City Council - Regular Meeting

I would like to call to order the April 9th, 2026 Concord City Council meeting. Uh welcome everyone. It's good to have you with us tonight. Uh if we could start our meeting with the pledge of allegiance. 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.

And if you would please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. Okay. Next up is the approval of our minutes from the March 10th, March 12th, and March 24th meeting. I think you've all received copies of that. Uh do I hear a motion to approve or are there any corrections?

Move for approval. Mayor, I'll second it. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I.

All oppose? No. That Oh, that was one no from Terry Crawford. Um, okay. I think we have a member of the Concord Youth Council with us tonight. If you would please stand up and be recognized. We have we have we have several we have four. Uh welcome. Would would do any of you have any comments you'd like to make tonight before we start? We have a microphone over there for you. If you do, if you could just tell us your name and uh and your school.

My name is Ally Brown and I go to Cabaris Early College of Technology. My name is Owen Taylor and I go to Cox Mill. My name is Isaac Taylor. I go to Camden School. Hi, my name is Sydney Strickland and I go to Coxmail High School. Oh, hi. My name is Rthuni and I go to Coxmail High.

Welcome. We're glad to have you with us tonight. We appreciate you participating in the program and we hope you'll be back uh to attend the meeting again. Uh, next we have several presentations and I will come down front to do those. Thank you. First up, we have our storm water art contest winners. Uh, and I think Julianne has some comments to make about that. If you would come up and bring your folks with you everybody. Uh, my name again is Julian Chavez and I'm the sustainability coordinator here for the city of Concord. each year. This is year three of our storm water art contest. And um the contest is really to raise awareness for uh pollution prevention, storm water pollution prevention. And so not only is it an art contest, but it also helps the the participants to tell us about why they think this is important and ways that they can protect our environment. So these were our two winners. Uh we have an elementary winner, Bavia, and then our middle school winner, Ashna, on this side. Uh we're really happy. Ashna, this is your third time entering or second? Second year. Second year. So she got second place last year. Third place last year. So she's moved up. Now she's at first place this year. So we're really happy for them.

Great. Thank you. And we have this certificate for you, Bavia. Thank you. You're welcome. If good to meet you and thank you and congratulations and Asha, we have one for you as well.

Yeah, come. Great. Congratulations again and thank you. Our next recognition is for the North Carolina Main Street Award. and Paige, if you would come up and if you have some folks with Sealand with you as well. Great. This is something that I I think we can all be very proud of. Uh and this tonight we're we are proud to share that the city of Concord, the Concord Downtown Development Corporation, Sealand Contractors, and McGill Associates have been honored with the North Carolina Main Street Award for the best outdoor space improvement for the downtown Concord streetscape project. The street streetscape project reflects the power of partnership between city leaders, engineers, contractors, downtown advocates, and the many businesses and residents who believed in the future of downtown Concord. This award recognizes the bold decision by city council and city leadership to bring the vision of a vibrant, walkable destination to life. The completed project prioritizes people, strengthens

local businesses, and provides sustainable infrastructure within our historic downtown. The project continues to serve as a catalyst for new investment, new businesses, and renewed energy throughout the district. We're honored that this award, this work is being recognized at the state level and proud of what it represents to our community. Uh I know that that Paige can attest to the fact and everybody else sitting up here can attest to the fact that that was a painful process at times, one that I did had no involvement in. So this a so I say that because I'm not taking credit for the award. You know, you guys are the ones that did the hard work, but I think it is something that we can all be proud of. Uh we're seeing in in continued investment in downtown. Uh I think we've got two new restaurants are a pretty sure thing coming along with other businesses. So, it's something that thank you from the citizens of Concord and thank all of you uh for what you've done to make that happen. So, we've got two uh awards here and and one is for Sealand. Congratulations. We appreciate it.

Yeah, he wants to make a picture. You got your picture. And then the other one is for our downtown development association. Paige, congratulations and thank you. Yes.

We're going Great. Thank you very much and congratulations.

Yes. Yes, sir. Okay, our next presentation is the 2026 uh Carolina Recycling Association recycler of the year. And I think do we have a video to go with that? Robin, if you would come forward and whoever you would like to join you. Do what? Oh, okay. So, did we have a Main Street video that we missed?

Could we play that now? I apologize.

Downtown Concord Streetscape project was designed with a bold goal to reimagine their historic center city as a vibrant, walkable, and economically resilient destination. And today, downtown Concord celebrates not just the completion of a construction project, but the realization of a community-driven vision that puts people first by prioritizing pedestrians over cars, the streetscape project created a safer, more inclusive environment featuring 22 foot wide sidewalks and ADA accessible parking. It revitalized the streetscape with brick pavers, street trees, smart lighting, and public art, encouraging outdoor activity, and community connection. Expanded sidewalks now support outdoor dining and cafe spaces, boosting local businesses and street life. The result, a downtown that's not only more accessible, but more inviting for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. But the impact goes far beyond aesthetics. This project has been a catalyst for economic growth, sparking over $200 million in public and private investment. Since construction began, more than 320 new residential units have been added downtown. And remarkably, 14 new businesses opened during construction, a testament to the confidence and momentum this project inspired. Since project completion, 26 more businesses have opened with additional businesses on the way. The streetscape has also breathed new life into historic buildings with over 20 facade improvements and a surge in demand for revitalization grants. One standout success is the district exchange. A beautifully restored historic theater now home to 15 thriving businesses. And let's not forget the people. From the grand opening block party to the Concord International Festival, downtown has become a true gathering place, doubling daily foot traffic and drawing thousands to events that celebrate our community spirit. This success didn't happen by chance. It

was built on collaboration, creative engagement, and a steadfast commitment to supporting downtown businesses every step of the way. From the interactive living streetscape demonstration in 2019 to weekly construction updates and merchant meetings, the city of Concord and the Concord Downtown Development Corporation led with transparency, innovation, and heart. Today, Union Street is more than a corridor. It's a destination. A place where history meets modern living. A place where people want to live, work, shop, and stay. I promise you there are communities all over the state of North Carolina that that are envious of what we have here. And thank you again. And now Robin, if you and your folks will come up. Great. Each year, the Carolina Recycling Association honors top performers that advance waste reduction and recycling in the Carolas. The 2026 award recipients were honored at the annual conference in Myrtle Beach in March. Concord was one of four recipients to receive this honor and was nominated by the outreach and education division of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The award was given to recognize significant program growth and impact in increasing recycling tonnage, diverting waste from the landfill, and lowering contamination rates. In the two years following

bringing residential services inhouse, recycling tonnage increased 58%. That's that's big. Uh and the amount of waste sent to the landfill actually decreased from the year before despite the growth in the city. This achieve achievement was a team effort from engaged drivers, compliance, customer service, neighborhood liaison, and departmental supervisors and managers utilizing technology outreach and targeted education to make an impact in our city. And folks, this is a really cool award. It is very heavy, but congratulations. And yeah, and I'll be happy to hold this while you make some comments.

Are you taking pictures?

Um, I just want to take a second to thank our team as with a lot of ideas and idea is just that until you have a wonderful group of people who put the work in, put the effort in. I've got a couple folks with me tonight I'll quickly introduce. But that is a team effort to, you know, to make a difference. And our goal was to make a difference. When we brought service in house, the recycling was a challenge because there was a ton of contamination literally and um a lot of compliance efforts which we have Scott Wood here. He's our one of our compliance inspectors and Greg Holtz our deputy director. I wish we had more staff here. I really do want to thank all of our team members who are part of this. But you have to understand that our staff works a four 10-hour day um week or four 10-hour day shift and today is their Friday at five o'clock. So, um it's hard to to round them up, but um our drivers, our whole staff really pitched in and made an effort, and we hope to continue that.

Great. Thank you very much. Yeah.

Great. Thank you and congratulations. These things do not happen by accident. Robin and her team have done a a wonderful job. Uh and now if Bethany Ledwell will come up and we have a proclamation. Yes. and all your folks. We have a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which I will read now. Whereas National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was established to recognize and honor those often overlooked public safety employees. And whereas public safety telecommunicators serve as the first and most critical contact citizens have with emergency services. And whereas the safety of our police officers and firefighters depends on the quality and accuracy of information provided by citizens and effectively relayed by telecommunicators to public safety personnel. And whereas in times of emergency, the prompt response of police officers, firefighters, and on call utility personnel is essential to the protection of life and the preservation of property. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the critical link to our police officers and firefighters, monitoring their activity by radio, relaying vital information, and helping

to ensure their safety. And whereas public safety telecommunicators of the city of Concord have made significant contributions to the apprehension of criminals, the suppression of fires, and the treatment of patients, processing over 130,000 calls for phys for service in fiscal year 2025. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are trained to demonstrate compassion, understanding, and professionalism in every interaction while performing their duties. Now, therefore, I, Stephen M. Morris, mayor, and behalf of the city council and the city of Concord do hereby proclaim the week of April 12 through April 18, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the city of Concord in recognition of the men and women whose dedication and professionalism keep our city and citizens safe. Congratulations and thank you. Yes. Want to say that um Concord is blessed. We absolutely have some of the most dedicated and hardworking telecommunicators around and uh National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week is just a great opportunity for us to say thank you and let them know how much we appreciate all of their hard work and dedication.

Great. Thank you. And we appreciate what you do. Congratulations and thank you. We have um departmental reports and I think we have um parks and recreation bond update. Sheila's going to lead us in that. Good evening, mayor, members of council, Mr. Payne, Mr. Ted,

and Miss Jenkins. I will provide the bond update for April for you guys today. First, there we do have an update to the financial information. The investment earnings did increase which increased a little over $2 million for our funds available. Next completed projects. Um, as you've seen the previous months, we've have a total of two projects complete, which is kind of three projects. Dorton Park had phase one and phase two that are complete and the McInness Aquatic Center that is complete. projects under construction. We have three projects that are under construction. First is Marvin Caldwell Park. The construction continues on this project. Um we still are on schedule to open this summer. I'm going to note a little bit of the pictures for this. Um if you see the top left, that is a construction at the Robert Matthysse Amphitheater. The picture to the right top that is the new restroom building. The bottom left is the new clear span that will be a covered basketball court. Over the next 30 days, they will begin doing the um base work and installing concrete for that um basketball court. And the picture to the right um bottom right is the basketball courts. There will be two full-size basketball courts near the tennis court shelter. Over the next 30 days, you will start seeing work done on an installation of the playground equipment and the splash pad equipment. Next is the Jim Rams Park. This construction continues. It is on

schedule to open next summer. The picture to the left is the boardwalk um construction that's happening. That is also going to be the overlook over Clark Creek and the Clark Creek Greenway and connecting future connection to the Clark Creek Greenway that will run to Highland Creek and Allen Meals. Um the picture to the right and the bottom right, those are the retaining walls and they continue with site development and site grading. Next is the Academy Gibson athletic fields. The turf field has been installed. Um you can see the new Concord logo that's in the center of the turf field and you can see the box or the batting box for the diamond field. This project is on schedule. Um it's anticipated to open in September. Originally, it was October, but right now they are ahead of schedule and we're looking at September. They continue to do construction and renovation on the existing buildings. And the picture to the right is the pave trail that's around Gibson Field to bring that to a neighborhood park. Our next project that is currently out to bid is the Dave Phillips Park. On April 2nd, we had our pre-bid meeting. April 23rd is when the bid opening is to take place and the construction timeline right now for that is 12 months. Next projects, um, we have five projects that are in design. Once design is complete, each of these five projects will be brought back to council for final approval of the final design before we move to the next step which is construction documents.

These projects are the academy Gibson skate park pump track sculpture garden withers ravenel continues to finalize the final design. This project is planned to um start after Caldwell Park opens. So this one is the one next after Caldwell. Next is the popular tent trail head park. Again this park is being designed internally with engineering. This project um we continue to do coordination with NC do and with Duke Power for this project. Hartsell Park, we continue design um for this project. This project is planned to start after the athletic fields. Um the reason for that is we didn't want to for our youth um athletic programs, we wanted to make sure we had fields available for the program. So when the athletic fields open for the academy Gibson, then they were planning this park to start. Um this is currently in design and in Excela. Next is the Wil Wilson Street Park. This park is currently in design and internally. The internal departments that are coordination for design for this include planning, engineering and buildings and grounds. Currently we are working on the site m site map for the placement of amenities for this park as a part of the design. Next is WW Flow. We have received the scope of design from the firm McAdams who will be designing this park. Staff is currently currently reviewing the scope and once it's complete we plan to

move forward with design also for this park. We're exploring two possibilities of grants to assist with funding for this park. Next in our last bond project is the Academy Recreation Center renovations. We are planning to begin design for this in 2027. I have no updates for the timeline and the schedule. Um we're currently on schedule and I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Great questions for Sheila. Okay. Thank you very much for that report.

Okay, we move now to persons requesting to be heard. Uh our public comment portion of the meeting. This portion of our meeting is our time to recognize persons requesting to be heard and provides an opportunity for anyone wishing to address the city council to do so. Each person will receive three minutes to address the council. This is a time of listening for the council. The subject will be noted and if it requires action or if there is a request, the city manager will note as such and provide steps for any required response or afteraction. Uh I think all of you have left your contact information with the city clerk to facilitate future communication with you. So, our first person signed up to speak is Jamon Bryant Heron. Love and peace and greetings, mayor and city council, Concord staff, and the greater Concord community. My name is Jamon Brian Herren, Concord native and community organizer. I will be reading and presenting a community petition of growing concerns with ICE presence in our community and the threat of a ICE detention center uh here in Concord. I would like to present uh nearly 800 signatures we have for the board to review as well before our comments.

Thank you. All right. Again, I will be reading a petition of nearly 800 signatures of these growing concerns of ICE presence in our community and the threat of ICE detention centers in Concord. This petition is for Concord city officials to stand against ICE detention centers as a recent New York Times article reported February 18th identified Concord as a potential site for a massive ICE detention warehouse. Although the city of Concord has said it has not been formally contacted and the owner of the warehouse linked to these reports has denied involvement, that does not remove the threat. The elimination of one specific site does not stop the federal government from pursuing other local properties. Why does this matter for Concord? An ICE detention warehouse would bring long-term irreversible consequences to our community, such as overload inf over overloaded infrastructure. As many of you know, our water and sewer systems are already stretched to a limited amount of sewer capacity for current and future projects. A strained emergency services. A facility of this size would divert medical, fire, and law enforcement resources, all paid by local taxpayers. Economic harms. Converting industrial land for federal detention use would reduce property tax revenue and limit future development and negatively impact nearby businesses. Community safety and well-being. Large-scale detention sites create fear, instability, and uncertainty for

residents across the community. We want all of our neighbors to feel safe. We need our local leaders to act. Communities stop these facilities only when their elected officials take a clear stand. We call on our on the city of Concord, city council, the mayor to publicly oppose any ICE detention warehouses and cooperation with ICE in our city. The nearly 800 people who've signed this petition are urging our leaders to protect Concord's infrastructure, economy, and neighborhoods and not to keep decisions about our community's future in local hands. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. Our next our next speaker is Rebecca Hannah Patton. Hello, my name is Rebecca Patton and my address is 90 Cabaris Avenue West. I am here representing a coalition of nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, and concerned neighbors. In February, the New York Times reported that Concord is being targeted by ICE for a 1500 bed detention center. We have already seen one major developer, Crescent Properties, take a stand by refusing to sell. But the threat isn't gone. Across the ca country, DHS is quietly buying up industrial warehouse spaces, often leaving local leaders in the dark until the deal is done. While we re while recently DHS has paused the process, they have not withdrawn Concord from consideration. A pause only means they're regrouping, not that they've changed course. We are here today to ask this council to stand up and brokers that Concord. Excuse me. We are here today to ask this council to stand up and pass a formal resolution, a clear message to DHS owners, developers, and brokers that Concord is open for industry, not for human warehousing. An immigration detention center would be an economic drain. Our industrial

corridors are taxpaying commerce and jobs. A federal facility is taxexempt. A 1500 bed center is estimated to generate more than 187,000 gallons of wastewater a day. Based on the allocations that you will approve tonight, that represents 7 and a half months of residential and commercial sewer project approvals. We would be sacrificing our infrastructure and our ability to attract future employers and taxpayers for a facility that pays zero in property taxes. Our fire, EMS, and police departments will be required to respond daily at taxpayer expense, and our local hospitals are already operating at capacity with long ER waits. Furthermore, industrial warehouses are built for freight, not for people. They lack the ventilation and fire suppression systems required for residential life. Finally, this is a matter of character. 73% of those who currently are in ICE detention have no criminal record. Turning Concord into a hub for human warehousing creates a climate of fear for our Hispanic neighbors and inflicts permanent reputational damage on our city. Concord is a city of progress, commerce, and community. We urge you to pass a resolution standing against ICE detention centers here. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay, our next speaker is Nancy Faggard. Mr. Mayor, council members, and staff members, my name is Nancy Freeze Fagert, and I welcome the opportunity to speak tonight. I figure the best way for me to educate myself about the issues facing our city is to come to the meetings and learn. I'm interested in knowing more about the Church Street corridor plan, but more importantly, I'm curious about the status of the establishment of an immigrant detention center in a warehouse in Concord. I commend Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen for visiting Asheville this week to assess the Hurricane Helen cleanup and determine further needs. It shows his openness to study and review the cleanup progress and work with city leaders. Secretary Mullen has also issued a temporary pause on warehouse purchases in order to review previous contracts and budgetary overspending. This is not a change in policy, but simply an internal review. So, there is still cause for concern for the detention center. I would like for city council to formally encourage Secretary Mullen to completely change the direction of the immigration enforcement and detention policy. It is important for our local leaders to push back on the warehouse issue. I support immigr immigration enforcement, but I hope that Secretary Mullen honors the commitment he made during his confirmation hearing to work with community leaders in resolving issues. I worry that a warehouse

presents safety problems. Our fire departments, EMS, police would be overly stressed. Our local hospital is already at capacity. I surely do not want another 75year-old heart patient to die in a detention center as happened in Florida. Also, a 1500 bed facility would strain already overburdened water sore and electrical capacity. In conclusion, I oppose the heartless treatment of warehousing people in inhumane, overcrowded facilities. It's similar to the unjustified internment of Japanese, German, and Italian Americans during World War II. It's a nasty pattern, and we are better than this. All people have human dignity. Please prepare a formal resolution to oppose the establishment of an immigrant detention center in Concord. In everything, do others as you would have them do to you. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay, our next speaker is Chuck Collier. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, council members, and esteemed guests. My name is Chuck Collier, a proud citizen of Concord. I've known several of you through our work on racial justice over the years. Several others of you know me from my 34 years in uniform of the US Air Force and as my time as commander of the North Carolina Air National Guard as a brigadier general. I'm here to speak in opposition to the Immigration Customs Enforcement Detention Center here in Concord. You've been presented with a petition of over 800 names of Concord citizens opposing the establishment of such a facility in Concord. We are here to seek an official statement from the city council or a resolution opposing an ICE dens detention center in our city. We know that while DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen has issued a temporary pause on warehouse purchases to review previous contracts, we know too that this is not a cancellation of the plan. DHS officials have clarified that this hold is due to budgetary overspending con budgetary constraints and internal reviews, not a change in policy. Concord remains a target. We must use this period to solidify local opposition before federal plans resume. Even if specific developers like Crescent Properties declined to sell,

DHS continues to scout other warehouses and sites in Concord. A pause is a regrouping period, not a change of heart. A 1,500 bed facility would strain our water, sewer, and electrical capacity, stalling future commercial development. Our fire, EMS, and police would be responsible for this high density site without federal reimbursement. Furthermore, our local hospital is already at capacity and a massive detention center would increase our ER wait times further beyond perhaps 5 hours. Warehouses are built for goods and services, not for detention of families. These facilities have documented histories of neglect and do not align with Concord's history with Concord standards of safety and human dignity and our values. We request the council send a clear signal to DHS developers and realtors telling them that Concord is not open to detention centers, but we need a formal resolution now to protect our resources further. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Martin Ericson. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, council members, and staff of the city of Concord. Thank you for this opportunity to speak. I am Martin Ericson, a Concord resident since 1980. I understand that you may have limited input as to the sighting of

any ICE detention center, but I ask you to note the evident concerns of your citizens. A warehouse is not an appropriate detention center, and our community needs no such facility. I ask that you work to prevent opening of such a center, either through collective or individual action. Thank you for your attention. Thank you. And next is Reverend Leonard Jarvis. Good evening to this August body of mayor, council members, and your staff. I'm here as Leonard Jarvis to speak against opening a ICE detention center. I moved here in 2016 and I moved here not only because of the fact that our daughter had moved here from New York but also the image of Concord. So what I'm presenting to you tonight is this. You are spending millions of dollars to make Concord the place for respectable and and a living people. So I'm saying to you tonight by if you were to engage or entertain this idea of a ICE detention center, you're just throwing everything out the window. you are taking two steps backwards when it comes to improving the image and the brand of Concord. As I stated before, I lived in New York and uh moved here, moved there from North Carolina. I grew up in the northeastern section of North Carolina, but every time I thought of the South when I was in New York, was that it was

racism and slavery. What am I saying? I'm saying that the south has not outlived that image. That's what people are still thinking when they say the south. So I'm saying you tonight, if you were to allow a ICE detention center to be erected in this community, that's the image they're going to think of as far as Concord is concerned. So don't spend these millions of dollars for the parks, the highways, the commercial. If you're going to do that, you're just wasting our time and our money. Something else that I just learned today, this policy of this current administration, food is rottening in the fields. Over 120 billion meals have been lost because of this policy. So if we were to erect a detention center, you're only furthering and formenting that policy. Therefore, there are going to be more hungry children, more hungry families. So I suggest and I submit to you tonight to not to buy into that. This is not only inhumane in the fact that you are caging people, putting humans in cages. That's not right. And if I was in church, I would ask somebody to say, "Amen."

Amen. But it's not right to put people in cages. Slavery was where we as my forefathers were put in cages and shackled. If it wasn't right then is not right now. So what do I say to you tonight? This is humane. It's insidious. So and it is injustice. So please pass a declaration, pass a resolution that is against the formation of any ICE detention centers. Thank you.

Next is Kim Beyondi. Thank you members of city council. Thank you for letting me speak tonight. My name is Kim Beandi and as a resident of the city of Concord since 2005, I thank you very much for the opportunity to speak about an issue that has been an unresolved concern for many of us. The possibility of an ICE detention facility in our county. I had some things in my speech about what a burden this might be for the taxpayers, a financial burden, a burden on our infrastructure, but I don't feel like talking about that now. I think I'd rather talk about the moral burden incumbent upon us all. Under this federal administration, a three-year-old was separated from her mother, who had illegally crossed the border in September 2025. The child was placed in foster care while her father, who was a legal permanent resident of the United States, lobbyed and petitioned this federal government for her safe return. The toddler was not released from care for months, during which time she was repeatedly raped by another child staying with this foster family. Her father was told she had suffered an accident and his attempts to reunite with her were continually and deliberately delayed and denied. Although, as I stated, her father is a legal permanent resident of the United States. This was not an oversight or an accident on the part of the federal government. It is an intentional part now of federal policy regarding immigration. This administration began targeting detained immigrant children like this man's daughter in 2025. They have abandoned efforts to ensure and enforce protection for immigrant

children, choosing instead the path of greatest harm. I suppose they are hoping to deter immigrants from coming to our country at all. And that is not the America that I grew up in. This above all is why we must not allow a detention center to come to Concord. We cannot trust what the federal government now allows under their policies and we cannot let their amoral behavior affect our conduct as a community. We come today to ask you to do the right thing and oppose this facility and the presence of ICE in our community, doing what you can to protect your citizens and the residents of Concord. Thank you. Thank you. And next is Cullen Knight. Hello. I speak today as someone who takes very seriously the core value of human dignity and the values laid out by our founders in the Declaration of Independence, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And for those reasons, I stand against the construction of an ICE detention center in Concord. I think it is essential to let the victims of ICE speak for themselves. So I will now submit several testimonies from those imprisoned by ICE. A view of the inhuman evil that could come to Concord. One woman said to an interviewer, "They say the water is drinkable, but it is not. We are all without drinking water. If you drink it, your stomach hurts so badly. More than anything, I worry for the kids." We were given wormy food. And when someone spoke out about it and said that the children should get better food, he was taken in the middle of the night and threatened that he and his family would be separated. Officers told him that he

would go to an adult detention center and his children would go to foster care. Another woman said, "One woman became so sick from eating the food, she began to vomit blood." Another said, "The lights are on all night here. My son cries all night, almost every night, because it is so hard for him to sleep with the lights on. This has been going on for two months straight. Another said, "My kids are terrified. We are all depressed." Another mother said about her 12-year-old daughter, "My daughter has an inflammation on her heart, and I told them about this condition when we first got here, but the medical staff did nothing. We have been consistently denied medical attention. I am scared for my daughter's life." Another said, "The staff intimidate us. They have discouraged us from submitting grievances, saying those people come out last. Another staff told a resident that if she did not stop letting other residents use her email, they would take away her daughter. Another said, "We are scared to ask for anything because the officers start threatening us that they'll put us in different detention centers and put our children in foster care." I want you to think about all these testimonies that I have just provided. And I want you to keep in mind all of these come from one detention center. One. One of many. One that could be here. Imagine the stories we would hear if such interviewing was done at every detention center across the entire country. That evil, that inhuman, unamerican evil now wishes to establish itself here. You are the city council of Concord. You do not have the power to stop by us everywhere. I'm not asking you to. But you do have the power to send a very clear message that this evil, this affront to the values that this country was built on is not welcome here. History is watching you and I urge you to make the right decision.

Thank you. Next is Jamal Wear. As a longtime resident of Concord, it shames me to hear talks about collaboration with ICE detention centers. We already don't want ICE in our communities. So, the fact that there is talks about a detention center raises serious questions about the direction in which we're heading. We need to take a strong stance and be clear on what side we stand on. And for me, as someone who has close friends who has been affected by the mass deportation and incarceration machine that is running rampant in this country, I can't sit by idally and watch as more harm is inflicted on our friends, neighbors, and family. ICE presence is not keeping our community safer. In fact, it eats away at our peace of mind and challenges safety and security by encouraging a deeply flawed carceral system which is fueling the decadence in our society. The money that is being used for police training with ICE and incarceration could be used for a multitude of other community service initiatives that addresses real problems in our community. It is not enough to just be aware of rumors about an ICE facility. Why can't you take a firm stance against what is happening? Why try to save face before addressing the real systemic issue this country has with racism and criminalization? Does a hardworking immigrant mother not deserve dignity and protection? When is enough enough? How many undocumented children have to watch their mothers and fathers be taken away before we say that this is wrong? How many kids have to watch their relatives be brutalized by the police before we say that this system isn't working? We demand that this city council passes a resolution stating that they are against the dehumanizing housing of immigrants and that memorandum 287g is effectively terminated and that Concord ceases all collaboration with ICE immediately.

Okay, thank you. Next is Eer Toledo.

Hey, I'm at um here from Concord. Uh when rumors broke a few months ago that ISE was planning on building a new detention center here in Concord, I was shocked. Uh as a child of immigrants, I have seen firsthand the impacts of fire in our communities for years. We have heard this the we have heard the stories inside of these detention centers of inhumane uh conditions of people's friends and family being denied access of like access of water and food. Just earlier this year a story came out of a woman that was raped for months inside of an ice facility. We cannot we cannot allow this facilities to be built here in Concord. Conqueror must take a firm stance against ICE dension centers and they should pass a resolution uh standing firmly against the building of ice station centers. We should also uh terminate the 28 the 287g program to to completely abolish all collaboration with ICE and police training. the money that that's being spent on this ice on police and ICE could be better spent on schools, roads, and meeting the people's needs. Thank you.

Thank you. Next is Ann Marie Schuler.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of council, staff, my name is Ann Marie Scheler. I'm a 30-year resident, homeowner, taxpayer, and voter in the city of Concord. I wasn't born here, but we got here as fast as we could. Concord, you you stole my thunder with the proclamations earlier because I came prepared to talk a September 2025 article in Southern Living magazine that touted Concord not as a bedroom community of Charlotte, but as a destination city. It spoke about a historic downtown, a vibrant art scene, major destinations like the depot at Gibson Mill, features of our homes along Union Street, family-friendly attractions, and that we'd become a non beach destination during spring break. That's pretty impressive. The city of Concord has about 113 residents. I think 60% white. The other 40% are black and Hispanic. That's pretty significant. We talked about the $60 million bond issue for our parks and recreation. And all of that is fabulous. I'd like you to come with me now to Portland, Oregon. Prior to 2025, Portland, Oregon was thought of as a quirky, creative, freespirited community. The most it was known for was its Japanese gardens and its international rose test gardens. I would defy you to pick up a magazine or a newspaper and look up Portland, Oregon today and find anything about those wonderful aspects of that city. you can't find it. You will read about

ICE CBP. You will read about 247 protest since June the 4th of 2025. You will read about non-lethal weaponry that has cost a young man his sight. You will read about gas being deployed. By the way, that same gas is contrary to the Geneva Convention. But that is happening in the city of Portland. You all are our stewards. You are the protector of our quality of life. You are the protector of the virtues of this community. And frankly, you are all of our employees. We come here asking you as concerned citizens, voters, and taxpayers to not be silent because silence is agreement. We ask you to be vocal. We ask you to oppose any suggestion that ICE detention centers are in any way under consideration here. And they are certainly not welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Gina Thomas. Good evening, mayor and council. Thank you for pronouncing my name right. That doesn't normally happen. Uh my name is Gina Thomas. I live here in Concord. Um in February of 2018, I became a foster mom here in Cabaris County to a 5-year-old Honduran girl, Julia. That's not her real name. In October of 2017, she was separated from her mother in Mexico and then her stepdad in the US. Julia entered the Cabaris County foster system because ICE and Office of Refugee Resettlement ORR did not show up at the Concord Courthouse like they said they

would twice. Julia was found wandering the streets of Concord because of neglect from the home she was placed in by ORR. There are so many reasons proactively opposing human detention conversions as you just saw a video talking about the economically resilience of Concord with the streetscape. Um, this is going to be the opposite. As you've heard plenty of other people's share, we know the federal government is not going to give local governments money for this. History instructs and we get to decide if we will choose to learn or not from it. What happened to Julia will be normalized here? Social services, foster care, child protective services. What do you think will happen to these as very strained workforces where the burden of being overworked and underpaid is already the baseline? And it's not just social workers who are going to deal with this, but teachers, too. Because families will be ripped apart. And I can promise you from firsthand experience, you do not want to experience it. Toxic stress, disruption of brain development, PTSD, increased anxiety, increased fear, breakdown of family trust, physical pain as a manifestation of mental trauma, difficulty sleeping, learning and forming relationships, suicide, and suicide attempts. This is all the product of family separation. Look, Steven Miller, among others, has been working this plan long before the second administration. This happened at in that time from 2017 to 2018. It was the zero tolerance policy where children were being ripped apart from their parents at the border. I'm sure you remember the pictures and the videos of that. Now, it's luring parents with their children. ICE raid by enforcers who do not care about the law. I will not call them law enforcement because they don't care about the law. ICE detaining and killing citizens. No due process, just violence. Families being ripped apart again, not knowing where loved ones are located. This administration is sneaky and tricky. So, you might blink before you

even realize that ICE is here in Concord. In 2018, Cabaris County social workers and my family showed up for Julia. We got to see her reunited in Honduras with her mother. The story was featured in national news outlets. Now, eight years later, at this time, I'm showing up with a huge group of neighbors from high school to retirement, as you will see in front of we will protest downtown. We will protest in front of warehouses, in front of the mall, and anywhere else that we can. We've been on the Rachel Maddo show for our pop-ups and our No Kings events, and we'll keep showing up there. We're not showing up because we want to be famous. I promise you, but because this is not who we are as North Carolinians. This is not who we are as Americans. This is unamerican because we say so. Your constituents say so. Don't let Julia story repeat itself here. Don't let Cabaris County be known as the detention center city. Because once the center moves in, that is what it will be known for for generations to come. None of us want that future. Take proactive steps. Make a public statement, a formal resolution against this, and promise us that if you hear of any activity happening, you will let us know. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Carol Lacy. Good evening, mayor and city council members. Thank you for your time. I am here to speak in favor of Concord, North Carolina officials standing against ICE detention centers. A facility like this would increase our population by approximately 1,500 people. This would increase the demands for water, sewer, trash, and all of our services. Approximately 1,500 people would add at least 30,000 gallons of water per day to our water usage,

112,000 gallons to our sewage, and 7,350 pounds per day to our landfill. Do our current facilities, are they capable of doing this? That's every day, not for a year. The answer is no. increase in our infrastructure cannot be solved in a day or even a year. It takes money and it takes time and the cost of this upgrade would fall on the constituents because the US government does not pay city's tax or state tax. There would be no revenue to the city to take care of this. I know that you don't want to run next year on raising taxes to support this project. So, I suggest that you vote to against the ICE detention centers in Concord. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next is Wade Holland. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Council. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. Uh, this will be short. City of Concord has a long, rich, and storied history. It's extremely close to one of the most vibrant and growing cities in the southeast. It's now known as a great place to raise a family. Um that was pointed up tonight by the awards that we saw given out here this evening. Uh we have a citizenry who've worked extremely hard to get to a place that has those attributes. They enjoy them. They deserve them. I would hate to see those citizens and this city lose those titles, for lack of a better term, because of a poorly conceived and even more poorly executed plan and policy of a government that really does not care. Um, we ask you to put forth this resolution, sign it, and make sure that the people of Concord are heard. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, next is Philip Curley. concerned resident. I live on Franklin Avenue Northwest. In 2026, February 2026, our community was blindsided by a journalist report that a Concord warehouse was listed as a location for an ICE detention center. While the details of that report did not come to fruition here, it did for other communities across the country. and it has angered their residents, exploited their public resources, and undermined their sense of safety. There's no guarantee that Concord won't be considered again. Instead of acting on the backfoot in the aftermath of another report, the city should proactively discourage and dissuade future ICE detention centers before it happens here. I understand the city may not feel responsible for private transactions of land and property. I understand the federal government can ignore local zoning and permitting regulations. However, these facts are not excuses to wash our hands of any responsibility and to take no position on the presence of detention centers in our community. Let us assume that you have no position on the federal government's policy of detaining and kidnapping people in public without due process. Let's also assume that you have no position on the fact people are deposited into these warehouses far from their homes and families in an intentional effort to isolate them from legal aid and their local support systems. Now I must ask, do you also hold no position on local development and its effects on our local transportation, electric, water and sewage infrastructure which hundreds or thousands of people concentrated in a single building not designed for habitation will strain? Do you have no position on the depressing effects to local businesses and tourism because people will choose to avoid Concord as its reputation sour? Do you have no position on the absenteeism in the workplace and in our schools and child

care centers because local families choose to stay home out of fear of encounters with ICE officers moving people in and out of a warehouse? No, I know each member of the council and our city government has a position on issues of public safety, infrastructure, education, local business, and the city's overall reputation. My point is that these local issues are intimately connected to the existence of an ICE detention facility. A warehouse used to traffic people out of the country has a large number of negative effects on all the positive things you work so hard to do for the city. So we must be proactive. The council should make a public statement or resolution that discourages the sale and use of private warehouses in Concord for the detention and concentration of humans. Warn sellers they cannot knowingly sell property for you for use contrary to its zoning and permitting regulations. Tell the federal government that they cannot exploit our local resources for the abusive, arbitrary, and immoral deportation of individuals. Assure the residents of Concord, the people who live and work here, that you care about things that happen within the city limits, and that the city will not tolerate activity that exploits our public resources and undermines our instense safety. Have a nice evening. Thank you. Next is Thomas Monks.

Good evening, Mayor, Council, Staff, and fellow Concord community members. My name is Thomas Monks and I stand here before you not just as a Concord resident, but as someone deeply concerned about the long-term health, capacity, and character of our community. We often hear, and rightly so, that our infrastructure is under strain. We've had ongoing discussions about the limits of our water and sewer systems, about growth outpacing capacity, and about the careful balance required to sustain what we already have. So I ask you, how can we responsibly consider absorbing a 1500 bed detention facility into that already stretched system? This is not a minor addition. It's a massive permanent demand on resources we've already acknowledged are finite. But beyond infrastructure, there's a deeper issue. One that really stands to our moral compass as a community. The proposed site is a commercial warehouse designed for the movement of goods, not the dignity and care of human beings. A space built for storage and distribution cannot simply be repurposed into a place of confinement without raising serious moral and practical concerns. People are not cargo and they should not be treated as such. I urge you to take a clear stand, pass a resolution, protect our infrastructure, uphold our values, and send a message that Concord plans thoughtfully, acts responsibly, and never loses sight of its humanity. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Wendy McConnell.

Good evening. Good evening, council members and mayor. Um, I would like to add to the voices that we hear tonight, I'm so proud of, um, who are strongly urging each of you to wield every aspect of your influence as elected leaders to create decisive barriers to stop any ICE facility in the city of Concord. At our core, at our foundation, we are all human and we pride ourselves as being good humans. Part of being a good person is that we do good by each other. I am sure you all do this in yourselves in many many ways. But you also have the privilege and responsibility of creating equitable policies that enhance our lives in the city of Concord. So sometimes there are policies outside of your control that strike a blow to our humanity. Policies you may have had nothing to do with, but you know it rips at the heart of our humanity. Even as you watch it deeply impact the lives of Concord residents, you might say, "I never wanted that for our people." When I see our Latino brothers and sisters suffer, I mean suffer. Families ripped apart, hunted. We have a history of hunting brown and black people in this nation and that includes City of Concord. Our history lives with us today. We are stripping the stability, the safety and dignity from humans. We may not be doing it ourselves, but policies are happening right now under our watch. And it's in this moment that we are called to survey ourselves both individually

and collectively in our groups to determine what power do we hold. Let us invest each of us in finding what we can do about this and how we can act on it. The most strategic of us don't spend much time dwelling on what we cannot do, but rather use it as a tool to figure out what we can do. At the minimum, we ask that you use your influence, your influence to send out a loud and decisive message to all who will hear it in whatever way you have at your disposal and resources. To say that the city of Concord stands by and stands up for her people. To say that the city of Concord believes in safety, stability, and dignity of all families. to proclaim that we do not hunt like prey or discard or throw away good people because when we do this we do it to ourselves. Create a resolution to keep ICE detention facilities out of city of Concord and constantly oppose and strike down any policy that dehumanizes any of our residents. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next is Reverend Nathan King. Good evening, Mayor and City Council members. Thank you for allowing us time, allowing me time to speak tonight. I'm a long-haired pastor from of a church about two and a half blocks from here. Um gosh, three minutes. Now I'm I'm a preacher, Andy. Uh last time I got less than three minutes to speak, all I could do was a one minute standup comic routine at a church in Charlotte, and I had the whole

congregation rolling in the aisles with laughter. But that's not going to happen tonight because I'm here to talk about trying to keep detention centers out of Concord. And that's no laughing matter. In fact, it's deadly serious. Now, I want to applaud you. First of all, I love the visuals tonight already. All the parks and rec development that Concord is doing is awesome. Of the awards that have been given, the recycling and increasing the recycling, reducing waste. Thank you. That's that's applaudable. That's a great community. The downtown development with people first is incredible. Thank you. And as a pastor, it's always good for a pastor. Pastors love it when the congregation does the sermon. And this congregation's already given it. So I don't need to reiterate what they've said. They've already explained out and told you the ethical and moral and religious and spiritual and psychological and environmental and economic impact such a facility would have on this community. And so I only rise to echo what they've said, to say amen again and again and again and to ask you to please do the right thing and adopt a resolution. Make a public statement discouraging keeping out framing it however it needs to be framed so that the property here cannot be used for such an inhumane facility. Such a facility might yield some temporary dollars, but the albatross that will hang around

the neck of this community for generations to come will be your legacy. The blight on this community will be eternal. So do the right thing. Work to keep it out. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Kesha Sandage.

Good evening everybody. Um I don't come to tonight to talk about ICE uh detention centers, but I do want to say that I stand in solidarity with everyone that has spoken tonight. I appreciate your voice and um I guess my 2025 municipal election uh sanctuary city comment wasn't so far-fetched. Um tonight I come to you to talk about considerations for policy 510. I've been here several times. I've since uh emailed many of you, well all of you individually. I've gotten some responses back. I thank you for your responses and if I understand correctly, this policy will be up for discussion, but I have yet to see it on the agenda. So, I just want you to consider a few things as you speak about this policy when it comes uh in front of you. As you prepare for this discussion, encourage you to to consider whether the current policy is consistent, neutral, and equitable for all employees. Does the policy apply a uniform standard or does it create exceptions for specific offices rather than addressing conflicts of interest broadly? Should the policy be based on where a conflict actually resists exists such as running for office within the city of Concord rather than restricting participation in other levels of government? Is it appropriate to broadly prohibit employees from seeking partisan office while allowing one specific exception or would a clear consistent framework be more equitable? Other considerations. How does Concord's approach compare to neighboring municipalities, many of which regulate conduct such as onduty activity and use of resources rather than limiting employees ability to participate in the democratic pro process? Additionally, does the current policy support civic engagement or does it unintentionally

limit employees ability to serve their communities outside of their roles with the city? As you evaluate this policy, I ask that you consider whether a more neutral, consistent approach, one that protects against real conflicts of interest while treating all employees equally would be would better align with the city's values, which we've spoken about so um in great detail tonight. When policies treat similar situations differently, it raises questions of fairness. I ask that you move forward toward a clear, consistent standard, one that applies equally across to everyone. And lastly, I want to say this. I've been here since 1996. I came here to attend Barbara Scotia College. Concord has become home for me. I decided to raise a family here across many other municipalities that I had uh the experience of working in. I love Concord. Um, I know Concord has the ability to continue to do great things. When you think about the people that work for Concord, they are what makes Concord the place that everybody in this building wants to live in. So, when we think about policies, we have to make sure those policies are equitable for all employees. And that's what you need to think about when you think about or talk about this policy. Thank you all. Thank you. Next is Chris Iicana. Good evening, Mayor Morris and members of the council. My name is Chris Iicana and I am a graduating senior at Central Cabaris, a local business owner and I also worked uh with the superintendent to pass legislation when it came to ice

protection and just protection in general uh for our schools. Um I'm here tonight to talk about the long-term and strategic future of our city. See, for months, a looming shadow of fear and uncertainty has plagued a large part of our community. And I've seen that firsthand at every stage. It's a climate that threatens not only just our immigrant neighbors, and I'm speaking as an immigrant myself, but every facet of life in Cabaris County and Concord. We've seen the development here. And as a business owner can tell you that development means nothing if people are driven out by fear. If children have to live with in constant uncertainty because their leadership cannot provide them with security. See a city can't progress and it certainly cannot thrive economically if its people are overlooked and always looking over their shoulders. See, true investment in this city isn't just fiscal, but it's strategic and it has to be rhetorical. It requires us to face the battles happening at the federal and state level, to call out what is wrong, and to build local strategies that protect our people and our prosperity. Mayor Morris, in preparing for tonight, I conducted research into your leadership. If I'm not mistaken, um I learned that you participated in the No Kings protest rallies as speaker and I've also learned that you faced alienation from your own party uh because you chose to endorse Democratic candidates. I respect that conviction because I know the courage that it takes to to take a stand, but I also know the realities of government governance. And I'm not

asking you to go against the the federal administration in totality. You you can't throw our city up for collateral. Um but you can do more. This council can do more. You can help not just our immigrant community, but every community threatened by this current crisis by setting a rhetorical and strategic standard right here at home. We need you to use the power of this podium to explicitly declare that Cabaris County and Concord stands against the fear and hatred that is dividing our communities in classrooms, in the streets, and just our country as a whole. If we want to keep this progression going on here in this community, we want to strengthen our investments without driving people out of the very city that they call home. We need to offer them a community that is resolute. We have to make Concord a beacon of stability, dignity, and a true strategic vision. Please stand with us and stand with everybody who spoke here today. Thank you. Thank you. to our next speaker is Noel Road Scott. Mayor, City Council, staff, thank you so much for allowing your citizens to speak to you. I know many of you very well. I've worked with most of you all many times as well as your predecessors in each of your seats. Um, as the lucky director of the Cabaris Arts Council from 2000 through 2021,

I had a lot of experience working with the city of Concord. I know you all care about your community. I have worked hand inand with you all working for this community. Whether it's revitalizing the historic courthouse to make it the home of the Cabaris Arts Council, whether it's developing the Davis Theater and the galleries to help this become a hub of the community, whether it's reaching out to Hispanic community, black communities, brown communities to become one of the most integrated and accepting organizations other than churches in this community. You all helped the arts council make that happen. Also bringing arts organ or arts programs to the schools, not for only the schools that wanted it. It was for every single school to make sure that whether a school had parents of wealth or a school that had mostly parents of poverty, every single child got wonderful arts performances. And this is still happening today. That would not have happened without your support, without the city of Concord support. I had the ple ple the privilege and the pleasure of working with three different planning processes for the city of Concord, talking about all of the things that were awarded tonight. And you all deserve great credit for that and for listening to your citizens. Whether it's the greenways, whether it's the downtown festivals, which we worked hard with you all to bring, the art walks, the international festival that El Puente has turned into this

tremendously successful event with so many communities represented. If an ICE detention center comes here, that's going to go away. Who's going to come to an international festival when you're afraid that the ICE people are going to come after you? Who's going to send their children to school when they have brought their children over here to give them a safety, to give them an opportunity that they don't have. These parents are working two jobs a day to make sure their children can go to our schools here and get the education so that they can become wonderful citizens of this community. I beg you, figure out a way to stand against it and to protect your community. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next is Edward Scott.

Good evening. I'm Edward Scott, retired Episcopal priest. And uh Mr. Mayor and Council and staff, thank you very much for all of us uh to allow us to speak tonight. Now many people before me have spoken very eloquently and I thank you all. Um so I'm going to take a slightly different take um and I know you all are are interested. So I just want to encourage you to do what you can what is in your what is in your power to speak uh about what's going on. And these policies are really about cruelty. They're about cruelty and theatrics. uh what ICE is doing and DHS is doing is not so much about just managing immigration. Uh there was a previous president who was known as the deorter and chief. But a significant difference between what he did was that due process was followed. People were not shipped off to countries other than their home country. I mean the idea of sending somebody off to some place where they don't know the language, they don't know anything, that is just cruelty. So the cruelty needs to stop and we can do whatever it is we can do to speak up is important. Um and hopefully people across the country are doing just that. I would shift just just from training one biblical story or two. Uh one that's very um shall we say famous. It's a story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Um supposedly some people think of that one as more about a particular sexual activity. That is not the problem. The crime in those two cities was inhospity. We are told over and over by again by our creator to welcome the stranger, to look out for the stranger because we were once strangers. Now's our chance. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Next is Scott Verer.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, council members, staff. I appreciate this time to speak with you on this issue uh because I am here to speak about the uh proposed ICE detention center. Uh some of you may remember me uh it's been a while now uh from my work as cabaras bureau chief for the Charlotte Observer uh from 199 1986 to 2015 when I retired. My family moved to Cabaris County in 1986. We have lived off of Weddington Road since 1997. Have paid our taxes faithfully since then. We are less than two miles from the huge building that the federal government would use as the detention center that you've been hearing about all this evening. Uh and uh this detention center is for appear apparently for immigrants that the uh government views as a threat. I have many concerns about this proposed center, but I'll stick to some that you folks have jurisdiction over public services and taxes. As a retiree, I don't want this jail because it would be it putting a heavy burden on the property tax money that I believe the city and the county have been using carefully to pay for extending water and sewer services to new developments as well as police and fire protection and many other services. Allowing this detention center would be like dumping a new 1500 resident housing development onto undeveloped land and

the folks who elected you would be asked to pay to develop that land. Are you prepared for the pressure that this will put on property taxpayers here and the resulting clamor from the public? We've seen such clamor before in Cabaris County and it was not healthy and it resulted in people losing their offices with a capacity said to be around 1500 inmates but I have to say having been there it looks much larger than that and depending on how the federal government wants to treat it and how little regard it has for the immigrants that it chooses to uh uh incarcerate there. Uh this is could be much bigger than that. It's it's guaranteed to strain the city's water and sewer capacity, electric power, waste disposal, emergency medical services, among many other services that the city pro uh provides. It also would introduce new security concerns to the community. I don't want to desperate inmates threatening our neighborhoods. This proposed detection center would strain police, fire, and emergency medical service that we all pay for, and it would put a heavy burden on our water and water and sewer lines and treatment capacity and extension capacity. Now, I know you guys just did um some sewer capacity just last March, last month, but um let me go on. I I heard the little U bell. So, um I covered an amazing and fascinating growth of this place for years. That's why I came to take the job

with the observer was to cover what I knew was going to be a rapidly growing county and to see whether we could tell the stories of that and possibly perhaps its editor in his columns could have a positive influence on what direction that took. And I'm glad to say that whatever direction it took and whyever it took it, it seems to have been a positive way of developing. But are these water and sewer lines that are there are there do they have the capacity to handle water and sewer for 1,500 inmates or more as the federal government chooses. As far as the federal government concerned, this growing city and county are still a tiny fish in a huge bowl. It thinks it canfoot us into doing its will. But if you reject this detention center and to the two or three others the federal government appears to want here on adjacent plots, they'll just look elsewhere. And that would be a victory for us, everyone in this county and city. I urge you to stand up and lead pass a resolution posing this center which would heavily burden Concord taxpayers of which I am one.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Okay, next is Richie Ramirez. Good evening, uh, mayor, city council, and staff members. I come today to speak on the detention center as well. Um, I have a speech prepared. It's my name is Richie, and I was born in Mexico. Concord has been my home ever since I came to this country and I am here tonight to give my personal testimony. My father came to America for me and my sister to give us a better life than we than he had. Then he was deported. In that detention center, his health deteriorated, conditions arose that went untreated and he made it back to Mexico, but that's where he died. My father came to America to give his children a future and this system took his life. My sister and I grew up without him. My mother eventually remarried a US citizen and that is how I became a per a legal permanent resident. I didn't come through some easy door. My family was already broken by the time that door opened. So when people say just follow the law, we did and it still took my father's life. This is not just some abstract policy. This is my life. This is what detention centers do to real families in this in this city and other cities. And beyond the human cause, think about what this does to Concord itself. This city has worked hard to build a thriving downtown, a main street that people are proud of, business, businesses, families, and growth. An ICE detenture, ICE detention center does not belong in that picture. It will drive away investment, damage tourism, and send a message to the entire region that Concord is not a welcoming place to live, work, or do business. That is not the conqueror that I grew up in and that is not the reputation that my city deserves. Therefore, I am formally

calling on this city council tonight to pass a resolution opposing any ICE detention center in Concord and committing to the end of the 287g agreement that will turn our local police into immigration agents and make our neighbors afraid to call for help. This council has the power to go on record to stand on the right side of history to say clearly not in our city. My father gave his life trying to give me a better one. Honor that. Pass the resolution. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Justin Lutter. Good evening, mayor and council members. I come to you as a citizen of Cabaris County. I believe polite speak will be the death of us. I stand before you in opposition to the building and development of a concentration camp in our city in our county. And I'd like to call a thing a thing. Uh first as a citizen the things we know about these detention internment camps, concentration camps is that one there have been more deaths in these detention facilities in the last 90 days under ICE uh authority than all of last year. Two, we know that children, young girls under the age of 18 are being impregnated in these facilities, sexually assaulted. Third thing we know is that these ICE agents are the least trained and poorly prepared law enforcement officers that we've seen. They go through 47 days of training and their criteria to be uh agents has been reduced beyond measure. They're failing drug tests and still being

hired. They've stopped doing sit-ups as a physical requirement because they can't meet the requirement physically fit. So these folks are not trained and you are preparing to unleash them on our city. So that's the first thing. Second thing, I come to you as a school teacher. I know full well what it felt like when rumors of ICE were present in a classroom of 25 dwindled to 17 where you had to explain or try not to explain what happened or why there are no children in the classroom. I know full well what it's like and I'm going to ask you if you have children, are you going to be able to explain to your child why their friend, their teammate, their classmate, through no harm of their own are in a cage downtown, why they're not in class, why they're not in school? Are you going to be explained to them why their friends and cohorts are missing through no fault of their own? The last thing I will say to you is this. At the end of the day, years from now, when history is recorded, people will say, "All of the people here that spoke, their names won't be mentioned in the books, in the history books, but the people that allowed it, your names will be, and you will be held to account. So, think long and hard about how you want to have your legacy remembered. Whether you approved an interament camp in your city, you opened the meeting with the wonderful investment and the power of the tax dollars that are being spent and how it's being stewarded and you would throw it all down the drain. For what purpose? An ICE detention center is not patriotic. It's not doing your civic duty. It only does harm to this community. It is unnecessary. It is unneeded. There will be protests. The deaths of Alex Prey, Keith Porter, Renee Good are all the results of

protest. If you think that won't happen here, you already know the people are ready. It will happen here. You will be responsible for that. Every incident, every car accident, every lost person will be on you and on your names and on your legacy. Please think long and hard about opposing this concentration camp in Cabaris County. Thank you. THANK YOU. Next is Brittany Evans. Good evening. I know you've already heard from a lot of folks better spoken than me, so I'll try to keep it brief. This morning, it was reported that a couple of men in a work van were stopped and taken by ICE on Concord Parkway, right next to I 85. We don't know the details of this detainment yet, but one thing is for sure, ICE doesn't make us safer. Our residents are scared and your silence does not give them any comfort. We understand there's no known current threat in Concord and that private sales are out of the city's control, but that's frankly not good enough anymore. Other jurisdictions are preemptively putting in protections to keep ice warehouses out of their towns. We need you to send a message to the community that our elected leaders are willing to do what it takes to keep all of us safe. For example, Kansas City, Missouri put a moratorum on all non-municipal detention center permits for 5 years. Greensboro updated its land use ordinance. Maraveville, Indiana and Mir Marramac, New Hampshire town councils provided resolutions and letters opposing ice warehouses. There are laws being

proposed or passed in Georgia, New Mexico, California, and New Jersey. Your hands aren't tied. Concord was ranked as one of the top places to live in the country yet again. But how can we be the best place to live when e even a small portion of our community doesn't feel at home here? Please stand up for all of our citizens by passing a resolution against ICE detention centers. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. U so far tonight we have had 26 public speakers and we're about two hours into it. Uh, and so I've I've tried to be particularly careful to read everybody's handwriting and pronounce their name correctly. And I know I got one wrong, but now we've gotten to our final speaker, and I cannot um I'm afraid I'm going to butcher this one up, but I think it says Ludi Majana Mahana. Uh, and I've got down that you want to read a letter for a friend and please give us the correct pronunciation of your name.

Good evening. My name is Landy Maga and I am the person that that wrote the letter. I just didn't think I was going to be here. Thank you. It's okay. It's okay. I'm used to it. Okay.

Good evening everyone. My name is Landy Maga. I live in Concord and I cannot follow enough laws to be safe from ICE. I am here to ask you to pass the resolution opposing the housing of ICE detainees in our community and any business with ICE. I am not here to talk to the people who believe I'm a lesser human. I will let the higher powers handle that. I am here to talk to the majority of you. I know the majority of you are fearful, not hateful. So why can't I follow enough laws? Because it's not about following laws. I'll keep my story very short. I've been following the law for decades. I did things the legal way 20 years ago. And USCIS, the government agency that handles immigration, still sent me away. I had no criminal record. I was a college student. I had a a USborn 5-year-old. US uh CIS did not care about the emotional toll or financial burden of my white husband. They don't care about children. They don't care about white folk either. The agency does not rely on law. They sold me the idea of legitimate citizenship. They sold me the fear of not being American enough. I eventually bought it. Today the agency and the companies profiting from it tell you that they are detaining the worst of the worst. Uh today they detain about 70% of people with no criminal record and wrongfully detain US citizens when they when we look illegal. That's me. I am their concept of the worst of the worst. Now it's your turn. For decades, you've been told that I am

dangerous. You were told that you needed to build a wall to keep me out. You ended up paying for it. We ended up paying for it. And when we buy something, we keep it. So, they're selling us fear. Now, private prison companies are selling and also the u federal government. They're selling us fear in spite of the reduction of our budgets of our local budgets. The cost of fear includes providing water and sewage access, bypassing local zoning regulations, administrative expenses, using local land without receiving property taxes for the city. Think about all the manpower um labor hours required to accommodate their demands. in the amount of money you will have to take away from all the other areas of our community to accept the detent the detention facility in Concord is to buy fear. People like me understand that you also fear losing your positions. But when we welcome fear, it doesn't go away. It becomes force. You will be pushed farther until you are forced to give up all the resources of our community. And trust me, to stand behind your community does not make you a leftist. It doesn't make you a communist. To keep the resources for from the city of Concord for the city of Concord just confirms your integrity. So, I'm asking you to pass the resolution opposing the housing of ICE detainees in our community. And I'm asking you to be brave because if you are brave, the community will have your back. Thank you.

Thank you. That does conclude the people that have signed up for public comments tonight. Uh we began this public comment period by me reading the statement. uh beginning with this is a time of listening for the council and I promise you it has been uh we typically do not respond to public speakers but you know I just wanted to make a few comments uh from myself personally and I think on be behalf of of council we appreciate you being here uh and talking uh many of us have spoken with a number of you previously either in person or by telephone um and you're being here expressing your opinions uh you were heard by this this council and I think that you perform a service by being heard by others um including the press um as as well as fellow citizens. Uh, every speaker tonight was respectful, thoughtful, uh, and sincere. Um, I think one of the words that that I heard from from one of the speakers um, in in their comments was unresolved. Um, and and that's exactly where we are uh, on this issue. But I wanted you all to know that you have made an impact and that we all appreciate you taking the time to be here uh and to let us hear your thoughts. Thank you.

Can I say something? And it's not about ICE. I promise it is not about a facility. It's not about a resolution. I actually want to share something personal. And I actually I sat in this seat this whole time and I said it would be highly inappropriate for me to say something because you're not supposed to respond to public comment, but I'm not. I promise you I'm not. But my last year of college when I lived in New York, um I went out with a couple of friends and my drink was spiked. Someone drugged me at the age of 21, 22. I immediately ran outside and New York's finest, that's what they're called, the police. And I grabbed the police by his hand. I don't know who he was because at that time I was drugged. And at 21, you're still a child regardless of what 21 year olds say these days. But I remember asking the police officer, "Please don't leave me alone. Something is wrong. I woke up at St. Barnabas Hospital and I'm actually going to New York in May because I do want to find out who was that police officer that helped me. So, I will be going back on that hunt. But the reason why I bring that up is that police officer saved my life. I could have been raped. I could have been killed. I could have been a lot of things. One of the highest honors has been to meet a lot of the staff that works for Concord. to meet the chief, which is probably one of the fairest person that I know and that people have talked about. But I would be a fool to think that all polices around the world and around our country are the same. I share the life the the information about a police officer saving my life. I don't think I can tell my son that they will

save his. And that is the reality of it. The reason why I share that is also because the amalgamation of like cultures and people and food and New York, that's what also makes it what it is, the melting pot. And Concord is becoming just that. In my same neighborhood, we have Jewish, white, Indian, Korean, Chinese, black. We have it all. And to know that I live in a community that is extremely vibrant, that cares for one another. To me, that is a biggest blessing. A lot of the times when I criticize some things, um, and I know my peers are probably going to be upset. We've been here all this time, but I promise I'm going to finish this quick, but to be in this community and sometimes when I criticize certain things, certain people, certain policies, I don't criticize out of hate. I actually criticize out of love because I care. And to know that you care so deeply about a community, but also about being American. I was born in the United States. I was born in the Bronx. That's why I I understand what a lot of people are saying. And the last thing is my mother quit her job a couple of months ago. My mother has been a US citizen for the past 45 years. and she quit her job out of how scared she was when she was in a traffic spot and they asked her for her passport and the city was not Concord. I will share that. But to know that she fears even going to work, which is a livelihood for her. I understand and I'm not an outsider and I'm not an insider either, but I'm just someone that has been grounded and understands truly what is at stake and what's going on.

Okay. Uh, any other council members have any comments before we move on? Okay. Thank you. We do have a number of public hearings to conduct tonight. Uh, first up is to conduct a public hearing considering adopting an ordinance amending article five subdivision plat site plans and construction plans. Article seven base zoning districts and article 10 development and design standards of the Concord development ordinance. Uh we discussed this uh extensively at our work session on Tuesday. Uh Kevin uh made a presentation. Does anybody have any questions before we open the public hearing? Uh if not, I will now open the public hearing uh and invite anybody to the podium that would like to speak on this matter. Okay, seeing no one, we'll close the public hearing. Um, do I hear a motion to adopt an ordinance amending article 5 subdivision plat site plans and construction plans, article 7 base zoning districts, and article 10 development and design standards of the Concord development ordinance. So, Mr. Mayor, this is one of those matters that is subject to the two steps that the council is starting to come familiar with. So the first step would be to adopt a statement of reasonleness and consistency. You see the top two bullet points would be in favor. Those were the ones approved by planning and zoning. If you were to oppose it, it would be the top and the third.

Great. Thank you. Stop me next time before I read the whole thing. Mayor, I go ahead. I will go ahead and move that we adopt the statement of reasonleness and consistency in the first two bullet points above. I second. Okay. We have a motion and a second. Uh, is there any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. And now we're ready for that motion to adopt an ordinance.

Okay. the uh motion that I solicited earlier, which was a motion to adopt an ordinance amending article five subdivision plat site plans and construction plans, article 7 base zoning districts, and article 10 development and design standards of the Concord Development Ordinance. Mayor, I move that we adopt the ordinance that does all the following amending. Great. I second, mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, please say I. I.

All oppose, no. That motion passes and we move to number two. Uh this is um also was discussed. Uh Fred WLE um discussed this at length with us at our Tuesday work session. Um, this is to conduct a public hearing for case Z CD-01-25 and consider adopting an ordinance amending the official zoning map for plus or minus.82 82 acres located at 228 McGill Avenue, 234 McGill Avenue, 438 Allison Street, and 445 Allison Street from B1 Neighborhood Commercial Office and RC Residential Compact to C2 CD, General Commercial Commercial Conditional District, and to amend the 2030 30 future land use plan to modify the future land use designation of the parcel from urban neighborhood UN to commercial C. Uh and at this time I will open the public hearing. Uh we have one person that is signed up to speak in opposition uh to this change. If you would come to the podium now. Gabriel Gavin. Good evening, counselors. Uh, Mr. Mayor. Um, I want you guys to picture a nice grassy field with a bench set up. you know, two friends breaking bread together, children playing in the lawn

next to it. The smell of delicious food from the future um freight cart village that's supposed to be opened up as part of the project. It's beautiful. And now I want you to picture a parking lot in that same area. There's parking already available for this project. Uh if it stays the same zone that it currently is, there will be ample places for people to park. As such, I would like to oppose the down zoning uh specifically because it seems that it is required to allow for the 11 off-site parking spaces that are part of this project. The parking situation, there's some on the same block. Uh if that gets filled up, there's parking across the street. If that gets filled up, then people would need to go to Gibson Mill to park as a last resort. Um, and it's about five minute walk to this future project, but that's about the same length it would take to get from the Walmart of parking lot or sorry, the the Walmart parking lot to the dairy aisle. So, it's not too too bad of a walk. And plus, it would give, you know, more foot traffic to Gibson Mill. And people that hear about this uh freight cart village that you know entrepreneurs are able to start in and get a foothold when they would go to visit that then there could be people that discover Gibson Mill and so I do not think the off-site parking is necessary and as such I don't think it's necessary to downs to down zone for this project. There's also uh limitless possibilities that can be used with a p patch of grass. Anything as similar to the tables I mentioned where people could eat the food that

they got. Even just the simplicity of children being able to play in the grass while their families are eating and having a good time. Anywhere up to in the future, it could be anything really. I mean, it could be housing, it could be a coffee shop, could be art studio, it could be an art studio now with just the empty grass. I mean, people could just bring their easels, you know, just whatever. It would be the oyster. It's the world is their oyster for the people that, you know, are in charge of this project. And it could even be an extension of the shipping crates that are uh proposing this. like let's say they, you know, want to expand later and they could. This project is beautiful and I believe that it doesn't need a parking lot to to be beautiful. So, um, and I just found out about the this stuff tonight with the the ice uh warehouse, and I would just like to say I'm in solidarity with those people and all the views they expressed.

Thank you for my remarks. Okay. Is there anybody else that wishes to speak on this matter? I would like to. Okay. Just state your your name if you would please.

I'm Pete Barnhart. I live right across the street at 229 McGill Avenue. And um before the city bought that, it was two empty commercial buildings that were in disrepair. And the windows were getting shot out. It was terrible. the little area on Allison Street which is u basically goes off at an angle that that I think they're going to use for parking. Very little parking goes on there. I mean, it was just it was an eyesore. And I was really I worked with Mary. I've been at the uh I was at the city or the county commissioners meeting and I've been at the local meetings when she came and I thought it was a wonderful idea because you know it just something to revibrate that area. I said that everything seemed to stop right there at the railroad tracks right there at the depot and now it's starting to come our way and so I'm all for this and like I said it's right across the street from me. So, I've seen the designs at the meeting at the planning meeting, and I think it's a I I just think it's a wonderful idea. And like I said, if anybody was to complain about it, I should be able to I should be the one cuz I could throw a rock at it. And my neighbor, two doors down, he's also, you know, he he's in favor of it, too. He's not here tonight, I don't think, but you know, he wanted me to convey it to you. So, anyway, thank you very much. Sorry.

Thank you. Okay. Anybody else wish to speak on this item? Uh if not, we will close the public hearing. Um what's our process here? It's going to be a three-step process this time. Okay. First will be to adopt a statement of consistency and reasonleness. Uh and you see the proposed language there on the left supporting approval and that was approved by planning and zoning on the left supporting denial. Okay. Council, what is your pleasure on the statement of consistency? Since Terry just left, I'd support approval. Okay. Do I hear a second?

Yes, second. Okay, we have a motion and a second u on the statement of consistency supporting approval. Uh is there any discussion? Okay. All in favor, please say I. All oppose, no. That motion passes. And the second step will be to approve or deny the zoning map amendment. And this is where you would include uh the appropriate conditions that council would would add, which are the ones I read previously, which are the ones, and they're up on the screen for you as well. There there you go.

Okay. Council, what's what's your pleasure on this item? For approval as a second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. All in opposed, please say no. That motion passes. And your final step would be to approve or deny the land use plan amendment.

Okay. And we talked about the um yeah to amend the 2030 future land use plan to modify the future land use designation of the pro parcel from urban neighborhood to commercial. What's your pleasure on that one? Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. All oppose? No, that motion passes. Okay, that finishes that one up, right? Finishes that.

Okay, we'll move on to the next one. Um, the next item is to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance amending article 12 sign standards of the Concord Development Ordinance to address allowing elementary and secondary schools in residential areas of the city to have electronic changeable copy on their monument signs. And Kevin went into great detail on Tuesday exactly what that is involved. Does anybody have any additional questions for him before we open the public hearing? Okay, I'll now open the public hearing on this item. We have two people signed up to speak in favor. First is William Eisenhower. So, we're here to answer any questions, but if not, we don't need to take you guys time.

Okay. Any questions for these gentlemen? He is accompanied by Brian Con from the school system. All right. Thank you. Okay. Is there anyone else that wishes to speak on this matter? Uh if not, we'll close the public hearing. Um, what's our process on this one? Back to the two-step process. The first will be to adopt a suggested the statement of reasonleness and consistency. If you're in favor, it' be the top two bullet points that were approved by planning and zoning. If opposed, it'd be the top and the third. May I move we adopt the statement of reasonable and consistency with the top two bullet points. Great. I'll second that.

Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. All oppose? No. That motion passes. And now would be for a motion to adopt the ordinance amending article 12. Okay. Council, do I hear a motion adopting article 12?

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. Thank you. Uh, next up is to a public hearing to approve the submission of the fiscal year 26 27 agency annual plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Uh, Mary talked about this on Tuesday. Any additional questions on that one? If not, I'll open the public hearing. Uh I do not have anybody signed up to speak on this item. Is there anybody present that would like to speak? Uh if not, we will close the public hearing. Um where do we go on this one?

You can go straight to the motion on this one. Straight to the motion on this one. Okay. Okay. I would entertain a motion to approve the submission of the fiscal year 2026 2027 agency annual action plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Jeremy, we adopt it. I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Okay, hearing none. All in favor, please say I.

I. All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. Uh, next up is consider authorizing the city manager entering into an agreement with North Carolina DOT for landscape installation and future landscaping maintenance of the interchange at US 29 and George Liles Boulevard. Uh Joe will talk with us about this on Tuesday night. Does anyone have any additional questions? Uh, I think it'll be a big big improvement for for the entrance to our city. Um, if there's no further discussion, I would entertain a motion to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with NC DO for installation and maintenance of the stated landscape plan.

I move to approval. Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say I. I.

All oppose? No. That motion passes. Uh, next up, item two, consider authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute a professional services contract with RL Conrad Associates LLC to provide transportation planning services for the Cabaris Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization. Uh, Philip Graham talked with us about this on Tuesday night. Are there any additional questions? If not, I would entertain a motion to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a professional services contract with RL Conrad Associates LLC to provide transportation planning services for the Cabaris Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization.

I'll second that, mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. I.

All oppose. No. Motion passes. Item three, considering adopting a resolution to sell 341 Broad Drive Southwest to home buyer Katherine Julianne Graham for $230,350. Uh Mary Carr talked with us about this on Tuesday night. Uh does anybody have any additional questions? Uh if not, I would entertain a motion to adopt a resolution to sell 341 Broad Street Southwest to home buyer Katherine Julianne Graham for $220,350.

So move, mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. I.

All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. Uh, next up is consider accepting a preliminary application from Rivera Construction LLC. Um, we talked about this. Uh, Jackie talked with us about this on Tuesday night. uh regarding water and sewer service for this parcel. Does anybody have any questions? Uh hearing none, I would entertain a motion to accept the preliminary application and have the owner proceed to the final application phase excluding annexation. Okay, we've got a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I.

I.

All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. Um, next up is consider adopting a resolution authorizing the sale of 2.7 acres, more or less, as located on or near Ruben Linker Road. also identified as part of track one 4.57 acres and track two 1.36 acres of the Timothy Stewart property as shown on mapbook 86 at page 46 of the Cabaris County Registry. Um Valerie talked with us about this uh on Tuesday night uh to and Ryan is prepared to answer any questions if you have any additional questions. Okay. If not, uh, I would entertain a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the sale of approximately 2.7 acres more or less loc located located on or near Ruben Linker Road, also identified as part of track 1, 4.57 acres and track 2, 1.36 acres of the Timothy Stewart property as shown on mapbook 86 at page 46 of the Cabaris County Registry. to Hendrickk Automotive Group LLC and directing the city manager, city clerk, and city attorney to take all necessary steps to execute the necessary documents in order to affect the conveyance of the property.

Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. All oppose, please say no. That motion passes. Uh, next up is number six, consider adopting changes made to the rules of procedure document. Uh, the city manager spoke with us about this on Tuesday. This will be the third time that we have discussed this. We discussed it last month, uh, which it required a 30-day waiting period. We talked about it again on Tuesday. Does anybody have any questions? Uh if not, I would entertain a motion to adopt the changes as presented to the rules of procedure with an effective date of April 9, 2026.

Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, please say I. All oppose. No. That motion passes. Uh item seven, which was our voting delegate for the North Carolina League of Municipalities. We passed a motion on Tuesday on that one. Uh next up is our consent agenda. Um consent agenda consists of items of a routine nature. Um and I have received no request from any council member uh to pull any item off. So I would entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Mayor. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? All in favor, please say I.

All oppose? No. That motion passes. Uh, next up are matters not on the agenda. And first up is a report from transit. Welcome, LJ. Good evening, Mayor, members of council, Mr. Payne, Mr. T, Miss Jenkins. Um, a couple of updates for the transit commission that met on St. Patrick's Day. We had uh two items of business. The one which already came before you at your work session last month was the service provider contract RFP. So that's already been presented and discussed at length. Um the second was Canapapolis made a request for staff to examine possibilities to modify service to potentially comply with some changes that they're considering on their side. So staff has worked on that. I think mayor you mentioned we provided that to Josh. Josh has provided that forward and so that process is ongoing but that's the writer updates for now any anything else from the meeting that I missed pretty pretty to the point even though it was important

um there a couple of MTC updates from the last uh last two months in February um the thing I thought was noteworthy to bring forward they talked about the first 12 months of their microtransit project in the Davidson Huntersville area their first month they had a thousand people by the 12th month they had 6,000 people a month and um there's a lot of excitement about, a lot of discussion, a lot of support to expand and get the next 16 or 18 zones in their plan built out. The thing of note um just always feels like the thing that I that I bring up is that cost for that service is somewhere between 2.7 and $3.2 million to carry 6,000 people a month. In comparison, last year, Ryder carried a little over 31,000 people for 3.35 million for the year. So it's it's a five to one plus ratio in terms of the cost thing. So again, it's a it's a very valuable potential service, but it does have a cost to it as we consider that and potential future plans and that is in the upcoming long range plan. That's part of the a component of that. But it's good to have a local reference to kind of keep getting that um both how it's been received and and so forth and also what that cost is in a practical way. The other was um this in March's meeting was Catz was talking about their budget including their five-year plan. Um just something that kind of came up of interest. Um their 2030 budget is projected to be $750 million for public transit. Um our budget has not made 10 million but for the easy math I assumed if we were in 2030 at 10 million that's a 75 to1 ratio um for spending. Now the population difference to be fair it's a bigger area right there's more people that still comes out to a 17.61 to1 per capita spending ratio. So as our long-range plan comes out and so forth, just one of those things to kind of consider again as a comp in the area. So those were the the two pieces from the last two months really that I thought would be useful to bring forward.

Great. Any questions for LJ? Um you you said the the microtransit plan was in Davidson. It's Huntersville, Davidson, um and Morsville and Cornelius that quarter. All four of those municipalities are going doing that jointly. Correct. They got rid of their what was called the village circulator and they started with seven vehicles that have now increased that to nine to manage that 6,000 per month. Yeah. And so what you you mentioned their budget for that first 12 months was

it's between 2.7 and 3.2 million. I actually asked at the meeting if we could get an update on that because a year ago there were two different prices quoted. So I I I'm putting the low and the high that I've been given from different CAT staff. So that's the range of where it is where that increase would be moving up to the nine vehicles. So what were they spending previously with their circulator or what you called it? To be honest, I have no idea. But it was very low performing. They only had about three people per hour which is very low and it had been in place about 20 years. So, it has been more successful in terms of moving people and again it it's a great service model. It just does have that cost associated with it. Right. Right. Okay. Thank you. Anybody else have questions?

All right. Next up, Concord Downtown Development Corporation. Paige, welcome. You glad you come up. I'm glad you didn't leave after you got your award.

I would never. Thank you. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Payne, Mr. Miss Jenkins Council. Um, thank you for having me. Um, just a quick update on, uh, Concord Downtown Development Corporation. Um, we have two committees under this board and, uh, the first committee I'll speak to is our urban living committee. Um, their transformation strategy is to build an urban lifestyle within the historic fabric of downtown. So, within that, we operate under a work plan. Um, I've shared that with you in um, the past few months. Um, that's how Main Street um, asked us to operate. And so within that work plan, we have goals and action items that um that we identify and um move kind of keep us moving forward. So within that um in some of those goals for that particular committee, one of them is um to provide an updated market analysis from Main Street. This is a free service that Main Street provides us. We have already received that analysis um and we are just waiting to receive the digital copy. There were a couple things that we needed to edit, some incorrect contact information, um an updated streetscape photo, things like that. And then we'll get that on the website. That will help us guide um any new businesses looking to come. They'll know what are the the areas retail focused where we have a gap um where people are leaving our community to go spend that money and that will help us guide that um those folks forward. Um another goal, increase the number of encroachment areas. Um we've seen um in the past couple months you'll or actually in the past couple of weeks you'll see that district exchange just added furniture. They completed their encroachment process with the city and then in the we are currently in the process of working with ERA Wellness Bar who's at 11 Union on their encroachment space which would be um on the other side of the old Belk building next to Union Street Cafe. Um of course increasing the Novi occupancy. So a couple ways we're working with Novi. Um uh we've got we're working to get some testimonials from those residents to get

out on social media to really highlight why people want to live here. Um and then we are also including all of that information in our newsletters. Um the deals and things that they have there um four months I think at 50% off. So working on getting that information out. Um additionally activating Rotary Square. This is another um item that we have been brainstorming and u we're in the very very beginning early conversations of talking with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension about how they could assist in having a Saturday farmers market start small maybe June and July. Um we have the farmers market on Tuesdays that the Pedmont farmers market organizes but they have their Saturday farmers market over on Weddington and so they're not they're not going to have both. So looking at some other opportunities um for that space

over on Wineoff School Road. Yes. Wineoff. Thank you. The other W. Yes.

Thank you. Um the second committee, our premier destination committee. Um their transformation strategy is to position downtown Concord as a premier destination of unique shopping, flavorful local cuisine, entertainment for all, and immersive performing and visual arts. So there's a lot of work to be done here. Um, but one of their big focuses is how can we capitalize on the um, holiday enthusiasm of our residents in downtown Concord and push that right into the commercial district um, specifically Halloween and Christmas. A couple ways we are brainstorming doing that is activating some relationships with our uh neighboring schools, having the um children at the elementary school, seeing if they'd be interested in doing some window decorations that businesses could put in their windows during those holidays. In addition to the high school students working with our youth council potentially and working with some of the high school students on some more elaborate window decor decorations or window painting um contest type of things that we could do. So in the early planning stages of those things and also looking at how we can decorate and activate the passageways specifically by Centennial and U Market Street. Those are some unique. Um additionally identifying signature events to um and work with the businesses to increase their sales and foot traffic during those events. Next up obviously is Harmony uh Harmony Nights, the concert series on Union Street. So, we've been providing the businesses with some ideas and opportunities, whether they're offering specials, bringing out samples, um engaging folks in the social district, making sure people come and get uh maybe a Harmony Night special sweet treat or um an item that they can actually take with them and eat um more easily out in the concert area. Um so, working with the businesses to engage in that way and provide them some ideas. And lastly that I'll note tonight um is re um resurrecting our historic walking tour.

So we still have if you probably remember um years ago Jim Rams was really instrumental in putting together a lot of information for the historic walking tour. The website and app were taken hostage. Let bygones be bygones. But the information is not gone. We still have it. We have all that information that um the committees the board Jim put together. And so kind of fight figuring out the best way to get that information back. Is it on the website? QR codes are a big thing now. So that's something that the committee is starting to work on. That's all I have.

Great. Thank you very much. Any questions for Paige? All right. Thank you. Okay. Last and certainly not least, we are honored to have the honorable former mayor Scott Pageant along with the highly esteemed former city manager Brian Hyatt uh to give us a report on ABC. And I will ask you guys to introduce the other folks you've brought with you. Took your time getting to me.

Yes, sir. We saved the best for last. Uh, mayor, manager, thank you for letting us speak tonight. Thank you for your cooperation, continued support, especially recently the extra police officer that's been well used. uh and for Chief Hughes and Assistant Manager Beam and of course manager Payne for helping us do that. Uh we decided to take an upgrade in the ABC chairman position which I've held. So we've got an upgrade. I gave it up. So now we unanimously elected Brian Height as the new chairman. So I'll let him take over. I'll go home. Yeah,

I know that you were hoping we were ac cappella group, but we're not. I don't uh just to introduce our other board member, Alan Benson. Of course, most of you know Allan and Belinda Alante and and we're going to be talking to you a little bit about uh the activities over the past year of the ABC board. And I'm hoping I just pressed the arrow, right? just to introduce to remind you, not only are we accountable to you who appoint us, uh we are also accountable to the North Carolina ABC Commission. And this chart shows you statewide the revenues that the ABC system uh gets statewide and how those are distributed. I know that you've been here a long time, so I'm not going to go in there in detail, but if you have any questions, please let us know. These are our stores, and that includes the ABC operations center, of course, that has no retail sales that services our restaurants and bars and such, but all the other stores. These are the current locations of our current stores. I'm now going to get ask Belinda to come up and help me talk about our current budget and also our revenues and expenditures.

Which budget?

Um so our current 2526 fiscal year budget is uh 32,400,000. From that budget amount, the taxes and distributions will be 7,600,000. The cost of goods sold we're estimating at 17,450 and operating expenses are just roughly 4 million. um of all of that once the distribution of revenue comes in we have sales tax at 7% to the state of North Carolina bailment and sir charges that are that go to Raleigh the NCABC commission the state excise tax which is our federal taxes and then they have the rest of the distributions divided up roughly locally more so but department of health and human resources gets 5% uh North Carolina uh rehab um gets 0.5 to.1 cent per bottle. Law enforcement gets 5% which Brian will elaborate on later. City of Concord gets 75%. Cabaris County gets 25%. Cabaris County schools which also has alcohol and uh drug education at 7%. Currently just up to date uh I would say just till the end of February our gross sales have plateaued. So starting in roughly 2023 to current we we are seeing a uh significant decrease in sales fiscal year distributions we've we've divided it up from 2019 all the way to current which would be the end of February. um as to how much money is given to each of those that I have described. So, city of Concord, you'll

notice uh kind of the trend with COVID and then and how it's kind of evening out and and I would go ahead add to that we added 2019 again. You've seen this in the past, but just to see what happens with COVID and a tremendous increase. Before I think the ABC stores were seeing gradual increases just because of population increases, but there was a tremendous increase for several years and now we're seeing that leveling off even going down a little bit. And that's a trend statewide.

Yes, it is. Uh just last month, uh the commission reported a 6% decrease in sales. Where do our taxes go? Same concept. Um, I put incomplete on there just because obviously I don't have the end of the fiscal year, but it seems like it's it's a plateau as as I can't explain it any other way. Um, with the capital, I'm going to let Brian finish explaining our plans.

One thing that uh I want to jump in mentioned before two things. One, the law enforcement uh agreement. Again, we thank you for that. You look at the 5% which is now the requirement for law enforcement contributions. In 2024, used to see it was 185,000. The agreement that we agreed to a few months ago was 200,000 because we wanted to make sure we got two full-time officers. So, we're actually exceeding the 5% probably and will be for the next couple of years unless uh people start drinking a whole lot more. Um, the other one I point out is the alcohol education rehabilitation. Again, we support the Cabaris County Schools. Basically, we provide the funding for their entire uh drug abuse program that includes drugs and alcohol, the prevention program obviously. uh they're using that to hire staff members that are working with all the students. So that's something that's very significant that this money uh is going is and is probably basically the only money they're getting for that program for that. So we're we're doing that for the entire system. The other thing that um we want to talk about is again our capital plan that we've talked to you about in years past. You will recall that the commission has a formula that generates what they call working capital numbers for us. And the working capital is what we can maintain to basically have a fund balance to go towards things like replacing roofs or buying a new truck or uh replacing HVAC equipment, etc. Those smaller things. But then they have the other term called

excess working capital. And that's where if there's excess of that amount, what can happen? And if we can only keep any of that with your permission. And we've worked out an agreement previously on that that we have a cap on the amount that we can keep for that. And that allows us to implement the other capital program we had for our for our stores and enables us to build stores without issuing debt. um get us out of leases where we're in in very cramped spaces. Uh as you know, uh the numbers of products now that we have to put in our stores has increased dramatically because people no longer just want to buy their fifth of liquor. They want to buy it already mixed. So we have all these products that we now have to have shelf space for. So that we have to have larger stores. are uh the things that we've completed our warehouse expansion a couple of years ago. We've just completed a few months ago the renovations expansion to the Huspath Road location. That's the Speedway store if you're familiar with that. We've relocated, we're looking to relocate store 5 to Dell Hearnhard Boulevard and also relocate the Union Street store to the Badcock location. And also we're doing some upgrades to our point of service system which Belinda can describe to you. That's going to make us much more efficient in terms of ordering our product and also being able to keep inventory of our product. And just to real quickly go over that's the warehouse ext expansion project. On the right is the new warehouse. The left was the existing warehouse. now is basically used so we can assemble uh product to go out on the truck that goes to each of our stores and we can maintain the product in the larger area. Store number three at the Speedway. Uh

again, that location, it's a strange location. However, we that's a a store we already owned. It's at a great location in terms of adjacency to Harrisburg and Charlotte. So we it is a store that was in definite need of expansion and renovation. This is the outside. The way it looks now looks much better. And the improvements inside you can see this is taken I think from the actual desk where people are checking out. They can now see down the aisles uh in terms of the product. And then on the left is a new storage area. They had a very cramped storage area and we're constantly having to deliver product from the warehouse there because it was so small down earn the planned location. If you see that circle of red up there, that's right beside Lowe's. There's a parcel. If you go in, it's to the right after you pass the new Murphy service station and the vets on the left. It's that parcel. You can see it from the interstate ramp uh coming south off I 85. Um that's the land planned new location. We hope to start construction of that store in July if possible. So we will be bidding that store uh in a couple of months. Again, that's the location on the left. You can see Lowe's there in the back. And this is the way all of our stores of course look very similar. They may be slightly different sizes depending upon how much land. This particular store will be a large similar to the one at Wedington and George L. And then the Badcock property. This was a piece of property that we wanted to buy a portion of uh originally for a store. We were negotiating when the

owner then Badcot Furniture went bankrupt. So the owner wanted to sell the entire parcel. We we bought the entire parcel. That is of course a large building. We would have the largest ABC store in North Carolina if we try to put ABC store. So this is what we're looking at that you see up at the top there in the area to surround it in green where it says ABC parcel. That's where we're proposing to subdivide and sell the rest. We have gone through the upset bid process and we now have the final upset bidder that we're working with. they're in their due just started their due diligence process. So hopefully if all that comes through within two or three months, we'll have sold that and then we we will maintain that parcel up at the top. Um and if things go the way we planned, it will be a few years before we actually construct that store because we'll be working on the one at Lowe's to relocate store five. Again, this will be the relocation of the one on South Union. We would be glad to try to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much. Questions for these gentlemen. I had one. In one of your previous slides, you showed a dramatic decrease in sales for 25 incomplete. But then in the next slide, you showed an increase in tax taxes paid.

That That doesn't sound right. Pay the taxes quarterly. Uhhuh. And so carried over from a previous year maybe. We don't carry it over. Yeah. It paid every fiscal year gets paid. So when the taxes are are paid again, you're you're which taxes are specifically are you talking? I'm talking about state excise tax $7.7 million. Um that is I think that's what it's going to be at the end of the fiscal year but I don't have the exact numbers because it's not the end of my fiscal year. Right. So I put it in

that that I think that's a budget projection projection and it's probably going to be much less. One of the things I believe that you said that we always it's uh we may overpay with the idea later that it's sort of like working out uh if you if you have to pay your estimated taxes, right? Something like that because we want to make sure that we have that covered.

Yeah. Well, I I will mention that um Councilman Langford and I visited your warehouse and and you were gracious host and that was a very educational process for I think both of us. Uh and we really appreciate you taking the time to do that and appreciate you samples. No samples. No samples at all. And I promise you I ask about that. Yeah.

Okay. Well, we thank you very much for your patience and and for that that report and All right, council members, we now open the floor for general comments by council if anyone has anything. Long night.

It It has been a long night. So, that's why I've got a very long speech prepared that I wanted to make during these comments. But, I did want to mention, and it's been mentioned a couple times tonight, uh, Concord ranks as top North Carolina city on the national best places to live list for 2026. And this this article was in the uh uh the Charlotte Business Journal. uh you know we've we've talked about it a bit and and there's it's been covered by the press but um I mean I think that is a really big deal. Uh Concord number 24 in the nation uh number one in the state of North Carolina. Um that is in my opinion due to our previous mayors and this council and the decisions that have been made over the years and and that's a pretty pretty huge honor you know and they go into some detail uh about how they rank that um and you know I think sometime we enjoy the advantages of living here every single day. Um, but it says here that they analyze cities using 100 data points across eight categories. Economy, housing, cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education, and health. And that's how they come up with those scores. Um, you know, sometimes I think we take for granted. Um, you know, it doesn't always things don't always feel uh affordable. Uh, but I think certainly I can speak for myself that's because I've never lived anywhere else. Uh, and so when I

talk to people that that come from other areas of the country, they are are are very very very complimentary of what we have to offer here. and and you know obviously I think the proof is in the pudding. Uh if you look at the numbers of growth that we've experienced uh in the city and you know not all of that I mean everybody doesn't like that and a lot of people love it but you know it it speaks to it speaks to the work of this council. So congratulations to all of you and the work that has been done over the years. Um, and if there are no other general comments, we do have need of a closed session uh tonight. So, I would entertain a motion that we go into close session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A34 and 6. In order to consult with an attorney to protect the attorney client privilege and discuss the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by this public body and consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment or conditions of initial employment of a prospective public officer. or employee.

Amen. Amen. So moved. I think that's the same same thing. Uh is there any discussion? Uh all in favor, please say I. All oppose? No. Uh we are now in close session. Thank you everyone. I will hand that back to you because I'll surely lose