AGENDA #12a
BUDGET WORKING PAPER
TO: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
FROM: Bill Letteri, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Issues Raised by Historic District Commission
DATE: April 27, 2005
This report responds to three issues arising from concerns presented by the Historic District Commission at the March 23, 2005, budget forum and the budget work session on April 6, 2005.
ISSUE 1 – CHAPEL HILL GRAVEL SIDEWALKS IN HISTROIC DISTRICT
BACKGROUND
We have a number of Chapel Hill gravel sidewalks within three historic districts recognized town-wide. Our maintenance responsibilities include routine inspection and servicing of these gravel walkways. The extent of such service annually generally includes periodic inspections as needed, at least three times each year. Typical problems that we find during such inspections include erosion, rutting from cars entering path of walkway, ponding of water and exposure of large tree roots.
DISCUSSION
We attempt to remedy problems identified either through our on-going inspections or through reporting of specific problem locations by citizens or our own staff beyond the regular inspections. Such remedies must be undertaken within overall program priorities and available crew time. We will commit to 1) cooperation with the Historic District Commission in surveying and inventorying such gravel sidewalks; 2) review with them our frequency and scope of inspections; and 3) respond to needs that we find and/or are reported by the Historic District Commission and others. We do not anticipate problems with funding availability, but do have to consider the entire work program of our crews and priorities town-wide. Some projects may not be addressed as quickly as preferred, but we will attempt to minimize the time required to fix problems once identified.
ISSUE 2 – PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING LEVELS WITHIN HISTORIC DISTRICT
BACKGROUND
The town has a policy related to installation of street lights, both for residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. The basic goals and objectives of this policy relate to provision of adequate lighting for use of streets and roadways. We do consider pedestrian lighting services as part of Streetscape improvements within specific commercial areas within downtown. The town lacks sufficient funds to authorize Duke Power Company to establish and maintain lighting levels consistent with Illumination Engineering Society (IES) standards by specific categories of streets. For example, we meet only a fraction of recommended lighting levels within most town neighborhoods, especially older ones. Our more comprehensively lighted areas include newer subdivisions that are required to meet minimum lighting standards. At one time, we found that many older neighborhoods were lighted to less than 15% of recommended standards. Working with officials from Duke Power Company, we found that costs to bring such areas into 50% compliance were in excess of $1 million.
We also have found that some residents object to higher lighting levels within their neighborhoods. In fact, complaints when lighting levels are increased often exceed those made that insufficient lighting exists. We believe that the current standard for residential lighting generally achieves an acceptable balance between those wanting more lighting and those who like existing lighting levels.
DISCUSSION
We plan to continue installation of pedestrian lighting improvements within Streetscape areas compatible with objectives set by the Council. With respect to such lighting improvements in other areas, including the three recognized historic districts, we do not have current plans or funds to pursue such lighting changes. In fact, we do not have funding commitments for lighting upgrades for overall street and right-of-way lights. Our policy does allow requests to Duke Power Company to make lighting changes, including installation of lights at spacing beyond the basic policy, when our Police Department requests such improvements as part of crime control efforts.
Providing pedestrian level lighting in the historic district would constitute a service level not provided in other neighborhoods in town.
ISSUE 3 – USE OF DIFFERENT POLE FOR MOUNTING SIGNS WITHIN HISTORIC DISTRICT
BACKGROUND
We previously agreed to change the type of pole used for mounting signs within the three historic areas. We believed we were awaiting confirmation of pole dimensions and desired color by the members of the commission. We regret the delay caused by that assumption and understand that agreement exists as to both issues.
DISCUSSION
We commit to installation of the requested poles, which we now have in stock, and will proceed to paint them the desired color. We anticipate this change will be completed by September 1st.