DRAFT SUMMARY MINUTES OF A CLOSED SESSION OF

THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

Present were Mayor Kevin Foy, Mayor pro tem Jim Ward, Council Member Matt Czajkowski, Council Member Laurin Easthom, Council Member Sally Greene, Council Member Ed Harrison, Council Member Mark Kleinschmidt, Council Member Bill Strom, and Council Member Bill Thorpe.

Staff present were Town Manager Roger Stancil, Deputy Town Manager Florentine Miller, Assistant Town Manager Bruce Heflin, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Parks and Recreation Director Butch Kisiah, and Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Bill Webster.

Mayor Foy opened the session to discuss the acquisition of property at 10:10 p.m.

Mr. Webster gave a brief presentation on the need for property for the bridge crossing at Bolin Creek Greenway. He said the only crossing site found was a half acre lot with a block house. Mr. Webster added that the owner was willing to sell, but not willing to live with the bridge.

Mr. Webster said the appraised value of the property, if the existing house is razed, and a duplex added, would be $215,000. He added that the owner was willing to sell the property for $203,000 if he could remain on the property until August 2009. Mr. Webster said the funds to purchase the property could come from the Open Space Bonds.

Mayor Foy asked if the Open Space Bond money would have to be repaid. Mr. Webster said it would not.

Mayor Foy asked if the Town had the option not to build the bridge. Mr. Webster said no, but the bridge could be built at a different location, and the trail would be close to the house.

Mayor Foy asked if there was another way to utilize the house rather than tearing it down. Council Member Ward asked if it could be used as affordable housing. Council Member Greene asked if the house could be moved. Mr. Webster said no to the inquiries.

Council Member Ward suggested the Town could buy the lot, reserve an easement on it, and reconfigure the lot and sell it as is.

Mayor Foy said if the Town decides to buy the lot, staff could keep the Council informed, Council could decide what to do with it at a later date.

Council Member Czajkowski asked why the Town needed to buy the lot now. Mr. Webster said the Town could not continue planning without being sure of its ownership.

Council Member Strom said the Town has a willing seller, and it should take advantage of that.

Council Member Czajkowski asked if there were other open space needs. Mayor Foy said there were, but the issue is being able to proceed in a timely manner.

Council Member Ward said he wanted to consider resale of the lot.

Council Member Thorpe moved, seconded by Council Member Strom to give staff approval to proceed. The vote was unanimous.

The session was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.