[0:02] and I hope that you've all had
[0:04] recognized here in charlotte
[0:04] how we win.
[0:05] Today you have business
[0:07] leaders, you have political
[0:08] leaders, you have educators,
[0:08] you have community leaders.
[0:10] >> and I would also note that
[0:11] you have the governor and the
[0:14] secretary and again political
[0:16] city and county officials.
[0:17] >> they didn't just court you
[0:20] write and recruit you and send
[0:20] a welcome letter.
[0:22] >> they showed up.
[0:23] And that's what we do here in
[0:23] charlotte.
[0:25] We show up.
[0:25] We show up together.
[0:28] And I think that is something
[0:28] that's very special here in
[0:30] this community that we're
[0:31] excited to have you be a part
[0:31] of.
[0:33] >> charlotte, as you heard, is
[0:35] one of the largest the largest
[0:39] second largest financial
[0:40] community not in in the in just
[0:42] the region but in the country.
[0:44] And you heard that 3800 of
[0:46] those jobs are financial or
[0:47] jobs which again the most
[0:49] important part for us is
[0:50] there's a lot more room for
[0:50] growth here in this market.
[0:53] So as we close here today, we
[0:55] assure you that this community
[0:55] this business community is
[0:58] about building winning culture
[0:59] of which you are a part of
[1:02] sports again, back to being
[1:02] close to me team is a big part
[1:04] of that.
[1:04] And not only do you have the
[1:05] team of people in this room of
[1:07] everyone sitting in here and
[1:08] standing back here but there's
[1:10] a team of people outside of
[1:11] here that's waiting to ensure
[1:12] your success.
[1:13] and that's why again, we're
[1:13] happy to have you here.
[1:16] So to everyone again in closing
[1:19] who made today possible, we
[1:19] thank you.
[1:19] There's a lot of people who
[1:20] made today look great in this
[1:21] amazing facility.
[1:22] We thank you.
[1:25] We are proud of this moment.
[1:25] We are proud.
[1:28] More importantly of what it
[1:29] means to what's next.
[1:31] >> and we want to welcome you,
[1:33] MR. Robert lucas on to the smb
[1:34] c executives.
[1:36] You guys have been leading a
[1:37] winning organization for
[1:37] decades.
[1:39] But one that's been having
[1:42] meaningful change and impactful
[1:42] change.
[1:43] >> and we are here to ensure
[1:45] your support and success in
[1:45] this transition.
[1:48] >> so officially welcome.
[1:49] Welcome to the city.
[1:52] Welcome to this region.
[1:54] Welcome to charlotte.
[1:54] We are going to win together
[1:57] and we're excited about that.
[1:58] >> so we will close to conclude
[1:58] that.
[2:05] Thank you.
[2:07] >> we are going to conclude the
[2:08] program now there will be light
[2:11] refreshments in the back.
[2:12] We're going to have some photos
[2:12] up here.
[2:14] And most importantly, please
[2:15] get to know each other and
[2:16] welcome our newest resident of
[2:17] charlotte.
[2:37] >> thank you
[2:38] when you graduate they
[2:39] graduate.
[2:46] Did you know starting school at
[2:48] age four builds the foundation
[2:50] for a lifetime of success.
[2:52] Pre-k develops critical skills
[2:53] and confidence that children
[2:55] carry with them forever. Make
[2:57] pre-k offers high quality pre-k
[2:59] to all mecklenburg county
[3:00] children turning four by AUGUST
[3:03] 31st at no >> cost to families.
[3:04] Thousands of children have
[3:06] already benefited and now it's
[3:08] your child's turn. Start their
[3:17] lifetime of learning now. Sp
[3:17] uploaded a source with a key no
[3:20] lobby menu is never again it is
[3:21] yet another one of the
[3:23] currently seven doors to >>
[3:25] discover doom and I. I see him
[3:26] there he is with it. But if you
[3:28] read this I don't mean to imply
[3:29] at that interpretive at this
[3:29] point whether he. >>
[5:12] can't believe you're doing this
[5:13] alone. I've done it before. I
[5:16] remember you doing it, becca.
[5:17] How are you holding up? I mean,
[5:19] I'm bored. Nothing wrong with
[5:21] getting help. I'm good. I did
[5:23] it when felicia left. I'll
[5:24] figure it out. I know you will
[5:25] . You don't have to do it
[5:26] alone. That's all I'm saying.
[5:28] If I promise to look into it,
[5:29] we drop it and help you build
[5:31] this fence. Now you need to
[5:34] help me a real pain sometime.
[5:35] If you or a veteran you know
[5:37] needs support, don't wait.
[5:51] Eyes forward. Don't drive
[5:52] distracted.
[5:58] Your life sounds pretty great.
[6:02] Don't let a buzz ruin it by
[6:04] just driving. Is drunk driving.
[7:09] ,wow.
[7:12] >> man good evening, everyone.
[7:13] Good evening, everyone.
[7:15] You know that to ex the
[7:15] exercise clap.
[7:17] What's that?
[7:20] All right, we're almost ready.
[7:21] >> so thank you.
[7:24] Today has been a day that I'm
[7:26] sure several of you probably
[7:27] already know about this but
[7:29] it's something that I think is
[7:32] special when you are in the
[7:34] ability to be serving the
[7:37] community no matter when it
[7:38] happens to you.
[7:40] But today I just want to
[7:43] recognize that we just lost
[7:48] eddie knox who is the mayor of
[7:49] charlotte for many, many years
[7:51] many more than me.
[7:54] And just to have him be a
[7:57] presence and what he had done
[7:59] in our work and all of the
[8:00] things that were happening, you
[8:02] know, he and I believe harvey
[8:05] gantt was the next mayor and
[8:08] then that he was still with
[8:09] working he was a lawyer.
[8:12] He was someone that really love
[8:14] this community all of it not
[8:14] just the parts that were up
[8:17] north but he made it possible
[8:19] for many of us to do things
[8:20] that we didn't do.
[8:22] But I knew eddie knox.
[8:25] >> I knew him when I was just a
[8:26] first staff or person in the
[8:28] city and I wanted you to be
[8:31] sure to know and understand
[8:33] that he was the kind of person
[8:34] that cared deeply about our
[8:37] city our state.
[8:39] But he carried a lot more
[8:42] colleges and thoughts to nc
[8:43] state where he went to college
[8:45] and I just think that when we
[8:46] have these kinds of
[8:48] opportunities to say something
[8:51] out of order to just have a
[8:54] quiet moment or the plan that
[8:55] he is the man that he has been
[8:57] the mayor that he was and the
[9:00] person that can make something
[9:00] happen all the time.
[9:03] So with that if we would just
[9:05] take one minute for an hour you
[9:07] know he has a wife and children
[9:08] and I want to make sure that
[9:11] they understand that we are
[9:11] standing with him and really
[9:13] make sure that we understand
[9:16] that he was a great person and
[9:17] did so much for our city.
[9:19] Thank you very much.
[9:20] A few about for just a few
[9:32] minutes.
[9:35] Well, thank you all.
[9:36] Eddie knox was the 49th mayor
[9:39] of charlotte that says a lot
[9:42] for all of us and all of them.
[9:42] Thank you very much.
[9:45] So with that we're going to go
[9:46] ahead and begin the city
[9:47] council business meeting and
[9:53] we're going to start with an
[9:56] invocation, an expression that
[9:56] we use of inspiration followed
[9:59] by the pledge of allegiance.
[10:01] The invocation is intended to
[10:02] solemnize our proceedings.
[10:05] We celebrate great religious
[10:07] diversity in our community
[10:08] including those without a
[10:10] religious faith.
[10:11] Tonight I would like to ask
[10:14] councilmember arias to give our
[10:16] invocation.
[10:17] >> thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[10:19] Let us pray.
[10:22] Let us take a moment to pause
[10:23] together as we begin tonight's
[10:25] meeting and as we prepare for
[10:27] the important responsibility of
[10:28] appointing an interim mayor, I
[10:30] invite everyone to take a
[10:31] breath and settle into a moment
[10:34] of reflection and a moment to
[10:34] remember why we are here and
[10:36] who we serve.
[10:40] In my own way I pray for one
[10:42] path over another for wisdom
[10:43] instead of haste for clarity
[10:45] instead of confusion, for
[10:48] cooperation instead of division
[10:48] and for commitment to people
[10:51] over profit and every decision
[10:51] we make.
[10:54] I offer that simply as our
[10:54] hope.
[10:57] one that welcomes every belief
[10:58] system, every tradition and
[11:00] every way of making meaning.
[11:03] We gather at a time when the
[11:03] world is facing real adversity
[11:06] conflict, uncertainty and
[11:06] hardship are touching
[11:09] communities near and far.
[11:09] These challenges remind us that
[11:11] leadership requires steadiness,
[11:14] humility and a deep respect for
[11:17] the dignity of every person.
[11:17] Tonight MAY we practice
[11:20] thoughtful reflection and
[11:20] discernment, listening
[11:23] carefully weighing our choices
[11:23] responsibly and choosing the
[11:26] course that best serves the
[11:26] people of charlotte.
[11:29] MAY we remember that our work
[11:31] is not abstract it affects real
[11:32] lives, real families and real
[11:32] neighborhoods.
[11:35] MAY we approach disagreement
[11:37] not as a barrier but as an
[11:40] opportunity to understand one
[11:43] another more fully as we take
[11:44] up the work before us.
[11:46] MAY we do so with fairness,
[11:47] integrity and the shared
[11:49] commitment to pitting putting
[11:49] people first.
[11:52] And for those who do not pray,
[11:53] MAY these words simply be a
[11:55] wish for peace, clarity and
[11:56] unity as we begin.
[11:58] Thank you.
[11:59] >> thank you very much.
[12:02] You please stand if you choose
[12:04] for the flag to the united
[12:06] states of america.
[12:07] >> I pledge allegiance to the
[12:10] flag united states of america
[12:14] and to other stands one nation
[12:17] under GOD, indivisible with
[12:20] liberty and justice for all.
[12:20] >> thank you, everyone.
[12:23] Oh, I want to begin with
[12:26] introductions.
[12:26] Good evening and thank you all
[12:28] for joining us in person and
[12:32] for those watching online for
[12:34] our JUNE 22nd business meeting.
[12:36] This year's let's begin with
[12:40] introductions on the dais and
[12:40] we will start with our city
[12:40] clerk.
[12:42] >> good evening, stephanie
[12:43] kelly, city clerk.
[12:43] >> good evening, andrea.
[12:45] Leslie by city attorney
[12:48] screaming dimple ajmera at
[12:48] large.
[12:49] Good evening victoria
[12:49] watlington I have the pleasure
[12:52] of serving you as a member at
[12:52] large.
[12:53] Good evening joy MAY
[12:54] representing district three.
[12:57] >> good evening and welcome to
[12:58] the district one daunting
[12:59] anderson district one marcus
[13:02] jones city manager vilsack
[13:02] mayor.
[13:03] >> good evening everyone.
[13:05] James mitchell mayor acting
[13:07] mayor.
[13:11] Good evening.
[13:11] >> kimberly owens representing
[13:13] district six malcolm graham
[13:14] district two at drinks district
[13:14] seven.
[13:17] >> thank you for joining us.
[13:17] Luana mayfield council member
[13:19] at large.
[13:20] >> good evening jd must wear
[13:22] ideas proudly representing the
[13:23] east side district five.
[13:25] >> good evening I'm renee
[13:27] johnson and I have the honor of
[13:27] representing district four.
[13:30] >> thank you everyone.
[13:33] Now we go next to the city.
[13:35] This mayor and city council
[13:36] consent item questions and
[13:36] answers.
[13:42] We use marie who is absolutely
[13:45] at this and so we're going to
[13:45] begin this and so with them
[13:48] we'll have the consensus items
[13:50] through 25 through 59.
[13:53] So marie, will you help us out
[13:53] there?
[13:54] >> yes, thank you, mayor and I
[13:57] had a opportunity to speak with
[13:58] a couple of you but I was
[13:59] wondering at this point is
[14:00] there any other questions on
[14:07] any of the consent items?
[14:07] Thank you.
[14:07] All right.
[14:10] So our consent items MAY I have
[14:13] a motion to approve the consent
[14:15] items agenda 25 through 59.
[14:17] All in favor, please raise your
[14:18] hands to read a motion.
[14:21] >> we have a follow.
[14:21] So second.
[14:22] Second.
[14:22] Okay.
[14:24] And then we have after this
[14:27] consent item we're going to
[14:30] approve a consent item as we go
[14:32] through this we need to so
[14:34] mayor mayor mayor, you have a
[14:35] motion on the second we have a
[14:37] motion to second.
[14:37] >> all in favor.
[14:39] All in favor.
[14:40] >> yeah.
[14:42] Anyone and we disagreement or
[14:43] not an agreement.
[14:45] Okay.
[14:46] Anyone else?
[14:46] All right.
[14:48] So thank you for coming out and
[14:49] consideration for the consent
[14:51] agenda items that were done.
[14:56] Okay, now we have a few things
[14:58] that we'd like to introduce.
[14:59] First, I'd like to ask
[15:01] councilmember mayfield to
[15:04] recommend to develop and
[15:07] recommend a very special time.
[15:10] Let's see MR. Ryan, I want to
[15:11] recognize MR. Mayor.
[15:13] >> thank you so much, mayor and
[15:16] I would like for our members of
[15:18] our charlotte pride committee
[15:19] community and or charlotte
[15:21] black pride to please stand
[15:22] because I have the honor of
[15:25] presenting a proclamation
[15:27] thanks to our mayor so your
[15:30] where whereas charlotte is home
[15:32] to a vibrant and diverse
[15:33] community among which are
[15:36] lesbian, gay, bisexual,
[15:38] transgender and lgbtq citizens
[15:42] who have positively shaped the
[15:44] cultural business, civic faith
[15:47] and social fabric of the city
[15:49] throughout is history.
[15:49] >> and.
[15:50] Whereas charlotte black pride
[15:52] and charlotte pride have been
[15:55] creating visibility for and
[15:58] promoting a positive image of
[16:00] lgbtq carolinians for more than
[16:01] two decades.
[16:01] And.
[16:04] Whereas, the month of JUNE is
[16:07] traditionally celebrated as
[16:10] lgbtq pride month honoring the
[16:13] iconic stonewall riots of JUNE
[16:15] 1960 nine and the first
[16:18] christopher street liberation
[16:20] day MARCH in 1970 and new york
[16:23] city largely organized by lgbtq
[16:26] people of color, transgender
[16:28] people and young people.
[16:28] And.
[16:32] Whereas, charlotte's lgbtq
[16:32] citizens first attempted to
[16:34] organize gay liberation
[16:39] movement organizations as early
[16:42] as 1971 was charlotte's first
[16:45] pride events finally gives me
[16:46] and held in 1981 and the
[16:50] ensuring decades inspire me the
[16:52] creation of charlotte pride in
[16:53] 2000.
[16:53] And.
[16:56] Whereas charlotte black pride
[16:57] was founded in 2005 with the
[17:00] mission to promote lgbtq pride
[17:03] primarily for but not limited
[17:06] to members of the black
[17:06] community while building social
[17:09] awareness, embracing
[17:12] spirituality and celebrating
[17:12] the diversity that exists
[17:15] within our community.
[17:15] And.
[17:18] Whereas, in JULY black members
[17:20] of the lgbt community and their
[17:21] allies were gallup gathered to
[17:24] celebrate the history culture
[17:27] achievements as four races and
[17:29] dreams during the annual
[17:30] charlotte black pride week
[17:32] culminating in charlotte black
[17:35] pride's annual celebration
[17:38] black tip ism you belong here
[17:38] and.
[17:41] Whereas this AUGUST charlotte
[17:44] pride will carry forward a 45
[17:47] year tradition of pride events
[17:49] in charlotte as it hosts the
[17:52] largest annual annual lgbtq
[17:55] community event in our city and
[17:56] one of the largest in the south
[17:58] east creating significant
[18:00] cultural health and economic
[18:06] empire impact now therefore I
[18:09] I'm here by alexander lyles
[18:09] mayor of charlotte do hereby
[18:15] proclaim JUNE 2026 as lgbt q
[18:16] pride month in the city of
[18:18] charlotte and encourage all
[18:20] citizens to join us in this
[18:21] special observance witness her
[18:24] hand the official seal the city
[18:54] of charlotte thank you.
[19:20] Don't want to go so thank you
[19:22] for that.
[19:22] We have one more proclamation
[19:25] this evening and I'd like to
[19:26] turn it over to council member
[19:33] anderson thank you, MADAM Mayor
[19:33] .
[19:36] Whereas vitiligo is an auto
[19:36] immune skin disease causing
[19:38] loss of pigment from areas of
[19:42] the skin resulting in irregular
[19:45] white spots or pack patches.
[19:45] And.
[19:47] Whereas, vitiligo affects more
[19:48] than 2 million americans
[19:55] between 0.004 and 2.28% of the
[19:57] population and worldwide and
[19:59] even higher in certain regions
[20:02] it can appear at any age and
[20:03] can affect all people
[20:05] regardless of gender, race and
[20:06] ethnicity.
[20:08] And.
[20:09] Whereas, while the condition is
[20:11] not typically associated with
[20:14] physical pain, the psychologic
[20:15] call and the social effects can
[20:18] be seen difficult for many
[20:21] affected individuals especially
[20:24] children and those with darker
[20:24] skin.
[20:24] And.
[20:29] Whereas approximately 15 to 25%
[20:32] of people with vitiligo also
[20:35] are affected by at least one
[20:39] other auto immune disorder.
[20:39] And.
[20:39] Whereas researchers and medical
[20:42] professionals are working to
[20:45] better understand and treat
[20:48] that illegal although there is
[20:51] currently no known cure,
[20:53] treatments are available that
[20:57] can help with re pigmentation
[20:59] especially if begun early and
[21:00] used consistently.
[21:00] And.
[21:03] Whereas, the mission of the
[21:05] leaders of the north carolina
[21:08] vitiligo support community and
[21:11] its members is to support and
[21:11] empower individuals with
[21:14] vitiligo as well as educate
[21:16] advocate and spread awareness.
[21:20] And whereas, the north carolina
[21:22] vitiligo support community and
[21:23] its leaders have been
[21:26] designated by the global that a
[21:30] legal foundation to host the
[21:33] 2026 world vitiligo day usa
[21:35] conference from JUNE 26th
[21:35] through JUNE 28th.
[21:39] And charlotte, north carolina
[21:41] marking a decade of resilience,
[21:44] strength and beauty.
[21:44] And.
[21:45] whereas, the city of charlotte
[21:47] encouraged just people to
[21:50] increase awareness,
[21:50] understanding and support
[21:53] individuals with vitiligo in
[21:56] communities throughout the
[21:56] city.
[21:57] And.
[21:57] Whereas, the city of charlotte
[21:59] encouraged just citizens to
[22:02] increase, I think that's the
[22:02] same line.
[22:07] Therefore now she mayor
[22:10] alexander lyles, acting mayor
[22:15] does hereby proclaim the month
[22:18] of JUNE 2026 as vitiligo a
[22:21] awareness and education month
[22:21] and it is signed in her hand.
[22:24] >> and I would love for you all
[22:27] MISS Carter and friends if you
[22:28] would come down I love to
[22:58] present this to you
[23:05] .
[23:08] Oh, I love that we're taking
[23:13] pictures now I'm sending you
[23:21] yeah, I like it.
[23:39] She that concludes our project
[23:42] our awards and recognitions for
[23:47] tonight and we will MISS.
[23:48] MAY I like to take over right
[23:48] now?
[23:50] You know my mayor I know this
[23:53] is not on not on our agenda but
[23:55] today we want to take a moment
[23:55] to recognize you for
[23:58] extraordinary service to the
[24:01] city of charlotte and its
[24:04] residents for more than three
[24:11] decades, days of public service
[24:11] .
[24:14] Wait, wait, wait, wait.
[24:17] Oh, hello.
[24:19] That's more it's more it's more
[24:19] women.
[24:20] I'm just getting started.
[24:22] Hello.
[24:24] >> for more than 30 years, mere
[24:26] lyles has helped shape
[24:27] charlotte's future through
[24:29] nearly every level of local
[24:30] government leadership from
[24:32] budget director, assistant city
[24:35] manager to city council mayor
[24:38] pro tem and ultimately mayor.
[24:39] Few leaders have served this
[24:41] city from as many perspective
[24:44] or such deep commitment to
[24:44] public service.
[24:47] Her leadership helped establish
[24:50] a strong financial foundation
[24:50] for charlotte.
[24:53] And as mayor she guided this
[24:53] city through a period of
[24:56] tremendous growth and
[24:56] transformation.
[24:59] She championed investments
[24:59] affordable housing,
[25:02] transportation, workforce
[25:04] development, public safety,
[25:05] economic development while
[25:08] advancing major initiatives
[25:09] such as charlotte 2040
[25:12] comprehensive plan save
[25:14] charlotte and the mayor's
[25:17] racial equity initiative.
[25:20] Mayor lyles has always been a
[25:20] leader who brings people
[25:21] together.
[25:24] Her integrity, vision and
[25:26] collaborative approach has
[25:26] strengthened in charlotte and
[25:28] inspired countless residents,
[25:31] community leaders and public
[25:31] servants.
[25:35] On behalf of the charlotte city
[25:38] council and the people 879,000
[25:40] calls charlotte on we extend
[25:41] our deepest gratitude for her
[25:44] distinctive service exceptional
[25:46] leadership and a wave and
[25:47] dedication to this community.
[25:50] Now mayor, we have a few tokens
[25:53] of appreciation we'd like to
[25:53] present to you today.
[25:55] First okay where we are.
[25:57] >> there we go.
[26:10] >> first we have after all the
[26:13] years of helping guide
[26:13] charlotte's direction is seem
[26:15] only fitting.
[26:15] and we found it.
[26:18] Put your name on a sign and we
[26:19] like to inspire others and all
[26:21] in all that transportation
[26:23] project this one need to be
[26:26] delivered on time and those
[26:26] schedule for the mayor.
[26:28] >> all right.
[26:41] >> we also have a skyline view
[26:44] and as a reminder of this city
[26:47] that you help guide, shape and
[26:49] your legacy, you have built.
[26:50] We also have a.
[26:53] Now the special recognition is
[26:55] MR. Walter byers.
[26:58] Walter, can you come forward,
[26:59] please?
[27:08] >> oh, my.
[27:09] >> can you go to a microphone
[27:12] so everybody would know this
[27:15] special recognition that you've
[27:15] given to our mayor wanted to
[27:24] the top top right behind you to
[27:24] .
[27:25] >> good evening, everyone.
[27:27] Good evening.
[27:28] My name is walter bowers.
[27:30] I have the privilege of serving
[27:31] as the director of the
[27:31] governor's office charlotte
[27:34] covering 17 counties as far
[27:37] west as lincoln and as far east
[27:39] as sampson county.
[27:40] I'm here this evening with the
[27:42] distinct honor and privilege of
[27:43] presenting one of north
[27:45] carolina's highest civilian
[27:46] honors the order of the
[27:58] longleaf pine to an
[28:02] extraordinary public servant.
[28:03] Now I need everybody to know
[28:05] that the governor did come down
[28:07] to see mayor lyles personally,
[28:10] but she was too busy for him.
[28:13] But but no scheduling didn't
[28:13] work out.
[28:14] But we said together that you
[28:16] know what it was too important.
[28:16] We thank GOD for her amazing
[28:19] staff that came and represented
[28:19] her.
[28:21] But we wanted to personally
[28:22] present this tonight.
[28:22] The order of the longleaf pine
[28:24] is an award that has been given
[28:25] to individuals across the state
[28:27] of north carolina.
[28:29] Individuals such as michael
[28:32] jordan and steve smith, senior
[28:33] but also individuals like carl
[28:36] bailey junior who served as a
[28:38] fire fighter here in the state
[28:39] of north in the city of
[28:39] charlotte.
[28:41] Saving lives recipients join a
[28:44] distinguished tradition of
[28:44] servant leaders whose
[28:47] dedication has strengthened our
[28:48] state and improve the quality
[28:50] of life for generations of
[28:51] north carolinians.
[28:54] Mayor lyles has devoted her
[28:56] life to public service and
[28:58] we're thankful for that as our
[28:59] first african-american woman
[29:02] elected mayor of charlotte, as
[29:04] our first african-american
[29:06] woman elected mayor of
[29:14] charlotte.
[29:15] >> she broke she broke barriers
[29:17] while demonstrating that
[29:17] leadership is ultimately
[29:20] measured not by titles but by
[29:20] service.
[29:25] She was our mayor doing covid
[29:25] 19.
[29:28] >> she was our mayor during the
[29:28] protests of 2020.
[29:30] She was our mayor.
[29:31] As we continue to push for
[29:34] affordable housing.
[29:34] She's been our mayor as we
[29:36] continue to push for war.
[29:37] Workforce development and
[29:37] opportunities.
[29:40] She set the city of charlotte
[29:43] up along with her amazing
[29:43] coworkers on the city council
[29:46] for greater things ahead.
[29:48] So tonight we recognize not
[29:49] only her years of service but a
[29:51] legacy of leadership that has
[29:52] touched countless lives and
[29:55] helped shape the future of our
[29:55] city and state.
[29:57] Therefore a mayor allows on
[29:57] behalf of governor josh stein
[30:00] and the people of north
[30:00] carolina, it is my honor to
[30:03] present to you the order of the
[30:03] longleaf pine.
[30:05] In recognition of your
[30:06] distinguished service and your
[30:08] enduring contributions to the
[30:09] city of charlotte and the state
[30:11] of north carolina and mayor
[30:14] louse, here is what you get
[30:16] everywhere you go.
[30:19] You get a chance to toast every
[30:19] one that you meet with the
[30:22] following here's to the land of
[30:23] the lonely find the summer land
[30:25] where the sun dove shine where
[30:26] the weak grow strong and the
[30:28] stronger are great.
[30:31] Here's to the down home the old
[30:31] north state.
[30:34] Congratulations that thank you
[30:42] for your service.
[31:03] You don't need okay.
[31:05] Okay.
[31:06] I watched joe bruno last night
[31:08] so don't worry about it.
[31:11] I know what the program is.
[31:14] >> I have I don't know what to
[31:16] say.
[31:19] >> I really don't.
[31:20] >> I guess I'm a softy.
[31:22] It's hard, you know?
[31:23] >> so I always tell people I
[31:25] grew up with really five
[31:26] brothers and they were like
[31:28] hard on me all the time but
[31:30] nothing could be harder than
[31:33] not knowing what you can do if
[31:34] you tear enough if you want to
[31:36] do it enough, if you're strong
[31:37] enough and you can compete
[31:39] enough.
[31:40] And I want you every one of you
[31:42] in this room to understand man
[31:44] this city is absolutely one of
[31:45] the most astounding places that
[31:46] we can be.
[31:47] We go all over the state.
[31:51] This country you don't see the
[31:53] people coming out and saying
[31:55] oh, I'll give the mayor a pat
[31:58] of something anyway but I just
[31:59] want you to know that it has
[32:02] been an honor to be in this
[32:02] community.
[32:05] It's been an honor to work with
[32:07] the people in this organization
[32:07] .
[32:10] It is an honor to know that the
[32:13] city has the ability to do
[32:14] whatever we choose to do
[32:16] because it is the right thing
[32:19] to do and be and I'm not going
[32:21] to stop at this.
[32:22] I know that I am very, very
[32:24] happy because I do get to see
[32:25] my kids.
[32:27] They go to love school close by
[32:31] here and I will be able to do a
[32:31] lot of things that I've never
[32:33] even thought about.
[32:36] But after all of that I will
[32:36] still be in charlotte.
[32:39] And that's what's going to make
[32:39] the difference.
[32:40] Charlotte is the place to be.
[32:42] There's room for everyone in
[32:42] this country.
[32:45] We can see it coming.
[32:47] And I just hope that when we do
[32:48] see it coming we make it better
[32:50] than ever, ever, ever.
[32:51] >> thank you so much for the
[33:02] sacrifice I.
[33:03] >> I don't know if my kids are
[33:13] watching me but tell them hello
[33:13] .
[33:14] Okay.
[33:17] I think I have to go right back
[33:19] into a public forum and it
[33:21] doesn't have this much as the
[33:22] other thing.
[33:24] So we're now going to open the
[33:24] public forum.
[33:26] I would like to thank you all
[33:29] for joining us and on behalf of
[33:32] the entire city council I ask
[33:33] that all speakers and audience
[33:36] members be civil and courteous
[33:38] in the use of their language.
[33:41] Speakers are encouraged to
[33:42] address the council and should
[33:44] refrain from responding to
[33:44] audience members.
[33:48] Likewise, audience members
[33:50] should be courteous of each
[33:53] speaker and not yell out or
[33:53] interrupt those speakers.
[33:56] We want to ensure that everyone
[33:56] has a chance to be heard.
[33:59] Now since we have been fairly
[34:05] busy lately we're going to have
[34:08] an opportunity that maybe some
[34:09] will and some will like and
[34:11] maybe others will not.
[34:13] Since there are more than ten
[34:15] speakers, each speaker will
[34:15] have one minute to address the
[34:17] council.
[34:18] >> thank you.
[34:20] I'm okay.
[34:20] >> I'm sorry.
[34:23] I thought it was one.
[34:23] >> it's just for the applause
[34:24] for this.
[34:24] Okay.
[34:26] For the public forum.
[34:26] Okay.
[34:28] So we will have to pick two
[34:30] minutes to speak and address
[34:31] the council.
[34:33] So thank you.
[34:34] I'm going to call on the first
[34:41] speaker who is avonte jackson
[34:49] truck driver and he hello.
[34:52] >> good evening this evening my
[34:54] name is devonte jackson and I
[34:57] am a trucker's advocate.
[34:58] I am a heart transplant
[34:58] recipient.
[35:01] I'm a seedless structure and I
[35:02] am the owner for a cdl shorty d
[35:04] for d.
[35:05] i'm here today to speak about
[35:07] trucking infrastructure and
[35:10] transportation issues that
[35:10] directly affect public safety,
[35:13] economic growth and the
[35:13] movement of goods throughout
[35:14] our city.
[35:16] First we must address the
[35:16] bottleneck traffic in
[35:18] charlotte, north carolina major
[35:21] corridors such as I-77 85 I-45
[35:23] experience heavy congestion
[35:26] daily truck drivers moving
[35:27] freight through these areas
[35:29] face delays that increase
[35:32] operating costs, reduce
[35:33] efficiency, create safety
[35:35] concerns for each and everyone
[35:36] on the road.
[35:38] Charlotte continues to grow and
[35:41] however our infrastructure must
[35:41] grow with it.
[35:44] Second, I believe that the city
[35:44] should collaborate with the
[35:45] north carolina division of
[35:47] motor vehicles to improve
[35:49] public education on how to
[35:50] safely share the road with
[35:52] semi-trucks.
[35:55] Many drivers do not understand
[35:55] truck blindspots stopping
[35:58] distances wide terms or safe
[36:00] following distance better
[36:01] education for teens and adults
[36:03] could reduce preventable
[36:04] crashes and it could save
[36:04] lives.
[36:06] >> third, we must talk about
[36:09] truck driver compensation and
[36:09] fair pay.
[36:11] The fair labor standards act of
[36:13] 1938 excludes many truck
[36:14] drivers from overtime
[36:16] protection.
[36:17] Truck drivers are essential to
[36:19] our economy.
[36:20] Yet many work long hours
[36:22] without fair compensation for
[36:25] detention time delays and
[36:25] unpaid labor.
[36:28] supporting the fair pay for
[36:28] truck drivers strengthens the
[36:30] workforce and helps retain
[36:31] skilled professionals in this
[36:31] industry.
[36:33] Fourth, we need to prioritize
[36:36] female truck drivers safety.
[36:37] Many truck stops and parking
[36:39] areas especially here in
[36:41] charlotte lack proper lighting
[36:42] security and safe access to
[36:45] rest facilities as men as more
[36:47] women enter the trucking
[36:47] industry.
[36:48] Safety requirements must be
[36:50] part of the conversation.
[36:51] And there was a young black
[36:54] woman in louisiana named
[36:54] commission thomas that was
[36:57] found unfortunately on alive in
[36:58] her semi truck overnight with
[37:00] her family.
[37:00] >> thank you.
[37:01] Thank you.
[37:01] Thank you.
[37:02] Two minutes.
[37:08] All right.
[37:10] You.
[37:11] >> our next speaker is linda
[37:14] byers and faith sanders.
[37:17] >> could come down please.
[37:19] >> faith sanders and linda
[37:27] byers.
[37:28] >> you can speak to one of
[37:28] them.
[37:32] You can do it.
[37:50] She didn't just hear me.
[37:54] >> if you give us your name,
[37:54] please.
[37:57] >> I am linda byers.
[37:59] I am a native in charlotte,
[38:01] north carolina and I live in
[38:05] district one.
[38:06] And forgive me, I don't feel
[38:07] well today.
[38:10] Good evening, mayor.
[38:11] You'll be missed.
[38:13] Thank.
[38:13] And city council.
[38:16] Thank you for allowing me to be
[38:16] here today.
[38:18] My question tonight is simple.
[38:21] Is district one forgotten?
[38:23] I am here tonight to address
[38:26] the growing concerns
[38:26] surrounding safety and quality
[38:29] of life for seniors and
[38:30] longtime residents in uptown
[38:32] charlotte.
[38:35] As our city continues to grow
[38:35] and develop, it is important
[38:38] that we do not overlook the
[38:38] people who have helped build
[38:41] and sustain these communities
[38:43] for decades.
[38:45] These concerns are not new.
[38:48] >> in 2020 four we raised
[38:48] concerns about parking
[38:50] congestion and the impact of
[38:53] new development on our
[38:53] neighborhood.
[38:54] After the city adopted a
[38:56] private street to support
[38:58] apartment development at that
[39:02] time we warned about the burden
[39:03] this would place on long time
[39:05] residents especially seniors
[39:08] living on fixed incomes.
[39:11] Unfortunately those concerns
[39:13] were not adequately addressed.
[39:16] Now in 2026 what began as
[39:18] concerns over parking and
[39:19] traffic has escalated into much
[39:22] deeper issues of safety,
[39:24] privacy, noise disturbances
[39:27] during quiet hours, loitering
[39:32] and declining quality of life.
[39:35] These are not isolated concerns
[39:35] .
[39:38] In just a few weeks a community
[39:41] petition address these concerns
[39:44] and we raised over 200
[39:44] signatures.
[39:47] Just in a few weeks.
[39:49] And these are people who are
[39:50] going through the same things.
[39:52] >> these are leaders and people
[39:52] who live in the city of
[39:55] charlotte that's going through
[40:00] quality of life issues.
[40:00] >> thank you.
[40:07] Thank you.
[40:13] >> is MR. MISS juneteenth here
[40:13] ?
[40:16] >> yeah.
[40:16] Okay.
[40:19] I don't think that we can see
[40:20] her yet.
[40:22] So she is I mean a question MAY
[40:24] a man.
[40:25] MAY I ask a quick question?
[40:28] I know at one point since we
[40:28] only have two minutes if
[40:30] speakers have written remarks
[40:33] they're able to give them to
[40:33] the clerk.
[40:36] But I think we might not have
[40:36] mentioned that at the beginning
[40:41] so I do believe even with the
[40:41] first speaker they had
[40:42] additional comments.
[40:44] So just wanted to make sure
[40:47] that you all know if you are
[40:47] two minutes runs out and you
[40:49] have additional comments I
[40:52] would gladly capture that so
[40:53] that we can get the full
[40:54] information because what is
[40:58] shared is present it to council
[40:58] in the form of a memo.
[40:59] Thank you, ma'am.
[41:00] I appreciate that.
[41:01] Okay.
[41:05] So we don't have faith yet and
[41:06] so we'll go to jeff cross.
[41:22] MR. Cross thank you.
[41:24] Acting mayor.
[41:27] Thank you, counsel.
[41:30] >> my name is jeff and I am a
[41:31] member of the charlotte metro
[41:33] democratic socialist of
[41:34] america.
[41:36] >> we understand last meeting
[41:37] you got a bit irritated with
[41:39] how your constituent engaged
[41:40] the democratic process.
[41:43] You told us that your hands are
[41:45] tied as the state has laws
[41:45] limiting your ability to stop
[41:46] data center construction.
[41:49] you told us we need to contact
[41:51] our state reps, vote for
[41:51] democrats in the midterms and
[41:54] work through nonprofit efforts
[41:55] to craft unique policies to
[41:57] comply with the state
[41:57] government.
[42:01] How could you say that with a
[42:01] straight face?
[42:04] Our state is famously
[42:04] gerrymandered.
[42:06] The people of charlotte have
[42:07] voted blue and are left with
[42:09] minoritarian rule.
[42:12] We cannot simply vote harder or
[42:13] especially when the democratic
[42:16] party permits snakes like
[42:16] tricia cottam and karla
[42:19] cunningham to run and betray
[42:21] their voters after election as
[42:24] our state government is
[42:25] structured to deny our working
[42:27] class a voice.
[42:30] But you the city council of
[42:33] charlotte still can and should
[42:34] represent us.
[42:36] That means standing up for our
[42:37] well-being, our environment,
[42:39] our jobs and our way of life.
[42:42] We demand that you take action
[42:45] and implement every measure
[42:48] possible to prevent current and
[42:51] future data center construction
[42:51] .
[42:52] Your decision to resist or
[42:55] comply with state law imposed
[42:57] on us by exploitative
[42:58] corporations and developers
[43:00] will be remembered by your
[43:01] constituents when you ask for
[43:04] their votes next year.
[43:04] Thank you for your time.
[43:11] I see the rest of mine.
[43:15] >> and our next speaker is jack
[43:32] adams.
[43:35] Hey, good evening everybody.
[43:38] Gaming console gaming.
[43:38] Acting mayor.
[43:41] My name is jack adams and I've
[43:44] been a charlotte resident since
[43:44] july of 2019.
[43:48] Now three weeks ago on JUNE the
[43:50] 3rd I rode my bike to uptown
[43:51] area for the very first time.
[43:54] I have been empowered by our
[43:56] infrastructure as well as the
[43:57] green energy shift to try to
[44:00] minimize use of my car by bus
[44:01] train, bicycle.
[44:04] >> however, when I was riding
[44:07] southbound on elizabeth avenue
[44:07] towards hawthorne lane you know
[44:10] just around the corner here I
[44:11] noticed that the bike lane
[44:13] ended before reaching the
[44:13] intersection.
[44:16] Now anyone that's taking the
[44:17] tram long enough understands
[44:19] that elizabeth avenue has
[44:21] tramway tracks for two links.
[44:21] Goal line in order to pass
[44:23] through that road.
[44:26] So unfortunately as I was
[44:26] shifting towards the main load
[44:28] from the bike lane my front
[44:31] wheel cut onto the tramway
[44:32] track and I face planted onto
[44:36] the road at 20 miles an hour.
[44:37] Where was I?
[44:37] Oh yeah.
[44:40] So I woke up at the emergency
[44:42] department at novant health
[44:43] with huge scrapes on my joints
[44:45] and face.
[44:46] You can see a little scarring
[44:48] in the distance a broken nose
[44:51] and a laceration on my eyebrow
[44:51] requiring stitches.
[44:54] Now thankfully my wounds have
[44:54] healed.
[44:56] The pain is gone.
[44:57] And last saturday I was able to
[45:00] get replacement glasses.
[45:03] Now as an avid bus rider I
[45:05] believe in a future where
[45:06] alternative modes of
[45:06] transportation charlotte are
[45:09] not only accessible but
[45:09] encouraged.
[45:11] I want everyone to have all the
[45:13] options they can.
[45:14] >> however, for the safety of
[45:17] cyclists near the gold line I
[45:17] encourage the city to add a
[45:20] dedicated bike lane across the
[45:22] entire gold line.
[45:23] Now the department of
[45:25] transportation has spoken to me
[45:27] earlier today to reassure me
[45:28] that there are measures to be
[45:28] done about this.
[45:31] So I look forward to
[45:31] cooperating with them as well
[45:33] as the city council as well.
[45:34] >> thank you all.
[45:34] And I hope you have a great
[45:34] night.
[45:38] Thank you.
[45:43] I want to get in as many of the
[45:45] people that signed up to speak
[45:45] and so I'm going to start with
[45:48] to speakers because we have
[45:48] podiums on both side of the
[45:51] room and then we can have them
[45:54] come down and then we'll have
[45:54] one person to speak and then
[45:56] we'll just go that and make it
[45:59] a little bit faster for all of
[46:01] us to be successful leader.
[46:02] Be heard.
[46:04] Our next speaker is annabel
[46:07] rodriguez and ashton mcgrady.
[46:12] And either side that you choose
[46:20] annabel so it's I can you give
[46:23] me your name please?
[46:23] >> good evening, chair.
[46:26] Commissioner and city council
[46:29] members and partners of the
[46:29] community.
[46:32] My name is annabel rodriguez
[46:32] and I current PRESIDENT Of
[46:34] north charlotte national
[46:35] association of hispanic real
[46:38] estate professionals.
[46:38] And tonight I'm here to present
[46:41] to you the 2025 hispanic
[46:43] homeownership report that I
[46:46] will hand over to.
[46:48] I appreciate the opportunity
[46:49] the opportunity to discuss the
[46:52] key findings from the 2025
[46:54] hispanic homeownership report
[46:54] published by nar rep.
[46:57] The report highlights historic
[47:03] milestones hispanic households
[47:05] added 441,000 new homeowners in
[47:08] 2025 bring in a total of
[47:08] hispanic homeownership holds
[47:13] nationwide to a record of 10.2
[47:14] million hispanic families
[47:16] account for virtually all net
[47:20] of homeownership growth of the
[47:20] united states.
[47:21] That's a 92.7% through our
[47:24] census.
[47:27] Hispanic families accounted for
[47:30] virtually all of the net here
[47:33] in the U.S. The nation's trends
[47:33] matter, especially here in
[47:35] mecklenburg county in north
[47:36] carolina.
[47:40] It being my home for the past
[47:41] 25 years has approximately 1.3
[47:45] million latinos representing
[47:48] 12% of the state population.
[47:51] The latino homeownership rate
[47:53] in north carolina is 50.2% of
[47:56] hispanic households that are
[47:58] responsible for more than 60%
[48:01] of the growth in the past year.
[48:03] I am gladly here to represent
[48:09] the hispanic homeowner and
[48:12] visionary of what our city is.
[48:14] I appreciate the time.
[48:15] I definitely appreciate the
[48:20] inclusivity and I hope you have
[48:21] a wonderful evening.
[48:25] >> thank you.
[48:29] Our next speaker is ashley
[48:32] mcgrady and david roble.
[48:35] Also I MAY not get it
[48:37] completely right.
[48:40] Will do both.
[48:50] The good evening.
[48:53] My name is david roble also.
[48:56] Laundry is something that we
[48:56] all take for granted.
[48:58] We never given any thought
[49:01] until the polls up and we have
[49:01] nothing left to wear.
[49:04] >> for many of us
[49:04] procrastinators it might be a
[49:06] choice but if we don't have a
[49:07] choice.
[49:09] For some folks laundry piles up
[49:12] not by choice but because they
[49:12] have to juggle their living
[49:14] expenses.
[49:17] Many families don't have
[49:18] washers and dryers at home so
[49:20] they use a laundromat and going
[49:23] to the laundromat takes money.
[49:26] >> we get creative when we live
[49:27] on a shoestring budget but you
[49:29] can only recycle so much of
[49:29] your dirty laundry.
[49:31] Parents might not say anything
[49:34] but the kids notice.
[49:37] They sense they feel it.
[49:38] Imagine wearing the same shirt
[49:40] several times without being
[49:40] washed.
[49:43] There's entire families living
[49:46] in cars and storage units and
[49:49] motels and the kids still have
[49:51] to go to school.
[49:54] Imagine the stigma that young
[49:57] students have to overcome.
[49:59] A single chore becomes a
[50:02] barrier to self-confidence,
[50:04] self-esteem and learning.
[50:08] That is what I operation clean
[50:11] health is to launch the
[50:13] inaugural national back to
[50:14] school free laundry day this
[50:16] AUGUST in charlotte.
[50:19] My vision is for charlotte to
[50:22] be the birthplace of a national
[50:25] movement and that is why I
[50:25] created the website national
[50:26] free laundry day.Org.
[50:30] >> our goal is simple helping
[50:32] students start the school year
[50:32] with clean clothes,
[50:33] self-confidence and dignity.
[50:35] But this is bigger than just
[50:37] one day or just one laundromat.
[50:38] There are approximately 60
[50:40] laundromats in charlotte and
[50:40] nearly 30,000 laundromats
[50:43] across the country.
[50:43] Imagine the impact of
[50:46] communities across the country
[50:46] dedicated just one day each
[50:49] year helping young students
[50:50] start school prepared and
[50:50] confident.
[50:52] Tonight I am asking for your
[50:54] support, your partnership and
[50:57] your help in spreading the word
[50:57] .
[50:58] Together we can demonstrate how
[51:00] our small act of service can
[51:02] have a profound impact.
[51:15] >> but our next speaker is you
[51:18] marker not on key.
[51:24] I'm on katz improvement meeting
[51:24] .
[51:24] >> okay.
[51:31] And evan sure thesis housing.
[51:40] Thank you.
[51:43] >> esteemed councilors last
[51:44] month mayor lyles announced the
[51:46] housing innovation challenge
[51:48] tasking students from ten
[51:49] universities across the
[51:51] charlotte mecklenburg tropical
[51:52] zion area to develop new and
[51:54] innovative solutions to meet
[51:55] charlotte's growing housing
[51:55] need.
[51:57] >> but tonight I question if
[51:58] this innovation is really a
[52:00] weaseling around the rules of a
[52:00] restrictive regulatory
[52:03] framework established by a
[52:03] group of individuals who
[52:05] implemented it to isolate
[52:06] themselves in the city's
[52:06] sprawling suburbs.
[52:09] That is to say that the housing
[52:11] crisis will not be solved
[52:12] through a distorted sense of
[52:12] innovation but through the
[52:15] elimination of regulatory and
[52:17] zoning requirements imposed by
[52:17] the past century of white
[52:20] flight and urban renewal that
[52:20] intentionally made housing
[52:23] scarce and development
[52:26] uncompetitive as the value of
[52:26] land has increased dramatically
[52:29] and suburban resistant to
[52:30] resistance to growth mount's
[52:32] development developers are
[52:33] forced to turn back inwards to
[52:35] urban cores to satisfy the
[52:36] needs of the market.
[52:38] This fundamentally is a good
[52:40] problem to have.
[52:41] >> the obstacle they face
[52:44] however, is zoning restrictions
[52:46] such as setbacks maximum lot of
[52:47] footprint ratios, minimum
[52:49] parking requirements and double
[52:50] stairwell requirements which
[52:52] severely limit the types of
[52:53] housing they can permit and
[52:53] build.
[52:55] Well the unified development
[52:55] ordinance has made significant
[52:58] strides in reforming this
[52:58] regulatory framework.
[53:01] I'm here to ask the city to go
[53:01] further.
[53:03] I am asking the city to
[53:04] eliminate setbacks and maximum
[53:06] footprint ratios for all levels
[53:09] of residential and commercial
[53:10] zoning under the udl and to
[53:12] expand the ability to apply for
[53:15] a minimum parking waiver to all
[53:16] levels as well.
[53:16] This will make smaller parcels
[53:19] of land appealing to developers
[53:22] and enable small developers to
[53:22] expand the types of
[53:23] construction they can provide
[53:24] to the market at lower cost
[53:25] which is then passed on to the
[53:27] consumer.
[53:28] Eliminating these restrictions
[53:29] will accelerate housing
[53:30] construction clear up confusing
[53:32] rules and increase
[53:33] affordability across the city.
[53:36] Thank you and thank you mayor
[53:46] lyles for your service as you
[53:48] cook and to come in.
[53:49] Okay.
[53:52] our next speaker is megan
[53:54] stansell.
[53:59] >> megan yeah, great.
[53:59] Yeah.
[53:59] And just making I think it is
[54:01] just for this and the next one
[54:02] if we could have the second
[54:05] person come down gabriel.
[54:13] >> kai jack gabriel hey, good
[54:13] evening.
[54:15] >> my name is mike fenster.
[54:16] I service co-chair of
[54:18] charlotte's mission zero task
[54:19] force and tonight I'm speaking
[54:21] on behalf of sustain charlotte
[54:21] .
[54:23] I had wanted to read all the 41
[54:23] names of people who have been
[54:26] killed in charlotte in traffic
[54:26] crashes this year since JANUARY
[54:26] 1st.
[54:29] But I won't have time so I'm
[54:29] going to start since the last
[54:31] time we came to you in MARCH.
[54:32] These are not statistics.
[54:34] These are our loved ones.
[54:37] Terry lee clark age 43.
[54:39] Julian allen 35.
[54:42] Sophie klippel 23.
[54:44] Daniel davon dixon 49.
[54:47] Naomi summers eight.
[54:49] Aiden lynn garcia 34.
[54:52] William angelo primos 28.
[54:55] Christopher john shea 54.
[54:58] Jonathan michael moretti race
[54:59] 35.
[55:01] Bobbi jo skidmore 39.
[55:04] Carlos jamal mitchell gina 32.
[55:06] Pablo daniel martinez delatour
[55:07] 24.
[55:10] Aaron linwood mcintosh 32.
[55:13] Louis anthony chega sola 39.
[55:15] Elijah smoot 30.
[55:18] Luis vasquez reyes 33.
[55:20] Keegan mckenney 22.
[55:23] Adrian mello escobar 17 as
[55:26] letty herrera ramirez 17 fan
[55:30] dieter mata 52 roosevelt davis
[55:34] the third 55 edwin jose flores
[55:36] 54 frankly on dente 64 kathryn
[55:39] lamberth 38.
[55:42] Angelina naomi cejka 17.
[55:45] Caden riley molitor 18.
[55:49] Johnny wesley mason the fourth
[55:49] 53.
[55:50] I now like to pause for a
[55:52] moment of silence for us all to
[55:53] remember these individuals
[56:00] these neighbors of us all.
[56:03] We urge you to implement the
[56:03] red light camera pilot
[56:06] immediately rather than waiting
[56:08] until 2027 because every week
[56:08] matters.
[56:10] Every week we lose at least one
[56:11] more neighbor to traffic
[56:13] violence every week someone
[56:13] loses someone they love.
[56:14] >> thank you.
[56:23] Thank you.
[56:26] Hello, city council members.
[56:28] My name is gabriel joseph
[56:29] kendrick ultra.
[56:30] I am a designer who's been
[56:31] working on a concept I
[56:34] genuinely believe could help
[56:35] state and local leaders
[56:35] communicate with their
[56:37] constituents.
[56:40] Right now there's a real gap in
[56:40] how the government receives
[56:43] clear and verified public
[56:43] input.
[56:46] >> commissioners and boards
[56:46] often struggle to get reliable
[56:49] feedback before making big
[56:49] decisions.
[56:51] For regular citizens finding
[56:52] the right information and
[56:52] having their voice heard is
[56:55] still way too difficult.
[56:57] Between scattered websites,
[57:00] public forums and long hearings
[57:01] it's hard for any person to
[57:03] stay informed and engaged.
[57:06] I developed something called
[57:06] the north carolina state
[57:09] communicator a secure verified
[57:10] platform that puts essential
[57:12] services in one simple app
[57:13] while also giving leaders a
[57:15] tool called public pulse.
[57:18] With public pulse, the governor
[57:18] or a county board can quickly
[57:21] send a poll on any proposed
[57:24] project like a new data center
[57:25] or a reforestation plant and
[57:27] within days receive clear
[57:29] verified statistics from real
[57:30] citizens only no bots, no
[57:33] guessing just actionable data
[57:36] that helps leaders see what
[57:36] their constituents actually
[57:39] want and prioritize
[57:39] accordingly.
[57:42] >> for citizens it becomes much
[57:44] easier to stay informed and
[57:44] share their opinion without
[57:45] having to hunt through
[57:47] complicated websites or
[57:48] rearrange their schedule for a
[57:48] hearing.
[57:50] For leaders it means faster,
[57:53] more confident decisions backed
[57:56] by real public input with the
[57:58] ability to clearly explain
[57:59] those decisions to the media
[57:59] and the public.
[58:02] So please, I want nothing more
[58:04] than to see this bridge of
[58:05] intuition built between the
[58:07] people and our government.
[58:08] I truly believe this could help
[58:10] bring the voice of the people
[58:11] to you and shed light for every
[58:14] person who isn't in this
[58:16] meeting all currently so you
[58:17] can expect to see me at each of
[58:19] these meetings until this
[58:19] happens.
[58:22] So we the people MAY educate
[58:22] ourselves in our local politics
[58:25] with ease and you the elected
[58:26] can feel safe in your decision
[58:28] making process.
[58:29] >> thank you very much.
[58:33] Y'all have a good one.
[58:39] Our next speaker is kay primack
[58:51] and leah sara salisbury live.
[58:52] Good evening.
[58:55] my name is chrissy matthews and
[58:55] I'm a member of charlotte metro
[58:57] dsa.
[58:58] Two weeks ago when city council
[59:01] enacted the current moratorium
[59:01] they expressed that the state
[59:03] government limits the city
[59:04] council's ability to regulate
[59:06] data center construction.
[59:07] Considering the city council
[59:09] attempted to wash its hands and
[59:10] claim that the power to rent
[59:10] these rested solely in the
[59:12] hands of the general assembly,
[59:13] I would like to stress a few
[59:15] potential policy remedies.
[59:16] I would urge the council to
[59:18] utilize the current moratorium
[59:19] to actively consider new
[59:22] measures that impede future
[59:22] data centers.
[59:23] While the city's restrictive
[59:25] down zoning nothing prevents
[59:25] the city from adjusting the
[59:27] unified development ordinance
[59:28] to halt future facilities.
[59:31] Additionally, adjustments to
[59:32] the zoning rules that are being
[59:32] utilized to prevent the
[59:34] construction of future ice
[59:35] detention centers such as in
[59:37] greensboro.
[59:37] Under that adjustment the city
[59:40] added a new land use category
[59:40] and prohibited such facilities
[59:43] from operating within a half a
[59:43] mile of residential and
[59:45] community spaces.
[59:46] Even durham just voted to
[59:48] extend its current moratorium
[59:49] by another ten months.
[59:51] If these adjustments can halt
[59:52] the construction of ice
[59:52] detention facilities, can we
[59:55] not usher in similar
[59:57] restrictions on data centers?
[59:58] >> more importantly, does the
[59:58] city council not have the
[1:00:00] political will to enact such
[1:00:00] restrictions?
[1:00:03] it's no secret that certain
[1:00:04] lobbying groups have expressed
[1:00:06] their dismay over the rejection
[1:00:08] of both the I-77 expansion and
[1:00:08] data center construction.
[1:00:11] So council will you take the
[1:00:11] steps that are clearly needed
[1:00:14] to prevent the operation of a
[1:00:14] facility known to cause
[1:00:15] definite harm to your
[1:00:17] constituents or you support the
[1:00:17] lobbying groups and
[1:00:19] corporations who stand to gain
[1:00:20] from causing that harm?
[1:00:26] >> thank you.
[1:00:30] As has layla is layla
[1:00:30] available?
[1:00:31] >> yes, I'm right here.
[1:00:31] Okay.
[1:00:31] There we go.
[1:00:33] Thank you.
[1:00:33] Evening city council.
[1:00:36] My name is layla say and I'm
[1:00:37] currently a student at you and
[1:00:39] cc and a member of the
[1:00:40] charlotte metro dsa.
[1:00:42] As a young student whose future
[1:00:43] is invested in the well-being
[1:00:43] of the city, I'm concerned
[1:00:45] about how the city and state
[1:00:46] are more or less negligent in
[1:00:48] the management of our
[1:00:49] infrastructure specifically the
[1:00:51] rush of data centers within
[1:00:51] charlotte.
[1:00:51] My greatest concern is the lack
[1:00:54] of a long term vision
[1:00:54] surrounding this newer
[1:00:55] technology.
[1:00:57] Corporate churn such as I have
[1:00:59] done little to motivate profit
[1:01:01] and build a stronger economy or
[1:01:02] help cities like charlotte
[1:01:04] create stable growth.
[1:01:05] >> despite state pressure to
[1:01:07] stop down zoning the city of
[1:01:08] charlotte needs to make an
[1:01:08] effort against ongoing data
[1:01:10] center development.
[1:01:11] The 150 day moratorium has been
[1:01:13] a step in the right direction
[1:01:14] for the city but its effect is
[1:01:16] only momentary.
[1:01:17] The bottom line is that is
[1:01:19] about investment for this city
[1:01:20] by building new data centers to
[1:01:22] support ai.
[1:01:22] We latch ourselves on to this
[1:01:23] failing trend when our spaces
[1:01:25] could be better spent even for
[1:01:25] a commercial space.
[1:01:28] Data centers provide little in
[1:01:29] terms of creating long term
[1:01:31] jobs for the city of charlotte.
[1:01:33] >> the community has repeatedly
[1:01:34] stated that we don't want to
[1:01:36] raise resources on data centers
[1:01:37] many of which are unfinished or
[1:01:38] empty within the us.
[1:01:40] Why should our city follow a
[1:01:41] technological trend that shows
[1:01:43] itself to be completely
[1:01:45] economically viable?
[1:01:46] Commercially zoned spaces need
[1:01:48] to be used for infrastructure
[1:01:48] that will provide material
[1:01:51] benefits to the people and the
[1:01:51] economy of charlotte.
[1:01:53] That's why I'm speaking today
[1:01:54] to urge the city council to do
[1:01:55] everything possible to delay
[1:01:57] and stop the construction of
[1:01:58] data centers in our beautiful
[1:02:00] city.
[1:02:00] >> thank you very much.
[1:02:05] Okay.
[1:02:07] And our next speaker is carson
[1:02:12] cohen of on ten year alice I'm
[1:02:15] sorry.
[1:02:16] Our next speaker is tamara
[1:02:18] alice.
[1:02:21] >> please come in.
[1:02:24] I say take your time and carson
[1:02:25] cove, would you come?
[1:02:27] Carson cohen thank you.
[1:02:30] And I'm telling her to come up
[1:02:35] this year.
[1:02:39] Got six.
[1:02:39] >> good evening.
[1:02:45] My name is tamara elise and
[1:02:45] there's a typo.
[1:02:48] I actually represent district
[1:02:48] one.
[1:02:51] >> oh, thank you.
[1:02:53] Good evening, mayor and city
[1:02:53] council.
[1:02:54] My name is tamara elise.
[1:02:57] A nonprofit business owner,
[1:02:58] artist and advocate of over ten
[1:02:59] years and charlotte native.
[1:03:02] I stand before you tonight not
[1:03:05] only as a resident of district
[1:03:05] one but as a two time survivor
[1:03:07] of suicide loss.
[1:03:09] I'm losing two kings in my life
[1:03:11] my father and my brother.
[1:03:15] JUNE is mental men's mental
[1:03:15] health month and for me this
[1:03:18] month is a reminder that safety
[1:03:21] in our city is not just about
[1:03:21] crime statistics.
[1:03:23] It is about emotional mental
[1:03:23] and environmental well-being of
[1:03:25] our communities.
[1:03:28] >> and I do have to ask once
[1:03:29] again I heard this question
[1:03:32] before is district one being
[1:03:34] forgotten in the midst of all
[1:03:35] this growth when neighborhoods
[1:03:38] are overwhelmed by violence,
[1:03:38] noise instability and constant
[1:03:41] disruption?
[1:03:41] It impacts more than our sense
[1:03:42] of peace.
[1:03:44] It impacts our mental health as
[1:03:44] well.
[1:03:47] Chronic stress becomes a part
[1:03:48] of daily life especially for
[1:03:51] seniors, families and young
[1:03:53] people trying to find stability
[1:03:53] .
[1:03:56] Too often especially men for
[1:03:57] men, mental health struggles go
[1:04:00] unseen until they become
[1:04:00] crisis.
[1:04:02] The environments we live in our
[1:04:03] safety, our peace and our sense
[1:04:06] of stability play a major role
[1:04:07] in that.
[1:04:08] District one is changing
[1:04:11] rapidly but many long life
[1:04:13] residents are feeling forgotten
[1:04:14] .
[1:04:16] In 2024 concerns were raised
[1:04:17] about parking congestion and
[1:04:19] the impact of a new development
[1:04:19] after private streets were
[1:04:20] adapted to support apartment
[1:04:22] growth.
[1:04:23] Today those concerns have grown
[1:04:25] to much deeper issues including
[1:04:27] safety, privacy, loitering,
[1:04:30] overcrowding, increased traffic
[1:04:30] and intentional noise
[1:04:31] disturbances during quiet hours
[1:04:33] especially on weeknights when
[1:04:34] residents have to work, raise
[1:04:36] and care for their families.
[1:04:39] Residents deserve to feel
[1:04:40] secure in their homes to have
[1:04:43] their boundaries respected and
[1:04:45] to step outside without feeling
[1:04:46] unmonitored, crowded and
[1:04:46] displaced.
[1:04:56] >> thank you.
[1:04:59] >> carson thank you.
[1:04:59] >> hey.
[1:04:59] Hey.
[1:05:01] My name is carson cohen.
[1:05:02] I do want to speak about
[1:05:05] senator and worker pay.
[1:05:07] But first merrill's I want to
[1:05:09] thank you for all your service.
[1:05:12] I first became familiar with
[1:05:15] you after george floyd's murder
[1:05:16] and you were out there
[1:05:18] protesting with us.
[1:05:19] You were in the streets.
[1:05:21] And I appreciate that.
[1:05:24] I do want to say the city of
[1:05:26] charlotte posts on their
[1:05:30] website that there's a $24 hour
[1:05:33] minimum wage for the sanitation
[1:05:35] workers.
[1:05:36] This is not the case.
[1:05:38] The ones that are supposed to
[1:05:40] walk 5 to 10 miles per day.
[1:05:43] Repeatedly lift, carry, push
[1:05:44] and pull up to 75 pounds.
[1:05:47] Work outdoors in all weather
[1:05:47] conditions have exposure to
[1:05:50] dust fumes, chemicals uneven
[1:05:51] pavement.
[1:05:53] Loud noise and heavy equipment
[1:05:53] .
[1:05:54] Begin shift at five.
[1:05:57] Begin shift at 6:15 A.M. When
[1:05:59] no set in time.
[1:05:59] Overtime MAY be required which
[1:06:02] implies to me that they're
[1:06:02] working more than 40 hours a
[1:06:04] week.
[1:06:05] So I just ask that those
[1:06:07] sanitation workers in this city
[1:06:08] where we celebrate the life of
[1:06:10] DR. Martin luther king jr who
[1:06:13] passed voting for sanitation
[1:06:16] workers I ask that we please
[1:06:17] look out for those sanitation
[1:06:19] workers and raise the minimum
[1:06:19] wage for them currently.
[1:06:22] It is $16 per hour.
[1:06:25] I again I want to thank you for
[1:06:27] your service.
[1:06:28] I know you did a lot of
[1:06:30] lobbying in raleigh to get the
[1:06:33] pta that's going to provide a
[1:06:35] lot of bus shelters for people
[1:06:38] out here struggling people
[1:06:39] trying to get to work and all
[1:06:39] that.
[1:06:41] So thank you so much.
[1:06:42] >> if we could just give her
[1:06:42] one more round of applause
[1:06:48] please.
[1:06:49] All right.
[1:06:52] Tonight the city council will
[1:06:55] make appointments to the
[1:06:55] planning commission and to the
[1:06:57] mayoral vacancy.
[1:07:01] The council members voted by
[1:07:04] ballot and have submitted their
[1:07:04] ballots to the clerk.
[1:07:07] Any nominee receiving six or
[1:07:10] more votes is automatically
[1:07:13] appointed if no nominee
[1:07:13] received at least six votes.
[1:07:16] A runoff will be necessary and
[1:07:19] council will be asked to vote
[1:07:21] tonight to determine who will
[1:07:22] be appointed to the board.
[1:07:24] All appointments will be
[1:07:25] recorded in the official
[1:07:27] minutes of this meeting.
[1:07:28] MADAM Clerk, could you please
[1:07:31] announce the results?
[1:07:31] No, I don't think we need
[1:07:32] further.
[1:07:34] That's the planning commission
[1:07:35] so we don't want to do that.
[1:07:36] We're going to start planning
[1:07:38] with our planning commission.
[1:07:39] MADAM Mayor and city council
[1:07:41] for the position on the
[1:07:42] planning commission.
[1:07:44] The incumbent will russell has
[1:07:46] been reappointed.
[1:07:47] >> thank you.
[1:07:50] Congratulations.
[1:07:51] >> and will.
[1:08:03] I guess that's all well.
[1:08:03] >> okay.
[1:08:06] All right, guys.
[1:08:11] >> so let's start off with our
[1:08:11] next step.
[1:08:14] MADAM Clerk, do we have any
[1:08:16] speakers signed up to speak on
[1:08:17] item seven appointment to fill
[1:08:19] the mayoral seat vacancy?
[1:08:22] Yes we do.
[1:08:22] >> we have any?
[1:08:22] Yes, ma'am.
[1:08:23] We have approximately 30
[1:08:25] speakers.
[1:08:25] >> rudy how many?
[1:08:26] 30.
[1:08:28] 30 excuse 30 speakers and we
[1:08:31] can speak speaker will have to
[1:08:31] one minute.
[1:08:32] One minute.
[1:08:32] Okay.
[1:08:32] Okay.
[1:08:35] Oh, okay.
[1:08:35] Yes.
[1:08:38] Just get ten people in one
[1:08:39] minute for these.
[1:08:39] One minute please.
[1:08:44] We need something to change
[1:08:49] because when you all ready?
[1:08:49] Ready.
[1:08:53] let's do this garland green.
[1:08:55] Would you would you please come
[1:08:56] down and speak?
[1:08:58] And linda lockman brooks, if
[1:09:00] you would take one of the sides
[1:09:03] and come down and speak if you
[1:09:04] have two minutes.
[1:09:04] >> thank you.
[1:09:05] One minute.
[1:09:06] One minute.
[1:09:06] I'm sorry.
[1:09:08] One minute.
[1:09:10] First of all, mayor lyles, job
[1:09:10] well done.
[1:09:11] Greatly appreciate it.
[1:09:13] Thank you.
[1:09:14] I want to bring two points to
[1:09:16] your consideration.
[1:09:17] I'm going to be real quick and
[1:09:19] to the point on them is we have
[1:09:20] enjoyed tremendous growth and
[1:09:22] prosperity for the last ten
[1:09:24] years in order to continue
[1:09:28] that, in my opinion we need to
[1:09:30] build a bridge to raleigh.
[1:09:34] They are not the enemy.
[1:09:37] They are going through change.
[1:09:37] We're going through change.
[1:09:39] This could be a golden
[1:09:39] opportunity when you're voting
[1:09:42] denial I ask you to consider
[1:09:45] the person that you feel might
[1:09:48] be best to lead this forward.
[1:09:49] Secondly, I want to talk about
[1:09:51] crisis management.
[1:09:52] It was really not talked about
[1:09:56] in the half an hour interviews
[1:10:01] is not 11 people murdered on
[1:10:02] the light rail.
[1:10:04] Things like that happened.
[1:10:07] And so ask yourself who is the
[1:10:10] best candidate to handle crisis
[1:10:13] management?
[1:10:16] Who can pick up the microphone
[1:10:17] at a time of crisis and deliver
[1:10:20] for our city?
[1:10:20] Thank you.
[1:10:20] Thank you very much.
[1:10:23] All right, MS..
[1:10:25] Brooks, good evening.
[1:10:28] >> I'm linda lockman brooks and
[1:10:31] first of all, mayor lyles,
[1:10:31] thank you.
[1:10:32] Thank you for all your years of
[1:10:34] service on council and as mayor
[1:10:36] we appreciate you and look
[1:10:37] forward to what's next.
[1:10:40] I'm a business owner and a
[1:10:40] civic volunteer who's lived in
[1:10:43] charlotte for over 30 years.
[1:10:46] I've known rob harrington for
[1:10:46] over 20 years and have worked
[1:10:49] with him on the board of the
[1:10:51] charlotte-mecklenburg library
[1:10:52] foundation, the
[1:10:54] charlotte-mecklenburg library
[1:10:55] system is focused on access for
[1:11:00] all citizens and really focused
[1:11:01] on access to education,
[1:11:03] workforce development and civic
[1:11:04] resources.
[1:11:07] Since 2019 rob has served as
[1:11:09] co-chair of the common spark
[1:11:12] campaign raising funds for the
[1:11:14] new main library in center city
[1:11:15] which will open to the public
[1:11:17] on MAY 1st, 2027.
[1:11:21] Rob is a leader who bridges my
[1:11:23] colleague just said we were
[1:11:24] concerned about crisis and they
[1:11:26] will come.
[1:11:28] >> rob is calm and a crisis.
[1:11:29] Thank you very much.
[1:11:33] You are okay.
[1:11:37] Our next speaker is justin
[1:11:47] harlow followed by eric norman
[1:11:47] .
[1:11:50] >> this year no one's going to
[1:11:53] change the role to three
[1:11:56] minutes one.
[1:11:58] Reclaiming my time the climate
[1:11:58] .
[1:12:01] >> all right, MR. Manager.
[1:12:02] MR. Tony clark.
[1:12:04] Good to see you all.
[1:12:05] MADAM Mayor, thank you for your
[1:12:07] sacrifice and your leadership.
[1:12:10] Justin harlow who should be the
[1:12:11] next leader?
[1:12:13] Who should be our next mayor?
[1:12:14] i think that next leader is
[1:12:16] carrie raised in charlotte and
[1:12:19] kim's graduate carrie is the
[1:12:19] product that you all said that
[1:12:22] you wanted you wanted a
[1:12:22] partner.
[1:12:22] You wanted someone who cross
[1:12:24] the sectors of nonprofit fit
[1:12:25] private sector and public
[1:12:25] sector.
[1:12:28] She's been that partner for
[1:12:28] you.
[1:12:31] She has championed your bonds,
[1:12:31] your infrastructure.
[1:12:34] She has led workforce
[1:12:34] development programs that have
[1:12:37] created jobs in this community.
[1:12:39] People first lyn's mission is
[1:12:41] where are is someone who does
[1:12:42] the work as you like to say?
[1:12:44] MR. Graham this election
[1:12:47] tonight is more than a name
[1:12:48] with six hands being raised for
[1:12:48] them.
[1:12:50] But it says something about who
[1:12:51] you are as a council, as an
[1:12:54] institution and where you're
[1:12:54] trying to lead this city
[1:12:57] pro-business not enough pro
[1:13:00] community, not too much.
[1:13:00] You've got a decision to make.
[1:13:03] This is about the future of our
[1:13:03] city and it's not just about
[1:13:04] amendment.
[1:13:11] Thank you.
[1:13:11] Our next speaker is frank.
[1:13:14] She's up here, you say there
[1:13:14] you are.
[1:13:15] >> thank you.
[1:13:16] Good evening everyone.
[1:13:17] And we try to give you the high
[1:13:19] speed rail version of my three
[1:13:21] minute speech.
[1:13:21] Thank you.
[1:13:22] Good evening.
[1:13:24] Mayor lyles, members of council
[1:13:24] and city staff.
[1:13:25] My name is eric norman.
[1:13:27] I'm a former small business
[1:13:29] owner in the community.
[1:13:30] i'm an active member of the
[1:13:32] carolina's lgbt community
[1:13:32] carolina chamber of commerce
[1:13:35] and I'm also a resident
[1:13:37] currently unincorporated part
[1:13:38] of district two.
[1:13:39] I watched all five interviews
[1:13:42] last thursday night and to make
[1:13:43] discharge I why you each chose
[1:13:46] to talk to I had a top three a
[1:13:48] carrie cooke state senator
[1:13:51] caleb theo daughtry and mayor
[1:13:53] pro tem james mitchell what I
[1:13:54] do not want to see is calvin
[1:13:57] and carrie being blocked from
[1:14:00] running for a full mayor term
[1:14:00] next election cycle.
[1:14:03] They are our future as the
[1:14:05] transition to new leadership.
[1:14:08] So my choice for everything
[1:14:09] that's going on right now with
[1:14:11] the charlotte business
[1:14:11] inclusion advisory committee
[1:14:14] where I also sit as the
[1:14:17] representative of the lgbt
[1:14:18] chamber of commerce james
[1:14:20] mitchell should be the interim.
[1:14:20] Thank you.
[1:14:28] Thank you and our next speakers
[1:14:29] are vanessa mitchell and
[1:14:39] jasmine allen burnett has never
[1:14:47] now let us know he's getting
[1:14:47] too much.
[1:14:50] We just keep going.
[1:14:57] Yep and that's okay.
[1:15:05] You see we way no you oh my bad
[1:15:05] I thought you are waiting on
[1:15:08] panetta I'm jasmine allen.
[1:15:08] Good evening mayor lyles my
[1:15:11] heart and soul are with you as
[1:15:13] you move forward and I
[1:15:14] appreciate as justin said, your
[1:15:16] sacrifice for this city.
[1:15:17] It's all the better because of
[1:15:19] you.
[1:15:22] I'm honored to speak in support
[1:15:23] of carrie cook for interim
[1:15:25] mayor of charlotte.
[1:15:26] I've had the privilege of
[1:15:28] knowing carrie for more than 15
[1:15:29] years and she and I have become
[1:15:31] close collaborators with her
[1:15:34] launch of her nonprofit empower
[1:15:35] her mit as a volunteer and as a
[1:15:37] parent of a young woman who
[1:15:38] participate in the program.
[1:15:40] But I've witnessed firsthand is
[1:15:41] something our city needs now
[1:15:43] more than ever a leader with
[1:15:45] the evidence base of putting
[1:15:48] charlotte residents first cares
[1:15:48] what I call a leader among
[1:15:51] leaders.
[1:15:52] She doesn't seek the spotlight.
[1:15:54] She creates opportunities for
[1:15:55] others to shine through her
[1:15:57] nonprofit she's helped develop
[1:16:00] and mentor generations of young
[1:16:03] women and girls by building not
[1:16:05] just programs but long lasting
[1:16:06] leadership pipelines and
[1:16:09] inspiration for charlotte's
[1:16:09] youth.
[1:16:11] >> what carrie, thank you very
[1:16:16] much.
[1:16:20] Our next speakers are nicole
[1:16:23] grace renee
[1:16:26] and mindy mitchell
[1:16:56] henson
[1:16:58] .
[1:16:59] >> good evening MAY allow and
[1:17:01] members of city council my name
[1:17:04] is nicole grace formerly known
[1:17:07] as nicole rayner professionally
[1:17:08] I am the PRESIDENT Of the
[1:17:10] charlotte chapter of the
[1:17:11] national association of women
[1:17:13] business owners and I currently
[1:17:15] serve on the charlotte business
[1:17:15] advisory committee.
[1:17:18] I am here today to encourage
[1:17:21] you to appoint mayor pro tem
[1:17:22] james mitchell as charlotte
[1:17:25] vote mayor let me to my support
[1:17:27] is based on voting and
[1:17:28] experience I served on the
[1:17:30] charlotte people.
[1:17:30] It includes an advisory
[1:17:33] committee, a committee james
[1:17:35] helped establish and later
[1:17:36] worked with them through my
[1:17:38] advocacy leadership was never
[1:17:39] silent throughout the years I
[1:17:41] told you to conflict and he
[1:17:43] showed up and he listened and
[1:17:44] worked collaboratively to
[1:17:46] support charlotte community and
[1:17:49] bring people together.
[1:17:50] Charlotte need experience
[1:17:52] leadership I can tap in and
[1:17:54] lead effectively from day one
[1:17:55] based on my experience working
[1:17:57] with him.
[1:17:57] I believe james mitchell had
[1:18:00] the integrity, experience
[1:18:03] commitment not to it continue
[1:18:04] moving our city forward.
[1:18:06] >> thank you very much.
[1:18:07] I respectfully encourage you to
[1:18:09] a point game matter as
[1:18:09] charlotte next mayor thank you
[1:18:11] thank you for your time and
[1:18:14] your service MS. Henson yes my
[1:18:16] name is mindy mills henson and
[1:18:20] I am past PRESIDENT Of nami
[1:18:20] charlotte currently serve at
[1:18:23] the national level for the
[1:18:23] national association of women
[1:18:25] business owners.
[1:18:28] I'm here tonight to throw my
[1:18:29] endorsement for mayor pro tem
[1:18:31] mitchell.
[1:18:33] Oh, I met him 14 years ago as a
[1:18:35] member of neighbors charlotte
[1:18:38] where he was a strong advocate
[1:18:42] on behalf of small businesses.
[1:18:42] 12 years later he is still an
[1:18:44] active part of our
[1:18:45] organization.
[1:18:47] He shows up, he answers the
[1:18:48] phone when we call he gives us
[1:18:50] his cell phone.
[1:18:51] He was there for us when we
[1:18:53] were trying to figure out what
[1:18:54] to do in covid coming out of
[1:18:56] covid informing us always about
[1:18:59] the resources that were
[1:18:59] available through the city of
[1:19:02] charlotte and how we could all
[1:19:03] survive.
[1:19:05] he works faithfully with us and
[1:19:08] is a huge advocate for small
[1:19:08] businesses all in this area not
[1:19:11] just women.
[1:19:11] How different we would be in
[1:19:14] this country if all of our
[1:19:16] leaders had the compassion that
[1:19:17] james mitchell has?
[1:19:22] Thank you.
[1:19:22] All right.
[1:19:24] Our next speakers are rochelle
[1:19:27] ,the gala steward and
[1:19:28] hopefully I'm sorry I'm not
[1:19:30] getting the right part of the
[1:19:30] middle name.
[1:19:33] >> and hannah hazan.
[1:19:36] William, I'm sorry we have
[1:19:38] jasmine right.
[1:19:39] >> good evening, mayor and
[1:19:42] members of the city council.
[1:19:45] My name is rochelle stewart and
[1:19:46] I'm a local business owner and
[1:19:48] immediate past PRESIDENT Of
[1:19:49] nava charlotte.
[1:19:51] The national association of
[1:19:51] women business owners.
[1:19:54] I am here tonight to give full
[1:19:56] support and endorsement to bear
[1:19:57] pro tem that's all.
[1:20:00] As council considers their
[1:20:00] appointment this evening for
[1:20:02] mayor pro tem mitchell has been
[1:20:05] a long standing supporter,
[1:20:08] advocate and champion for women
[1:20:08] business owners in charlotte.
[1:20:11] He has consistently helped
[1:20:14] women to ensure that they have
[1:20:14] a voice, that they have
[1:20:17] visibility and a seat at the
[1:20:17] table.
[1:20:20] Mayor pro tem mitchell has not
[1:20:20] only supported nabil shaath
[1:20:23] charlotte and words but he
[1:20:23] shows up, he shows up for
[1:20:26] meetings, events, listens to
[1:20:28] women business owners needs
[1:20:28] mayor pro tem mitchell
[1:20:32] understands that economic
[1:20:32] development and workforce
[1:20:35] development for all businesses
[1:20:38] large corporations must work
[1:20:38] for established companies.
[1:20:41] Small businesses, women owned
[1:20:43] businesses, minority businesses
[1:20:43] .
[1:20:46] He recognizes that charlotte is
[1:20:46] strongest when opportunity is
[1:20:49] extended across the business
[1:20:49] community.
[1:20:49] >> thank you.
[1:20:50] Thank you.
[1:21:01] Thank you.
[1:21:02] Yes.
[1:21:04] Go right ahead.
[1:21:05] >> good evening.
[1:21:05] I am hannah hassan.
[1:21:08] I have shared community with
[1:21:10] kari cook in many capacities
[1:21:10] through the years and I've
[1:21:13] learned what must most of you
[1:21:14] probably already know about
[1:21:14] her.
[1:21:17] >> kari is an incredibly star.
[1:21:17] But more than that, kari cook
[1:21:20] is a charlotte native who was
[1:21:20] educated in charlotte public
[1:21:21] schools.
[1:21:23] She went to vance high school
[1:21:24] when as a ninth grader she
[1:21:25] helped lead their basketball
[1:21:26] team to a championship they
[1:21:28] nicknamed her the floor general
[1:21:31] because she was able to see the
[1:21:31] court from all the angles.
[1:21:33] She was able to inspire her
[1:21:34] teammates.
[1:21:34] And even though she was an
[1:21:36] unlikely leader, they trusted
[1:21:37] her.
[1:21:37] She trusted them and that is
[1:21:40] how she will show up as mayor a
[1:21:40] floor general to the
[1:21:43] distinguished members of our
[1:21:43] council I invite you to
[1:21:45] envision a beautiful charlotte
[1:21:46] story with me with carrie cook
[1:21:48] as your mayor while working
[1:21:51] alongside you you begin to see
[1:21:52] your vision for the city
[1:21:54] actualize with a mayor who
[1:21:54] isn't afraid of coming into a
[1:21:57] new team and collaborate every
[1:21:58] leading you work together as a
[1:22:00] collective body to continue to
[1:22:00] improve the lives of all
[1:22:03] charlotte teens council I
[1:22:03] challenge you to take a
[1:22:06] courageous step and invest in
[1:22:06] charlotte in a purposeful and
[1:22:09] powerful way.
[1:22:09] >> let's get our general in the
[1:22:14] game terryville and cleveland
[1:22:15] here we has the beautiful
[1:22:16] village here with her today all
[1:22:17] pulling for the man.
[1:22:19] Q thank you.
[1:22:22] Thank you.
[1:22:23] >> thank you very much.
[1:22:27] Now we have MS..
[1:22:28] MS..
[1:22:30] MR. Youngblood.
[1:22:36] MR. Youngblood is that yes.
[1:22:38] I receive an okay.
[1:22:41] Thank you so much.
[1:22:43] I wonder who is sitting next to
[1:22:43] .
[1:22:46] >> good evening MR. Lisle.
[1:22:48] Charlotte city council first of
[1:22:48] all my name is william
[1:22:49] youngblood.
[1:22:51] Thank you for the opportunity
[1:22:52] to share my thoughts and strong
[1:22:54] endorsement my friend robert
[1:22:58] harrington a little background
[1:22:59] my first opportunity to work
[1:23:02] with rob was when we both
[1:23:02] served as trustees at
[1:23:03] friendship missionary baptist
[1:23:04] church here in charlotte at
[1:23:07] this time we also he also
[1:23:07] volunteered volunteered his
[1:23:10] services as the official legal
[1:23:12] counsel to the church volunteer
[1:23:15] and to the board of directors
[1:23:16] for several years I had the
[1:23:18] privilege of serving as the
[1:23:19] church chair of the board of
[1:23:19] directors and worked very
[1:23:21] closely with rob on many issues
[1:23:24] involving members
[1:23:24] incarcerations of this
[1:23:27] environment.
[1:23:27] And so my thoughts when
[1:23:30] preparing these comments it was
[1:23:30] very clear to me that many of
[1:23:33] you don't know me know my past.
[1:23:35] I want to talk about rob's
[1:23:35] passion.
[1:23:36] That's the one message I want
[1:23:36] to get across the board is
[1:23:38] passion.
[1:23:41] His reputation as an honest,
[1:23:41] honest person with great
[1:23:41] character.
[1:23:44] I think characters imperative
[1:23:45] to what we're going through and
[1:23:47] surely need to be have more of
[1:23:47] and be about and that's what
[1:23:50] rob excel thank you.
[1:23:57] >> thank you molly barker they
[1:24:05] are my good evening my name is
[1:24:06] molly barker and I'm the
[1:24:08] founder of girls on the run
[1:24:09] international.
[1:24:10] I started the organization
[1:24:11] right here in charlotte 30
[1:24:13] years ago this year.
[1:24:14] Since then I've had the
[1:24:15] privilege of witnessing
[1:24:17] firsthand and the profound
[1:24:19] impact authentic leadership can
[1:24:20] have on communities across this
[1:24:23] country.
[1:24:23] And because of that I've
[1:24:24] learned to recognize
[1:24:26] transformative leadership when
[1:24:28] I see it several years ago
[1:24:29] kerry cooke invited me to serve
[1:24:31] on a panel for the organization
[1:24:32] and she founded called
[1:24:35] empowerment a nonprofit that
[1:24:36] partners girls in grades six
[1:24:37] through 12 with mentors who
[1:24:39] help them discover their
[1:24:40] strength and leadership
[1:24:40] potential.
[1:24:43] What I witnessed was amazing
[1:24:44] those girls were naturally
[1:24:46] drawn to carry.
[1:24:46] They trusted her.
[1:24:47] they knew they mattered and her
[1:24:50] presence and as someone who has
[1:24:51] spent much of my life around
[1:24:52] young people, I can tell you
[1:24:55] this kids know they know real
[1:24:58] when they encounter it.
[1:24:58] Over the years I've seen her
[1:25:00] authentic spirit show up
[1:25:01] everywhere.
[1:25:01] She brings the same thing to
[1:25:03] every room she enters light
[1:25:06] optimism, gritty
[1:25:07] resourcefulness and the deep
[1:25:09] desire to make positive change.
[1:25:10] >> thank you.
[1:25:14] Thank you very much.
[1:25:17] All right.
[1:25:18] The next speaker is chelsea
[1:25:21] evans.
[1:25:21] >> oh, cool.
[1:25:23] Cool.
[1:25:27] >> followed by melinda there
[1:25:30] don mcvey, the faded voter.
[1:25:35] Thank you, peyton.
[1:25:35] >> good evening.
[1:25:35] I'm chelsea evans.
[1:25:37] Okay.
[1:25:38] Do I come before you today to
[1:25:41] voice my support for selecting
[1:25:43] rob harrington as interim mayor
[1:25:44] met rob bell ten years ago when
[1:25:46] I was an intern at robinson
[1:25:47] bradshaw during that summer I
[1:25:49] learned that rob was not just
[1:25:50] an excellent and accomplished
[1:25:52] lawyer he was also deeply
[1:25:53] involved in the charlotte
[1:25:55] community through board service
[1:25:55] and pro bono work.
[1:25:56] Rob was not involved just for
[1:25:58] the sake of adding activities
[1:25:59] to his resume.
[1:26:00] He was truly invested in
[1:26:01] charlotte and wanted to do his
[1:26:04] part to make the city a great
[1:26:04] place where all people can
[1:26:04] thrive.
[1:26:07] >> I was struck by his genuine
[1:26:07] commitment and viewed his
[1:26:10] career as the blueprint for
[1:26:10] what a lawyer should be a
[1:26:12] champion of and an advocate for
[1:26:12] your community.
[1:26:15] Once I joined the firm as an
[1:26:16] associate robin green to me
[1:26:16] that it's not enough to be
[1:26:18] dedicated entirely to my legal
[1:26:19] career.
[1:26:20] He implored me to not lose
[1:26:21] sight of the calling while
[1:26:24] focusing on the career he
[1:26:25] reminded me that as lawyers we
[1:26:25] have a moral and professional
[1:26:28] obligation to serve our
[1:26:28] communities.
[1:26:29] He exhibits all of the
[1:26:31] qualities I will make an
[1:26:31] effective and excellent and are
[1:26:32] a mayor.
[1:26:34] He's level headed, dedicated
[1:26:34] and hardworking.
[1:26:36] He's warm, he's genuine.
[1:26:37] He's truly a connector who
[1:26:37] seeks to bring people together
[1:26:39] in a way where everyone feels
[1:26:42] seen and heard while also
[1:26:42] making a decision.
[1:26:43] >> thank you.
[1:26:45] Thank you.
[1:26:45] Yeah.
[1:26:57] And so you see south she speaks
[1:26:58] the lender.
[1:26:58] Thank you.
[1:27:11] I know the steps are really my
[1:27:12] name is rolling to me vaden and
[1:27:17] as you can tell novo is really
[1:27:20] behind MR. Mitchell we've had
[1:27:22] some really great experiences
[1:27:23] and I will tell you this he's
[1:27:26] been involved in bigger
[1:27:26] developments, large
[1:27:27] developments in charlotte.
[1:27:29] He's been involved in small
[1:27:29] developments.
[1:27:29] He is always there for the
[1:27:31] small business person.
[1:27:32] He's been a champion of women.
[1:27:34] He showed us things we didn't
[1:27:35] even know we could do.
[1:27:37] He showed us opportunities that
[1:27:38] we didn't know we could have.
[1:27:40] He partnered with charlotte
[1:27:43] some years ago with an
[1:27:43] initiative that we had called
[1:27:45] power players designed to
[1:27:48] really show small and when I
[1:27:50] say small I mean small business
[1:27:51] owners business owners like me
[1:27:54] who are solopreneur as business
[1:27:56] owners who maybe have 10 or 15
[1:27:59] employees, how to be considered
[1:28:03] by the city to do business with
[1:28:04] the city which is an avenue
[1:28:05] that many of us don't even
[1:28:06] think is available to us.
[1:28:08] It doesn't matter is all
[1:28:11] inclusive for all businesses
[1:28:13] but particularly minorities.
[1:28:19] >> thank you.
[1:28:22] Our next speaker is sam spencer
[1:28:24] and their new val voltaire's.
[1:28:27] Hey everybody sam spencer proud
[1:28:28] district one resident hope you
[1:28:30] all are doing well tonight.
[1:28:31] I want to talk to you tonight
[1:28:33] about lightning strikes.
[1:28:34] The next mayor, whoever they
[1:28:36] are in this room, you know
[1:28:37] there's going be a lot of
[1:28:39] things that happen in our city
[1:28:40] and some of them are going to
[1:28:42] feel like lightning strikes
[1:28:42] things that come out of
[1:28:46] nowhere, events that get a
[1:28:46] disproportionate amount of the
[1:28:49] city and our community's
[1:28:50] attention but are really rare
[1:28:52] things that don't happen that
[1:28:54] often including of course
[1:28:55] mayoral vacancies.
[1:28:58] So whoever is mayor next, I
[1:28:58] really want to implore you to
[1:29:00] work with the council to think
[1:29:01] about the persistent problems
[1:29:03] the structural issues, the
[1:29:06] things that are truly wrong in
[1:29:07] our community things like make
[1:29:09] fence all talked about because
[1:29:11] you know we can't be losing 40,
[1:29:13] 50, 60 people to motor vehicle
[1:29:16] accidents every year.
[1:29:18] So instead I want you to change
[1:29:19] your frame of reference instead
[1:29:21] of thinking about the problems
[1:29:22] .
[1:29:22] Think about what treveon
[1:29:25] shorter's calls as a framing.
[1:29:25] Think about the assets, the
[1:29:27] things in charlotte that we
[1:29:28] want to support, the things
[1:29:29] that we want to champion and
[1:29:30] celebrate and I hope you put
[1:29:33] all of your effort behind them.
[1:29:33] >> thank you very much.
[1:29:35] Thank you very much.
[1:29:39] Our next speaker is ben lou bud
[1:29:43] valadares and followed by al
[1:29:57] austin allen and one of my
[1:30:00] first steps I feel like I'm
[1:30:02] down here a lot.
[1:30:06] >> good evening mayor lives we
[1:30:08] love you mayor pro tem mitchell
[1:30:09] .
[1:30:09] We're so proud of you.
[1:30:09] Thank you.
[1:30:12] Members of council I'm al lost
[1:30:13] and former charlotte city
[1:30:14] COUNCILMAN Again let me thank
[1:30:15] all of you for your service to
[1:30:17] the city of charlotte.
[1:30:20] I'm here to support mayor
[1:30:21] pro-tem james mitchell for the
[1:30:22] interim mayor.
[1:30:26] James brings 25 years of
[1:30:29] elected official experi since
[1:30:30] you elected him to be your
[1:30:32] mayor pro tem.
[1:30:33] He has deep institutional
[1:30:35] knowledge of our city
[1:30:35] government and the challenges
[1:30:38] and opportunities ahead.
[1:30:39] James has built strong
[1:30:41] relationships across
[1:30:41] neighborhoods, businesses,
[1:30:44] nonprofit and other elected
[1:30:44] bodies.
[1:30:47] James has served as PRESIDENT
[1:30:47] Of the national league of
[1:30:50] cities which elevated charlotte
[1:30:52] on a national stage most
[1:30:53] importantly, james can step
[1:30:55] into this role on day one
[1:30:56] without a learning curve.
[1:30:58] Please vote for james smudgy we
[1:31:01] are proud of you brother.
[1:31:06] >> keep pushing.
[1:31:06] >> all right.
[1:31:09] Is antoine dennard in the
[1:31:10] building?
[1:31:12] Is he is there?
[1:31:12] Okay.
[1:31:18] Would you please come down and
[1:31:22] step you and stephanie joyner
[1:31:23] are you as well prepared to
[1:31:28] come down, MISS Joyner?
[1:31:31] There we go.
[1:31:31] Thank you.
[1:31:33] All right.
[1:31:36] >> MR. Dennard yes.
[1:31:36] Thank you, mayor and council.
[1:31:38] Good evening.
[1:31:40] As the 2026 board chair for
[1:31:43] living in and also a partner
[1:31:46] with you to help the residents
[1:31:46] of brookdale still in their
[1:31:46] homes.
[1:31:50] I'm here to support karen cook
[1:31:50] .
[1:31:51] For 17 years I have watched
[1:31:54] kerry no matter the status or
[1:31:56] background provide a level of
[1:31:58] passion and enthusiasm while
[1:31:59] meeting, greeting and working
[1:32:02] with everyone and truly trying
[1:32:04] to find problem solving
[1:32:07] solutions to help everyone for
[1:32:08] example through the green light
[1:32:11] fund she led an investment an
[1:32:14] initiative to help residents of
[1:32:17] and living in find jobs and
[1:32:17] opportunities.
[1:32:20] And so I please ask you to
[1:32:20] consider kerry cooke as our
[1:32:22] next ed romero.
[1:32:28] >> thank you.
[1:32:35] >> chris joyner good evening,
[1:32:38] MADAM Mayor and members of
[1:32:38] council.
[1:32:40] My name is stephanie joyner and
[1:32:41] I'm here to bring the joy
[1:32:41] tonight.
[1:32:44] But I'm a business owner,
[1:32:44] minority and small business
[1:32:47] advocate and community leader.
[1:32:49] I'm here to advocate for mayor
[1:32:52] pro tem james mitchell.
[1:32:54] I have known james for over 18
[1:32:56] years and james has always
[1:32:57] demonstrated unwavering
[1:33:00] commitment to our city.
[1:33:00] He understands the current
[1:33:03] issues we face, the processes
[1:33:05] that drive our governance and
[1:33:06] the key players involved no
[1:33:08] learning curve he often makes
[1:33:12] difficult decisions that MAY
[1:33:15] not always be popular yet he
[1:33:15] remains steadfast in his
[1:33:17] commitment to what is best for
[1:33:17] our community.
[1:33:20] I have personally experienced
[1:33:20] his dedication whether it was
[1:33:23] the establishment of the
[1:33:24] charlotte business inclusion
[1:33:25] advisory committee supported
[1:33:28] workforce development and also
[1:33:29] served as a panelist for the
[1:33:30] metro line for minority
[1:33:32] contract is association.
[1:33:35] James has been there every step
[1:33:35] of the way so I would like to
[1:33:38] say he is a leader who is
[1:33:41] proven passionate and prepared.
[1:33:41] >> thank you.
[1:33:43] Thank you.
[1:33:45] All right.
[1:33:48] Cherry's blackmon and matty
[1:33:52] marshall.
[1:33:53] Yes.
[1:33:53] Yes.
[1:33:55] For this man there's matty.
[1:33:55] Okay.
[1:33:55] Yeah.
[1:34:15] So you join us.
[1:34:18] Good evening.
[1:34:18] I'm sure he's blackmon, the
[1:34:20] executive director of the west
[1:34:21] side community land trust and I
[1:34:24] am here today because I believe
[1:34:24] carrie cooke is uniquely
[1:34:27] qualified to serve as our
[1:34:27] interim mayor.
[1:34:30] Many of you already know carrie
[1:34:32] as a strategic leader with a
[1:34:33] proven track record across
[1:34:34] several of charlotte's priority
[1:34:35] areas.
[1:34:38] But what makes carrie truly
[1:34:38] special is that she is both a
[1:34:41] visionary leader and a neighbor
[1:34:41] next door.
[1:34:44] She understands policy systems
[1:34:47] and governance yet remains
[1:34:47] deeply connected to the
[1:34:50] everyday experiences of the
[1:34:50] people.
[1:34:52] In particular, I want to speak
[1:34:53] to carrie's long standing
[1:34:56] commitment to the creation and
[1:34:57] preservation of affordable
[1:34:57] housing.
[1:34:59] Long before housing became a
[1:35:02] headline issue, carrie was
[1:35:02] doing the work she had to
[1:35:04] advise neighborhood leaders on
[1:35:05] noah preservation efforts
[1:35:08] advocated for charlotte's
[1:35:08] housing trust fund and served
[1:35:10] on the city's affordable
[1:35:10] housing committee.
[1:35:13] She has convened faith leaders
[1:35:14] partnered with nonprofits like
[1:35:16] the westside community land
[1:35:17] trust and I personally believe
[1:35:19] her to be the ideal choice to
[1:35:19] serve as interim mayor.
[1:35:21] Thank you.
[1:35:25] Thank you.
[1:35:27] >> marshall yes, good evening,
[1:35:28] mayor last.
[1:35:30] And I want to say thank you for
[1:35:32] all your years of service and
[1:35:35] your service as a mayor of the
[1:35:36] great city of charlotte, north
[1:35:39] carolina.
[1:35:41] >> I want to start off by
[1:35:42] thanking also the council
[1:35:46] members here and the staff
[1:35:49] because you all are so part of
[1:35:50] uplifting all humanity with
[1:35:52] dignity and respect.
[1:35:55] And we greatly appreciate you.
[1:35:58] I watch you all every monday
[1:36:01] committee meetings and cell
[1:36:01] phone.
[1:36:02] So I'm up on what you've been
[1:36:04] doing and what you have
[1:36:06] accomplished.
[1:36:07] And I think with three city
[1:36:09] council members on board you've
[1:36:12] done tremendous work but you
[1:36:13] don't often give yourself
[1:36:15] credit enough for that.
[1:36:18] Now you've taken about four our
[1:36:20] mayor pro tem which I strongly
[1:36:23] encourage you to continue that
[1:36:23] vote.
[1:36:28] James margie mitchell as the
[1:36:31] next interim mayor I wouldn't
[1:36:44] MISS You in experience address
[1:36:44] .
[1:36:47] >> thank you.
[1:36:50] >> we needed a little bit of
[1:36:50] that magic.
[1:36:50] >> thank you.
[1:36:51] It was appropriate.
[1:36:52] Thank you.
[1:36:52] All right.
[1:36:55] Our next speaker is gina
[1:37:00] esquivel and tanya archer is a
[1:37:08] labor partner.
[1:37:08] >> please.
[1:37:08] Thank you.
[1:37:11] I'm here.
[1:37:11] >> tanya thanks.
[1:37:12] MISS MAY feel you're doing a
[1:37:14] great job.
[1:37:22] I'm trying to help you on all
[1:37:22] mare council members.
[1:37:25] I have the same mayor lyles.
[1:37:27] I grew up watching your leads.
[1:37:28] Thank you so much for your
[1:37:28] service.
[1:37:30] I'm here to support rob
[1:37:31] herrington.
[1:37:33] My name is gina esquivel, long
[1:37:33] term community advocate and
[1:37:36] business owner.
[1:37:36] I know rob herrington since
[1:37:39] back in the 2000s as a recent
[1:37:39] immigrant.
[1:37:42] I look up to those showing up
[1:37:44] for community in a genuine way
[1:37:45] someone who didn't seek
[1:37:47] political game power or even
[1:37:48] visibility.
[1:37:50] I've seen MR. Hiring to move
[1:37:52] through this community quietly
[1:37:53] get intentional in where and
[1:37:56] how they show up, how he shows
[1:37:56] up.
[1:37:59] Rob can litigate anything and
[1:38:02] we know charlotte needs a
[1:38:05] strong negotiator in terms of
[1:38:08] his car city or challenge we
[1:38:09] need someone steady who keeps
[1:38:11] charlotte authentic person
[1:38:11] alive.
[1:38:11] That's why I support rob
[1:38:14] harrington.
[1:38:14] >> thank you.
[1:38:16] Thank you, daniel.
[1:38:17] Thank you.
[1:38:19] Please.
[1:38:20] >> good evening.
[1:38:22] Mayor lyles and city council.
[1:38:22] I'm a practicing attorney here
[1:38:25] in charlotte and a proud member
[1:38:25] of the mecklenburg bar
[1:38:25] association.
[1:38:28] My name is tonya archer and
[1:38:31] I've worked tirelessly with rob
[1:38:31] harrington over many years on
[1:38:33] committees and boards.
[1:38:34] Rob rob MAY be a newer face to
[1:38:36] this arena.
[1:38:36] He's not new to the charlotte
[1:38:37] and legal communities.
[1:38:39] You've now heard him speak
[1:38:39] passionately about resolving
[1:38:42] the affordable housing, public
[1:38:42] safety and transportation
[1:38:43] issues currently facing our
[1:38:45] city.
[1:38:45] You've seen a slice of his
[1:38:48] ability to manage a meeting and
[1:38:48] to resolve contention through
[1:38:50] his brand of objective, calm
[1:38:51] and transparent leadership.
[1:38:54] As an attorney and a community
[1:38:54] member, he simultaneously holds
[1:38:57] roles in corporate law,
[1:38:57] nonprofit boards and civic
[1:39:00] institutions, reflects deep
[1:39:00] cross-sector engagement.
[1:39:03] In fact, many of our region's
[1:39:03] best civic leaders have served
[1:39:06] as leaders within the local bar
[1:39:06] association including district
[1:39:08] attorney spencer merriweather,
[1:39:11] shirley fulton, aretha blake,
[1:39:11] tayari baker.
[1:39:11] Tony lathrop.
[1:39:12] Mel watt.
[1:39:14] Frank emery, diane bailey and
[1:39:14] long time assistant city
[1:39:17] attorney for the city thomas
[1:39:17] powers.
[1:39:19] Rob harrington stands among
[1:39:19] these named leaders.
[1:39:20] And what sets him apart is that
[1:39:22] his role the extension of his
[1:39:25] long history of community
[1:39:25] engagement they support rob
[1:39:28] harrington, thank you.
[1:39:36] >> thank you, chair marcia
[1:39:59] barnes to tanya adams advance.
[1:40:01] Thank you.
[1:40:07] A good evening.
[1:40:07] Hello.
[1:40:08] My name is marcia barnes.
[1:40:10] When I think about what makes
[1:40:11] someone effective in public
[1:40:13] leadership it comes down to two
[1:40:14] things a servant's heart and
[1:40:16] the ability to get results.
[1:40:18] Kerry cook has consistently
[1:40:19] demonstrated both.
[1:40:19] For more than two decades kerry
[1:40:22] has invested in charlotte by
[1:40:22] bringing together businesses,
[1:40:25] non-profits, educators, elected
[1:40:27] officials and community leaders
[1:40:28] to solve complex challenges.
[1:40:31] She has been a strong advocate
[1:40:32] for housing, economic
[1:40:34] development, public safety and
[1:40:35] transportation issues that are
[1:40:37] critical to our city's future.
[1:40:38] Many here can agree that this
[1:40:40] is kerry's calling through
[1:40:40] empowerment.
[1:40:42] She has helped more young women
[1:40:43] ,more young women and girls
[1:40:45] build leadership skills,
[1:40:46] confidence and opportunity.
[1:40:48] As former executive director of
[1:40:49] greenlight fund charlotte, she
[1:40:51] identified community needs and
[1:40:52] brought proven solutions to
[1:40:54] support children and families.
[1:40:57] Most importantly, kerry has
[1:40:58] shown up for this community
[1:41:00] long before seeking any title.
[1:41:00] She leads with humility,
[1:41:03] integrity, compassion and
[1:41:03] competence.
[1:41:06] That combination is rare and is
[1:41:08] why I strongly support kerry
[1:41:08] cook for mayor pro tem.
[1:41:09] >> thank you for your time.
[1:41:16] Q.
[1:41:17] >> good evening.
[1:41:19] Good evening.
[1:41:20] Greetings.
[1:41:20] I'm titania adams.
[1:41:22] I'm the executive director and
[1:41:23] founder of the historic west
[1:41:23] ham partners.
[1:41:26] But not only that, I'm a native
[1:41:27] charlotte teen 62 years and 11
[1:41:32] months I want to raise here.
[1:41:34] >> I'm mayor pro tem mitchell
[1:41:35] at charlotte rec recreation
[1:41:38] center playing and laid on it
[1:41:40] in the pews the eastern wall
[1:41:41] church he served the community
[1:41:44] then he served the church then
[1:41:46] and he you've heard all these
[1:41:49] wonderful things about his body
[1:41:49] of work where he's been
[1:41:52] involved, how he's been
[1:41:52] involved.
[1:41:53] >> here's what you haven't
[1:41:53] heard.
[1:41:55] He is truly a servant leader
[1:41:55] because even when going through
[1:41:58] personal difficulties, whether
[1:42:00] it was raising two beautiful
[1:42:00] girls which you did a great job
[1:42:03] with the blessings going
[1:42:06] through the marriage trials
[1:42:06] that we've all gone through and
[1:42:09] even losing your mother and
[1:42:09] then going through your own
[1:42:12] health battle with cancer which
[1:42:13] I've been through and I know
[1:42:15] what it's like to work when you
[1:42:16] flat on your back and you going
[1:42:18] through chemo and you would
[1:42:19] rather almost be dead and go
[1:42:21] through it.
[1:42:22] >> you did it with grace and
[1:42:23] style.
[1:42:24] I represent mayor pro tem and
[1:42:26] if you will not bring him in
[1:42:28] the in kirkuk is it she's the
[1:42:43] future is that that that was
[1:42:45] the phrase is you don't get a
[1:42:46] double dip I don't think you
[1:42:48] hear all right you know she's a
[1:42:51] rock star grandma so let's go
[1:42:54] with S.Y. Mason watson and
[1:42:56] carlos davis.
[1:43:12] >> davis and carlos miller and
[1:43:25] you know when you let me yeah.
[1:43:27] >> good evening, MADAM Mayor
[1:43:28] and charlotte city council
[1:43:33] members I am S.Y. Mason watson
[1:43:33] and on behalf of the
[1:43:36] african-american caucus of the
[1:43:37] mecklenburg county democratic
[1:43:39] party I stand before you as
[1:43:41] PRESIDENT At this auspicious
[1:43:42] organization.
[1:43:45] We are keenly aware of the
[1:43:47] concerns in the community
[1:43:50] regarding our mayor pro tem
[1:43:52] recent controversial vote and
[1:43:56] early concerns regarding our g
[1:43:56] league.
[1:43:58] >> however, this is a crucial
[1:44:00] time for the city of charlotte
[1:44:01] and all of us who call the
[1:44:03] queen city home who work here
[1:44:06] raise families here, build
[1:44:07] businesses here, become
[1:44:09] educated here, who vote here
[1:44:12] and engage in the political
[1:44:12] process.
[1:44:15] we need continuity of
[1:44:16] leadership and the assurance
[1:44:18] that our city will prosper from
[1:44:18] a mayor that will work to
[1:44:20] promote what is best for her
[1:44:21] citizens.
[1:44:24] We submit there is only one
[1:44:24] applicant who is best suited to
[1:44:26] seamlessly assume the office of
[1:44:29] the mayor of charlotte and work
[1:44:32] that is mayor pro tem james
[1:44:32] mitchell and thank you MADAM
[1:44:33] Mayor for your service.
[1:44:35] Thank you.
[1:44:38] All right.
[1:44:38] >> hi, mayor.
[1:44:38] Hi.
[1:44:41] How are you doing?
[1:44:41] What's going on?
[1:44:41] Everything.
[1:44:43] Announcer how y'all doing?
[1:44:44] >> can you do me a favor?
[1:44:47] I want you to repeat after me.
[1:44:47] Accessibility, accessibility
[1:44:49] and opportunity.
[1:44:52] Opportunity that is what mayor
[1:44:55] pro tem james mitchell has done
[1:44:58] for me as a minority small
[1:44:59] business owner and done for
[1:45:01] many people in this community.
[1:45:02] He's made himself accessible
[1:45:05] not only to me as a business
[1:45:06] owner and giving me and many
[1:45:09] others opportunities but even
[1:45:10] more importantly accessibility
[1:45:13] to him as a lot of you all on
[1:45:15] this council have done for me
[1:45:19] he's also done so I implore all
[1:45:19] of you all as he has done that
[1:45:22] for me please remember that as
[1:45:24] he sits side by side with you
[1:45:27] all and hopefully work together
[1:45:27] with you all as the interim
[1:45:28] mayor.
[1:45:30] >> thank you.
[1:45:33] >> thank you.
[1:45:34] Our next speaker is
[1:45:36] commissioner ferris followed by
[1:45:54] marisa kumar.
[1:45:56] >> mm hmm.
[1:45:57] she was in the business
[1:45:59] committee with her?
[1:45:59] Yes.
[1:45:59] This what about me?
[1:46:02] Marissa?
[1:46:02] >> good evening.
[1:46:05] Mayor allows council members my
[1:46:07] name is commissioner ferris,
[1:46:08] owner of anointed flooring in
[1:46:09] charlotte.
[1:46:12] We've b in business over 20
[1:46:12] years and serve the southeast.
[1:46:14] I'm speaking today in support
[1:46:18] of mayor pro tem mitchell who
[1:46:19] has supported my business for
[1:46:21] over 11 years.
[1:46:24] >> years ago a contractor used
[1:46:26] our company's credentials for
[1:46:27] an award of a project but
[1:46:30] refused to hire us.
[1:46:31] When I brought this to mayor
[1:46:33] pro tem mitchell he picked up
[1:46:33] the phone, called the
[1:46:36] construction of the director of
[1:46:38] construction of then charlotte
[1:46:39] housing authority which is now
[1:46:42] olympia.
[1:46:42] And he got it resolved.
[1:46:44] He didn't listen.
[1:46:46] >> he took action.
[1:46:47] Beyond that, he's consistently
[1:46:50] connected me to valuable
[1:46:52] resources and given solid
[1:46:53] business advice.
[1:46:56] This kind of advocacy is needed
[1:46:58] in the small business community
[1:46:58] .
[1:47:01] >> I encourage the council to
[1:47:02] engage more deeply in the
[1:47:05] community and of of all
[1:47:05] communities because we're
[1:47:08] serving the people.
[1:47:10] >> thank you.
[1:47:13] Hi.
[1:47:14] >> good evening.
[1:47:16] Thank you, mayor mayor lyles
[1:47:18] for your service and to the
[1:47:19] council members for your time
[1:47:19] today.
[1:47:21] My name is morris kumar.
[1:47:22] i'm a past chair of the city of
[1:47:24] charlotte business advisory
[1:47:25] committee and a former
[1:47:27] PRESIDENT Of noble.
[1:47:29] I work alongside business
[1:47:30] owners, executives,
[1:47:30] entrepreneurs and community
[1:47:33] leaders in our city.
[1:47:35] A decade ago charlotte was
[1:47:37] listed 50th in economic
[1:47:40] mobility and more recently that
[1:47:42] ranking has risen to 38.
[1:47:44] Small businesses account for
[1:47:47] 50% of jobs in america.
[1:47:48] And a recent small business
[1:47:51] data audit and intelligence
[1:47:51] report for charlotte showed the
[1:47:54] bank that small businesses in
[1:47:57] charlotte with fewer than 500
[1:47:59] employees account for 680,000
[1:48:04] jobs 680,000 jobs.
[1:48:06] Strengthening the bridge
[1:48:07] between the city and these
[1:48:09] small businesses is critical to
[1:48:12] improve workforce opportunities
[1:48:15] and economic and social
[1:48:15] development.
[1:48:18] >> I support mayor pro tem
[1:48:21] mitchell because he's special.
[1:48:23] He's accessible and will focus
[1:48:24] only on this because he's not
[1:48:26] standing for mayor afterwards.
[1:48:26] >> thank you.
[1:48:27] Thank you.
[1:48:29] All right.
[1:48:31] Our next speakers are tammy
[1:48:37] nichols and and jeff and sara
[1:48:40] lee.
[1:48:52] This is hello mayor city
[1:48:52] council.
[1:48:55] My name is tammy nichols and I
[1:48:56] have a question.
[1:48:58] Do you think your skills on
[1:48:59] city council will make you a
[1:49:01] better mayor than an outsider
[1:49:04] with your relationships with
[1:49:05] staff working relationship with
[1:49:07] the city manager and the city
[1:49:07] attorney?
[1:49:10] What about council priorities
[1:49:10] that you created?
[1:49:12] Who would know that better than
[1:49:13] you?
[1:49:16] I could go on and on.
[1:49:16] But that's why I'm supporting
[1:49:18] mayor pro tem james mitchell
[1:49:21] because when you vote for james
[1:49:21] you're not just voting for the
[1:49:24] next mayor but you're voting
[1:49:24] for you.
[1:49:27] Thank you.
[1:49:29] Thank you.
[1:49:30] All right.
[1:49:30] Thank you.
[1:49:32] Please.
[1:49:33] >> good evening.
[1:49:36] Mayor lyles and members of the
[1:49:36] city council.
[1:49:38] My name is charlotte slate and
[1:49:41] I am a new resident to
[1:49:42] charlotte.
[1:49:45] It did not take me long to know
[1:49:47] james mitchell.
[1:49:51] I have witnessed the impact of
[1:49:51] his leadership through the
[1:49:53] people and organizations that
[1:49:55] he supports.
[1:49:59] My daughter nicole grace has
[1:50:00] served on both the charlotte
[1:50:02] business inclusion advisory
[1:50:05] committee as well as the
[1:50:07] leadership with elbow.
[1:50:12] >> one thing became clear james
[1:50:13] mitchell is the leader who
[1:50:18] consistently shows up, listens
[1:50:21] and supports the people working
[1:50:21] to strengthen this city.
[1:50:27] Later shep is measured not only
[1:50:28] by what you accomplish but by
[1:50:33] trust and respect you earn from
[1:50:33] others.
[1:50:36] James mitchell has earned that
[1:50:36] trust.
[1:50:41] Thank you.
[1:50:43] Thank.
[1:50:49] Thank you so much, soledad.
[1:50:52] Thanks so.
[1:50:52] >> MADAM Clerk.
[1:50:55] We are now going to receive an
[1:50:57] overview and entered in
[1:50:58] instructions of our ballot
[1:51:01] process from our city attorney.
[1:51:03] I'm going to turn it over to
[1:51:06] our city attorney as well where
[1:51:09] thank you, MADAM Mayor, and
[1:51:09] thank you for your incredible
[1:51:12] service to our community
[1:51:12] council.
[1:51:15] The following five candidates
[1:51:15] have been nominated for the
[1:51:18] office of mayor and have been
[1:51:20] included in the ballot before
[1:51:21] you.
[1:51:23] Those names are as follows
[1:51:28] carol cogdill harry cook,
[1:51:30] robert harrington james
[1:51:33] mitchell jr and caleb.
[1:51:35] >> the address.
[1:51:40] The first candidate to receive
[1:51:42] six council member votes will
[1:51:46] be eligible for appointment by
[1:51:50] this council if no candidate
[1:51:50] reaches six votes on the first
[1:51:51] ballot.
[1:51:53] The two highest vote getters
[1:51:56] will proceed to a second ballot
[1:51:59] and all others will be
[1:52:01] eliminated.
[1:52:04] If there is a tie for the
[1:52:04] second highest voter vote
[1:52:09] getter each of those tied for
[1:52:09] second place will participate
[1:52:12] in a runoff to determine who
[1:52:14] will complete against the
[1:52:17] highest vote getter.
[1:52:20] If necessary, all votes
[1:52:20] following the second ballot
[1:52:25] will be conducted by ballot.
[1:52:27] At this time in accordance with
[1:52:32] ncg s 168 dash 63 the council
[1:52:35] will now vote to select the
[1:52:35] next mayor by appointment.
[1:52:40] At this time please mark your
[1:52:42] ballot for one candidate.
[1:52:44] After making your selection
[1:52:45] please sign your ballot and
[1:52:48] place it in the envelope and
[1:52:50] hand it to the clerk.
[1:52:51] As times will come across
[1:52:54] around the dais starting with
[1:52:59] council member johnson, it
[1:53:02] should be noted starting with
[1:53:02] council member johnson.
[1:53:05] Moving across the dais council
[1:53:07] MAY proceed with the remainder
[1:53:10] of its business while the
[1:53:12] clerk's office tallies the vote
[1:53:13] .
[1:53:18] Thank you.
[1:53:22] Number eight.
[1:53:24] >> okay.
[1:53:25] We're going to allow this to be
[1:53:28] the part of our process and
[1:53:31] what we're doing and so I'm
[1:53:32] pretty much see the clerk is
[1:53:34] handling this and providing it
[1:53:36] for further action.
[1:53:37] >> so it's just for
[1:53:40] clarification.
[1:53:40] The attorney did just note we
[1:53:42] can continue so that means we
[1:53:43] can go to number eight which is
[1:53:45] the public hearing correct?
[1:53:45] >> correct.
[1:53:46] Thank you.
[1:53:51] Okay.
[1:53:54] Do you want go to the public
[1:53:59] hearing just.
[1:53:59] I'm just trying to figure out
[1:54:01] MISS MAY feel are you
[1:54:02] suggesting that we continue to
[1:54:05] open the public hearing on the
[1:54:07] dilworth methodist church so
[1:54:09] that south historic landmark
[1:54:13] designation and then we'll just
[1:54:14] keep going?
[1:54:14] Yeah.
[1:54:16] You know if the court finish
[1:54:18] all that up so the did everyone
[1:54:21] understand and so we're now
[1:54:24] open to open the public hearing
[1:54:24] .
[1:54:25] Do I have a motion hearing,
[1:54:27] second motion and a second all
[1:54:30] in favor to speak?
[1:54:32] We do that then we can have one
[1:54:33] speaker we have one speaker and
[1:54:35] speaker that we did not get to.
[1:54:35] Sorry.
[1:54:40] Is this jeff hernando?
[1:54:41] >> there you are.
[1:54:48] Thank you so MR..
[1:54:55] MR. Warren here for.
[1:54:57] >> hello, city council.
[1:55:01] So awesome to be here with you
[1:55:01] on this historic night and now
[1:55:04] we get to talk about a historic
[1:55:04] building.
[1:55:06] I am the owner of lydia hall
[1:55:12] and on cleveland llc thank you
[1:55:13] for considering the designation
[1:55:15] of the de worth methodist
[1:55:16] methodist church south as a
[1:55:18] local historic landmark.
[1:55:20] Jamie and I have always
[1:55:21] believed that our buildings
[1:55:21] tell a story and create a
[1:55:24] unique sense of place.
[1:55:24] They can be challenging to
[1:55:26] preserve but they are also
[1:55:27] incredibly rewarding.
[1:55:29] We are honored to serve as
[1:55:30] stewards of the doors methodist
[1:55:32] church the oldest church
[1:55:34] building in dilworth and a
[1:55:35] cherished part of this
[1:55:37] community's fabric for more
[1:55:37] than 110 years.
[1:55:40] Our hope is that this building
[1:55:40] continues to stand as an iconic
[1:55:43] gateway into historic dover
[1:55:45] from the rapidly growing south
[1:55:46] end.
[1:55:46] More importantly, we want it to
[1:55:49] remain a gathering place and an
[1:55:50] anchor for the community for
[1:55:52] generations to come.
[1:55:52] As charlotte continues to grow
[1:55:55] and the historian neri pace
[1:55:58] preserving places like this
[1:55:58] becomes even more important.
[1:56:01] These storied landmark oaks
[1:56:01] remind us where we came from.
[1:56:04] Connect us to our shared
[1:56:04] history and help make charlotte
[1:56:05] the special city.
[1:56:07] It is today.
[1:56:07] Thank you for your
[1:56:09] consideration and for helping
[1:56:10] preserve this important piece
[1:56:10] of charlotte's heritage.
[1:56:12] >> thank you.
[1:56:15] >> thank you very much.
[1:56:18] So circuit and then a section.
[1:56:18] We have a motion already made.
[1:56:21] I'm sorry I couldn't hear you.
[1:56:21] >> I want to make.
[1:56:23] We have a motion to close
[1:56:24] public hearing in a second.
[1:56:26] All right.
[1:56:27] >> the motion.
[1:56:29] We had a motion and a second.
[1:56:29] We had a speaker.
[1:56:32] Now it is if there is any
[1:56:32] discussion.
[1:56:33] Is there any discussion?
[1:56:35] MISS Mayfield?
[1:56:35] >> thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:56:40] So this is a consistent concern
[1:56:40] .
[1:56:42] The fact that we have a this
[1:56:43] along with two other hearings
[1:56:49] tonight along with the adoption
[1:56:52] versus utilize in the process
[1:56:52] where we have the public
[1:56:54] hearing and then at the next
[1:56:57] meeting is when we have
[1:56:58] decision I think is concerning
[1:57:02] whether it's this designation
[1:57:03] or the other two when we have
[1:57:05] both items on the same agenda.
[1:57:07] I have already mentioned this
[1:57:10] once that does not create the
[1:57:14] space for community engagement
[1:57:14] to have a hearing on the same
[1:57:17] evening as a decision versus
[1:57:20] the public hearing be in a
[1:57:23] separate decision like we do
[1:57:26] with our zoning where we have a
[1:57:27] hearing and later will have the
[1:57:27] decision.
[1:57:29] I am not going to be supporting
[1:57:32] this but we need to have a real
[1:57:32] conversation about what they
[1:57:34] are presenting to us.
[1:57:37] Any discussion where we are
[1:57:39] having a public hearing and a
[1:57:40] decision on it on the same
[1:57:42] evening in the same agenda
[1:57:43] item.
[1:57:43] >> thank you.
[1:57:46] All right.
[1:57:46] You've heard the comments of
[1:57:46] MS..
[1:57:47] Mayfield.
[1:57:49] I want to warn of MADAM Mayor.
[1:57:50] I don't want to interrupt.
[1:57:50] I see councilmember johnson's
[1:57:51] hand is up but I did confer
[1:57:52] with the attorney and we need
[1:57:54] to close the hearing and make a
[1:57:54] motion before we can have
[1:57:56] discussion on the particular
[1:57:57] item.
[1:57:57] >> okay.
[1:58:00] All right, MADAM.
[1:58:03] >> so you had a motion in a
[1:58:03] second?
[1:58:03] Yeah.
[1:58:05] So now moving to discussion.
[1:58:05] >> all right.
[1:58:08] So our next step on this one
[1:58:12] would be a vote the vote
[1:58:14] because where are we discussing
[1:58:17] this misquote?
[1:58:17] >> I think I'm sorry.
[1:58:18] The motion was to clear our
[1:58:20] hand up and I'm not sure what
[1:58:22] for the vote to close it though
[1:58:23] because there's a does johnson
[1:58:25] did you have thought you and
[1:58:26] I'm waiting for the attorney to
[1:58:26] sit here in city and make a
[1:58:28] motion for action and then the
[1:58:32] discussion follows that motion
[1:58:35] and it could go.
[1:58:35] >> yes, I'm going to vote on
[1:58:37] the motion to close because it
[1:58:40] allows the public hearing the
[1:58:41] motion in a second vote on the
[1:58:43] close of public hearing.
[1:58:43] >> okay.
[1:58:46] So we already have first and
[1:58:46] second.
[1:58:48] >> I'm trying to listen but
[1:58:49] that I hear more the more
[1:58:54] voices than I have ears out
[1:58:55] there with a motion and a
[1:58:56] second to close the public
[1:58:56] hearing.
[1:58:58] could we vote on that so that
[1:58:59] the public public hearing is
[1:59:02] officially closed?
[1:59:02] >> right.
[1:59:02] Okay.
[1:59:04] MS..
[1:59:07] MS. Mayor, were you.
[1:59:07] Okay.
[1:59:10] So so those have the vote on
[1:59:10] this like all in favor.
[1:59:12] In favor of the motion please
[1:59:15] raise your hand and want not
[1:59:15] opposing.
[1:59:18] Okay.
[1:59:18] >> okay.
[1:59:18] All right.
[1:59:21] And now with that MS. Motion
[1:59:21] MADAM Mayor, our discussion
[1:59:23] about the hearing before the
[1:59:26] approval but city attorney I
[1:59:27] need to make a motion or
[1:59:29] someone needs to make a motion
[1:59:32] to adopt the ordinance.
[1:59:32] Correct?
[1:59:32] Yes.
[1:59:35] So I make a motion for part b
[1:59:37] of agenda item number eight to
[1:59:39] adopt the ordinance with an
[1:59:41] effective date of JUNE 22nd
[1:59:41] 2012 six.
[1:59:43] All right.
[1:59:46] You've heard the motion is
[1:59:47] there any discussion?
[1:59:50] That's james johnson.
[1:59:50] Thank you.
[1:59:51] I wanted to follow up with the
[1:59:53] city manager for regarding what
[1:59:56] councilmember mayfield for the
[1:59:57] concern she shared.
[1:59:59] She did share that last month.
[2:00:02] I would agree with that that is
[2:00:02] our practice, our common
[2:00:04] practice with all other
[2:00:04] motions.
[2:00:05] >> so can you speak to that?
[2:00:07] Sure.
[2:00:08] Thank you, councilmember
[2:00:08] johnson.
[2:00:10] So my understanding is that
[2:00:12] this way historically the city
[2:00:13] has handled these public
[2:00:16] hearings with exception of
[2:00:16] during covid.
[2:00:18] So the governor at that time
[2:00:21] provided the opportunity for
[2:00:24] jurisdictions to do exactly
[2:00:25] what councilmember mayfield is
[2:00:30] saying after that was lifted.
[2:00:31] We just went back to the
[2:00:33] previous process.
[2:00:34] But if it's the will of this
[2:00:34] council to do something
[2:00:36] differently, you can do
[2:00:39] something differently.
[2:00:42] It's a motion.
[2:00:42] Okay.
[2:00:46] So I mean you in I mean I would
[2:00:48] think when you say this is the
[2:00:48] way we handle it you just mean
[2:00:50] these property decisions
[2:00:53] because other hearings if we
[2:00:56] have a hearing on the business
[2:00:56] agenda again with the exception
[2:00:59] of covid, this is the way that
[2:01:01] we've handled these particular
[2:01:01] hearings.
[2:01:06] But again, if the council would
[2:01:06] like to have a two step
[2:01:07] process, that's something that
[2:01:08] the council can do.
[2:01:08] Okay.
[2:01:11] Thank you.
[2:01:11] >> all right.
[2:01:14] Is there any further discussion
[2:01:14] on this item then?
[2:01:18] I mean I can I make a motion to
[2:01:19] defer this one until next.
[2:01:22] Well, no, we SEPTEMBER is all
[2:01:24] rights for SEPTEMBER.
[2:01:26] We deferred the decision
[2:01:27] tonight then it will be the
[2:01:28] next business meeting would be
[2:01:30] SEPTEMBER, AUGUST, AUGUST as we
[2:01:33] often do we have a motion we
[2:01:35] don't know.
[2:01:38] Okay I mean I'll make the
[2:01:39] motion if I get a second I
[2:01:41] guess second yeah I'd like to
[2:01:42] make a motion to defer to
[2:01:44] AUGUST before the side until
[2:01:46] the decision.
[2:01:46] The decision?
[2:01:47] Yes.
[2:01:49] So we've got several more that
[2:01:49] are pretty much the same kind
[2:01:51] of caliber of what they're
[2:01:57] doing and I wonder if we could
[2:02:00] do them in a way that all of
[2:02:00] them are done and inclusive but
[2:02:03] okay so then a motion to defer
[2:02:05] all of the decisions and until
[2:02:10] AUGUST mare when married yes I
[2:02:13] would like us we don't I would
[2:02:14] like us to have a process
[2:02:16] moving forward so we're not
[2:02:18] just picking one item at a time
[2:02:21] or two items randomly so if we
[2:02:22] can refer this to the committee
[2:02:24] where we come up with a process
[2:02:24] and if if it's the council's
[2:02:27] will to have a hearing and
[2:02:30] decision a month apart, we can
[2:02:31] do that.
[2:02:31] I just don't feel comfortable
[2:02:34] doing it sort of on the fly
[2:02:36] because I do not know how this
[2:02:37] would impact some of the
[2:02:39] projects that are especially
[2:02:39] historic landmark designation
[2:02:42] because time is money that's
[2:02:42] fair.
[2:02:45] >> so if you're okay with the
[2:02:45] friendly amendment to move this
[2:02:47] to the b any committee for a
[2:02:50] process so that we have
[2:02:52] consistency moving forward?
[2:02:53] >> yeah I accept it.
[2:02:55] It's just that council member
[2:02:56] mayfield has shared that
[2:02:58] concern consistently and I'd
[2:02:59] like to know that council's
[2:03:02] concerns are being addressed.
[2:03:04] So I do I will accept that
[2:03:04] amendment.
[2:03:05] >> thank you.
[2:03:06] Second all right, so then what
[2:03:08] happens?
[2:03:09] >> what's happened?
[2:03:11] So that was a friendly
[2:03:12] amendment to the substitute
[2:03:15] motion which was to defer there
[2:03:15] was a motion to defer and there
[2:03:17] was an amendment so vote on the
[2:03:21] motion to defer it or scuse me
[2:03:21] motion to send it to bcr for
[2:03:24] further study so that that's
[2:03:25] the first motion on the floor.
[2:03:26] Is there a second for that?
[2:03:27] I did seconded.
[2:03:27] Okay.
[2:03:28] All right.
[2:03:29] >> so but on that the center
[2:03:31] I'm sorry I just want to make
[2:03:32] sure I'm very clear I hear the
[2:03:34] committee referral this
[2:03:34] specific item though it's
[2:03:36] deferred this specific item and
[2:03:40] refer the broader issue to
[2:03:40] committee or no no.
[2:03:41] >> what is the broader issue
[2:03:43] now just the broader broader
[2:03:43] issue the vote today and we can
[2:03:45] move forward on this item?
[2:03:47] >> yeah, that's okay.
[2:03:48] >> okay.
[2:03:51] Motion in the second is time to
[2:03:51] vote.
[2:03:53] Okay on to river right will
[2:03:54] call for the vote for the next
[2:03:58] this before we can send it to
[2:03:59] legal to the dilworth methodist
[2:04:01] church so historic landmark
[2:04:04] designation all in favor please
[2:04:05] raise your hand MADAM Mayor are
[2:04:07] you disappointed information at
[2:04:10] this point of information we
[2:04:13] have a an amendment an amended
[2:04:16] vote to send this this
[2:04:16] particular issue that MS..
[2:04:18] Mayo's brought up numerous
[2:04:21] times of having both a and b
[2:04:24] the hearing and the vote sent
[2:04:24] to bgea.
[2:04:25] That's what we're voting on now
[2:04:27] not item number eight.
[2:04:29] That's right.
[2:04:31] So you do have a first motion
[2:04:34] and a second so we can vote to
[2:04:36] send this to btr right now.
[2:04:37] >> so you call for the vote.
[2:04:41] well I did but it's not do you
[2:04:42] want to vote so I did.
[2:04:45] So do you all in favor anyone
[2:04:47] opposed?
[2:04:47] All right.
[2:04:50] Thank you very much.
[2:04:53] >> we do have so now we're back
[2:04:56] MADAM Mayor to the my original
[2:04:59] motion which was to move to
[2:05:03] adopt and I agenda item number
[2:05:04] eight part b and it was
[2:05:06] properly seconded right so
[2:05:07] we've done and if you look at
[2:05:09] the rest of your agenda there
[2:05:11] are some others that are doing
[2:05:12] a budget ordinance for general
[2:05:15] funds and others but we're
[2:05:16] going to pass that until you
[2:05:18] have a new process right step
[2:05:21] one and we can vote on agenda
[2:05:21] item.
[2:05:21] >> all right.
[2:05:24] So the next item let's go to
[2:05:26] item number 8 to 88.
[2:05:30] >> we still won't be and b we
[2:05:31] will now move to the business
[2:05:34] agenda for I'm sorry 13 is
[2:05:37] there motion meeting 80 8dbdb
[2:05:40] yes just be you have your
[2:05:42] motion you have a motion and a
[2:05:44] second you see the motion in a
[2:05:44] second.
[2:05:44] All in favor.
[2:05:47] All in favor of apprenticeship
[2:05:49] building grant program.
[2:05:50] All right.
[2:05:50] Okay.
[2:05:53] Any opposed and I want to pose
[2:05:58] here in no opposition and
[2:05:58] opposes so we will go to the
[2:06:01] next house that we're having
[2:06:04] the ford house as a historic
[2:06:07] landmark any issues or
[2:06:07] questions with us more to close
[2:06:10] the public hearing if there are
[2:06:12] no speakers, MADAM Clerk
[2:06:12] second, if you have a motion to
[2:06:15] close open and close the public
[2:06:17] hearing and if there was
[2:06:20] discussion it will next call
[2:06:22] and evaluate all in favor favor
[2:06:25] raise your hand.
[2:06:25] Anyone oppose MS. Mayfield
[2:06:28] thank you MS..
[2:06:29] >> mcphail I was raising my
[2:06:31] hand in support of closing in
[2:06:34] closing this one, the original
[2:06:35] question of closing the hearing
[2:06:37] is unanimous.
[2:06:38] Okay, I gotcha.
[2:06:43] I will make up their motion to
[2:06:45] okay move to adopt adopt b
[2:06:51] which is to approve seconded.
[2:06:51] All right.
[2:06:52] And it is going to have a
[2:06:54] motion and okay.
[2:06:57] All in favor raise your hands.
[2:07:00] Anyone oppose this mayfield so
[2:07:03] that committee okay.
[2:07:05] >> all right.
[2:07:08] So I'm able to conduct a public
[2:07:10] hearing for a number of
[2:07:11] counties.
[2:07:11] >> there are no public
[2:07:13] speakers, MADAM Clerk MADAM
[2:07:16] Clerk how far away along on the
[2:07:19] tally or do we have time to
[2:07:19] talk more about you have time
[2:07:22] to if you want to finish these
[2:07:24] hearings then we can make a
[2:07:28] motion to close the hearing.
[2:07:30] We had most of the motion.
[2:07:33] >> we have a motion motion in a
[2:07:33] second.
[2:07:35] A second already is when we're
[2:07:37] not hearing on this and when
[2:07:38] y'all the motion so there was a
[2:07:40] motion to open and close the
[2:07:40] public hearing.
[2:07:41] It was second here and now
[2:07:43] MADAM Mayor, I believe you're
[2:07:45] going to call for a vote or yes
[2:07:48] on the speaker at the motion to
[2:07:49] a public hearing to adopt an
[2:07:51] annexation ordinance with
[2:07:55] effective date of JUNE 22nd
[2:07:55] 2026 to extend the corporate
[2:07:58] limits to include this property
[2:07:59] and assign it to the city
[2:08:01] district council district five
[2:08:01] all in favor to open and close
[2:08:04] the public hearing right there
[2:08:05] is already a motion in a second
[2:08:07] and one opposed to closing the
[2:08:07] public hearing.
[2:08:08] All right.
[2:08:09] Thank you very much.
[2:08:12] >> so yeah, moved to adopt b to
[2:08:13] approve.
[2:08:15] >> all right.
[2:08:17] We've just got a second to
[2:08:20] adopt in the ten b any
[2:08:20] questions or comments any
[2:08:25] opposition hearing all in favor
[2:08:25] .
[2:08:28] >> all in favor any opposed you
[2:08:28] want to post mayfield okay.
[2:08:30] >> thank you.
[2:08:31] >> all right.
[2:08:31] All right.
[2:08:31] All right.
[2:08:34] So let's go back to the clerk
[2:08:36] and see where we are.
[2:08:48] >> we just got to going to give
[2:08:51] that have all right.
[2:08:54] So we have a package that was
[2:08:55] just sent to me and I've just
[2:08:58] open it up and it reads no one
[2:08:59] received six votes.
[2:09:01] Turn this over now to our city
[2:09:04] attorney for the next steps at
[2:09:05] this time, counsel, you will
[2:09:08] you will receive a another
[2:09:08] ballot.
[2:09:11] You will once again need to
[2:09:13] select one candidate for this
[2:09:16] runoff ballot and the names on
[2:09:18] the runoff ballot are the names
[2:09:21] are kerry cook and robert
[2:09:39] harrington.
[2:09:46] All right.
[2:09:49] So let me let me let me be
[2:09:52] clear.
[2:09:53] I'm sorry.
[2:09:55] So no one received six I want
[2:09:55] to read the tally out.
[2:09:56] >> okay?
[2:09:56] Okay.
[2:09:57] Oh, we got to do that before we
[2:09:58] move forward.
[2:10:00] so I was okay.
[2:10:04] Harold cogdill received two
[2:10:04] votes.
[2:10:09] Harry cook received three
[2:10:09] votes.
[2:10:12] Robert harrington received four
[2:10:12] votes.
[2:10:17] James mitchell received two
[2:10:17] votes.
[2:10:17] >> so you're to highest vote
[2:10:21] getters are robert harrington
[2:10:23] with four, kerry cook with
[2:10:24] three.
[2:10:26] Neither of them received six
[2:10:29] votes so hits council voting
[2:10:31] again to determine the highest
[2:10:32] vote getter someone will need
[2:10:34] to reach six in order to be
[2:10:37] appointed that clear is man
[2:10:40] thank you.
[2:10:46] Please select one name one name
[2:10:49] and community members to do
[2:10:49] once you've selected your
[2:10:53] candidate you can proceed with
[2:10:55] the remainder of your business
[2:11:12] while we tally all of the she
[2:11:19] gives me statements she makes
[2:11:25] these I like to turn to as it
[2:11:28] yeah she just sitting and she
[2:11:31] tried to he said she doesn't oh
[2:11:31] she said you don't have my
[2:11:33] feelings I have to do it with
[2:11:37] retirees I mean does she I mean
[2:11:39] she's since my field has her
[2:11:39] ballot she's already marked it.
[2:11:42] Let's see the market.
[2:11:43] >> she has a submitted term.
[2:11:44] It is she has to submit that.
[2:11:51] So when she left the dice she
[2:11:54] signed it.
[2:12:00] So this is if you don't have
[2:12:00] those killed.
[2:12:00] All right.
[2:12:07] Let's take a major speaking the
[2:12:25] pollution control division.
[2:12:38] You can continue to MADAM
[2:12:38] Mayor, if it's council's
[2:12:41] pleasure, you can proceed with
[2:12:42] the remainder of your business
[2:12:46] until the tally the fatality.
[2:12:46] >> so what's happening?
[2:12:49] All right, let's go to item 12
[2:12:51] palette real red light camera
[2:12:54] program and ordinance revision
[2:12:54] .
[2:12:55] Our next policy item is for
[2:13:00] this item and for item 12 do I
[2:13:03] have a motion to adopt a adopt
[2:13:06] a resolution and approving
[2:13:06] safety committee's
[2:13:09] recommendation to implement a
[2:13:13] pallet automated red light
[2:13:15] running enforcement program for
[2:13:16] period of one year and a b to
[2:13:18] adopt an ordinance approving
[2:13:23] those amendments to chapter 14
[2:13:23] article four of the city code.
[2:13:26] >> so I and b secondly I have a
[2:13:29] motion for both a and b.
[2:13:32] Any other comments or questions
[2:13:35] on this and thank you, MADAM
[2:13:35] Mayor.
[2:13:37] >> thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:13:38] I just want to first of
[2:13:40] foremost thank the members of
[2:13:41] my committee of the safety
[2:13:44] committee which are see them as
[2:13:46] mirror of myself.
[2:13:50] I see a metro l c m graham and
[2:13:53] c m driggs and we worked pretty
[2:13:56] arduously on that on this
[2:13:59] particular line item given our
[2:14:01] vision zero goals and some of
[2:14:01] the comments that you heard
[2:14:03] from the public around the
[2:14:06] injuries and unfortunately
[2:14:07] deaths as it relates to the hit
[2:14:09] killer accidents and so we've
[2:14:12] we've done great research with
[2:14:14] our peer cities both here in
[2:14:15] the great state of north
[2:14:18] carolina but also throughout
[2:14:18] the country.
[2:14:20] And we landed on this pilot
[2:14:23] program that will attack our
[2:14:25] our highest our highest ten
[2:14:25] intersections that
[2:14:28] unfortunately we have these
[2:14:29] accidents and so we feel very
[2:14:31] good about the program and we
[2:14:34] also are as we stand up this
[2:14:36] program we're also standing up
[2:14:39] a data driven perspective so
[2:14:39] we'll get constant updates as
[2:14:42] it relates to the accidents,
[2:14:44] the potential reductions in
[2:14:45] other things that we can
[2:14:47] potentially tweak as we go
[2:14:48] through this 12 month pilot.
[2:14:51] So like to thank my committee
[2:14:53] for their great work on this
[2:14:54] and hopefully the council will
[2:14:56] support so we can advance
[2:14:59] something that is a very strong
[2:15:00] issue within our city.
[2:15:00] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:15:02] All right.
[2:15:02] Thank you.
[2:15:05] Our next business is about time
[2:15:08] travel and oh, we have to vote
[2:15:08] on this.
[2:15:10] Yes.
[2:15:11] >> I think is so popular I
[2:15:13] thought voting was like I
[2:15:14] didn't think anyone was going
[2:15:17] to be opposed but I me try.
[2:15:17] All right.
[2:15:19] Let's a yes.
[2:15:20] >> we have a motion on the
[2:15:21] floor.
[2:15:22] Okay.
[2:15:22] And we have a second all in
[2:15:28] favor anyone oppose MS.
[2:15:28] Johnson?
[2:15:29] >> did you have your.
[2:15:29] I did.
[2:15:30] I'm in favor.
[2:15:31] Thank you so much.
[2:15:31] Okay.
[2:15:34] So now the next item is item b
[2:15:37] adopt a budget ordinance of I'm
[2:15:40] sorry we're now going to move
[2:15:42] into the business section of
[2:15:42] our agenda for item 13.
[2:15:45] Is there a motion to accept a
[2:15:47] grant in the amount of $12,000
[2:15:50] from apprenticeship and see nor
[2:15:52] and nor in the north carolina
[2:15:53] community college system for
[2:15:55] solid waste services,
[2:15:58] apprenticeships and that's item
[2:16:01] a and item b is adopt a budget
[2:16:03] ordinance appropriating $12,000
[2:16:05] to the general grants fund move
[2:16:08] to approve a and b a motion for
[2:16:11] a and b is there any discussion
[2:16:11] all right.
[2:16:14] If not, we will go on to okay.
[2:16:17] >> all in favor could I could
[2:16:19] come in motion all in favor.
[2:16:20] Not a motion.
[2:16:22] I'm sorry I was just going to
[2:16:22] make a quick comment.
[2:16:25] Can I before we vote I thank
[2:16:26] you.
[2:16:28] >> I just want it to give a
[2:16:31] huge shout out to MR. Rotten.
[2:16:34] James and I had the ability and
[2:16:34] the pleasure to go out and
[2:16:37] spend time with our solid waste
[2:16:40] workers last week and they
[2:16:42] presented me with their
[2:16:45] strategies, their areas of
[2:16:46] opportunity where they need
[2:16:48] funding as well as how they
[2:16:51] actually support and undergird
[2:16:54] their employees from having a
[2:16:55] food bank right there on the
[2:16:57] premises to workers receiving
[2:17:00] their ged and being ushered
[2:17:01] through programs and other
[2:17:03] opportunities.
[2:17:05] And so they really lean in and
[2:17:08] rodney does a fantastic job
[2:17:08] next year around this time
[2:17:11] hopefully a month prior to we
[2:17:14] will lean into them and as it
[2:17:16] relates to budget opportunities
[2:17:17] because throughout the city of
[2:17:20] charlotte with nearly a million
[2:17:22] people they only have 12 street
[2:17:25] sweepers and I don't know about
[2:17:26] some of the district reps but
[2:17:28] I'm constantly getting requests
[2:17:28] from the neighborhoods asking
[2:17:31] why are the streets swept more
[2:17:34] frequently with 12th street
[2:17:37] sweepers they can only hit one
[2:17:37] area on an annual basis just
[2:17:41] based on our footprint and so
[2:17:42] they have some other needs as
[2:17:43] it relates to trucks and
[2:17:46] technology fees and things of
[2:17:46] that nature.
[2:17:48] But just wanted to give a shout
[2:17:48] out to a great leader.
[2:17:51] They're really leaning into his
[2:17:51] employees.
[2:17:52] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:17:52] Okay.
[2:17:54] Thank you.
[2:17:54] I'm sure they will appreciate
[2:17:56] that.
[2:17:57] >> all right.
[2:17:59] So item oh if we voted on this
[2:18:02] one, leave let's go ahead and
[2:18:03] say all right, I'll favor all
[2:18:08] in favor and one opposed so
[2:18:10] anyone not oppose.
[2:18:12] >> all right so our next
[2:18:13] business item is for an initial
[2:18:16] findings of resolution of 2026
[2:18:18] storm water construction period
[2:18:20] financing for item 14.
[2:18:23] Is there a motion to adopt an
[2:18:25] initiative an initial finding
[2:18:28] resolution that makes certain
[2:18:29] statements of fact concerning
[2:18:31] the storm water construction
[2:18:35] period financing and adopt a, b
[2:18:37] and c second motion for a, b
[2:18:39] and c any discussion hearing
[2:18:43] none all in favor anyone
[2:18:43] opposed?
[2:18:45] So we will go to that.
[2:18:46] The next one is our general
[2:18:48] obligation refunding bonds the
[2:18:51] next business items is for that
[2:18:53] and it's for item 15 is there a
[2:18:56] motion now that MAY move
[2:18:58] approve a 12 second we have a
[2:18:59] motion of approval from a
[2:19:02] through f any discussion?
[2:19:03] All right.
[2:19:05] Pursuant to general statute 168
[2:19:06] us 70 5ai must recuse myself
[2:19:08] from this vote.
[2:19:09] I couldn't hear what you said.
[2:19:11] It seems to yeah recusal cuz
[2:19:14] myself or so are yourself.
[2:19:14] thank you.
[2:19:15] I was like why would anybody
[2:19:17] accuse me right now?
[2:19:17] >> yeah what's the point?
[2:19:20] So yes we're going to have have
[2:19:23] a motion to approve of victoria
[2:19:26] watlington so all in favor?
[2:19:29] >> oh no motion necessary.
[2:19:30] No motion necessary is recusal
[2:19:31] cuz.
[2:19:31] >> oh you're going to recuse
[2:19:32] yourself.
[2:19:32] Thank you.
[2:19:34] All right let's go that the
[2:19:36] next item so thank you.
[2:19:37] >> that's the vote on the next
[2:19:39] item I mean the item that we
[2:19:40] have the item paper out the
[2:19:45] well here we go a through if
[2:19:45] that's all we go on all of
[2:19:48] ready for that.
[2:19:48] So anyone have proposed a
[2:19:51] through any a favor all in
[2:19:51] favor.
[2:19:53] All in favor.
[2:19:56] >> okay yes all right the next
[2:19:56] busineneness idea is for the
[2:19:59] general obligation bond fund
[2:20:01] referendum for item 16.
[2:20:02] Is there a motion to introduce
[2:20:04] such of the three bond orders
[2:20:07] required for a general
[2:20:07] obligation bond referendum
[2:20:12] which includes $280 million of
[2:20:15] transportation bonds, $20
[2:20:15] million of neighborhood
[2:20:19] improvement bonds and 125
[2:20:22] million of housing bonds do we
[2:20:25] have a motion to approve a and
[2:20:26] b so I have a motion for a and
[2:20:28] b is there anyone that has as
[2:20:32] it was discussion or not MS.
[2:20:34] Watlington or to one 6870 5
[2:20:35] A.M. Recuse myself from this
[2:20:35] vote.
[2:20:38] All right there's a recusal
[2:20:40] with MS. Watlington anything
[2:20:40] else anyone else you were
[2:20:43] prepared to vote?
[2:20:45] All in favor raise your hand.
[2:20:48] i think this is probably one of
[2:20:50] the things easy is and this
[2:20:50] who's opposed?
[2:20:52] No one is of course one
[2:20:52] opposed.
[2:20:55] >> so I don't have any opposed.
[2:20:57] Okay.
[2:20:58] >> the next item is university
[2:21:00] city municipal service district
[2:21:00] boundary expansion the next
[2:21:03] business item is for that
[2:21:06] university city boundary
[2:21:06] expansion for item 17 is there
[2:21:10] their motion for approval?
[2:21:10] >> so I'm I'm a johnson second
[2:21:12] second I have a motion and a
[2:21:13] second.
[2:21:17] Is there any further discussion
[2:21:18] hearing none all in favor of
[2:21:21] the motion anyone oppose that
[2:21:24] hearing?
[2:21:25] >> all right 18 the next item
[2:21:26] is to accept habitat for
[2:21:27] humanity funding for the
[2:21:29] robinson church road widening
[2:21:31] project for item 18.
[2:21:32] Is there a motion to authorize
[2:21:34] the manager as designee to
[2:21:37] accept a contribution amount of
[2:21:40] $52,000 from habitat for
[2:21:40] humanity for the charlotte
[2:21:43] region for the approval and the
[2:21:46] same thing we have a motion for
[2:21:48] a and b second and a second all
[2:21:51] in favor please let me know
[2:21:53] anyone opposed?
[2:21:54] All right.
[2:21:56] The next item in business and a
[2:21:57] local agreement with the town
[2:21:58] of mid hill for construction of
[2:21:59] water and sewer infrastructure.
[2:22:02] The next item is an in a local
[2:22:02] agreement.
[2:22:03] Is there any questions
[2:22:05] concerning this item?
[2:22:06] >> to adopt a resolution
[2:22:09] authorizing the city manager to
[2:22:11] negotiate security in local
[2:22:11] gaming with the town of M.L.
[2:22:12] For construction a sanitary
[2:22:15] sewer lines and a water storage
[2:22:15] second?
[2:22:15] >> all right.
[2:22:18] We have a motion and a second
[2:22:20] is there any further discussion
[2:22:20] ?
[2:22:21] There are none.
[2:22:23] All in favor please raise your
[2:22:25] hand and then one opposed.
[2:22:27] Staff and are you okay?
[2:22:28] Thank you.
[2:22:30] The next item is 20 is an
[2:22:31] amendment to the amended
[2:22:33] restated lease for the bank of
[2:22:34] america stadium move for
[2:22:36] approval.
[2:22:37] >> we have a second and a
[2:22:37] second.
[2:22:39] Is there any further
[2:22:39] discussion?
[2:22:39] MS..
[2:22:44] MISS Mayfield.
[2:22:45] >> thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:22:47] So as was mentioned to us when
[2:22:48] this was presented when this
[2:22:50] conversation was first
[2:22:53] presented to council, they
[2:22:59] initial understanding was that
[2:23:02] chapter sports was going to be
[2:23:05] purchasing this land we had
[2:23:05] some changes.
[2:23:08] The land was then conveyed over
[2:23:10] to the city of charlotte.
[2:23:11] To me once that conveyance
[2:23:14] happened that was a no
[2:23:14] conversation.
[2:23:18] The challenge I have of which
[2:23:19] one I am not supporting this
[2:23:22] because there is no additional
[2:23:24] community benefit in this is
[2:23:26] for an additional venue space
[2:23:30] that's going to be around 40
[2:23:33] 400ft seating we have numerous
[2:23:33] venue spaces around the city
[2:23:36] but when we look at uptown
[2:23:39] whether or not we can of which
[2:23:41] are as deeper a conversation
[2:23:45] leader of our attorney think of
[2:23:48] orlando studios I think the
[2:23:49] fact that florida residents get
[2:23:51] a discount at orlando studios
[2:23:55] and or disney for us to approve
[2:23:57] yet another project where we
[2:24:00] are basically leasing this out
[2:24:01] for a dollar for them to build
[2:24:05] on without any clear community
[2:24:08] benefits meaning we have
[2:24:09] concerts and we have local
[2:24:12] event space.
[2:24:14] We have a big event that's
[2:24:16] coming in a couple of months if
[2:24:19] this space was already built
[2:24:23] but think of other concerts or
[2:24:24] events that MAY be coming to
[2:24:26] the city the fact that there
[2:24:29] was no negotiation to identify
[2:24:29] the community benefit I have a
[2:24:33] concern about we already have a
[2:24:36] 30 plus year commitment with
[2:24:37] this particular partner.
[2:24:40] Any opportunity that we have to
[2:24:43] at least have a conversation of
[2:24:43] how this benefits our local
[2:24:44] community.
[2:24:46] I think we should take from the
[2:24:47] very beginning and it shouldn't
[2:24:48] be an afterthought.
[2:24:51] So I do have concerns of us
[2:24:56] allocating this corner of land
[2:24:57] without there being a very
[2:25:00] clear community benefit.
[2:25:00] >> thank you.
[2:25:02] Thank you.
[2:25:05] I feel all right, MR. Graham
[2:25:06] and MISS I'm sorry MISS
[2:25:08] Kimberly was next if MR. Going
[2:25:10] that's why thank you so I was
[2:25:11] just going to speak briefly in
[2:25:14] favor of the amendment I, I
[2:25:16] appreciate councilmember
[2:25:16] mayfield's concerns.
[2:25:19] I do not share those concerns
[2:25:20] and I wonder if MR. Heath would
[2:25:22] you step to the podium and
[2:25:22] maybe help us address or is
[2:25:24] there someone better suited so
[2:25:25] well good.
[2:25:28] Can I I just I had a quick
[2:25:30] quote I had understood from MR.
[2:25:31] Heath the negotiated benefits
[2:25:33] had come up front in the
[2:25:34] original lease and if I speak
[2:25:36] an untruth and please someone
[2:25:39] clarify it so for me to reopen
[2:25:40] it over this small section of
[2:25:43] land is in my estimation bad
[2:25:45] faith and I would be very
[2:25:46] uncomfortable with us
[2:25:48] negotiating like that once
[2:25:49] we've already negotiated to go
[2:25:51] back because the small sliver
[2:25:52] is going to be added.
[2:25:54] I just want to put that into
[2:25:56] the room so I will be voting in
[2:25:57] favor of the amendment.
[2:25:57] >> MADAM Mayor, just for
[2:25:59] clarification before MR. He
[2:26:00] speaks I would like for you to
[2:26:02] go back to the original
[2:26:05] discussion of what this project
[2:26:05] was and what was presented to
[2:26:08] council since there seems to be
[2:26:11] some misinformation regarding a
[2:26:13] discussion about faith where we
[2:26:16] started so that we could have a
[2:26:17] transparent conversation.
[2:26:21] >> if I MAY quickly zoom out to
[2:26:21] 2024 so the idea of a stadium
[2:26:24] annex or what we're now calling
[2:26:25] a performance venue was always
[2:26:28] contemplated as part of the
[2:26:29] framework during the 18 months
[2:26:29] that we work to negotiate
[2:26:32] around the key business terms
[2:26:32] that you required as well as
[2:26:35] the community benefit.
[2:26:37] It was always understood that
[2:26:37] one of the owner elected
[2:26:40] projects would be a performance
[2:26:40] venue so there's there's
[2:26:41] nothing associated with the
[2:26:43] performance venue that's new.
[2:26:44] There's nothing that's
[2:26:46] associated with the community
[2:26:48] benefits that were put in place
[2:26:49] that would be impacted by the
[2:26:51] construction of a performance
[2:26:52] what was the original stadium
[2:26:54] and discussion?
[2:26:56] >> the original owner of the
[2:26:57] because this land when it was
[2:27:00] presented to council was
[2:27:02] presented to us as if that
[2:27:03] business was going to own it.
[2:27:06] There was just recently that we
[2:27:06] had that we learned that this
[2:27:09] land was being conveyed to the
[2:27:09] city of charlotte so we're not
[2:27:11] going to have a partial
[2:27:12] conversation.
[2:27:14] >> so if I could zoom out on
[2:27:15] the triangular parcel which is
[2:27:15] a bit of a separate
[2:27:17] conversation it was understood
[2:27:20] last year that having access to
[2:27:21] the triangular parcel which is
[2:27:24] less than a quarter acre which
[2:27:24] was owned by ncdot at the time
[2:27:26] was very important as an
[2:27:27] enabler for the performance
[2:27:29] venue last year we had a lot of
[2:27:32] conversations around what was
[2:27:33] the path to gain site control
[2:27:35] maybe the city would buy it,
[2:27:36] maybe the team would buy it.
[2:27:38] We went back and forth a number
[2:27:38] of times.
[2:27:40] Ultimately ncdot deemed that
[2:27:42] that small parcel to be surplus
[2:27:43] basically a remnant parcel of
[2:27:46] no value to them so they
[2:27:47] transferred that to us at no
[2:27:49] cost which we believe then and
[2:27:49] believe now was the absolute
[2:27:52] best outcome that we could have
[2:27:52] had.
[2:27:54] So we received that at no cost
[2:27:55] and I would just make one other
[2:27:57] comment about the parcel.
[2:27:58] I did walk with the parcel a
[2:27:59] couple of weeks ago with our
[2:28:00] real estate team and they
[2:28:01] affirmed that on a standalone
[2:28:04] basis the parcel really
[2:28:06] essentially is on buildable.
[2:28:07] So our view is we received a
[2:28:09] piece of property no value for
[2:28:11] something that's on buildable
[2:28:12] and it's a logical step from
[2:28:15] our perspective to put it into
[2:28:17] the lease to enable a project
[2:28:18] that will allow the team to
[2:28:20] activate on a requirement that
[2:28:22] you put in place which is $150
[2:28:25] million investment by the team
[2:28:25] in exchange for our investment.
[2:28:32] >> MADAM I have now so far six
[2:28:33] five people to that wish to
[2:28:37] speak to this item so I think
[2:28:40] this I'm kimberly was you done
[2:28:44] okay and then MS. Sanders and
[2:28:49] then MR. Carson and mg is
[2:28:50] before me and I'm after graham
[2:28:52] okay if I remember.
[2:28:53] >> all right.
[2:28:53] Graham thank you.
[2:28:55] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:28:57] This year and district two it's
[2:29:02] really, really small 0.24 acre
[2:29:05] property walked it to without
[2:29:07] getting tired at all.
[2:29:10] It's really really awesome
[2:29:11] because you're in great shape I
[2:29:15] think that is true to and you
[2:29:16] know this is something that
[2:29:18] came before the ed committee
[2:29:22] back and in OCTOBER here and we
[2:29:24] talked about this being as a
[2:29:26] part of the broader deal we get
[2:29:30] in essence a 4200 seat
[2:29:33] performance center no cost to
[2:29:36] the city at all.
[2:29:37] The land has been donated to
[2:29:39] the city.
[2:29:40] We can't build on it at all.
[2:29:42] I walked it.
[2:29:43] You can't do anything with it
[2:29:47] for sure and the benefits we
[2:29:51] get because of the center is 80
[2:29:54] to 100 events night per year
[2:29:59] which support workers uber
[2:29:59] drivers those showing up
[2:30:02] transporting people to the
[2:30:05] facility hospitality workers,
[2:30:08] hotels etc. It creates jobs.
[2:30:09] They create construction
[2:30:11] opportunities operation of the
[2:30:13] facility itself.
[2:30:14] It supports hospitality and
[2:30:16] tourism and did I mention that
[2:30:19] it's very, very small piece of
[2:30:22] property and that we didn't pay
[2:30:24] anything for it was given to us
[2:30:25] and we wanted to absorb it into
[2:30:28] a larger project for greater
[2:30:30] community good carolina
[2:30:33] panthers are a partner of ours.
[2:30:36] Our public private partnership
[2:30:37] is how the stadium is being
[2:30:39] renovated today.
[2:30:42] This is yet a baby step towards
[2:30:45] completing the goal in addition
[2:30:45] we all talked about at least
[2:30:48] from the edi perspective of
[2:30:48] creating a entertainment
[2:30:51] district within that sector of
[2:30:53] the community.
[2:30:54] Again we take a giant step
[2:30:56] forward to do that with the
[2:30:59] small portion of land that we
[2:31:01] can't do anything with from my
[2:31:02] perspective watching it it has
[2:31:04] no economic development value
[2:31:07] for us as relates to community
[2:31:09] benefits.
[2:31:10] I think the agreement that
[2:31:11] we've struck with the panthers
[2:31:13] early in the year last year
[2:31:15] with the provided deal is
[2:31:18] inclusive of this type of small
[2:31:22] property and it so I'm very
[2:31:25] comfortable with it and I hope
[2:31:27] the council will approve it.
[2:31:27] >> all right, MS. Anderson,
[2:31:30] thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:31:33] I was in those meetings when I
[2:31:35] see them graham was the chair
[2:31:36] of the community and committee
[2:31:38] and navigate through this
[2:31:39] process.
[2:31:41] As was mentioned, this is a
[2:31:44] very small triangular parcel.
[2:31:45] This was a part of the overall
[2:31:47] deal where we did discuss
[2:31:48] community benefits as well as
[2:31:51] other opportunity fees and
[2:31:53] recently north carolina
[2:31:57] department of transportation
[2:31:58] and deemed it as a remnant and
[2:32:00] and then a surplus and then
[2:32:05] handed over to us and so that
[2:32:05] wasn't an action that we took
[2:32:08] proactively that was something
[2:32:08] that at the state level was
[2:32:11] decided you know this
[2:32:14] performance venue, the
[2:32:15] performance center which we
[2:32:17] will effectively begin getting
[2:32:19] without additional investment
[2:32:20] at all also fills a gap in
[2:32:23] terms of our entertainment and
[2:32:26] arts footprint within the city
[2:32:31] of charlotte to attract plays
[2:32:32] and other venues and
[2:32:34] opportunities entertainment
[2:32:35] opportunities that might not
[2:32:38] have the right size, the
[2:32:38] building.
[2:32:40] And in addition, as MR. Graham
[2:32:41] mentioned, you know, this sits
[2:32:43] right in the middle of third
[2:32:45] ward which is being revitalized
[2:32:49] in the community neighborhood
[2:32:49] association has stood up just a
[2:32:52] year ago there was an
[2:32:55] opportunity to bring light and
[2:32:55] vitality to this space not on a
[2:32:58] dime of the city and that often
[2:33:01] has has been forgotten about
[2:33:04] over the last several years.
[2:33:05] So I will be supporting this as
[2:33:05] well.
[2:33:07] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:33:12] >> all right, MR. Johnson.
[2:33:12] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:33:17] MR. Heath, what is the total
[2:33:19] square footage of the land of
[2:33:20] the triangular parcel?
[2:33:24] Yes, it's approximately
[2:33:27] 10,500ft and then we get a
[2:33:27] real estate value for that.
[2:33:30] >> we do not have an appraisal
[2:33:32] of that parcel.
[2:33:32] Okay.
[2:33:35] So I think that's the concern.
[2:33:36] I know we're calling it a
[2:33:42] really small piece of land but
[2:33:42] 10,500ft of real estate or of
[2:33:45] land does have some value when
[2:33:48] we talk about community
[2:33:49] benefits, employee parking or
[2:33:51] affordable parking shared right
[2:33:54] drop off and pick up or even a
[2:33:57] space for the displaced vendors
[2:33:57] from other areas of town.
[2:34:03] So there is value potentially I
[2:34:03] think the concern for those of
[2:34:06] us who are concerned is that
[2:34:08] we're giving a piece of land to
[2:34:11] an entity that could otherwise
[2:34:11] afford it.
[2:34:14] So that's all I wanted to
[2:34:14] share.
[2:34:15] Thank you.
[2:34:15] Thank you.
[2:34:18] Councilmember johnson we get
[2:34:18] three and a half with
[2:34:20] councilmember watlington
[2:34:21] councilmember driggs and
[2:34:23] COUNCILMAN Mayfield.
[2:34:25] Thank you mayor pro tem and I
[2:34:26] appreciate MR. Heath
[2:34:29] conversations last week and a
[2:34:30] continuation today because I do
[2:34:32] think it's a little bit unclear
[2:34:34] or at least has been up until
[2:34:35] this point whether or not this
[2:34:35] particular parcel was a part of
[2:34:38] the broader conversation.
[2:34:41] From what I understood from you
[2:34:41] last week, this parcel was
[2:34:44] already in the conversation.
[2:34:47] But the the way that the the
[2:34:49] tepper group was going to come
[2:34:50] upon this particular parcel was
[2:34:52] not clear.
[2:34:55] >> is that correct?
[2:34:55] >> yes.
[2:34:56] We knew and were on record in
[2:34:58] OCTOBER of last year that the
[2:35:01] triangular parcel was very
[2:35:01] important to enable this
[2:35:01] project.
[2:35:03] What we didn't know what we
[2:35:04] couldn't know was how site
[2:35:06] control would be gained and
[2:35:06] where we ended up in is what we
[2:35:09] believe is the best possible
[2:35:09] outcome which the state
[2:35:10] transferred that to us at no
[2:35:11] cost.
[2:35:12] >> okay.
[2:35:12] Thank you for that.
[2:35:14] That is helpful for me.
[2:35:15] I will say that in general I do
[2:35:17] think that it's time for us to
[2:35:18] raise the bar just in terms of
[2:35:20] negotiation.
[2:35:21] I do I do obviously know that
[2:35:23] we spoke about deal point at
[2:35:23] the beginning but it definitely
[2:35:27] feels like there is a portion
[2:35:27] of this that maybe the council
[2:35:29] doesn't feel like we were able
[2:35:32] to weigh in on with the benefit
[2:35:32] of all of the information,
[2:35:35] whether it was the types of
[2:35:35] community benefit that actually
[2:35:36] could have been negotiated for
[2:35:38] this particular piece beyond
[2:35:40] the stadium itself or whether
[2:35:41] it was the fair market value of
[2:35:43] the parcel or whatever it was.
[2:35:44] So I hope that what we've
[2:35:46] learned from this and nothing
[2:35:47] else is that we have an
[2:35:49] opportunity to make sure that
[2:35:52] we are in lockstep earlier on
[2:35:55] in terms of negotiation.
[2:35:57] That said, it sounds like this
[2:35:58] was already accounted for in
[2:36:01] the broader conversation in and
[2:36:02] I don't know if we've got it in
[2:36:02] front of you but I think it
[2:36:04] would be helpful to understand
[2:36:04] what then were the community
[2:36:07] benefits that were already
[2:36:07] included in the overall
[2:36:09] negotiation?
[2:36:10] Yes, the community benefits
[2:36:12] were many and they were
[2:36:16] noteworthy just to name a few
[2:36:17] 27% mwc goal associated with
[2:36:20] city funding the seven city use
[2:36:22] stays support for small
[2:36:23] business capacity building
[2:36:26] programs, community programs
[2:36:28] for veterans at risk youth and
[2:36:28] low income residents.
[2:36:31] Increased engagement with hpc
[2:36:32] use and those are incremental
[2:36:35] to all of the civic engagement
[2:36:35] activities that the panthers
[2:36:37] have been doing for years
[2:36:38] including thousands of tickets
[2:36:40] that are going to community
[2:36:41] organizations on an annual
[2:36:43] basis for the stadium.
[2:36:43] >> thank you for that.
[2:36:45] So again, just like I say, if
[2:36:45] there's two venues I would have
[2:36:46] loved to see a little bit more
[2:36:48] specific community benefit
[2:36:49] particular to the other venue
[2:36:51] as well.
[2:36:52] >> but point taken.
[2:36:54] Thank you.
[2:36:56] Council member driggs thank you
[2:36:59] mayor pro tem I think this is a
[2:37:01] valid discussion in principle
[2:37:05] but in the wrong context.
[2:37:07] >> this is a very big picture
[2:37:08] relationship we have with the
[2:37:08] team.
[2:37:11] MR. Tepper is invested billions
[2:37:14] of dollars and I think the idea
[2:37:15] that a 4200 seat venue is not
[2:37:18] an asset to the city or a
[2:37:21] benefit to the city is a
[2:37:21] misnomer.
[2:37:22] We pursued this relationship.
[2:37:24] I remember early on in the
[2:37:26] first conversations and we had
[2:37:27] a vision activation, an
[2:37:29] entertainment district a lot of
[2:37:30] very desirable things that
[2:37:33] could happen and then this
[2:37:35] buyer came along with his
[2:37:37] capacity to just decide to
[2:37:38] build the 4200 seat venue and
[2:37:40] not need to partner with us or
[2:37:42] ask for anything.
[2:37:46] And this parcel is just so
[2:37:49] small and I really hate to
[2:37:49] think that we're kind of
[2:37:52] disturbing our relationship
[2:37:52] with the team, the owner and
[2:37:54] all of the big things that are
[2:37:55] going on in charlotte over this
[2:37:58] particular question.
[2:37:58] so I hope we can have this
[2:37:59] conversation when there's
[2:38:01] something more meaningful at
[2:38:01] stake.
[2:38:06] But 27% commitment on small
[2:38:08] business alone is huge in
[2:38:10] comparison to 10,000ft of
[2:38:10] land.
[2:38:13] So really let's just keep some
[2:38:15] perspective on this when I hope
[2:38:16] appreciate the benefits that we
[2:38:19] have from our relationship with
[2:38:21] temper sports and let this one
[2:38:24] pass and if necessary on
[2:38:24] another occasion when there's
[2:38:27] more at stake we can talk it
[2:38:27] over.
[2:38:29] Thank you.
[2:38:32] So if we MAY, sean, I think
[2:38:33] we're going to try to bring up
[2:38:35] this parcel on the big screen
[2:38:38] so the viewers can can see what
[2:38:40] we were referring to so why are
[2:38:41] we doing that?
[2:38:44] I'm a year to councilmember
[2:38:44] mayfield.
[2:38:46] >> thank you, mayor patel says
[2:38:51] there it's a step tapper
[2:38:51] acquired the team in 2018.
[2:38:54] The panthers value has doubled
[2:38:57] despite the challenging perform
[2:38:58] its record of 36 win 80 losses
[2:39:01] during this ownership.
[2:39:04] So for us to say to give the
[2:39:08] impression that it was
[2:39:11] altruistic what he's done he's
[2:39:13] a business person and as a
[2:39:14] business person and he has made
[2:39:16] money as an elected official
[2:39:19] I'm going to ask the same
[2:39:19] questions that I ask but any
[2:39:21] other lot because it's
[2:39:24] challenging to hear that this
[2:39:27] is such a small space nothing
[2:39:28] can be built on it yet we're
[2:39:29] talking about building a 4400
[2:39:32] square foot facility on it so
[2:39:33] you can't have both.
[2:39:35] >> the challenge that I had is
[2:39:37] the fact of the transparency of
[2:39:40] we started a conversation that
[2:39:43] full council was aware that
[2:39:45] conversation c it was in
[2:39:46] discussion and gave the
[2:39:49] impression if they bought the
[2:39:52] land this is what we would do
[2:39:52] in order for them to have
[2:39:54] access with it.
[2:39:55] I'm like okay I don't have a
[2:39:57] problem with that.
[2:39:58] The moment that conversation
[2:39:59] changed because as you
[2:40:02] mentioned you and staff had
[2:40:06] multiple conversations.
[2:40:06] >> you MAY have even presented
[2:40:08] it to the economic development
[2:40:08] committee.
[2:40:09] The first time I saw it was
[2:40:12] when it was presented to all of
[2:40:14] us from as a decision to have a
[2:40:17] discussion on that conversation
[2:40:20] changed from him owning it to
[2:40:23] the city now owning it and a
[2:40:26] city then giving it to him.
[2:40:26] There was no conversation of
[2:40:29] existing that community
[2:40:29] benefits.
[2:40:32] It is not a community benefit
[2:40:34] to me to say you're going to
[2:40:35] have 20% development
[2:40:37] participation for every small
[2:40:38] business which we heard from a
[2:40:41] lot of them today.
[2:40:42] So have the opportunity to do
[2:40:44] the work on a year $600 million
[2:40:46] contract so that's not a
[2:40:49] community benefit yet when we
[2:40:52] think about the uber drivers
[2:40:53] and others less than three
[2:40:55] months ago some of them were
[2:40:55] saying people came down because
[2:40:57] of the financial challenges
[2:40:58] that they are having uptown
[2:41:01] regarding parking being
[2:41:02] ticketed it because they're
[2:41:04] sitting too long waiting for
[2:41:04] someone.
[2:41:06] So again we can't keep playing
[2:41:07] a seesaw game.
[2:41:09] I just ask the question
[2:41:12] regarding what is the community
[2:41:13] benefit.
[2:41:15] The answer came back to me
[2:41:15] where we did that on this other
[2:41:18] piece perfectly honest I don't
[2:41:18] care I asked about this
[2:41:21] particular parcel, this little
[2:41:22] triangle that we keep talking
[2:41:24] about this triangle that's too
[2:41:26] small for us to build on yet
[2:41:28] we're building a 4400 space
[2:41:32] being you on it because we want
[2:41:33] to entertainment district so I
[2:41:37] want there to be clarity and
[2:41:37] not misinformation or a
[2:41:40] challenge for any of us to ask
[2:41:43] the question because guess what
[2:41:43] ?
[2:41:43] That's what we get to do.
[2:41:46] So don't I don't appreciate it
[2:41:46] being mentioned.
[2:41:49] Well he is such a good public
[2:41:49] private partner.
[2:41:51] He has a business owner.
[2:41:55] We created a business contract
[2:41:55] .
[2:41:56] I'm just saying that if there's
[2:41:58] going to be a conversation on
[2:41:58] where the city is going to
[2:42:01] contribute even more, there
[2:42:01] should also be a conversation
[2:42:04] of how this benefits our
[2:42:06] community be thank you.
[2:42:08] Council member for city manager
[2:42:12] so on mayor members of council
[2:42:15] the I think we have this parcel
[2:42:18] on the screen and I think
[2:42:22] what's important and trying to
[2:42:26] say at this earlier early on
[2:42:27] the discussion was around the
[2:42:29] stadium annex that morphed into
[2:42:35] this performance venue and when
[2:42:35] this was discussed both in
[2:42:40] committee and with the council
[2:42:43] that quarter of an acre of a
[2:42:47] parcel is not what the venue is
[2:42:52] going to be built on the most
[2:42:55] the total acreage on the total
[2:42:55] footprint required for the
[2:42:56] performance venue is
[2:42:57] approximately two acres.
[2:42:58] It's only really a very tiny
[2:43:01] portion of the triangular
[2:43:01] parcel that will be used for
[2:43:04] the performance of those two
[2:43:04] acres.
[2:43:07] It was always contemplated that
[2:43:11] getting that water an acre or
[2:43:14] two to add to it was important
[2:43:20] ncdot owned it and the question
[2:43:22] was in order to build this
[2:43:23] thing out and make it
[2:43:25] successful that quarter of an
[2:43:28] acre was really important.
[2:43:31] There were a couple of options.
[2:43:34] One option would be that tsc
[2:43:36] would buy the quarter acre to
[2:43:37] add it to the rest of the
[2:43:39] footprint again the entire
[2:43:43] footprint is where the
[2:43:43] performance venue will be built
[2:43:45] not the corner of an acre and
[2:43:48] it just seemed to be very
[2:43:51] complicated issue t.
[2:43:53] S e owned that corner an acre
[2:43:56] and then 20 years from now if
[2:44:01] there was not a music venue
[2:44:04] then and that had to come back
[2:44:04] to the city in some way it
[2:44:07] would seem like it would be
[2:44:08] better that the city would own
[2:44:10] all of it as opposed to all but
[2:44:13] a quarter of an acre.
[2:44:14] So again started off as a
[2:44:16] stadium and went to this
[2:44:18] performance venue but I think
[2:44:21] what's key is that quarter acre
[2:44:22] makes the performance venue
[2:44:24] work but it's not where the
[2:44:29] performance venue will be built
[2:44:29] .
[2:44:30] Thank you.
[2:44:30] City manager council member
[2:44:32] asmir thank you.
[2:44:35] So this will be a lease the
[2:44:37] city will still own the
[2:44:38] ownership will still have the
[2:44:40] ownership of that quarter acre
[2:44:43] of land.
[2:44:48] So I, I guess what I'm trying
[2:44:52] to figure out what would be the
[2:44:52] market value right if we were
[2:44:57] to lazy to sell one how much
[2:44:58] would we get as part of the
[2:44:59] lease payment?
[2:45:00] I think that was what
[2:45:03] councilmember johnson was
[2:45:03] alluding to.
[2:45:05] I get it that there was no
[2:45:06] appraisal done because this is
[2:45:08] not a for sale transaction,
[2:45:09] right?
[2:45:11] This is a lease transaction.
[2:45:12] But what we would like to see
[2:45:14] is what is the value that we
[2:45:16] could get if it was other than
[2:45:19] tepper sports I think that's a
[2:45:22] question that I would like to
[2:45:24] get clarification on what is
[2:45:25] the fair market value of the
[2:45:27] lease for that space.
[2:45:30] >> so as I mentioned before we
[2:45:31] do not have a market appraisal
[2:45:33] on it.
[2:45:34] If you can see here in the
[2:45:39] visual just the shape of it not
[2:45:40] just the size.
[2:45:42] So very small size less than a
[2:45:44] quarter acre which is smaller
[2:45:45] than the average size of a lot
[2:45:48] for a single family home in
[2:45:50] mecklenburg county the shape of
[2:45:51] it also poses some major
[2:45:53] challenges on a standalone
[2:45:54] basis.
[2:45:56] So our real estate team was
[2:45:59] very clear with the very direct
[2:46:00] question I had for them which
[2:46:02] was what opportunity for
[2:46:04] development could we have if we
[2:46:05] attempted to do something on a
[2:46:07] standalone basis?
[2:46:08] And the answer back was crystal
[2:46:10] clear this particular
[2:46:13] triangular shaped parcel is
[2:46:14] essentially on buildable on a
[2:46:16] standalone basis.
[2:46:19] So whereas I wouldn't suggest
[2:46:19] it has zero value I would
[2:46:21] suggest it has very
[2:46:24] insignificant value relative to
[2:46:25] what we believe are
[2:46:25] overwhelming benefits
[2:46:28] associated with job creation
[2:46:31] sales and property tax, tourism
[2:46:34] benefits not just tourism taxes
[2:46:34] but also individuals that work
[2:46:37] at restaurants and bars and
[2:46:38] hotels that will benefit from
[2:46:41] 80 to 100 shows on an annual
[2:46:41] basis.
[2:46:42] And then also just the idea of
[2:46:44] uptown activation and vibrancy
[2:46:44] .
[2:46:47] So in our view the benefits
[2:46:47] were so overwhelming that the
[2:46:50] relatively insignificant cost
[2:46:50] so to speak associated with it
[2:46:53] were not material.
[2:46:56] >> so just to follow up on
[2:46:58] that, I understand that the
[2:47:01] value is it MAY not be as
[2:47:03] valuable for us as a standalone
[2:47:04] but this is going to make or
[2:47:07] break the deal for the other
[2:47:07] party.
[2:47:10] So that's where the value comes
[2:47:10] ,right?
[2:47:11] So what are we getting in
[2:47:13] return for the huge value that
[2:47:14] they are getting?
[2:47:16] I think that's what ultimately
[2:47:16] we are trying to get to.
[2:47:19] Are we getting anything extra
[2:47:19] in terms of other community
[2:47:22] benefits or higher lease
[2:47:22] payment?
[2:47:23] What is it that we are getting
[2:47:24] because this project
[2:47:25] performance venue project would
[2:47:29] not happen without this we just
[2:47:32] triangle space that is there
[2:47:32] right?
[2:47:33] I think we have to look at this
[2:47:35] holistically.
[2:47:35] There is already a parcel that
[2:47:38] city own other than the
[2:47:41] triangle so we are giving them
[2:47:43] sort of a land assemblage that
[2:47:44] is making this performance
[2:47:46] venue possible.
[2:47:47] >> I think two quick points.
[2:47:49] One I would say if we owned
[2:47:52] this triangular parcel in 1990,
[2:47:53] it would have always been part
[2:47:56] of the 25 acre campus lease if
[2:47:58] we own to this parcel in 2013
[2:48:01] when we renegotiated the lease
[2:48:01] that would have been part of
[2:48:04] the 25 acre campus if we owned
[2:48:04] it in 2024 it would have been
[2:48:06] part of the campus.
[2:48:07] Right now it's basically
[2:48:10] sidewalk a little bit of patch
[2:48:12] of grass and some trees.
[2:48:15] So what our belief has been all
[2:48:15] along that extracting the
[2:48:18] maximum value for the city or
[2:48:21] the city from the 25 acre
[2:48:23] campus should be something we
[2:48:24] are as equally excited about as
[2:48:27] the team itself and we believe
[2:48:27] the value proposition here is
[2:48:30] very compelling for the city
[2:48:32] excuse me and call the question
[2:48:35] I know MR. Jones and we have
[2:48:38] some people that have agreed
[2:48:40] that this so we want to speak
[2:48:43] MR. Johnson we'll go here then
[2:48:44] we'll come to MR. Watlington
[2:48:46] and then we'll vote.
[2:48:46] Thank you.
[2:48:48] You know we vote and the vote
[2:48:49] doesn't work out.
[2:48:49] >> we'll vote again.
[2:48:51] Yes and thank you, MADAM Mayor
[2:48:51] .
[2:48:54] So MR. Heath, we appreciate the
[2:48:54] plans as far as economic
[2:48:57] development but as elected
[2:48:58] officials we have you know,
[2:49:00] we're stewards of public
[2:49:00] dollars.
[2:49:02] So I think that our public
[2:49:03] would expect for us to
[2:49:06] understand the market value of
[2:49:06] the property.
[2:49:08] So when the state conveyed it
[2:49:11] to us, MR. Jones is there a
[2:49:13] conveyance document that has of
[2:49:14] a value of the property that's
[2:49:16] included?
[2:49:18] No, no it was deeded over at no
[2:49:19] cost.
[2:49:21] There's no indication of of
[2:49:22] market value had had we been
[2:49:24] required to have paid for the
[2:49:27] parcel this would have been a
[2:49:28] different conversation.
[2:49:30] I think a fair thing to ask is
[2:49:30] the market value.
[2:49:32] I think that that's a fair
[2:49:33] question from us and from our
[2:49:36] constituents that we should
[2:49:36] know what the value is as we're
[2:49:39] leasing the property for a
[2:49:39] dollar.
[2:49:41] Again, when you talk about
[2:49:45] being such a small property
[2:49:45] it's 10,500ft.
[2:49:49] We know parking is a challenge
[2:49:51] in downtown or uptown for
[2:49:52] especially for the workers we
[2:49:54] talk about the workers, the
[2:49:55] benefit and also the drop off
[2:49:57] space and like I said a space
[2:49:58] for the vendors so there is
[2:50:00] value that council member as
[2:50:01] meyer said it's very valuable
[2:50:03] to the other party.
[2:50:06] So I think that that's a a fair
[2:50:06] and transparent ask that we
[2:50:08] know the market value.
[2:50:09] I would suggest that we defer
[2:50:12] this until AUGUST but I'll wait
[2:50:12] to see.
[2:50:14] I mean that's just my thoughts
[2:50:14] .
[2:50:15] Thank you.
[2:50:17] MS. Watlington I have MS.
[2:50:20] Wallington I have follow up
[2:50:21] question.
[2:50:22] I want to just say we're going
[2:50:23] to vote after we'll have a vote
[2:50:28] after MS. Watlington comments
[2:50:33] and I just want to be clear MR.
[2:50:36] Heath you mentioned the value
[2:50:37] to the city overall and
[2:50:39] certainly I'm sure many of us
[2:50:42] around the dais share that i
[2:50:44] don't want it to be MS.
[2:50:45] Understood that expecting that
[2:50:48] the value proposition includes
[2:50:48] more than just specific
[2:50:51] economic development dollars
[2:50:54] that will end up being tourism
[2:50:57] revenue or an uber drivers fare
[2:51:00] or that kind of thing is
[2:51:00] separate and apart from the
[2:51:03] broader cities value of some of
[2:51:04] the things that were just
[2:51:04] listed.
[2:51:05] >> it's critically important to
[2:51:06] me that when we have these
[2:51:09] conversations sessions that the
[2:51:12] general public's value is not
[2:51:15] viewed as unnecessary or an
[2:51:18] inconvenience to the rest of
[2:51:18] the work.
[2:51:18] I don't think anybody around
[2:51:20] this dais doesn't understand
[2:51:23] the economic value right.
[2:51:24] >> I also don't think that it
[2:51:27] is unreasoned at all because we
[2:51:30] are public servants right to
[2:51:31] expect that the broader public
[2:51:33] also sees some benefit when
[2:51:35] there is an opportunity for
[2:51:35] that.
[2:51:39] However, this vote lands that
[2:51:39] for me is the fundamental
[2:51:42] principle that we need to get
[2:51:44] clear around honestly, my
[2:51:45] patience is wearing thin with
[2:51:47] these conversations around
[2:51:48] economic development versus
[2:51:48] broader community.
[2:51:50] They should come together and
[2:51:53] we've got to stop putting
[2:51:53] ourselves in these type
[2:51:55] positions.
[2:51:56] So all right.
[2:51:59] So now I'm on I'm going to ask
[2:52:01] for a vote.
[2:52:04] >> so mayor, I would like to
[2:52:06] make a substitute motion to
[2:52:06] defer this item.
[2:52:06] All right.
[2:52:09] For further discussion second.
[2:52:12] >> okay.
[2:52:13] >> and what is your motion to
[2:52:16] defer agenda item?
[2:52:17] >> you defer the first
[2:52:18] committee your what you are
[2:52:21] saying so to defer so the
[2:52:24] motion to defer this item and
[2:52:25] come back is all in favor
[2:52:27] please raise your hands.
[2:52:29] Defer.
[2:52:32] Okay that's 1234 so that does
[2:52:34] not pass.
[2:52:36] >> okay all of those I all of
[2:52:45] the add 1234 yes 567123456
[2:52:50] single from second.
[2:52:50] >> all right.
[2:52:52] You have a motion to approve
[2:52:53] and the second a motion to
[2:52:55] approve and a second so all in
[2:52:57] favor please raise your hands.
[2:52:58] All right.
[2:53:00] Okay.
[2:53:03] >> I think we have a unanimous
[2:53:03] in opposed.
[2:53:03] >> I'll post.
[2:53:04] All right.
[2:53:09] Three want to okay, that's 50
[2:53:09] minutes.
[2:53:09] >> all right.
[2:53:14] So that passes through it.
[2:53:14] Okay.
[2:53:22] Know this is going to be we
[2:53:25] give a tally do we have a tally
[2:53:25] ?
[2:53:28] All right, billy, thank you for
[2:53:33] your patience.
[2:53:33] My question is after this is
[2:53:43] over to more I to I can hear
[2:53:45] the result.
[2:53:46] >> all right.
[2:53:46] So we've received the opening
[2:53:51] and we do have a person to join
[2:53:54] this organization having
[2:53:56] received six or more council
[2:53:57] members votes, there is a
[2:53:59] motion to appoint robert
[2:54:02] harrington by acclamation to
[2:54:03] the office of mayor to the
[2:54:06] office of mayor upon vacancy by
[2:54:08] the office by bylaw.
[2:54:23] So I'm leaving tomorrow second
[2:54:23] .
[2:54:26] Okay doing well but we do need
[2:54:29] to have the city attorney
[2:54:29] address right and just to
[2:54:31] clarify the requests that
[2:54:32] action is to serve until the
[2:54:34] expiration of the elected mayor
[2:54:35] day okay.
[2:54:38] >> so all right.
[2:54:38] We have that.
[2:54:40] So we're moving so we do have
[2:54:43] to register to vote.
[2:54:43] >> what happens next is about
[2:54:45] we got a vote.
[2:54:46] All right.
[2:54:51] So I'm not sure exactly the
[2:54:52] second thing you say all in
[2:54:54] favor of this motion for MR.
[2:54:55] Harrington please raise your
[2:54:57] hands.
[2:54:57] >> thank you very much.
[2:54:59] Anyone oppose?
[2:55:00] >> no, thank you.
[2:55:00] All right.
[2:55:13] So really so we have a few
[2:55:13] other items but I don't think
[2:55:15] that we have much opportunity
[2:55:19] to we have this on and tackle
[2:55:19] it if we want to continue.
[2:55:21] Yes, 21 all right.
[2:55:23] Let's go to item 21.
[2:55:23] >> we move for approval max.
[2:55:26] Item is an amendment to the c r
[2:55:29] t p can I remember that you
[2:55:31] know this right next item is an
[2:55:33] amendment to the c r t
[2:55:34] memorandum of understanding for
[2:55:37] everyone please.
[2:55:38] >> we're still having our
[2:55:39] meeting.
[2:55:42] All right for item 21 is there
[2:55:45] a motion to authorize the mayor
[2:55:45] to execute an amended
[2:55:48] memorandum of understanding for
[2:55:51] the kapo to remove the mtc and
[2:55:54] add mtc m p t a as a member
[2:55:57] moved to approve second motion
[2:55:57] and a second is there any
[2:56:00] further discussion?
[2:56:00] Hearing no discussion.
[2:56:03] all in favor please raise your
[2:56:03] hands.
[2:56:06] Anyone opposed anybody oppose?
[2:56:07] >> we don't have anyone in
[2:56:08] oppose.
[2:56:13] Yeah okay for item 22 MR.
[2:56:14] Hauer, would you please join us
[2:56:16] down here for item 22?
[2:56:18] Is there a motion to adopt a
[2:56:19] resolution approving and
[2:56:21] ratifying an interlocal
[2:56:22] agreement between the city of
[2:56:25] charlotte and the m p t a for
[2:56:27] their joint undertaking and
[2:56:30] implementation of requirements
[2:56:33] to fulfill obligations under
[2:56:36] the pave act and item b
[2:56:37] authorize the city manager to
[2:56:39] negotiate and execute all
[2:56:41] documents and contracts
[2:56:42] including for transfer and
[2:56:45] expedition and to of funds
[2:56:47] necessary to implement and
[2:56:50] fulfill the city's obligations
[2:56:51] under the path that pay for gap
[2:56:53] and authorize.
[2:56:54] >> so I would like to second
[2:56:55] that and comment.
[2:56:56] >> all right, MR. Driggs so
[2:56:59] colleagues, we've talked about
[2:57:01] this now for a number of months
[2:57:01] .
[2:57:02] There's been an extended
[2:57:04] process of engagement between
[2:57:07] empty and the city in order to
[2:57:10] resolve how cats will work, how
[2:57:10] transit will work from the
[2:57:13] period particularly from the
[2:57:16] period from JULY 1st to JANUARY
[2:57:19] when yeah, because mta is not
[2:57:20] in a position to operate cats
[2:57:22] yet cats will continue to be
[2:57:25] operated by the city but
[2:57:25] pursuant to authority received
[2:57:28] from empty to which the payback
[2:57:33] provides owns transit and
[2:57:36] receives the sales tax and a
[2:57:38] lot of work went into this so
[2:57:39] as I appreciate your
[2:57:41] contribution there were many
[2:57:43] issues when you get down into
[2:57:44] the details of how this works
[2:57:46] it gets a little tricky in
[2:57:49] places so I wanted to
[2:57:52] particularly recognize marcus
[2:57:53] jones, liz fabs and hannah
[2:57:55] bromberg or andrea leslie fite,
[2:57:58] sean heath, brant cagle and
[2:57:58] particularly katherine
[2:58:01] clodfelter, our attorney for
[2:58:02] the outstanding work they did
[2:58:04] to engage with them to resolve
[2:58:07] these issues and basically
[2:58:09] create a foundation for our
[2:58:10] continuing cooperation with
[2:58:13] them to as we align our land
[2:58:15] use and development policies
[2:58:16] with their transit decisions.
[2:58:18] So I do move to approve these
[2:58:21] and recommend them to council.
[2:58:22] >> we have a recommendation to
[2:58:24] approve with which to the
[2:58:26] council is there any motion on
[2:58:27] any understanding?
[2:58:27] >> all right.
[2:58:33] All in favor anyone opposed?
[2:58:33] >> all right.
[2:58:34] We have one.
[2:58:36] Okay, keep going.
[2:58:40] So this concludes our business
[2:58:42] items vote for this evening.
[2:58:45] Next we're going to open with
[2:58:45] council topics in order to
[2:58:48] ensure that all council has the
[2:58:49] opportunity to speak.
[2:58:51] We will go around the dais one
[2:58:52] by one.
[2:58:53] I ask that each council member
[2:58:54] try to keep their comments or
[2:59:00] questions to three minutes and
[2:59:03] then we have some fun stuff to
[2:59:03] do.
[2:59:06] You did okay MR. Howard thank
[2:59:09] you for being here tonight and
[2:59:09] for your leadership of empty.
[2:59:12] We look forward to working with
[2:59:12] you and the other merchants who
[2:59:14] have joined us and the other
[2:59:15] board members who are here.
[2:59:18] >> thank you very much.
[2:59:20] let's see it now.
[2:59:20] It's council topics and we'll
[2:59:21] start with MS..
[2:59:22] Johnson.
[2:59:25] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[2:59:26] It allows as you prepare to
[2:59:28] step down at the end of JUNE I
[2:59:31] want to thank you for your
[2:59:32] decades of tireless service to
[2:59:34] the city of charlotte serving
[2:59:36] together on this council.
[2:59:37] We've not always agreed on
[2:59:39] every policy but that's the
[2:59:39] very nature of healthy
[2:59:42] democracy and a vibrant city.
[2:59:45] Your willingness to break
[2:59:47] barriers as our first black
[2:59:50] female mayor coupled with deep
[2:59:50] institutional knowledge has
[2:59:53] left an undeniable mark on the
[2:59:55] queen city's history.
[2:59:56] You sacrificed tremendously for
[2:59:58] this role.
[3:00:00] I watched you during covid.
[3:00:03] You were here day and night so
[3:00:04] I thank you on behalf of the
[3:00:05] city.
[3:00:06] I pray this next chapter brings
[3:00:09] you peace, joy and the
[3:00:11] well-deserved uninterrupted
[3:00:14] time with your grandchildren.
[3:00:15] Thank you for your historic
[3:00:17] leadership and your sacrifice.
[3:00:18] Thank you.
[3:00:20] Thank you very much for that.
[3:00:22] >> I really appreciate it.
[3:00:27] >> okay, MR. Eyes, what do you
[3:00:28] yes, thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[3:00:29] >> we're going around the
[3:00:30] diocese.
[3:00:31] >> okay.
[3:00:31] Got it.
[3:00:31] Got it.
[3:00:33] Anybody missed that?
[3:00:36] Well, I also want to echo my
[3:00:37] colleague councilmember
[3:00:39] johnson's remarks.
[3:00:41] >> I just really want to pause
[3:00:44] and honor someone whose
[3:00:45] leadership has shaped in
[3:00:48] charlotte in ways that will be
[3:00:48] felt for generations.
[3:00:51] Our mayor bill lyles, you never
[3:00:54] simply held in office.
[3:00:54] You carried a strong
[3:00:56] responsibility as the first
[3:00:57] african-american woman to serve
[3:00:59] as mayor of our city.
[3:01:00] You've opened doors, expanded
[3:01:02] our possibility and shown our
[3:01:03] city what it looks like when
[3:01:05] dignity, steadiness and service
[3:01:05] guide every decision.
[3:01:08] And on a personal note, we
[3:01:09] share an alma mater, queen's
[3:01:11] university of charlotte.
[3:01:12] >> anyone who has walked those
[3:01:14] halls knows the values that
[3:01:16] place instills service,
[3:01:17] reflection and a belief that
[3:01:19] leadership is not about being
[3:01:20] in front but also about lifting
[3:01:22] others up.
[3:01:23] Mayor lyles, you've embodied
[3:01:25] those values every single day.
[3:01:28] Your service has left a mark in
[3:01:29] that city in this city not just
[3:01:32] in the skyline and or in the
[3:01:34] budget books but in the lives
[3:01:35] of residents who saw themselves
[3:01:35] reflected in your leadership.
[3:01:38] So you have shown us what it
[3:01:40] means to lead with integrity to
[3:01:41] lead with heart and to lead
[3:01:41] with the belief that
[3:01:43] charlotte's best days are ahead
[3:01:43] .
[3:01:44] On behalf of a grateful city,
[3:01:46] thank you for your years of
[3:01:47] dedication, your trailblazing
[3:01:49] example and your unwavering
[3:01:49] commitment to the people of
[3:01:50] charlotte.
[3:01:52] We are better because you
[3:01:52] served.
[3:01:54] >> thank you.
[3:01:57] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[3:01:58] So I actually have council
[3:02:03] topics so for the manager so
[3:02:05] and I will I've already told
[3:02:08] you we've had I guess we've had
[3:02:09] our cover so number one I want
[3:02:12] what we've already I've already
[3:02:12] share.
[3:02:15] I want us to speak to of which
[3:02:17] we did refer to by our the
[3:02:18] hearings and decisions on the
[3:02:23] same evening also I want us to
[3:02:26] think about the conversation we
[3:02:27] just had and this is something
[3:02:30] I think actually the attorneys
[3:02:30] office will be able to help
[3:02:30] with.
[3:02:32] I gave the example of orlando
[3:02:35] studios and florida and what is
[3:02:38] able to do we a number of of us
[3:02:41] have heard it from community
[3:02:41] members, small businesses and
[3:02:43] others.
[3:02:46] We are pricing out our
[3:02:49] residents as we seek opportune
[3:02:50] cities for people to come in
[3:02:53] and visit and we talk about the
[3:02:55] revenue that's generated.
[3:02:56] A lot of our residents are not
[3:02:58] able to take advantage of the
[3:03:02] amenities and the habits that
[3:03:04] we have in our center city.
[3:03:07] Number three and this is going
[3:03:09] to be for our water even though
[3:03:10] MR. Charles is not here this is
[3:03:12] a bigger conversation now I
[3:03:13] think we need to be paying
[3:03:15] attention to what we know as of
[3:03:15] right now.
[3:03:18] Cuba, nigeria, south africa,
[3:03:21] pakistan and india, venezuela
[3:03:23] and zambia have all experienced
[3:03:26] blackouts and power outages.
[3:03:31] We know that the hamas channel
[3:03:35] is closed which means we are
[3:03:38] going to have a challenge with
[3:03:40] getting gas which means we are
[3:03:41] going to have a challenge with
[3:03:43] electricity.
[3:03:46] The water is life physically
[3:03:48] your body cannot go beyond
[3:03:48] three days without water.
[3:03:50] We can go without food and
[3:03:51] other things.
[3:03:53] we cannot go without water.
[3:03:54] I would add we're already
[3:03:59] hearing others smaller areas
[3:04:00] that are having challenges.
[3:04:02] We're rolling blackouts and
[3:04:06] power outages.
[3:04:08] I want to get an update from
[3:04:11] our charlotte water regarding
[3:04:14] our usage around wind, solar or
[3:04:20] any anything that is not
[3:04:22] electricity independent as far
[3:04:26] as the options in case not even
[3:04:28] in case when blackouts start
[3:04:31] making their way into our
[3:04:31] region.
[3:04:34] This is something that is
[3:04:34] already happening.
[3:04:37] This is not something we can be
[3:04:37] reactionary on.
[3:04:39] So to find out what we're
[3:04:43] actually utilizing to ensure
[3:04:45] that our water will remain
[3:04:49] accessible as long as possible
[3:04:53] having an update would be very
[3:04:55] beneficial and also I just want
[3:04:58] to give an update because there
[3:05:01] is a partner and development
[3:05:03] get engagement meeting that I
[3:05:06] will be hosting coming JULY
[3:05:06] 14th where we are bringing our
[3:05:09] development partners both on
[3:05:12] the capital investment in the
[3:05:13] development in larger
[3:05:15] developers, smaller developers
[3:05:17] they help look at a proposal to
[3:05:20] bring to housing a neighborhood
[3:05:21] services committee as we think
[3:05:23] about the trust fund and moving
[3:05:26] forward and allocation and for
[3:05:29] many years the focus has just
[3:05:32] been on housing even though we
[3:05:33] are housing and neighborhood
[3:05:33] services.
[3:05:35] So we're having the real
[3:05:36] conversations of the
[3:05:38] neighborhoods services piece
[3:05:41] and what does that really look
[3:05:44] like with that mayor I went
[3:05:46] through five mayors in seven
[3:05:49] years coming in under mayor fox
[3:05:50] and then the changes and the
[3:05:53] challenges I was elected in
[3:05:53] 2011 I believe you are
[3:05:57] personally going to 2030 as a
[3:05:59] large member.
[3:06:02] You then ran we appointed you
[3:06:03] right off the bat as mayor pro
[3:06:07] tem because of your experience
[3:06:10] in government and in community
[3:06:13] you ran successfully as mayor
[3:06:15] and have stayed in that role.
[3:06:18] The city has a tremendous
[3:06:19] wealth and with growth comes a
[3:06:21] lot of growing pains.
[3:06:24] You have endured a lot from
[3:06:27] community and in perfectly
[3:06:27] honest from your council.
[3:06:32] So what I appreciate I
[3:06:35] appreciate the fact that you
[3:06:38] still kept showing up every day
[3:06:39] some days you and now we have
[3:06:41] to have very serious
[3:06:47] conversations yet I never
[3:06:49] doubted your commitment to
[3:06:52] service even though we didn't
[3:06:53] always agree on how we get
[3:06:54] there.
[3:06:57] >> I appreciate the fact that
[3:06:59] you brought a vision to our
[3:07:00] city.
[3:07:03] I personally think you should
[3:07:03] enjoy this time because some
[3:07:07] people don't know how to retire
[3:07:11] but I know how important your
[3:07:11] children and your grandbabies
[3:07:13] are to you.
[3:07:14] So to have the opportunity to
[3:07:17] attend their place to spend
[3:07:23] time is something a gift that
[3:07:26] cannot be codified because we
[3:07:28] never know how much time GOD
[3:07:29] has for us.
[3:07:31] So thank you for all the years
[3:07:34] that you have given us all the
[3:07:36] guidance and the service and I
[3:07:39] truly pray that whenever your
[3:07:40] next part of your journey else
[3:07:43] is everything that you want and
[3:07:43] why.
[3:07:43] >> thank you.
[3:07:45] thank you so much.
[3:07:47] Mayor lyles.
[3:07:50] Much will be said about your
[3:07:53] service and the events in
[3:07:54] charlotte during your time in
[3:07:54] office.
[3:07:56] I believe your position in the
[3:07:57] history of charlotte is secure.
[3:07:59] I just wanted to tell you on a
[3:08:02] personal note we got elected at
[3:08:03] the same time we went through a
[3:08:08] lot together and one of the
[3:08:10] most rewarding aspects of my
[3:08:11] service on council has been
[3:08:13] working with you so I
[3:08:16] appreciate appreciate you.
[3:08:17] >> I love you and I wish you
[3:08:17] all the best.
[3:08:21] Thank you very much, mayor
[3:08:22] lyles.
[3:08:24] >> that's a tough one to follow
[3:08:24] .
[3:08:26] You don't have a lot of sweet
[3:08:27] emotion out of my colleague.
[3:08:30] So your departure marks the
[3:08:31] close of a historic chapter of
[3:08:32] charlotte civic life.
[3:08:33] You've had a tenure that
[3:08:36] reflects your steady commitment
[3:08:36] to equity long term.
[3:08:39] This community partnership and
[3:08:41] as you step away from the role
[3:08:43] we carry on your legacy as one
[3:08:44] of the newer members here, I
[3:08:47] can say that watching you lead
[3:08:49] drove me to wish to also lead
[3:08:50] so I thank you for that
[3:08:51] inspiration.
[3:08:55] I also on a somewhat more
[3:08:56] council topic note I will
[3:08:58] simply say that I truly believe
[3:09:01] and I say to the city manager
[3:09:01] and to others who will listen I
[3:09:04] believe that a clear and
[3:09:04] consistent process for filling
[3:09:07] vacancies should start with an
[3:09:09] immediate referral to begin as
[3:09:10] soon as the notice of vacancy
[3:09:12] is received.
[3:09:13] And I say that and I'm sure all
[3:09:15] of us have heard what a a clown
[3:09:17] car, a circus and a spectacle
[3:09:20] are.
[3:09:22] Our discussions were before the
[3:09:24] two minutes were afforded to
[3:09:25] each of the 40 or so people who
[3:09:25] came.
[3:09:28] I know that I'm not unique in
[3:09:28] not wanting to have that be the
[3:09:30] legacy that we leave charlotte
[3:09:31] is that we can't get our act
[3:09:33] together.
[3:09:34] So I would just encourage us to
[3:09:37] perhaps do a postmortem and
[3:09:39] begin to look at what we did
[3:09:42] with this and document it for
[3:09:42] future councils not to bind
[3:09:45] them but to show them what we
[3:09:48] found useful in this process
[3:09:48] and what perhaps was not
[3:09:48] useful.
[3:09:50] I will speak fundamentally for
[3:09:53] me what was most useful were
[3:09:54] the conversations I was able to
[3:09:56] have the more in-depth
[3:09:56] conversations where I was able
[3:09:59] to candidly interview people
[3:09:59] and I appreciate sunshine laws
[3:10:02] do not able us to do that but I
[3:10:04] also don't think that we had to
[3:10:07] do the two minute with
[3:10:07] everybody who applied.
[3:10:09] I don't know that that was
[3:10:10] really useful for the public
[3:10:12] but I just think that bgr is a
[3:10:13] good place for that to be
[3:10:15] discussed and again to do that
[3:10:17] sort of analysis of this part
[3:10:18] of this process that we did and
[3:10:20] I thank you for the opportunity
[3:10:20] .
[3:10:26] Thank you.
[3:10:31] >> she goes okay, right.
[3:10:34] Well thank you, MADAM Mayor and
[3:10:35] MADAM Mayor, you know how I
[3:10:36] feel about you.
[3:10:39] When I applied for MR.
[3:10:42] Mitchell's vacated seat and was
[3:10:43] not appointed you called me
[3:10:47] afterwards and encouraged me to
[3:10:48] run and think about running and
[3:10:51] here I am and I've had the
[3:10:54] pleasure of serving with you in
[3:10:56] this council for now my third
[3:10:59] term but specifically with you
[3:11:01] in the council as mayor pro tem
[3:11:04] for two years and that was an
[3:11:04] incredible time including when
[3:11:07] we had some incredible things
[3:11:07] going on in our city.
[3:11:10] So I'm happy good news tonight
[3:11:13] is that you will be here in
[3:11:13] charlotte and that we're not
[3:11:15] the city of charlotte isn't
[3:11:16] losing you which was fantastic.
[3:11:18] So we will see you around and
[3:11:21] I'm sure you and I will
[3:11:21] connect.
[3:11:24] I want to just speak on two
[3:11:26] council topics.
[3:11:29] The first one is just to remind
[3:11:32] her that this wednesday, JUNE
[3:11:34] 24th we will have our citywide
[3:11:36] public safety summit from 6 to
[3:11:37] 8 P.M..
[3:11:40] It's going to be at the union
[3:11:43] station west in and MS. Mayo's
[3:11:45] district and we'll have a state
[3:11:48] of public safety from both our
[3:11:51] chief of fire and police and
[3:11:53] we'll have various panel
[3:11:56] discussions from covering
[3:11:59] criminal justice system
[3:12:00] partners, violence prevention
[3:12:03] partners and business community
[3:12:05] partners and so on.
[3:12:08] So please come out we have
[3:12:08] really good rent registration
[3:12:11] for it and I'd love to have as
[3:12:13] much engagement as possible.
[3:12:14] The second thing I wanted to
[3:12:17] highlight is over this past
[3:12:19] weekend and many of you MAY
[3:12:22] remember just a couple of weeks
[3:12:25] back there was a multi law
[3:12:28] enforcement raid at the garden
[3:12:30] suites an end in district one
[3:12:31] on reagan drive.
[3:12:34] It was an unprecedented,
[3:12:34] unprecedented collaborative
[3:12:36] effort that our chief drove and
[3:12:39] had great results.
[3:12:43] But in sustain the effort in
[3:12:44] that corridor because the
[3:12:46] behavior has been so entrenched
[3:12:49] and inculcate it that there is
[3:12:52] sustained efforts that are
[3:12:53] going on and will continue to
[3:12:55] go on.
[3:12:57] And one happened this weekend
[3:13:00] where c and pd operated their
[3:13:04] 20 26 queen city safe
[3:13:05] initiative.
[3:13:05] They're doing it monthly in
[3:13:08] different neighborhoods but
[3:13:08] then they collaborate
[3:13:11] collaborated with the north
[3:13:13] division which is responsible
[3:13:13] for reagan drive and other
[3:13:16] areas specifically the sugar
[3:13:19] creek corridor blackwood avenue
[3:13:19] ,north tryon street.
[3:13:22] Tom hunter, a tondo and these
[3:13:25] are places that are plagued
[3:13:25] with narcotics activity,
[3:13:28] alcohol related activity,
[3:13:31] assaults, property crime, high
[3:13:34] crime corridors etc. Just the
[3:13:38] results of this one effort on
[3:13:43] the 19th 168 traffic stops and
[3:13:47] also pedestrian stops 61
[3:13:48] citations, 25 arrests but more
[3:13:51] importantly nine firearms were
[3:13:56] seized nearly $10,000 in U.S.
[3:13:56] Currency related to drug
[3:14:04] activity and 538g of narcotics
[3:14:04] was seized on an effort that
[3:14:08] was effectively 12 hours in one
[3:14:09] area of our city.
[3:14:12] >> so tremendous effort by mpd.
[3:14:15] I want to shout out dc brierley
[3:14:15] and captain jeter for their
[3:14:18] efforts in that space but this
[3:14:21] is the type of work this is the
[3:14:21] type of programs we're going to
[3:14:24] have to stand up in other parts
[3:14:26] of the community.
[3:14:27] So again we can crack and break
[3:14:32] through this hard shell of of
[3:14:35] of nuisance crime and crime
[3:14:38] that is impacting our residents
[3:14:40] in particular our residents who
[3:14:41] are aging in place over in
[3:14:43] hidden valley and deride it in
[3:14:44] other communities.
[3:14:48] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[3:14:49] Thank you, MADAM Mayor.
[3:14:51] So I'm kind of echoing the
[3:14:53] sentiment of colleagues.
[3:14:54] It's been a pleasure working
[3:14:56] with you the last few months.
[3:14:59] I very much enjoyed our time in
[3:15:02] dc together and then getting to
[3:15:03] know you and stopping by your
[3:15:04] office and having conversations
[3:15:07] has been very it's been fun but
[3:15:08] also enlightening.
[3:15:08] So I've gotten to learn a lot,
[3:15:11] a lot about you and also about
[3:15:13] how to be a good representative
[3:15:13] .
[3:15:14] So we really appreciate the
[3:15:17] time that we've spent together
[3:15:17] and look forward to seeing more
[3:15:20] of you.
[3:15:20] >> I know my mom's probably
[3:15:22] jealous you'll be spending time
[3:15:22] with your grandkids.
[3:15:25] >> she doesn't have any.
[3:15:25] I think there are a few that I
[3:15:28] love that but yeah, I'm I'm
[3:15:31] sure you will enjoy that time
[3:15:31] and I'm sure they're going to
[3:15:32] enjoy spending more time with
[3:15:33] you as well.
[3:15:34] >> so just want to thank you
[3:15:38] for your service.
[3:15:41] >> well MADAM Mayor, I have
[3:15:44] extended particular remarks a
[3:15:45] couple of months ago so we just
[3:15:47] want to echo the comments of
[3:15:49] our colleagues and thank you
[3:15:53] for your service and we will
[3:15:55] see you I'm sure around yeah, I
[3:15:55] hope so.
[3:15:58] >> I mean, you know, at some
[3:16:03] point so I'm not going anywhere
[3:16:03] .
[3:16:04] I don't know if you know that
[3:16:05] my son is building a house up
[3:16:06] in huddersfield so my tax rates
[3:16:08] will go down.
[3:16:09] >> that's one thing.
[3:16:16] So our did you get chicken
[3:16:19] noodle?
[3:16:22] You know I guess I've just done
[3:16:24] too much truth for the day so
[3:16:28] but there I really will tell
[3:16:28] you one of the most important
[3:16:31] things that I hope to do is to
[3:16:36] engage with the community.
[3:16:37] I have to say joe's did that
[3:16:40] thing for me yesterday and I
[3:16:42] want you to know I use
[3:16:42] transparency at least five
[3:16:45] times the but that was when I
[3:16:48] was young and and not as you
[3:16:50] know it's it gets harder that's
[3:16:51] what I'm going to tell you it
[3:16:53] just gets flat out harder.
[3:16:54] I thought the same thing I
[3:16:56] thought I'm going to do all of
[3:16:57] this and it's going to be great
[3:16:58] and everything's going to be
[3:16:59] wonderful and it the hardest
[3:17:01] job that I've ever had because
[3:17:04] it involves people and it
[3:17:07] involves people that want to do
[3:17:08] the right thing.
[3:17:10] But darkness so you know how
[3:17:15] I've picked up the book on a
[3:17:19] long time ago when doug dalton
[3:17:22] village wasn't really that
[3:17:22] place and I started reading
[3:17:24] that book again and started
[3:17:27] started talking about people
[3:17:30] whose names I remember and what
[3:17:30] they said and what they did and
[3:17:33] this I think it would be really
[3:17:35] good to see some of the things
[3:17:38] that you don't think about
[3:17:39] because you're just so busy
[3:17:41] running all the time.
[3:17:45] But we have those issues I mean
[3:17:45] just like the one that you're
[3:17:47] talking about the green what is
[3:17:50] that hotel garden in and sweet
[3:17:53] and and the lady that the house
[3:17:56] that's going to be used as a
[3:17:58] you know it's a dump anyway so
[3:17:59] you know lots of that but right
[3:18:02] now I think what we all should
[3:18:04] do is congratulate ourselves on
[3:18:05] being able to get through this
[3:18:08] agenda and be able to go home.
[3:18:10] >> you know, you say I have oh,
[3:18:13] you know, I'm sorry how are you
[3:18:16] had said she did it already so
[3:18:16] that sample was hiding behind
[3:18:21] this area.
[3:18:24] You know, I think she wasn't
[3:18:24] done.
[3:18:29] >> I was I was I was just going
[3:18:32] to say as we say farewell to
[3:18:37] you, I look forward to the next
[3:18:38] 18 months because we've got
[3:18:40] work to do and though we've had
[3:18:43] a lot to cover in terms of
[3:18:44] administration and these kinds
[3:18:46] of things, we're at a point now
[3:18:49] where we've got to we've got to
[3:18:51] look forward and we've got to
[3:18:52] lift our gaze, if you will, to
[3:18:53] what we're supposed to be
[3:18:55] delivering for the city though
[3:18:55] we will have an interim or a
[3:18:58] period with an interim mayor we
[3:19:00] cannot use this time to rest on
[3:19:01] our laurels.
[3:19:03] We very much still have all of
[3:19:04] the pressing demands of a
[3:19:06] growing city and so I look
[3:19:09] forward to each and every one
[3:19:09] of us kind of picking up and
[3:19:12] taking up our particular charge
[3:19:15] so that we are able to drive
[3:19:15] this city forward because
[3:19:18] certainly will need to help on
[3:19:18] board our incoming interim
[3:19:21] mayor.
[3:19:22] But each and every person here
[3:19:24] is a leader in their own right
[3:19:25] and so we've got to come
[3:19:27] together and help help lift up
[3:19:30] our new leader as well as our
[3:19:30] community.
[3:19:32] So I hope that that is where we
[3:19:33] are able to pivot to as we come
[3:19:36] back from our break in AUGUST.
[3:19:38] >> okay.
[3:19:41] i agree with what my colleagues
[3:19:43] have already said.
[3:19:46] Thank you for your service and
[3:19:46] for the sacrifices but I think
[3:19:50] the bigger things is to your
[3:19:50] family because they have had to
[3:19:53] sacrifice a lot especially
[3:19:56] kwami, aisha and their families
[3:19:59] to enable someone to serve.
[3:20:02] So I want to thank the family
[3:20:02] for their sacrifices for all
[3:20:08] this years and I know that
[3:20:08] babies are looking forward to
[3:20:10] spending some time with you.
[3:20:13] I ran into them and they just
[3:20:16] want that undisturbed time so I
[3:20:21] certainly recognize that and I
[3:20:21] .
[3:20:22] I wish you all the best in your
[3:20:24] next chapter yours will be the
[3:20:24] same.
[3:20:27] >> I mean kids love and adore.
[3:20:30] >> we do have one more.
[3:20:30] >> I know.
[3:20:31] No, no, no.
[3:20:33] Oh, what do you want to the end
[3:20:33] of this item?
[3:20:35] No, no, no.
[3:20:36] >> I want to embarrass you like
[3:20:36] okay.
[3:20:37] Okay.
[3:20:41] So serving with you probably
[3:20:41] anybody else I remember you a
[3:20:43] budget director that I remember
[3:20:47] you assistant city manager and
[3:20:47] the first time you came in
[3:20:50] ralph was I was addicted to
[3:20:51] about you say smudgy you
[3:20:56] telephone bill is to her oh
[3:20:56] yeah we had a few minutes back
[3:20:59] and you taught me there that
[3:20:59] you got to stay out of the
[3:21:01] newspaper.
[3:21:02] >> that's that was the number
[3:21:02] two thing.
[3:21:05] Never let the newspaper know
[3:21:07] what you're doing.
[3:21:09] And so I would I would say when
[3:21:12] when I started appreciate your
[3:21:16] skills is when I'm more results
[3:21:16] driven.
[3:21:16] But you taught me the art of
[3:21:19] the process that if you have a
[3:21:21] good process you have good
[3:21:24] results and I want to echo what
[3:21:25] everyone said it's time for you
[3:21:28] to take about be proud of if
[3:21:29] you jump on the 14th largest
[3:21:32] city but now is your time.
[3:21:33] >> you need to be selfish.
[3:21:35] It's been time your
[3:21:36] grandchildren spend time with
[3:21:38] you both continue to work on
[3:21:43] you stand in the city, tell you
[3:21:47] hey talent you see where you
[3:21:50] live, what you say movies
[3:21:50] right?
[3:21:52] >> wow.
[3:21:53] >> schools don't tell him
[3:21:55] nothing.
[3:21:56] >> you won't get that water.
[3:21:58] I'm going to MISS You, mayor.
[3:21:58] >> all right.
[3:21:59] Thank you.
[3:21:59] All right.
[3:22:01] We have to do one more thing
[3:22:01] and that this is because of the
[3:22:03] work that we did with the clerk
[3:22:04] this afternoon.
[3:22:06] We want to say thank you for
[3:22:09] all of you that participated in
[3:22:10] this and had this chance.
[3:22:12] But you know what we're having
[3:22:13] I they've been I have.
[3:22:16] And asking you as a draft on
[3:22:16] the salary adjustment for the
[3:22:18] city clerk that you approve of
[3:22:22] during our meeting time and
[3:22:22] that we want to make document
[3:22:25] this so that we can get
[3:22:27] everything on way works and so
[3:22:27] following the completion of her
[3:22:30] annual performance evaluation
[3:22:32] conducted on 20th JUNE 22nd 26,
[3:22:36] the city council approved a
[3:22:37] salary adjustment in the amount
[3:22:38] of 8% for the city clerk in
[3:22:41] recognition of her continued
[3:22:41] service and performance in
[3:22:43] fulfilling the duties and
[3:22:45] responsibilities of her office
[3:22:45] .
[3:22:46] So last year I had to do this
[3:22:49] report.
[3:22:49] >> yeah and it was just decked
[3:22:53] up for report I mean but I
[3:22:55] think now I just want to say
[3:22:58] that the staff people as you
[3:23:00] know well the staff came in and
[3:23:03] now we have a process for it so
[3:23:03] just think about that.
[3:23:06] You know, I heard something and
[3:23:07] we got a process out of it.
[3:23:09] >> hey, that's a win for
[3:23:12] anyone to say we do I have to
[3:23:14] have a motion on this.
[3:23:15] No, MADAM Mayor, great job.
[3:23:17] We just want to clarify when is
[3:23:20] it effective?
[3:23:23] JULY 2nd slappers thank you.
[3:23:23] JULY the 4th.
[3:23:23] Sorry.
[3:23:24] Oh, is 4th of JULY.
[3:23:26] I'd like to do like JULY.
[3:23:28] >> yes, yes, yes.
[3:23:30] 26, 2026.
[3:23:30] Okay.
[3:23:31] All right.
[3:23:33] Thank you.
[3:23:35] >> motion to adjourn second.
[3:23:38] >> all in favor, mayor.
[3:24:08] Thank you
[3:30:03] resilience and never shying
[3:30:05] away from doing what is best
[3:30:08] for all of the students and
[3:30:10] families in our community. We
[3:30:11] also recognize the >>
[3:30:12] importance of being a good
[3:30:15] community partner and I'm
[3:30:18] certainly looking for ways to
[3:30:20] pal around with my friend
[3:30:23] COUNCILWOMAN Kimberly and my
[3:30:24] other friend of your mr.