Public safety measures decided during special meeting

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -    The Fayetteville City Council held a special called meeting May 5, at 5 p.m. after the monthly work session in the City Hall to discuss public safety measures matters in the city.

Mayor Mitch Colvin called the meeting after a recent spike in gun violence in the city.

Mayor Colvin and City Council took action on four items that were on the agenda:

The first topic City Council discussed was about enhancing and incorporating more surveillance and technology throughout the city to assist with public safety. Council Member Mario Benavente made a motion to direct Police Chief Todd Joyce and his staff to work with the city’s Information Technology staff to present pros and cons of technology and best practices prior to an upcoming budget session. Council member Derrick Thompson seconded the motion, and it PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (10-0).

The second item that was discussed and voted on was restrictions at large gatherings and events. After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen moved to have staff create a policy that only clear bags are allowed at special events on city-owned property and no masks unless medically exempt. The motion was seconded by Council member Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and the motion PASSED by a vote of 9 in favor to 1 in opposition. Council member Benavente voted in opposition.

The next agenda item City Council discussed was to implement stronger incentives to encourage residents to share important information with Crime Stoppers that helps with the arrest of violent offenders. Council member Thompson moved to approve the city giving the $3,000 difference to make $2,000 rewards a total of $5,000. Council member D.J. Haire seconded the motion; it PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (10-0).

The last topic on the agenda that City Council discussed was implementing a curfew for unattended minors. Council member Deno Hondros moved to direct the city’s attorney’s office and city management’s office to develop a strategy for wrap-around services and a plan by Monday, May 12. The motion was seconded by Council member Benavente. This motion FAILED by a vote of 3 in favor to 7 in opposition. Mayor Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Jensen and Council members  Thompson, Malik Davis, Haire, Lynne Greene, and Banks-McLaughlin voted in opposition.

After that motion failed, Council member Thompson made the motion to move forward with the City Youth Protection Ordinance mirroring Charlotte’s ordinance with the curfew starting at 11 p.m. as a one-year pilot program. The motion also included for staff to develop a Junior Mayor program, ID Card submission policy at recreation centers, late-night basketball events, and childcare provisions as the budget allows. Council member Davis seconded the motion; it PASSED by a vote of 8 in favor to 2 in opposition. Council members Benavente and Hondros voted in opposition.

The City Youth Protection Ordinance has not gone into effect at this time. The ordinance will be drafted and presented to Mayor Colvin, he will have the authority to sign it, at which point it will go into effect. It is currently proposed to go into effect May 26, 2025.

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