SUMMARY OF A MEETING OF THE COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION COMMITTEE,
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1991, 3:50 P.M., CHAPEL HILL TOWN HALL
Orange County Commission Chairperson
Moses Carey called the meeting to order at 3:50 p.m. Members in attendance were University of North Carolina
Chancellor Paul Hardin, University Vice Chancellor Ben Tuchi, UNC Hospitals
Director Eric Munson, Chapel Hill Mayor Jonathan Howes, Chapel Hill Town
Council Member Arthur Werner and Chapel Hill Town Manager Cal Horton. Chairperson Carey noted that Carrboro Mayor
Eleanor Kinnaird and Institute of Government Director John Sanders would be
unable to attend the meeting. Also in
attendance were Harry Gooder, Chairman of the Faculty of the University, and
Chapel Hill Town Clerk Peter Richardson.
Budget Shortfalls
Mayor Howes noted that all sectors of
business, particularly public institutions such as the University, local Towns
and Counties were feeling the effects of budget shortfalls at the State
level. Chancellor Hardin presented a
brief overview of the University's current situation, noting that
representatives from the faculty and academic administration would hold a
budget strategy retreat in the near future.
Mayor Howes noted budget-related events at the University would have
potential significance for Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County. Chairperson Carey noted that the State
Legislature had historically responded to their most persistent constituents in
terms of responding to legislative requests.
Mr. Munson noted that budget cutting proposals were initiated at the
subcommittee level, with subsequent review taking place in both houses of the
Legislature. Chairperson Carey
emphasized the important role of the local legislative delegation in
communicating the needs of the University and local governments to the
Legislature.
Chairperson Carey suggested holding a
joint session between local leaders and the local legislative delegation to
discuss budget priorities and concerns.
Chancellor Hardin suggested that each entity designate its own
representation for attendance at the joint session. Chairperson Carey expressed concern that the current outlook of
the State Legislature was too short-sighted.
Mr. Munson said that the short and long-term State budget situation were
matters to be taken very seriously.
Council Member Werner noted the importance of parents, alumni and
students in contacting the Legislature, to express their concern about the
future of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. Chancellor Hardin suggested that the
University and the local governments compose a joint position paper on possible
new revenue sources.
Land-Use Plan
Chancellor Hardin stated that some
substance of the University's land-use plan had been changed since its previous
presentation to the community. He
reviewed the schedule of meetings that would be conducted to present the plan
to the public. Mr. Munson restated his
concern about the important role of the South Loop Road in providing access to
area neighborhoods. Chancellor Hardin
emphasized the need to relocate the operations now taking place at the Horace
Williams Airport. Mayor Howes inquired
about the possibility of the Town leasing University fields adjacent to Cleland
Drive. Vice Chancellor Hardin indicated
that this type of arrangement could be made.
Mayor Howes suggested that Vice Chancellor Tuchi and Town Manager Horton
work on a specific proposal for consideration by University officials and the
Town Council. Chancellor Hardin
inquired about the progress of discussions concerning mass transportation. Mayor Howes reported that the Triangle
Transit Authority was examining density corridors for rapid movement of people
from place to place in the Triangle.
The meeting concluded at 5:14 p.m.