MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL
HILL, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1991 AT 7:30 P.M.
Mayor Howes called the meeting to
order.
Council Members in attendance were
Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Herzenberg, Nancy Preston, Alan Rimer, James
C. Wallace, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr. Also in attendance were Assistant to the
Mayor Lisa Price, Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna
Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Planning Director Roger Waldon, Assistant to
the Attorney Richard Sharpless and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.
Mayor Howes noted that the Council's
budget work sessions at 12:30 p.m. on February 12th and 5:30 p.m. on February
14th would not be cablecasted.
Petitions
Janet ___________, representing the
Ephesus Road Elementary School Parent Teachers Association, expressed concern
about unsafe conditions for school children along Ephesus Church Road. She requested that the Town hire a school
crossing guard in the area, relocate a speed limit sign and extend
sidewalks. Ms. _____________ noted that
the visibility of small children was very poor along the roadway. Ms. __________ said that two hunded and
eighty-five students walked or rode bicycles to the school, while about one
hunded and seventy-five rode buses. Ms.
_____________
said her association's requests were
reasonable. She noted that the request
for a crossing guard was an extensive financial commitment. Ms. ___________ said that parents could monitor
the crossing in lieu of hiring a guard.
Council Member Preston asked whether
there was a crossing guard near the main school entrance. Ms. ______________ said yes. Council Member Werner inquired whether the
school district or the Town hired crossing guards. Mr. Horton stated that the Town hired crossing guards. Council Member Andresen requested that the
item be returned to the Council in a reasonable amount of time. Council Member Werner requested that the
staff provide a sidewalk priorities list when the item returned to the Council.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE TOWN
MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED
UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER, TO REFER LUNSFORD LONG'S PETITION CONCERNING
THE DISARMING OF FALSE BURGLARY ALARMS.
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Council Member Andresen noted that
residents in the Roosevelt Drive/Boundary Street area of Franklin Street were
concerned about automobile safety in the area.
She requested that the Town staff investigate safety options with the
Department of Transportation.
Council Member Preston suggested that
the Council henceforth share one set of minutes, face sheet and packet for each
advisory board, as a means of saving paper.
Mayor Howes said this was a good idea.
Council Member Andresen also expressed concurrence. Council Member Brown inquired about possible
recirculation of items carried over from previous meetings. Mr. Horton said this was done when
necessary.
Minutes Of January 14 and 22, 1991
Council Member Brown requested two
modifications to the minutes of January 14, 1991.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, AS
REVISED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED
UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, AS
PRESENTED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED
UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Autobath Car Wash
Planning Director Roger Waldon
briefly reviewed the applicant's proposal, and addressed the Council's
questions from the public hearing. He
noted that the car wash owner would be responsible for keeping records of when
and by whom sludge and waste were collected at the site. Mr. Waldon stated that the staff's initial
buffering concerns could be addressed by the installation of a retaining wall
and eight foot planting strip or a inclusion of a condition that no slopes
exceed three to one.
Belinda Wells, Ballentine Associates,
said that condition 3b would be preferable to condition 3a. She noted that condition 3b was a good
compromise with Town development standards.
Grey Moody, the applicant, said he would be happy to address any Council
questions concerning the application.
Council Member Andresen suggested
that language in stipulations four and twenty-four be further clarified by Town
Attorney Karpinos. Council Member Rimer
noted that car wash parking lots were historically problematic, due to runoff
and detention complications. Council
Member Wallace said that car wash facilities were not noted for
aesthetics. He added that detention
ponds had a very high failure rate.
Mr. Moody said that parking lots at
car washes were very clean, since contaminants flowed into the sanitary sewer
system. Mr. Moody said that the
Appearance Commission had been very pleased with the aesthetics of the proposed
car wash. Council Member Wallace
expressed concern about who would monitor environmental conditions associated
with the facility. Council Member
Andresen said that the Lake Ellen neighborhood would be heavily involved.
Grey Moody expressed his acceptance
of the proposed conditions of approval.
A letter from the Lake Ellen Neighborhood Association was also entered
into the record of the hearing.
COUNCIL MEMBER WALLACE MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 1, WITH CONDITION 3B
AND RELATED REVISIONS.
Council Member Brown said that
additional consideration of zoning in entryway corridors was needed. She suggested that the development needed to
be considered in relation to area residences.
Council Member Brown expressed
concern about the project proposal.
Mayor Howes said he could find no grounds for denying this
proposal. He noted that the Council had
shown no willingness to add to existing zoning categories.
THE MOTION WAS PPLACED ON THE FLOOR
AND ADOPTED BY A VOTE OF 8-1, WITH COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN VOTING NO.
Britthaven Rezoning
Planning Director Roger Waldon said
that the request for rezoning was reasonable and recommended.
COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER MOVED, SECONDED
BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE ONE. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Britthaven SUP
Town Manager Horton requested that
additional background materials be entered into the record of the hearing. Mayor Howes conurred with the request. Planning Director said that the applicant
was seeking to expand the Britthaven health care facility. He noted that the application would meet
existing ordinance requirements. Mr.
Waldon said that a detailed stormwater management plan would be provided for
the site.
Council Member Brown asked whether
buses would go to the front door of the facility. Mr. Waldon stated that the main entrance was quite closed to the
roadway. Council Member Herzenberg
inquired about the distance between the bus pulloff and the building. Mr. Waldon said approximately fifty
feet. Mayor Howes asked whether E-Z
Rider could come to the front door of the facility. Walter Reynolds, the applicant's representative, said the E-Z
Rider service could pick up clients in the lower parking lot. Mr. Reynolds agreed to the proposed
conditions of approval.
COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADJOURN THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 3A.
Council Member Brown asked whether
recycling would be provided on the site.
Town Manager Horton said it would be possible to add such a
stipulation. Council Member Werner
emphasized the need for the Council to discuss a compehensive business
recycling program throughout the community.
Mayor Howes suggested that the Council adopt a policy concerning
recycling by area businesses. Council
Member Herzenberg noted that a number of small businesses currently
participated in a glass recycling program.
THE MOTION WAS PLACED ON THE FLOOR
AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Proposed Library Building
Schematics
Town Manager Horton said that the
purpose of this evening's schematic review was to outline guidelines for actual
building architecture. He noted that
the special use permit application for the entire Pritchard Park site was
scheduled for the Council's March 18th public hearing. Mayor Howes noted that the Town was the owner
and regulator of the project. He also
noted that Library Committee members Berry Credle and Ed Hinsdale were in
attendance this evening.
Josh Gurlitz noted that the library
staff had been actively involved in the planning process for the new facility. Mr. Gurlitz said the library building would
be centered on the site, with utility access on the southeast corner of the
site, away from entryways. He also said
there would be easy walking access from parking areas. Mr. Gurlitz also reviewed features of the
site and proposed floor plans for the building.
Council Member Rimer inquired about
the size of the proposed stack area, compared to the current library
facility. Mr. Gurlitz said the new
stacks would be approximately three times the size of the current library. Council Member Werner asked what steps would
be taken to ensure that noise from the children's areas was minimized in the
adult section. Mr. Gurlitz responded
that the noisiest functions would be located furthest from the adult area. He added that surface materials and the
stacks could be used to dampen noise.
Council Member Preston inquired about
the size of the proposed reading room.
Mr. Gurlitz said the room would be twenty by twenty-five feet,
approximately twice the size of the current area. Council Member Preston suggested that the eastern wall be moved,
to make the reading room larger. Mr.
Gurlitz said this could be explored.
Council Member Andresen emphasized the need to create the feeling of an
intimate area. Mr. Gurlitz noted that
the fireplace could be used to separate the room into two portions.
Mr. Gurlitz briefly reviewed three
sets of possible elevations in relation to the site. Council Member Preston asked whether all three options had the
same cost. Mr. Gurlitz said no, noting
that alternative c would have higher initial costs, but promised to be more
cost effective over time. Council
Member Andresen said there appeared to be little difference between plans a and
b. Mr. Gurlitz responded that plan b
would offer greater dimension to the building.
He added that this would help control sun coming into the building. Mr. Gurlitz added that windows had been
placed to keep heat loss to a minimum.
Council Member Andresen said she liked the elevations proposed in plan
b. Mayor Howes inquired about the
Manager's objective from this evening's presentation. Mr. Horton said he was seeking as much guidance as possible on
matters such as the reading room.
Council Member Wilkerson said he was
inclined to increase the reading room by about ten feet. Mayor Howes stated that enlarging the
reading room made a lot of sense, but would involve additional costs.
Council Member Werner inquired what
would be given up if the Council elected to follow plan c, the most expensive
alternative. Mayor Howes said that some
internal details would need to be modified.
Mr. Gurlitz noted that there was currently insufficient definition in
the buildings drawings to give specific price information. He added that unit prices in sthe upper
quarter of library programs were being used for the proposal.
Council Member Wilkerson said he was
concerned about initial building construction and long-term operational
costs. Council Member Andresen inquired
whether plan c would be more cost efficient.
Mr. Gurlitz responded that this alternative would provide a better roof
for the building, particularly for controlling heat. Council Member Herzenberg said he concurred with Council Member
Wilkerson's concerns about operating costs.
Council Member Brown also expressed concern about operational costs and
inquired about the use of window treatments for light and to prevent heat loss
at night. Mr. Gurlitz responded that
there were a wide variety of glass formulations and surface treatments
available to reduce heat loss.
Town Manager Horton said that all
three options were intended to communicate a sense of style rather than an
overall plan. He noted that Mr.
Gurlitz's next task was to design an attractive and functional building within
budget constraints. Council Member
Wallace said he favored the most cost-effective plan for the project.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED,
SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 4. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Human Services Needs Report
Dr. Vincent Kopp--Gave an overview of
the human services needs report--Executive Summary provides overview of
report--categories of recurrent need--useful device--Appendix A--outlines and
clarifies these categories.
Introspective process this year--things have not become better from a
general economic standpoint. Human service
providers seemed to be a little more burned out this year--a little lower
energy level. Exciting--increased
interest in coordination of human services--United Way and Public-Private
Partnership--major changes likely in next four to five years--thanked all board
members for their work and Julia Mack and staff for their continued good
work. He briefly reviewed the executive
summary and recommendations of the report (list 1-12, page eight and nine of
memorandum).
Howes--not just an ordinary report--recommendations
are substantial and far reaching--some provocative ideas being put before the
Council--how to finance--dealing with human service needs--particularly
important in a difficult period--deserves careful attention by Council--needs
are dwarfed by services currently provided in the community. Kopp--look at how money is expended in Town
departments--Town does very good job of meeting current human service
needs. Illicit new and energetic
responses--empower creative ideas.
NP--provocative report--causes Council to think more broadly about human
services--doing more than just $78,000 allocated last year for programs. Need to cooperate with other agencies in
addressing needs. Concerned that
Council keep perspective that County is agency that is supposed to coordinate
human service needs. Kopp--concur--Town
can bring clean industries to Town--such as Oxford Press, etc.--Town needs to
step forward in recruiting clean industry.
JA--like a few points which wouldn't cost money--Defining roles--don't try
to solve all problems at Town level.
Kopp-not about to impoverish Town coffers by examining this. JA--these programs tend to be handled by
County. Kopp--County and Town have
separate roles in providing human services.
RWi--Decisions by Council have tremendous impact on keeping or enhancing
impacts on individuals regarding housing and other matters. Kopp--Decisions certainly do have human
service impacts.
AW--Relationship to University's
plan--directly related to human service needs--Kopp--one of the best
functioning subcommunities in the area.
JHz--extraordinary report--better than last year's report--try to act on
some of these suggestions. Howes--do
with greater urgency. AR--why are we
spending any monies when it is County's responsibility. Ask staff to come up with proactive ways to
implement some of these ideas.
JBr--thanked Dr. Kopp for honesty of the report.
JHz, NP (9-0). Refer to the Town Manager.
Hotel-Motel Tax Grant Funds
WCH--slight change in process
recommended for this year--set up schedule to receive proposal from Manager for
budgetary amount--act on budget and then receive applications for receiving
grants--new calendar proposed.
NP--in general, excellent
idea--separate amount of money from general applications--delaying receipt of
applications until after budget adopted--possibly move up advertising and
receiving proposals until May--might be able to consider actual allocations--give
receiving organizations more time--slightly different schedule proposed--speed
up process a little bit. Howes--puts
staff to work on this after budget adoption.
WCH--assuming budget would be adopted by May 28th. JA--still keeping outside budget process? NP--yes.
Howes--agencies would know more by second meeting in July.
NP, Ar (R-4.1 w/new schedule)--9-0.
Meeting with Legislative Delegation
WCH--briefly reviewed intent of
resolution relative to local legislation--increased vehicle license fee and
support of the League's proposed legislative program. League has been somewhat pessimistic about the proposed
program. Consider possible local bill
for entertainment tax and possible new discussion of an impact tax. Recommend referal to Mayor.
JA, JHz; JA--also suggest discussion
with University concerning entertainment tax proposal--need more public
discussion on this matter. NP--agree
with this observation--might benefit the University. AW--University wants to keep entire additional revenues from an
admissions tax. Howes--first thing to
do is to talk with members of legislative delegation--influenced by University
and Council. NP--is one voice needed
when speaking with legislative delegation.
Howes--Council generally wants to move ahead on these matters--formally
adopt program in the future. Trying to
get a better feel. JBr--motor vehicles
tax in relation to Triangle Transit Authority.
WCH-- tax on vehicles at airport; not vehicle reg. fee. JBr--Local bond bill. Howes--Hackney has consistently
supported. Impact tax--a number of
things not included such as transportation,etc. WCH--need to talk to County in near term--bill consideration
pending. JA--consider endorsing County
bill if it takes into account Town's concerns.
Broaden discussion of entertainment tax. NP--Have a lot of questions about impact tax on impact on
developer's costs.
(9-0).
Howes--breakfast meeting might be the
only possible time to meet with them.
Appointment to Planning Board
AR--experts on board--virtually no professionals
on board at present--try to get professional like Martin Rody on Planning
Board. NP--spoke in favor of Betty
White being appointed.
Martin Rody appointed.
Violent Crime and Illegal Drug
Use--in process of trying to get cross-section of representation. Recommending that Adam Goldstein be
appointed this evening. RWi,
JA--acclamation--9-0.
Airport Relocation Committee
AW, NP (Cal Horton nominated)
(9-0). JBr--questions about nature of
committee--clarify purpose of committee--WCH--options for relocating operations
at Horace Williams Airport.
JBr--looking for a process, not a site?
WCH--correct. Charge has been
presented to County and Carrboro. Not
charge of committee to look at what to do with Horace WIlliams if facility
moved. Howes--airport is
key--University can figure out what to do with property.
Orange County Human Relations
Commission
JHz--try to find member of Arab-AM.
Consent Agenda
AW, RWi (9-0).
Adjourn AR, AW (9-0).