Fayetteville council adopts downtown placemaking plan, approves CIE update and backs HOST referendum

The Fayetteville City Council approved multiple resolutions and a contract at its June 18 meeting.

Marissa Jackson (speaker 11) presented the Downtown Fayetteville Creative Placemaking Plan, which includes recommended public-art locations, shade and seating improvements, pedestrian-comfort measures and creation of a Fayetteville Arts District Public Arts Committee. The council approved Resolution 26 R-22 by voice vote.

Paige Headley (speaker 12) presented the annual update to the city’s Capital Improvements Element (CIE), a required report for communities that collect impact fees. Headley said the Department of Community Affairs reviewed and approved the draft; the council adopted Resolution 26 R-31 to transmit the final update so the city can retain its qualified local government status.

City Manager Ray Gibson (speaker 3) and staff summarized a resolution to forward municipal support for the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST), a 1% local-option sales tax authorized by Senate Bill 33. Gibson explained that county and municipal resolutions and a voter referendum are part of the process; the council approved Resolution 26 R-36 to forward the referral to the legislative delegation.

In new business the council accepted staff’s recommendation to award the comprehensive plan update contract to Blue Cypress Consulting for $131,560 (Resolution 26 R-33). The contract award followed a staff evaluation of three competitive bids.

The council also approved consent items including a lease agreement with Walk Fayetteville LLC and a Trilet Drive hotel/motel tax agreement. The meeting closed with announcements and a motion to enter executive session on real estate and litigation.