MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL

HILL, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 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, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr.  Council Member James C. Wallace was absent.  Also in attendance were Mayor-Elect Kenneth S. Broun, Council Member-Elect Mark Chilton, 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 was meeting on Wednesday due to the North Carolina League of Municipalities meeting having been held in Charlotte on Sunday through Tuesday.  Mayor Howes requested that Mayor-Elect Broun and Council Member-Elect Chilton come forward to the podium.  Mayor Howes noted that a new Mayor, two new Council Members and two incumbents had been elected to the Council on Tuesday, November 5th.  Mayor Howes said the community was looking forward to the installation of the new Council on Monday, December 2nd.  He noted that the organizational meeting had been a very special occasion in the past.  Mayor Howes congratulated Mayor-Elect Broun and Council Member-Elect Chilton.  Mayor-Elect Broun and Council Member-Elect Chilton said they looked forward to working with members of the Council.

 

Mayor Howes noted that Council candidate Robert Joesting was in attendance this evening.  He noted that the candidates for Mayor and Council had raised important issues for discussion in the community.  Mayor Howes expressed the community's appreciation to all of the candidates for participating in the electoral process.

 

Mayor Howes noted that Thursday, November 14th was Town Hall Day.  He stated that students from Chapel Hill High School would learn about local government by touring Town facilities, meeting with staff, and participating in a mock Council meeting.  Mayor Howes stated that the students would consider the matter of the proposed beautification of West Franklin Street as the primary focus of their mock meeting.  He thanked Benson Yon, a University intern for coordinating the Town Hall Day event.  Mayor Howes noted that Town Hall Day events would commence at 9:00 a.m., with the mock Council meeting beginning at approximately 1:20 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

 

                       Item 3  Petitions

 

Chris Harlos, 44 Rogerson Drive, said a large open storm drain ran down the front of homes on Rogerson Drive.  Mr. Harlos said the area was difficult to maintain and a hazard for children in the area.  Mr. Harlos noted that he had spoken to Public Works staff who had indicated that Rogerson Drive residents could contract with Town staff to install drainage pipe and cover the area.  He said that it would be impossible to tie the pipe together across all properties unless all owners agreed to do so.  Mr. Harlos said he was submitting a petition from most residents of Rogerson Drive, requesting the installation of a covered drainage pipe.

 

Council Member Werner noted that Rogerson Drive was not the only street in Town with this difficulty.  He said that Erwin Road had the same problem on both sides.  Council Member Werner suggested that the staff consider the issue of drainage ditches in a broader sense.  Council Member Werner said he was glad that the issue had been raised.  He noted the importance of promoting walking and bicycling throughout the Town.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE TOWN MANAGER.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Dick Terry, a member of the Greenways Commission, requested that the Council include a member of the Greenways Commission on the Bicycling Advisory Committee.  Mayor Howes inquired how this could be accomplished.  Mr. Horton responded that the addition could be made by the common consent of the Council.

 

Mayor Howes noted that the meeting to discuss the Durham Wal-Mart project had been postponed until December 16th.  He added that the Durham-Chapel Hill Working Group would be meeting in the intervening period.  Council Member Andresen inquired whether it would be possible for Mayor Howes to introduce Mayor-Elect Broun at the December 16th meeting.  Mayor Howes suggested that Council Member Werner attend the meeting with Mayor-Elect Broun.  Council Member Werner suggested that Council Members forward any comments on the Wal-Mart proposal to Mr. Waldon.

 

Council Member Andresen requested an evaluation of services for the Mayor and Council received from Town staff.  She noted that changes in staff support for the Mayor and Council may or may not be needed.  Council Member Andresen said it would be helpful for the Manager to report to the Mayor and Council on this matter.  She suggested that the staff poll individual Council members on their support needs.  Council Member Werner said the issue appeared to be one that the Mayor and Council needed to address, rather than the Town staff.  He suggested that the issue could be handled as a personnel matter in Executive Session.

 

Council Member Andresen said she was requesting the Manager to put together some overview information.  Council Member Werner said the Council could get together to compile the same information.  Council Member Andresen said the matter was better addressed by the Manager.  Council Member Wilkerson concurred, adding that the staff could provide a historical overview of direct staffing to the Mayor and Council.  Mayor Howes emphasized the importance of having the Mayor-Elect and Council Members-Elect participate in the discussions.  He said the matter of staffing was an appropriate discussion for the Council's retreat or a similar setting.  Council Member Brown said information about current staffing would be helpful to the Council.

 

Mayor Howes inquired whether the Council was amenable to discussing the matter further at its retreat meeting in January.  Mayor-Elect Broun said the information would be useful to the new Council.  He suggested that the Council discuss the matter further at its January retreat session.  Mayor Howes said there appeared to be a Council consensus to organize additional information for forwarding to the new Council.  Mr. Horton said he would accommodate the Council's information needs.

 

Council Member Preston noted that the latest information from the Landfill Search Committee consultant was available for review in the Council lounge.  She suggested that the Council might wish to review information on the eight proposed landfill sites.  Council Member Werner inquired whether it was correct that the Landfill Owners Group was no longer pursuing the concept of a joint incinerator project.  Council Member Preston said this was correct.  Council Member Werner inquired about the cost of the consultant' study.  Council Member Preston stated that three technologies would be evaluated at a total cost of $225,000.  She said that one-half of this cost ($112,500) would be paid by the Town.  Council Member Werner asked whether the Chapel Hill representatives on the Landfill Owners Group felt compelled to spend these funds.  Council Member Preston said she did not have a reading on this matter.  She added that the Landfill Owners Group would discuss the consultant's study on volume reduction in the near future.  Council Member Werner inquired whether the Landfill Owners Group made its decisions on a unilateral basis.  Council Member Preston said no, noting that the working group would make recommendations to the Town of Carrboro, Orange County and the Town.

 

Council Member Brown asked whether the Landfill Owners Group would present a more in-depth report to local governmental bodies.  Council Member Preston said yes, stating that the Landfill Owners Group recommendations would be brought before the Council and other local government entities.

 

                Item 4  Smith Level Road Zoning

 

Planning Director Roger Waldon said the zoning request had been heard at the Council's October public hearing.  Mr. Waldon said that the Town had agreed with the Town of Carrboro to adjust the extraterritorial jurisdiction lines which bisected the subject property.  Mr. Waldon said that R-2 zoning surrounded the property and was recommended for the subject tract.  Council Member Andresen inquired why the line had been originally drawn to the east of the roadway.  Mr. Waldon said he would speculate that the line was drawn to include both sides of Smith Level Road within Carrboro's jurisdiction.  He noted that the demarcation line was included in the Town's original charter.

 

Gwendolyn Atwater, representing the New Covenant Christian Church, thanked the Town and Carrboro planning staff for their assistance with the rezoning request.

 

Council Member Wilkerson requested that he be excused from voting on the matter due to direct personal interests.  Mayor Howes, noting Council Member Wilkerson's interests, concurred with the request for excusal.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 1.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0), WITH COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON EXCUSED FROM VOTING.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CHAPEL HILL ZONING ATLAS (91-11-13/O-1)

 

                           SECTION I

 

WHEREAS, the Council has considered the proposal to amend the Zoning Atlas to zone property as shown on Map 1 attached as Residential-2, and finds that the amendment is appropriate due to changed or changing conditions, and is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan of the area generally;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Chapel Hill Zoning Atlas be amended to zone a portion of Orange County Tax Map 122.B.22 as shown on Map 1 attached, as Residential-2.

 

                          SECTION II

 

The effective date of this zoning shall be the date of signing of a mutual written agreement between Chapel Hill and Carrboro, or the date of Council action on the zoning, whichever occurs later.

 

                          SECTION III

 

That all ordinances and portions of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

Mayor Howes inquired about the schedule for completing the new church building.  Council Member Wilkerson said the building would be completed in Spring, 1993.


 

        Item 5  North Carolina Environmental Policy Act

 

Mr. Waldon briefly reviewed the State's environmental review process, noting that all State agencies had to determine the environmental impacts of their development projects.  He said that the Town was most likely to receive project proposals from the University.  Mr. Waldon stated that an environmental assessment would be prepared if no environmental impact were anticipated.  He added that an environmental impact statement would be required for projects having a significant impact.  Mr. Waldon said review time processes were quite short with approximately fifteen working days review time.  Mr. Waldon said that Resolution 1.1 outlined a procedure for Council review and involvement of State development projects in the Town limits.

 

Council Member Werner said that adoption of the resolution to implement the new process was a good idea.  Council Member Werner stressed the need for greater interaction with University staff on planning and construction of University projects.  He requested that the Manager periodically prepare a memorandum outlining University planning and construction activity.  Mr. Waldon said it would be possible for Town staff to put such a report together.  Council Member Andresen said she hoped that the staff would continue to provide periodic construction activity reports to the Council.  Mayor Howes noted that the proposed resolution applied to documents made available under the State environmental policy act.  Council Member Werner said the Council was well-served by being forewarned about development proposals.  Mr. Horton said the staff would provide information on such proposals.  Council Member Brown said the proposed new process was a good direction.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 1.1.

 

Council Member Andresen inquired when the staff had received the environmental assessment for EPA building project included in the Council's agenda materials.  Mr. Waldon stated that the staff had requested a sample environmental assessment from the State clearinghouse and had received the EPA building assessment.  He said that the Town had not been receiving environmental impact statements as a matter of course.  Council Member Andresen inquired whether the Triangle J Council of Governments had been receiving the statements.  Mr. Waldon said this appeared to be the case.  Council Member Preston stated that when she served as the Council's Triangle J delegate, she had received notifications of proposed buildings.  Mayor Howes asked whether the staff memorandum outlined the current State procedure for environmental assessments.  Mr. Waldon said this was correct.  Mr. Waldon noted that review time extension could be made to individual State agencies through its clearinghouse.  Mr. Horton said the staff would ensure that there was adequate time for the Council to consider applications and make comments at regular business meetings.

 

THE MOTION WAS PLACED ON THE FLOOR AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE TOWN UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (91-11-13/R-1.1)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has an interest in development proposals in the Town including the campus of the University of North Carolina; and

 

WHEREAS, the State and federal governments establish review procedures for environmental documents when public monies are involved; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council intends to establish a procedure for Council comment on the adequacy of Environmental Assessments and Findings of No Significant Impact or Environmental Impact Statements provided to the Town by the State Clearinghouse;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill establishes the following procedure regarding review of documents made available to the Town under the provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act:

 

1.   Upon receipt of an Environmental Assessment and/or Impact Statement regarding said development, from the State, the Town Manager shall distribute copies of such documents to all Council members.

 

2.   Upon receipt and review of such documents, any Council member may request that the Town Manager place the item on the next Council meeting agenda for discussion, and that the Town Manager simultaneously make a request to the State Clearinghouse Director that an extension of the comment period be negotiated.

 

3.   The full Council may then take up the matter and decide:

 

     (a)  to make no comment; or

 

     (b)  to make a comment to the State Clearinghouse.

 

4.   The Mayor shall transmit the Council comment on the proposal to the State Clearinghouse.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.


 

Item 6  Timing Thresholds Development Ordinance Text Amendment

 

Mr. Waldon reviewed issues raised at the public hearing, including provisions for administrative approval, types of criteria outlined and how thresholds would be determined.  He noted that an improved mechanism for notification of adjoining property owners was included in the staff and Planning Board recommendations.

 

Council Member Andresen said proposed changes were good ones.  Council Member Andresen said she was particularly pleased by the change in property owner notification processes.

 

Council Member Brown said she was concerned about the change in the proposed extension period, adding three years to completion time limits.  Mr. Waldon noted that the maximum time frame for project inception was proposed as twenty-four months, because this tied it to vested right provisions.  Mr. Waldon stated that extensions to time limits could be requested up to three times, for a total extension of five years.

 

Council Member Herzenberg suggested revising Ordinance 2b by adding revising the extension to eighteen, rather than twenty-four, months.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2B, AS REVISED.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CHAPEL HILL DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, ADJUSTING PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS (91-11-13/O-2b)

 

WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to have a set of regulatory procedures for the review of development applications that reflects and promotes the Goals and Objectives of the community; and

 

WHEREAS, there have been examples brought to the Council's attention that illustrate the need for adjustment in some components of the Town's procedures, particularly dealing with minor development requests;

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has considered the proposed amendment to the Chapel Hill Development Ordinance to adjust procedures for review of development applications, and finds that the amendment is appropriate due to changed or changing conditions in a particular area or in the jurisdiction generally and achieves the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council amends the Chapel Hill Development Ordinance in the following ways:

 

                           SECTION I

 

That Section 18.5 -- Thresholds for Minor Change/Modification of SUP -- be amended as follows:

 

Existing Language: An increase of five (5) percent or more in the floor area or number of parking spaces approved by the Council shall constitute a modification.

 

Proposed Language: An increase of five (5) percent or more in the floor area approved by the Council, unless proposed addition is 2,500 square feet of floor area or less, shall constitute a modification, whether such addition is proposed at one time or over an extended period of time.

 

     An increase of five (5) percent or more in the number of parking spaces approved by the Council, unless the proposed addition is 10 or fewer spaces, shall constitute a modification, whether such addition is proposed at one time or over an extended period of time.

 

                          SECTION II

 

That Section 18.6.2 -- Starting Time Limits for Special Use Permits -- be amended as follows:

 

Existing Language: If the use, construction, or activity authorized by Council ... is not started within twelve (12) months of the date of approval or within such further time stipulated in the approval, the approval shall automatically expire and any Town permit issued pursuant to the approval shall be void.

 

Proposed Language: If the use, construction, or activity authorized by Council ... is not started within twenty-four (24) months of the date of approval or within such further time stipulated in the approval, the approval shall expire and any Town permit issued pursuant to the approval shall be void.  The Town Manager may grant a single extension of the starting time limit for up to twelve (12) months, unless he determines that paramount considerations of health, the general welfare, or public safety require Council re-approval.  In such instances the Town Manager shall require the application to be reviewed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 18.4.

 

                          SECTION III

 

That Section 19.2, Site Plan Review Required, be amended as follows:

 

Existing Language: Site plan review and approval by the Council or Planning Board, as appropriate, shall be required ... with the following exceptions ...

 

     b)Any development resulting in an increase of not more than fifteen percent (15%) in either the floor area, number of parking spaces, or amount of land cleared for non-agricultural development previously existing within a zoning lot;

 

Proposed Language: Site plan review and approval by the Council or Planning Board, as appropriate, shall be required ... with the following exceptions ...

 

     b)Expansion of development previously existing within a zoning lot may be reviewed and approved by the Town Manager if it would result in:

 

     i)Addition of not more than fifteen (15) percent of previously existing floor area, or 2,500 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater;

 

     ii)Addition of not more than fifteen (15) percent of previously existing parking spaces, or 10 parking spaces, whichever is greater; and

 

     iii)An increase of not more than fifteen (15) percent in the amount of land cleared for non-agricultural development, or 10,000 square feet of new land clearing, whichever is greater.

 

                          SECTION IV

 

That Section 19.6.1 -- Starting Time Limits for Zoning Compliance Permits -- be amended as follows:

 

Existing Language: If the use, construction, or activity authorized by approval of an application for a Zoning Compliance Permit ... is not started within six (6) months of the date of approval, or within such further time stipulated in the approval, the approval shall automatically expire and any Town permit issued pursuant to the approval shall be void. 

 

Proposed Language: If the use, construction, or activity authorized by approval of an application for a Zoning Compliance Permit ... is not started within twelve (12) months of the date of approval or within such further time stipulated in the approval, the approval shall expire and any Town permit issued pursuant to the approval shall be void.  The Town Manager may grant a single extension of the starting time limit for up to twelve (12) months, unless he determines that paramount considerations of health, the general welfare, or public safety require Planning Board re-approval.  In such instances the Town Manager shall require the application to reviewed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 19.4.

 

                           SECTION V

 

That all sections of the Development Ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT REVIEW APPLICATION PROCEDURES

(91-11-13/R-2)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has adopted particular amendments to the Development Ordinance regarding  development review procedures, and;

 

WHEREAS, the Council has with the adopting of the Development Ordinance Text Amendment made adjustments which will expedite review of particular small and minor development proposals, and;

 

WHEREAS, the Council believes it is appropriate for adjacent property owners to be advised of particular changes to the nearby development;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby directs the Town Manager to adjust the administrative process for minor modification of Special Use Permits which involve more than a 1,000 square foot addition to building(s) to include, for first class mailing by the Town, a set of stamped, pre-addressed mailing envelopes for owners of real estate as listed in the County tax records within a 500 foot radius of the subject property in order to include the notification of these nearby property owners as a part of the application acceptance procedure for these minor changes to Special Uses.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

          Item 7  Response to Audit Management Letter

 

Finance Director James Baker said the audit by Touche and Ross had found no material weaknesses in the Town's financial procedures.  Mr. Baker added that the staff had no disagreements with the auditor's recommendations.  He briefly reviewed improved procedures for cash prepayments, purchase authorizations and payroll and insurance procedures.  Mr. Baker added that procedures would be instituted to improve existing inventorying methods.  He stated that Finance and Town staff would comply with all recommendations made in the auditor's report.

 

Mayor Howes expressed the Council's appreciation for a good audit and staff report.  Mayor Howes said it was reassuring to be able to ensure Town residents that their municipal finances were in good shape.

 

          Item 8 Commission and Committee Nominations

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO NOMINATE ALL APPLICANTS TO THE BICYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY APPEARANCE COMMISSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, FOR APPOINTMENT CONSIDERATION AT THE COUNCIL'S NOVEMBER 25TH MEETING.

 

Council Member Werner suggested adding Dr. Ray Sturner to the nominees for the Bicycling Advisory Committee.  Hearing no objections, Mayor Howes said Dr. Sturner was to be included with the previous nominees.  Council Member Andresen inquired whether the applicant pool was adequate to serve the needs of the Bicycling Advisory Committee.  Mayor Howes stated that it was up to the Council to determine the appropriate number of members on the committee.  He urged Council Members to encourage interested parties to submit applications for the three panels.

 

                    Item 9  Consent Agenda

 

Mayor Howes requested the removal of item b.  Council Member Rimer requested the removal of items e and i.  Council Members Preston and Wilkerson requested the removal of item a.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS D, F, G, H, J, K AND L) AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

(91-11-13/R-4)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts the resolutions and ordinances as submitted by the Town Manager (excepting item b) in regard to the following:

 

     a.   Minutes of October 21 & 28, 1991 (To be distributed).

     b.   Triangle Transit Authority budget amendment (O-3) and funds disbursal (R-5).  Mayor Howes.

     c.   Deleted.

     d.   Parking ordinance and resolution for winter holiday parade (O-4, R-6).

     e.   Purchase of recycled products (R-7).

     f.   Dawes Street right-of-way closure (R-8).

     g.   Calling hearing on Brookview Road right-of-way closure (R-9).

     h.   Rescheduling public hearing on downtown parking DOTA   (R-10).

     i.   Report on Public Information Network.

     j.   Deleted.

     k.   Report on mat and seal evaluation.

     l.   Bulldozer maintenance report.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT PARKING ON FRANKLIN STREET FOR OF A WINTER HOLIDAY PARADES (91-11-13/O-4)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby prohibits parking on Franklin Street from Boundary Street to the western Town limits on Saturday, December 7, 1991 from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and authorizes the Police Department to cover parking meters accordingly.

 

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Council authorizes the Manager in future years to implement such parking restrictions in future years in connection with annual winter holiday parades.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING PART OF FRANKLIN STREET ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991 FOR THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE (91-11-13/R-6)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the temporary closing of East Franklin Street between Boundary Street and the Carrboro Town limits from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 7, 1991 and on similar dates in future years for the annual winter holiday parade.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

A RESOLUTION CLOSING AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF DAWES STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY (91-11-13/R-8)

 

WHEREAS, the Council on August 26, 1991 adopted a resolution of intent to consider closing approximately 200 feet of an unimproved portion of right-of-way at the end of Dawes Street, and a public hearing thereon was held on October 21, 1991; and

 

WHEREAS, closing this unused part of Dawes Street would not be contrary to the public interest; and no individual owning property in the vicinity of the right-of-way would be deprived of reasonable means of ingress and egress to his or her property by the closing of said right-of-way;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts this order pursuant to North Carolina G.S. 160A-299, permanently closing a 200 foot long portion of the Dawes Street right-of-way immediately south of the intersection of Monroe Street and Dawes Street, as shown on Orange County Tax Map #89, and adjacent to Block K, Lots 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 10B, and Block G, Lot 10; subject to the reservation of any existing public utility easement, public storm drainage easement, and pedestrian, non-motorized vehicle easement, which shall be shown on a plat to be provided by the party requesting the right-of-way closure and approved by the Chapel Hill Engineering Department and recorded with the Orange County Registrar of Deeds.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said plat shall show the recombination of the subdivision and elimination of lots that front on the Dawes Street cul-de-sac prior to this right-of-way closure.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

A RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PART OF THE BROOKVIEW ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY (91-11-13/R-9)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby declares its intent to consider closing a part of the Brookview Road right-of-way, as shown on Orange County Tax Map 28D, and adjacent to Lot 13B, which said right-of-way considered for closure is approximately 14 feet wide and 126 feet long; and calls a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 1992 in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 306 N. Columbia Street,  Chapel Hill, on the proposed closing of said right-of-way.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is hereby authorized to arrange publication and mailing of notices of the hearing as required by State law.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

A RESOLUTION POSTPONING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO DOWNTOWN PARKING REQUIREMENTS (91-11-13/R-10)

 

WHEREAS, the Council has called a Public Hearing for November 18 to consider proposed changes to Town Center parking requirements; and

 

WHEREAS, the Planning Board has asked for additional time to further study the proposal;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council changes the date of the Public Hearing from November 18, 1991 to January 21, 1992.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

Council Member Wilkerson requested a correction on Page 26 of the October 28th minutes.  Council Member Preston requested revisions to page 10 of the October 21st minutes and page 12 of the October 28th meeting.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21ST AND 28TH, AS REVISED.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Mayor Howes introduced Triangle Transit Authority Director Jim Ritchey.  Mayor Howes indicated that the Triangle Transit Authority was requesting local funding on the basis of community's populations.  Mr. Ritchey thanked the Council for their past and continuing support.  Council Member Andresen inquired whether the authority had the promotion of intercity bus service as one of its goals.  Mr. Ritchey said yes, adding that the authority was continuing to work on possible routing and scheduling for intercity service.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WILKERSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 3.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1991 (91-11-13/O-3)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby amends the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 1991" as follows:

 

                           ARTICLE I

 

APPROPRIATIONS     CURRENT                         REVISED

                    BUDGET      INCREASE  DECREASE   BUDGET

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 Non-departmental  313019       9,000             322,109

 

 

                          ARTICLE II

 

REVENUES

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 FUND BALANCE      212,300      9,000             221,300

 

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PRESTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 5.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ALLOCATION OF $9,000 TO THE TRIANGLE TRANSIT AUTHORITY (91-11-13/R-5)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the Manager to disburse to the Triangle Transportation Authority $9,000 as appropriated from Transportation Fund balance by the Council's budget ordinance amendment adopted on November 13, 1991 in connection with this matter.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

Council Member Andresen expressed the Council's appreciation to Mayor Howes for his service on the Triangle Transit Authority Board of Directors.  Mayor Howes thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.  He noted that a major priority of the authority had been receiving approval for an additional vehicle license fee to fund authority operations.

 

 

Council Member Rimer inquired why the Town had not been included in a listing of communities with recycling programs.  He also noted that the Triangle J Council of Governments was holding a meeting on November 18th to discuss the purchasing of recycled products.  Council Member Rimer suggested that a member of the staff attend this meeting.  Mr. Horton said that the staff was quite active in the area of purchasing recycled products.  He also noted that the Town had not been included in the listing because no materials had been submitted to the applicable group.  Mr. Horton added that the Council had not adopted a comprehensive resolution concerning the purchasing of recycled products at the time the article was published.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 7.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION REGARDING PURCHASE AND USE OF ITEMS MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS AND RELATED MATTERS (91-11-13/R-7)

 

WHEREAS, sanitary landfill space is at a premium, and future landfill sites will be increasingly difficult to find; and

 

WHEREAS, much of the material that enters the waste stream can be recycled, reused or incorporated in the manufacture of new products; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council supports waste reduction, increased recycling and the manufacture and use of products made with recycled materials; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has already established the practice of purchasing items made with recycled paper, plastic and other materials; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council desires to participate in the national effort to promote recycling through purchase and use of products made with recycled materials;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council adopts the following policies regarding purchase of items manufactured with recycled materials:

 

1.   The Town will seek to buy and use products needed for Town services which are made with recycled materials if fitness, quality, and price and other relevant considerations are substantially equivalent to or better than those of non-recycled products; and the Town will continue to follow State law regarding purchasing procedures.

 

 

2.   The Town will seek to coordinate purchasing activities with other governments to promote purchasing based on the above policies.

 

3.   The Manager will review the Town's purchasing needs and specifications to identify feasible new opportunities to specify and purchase items with recycled materials in accord with the above policies.

 

4.   The Council authorizes the Manager to establish administrative polices and procedures regarding purchase of items made with recycled material. Such policies shall be consistent with this resolution.

 

This the 13th day of November, 1991.

 

 

Council Member Rimer said he realized that assistance could not be provided to the Public Information Network, Inc. due to budget concerns and implications.  He suggested that the Council adopt a resolution supporting the Public Information Network (PIN) in concept.  Council Member Rimer said supporting the organization in concept would be helpful for the organization's future fund-raising capabilities.

 

Bill Hutchins, representing the Public Information Network, said he had prepared a revision to his organization's resolution of support request.  Mr. Hutchins said adoption of the proposed resolution would assist PIN in planning, pending the Town's next budget cycle.  He stated that PIN had applied for grants from three local area foundations, two of whom had rejected the requests.  Mr. Hutchins said PIN had recently received a video about a citizen's computer bulletin board program in Peoria, Illinois.  He indicated that a copy of the video could be made available to the Mayor and Council.  Council Member Rimer requested that the staff bring back an appropriate resolution of support at the Council's next regular meeting.  Mr. Horton said the staff welcomed the opportunity to be of assistance.  Council Member Rimer said the proposed resolution was fairly innocuous.  Mr. Horton said the matter could come back for Council consideration at their November 25th regular meeting.

 

Mayor Howes requested that Mayor-Elect Broun and Council Member-Elect Chilton join the Council in the Executive Session.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RIMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG, TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AND MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

No report followed the Executive Session.

 

The meeting stood adjourned at 8:44 p.m.