SALISBURY — At their next meeting, the Salisbury City Council will hear a presentation from Event Coordinator Vivian Koontz regarding an update on the upcoming Cheerwine Festival that is taking place on Saturday, May 18.

The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 16, at the city hall building at 6 p.m. Here are the other agenda items that will be discussed:

• Council will be recognizing Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Director Jim Behmer and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director Anne Little for winning United Way Spirit of North Carolina Awards.
• Council will be receiving an introduction to Deputy Fire Chief Terry Smith.
• Mayor Karen Alexander will be making the following observances: Line Worker Appreciation Day for April 18, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for April 21-27, Earth Day April 22, Youth Violence Prevention Week for April 22-26, Arbor Day for April 26, and National Day of Prayer for May 2.
• Council to receive public comment. Anyone who wishes to speak by Zoom must sign up before 5 p.m. by contacting Connie Snyder at csnyd@salisburync.gov. Anyone who wishes to speak in person can sign up in council chambers. Residents who are unable to speak during the meeting may submit written comments to the email above and they will be shared with the council.
• Rowan Economic Development Council Vice President Scott Shelton will ask the council to consider a level 3 incentive grant to RP Salisbury Partners, LLC equal to 85 percent of real property taxes paid to the city. The total estimated value of the grant is $3.14 million to be paid in annual installments for a period of five years. There will be a public hearing regarding this matter.
• Fire Chief Bob Parnell will ask the council to consider supporting an application for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to support six additional firefighter positions and the Fire Prevention Safety Grant.
• Police Chief Patrick Smith and Idea Analytics CEO Dr. Jessica Herbert will give an update to council on the Byrne Criminal Justice Initiative for the West End community and consider authorizing City Manager Jim Greene to execute a funding agreement with United Way of Rowan County to administer and manage non-profit grant funds awarded through the initiative.
• Budget Manager Tracey Keyes will give council an update on the fiscal year 2025-2034 proposed general fund capital improvement plan.
• Finance Director Wade Furches will lead a presentation to council on the fiscal year 2025 budget presentation for the broadband services fund.
• Council to consider appointments to various boards and commissions.