MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA, TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990 AT 7:30 P.M.

Mayor Howes called the meeting to order.

Council members in attendance were Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Herzenberg, Nancy Preston, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson. Mayor Howes noted that Council Member Wallace would be absent this evening and that Council Member Rimer would be late due to his daughter's high school graduation ceremony. Council Member Rimer arrived at 10:48 p.m.

Also in attendance were Interim Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal, Assistant Town Manager Florentine Miller, Public Safety Director Cal Horton, Planning Director Roger Waldon, Finance Director James Baker, Assistant to the Attorney Richard Sharpless, and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

Mayor Howes noted that efforts to improve the audio system in the new Council chamber continued.

There were no ceremonies or hearings.

Petitions

The Council agreed to Mayor Howes' suggestion that discussion concerning the proposed budget be moved to the end of this evening's agenda.

Council Member Andresen noted the difficulties experienced by pedestrians in crossing the intersection of Pittsboro Street and Cameron Avenue. Council Member Andresen requested that the staff investigate this situation and report back to the Council. Council Member Andresen also requested a status report on the Town's Design Manual and Engineering Standards.

Minutes of May 7, 10, 14 and 15, 1990

COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 7 AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON REQUESTED ONE CLARIFICATION IN THE MINUTES OF MAY 10. COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 10 AS REVISED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN REQUESTED TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES OF MAY 14. COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 14 AS REVISED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON REQUESTED ONE REVISION TO THE MINUTES OF MAY 15. COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 15 AS REVISED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

Design Review Board DOTA

Planning Director Roger Waldon said that the proposed text amendment would encourage applicants to meet with the Design Review Board at the inception of the application process. Mr. Waldon said the ultimate objective of the process would be for development applications to achieve consent agenda status. Mr. Waldon noted that development‑related boards and commissions had evaluated the Design Review Board concept. Mr. Waldon said that the Planning Board recommended adoption of the board, while the Parks and Recreation and Greenways Commission had recommended implementation on a trial basis. Mr. Waldon added that the Appearance Commission and Transportation Board had recommended against the implementation of a Design Review Board.

Mr. Waldon presented a flow chart, depicting the proposed flow of applications through the development review process. Mr. Waldon noted that the Greenways Commission recommended that the applicant receive initial comments, make revisions as appropriate, and return to the Design Review Board with the revised plan. Mr. Waldon said the Town Manager recommended the adoption of Ordinance A, creating the Design Review Board, and Resolution B, requiring that individual projects be reviewed only once by the Design Review Board. Mr. Waldon noted that recommendations of the Design Review Board would be of a purely advisory nature. Mr. Waldon stated that the Manager recommended that the process be evaluated after twelve months, with a report to the Council on how the new process is working.

Council Member Werner inquired about the current review process. Mr. Waldon briefly reviewed the current process. Council Member Werner asked how the proposed process would expedite development application review. Mr. Waldon said that the applicant would get input from boards and commissions and design experts early in the process, minimizing the need for revisions later in the review process.

Council Member Andresen noted that the creation of the Design Review Board would translate into another board giving advice. Council Member Andresen inquired whether all development applications would be reviewed by all development-related boards and commissions. Mr. Waldon said yes, noting that the boards and commissions still wanted the opportunity to discuss individual applications. Council Member Andresen said it appeared that the Design Review Board would make the process longer rather than shorter. Council Member Andresen expressed concern that there had been no discussion of the proposal with the Design Task Force, and that the development process was not made shorter by this proposal. Mr. Waldon said the proposal would speed up the development process while achieving better project design. Council Member Andresen said she was disturbed by the long time period for development application processing. Council Member Andresen said she would like to see other alternatives to the establishment of another development‑related review board.

Council Member Preston requested a review of the composition of the Design Review Board. Mr. Waldon said the proposed board would be composed of ten members, four design professionals and one representative from each of six development‑related Town boards and commissions. Council Member Preston inquired whether one of the objectives of the program was to get input from design professionals early in the process to expedite projects through the process. Mr. Waldon responded that expedited review was the major potential benefit to be gained from the revised process. Mr. waldon said that fewer projects would require extension revisions later in the process.

council Member inquired whether the Design Review Board was intended to replace initial review by Town staff. Mr. Waldon said no. Council Member Werner inquired whether the number of staff reviews would be reduced by the revised process. Mr. Waldon said this was one of the desired results. Council Member Werner said that Resolution B appeared to be a fairly reasonable proposal. Council Member Preston said she shared some of Council Member Andresen's concerns. Council Member Preston stated that a one year trial of the proposed process might be worthwhile. Mayor Howes said there was some merit to having a sunset process. Mayor Howes suggested that the design guidelines could be promoted as a matter of policy without adding another board to the review process.

Council Member Andresen suggested that the proposal to establish a Design Review Board be referred to the Design Task Force. Mayor Howes inquired about the current status of the Task Force. Mr. Waldon said he believed that the Task Force had been dissolved. Mayor Howes inquired whether the Task Force had evaluated the proposal. Mr. Waldon said no. Council Member Wilkerson said he also supported the Design Task Force's review of the proposal.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON, TO REFER THE PROPOSED DESIGN REVIEW BOARD DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE DESIGN TASK FORCE FOR ??VIEW OF THE PROPOSAL. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

Southern Community Park

Interim Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal noted that the design consultant from Dewberry and Davis was in attendance this evening to provide a summary of the Southern Community Park conceptual plan. Ms. Loewenthal noted that work on the proposal to date had been done in consultation with the Parks and Recreation and Greenways Commissions and Town residents. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the site initially contained fifty acres, with twenty‑eight additional acres having been acquired recently.

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Loveman noted that the Council had received a memorandum summarizing the conceptual plan, accompanied by a recommended design proposal from the consultant. Mr. Loveman reviewed project events to date, noting that the initial proposed size of fifty acres was insufficient to meet anticipated facility demand. Mr. Loveman noted that the Parks and Recreation and Greenways Commissions had both reviewed the proposal.

Brian Starkey, representing Dewberry and Davis, the project design consultant, thanked the Council for allowing his firm to be involved in the design process for the Southern Community Park. Mr. Starkey said that there had been a good collaborative working relationship between the Town departments, residents, and his firm. Mr. Starkey noted that he had conducted a site analysis and developed several alternatives for possible uses of the site. Mr. Starkey added that the site had unique vegetative and hydrological features. Mr. Starkey said this information was critical in determining development, preservation and transition areas on the site.

Mr. Starkey noted the difficulties associated with turning movements at the intersection of U.S. 15‑501 and Dogwood Acres Drive. Mr. Starkey said that improvements to the intersection were planned in concert with the development of the Southern Community Park. Mr. Starkey noted that a park and ride lot would be located near U.S. 15‑501 in the park. He also noted the possibility of constructing a pedestrian passageway under the roadway area. Mr. Starkey briefly reviewed the physical facilities planned for the site, noting that no activities were planned for the pond area. Mr. Starkey said the main intent of his firm's design was to create a balanced park facility.

Council Member Andresen said the proposed plan was very good looking. Council Member Andresen inquired about preliminary cost estimates for roadway improvements at U.S. 15‑501 and Dogwood Acres Drive. Mr. Loveman said that a preliminary figure of $325,000 had been determined. Council Member Andresen inquired about the estimated cost of proposed site improvements. Mr. Loveman said that the preliminary estimate for all facilities excepting the community center, fire station and park and ride lot was $4,600,000, with an additional 25% allowance for facility design. Council Member Andresen inquired whether the facility buildout was a five or ten year plan. Mr. Loveman indicated that a twenty year buildout was anticipated, with athletic facilities being in place within ten years. Ms. Loewenthal responded that this evening's discussion was focusing on conceptual issues. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the ultimate objective was to use the site in the wisest manner possible. Council Member Andresen inquired when annexation of the area would occur. Ms. Loewenthal said this was very difficult to judge.

Council Member Brown inquired about the proposed siting of the park and ride lot and fire station. Mr. Starkey said one objective was to locate the park and ride lot as far as possible from the Dogwood Acres subdivision. Mr. Starkey said that the fire station would be located on a visible portion of the site with good accessibility to U.S. 15‑501. Council Member Brown inquired about the timing and funding for completion of these facilities. Ms. Loewenthal noted that funding for construction of the fire station was available from approved 1986 bonds. Ms. Loewenthal added that a federal funding request for the park and ride facility was in process.

Council Member Werner inquired how the park and ride lot would be distinguished from the community center parking lot. Mr. Starkey suggested that a certain number of buses could make stops at both the community center and the park and ride lot. Mr. Starkey noted that it was a fairly lengthy walk between the community center and the park and ride lot.

Council Member Werner inquired what type of pro shop facility was planned for the park. Mr. Loveman noted that the tennis complex was planned in the very long term, with bleacher facilities and tournament play. Mr. Loveman said that Town staff would handle concessions at the facility.

Council Member Werner inquired whether sufficient ballfields were provided for the next twenty years. Mr. Loveman said yes, noting that he was comfortable with the proposed programs for the facility.

Council Member Preston noted that the consultant had presented an excellent proposed site design. Council Member Preston inquired how Mr. Starkey had planned for undulations on the site. Mr. Starkey noted that site topography had determined many facility locations on the site, with passive uses being located in difficult topographical areas and more intensive uses in less difficult areas. Council Member Preston asked whether the community center would be constructed on a high point. Mr. Starkey said yes. Council Member Preston inquired how the pedestrian way would be accommodated. Mr. Starkey said the specifics of the pedestrian way would be shown on the site plan. Council Member Preston said she was pleased by the innovativeness of the proposed site design.

Council Member Brown inquired about the location of electric distribution easements on the site. Mr. Starkey pinpointed the location of easements on the site. Mayor Howes suggested that space be allocated for free play and kite flying and related activities. Mayor Howes noted his satisfaction with the long walkway through and around the park. Mr. Loveman noted that the soccer and lacrosse fields could be used as a meadow area for community festivals and other events. Mayor Howes noted that the initial location of the park and ride lot at the site made sense, adding that such a use might become incompatible in the future.

Council Member Andresen inquired about the impact of not realigning Dogwood Drive at U.S. 15‑501. Mr. Starkey said there would be a major negative impact. Mr. Starkey stated that the realignment of this intersection was highly recommended due to design and safety considerations.

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 4. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUATION OF THE DESIGN AND PERMITTING PROCESS FOR THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PARK (90‑5‑29/R‑4)

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the continuation of the design and permitting process for the Southern Community Park, pursuant to the conceptual plan for the site as presented to the Council on May 29, 1990.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

Tandler Homeownership Program Evaluation

Planning Director Roger Waldon said the Town had taken the demonstration component of the program very seriously. Mr. waldon added that some lessons had been learned from Dr. Stegman's and Dr. Luger's recommendations. He noted that some of these recommendations would be put into use with the proposed Culbreth Park project. Mr. Waldon said the Town staff felt that the demonstration project had been successful. Mr. Waldon noted that a memorandum from the Housing Advisory Board had been placed at the Council table earlier in the evening.

Council Member Andresen inquired about the total cost of the project to the Town. Council Member Andresen said she was concerned that Dr. Stegman and Dr. Luger had been unable to interview the project builder. Mr. Waldon noted that some basic information concerning Town costs was included in the evaluation document. Mr. Waldon noted that no estimate of staff time spent on program development had been compiled. Mr. Waldon noted that access to cost records of the project would not be granted by the contractor until the program had been closed out. Council Member Andresen inquired about the viability of a quick cost-benefit analysis for the Tandler program. Mr. Waldon stated that the most difficult aspect of such an analysis would be compiling staff costs for development of the program. Council Member Andresen said she was interested in receiving this information in the future. Council Member Herzenberg stated that he would be interested in obtaining additional cost information when the project was closed out. Mr. Waldon said the staff would follow up on this request. Mayor Howes noted that no Council action was required this evening.

Board and Commission Nominations and Appointments

Council Member Preston nominated all applicants before the Council for appointment consideration to the Board of Adjustment and Historic District Commission.

The Council made the following appointments:

Housing Advisory Board Barbara Booth‑Powell

Melissa Bowler

William Schmidt

Human Services Advisory Board Ema Willingham

Personnel Appeals Committee Stephen Allred

Richard Daugherty

Robert Doherty

Kevin Foy

Kenneth Martin

One appointment each to the Human Services Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Commission were carried over to the Council's June 11th meeting. Copies of ballots are available for inspection in the Town Clerk's Office.

Geographic Information System

Ms. Loewenthal noted that the Orange County Land Records Office had initiated inquiries about the acquisition of a Geographic Information System approximately two years ago. Engineering Director George Small noted that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and twelve counties in North Carolina employ geographic information systems, as does the United States Geological Survey and Census Bureau. Mr. Small noted that it takes many hours to compile information for the system, but long‑term benefits outweigh initial work efforts. Mr. Small said the proposed agreement before the Council would permit the inclusion of the Town in a network with Orange County for the use of forty layers of information. Mr. Small said that expenditures for licensing fees could be reduced by entering into this agreement. Mr. Small said that if the anticipated schedule were followed, hardware and software could be purchased this summer.

Roscoe Reeve, Orange County Land Records Manager, said he would provide a videotape to anyone wishing to learn more about geographic information systems. Mr. Reeve showed several sample maps depicting the types of information which would be available once such a system was acquired. Mr. Reeve noted that the elements of the map were related to one another. Mr. Reeve briefly reviewed features of a soils, zoning overlay and overall informational map.

Council Member Andresen inquired about the data gathering component of the system. Mr. Reeve said this element was most intensive and expensive part of the project, noting that Orange County had invested approximately $800,000 to date for the compilation of data base information. Mr. Reeve noted that it had cost approximately $175,000 to compile Chapel Hill's property line information. Mr. Reeve noted that base information for Chapel Hill would be completed by the end of the summer. He added that information for the balance of Orange County would be available within 18 to 24 months.

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 5. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ORANGE COUNTY AND CHAPEL HILL FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO BE SHARED BY THE COUNTY AND THE TOWN (90‑5‑29/R‑5)

WHEREAS, the Town has expressed its desire to become involved in the Orange County Geographic Information System being developed through the Orange County Land Records Office; and

WHEREAS, the Town has been represented on the system selection committee and has identified specific equipment and uses of the Geographic Information System that would be of community benefit; and

WHEREAS, funds are available for the initial purchase and operation of the necessary Geographic Information System equipment and software;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to negotiate and execute a local government agreement between Orange County and Chapel Hill for the implementation and operation of a Geographic Information System to be shared by the County and the Town in accordance with the terms of said agreement and with first-year costs not to exceed $78,000.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

Consent Agenda

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER, TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS (90‑5‑29/R‑6)

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts the following resolutions as submitted by the Manager in regard to the following:

a. Amendments to public housing budget (R‑7.1, 2 and 3).

b. Application for certified local government status under the National Historic Preservation Act (R‑8).

c. Request to close unnamed right‑of‑way (R‑9).

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISION NO. 1 TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE LOW RENT LEASED HOUSING PROGRAM FOR JULY 1, 1989 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1990 FOR PROJECT NO.(S) 46‑3 (90‑5‑29/R‑7.1)

WHEREAS, the Manager has submitted a budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 1990; and

WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the proposed expenditures are necessary in the efficient and economical operations to the Housing Authority for the purpose of serving low‑income families; and

WHEREAS, the budget indicates a source 0 F funding adequate to cover all proposed expenditures; and

WHEREAS, all proposed rental charges and expenditures will be consistent with provisions of law and the Annual Contributions contract; and

WHEREAS, the Council hereby certifies that the Town's Authority is in compliance with the provisions of Section 207(a) of the Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract in that the Town's Authority shall at least once a year re-examine the income of families living in the Project(s); and

WHEREAS, all persons responsible for 75 or more units of public housing are hereby certified by an approved certifying organization; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 307, Part II, of the Consolidated Annual Contributions Contracts, the Town's Authority hereby certifies that all administrative salaries ate comparable to local practice, based on a comparability study dated January 1989 which is on file for HUD review;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby approves Revision No. 1 to the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, ?990.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

A RESOLUTION APPROVING REVISION NO. 1 TO THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE LOW RENT CONVENTIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM FOR JULY 1, 1989 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1990 FOR PROJECT NO.(S) 46‑1,2,4,5,6,7,9 (90‑5‑29/R‑7.2)

WHEREAS, the Manager has submitted a budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 1990; and

WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the proposed expenditures are necessary in the efficient and economical operations to the Housing Authority for the purpose of serving low‑income families; and

WHEREAS, the budget indicates a source of funding adequate to cover all proposed expenditures; and

WHEREAS, all proposed rental charges and expenditures will be consistent with provisions of law and the Annual Contributions Contract; and

WHEREAS, the Council hereby certifies that the Town's Authority is in compliance with the provisions of Section 207(a) of the Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract in that the Town's Authority shall at least once a year reexamine the income of families living in the Project(s); and

WHEREAS, all persons responsible for 75 or more units of public housing are hereby certified by an approved certifying organization's; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 307, Part II of the Consolidated Annual Contributions Contracts, the Town's Authority hereby certifies that all administrative salaries are comparable to local practice, based on comparability study dated January, 1989 which is on file for HUD review;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby approves Revision No. 1 to the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1990.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THAT THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING MANAGEMENT DUTIES HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY AN APPROVED CERTIFYING AGENCY (90‑5‑29/R‑7.3)

WHEREAS, Tina Vaughn, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, has been certified by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials as a Public Housing Manager; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials is an approved Certifying Agency; and

WHEREAS, this person performs housing management duties;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the person involved in the performance of housing management duties will meet certification requirements as set forth in Federal Register Volume 41, Number 190, Wednesday, September 29, 1976; pp. 43088‑43092, and the salary of such person is an eligible operating expenditure.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO APPLY FOR CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUS FOR CHAPEL HILL UNDER THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT (90‑5‑2/R‑8)

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Historic District Commission has recommended to the Town Council that Chapel Hill apply to become a Certified Local Government; and

WHEREAS, being a Certified Local Government would qualify the Town of Chapel Hill to apply for certain federal preservation funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill authorizes the Town Manager to apply to the State Historic Preservation Office to become a Certified Local Government under the National Historic Preservation Act and authorizes the Mayor to certify that the Town of Chapel Hill will fulfill all of the standards for designation as a "Certified Local Government."

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

A RESOLUTION CLOSING AN UNNAMED RIGHT-OF-WAY NORTH OF STEPHENS STREET AND WEST OF AIRPORT ROAD (90-5-29/R-9)

WHEREAS, the Council on March 26, 1990 adopted a resolution of intent to consider closing that portion of the unnamed right‑of-way north of Stephens Street and west of Airport Road between Lots 12 and 20, which said lots are shown on Orange County Tax Map M83, Block F; and a public hearing was held on April 16, 1990; and

WHEREAS, the closing of said right‑of‑way would not be contrary to the public interest; and no individual owning property in the vicinity of the right‑of‑way would be deprived of a reasonable means of ingress and egress to his or her property by the closing of said right‑of‑way;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts this order of closure pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 160A‑299, permanently closing the aforementioned right‑of‑way for an approximate distance of 90 feet exclusively where said right‑of‑way abuts Lots 12 and 20, which said lots are shown on Orange County Tax Map ?83, Block F.

This the 29th day of May, 1990.

Budget Discussion

Interim Town Manager Loewenthal noted that two budget work sessions had been held so far this year. Mayor Howes noted that there was no need for the Council to act on the proposed budget this evening. Council Member Werner noted that this evening's session could be used for general discussion, with budget adoption to occur at a later meeting. Mayor Howes noted that the Council agreed by consensus to hold a work session this evening and to adopt the budget at the June 11th meeting.

R. D. Smith said he was disappointed by the poor sound quality in the new Council Chamber. Mr. Smith said he had read some reports stating the need for the Town to stockpile land. Mr. Smith expressed concern that none of the acreage in the Southern Community Park was set aside for affordable housing. Mr. Smith proposed that some of the land in the park be used for this purpose. Mr. Smith said he was concerned for the future of the homes in the Northside neighborhood. Mr. Smith noted that some members of the community recommended razing the homes to make room for commercial and office space. Mr. Smith expressed concern that eventually only wealthy people would be able to reside in Town. Mr. Smith said he urged the Council to change the community's thinking on the future of the Northside area.

Housing Initiatives

Mr. Waldon presented an overview of housing initiatives. Mr. Waldon noted that aggressive acquisition of land was needed to build affordable housing in the Town. Mr. Waldon said he had attempted to be bold and tentative simultaneously concerning housing initiatives. Mr. Waldon brief?y reviewed land acquisition methods including purchasing, acquisition from developers and special legislation mandating inclusion of affordable housing. Mr. Waldon suggested working with University officials to see what land could be acquired in the near and long term. Mayor Howes noted that the Council had directed that emphasis be placed on providing homeownership opportunities for low‑low income individuals and families.

Ms. Loewenthal said the Culbreth Park development agreement was being formulated. Council Member Herzenberg suggested that donations from benevolent landowners could also be explored. Council Member Andresen said she appreciated the thoughtful memorandum concerning housing initiatives. Council Member Andresen said the concept of inclusionary zoning as an affordable housing tool merited further consideration. Council Member Andresen said she preferred the pursuit of methods which did not require the use of general property tax revenues. Council Member Andresen noted that the possibility of providing tax rebates for low‑income individuals and families also merited consideration. Council Member Andresen said she did not feel comfortable using general property tax funding for affordable housing programs.

Council Member Werner said there were a number of interesting ideas in the Town staff's memorandum to the Council. Council Member Werner suggested that working with the University of North Carolina might be advisable, given the University's extensive land holdings in the area. Council Member Werner said he had heard some statements of interest by the University in terms of affordable housing programs. Council Member Preston noted that the University had constructed housing for faculty and staff at one time. Council Member Preston inquired what type of program was envisioned by Council Member Werner. Council Member Werner said he envisioned a public/public/private partnership wherein the University could provide land, the Town could arrange for installation of infrastructure and a private builder would construct the homes. Council Member Preston expressed her concurrence with this approach. Council Member Preston said sh? did not favor a real estate transfer or impact tax. Council Member preston said that land donations, working with the University, and possible provision of incentives for land acquisition were ideas meriting further consideration.

Council Member Wilkerson said he had difficulty understanding why it was less difficult to acquire land for open space than it was to acquire land for affordable housing. Council Member Wilkerson expressed concern that $150,000 was not adequate funding for the Town's affordable housing program. Council Member Wilkerson urged the Council to continue its commitment to providing funding for affordable housing. Council Member Wilkerson expressed concern that some residents might be taxed out of the community. Council Member Wilkerson noted that Orange County was also anticipating the need for a tax increase for the next fiscal year.

Council Member Brown stressed the need for the Council to consider the impact of tax increases on low and moderate income Town residents. Council Member Andresen noted that the Town is an expensive community in which to live. Council Member Andresen noted that greater property values translated into higher property taxes. Council Member Wilkerson stressed the need for maintaining at least $150,000 in the budget for funding of affordable housing programs. Council Member Wilkerson added that this allocation needed to be increased.

Council Member Preston, noting that the Council was being asked to fund the agency, inquired about the status of the Orange County Housing Corporation. Mayor Howes noted that a project in concert with Duke University had begun recently. Council Member Preston said she wanted to know more about the organization before agreeing to grant its funding request. Ms. Loewenthal stated that the staff could make recommendations for funding of individual housing agencies in the future. Mayor Howes noted the Council's role in contributing to the positive atmosphere concerning affordable housing programs in the community.

Council Member Andresen said she preferred not to postpone the discussion of specific fund allocations for housing programs. Council Member Brown inquired whether some of the agencies had access to funding sources other than the Town. Mayor Howes noted that there was not much money for affordable housing programs at the present time. Mayor Howes suggested that Town funding could complement funding from other sources.

Council Member Herzenberg suggested that concern had been expressed in the past concerning the amount of time that the Council spent discussing the expenditure of small amounts of money. Council Member Herzenberg said the current discussion was one of this type.

Council Member Werner said it appeared that some members of the Council might be retreating from their earlier position of supportive funding for affordable housing. Council Member Preston noted that total funding for affordable housing would increase from $236,000 in 1989-90 to $253,000 in 1990-91. Council Member Wilkerson observed that some of these funds would be provided by the federal government. Council Member Preston noted that the Council could have chosen to expend some of the federal funds on programs other than affordable housing. Council Member Andresen briefly reviewed the proposed budget, noting that there was very little which could be cut without affecting service levels. Council Member Andresen said some possible cuts in solid waste collection could be explored. Council Member Brown suggested that each department might be asked to identify five percent budget reductions.

Parks and Recreation User Fees

Ms. Loewenthal noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission reviews the policy for fees on an annual basis. Ms. Loewenthal added that revenues are based on retrieving a portion of the base cost of programs. Ms. Loewenthal noted that a waiver process was also available for those in need. Ms. Loewenthal said a large portion of the parks and recreation budget is for the maintenance of park facilities. Ms. Loewenthal noted that fees account for 21% of the departmental budget.

Council Member Bro m inquired about the percentage of To m park users that are from out of Town. Mr. Loveman said approximately 20%. Council Member Andresen inquired about the possible impact of user fee increases. Mr. Loveman gave several examples of revenue formulas and their possible impacts. Council Member Andresen indicated that she did not favor changing parks user fees.

Contractual and Professional Services

Ms. Loewenthal noted that $442,000 was budgeted for professional services in 1990‑91 and $900,000 for contractual services. Council Member Brown inquired about the expenditure for hearing and physical examinations. Ms. Loewenthal noted that many of these examinations are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Council Member Andresen requested the opportunity for input on consultant services such as the streetscape plan. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the past policy had been to bring before the Council only contracts which had not been specifically approved in the budget. Council Member Preston inquired about the miscellaneous consulting category. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the Planning Department had used the funds for consulting requests which had arisen unexpectedly during the year. Council Member Preston inquired about interpreter services. Ms. Loewenthal said provision of such services was required by federal law.

Travel and Other Expenses

Ms. Loewenthal said that expenditures in the travel account included dues for professional affiliations, registration fees for professional training and workshops, and mileage for use of personal vehicles. Ms. Loewenthal noted that travel expenses for management candidates were also included in this category. Council Member Werner requested information concerning travel expenses for the Council. Ms. Loewenthal noted that a total of $34,000 was proposed for Council travel in the 1990-91 budget. Mayor Howes noted that this amount was based on the location of professional conferences. Council Member Preston inquired how the Council's travel budget was determined. Ms. Loewenthal said the costs were based on the number and types of conferences that individual council members planned to attend. Ms. Loewenthal stated that she could provide additional information on Council travel expenditures at the Council's next regular meeting.

Council Member Werner inquired about the status of the position in the Planning Department responsible for composing the Town's Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Loewenthal noted that this position now was principally responsible for small area plans. Council Member Werner inquired about the need for an additional groundskeeper for the upkeep of downtown parking lots. Ms. Loewenthal noted that there was general dissatisfaction with the current level of maintenance in Town parking lots. Council Member Werner inquired whether these funds could be used for something else. Ms. Loewenthal said yes. Council Member Werner inquired about the total cost of the proposed position. Ms. Loewenthal said approximately $17,000.

Council Member Andresen inquired about the number of currently unfilled positions in the Planning Department. Ms. Loewenthal said there were none. Council Member Andresen noted that the development industry was currently experiencing a slow period. Mayor Howes noted that now was a good time for planners to plan for the future of the Town. Ms. Loewenthal noted that a number of development ordinance text amendments were in process. Council Member Andresen requested a justification for increasing the Town's wellness coordinator position from half to full‑time. Ms. Loewenthal stated that a healthy work force spends more time on the job. Ms. Loewenthal said the position was potentially instrumental in reducing the Town's level of health care premiums. Council Member Andresen inquired whether any difference in health care premiums had been observed to date. Ms. Loewenthal said no, noting that the wellness coordinator had only recently been added to the Town's personnel roster. Council Member Andresen inquired whether the position would provide services to the Fire Department. Ms. Loewenthal said yes, adding that wellness instruction would also be provided to the Public Works Department and other Town departments.

Council Member Wilkerson inquired about the genesis of outside revenues generated by the Police Department. Ms. Loewenthal said that the vast majority of this was paid by the University. Council Member Wilkerson inquired whether there was a $100,000 surplus through this reimbursement. Finance Director James Baker briefly reviewed outside revenues received by the Police Department. Ms. Loewenthal said the situation was approximately break-even.

Council Member Wilkerson inquired about proposed reclassifications in the Public Safety departments. Ms. Loewenthal said these reclassifications were proposed to build lower and middle management in the departments. Council Member Wilkerson inquired whether new employees in the Public Safety departments were trained as public safety officers. Ms. Loewenthal said yes. Council Member wilkerson inquired whether it was correct that at some point in the future, the Town would have no more firefighters. Ms. Loewenthal said this was correct, noting that all entry‑level personnel would be trained as public safety officers.

Council Member Preston inquired how personnel salaries and costs were calculated in the budget. Ms. Loewenthal said that the costs of current employees and anticipated merit raises were calculated first, with new personnel added to this figure. Council Member Preston inquired how merit increases were estimated. Ms. Loewenthal said that a middle range was estimated.

Council Member Werner noted that the proposed bus fare increase was included in the budget, but proposed parking fee increases were not. Ms. Loewenthal said the Council's earlier consensus had been to examine the parking fee structure and possibly increase fees in the future. Council Member Werner inquired whether parking fee information would be available for the Council's June 11th meeting. Ms. Loewenthal said a report on parking fees could be provided at the Council's June 25th or July 9th meeting.

Council Member Brown inquired whether it was possible for an employee to receive a cost of living adjustment and a 5% merit raise. Ms. Loewenthal said this was possible. Personnel Director Pat Crotts noted that approximately one‑third of the Town's staff is below job rate, while two‑thirds are at job rate or above.

Council Member Werner inquired about the average percentage of employee raises. Ms. Crotts reviewed average salary increases for Town employees.

Council Member Brown said that Town utility bills were quite high. Council Member Brown suggested exploring ways to reduce the bills. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the Town vigorously works to identify ways of reducing expenditures for utility bills. Council Member Rimer commended the Town for its energy conservation efforts to date. Council Member Rimer said he believed that there would be a need for a property tax increase in the coming year. Council Member Rimer said the alternative was to cut back on some services. Council Member Rimer said serious consideration should be given to the establishment of a household hazardous waste day.

Council Member Preston said that this year's budget process had been very frustrating, principally due to the unavoidable need for a tax increase. Council Member Preston suggested that the Council become involved in the budget process at an earlier stage. Council Member Preston also suggested that alternative revenue sources such as an entertainment tax be explored. Mayor Howes noted that the Town had more opportunity for budget involvement by the Council than in many other communities.

Council Member Brown inquired whether six months was a reasonable time frame for changes in the Town's solid waste collection program. Ms. Loewenthal said she would be surprised if any major changes were effected in six months. Council Member Brown noted that changes in other communities had taken between one and two years. Ms. Loewenthal noted that savings for some new collection systems would not be as great during the first year, due to the need for new capital equipment.

Council Member Rimer said that some constructive suggestions concerning solid waste collection could be made within a six‑month period. Council Member Rimer also suggested that individual Council members could choose to examine individual Town departments as part of future budget processes. Council Member Rimer also stated that fiscal impact of programs would serve as a good and wise decision‑making tool.

Mayor Howes noted that the Council would next meet on Monday, June 4th, to receive comments on the proposed thoroughfare plan.

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADJOURN THE COUNCIL'S REGULAR MEETING AND MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The regular meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. There was no report following the executive session.