MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE

TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL, TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1994 AT 7:30 P.M.

Mayor Broun called the meeting to order. Council Members in attendance were Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Mark Chilton, Pat Evans, Lee Pavão, Barbara Booth-Powell, James Protzman and Rosemary Waldorf (arrived at 7:37 p.m.). Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller and Finance Director James Baker.

Noting that no property tax increase was proposed, Mr. Horton presented an overview of the preliminary budget and Capital Improvements Program.

Barbara Foggie requested that the Town evaluate existing street lighting conditions in the Sunset Drive area. She also requested that staff investigate the possibility of installing speed bumps on Sunset Drive and on adjoining streets. Ms. Foggie stated that improved lighting in the area would discourage drug sales and other illegal activities on Sunset Drive. Mayor Broun requested that staff investigate the matter further as soon as possible. Mr. Horton said staff could provide a timely follow-up report.

Evelyn Dove Coleman, a local attorney and volunteer with Path Choice, a program encouraging youths to live drug-free, crime-free and illiteracy-free lives, requested that the Council allocate funding for a gymnasium at the Hargraves Center.

R.D. Smith also encouraged the Council to support the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendation on the use of bond proceeds, especially the construction of a gymnasium at Hargraves Center. Mr. Smith stated that although he had annually paid for a Chapel Hill motor vehicle decal, he never received one. He suggested that the proposed budget either eliminate the decal fee or reimburse the cost to citizens. Mayor Broun requested that the staff look into the matter further.

David Brower, a representative of Orange County Habitat for Humanity, requested the Council's continued support of affordable housing programs, especially Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Brower requested that the Council provide $22,000 in the proposed budget for second mortgage and site improvement costs for the construction of two more homes in Culbreth Park subdivision.

Jim Ward, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said the Commission had unanimously voted in favor of selling additional bonds for construction of a gymnasium at Hargraves Center, athletic fields at Northern Community Park, Phase III of the Bolin Creek Greenway and other general parks improvements. Noting that existing Town recreation facilities were operating at capacity, Mr. Ward urged the Council to take advantage of lower interest rates to sell bonds as soon as possible.

Donald Boulton, Chair of the Orange Community Housing Corporation Board of Directors, thanked the Council for their past support of the Corporation. He requested the Council's continued support of affordable housing programs.

Roscoe Reeve, representing the Law Enforcement and Support Services Committee of the Violent Crime and Drug Abuse Program, requested that the Council support the proposed Police Department budget as a means of addressing community safety concerns.

Paul Knight, also representing the Law Enforcement and Support Services Committee, requested that the Council provide funding for two additional Police Department vehicles.

Bill Farley, representing the ArtsCenter, said his organization desired more permanent funding sources from the Town and other local government agencies.

Noting the increase in persons over age 35 playing in softball and basketball leagues at the Community Center, Bob Page urged the Council to provide additional recreational facilities for Town residents.

Barbara DeLon, a volunteer at Hargraves Center, expressed her support for the construction of a gymnasium at the Center.

Steve Wallace urged the Council to provide adequate funding for a substance abuse and counseling program other than the current DARE program. Mr. Wallace said this approach was the best way to prevent violent crime and drug abuse.

James McEnery, Chairman of Tax Watch, inquired about the status of restructuring the Town's Housing Department and an ongoing employee suspension at the Police Department. He also inquired about the possibility of the Town receiving increased funding for the protection of State property within the Town's limits.

Dan Costa, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, urged the Council to support the sale of bonds for parks and recreation facilities.

Ted Parrish, representing Knolls Development Corporation, requested the Council's continued support for affordable housing programs in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area, through economic development and neighborhood revitalization programs.

Pearson Stewart, Chairperson of the Town's 1989 Parks and Open Space Bond Issue Citizens Committee, expressed his support for the sale of the remainder of the bonds.

Edwin Caldwell expressed his support for capital improvements at Hargraves Center.

Ed Harrison, representing the Cross County Community Association, said he supported funding of extra police patrol for the Durham County portion of the Town.

Pat Flood, a volunteer coach for the Town's Parks and Recreation Department, said the Department was a victim of its own success in terms of programs offered. Mr. Flood stated that more gymnasium and basketball facilities were needed in the near future.

Joann Shirer, representing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Residents Council, thanked the Council for their ongoing support of public housing programs. Ms. Shirer expressed concern about the proximity of a gas installation close to the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and South Estes Drive. Ms. Shirer requested that the Council investigate this matter further. She also requested assistance in reducing flooding problems at the South Estes Drive public housing neighborhood. Mayor Broun requested that the Manager examine the gas installation matter as soon as possible.

Maxecine Mitchell, representing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Residents Council, requested that additional funding be provided for public housing programs.

Vivian Johnson Jones said she favored the sale of bonds for construction of a gymnasium at Hargraves Center.

Harvey Reid said he favored proposed improvements at Hargraves Center. Stating that Hargraves Center was a community resource for area children, Mr. Reid said it was the job of adults to preserve a future for children.

Dorcas Roberson expressed hope that the Town and public housing residents would continue their cooperative efforts.

Noting the importance of addressing the needs of young people, Robert Humphreys expressed his support for the sale of additional parks and recreation bonds.

Stating that the Sunset Drive area was sometimes dangerous, Council Member Powell requested a staff follow-up report on the concerns raised by Ms. Foggie.

Mayor Broun thanked citizens for their comments. The hearing adjourned at 8:50 p.m.