a concerted effort to lift up important stories, spotlight good work, educate the generations and inspire giving;

  WHEREAS, understanding and generosity are instrumental to improving social, educational, economic and health outcomes in Black communities;

  WHEREAS, the citizens of Greensboro are asked to celebrate the cultural richness and philanthropic spirit of the community in which to live, work, and play during the month of August; and

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

  That it hereby declares the month of August Black Philanthropy Month.

  (Signed) Sharon Hightower

  
  

F.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Nassef Gawargy voiced concern regarding child trafficking.

Mayor Vaughan requested staff to follow up with Mr. Gawargy.

Sam Bridges spoke to a street renaming process for the late United States District Court judge, the Honorable William Osteen, Sr.

Councilmember Abuzuaiter explained North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) processes.

Billy Belcher voiced concern regarding the Greensboro Police Department (GPD); the Smith and Lopez cases; restraint procedures; and the GPD Police Chief selection process.

Luis Medina highlighted Working Class and Houseless Organizing Alliance (WHOA) community efforts; and spoke to basic necessities.

Del Stone voiced concern regarding abortion access; and patient protection.

Trayvon Worth highlighted Lead by Example (LBE) business endeavors; voiced concern regarding homelessness; and spoke to the Interactive Resource Center (IRC). 

Dominic LeGrand-El spoke to homelessness awareness; and to an affordable housing plan.

Roy Monette spoke to increased rental expenses; and to impactful homelessness solutions.

Andrew Carter spoke to pandemic impacts to employment; and to the homeless community.

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 Abuzuaiter
  Seconded By Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson

  Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda was approved.

  Ayes (9)

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

  Carried (9 to 0)

G.1

2022-590 Budget Adjustment Requiring Council Approval July 12, 2022 - July 22, 2022

Motion to adopt the budget adjustments requiring Council approval from July 12, 2022 through July 22, 2022 over the amount of $50,000 was approved.

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

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

G.2

2022-591 Budget Adjustment Approved by Budget Officer July 12, 2022 - July 22, 2022

Motion to adopt the budget adjustments accepted by the Budget Officer from July 12, 2022 through July 22, 2022 was approved.

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

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

H.

PUBLIC HEARING

H.1

2022-811 Public Hearing for an Ordinance Annexing Territory into the Corporate Limits for Property Located at 5701 West Gate City Blvd – 1.6-Acres (ZAS Ventures, LLC)

Mayor Vaughan stated this was the time and place set for a public hearing to consider items H.1./ID 2022-811 a Public Hearing for an Ordinance Annexing Territory into the Corporate Limits for Property Located at 5701 West Gate City Blvd – 1.6-Acres (ZAS Ventures, LLC); H.2./ID 2022-813 a Public Hearing for an Ordinance for Original Zoning for 5701 West Gate City Boulevard  – Marc Isaacson, for Mavis Tire Supply, LLC on behalf of ZAS Ventures, LLC; and that the items were postponed from the July 19, 2022 City Council meeting without further advertising.

Planning Manager Mike Kirkman made a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP); reviewed the request; presented maps, aerial photographs and diagrams to illustrate the site and surrounding property; read the additional conditions attached to the zoning request into the record; and stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff had recommended approval of the request.

Moved by Councilmember Thurm, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, to accept the additional conditions. The motion carried by voice vote.

Councilmember Hightower voiced concern regarding the business establishment.

Mr. Kirkman advised of a tire store.

There being no speakers, the public hearing closed by affirmation.

• Moved By Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson
  Seconded By Councilmember Thurm

  Motion to adopt the ordinance was approved.

  Ayes (9)

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

  Carried (9 to 0)

  22-164 AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING TERRITORY TO THE CORPORATE LIMITS (PROPERTY LOCATED 5701 WEST GATE CITY BOULEVARD – 1.591-ACRES)

  Section 1.  Pursuant to G.S. 160A-31 (contiguous), the hereinafter-described territory is hereby annexed to City of Greensboro:

  BEGINNING at a point in the existing Greensboro city limit line (as of April 30, 2022), said point being the easternmost corner of Lot 116 on Sheet “A” of Section Three of Sedgefield, as recorded at Plat Book 11, Page 29; THENCE PROCEEDING WITH THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS with the northeastern line of said Lot 116 N 44 44’ 33” W 374.44 feet to the intersection of said northeastern line and the southeastern right-of-way line of W. Gate City Boulevard; thence with said right-of-way line N 45 01’ 27” E 77.63 feet to an existing concrete monument; thence continuing N 45 01’ 27” E approximately 75 feet with the former southeastern right-of-way line of said street to its intersection with the former southwestern right-of-way line of Anson Road; THENCE DEPARTING FROM THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS with said former southwestern right-of-way line in a southeasterly direction approximately 10 feet to an iron pipe set; thence with the present southwestern right-of-way line of Anson Road S 55 50’ 46” E 369.49 feet to an iron pipe set; thence S 45 15’ 33” W 222.95 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing approximately 1.60 acres, of which approximately 1.591 acres lies outside street right-of-way. The plat referred to hereinabove is recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County.

  Section 2.  Any utility line assessments, which may have been levied by the County, shall be collected either by voluntary payment or through foreclosure of same by the City.  Following annexation, the property annexed shall receive the same status regarding charges and rates as any other property located inside the corporate limits of the City of Greensboro.

  Section 3.  The owner shall be fully responsible for extending water and sewer service to the property at said owner’s expense.

  Section 4.  From and after the effective date of annexation, the above-described territory and its citizens and property shall be subject to all debts, laws, ordinances and regulations in force within the City and shall be entitled to the same privileges and benefits thereof, subject to the provisions in Sections 2 and 3 above.

  Section 5.  From and after August 1, 2022, the liability for municipal taxes for the 2022-2023 fiscal year shall be prorated on the basis of 10/12 of the total amount of taxes that would be due for the entire fiscal year.  The due date for prorated municipal taxes shall be September 1, 2023.  Municipal ad valorem taxes for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and thereafter shall be due annually on the same basis as any other property within the city limits.

  Section 6.  That this ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.

  (Signed) Yvonne Johnson

  
  

H.2

2022-813 Public Hearing for an Ordinance for Original Zoning for 5701 West Gate City Boulevard – Marc Isaacson, for Mavis Tire Supply, LLC on behalf of ZAS Ventures, LLC

Councilmember Thurm expressed appreciation for the develop-community partnership.

• Moved by Councilmember Thurm, seconded by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, to adopt the ordinance and stated that the Greensboro City Council believed that its action to approve the original zoning request for the property described as 5701 West Gate City Boulevard from County RS-40 (Residential Single-family) to City CD-C-M (Conditional District - Commercial Medium) to be consistent with the adopted GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan and considered the action taken to be reasonable and in the public interest for the following reasons: the request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Built Form Map and Future Land Use Map; the proposed City CD-C-M zoning district, as conditioned, permits uses which fit the context of surrounding area and limits negative impacts on the adjacent properties; and the request is reasonable due to the size, physical conditions, and other attributes of the area, it will benefit the property owner and surrounding community, and approval is in the public interest.

  Moved By Councilmember Thurm
  Seconded By Councilmember Abuzuaiter

  Motion to adopt the ordinance was approved.

  Ayes (9)

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

  Carried (9 to 0)

  22-165 AMENDING OFFICIAL ZONING MAP

  5701 WEST GATE CITY BOULEVARD, GENERALLY DESCRIBED AS SOUTHEAST OF WEST GATE CITY BOULEVARD AND SOUTHWEST OF ANSON ROAD

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

  Section 1.  The Official Zoning Map is hereby amended by rezoning from County RS-40 (Residential Single Family) to City CD-C-M (Conditional District Commercial Medium).

  The area is described as follows:                       

  BEGINNING at a point in the existing Greensboro city limit line (as of April 30, 2022), said point being the easternmost corner of Lot 116 on Sheet “A” of Section Three of Sedgefield, as recorded at Plat Book 11, Page 29; THENCE PROCEEDING WITH THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS with the northeastern line of said Lot 116 N 44 44’ 33” W 374.44 feet to the intersection of said northeastern line and the southeastern right-of-way line of W. Gate City Boulevard; thence with said right-of-way line N 45 01’ 27” E 77.63 feet to an existing concrete monument; thence continuing N 45 01’ 27” E approximately 75 feet with the former southeastern right-of-way line of said street to its intersection with the former southwestern right-of-way line of Anson Road; THENCE DEPARTING FROM THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS with said former southwestern right-of-way line in a southeasterly direction approximately 10 feet to an iron pipe set; thence with the present southwestern right-of-way line of Anson Road S 55 50’ 46” E 369.49 feet to an iron pipe set; thence S 45 15’ 33” W 222.95 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, containing approximately 1.60 acres, of which approximately 1.591 acres lies outside street right-of-way.  The plat referred to hereinabove is recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County.

  Section 2. That the zoning amendment from County RS-40 (Residential Single Family) to City CD-C-M (Conditional District Commercial Medium) is hereby authorized subject to the following use limitations and conditions:

  1.    Permitted uses shall include all uses allowed in the C-M zoning district except for all Eating and Drinking Establishments, all Drive-through Facilities, Convenience Stores with Fuel Pumps, Sexually Oriented Businesses, Funeral Homes and Crematoriums and Land Clearing and Inert Debris Landfills, Minor (temporary use).
  2.    Any garage bay doors shall be oriented towards West Gate City Boulevard.
  3.    Vehicular access shall not be permitted from Anson Road.
  4.    A minimum 6-foot high fence or wall shall be installed between parking areas and the adjacent residential property at 5705 Anson Road
  5.    A landscape buffer with a minimum width of 60 feet shall be installed along the southeastern property line adjacent to the residential property at 5705 Anson Road.  This buffer shall incorporate existing healthy vegetation with approval of the City of Greensboro
  6.    Any new required plantings within the required landscape buffer along the southeastern property line abutting the property at 5705 Anson Road shall be of evergreen material to ensure year round screening.  Such evergreen materials shall be no less than 8 feet in height at time of planting.
  7.    A vegetative buffer a minimum 15 feet in width shall be established between any buildings and parking areas and Anson Road.  Within this buffer there shall be a minimum of 4 canopy trees (at least 2 of which must be evergreen for screening), 4 evergreen understory trees and 17 evergreen shrubs for every 100 linear feet of road frontage.  Evergreen planting materials must be a minimum of 8 feet in height to ensure year round screening.
  8.    Any use of the property will not be open to the public after 8:30 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m.

  Section 3.  This property will be perpetually bound to the uses authorized and subject to the development standards of the CD-C-M (Conditional District Commercial Medium) zoning district unless subsequently changed or amended as provided for in Chapter 30 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances.  Final plans for any development shall be submitted to the Technical Review Committee for approval.

  Section 4.  Any violations or failure to accept any conditions and use limitations imposed herein shall be subject to the remedies provided in Chapter 30 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances.

  Section 5.  This ordinance shall be effective on August 1, 2022.

  (Signed) Tammi Thurm

  
  

I.

GENERAL BUSINESS AGENDA

I.1

2022 - 834 Resolution Authorizing a Commitment of $200,000 to Greensboro Urban Ministry for the Uplift Project

• Moved By Councilmember Wells
  Seconded By Councilmember Abuzuaiter

  Motion to adopt the resolution was approved.

  Ayes (9)

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

  Carried (9 to 0)

  262-22 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A COMMITMENT OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FOR GREENSBORO URBAN MINISTRY UPLIFT PROJECT

  WHEREAS, City Council provided direction to establish funding for support of the Greensboro Urban Ministry Uplift Project to update critical infrastructure;

  WHEREAS, Greensboro Urban Ministry provides critical housing, food, emergency assistance, case management, and health services vital to low income Greensboro community members;

  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 for 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 $200,000;

  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; and

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

  That it authorizes a financing commitment of $200,000 in funds, for the Greensboro Urban Ministry Uplift Project to update critical infrastructure, and authorizes the City Manager to execute the steps necessary to provide funding support with the applicable federal and City regulations associated with the source of funding.

  (Signed) Goldie Wells

  
  

J.

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

Taking the prerogative of the Chair, Mayor Vaughan stated this was the time for Boards and Commissions appointments.

Moved by Councilmember Outling, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, to appoint Tracy Pratt to the Historic Preservation Committee to replace Amanda Hodierne. The motion carried by voice vote.

Moved by Councilmember Outling, seconded by Councilmember Thurm, to reappoint Douglas R. Bender, Sr. to the Human Rights Commission. The motion carried by voice vote.

Moved by Councilmember Outling, seconded by Councilmember Thurm, to appoint Libby Schinnow to the Participatory Budgeting Commission to replace Tiffany Turner. The motion carried by voice vote.

*Note: Following the meeting, City Clerk Angela Lord confirmed with Councilmember Outling that the correct replacement was Shirl Davis, and not Tiffany Turner.

Moved by Councilmember Outling, seconded by Councilmember Holston, to appoint Betty Shaw to the Greensboro Transit Authority Commission to replace David Hamsten. The motion carried by voice vote.

Councilmember Hightower provided an overview of the North Carolina Black Elected Officials conference; requested staff to coordinate elected officials training with North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe; spoke to strategic goals; to fair and equitable treatment; to a Publix Super Market job fair; and requested staff to schedule a youth-engagement focused town hall.

Councilmember Wells spoke to the Lorac Academy truck driving company ribbon cutting; and extended condolences to the late Reverend George Coates' family.

Councilmember Hoffmann spoke to future growth; and to an economic development investment trajectory.

Councilmember Thurm spoke to events attended; a Pittsboro Water Department visit; and to the upcoming National Night Out.

Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson spoke to affordable housing; economic development; livable wage jobs; and to a children's summer school reading opportunity. 

Councilmember Abuzuaiter spoke to a Liberian Independence Day event; a Greensboro Fire Department graduation; and to the late former Fire Chief Ray Flowers funeral service. 

Councilmember Holston spoke to events attended; and to the Wyndham Championship Golf Tournament.

Mayor Vaughan recognized the new Intergovernmental Relations Manager LaToya Caesar-Crawford; spoke to elections; to a Guilford County homelessness initiative partnership; and to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics.

K.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CITY MANAGER

Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson spoke to a Guilford County public health initiative partnership with the Greensboro Public Library; and congratulated Parks & Recreation and Water Resource Departments for grant fund awards. 

M.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Councilmember Abuzuaiter, seconded by Councilmember Wells, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by affirmation.

The City Council Adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

 

___________________________                        ____________________________

Nancy Vaughan, Mayor                                           Tebony Rosa, Deputy City Clerk