City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everyone. This is Mayor Cyril Jefferson convening a regular meeting of the High Point City Council. If you're with me on the dais, we have every member of council present save Councilmember Johnson. We also have all of our staff here in the city attorney's office, city clerk's office, city manager's office. Prior to beginning our meeting, we ask you all to join us for a moment of silence first and then pledge of allegiance. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Prior to beginning our meeting, we'll formally adopt our agenda. I'll note that there's three added agenda items. Two of them are proclamations, one for Juneteenth and the other for America's 250th celebration with the upcoming Independence Day on July 4th. We also have compensation adjustments and an employment agreement amendment for council appointed personnel. Please note that the City of High Point normally adopts our annual budget during one of our regular meetings in June. However, due to pending legislation in Raleigh, budget adoption will occur at a special called meeting prior to the June 30th deadline. and proper public notice will be provided. So I just want to make sure everyone's aware. We're not voting to approve a budget tonight. For those who have been following, those who haven't been following what's happening in Raleigh, there's been legislation that has changed property valuations for how city governments set tax rates. And with that legislation literally was just approved last week. It's gone to the governor, and the governor has not signed it yet. There's actually a 10-day period in which the governor either signs or vetoes that legislation. At this point, we don't know what's going on with that. So we don't even know what property values are for the city of High Point technically until this legislation matter gets set, which means we can't set a tax rate yet, which means we can't vote on a budget yet. So I want to make sure that we took a chance and explain that to everyone that we cannot in good conscience vote on a budget where we literally can't set a tax rate without knowing property values for the city of High Point. We won't know that until that legislation either gets vetoed or signed by the governor. And that period doesn't end, I believe, until this Saturday, right? So until the 20th, that legislation doesn't become official. If it gets vetoed, then there's a whole other process to go through. And we'll do our best to try to go ahead and set when we're going to have our meeting as quick as possible so that way everyone's aware of what's going on. And again, we'll give proper public notice. I want to make sure to share that with everyone. There's a lot of folks here for the budget this evening. So if you want to get up to leave, now is the perfect time to do that. I'm not being funny. I just want to make sure, in case you're here for the budget and you feel like you want to go ahead and leave, you can go ahead and leave. Otherwise, we'll go ahead and begin with our meeting. We noted those changes to our agenda. Is there a motion to adopt our agenda? So moved. Second. Motion is made by Council Member Holmes, seconded by Council Member Moore. Any discussion on that motion to... Adopt our agenda. Hearing none, all those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any against? The ayes have it and our agenda is adopted. Not too long ago, we had the privilege of recognizing a member of our local law enforcement. And I'm going to call this gentleman up so that way we can recognize him formally here at our city council meeting. Is Detective Paul Mustaine with us? Will you all clap for Detective Mustaine as he comes forward? Thank you, sir. It's my privilege to recognize a member of the High Point Police Department who recently received a very distinguished honor from the Guilford County Family Justice Center The Sergeant Dale Nix Partner of the Year Award honors the legacy of Sergeant Dale Nix of the Greensboro Police Department, who was widely known for his dedication to victims, his commitment to offender accountability, and his collaborative approach to serving the community. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate those same qualities through their service and leadership. The recipient of this honor has distinguished himself through his professionalism, passion, and unwavering commitment to helping victims and their families. Through his work, he has strengthened partnerships among agencies throughout Guilford County and has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those in service. We are proud that this year's recipient is a member of our High Point Police Department. Recently, Detective Paul Mustaine was selected by the Guilford County Family Justice Center as the recipient of the Sergeant Dale Nix Partner of the Year Award. Detective Mustaine, this recognition reflects the respect you have earned from your colleagues and community partners, as well as the positive impact you have made through your service. On behalf of the city of High Point, our city council, our staff, and our many, many residents and visitors, we congratulate you on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your dedication to the citizens of High Point and Guilford County. Thank you so much. Is that your family?

Or some members of your family?

Well, let's bring them on up. Let's get a group photo. Y'all come on up.

Hey, thank y'all for recognizing me. Hey, thank y'all. Thank y'all for being here.

We'll put you right in the middle, okay? Y'all crowd around Detective Mustaine. We'll put him right in the middle. We might need two rows. Do we need two rows?

Yeah, if you're a front row just go ahead. Yeah, don't put her by herself. There you go. There you go.

Thank you. For our next proclamation, I'm going to invite up Susan Wood with Habitat for Humanity. Susan, did I see you?

Right there.

Is there anyone else from Habitat who's here with you this evening?

No, they sent me on my own.

Okay, all right. Wood, join me right here. Thank you for being here with us. Thank you for the work that you do. Whereas home ownership remains one of the most effective pathways to building household stability, financial security, and generational wealth, while strengthening neighborhoods and fostering a sense of community pride and civic engagement. And whereas home ownership opportunities contribute to the economic vitality of the city of High Point by encouraging neighborhood investment, supporting local businesses, increasing housing stability, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. And whereas access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is essential to creating thriving communities and expanding opportunities for individuals and families of all income levels. And whereas the city of High Point is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that promote financial literacy, home buyer education, housing preservation, down payment assistance, neighborhood revitalization, and equitable access to home ownership. And whereas the city of High Point joins communities all across this great nation in recognizing the lasting benefits of homeownership and recommits itself to fostering strong neighborhoods, expanding housing opportunities for current and future generations. Therefore, I, Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of the City of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as National Homeownership Month in the City of High Point and encourage all residents, housing professionals, lenders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to recognize the value of homeownership and work together to expand opportunities that help build stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger High Point. Can we please celebrate this incredible year?

One, two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Habitat is just one of three or four really dynamic community development groups that we have here in High Point, and we are transforming the South Side. And if you have time, please drive through and see the wonderful work that all of our community partners are doing. Try on, fail, you'll know the streets because you won't be able to drive down because there's so much constructing activity. But please, visit our area. Visit your neighborhoods.

Thank you, Susan. Thank you. Yeah. All right, for our next proclamation, we're going to invite up Rebecca Coplin, who's High Point's beautification manager. And Rebecca, do you have some more folks from the Keep High Point Beautiful team with you?

Yes, our Bee City committee.

Ah, our Bee City committee. Will you all please celebrate them as they come forward? Whereas, thanks to more than 3,600 species of native bees in the United States, along with introduced honey bees, we have very diverse dietary choices, rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Whereas, bees and other pollinators have experienced population declines due to a combination of habitat loss, poor nutrition, pesticides, parasites, diseases, and climate change. Whereas pollinator-friendly habitats include diverse native plants, reduced pesticide use, nesting, and overwintering areas, and connected landscapes that support pollinator health and resilience. And whereas pollination plays a vital role for the trees and plants of our community, enhancing our quality of life and creating recreational and economic development opportunities. And whereas integrated pest management promotes healthy landscapes by preventing pest problems, utilizing natural and non-chemical controls whenever possible, and minimizing pesticide use. Whereas Supporting Pollinators fosters community engagement and environmental awareness and sustainability, Mississippi High Point is a certified Bee City USA community committed to pollinator education, conservation, and habitat enhancement. Now, therefore, I, Cyril Jefferson, mayor of the great city of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim the week of June 22nd to June 28th, 2026, as National Pollinator Week in the city of High Point, North Carolina. And I call upon all citizens and civic leaders in this community to learn about the importance of pollinators, support their protection and conservation, and recognize the essential role they play in sustaining our food sources, strengthening our ecosystems, fostering a healthy environment. Can we please celebrate these incredible folks?

Yes, ma'am. See you next year.

For our next proclamation, I'm going to ask Reverend Brad Lilly and anyone else you have with you, Reverend Lilly, do you have some more folks to join us? Yes. Okay. Will you invite them up, too? And will you all please celebrate them as they come forward, please? Whereas Juneteenth, National Freedom Day, is the oldest African American holiday observance in the United States, also known as Emancipation Day, Emancipation Celebration, Freedom Day, and Juneteenth. Juneteenth National Freedom Day commemorates their survival due to the strength and determination of African Americans who were first brought to this country as slaves. And whereas Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that freedom was proclaimed to all slaves in the South by Union General Granger in Galveston, Texas, more than two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. Whereas Americans of all types share a common love of and respect for freedom and equal opportunity. Until all are free, none is free. is an often repeated maxim that can be used to highlight the significance of the end of the era of slavery in the United States. Whereas the City of High Point recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Sankofa Society of North Carolina to educate, inspire, and engage residents through programs and initiatives that celebrate African-American history, heritage, and culture while fostering unity, understanding, and civic engagement. Whereas we recognize the significance of Juneteenth as an occasion to recognize this country's movement towards one America, advanced by a sincere dialogue of the realization of what Juneteenth historically means to all Americans, promoting racial healing, equal opportunity, and justice for all. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of the City of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth Independence Day. In the seat of High Point, I encourage the community to participate in the activities planned to commemorate this historical event. Can we please celebrate this great occasion? I don't have anyone to invite up for this next one. But if I could, I would invite the whole country up. This next proclamation is for America's 250th birthday, basically, for our country. And we don't have a council meeting that first week of July, and so this is the last council meeting until we have that. So we want to make sure that we can go ahead and celebrate it and recognize it now. Whereas on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, affirming the fundamental principles of liberty, equality, self-government, and the pursuit of happiness that continue to guide our nation. And whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, a historic milestone commemorating two and a half centuries of democratic governance, civic participation, innovation, resilience, and service to the common good. Whereas, America's semi-quincentennial provides an opportunity for citizens of all ages to reflect upon our nation's history, honor the sacrifices of those who secured and defended our freedoms, and celebrate the diverse people and communities whose contributions have shaped the American story. And whereas Independence Day serves as a reminder of the enduring values upon which our nation was founded and encourages all Americans to recommit themselves to the ideals of freedom, unity, opportunity, and civic responsibility. And whereas the city of High Point joins communities all across this great nation in recognizing this significant anniversary and encourages residents participate in educational, cultural, and community events that honor our shared heritage and inspire future generations. Now, therefore, I, Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of the City of High Point, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 4th, 2026 as America 250 and Independence Day. I encourage all residents to commemorate this historic occasion with gratitude for our nation's past, pride in our community, and hope for the future. Can we please celebrate America 250? Thank you. Our first order of official business is to approve our consent agenda items. I ask council to take a few minutes to review, or moments I should say, and then when ready we'll entertain a motion to approve our consent agenda.

I'd like to make a motion to accept the consent agenda as written.

The motion to approve by Councilman Andrew, second by Councilman Williams. Any discussion on the motion to approve our consent agenda? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any against? The ayes have it, and our consent agenda passes. Next, under general business, is consideration of an appointment to our Planning and Zoning Commission. Council's requested to confirm the appointment of Cody Locklear, who I see who's with us this evening. Hello, Cody. To the Planning and Zoning Commission, appointment will be effective immediately and expire on June 30th, 2028. Is there someone who would like to make a motion to approve?

So moved.

Second. Patrick, is this your award? No, it's my nominee. Oh, it's your nominee. Okay, not my award. But just... That's all right.

Point of privilege here. Patrick, would you like to make the motion? I would like to make a motion to appoint Cody Locklear to Planning and Zoning Commission. All right.

The motion is recognized to Council Member Harmon. I will give second to Councilman Andrew, though, because he is a fast-moving guy. Any discussion on that motion? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any against? The ayes have it. We welcome you, Cody, to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Thank you so much. Our next order of business, item 2026-212, consideration of reappointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Council has requested to confirm the reappointments of Cameron Marsden, Ansar Mahmoud, and Darrell Williams to the Parks and Recreation Commission with terms effective July 1st, 2026 and expiring on July 1st, 2029. I'm looking to see if either of those three are here with us this evening. In their absence, we'll go ahead and thank them for their service and thank them for their commitment to serving again. Is there anyone who wishes to make a motion for approval of these reappointments? So moved. Second. Motion's been made by Councilman William, second by Mayor Pro Tem Peters. Second. Sorry, I got to be a little quicker than that. Any discussion on the motion to approve the reappointments?

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye. Any against? The ayes have it, and our reappointments have been approved. Our agenda items, motions to approve. I'll go ahead and make the motion to approve the following adjustments for council appointed personnel. For city attorney, a 4% market adjustment and 2% merit increase. City clerk, a 4% market adjustment and 2% merit increase. For our city manager, a 6% market adjustment and 2% merit increase. I'll approve a modification to the city manager's employment agreement. remove the provision linking additional retirement contribution to participation in the city's health insurance plan ought to be effective July 1st, 2026. Is there a second on that motion?

Second.

Second. It's recognized that Councilman Holmes. Any discussion on that motion? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any against? The ayes have it, and that motion passes. We come to the point in the agenda where I'll entertain from the dais. Are there any announcements or comments before we adjourn?

Simply, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to recognize our firefighters in the audience, recognizing the importance of the 24 positions on the Safer Grant and Budgets are difficult, but we recognize the importance of those grants and continued support for the fire department. So, again, thank you for being out here today.

Thank you for that, Councilman Andrew. Any other announcements from the dais? I will note that it is a great time of celebration of things happening here in the city. Not only did the Canes win the NHL championships, which is always great for the state of North Carolina. I was born in New York, so I was excited about the Knicks making their 53-year drought. We were both born in upstate New York, actually. But there were some big groundbreakings, actually. Jet Zero, many of you all have heard about that, a major development on the north side of town near our airport, 14,000-plus jobs expected with that development. I know I was there. I'm Mayor Pro Tem. Peters was there. Our city manager, Tasha Logan Ford, was there. Councilman Moore was there as well, and I don't know if anyone else showed up. But it was a fantastic event, well attended. The technology that they're producing out there will produce once they finish the development and the jobs start getting going. It would be great innovative technology that continues to push our region, push our country to the forefront. when it comes to this kind of technology, but also will boost our local economy. The governor was there, and he said that the impact on our state would be $250 billion on our state. That's an incredible number to even consider. We're excited about that groundbreaking. Tomorrow, we also have a very exciting groundbreaking in downtown High Point, right where Showplace West Building is at. I'm going to forget the name of the official development. Elwood. Elwood on Main. is an exciting development. that the groundbreaking will take place tomorrow. In fact, Greg, you told me it was a different, it's not called a groundbreaking. What's it officially called, Greg? It's called, all right, there you go. You said what? We stuck with groundbreaking. Okay, we stuck with groundbreaking. There you go. It's a building that's being renovated with adaptive reuse, which is really special for folks who like historic preservation. That is a property that we were able to repurpose from what it used to be in terms of being our office and then the restaurant to now it'll be a place of residential use With I think a couple hundred apartments that'll go there and it'll be exciting for the core of our city in downtown of our community to be able to see that kind of growth happen. That groundbreaking is taking place tomorrow at 10 a.m. And we're all really, really excited about that. I also want to recognize, I saw in the crowd, the folks from DUP. They're doing really exciting work. They are starting up their construction down on Washington Street. We're excited about what y'all are doing there. Y'all were in our agenda tonight, and y'all got approval on the work that we're doing to support y'all. And so we appreciate DUP. I want to make sure, any other announcements before we close out? I've got a bet to keep with Councilman Moore. Don't make me lose the bet, Chris.

Well, and I hate to end off on a low note, but just speaking with a few seniors, I know quite a few of them. It's got nothing to do with my age. I just know a lot. And a lot of people are actually coming to the end of their mortgages. These are like retiring or retired folks. And what they've seen is an uptick in fraud when it comes to property. I don't have any shame in not knowing things, but I think that my big question was, and I posed this to some Guilford County reps, is there any way for us to lock down our deeds like we locked down our credit? And if not, is there a possible legislation to do so? But in the meantime, the best step to take is to, you can sign up for fraud, it's fraud alerts. through the Guilford County Register of Deeds. So if you know someone in your family that has their own property, own their property, they sign up for this. It's real simple. It's just your name. It's just an email. And then if anything comes up, someone's tried to take some activity against their property, at least they'll be alerted. That's about the only thing that we have currently, but I will still keep asking that question. And in my mind, we just need to protect ourselves and our families. Say the name of that one more time so that way everyone can hear. It is for the property fraud alerts and it's through the Guilford County Register of Deeds. Okay. I'm done.

No, thank you for that. Seriously, thank you.

I have to piggyback off something that you said and take a point of privilege. I appreciate you bringing it up. At the Jet Zero groundbreaking today, the dignitaries from Washington and NASA and the state, everybody spoke, and they spoke very well. But I've reached the age and a point, and I heard it come from the dignitaries, so I feel very proud that they're all talking about reshoring and supply chain and sovereignty and that stuff as a young business person in this city which many of you probably have been or were we watched go away and we let go away and it's exciting to see not only the new stuff and the new technology but people understanding the importance of domestic manufacturing and it's not close out the rest of the world it's not to participate in global economic we've always participated in global economics but if you don't control your manufacturing and you don't control your destiny and i'm very excited about that being a catalyst for for that coming back thank you councilman more appreciate that thank you

I just wanted also what our mayor said about the Elwood on Main being open tomorrow. I also wanted to acknowledge Rebecca McGee, who is the president of Downtown High Point, Inc. She really poured a lot of her heart and soul and hard work into making that happen. It's the first 1970s building that ever got a historic tax credit in the state of North Carolina. So I'm really super proud of that. So I hope y'all can come. It'll be fun.

Is there a motion to adjourn? So the motion is made by Mayor Tim Peters. Is there a second?

I'll second.

Seconded Councilman Holmes. Any discussion on that motion? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Any against? The ayes have it, and we are adjourned.