Come >> [music] >> on. [music] Got it. on the budget. There's a new chair for you, man. [clears throat] [laughter] >> I thought he just didn't want to say >> I'll help I'll help y'all. I'll help y'all. Okay. >> I got you, man. >> Okay. So, good afternoon everyone. >> Afternoon. >> Um, welcome to our program that we have and calling this meeting to order. It's basically where we will be having a what I call our ability to have more conversation, more dialogue around what we've been doing and achieving over the last couple of days or weeks. >> So, I just want to start with that. Um, and we will have our first business meeting um this afternoon. I guess we'll be down in the chamber by that time. Is that correct? We'll be moving down to the chamber. So, I want to say to everyone, I hope everyone had a really good holiday and now it's time to get back on the grinding street. So, um, let's start with introductions around our room. Starting with our city clerk, Billy >> Billy Tons, deputy city clerk. >> Good evening. Dimple at large. >> Joy Mayo, District 3. [laughter] >> Happy New Year, Dante Anderson, District 1. Good evening. Victoria Watlington. I have the pleasure of serving you as a member at large. >> Good evening everyone. James Mitchell, mayor pro tip. >> Viles, mayor. >> Marcus Jones, city manager. >> Kimberly Owens, speaking for district 6. >> Malcolm Graham, District 2. >> Good evening. Lana Mayfield, council member at large. >> Good evening. JD Mua Adas, proudly representing East Charlotte, District 5. >> All right. Is that our city attorney just coming in? Good evening everyone. Andrea Leslie Pites, city attorney. >> Okay, thank you everyone. Did we miss anyone? If we didn't, um, welcome to all. And we'll start off with our consent items. Um, questions and answers are in consent. Um, our consent items start with item um, 13, I believe. James, don't let me mess this up a little bit. So, and then the we will start with that and then we'll go through with the there are some exceptions that we have for some of these items today. Um would you would it be your preference to hear the re the items that will not be on the agenda? Okay, let's start with that. Um the first one that I have is deferred by staff item number 34. at a public hearing on the Charlotte Fire Station historic landmark designation. So that's that's done. That's deferred and everything. Okay. And then on item 36, Charlotte Water property transactions, Bington LCR77, replacement for sewer parcel number 35 has been settled since we published the agenda. So that's 36. And then the next one is item 40. Um Harrisburg Harrisburg Road sidewalk and shared use path Ponderosa Pine to Kowick's Hill parcel number seven settled again since we had the print of of the agenda. >> Mayor, what number was that last one? >> The last one is item 40. Okay. >> And ma'am, I'm sorry that one was deferred, not settled. >> Deferred, not settled. Thank you. It says settled in here, but we deferred we understand as well. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Um, do we have any further items to address? >> Yes, ma'am. So, we had a lot of questions for this evening and I got to speak to several of you, but some of you I didn't get to round with the answers. So, if you if we have time, I'd like to go through the Q&A real quick and see if anybody has additional questions. >> Absolutely. Let's begin. >> Okay. Thank you. First of all, um, Council Member Mayfield pointed out about making sure we're conscious of putting bid tabs as an attachment and and we do that and I'll follow up to see if there's any that we don't. There was one that we didn't this time, number 24, water and sanitary sewer infrastructure construction, but that only had one bid and now we did add the bid tab even though it's one t bid now. Um and we'll make a conscious effort to make sure those are always included going forward. And then for number 14, Governor's Highway Safety Patrol um grant for traffic safety driving while impaired. Miss Johnson wanted a little bit more information and we'll follow up with her as well, but she wanted to know like what schools they do and what the proactive component and um the staff that administer this program said if you have any context for different contacts for different schools to please let them know because they're definitely open to going to other schools as well, but they already go to Aruk, Butler, Myers Park, Mcclin Middle, Northmech, and um Charlotte Catholic and they do back to school events with different schools as well on drug education and to educate them about why what the DUI laws are and why we enforce them. >> All right, before we go any further, does anybody have a question about that? >> Okay, no questions for me. >> Oh, yes. >> Not a question, but Maria, thank you. That was Councilman Johns I spoke to. She's running a little late and she did say on that item what she was looking for is what is the city doing as relates to DUI. So I have are we going to send some back to her? Let her know that CMS is doing some >> No, this is our sorry she had asked me for what we do on the proactive part of it besides enforcement. So to your point there is a team that's dedicated full time to this and a lot of what they do is actually the checkpoints and the um >> enforcement component but they also have this um proactive component as well. >> Okay. Thank you mayor. [snorts] Thank you Mar. And then Miss Johnson also had a question about the buildings and ground maintenance services, how it's determined that there's no subcontracting opportunities. And what um Steve co Steven Coker and his team do is they work with the departments and look at the actual scope of services for contracts and determine how they may [clears throat] be the scopes could be divided out or not and who's going to perform those. But for these specific contracts, the the vendor that's getting a contract is doing 100%. So that was another item from Miss Johnson. >> And regarding that item, >> excuse me. >> Okay, let's keep going. >> Go, keep going. So number 18, fleet towing service. Miss Johnson asked, are there really no CBI vendors? And important consideration is for this specific contract, you had to be able to do heavy towing. So, not all the vendors that we have in our database do heavy towing. Um, there were two vendors that do both that was were needed that were CBI, but it's a requirement to have at least three vendors to say it's competitive. So, that's why it was noted that there was no opportunities. >> All right. Any questions on that? >> Okay, let's keep rolling. >> And then for number 19, Narland Road shared use path. And I don't know if you there's a bunch of details around this. This was a project from and I can put my readers on and read some of it, but it was a project that was allocated 5.5 million and when it was really originally envisioned and they started working with the community. Um since then, you know, we've had COVID and things happen. So that they had to re-engineer the project to meet within the budget, but it is still a valuable project going forward with sidewalks. And it says it's delivered in four coordinated phases. Uh let's see, this is to add sidewalk and 12 foot shared use path on the south side plus enhance two crossings. And then there's a phase one which you're considering tonight. And then there's going to be a phase two around Ron Oak Avenue to Evergreen Cemetery Drive. >> All right. JD, would you have a comment? >> Yeah. Is this appropriate for question? >> Of course it's appropriate. >> Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Um Marie, uh when was this originally proposed and voted on by voters through that bond? through the actual bond. Th it's say this was part of the multiple bond cycles to make this project because it's part of the central albar album shamrock's cnet project and it was multiple bonds. It was 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020. And that was not for just this. This was for the overall projects which this is a component of it. >> Perfect. And a follow-up question to that is, if I'm reading correctly, because of construction cost escalating as well as COVID and all the time that has passed since then, approximately 12 years, this scope has changed, right? And limitation. >> Gotcha. I go ahead. Sorry. >> No, go ahead. Is that are you complete or >> I would like to pull this um item >> okay >> out of the agenda and defer it to our first business meeting in February particularly because this conversation has been had with a lot of constituents over the uh past year or so where they had originally seen this proposal back in 2014. We're expecting something different. the scope has changed and I would like to see the entire scope incorporated again and try to work with staff to find um creative way that we can use fund existing funding without going back to the voters and asking >> if you'll give me a motion that says um that whatever your new timeline is we'll go ahead and have that and then Mr. Well, let me get Mr. Jones first. All right, but that's where we're headed. >> Uh [clears throat] thank you, Madam Mayor, Mr. Council. Uh, one thing is important and I appreciate the the deferral is that there's um, two ways of doing projects that cross this period of time. We think the way that we do it now is exceptional in terms with advanced planning. So we get something to 30% design before we even put it into a CIP. So when you go back to 2014 cycle, that was well before advanced planning. So it was really chucking away pieces of money and pieces of money and pieces of money and over time um trying to make projects work. So I appreciate the discussion. Just wanted to um assure you that as we do projects now it's a very different model. >> Thank you manager Jones. I appreciate that context and I [clears throat] agree. I think now we do have a more expedited process that uh fulfills and respects the constituents uh needs at the beginning. So, I'll like to entertain a motion to pull agenda item number 19 and defer it to our first business meeting in February. >> Second. >> We have a motion on the floor and we have a second. Is there any further discussion hearing? >> All right, Miss Mayfield. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Marie, just for context, we're looking at about 11 and a half years. How much of the projects have actually been completed up to this point? because we're identifying CO impacts now that's 2019 2020 this was initially approved 2014 as well as some money in 2016 and 18 prior to co so how much if any of this project has actually been implemented >> thank you and we'll bring that back to you if it >> either way I we don't have that detail tonight but yes I will thank you thank you ma'am thank you miss Mayfield Miss Amera Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, thank you, Mr. Jones, for highlighting the advanced planning that was implemented um around 2018 time frame and that really helped us with more accurate estimates. So knowing that this project was prior to that implementation of advanced planning uh not just this but there are other projects that have fell in this category and the scope was changed as a result of uh advanced planning that was done afterwards. I think keeping that in mind um I know that scope has changed significantly because we I have heard from constituents specifically Morin Galiski and her neighborhood and just the frustration over the years. So um in that case we changed the scope but knowing what we know now especially with $und00 million that are in that's coming in through infrastructure I mean through transportation referendum this gives us an opportunity to deliver uh based on the original scope and I think that's what the community asked for. So if Mr. Jones, if you could look at that, there have been number of projects that were uh I would say the scope was reduced and if we can look at those and see how we can leverage our $100 million to deliver on original promises that were made to our constituents. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments? Hearing none, let's move on to the next item. have to vote on. >> I'm sorry. We have to vote. That always helps, doesn't it? Okay. So, all in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. >> Anyone opposed? Now, I see no opposition. Okay. Now, let's go ahead and see what we're going to go next. M >> the meeting just went downhill. [laughter] >> Welcome, Mr. Dre. >> Thank you. He might say it the opposite way. you know, [laughter] >> and so sorry. If you're ready, we I'll go on with 21. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, 21 is for Miss Mayfield, and she's concerned to make sure we're holding our contractor, our landscape contractors accountable for not blowing um debris and leaves into the roads and making them unsafe. And I just want to assure her with Charlotte Water, they do put provisions in their contracts to cover that. Okay, I think we read those provisions this afternoon. So, is there any other comment hearing? None. Let's go to the next item. And then the next one was on the lease of city-owned property at 501 West Trade Street to Pivot Parking LLC. And Miss Mayfield asked if this was um an opportunity for more affordable um parking for workers. And actually this is not because I mean it's a opportunity but it's not more affordable. It's market rate parking. >> All right, Miss Mayfield. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor and colleagues. You all have [clears throat] the information. The specific question is parking uptown has become cost prohibitive for many workers. Do we know what the parking fees will be for this lot? So that was the initial question that I asked. What came back from staff is that it will be market rate. I say we have seen some challenges with a budget that we approved a little while ago that allowed for the changing of our parking meters in uptown with not having the two hours and other things. But since this is our lot, we have the opportunity when we know that our workers, whether they're working the restaurant, whether they're working at Spectrum or any of the immediate businesses in the area, their pay is around $12 to $15 an hour. The parking has become extremely cost prohibitive for those workers. And we're seeing the impact from some of those businesses. I shared an email late last year, mid last year, based on just Spectrum and the security companies and some of the other small businesses to try to coordinate a meeting based on the fact that people were calling out because it was more expensive for them to try to go to work. So, they were not. If we have an opportunity to help encourage at least the affordability of the parking of the workers, which is simple because that's a parking pass for that business. Spectrum used to do that years ago where the employees that were on that shift, they have all that information for all of the partners. you put the pass in you, they should be paying $5. Because I'm not asking for us to necessarily change the whole model for people that are coming into Uptown to benefit, but if our workers are underpaid based on what you should make for a decent quality of life in Charlotte right now and a good bit of their pay is going towards parking, that's a hindrance and that's creating a challenge. I personally think that we should have continued conversation. At the time that I sent this, I wasn't necessarily going to ask for a deferral, but I think it will probably be best if tonight that we do have a comment. I am going to submit and hopefully get support for a deferral for us to get more time to discuss this because this is our land. We don't have control over other land and private entities, but we do have an opportunity to do something that's going to benefit our workers in the city and for our residents. So, may I am going to motion for us to defer item 29, the lease of city-owned property at 501 West Trey Street to Pivot Parking LLC for us to have additional conversation to our next business meeting. >> Second, >> M. And there's only one consideration. Sorry, I should have uh it's my fault for not putting it in there. This since this is cats, there's also federal regulations. So, but to your point, even if this one moves forward, that could be in the quality of life review as well. But, >> so when you say federal considerations, that means what to this conversation? >> We miss Mayfield. Um, Mr. Kaggel is behind and um I think this is probably a >> Thank you. >> good time for Mr. Kaggel to step forward for us. >> Yeah. So, as Miss Harris stated, there are federal requirements for cats when leasing property. Uh, the federal requirement is that we seek fair market value in our leases. And just to clarify, we seek fair market value for the lease of the property. This property has historically been used for public parking. Um, and so it was time to renew that lease. We did a process and we recommended Pivot. Pivot is paying us fair market value. They set the rates of the daily parking, weekly parking. They set the parking rates based on market conditions and what they think the market can can apply. So when we look at it, we receive market value for lease of the total property, not what the market is for the rate, daily rate for the parking rate that pivot manages. But we do have a requirement to seek market value in our leases and that's true for all of our leases. >> Okay, >> thank you for that clarification. But we also know and this was information that was shared to me years ago when we look at even the spaces along light rail that we have for ground floor that when we submitted in order to have the parking decks that that wasn't necessarily a revenue generator and we had some flexibility in the opportunities of who had access >> to it >> for transit parking. So, Catz does own um several parking garages and there are parking rides or they're utilized for employees, but in a park and ride for a transit facility, we do not charge for parking. However, this is not designated as a park and ride facility. This is a it's a lease for private parking. So, you're saying based on federal language, we do not have the ability to identify a partner that's going to take into consideration our residents and the needs of our workforce because a market analysis is an average of the whole. But the reality is that we have individuals in our community that are still earning under the market value. But we're saying although we have this space because there is federal language in it for this lease, we're going to charge market value. So therefore, they're able to charge whatever they deem as market value. >> So we establish the market value to lease the entire property. We do not establish market value or market rate for parking fees. That is not the business we're in. So, so we have established the market value or the market rate, the fair market value for rent of this property. We then conducted uh an invitation to bid and the highest proposer because it's an ITB, an invitation to bid, you select the highest to get you to the market rate, and that's what we did. But we don't determine what the market rate for parking in the uptown market is for a for renting or or taking a parking spot on a per spot basis. And we also don't identify and just for clarification opportunities to have discussion with any vendor to take into consideration who very well may be utilizing your parking deck knowing that we have a financial challenge for some of the employees who are actually the service people that we need in order for these businesses to be successful. Them having access that is not something that we do. We're going for highest amount in the rental rate. >> Again, on this property for private parking, we look at the fair market value, the highest and best value for that lease of the entire property. We we also the value of this lease, I believe it's somewhere in the $500,000 per year, goes back into supporting the transit system to provide affordable transit for our folk for for the community. And so this these dollars come back to cats and then get reinvested in the system. Generally speaking, this lot, it's basically at the corner of Graham and Trade is where this lot is. This lot will ultimately be developed as part of the Gateway Station property, but at this point, until we have um a clearer picture of that, this lot has been used for private parking. It was preferred parking before we made the recommendation for pivot. And it has always been um uh market rate or privately provided. And generally this lot is um sees its highest usage for special events because it's generally in the same general area as Bank of America and the night stadium. >> Mr. Driggs, >> thank you. Uh Miss Mayfield, you make a very good point. Um the cost of parking is squeezing people. Um however, subsidizing parking costs money and that has to come from somewhere. uh imposing that cost on the lei is not a legal or really the best possible answer. If the city's goal is to make parking easier for people, we would need to find a way either of working with employers to help their employees maybe that way, but that's a cost to them or we would have to have a program to subsidize parking because this problem exists everywhere. This is one instance. So, uh I think it is an issue but I I think what Mr. Kaggel is trying to explain is uh there is no legal basis for us trying to impose the burden of that subsidy on the party that is uh leasing the property from us. We need to find other policy actions to provide relief would be my opinion. >> All right, Miss May um who is over here? M Miss Asher. >> Yes. Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. I agree with what Mr. Driggs said. Uh [clears throat] certainly the cost of parking is squeezing a lot of people who work up town but I just want us to be very careful with our approach because we are ultimately would be taking money from our cat's operating budget which is really enterprise fund which should be used for improving our bus system better bus program specifically uh which we many of us ran on to ensure that we are providing efficient reliable ible and effective services to those who depend on our public transportation. Um and I don't think we should do that specifically uh we have a responsibility with our enterprise fund here uh to support our light rail and our bus system. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions? So, mayor, I my followup for us to have a conversation that [clears throat] expands beyond the idea of imposing something on to this petitioner. We have land and we have the opportunity to either approve or to deny certain contracts and proposals when we put up RP. those workers that are at the gates at Nights Theater as well as Spectrum. Those workers that are cleaning up, that's making everything run inside of that facility as well as all of our facilities in Uptown that don't have access to parking. It's a cute idea to say, "Okay, bus is not reliable for a lot of people." We have already looked at some studies last year that show that if that bus is 5 minutes late, that can in turn have an individual arrive 30 minutes to an hour late to wherever they need to be. Most of our events, the employees need to be there around 4:30ish, 5:00 in the afternoon. Not to mention, we do not have the current transportation system that really gets you from one side of town into Uptown. So therefore, now I am not going to I'm going to retract my request for a deferral for tonight based on the information Mr. KGO had. I will not be voting for this. But what I don't want us to do is to keep having the conversation where well we'll approve it now and we'll try to address it later. the time that we have to address certain instances is when staff brings it before us and that is the first time that we see it because we don't have a system in place to say okay ahead of time outside of Thursday and Friday this is what's going to be on your packet for Monday to decide on this is our property yes we have some requirements in there but those requirements does not negate us being proactive us being the staff being proactive in that proposal to at least have the conversations to discuss for the employees. I'm not talking about the open parking rates are what they are. If I choose to go up town for an event, then I'm going to pay whatever. But if we have employees that are out there cuz we don't get the control they pay that are making 12 11 12 13 14 $15 and you're working 6 8 plus hours and some have to make a decision of is it going to cost me more to go in and try to do this job for however many hours or can I offset that? Yes, businesses can offset it to an extent but why we have this opportunity tonight. I don't want us to start off 2026 the way we have many other years with the idea that well we'll identify it and talk about it later when the position is in front of us tonight. So the question that I asked of which my question do we know what the parking fees will be for this? The answer to that is that the parking fees are based on market conditions and demand. market conditions and demand has parking $50, $100 for events that we have in Uptown. Here's an opportunity for us to look at how our workers who make these buildings run successfully, keep the restrooms clean, make sure the spaces clean, everything else they do from administrative on down. How are we helping them with the decisions that we're making? >> All right, Mr. Jones. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Mayor, members of council, and thank you, uh, Council Member Mayfield. We've had this discussion for a while, including red bags over, um, parking meters. What I would like to do is is get to council some uh information what Debbie Smith has been doing with trying to work with um center city partners as well as some of the private garages, private lots to see what we can do in terms of having more capacity for um the the workers that council member Mayfield has talked about. So, we've started a bit of a process. What I'd like to do is get um Debbie to provide some information in your next packet. >> Okay. All right. Miss Watlington, you had a comment. >> Yes. >> This is an example, I think, of when we've got bid documents that go out and then as we discuss the decision as a council, then we start to get into what should the criteria really be. Because what I hear from council member Mayfield is that when we start to think about what's important to us, it needs to be reflected in those bid documents. and given that we don't necessarily see them um and by the time it's time to have a discussion, we're making decisions uh with what it is asis rather than being able to give input on the front end into what the criteria is. So, what I'd like us to to do is spend some time looking at that procurement process on the front end as as the bid documents are coming together. How do we make sure that council's um uh criteria and priorities are fed as input into the RFPs and the ITBs? Obviously, we're not going to get into every single specific document. Um but if there are particular areas that we want to make sure reflect the needs, I do think there is an opportunity to get a little more granular about what we actually expect on these contracts. >> All right. So, thank you. Um I miss Mayo. >> I actually would like to defer based on the conversations that I've heard today. Um I think as we continue to talk about what we hold dear and the the morals and the values that we as city council hold. I I do think this is kind of what we talked about earlier being innovative. Um I understand what um Mr. for KGO was saying, but I I I would champion staff um to do a bit more exploring and I think we should defer this item until we make um better decisions. And I also agree with Victoria looking being more proactive instead of reactive. I mean, we we just received this. I I think um I think we can do better. >> Well, I I hope so. I think that both of you um Miss Watlington um who is >> Miss Johnson. Miss Johnson, I'm sorry. I did not see you with your hand up. Miss Johnson, >> responding to Council Member Mayo, I would agree with the deferral, especially since this is city-owned land. City-owned land. We should demand more than market rate. We always say and I and I just go back to just approving the the reszoning for the mobile park. It wasn't our land. There wasn't anything like we could do about it. This is our land. this is when we can uh put action to our words. So I agree with that deferral and I hope that and another thing in my email I talked about truck parking. I mean there are there are options and there are solutions that we can provide with our land. So I think that we should do more than uh just lease this to a vendor to uh to rent for market rate. Thank you. >> I I do you need a second on Mayfield? I just want to make sure that one of the things I want to ask our city attorney um when we have something that comes from the federal government and we're using this money as a part of it. I just want to make sure that we're in the right place. And so I'm going to ask our city attorney because my I don't I think all of the things that have been said are true and accurate and that I think that we can do something about these things, but we can't do something if the federal government says I'm going to take this money back from you. So, I just want to make sure if you would just help me understand whether or not this is something that we ought to be thinking about for the retreat, but something that maybe would be difficult tonight because it would be um harmful to cats. So, will you help me out on this? >> Mayor, can I right before they go? >> So, I just wanted to confirm with with um Mr. Kaggel. So the land was purchased with the half cent sales tax, >> right? >> Article 43, which is for transit purposes as well as federal grants. So let's not think about this as something purchased by property tax, but for something dedicated for this purpose. Okay, Miss Ashara >> just to follow up on that because it was it is restricted use which cannot I think that's where the differences there is city own land but it's not from general fund this is specifically restricted specific use and legally we cannot use it for other purposes am I correct >> article 43 is the sales tax which is used for transit purposes >> that's right I was going to have I really want to have the attorney tell us. I'm sorry, mayor. >> So, for clarification, the transit purposes has not been challenged. >> I am still I have not said that it should be used for anything other than transit purposes. the question and where I think we have an opportunity because it is city- owned land that we have an opportunity to ensure and maybe it could be as we getting ready to go into our retreat for us to have a real conversation that highlights Dr. Watlington's point regarding our procurement process and the language that we have >> and that we utilize because I'm not asking for this land to be used for anything other than parking, but I want to know are we being intentional regarding who's the target to access this parking cuz it's great to have all these amenities for the people that's coming in for the night or the weekend, but for the workers who are the ones to make all of our facilities the and give the experiences that make people want to keep coming back if they cannot afford to be able to park. And that's a easy tracking to identify how many workers the businesses already have that. But if we don't even take the time to have the conversation on the front end for land that we actually have control over, as my colleague just mentioned, it's not like this is just private property. This is our property. I'm not asking it to be used anywhere else and I don't want people trying to mislead the community to make it seem like it's being attempted to be used for anything else. It is clearly for parking. I'm just asking can we do a better job to ensure that our workers that make these facilities what they are and they help make our city what it is that they have the opportunity to utilize this not at a market rate. >> Okay. I'm going to go back to the city attorney so that we can get this um one way or the other explained in a way Mr. Graham also wants as well as Miss Anderson. I think all of us honestly all of us want to do better for our people. All of us want to make sure that people can have an opportunity to um thrive in this community. So I don't know that that's the bottom I don't know that that's what we're trying to debate now. It's really a debate on how do we use money that I think came to us from the federal government. So, >> all right. >> I'm sorry. Could I go? Can I have the attorney off, please? >> Can we do we just need a second to for the motion? Can you ask address that also please? >> So, there is a motion on the floor from uh council member Mayo and there has not been a second yet. >> Second. Okay. Thank you, >> mayor. Uh, members of council, the invitation to bid process requires the city to consider the highest bid for the property. That's important for purposes of compliance with u federal law related to getting the highest and best value for the property. And so when we talk about um what is the city's obligation to with respect to leasing it is Mr. Kel outlined a moment ago the importance of getting the highest and best value for the property. Now, how much the um pave or excuse me, the the company, what is it? Is it pivot? Excuse me. Pivot, how much they choose to charge for those who will be leasing or using the parking is a is another but concurrent conversation, but the city's obligation is to ensure that we're getting the highest and best value for the property, and that's how we comply with federal law. >> One other clarifying point on this. So we we talk about transit uses and and that is absolutely correct. I want to clarify this property was assembled as part of a larger um parcel or or um parcels of property for gateway station. The gateway station is a transit use. Private parking is not. And so what this is is a secondary use until we can then put it into use for transit. This lot has always been private parking. When we purchased it many years ago, it was a private parking lot, but the transit use is not private parking. If that would been had been Katz's long-term plan, let's go buy a private parking lot and lease it out to somebody to keep. That is not a transit use. This is a secondary use that is allowing us to generate revenue at this property until it is put into use for transit, which it will. And that's where the market value for the lease comes in. But to be clear, this this is not the transit use. The gateway station in its larger vision is this is a temporary use that generates revenue for cats to put back into the system until we execute the larger vision which which is the transit use. >> Okay. Um so I have a list here. Um Miss Anderson, >> thank you Madame Mayor and I really appreciate the conversation. I think is incredibly thoughtful conversation. Um, however, with this particular property, and Mr. Kaggel or or Marie, please keep me honest here, but with the process being the ITB process, there are certain um ramifications around that particular process. And I I want to make sure that we're not deferring this particular item in light of a a broader conversation that we're we're having, but it won't really impact this particular property. So given that this is a ITP process that has specific ramifications around it, would we be able to even uh put any other um requirements or restrictions on a leasey of this particular property? >> Do I do not believe so. I believe that if this recommendation is not um uh acceptable to the council, our next course of action will be to reject all and then to determine what we would do next with the property. And quite frankly, if it's not able to be leased at fair market value, um it would be likely that we would fence the property so that we don't pay to until so if if you're providing submarket, right? You have to pay someone to do that. There is a subsidy involved with that. And so what we are trying to do is generate revenue but at a minimum we would not want to lose revenue that goes into transit. And so um but again on this process at a minimum it is choose pivot or or not and that is the council's discretion. But if not then we would cancel or uh we would reject all and have to look at future options. >> Yep. And and thank you for answering that because I thought that that was where it was going with this particular property just giving the complexities around the federal involvement etc. So, it if we were to, and I love the the the consensus of our conversation here, but if we were to defer this particular item for this property, there's not much more that could really be done with this property that we would be actually breaking even or or making money on. We would we would really be bleeding um with any other particular options if they're not market rate. And so that's just another aspect to consider. But I absolutely uh support the conversation around looking at procurement practices um under some of our that that controls some of our land that don't have these um you know multi-level restrictions due to uh federal involvement. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you um Mr. Graham. >> And I'll be quick too as well. I really appreciate the tone of the conversation and the commitment to working with frontline workers. I just don't want the manager's comment to go unheard. I think this is really an assignment that we can give the Charlotte Centerity partners. They have access to all the private garages in and uptown Charlotte much more than we have land. Right? And I think that's where the conversation should we should send it to and um ask them for their help and their support um through the corporate community. Uh and then secondly, you know, we got park and ride, right? And so if is there a campaign or something that we can do uh to work with the um frontline workers that are working uptown, the the employers encouraging Park and Y, I think those are free, right? Right. Uh to come to to train into Uptown Charlotte and uh and um be able to do the work that they have to do. uh even visitors um and those who are spectators uh utilize that type of service as well. And so I I think if we can kind of uh look at what we're trying to do, which I think is a very good idea. Uh so it's not the what, is the how, right? I think the how is working throughout um a special um district of town to to assist with that. >> All right, Miss Watlington. >> Thank you. Um, I think that there's been some good conversation around the das. I think there's a couple of different different items. I think I agree with council member Graham in terms of working with center city partners as we think about how do we actually address the issue in terms of making sure there's parking available for folks that are working uptown. Um, specific to this particular decision, I just want to make sure I've got all the pieces that I need. Um, madame attorney, when you say value, highest value, how is value defined? Or let me ask it more specifically, are we as a council able to define what that value looks like by the way of criteria? >> Thank you, Dr. Rottlington. The question of fair market value is based on the market analysis and what is case law defines it as what is the most competitive price based on the marketplace. Um, and so the invitation to bid is actually an exercise in that because it is testing the market to to determine what would a reasonable person pay for a g whether it's a product or a piece of property on a given day, the highest and best use of that or highest and best value for that. >> And so when we talk about um responsive or responsible, let let me ask you differently. If someone was willing to pay $2 million, but they were going to build a gaming studio on top of it, they'll tear it down by the time we need to use it for transit. And they were to respond to this ITB. Would that are there some parameters around which we would say that doesn't really meet the intent? >> It does have That's a great question. when you do an invitation to bid, it considers the zoning use for the property and any other legal classifications that would be um worthwhile and not just worthwhile but pertinent to the discussion. So, it's to your point, it's not just any use of the property. It has to be legally compliant. >> Thank you. The reason I asked is because I just wonder if there if we chose not to go ahead and move forward with this and to work with center city partners on other means to actually meet the need. I'm wondering if there's an opportunity to use this area, this this parcel for something else. For instance, popups or some kind of temporary placemaking or or um even going back to conversations from years ago, um a place for folks to um for for our some of our vendors to go, our street vendors for example. I'm just curious as I hear either we're going to approve this or we're going to fence the property so it doesn't cost us money. I'm just wondering if it it would be acceptable if we were to just decide to scratch the ITB if there were other possible uses of the property that might meet some other community need and if that is permissible uh given the parameters. I um madame attorney I guess I will direct that question to you or the manager. Dr. Watling Watlington. It is it is both a legal question but al also a policy question. The legal question certainly is to say if we are going to maintain the space of a of the invitation to bid definitely get the highest fair market value. But if the c if if council's pleasure is that there be an exploration of of other uses of the property and the the potential revenue boost to cats as as it relates to this sale is outweighed by the policy consideration and again that's council's decision then it would then strike you would strike the ITB and decide which use of the property made the most sense and that may be a situation where you say you know what the fair market value piece is not as important to us as the policy piece. >> I appreciate you. Thank you. [laughter] >> So, I will also say um the reason that this was put forward as parking, so this was not a blue sky ITB. Tell us how to make the most money on this property. That is not the ITB that came forward. The ITB was tell us how much as a parking provider you, the private sector, are willing to pay us to use this property for parking. So the reason it went out that way is that is the grandfathered historic use of this property. Other uses of that property may not be conforming and may require other zoning type of decisions to be made which we would not want to pursue because again this is a temporary short-term use of this property. The long-term use of this property is build a transit facility known as Gateway Station as a Charlotte Gateway station. And so again, we were not seeking a blue sky request of what could be put here because what will be put there is Charlotte Gateway Station. This is a temporary use until that time. And the temporary use is limited by what it has historically been used for and is grandfathered under current zoning requirements to be used. And that's why it is only parking. It it may be possible to make more money on this lot. Understood. Totally clear that it's temporary and that the long-term plan is for transport transit, not taken away from that. I'm thinking about even Brook Hill, for example, and we're talking about things that were that the um uh property owners and the the group that's working on the property want to do in the meantime that doesn't necessarily require a resoning or we hope it doesn't require a resoning. Um to execute some of those activities knowing that they will be temporary in nature. Um I'm wondering if this is another opportunity to do that. I personally would be willing to explore that um in the meantime. Uh but certainly zoning and this conversation is um solvable around this diet. So I look forward to figuring out what we're going to do. >> All right. Thank I'm sorry. Do is there a comment because I know that miss I know sorry it's like Kimberly you have a floor. >> Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate that mayor. So um I am I am exceptionally sympathetic to the thoughts of of my colleagues around the dis. I just am also very keenly focused on what the ITB actually was and what it was was for someone to be able to uh park and and and hire and retain the services of folks to um lease this out for market rate. And that is not what I'm hearing that we want. But that's a different ITB. If we had put this out perhaps and said you're going to be limited in the prices that you could actually charge for your parking, then perhaps that would be a different and and that'd be a wholly different inquiry. I just feel like we've had a lot of time on this issue. That's not actually what's in front of us. What is in front of us is this contract right here and this contract right here is limited by the federal government. It is limited in the uses that we can make. And so I would propose that we go forward with this one, but that we do have a thoughtful exchange of information about what our options are on other city property where we may put out a request for proposal or we may put out an ATB and tell them that they're going to be limited in terms of the amount that they can charge. >> I think everybody loves this opportunity to speak about this issue. Um I'm going I I know that Mr. Drags has raised his hand and we will um I hope complete this after he makes his remarks. >> Just want to remind everybody we did adopt a policy about active management of the city's property. Right. And Mr. Manager maybe you'd like to remind us but at that time we departed from a limited use of city-owned property tiest and best to a more uh uh comprehensive strategy around how we uh use our city assets. So, we've done that, right? And I just think maybe it'd be helpful if you reminded us what the outcome was then. Not necessarily now, but I'm just saying let everybody know. Some people want to hear that, but we've had the conversation about finding better city property than just sell it. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um is I think everyone has had an opportunity to to speak. Um Miss Owen, thank you for wrapping us up. And um do is there a motion on the table? >> There is. a motion. We already have a motion on the table. >> All right. So, we have a motion. All in favor of the motion, please raise >> You want Let's read the motion. Um, so make sure it's consistent with what people are having at the conversation. >> So, the motion for item number 219 was moved by Miss Joy Mayo and seconded by Miss Mayfield and it was to defer item number 29 to the next business meeting. >> Okay. So, you've heard the motion. All in favor, please raise your hands. One two three four. Anybody over here? I don't The most >> It's five. >> That's You have five. One. I'm sorry. >> One, two, three, >> four, five, six, >> four, five, six, seven. >> Okay. Six. >> Six. >> All right. Six. >> All right. Did your Is your hand up, miss? >> Three. Okay. Six. >> Four. Five. I six. Thank you. We have six. Okay. That >> all opposed, please raise your hands. One two three four >> five. Does that include Miss Hashmir? >> Five. Okay. Five. Okay. The motion passes. Thank you very much. Um, great conversation. >> Okay. Next item. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. And the next one was a question from council member Johnson on the lease of city-owned property at University City Boulevard parking deck and and more broadly this deck and also the JW Clay deck as far as what's our success rate for our tenants there and how are we helping the community as far as getting as small businesses. And just to clarify, there's 12 storefronts in total. And of those 12, there's only been one eviction that's has that's happened. And um Catz does work with tenants to put them on different payment plans as needed. But there has been one eviction. And if this is approved tonight, then all 12 storefronts would have tenants. And Catz does routinely work with the tenants directly on any concerns and also with the property manager to um get feedback and uh work on different considerations around any concerns raised. >> Council member Johnson. >> Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Marie, for that information. When you say 12 storefronts, do you mean between the two garages? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And there's been one eviction. I would also ask how many I guess early lease terminations that weren't actually evicted. Maybe they settled and moved out early because I think I know of more than one that had Yeah. that had trouble uh with the the lease. there were barriers from signage um and other access. And so just being the representative for the university area um with the JW Clay and the University City garage, I've heard small businesses have challenges. >> Okay. And we'll definitely follow up and get you more details around those and follow up with you. Thank you. >> And those barriers and how were those barriers addressed? And I know Mr. KGO, you were part of those meetings with the with one tenant. So, if we could just have some information um on how we're assisting these small businesses in this area. Also, I'd ask about the MPTA transfer. >> Oh, yes. So, that's part and there's a business item on for Interlocal later tonight and that's not this, but it's the baby step towards this getting MPT up and running. But to your point, all the properties, there's some properties that may have been leveraged for debt. So there might not transfer over day one, but that there's contracts in place that'll start looking at that. So there's legal staff and CAT staff and everybody that's going to be building plans around those, but there's not a concrete plan for this property yet. It will eventually go over to the MPTA. So, and my question was, if we know that this is going to transfer, is it uh wise for us to enter into a five-year lease? >> Oh, yes, ma'am. I forgot you had brought up that point. Yes, ma'am. And it definitely is because it helps the MPTA um to have revenue and it also very much helps the small businesses who put investment money to get these properties up to speed for what they need the use of and it helps them have some stability over time. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. And then if if there's no other questions on that item, >> well, madam, we're going to, if you don't mind, we'll just finish the last three and then we can do the ones that aren't >> full. >> Okay. And so the next one is airport transit buses. And this was from council member Owens about how this fits into SEAP and and and this definitely is aligned with SEAP. There is a problem with getting electric transit buses. There's a backlog of parks and we're waiting on several now. So the plan for this this coming up year is seven hybrids, but that's consistently um are constantly assessed based on the availability of the electric buses and the hybrids. >> All right. Any questions or comments on this item of the transit buses? Okay let's >> And then Miss Mayfield had another one. Sorry, it's on the same item. And no, this this is Gillig and this was last approved for transit buses in 2023. She was inquiring about the recent um vendors that we had, but that was not one of the vendors we approved for 2024. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Any further comments on those two items? Okay. And I'm sorry. And then one more. Miss Johnson had um questions around or just wanted a little bit more detail around item 38, property transaction on Tai Kendall Road improvements. And Miss Johnson, I don't I don't think you've had a chance to um see the response, but this is making a new sidewalk where there's currently not a sidewalk. and it's going from Kaidell Kai Kendall sorry road >> from Thornblade Drive to McKe road and there's also going to be a right turn lane installed >> from Kai Kindle Road to McKe road as well as crosswalk and um p pedestrian signage okay thank you yet my question wasn't regarding the project it was regarding the condemnation okay and that the property owner uh wanted to continue to mediate. Um I know we have a speaker tonight. I think it's the same issue we talked about. >> No, ma'am. I'm sorry you weren't here, but that there was a speaker on a different one that's been pulled. >> Okay. Well, a different one, but I know that we're proceeding with the condemnation when we're still in negotiation with the owner. Yes, ma'am. >> But I just I'm just not comfortable with that. Um, so can you tell us why we're we're not >> and so I don't know how many parcels with this specific property, but anytime we build a sidewalk, it's got to go through somebody's property. You know, we have a rightway, but usually infringes some on the private property. Um, we do it with utility rightways, different things. And a lot of the homeowners, you know, work with us and come to agreement on acquisition. But if we don't get all the parcels, then the project can't move forward at all. So it really that's a big phase of any of these capital projects. And like you were speaking earlier about how long it takes for a capital project. This is a big piece of why it takes a long time because we really do reach out and work with the homeowners and try to come to resolution. But if not, we're not going to um stall and not provide the community with that sidewalk altogether just because one property owner. But that being said, even when you say yes on a condemnation, we still move back and forth with the homeowner and like get another appraisal, do whatever. And it sometimes we're depending on this, I'm not speaking to this one specifically, but a lot of times we can adjust the project slightly to help them some. But it comes down to it. It's either, you know, we do the project or not. So, the condemnations are necessary. >> I I understand that and progress. Um, I understand we want to to proceed. Maybe if I just spend some more time with that department because we do we also want to ensure that our residents feel treated fairly. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And that we're not bulldozing our way toward progress where people are being left behind. So, um, I'd like some more information about that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, we have a, um, request from Mr. Driggs on the item. >> So, that particular project came about because a large number of residents came to me and said, "Our children are walking on the edge of a very busy road next to uh, a dangerous drop off and we need a sidewalk." and they hounded me for a long time and we finally got to the point where it was scheduled. Uh so right now uh I hate to think what's going to happen if anything delays the project. The fact is that the the u the whole eminent domain issue does come up and there may be somebody. But I'm just telling you, if you have a concern for that resident, you should know a whole bunch of others are going to be really unhappy if they don't get this safety item for the benefit of their kids because they then stand by the edge of the road. There isn't even a proper bus stop there. Uh and that I think is the driving [clears throat] force. This is not just the city that decided, hey, hey, why don't we put a sidewalk in here? That sidewalk was at the specific request of many residents. >> All right. Do we have a motion? And madame mayor, that so that's the last one I had Q&A on. So, and just working with the clerk just to make sure we're aware of all the items before you have entertain a motion. I believe it's of all the consent items but not 1934 3640 and was there another defer 20 and 29. Okay, thank you. Um that takes everybody has did everybody get that 19 29 34 36 40 I'll approve. Do I have a motion for those? We have a motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor, please raise your hands. >> For clarification, you say all the other ones outside of the ones. >> I'm sorry. I meant the inside one. Thank you. But that's Thank you very much. For the record or we had hands up. All right. Anyone opposed? Okay. We can move on to the next part of our agenda. It's a lot tonight. We're catching up with a lot of things, but a lot of good things that are happening with everyone. Okay. So, our next item is this. All right. Mr. Jones, this >> Thank you, Mayor of Council. Um, going back a little bit to go forward. Uh, things are different in 2026. Uh what we're attempting to do on the first business meeting of the month is in this room have what we call action preview so that any items that are coming up that we think you need some more information so you're not caught off guard would be discussed um in 267 and then placed on the fourth Monday of the month. We start here at five, end at 6:30, go down uh stairs and and have the business meeting. The fourth Monday of the month, it would be different. We would start in the chamber um because all of the preview items would have been discussed two weeks beforehand and uh we would have the public forum uh followed by uh in the middle of that it would be at the end the council comments. Today is going to be a little bit of a hybrid because we do not have the fourth Monday as a business meeting. We will have the retreat. So, what will occur today is there's a report out from the committee um housing and neighborhood services which is the pollinator habitats and naturalistic landscapes. So, it's important that the whole body hears that before it comes back on um what would have been I guess the the fourth Monday. Um, outside of that, that's kind of how we would have these structured as well as some um, potential committee report outs. Last thing I'll say is that before may I turn it back over to you to have the one preview item. U, there is a one close session item. If we get through that in a timely fashion, we could have the close session item before we go to downstairs or we would have it at the end. Again, a little bit of a hybrid this time because we will have the public forum uh on the 2nd Monday as opposed to the 4th, but once again, we're not going to be in the building on the fourth. >> All right. Thank you. I I really want to say that if all of us um conducted our work like we did with the um I think what we said as what we were doing in terms of the real est the the council member discussions and leadership that was amazing. I mean I think everyone would probably say this was something that was very very much needed and so thank you all. But out of one of these, we got a pollinator habitats and naturalistic landscape recommendation, which we're all, I'm sure, going to be happy to do. Um, let's see whose committee was this, Mr. Mitchell. >> Council member Mayfield. >> Miss Mayfield, let's go for the pollinator. >> Thank you. Madame Mayor, manager, just quick question. We're only going over that, not the new models and strategies that housing. >> So, thank you colleagues. I want to first acknowledge my [snorts] colleagues on committee, council member Aas, as well as council member Johnson, Mayo, and Owens. So, I have the dream team with the new people and Renee and I get to lead that. On January the 6th, we had our meeting. Our referral based on the December 17th referral from the mayor. She asked the committee to explore how the city can further encourage the creation of pollinator habitats and naturalistic landscapes while also maintaining safe and sanitary neighborhoods and communities. Staff did provide the overview of the current health and sanitation ordinance regarding overgrown vegetation. review the city's current registry program for pollinator gardens and naturalistic landscapes that exempts maintained habitats from code enforcement and proposed an amendment to the current ordinance to codify the enforcement exemption when properties are registered and properly maintained. The committee did s express support for the enforcement exemption for maintained habitats and emphasized the importance of training, education, clear communication, accessible registration options, including for individuals with limited digital access as well as the opportunities for collaboration with our partners such as Meckllinburgg County and Tree Charlotte. Our action, the committee did vote to recommend the proposed ordinance. amendment to full counsel and our next steps would be that staff will present the topic and proposed ordinance to council at the future action preview. But that is the overview. If there was any specific questions, staff is here. But I think that pretty much covers. We are ready to move forward and ask for support from full counsel. >> All right. Are there any comments or questions? hearing none, it will come back to the council for a vote and then we'll know whether to say yes or no in that case. So, I hope that all of us have enough mulch in the house in the garage so that we can all say yes to it. So, thank you very much. All right, we are now um ready for close session. So, we're going to have to ask many of you to um take a break and you can come back again. The TV will be going. >> Mayor, if I may read the motion. >> We're going downstairs. >> Mayor, >> we need a motion. >> Mayor, if >> I know, guys, if you'll give me a moment so that we can have a motion to go into close session. >> Okay, guys. Okay. [laughter] >> All right. So, thank you, Madame [clears throat] Mayor. The motion, the proposed motion would be to go into close session pursuant to NCGS143- 318.11A3 to preserve the attorney client privilege in the matter of David Guuetta versus City of Charlotte, claim number W00452. >> Second 686. >> Some move. We have a motion and a second on the floor. All in favor, please raise your hands. >> One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. We have a quorum. All right, we're going to wait until um Heat. Heat. Hey, hey hey. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Well, reckon. Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. Hey. Hey. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Hey, [music] [music] hey hey. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. N. everyone. I think it's still afternoon. Um, I just wanted to um recognize that we are going to begin our um our January meeting. Um I'm going to call it to order and we'll start off with introductions and we'll start off with our city clerk. >> Good evening. Stephanie Kelly, city clerk. >> Good evening. Andrea Leslie Fight, city attorney. >> Oh, a >> good evening. Sorry, >> we had our clerk and our attorney. And now, >> good evening. I'm Victoria Watlington and I have the pleasure of serving you as a member at large. >> Good evening. Joy may representing district 3. Dante Anderson, district 1. >> Marcus Jones, city manager. >> I l mayor. >> Good evening everyone. James Mitchell, mayor pro Tim. >> Good evening. Kimberly Owens representing district 6. >> Malcolm Graham, District 2. >> Ed Driggs, District 7. >> Good evening. Lana Mayfield, council member at large. >> Good evening. JD Masera Arias, proudly representing East Charlotte District 5. >> Good evening. I'm Renee Johnson and I'm honored to represent District 4. >> Okay, so let's call this meeting to order. Um, good evening and thank you all for joining us here in person, especially those that are watching online. Also, I want you to know that this is our first business meeting of 2026. And so for those of you that didn't get a, you know, really good present or something, talk to somebody that you know that's not down here. Okay. So let's um let's we begin our meeting with an invocation and expression of inspiration or the followed by the pledge of allegiance. The invocation is intended to solemnize our proceedings and we celebrate the religious diversity of our community including those that do not practice a religious faith. Tonight, Council Member um Anderson will give our invocation. Followed that will be our pledge of allegiance and please choose to join if you want to participate. Miss um Anderson. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. And and happy new year to everyone and uh also happy founders day to uh the soros of Delta Sigma sorority incorporated tomorrow. And I just want to share a thought um that I've that I've had in light of our founders day. Um [clears throat] Delta Sigma Theta was founded at Howard University by 22 women in 1913 and they were a group of very young women who were eager to exert their agency around social action. they very much wanted to be a part of what was going on um politically and um throughout the country and they made the decision to actually break off from another organization and and stand up Delta Sigma Theta uh with the very first act of participating in the women's suffrage march that occurred the very next month and that was great debate as you can imagine back in 1913 13 around uh women in particular who were sent to college and university to get a education and more than likely find a husband uh to take on these uh social activities. But they were very much driven by this and it began a series of steps um that lead us to today being an organization with over 350,000 women in the internationally. But I was thinking about that because I I believe that, you know, the times that we're in right now, we are surrounded by people who want to exert their agency around what's going on um in our country and around the world, in our communities. We are surrounded by people who want to be a part of a a broader action and a broader sense of community, sisterhood, brotherhood, uh fellowship. And I I put that charge to all of us as we jumpst start this new year to think about how you can exercise your agency to move things forward in your neighborhoods for your neighbors um for u your church family and others. And it's also not lost upon me that you know this act that was taken by these 22 women um was done so um during the time of epiphany. And as you look at the lethical calendar, Epiphany is all about the manif the manifestation of the divine. and we we exercise the Epiphany season for the first six weeks of the new year as it leads up to Ash Wednesday. So, this is a window of reflection around how you can exercise your agency uh to manifest how your thoughts and your and your convictions and your values will take place in the community that we call Charlotte. Thank you. >> Thank you. That is wonderful remarks. So, if you would like to stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much for your participation of this. Um, now we're going to move on to our public forum. I would like to thank all of you for joining us and on behalf of the entire city council, I ask that the speakers and the audience members are civil and that they are able to in address the program but do it in a way that helps all of us understand what we're doing. So let's think about being civil as well as being courteous for the use with the use of language. Speakers are encouraged to address council and should refrain from responding to audience members. Likewise, audience members should be courteous to each speaker and not yell out or interrupt them. We want to ensure that everyone has the chance to be heard. And since there are more than 10 speakers, each speaker will have two minutes to address counsel. And now I'd like to call on our very first speaker, um, Hannah Davis. Miss Davis, you hear the people speaking. Good evening, Mayor LS and council members. My name is Hannah Davis. I live at 400 North Church Street here in Charlotte and I'm a local arts organizer. Thank you for this opportunity. I'm here tonight to share a practical perspective from the field and to request a meeting with city and tourism leadership to discuss how we better connect residents and visitors to the culture we're already investing in. Recent articles in the Charlotte Observer and Axius suggested Charlotte lacks a strong cultural identity. I disagree. Charlotte does not have a culture problem. It has a connection problem. We are not consistently connecting people to the culture that already exists. Socially, that limits engagement. Economically, it limits tourism growth. Tourism works in two simple steps. First is attraction. In 2025, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority had a record-breaking year bringing visitors to Charlotte. Second is conversion. Turning visitors to spenders, repeat guests, and ambassadors. That's where Charlotte has real untapped potential. About 55% of visitors come here to see friends and family. That means residents are our unofficial tour guides. If residents aren't connected to the city's cultural life, visitors won't be either. Here in Charlotte, City Pulse Lab is testing how to close this gap by asking one question. What makes people show up? One resident focused pilot has grown to over 4,300 members, hosted more than 350 programs, and maintains a 4.8 star satisfaction rating. Started in 2020, it's now the largest independent local arts group in the country. What we've learned is clear. This isn't a city without culture. It's a city hungry for it. What when locals are connected, they engage. A visitor focused pilot started in 2020, excuse me, started in 2023. Uptown Funk, the story of Charlotte walking tour has consistent five-star reviews on Google and Trip Advisor. When culture is easy to access and wellld, people respond and share it. That's earned media, and it's one of the most efficient and effective ways to grow a destination. The city has made meaningful investments in arts and culture and that commitment matters. But investment alone doesn't create connection. What's missing is a coordinated way to link cultural investment to resident engagement and visitor experience so we can measure what works and scale it. >> Davis, thank you for opportunity. Um, I believe if you would look at Miss Allen over here and then have an opportunity to give her your remarks or if there's further information that you'd like for us to have, please feel free to address Miss Allen. So, thank you. >> Thank you for the opportunity. >> Uhhuh. So, our next speaker is James Barnett. Mr. Barnett, it's good to see you. Good evening, mayor and council members. I came today with a nice speech, but my background didn't show up. [laughter] So, I'm going to make it short and sweet. The murder rate in Charlotte decreased last year, and we're going to go all out this year to bring it down even more. We need your support. We have support of few of you on the council, but we need it. We need more people standing up with us. There are people in the community that are ready to move, but we seem to be so I don't know what you call us. They don't seem to accept us because you don't accept us or seem to be. Nobody knows that the mayor has given donation to the crusade. We need you out there, Mayor Dimple. We need you out there. Mayfield, we need you out there. All of you, we need you to stop and stand with the people. We're looking at Black History Month. We're going to go all out to decrease the murder rate. In that month, we have invited dotted peoples and the mighty clouds of joy to meet us at the Park Church. We're going to have a knockdown dragout gospel program there. We invite you to be out there with the on February the 4th, we're going to be having a special press conference to announce the event for Black History Month. And we said that Charlotte is a city fighting back. Uh I have haven't been as active as I should have been, but I'm getting energized now coming back and we need you out there. We're going to win this. We're going to show some love in the city of Charlotte and thank you. And I apologize for not having that speech that I had planned to bring to you. God bless you and keep on walking by faith and thank you for your support you've given. We're going to win this battle. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. We need that kind of optimism from people like you. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Lennon Caro. speak tonight. >> Excuse me. >> Uh, hello. Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Lennon Caro. I'm a resident of Charlotte living in district 4. I'm a community researcher at a local nonprofit called Camino and I also teach part-time at UNC Charlotte. I'm also part of the Charlotte International Cabinet, which is, as you know, a body that provides input and recommendations to the city council on topics related to foreign affairs and immigration. I wanted to come speak today to urge the city council to consider the development of an office within the city dedicated to better help integrate immigrant communities to the mainstream population like an office of international affairs or something like that. This is something that we are exploring within Charlotte International Cabinet. The importance of having such an office for both the economic development and community integration of the city. Now why is such an office important and why do we need it? Well, when you look at the census data, you can see that Charlotte is becoming an increasingly global city. Back in 2015, around 15% of charlatans were immigrants. And now in 2024, which is the most recent census data available, 20% of charlatans are foreignb born immigrants. Within this decade, the number of foreignb born charlatans increased by 44% while the number of charlatans born in the US only grew by just under 5%. So, immigrants are a significant part of the fabric that makes up Charlotte, and I think it is crucial that they have the support to better engage with all things that the city of Charlotte has to offer to promote upward mobility and access to resources to live better lives here. Through my research, when I ask immigrants why they come to Charlotte, they say that's a place where they can find work, sometimes start a business, and build their family. Something like an office of international affairs can boost Charlotte's immigration population and increase Charlotte's global connections and economic profile. I urge the city council to seriously explore and plan to develop such an office for the benefit of not only immigrants but all those who live in Charlotte for a better city. Thank you so much. >> Thank you very much. I think we [applause] we have a retreat coming up and perhaps that might be something that we ought to discuss. So with that um I would like to also now have um Garlin Green. >> Mr. Good evening. Garland Green, resident of South Charlotte. Uh, I've come today to talk to you about managing growth in court. Again, please go out there and look for yourself. Thank you. >> All right. We're now going to Thank you very much, Mr. and come back again, please. Okay. [laughter] Yes, sir. Very much. So, um, and now we're going to have the city manager report. >> Uh, thank you, mayor, members of council. Uh, tonight I just have one item and it really came out of the jobs and economic development committee meeting last uh Monday. There was uh wanted uh some clarification and some discussions around two programs. um well a program skill to build which has two components with it workforce development as well as small business growth. And so with that said I'd like to have uh our director from economic development Shaw and our director from the office of workforce development Danielle come down and give uh the entire council a little bit more information where we are with that. >> Thank you manager Jones. Um, good evening mayor, council, members of the public. Shahid Rana, director of economic development, and I have with me >> Danielle Frasier with the office of workforce development. So, the city of Charlotte has been preparing for significant mobility and transportation investments that would not only impact our communities to help people um move about uh to places of residence, employment, and also uh tourism, but this is also a substantial opportunity for contracting and employment. And with that, we have what we call the skilled to build initiative that uh has small business readiness and also workforce readiness. And as a part of this initiative um as a collective unit between economic development, workforce development and also procurement and CBI, we've been strategizing on ways that we can get the local economy prepared for this opportunity that's ahead of us. Understanding that this is a 30-year commitment, there will be significant investment that will touch all aspects of our community. How can we prepare the local workforce and also small business community uh for these contracting opportunities? So with small business readiness, we broke this down into three phases. The first phase will be a curriculum development. Uh one of the things that we've uh talked about internally and also as a best practice is to actually create a curriculum uh that prepares small businesses um in a few different core areas. That's business readiness, financial preparedness, certification and bonding, bid preparation, project management, and a few other skills. Phase two would also include the facilitation of that curriculum by nonprofit in which we will uh go out for a grant. And then phase three will also be the actual business engagement. Uh with phase one, we issued out an RFP. Um the RFP was issued out on Monday, December 8th. Uh the actual deadline is January 15th, and we're planning to have vendor selection in the month of February. Uh to date, because the actual bid is not closed, uh we've had 107 people attend the non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on December 18th, and that did not include city uh staff. Uh we have five proposal submissions already received to date and we also have 25 proposals that are work in progress status between zero and 40%. So a contractor has opportunity to upload their information. It actually um shows the actual percentage of completion of their RFP. So we have five completed to date. We have 25 already in the system and the actual RFP submission date is the 15th. So, we are still uh receiving information. We had 109 vendor questions that were submitted. Um and there were two RFP addendums that were also given information to the bid solicitors. Um in regards to communication, u we've also promoted uh this actual RFP uh through the city speaks newsletter, resident newsletter. Um we've had over 4700 people who received that actual newsletter. Um, we've also promoted this on LinkedIn as well with almost 2400 uh engagements with that as well and then uh over 83 businesses that actually click the link uh to receive information and file information and also through uh Facebook as well where we had just under 2,000 people who engaged with that actual notification. So, we're excited about this opportunity. Um we've also uh communicated with uh CBI as well to do a blast of the RFP to their distribution list. Um and we're excited about the outcomes that will come from this. So for further context, uh we thought it was also very important to own that curriculum. So that way as the years go by, if there's legislation or changes in policy, then the city of Charlotte has a curriculum and then we can engage with uh our nonprofit communities or training providers and then we own the intellectual property where we have in uh quality control and assurance. The last thing we want to do is have misinformation out there where we engage with several organizations and people on the east side are receiving different information from people on the west side or one particular provider is sharing something a little bit different from the other. Uh because this has to deal with procurement, we want to make sure that uh all of our tees are crossed and our eyes are dotted and then we own the intellectual property for 30 years to come. And with that part, I'm going to hand this over to Danielle Fraser to give an update on the workforce readiness. Thank you, Shaw. Good evening, Mayor, Council, and Manager. Happy to be here to share an update on our workforce readiness grants supporting our skill to build program. Um, as Shaw mentioned, we had some think I'm a little shorter. Um, we we released two grants, uh, workforce development grants in December of last year. And I'm going to share a little bit an overview of both of those and then share where we are with next steps on both of those grants. And so our first grant that we released was for talent development. And so our talent development grant was to support education and training programs um geared toward uh preparing talent for occupations in construction and skilled trades. So a little bit of information about that grant. Uh it was totaling $1.2 million and that's to support up to four to six organizations uh up to $250,000 each. Uh that grant was due January 9th, which was last Friday. uh we received uh 20 21 questions that we answered through that process. We had two virtual information sessions in December. Uh we received 15 letters of intent and ultimately we received 11 proposals. Um the second grant that we uh put out was for business engagement and training and that was focused on strengthening our business capacity uh through talent sourcing and workforce training grants that support hiring, employment development and upskilling new and existing employees. Uh a little bit about that grant that was a total grant uh funding fund fund funding uh of $900,000 and that would be to one uh entity. The justification of issuing one grant is to help streamline our employer engagement uh participation by having one entity serve as a central um central organization uh to coordinate be the business liaison with employers to help coordinate and align that talent development opportun those talent development opportunities reduce duplication of efforts and simplify our relationships with our business partners. Um that grant was also I'm sorry those grants were released on December 8th. Both of those and that was also the proposals were due on January 9th. We received five uh letters of intent. We also had two virtual sessions for those and we received 27 questions that we answered and ultimately we received two proposals for that grant. So I'm going to share a little bit about next steps and how we're going to uh move forward. So after the review of the number of proposals that we received uh we've identified some next steps. So due to the low number of proposals that we received uh to the business engagement and training grant uh it has been determined that we are going to extend this grant to February 3rd 2026. And while we're confident with the number of proposals that we received for the talent engagement or talent development grant we are going to extend it as well to February 3rd just for consistency purposes. And so those two grants will be extended uh to February 3rd. Um little bit about about what will happen next. Council, you will receive uh an email with the grant opportunities this week. We would love your uh participation and helping to share with your networks. We will also update you in this week's communication roundup as well as you will receive it in your council memo packets. And so please share with your networks. Um the office of workforce development will still continue to work closely with the uh courtcoms to extend our due dates on all of our digital communications and we will repost on social media and we'll also le leverage additional outlets uh such as the next door app. uh although CBI is primarily focused on private sector entities, we will partner with CBI and ask that they share the grants uh with those applicable organizations that may be eligible to apply for our grants as well. Um we're going to also do another e ecosystem um survey. We've sent this to over 50, I believe 53 total organizations um across our county, but we're going to do another scan of that list to see if we've missed anyone. uh and that we will resend uh that information out through our distribution channels. So, we hope that uh and we're also going to share with the county and so that they can share through their outlets as well. Uh we're hoping that uh by extending the time uh we will be able to get a little bit more grants, especially on the business engagement one and have more to uh select from. And so with that, I will pause and we'll answer any questions. Thank you. >> All right, Mr. Jones would like to speak. >> Okay. Uh thank you, Mayor, members of council. And uh thank you Shaw and uh Danielle. I'm not sure that you woke up this morning knowing that you do this presentation. So you did a great job. Um so I'd like to do just a little bit of framing which I think is extremely important. So let's you know go zoom out a bit and think about a $2 billion 30-year um mobility plan and that $2 billion economic impact that happens to the city, the county. the biggest I would say economic development project in their history and it's great to have uh the chair of the MPTA here also because part of what we tried to do as a city is to make sure that we look did a gap analysis because we're talking about jobs and ability to scale up businesses over a 30-year period. So, we did the gap analysis and there are capacity issues over time. And so, if we get this right, what as we get it right, uh there's opportunities to make sure there are um our residents as well as opportunities for our small businesses to scale up. So, I I zoomed out because I think that's extremely important. Now, we're getting to the point of making sure that we have uh the framework in place to deliver on that concept. So over and over again, even at the annual strategy meeting, you'll see them again. And we'll continue to talk about the opportunity that's here. And it's just not that the one% sales tax got passed in November and we started from scratch. We've been working on this for a couple of years. Okay. >> All right. Let's see. I believe I I'm going to start this way. I think Miss Watlington had her hand up first. >> Okay. Thank you. I've [clears throat] got a few questions. Thank you. I know that this has been, as you mentioned, some time in the making and I know I've had some discussion with you all and um so I'm glad to see now that you're able to start socializing the work that you've been busy doing. I just had a couple of quick questions. The first one was can you repeat Shaw the plans or the phases the components of each phase for the grants that you were discussing? >> Sure. The first phase u is an RFP for curriculum uh development >> and that uh deadline is January uh 15th >> and then phase two will start uh this fall. So once we actually select a vendor there's the curriculum development we will run a basically a staggered not quite parallel path but as the curriculum is being developed we will engage with an RFG a grant opportunity for uh nonprofits and organizations in our community to facilitate the curriculum >> and you said the curriculum included business readiness bid preparation financial can you hit those once more >> sure uh business readiness, financial preparedness and access to capital, uh certification, bonding and insurance, bid preparation, contract readiness and RFP response, uh bidding process and what we call how to do work uh or business with the city. And then also project management >> and this will be basically alakart >> understanding that not every business needs to go through a course. Some people just need the information on where to apply. So a part of the multi-phase approach is phase one where we have the curriculum um businesses that want to ramp up or reskill or pivot or endeavor upon these uh mobility opportunities uh can learn how to and then the last part which is phase three and engagement will be for the businesses who are already ready to bid on opportunities. They just need to know the information. Um that's where we'll partner with Danielle to have uh workforce dollars. So businesses who need to scale up in employees, there'll be a little bit more of an alocart opportunity um for businesses to engage with the city of Charlotte. >> Awesome. Um, and then as it you spoke a little bit about giving folks time to ramp up and scale up and hire employees and whatnot, have we thought about what that timing specifically needs to look like after each one of these uh future um RFPs goes out and what that distribution of funds uh connected to the grants really looks like in terms of speed of delivery. So once you receive a grant to actually be able to receive the funds to then mobilize to be ready for the RFPs in time. Have we thought about what that cadence looks like? >> Yeah, we thought about that. So with the actual curriculum we'll have done in the fall and then towards the end of this calendar year um we'll engage with an organization and that should really tee us up for when funds are out and when we're really prepared for uh transit projects. But we also understand as the manager mentioned, we've been gearing up for these type of opportunities because strategic investment areas are having projects that are happening today. >> Um so that's where the engagement piece comes in for organizations that are already um prepared to bid on projects. That's how we engage with CBI and becoming a registered small business. That's where uh Danielle comes into play as well with connecting uh those businesses with already existing ecosystem partners. So it it's not as um linear. >> Um there's kind of several stages of of this and we're just trying to be as flexible as possible and building the infrastructure for 30 years while also taking care of business today. >> For sure. For sure. Um taking a look at you mentioned today and the future. I'm curious just a quick look back in 2025. Then this question is for um Director Frasier. Um, can you speak at all to how many job placements we saw as a result of our uh training partners programs last year? >> I can, but I don't want to misquote. Uh, and actually you are you all are all are due for an update. Uh, and so you should receive that within the next few weeks in one of your memos. So, so yes, we have it and you will have a lot of data to review. I just don't want to misquote, but yes. >> Okay. Well, can you give me directionally what you what what what worked or what was booming and what where we think there may be gaps as it relates to industries or skill sets, >> right? Um so what's been working is so so it es and flows with training meaning there will be points where training will be in demand and then there will be times when just employment will be in de demand and what I mean by that is um even with one of our our partners and providers we have had to shift in they've said hey less training can we add more OJTs which is actual employment and we support small businesses with bringing on new employees sometimes it's upskilling And that does vary based on industry and based on demand. Um I can answer that question more with in-depth data based on our current service providers. But that's what we see a lot of where it es and flows with training might be in more in demand at at times and then it might just be hey people need a job. And I will say this too is that training has a level of um not say sacrifice but commitment, right? And some job seekers and talent have to say, do I have the luxury to sacrifice the bills and time to go to training versus I need a job and I need a job now. And so that's when those on the job training grants really support because and apprenticeships because those are jobs now uh and they support progressive wages as well as career advancement. And then my last question is just what does the landscape look like in terms of employers signing up to partner with us such that there are jobs on the other end of that and what are we learning in terms of the jobs of the future or the jobs of now that people uh and employers need with updated skill set. >> Right. Would love to take a a longer opportunity to provide the latter part of that that um answer. um what we're seeing I'm sorry the the initial part of your question was cuz I got I was stuck on the second part. What was the first part cuz that's what I really want to answer. >> Oh so I want to understand what we're seeing in terms of employers readiness and willingness to partner. >> Right. One of the things that we um we're focused on and will focus on I think moving forward is starting with a job in hand and not job in mind. Right? We want to make sure that the training providers that we're supporting, they have business relationships on the front end. And hence why we chose to go in the direction of having an actual business engagement grant, which is totally focused on job placement. And that's either job job placement through direct um talent placement through on the job training grants um through supporting our training providers when graduates graduate from the funded providers that we support. So that there is a job at the end. And so that's our purpose is to make sure that there is an actual job that these individuals that can have when they graduate from training programs. I think that that's going to vary from industry to industry and also need and I would love to do a deeper dive with you on that because we do have that that data where we're starting right here and right now. And a big piece of of our support is is around the skill to build which is the transportation infrastructure work. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate your work. I'm very interested in doing a deep dive to further understand that because we've got a ton of opportunity as we know and we we know that our uh community is counting on us to meet the moment and we thank you for positioning us to do just that. >> Thank you. >> All right, Miss Asher. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Rana and thank you uh Miss Fraser for a comprehensive update on the approach you are taking to ensure that our workforce and our businesses are ready for opportunities not just for today but for tomorrow. I mean uh manager Jones talked about the largest economic development $25 billion. I mean this is transformational. So, we want to make sure that our businesses and our workforce is ready to adopt and implement and help us deliver on all the projects that will be lined up. Um, I'm interested in seeing the gap analysis to see where the gaps are and I'm looking forward to um help distribute some of this uh opportunities to organizations who have expressed an interest. Um are this limited to businesses or are this open to nonprofits who have business relationship help can help with job placement? I'm sorry your question was has it been open to nonprofits that have relationships with businesses? Yes. So those one of those 53 entities that we share, they were training providers, they were education providers, they were also nonprofits that do workforce development services such as the business engagement piece. Yes, >> that's great. and I look forward to um [clears throat] help share the word about this opportunities and uh one program that specifically comes to mind is Renew Charlotte uh which was implemented several years ago uh that helped um individuals with direct placement after the training. So uh in that program we actually helped with providing so when participants were taking trainings they were getting paid because not everyone to your point not everyone has flexibility to go through trainings while supporting uh while not getting paid. So have we also explored that option because there are a lot of individuals who would be interested. It's just they can sacrifice um income to do so. >> Yes. Um thank you for that. You hit it spot on. That is something that we in incorporated in our talent development training uh grant as an option for um them to submit stipens for individuals while they're enrolled in training. So yes, we made that available. >> Thank you. And supportive services. Yeah, that's great to hear because that that is a direct pathway to upward mobility of folks who want to move from uh 10 $15 per hour to livable wage. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, Miss Johnson. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor, and thank you for the presentation. Thank you, Council Member Ashmir, for that question that I remember the renew grant, and that is so important if people are able to receive a stipen or pay while they're in training. Also, thank you for the for extending the time. I remember thinking I wish we had heard about this before the 9th. So, that was that was great that you extended it. Um, I would like to ask Mr. Jones if we can post this tonight. Make sure this is posted on our communication Facebook so that we can share it and also on the link uh for the meeting since we've talked about it. make if you can put the link uh in the comments or something so that folks they don't have don't have to search for it. So I appreciate because when I heard the two proposals there's an obvious problem the [clears throat] information is not getting out. So I think this is a very intentional and equitable approach to making sure that people are aware. Um Mr. Jones, thank you for your comments when you talk about the 1% and expanding the opportunities. you know, the 46% of the voters that were opposed to the tax, one of the reasons because there was no intentionality or commitment for small businesses. So, this is great. This is a great response. I'm sorry, mayor, did you have a comment? Okay, thank you. Um also I think this is important um because even earlier in our meeting there was a building and grounds maintenance services >> and the towing services contract where there weren't any minority uh responses and we know that they're out there and many times it's because the businesses aren't don't have the capacity. So I think this training is so important um in us putting our action toward our goals. So, I appreciate the proposal and I look forward to seeing more about it. Thank you. >> All right, JD. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, thank you both so much uh for your report last Monday and the call out back today. um more so comments is uh please do engage uh on the ground partners um and and and helping identify them and reaching out to them such as the chambers um and ensuring that these RFP RFPs and grants are uh distributed uh equitably to our community. Additionally, I would um just a slight concern about the curriculum piece. Um knowing that not all small businesses are the same. And this is something we spoke about in our last committee meeting where you know sometimes this holistic approach to small businesses to not fulfill all the the demands that small businesses face and the small businesses in East Charlotte, West Charlotte, North Charlotte, South Charlotte all look differently. So, I would just consider what that curriculum looks like and make sure that it's flexible um when when you're doing these trainings. Thank you, >> Ed Driggs. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I'm very happy that we're doing this uh during the whole campaign for the sales tax. I heard a lot of misgivings about it and uh uh I think there was distrust just because there were things we weren't able to answer yet. And I was hopeful that as the situation as we went forward, some of those people that weren't there understand that this was actually a good thing to do. I think we have a responsibility to prove that to them and this is a critical step. Uh my question is really more of a of a macroeconomic nature. We are talking about a huge infusion of public spending into the Charlotte economy. And if you go all the way back to FDR, you know that that's a stimulus. Uh so uh one thing that I would like for us to think about is kind of a macroeconomic analysis like what kind of manpower does it take? What resources does it take? What constraints are we working against? And do we have input from uh employers and industry participants as to how they think they might meet the demand? They're going to have to get people to come here from somewhere else. We do not have the manpower in Charlotte right now. the manager alluded to kind of constraints. Uh as we look forward to uh the development of the plan, I think in fact during the time that we were talking about the plan, it became clear that some of the things that were proposed could not be done because there wasn't the capacity. We just didn't have the capacity. So the modeling had to then uh adjust for that. So as you consider um what you're doing uh where's the what new manpower uh and what training and uh in other words what's our target in terms of the labor force we need and how are we going about meeting it. I'd just be interested uh not tonight but in general to have a conversation with you about that and then try to think through implications for example for housing. If we have a big influx of labor uh in order to meet this, then that puts a tighter squeeze on our housing and we're going to be in a position of having to reconcile priorities and make tough decisions. But um uh that's my only comment. I'd like to follow up with you at a later date to think about that. But uh in the meantime, I just wanted to assure people as I did during our campaign for the sales tax that those who were not convinced uh and many of them weren't opposed to that sense. I think there was an understanding that we had to invest, but they weren't convinced about how it was going to be done and about whether or not everybody would benefit. And I think our goal is to prove to them that it was the right thing to do. Thank you. >> I do. >> Um yes, Mr. Jones. Uh, Council Member Madriggs, I totally agree with you. One of the things that we've discussed and Danielle, Miss Frasier, started this with um our um E2E program where we're a pipeline from high school directly to coming to work for the city. So, now that we know the jobs that are out there, project manager, engineers, you you name it. um we are work going to work with CMS >> and to make sure that these students understand what the opportunities are out there. And the other thing I think is extremely important is you know this is actually building out a system. So there's this added benefit when it comes to safety, when it comes to congestion, when it comes to connectivity. And so we shouldn't lose sight that we're also building something that's going to help the quality of life for our residents. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks. >> All right. Um, >> Mayfield. >> Miss Mayfield. >> Thank you, madam. [clears throat] Thank you for the presentation. I want us to take into consideration. We already have some of these relationships. We have the relationship with white label management. We sh I believe you had a chance. If not, it's coming up soon. Monica Allen and I had a conversation with KPN. We have partners out there that's already on the ground doing the work. I definitely I appreciate us expanding what we already have through the mayor's youth employment program. I do not want us forgetting our adults. There are a lot of people that have transitioned because of the work that they were doing. We have had quite a few layoffs. We have had quite a few manufacturing layoffs that have impacted our area as well as the region. >> My colleague know I'm not as interested about the new people coming in as I am those that are already here and the number of people that we are losing that we're not tracking because I have said more than once if our city is not affordable for our workers we will see a mass exodus of our workforce. We have great talent here. a lot of that talent has not had the opportunities that are presented. So, I would like for us to really be intentional with we have the grant out as you were speaking. I went online to just do a quick search to pull up the information to think about a couple of organizations to send to to say, "Hey, do you even know this?" I want us to be intentional by starting internally. You've already had meetings with different businesses. I don't know if you've had the chance to have it yet, but at some point, Danielle, you're going to be having the meeting with the O'Neal Academy. We have great organizations that aren't currently funded by the city, but are doing amazing work. And like the O'Neal Academy, for example, is the only one that actually has the certification for fiber optics. We know that that [clears throat] is something that is going to be with us for a while. So, I don't want us to put a lot of energy thinking that we need to go find something that's already right here within arms reach. If we just go back through our rolodex, for lack of a better word, for you young people, we actually used to have cards that we wrote [laughter] >> before we got into the internet. So, go back go back through that for the conversations that you've had. even if you just do a two-year snapshot because we have some opportunities locally and I'm always going to say what are we doing for our taxpayers right here to show them where their tax dollars are being invested properly the others will come I you are not my priority that's just my reality my priority are the residents that are here that are facing challenges that need to face opportunities >> thank Thank you. >> She still uses a telephone book. [laughter] >> I think that's right. >> Okay. So, um I I had the opportunity over the weekend to meet with the people from Scout, the people that are building these fun cars. I don't know how much fun they are, but they're expensive. I know that. >> But one of the things that they did, and this is just something as Ed and Lana have mentioned, this is where we have to step up our game. So when I was there, the first person that came up to me was the woman that's making possible their job opportunities. And they were she was talking about high school kids and how do you get there? They were saying they did not want people to build trucks, these trucks without having the opportunity for young people to participate in it. So, I would hope that we continue, as Miss Mayfield said, that we work together with people and especially when we get our new businesses in. I did get the card. I just didn't bring it in tonight. But Danielle, the they were very serious about the number of people and how quickly they've already got three plants. >> I mean, amazing like that for cars. So, um, let's just figure out how do we work with people, um, so that everybody can find some place that they want to be. And I think that's really one of the things that we have to do as a city is to make sure that people understand that we are doing this, but more importantly, we are doing this with a lot of other people and there are choices to be made. So, thank you for what you're doing right now. >> Oh, >> all right. Let's see. We went around on this side. So, um I guess >> were you going all around? I didn't know. >> No, I think nobody else was I mean Mr. Graham did not raise his hand. Anybody else on this side? >> I have commentary from the city manager report, but if you have something specific. >> I just wanted to make a comment and ask a question here. Um first of all, excellent work. I was at the event on December 9th and there was a lot of really good engagement in that room, a lot of excitement around um specifically the strategic in investment areas projects if I said that the right way. >> Um >> I the question I have is around the retention of the IP. I love that concept that we want to um retain our IP in this process. Can you just talk a a little bit about how you plan to do that? You know, is if this is something unique that other cities are not doing or you've seen seen it occur at other cities. But I I'm very interested in the retention of this IP around this process and how we keep it and maintain it um in a way that's easily accessible. >> Absolutely. Well, thank you for your your question. Uh the idea of owning the intellectual property for training curriculum just goes by experience. Oftent times uh municipalities are rebidding every year >> uh for grant solicitations and with transportation and how it changes. I mean we have self-driving cars now. So what does our training look like and what does C us look like with innovation that's happening and to have stale data and training curriculum wouldn't set our businesses up for success. So that's number one. Number two, roughly 50 to 60% of the training curriculum can be applied to other aspects of procurement. So part of the uh team of teams approach and horizontal approach that we have at the city is team Charlotte. So if we have a curriculum that's being utilized primarily in first through mobility, that's something that procurement and CBI can also use for other aspects of our business. So, when it comes to becoming a registered business with the city, uh, contracting and procurement, bidding opportunities, some of your what I'll call evergreen content that doesn't change, uh, depending on the regulation or the bid opportunity, we can use that intellectual property and that curriculum for other aspects of business with the city as well. So, we're looking to see how this could be a little bit of a Rosetta Stone for us and how multiple departments can use this training curriculum um with some adaptations depending on whatever the opportunity is. Uh but we're trying to be wise about how we um share information. Last but not least, uh what we're doing here is more on the innovative side and uh to um one of the comments earlier having a curriculum and we owning it and then uh us bidding this out again to other training providers or community organizations. That's where you can get the the local flare to it. That's when you engage with multiple organizations. But the main thing has to be the main thing first. And we we have to make sure that we have a little bit of quality control and assurance on what's being shared out there because uh just through bidding opportunities, there's a lot of misinformation >> and sometimes what we see and you know on the business world when it comes to procurement uh guess what's going to happen next year? You're going to have these business gurus on social media telling you how to obtain government contracting, sign up for their $2,000 ecourse, and they're giving you the wrong information. >> So, a part of us owning the intellectual property is protection for our small businesses as well. >> Completely agree and really really like the concept. I'm not sure how you're going to go about the process, but I just would encourage you to think about the technology backbone that you're going to use to even jumpstart this process. Uh because if you don't give the right amount of thought and preparation to that upfront a little bit later down the runway, it can become a hindrance. Um because technolog is moving so fast. So you want to make sure you're buil you're choosing the right platform with the right bolt-ons that you can scale as we move forward. U so really like that concept and I I I commend you for it. The other piece about the talent planning and the pipeline is uh absolutely CMS schools 1,00%. Um but don't forget about our universities that we have here. We have so many uh wonderful students who are coming here to learn in UNC Charlotte just for an example. Um really about to be become the largest university in the North Carolina university system. How can we tap those young people coming directly out of school into either internships, you know, between junior and senior year and then bringing them on um directly out of uh out of graduation. So, just something to think about with our four universities, four or five that we have here. >> Can I make a comment real quick to that? >> Yes. just had a meeting actually uh last week with Chancellor Gabber to talk about how we can expand our internships and ultimately lead to employment. So, we're thinking about it from a higher ed from a K- through2 standpoint. And again, this is this is not just us, right? It's a it's a community. We have to partner with all of all of our partners. Uh and so we're we're starting that work now. So, thank you. Thank you for that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> I just want to wrap it up. >> All right, Mr. Mitchell. >> U Madame Mayor, thank you. and for all members of council, thank for the great question and staff, thank you so much because we had a great discussion our ED and work uh force meeting and city manager, thank you for giving us an update and looking forward to success and how we now will be engaged to make sure we can assist you with the February 3rd deadline. So, thank you staff. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, yeah. So, I just I wanted to to park a bit on the city manager, >> Miss Owen, >> on the city manager report and I don't think it's a huge departure from what we've been talking about because I am hearing my colleagues talk about quality of life. I'm hearing my colleagues talk about priorities of our residents and I'm hearing them talk about mobility. And what I want to do is is draw up for everyone's attention. We um issued the vision vision zero report last week and I I think it circulated with us internally several months ago, but it was just issued and it was picked up in the media and it was picked up by a number of my constituents and I wanted to just present you with a few of their questions and and sort of see if we can have a dialogue around this perhaps for the retreat. But um I I'll be honest that I was a bit surprised since its release by what it what it showed. I I'm pleased that I was able since then to elevate some unsafe some chronic unsafe situations on Providence and Carmel roads. I've elevated those to Chief Patterson this week. But according to this report, um there were 81 traffic deaths and 111 serious injuries. So while our uh number of accidents was down slightly, the seriousness of those accidents was actually up. Um, and I think it's important when we focus and we have been focusing on public safety and I've been constantly trying to shift the lens and not have it be uniquely on crime safety, but also on the safety of our streets. And we've got a big responsibility now, particularly with our new transit mobility plan and a number of the things that we're doing. But I just want to again escalate this vision zero and some of the accountability that we've already held ourselves to. Um, those numbers I gave, those aren't just numbers. Those are those are people. Those are families and those are families living with grief. Um that shouldn't be part of their story. Uh so I don't want to take away focus from the violent crime numbers, but I I do want to widen that lens. The vision zero report says that protecting human lives takes priority over all other objectives of our road system. But what hit me hardest about the report was that speeding and improper vehicle operation are more than 60% of the fatal and serious car injuries. and that there is a known it's called the high injury network. The high injury network is only 13% of our streets but it is 80% of our fatal and serious injury crashes. Further crashes involving people walking and biking are only 1.5% of crashes but they're 29% of serious injuries and fatal crashes. So I just again I have these questions for the city manager. I would ask for you to direct CDOT to treat these traffic fatalities and serious injuries as as the safety emergencies that they are. I would ask if you can provide council and the public a high injury network action plan that lists these corridors and specific changes planned for each corridor and the dates those changes will be installed. And also I would ask, and this is elevated from a constituent, if when a fatal crash occurs, can we have a rapid response protocol so that the city can do something in the interim while we await longer term work? And so I you and I have spoken and I'm I'm impressed with the planning that has gone into a number of the various corridors that we are looking to improve with the monies that we get from the PAVE Act. But I just would would ask that um that we all acknowledge a responsibility to the safety of our streets. I'm asking my fellow council members to help me prioritize safety regardless of whose district a project is in. Let's not all just stick our hands out for, you know, a little bit of the pot that's coming in, but let's help prioritize those things that are truly issues. So, with that, I I do appreciate you, city manager. I don't know if you have an opportunity to respond, but >> um we we've got a lot of people. We I want I know I know we have people in the audience too as well and so we're >> Would you mind um the idea of let's do what people came for and then we can continue that discussion or even take a time to figure out when it might be possible for this. So, mayor, are you suggesting for the manager's report we pause it to go to this part? Cuz I think the com I know mine is align in alignment with my colleagues on the manager's report since we're we are getting ready to come into the retreat. >> I want to um have the group as a manager's report. That's correct. And then um then follow through with having our um people that are here for the lease property. And it's up to you guys really. What do you want to do? >> Maybe pause. that is concerned. >> I'd like to proceed with the management. >> I'm sorry, >> but Dimple I was thinking if we can just quickly go around the DAS and because this is definitely a one of the high priority items we have received. >> Let's start with JD. Go ahead. >> Oh, what are we talking about? >> I would suggest quickly to cap it maybe at one minute remarks so we can respect our audience members time as well because it's been an hour. >> Just one minute. Okay, we start. Okay. Thank you, Miss Miss Owens. Um, I I agree with the manag manager report. We've not talked about the strategic planning session. I did watch the the meeting, the committee meeting where you all talked about the agenda, but one of the things I recommended was that we talk about strategic growth and growth. And I think that is in line with what council member Owen said. When you talk about Providence Road, we've been hearing complaints about Providence Road and the overcrowding for years. And so when I asked for the infrastructure meeting, it was to take a look at different areas. Maybe there are areas such as Malard Creek and Providence Road and 160 and and Mount Holly Huntersville Road that we need to pause. So I I agree. 80 81 fatalities, we as a council should find that unacceptable. I thought 21 accidents and 6 miles on Malard Creek was unacceptable. In6 miles, 21 accidents. People are going 45 miles per hour of death waiting to happen. So, we do need to take a look at growth. I would like uh on our planning uh agenda to take a look at growth and how are we growing responsibility. I thought Mr. Green's comments were on point and I think we need to really listen how we're growing in the city. Thank you. >> Hey, let's keep going. >> Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you, uh Councilwoman Owens, for bringing this to our attention. Um, and I, you know, I think I I just want to applaud the mayor for separating the committees and making safety a priority this year. Um, I I would love uh, manager Jones to speak with staff at a greater length to update our Vision Zero dashboard. Uh, currently it's outdated. The the data is hard to read. Um, it doesn't seem very accessible to the average citizen. Um, I would refer and I think I've mentioned this to staff and colleagues everywhere, the strategic investment areas dashboard is a great starting point. What Ed McKini and staff did on that end uh was pretty impressive on how accessible that dashboard has been. Um, additionally, I would encourage us to find different ways to identify these corridors with these high rates and how do we incorporate and align corridors of opportunity and strategic investment areas investment and funding to um kind of address these fatalities and how do we better improve those corridors with that existing funding to ensure that our residents are safe. >> Thank you. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Manager, still on this same line, looking at the overlay of our infield developments that we have approved and the fatality impacts because some of this is also we're looking at two-lane roads. We're looking at areas where there aren't sidewalks, but we have approved a large number of developments in those areas. and the crash impact of those. Here's opportunity for us to look at our policy language when we're looking at the 2040 plan, the UDO, and the completion of the community area plans. >> Mr. DS, >> so I'll spend the first five seconds of my 60 seconds thanking JD for that suggestion. >> [laughter] >> Um uh we need to recognize that uh the report enumerates a lot of actions that were taken and things like speed limits and so on. That's nice. Uh the fact is that probably major impact involves money, right? So as we go to deploy the resources that we have, uh we we need to be very clear about that safety priority and how we're going to use the money. I know the work as Ed has done takes safety into account in his proposals, but he doesn't necessarily prioritize the pro proposals specifically on grounds of safety. So, one thing we can do is just give precedence as we allocate the resources we have to areas where there are big safety concerns. Thank you, >> Mr. Graham. >> Uh, I agree with Councilwoman Owens with the request that she made tonight. >> Miss Owens, would you have any further? Nothing more. >> Ditto. Okay. Um, >> Anderson, >> thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I've really I agree with the comments that were made. You know, we were moving a bit um fast earlier, but in our consent agenda, items 13 through 15 that we approved. There are funds that come from the governor's highway safety program. Um, one of them 13 specifically specifically addresses uh vision zero areas where there's excessive speeding of course these car takeovers uh the street car takeovers etc. And so there's some funds there for overtime because that is really we really need to have our officers there in those spaces. We do have a and and staff has um a very good um layout of the high injury networks. I don't believe they're prioritized, but there is a really good snapshot. I'm sure they have to update it, but we have um visited that over the last year or so. And I think uh Mr. manager, as we go into this budget cycle, I want to have conversations around things that we're not um investing in because sometimes when we look at the things that we're not investing in um that will that will shed some light on what's falling through the cracks and there might be opportunities in fact I know there's opportunity for us to invest in safety in a more robust expansive way outside of pure purely law enforcement. We do a good job of that and we can do more, but we do a really good job of that. But other things around where we're not investing in and how they have a derivative impact on public safety. So, that's what I'll be looking at as we go into the budget season. Thank you, Miss. >> Yes. Um, so this actually correlates with what uh Kimberly was saying as well. Um, and I had an email I sent an email to C dot Friday about something similar about with the CIA. Are we using for strategic investment areas? Are we using some type of equations? So, as a math teacher, a former math teacher, I'm thinking of that. Are we thinking of like constituent concerns or fatalities? Are we are we weighing somehow those things so that those are a higher priority than something that may not you know the data it'd be nice for us to do that improvement but something else may be more pressing based on community concerns or proven data. Um so that would be my question. Do we have an equation that we're using so that we're having some kind of weighted based on um the the concerns of constituents and and the data? Because right now the SIA when I look it's very broad. It's all TBD general stuff. It's all the same for each section. Um and that's something I've been talking to staff about. How are they actually deciding which ones to fund versus others? Um and I haven't gotten [clears throat] that answer yet and that's okay. I just sent it Friday, but I do hope to have that answer soon because that's imperative. We're getting this money and that the community um wants to know that we're doing right by them. >> Miss Yes. Go ahead. >> So, um Council Mayor, that's a great question. I um had some of the conversation with Council Member Owens last week. And so if you start to and I'll be real fast. If you start to think about this mobility plus plan, the purple book that we have, >> it started off with two comma 004 2004 projects. Not the year, but those projects >> from sidewalks to bike paths, you name it. It has vision zero in it. Has all of our plans enrolled into one. So now we're at the the proper place at this retreat >> to talk about how do we prioritize them. We we didn't >> because we don't have your input and so this is the great conversation that we'll continue over the next couple of weeks about how do we prioritize this investment. >> Okay, Miss Watton. >> Thank you. Uh the managers began to speak a little bit about what I was going to share. Um in addition to that, there was criteria that identified the original strategic investment areas um in the first place. So there is there there is math if you will or at least rankings that um undergur the overall vision. Um there was a point in time where we started to inquire with the communities that um that these strategic investment areas are actually in as to what the project priorities were. Um I'm not sure if we finish those exercises or not. I'll be very um interested in that from staff, but the idea was that we identified based on the metrics what these areas are. Now let's um consult with the community themselves and find out what the priority is to them, what would be most impactful. Um, so I'm I'm also supportive of the investigation or the desire for investigation now that we've got additional funding. Uh, what is it really going to look like? For me, it has to include that community engagement. Uh, because as we heard earlier, um, we're we're seeing, as Mr. Green mentioned before, we're seeing additional traffic, additional uh, development in areas where the lived experience would say that it doesn't make sense. So, we've got to start with the community there. Looking forward to it. Mira. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I agree with Council Member Owens. In fact, I had just reached out to council member Johnson and council member Aras just last week about vision zero because I know we had allocated $20 million last budget cycle towards vision vision zero and still we were barely scratching the surface when it came to high injury network. So funding was clearly an issue, but now with $100 million per year really opens up uh tools that we have to address the high injury networks. Um so I agree with some of the sentiments that were shared by my colleagues. I think certainly we need to prioritize immediate funding uh for high injury networks because we know majority of the fatalities, traffic, accidents are happening in those high injury networks and we need to update the list because I do have a list from past two budget cycles. Um but there have been several more fatalities that have happened since then. So we need to make sure that list continues to stay uh up to date because Harris Houston neighbors have been reaching out for past 10 to 15 years. >> Yeah. 30 years way before my time on the council and still have not gotten their fair share of infrastructure improvements. Uh and I read that in the observer and I flagged I flagged that and I said we need to do this. Uh same thing with Albamarl and Shamrock. I reached out to a community member had reached out. Um but that's another corridor that we need to look at along with Providence and others. Uh some of this corridors have waited for 20 30 years to address traffic fatalities. I mean this is a crisis. Uh so I'm glad uh Council Member Owens brought this up. Thank you. uh because this is something we need to address it have a roadmap right away uh with the funding that we have now finally so that's all I have thank you >> right is there anyone else that has a remark or a request I I just say that um you know you have an HOA and boy when you go to the meetings and they start talking about traffic and the races that I think people believe that that we're doing. And I think this is something that's really important to begin to think through. It's going to be important. >> Lots of people. Okay. Um so the next item on our agenda is the sub lease of property at 8115 Eastland Yards Boulevard, sweet 105. And I think that we have a speaker and I think the first is it is first speaker Greg's. >> Okay, Greg is going to come down and talk with us. Thank you, Greg. It's good to hear. See you. A little bit late, but it's still good. [laughter] >> Good evening, Mayor Mayor Prom, city manager and council. I am Grego, the executive director of Charlotte East. Going to be very brief. Just wanted to say how excited we are for the next few agenda items, which I'll have coming up. Um, this is a tremendous milestone for both this project and for our community and we encourage each of you to vote in favor of each of the forthcoming agenda items on these subleas leases. Um, you'll hear from them shortly, but each of these businesses provide a tremendous value to our community. Um, filling some gaps that we do not have in our greater Eastland small business ecosystem and we feel that they complement each other incredibly well on the site. We'd also like to give a huge thanks to Todd Dong and Tim Cinema for their intentionality with selection of these tenants and we look forward to supporting where we can as they fill the remaining commercial vacancies. Thank you so much. >> Thank you very much. And our next speaker is Jennifer Guyire. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Jennifer Guyire and I'm a proud Charlotte native, co-owner and co-founder of Roomba Latin Dance Company. We have served the Charlotte area for the past 12 years. We provide classes performances events and cultural programming for the city of Charlotte, serving thousands of students from all ages and backgrounds. We are really honored to be considered for this Eastland Yards leasing project as we believe it will help us expand our services to kids programming and senior citizen programming as well. We believe we can activate the ground floor at Eastland Yards as well as the park that's going to be there and provide significant programming for this area and for the community. Some of the city goals that were stated was activating the ground floor compliment will ensure diverse tenant mix. We offer studio classes over four nights a week, weekend events, performances, and recital drawing over 150 people each month. We provide cultural entertainment programming that serves both new residents and surrounding community. And we also provide c culturally relevant Latin cultural programming that will distinguish Eastland Yards as a cultural de destination, not just a residential development. Over the past 12 years, we've had partnerships with the Mint Museum for their cultural dance night, the Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night, as well as worked with Carlton Talents for the Latin American Festival Havana Nights and community events, as well as Northern Media for the Ola Festival Uptown, providing cultural programming. Um, we've also worked with different corporate clients such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Truist, Ally Financial, Duke Energy, TIAA, Credit Karma to provide Hispanic Heritage Month programming and have done proono educational work with the Charlotte Meckllinberg schools including Mcccleintoch Middle School, Esparansa Global Academy, and Joseph W. Greer Academy. In summary, we feel like we have been a proven Charlotte business with the past 12 years a continuous operation. We have been deeply rooted in the community and have decadel long partnerships with Charlotte's cultural institutions as well as serving some of Charlotte's largest employers as well as the proono educational work with the Charlotte Meckllinburgg schools evening and weekend programming that activate the ground world ground floor retail as well as the park and have created a cultural destination that creates a unique sense of place. We are collaborative partner com committed to working constructively with the city and we respectfully request city council to improve the sub lease resolution. >> Thank you very much. Um our next speaker is Tim Cinema. Madame Mayor, city manager, and council members, my name is Tim Cinema. I'm uh one of the owners of Crossland Southeast. It's an honor and privilege to be here. Happy New Year to each of you. [clears throat] Um as you well know, the Eastland Yards redevelopment has been a labor of love, uh which we've been uh working on since you selected our firm in 2018. Neither the city nor crossing southeast has really ever executed a master lease like the one that we're talking about here on the first floor. We call it the first floor commercial space at Eastland. Um it's probably worth noting that um we really wanted to have some commercial space under the multif family at Eastland because it sits across from the park that the county is building. We wanted to activate activate that that street uh and just pro provide a lot more energy there. The private sector alone could not make the math work at all on that. So absent the public private partnership that we did, there would not be first floor commercial space there. So thank you for that. I want to start with that. Um the work that we're doing with that first floor commercial space, we're trying to thread a lot of needles here. Obviously, it's it's paramount that we have a diverse group of entrepreneurs that lead businesses that contribute to the community. We also want to provide the muchneeded amenities that the East Charlotte residents deserve. We also have to meet the needs of the specific spaces. Uh and what I mean by that is we can only put restaurants for example in some of the spaces uh because of grease trap locations and access to industrial um disposal and and things like that. Some of the spaces have dimensions that don't lend themselves well for some uses or others. So we're managing all these disperate u uh needs and constraints. U the staff and we have been working for a year with this group of tenants. Um, I could not be more pleased and more proud of the three entrepreneurs that you're going to meet tonight. You just met Jennifer. Uh, she's amazing. Uh, what a treat it's been for me to get to know her and Jayla and of course Manolo. Um, who's a dear dear friend of mine. Um, I'm here to tell you um that I have no hesitation or reservations at all about these uh three business owners. I would urge you to uh support uh them. uh in their pursuit. I think they check all the boxes. These businesses represent about half of the first floor commercial space. So, if there are any course corrections or adjustments that council would like to make, please tell us and we can move forward um in the next round to try to incorporate whatever thoughts or concerns that you have. But in the meantime, um I wholeheartedly endorse uh these businesses and hope you guys will as well. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Um, so we have three groups of I think these this um item. So um so that you guys can get home, we're going to go ahead and have item number one. Um if there is a motion on item number eight that's in your document. Um I need a motion for that. >> Madame Mayor, I'm going to yield to the the gentleman from district five. >> What an exciting night. Um, I want to entertain a motion to approve the sub lease of city lease property located at 8115 Eastland Yards Boulevard, Sweet 105 with Ramu Rambauo Latin Dance Company LLC. >> Making that motion, right? >> Yes, I'm making that motion. >> Second. >> Okay, everybody. Okay, there's a there many seconds I've heard on both sides. So, with that, is there any further discussion? >> Hearing no further dis um Miss Sashmir. >> Yes. Uh, thank you, Council Member Aras, for your leadership and for making sure that East Charlotte is not left behind. Um, gotten um, you started working from day one. I certainly appreciate that. Uh, for years we watched empty land uh, that where that used to be active, connected, and there was life. Well, tonight we're finally turning that page. And uh this is not just about opening stores. It's about restoring dignity, opportunity, and joy to the people who live on the east side that have shown incredible patience and incredible resilience throughout last 10 years. And um so tonight's decision is about giving East Side families, including mine, something we have waited for far too long, a neighborhood destination that we are proud to call home. Um, so with that, I'll be supporting all four tenants. All four. >> We only got one that we talk we voting on right now. >> I understand. I'm just saying I'll be supporting all four recommendations that's been made by the staff as well as the committee. And thanks to committee war. That's all I have. Thank you. >> All right, Mr. Graham. >> Thank you. U Madame Mayor, I I too want to uh lean forward and congratulate um everyone uh for um this day becoming reality. They spent two years in the works uh for a wide variety of projects along the Eastland Yards. But this is and I'm going to support all of them because it it's it's the right thing to do. It's it's where we're at in the moment of Eastland Yards. But Mr. manager, when we talked about deferring this to January, we also talked about getting a a more comprehensive report about the the the other um uh entity which is the uh sports and recreation facility uh and the soccer fields kind of note where we are with that. And so this I thought that was going to be a part of this presentation as well. So maybe at the appropriate time someone can kind of kind of give us an update on terms of where we are with that because that's like this is this is great. Um but the other one is really the muscle which is the recreation facility. Uh the soccer fields the county has already had their groundbreaking for their park. Uh Tim has already been on ground with the senior housing etc. and the the soccer fields and the uh sports and recreation facility has been extremely quiet and I I just would like to know where we are with that. Okay. >> All right, Miss Anderson. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. U I too echo the sentiments of my colleagues around the excitement around this day and we had a conversation in our committee meeting. Mr. Cinema, you were there and you answered some some really um tough questions. Um, I'm excited about this because it is going to bring a sense of vitality back to a space that used to be an epicenter for uh the Queen S for the Queen City. I want to make sure as we move forward and I support these uh sub leases tonight of course as well, but um I want to make sure as we move forward and and we begin to fill out the other vacant parcels or spots, if you will, that we have that intentionality of a 10-minute neighborhood and making sure that the right we're bringing the right resources to bear to this community. Um and uh Mr. sentiment. You talked about restaurants, but just creating that third place for those residents to be able to come out and enjoy. It's great that we have the park right there and that collaboration with the city and the county to bring that park forward to residents, but I just want us to make sure that we continue to have that intentionality about the full scope of this uh project. But having said that, incredibly excited and look forward to supporting tonight. Thank you. >> Are there any other Yes, JD. >> I would [clears throat] Thank you, Madam Mayor. I would just like to provide a little bit of context with this particular small business. Uh Jennifer, thank you so much for coming. Um and if if you all could stand up who's representing Rima Dance Studio right now, thank you so much for being here. Uh thank you for uh withstanding two hours of council meeting um [clears throat] and being here. I also want to recognize them right now because this is a business that currently temporarily resides in district 5. >> They've been holding a temporary space and make uh conducting classes off of Oakhurst among road. And so it is a rare opportunity that we as a city are able to give these folks that have serviced our community and our members of the community for years and years a permanent home that they can they can now activate and facilitate. So, thank you so much for being here and thank you for your patience. >> Thank you. Any further comments? Hearing none, we have a motion on the floor. Um, all in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. >> I think that's unanimous, but is there anyone that wants to have another comment? Just joking. Just joking. >> Okay. So, the next item is item number. >> Is there anyone that objects to it? Anyone objecting? Okay. Let's go on. The next item is item number nine, a sub lease of city lease property at 8115 Eastland Yards Boulevard, Sweet 106. Greg, are you going to back down? Come down with us. >> Okay. >> Okay. [laughter] Sorry. And Jayla, are you going to be >> speaking with us? >> Yes. Please come on down. >> Oh, Jana. >> Hello, everyone. >> Hello. Hello. My name is Jayla Alvaringa. I am a nail technician originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, where I have rented private suites from other salon suite owners. Being a tenant firsthand has given me the experience, insight, and vision to understand what it truly takes to be a successful salon suite owner. I also recognize the lack of salon suite ownership that reflects both my background and the Eastland Charlotte community. That gap is what inspired me to take this step forward. I have fully dedicated myself to this vision by relocating to the Charlotte Meckllinburgg area, allowing me to have boots on the ground and devote my full time and energy to Suites by Alvaringa Collection. I believe I am the ideal candidate to fulfill retail retail suite 106, creating a space that will provide Charlotte small business owners with a true home for their business operations. This opportunity will foster an elevated environment within a growing community of beauty and wellness professionals while supporting entrepreneurship representation and long-term success. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. All right, let's see who >> Mrs. Watlington. >> Thank you. I just had a first of all, congratulations to all the business owners. I love to see it and thank you for sticking with us. Um and I look forward to supporting you in the community. Uh I just [clears throat] have a couple of questions really. It's um more so maybe at Mr. Cinema and um to my colleagues is it I love that these businesses are here right as I think future forward we we know that because we have an ownership stake that we were able to direct a little bit more in the future. I'm curious as to has there been any conversation in terms of like a merchant association? I think about Historic West End or West Boulevard and some of the other areas that have really wanted to rally around their small business owners and really um galvanize formally through merchant associations. And I'm curious as to if there's going to be any um interest or any willingness to support that. >> Charlottes will do it. Okay, gotcha. Thank you. >> They've been they already been doing it. >> Yes, they have. So they'll just come under your umbrella. >> All right. >> Councilwoman Wellington, >> I'm sorry. I So JD, >> were you next? >> Sorry. I just wanted to directly respond to that. Um this is something that also mayor prom and other colleagues on um council member Graham and council member Mayo. We met with these merchant associations as well, making sure that they stay involved. >> Can you speak up? I'm sorry. Something about that mic. When I used to sit there, I could never Can you hear me? Is this okay? >> I have to work on that. Okay. So, um, essentially we have been engaging merchant associations and ensuring that they're activated within the community and, um, I know Charlottes has been partnering and ensuring that we're uplifting these businesses and that they're plugged into it as well. >> Okay. So, the merchant association is separate from Charlotte, but Charlotte is supporting it or the merchant association is >> under umbrella right now. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Any other comments? Madame Mayor, I'd like to uh give to the district rep and number five to make the motion. >> Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim. I motion to approve a sub lease of city lease property located at 8115 Eastland Yards Boulevard, sweet 106 with Alanga. Uh great uh realy LLC. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion, Miss um Mayfield? >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. So I believe we all received a letter that was in our packet and we have been having a one we have invested millions in the redevelopment of Eastland and as Mr. Cinema mentioned this is a seven-year conversation that has been happening. I am going to reiterate what I shared in committee because I do have concern with one it being Salon Suites. I'm not saying that that's not something that could be beneficial for a business, but as this development is growing out, that's something that could come later. Initially during the research, they're headquartered out of Greensboro. I asked, "What has been our local outreach?" Well, we have instituted language regarding our street vendors. One of them writing as a small B vendor or business owner, a resident who is trying to survive and grow in the city not disrupted. For many of us, vending is not a hobby. It is not a nuisance. It is the first rung of the ladder when traditional systems are closed to you. No credit, no investors, no safety net, just effort, consistency, and the hope that showing up every day will eventually turn into stability. When vendors are pushed out, what's really being removed isn't clutter, it's opportunity. Charlotte often speaks about supporting small businesses, equity, and entrepreneurship. But for many people, especially those from working-class and marginalized backgrounds, vending is small business. It's where we learn customer service, inventory, branding, and responsibility. It's how we test ideas before we can afford storefronts or leases. It's how we stay off the streets out of trouble and focus on building something legal and positive. Banning vendors doesn't create order. It creates silence. It removes culture, creativity, and real human interaction from public spaces. Now when we look at this letter and the impact of note that we're having in both not and south end because we do need to have a real conversation of the impact of street vendors when you have brick and mortar but when we have an opportunity and we are offering very low competitive rates regarding supporting eastland. I have concerns that we have not pushed to create those opportunities that we already have relationships with locally and salon suites as a model and as a franchise I think is a great idea for certain areas. I think it could be beneficial over in this area because council member Arius and I looked up and did a Google search of how many salons are already in there. For me, that could be something that could be beneficial as the development grows. But when we're talking about being intentional and creating opportunities for small businesses in an area that is extremely diverse, you have an Ethiopian grocery store not too far that has been a supporter and an investor in this in this community for many years. You have small business clothing stores that have been moved and shifted from south end from fourth ward from areas that we identified as corridors of opportunity that have been displaced and moved that also contribute to the diversity that we have in our city. and those who have already been paying taxes and contributing to the growth of our city that did not necessarily even know that this was an opportunity that was available. Not blaming anyone on the marketing on it. That's not the role of Tim Cinema and his team in partnership. The city has had a number of these conversations because these businesses have reached out to us. >> So that could have been a different conversation. I personally have concerns with this particular product. I am not going to be voting for this yet. I recognize we all need to make a decision. But when we're talking about we're going to make multiple millions of dollars of investment and we tell the community this is to benefit you and we're looking at creating something that's sustaining long term. On the front end, we have one proposal for a dance studio. We have a proposal here for a coffee shop and for another type of service. Is this the best way to move forward at this particular time as this development is still being built out versus a opportunity later on down the road is what I would like for us to consider. Again, when we think about the businesses that have been transitioned from their current locations, the businesses at along our light rail that had multiple challenges and were not did not have some of the opportunities that this development is providing. we have an opportunity to make sure that we're supporting growth in a way that's longstanding, not just short term for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, we have a motion on the floor. JD, would you like to speak? >> Um, I I would thank you, Madame Mayor. I would like to recognize that this is a conversation council member Mayfield and I have had for the past few days and I'm in all agreement with her reasoning. Um, and at the same time, we both appreciate that we are going to vote differently. Um, but but I definitely do agree. I think there is an opportunity moving forward to be more intentional in partnering with our partners. Council member Mayfield made it very clear during our economic development uh committee meeting that we need to partner up internally with um Charlotte Business Inclusion with our existing partners with our business district organizations on the ground that already are doing this work and recognizing this. Um this a earlier this afternoon I spoke to council member Mayfield about this Ethiopian uh market and restaurant that is right next to Lashishkbab on Sharon Amity as a potential great uh tenant for this area. And at the same time I also want to recognize the risk that you Jayla and and the rest of the business owners are taking um and >> committing and signing a lease in an unactivated space right now. that is that that I I want my colleagues to recognize the risk that these business owners are taking and and and being part of something that we've never done before. So, you know, something that Todd De Young often times says is that we haven't done this. This is very new to us and we're learning as we're growing and moving ahead. Again, I just wanted to take the time to appreciate Council Member Mayfield's comment and and the validity and credibility those concerns have, as well as recognizing that this is what partnership looks like, >> that we can vote opposite from this issue. I'll be voting for it, but also recognizing the valid concerns that my colleagues and members of council might have on this. Thank you, >> M. Johnson. Did you have your want to have remarks? >> I did, Madame Mayor. I want to piggyback off what my co both my colleagues are saying. I I love what you said, Council Member Mayfield. When we talk about city-owned property, we talked about this earlier, the parking lot, the city-owned property, and the city-owned subsidized um space, we have to be intentional. There are people that are hurting, that are displaced um due to gentrification that have been holding that area down when no one was cared about the east side. And so that happens a lot with the west side and uh North Trion. we have to be intentional and caring to those residents and those businesses who have been there. So, I do agree that they have uh priority. They should have priority and I I'd like to see that moving forward. Let's make sure that we're intentional about that. Mr. Jones, um I will be supporting this tonight because I do also want to support the district rep who I know has spent a lot of time on this lease. I'm not Yeah. Um >> first thing I did Yeah. >> Yes. Yes. [laughter] So, uh, but I but I do agree and we've talked about this before. As we're redeveloping these these spaces, we need to take a look at the the businesses that have been there [clears throat] um the entire time. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other com Miss Sashmir? >> Yes. Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, I just want to thank um some of our unsung heroes specifically Carolyn Milan. uh Carolyn Milan, Dan Languain, and so many East Side neighborhood leaders. They they have been advocating for this for 10 years. I remember meeting with them, especially Diane Langavine. She had a folder this big. She's been to every single community outreach meeting and I personally believe that we need to listen to the community. >> They want us to approve this lease. Uh and I certainly thank Charlotte East, Greg Ashudo for providing our support to small businesses, especially during uh Border Patrol when they were here and there was disruption on the east side as well as uh cross and southeast for not giving up. I know you've been at this since 2018. I certainly appreciate your continued persistence. And with that, I'm ready to move forward. >> All right. So, I believe do believe that the um we have a motion on the floor. Um and I think we have a lot of conversation. So, um all in favor of the motion, please raise your hands. All right, let's see. And those that are in opposition, please raise your hands. We have one in opposition and the remainder for this. All right, so the next item is item 11. No, no, not 11. 10. So, Greg, you're not coming down or are you coming down? No, you're I'm trying to just get you down here again. And so now, Manuel, it's good to see you. >> They're waiting for me. [laughter] >> Good evening, madame mayor, city manager, and honorable uh >> city council. Uh thank you so much for doing this. We are showing the the the nation that the city private companies and the small business owners can work together. I want to make a clarification about the two businesses that I want to bring to this to this space and why is not just one. I have a an a gelato business in Matthew in South Char for our representatives more than welcome to visit us. We are the only place in the nation that our gelato is 100% vegan. There's no eggs, no dairy, no gluten, and I promise you it tastes good. Uh so we cannot have this in just one place because crosscontamination. >> So that's why I'm asking just for one little space that's 1,000 square foot. And the other the other space is my coffee shop. Then I start a a partnership with Mayo Park in Arthur one one year ago and it's working so well because we are the only coffee shop in town that we are employing people who have been in trouble uh that needs a second opportunity with the area and chef Ron from the Charlo culinary school is providing me some of these people people with special abilities people of minorities 100% everything that we buy in this coffee shop comes small local businesses and uh and 100% of the profits goes back to community. So these are the two businesses that I'm bringing to to this beautiful place. I want to bring you some numbers that I have in my bakery that we have been in char for 29 years and last year 2025 we spent almost $100,000 with Chinese brothers. There is an American company in Statesville, North Carolina. Cisco almost $8,000. Down Foods than three does not know as good and as it should be three and a small businesses $70,000. Simpson X that is a local farm $50,000. That's a lot of eggs. And we paid more than $250,000 in taxes. So, and a walk can prove that unemploying a lot of Americans, not just immigrants. That's a big number for a company that they went from $300,000 themselves to almost $2 million just in East Charlotte. We went through hell just two months ago. >> Being an immigrant is me, it means to be brave. and I'm here in front all of you and asking you to give me this opportunity because we can create something big and we can send a big message to the nation. So, thank you so much for doing this and thank you so much for supporting us. >> Thank you so much. [applause] >> All right. Um, do we have a motion? >> Yes. I would like to make a motion to adopt a resolution approving a sub lease of city lease property located at 5625 Hollyfield Drive, Sweet 122 with Artisan Gelato. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second >> and authorized and A and B. Yeah. >> Right. Okay. Any discussion, Miss Ashir? >> Yes. So when I see Manolo, it reminds me of my very first meeting with Manolo in 2016. Um I remember Manolo and I sat down outside of East Charlotte uh in a yogurt ice cream shop and we were talking about why this kind of amenities did not include uh weren't available in our district. And I remember uh Manolo and I talking about how we need to make that vision into a reality. So Manolo, it took only nine years. Uh but thank you for believing in East Charlotte and helping make this happen. Uh you represent the very best of our local entrepreneurship. You represent the very best of our immigrant community and you represent what hard work, resilience, and giving back means. And I'm very proud of you, brother. Um, so with that, I'm looking forward to seeing both of your businesses and I'll be a regular to your vegan ice cream shop. >> Thank you. >> You got a lot of fans down here. You know that, right? >> [laughter] >> So, for what you do, it's been amazing. All right. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. >> Um, >> I I'm I'm going to not try to get emotional with Manolo. Um, uh, Manolo has been, uh, not only a friend, but a mentor and and father figure as well. Um, I'll tell you, two months ago, Manola and I were out every single night in front of his bakery, uh, protesting with the children of immigrants alongside I see her, Reverend Quirin Mack, [clears throat] who was there during the day. It was a beautiful demonstration of crossracial, cross ethnic, crossreligious solidarity for our immigrant brothers because I oftent times want people to know that immigrants are not just Latino. Mhm. >> They come from different walks of life. They come from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ukraine, different countries. And the movement we built outside of that bakery is one that not only the city recognized, but the entire country did. Um, and so I'm so proud of this moment of of giving back to the community and finally bringing a local ice cream shop to East Charlotte. um um not the one in in Plaza Midwood, you know, uh Eastland area. Um and additionally, I I I also want to Manolo spoke to this and alluded to this. There was some conversation during the previous council that you know, you know, Manola had two spaces and whatnot. I want to dispel that. You know, his two spaces together make up less than the square footage of the other two tenants that we voted on previously. So, I want to make that very clear. Um, and this is an opportunity to bring really that entrepreneurial spirit. If Manolo's Bakery on Central Avenue has become a cornerstone of community and solidarity and a place of gathering, imagine what this ice cream shop is going to bring to East Siders. So, thank you. I yield my time. >> Okay. Thank you, everyone. So, we have a motion on the floor. All in favor, please raise your hands. I think if everybody had other hands, they'd be raised as well. So, thank you very much for this. [applause] All right. So, the next item says res 11. >> Okay. So we have >> we have a few other ideas of what we should be doing and before we can get home. So the first one is an interlocal agreement to support administrative >> number 11. Number 11. We're on 12 now. I'm sorry. Just trying to get James Mitchell did that. >> I did that. I'm sorry. [laughter] Item 11. Item 11. Sub lease of city lease. I mean sub lease of city lease property at 65625 Hollyfield Drive suite 112 I mean 123. What a night. Um so adopt a resolution approving a sub lease as well as authorize the manager as his designate to negotiate and execute those documents. Do we have a motion? >> Yes, I have a motion to adopt a resolution to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute all documents. >> A and B. >> Second. >> We have a second. Is there any further discussion? Please, if not, please. Oh, Mr. Driggs. >> So, as we wrap up uh these events, I want to just take a moment especially to acknowledge uh Tim Cinema who looks like me may young >> because going all the way back for years, nobody wanted to touch this. And we looked and we looked and then Mr. Cinema came forward with a vision. We partnered with him initially where we made an investment and he did and developing plans there and it's been a long and bumpy road. So, Mr. Cinema, I just wanted to tell you uh I really appreciate what you have done to get us all here tonight. Thank you. >> All right, JD, you want to >> I'm going to make it very brief, mayor. I promise. Um >> you don't have to promise. Good. >> I just want to recognize all the small business owners that were here. Um Manolo, Jayla, Jennifer, who just left. And thank you Tim Cinema and Todd De Young for working diligently with me on day one after I was sworn in to make sure that this was a transparent communicative process to the community. East Yards means so much to me. I grew up going to Eastland Mall, right? It was the only movie theater at the time that has Spanish subtitles where my mom was able to sit down and watch an English speaking movie with me. So, the fact that after decades of this space not being activated, it's now finally coming to fruition is so incredible and so cool to see. It's a childhood dream come true, uh, that we're bringing back an economic incubator to the east side. So, thank you to all my colleagues voting. Thank you to my colleagues who expressed their concerns to make the process even better moving forward. So, >> Oh, did I make the motion? Yeah. >> Yes, you did. >> You did make the motion. >> We have a motion. >> Yes, we have a motion. So all and I think we all had our hands up but both two hands if you want to go ahead and so we are ready to move forward. So the next item on our agenda we board we have to vote. Oh my gosh. >> There was a second. >> Okay. All in favor please raise your hands. >> Was there a second? >> Oh. All right. We got you. >> Yeah we did second. >> I see the two I see the two hands. Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Um, >> as everyone knows, this has been a big big leap and and a very good one at the end. So, >> that was 18 in favor. Good job. [laughter] >> Math is a matter. >> Okay, so we have that mar. >> Okay. All right. 12. You enter a local agreement to support the administrative startup of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority. Adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager's designated negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority, MTPA, to support the administrative startup of said um site or program. um authorizing the manager to negotiate and execute all documents contracts necessary to complete the interlocal agreement and provide administrative startup support in the amount of $4,300,000 and adopt the budget ordinance appropriating same amount in the fund balance in cat's operating fund for transfer and appropriation to the cat's capital project fund. >> Move to approve. >> We have a motion to approve and a second. Is there any discussion? All right, we'll start with Miss Anderson and come to Miss Kashmir. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. And um I just wanted to just give some perspective on this. I will be supporting this initiative and I'm so happy to see two members of the authority who have joined us including the chairman. as like >> as we are making this transition. This is a um it's a really big deal and yes, we have the authority and I'm so happy that we were able to move swiftly over the last couple of years to get things in place, but in order for you all to take on assets and to stand up the way you conduct your business, you have a lot of heavy lifting to do and you will need support in that process. And clearly the city is here to support uh from from service level agreements, SLAs's um to helping you navigate this this space so you can be fully on board. You know, this is one um this is one action, Mr. manager. Um that I think is just one of many that we're going to have to do to to support the establishment of uh the authority and in the actual um agenda item it it it alludes to that that there will be other actions to be made as well. Um, but I just wanted to say this is a c this is a matter of course as it relates to, you know, uh, when you do acquisitions and when you stand up new greenfield businesses and new Greenfield authorities, there's a a level of financial injection that you have to have. That's just part and parcel to conducting business. So, um, I'll be supporting this this evening and look to your your wisdom and guidance and leadership on the authority as we navigate over the next several months. Thank you. >> All right, Miss Asher. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. I agree with the remarks that's been made by my colleague, Council Member Anderson uh, and Chairman um, Mr. Howard, as well as Minister Mack. Uh, thank you for being here uh, all the way till the end. Um I just want to be very clear that the funding that we are approving today is completely separate from the recent transportation referendum. This is just from existing sales tax revenue uh that are that's already restricted for transit use and um you know with any organization when we're trying to build up an organization there is a startup cost involved. So just the basic foundation that's needed to continue to stand up the authority. Uh we are in great hands with your leadership Mr. Chairman as well as all 27 members of the authority. Um you know I always tell people that when you look at strong transit or uh that doesn't start with rail or buses. It really starts with governance. It starts with financial controls and it starts with systems that aren't public trust. So, um I look forward to how this fund will help us continue to restore public trust in our transit system. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Did I see some other anyone else on this side of the dis? Okay. U Mr. Graham. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. and and let me take this opportunity to congratulate Chairman Howard and Trustee Mack for their participation on the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority. I had the opportunity to be there when they were sworn in and and because I had nothing to do watch your January meeting. Uh and I'm so excited about what this community is about to do in terms to really to do a regional transportation network. Uh and being able to see from the start. The intergovernmental relations committee had the opportunity to hear the presentation at our our first meeting. And if I can speak for the members of the committee, we're all extremely excited about establishing a relationship and a partnership with the authority uh as we do with state government, our county government. Uh we understand that u this will be the first of many interlocal agreements we have between the city and the authority and we look forward to being um partners with you. We also understand that um um over the first 18 months it's going to be foundation building uh building partnerships, building relationships, building trust, uh building a culture for the organization and obviously this $4.3 million just as I said earlier last week is putting gas in the car so you can go and u we want you guys to go and and go far and um and go steady and straight and I know that the subcommittee is here to support your work uh and support you um both Miss Mack and Chairman Howard and your endeavors to create a system that reflects this community. Thank you very much for your support. >> All right, Mr. Driggs. >> Uh thank you, mayor. So, uh having been the chair of transportation and planning throughout the runup to the referendum, uh I'm thrilled tonight that we are at a point of seeing this actually get realized. >> [clears throat] >> It's a little bit like when Eastland progressed finally from being a a problem to being a solution. >> Um and uh I also saw the first meetings uh Mr. Chair I admired how you were appointed in the second meeting left right into the chair and then essentially heard those cats. Uh it was quite an extraordinary session and I will point out to all of us that we are uh in somewhat uncharted waters here. This is the first of a number of votes, many votes that will come to us and many of them will address issues that we haven't seen before. So, uh, how do we move over the assets? What are they worth? Uh, how do we move over the personnel? How do we protect them and preserve whatever benefits they have from working for the city today? Uh, there are going to be issues of risk management. Uh, we're going to have to partner with this organization and provide various services as they build up their capacities. And uh I look forward to that partnership. I think it's important that we work at all times in a spirit of cooperation because let's recognize the activity of the authority must be aligned with what we are doing here. So our [snorts] road planning, our development planning, our housing planning, all of that is part and parcel with investments that are being made in mobility. So uh I think this is a a huge development. this first vote is a milestone. Um, and I think it's pretty clear we we've got to get some money into this organization. At their first meeting, they kind of sat there. They didn't have a dime, right? They didn't have a bank account. [laughter] Uh, and uh, they they need our help initially to transact and and to gradually inflate this thing as and and build it up. So, uh, good night tonight. Thank you, Miss Mack. Uh, Mr. Howard, thank you especially. Uh, I think you're a a great uh candidate to be I mean a a great person to be in this role uh representing as you do uh through your history with the city and your background in transportation kind of many dimensions of what it is we're going to be dealing with. So I look forward to working with you. Thank you. >> All right. Any other discussion? Move to >> adjourn. I could >> Okay. All right. So, um I I think that it's a really great um opportunity for us. Um I know that between Ed and and myself and the manager, um five, six years that we went through with all of this, um we were audacious to say that um the manager would buy a train for mill $90 million. >> I see. And and if you only knew I mean we we >> if you only knew about Raleigh and how many times we went there and how much of an engagement it had to be to make this happen. I think it's probably one of the most momentous things that we would ever ever do. But I also think that you will do those things as well as we did and we're just glad to turn it over to you. Um it's [laughter] I say that with with great um support to you. Um I this this city [clears throat] is going to be some place that's going to be so great. And part of it will be it was because we did start taking care of our people. We started giving them a job. We started giving them a way to get around the workplaces and all of these things that we committed to do. Everything that I think the staff and everyone else, I believe truly that that is going to be the beginning of what will make our city continue to be someplace that people will care about. And so with that, I guess that um we need to have a motion. I mean approval of this. We got a motion. Let's go with it. All in favor say I. I. Anyone oppose? Nobody's opposed [applause] to that. So, thank you. Thank you. All right, >> that's it for us today. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjurnn. All right. >> Heat.