SUMMARY OF A MEETING OF THE COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION COMMITTEE, MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1991, 3:50 P.M., CHAPEL HILL TOWN HALL

 

Orange County Commission Chairperson Moses Carey called the meeting to order at 3:50 p.m.  Members in attendance were University of North Carolina Chancellor Paul Hardin, University Vice Chancellor Ben Tuchi, UNC Hospitals Director Eric Munson, Chapel Hill Mayor Jonathan Howes, Chapel Hill Town Council Member Arthur Werner and Chapel Hill Town Manager Cal Horton.  Chairperson Carey noted that Carrboro Mayor Eleanor Kinnaird and Institute of Government Director John Sanders would be unable to attend the meeting.  Also in attendance were Harry Gooder, Chairman of the Faculty of the University, and Chapel Hill Town Clerk Peter Richardson.

 

Budget Shortfalls

 

Mayor Howes noted that all sectors of business, particularly public institutions such as the University, local Towns and Counties were feeling the effects of budget shortfalls at the State level.  Chancellor Hardin presented a brief overview of the University's current situation, noting that representatives from the faculty and academic administration would hold a budget strategy retreat in the near future.  Mayor Howes noted budget-related events at the University would have potential significance for Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County.  Chairperson Carey noted that the State Legislature had historically responded to their most persistent constituents in terms of responding to legislative requests.  Mr. Munson noted that budget cutting proposals were initiated at the subcommittee level, with subsequent review taking place in both houses of the Legislature.  Chairperson Carey emphasized the important role of the local legislative delegation in communicating the needs of the University and local governments to the Legislature. 

 

Chairperson Carey suggested holding a joint session between local leaders and the local legislative delegation to discuss budget priorities and concerns.  Chancellor Hardin suggested that each entity designate its own representation for attendance at the joint session.  Chairperson Carey expressed concern that the current outlook of the State Legislature was too short-sighted.  Mr. Munson said that the short and long-term State budget situation were matters to be taken very seriously.  Council Member Werner noted the importance of parents, alumni and students in contacting the Legislature, to express their concern about the future of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus.  Chancellor Hardin suggested that the University and the local governments compose a joint position paper on possible new revenue sources.  

Land-Use Plan

 

Chancellor Hardin stated that some substance of the University's land-use plan had been changed since its previous presentation to the community.  He reviewed the schedule of meetings that would be conducted to present the plan to the public.  Mr. Munson restated his concern about the important role of the South Loop Road in providing access to area neighborhoods.  Chancellor Hardin emphasized the need to relocate the operations now taking place at the Horace Williams Airport.  Mayor Howes inquired about the possibility of the Town leasing University fields adjacent to Cleland Drive.  Vice Chancellor Hardin indicated that this type of arrangement could be made.  Mayor Howes suggested that Vice Chancellor Tuchi and Town Manager Horton work on a specific proposal for consideration by University officials and the Town Council.  Chancellor Hardin inquired about the progress of discussions concerning mass transportation.  Mayor Howes reported that the Triangle Transit Authority was examining density corridors for rapid movement of people from place to place in the Triangle.

 

The meeting concluded at 5:14 p.m.