We got an estimate from Diamond Builders on the cost of making the Meadowmont Fishing Cabin safe and suitable for use as a pub

AGENDA #8

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mayor and Town Council

FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT: Options to Renovate or Remove the Cabin at Meadowmont Park

DATE: May 28, 2003

The purpose of this Memorandum is to present options to the Council concerning the future of the existing cabin at Meadowmont Park.

Resolution A would authorize the Manager to renovate the existing cabin. The Manager recommends adoption of Resolution A.

Resolution B would authorize the Manager to remove the existing cabin.

BACKGROUND

On July 3, 1997, the Council approved a Special Use Permit for Meadowmont Park that included an existing cabin adjacent to the pond. On November 26, 2001, the Council modified the Special Use Permit. The modification did not affect the status of the cabin.

DISCUSSION

We believe the Council should review the status of the cabin in its role as owner of the park. We have reviewed the issue in the Town’s role as regulator, and have determined that the following option to remove the cabin would be minor and could be allowed by an administrative modification of the Special Use Permit.

Current Condition of the Cabin: The cabin, which is about 12 ft. X 20 ft. in size, is in poor condition and cannot be used it its current state. Much of the wood is infested by termites, the slab is cracked, and many of the features, such as gutters and chimney, are badly damaged. We believe that it would take about $14,000 to renovate the cabin. Work that is required includes:

Repair chimney/fireplace.
Install new gutters and downspouts.
Replace rotten fascia boards.
Replace roof shingles.
Replace rotten logs on the front of the building.
Apply termite control material and apply wood sealer.
Replace rotted door frames and install new steel frames and doors.

Replace rotted window frames and install steel window covers.
Repair the concrete slab at the front of the building.
Adjust grading around the building for positive drainage.
Install 35 feet of sidewalk for ADA access to the building.

Possible Uses of the Cabin: Although the cabin is too small for group meetings and picnicking, it could be suited to some recreation and educational uses. The building has no sewer, water or electric service. Nevertheless, the Town could use it as a shelter for outdoor and nature programs, fishing derbies, and the like. A representative of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools has informed us that the staff of Rashkis Elementary School would be interested in using the cabin for nature and science classes and projects.

Budget: There are two options for dealing with the cabin that range in price from $5,000 to $14,000. Either option would require the use of funds from the Public Works Department’s normal operating budget for FY 2003-04 and/or from the Small Parks Improvements portion of the Capital Improvement Program. Using these sources of funds for this work would mean that some other project(s) would not be funded.

Option 1 - Renovate the Cabin: This option would result in renovation of the existing cabin at a cost of about $14,000.

Advantages to Renovating the Cabin:

The structure is a visual amenity that fits in well with the surroundings.
The cabin could be used for some rentals and Parks & Recreation Department programs.
It has been reported to us that the staff of Rashkis School would be interested in using the building for science classes.

Disadvantages to Renovating the Cabin:

The cabin is in poor condition and would require extensive renovation.
We believe that the cabin would require a significant amount of routine maintenance.
The small size and lack of utilities of the cabin would limit its use.

Option 2 – Remove the Cabin: This option would result in the removal of the cabin. The slab could be used as a base for uncovered picnic tables. For approximately $5,000 we could leave the slab in place, demolish and dispose of the structure, purchase picnic tables and grills, and pave a handicap accessible path to the slab.

Advantages to Removal of the Cabin

This option has the lowest overall cost.
This option would have the lowest long-range maintenance costs.

Disadvantages to Removal of the Cabin:

This option would result in no covered facilities at Meadowmont Park until as late as November 2005, when the Town is required by the Special Use Permit to build a picnic shelter.
The Parks & Recreation Department and the Schools would not have use of the structure for programs and classes.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Manager’s Recommendation: We recommend that the Council adopt Resolution A, which would authorize the Manager to renovate the existing cabin.

Resolution B would authorize the Manager to demolish the cabin, pave a handicap accessible path to the slab, and provide for picnic tables and a grill.

ATTACHMENTS

RESOLUTION A

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO RENOVATE THE EXISTING CABIN IN MEADOWMONT PARK (2003-05-28/R-4a)

WHEREAS, the Special Use Permit for Meadowmont Park shows an existing cabin adjacent to the pond; and

WHEREAS, the cabin requires significant renovation; and

WHEREAS, the cabin cannot be made available for use to general public until such time as it is renovated; and

WHEREAS, the cabin is a visual amenity; and

WHEREAS, the cabin could be used by the Town Parks and Recreation Department, Rashkis Elementary School teachers and other agents as a shelter for small programs.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to renovate the existing cabin in early FY 2003-04.

This the 28^th day of May, 2003.

RESOLUTION B

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO REMOVE THE EXISTING CABIN IN MEADOWMONT PARK (2003-05-28/R-4b)

WHEREAS, the Special Use Permit for Meadowmont Park shows an existing cabin adjacent to the pond; and

WHEREAS, the cabin requires significant renovation; and

WHEREAS, the operation of the cabin would result in higher costs related to maintenance and security; and

WHEREAS, the Town can process an administrative modification of the park Special Use Permit to allow removal of the structure; and

WHEREAS, even when renovated, the cabin would have limited uses.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to remove the existing cabin at Meadowmont Park.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL that the Manager is authorized make repairs to the existing slab, provide handicap access, and provide for uncovered picnic tables on the site.

This the 28th day of May, 2003.