SUMMARY OF A PLANNING SESSION HELD BY
THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
CHAPEL HILL, SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1992 AT 8:45 A.M.
Mayor Kenneth S. Broun called the
session to order at 8:50 a.m. in the Council Conference Room. Council Members in attendance were Julie
Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Mark Chilton, Joe Herzenberg, Alan Rimer,
Arthur S. Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr.
Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers
Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Assistant to the Manager Greg Feller,
Town Clerk Peter Richardson and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.
Mayor Broun provided a brief overview
of the day's agenda, noting that the status of the Town's Strategic Report
would serve as the primary basis of the day's discussion. Council Member Andresen inquired how other
topics would be worked in. Mayor Broun
said that items not included in the strategic report could be discussed in the
Council's afternoon session. Mayor
Broun suggested that the Council take a few minutes to read through the
strategic report.
Council Member Andresen said she had
no problem with the Manager's suggested agenda, other than discussing economic
issues toward the end of the session.
Mayor Broun noted that the strategic report had been compiled when the
economic climate was more favorable.
Noting that the Strategic Report had
been adopted by the Council in 1989, Planning Director Roger Waldon provided a
brief overview of the report. Mr.
Waldon said the report attempted to answer three major questions: "where are we?", "where do we
want to go?" and "how do we want to get there?". He noted that the report focused on the last
question.
Rural Buffer
Council Member Andresen noted that it
might be desirable to develop some areas of the rural buffer in the future to
expand the tax base. She noted that
Orange County was very aggressive in examining commercial uses in the rural
buffer. Council Member Andresen also
stressed the importance of maintaining rural character. Council Member Rimer suggested that the
Planning Board might gather data to examine the possibility of future
development in the rural buffer. Council
Member Brown requested a review of the concept of rural buffer
preservation. Mr. Waldon said the rural
buffer concept attempted to maintain a compact urban form while preserving
rural character.
Council Member Capowski inquired
about the Orange Water and Sewer Authority policy concerning water and sewer
main extension in the rural buffer. Mr.
Waldon said OWASA received guidance from local policy boards. He noted that OWASA embraced the Town's and
County's policy of not providing water and sewer service in the rural
buffer. Mayor Broun noted that the
Assembly of Governments might meet to discuss the provision of water and sewer
service to hamlets in the rural buffer.
Council Member Andresen noted that there was a direct correlation
between the provision of water and sewer service and development activity. Council Member Rimer suggested that the
Planning Board could gather data and make projections on the future of the
rural buffer.
Council Member Werner said he was not
enthusiastic about assigning the task to the Planning Board. He noted that there was some pressure from
Orange County to develop in the rural buffer.
Council Member Rimer said the Town would be well-served by gathering
data on the rural buffer in the near future.
Council Member Werner said he did not know whether the issue of
development in the rural buffer should be raised. Council Member Rimer said he would be very interested in
receiving information on development in the rural buffer during the past two or
three years. Council Member Werner said
the Council could receive a status report on development in the rural
buffer. Council Member Wilkerson said
the Council would be better served to have information in hand concerning rural
buffer development. Council Member
Brown emphasized the importance of receiving a report on the activities of the
Rural Character Study Committee and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.
Council Member Andresen said she was
not promoting the development in the rural buffer. She suggested that moving the rural buffer line might merit
consideration. Council Member Werner
said this was not a good idea, since the Town had worked very hard to establish
the rural buffer. Council Member
Andresen said she would retract her proposal.
Mayor Broun said the Town's goal was to recognize and enforce the
concept of a rural buffer. Council
Member Capowski noted that once development occurred in the rural buffer, it
could not be undeveloped.
University Growth and Development
Council Member Werner said moving the
University airport was a key issue, since the University had a very limited
area in which to expand. He added that
Orange County had been unwilling to look at the airport relocation issue. Council Member Andresen noted that the Town
could not block University development.
She noted that the scale of university and hospital development was
starting to greatly impact the Town.
Council Member Andresen said it would be interesting to see expansion
plans for the university and hospital.
Council Member Capowski inquired whether OWASA was nearing its water and
sewer system capacity. Mr. Waldon said
he was not aware of any imminent water and sewer system capacity problems. Council Member Rimer noted that the
University was looking at the Horace Williams Airport as a future multi-purpose
site. He emphasized the need for a
broad county-wide perspective on the siting of airport and landfill facilities.
Council Member Wilkerson said he did
not disagree with the notion that the airport needed to be moved, but he noted
that the type of development that could occur on the property was limited by
the provisions of Horace Williams' will.
Council Member Wilkerson said that OWASA needed to be a part of local
government, without an appointed board.
He expressed concern about areas in the Town which did not receive water
and sewer service. Council Member
Andresen suggested that the Council examine the University's zoning around the
Town, particularly outside the central campus area. Mayor Broun noted the importance of entering into discussions
with the university about its ultimate development goals. He noted that conservation disticts could
possibly be employed to provide citizen assurances. Mayor Broun also stressed the need for Town involvement in
development plans for the Williams' tract, in the event that the airport were
moved in the future.
Council Member Brown noted that she
was concerned about the future of the Botanical Garden, Mason Farm, Westwood
and other areas adjoining the University campus. Council Member Capowski inquired about the development potential
at the Friday Center site on NC 54. Mr.
Waldon said that approximately ten acres at the site were developable. Council Member Capowski said it was unlikely
that the airport would be moved from its current site, due to the inviolate
role of AHEC. Noting that he was
serving on an airport relocation committee with Ben Tuchi and John Link, Mr.
Horton said the univeristy appeared to be serious about moving the airport. Mr. Horton said he would provide a status
report on the airport to the Council in May.
He also noted that AHEC was a business service who's needs could be
adequately met at another location.
Council Member Werner suggested that
Town voters could and should play a much greater role in County Commissioner
elections and issues. Council Member
Andresen requested follow-up on water and sewer projections, zoning of
University property, consideration of conservation and appearance districts,
and follow-up with Orange County and UNC on the airport site. Mayor Broun noted the importance of
developing a Town-Gown structure for future airport development plans. Council Member Brown stated that airport
relocation and landfill siting did not need to be made rural-urban issues. She noted the importance of examining all
options fully.
Public-Private Partnerships
Council Member Rimer suggested that
public-private partnership strategies be examined open-mindedly. Council Member Brown said the public-private
partnership being discussed was in lower case letters, rather than the formal
community organization. Mayor Broun
stated that the concept of private-public partnership was not
controversial. He noted the need to
explore the concept further, especially as related to the downtown area as a
focal point of the community.
Downtown as Focal Point
Mayor Broun noted that he had
forwarded a memorandum to the Council concerning the concept of a downtown
action group. He said the group would
encourage businesses to locate in the downtown area.
Council Member Andresen noted that
the downtown service district generated some funds for the Downtown
Commission. She noted the need to do a
better job of welcoming small businesses to the Town.
Council Member Andresen said she
preferred local family businesses locating in the downtown area, rather than
national franchises.
Council Member Wilkerson said he had
met with Mayor Broun to discuss the possibility of establishing a business
incubator program. He briefly described
the specifics of such a program, noting that small businesses would be given
the opportunity to start up at a reasonable cost by sharing staff and
facilities. Council Member Andresen
inquired whether it would be a godd use of Town resources to support such a
program. Council Member Wilkerson said
that Town staff support, rather than funds, might be made available to the
incubator program.
Mayor Broun noted that State and
Federal funds might be available for the incubator program. He also said an emphasis might be made to
encourage minority business start-ups. Council
Member Andresen said that the Orange County Economic Development Commission
might play a role in locating businesses in the downtown area. Council Member Brown emphasized the
importance of making business development programs participatory. Council Member Capowski said that the
Chamber of Commerce and community seniors could assist with small business
start-ups.
Council Member Andresen inquired
whether it would be possible for the University to divest itself of any land
holdings along Franklin Street. Mayor
Broun emphasized the importance of involving the University in discussions of
the downtown area as a significant property owner. Council Member Capowski said the University, business incubator
program and downtown development objectives could coincide. Council Member Brown stressed the need to
consider alternative transit means in and to the downtown area including
bicycles and mass transit. Council
Member Andresen noted the importance of balancing office and retail uses in the
downtown area. Mayor Broun said that
the staff could provide a proposal on encouraging the location of businesses in
the downtown area. Council Member
Capowski inquired about the status of the fire-damaged Hector's building in the
downtown area. Mr. Horton said the
building owner had received a building permit several months ago. He noted that the Town staff had little
leverage so long as the building site is safe and secure. Council Member Wilkerson noted that there
was also a burned-out building on Roberson Street. Mayor Broun inquired about when a report on downtown parking
requirements would be presented. Mr.
Waldon noted that a public hearing on requirements would be held on January
21st.
Open Space Acquisition
Council Member Werner emphasized that
open space was being acquired at a moderate and reasonable pace. He said that less emphasis was given to
recreational facilities. Council Member
Werner suggested the development of a short and long-term plan for identifying
land parcels for neighborhood park needs.
Council Member Brown said she liked the idea of neighborhood parks. She inquired how development of such parks
could be financed. Council Member
Werner said that no bond funds had been expended on recreational facilities. Council Member Capowski stressed the use of
informal vacant lots and mini-parks. He
inquired whether it would be possible to develop vacant lots inexpensively
without liability issues.
Council Member Andresen noted that
the Town's policy had been to encourage recreational areas in new
developments. She noted that many of these
areas emphasized the preservation of streams and slopes. Council Member Rimer noted that it might be
possible to charge slightly higher participation fees for Town recreation
programs. Council Member Herzenberg
noted that the Town had not built a new playing field since 1977. Council Member Andresen inquired whether
bond funds could be used for recreational development. Mr. Horton said yes. He requested that Ms. Loewenthal provide an
update on the status of the Glen Lennox fields proposal. Ms. Loewenthal said the University's recent
decision to site its intramural fields at the Friday Center made the Glen
Lennox facilities available for a long-term lease by the Town. She noted that lease could be fifteen to
twenty years, with a buy-out clause included.
Mr. Horton noted that he preferred a long lease for twenty-five to
thirty years. Council Member Chilton
inquired how much would be needed to improve the fields adequately. Mr. Horton said it would cost approximately
$80,000 to drill a well for field irrigation.
Council Member Werner emphasized the need to look at conservation
easements in the area. Mr. Horton said
it would not be possible to spend bond monies at the Glen Lennox fields unless
the Town had ownership control of the facility. Council Member Brown noted the importance of open space
acquisition as a continuing goal.
Council Member Werner noted that most open space was undevelopable. Council Member Andresen requested clearer
criteria for open space acquisition.
Stormwater Management
Mr. Horton noted that a stormwater
management committee had been recently established by the Council. Council Member Werner noted that the group
had not yet met. He noted that it would
take the committee approximately six months to present an initial report to the
Council. Council Member Andresen asked
whether the committee would deal with financial matters. Council Member Werner said yes. Mr. Horton said a utility arrangement for
stormwater management would be promising but controversial. Council Member Werner noted that drainage
and stormwater management were community-wide problems.
Watershed Protection
Council Member Andresen said she was
concerned that OWASA did not have funds to purchase adequate land adjoining the
Cane Creek reservoir. She inquired when
a study on the Cane Creek area would be available from OWASA. Assistant to the Manager Greg Feller said
that the report would be available during the next fiscal year. Council Member Werner noted that
intergovernmental relations with OWASA seemed to be getting worse. He inquired whether the Council should
rethink OWASA's current operations and structure. Council Member Wilkerson said yes, noting that the matter
required prompt attention. He requested
a report from Mr. Karpinos concerning the steps necessary to convert OWASA to a
municipal corporation. Council Member
Capowski said that OWASA's performance was less satisfactory than that of other
local utilities. He suggested that
other utility structures could serve as a model for OWASA operations.
Council Member Rimer noted that OWASA
had a unique organizational structure which would probably require a
professional consultant to evaluate. He
stated that Town staff could assist in formulating questions for the consultant
to evaluate. Council Member Werner
suggested that the Council compare its goals to those of OWASA, since they were
not coincidental. Mr. Horton said the
staff could review OWASA's legal structure and outline possible questions to
help determine whether OWASA's goals were similar to the Town's. Mayor Broun noted that the matter of OWASA's
operation appeared to merit prompt attention and study. Council Member Brown emphasized the need to
be concerned about the Jordan Lake watershed.
Air Quality
Council Member Capowski inquired
about the Town's air quality. Council
Member Werner said it was generally good, based on the few measurements which
had been taken to date. He noted that
Orange County was part of the Durham metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
non-attainment area. Council Member
Werner said the MSA was in violation of ozone and carbon monoxide
standards. He suggested that the State
could take the lead in enforcement of air quality standards. Mayor Broun inquired whether the staff
should explore the installation of air quality monitoring stations. Council Member Werner said this was a good
idea, noting that automobiles were the primary cause of the Town's air quality
concerns. Noting the State's response
to the Council's proposed Thoroughfare Plan, Council Member Brown said
political aspects of air quality needed to be considered.
Council Member Capowski inquired
about the Town's vehicle fleet. Mr.
Horton said the Town's fleet was relatively old. Council Member Capowski inquired whether Town vehicle emission
could be modified at a reasonable cost.
Mr. Horton said that alternative fuels could possibly be explored. He noted that this was not an inexpensive
undertaking. Council Member Werner
noted that California and some New England states were experimenting with
alternative fuels. He noted that the
costs of such alternatives would likely decrease as the scope of such programs
expanded.
Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Mayor Broun noted that current
erosion and sedimentation controls appeared to be adequate. Council Member Rimer noted that the
stormwater management committee would evaluate the standards further.
Transfer of Development Rights
Mayor Broun noted that State
legislative authority would be required for the transfer of development rights
at the local level. Mr. Horton inquired
whether it was the Council's wish to put this item on the back burner. Mayor Broun and Council Member Andresen said
yes. Council Member Andresen suggested
that Orange County might want to take the lead in this matter. Council Member Capowski said he wanted to
see results from similarly-sized areas prior to proceeding with this type of
program.
Housing
Mayor Broun said he could undertake a
dialogue with the University about providing land for affordable housing. Council Member Andresen said she supported
continued support of housing programs such as Habitat for Humanity. Council Member Werner noted the continuing
importance of dialogues with the Town of Carrboro and Orange County concerning
housing programs. Council Member
Wilkerson noted that the Council had established an objective of supporting,
rather than funding, the development of fifty affordable housing units each
year. Mayor Broun noted that the Town
was still committed to the concept of affordable housing. Noting that she was interested in the
provision of low-income rental housing, Council Member Andresen said she
questioned whether the Town should support middle-income housing.
Mayor Broun said he was concerned
about the combined impact of all taxes on low-income homeowners. Council Member Herzenberg said that the
Town's recent financial contributions to affordable housing were important and
historic steps. Mayor Broun said that
an emphasis should be placed on low-income, rather than moderate-income,
housing. Council Member Rimer noted the
importance of adequately maintaining the Town's existing public housing stock. Mr. Horton said that the Town had recently
received a $1.3 million grant from the United States Housing and Urban
Development Department for this purpose.
Council Member Werner emphasized the importance of responding to
projects such as Culbreth Park as they became available.
Mayor Broun inquired about the status
of inclusionary zoning requirements.
Mr. Waldon stated that legislative authority had been requested but not
received in a recent legislative session.
Mr. Karpinos noted that homebuilding
associations had lobbied actively to defeat the measure. Mr. Waldon said that individual communities
had different ways of handling inclusionary zoning. Mayor Broun asked whether programs could proceed without enabling
legislation. Mr. Waldon said developers
could be provided with small intensity bonuses. Mayor Broun said the staff could provide a report on options to
provide developer incentives for developing low and moderate income housing.
Mayor Broun said he would work with
University officials on the provision of affordable housing. Mr. Horton noted that the University had a
long time concern about providing affordable housing opportunities for its
staff. Mayor Broun stated that the
University also had an interest in the provision of moderate and expensive housing
for its faculty. Council Member Andresen
said it was much more expensive to build a house in the Town than it was to do
so in Durham.
The Mayor and Council took a lunch
break between 11:58 a.m. and 12:46 p.m.
Land-Use Patterns
Council Member Brown noted that
Andres Duaney had developed a one-page development ordinance for use in
individual communities. She noted that
the Town might incorporate some of these ideas into its own development
standards. Council Member Andresen noted
that some Town staff members had attended Mr. Duaney's lecture. Mayor Broun suggested that the staff provide
a brief description of how Mr. Duaney's ideas might be put in place. Mr. Waldon said the staff could do so.
Design Standards
Mayor Broun noted that design
guidelines for development had recently been completed. Council Member Rimer said he would be
anxious to review proposed revisions to the Town's Design Manual.
Tree Ordinance
Council Member Andresen inquired
whether the tree protection ordinance was being evaluated. Council Member Herzenberg noted that the
Tree Protection Task Force was working on a report to the Council in the near
future.
Entranceways Ordinance
Mayor Broun requested a review of the
proposed entranceways ordinance. Mr.
Waldon said the original proposal called for entranceways to be designated as
special appearance districts, with certificates of appropriateness required
prior to development. He noted that
area property owners had objected to this proposal. Mr. Waldon noted that entranceway guidelines were in place. Council Member Andresen requested that the
staff provide a follow-up report to the Council on a proposed entranceways
ordinance. Mr. Horton said such a report
could be provided.
Historic District Survey
Mr. Waldon noted that a consultant
was currently compiling an inventory of buildings in the Town's two historic
districts. Council Member Andresen
inquired why the inventory was occurring.
Mr. Horton said the work was being done in conjunction with Orange
County to meet certification requirements of the State's historic district
requirements.
Transportation: Sidewalks and Bikeways
Council Member Andresen said she
liked the idea of a Town pedestrian plan.
Council Member Werner inquired what could be done to handle pedestrian
problems in the Glen Lennox area. Mr.
Horton said the situation could be examined from a traffic engineering
standpoint. He inquired when the
proposed sidewalk plan would be presented to the Council. Mr. Waldon said the report would be
presented in May or June. Council
Member Andresen inquired about the status of a crosswalk on West Franklin
Street. Mr. Horton said the situation
was currently being evaluated. Council
Member Capowski expressed concern about pedestrian crosswalks on Manning Drive,
South Columbia and Pittsboro Streets.
Council Member Herzenberg noted the difficulty of crossing Airport Road
to reach the Town Hall building.
Council Member Broun noted that the Town of Carrboro had forwarded a
resolution to the State's Department of Transportation concerning State funding
of sidewalk projects. She suggested
that the Council take similar action.
Council Member Werner inquired about
the implications of the recently enacted Federal Highway Bill. Mr. Horton said that additional
opportunities for transit funding might be offered. Council Member Brown said the Town's Department of Transportation
representative was willing to assist in securing funding for additional bicycle
paths. Council Member Capowski noted
that a large number of bicycle and pedestrian movements occurred in the
Pittsboro Street area. Council Member
Andresen inquired about the feasibility of striping very wide streets for
bicycle lanes. Council Member Rimer
expressed concern that existing bicycle lanes were not adequately maintained
and repaired. Mayor Broun suggested it
might be possible to establish an "adopt a bicycle lane" program. Mr. Horton emphasized the need to
comprehensively examine bikeway needs.
Council Member Chilton said the Council would likely receive additional
information from the recently formed Bicycling Advisory Committee.
Bypass Update
Mr. Horton noted that he had provided
the Council with a brief update on the bypass work. He said that chain link fencing would be required along the
bypass ramps to keep animals and people from crossing into the roadway
area. Council Member Andresen inquired
whether this was a Department of Transportation requirement. Mr. Horton said yes. Council Member Werner inquired when work on
the bypass would be completed. Mr.
Horton said 1994. Council Member Rimer
outlined an estimated schedule for completion of the bypass.
Alternative Transportation
Mayor Broun said he assumed it was a
goal of the Council to provide transportation alternatives. Council Member Capowski noted that each new
building on the University campus had an impact on the Town's transportation
system and future transit needs. Mr.
Waldon noted that revisions were currently being made to the Town's five-year
transit plan.
Computerized Traffic Signal System
Mayor Broun requested an update on
the Town's computerized signal system.
Mr. Horton said system implementation was on schedule. He stated that television monitoring of some
intersections would occur in the future.
Mr. Horton stated that efforts were being made to minimize the cost of
right-of-way and underground wiring for the traffic signal system. Council Member Wilkerson inquired whether
anything could be done to mitigate traffic bottlenecks occurring in the middle
of Town following special events at the Smith Events Center. Mr. Horton said that the new traffic signal
system was designed to be responsive to individual situations. Council Member Wilkerson asked whether
automatic signal light blinking was possible.
Mr. Horton said yes.
Traffic Management Plan
Council Member Andresen inquired
whether it was possible to adopt a transportation management ordinance which would
apply to the University and UNC Hospitals.
Mr. Karpinos said such a legislative authorization had been requested
but not received. Council Member
Andresen said that the University had attempted to implement some traffic
management plans, while the UNC Hospitals had not made any such effort. Council Member Brown noted that the
Transportation Board was in the process of developing a transportation
management plan. Mayor Broun suggested
that the Council wait to receive the Transportation Board's report prior to
considering action on a transportation management plan. Council Member Capowski inquired about
parking requirements for the Top of the Hill replacement project. Mr. Horton said the matter of downtown
parking requirements would be discussed at the Council's January 21st public
hearing.
School Facilities
Council Member Andresen expressed
concern that the school system did not always share its plans for future school
development. Council Member Werner
concurred, noting that the school system would have to provide information
relative to the upcoming bond referendum.
Mayor Broun said informal contact was needed between himself and the
school board.
Solid Waste Management
Mayor Broun noted that a work session
on the solid waste reduction report was suggested for February 5th at 5:30
p.m. Mayor Broun requested a brief
update on the landfill site selection process.
Mr. Horton noted that he had provided a brief summary of the site
selection process to the Council in mid-December. He also noted that Council Member Rimer had recently been
appointed Chairperson of the Landfill Owners Group. Council Member Rimer said that site recommendations would be made
in May or June. He noted that the
Landfill Owners Group would make the final site recommendation to the Towns of
Chapel Hill and Carrboro and Orange County.
Council Member Chilton inquired about the status of diversion of ash
from the landfill. Mr. Horton said the University
was currently entertaining a proposal from a vendor to store ash in a
monofill. He noted that Town staff had
requested an opportunity to make a counterproposal to the University. Council Member Andresen inquired whether ash
was legally permitted in the landfill.
Council Member Werner said yes, noting that a specific exemption was
provided for disposal of ash. Mr.
Horton noted that if the University chose to divert ash from the landfill, it
would be necessary to increase landfill tip fees in the future. Council Member Chilton asked whether ash
diversion would lengthen the life of the landfill. Mr. Horton said no.
Council Member Rimer noted that ash was used to fill in the borrowed
area at the landfill site.
Private Wastewater System
Regulations
Mr. Horton said the matter of private
wastewater system regulations might be a more appropriate area of concern for
Orange County. Council Member Andresen
concurred, noting that the County could play an important role in assuring that
current systems were operating safely.
Mr. Waldon noted that the County was currently examining individual
private wastewater systems.
Public Facilities Ordinance
Mr. Waldon noted that the concept of
tying development proposals to adequacy of roadways and other infrastructure
appeared to a low-priority item. He
added that the staff was examining future growth patterns for the Town. Council Member Andresen said that a public
facilities ordinance was a sensible idea, but relatively little development
activity was occurring at present.
Noting that the timing and pace of development activity could change
rapidly, Mayor Broun suggested that the Council continue to think about the
concept of a public facilities ordinance.
Council Member Andresen noted that there was not much undeveloped area
for commercial development. Mr. Horton
said that the primary potential areas were the Franklin Street corridor
redvelopment area, Eastowne and the future Chapel Hill North site.
Financial Future Task Force
Mayor Broun reviewed the concept of
the task force, noting that its principal mission would be to examine questions
of revenue and the need to diversify the Town's tax base. Mayor Broun noted that the group could be
composed of individuals from different disciplines and income levels. Mayor Broun said he anticipated one or more
Council Members serving on the task force.
Council Member Andresen said it was important that the committee be a
Council committee, with a carefully drawn charge. Council Member Werner noted the importance of developing a think
tank group with officials from the Towns of Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange
County to discuss equitable division of costs for services provided. Noting that Council Member Werner's idea was
good one, Mayor Broun added that the Town had some of its own unique financial
challenges.
Council Member Werner noted that the
group would have to given a very careful charge. Council Member Brown said that a representative of environmental
interests should be appointed to the group.
Mayor Broun suggested that the staff develop a implementation plan for
the task force. He added that
preliminary discussions could begin with other governments. Council Member Herzenberg noted the
importance of identifying the Town's interest in the group's activities. Council Member Werner noted that task force
was intended to formulate ideas, rather than take action. He said the task force would provide local
officials with a menu of potential options for implementation. Council Member Andresen noted that the
generation of alternate revenue sources was very important. Mr. Horton said he would prepare a draft
proposal concerning the task force for the Council's consideration.
Senior Activities Center
Council Member Rimer noted that he
and Finance Director Jim Baker were trying to obtain information from Orange
County concerning the percentage of residential property taxes paid by senior
citizens. Council Member Rimer said he
estimated this percentage was in the range of twenty-five to thirty
percent. Council Member Andresen noted
that the Town's recreation department was currently providing some programs for
older residents. Council Member Rimer
said he was suggesting that the Council examine the types of services being
offered to various demographic groups.
Council Member Capowski stated that
the Town could reach a large number of people through the Senior Center at very
little cost. Parks and Recreation
Commission member Herschel Slater noted that the Town's Parks Department had a
specialist for seniors programs. He
noted that the Town was contributing more to the Senior Center than money. Mayor Broun emphasized the importance of
taking into account the Town's older residents when resource allocation
occurred. Council Member Herzenberg
noted that a recent study had concluded that the Town's senior population was
relatively static in terms of growth.
Council Member Herzenberg said he concurred with Council Member Rimer's
goal of identifying which services being provided for various demographic
groups. Mayor Broun said that Council
Member Rimer would report back to the Council on the Senior Center situation in
the near future.
The Mayor and Council took a break
between 2:20 and 2:30 p.m.
Council Member Andresen noted that a
utility agreement was currently being negotiated between the Town of
Hillsborough and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.
Cable Television Service
Mr. Horton noted that a request for
transfer of the Town's cable franchise to American Television Corporation had
been received.
He noted that the Council could not
reasonably deny the transfer. Mr.
Horton said he had met with American Television Corporation officials, who had
offered to individually contact existing cable customers who had filed complaints
with the Town concerning cable service.
Council Member Andresen inquired whether any terms of the existing
franchise agreement could be changed in connection with the transfer. Mr. Horton said this was not
permissible. He noted that the franchise
review process would begin with a Council public hearing on February 3rd. Council Member Andresen suggested that the
provision of free access to Town Council meetings was a good idea. Council Member Capowski inquired whether
local governments could regulate cable television rates. Mr. Horton said no, noting that there was
very little possibility of local rate regulation being restored in the near
future. Council Member Werner inquired
about the likelihood of competitive bidding for the cable franchise. Mr. Feller said this was very unlikely.
Role of Staff in Policy
Development
Council Member Andresen inquired
whether the Council wanted to provide the staff with different direction
concerning development review. Council
Member Brown expressed concern that recent staff recommendations concerning the
proposed Thoroughfare Plan were in opposition to Council policy. Council Member Werner said he was more
comfortable receiving the staff's professional opinion, rather than policy
recommendations. Council Member Brown
requested elucidation concerning staff recommendations on the Thoroughfare
Plan. Mr. Waldon said staff
recommendations for the Laurel Hill Parkway and Thoroughfare Plan were regional
recommendations, rather than the Town alone.
He noted that Laurel Hill Parkway was not included in the proposed
southern small area plan. Mr. Horton
noted that legal constraints relating to development issues limited the number
of options that staff could recommend to the Council.
Advisory Boards and Commissions
Council Member Herzenberg suggested
that meeting with individual boards and commissions on a quarterly basis was a
good idea. He also suggested that
boards and commissions receive orientation sessions concerning meeting conduct. Council Member Andresen suggested that the
Council assign members as liaisons to each board and commission. Council Member Rimer noted that during his
service as Planning Board Chairperson, he had suggested that chairs of
development-related boards and commissions meet frequently. Mayor Broun requested that Mr. Horton poll
Council Members concerning board and commission liaison preferences.
Council Member Capowski inquired how
the Council could enhance the process for soliciting board and commission
applicants. Mayor Broun noted that a
screening committee for Orange Water and Sewer Authority applicants had been
suggested. Council Member Brown
expressed concern that this approach would defeat the purpose of advisory
boards. Council Member Herzenberg noted
that the Council was well-served by its appointees. He urged the Council to have establish and maintain better
contact with boards and commissions.
Council Member Andresen said she was
not entirely satisfied with the manner in which appointments occurred. Council Member Rimer noted that advisory
boards and commissions were asked to make appointment recommendations to the
Council. Council Member Werner said
that board and commission appointments were ultimately the Council's
decision.
Council Member Capowski said that the
Council could give greater visibility to boards and commissions by making
appointments earlier in the Council's agenda.
Council Member Chilton expressed support for the concept of a Council
screening committee for OWASA applicants.
Noting that it was often difficult to read individual applications,
Council Member Werner suggested that board and commission applicants type or
use dark ink to fill out applications.
Interaction with State Legislature
Council Member Brown said that the
Council might want to consider establishing a delegation to meet with House
Speaker Dan Blue to discuss alternative revenue sources and related
matters. Mr. Horton noted that the
record was clear that the local legislative delegation had been willing to
assist the Council. He suggested that
the Council consider meeting with the legislators when the legislature was not
in session. Mayor Broun suggested that
Council Member Brown formalize a proposal to the Council on her suggestion.
Quarterly Planning and Reporting
Sessions
Mr. Horton suggested that the Council
continue its annual full-day planning sessions. He noted that the Council could also hold quarterly planning
sessions. Mr. Horton briefly outlined a
possible format and schedule for such sessions. Council Member Andresen said that the sessions were a good
idea. She noted that the proposed
format for the sessions might be modified slightly.
Mr. Horton said he could poll the
Council concerning suggested times for the quarterly sessions.
Financial Overview
Mr. Horton reported that an estimated
shortfall of $300,000 to $350,000 was projected for the current year due to the
weak economy. He noted that expenditure
reductions were occurring, including holding some vacant positions open. Mr. Horton also said that capital purchases
also were being deferred. He said that
small capital projects such as paving of the Cedar Falls Park parking lot were
recommended for deferral. Mr. Horton
said he would seek the Council's guidance in making program cuts. He noted that emphasis would be placed on
the provision of essential services. He
also noted that landfilling, worker's compensation, health care and other program
costs would increase in the future. Mr.
Horton noted the need for an improved accounting system and the maintenance of
an equitable compensation system. Mr.
Horton said that he would not be able to recommend market adjustments or merit
pay increases to the Council for the next fiscal year.
Transportation Fund
Mr. Horton noted that the Town might
receive up to one-third less Federal transit funding, due to the Town's
inclusion in the Durham Urbanized Area.
He said that the Town would now be competing with other major cities and
systems for funding. Mr. Horton said he
welcomed the Council's guidance and thoughts concerning how to receive maximum
Federal transit funding. Council Member
Werner requested that Mr. Horton outline proposed strategies in a detailed
memorandum to the Council. Mr. Horton
said he would do so, adding that the Town needed to seek the University's and
Town of Carrboro's assistance in securing transit funding.
Council Member Andresen requested a
clarification of the Manager's recommendation concerning the proposed Capital
Improvements Program. Mr. Horton said
he was recommending that there be no small capital improvement projects during
1992-1993. Noting that the Council
requested many reports from the staff, Council Member Werner urged Council
Members to carefully consider such requests in light of reduced staff and other
resources. Mayor Broun said the staff
could assist the Council by outlining the impact of such requests. Council Member Herzenberg requested a
summary listing of the Council's requests from the day's planning session. Mr. Horton said he would provide this
information.
Noting that the $296,000 fire
protection revenue had not increased in eight years, Council Member Capowski
inquired whether the Town had a cost estimate for the provision of fire
protection on the University campus. Mr.
Horton said Representative Hackney had indicated that this amount would not
change in the foreseeable future.
Council Member Andresen inquired whether the Town was required to
provide fire protection service even if no funds were received from the State. Mr. Horton said yes. Council Member Capowski inquired whether the
actual cost of fire protection service to the University had been determined. Mr. Horton said the staff could estimated
exposures to the Town, but was not certain that this product would change
anything. Council Member Andresen
inquired whether information was available on the number of fire calls on the
University campus. Mr. Horton said such
information was gathered.
Council Member Brown inquired about
trends in fees. Mr. Horton said that
most fees were static or decreasing.
Mr. Horton said he recommended being more aggressive with user fees,
since they were an untapped source for recovering higher percentages of costs.
Council Member Werner said he was not
sure whether the Town was doing a good job of including low-income individuals
in some programs.
Council Guidelines on Budget
Preparation
Council Member Werner inquired about
the status of the new accounting and management information system. Mr. Horton reported that interviews for the
Town Accountant position were underway.
He added that necessary hardware and software for the system would be
quite expensive. Mr. Horton noted that
attempts had been made to work out arrangements with Orange County concerning
use of their computer system. Mr. Baker
said negotiations with Orange County officials were continuing. Council Member Rimer inquired about the
projected hardware and software costs.
Mr. Horton said approximately $60,000, of which $30,000 to $50,000 was
for software. Council Member Rimer
suggested that the system could be implemented incrementally. Mr. Horton said that if the Council favored
moving ahead on system acquisition, he could reprioritize other programs. Mr. Horton said he could provide a report on
the accounting system to the Council at its January 27th meeting. Mayor Broun noted that the system would not
be available for preparing the 1992-1993 budget.
Council Member Andresen requested
that the staff prepare a no tax increase budget for the Council's
consideration. Mayor Broun asked
whether this was possible. Mr. Horton
said yes, adding that he would outline selective program cuts. Council Member Rimer noted that tradeoffs
would be necessary as part of the budget process. Council Member Brown suggested that the budget process include
more time for general discussion.
Council Member Rimer said the Council had reviewed the budget on a
segmented and general basis. Council
Member Brown said she felt that things had been pushed at the last minute. Council Member Andresen inquired when the
Manager would present a recommended budget to the Council. Mr. Baker said the Manager's recommended
budget would be presented on April 27th.
Mr. Horton noted that he would present a preliminary budget recommendation
to the Counci on March 1st.
Council Member Werner noted that the
budget was ultimately the Council's responsbility. Mr. Horton said the key to next year's budget was a structurally
smaller revenue base. He noted the
importance of the Council talking to the legislative delegation about
alternative revenue sources.
Clerical and Administrative
Support
Mr. Horton provided an overview of
the Assistant to the Mayor position, noting that most Council Members required
little administrative and clerical support.
Mayor Broun said Assistant to the Mayor Lisa Price would be avaiable for
assistance to the Council. Council
Member Andresen said it was a good idea to update the Mayor's Assistant job
description. Council Member Rimer said
the proposed new description was quite good.
Mayor Broun said he would encourage open communication with the Council.
Council Member Werner commended Mayor
Broun for concluding the session twenty-two minutes earlier than scheduled.
The planning session concluded at
4:08 p.m.