City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. This is Mayor Sio Jefferson convening of regular meeting of the High Point City Council. Here with me on the dis. We have every member of council present to save council member McKver. We also have our staff of city manager, clerk and attorney. Uh before we get started with our meeting, we'll actually ask everyone to join us for a pledge of allegiance and well sorry moment of silence then pledge of allegiance.

Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Our first order of business is to adopt our agenda. Um, I will make a note that we've got to add a closed session item for attorney client privilege at the end of our regular meeting. Um, so with that change, I'll actually make the motion to adopt. Is there a second?

Second. Second, recognize council member Holmes. Any discussion on the motion to adopt our agenda. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it and our agenda is adopted. We have some recognitions that we're going to do today. Um, we're really excited about them. Some we get the um honor of doing every year. And so there's some people friends that I would consider who this is the only time of year where I get to see them. So y'all take your time with me here. Um first one is for child abuse prevention month. And I actually want to recognize the Kellen Foundation. And I see some folks of their team here, but I believe you also invited some other folks to join you. So will you all come up for this recognition? 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. And 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. And whereas children deserve to enjoy the simple joys of childhood without experiencing the stressors of adulthood. And whereas families are the very fabric of our community, supporting the whole family unit makes an impact now and for generations to come. And whereas the Resilient Guilford Network, coordinated by the Kellen Foundation and inclusive of dozens of partner agencies work diligently to build safe, secure, and nurturing families and communities. And whereas investing in policies, programs, and strategies that address adversity and focus on prevention, treatment, and healing are essential to the health of our community. And whereas across the country, communities are being powered by hope, strengthened by prevention. as a reminder that we all have an essential role to play in building strong children, strong families, and strong communities. And whereas the city of High Point encourages individuals in all sectors, public and private, early childhood through post-secary education, faith-based organizations, health care systems, justice systems, social service systems, businesses, and elected leaders to collaborate to strengthen our communities. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Sir Jefferson, mayor of the city of High Point, North Carolina, hereby proclaim the month, April 2026, as child abuse prevention month in High Point and call upon all citizens to recommmit our community to increase awareness and understanding that together we have a responsibility to ensure safe, secure, and nurturing childhoods for all children. Can we please celebrate the folks doing incredible work?

Okay. All right. Okay. So, Iris from Children's Law Center is here. Um, any any other organizations represented up here? Okay. All right. Robert's in Guilford Network here. And you you've got some pins that you're going to give out here in just a little bit. How about this for the photo? Pass them out cuz I want to hold it.

And then we're going to slide y'all down just a little bit. This way. Right there. That is perfect. And you, my friend, are in the middle. So, you're going to hold our proclamation. There you go. two and and remind us the blue uh wheels here.

Okay, so blue pin wheels representation of childhood. Uh the wind's blowing quite a bit today. You still have time to get it in the ground. Kellum Foundation has got enough it looks like for everybody. They're all the same size. So don't start comparing everybody, but they've got enough for everybody. Let's make sure that we fly these out so that way as a community we continue to support this very important endeavor. Thank y'all. You do love the back kind of made a whistle. Uh perhaps very appropriately in a great segue, y'all must have done this the way y'all coordinated this. Thank y'all. Month of the young child. And so I'm going to call up our friends from Guilford County Partnership for Children and anyone else who you have with you.

And who who do you have with you today? Heather from Facebook. They're doing a project with us. Okay. is one of the advocates and Abby Ray vice chair. Okay. Yeah, we know Abby Ray. She lives in High Point. We know her.

I know. I know everyone who lives in High Point. FYI. Um whereas there are over 32,000 children aged 0 to 5 not yet in kindergarten in Guilford County. And 69% of these children live in households where the sole parent or both parents are working. And whereas the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language and literacy development are built through positive interactions with adults, peers, and their environment during these early critical years. And whereas participation in highquality early childhood education saves taxpayers dollars, makes working families more economically secure, and prepares children to succeed in school, earn higher wages, and live healthier lives. And whereas Guilford County's 312 licensed early care and education facilities employ over 2,000 early care and education professionals. And whereas these highquality educators make a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families of Guilford County and deserve thanks and recognition. And whereas in a show of unity, we participate in a countywide spirit week and support a get green initiative to wear green and a sticker of advocacy stating I am at work today. thanks to an early childhood educator. You have a sticker for me, by the way. Okay, perfect. Um, and we we encourage everyone to wear the stickers. And whereas the city of High Point recognizes and celebrates the critical investments of the people, organizations, and programs committed to providing high quality early childhood education and services to the families of our community. And therefore, I, Sarah Jefferson, mayor of the city of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as month of the young child and April 11th to the 17th, 2026 as week of the young child in the city of High Point, and urge all residents to join in celebrating and recognizing the invaluable contributions

these early educators make in enriching the lives of young children and their families and the community. Can we please celebrate EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS? FOR THE PICTURE. I LIKE TO PUT MY sticker on. Okay. All right. I really did this cuz I didn't have any green on and I didn't want y'all pinching. So, here let's slide on down and then uh how how do you want to do the picture? Just fine fine in this order. Oh, yeah. Okay. Perfect. Y'all are both in the middle, so I'm gonna have you both post. Can you see my sticker, Rakia?

It looks we get the sticker.

Hey, thank you FOR who thought you come to a council meeting, you leave with a blue pen. Well, you can put stickers. Um, manage expectations though. We don't give out stuff every month. Um, next, another very important recognition and proclamation. Uh, this one's for Parkinson's awareness month. And I'm going to invite up Betsy Learner, Parkinson's fitness specialist. Betsy. And Betsy, do you have anyone else here with you joining you for the recognition? Okay. Well, that's good. Thank you. All right. Will you join me here?

Whereas Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease and is the second most common neurodeenerative disease in the United States with 90,000 new people diagnosed each year in the country. And whereas Parkinson's disease is estimated to affect approximately 1 million people in the United States and the prevalence will rise to 1.2 million by 2030. And it is estimated that the economic burden of the disease is at least 52 billion annually in the United States. And whereas complications related to Parkinson's disease is the 13th leading cause of death in the United States. And the fastest growing subset of Parkinson's disease is in people under the age of 50 known as young or early onset Parkinson's disease. And whereas research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides like paraquat and certain metals are tied to Parkinson's disease. But more research is needed to uncover the exact cause and progression of disease. And there is no objective test for Parkinson's disease, nor a cure or drug to slow or halt the progression. And whereas the symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person and can include tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity, difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing and speaking, cognitive impairment and dementia, mood disorders, and a variety of other non-motor symptoms. And whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life of persons living with Parkinson's disease and their families. And whereas increased research, education, and community support services such as those provided by the Parkinson's Foundation and other organizations are needed to find more effective treatments and to provide access to quality care to those living with the disease today. Therefore, I

serial Jefferson, mayor of city of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 2026 to be Parkinson's awareness month in the city of High Point and encourage all residents to help raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and lend support to organizations like Parkinson's foundations and those affected by the disease. Can we please recognize the moment? Do you want to use on your phone, too? No. No. You got to get into a boxer stance. A box boxer stance. Are you right-handed? I'm right-handed. Take your right foot back. Okay. Right foot back.

Okay. But I want you to be sort of on a tripod stance. Okay. So, you don't like this. Okay. You got to have Oh, wow. Wow. Look at this. Oh my. Stand straight up. Okay. Because people with Parkinson's tend to be like this one, which is straight up through those shoulders, straight in the face. Now, you're going to throw a jab with your left hand. So, you're going to take your left hand, throw it, and snap it back. So, hands up, Betsy. I don't know what our insurance is like for this kind of maneuver. I have insurance cuz I'm an independent. Okay. Okay. All right. Okay. Okay.

Okay. Okay. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Okay. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Bessie, I'm nervous. I'm nervous.

Did you get all that? Wow. Come on. There's no cure for this disease. Every single person that hears those four words, you have Parkinson's disease, they're going to die. Every single person that I'm with around the country, they're all going to die. So, my job is to raise awareness, educate people and exercise, we box, we do strength training. My oldest Parkinson's person is 97 years old. He did 15 sit to stands. So he sat in the chair and then stood up 15 times and then bounced.

His wife did 40 times. Did that. Okay. I'm glad you didn't make me do the squats, too. No, I'll be back. We'll be okay. We'll be back. Okay. Here you go.

Thank you. THANK YOU SO MUCH. MAYOR, I THINK YOU JUST made past night. You said I just made past night. That's the headline there. Mayor boxes Betsy. I can see it right now. That's the newspaper headline. Mayor boxes Betsy.

All right. Um, our next is a proclamation for National Community Development Week. And uh in a twist, we're going to have Heidi Major, executive director from YWCA, uh who's going to say a few words and then we will read the proclamation. How about that? Thank you. Thank you, Mayor.

Good evening, mayor and council members, community members. Um it is an honor to be able to come up and speak in regards to the CDBG on behalf of YW.CA CA as well as the numerous partners that benefit from this and all of our residents that could benefit. Um, you know, it is through the we thank you for the continued investment through the community development block grant program and the home funds and your belief in that program. both of those programs. These both these programs are vital because they are design they are designed to meet the needs of low to moderate income individuals and families right here in High Point. Through CDBG we are able to support essential efforts like housing rehabilitation, public improvements and economic development that create jobs and strengthen neighborhoods. Each investment is intentional and the committee the the advisory panel that works with that is just an amazing group of dedicated citizens within our community. Whether it's benefiting low to and moderate income residents, addressing areas of food hardship, areas of need, or responding to urgent C challenges, CDBG has been there for years, and we're grateful. The home program further expands the impact by increasing access to safe and decent and housing u affordable housing and it strengthens the nonprofit capacity um to provide support for firsttime homeowners and bringing together public and private partners to create lasting housing solutions. At YW.CA, we have been grateful to utilize these funds over the past years in many different areas to support our youth, to support nutrition and budgeting classes. And we are just grateful because not only at YW.C.A, but

also at our other partnering organizations. We are helping families stretch their resources while improving their health and stability of their ne their home and neighbors. Together, these investments are not only just funding programs. They are building stronger families, healthier neighborhoods, and more and a more equitable high point. Thank you. Thank you, Heidi. All right. Now, we're going to invite up some more folks. Okay. Lots of friends. All right. We've got lots of folks. Nina Wilson, who is the director for our community development housing department. Nina, there's a group of folks coming up. Right.

All right. Let's go. We We've got an entourage. And will you just as they're coming up, Nina, will you tell tell me who we've got coming up? This is our assistant director. Okay, good to see you again. She is our coordinator specialist. He is represent CA CAC. That's right. That's right. Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. A few more folks. Hey.

Yes, we have Washington Street Corbin Davis Street. Community Washington Street Association.

All right. and Latasha. Um, I'mma actually ask our liaison to Citizens Advisory Council, Councilman Tim Andrew, to come and join us on down here. Um, since Citizens Advisory Council is that group that you mentioned earlier, who who reviews I I have the shirt. The way my hair is set up, you got all kinds of things.

I know. I got stickers and pin wheels and and a boxing lesson. Don't forget that. I got a whole boxing lesson and a whole lot of social media content apparently. Um, just lay it on top. Okay, I when it's time for the photo, I'll hold it up. I promise. Whereas the week of April 6th to April 10th, 2026 has been designated by the National Community Development Association with the support of other federal, state, and local agencies and organizations as National Community Development Week to celebrate the Community Development Block Grant and the Home Investment Partnerships Program. And whereas the city of High Point is committed to strengthening neighborhoods, expanding housing opportunities, and improving the quality of life for residents throughout the city. And whereas the CDBG and home programs have enabled the city of High Point to support housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, public facility improvements, accessibility projects, and community services that benefit low and moderate income residents. And whereas the city of High Point remains committed to leveraging federal resources through the CDBG and home programs to implement innovative projects, promote development, and build a more prosperous future for our residents. And whereas National Community Development Week provides an opportunity to highlight achievements of the CDBG and home programs and recognize the dedicated efforts of local leaders, community organizations, and residents who work tirelessly to enhance the well-being of our city. Now therefore, I, Siriel Jefferson, mayor of the city of High Point, do hereby proclaim April 6 to April 10th, 2026 as National Community Development Week and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the partnerships and programs that continue to strengthen our community. Can we please celebrate? Have you get my shirt?

Do you want us to do two? You want us to do two rows? Okay. All right. Um, front row folks, come to the front row. Second row folks, go to the second row. If you you know, if you're a front row person, for HR reasons, I can't say anything else. I'm just saying front row folks, come to the front. That's all I'm saying. You're in there. Can we see

the perfect one, two, three? Last one. All right. Thank you.

Put it down. I must No, your problem. Thank you very much.

No, I did not. Clearly I did that coordinate that

Thank you all for celebrating with us. They're just making fun of my boxing skills up here. Don't mind. Don't mind them. Michael, I not everyone can have as capable hands as you when it comes to boxing. Um, all right. Next order of business is our public comment period. And once a month, city council um opens up this opportunity for members from the public to come and speak to council about whatever is on your heart and mind. Um, we'll ask you to come to the podium here. You'll have three minutes to address council on the topic of your choosing. We ask that when you speak, just let us know your name, address, and the topic for which you plan to speak. We'll read who we have on our list, but anyone who's not signed up will still have an opportunity to speak if they so choose. First on our list, Miss Gloria Halstead.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, city council members and city manager. My name is Gloria Hollstead. I live at 901 Johnson Street. I'm here to read the Highpoint Preservation Society's resolution to preserve First Baptist Church. Whereas the first Baptist church congregation at 405 North Main Street in High Point, North Carolina was established on this site in 1859, the same year as the city of High Point was incorporated. And whereas the church property has been used as a house of worship for 167 years. And whereas the current structure sits on a piece of land in the center of downtown High Point and in the center of the High Point social district. And whereas the city of High Point has purchased this property and surrounding block to be used for future city offices. And whereas the current church structure is sound built in 1941. And whereas the church structure has excellent acoustics. And whereas the High Point Preservation Society seeks to preserve historic structures in the city of Highpoint. And whereas the back of the church property is located directly across from the truest stadium and proposed park and greenway by Condan Yards running behind 250 new apartments and restaurants at West English and North Lindsay. And whereas the current High Point Theater has continued to lose money annually. And whereas the highest and best use for the High Point Theater in its current location is as a showroom given the first floor central location in the showroom district. And whereas the First Baptist Church sanctuary could be easily adapted as a smaller 450 seat theater for the performing arts with nightly entertainment. And whereas downtown High Point visit High Point, High Point by Design, the city and other groups seek downtown activity yearround to attract people living in the downtown area. The High Point Preservation

Society board requests the city of Highpoint explore preserving the sanctuary and entrance at the portico of the First Baptist Church for use as a small 450 seat theater for the performing arts. first through commissioning architectural drawings by an architect skilled in historic preservation adaptations and secondly asking this architect skilled in historic preservation to estimate costs for such an adaptation. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next we have Mr. Lewis Tibido.

Good evening. My name is Excuse me. My name is Lewis Tibido. I reside at 1242 Kensington Drive, High Point, North Carolina. Good evening, mayor, city council, city manager. Um, I want to first recognize and thank God for yesterday of being resurrection day. And I praise God for it. And I'd like to pray for you. Heavenly Father, as I come right now, I I thank you, dear God. And I pray to you as in your book called the Bible, in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And this is who I pray to. And dear God, I just ask that you be with the city council as they go through the different things that they have to work on, dear God, with our things of the city with the the the dam coming up and and different uh sewer projects that are coming up and dear God, the citizens and as they work through these next months on this property tax bill, dear God, that all of us will receive. And and yes, dear God, I know they live in the city too. It will affect them also. But dear God, help them to have their eyes and hearts open to hear from you. And not only the city matters, but their own personal matters. Dear God, protect them, watch over them, give them your wisdom. In your son Jesus name I do pray. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Tibido. Next on the list is Emma Skinner.

Hello, my name is Emma Skinner. I live at 3906 Kim Drive, High Point, North Carolina. And I've been a resident for 27 years. And I'm here um as a staff member of Family Room. So, Family Room is a foster care resource center and we provide provisions um items, things that foster parents would need when they receive a child in foster care. Um we serve there's no geographical barrier to us. So, we've served 48 counties in the state. Last in 2024, we served 565 emergency placements. So, children just coming into care. And then this past year, we served 693. So the need is so great. There are more children in foster care in Guilford County than any other county in the state. Um the need is great. Foster parents, we need more of them. We need our community to step in. And our job is to say that a foster parent should never have to say no because they don't feel prepared for a placement. So whether that be a bed, a car seat, clothes, toys, shoes, books, groceries, um a frozen meal for dinner that night, it's our job to do that. And so we ask the community to come in, whether that be volunteering your time, your talent, obviously your treasure. Um we take donations of used items um on Tuesdays all day and on Saturday mornings. And then we have volunteer groups and volunteer um individuals that come in and serve. So, we are grateful to be here on a night that is so about children and it's our job as a community to say that we're going to take care of each other. So, thank you for your time.

Thank you. Next, we have George Chris Tamasic. Did Did I say your last name correctly?

Tamasic, but it it used to be Tamasic Victory got changed on Ellis Island a few years back. That's got second generation. Um, my name is uh Chris Damasic. I live at 1202 Lancaster Place, High Point, North Carolina. I want to say I appreciate mayor, city council, and city manager allowing me to speak. I put future on there because I retired from education after 32 and a half years, K12. I retired from Fidelity when we relocated here after a little time. Uh, I had my I was a registered rep series 7666 and I'm really have felt at home here in High Point for the past 3 years. I've got sons, grandchild, and future grandchildren in the works later this year. And um my big fear and I'm asking you because Tip O'Neal always said politics is local. All politics are local. So there's no R&Ds we're getting rid of. We're all local. We're high point citizens. Some of us live in Guilford County. I'm here asking for your assistance if possible. I went spoke at the Guilford County um meeting with my good friend Lewis over there and I listened to horror stories of the appreciation of homes. Even a mobile home was appreciated $100,000, which makes no sense to me, but if he said anybody wanted to buy for 100,000, he would sell it. I don't know if you could have the ability or the the the wherewithal or even the connections to kind of begin to look at what they're doing to the residents of High Point who live in Guilford County and the amount of taxes increased. And just talking to people and listening to people, the lowest I've heard is 33% jump to over 100% jump in value in their homes without the millillage being changed. And you're saying, 'Well, why

are you telling me all this? As I spoke to them, I said, first off, the average age of a first homeowner buyer is 40. We're not talking 20s and 30s. We're talking about 40. Mortgage rates are still above 6%. So, you're going to we're in a in a fix that how is High Point going to grow? You can only build so many apartments, but true value in a community is home ownership. And if taxes are going to force the lack of home ownership, we need to do something about it because the future of any city is the growth of the residents. And people really get entrenched like my wife and I who have a have a house and the community. So I'm asking you come Friday when they roll in over Cogn yards that they at least have had somebody chirping in their ear that really says this is a large money grab. It's unbelievable. And I feel for people that are working paycheck to paycheck and now trying to figure out how to pay that increase in county taxes. And I I hate to run over just one more. I'm just making a point. They haven't explained themselves well and I'm coming to you for help. You've helped me before getting the the 25 mph speed limit signs in my neighborhood. You helped with the greenway issue. You've you've been very productive. Let's see if we can be productive with the Guilford County folks.

Thank you, Mr. Tamasic. Thank you. Next on our list is Heather Adams. and then Susan Wood.

My address is in Greensboro, but I'm a proud exe executive director of the Guilford County Partnership for Children. So, um, thank you for again for tonight's proclamation recognizing young children, their parents and caregivers, and the educators who serve them. The partnership has been part of our community for 30 years, supporting children prenatal through age five, their families, and the early childhood education workforce. Since 1996, we have invested over $300 million in the community to support the well-being of young children with a focus on readiness at school entry. Research shows that a return to the community of up to $16 for every dollar invested in the early years. That's why today's proclamation is so important to us. Um, last week we had our county commissioners who also adopted a proclamation. And tomorrow night, Greensboro City Council will. So, but we know proclamations alone won't fix what we're facing. Right now, Guilford County, our entire community, like many, is facing a child care crisis that intersects at affordability, accessibility, and quality. Families cannot find care they can afford. And when parents lack dependable child care, businesses cannot find reliable employees. With 90% of brain development happening in the first five years of life, those first 2,000 days shape everything that comes after school readiness, workforce readiness, and long-term health. When we fail children early, we pay later. Here in Guilford County, our early childhood educators, the workforce behind the workforce, earn an average of 1350 an hour. So talking about home ownership, totally out of reach for most of our early childhood educators. Their passion for children alone cannot sustain a system this essential. Without our collective intervention, childcare programs will continue to close, classrooms will shrink, and families and employers will fill the ripple effects. Today, I ask you to view childare as core infrastructure in the city, just like

you think about roads, utilities, and public safety. When child care is stable, our economy is stable. Here's one simple thing you can do to take direct action next Wednesday on April 15th um which is during the actual week of young child. You can wear green in solidarity with our early childhood educators and you can also wear a sticker that says I'm at work today thanks to an early childhood educator. We left a whole stack here and we have plenty more if you need more. Um, when someone asks you about your sicker, we encourage you to say, "I'm securing my retirement plan." Because when we support early childhood educators, we're supporting the future doctors, lawyers, teachers, county employees, city employees, entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists, and elected officials who one day sustain this community. Thank you for your time and investing in our children's future.

Uh, next we have Susan Wood. I'm so sorry.

Good evening, city council, mayor, city manager. I'm here to talk about community development equals economic development in our community. Um, that is the social media tag for uh, community development week for today. And I wanted to let you know how the funds that the city allocates to Habitat through the community development block grant program and the home program impacts our community. Last year in uh, fiscal year 25, Habitat received $147,000 from those funds. Habitat invested over 1 million 1.7 million in our community through our building and our money we pay towards taxes and our restore taxes and our employees. So that's 1.7 million. That had an economic impact of $3.4 million here in High Point during that time period. And that is economic impact that has come from these community development and housing funds that are given to nonprofits like ourselves in the city. And that is a very it's a very large impact. And we talk about numbers and and it goes beyond. But when you break it down to our families, what Habitat is giving to families in our community is we're selling them a house, beautiful new house, 30-year mortgage, no rent, for $150,000. Those houses are appraised at $250,000. And um that same house in our community, if a family were to go, interest rates today are 6.46.

and that a family would pay over the life of the loan over $450,000 for that home. So, we are not only working on economic wealth for our community, but generational wealth for our families. And um I invite you to come out and visit one of our houses if you haven't lately. I invite you all to come out and swing a hammer once in a while. We'd love to have city council come out and build build with us sometime, but I thank you for your time and I will take any questions if you have them. I don't think we have any. Susan, thank you so much. Appreciate your work. Next on the list is Heidi Major.

Council, mayor, city manager. Thank you for the opportunity to speak again. This time I'd like to share about the YW.CA of high points. um until justice just is campaign. Um excuse me. As our nation approaches 250 years of democracy, this year's until justice just is campaign invites us all to reflect on what that milestone really means. It asks who has fully experienced those 250 years of freedom and opportunity and justice and who has not. Here at the YWCA High Point, we work with many families and residents that relieve focusing on systematic change and um barriers and that comes about through civic engagement, through engaging individuals in voter rights and um voter registration and lots of educational components there. And this is why we're inviting our community and each of you to take part in our 250 year democracy challenge. It's very simple and if you've participated in the um past, it is even easier this year because we decided that um voters's rights and democracy is so important. We're going to bring that down to one item each month for the each day for the next m month and a half. And through that, you'll get a video, an email, um an article to read and to reflect and to educate yourself and to inspire action. We ask you all to join us and I've emailed each of you all this before you come and for our community members there's actually a QR code on the great table um tables downstairs one at the YWCA there are so many amazing tables that are all partners of community development and I encourage you um to go see those um and so we invite you all to um join us and encourage you to share

with your networks and constituents to do the same. When leaders participate, it sends a powerful message about our shared commitment to building more a more inclusive community here in High Point. And because demi democracy is not just something we celebrate, it is something we practice every day. Thank you. Thank you, Audi.

Uh we don't have anyone else signed up on our list, but is there anyone in attendance who has not had a chance to speak in public comment period who wishes to speak? Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close public comment period and say thank you uh to everyone who did show up to speak during public comments. Next order of business is our consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the items under our consent agenda? Motion to approve. Second. Motion has been made by Mayor Pro Tim Peters, seconded by council member Johnson. Any discussion on the motion to approve our consent agenda? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I.

Any against? The eyes have it. And our consent agenda is passed. Under general business, first item is item 2026-90, public hearing regarding extension of bond order authorizing the issuance $22 million and general obligation streets and sidewalk bonds. Uh for this, we're going to recognize Mr. Bobby Fish, our financial services director. before he goes, I'll go ahead and open our public hearing.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the city council. Um this item is uh one of two public hearings tonight. Um this is an extension. It was introduced uh at last uh the meeting two weeks ago, the last meeting. It's an extension of our 2019 bond order, the voter uh approved bonds that were um approved back in 2019 for streets and sidewalk projects. The statute gives us those bond the bond order seven years. We need an additional three years which is allowed by statute um in order to issue those bonds that have been authorized. Um we plan to bring the construction for Triangle Lake next year and then issue these bonds in the spring of 2028. So this um order will just essentially extend that an additional three years.

Do you want me to talk about the next one too to save time or No. Madam Attorney, are we able to go ahead and talk about both or do you need two separate public hearings on this? I know I know I know we need two different votes, but Okay. Okay. We'll do separate. Are there any questions from council for Mr. Fitz John uh here on this item? Just to clarify to the public, this is not issuing new debt. This is extension of what's have already been approved. Correct. That's correct. Okay.

Thank you, Councilman Andrew. Any other questions? Okay. Uh, in terms of a public hearing, we don't have anyone signed up to speak, but is there anyone in attendance who wishes to speak during this public hearing item? Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close the public hearing, and I'll make the motion to adopt the extension of bond order authorizing the issuance of $22 million in general obligation streets and sidewalk bonds of the city of High Point, North Carolina. Is there a second? Second. Second. Recognized to council member Andrew. Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I.

Any against? The eyes have it. And that motion passes. Next is item 2026-91, public hearing regarding extension of bond order authorizing issuance of not to exceed $5,555,000 in general obligation streets and sidewalk bonds. I go ahead and open the public hearing and recognize Mr. Bobby Fitz John.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I do want to clarify there isn't a slight error on the agenda item. Uh just on the cover sheet it says extension of the bond order. That's just a carryover from the last item. This is a brand new bond order. So this is a brand new bond order for 5,555,000 general obligation street and sidewalk bonds. As we discussed last week, this will fund the initial construct uh the initial design uh land acquisition and maybe some initial construction costs uh for the Triangle Lake Road project. And like I said, the bonds order that you just extended will cover the construction piece. Um, and we'll issue that in 2028.

Thank you, Mr. Fish John. Are there any questions from council on this item? Looking at our public hearing signin sheet, we don't have anyone who signed up to speak, but is there anyone in attendance who wishes to speak during this public hearing? Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close our public hearing and make a motion to adopt the previously introduced bond order authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $555,000 in general obligation streets and sidewalk bonds of the city of High Point, North Carolina. Is there a second? Second.

Second. Recognize the council member Johnson. Any discussion on this motion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it and that motion passes. Next item is item 2026-92, consideration of a resolution providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds. I'll go ahead and recognize Mr. Bobby Fish John again.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is the final action needed to issue series 2026A and B, general obligation bonds for streets and sidewalks and parks and recreation. The parks and recreation bonds will fund the center for active adults um that is currently under construction that should be completed this fall. Um, so that will be the remainder of the 2019 bond order for the parks and recreation bonds that were approved by the voters. Thank you, Mr. Fishon. Any questions from council for staff on this item?

All right. In that case, I move to adopt the resolution of the city council of the city of High Point, North Carolina, providing for the issuance of not to exceed 555,000 general obligation streets and sidewalks bonds series 2026A and not to exceed $12 million general obligation parks and recreation bonds series 2026B. Is there a second? Second. Second. Recognized to council member Holmes. Any discussion on the motion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it and that motion passes. Thank you, Mr. Fishell.

Next item is item 2026-93, consideration of the initiation of zoning map amendments. Council is requested to consider the initiation of zoning map amendments uh for the sixth group of properties as part of the city's comprehensive zoning map amendment project and authorize appropriate city officials execute all necessary documents. Um, staff has presented to council on this plan a number of times, both full counsel and in committee. And so staff's here to answer any questions in case we have questions. So I'll open it up to council. Do we have any questions about this item?

I have one, Mr. Mayor. I was noticing some of the some of the how some of their I can't speak tonight. Some sing there's some single family residences. How are they potentially impacted if it's changed to a central business um zoning? How does that impact their the selling of the property or the changes to the property and that sort of thing or does it?

Herb Shannon with the planning and development department, the group of properties that we have assembled um if initiated it would not negatively impact them. It would add more flexibility um for use of those properties as far as removing um obsolete conditions or conditions that are have already been met, but there would be no impact on the current use. It just adds future flexibility and ability for redevelopment of those properties without going through a resoning process later. Okay. All right. Thank you. Appreciate that. Thank you, Mr. Herbshin. Any other questions for staff at this time? Not then uh we'll entertain a motion if there is one. So second

motion made by council member Williams to approve. Second by coun by mayor proton Peters on that motion. Any discussion on this motion? Seeing none all those in favor please signify by saying I. I. Any against?

The eyes have it and that motion passes. Next item is item 2026-104, consideration of the creation of a special populations task force. Council's requested to approve the creation of a special populations task force. I'll go ahead and just speak briefly on this. Um, this council has heard from a number of our residents and a number of community leaders who are involved in doing work with special populations uh about the importance of us undertaking um some review, some research, some analysis to see where the city uh can improve and bolster what we do as it pertains to engaging special populations. Over the past several years, this city's made real strides, whether it's our certified autism destination or uh welcoming a number of new entities into the city who do that work. And we're very proud of being the kind of a city uh that makes space and is very accommodating to people with different abilities and special needs. Uh and so this task force is an opportunity uh rather than us committing to a a permanent and perpetual uh body. This is a timelimited task force set to expire by the end of the year. Um, and actually I will uh I'll be chairing the task force along with a number of folks who we will recruit to be involved in that task force. Uh, we've already gotten interest from folks who have been reaching out saying they want to be a part of it. Um, are there any questions at this time from council about this item?

How are you bringing the Councilman Moore? How are you bringing the group together and when do you officially feel like you'll have your group compiled to start your work?

Yeah, so the group that'll come together uh is comprised of a list of folks who do work in the space here, the those who work with people with different abilities and special needs. There are a number of of those entities that some of us are are familiar with. Um and we've compiled that list and we'll make sure to to get that out to all of council and to the public on on who we're recruiting to be a part of that task force. These are folks who can speak with a level of subject matter expertise. Uh folks who have lived experience as well. Um and this group will meet uh maybe maybe half a dozen times or less actually between now and the end of the year uh to be able to meet to to have these meetings. Uh there will be some work that will go on between those meetings that the volunteers of this task force will take on. There'll be some collective ownership u because we've heard from our community that they want to do the work. Um, we want to create space for that work to happen and for this body to officially recognize them as we do that work. The goal would be Councilman Moore that come January 2027, this body should have some form of of a strategy, if you will, uh maybe even a plan, dare I say, that they love to present back to council for council to consider. um that may look at council uh appointing an official advisory committee as a part of this governance uh this government's sort of structure or some other thoughts just for this body to consider. And in terms of when they get activated uh it could be active in terms of the first meeting either this month or next month depends on the recruitment of the members of this task force uh scheduling of meetings so on and so forth. Any other questions? All right. If not, I'll go ahead and make a motion to approve this task force. Is there a second?

Second. Second. Recognize Council Member Moore. Any discussion on the motion to approve and appoint this task force? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it. And that motion passes. Next is item 2026-103, consideration of an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. Council's requested to confirm the appointment of Corali Cohen to the Historic Preservation Commission. Term will be effective July 1st of this year and expires June 30th, 2029. Uh I'll make a motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. Second.

Second. Recogniz Tim Peters. Any discussion on the motion to approve this item? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I.

Any against? Eyes have it. And that motion passes. Uh we do have one item left which is a close session item. We'll take that uh close session item over in the fishbowl the room that's known as our fishbowl across the way. But before we adjourn this public part of our meeting u are there any announcements from the dis. All right. If not then we will go ahead and transition to the fist bowl and say a very special thank you to everyone who joined us this evening. Uh, we do need a motion to go into close session. Is there a motion? So move. Second.

Motion recognized council member Moore, second by council member Andrew. Any discussion on the motion to go into close session? All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it. And we are officially in close session. We didn't do that, did we? I didn't see you. Um, yeah.