MINUTES OF A WORK SESSION HELD BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA, MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994 AT 7:30 P.M.

Mayor Broun called the work session to order. Council Members in attendance were Joyce Brown, Mark Chilton, Pat Evans, Lee Pavão, Barbara Powell, Jim Protzman and Rosemary Waldorf. Council Member Joe Capowski was absent excused. Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Finance Director James Baker and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission

Parks and Recreation Chairperson James Ward said the Commission recommended funding of several important items including improvements for compliance with guidelines the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Martin Feinstein, Commission Vice-Chair, said the Council had already committed funds to plan and build the Northern Community Park facility. He noted that existing Town recreation facilities and parks were overutilized, with no room for program expansion. Mr. Feinstein stated that new fields and facilities were needed in the near future. Noting renewed development growth activity in the Town, Mr. Feinstein urged the Council to start building a full facility at the Northern Community Park as soon as possible.

Commission Member Esphur Foster urged the Council to give the Manager the authority to use bond funds to construct a gymnasium and community center at Hargraves Park, facilities at Northern Community Park and to improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility at Town parks and recreation facilities. Ms. Foster stated that parks and recreation centers could be helpful in reducing community crime levels by keeping young people occupied.

Commission Chairperson James Ward said the Town was experiencing rapid growth, necessitating new parks and recreation facilities. He stated that it would be a good idea to begin development of parks facilities while interest rates were low.

Commission Member Dan Costa requested that the Council authorizing the issuance of bonds to expand Town basketball programs and programs at Hargraves Center.

Dean Weisenstein said the area she had moved from, Philadelphia, offered city-sponsored late-night basketball programs for young persons of all ages.

Sherry Anscher, a Commission member for four years, said the Town needed new parks facilities as soon as possible.

Gary Barnes, a Commission member for two years, urged the Council to use bond funds to construct basketball courts and athletic fields.

Eve Kedem, a new Commission member, said she was delighted to serve the Town.

Council Member Protzman said the Commission was doing a great job for the Town's residents. He expressed hope that a small area could be reserved at the Hargraves Center and Northern Community Park for skateboarding. Council Member Protzman noted that liability concerns had previously been an impediment to constructing Town skateboarding facilities and hoped that they could now be resolved.

Council Member Powell said she also appreciated the Commission's fine work. She inquired whether the Commission had considered active recreation opportunities for persons not interested in team sports. Mr. Feinstein said a variety of persons had approached the Commission about individual sports such as frisbee (disc) golf. He noted that the Commission encouraged people interested in alternative activities and facilities to speak to Commission members.

Council Member Pavão said the Northern Community Park might have space for a skateboarding facility. Council Member Pavão said he thought the Town staff could look into liability issues relative to skateboarding. Council Member Pavão thanked the Commission members for their good work.

Council Member Brown said the Commission had done a good job in generating community interest in parks and recreation programs. Council Member Brown also said she was interested in any discussions the Commission had about skateboarding and its legal ramifications.

Council Member Waldorf inquired how funds previously allocated for the Northern Community Park had been expended. Mr. Ward said approximately $50,000 had been spent for planning of baseball and soccer facilities. Council Member Waldorf said she thought the Commission's overall proposal was an excellent one.

Council Member Evans said she strongly supported parks and recreation programs. Council Member Evans said she concurred with the parks and recreation priorities outlined by the Commission.

Mayor Broun said that parks are very important to help get at the root causes of some of the community's problems. He commended the Commission's members for their efforts.

Council Member Waldorf said she would appreciate the Commission revisiting the use of the Glen Lennox property for athletic fields.

Council Member Pavão said some basic planning had occurred in this regard. He added that the Rainbow Soccer program would play an integral role in this process. Council Member Brown suggested that the Town receive information about the University's plans for the Glen Lennox fields before the Commission went too far forward in this matter. Mr. Horton said the University was in the process of considering how to respond to the Town's inquiry about how the Glen Lennox fields might be used in the future.

Greenways Commission

Commission Chair Fred Meier introduced Commission Members Paul Aloisio, Bitty Holton and Andrea Rohrbacher. Mr. Meier said the Commission requested that the Council continue its annual allocation of $50,000 for greenways and small parks improvements. He showed photographs of the Town's greenways trail including Tanyard Branch, Battle Branch and Bolin Creek greenway, Phase I.

Commission Member Andrea Rohrbacher said a desire for greenways had appeared in Town reports dating back to the 1960's. She stated that the Greenways Commission had been instrumental in overseeing the completion of the Battle and Tanyard Branch greenways trails since its inception in 1985. Ms. Rohrbacher noted that plans were being drafted for Phase II of the Bolin Creek greenway trail. She also said that the Commission was pleased that the Council had concurred with the Commission's recommendation of the "woodlands" option for Phase I of the Bolin Creek greenway. Ms. Rohrbacher noted that the Commission was concerned about poor bicycle and pedestrian access from the Bolin Creek greenway to the new library in Pritchard Park.

Commission Member Paul Aloisio said the Commission reviewed development proposals on an ongoing basis such as the construction of Fan Branch trail, the proposed new high school and various other capital improvement projects. Mr. Aloisio said the Commission went on hikes of greenways trails about once per month, most recently visiting the Southern and Northern Community Park sites and the Fan Branch trail.

Commission Member Bitty Holton presented an overview of the Commission's goals for fiscal year 1993-1994, including the acquisition of easements for greenways, improving the maintenance of greenway trails and maintaining active liaisons with other advisory boards and commissions.

Commission Chair Fred Meier said citizen advocates such as the Commission were needed to maintain the community's focus on greenways. Mr. Meier suggested the possibility of developing an overall master plan for the Bolin Creek greenway, possibly all the way to the Carrboro Town line. He also noted the possibility of developing a pedestrian trail along Dry Creek, possibly tying into the Hollow Rock area, along Erwin Road, near the Orange/Durham County line. Expanding on Ms. Rohrbacher's earlier comments, Mr. Meier suggested that the Council examine alternative means to provide access to the new library on Estes Drive from the Bolin Creek greenways trail.

Council Member Chilton commended the Commission for making a very comprehensive presentation. He inquired why the Commission recommended Phase III of the Bolin Creek Greenway as a project priority since this section would run almost parallel to a roadway and sidewalk. Mr. Meier said the Commission felt that the Council would be well-served by making Phase III of the Bolin Creek Greenway a near-term priority in the context of an overall master plan. Council Member Chilton inquired why Booker Creek was not a higher priority than Bolin Creek, Phase III. Mr. Meier said there were no specific reasons for this prioritization.

Council Member Brown thanked the Commission for a thorough presentation. She inquired whether the Commission had any suggestions relative to regional cooperation for greenways planning. Mr. Meier said the Commission was taking a broader look at greenways, particularly in concert with the City of Durham and Town of Carrboro. Council Member Brown said she was glad to hear that these efforts were taking place.

Council Member Evans inquired whether the Commission had a project wish list. Mr. Meier said yes, noting that it was frequently updated. He added that priorities were largely determined by the location of development activity. Council Member Evans inquired whether grant funds were available for the development of greenways. Mr. Meier said he was not aware of additional potential grant funds for greenways projects.

Council Member Powell inquired about the status of the Tanyard Branch greenways. Mr. Meier said efforts to restore the trail were underway, with efforts being made to improve access to the trail.

Noting the proximity of a scenic sidewalk in the area, Council Member Waldorf said she concurred with Council Member Chilton in questioning whether Phase III of the Bolin Creek Greenway trail should be a high priority. Council Member Chilton requested a staff report on expending up to $300,000 on greenways projects.

Noting that many Town residents supported greenway development, Mayor Broun said many communities less enlightened than the Town had done more with their greenways systems. Mayor Broun encouraged the Commission to work with Town staff to develop a long-range greenways plan. Council Member Waldorf inquired when the Commission would be taking its next walk of area greenway trails.

Mr. Meier said he could provide a schedule of upcoming walks to the Council. Council Member Evans inquired about the location of Westwood Park. Noting that the park was quite small, Administrative Assistant Bill Webster noted that the park was located near Dogwood Drive.

Transportation Issues

Transportation Director Bob Godding said the Transit Service Evaluation Report before the Council attempt to identify current service trends and efficiencies. He also said the best overall indicator was passengers per service hour, which was closely related to revenues. He said three exceptions to this general rule were the Blue Line, U Route and the Downtown Trolley service. Mr. Godding noted that the report outlined several items for possible modification by the Council.

Council Member Waldorf asked whether the Triangle Transit Authority was interested in taking over the Blue Line from the Town. Noting that he served on the TTA Board of Directors, Mayor Broun said the Authority was currently willing to pay more for the Town to continue operation of the Blue Line. He added that the Authority was willing to begin the process for taking over the Blue Line in the near future.

Noting that the proposals before them would mean that the Town's and University's transit service costs would be reduced, Mayor Broun inquired about the reaction of Carrboro officials to a proposed increase in their service costs. Stating that the Transit Evaluation Report had only recently been completed, Mr. Horton said there had been no reaction from the Town of Carrboro as yet. Mayor Broun said it would be a good idea to share the report with Town of Carrboro officials as soon as possible.

Council Member Brown asked whether passengers had been notified of possible cuts in service along the A and G bus routes. Mr. Godding noted that no notification had been provided since no service cuts were proposed in the Manager's recommended budget. He added that federal regulations required the Town to hold a public hearing if a transit service reduction of 20% or greater was being contemplated. Mr. Horton said staff was seeking Council direction this evening on possible changes in transit service.

Council Member Brown inquired about possible ramifications of fare increases and other possible changes on the Manager's recommended budget. Mr. Horton said this was contingent upon the Council's action concerning possible changes in transit service levels. He added that if substantial changes were proposed by the Council, it might be possible to somewhat reduce the proposed fare increase.

Mr. Horton stated that funds from possible service reductions could also be used to change the tax rate or be directed to other programs as directed by the Council.

Council Member Evans asked how additional revenues from the Tarheel Express were allocated. Mr. Godding said the only change in Tarheel Express fares was that the senior citizen discount had been eliminated. He stated that Tarheel Express fares were treated as general system farebox revenues. Mr. Godding added that Tarheel Express service would likely be offered from additional locations in the future. Council Member Evans inquired whether the Transportation Department staff compared routine maintenance costs for standard operations such as oil changes to costs charged by local vendors. Mr. Godding said although some cost comparisons had been made, Town vehicle maintenance employees were much more familiar with the vehicles than employees of private vehicle maintenance firms. He added that the Town's vehicle maintenance costs were competitive with private vendor maintenance costs.

Council Member Evans asked whether any bus vehicle services were contracted out. Mr. Godding said none of the Town's routine repairs were contracted out.

Council Member Chilton inquired how much of the projected $190,000 in savings from possible transit service reductions were reflected in the Manager's recommended budget. Mr. Horton said none, noting that the staff had outlined some options for possible reduction in transit service. Council Member Chilton said although he did not advocate all of the proposed changes, he thought some of the ideas merited further discussion.

Noting that he enjoyed the Town's trolley service, Council Member Protzman inquired about the possibility of expanding the length of trolley route to Eastgate while maintaining a good presence in the downtown area. Mr. Godding said the trolley route had originally been established in concert with the Downtown Commission to provide dedicated service to the downtown area. He added that trolley service had been modified to include portions of the University campus and UNC Hospitals.

Council Member Protzman inquired whether mechanical limitations precluded expansion of the trolley route. Mr. Godding said the principal limiting factor was that trolleys had a seating capacity of 25, compared to 37 on standard buses. He added that more persons tended to ride trolleys during warmer months. Mr. Horton stated that trolleys generally had a lower number of passengers per service hour than regular buses. Council Member Brown inquired about options for increasing the number of trolley passengers during colder months. Mr. Godding noted that the center compartment had a heating and air conditioning unit. He stated that the staff could look into the possibility of sealing or insulating the trolley during colder weather.

Council Member Evans said although she was an advocate for the trolley, she stated that people generally did not know the trolley's route or purpose due to poor publicity. She urged the staff to work with the Downtown Commission to develop publicity for the trolley.

Council Member Brown said the trolley provided a limited kind of service while the other buses provided service in the same area for much wider needs should remain so. She inquired about special buses being used by the University. Mr. Godding stated that the University offered a point-to-point demand responsive service to provide security-type transportation for students and other persons in the campus area.

Council Member Pavão said he concurred with Council Member Evans to more widely publicize and promote ridership of the downtown trolley service. He suggested that approaches to improve ridership and publicity of the trolley might be discussed at the May 17th public hearing on the Downtown Service District. Council Member Pavão said the hearing would also offer an opportunity for public comment on the trolley service in general.

Council Member Waldorf said the Council had been prudent in requesting a report on the Town's transit system. Council Member Waldorf also said she was glad that the staff had provided the Council with options relative to levels of transit service.

Noting that federal transit funding would likely be reduced in the future, Council Member Chilton suggested that the Council examine methods for additional State funding and other options such as parking taxes. Council Member Brown stated that the State General Assembly was being lobbied on this matter.

Mayor Broun stated that no reduction in the area's Blue Line bus service was proposed.

Mr. Horton noted that the proposed bus fare increase from 60 to 75 cents would help to recover a larger portion of total operating costs and to offset reductions in federal funding. Mr. Godding noted that the Town's federal transit had been reduced to $928,000. Council Member Chilton asked whether a fare increase was anticipated for the U bus route. Mr. Godding said this fare would likely increase from 30 cents to 35 cents if approved by the Council.

Noting that students at some other Universities had increased bus ridership by cooperatively providing bus passes to students, Council Member Evans inquired whether this option had been explored with the University. Mr. Godding stated that although staff was open to discussions about the possibility of prepaid fares, there had been no strong indication that the University wished to pursue this option. Council Member Chilton said it might be interesting to further explore the matter with the University.

Council Member Waldorf inquired about the involvement of the Transportation Board in possible route modifications. Mr. Godding said possible route modifications and the system's evaluation report had been discussed with the Board.

The work session concluded at 9:23 p.m.