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

TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1995

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

Mayor Broun stated that earlier today he had attended a joint appropriations committee of the General Assembly earlier in the day. He noted that Council Members Brown, Pavão and Waldorf had also attended the session about the importance of continued state and federal funding of transit programs. Mayor Broun said he had been heartened by the sentiments of legislators concerning state funding of local transit programs. Council Member Brown noted that Mr. Horton and Transportation Director Bob Godding had also attended the sessions earlier in the day, as had Carrboro Alderman Frances Shetley and Carrboro Town staff member Kenneth Withrow. She said the local legislative delegation appeared supportive of mass transit systems.

Mr. Horton stated that this evening's hearing was a continuation of the Council's budget development process. He stated that the staff had placed an emphasis on developing a budget which would continue a good service level while maintaining fiscal control at the existing property tax rate. Mr. Horton said his preliminary recommendation was to increase some fees, including bus passes and bus fares (from 60 to 75 cents). He also stated that the Landfill Owners Group would have recommendations concerning landfill tipping fees. Mr. Horton presented brief overviews of the Housing and Parking Funds. He noted that his preliminary recommendation was for an average 4.2% increase in employee compensation. Mr. Horton said he welcomed the Council's continued guidance on budgetary matters.

Mayor Broun suggested that Carrboro Mayor Eleanor Kinnaird and Housing Board Chairperson Arche McAdoo speak first to the Council about the proposed HOME and Community Development programs.

Carrboro Mayor Eleanor Kinnaird requested that the Council use HOME program funds to emphasize joint community housing ventures between local jurisdictions, through a vehicle such as a county-wide program.

Arche McAdoo, Housing Board Chair, said the Housing Board had voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the Manager's recommended Community Development program budget. He also stated that the Board had recommended adoption of Resolution 1 concerning joint cooperation between the Town, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Orange County concerning the use of HOME program funds. Mr. McAdoo also noted that the Housing Board had unanimously recommended that the Council allocate funds to the Residents Council for requested capital projects, including a van.

Item 1 Public Forum on Preliminary 1995-96 Budget

Peggy Pollitzer, President of Interfaith Council Board of Directors, said the Board was especially concerned about the ongoing need for low-income and special needs housing. She stated that a number of housing-related community programs were recommending a single capital improvements program for housing items. Ms. Pollitzer presented an overview of the proposed projects including Project Homestart, Clark Road Apartments, improvements to the Chase Park and Elliott Road communities and

the development of a new rental community by Orange Community Housing Corporation. She noted that federal matching funds were currently available for a number of these projects.

Susan Levy, Executive Director of Orange County Habitat for Humanity, said her agency had just completed two homes in the Culbreth Park subdivision. She stated that total funding of $636,000 was being requested for a variety of housing programs. Ms. Levy requested that the Council and Town staff work with Habitat for Humanity and other area housing agencies to identify funds for housing programs.

Joanne Shirer, President of the Residents Council, said it was important to provide homeownership opportunities for very-low income persons and families. Ms. Shirer also requested the Council's assistance in funding capital items suggested by the Residents Council including speed bumps, fencing and canal excavation at the South Estes Drive community and a van for resident's community activities.

Ted Parrish said the Knolls Development Association extended it thanks to the Town Council for its ongoing support. Mr. Parrish said the Knolls Development Association supported a joint community approach to addressing overall housing needs. A copy of Mr. Parrish's remarks are on file in the Town Clerk's Office.

Frank Camp, Athletic Director at Culbreth Middle School, requested the Council's support in providing funds for afterschool programs. Mr. Camp stated that such programs provided positive afterschool alternatives for young people.

Mary Ann Chomen, representing the Junior League of Orange and Durham Counties, requested the Council's fiscal support of site-based after-schools programs. She stated that these programs met the community's need for providing positive programs for young people. Ms. Chomen said that the program would serve over 180 students during the next school year.

Laurie Elliott requested the Council's support of afterschool programs. Ms. Elliott said these programs offered opportunities for her daughter to complete homework and participate in athletic activities after school.

Stating that such action would have a detrimental impact on students and working persons, Joan Pettit requested that the Council not increase bus fares. She also said it was important to encourage people to use alternative means of transit by keeping bus fares as low as possible.

Calvin Cunningham, UNC student body president, said he was especially concerned about the proposal to raise bus fares by 8%. He stated that increasing bus fares and pass prices would tend to increase the number of persons seeking parking space permits from the University, increasing the amount of traffic on area roadways.

Neil Pedersen, Superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools,

noted that the Bloomington, Indiana (site of the most recent PPP conference) school district provided very good support for after-schools programs. He noted that a total of ninety students currently participated in after-school programs at the Culbreth and Phillips schools, with 55% of these students representing minorities. Dr. Pedersen requested the Council's funding support for continuation of the after-schools program.

Lightning Brown stated that ridership had declined on the Town's bus system during the current fiscal year. He also noted that an additional five percent reduction in ridership was anticipated if fares were raised again during the next fiscal year. Stating that the bus system was a very important community asset, Mr. Brown urged the Council to pay close attention to transportation matters.

He suggested that some citizens might be willing to contribute $20 or $25 to purchase a local license plate as a means of showing support for Town transportation planning programs.

Stating that the corner of Longview and Clark Roads was quite dangerous for pedestrians, Mr. Brown also urged the Council to place the Clark Road sidewalk project high on the Town's sidewalk priority listing. He also requested that the Town review its policy regarding the determination of payments-in-lieu of sidewalk installation by developers.

James Goldstein said he was especially concerned about proposed fee increases pertaining to the landfill. He also expressed concern that no report had been received to date from the solid waste study consultant. Mr. Goldstein stated that funds had been lost from the Town's Parking Fund and one other Town department was not being run properly, necessitating the use of $120,000 of funds to correct these deficiencies. He suggested that the Town discontinue its participation in the DARE program and use these officers for other law enforcement duties. Mr. Goldstein requested that the Council consider having all Town employees work a 40 hour, rather than a 37.5 hour week, and conduct an audit review of matters such as supervisory management ratios.

James McEnery, a resident taxpayer, asked the Council to consider

using $50,000 of capital funds for sidewalk replacement projects, especially along Weaver Dairy and Piney Mountain Roads. He urged the Council to move ahead with these projects as soon as possible.

Steve Hoffman, President of the UNC Graduate Student Asociation,

said many student's only access to the University campus was through the use of the bus system. He stated that the proposed $200 for an annual bus pass was a lot of money for students to expend. Mr. Hoffman requested that the Council not raise bus fares or pass prices.

Ellen Perry said as a disabled person she depended on buses or the Town's EZ-Rider service for at least twenty trips per week for various errands. Ms. Perry stated that if bus fares or pass prices were increased, some persons would need to consider whether to buy food or ride the bus. She said that some of her disabled friends could not currently afford to buy bus passes. Ms. Perry suggested that the Council consider developing a sliding-scale price system for bus passes for disabled and low-income persons.

Frances Hargraves, a trustee of the St. Paul's AME Church, read a letter from the church requesting roadway-related repairs along Merritt Mill Road between Cameron Avenue and Rosemary Street. Ms. Hargraves said the repairs were very badly needed and should be added to the Council's project priority list.

Council Member Waldorf said she had been recently contacted by Climmon Jefferson who had reiterated his earlier request for the installation of sidewalks along Piney Mountain Road.

Mayor Broun noted that the Council had received a number of letters on budget-related concerns which would be included in the record of the hearing and on file in the Town Clerk's Office. He stated that the Council would hold its first budget work session on April 5th.

Council Member Capowski inquired whether EZ-Rider fares could be discussed at the work session. Mr. Horton said yes. Council Member Capowski asked whether the Town's fund balance was at a comfortable level. Mr. Horton said yes, noting that although the fund balance was quite conservative, it did merit watching.

Council Member Capowski inquired about the status of the Town's sidewalk plan study. Mr. Horton noted that deferral of this project had been requested when a Transportation Planner position had recently been reassigned to long-term planning projects.

Council Member Waldorf stated that the sidewalk priority list in the proposed capital program served as a good guideline for the Council. Mr. Horton noted that there had recently been a fair amount of interest in sidewalk projects.

Council Member Brown requested that staff provide a follow-up report on sidewalk requirements for the Columbia Place development proposal. Mr. Horton said staff would do so. Council Member Protzman inquired about the possibility of constructing additional temporary sidewalks for pedestrians in some areas. Mr. Horton said this was possible and would be pursued in some instances.

Noting that this year's process was his second one as a Council Member, Council Member Protzman said it was tempting to suggest that the Town do a few things really well rather than doing many little things. He requested that the Council consider think about accomplishing some big objectives while letting others wait.

Council Member Chilton noted that the Council had received a letter from Charlie Zimmerli concerning the collection of household solid waste. He inquired when and if the Council might wish to discuss this matter in greater detail. Council Member Brown stated that solid waste had been a major concern during each of her years on the Council. She suggested that the Council might wish to consider preliminary changes if the consultant's report were not completed in the near future.

Noting that it would potentially involve a significant amount of staff time, Mayor Broun asked whether the Council wished the staff to examine solid waste collection options. Mr. Horton suggested that the Council might consider having an informal preliminary discussion on this matter at its April 5th budget work session.

Council Member Capowski inquired whether the consultant's recommendation concerning unit-based pricing for refuse collection would be available in the near future. Mr. Horton said the consultant's report had been somewhat delayed by a number of concerns raised by citizens. Council Member Chilton said it was difficult to determine how much of the report would be completed in time for inclusion in the Council's budget development process.

Council Member Capowski inquired about the feasibility of making mid-year changes in refuse collection methods. Mr. Horton said this would be somewhat easier to implement if a positive financial outcome and minor changes in services or fees were involved.

Noting that the project consultant was being paid a significant amount of money, Council Member Protzman urged the Council to be cautious in proceeding in the matter. Council Member Brown said it would be prudent for the Council to have a preliminary discussion of options at the April 5th budget work session. Mayor Broun suggested that the Council could set up a process for addressing different scenarios relative to solid waste collection.

Council Member Protzman requested that staff contact the study consultant to determine an anticipated timeframe for completion of the study. Council Member Protzman said would not object to receiving a working draft of the document.

Council Member Powell asked the Council to place an emphasis on determining a good balance against inequities for funding of the HOME program. She also requested additional cost information on management improvements being suggested in the Town's community development program.

Council Member Pavão said it was very prudent for the Council to continue to provide annual funding of $50,000 each for small park improvements and greenways programs.

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

Item 2 Public Hearing on Proposed Community Development Program

Planning Director Roger Waldon said this evening's hearing was the second one to solicit public comment on suggestions for the use of community development funds. He briefly reviewed possible funding use, noting that staff recommended placing an emphasis on the renovation of public housing units. Mr. Waldon stated that final program recommendations would be made to the Council at their May 8th meeting.

Mayor Broun inquired how much of the funds were at risk in light of possible federal funding cuts in housing programs. Mr. Waldon said it would not be possible to answer this question given the number of current uncertainties. Mr. Horton noted that HUD officials had recently inquired about the possible impact of HUD program funding

cuts during the current and future years.

Mayor Broun noted that there were no additional speakers.

Council Member Waldorf requested a follow-up report from staff on

the status of the economic development component of the Town's community development program. Mr. Horton said staff would prepare such a report. Council Member Protzman requested that the report include information about the repayment of loans to date. Council Member Powell requested that her earlier comments be incorporated into the hearing record. Mayor Broun concurred with her request.

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVÃO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WALDORF, TO REFER THE MATTER TO STAFF. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

(8-0).

Item 3 Housing Comprehensive Grant Program

Housing Director Tina Vaughn reviewed the proposed plan, noting that an emphasis was being placed on the South Estes neighborhood for the abatement of lead-based paint, with the second year emphasis focusing on the Craig-Gomains neighborhood. Ms. Vaughn noted that a number of public housing residents had made suggestions about possible uses of program funds. She stated that funding of $54,450 was being requested for the inspection of renovation work and training activities for maintenance staff. Ms. Vaughn said a final recommendation on program fund use would be made at the Council's May 8th meeting.

Council Member Pavão inquired how lead-based paint was abated by the Town. Ms. Vaughn said wood around windows and window sills were removed and newly painted pieces were put into place. Mr. Horton noted that some of this work was handled by contractors especially trained in the abatement of lead-based paints. Council Member Pavão inquired whether it would be more expensive to encapsulate lead-based paint. Stating this was generally a more expensive alternative, Mr. Horton said it was preferable to remove the hazard altogether. There were no additional comments or questions.

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WALDORF, TO REFER THE MATTER TO STAFF. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

Item 4 Public Forum on HOME Program

Planning Director Roger Waldon noted that HOME program grants required a 25% match by local governments. He noted that a consortium of local programs had evolved, with Town staff recommending a three-part program, with an emphasis on rehabilitation programs. Mr. Waldon presented an overview of the proposals, noting that the Town's anticipated matching share would be approximately $46,000. He said that the Manager recommended that the Council adopt Resolution 1, directing Town staff to work with neighboring jurisdictions on developing a joint HOME program proposal.

Mayor Broun noted that there were no other citizen comments other than those offered by Mayor Kinnaird and Mr. McAdoo earlier in the meeting.

Council Member Brown requested that staff put together a listing of HOME program funding proposals from local jurisdictions. Mr. Horton said staff would do so.

Council Member Powell emphasized the importance of carefully examining equity concerns among jurisdictions concerning the use of HOME program funds.

COUNCIL MEMBER POWELL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVÃO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 1. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

COUNCIL MEMBER WALDORF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI, TO REFER THE MATTER TO STAFF. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

The hearings concluded at 8:51 p.m.