AGENDA #4b

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:       Franklin Street Mile Road Race on April 21, 2001

DATE:             February 12, 2001

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this memorandum is to present information and a recommendation regarding the Fifth Annual Franklin Street Mile Road Race, proposed to be held on Saturday, April 21, 2001, by the Cardinal Track Club.

The attached resolution would authorize the closing of a portion of East Franklin Street and adjacent streets from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2001.  East Franklin Street would be closed between Columbia and Boundary Streets.  The intersections of East Franklin at Columbia and East Franklin at Boundary would both remain open.  The attached ordinance would authorize removing parking from the race area.  The Manager recommends adoption of the resolution and ordinance.

BACKGROUND

The Cardinal Track Club, represented by Julie Sargeant, is proposing the Fifth Annual Franklin Street Mile road race, to be held on East Franklin Street on Saturday, April 21, 2001.

The previous Franklin Street Mile Road Races were held at the same location and proceeded without problems.  This year’s race would be similar to the previous events.

DISCUSSION

Race Route and Vehicle Access

The race course would be an out-and-back from East Franklin Street, east of Columbia Street almost to the Chapel Hill Museum and back to the starting point east of Columbia Street.  This route would necessitate the following streets being closed temporarily:

·        East Franklin Street, east of Columbia Street to west of Boundary Street

·        Henderson Street, East Franklin Street to East Rosemary Street

·        Hillsborough Street, East Franklin Street to East Rosemary Street

·        Raleigh Street, East Franklin Street to Cameron Avenue

Access to Pickard Lane would be limited by allowing only vehicles that would not be going through to Franklin Street.  A civilian security monitor, with barricades, would be posted at Pickard and East Rosemary to regulate vehicle access.

Six Chapel Hill officers and one civilian security monitor would be hired by the Cardinal Track Club to direct traffic away from or through as appropriate the race course.  Also, one UNC officer would be hired by the Club to direct traffic at Raleigh Street and Cameron Avenue.  Barricades would be placed and removed from the needed locations by the Chapel Hill Public Works Department, the cost of which would be paid by the Club.

Parking would have to be removed from East Franklin Street.  Meters would be covered with “No Parking” bags at 5:00 am and vehicles would be towed at 7:30 am.

Race Organization

There would be seven heats based on age, sex, and skill level. The organizers expect 400 participants and 1,000 spectators, based on past years’ attendance.

Refreshments, displays, and organizational activities would be held at McCorkle Place on the UNC campus.  We understand that necessary arrangements have been made with the University.

The Cardinal Track Club has obtained the needed insurance coverage through the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company.

Funds raised by entrance fees and corporate sponsors would be donated to Chapel Hill/ Carrboro Pacers.  High school and university student volunteers would be assisting in the event.

Other Events

There is no athletic game or other large UNC event scheduled for that date.  No events are scheduled for the Planetarium. One church has an activity during the races and officials of the church are satisfied their activity will not be hampered by the races.

Any vehicles needing to get in or out of the Planetarium or church parking lots would be allowed to do so between heats. We understand that the organizers have the support of the Downtown Commission.  Any business needing access to an off-street parking lot during the event would be allowed to do so between races. 

MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION

That the Council adopt the attached resolution closing portions of East Franklin Street and portions of adjacent streets between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., and that the Council adopt the attached ordinance which would authorize removing parking from the closed portion of East Franklin Street for the Fifth Annual Franklin Street Mile Road Race.

ATTACHMENTS

1.    Letter from Julie Sargeant, Cardinal Track Club (p. 6).

2.    Map of the race route (p. 8).

A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING PORTIONS OF EAST FRANKLIN STREET, HENDERSON STREET, HILLSBOROUGH STREET AND RALEIGH STREET FOR THE FRANKLIN STREET MILE ROAD RACE (2001-02-12/R-3)

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the closing of East Franklin Street between Columbia Street and Boundary Street; Henderson Street between Franklin Street and Rosemary Street; Hillsborough Street between Franklin and Rosemary Street; and Raleigh Street between Franklin Street and Cameron Avenue on Saturday, April 21, 2001 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, to allow the holding of the Franklin Street Mile Road Race.

This the 12th day of February, 2001.

AN ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY REMOVING PARKING FROM PORTIONS OF FRANKLIN STREET FOR THE FRANKLIN STREET MILE ROAD RACE (2001-02-12/O-1)

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill:

That on the 21st day of April  2001 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. there shall be no parking on either side of Franklin Street between Columbia Street and Boundary Street.

The Police Department of the Town of Chapel Hill is hereby authorized to cover the parking meters on said street during such hours on said date.  The Police Department is further authorized to remove, tow, and impound vehicles of any kind that are parked on said street during such hours in contravention of the Ordinance.  In light of the event and the large number of pedestrians expected in the street area, the Council hereby determines that vehicles in the restricted areas would constitute a special hazard requiring prompt removal.  The owner shall be responsible for and pay storage and moving costs of any vehicle removed pursuant to the provisions of the Ordinance, and the Police Department shall use reasonable diligence to notify the owner of the removal and storage of such vehicle.

This the 12th day of February, 2001.