Fayetteville Today

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) -  The Fayetteville City Council met Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. in City 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 5:00 p.m. followed by the invocation, offered by Council Member Shakeyla Ingram and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Mayor Mitch Colvin.

Approval of the Agenda

Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Dawkins made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Council Member D.J. Haire. The motion passed unanimously.

Other Items of Business:

The City Council discussed the Saint Avold Sister City Delegation Visit. After discussion and a presentation from the Fayetteville-Saint Avold Friendship Alliance, there was consensus to instruct City staff to allocate $10,000 to support the Saint Avold City Delegation visiting Fayetteville. You can read more about this item here.

The City Council received a report by PBMares of the Audit and Financial Results for the Year Ended June 30, 2022. After the presentation and discussion, there was consensus to accept the report. You can read more about this item here.

The City Council discussed Five Affordable Housing Projects. After the presentation and discussion, there was consensus to:

1. Support Step Up on Eastern project with a total of $5,397,564 to convert a motel into supportive hosing for unsheltered residents. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Support Fayetteville Gardens project with $1.25 million to rehabilitate the existing 100-unit apartment complex. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Support Hillside Manor project with $1.8 million to rehabilitate 32 units for income restricted senior housing. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Support the project at 238 S. Cool Spring St. with up to $400,000 to repair and rehabilitate the property creating 8 units. Motion passed unanimously.
5. To table the item regarding the Blanton Green II project. Motion passed unanimously.

You can read more about these items here.

The City Council discussed the Murchison Choice Neighborhood Community Center Opportunity. After the presentation and discussion, there was consensus to table the item. You can read more about this item here.

The City Council received an update on Parks and Recreation Bond projects. Council discussed theprogression of projects. You can read more about this item here.

The City Council discussed proposed amendments to the Boarded-Up Structures Ordinance. After discussion, there was consensus to present the proposed text amendment to Council for approval. The motion passed, with Council Members Kathy Jensen, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Deno Hondros voting against consensus.

The City Council discussed Appointing a Public Works Commissioner. After discussion, there was consensus to host applicants for interviews with Council. The motion passed, with Council Members D.J. Haire and Derrick Thompson voting against consensus.

The City Council received a Public Safety Update on Violent Crime Response. After a presentation from Chief of Police Kemberle Braden, Council discussed various concerns and solution. You can read more about this item here.           

City Council Agenda Item Request:

Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Dawkins requested the development of a lease agreement for a Special Forces Memorial Park. After discussion, there was consensus for Council to direct City staff to develop an agreement with the Special Forces Foundation with milestones for a Special Forces Memorial Park. The motion passed 9-1, Council Member Shakeyla Ingram voted against the motion. You can read more about this item here.

Mayor Mitch Colvin requested a review of the Special Use Permit Ordinance. After discussion, there was consensus for City staff to review and present the number causes for special use permits. The motion passed unanimously. You can read more about this item here.      

Council Member D.J. Haire requested Council to discuss a Shorten Compliance and Hedge Bushes Ordinance. After discussion, there was consensus for City staff to review and present how much time violators have to bring violations into compliance. The motion passed 9-1, with Council Member Deno Hondros voting against consensus. You can read more about this item here.        

Council Member Mario Benavente requested Council discuss implementing a No Parking Zone at New Brunswick Avenue and Yadkin Road. After discussion and a presentation, there was consensus for staff to make the parking lot in question a No Park Zone. The motion passed unanimously. You can read more about this item here.             

Council Member Mario Benavente requested Council Review Traffic Calming Policy. After discussion, there was consensus for staff to provide Council with a review of all traffic calming measures. The motion passed unanimously. You can read more about this item here.

The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

The next City Council Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall. The September Work Session will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Lafayette Conference Room. 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.