SUMMARY OF PUBLIC FORUMS, PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND A WORK SESSION

   HELD BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA,

              MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990, 7:30 P.M.

 

Mayor Howes called the meeting to order.

 

Council Members in attendance were:

 

     Joyce Brown        Nancy Preston

     Joe Herzenberg     Arthur Werner

          Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr.

 

Council Member James C. Wallace was unable to attend the meeting.

 

Also in attendance were: Assistant to the Mayor Lisa Price, Stu­dent Liaison to the Council Bill Hildebolt, Interim Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal, Assistant Town Manager Florentine Miller, Pub­lic Safety Director Cal Horton, Finance Director James Baker, Transportation Director Bob Godding, Public Works Director Bruce Heflin, Housing and Community Development Director Tina Vaughn, and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

 

1989‑1990 Community Development Grant Amendment

 

Housing and Community Development Director Tina Vaughn stated that this evening's hearing was being held to elicit comments from Town residents concerning the proposal to amend the final 1989 Community Development Grant program, allocating funding for low‑income rental opportunities. Ms. Vaughn noted that the home­ownership program was being expanded into a housing program. Ms. Vaughn noted that the final amended statement would be presented to the Council at their April 2, 1990 meeting.

 

Council Member Alan Rimer arrived at 7:36 p.m.

 

Council Member Werner inquired why programs had previously empha­sized homeownership programs. Ms. Vaughn responded that this had been the consistent past policy, adding that rental opportunities were being made available for the first time through this funding source.

 

There were no citizen comments concerning the proposed amendment.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON, TO REFER COMMENTS TO THE TOWN MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7‑0).

 

1990‑1992 Community Development Grant Program

 

Housing and Community Development Director Tina Vaughn stated that this evening's hearing was being held to receive comments on how $297,000 in community development grant funds should be spent in 1990‑1992. Ms. Vaughn noted that a proposal for objectives and planning would be presented to the Council on April 2nd.

 

R. D. Smith stated that four to five years ago, pipe was in­stalled along Tanyard Branch, between Lindsay and McDade Street. Mr. Smith that a portion of this system between McDade Street and Caldwell Street Extension had not been completed. Mr. Smith re­quested that a portion of the funding be used to complete the Tanyard Branch drainage project. Mr. Smith also proposed that funds be used to pay for amenities at the Town's proposed twen­ty‑four public housing units. Mr. Smith also stressed the impor­tance of maintaining present housing units in good order and the need to screen dumpsters. Mr. Smith concluded his remarks by stating that several Orange County residents have recently moved into the Town's public housing units. Mr. Smith suggested that the Council could request Orange County funding assistance to finance upgrading of the units.

 

Council Member Preston inquired where the Tanyard Branch piping project terminated. Mr. Smith said McDade Street. Council Mem­ber Preston inquired where Mr. Smith would like to see the piping terminated. Mr. Smith said Caldwell Street Extension. Council Member Preston asked what type of amenities Mr. Smith referred to in his earlier remarks. Mr. Smith responded that landscaping (including trees) and drainage would be satisfactory amenities.

 

Susan Cobb, a resident of the Northside neighborhood, requested that the Council provide fee waivers for building permits for low‑income Town residents. Ms. Cobb also requested that the Council take steps to control air traffic over Estes Drive.

 

Council Member Andresen arrived at 7:46 p.m.

 

Council Member Rimer inquired whether the Town staff had composed a prioritized list of housing projects requiring future funding. Interim Town Manager Loewenthal said that such priorities were established.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO REFER COMMENTS TO THE TOWN MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADO??ED UNANIMOUSLY (8‑0).

 

Public Hearing on Proposed 1990‑95 Capital Improvements Program

 

Assistant Town Manager Florentine Miller stated that the objec­tive of the 1990‑1995 Capital Improvements Program was to identi­fy capital needs, resources and projects over the next five years. Ms. Miller stated that this evening's hearing was the first of two such public hearings concerning the 1990‑1995 Capi­tal Improvements Program. Ms. Miller added that the Town Manager would provide a preliminary Capital Improvement Program to the Council on March 6, 1990, with a public hearing to follow on April 2nd.

 

Robert Arnel stated that he had appeared before the Council eight or nine months ago, requesting the paving of nine hundred feet of Dixie Drive. Mr. Arnel observed that Dixie Drive is used by many drivers as a short‑cut between Piney Mountain Road and NC 86. Mr. Arnel also said that a valid petition had been signed by 90% of the affected residents. Mr. Arnel provided a review of road conditions along Dixie Drive during various types of weather. Mr. Arnel concluded his remarks by requesting that the Council follow‑up on his request in a timely fashion. Council Member Werner inquired about the status of the Dixie Drive paving peti­tion. Interim Town Manager Loewenthal observed that the petition had been received shortly after the prioritization of capital improvement projects in 1989. Mayor Howes inquired whether the Dixie Drive petition was valid. Ms. Loewenthal responded that this was correct to the best of her knowledge.

 

Debbie Dibbert, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill‑Carrboro Downtown Commission, noted that her agency was working with the Town's Planning and Public Works Departments to implement a down­town streetscape master plan. Ms. Dibbert noted that a request for proposals was issued in November, with final design work to be completed in June, 1990. Ms. Dibbert urged the Council to include funding for downtown streetscaping project within the 1990‑1991 through 1994‑1995 capital improvement program years.

 

Terry Hudgins, representing residents of the Northside neighbor­hood, requested the installation of sidewalks in that area. Mr. Hudgins said his group had collected the signatures of approxi­mately one hundred and fifty persons requesting sidewalk connec­tions between North Columbia and Caldwell Streets along Longview street. Mr. Hudgins stressed the need for sidewalks to access services in the area.

 

Herschel Slater, Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commis­sion, said his commission endorsed the Town Manager's recommended plan relative to recreational activities. Mr. Slater observed that a variety of new and improved recreational facilities are needed. Mr. Slater concluded his remarks by ob­serving that in the past four years, the Town has made tremendous progress in the acquisition of land for recreation facilities.

 

Lillyan Page, Chairperson of the Historic District Commission, noted that on January 11, 1990, her commission reviewed the Town's sidewalk plan and concurred about the need to encourage pedestrian traffic in the historic district via the future in­stallation of sidewalks. Ms. Page also stated the Historic Dis­trict Commission recommendation that the fee for certificates of appropriateness be reduced from $30 to $15. Ms. Page concluded her remarks by noting the Historic District Commission's recom­mendation to place emphasis on the upkeep of the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery.

 

R. D. Smith requested that high priority be given to computerized traffic signalization. Mr. Smith also requested a status report on the extension of Umstead Drive. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the completion of Umstead Drive was tied to prevailing weather condi­tions. Ms. Loewenthal also observed that the Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement Program includes funding for an integrated mechanical traffic signal system.

 

Bruce Guild, Chairperson of the Planning Board, noted that at the Planning Board's January 22, 1990 meeting, several capital projects were suggested, including: a branch library in the southern portion of the Town; provision of more recreational equipment for one to four-year-olds (especially at Oakwood Park); funding of Town-wide traffic signalization; and Southern Community Park facilities.

 

Ronnie Johnson urged the Council to give special consideration to the funding of additional bikeways, especially along NC 86 be­tween Homestead and Weaver Dairy Roads.

 

Martha Drake requested that dumpsters in the downtown area, par­ticularly along Henderson and Rosemary Streets, be surrounded by enclosures.

 

Council Member Wilkerson inquired why so little had been preliminarily allocated for stormwater management programs, in light of recent reports to the Council stressing the potential magnitude of future drainage problems. Ms. Loewenthal stated that the funds outlined were for surveys only, not actual re­quired improvements.

 

Council Member Wilkerson inquired about projected bond issues during 1990. Ms. Loewenthal responded that two separate bond issues were anticipated in the fall of 1990, with $9 million be­ing proposed for roadway improvements and $4.5 for parks and recreation facilities.

 

Council Member Wilkerson inquired whether the past practice of apportioning $500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for special projects could realistically be continued. Ms. Loewenthal re­sponded that this was contingent on future tax rates.

 

Council Member Preston inquired about $300,000 allocated for wid­ening Sage Road in the current Capital Improvements Program. Ms. Loewenthal responded that these funds would be used for design work.  Council Member Preston asked whether the sale of bonds would be required for 1990‑1991 roadway projects. Ms. Loewenthal respond­ed that the majority of the projects are Department of Transpor­tation projects. Ms. Loewenthal added that the need for a $8 million street bond referendum in November, 1990 was anticipated.

 

Council Member Preston inquired about the nature of proposed im­provements to the Battle Lane/Boundary Street intersection. Ms. Loewenthal noted that approximately $150,000 was available for possible improvements, adding that no definite plans for improve­ments had been completed. Council Member Preston noted that South Columbia Street was included in the 1992‑1993 proposed Cap­ital Improvements Program. Ms. Loewenthal added that Town repre­sentatives would meet with Department of Transportation represen­tatives in the near future to clarify the status of the South Co­lumbia Street project.

 

Council Member Preston observed that the projected cost for re­aligning Weaver Dairy Road was $5 million. Ms. Loewenthal noted that this estimate was subject to revision. Council Member Preston said she thought that money had been previously allocated for the landscaping of Fordham Boulevard (U.S. 15‑501 Bypass). Ms. Loewenthal responded that funding was in place for landscap­ing of one of the phases of the Fordham Boulevard project. Coun­cil Member Preston stated that significant environmental improve­ments were needed along U.S. 15‑501. Council Member Preston also stressed the need for better signage and entryway improvements at the Town's cemetery on Legion Road. Council Member Preston also suggested that the percentage allocation to streets, sidewalks and bikeways should be examined, with an emphasis being placed on earmarking more funding for sidewalks and bikeways. Ms. Loewenthal noted that approximately $375,000 of the $8 million proposed roadway bond referendum were set aside for future side­walk projects. Ms. Loewenthal added that if the proposed roadway bonds were not approved, a greater portion of available funds could be directed to sidewalks.

 

Council Member Andresen concurred with Council Member Preston, noting the importance of allocating greater funding for bikeways and sidewalks. Mayor Howes suggested that a citizen's public forum could be held to determine which areas of the Town had the greatest need for sidewalks. Council Member Andresen suggested that bicycle lanes be provided along Homestead Road to Chapel Hill High School.

 

Council Member Werner expressed concern that the gap between the number of sidewalks requested and the number of sidewalks provid­ed was growing wider. Council Member Werner suggested that the Town needed to spend at least $250,000 per year on sidewalks. council Member Werner stated that the $5 million estimated cost for realigning Weaver Dairy Road included all right‑of‑way and construction costs. Council Member Werner observed that the Town could conceivably wait for area developments to dedicate right‑of‑way and portions of the roadway cost. Ms. Loewenthal said this was correct. Council Member Werner inquired about the Duke Power horseshoe at Dobbins Road and the U.S. 15‑501 bypass. Ms. Loewenthal stated that plans for this area were indefinitely on hold. Council Member Werner expressed concern at the number of recent accidents at the Dobbins/15‑501 intersection.

 

Council Member Rimer inquired about the funding source for the proposed household hazardous waste day. Ms. Loewenthal responded that funds would be derived from the landfill fund.

 

Council Member Brown expressed her support for more bikeway and sidewalk projects. Mayor Howes inquired about the allocation of $50,000 for greenway acquisition. Ms. Loewenthal responded that these funds would be used to acquire land along Bolin Creek, ul­timately completing a linkage between Airport Road and Franklin Street. Ms. Loewenthal observed that the Department of Transpor­tation had provided funding for bikeways along Bolin Creek.

 

Council Member Rimer inquired about the status of greenway map­ping and linkages. Ms. Loewenthal observed that the Greenways Commission and Town staff were trying to close missing links in the Town's greenway network.

 

Council Member Herzenberg said he hoped that additional capital improvement program monies would be allocated for housing during 1990‑1991 through 1994‑1995. Council Member Wilkerson expressed the need for homeownership opportunities, particularly homes costing between $45,000 and $50,000 per unit. Council Member Wilkerson also suggested that land could be provided by the Town to the Orange County Habitat for Humanity.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON, TO REFER COMMENTS TO THE TOWN MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8‑0).

 

Public Forum on 1990‑1991 Operating Budget

 

Interim Town Manager Loewenthal noted the importance of the oper­ating budget as a policy document of the Town. Ms. Loewenthal stated that a preliminary budget report would be presented to the council on March 6th, with a second public forum scheduled to occur on April 2nd. Ms. Loewenthal said that the Manager's rec­ommended budget would be presented to the Council on April 23rd.

 

Roland Giduz observed that for the past nine years, he suggested that the Council explore a new revenue source. Mr. Giduz re­quested that the Council seek local enabling legislation from the General Assembly to collect a Town entertainment tax. Mr. Giduz said that approximately $650,000 per year could be derived from such a tax. Council Member Herzenberg thanked Mr. Giduz for his perseverance. Council Member Herzenberg observed that the Coun­cil generally supported Mr. Giduz's proposal. Mayor Howes said that Mr. Giduz's legitimate proposed source of revenue was pre‑empted by the existing State admissions tax. Mayor Howes commended Mr. Giduz for his persistence, adding that the North Carolina League of Municipalities is supporting admissions taxes for local governments.

 

Mr. Giduz noted that the State of North Carolina has collected a 3% admissions tax for over fifty years. Mr. Giduz also expressed his appreciation for the interest of the North Carolina League of Municipalities in the proposed admissions tax. Mayor Howes sug­gested that Mr. Giduz convey his desire to establish a local admissions tax to State legislators and University officials. Council Member Preston suggested that the Council could possibly adopt a resolution expressing the Council's interest in exploring a local admissions tax.

 

Donald Boulton, Chairperson of the Triangle Housing Partnership Board of Directors, noted that his agency was chartered by the Mayors of Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh to address the need for affordable housing in the Triangle. Mr. Boulton stated that the Triangle Housing Partnership requested that the Town provide $4,000 in funding to the partnership in fiscal year 1990‑1991. Mr. Boulton stated that the partnership's dues structure is weighted on population. Mr. Boulton expressed appreciation for the Council's interest in, and support of, the Triangle Housing Partnership.

 

Mr. Boulton, speaking on behalf of the Orange Community Housing Corporation, noted that this agency was the first in the communi­ty to address low‑cost housing on a comprehensive basis. Mr. Boulton stated that the Orange County Community Housing Corpora­tion was requesting appointment of two members of the Corporation Board of Directors by the Council. Mr. Boulton added that $50,000 base funding was also being requested from the Town for fiscal year 1990‑1991. Mr. Boulton observed that $50,000 would also be requested from Orange County, and an additional $50,000 would be derived from other sources. Mr. Boulton that the Corpo­ration's request was an ongoing one, rather than a one‑time re­quest. Mr. Boulton stated that the area's affordable housing shortage would not disappear quickly. Mr. Boulton stated that the establishment of a housing corporation was the best way to address the problem of lack of affordable housing.

 

Council Member Preston inquired whether the two board members would be appointed from the community at large. Mr. Boulton said yes. Council Member Preston asked whether the $150,000 of re­quested agency funding would be used for two staff members, office rental and provision of program brochures. Mr. Boulton said this was correct. Mr. Boulton stated that a detailed pro­posed budget for the Corporation would be provided to the Council in the future.

 

Council Member Wilkerson stated that the Orange County Community Housing Corporation is not the first area organization to address the problem of affordable housing. Council Member Wilkerson stated that Orange County Habitat for Humanity was an example of an organization that was addressing the situation. Mr. Boulton said that the Orange County Community Housing Corporation sup­ports the excellent work of Orange County Habitat for Humanity.

 

Ed Rehkopf, representing CleanScape, observed that his organiza­tion was founded in 1986. Mr. Rehkopf stated that $1,250 in funding was being requested for funding G'Litter day. Mr. Rehkopf observed that over five hundred volunteer hours had been donated to the community during the organization's first eight G'Litter days. Mr. Rehkopf stated that CleanScape had recently established the PIE (Profitable Image Enhancement) program to pick up litter along area highways. Mr. Rehkopf requested that the Council provide $1,250 or some other amount to fund G'Litter day and the PIE project. Mayor Howes inquired whether CleanScape had requested funding from Orange County and the Town of Carrboro. Mr. Rehkopf said no, observing that the preponderance of litter pick‑up occurs in Chapel Hill Town limits. Council Member Preston thanked CleanScape for their past efforts in spon­soring G'Litter day. Council Member Werner inquired whether Town Public Works staff picks up litter along local roadways. Ms. Loewenthal responded that this task is typically accomplished by community service workers, through the court system. Council Member Werner observed that five hundred volunteer hours for $1,250 appeared to be a very good return on investment.

 

Irene Brigham said that as a new and enthusiastic member of the CleanScape Board of Directors, she was requesting that the Coun­cil provide $1,250 in funding for G'Litter day and related activ­ities.

 

Sarah Mclntee, a resident of Caswell Road, said she had tried her best to get around the Town without an automobile, but found it very hard to do so. Ms. Mclntee said she would contact the Town's Transportation Board to try to establish more convenient bus service, including routes along the full length of Estes Drive and Franklin Street. Ms. Mclntee stated that the Town's bus system does not currently serve as a practical alternative to private automobiles. Ms. Mclntee said that the absence of cross‑Town bus routes is very inconvenient. Ms. Mclntee observed that she was collecting a voice petition from concerned residents of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Ms. Mclntee stated that the peti­tion would be presented to the Transportation Board in March.

 

Council Member Herzenberg thanked Ms. Mclntee for her sugges­tions, noting that the proposed cross‑Town route could prove especially useful for patrons of the Town's future library facil­ity­.

 

Greg Gangi, representing the Sierra Club, stressed the importance of establishing a Town household hazardous waste day. Mr. Gangi observed that funding should also be provided for environmental education. Mr. Gangi stated that the establishment of a house­hold hazardous waste day was a good act of faith to guarantee that no toxic materials would be disposed of at the sanitary landfill.

 

Martha Drake requested that $500 be allocated to cover the travel expenses of Wes Birdsall on a visit to the Town. Ms. Drake sug­gested that Mr. Birdsall could address the Council and interested citizens concerning energy conservation. Ms. Drake said that Mr. Birdsall had saved the community of Osage, Iowa (population ap­proximately 4,000) about $1,200,000 in energy costs. Ms. Drake stated that based on these figures, the Town could realize ap­proximately $12 million in energy savings by employing Mr. Birdsall's conservation methods. Ms. Drake stated that the Town of Osage provides free hot water jackets to residents, checks for heating leaks and replaces outdated motors.

 

Pam Henninger, a member of the Sierra and Garden Clubs, suggested that composting be explored as a means of solid waste reduction. Ms. Henninger stated that yard wastes and kitchen scraps occupy up to thirty percent of the volume in a typical landfill. Ms. Henninger requested that the Council provide funding for a com­posting education program. Ms. Henninger suggested that such a program could be part of a local high school project. Ms. Henninger stated that the pilot program could be used to deter­mine whether composting is a viable solid waste reduction alter­native.

 

Adele Thomas urged the Council to establish an income range, per­haps $30,000 or less, relative to affordable housing guidelines. Ms. Thomas noted that many Town residents appreciate the transit system's E‑Z rider service.

 

Jane Sharp stated that energy efficient light bulbs use less en­ergy and cost much less to operate than standard light bulbs. Ms. Sharp said that the Town's affordable housing units should not be constructed with all‑electric operation. Ms. Sharp sug­gested that cooking and heating should utilize gas. Ms. Sharp also added that a high level of insulation and energy efficiency should be provided in affordable housing units. Ms. Sharp said she hoped that passive solar energy would be used in Town build­ings. Ms. Sharp concluded her remarks by noting that Southern California Edison provides free energy efficient light bulbs to its customers.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER, TO REFER COMMENTS TO THE TOWN MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8‑0).

 

1990‑1991 Council Budget Goals Work Session

 

Interim Town Manager Loewenthal observed that the Town currently enjoys a healthy financial situation. Ms. Loewenthal provided an overview of the 1990‑1991 budget situation. Ms. Loewenthal added that there is likewise a healthy appetite for services. Ms. Loewenthal noted that while landfill tip fees had increased, vol­umes and revenues at the landfill had decreased. Ms. Loewenthal also noted that there would be increased maintenance and utility costs for the operation of the new Town Hall.

 

Mayor Howes observed that the proposed budget consideration schedule was outlined in the Manager's memorandum to the Council. Mayor Howes noted that budget adoption was scheduled to occur on May 29th. Mayor Howes also noted that he and Mayor Pro Tem Preston would be unable to attend the scheduled May 2nd public forum on the proposed budget. Mayor Howes suggested that budget work sessions be tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 10th and Tuesday, May 15th. Council Member Wilkerson said he would be late in arriving at the May 10th session. Mayor Howes said he would be unable to attend the May 15th forum. Council Member Preston suggested that members of the Council hold the two pro­posed dates open on their calendars. Mayor Howes also noted that the Town Manager recommended that a work session concerning North Carolina Highway 86 and South Columbia Street be held on Tuesday, February 27th. Mayor Howes stated that this work session was being held to provide the Town staff with guidance in its contin­ued discussions with Department of Transportation officials.

 

Council Member Werner suggested that the Coordination a?d Consul­tation Committee should discuss joint affordable housing efforts and the proposed entertainment/amusement tax at one of its meet­ings.

 

Council Member Preston noted that increased tipping fees were necessary to pay for lining the future landfill site on the south side of Eubanks Road. Council Member Preston observed that the Town faced the dilemma of having a very successful recycling pro­gram, meaning that less waste arrives at the landfill, resulting in lower revenues. Council Member Preston observed that the pos­sible future recycling of plastics and tin cans would necessitate the inclusion of mashing devices on refuse trucks.

 

Council Member Werner inquired about the status of discussions with University officials concerning the disposal of University power plant ash. Public Works Director Bruce Heflin said that the volume of ash recently dumped at the landfill was far below previous volumes. Council Member Werner inquired whether the option of shipping ash back to mines was still under considera­tion. Mr. Heflin stated that the University was exploring a va­riety of options. Council Member Werner stated that ultimately the large volumes to be generated would necessitate shipment to mines. Mr. Heflin stated that limestone treated ash could possi­bly be used for site improvements at the landfill facility.

 

Council Member Rimer inquired about standards for levels of metal in ash and other trash. Mr. Heflin responded that the State of North Carolina has not addressed this concern.

 

Council Member Andresen inquired whether the Town's crime rate had levelled off. Public Safety Director Cal Horton said that there had not been any recent major increases in crime rate.  Mr. Horton observed that the Town's crime rate is consistent with those in neighboring communities.

 

Council Member Wilkerson requested clarification of a recent newspaper article concerning local cooperation of law enforcement agencies. Mr. Horton stated that the article had been somewhat misleading, noting that there is a high level of cooperation among local law enforcement agencies.

 

Council Member Andresen requested further elaboration on recent Town crime statistics. Mr. Horton said that a high percentage of larcenies could be traced to drug activity. Mr. Horton observed that recent cooperative programs with Orange County, Carrboro, and Hillsborough had been very successful. Mr. Horton added that the Police Department's relations with the schools was also very good. Council Member Wilkerson inquired whether efforts were being made to apprehend casual drug users. Mr. Horton responded that a message of non‑tolerance would be delivered to all drug users and sellers by programs already in place.

 

Council Member Werner echoed Herschel Slater's earlier remark that the Town's parkland holdings had been greatly increased in recent years. Council Member Werner observed that there are waiting lists for some of the Town's recreation programs. Coun­cil Member Werner also observed that some parents in the Town prefer Carrboro's Parks and Recreation programs for children. Council Member Werner requested that the staff devise ways to improve the Town's parks and recreation programs.

 

council Member Herzenberg requested that the Council be provided estimated costs for operation of the proposed new library facility. Ms. Loewenthal observed that these figures were in the process of being updated.

 

Council Member Preston stated that the Town's Parks and Recrea­tion Commission had adopted a resolution expressing the Commis­sion's desire to no longer be involved in the allocation of ho­tel/motel tax funds. Council Member Preston suggested that fu­ture allocations could be handled by the Council, Town staff, an ad hoc committee, or via a process of dividing funding between the Chamber of Commerce and the ArtsCenter. Council Member Preston observed that timely action was needed on this item. Council Member Werner suggested that the responsibility for allo­cation recommendations be reassigned to the Town staff. Mayor Howes responded that regardless of which alternative was adopted, the Council would have to listen to dissatisfied agencies which did not receive requested funding.

 

Council Member Rimer stated that several local boy scouts had expressed the desire to construct exercise trails in Town parks. Council Member Rimer said that the cost of materials for each of the three trails would be approximately $1,000 each. Ms. Loewenthal said that the Town's Parks and Recreation staff would be delighted to talk to the scout troop's about this proposed project. Mayor Howes observed that exercise trails require prop­er maintenance. Council Member Wilkerson noted that the exercise trail at Umstead Park is well‑maintained.

 

Council Member Preston expressed concern that some of the dumpsters in the downtown area are eyesores. Ms. Loewenthal ob­served that many of these dumpsters are located on very small lots. Ms. Loewenthal said the staff would continue to work with owners of the dumpsters to make more suitable arrangements. Council Member Rimer observed that front closures of dumpster screens are not currently allowed. Council Member Rimer observed that recently introduced mechanical devices might permit equip­ment operators to open gates from their enclosed vehicle.

 

Council Member Brown expressed her support for establishing a compost education program. Council Member Brown said such a pro­gram would be a good idea and not very expensive. Council Member Brown stated that a community of 12,000 in New Jersey saved approximately $350,000 on landfill costs by adopting a composting program. Council Member Brown suggested that households should pay for garbage collection based on the volume of waste generat­ed.

 

Council Member Werner suggested that the Town encourage business­es to recycle paper. Council Member Werner said an enormous amount of money could be saved by implementing such a program. Council Member Werner stated that refusing to collect yard wastes would force residents to compost. Council Member Brown suggested that as many businesses as possible should use recycled paper.

 

Council Member Andresen observed that when recycling bins had been initially introduced into the community, they had contained an informational brochure outlining the purpose and operation of the rec?cling program. Council Member Andresen suggested that new brochures be provided to those participating in recycling programs, particularly new residents otherwise unfamiliar with the program.

 

Council Member Andresen requested a status report on the Town's street lighting program. Ms. Loewenthal responded that standards for new development had been established and were being enforced. Ms. Loewenthal stated that guidelines for older roads had also been established. Ms. Loewenthal observed that no funding for upgrades was proposed this budget year. Council Member Andresen inquired which would be the next major proposed street lighting project. Ms. Loewenthal indicated that Estes Drive would be next on the major project list.

 

Council Member Rimer suggested that the retrofitting of Airport Road also be discussed at the Council's February 27th work ses­sion concerning North Carolina Highway 86 and South Columbia Street. Council Member Rimer also suggested that the Town hence­forth only purchase white writing pads, since yellow writing pa­per is not suitable for recycling.

 

Council Member Andresen inquired whether the Town had the servic­es of a bikeway planner. Ms. Loewenthal responded that one of the Transportation planners in the Planning Department is responsible for Town bikeway planning.

 

Mayor Howes requested an overview of how area housing agencies and groups interact with each other.

 

Council Member Brown stated that Ms. Sharp's and Ms. Drake's earlier comments about energy efficient lighting had been very relevant. Mayor Howes observed that if the light bulb distribution program had proved useful to Pacific Gas and Electric, Duke Power might be convinced to replicate such an effort.

 

Council Member Herzenberg observed that the lack of a cross‑Town bus route is problematic. Council Member Werner expressed the importance of buses following routes desired by the system's rid­ers.

 

Council Member Brown suggested that emphasis be placed on funding mass transit and bicycle lanes rather than the widening of roads. Council Member Andresen inquired about the status of the Town's southern park and ride lot. Ms. Loewenthal responded that the master plan was being drafted, with design of the project being the next step.

 

Council Member Brown requested an analysis of the number of administrative personnel employed by the Town.

 

Mayor Howes expressed interest in the impact of the proposed bond program on the sale of new"bonds. Ms. Loewenthal observed that the State's legal limit for bonding is 8% of the local tax base. Ms. Loewenthal stated that this ratio for the Town was currently 1.4%. Ms. Loewenthal observed that additional information fol­lowing up on this inquiry would be provided at the Council's March 6th meeting.

 

Council Member Wilkerson requested information on alternative revenue sources. Ms. Loewenthal responded that no alternative revenue sources were proposed for inclusion in the 1990‑1991 budget. Council Member Wilkerson requested an analysis of the impact of waiving building permit fees for low‑income Town resi­dents and reducing the certificate of appropriateness fee from $30 to $15 per certificate.

 

Mayor Howes observed that the Council's next regular meeting would occur on Monday, February 12th.

 

The meeting concluded at 10:28 p.m.