Town Manager’s Report on 2008 Successes

Goal 4.  Maintain and Improve Community Facilities   and Services

Sustain Chapel Hill’s vibrant, unique spirit and sense of community; provide a safe and secure community; and support and enhance the quality of life

• Achieved progress on 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
• Commenced work of Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force
• Provided Town leadership in Project Homeless Connect
• Facilitated community discussion of race issues organized by Justice in Action Committee
• Conducted first test of emergency notification system CodeRED in February
• Formed Community Safety Partnership with OWASA, Carrboro, Hillsborough
• Responded to increased demand for public transit; Chapel Hill Transit ridership grew by 14 percent last year, reporting 6.5 million riders
• Completed Homestead Aquatic Center
• Completed Southern Community Park – the largest developed park at 72 acres
• Approved special use permit in January for Library Expansion Project, an additional 45,000 square feet and an art garden
• Initiated new community events – Earth Action Day, Locally Grown
• Opened new pottery studio
• Established new online registration system for parks and recreation fee-based programs
• Selected web developer and proceeded with new website design after Council and public input
• Continued work toward an improved agenda process, including clearer and more understandable agendas and soon, paperless agendas.