A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL AND THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTH COLUMBIA STREET BETWEEN MANNING DRIVE AND FORDHAM BOULEVARD (2009-02-23/R-9)

WHEREAS, South Columbia Street between Manning Drive and Fordham Boulevard is an important entranceway to the Town and University; and

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Town Council acknowledges that certain improvements on South Columbia Street would benefit both the Town and the University; and

WHEREAS, South Columbia Street is adjacent to existing residences, private properties, historic structures, and mature trees; and

WHEREAS, the Town and the State and the University earlier agreed upon a limited improvement project for South Columbia Street that would reasonably accommodate all users of this important transportation corridor with minimal disruption of adjacent properties and trees; and

WHEREAS, the State has funded and completed the design of the approved limited improvements consisting of:

Two twelve-foot wide travel lanes
Four-foot bicycle lane on the east side and five-foot bicycle lane on the west side
Curb and gutter with five-foot sidewalks on both sides
Drainage improvements
Intersection improvements with turning lane at several locations

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to execute an Agreement between the Town of Chapel Hill and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for certain improvements on South Columbia Street between Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive for the above improvements on South Columbia Street between Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive in the form attached to the Council in February 23, 2009 report.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes use of Capital Improvement Program Funds not to exceed $26,000 towards the Town’s share of the cost of the sidewalks.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the Manager to program additional funds in the FY 2009-10 budget that are required for maintaining the current level of transit service during construction of the South Columbia Street project.

This the 23^rd day of February, 2009.