City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. This is Mayor Sel Jefferson convening a regular meeting of the High Point City Council. Here with me on the das, you have every member of council present. We also have madame attorney, clerk, and manager here with us. Uh before we adopt our agenda and begin business, we ask that you all join us for a moment of silence and pledge of allegiance. Amen.

I pledge algiance 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. I'll ask council to take a few minutes to review our agenda and then when ready I'll ask if there is a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Second. Council's uh motion is recognized to Councilman Moore and a second to Councilman Johnson. 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 that motion passes. Our first order of business um is a proclamation in honor of public works week. And um I don't have a sticky note on the proclamation, but should I be inviting someone up for this? Oh, the one and only Mr. Robbie Stone, will you come on up? And do you have anyone from your team who you want to come up to? Okay.

All right. Will you all please clap for them as they come up? Yeah. And what's what's that there? Oh, were you planning to speak on that afterwards? Well, I can just announce it to the group. You just want to announce it? Okay. Why don't Why don't you tell us what it is?

Okay. So this is a flyer announcing public works week. So all across America um just announcing and recognizing public services all across America here. Um the theme this year is rooted in service empowered by community. Uh public works week is May 17th through the 23rd. We are having an event here in High Point um at the library tomorrow from 9 to 12 kind of showcasing multiple of our divisions and we'd love for you to come out and and join us and going to have some fun and activities going on out here as well. Okay. I have to repeat that for the folks on camera in case they didn't hear it. Okay. May 17th to 23rd is public works week. Yes, sir. And tomorrow morning at the High Point Library come out and join us from 9 to 12. Yes, sir.

Uh as we have folks from our public works department who will be there uh in celebrating uh the week. Is is that good? That's correct.

All right. Awesome. Let's do our proclamation. Whereas public works infrastructure, facilities, and services are of critical importance to the health, safety, economy, and overall well-being of our community. And whereas such facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, engineers and administrators representing all levels of government who are responsible for and must plan, design, construct, inspect, operate and maintain the public works facilities essential to serve our citizens. And whereas the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel whose staff public works functions is materially influenced by the people's attitude and understanding of the importance of the work that they perform. And whereas it is in the public interest for our citizens, civic leaders, and children to learn and understand the importance of vital public works programs such as drinking water, sanitary and storm sewers, streets and highways, public buildings and grounds, public fleets, and solid waste collection and disposal. And whereas the theme for this year's celebration is rooted in service powered by community. And 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. Now therefore, I Sir Jefferson, mayor of the great city of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17th to the 23rd of 2026 as public works week in the city of High Point and encourage all citizens of High Point to recognize and honor the contributions and dedication of public officials in ensuring the health and ensuring the safety and ensuring the comfort of our community. Can we please celebrate our public WORKS FOLK? ALL RIGHT.

Do you want to have that held up, too? Okay. All right. In here.

Awesome. Thank you guys. Okay. Uh my wife this morning as I was leaving um reminded me. She said, "You got a city council meeting this evening, right?" I said, "Yes, yes, I do." She said, "Okay." She said, "I know it because you're giving a bunch of really good vistas of recognition this evening." and uh she's really really fond of the vistas um because uh vistas work in all types of ways around our community. And so I'm going to invite up a number of folks who are here with us. And uh if you all would just come join me up front then we're going to read the proclamation. So we have Gabriella Merilos, Jesse Cruz, Zyra Arine, Christian Taylor, Tahed Zaman, and is Dr. Kimberly Dry Dancancy here with us too? Good to see you. All right, I'm going give you one. Give you one. Now, if y'all want to open it and read along, feel free to. Um, I'll give you this one when it's done. Whereas the city of High Point has made strong progress to toward food security and improved educational resources for all residents. And whereas High Point University is committed to the welfare

of the citizens of the city and HPU students under leadership of Dr. Nita Cubain have volunteered over 1 million hours of service to the city of High Point. And whereas since 2013, HPU has partnered with the federal Americaore volunteers and service to America program also known as Vista. So HPU graduates could each serve in High Point over the course of a year to improve food security or education. And whereas HPU provides free housing, meals, leadership, and other resources so the vistas can be successful in the work that they do. And whereas the city of High Point aims to attract more young professionals to live, work, play, and serve here in our community. City council would like to encourage residents of High Point to welcome the vistas into our community, get involved in their projects, and help them find ways to make a living in our city after they complete their year of service. Now therefore, I, Sir Jefferson, mayor of the city of High Point, do hereby proclaim that the High Point City Council commends and supports the Americanore Vistas for their sacrifice, their service to the city, and all of the many gifts and skills they were bringing to their work. High Point will be a stronger city because of their dedication, service, and passion. Together, we will make High Point a vibrant and livable community for all our residents and visitors. Uh standing before you today we have Gabriella Merlos who's a Vista leader um formerly used to work at High Point Schools Partnership, Jesse Cruz, student engagement vista, Zyra Arine, food justice vista with the Greater High Point Food Alliance. Christian Taylor, health and education vista at DUP. God bless you by the way. Tahed Zaman, a partnership vista now at High Point School's partnership. And Kimberly Drydancy, the Robert G. Cop Jr., executive director for the Center for Community Engagement. Can we please celebrate these incredible folks?

All right, we're going to slide down just a tad bit for our further. Just a tad bit.

H. Sure. Sure. Sure. Sure. I'mma stand right in between y'all. Okay. Let's clap it for him one more time. Next on our agenda are our consent agenda items. I ask council to take a few minutes to review again and then when ready we'll entertain a motion.

Is there a motion to approve our consent agenda? Motion to approve the um the agenda as written. Okay. The cons consent agenda. Excuse me. Councilman Andrews made a motion to approve our consent agenda. Is there a second? I'll second. Councilman Holmes has seconded that consent agenda. Is there a discussion on this motion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. I.

Any against? The eyes having, our consent agenda is approved. Now we'll transition to general business. First item under general business is item 2026-150. This is a public hearing regarding the city of High Point's proposed FY2026207 budget, but council's requested to conduct this budget hearing regarding the proposed city of High Point annual budget. Um, I would note that uh for this hearing, we have a threeminut timer for each speaker. Um, we ask that when you come to speak, you speak right here at the podium and please address council in your remarks. Um, we do have a sign-in sheet that I'll be using uh to be able to go through who signed up. Um, but in the event that someone didn't get a chance to sign up, we'll still give you a chance to speak if you'd like to. At this time, I'll go ahead and open the public hearing and call on our first assigne, Miss Colleen Allen.

Yes, ma'am. Well, good evening. My name is Colleen Allen and I am the with the Guilford County Democratic Party. I'm also the regional chair of the High Point uh Democrats, but I'm here today as a High Point resident and I have lived here for three years. My husband and I chose to move to High Point and we love this city and we're very happy we're here. We've retired here. But I'm here today to talk to you about supporting extending the special separation allowance for our firefighters uh so that they could be on equal footing with our city law enforcement officers who already receive it. Firefighters and police carry distinct but similar risk as you know both professions expose them to life-threatening situations daily cause can cause significant long-term physical and health damage and as I understand that that is occurring among our fire department now. The gap in retirement benefits does not reflect that equal sacrifice. Separation allowance exists already for police officers. Our firefighters are just asking for parody. Law enforcement officers in North Carolina already receive a special separation allowance bridging retirement until social security eligibility. They perform a similar hazardous public safety mission every single day with long lasting health impacts that persist long after their retirement. and they deserve the same bridge. This is about honoring a promise. We ask so much of our firefighters, most of whom retire before they can even draw their full retirement social security benefits, denying them the same allowance our police officers receive. Many were dressed in blue honoring them. But many of those dressed in blue over there are your firefighters and their families because this is a family request, not just a firefighters request. Uh, so I want to conclude with I ask you to support legislation

extending the se special separation allowance to firefighters on equal terms with law enforcement. And this is a matter of fairness, public safety, and keeping faith with the men and women who protect our community. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we have Becky Pervidency. And Becky, I I feel like I may have not said your last name correctly. You got Oh, thank you.

My name is Becky Puddenni and I am a precinct chair for H27B and my comments are really pointed towards public safety and community impact. Um, we understand that parody helps us recruit and retain experienced firefighters. When firefighters see that police receive better retirement benefits, some choose law enforcement instead. When other fire departments in our state enact locally managed special separation allowances for their firefighters, it detracts from our city's ability to retain and recruit talent. Our community is safer when we can attract and keep the most experienced people in both roles. Firefighters protect everything in our community. Our homes, businesses, schools, hospitals. They all depend on them. They respond to fires, car accidents, chemical spills, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. often working alongside police at the same scenes. The physical and mental toll of firefighting demands early retirement. Yet, the option is not available to them. Decades of carrying heavy equipment, exposure to smoke and carcinogens, and the physical demands of the job wear down the human body. Firefighters retire young, not by choice, but by necessity. In closing, I'd like to say I ask you to support legislation extending the special separation allowance for firefighters on equal terms with law enforcement. This is a matter of fairness, public safety, and keeping faith with the men and the women who

protect our community. Thank you. Thank you. Next we'll have Candy Minion.

Hi, my name is Candy Mincion. I am an 11-year uh resident of High Point. I'm here today to ask you to support extending this special separation allowance to our city's firefighters on equal footing with the law enforcement officers who already receive it. I'm speaking on economic and fiscal responsibility. This is a targeted modest investment. The special separation allowance is a timelimited benefit that ends when retirees reach the social security eligibility age. It is not a lifetime pension increase and it has already been deemed fiscally appropriate for law enforcement and firefighters in other North Carolina municipalities. Turnover is costly. Recruiting, hiring, and training a new firefighter costs tens of thousands of dollars. Retaining experienced firefighters through fair retirement benefits is a smart investment that saves money in the long run. In closing, I ask you to support legislation extending this special separation allowance to firefighters on equal terms with law enforcement. This is a matter of fairness, public safety, and keeping faith with the men and women who protect our community. Thank you. Next on our list is Ken Arms.

Good evening. My name is Ken Orms and I printed the entire 318 page proposed 2026-27 budget and reviewed every page twice. I compared the dollar amounts of several budget items from the last five years and sent emails to every council member and the city manager. I cited specific page numbers for each of the budget items I reviewed. Here are some facts. The total budget has increased by $55.6 million in the last 5 years. Property in taxes have increased by $25.6 million even after the reduction in the property tax in the in this year's proposed budget. Personnel expenses have increased by $39,400. Part of this reason is because the city gave employees yet another paid holiday. Debt service has increased by $5 million. Reimbursement in expenses have increased by $5.8 8 million. The parks and wreck budget in is incomplete because it does not clue include specific information about capital improvement projects or how much money is being spent on each of their responsibilities. There is no information about a $275,000 entry titled SA a sale of land proceeds regarding the stadium. The theater is a bankrupt taxpayer funded venture. 17% of the property tax increase a few years ago went to fund the theater. The theater has never made a profit. Total income doesn't even cover payroll. Taxpayers have been forced to spend $10.5 million to support the theater to keep the doors open. This taxpayer subsidy has prevented the city from reducing the property tax rate. The theater does not pay any property tax. The theater must be sold. The new owners can run the theater or develop the

property with their money, not taxpayer money, and they will pay property taxes. The church property was evalued by architects who reported that meeting state building codes will require massive amounts of money to move the theater to the church sanctuary or to build a new city hall on the property. The 3.7 acre church property must be sold to developers, excuse me, so they can build apartments, condos, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This will improve the entire downtown area because people will live, shop, and eat there. It should also improve the attendance at baseball games because the Rockers had one of the lowest attendance uh at games last year, and this threatens their viability. Mayor Jefferson has admitted that building a new city hall will require a tax hike and will more than double the amount of debt service in the budget. The bottom line is the sell the church property, sell the theater, reduce the property tax rate by 3% and provide complete information about st the stadium and the parks and rec and parks and recre department. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Arms. Next we have Dr. Crockett. Good morning. I mean good afternoon or good evening all three. Uh my name is Dr. Hassan Crockett and I'm also the co-founder of Sojourn Project 2. Excuse my voice. Sojourn Project 2 which is a nonprofit organization here in High Point. And we are working on a project for High Point residents and for Guilford County. This project is called after the vote and what we're talking about is the fact that so many of us are so concerned with the electoral process but we are not concerned with our boards and commissions. We have in North Carolina for example

Crockett is are your comments with regards to the budget or is this a public comment about your nonprofit? Public comment about nonprofit supposed to be I have to ask you to Yeah, this is a budget hearing. I do invite you to come back in two weeks though. On June 1st, we have public. I can talk about the buddy. No. All right. No, I'll connect. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Next on our list, um, first name is Chris and the last name I'm struggling to make. Huh? Chris Tamasa. Tamasa. All right. Will you come on up?

Yes. Uh good evening uh mayor, city council, and county um city manager. Um I just hear about the budget. I'm wanting to learn and just ask some questions and and and get to it. U there was a statement in the newspaper. It says the proposed budget total five 534 million.1 million and it says it's decreased the budget from the previous year by 3.8 or seven basis points. And I go, "Okay, you're actually saving us money by reducing, but you're not saving us money because when I started playing with the figures that were in the newspaper and they said it's uh that the tax increase is going to raise $18 million with an average of $287 per unit." And so I divided 287 into that 18 million and I came up with 62,718 properties. I said, "Okay, let me add the let me add the uh fees of $14.12 on top of that." Went up to like 27 million. I said, "Well, not everybody's going to be pumping water." But point of it is is that you're saying the budget's going to be reduced by seven basis points or $3.8 million. But those of us who own property, our sewer and water, trash pickup and recycles, it's going to be an extra $11412 a year plus I'm just use the figure in the newspaper, $287. So that's $412 extra on top and I did buy 32,000 people. I said, "All right, not everybody's" and it was still over 5 million. So you're that $18 million what what you're proposing and this and that on to saying this coming on us at $287 is not accurate. But I still I'm just curious

with with the uh new positions, six full-time positions, three part-time new vehicles and new fire truck. Uh $2.46 46 million for uh with the the uh state retirement and then another $36,500 for nonprofit. I'm just want to learn that with this is this accurate that the budget's going to be reduced by 3.8% but we're paying more for a budget that's smaller than the one last time last year. That's my question and I'm here to learn and I'd like to know where I can go to see and gentleman spoke very he got very detailed on what's there but I'm just looking at the numbers and what's costing us out of our pocket here in High Point and I really just just really curious if there's this much revenue coming in and you're able to reduce the budget where is the extra money going is it going toward the fire department to pay the firemen and better salaries cuz I tell you as a principal and a director of a school, they're the first responders. They're there in that building when there's a call. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next on our list is Chris Klutz, Mayor Jefferson, and members of council, my name is Chris Klutz. I have the distinct privilege of representing our city's firefighters as the vice president of the High Point Professional Firefighters Association. Um, tonight I want to ask the council to fund the special separation allowance for our firefighters in full parody with our police department who already received the benefit. This is not a request for something new. It is a request for equal treatment for the people who carry equal risk and in many ways far greater risk. Earlier today, New Hver County solidified its commitments to its firefighters, enacting a locally managed firefighter special separation allowance in fiscal year 2627 budget. Fires today burn harder, faster, and with chemical complexities like anything previous generations faced. Every time our firefighters go to work, they are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly referred to as PAHs. These are known carcinogens that produce by incomplete combustion. But here's what makes this even more troubling. Our firefighters don't just encounter these chemicals at the fire scene. The very gear designed to protect them. Our turnout gear has been found loaded with POS substances classified as human carcinogens found to cause kidney cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, prostate and thyroid cancers. These chemicals were built in the manufacturing process. Our firefighters had no idea the gear they wore every day was contributing to their poisoning. The science no longer is ami ambiguous. In 2025, American Cancer Society study following over 4700 correction 47 470,000 men for 36 years found firefighters face a mortality rate from

skin cancer 58% higher than the general population. Kidney cancer 40% higher and now documented link to lung cancer only became apparent after three decades of follow-up research. Research confirms an increased risk of mortality from brain and central nervous system cancer among firefighters. Firefighters are at 19% increased risk of late stage colon cancer and female firefighters are two and a half times more likely to develop brain tumors than the general population. The cancer burn in our female firefighters demands specific attention as our department continues to add more female firefighters to our ranks. Prior studies have found that women firefighters have a higher incidence of mortality from breast cancer than the general population. A 2024 peer-reviewed study identified 12 chemical exposures elevated among firefighters that are associated with increased breast cancer risk. And in January this year, the US Department of Labor expanded the list of presumptive cancers under the Federal Employees Compensation Act to include breast cancer, a federal acknowledgement that this link is no longer in dispute. Cancer is now a leading cause of death among firefighters. More than 60% of line of duty deaths attributed to occupational cancer.

Thank you, Mr. Klips.

Next on our list is Lewis Tibido. Good evening. Excuse me. Good evening. My name is Lewis Tibet. I reside at 1242 Kensington Drive, High Point. First, I'd like to not forget what next Monday will be, and that's a Memorial Day. Let's not forget those that gave their lives for us to be free. Let me pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for them. Help us to reach out to those families whether they're members of our family or not. But dear God, that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to be free. Let us never forget. Your son's name I pray. Amen.

Amen.

City council, city manager, thank you for all you do. You all took an oath when you decided to be part of city leadership to uphold the laws and statutes of North Carolina. Think back when you made that decision. I'm sure you also thought of the people who live in High Point, how you can make their lives better. When is this the last time you talked to your constituents you were elected to represent? When is the last time you had a ward meeting? Yes, just your ward to hear from them. Leaders in our city should be focused on city services, water, sewer, fire, police, garbage pickup, and others, not developers of property. We have large projects that we have to finance. There's the dam project. There's the multi-ity sewer project. Both I believe will cost millions. And there are others I may not be aware of. We have first responders. I believe we could do better in retention by showing them we care for them and asking what can we do to show we care. It's already been mentioned tonight. When everyone is running away from danger, they are running to it. When if ever have you ever rode with them to see what they face every day, we need to sell the properties we are losing money on year after year. One comes to mind in hype is High Point Theater. I believe we've given over the years hundreds of thousands. Oh yes, it was mentioned millions and next year we propose 200,000. Why? We need to stop supporting all these venues as we have an ending for years. You believe dropping the millillage as the enterprise reported the most in

years. It seems that because property values are the highest ever, my tax will will still go up even with the millage drop and as it was spoken tonight, several hundred, not just in property tax values. You have the choice to hear us who are here to speak for the many. In closing, I hope you heard our voice. You see, we also are listening. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Tudo. To anyone else who wishes to speak during the budget public hearing.

Yes, ma'am. You go ahead and come forward and state your name and address for the record.

Hello, my name is Ella Hendry. I live at 1153 Hornytown and High Point. Um, I'm here to also speak on behalf of the firefighters. Um, our firefighters in High Point have experienced multiple instances of prostate, skin, lung cancer while on active duty. Some of those instances require early retirement. Over the past month or so, the council has received personal testimony from current and retired firefighters who have shared their their stories and explained how important that this uh safer grant is. One of the firefighters, a 30-year veteran who collapsed to the floor in seizure while at his retirement party, was subsequently diagnosed with a rare genetic mutated form of lung cancer that meatized to his brain. He sits before you tonight. Sorry, he's here. Facing another proposed 15% increase to insurance premiums while the middle age middle of rigorous treatments by his comprehensive cancer treatment a dream health. The average firefighter retires at 52 13 years before Medicare facing lifetime health care costs estimated at $315,000 or more. A number that only grows when you factor in the cancer and cardiovascular burden this career inflicts. The special separation allowance brings that income gap during those premedare years so that our retired firefighters, men and women alike, are not forced to choose between the cost of increased cancer screenings, cancer, and cardiovascular treatment, medication, and keeping the lights on at home. Council, we are simply asking you to look our firefighters in the eye and say, "Your health matters, too. Fund the special separation allowance. Fund it at parody. Do it tonight." Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else who wishes to speak during public hearing, going once, going twice. Okay, I'll go ahead and close our public hearing and say thank you to everyone who did uh choose to speak and participate in some way. Please know that your your comments are noted uh by council. So, thank you all. Um, I will also just note for everyone listening that tonight is not the night that we vote on budget. Uh, in two weeks that'll be brought before council. Um, so over the next two weeks, council will continue to hear and receive feedback from our community on the budget. Our next item under general business is item 2026-164, consideration of reappointments to the board of adjustment. Council's requested to confirm the reappoints of David Horn and Tyler Wash to the board of adjustments with terms effective July 1st of this year and expiring June 30th, 2029. I'll go ahead and make a motion for approval. Is there a second?

Second. A motion's been made by myself and seconded by Council Member Moore. Any discussion on this motion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it. And that motion passes. Next item for discussion is consideration of reappointments to the Historic Preservation Commission. Council's requested to confirm reappointments of Sean Smith and Jeremy Finema to the Historic Preservation Commission. Terms effective July 1st of this year expiring June 30th, 2029. I go and make a motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. Second. Recognized to Councilman Andrew. Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I.

I. Any against? The eyes have. That motion passes. Next item is consideration reappointments to the planning and zoning commission council. It's requested to confirm the reappoints of Shazia, Terry Venibal, Mark Walsh to the Planning and Zoning Commission with terms effective July 1st of this year, expiring June 30th, 2029. Um, I'll go ahead and make a motion to approve. Was there a second? Second. Second. Recognized Council Member Johnson. Any discussion on the motion to approve. All those in favor, please signify by saying I.

I. Any against? The eyes have it. And that motion passes. U. Before we adjourn, are there any announcements from the DAC? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Um, I'd like to thank Mr. Tibido for reminding us the Memorial Day service which will be on the 27th Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the um uh High Point Veterans Memorial and we'll have a retired Marine Corps officer being the uh keynote speaker. Oh, good. Wonder. That's great. 10:00 a.m. right there on Main Street, right where the memorial is. Correct. Um the construction happening right there at the corner of Showplace West. Right down Main Street. Do you know how that's impacting the

I'm not sure. I think we the intention is still to have it in front of the um the statue there. So, one second. Assistant manager Dain, do you mind just giving some some information for us and for the public to be aware?

Good evening, mayor, members of council. Um yes. So to the warrant officer's point, um the the event will still be held. It'll be actually across the street. Okay. Um will be where the main event is going to be held and the contractor and developer have been kind enough to uh make accommodations so that the wreath could be laid um at the uh memorial site itself. So still on track, still going to happen. And uh we uh Nick Nick Ruden is the gentleman who who organizes that every year. and he and city staff and the contractor and developer have been working to make sure they still have a successful event. Thank you. So, so that'll be across Main Street is what you're saying. Basically, not far from the train station right there. Yes, sir. Just uh right there by the depot.

Okay. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you for that reminder, Councilman Andrew. Any other announcements? I would like to make an announcement. Yes, ma'am. So, I had the uh pleasure and honor to read on your behalf yesterday, a proclamation for the midweek garden club of High Point. uh they've celebrated a hundred years. So they've been in existence for hundred years. They were founded in 1926 by Vlette Jones Harris Walsh and they've added a lot to our community and I just was very uh honored to be there and just want to thank them. So thank you for that Mayor Pro Tim. Any other announcements from the DIS?

Carolina Corps got their first win over the weekend. So that was good. Any other announcements? All right. I will note that um council has a special meeting that is in recess that we have to return to um when we come out of this meeting. We're going to go back to our meeting in the conference room which is just right across the hall. But it's closed session so it's not open to the public. Uh we do not expect to take any action coming out of that meeting. All right. If all hearts and minds are clear, I'll entertain a motion then to adjurnn. Is there one? So move. Second. Second.

Motion has been made by Councilman Holmes, second by Councilman Andrew. Any discussion on the motion to adjurnn? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. Any against? The eyes have it. And we are ajourned.