SUMMARY OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHAPEL HILL

TOWN COUNCIL,  MONDAY, MAY 12, 1997 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order.  Council Members in attendance were Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Mark Chilton, Richard Franck, Lee Pavao and Edith Wiggins.   Council Member Pat Evans was absent excused.  Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Planning Director Roger Waldon and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

 

There were no ceremonies or hearings.

 

Item 3   Petitions

 

Scott Radway presented a petition requesting expedited Council review of a revised zoning plan for the proposed Presque Isle development.  Mr. Radway said that the revised request was for a maximum of eight units per acre.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON, TO RECEIVE AND REFER MR. RADWAY’S PETITION TO STAFF.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Steve Wallace requested that the Council discontinue the DARE program at area schools.  Mr. Wallace stated that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction had some very effective, no cost anti-drug programs which could be used in lieu of the DARE program. He also petitioned the Council to discontinue the Police Department’s DARE programs at the Saint Thomas More School.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN,  TO RECEIVE AND REFER MR. WALLACE’S PETITION.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON, TO RECEIVE AND REFER A PETITION FROM MR. MICHAEL HINING REGARDING A REQUEST FOR RESCHEDULING OF THE HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ROSEMARY WEST APARTMENT PROJECT.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Keith Edwards, President of  the Northside Community Association,  requested the Council’s assistance in repairing dangerous street conditions in the Northside neighborhood.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK, TO RECEIVE AND REFER MS. EDWARDS’ PETITION.   THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

 

Council Member Capowski shared a brief account of his recent visit to Philadelphia for the President’s Summit on Volunteerism.   Council Member Capowski said the main focus of the summit was getting volunteers to assist with the needs of  at-risk youth.  Noting that regional or state summits on volunteerism were being planned, Council Member Capowski said he would provide additional information on these matters to the Council in the future.

 

Council Member Capowski expressed concern that it appeared that citizens had not been given a chance to speak and were discouraged from speaking, at a recent Planning Board meeting regarding the five special use permits for the proposed Meadowmont development.

 

Council Member Capowski also said he was very uncomfortable that one of the Planning Board members was on the applicant’s payroll.  Stating that this member had participated in the discussion of, and voted on, the Meadowmont special use permits, Council Member Capowski suggested that the Council address this matter in some fashion.

 

Council Member Andresen added that she had also been at the meeting and felt uneasy about the unpleasant “back and forth” between citizens and the Board.   She suggested that the Planning Board and the public be equally charged with treating one another with respect.

 

Ms. Andresen read part of a letter that she had written which addressed this issue of the lack of ample time given to the public to voice their opinion and that both Board and public be charged with treating each other with respect. Her motion was a request to refer the text of the letter to the Manager.

 

Mayor Waldorf noted that although Council Member Capowski’s and Andresen’s statement were linked, they  differed enough to warrant two separate petitions.

 

Council Member Franck asked whether or not  the Town’s obligation to provide due process might have been damaged because of this Board meeting.  Mr. Karpinos said it was legal interpretation that the Planning Board member did not have a conflict of interest which would require him to be excused from this matter.

 

Council Member Franck reiterated his point about the deprivation of due process due to the inadequate time for  public review and comments.

 

Mayor Waldorf inquired whether or not public notice requirements had been followed. Mr. Horton said he would check to make sure that proper requirements had been followed.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, FOR STAFF TO DRAFT A LETTER TO ADVISORY BOARDS, SUBJECT TO COUNCIL APPROVAL, REGARDING THE PROCESS FOR RECEIVING PUBLIC COMMENTS.   THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Council Member Andresen then requested that the question of the conflict of interest be revisited as she was not completely satisfied with the Attorney’s response.   Council Member Capowski added that although he respected the legal opinion of the Town Attorney, he was still not happy with what he had seen and supported Council Member Andresen’s request.

 

Noting that she would be out of town on May 27th, Council Member Andresen requested that the Council reschedule its discussion of the Comprehensive Plan to another date.  The Council agreed to reschedule the discussion to the June 23rd meeting.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI, REQUESTING THAT MAYOR WALDORF DRAFT A LETTER TO THE HORACE WILLIAMS ZONING COMMITTEE, REQUESTING THAT A LIST OF TERMS AND USES RELATIVE TO THE AIRPORT AREA BE CLARIFIED.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY  (8-0).

 

Council Member Brown brought forward a request from the Westside Neighborhood Association requesting a four-way stop sign at the corner of Ransom and McCauley Streets.

 

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

 

Mayor Waldorf inquired whether the Council was willing to have a budget work session on Wednesday evening if the public hearing on the budget were concluded by 8:30 p.m.  There was Council concurrence on this matter.

 

Mayor Waldorf noted that Council Member Evans had requested that the Council delay discussion of the Procedures Manual to another evening.  There was Council concurrence to discuss the matter at a  future  meeting.

 

Item 4.1   Consent Agenda

 

Council Member Brown expressed appreciation to Ms. Nunn and her daughter Judy relative to their assistance with the special use permit for the Neville tract.

 

Mayor Waldorf congratulated Town staff for the study of all area creek basins.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON, TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, EXCEPTING ITEM N.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

(97-5-12/R-1)

 

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

 

a.            a.   Nominations to  the Board of Adjustment,  Parks and Recreation Commission and Transportation Board.Possible sale of Town-owned land on Laurel Hill Road

 

a.       Purchase of Public Works equipment including  lease-purchase financing agreement. (R-2a-c).

b.      Construction of bus shelters (R-3).

c.       Lease of a trolley  bus to local governments in eastern North Carolina (R-4).

d.      Playground equipment for the Community Center on Estes Drive (R-5a) and related budget change (O-1a).

e.       Supporting  designation of the Triangle Transit Authority to receive  federal grants  for  its transit operating costs (R-6).

f.        Contract for the 1997 financial audit (R-7).

g.       Agreement for study of the Bolin, Booker and Morgan  Creek drainage areas (R-8).

h.       Expedited review of special use application for removal of soil from the Neville tract for use in the Orange Regional Landfill on Eubanks Road (R-9).

i.         Corrected resolution regarding allocations within three phases of selling $13.5 million of bonds approved by the voters in November (R-10).

j.        Calling a public hearing on a request to close an unused right-of-way abutting Howell Street (R-10.1).

k.      Recommended amendment to the Personnel Ordinance allowing donation of vacation leave (O-2).

l.         Location of future wastewater discharge by the Town of Cary into the Cape Fear River Basin (R-10.2). Mayor Waldorf.

m.     Letter from Bruce Ballentine (R-10.3).

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A BACKHOE/LOADER (97-5-12/R-2a)

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has solicited formal bids by legal notice in The Chapel Hill News/Village Advocate Classifieds on March 5, 1997, in accordance with G. S. 143-129 for the purchase of a backhoe/loader; and

 

WHEREAS, the following bids have been received and opened on March 20, 1997:

 

            VENDOR                                                                    BID

 

E.     F. Craven Co.                                                                    $62,017.00

(Bid did not include required 5% Bid Bond)

 

R.    W. Moore Equipment Co., Inc.                                          $69,500.00

 

North Carolina Equipment Company                                         $54,219.00; and

 

WHEREAS, as the bid from North Carolina Equipment Company was found to be the lowest responsive bid;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Town accepts the lowest responsive bid of North Carolina Equipment Company in the amount of $54,219.00.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A UTILITY MAINTENANCE CLEANER (97-5-12/R-2b)

 

WHEREAS, The Town of Chapel Hill has solicited formal bids by legal notice in The Chapel Hill News/Village Advocate Classifieds on March 5, 1997, in accordance with G. S. 143-129 for the purchase of a utility maintenance cleaner; and

 

WHEREAS, the following bids have been received and opened on March 20, 1997:

 

            VENDOR                                                                    BID

 

The Lely Corporation                                                               $28,240.00

Wilson, N. C.

 

Sewer Equipment Co. of America                                             $22,982.00

Glenview, Illinois

 

O’Brien Equipment                                                                   $24,299.00

Winamac, Indiana

 

Jet-Vac Sanitary Services, Inc.                                     $27,323.79; and

Sumter, S. C.

 

WHEREAS, as the bid from Sewer Equipment Co. of America was found to be the lowest responsive bid;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of  the Town of Chapel Hill that the Town accepts the lowest responsive bid of Sewer Equipment Co. of America in the amount of $22,982.00.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE LEASE PURCHASE PROPOSAL FOR A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE BACKHOE/LOADER, A TRAILER MOUNTED UTILITY MAINTENANCE CLEANER AND A 1-TON UTILITY TRUCK FROM  BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST (97-5-12/R-2c)


WHEREAS,  the Council of Town of Chapel Hill has authorized the following purchases:

 

ITEM                                       VENDOR                                                        BID

 

backhoe/loader             North Carolina Equipment Company                 $54,219.00

 

utility maintenance cleaner         Sewer Equipment co. of America                      $22,982.00

Glenview, Illinois

 

1-ton utility truck                      Capital Ford, Raleigh, NC                                $25,609.20

cab & chassis

 

1-ton utility truck body  Simpson Equipment Co., Wilson, NC   $ 3,500.00; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill solicited and received competitive proposals from financial institutions for the lease purchase of this equipment; and

 

WHEREAS,  Branch Banking and Trust offers the lowest fixed interest rate of 4.9% for the five year term for this purchase;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Branch Banking and Trust on behalf of the Town for the lease purchase of a four wheel drive backhoe/loader, a trailer mounted utility maintenance cleaner and a 1-ton utility truck at an interest rate of  4.91%.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforesaid contracts by and between the Town of Chapel Hill and N.C. Equipment Company, Sewer Equipment Co. of America, Capital Ford and Simpson Equipment Co., together with the amounts to be paid thereunder, be and the same are hereby designated as  qualified tax-exempt obligations of the Town of Chapel Hill for purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  that the Council does not reasonably expect that the Purchaser (and any subordinate entities) will issue more than $10,000,000 in qualified tax-exempt obligations during the current calendar year,  and the Governing Body will not designate more than $10,000,000 of qualified tax-exempt obligations pursuant to such Sections 265(b) (3) (B)(ii) during the current calendar year.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AWARDING A BID FOR SIXTEEN SHELTERS (97-5-12/R-3)

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill solicited formal bids by legal notice in The Chapel Hill News/Village Advocate on April 20, 1997, in accordance with General Statute 143-129; and

 

WHEREAS, the following bids were received and opened on May 6, 1997:

 

Bid Evaluation

 

Vendor

Total Bid

Duo-Gard Industries

$47,660.00

Brasco International, Inc.

$51,490.00

Handi-Hut

$54,365.00

Columbia Equipment Company

$55,555.00

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council award the bid to Duo-Gard Industries for manufacture and delivery of sixteen (16) Bus Shelters, as outlined in the Town’s Specifications and Invitation for Bids, in the amount of $47,660.00.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE FOR THE USE OF ONE TROLLEY BY THE INTER COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS (97-5-12/R-4)

 

WHEREAS; The Town of Chapel Hill owns two trolley buses which are not currently used in daily operation, and the lease of one trolley will not significantly affect the Town’s ability to continue the current level of service; and

 

WHEREAS; The Inter County Public Transportation Authority has received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to fund a demonstration of trolley service in the Town of Edenton, North Carolina and desires to lease a vehicle from the Town; and

 

WHEREAS; North Carolina Statue permits locals governments to lease property, vehicles and equipment; and

 

WHEREAS; the terms and conditions of the attached lease would be financially beneficial to the Town and will hold the Town harmless from any liability or damages resulting from this lease of a trolley to the Inter County Public Transportation Authority,

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chapel Hill Town Council approves the terms and conditions of the lease and authorizes the Town Manager to execute this agreement with the Inter County Public Transportation Authority.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS, INCLUDING ALL ALTERNATES, AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUND (97-5-12/R-5a)

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has solicited formal bids by advertisement in the Chapel Hill News/Village Advocate on March 30, 1997 and directly to twenty-one (21) vendors, including five (5) minority business organizations; and

 

WHEREAS, the following bids were received and opened on April 16, 1997:

 

VENDOR                                                                                           BASE BID

 

Bassnight and Associates                                                                     $61,809.94

 

Cunningham and Associates                                                                 $42,752.00

 

Playground Environments                                                                     $51,676.00

 

Peggs Recreation                                                                                 $52,736.13

 

Swings-N-Things                                                                                 $46,130.00

 

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Town accepts the bid and awards a contract to Cunningham and Associates that includes the base bid of $42,752 and all alternates for a total of $56,953

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1996 (97-5-12/O-1a)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Budget Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue fir the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 1996 as duly adopted on June 10, 1996 be and the same is hereby amended as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

                                                            Center                                                                          Revised

APPROPRIATIONS                          Budget               Increase                 Decrease                Budget

 

GENERAL FUND

  Non-Departmental

    Transfer to Capital

    Improvements Fund                       170,000                18,750                                              188,750

 

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

FUND                                            1,723,838                18,750                                           1,742,588

 

ARTICLE II

 

REVENUES

 

GENERAL FUND

  Other Revenues                               247,380                  1,050                                              248,430

  Fund Balance                                1,922,104                17,700                                           1,939,804

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

FUND

  Transfer from General Fund              170,000                18,750                                              188,750

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF THE RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AS RECIPIENT FOR FEDERAL FORMULA FUNDING  (97-5-12/R-6)

 

WHEREAS, the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority is a publicly owned operator of transit services; and

 

WHEREAS, Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority wishes to receive Federal transportation assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53 title 23 United States Code, and other Federal statutes administered by the Federal Transit Administration; and

 

WHEREAS,  Article 26, Section 160A-603(e) of the North Carolina General Statues says "The Authority may become a Designated Recipient pursuant to the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 as amended"; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill as an publicly owned operator of transit services, is required under Federal Transit Administration circular 9030.1B to concur in the designation of TTA as a recipient for federal funds in our area; and

 

WHEREAS, funds will be allocated to the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority after funds are allocated to other recipients under the formula that applies to the funding source such that the other recipients, Chapel Hill Transit and the Durham Area Transit Authority, will receive the allocation they would have received under the formula without the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority's participation in the funding program; and

 

WHEREAS, all Federal funds received by the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority will be programmed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization through the Unified Planning Work Program and Transportation Improvement Program and the allocation of funds will be reviewed annually.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council supports the designation of the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority as a recipient for federal funds in the Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro Urbanized Area so long as such designation does not reduce the amount of federal funding that the Town would receive if TTA was not so designated.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE ANNUAL AUDIT CONTRACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996-97 (97-5-12/R-7)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign a contract with the Certified Public Accounting firm of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP in an amount not to exceed $37,100.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR A  STUDY OF THE BOLIN, BOOKER, AND MORGAN CREEK DRAINAGE BASINS UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE PLANNING ASSISTANCE TO STATES PROGRAM. (97-5-12/R-8)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill is aware of problems which result from periodic flooding of the Town’s major streams; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council is interested in identifying potential measures to mitigate such flooding; and

 

WHEREAS, the contributing drainage areas of the Town’s major streams include land under the jurisdiction of not only the Town of Chapel Hill, but also the Town of Carrboro, Orange County, and the University of North Carolina; and

 

WHEREAS, Orange County, The Town of Carrboro, and The University of North Carolina have agreed to participate equally in the cost of a study of the Bolin, Booker, and Morgan Creek drainage basins.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to execute an agreement with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a study of the Bolin, Booker, and Morgan Creek Drainage Basins under Section 22 of the Planning Assistance to States Program.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPEDITED PROCESSING OF AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR REMOVING DIRT FROM THE NEVILLE TRACT  (97-5-12/R-9)

 

WHEREAS, the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and Orange County have jointly purchased the 14.4 acre Neville tract to provide approximately 200,000 cubic yards of soil for the construction and operation of the Orange Regional Landfill; and

 

WHEREAS  representatives of the Landfill Owners Group have an agreement with neighbors of the Neville tract that includes the recording of a Special Use Permit; and

 

WHEREAS,  the landfill needs soil from the Neville tract this summer in order to have the next cell ready to receive waste by the time the current cell must be closed early in 1998;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Manager is authorized to provide expedited processing for the Neville tract Special Use Permit, including calling a pubic hearing for June 16, 1997.

 

This is the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO PROCEED TO IMPLEMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE PROCEEDS OF 1996 BONDS  (97-5-12/R-10)

 

WHEREAS, the voters of Chapel Hill have approved five bond issues, totaling $13,500,000; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill determines that the following schedule could be implemented while still continuing to provide regular Town services and maintaining a strong financial position;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Manager is hereby authorized to proceed with the preparation of bond sales and to begin implementation of the capital project according to the schedule below:

 

SCHEDULE OF BOND SALES AND PROJECTS:


 

 

Project

1997-98 & 1998-99

Funding Phase I

1999-2000 & 2000-01

Funding Phase II

2001-02 & 2002-03

Funding Phase III

 

TOTAL

 

Streetscape

 

 

       $  300,000

 

            400,000

 

         300,000

 

 

       1,000,000

Drainage Projects

 

           135,000               

            170,000

           95,000

          400,000

Drainage Assistance

 

             40,000

             40,000

            20,000

          100,000

Curbs

 

           100,000

            100,000

            100,000

          300,000

Sidewalks/Bikeway

           200,000

            200,000

            100,000

          500,000

 

 

 

 

 

No. Comm. Park

 

        1,500,000

 

 

       1,500,000

 

Hargraves Gym         

         425,000

 

 

         425,000

 

 

 

 

 

Community Center

 

        

           250,000

          2,825,000

       3,075,000

Police Improvement

 

           700,000

      

 

          700,000

Fire Station/Truck

 

           120,000

         1,180,000

 

       1,300,000

Bridge Replacement 

 

           180,000

            250,000

            270,000

          700,000

PW Improvements

 

           200,000

            210,000

             90,000

          500,000

Open Space/G’ways

 

           600,000

         1,700,000

            700,000

       3,000,000

TOTALS

 

      $4,500,000

      $4 ,500,000

       $4,500,000

    $13,500,000

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF AN UNUSED RIGHT-OF-WAY ABUTTING THE HOWELL STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY (97-5-12/R-10.1)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby declares its intent to consider closing an unused portion of right-of-way as shown on Orange County Tax Map # 7.71, and adjacent to Lots 7.71.C.19, 7.71.C.19D, and 7.71.C.21 which said right-of-way is approximately 20 to 50 feet wide with a length of 495 feet; and calls a public hearing at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, 1997 in the Council Chamber at 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 directed to arrange publication, posting, and mailing of notices of the hearing as required by law.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL (97-5-12/O-2)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that Chapter 14, Personnel Rules and Regulations, Code of Ordinances of the Town of Chapel Hill is hereby rewritten to read as follows:

 

Sec. 14-74:  Donation of Annual Leave

 

Employees may donate accumulated hours of their annual leave to the sick leave balance of a co-worker, following policies developed by the Manager.

 

This the12th day of May, 1997.

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ STATEMENT TO THE TOWN OF CARY REGARDING A FUTURE DISCHARGE POINT FOR TREATED WASTEWATER (97-5-12/R -10.2)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Chapel Hill Town Council that the Council supports the Chatham County Board of Commissioners’ statement as submitted to the Town of Cary on May 6, 1997, supporting the option of locating the discharge point for the West Cary wastewater treatment plant below the Buckhorn Dam in Lee County for the reasons set forth in the  attached letter from the Chair of the Board of Commissioners to the Mayor of Cary.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item 4.2    Information Reports

 

Council Member Andresen questioned the Manager as to whether item C, the issue of livability, would come back to the Council before the summer. Mr. Horton, citing that the “Planning Board’s plate was very full”,  doubted that this issue would be back before the middle or end of summer. Council Member Andresen requested that the Council discuss the issue again and send it back to the staff after further discussion.

 

Item 5a  Paid leave for Town Employees to serve as Election Officials

 

Flicka Bateman suggested that the Town possibly consider offering paid leave for volunteer work other than service as election officials.  She urged the Council to take a very close and long-term look at the potential problems of  “paid volunteerism”.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED,  SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 4. 

 

Council Member Capowski inquired why work at the polls should be considered any more valuable or special than other forms of volunteer work.   Council Member Capowski made a substitute motion to table the issue for four weeks, at which point he would bring back an expanded resolution regarding volunteer activities.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO TO TABLE THE MATTER FOR FOUR WEEKS.  THE MOTION FAILED ON A TIED VOTE OF 4-4.   AYES WERE MAYOR WALDORF AND COUNCIL MEMBERS CAPOWSKI, PAVAO AND WIGGINS AND NOS WERE COUNCIL MEMBERS ANDRESEN, BROWN, CHILTON AND FRANCK.

 

Council Member Andresen said that she liked the proposed ordinance because she recognized how difficult it was to get people to work at the polls, and how important this work was to the democratic process.   Council Member Andresen also said that although the costs to the Town would be relatively minor, the potential benefit for the election process would be great.

 

Council Member Wiggins noted that since poll workers were required to work in the precinct of their residence, it was possible that the Town could pay for poll workers/election officials in Carrboro, Hillsborough or another local community.   Council Member Wiggins requested that the staff’s follow-up report outline options for providing paid leave for other volunteer activities.

 

Council Member Chilton said that the proposal was a modest one, effecting only a few Town employees.   He urged the Council to adopt it, keeping in mind that it could be amended in the future.

 

Expressing support for the basic concept, Mayor Waldorf said she had some concerns and felt that the best action was to table the matter for now and bring it back at a future  meeting .

 

THE MAIN MOTION, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 4, FAILED BY A TIED VOTE OF 4-4, WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS ANDRESEN, BROWN, CHILTON AND FRANCK VOTING AYE AND MAYOR WALDORF AND COUNCIL MEMBERS CAPOWSKI, PAVAO AND WIGGINS VOTING NO.

 

Mr. Karpinos noted that the item would be carried over to the next regular business meeting.

 

Item 5b  Traffic Calming

 

Noting that the proposed Capital Improvements Program earmarked $20,000 for traffic calming, Mr. Horton requested that the Council authorize the Town staff to move forward on traffic calming related strategies.

 

Transportation Board Chair Ruby Sinreich said she was pleased to see that traffic calming was coming to the forefront of Town issues.  Ms. Sinreich expressed concern that interested advisory board members had not been updated on the status of the Town’s proposed traffic calming projects.  Ms. Sinreich said she looked forward to helping with traffic calming projects in the future.

 

Council Member Brown said it was important that traffic calming be viewed in conjunction with sidewalk and bikeway planning.

 

Joe Carsanaro stated that the proposed funding of $20,000 for traffic calming projects was insufficient to solve the problem of cars speeding through the Town’s residential neighborhoods.  He urged the Council to take a broader perspective in addressing general traffic safety related concerns.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 11.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER TO PREPARE A CATALOG OF TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES, AND A POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING AND IMPLEMENTING TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES IN CHAPEL HILL  (97-5-12/R-11))

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has expressed interest in and a desire to implement traffic calming measures in Chapel Hill as a means to control vehicular speeding; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council realizes that many factors must be considered in evaluating requested and/or suggested traffic calming measures and locations; and

 

WHEREAS, it is the Council’s desire to be fair and consistent in considering traffic calming proposals.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council herewith directs the Town Manager to prepare a catalog of traffic calming measures, and a policy and procedures for evaluating and implementing traffic calming measures in Chapel Hill.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council directs the Manager to report back in October 1997 with draft policy and evaluation implementation documents for traffic calming in Chapel Hill.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item 5c  Traffic on Curtis Road

 

Mr. Horton said that staff was proposing the adoption of an ordinance to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Curtis, Lakeshore and Kensington Drives.  Mayor Waldorf noted that staff had done a detailed study of this one block area. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 3.

 

Council Member Franck stated that there was a sight distance problem at this intersection.

 

Council Member Chilton said the existing corner was ambiguous and he therefore supported installation of the proposed stop sign.

 

      Noting that he resided in the area, Council Member Pavao said he usually slowed down as he

      reached this intersection.  Council Member Pavao expressed his support of the proposed

      ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE 3 WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES

 (97-5-12/O-3)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill:

 

SECTION I

 

That Section 21-13(c) of the Town Code of Ordinances, “right-of-way and stop regulations” is amended by inserting the following in appropriate alphabetical order:

 

Intersection

 

North Lakeshore Drive/Curtis Road/Kensington Drive/South Lakeshore Drive

 

SECTION II

 

This ordinance shall become effective June 1, 1997.

 

SECTION III

 

All ordinances and portions of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Mayor Waldorf  stated that it was important that the intersection be monitored and reactions to the stop signs be registered.

5d  Task Force on History of Town Government

 

Council Member Chilton read a list of suggested members of the task force, noting that if Council Members had any suggestions for additional members, the names could be forwarded to Town staff or himself.   Council Member Chilton stated that the Task Force would be compiling a history of the Town’s government, including all important people and events through the years.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 12, INCLUDING THE APPOINTEES SUGGESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE ON THE HISTORY OF CHAPEL HILL’S TOWN GOVERNMENT (97-5-12/R-12)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby establishes a Task Force on the History of Chapel Hill’s Town government.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council gives the following charge to the Task Force:

 

1.      To develop a report on key events in the history of the Town government.

 

2.      To identify in the report the key leaders in the history of the Town government and their achievements.

 

3.      To recommend appropriate means of commemorating the history of Chapel Hill’s municipal government and the key leaders over the Town.

 

4.      To consult with and to collaborate with other community organizations in developing a report and recommendations to the Council.  

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall consist of the following citizens:

 

Ed Caldwell, Council Member Mark Chilton, Rebecca Clark, Roland Giduz,

Henna Heishmann, Joe Herzenberg and Nancy Preston

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council encourages additional interested citizens to volunteer their assistance to the Task Force.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item  5e  Whitfield Property

 

Mr. Horton indicated that Mr. Whitfield had expressed his willingness to offer a “substantial” donation to the Town.  Mr. Horton stated that the resolution before the Council this evening would authorize him to further explore these possibilities with Mr. Whitfield.

 

Council Member Brown requested that language be added to clarify the Town’s involvement in the matter.  Mr. Karpinos said the proposed language was sufficient and insured that nothing could take place without the Council’s approval.    Council Member Capowski inquired why the Town was considering the purchase of this land if the Greenways and Parks and Recreation Commissions were not interested in this parcel.  Mayor Waldorf stated that the Greenways and Parks and Recreation Commissions were interested in investigating possible options relative to Mr. Whitfield’s offer.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 13a.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A POSSIBLE PURCHASE AND/OR DONATION OF A 9.5 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OWNED BY HENRY WHITFIELD  (97-5-12/R-13a)

 

WHEREAS, Mr. Henry Whitfield has offered to sell to the Town 9.5 acres of land for the price of $185,000; and

 

WHEREAS, Mr. Whitfield has subsequently offered to consider donating a portion of the property to the Town; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town has interest in acquiring this property for open space and greenways purposes;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to negotiate with Mr. Henry Whitfield for the purchase and/or donation of a  9.5 acre tract located in the Little Creek and Booker Creek floodplains.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council that,  if negotiations result in a preliminary agreement beneficial to the Town, that the Manager is authorized to order an appraisal of the Whitfield property and to make an Offer to Purchase, for the Council’s consideration.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item  6   Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

Council Member Chilton requested that the Council make appointments to the Planning Board first this evening.

 

Mayor Waldorf read from a letter submitted by the Appearance Commission and Design Review Board requesting that these appointments be deferred to May 27th.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO TABLE APPOINTMENTS TO THE APPEARANCE COMMISSION AND DESIGN REVIEW BOARD UNTIL MAY 27TH.

 

Council Member Franck clarified that the Appearance Commission and Design Review Board had not been  combined and therefore needed to be considered as two separate boards.

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Noting that the Council’s recent practice had been for appointments to the Planning Board and other boards to be reviewed by a screening committee, Council Member Pavao moved that Planning Board appointments be deferred pending such recommendations.

 

Council Member Brown said she favored voting on appointments to the Planning Board this evening.

 

Council Member Wiggins stated that she would vote tonight but needed some guidance. In that past few days she reported that she had received calls from Council Members that had influenced how she would vote.

 

APPOINTEES TO THE PLANNING BOARD WERE JUNE DUNNICK (REAPPOINTMENT),  DAVID MC GRAIN AND ANAND PARIKH.  ORIGINAL VOTING BALLOTS ARE ON FILE IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.

 

Item 7   Public Access Programming

 

Public Access Advisory Committee Chair Bob Joesting said that rapid changes in public access technology and laws meant that policy considerations focused around goals and processes, rather than hardware and operating rules.   Mr. Joesting commended all of the Committee members for their work and Assistant to the Manager Greg Feller for his staff support of  the committee.

 

Council Member Capowski, the Council’s liaison to the Public Access Committee,  commended the group for its work and recommendations.  He stated that the matter was now in the hands of video producers who would need to recognize citizen needs by making sure that the public had ample air time and a quality product.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 14.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FROM NON-PROFIT GROUPS INTERESTED IN MANAGING PUBLIC ACCESS IN CHAPEL HILL (97-5-12/R-14)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council approves, and authorizes the Manager to issue on behalf of the Town the request for proposals as submitted by the Public Access Advisory Committee and with such changes as the Council may have made in the document tonight or may direct the  Manager to make.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Manager is authorized to make non-substantive changes including addition of specific dates in the proposed timetable for receiving and considering proposals consistent with the Council’s action and direction.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item 8   Proposed Energy Conservation Ordinance

 

Council Member Brown expressed her appreciation for, and support of, the Citizen’s Energy Task Force efforts.  Noting that she was proposing a few amendments to the ordinance, Council Member Brown stated that the ordinance proposed by the Task Force had the  “teeth” necessary to ensure energy efficiency in buildings in the Town.  Mr. Horton said he was recommending Council adoption of a resolution, rather than ordinance.

 

Mr. Dodd expressed his disagreement with  Mr. Horton’s recommendation, stating that the proposed ordinance would make the strongest possible statement about the importance of having energy efficient buildings in the Town.

 

Arnie Katz stated that the biggest environmental impact of a building was its level of energy consumption.  He added that the proposed ordinance would place a greater on energy conservation efforts.

 

Council Member Capowski inquired whether there was any  way to determine the expected life of a building.  Mr. Horton said that it was possible make such a determination.  Council Member Capowski requested a clarification of the provision “subject to the fiscal constraints as set by the Council.”   Mr. Horton said that the Council established certain financial limits and builders would be required to work within this realm.

 

Mayor Waldorf inquired whether or not the Council would be more constrained by an ordinance than a resolution since the ordinances had the force of law, while resolutions served more as guidelines.  Mr. Horton said that this would depend upon the wording of the particular ordinance in question.   Mr. Karpinos said it was his opinion that the proposed energy ordinance appeared to be  more like a policy to guide decisionmaking, rather than setting a rule of law or required standard.  Mr. Horton stated that the language in the proposed resolution and proposed ordinance was very similar.

 

Council Member Capowski said it was important to keep the matter as simple as possible.

 

Kevin Foy, representing the Sierra Club, expressed his support for the proposed ordinance.  Mr. Foy said that the proposed ordinance  could be structured to be sufficiently stringent while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility when needed.

 

Referencing the ordinance provision regarding the maintenance of a list of architects, Mayor Waldorf inquired whether or not this provision might cost more than its actual worth.  Council Member Brown noted that this language was the same in the proposed ordinance and resolution.  Mr. Horton said it was the Council’s choice of how to set this policy.

 

Council Member Capowski inquired about the estimated cost impact of this policy on a project such as the proposed Hargraves Community Center.  Mr. Horton said although he could not give a specific figure, he believed that the cost impact would have been minimal since the standards would have been very similar.

 

Council Member Chilton suggested changing the proposed ordinance language by adding a clause “or assigning similar responsibilities to the Town’s Project Manager.”

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 4 AS AMENDED.

 

Questioning the need for the Energy Task Force to be continued after the initial ordinance was adopted, Council Member Franck suggested changing the proposed ordinance in this regard.  Council Member Brown urged the Council to leave this language in place.  Council Member Brown expressed her willingness to revisit this matter in the future.

 

Council Member Chilton suggested clearer language that would delete the first two sentences of the paragraph in referenced by Council Member Franck and end with the clause, “a recognized energy professional.”  He suggested that the Council could later specify the individual recognized energy professional.  Council Member Brown suggested that a list of qualified energy professionals could be updated annually.

 

Council Member Franck expressed concern that language in section 510 was no longer consistent unless the language was modified so it was clear that there was a choice on the part of the Manager as to whether he would require monitoring by the project architect or manager.

 

Council Member Capowski inquired about the meaning of the term “renewable energy”.  Mr. Katz said that renewable energy could refer to solar, wood or wind power.  He noted that the latter two options were not really viable in the Town.

 

Council Member Brown expressed concern that too much “whittling” of the ordinance would make it much less effective.  Stating that the proposed ordinance contained a number of very positive provisions, Council Member Brown said she hoped that the Council could see the long-range benefits of adopting the ordinance.

 

Expressing her support for the proposed ordinance, Council Member Andresen said the ordinance could be amended the Council in the future, if desired.

 

Council Member Capowski said it was important to remain flexible so that the ordinance did not create a situation in which the Council could be forced to cut back or completely deny a facility due to energy standard and costs considerations.

 

Council Member Franck said the matter before the Council was not a matter of long versus short term, but whether or not it was worthwhile to pay the architect to stay on when staff was capable of monitoring the process.  Council Member Brown said she believed that the cost of maintaining the architect would be less than the benefits received by the Town.

 

ORDINANCE 4, AS AMENDED, WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN CODE (ENERGY CONSERVATION IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AND RENOVATED TOWN BUILDINGS)

(97-5-12/O-4)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby amends the Town Code by adding a new Article VII. ENERGY CONSERVATION IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AND RENOVATED TOWN BUILDINGS to Chapter 5. Buildings and building regulAtions, to read as follows:

 

ARTICLE VII.           ENERGY CONSERVATION IN DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AND RENOVATED

TOWN BUILDINGS

 

Sec. 5-107.  Intent

 

It is the intent of the Council to comply with the applicable provisions of  G.S. Chapter 143, Article 3B, Energy Conservation In Public Facilities; and to ensure that buildings built or substantially renovated by the Town of Chapel Hill are built in the most environmentally sound way.

 

The Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Chapel Hill says that,  “The Town shall encourage site planning, landscaping, and structure design which maximizes the potential for energy conservation by reducing the demand for artificial heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, and facilitating the use of solar and other energy resources.”

 

It is the intent of the Council to provide the citizens and employees of the Town of Chapel Hill with new and renovated buildings which will give the optimum comfort, ensure the durability of investments for the taxpayer, consider the health of  building occupants and provide the greatest awareness possible of the environmental impacts of what  we do.

 

 

Sec.  5-108.  Energy Conservation Goals  in Building Design.

 

Any buildings built with Town funds shall be designed to achieve a goal of using at least 30% less energy than required by the North Carolina State Building Codes in effect as of February 1, 1997, as long as the estimated energy savings exceed the marginal cost of the energy saving features over the expected life of the building and subject to fiscal constraints established by the Council.  In order to avoid increased cost of operation, care shall be taken to avoid complex systems that would require extensive technical training of personnel.  Acceptable methods for energy use analysis can be found in Energy Efficient County Facilities For Wake County.  A copy of this document is on file and available for loan from the Internal Services Division, Chapel Hill Public Works Department.

 

Sec. 5-109.  Qualification of Architects.

 

In order to be selected to design a Town building, an architect has to demonstrate that the architectural firm has previously designed a building using some or all of the techniques listed herein.  The architect chosen for any building must incorporate the conditions of this article in the building design or show justification why not.

 

To help ensure compliance with this article, at least one member of each architectural selection  review panel shall be a recognized energy professional.  The Citizens’ Energy Task Force shall maintain a list, updated annually, of qualified volunteer energy professionals including of brief summary of their qualifications and experience.  For projects where the estimated cost of architectural and engineering services is less that $30,000, the manager is authorized to select a panel member from the list.  For projects where the estimated cost of architectural and engineering services is $30,000 or more, the Manager shall solicit a nomination from the Citizen’s Energy Task Force to identify the selection panel member.

 

Sec. 5-110.  Energy Performance Monitoring and Reporting.

 

For major construction projects or substantial renovations of existing buildings (construction costs of $200,000 or more and/or architectural fees of $30,000 or more) the Town shall require either the architect or the staff project manager to monitor the energy performance of the building and assist the staff in optimizing energy use of the building during the first year.   Twelve months after completion of the project, the architect shall be required to prepare a written report on the performance of the building in relation to the requirements of this article and to present their report to the Council at a regularly scheduled business meeting.    The Town Manager may either require these services of the architect or assign similar responsibilities to the staff project manager.   

 

The Town Manager’s annual report to Council will include a section reporting the energy consumption performance of each Town building.

 

Sec. 5-111.  Use of Energy Efficient Technologies in Town Buildings.

 

Energy saving features, including but not limited to the following, shall be considered for new Town buildings and major renovations of existing buildings.  Design documents shall include an explanation of how the features listed below are incorporated into the design or, for those features not incorporated, an explanation of the financial or operational reasons why the feature was omitted from the design.

 

a.   Solar orientation, with the long axis facing south

b.   Use of daylighting

c.   Use of appropriate glass for minimizing heating and cooling loads

d.   Insulation beyond minimum standards

e.   Use of renewable energy for heating and cooling

f.     Use of renewable energy for heating and swimming pools

g.   Use of water conservation measures including dual water systems if available

h.   Landscaping for summer cooling effect and for blocking winter winds

i.     Use of energy efficient motors

j.     Use of energy efficient lighting

k.   Use of energy management systems

l.     Parking areas designed to limit heat absorption

m. Use of building materials and color to decrease cooling load

 

This the 12th day of  May, 1997.

 

Item 9  Sidewalk and Bicycle Plan

 

Planning Director Roger Waldon briefly reviewed the proposed bicycle and sidewalk plan. He stated that funding was very limited compared to needs and requests for sidewalks and bikeways.  Mr. Waldon stated that the Manager recommended adoption of Resolution 16. Art Dodd said he was disappointed about the proposed limits of sidewalk construction along Weaver Dairy Road.  He also expressed concern that the Weaver Dairy Road sidewalk project had dropped from priority number six on the 1995 list to number forty-one on the current list.  Mr. Dodd requested that the Council consider placing sidewalks on Weaver Dairy Road between Silo Drive and East Chapel Hill High School higher on the proposed priority list.

 

Dorcas Roberson urged the Council to fund sidewalks along Graham Street.

 

Council Member Franck said that he approved of the points and rating system that had accompanied this year’s priority list and hoped that it would be used for developing future lists.  However, Council Member Franck also said he thought that sidewalks along Rosemary Street should probably be higher than priority number twenty.  Council Member Franck noted that he had hoped that sidewalks along Legion Road would go from  Ephesus Church Road to Scarlette Drive, rather than Martin Luther King Drive.

 

Noting that she generally approved of the proposed rankings  for bikeway and sidewalk projects, Council Member Wiggins said she had some real concerns about the criteria utilized. Council Member Wiggins said she hoped that the Council would have more input in the rankings and was troubled not to see citizen input as one of the rating criteria.  Noting that the Council did not have a firm policy regarding ranking criteria, Mr. Horton said staff had developed the priority list as a means of getting Council guidance on the priority listing.

 

Council Member Capowski inquired why there was no separate bike paths priority listing. Mr. Horton said it was assumed that many of the proposed sidewalks would also serve as bike paths. Council Member Capowski inquired whether funding was available for additional bike path projects.  Mr. Horton said that the agenda item reflected all current funding for bike paths and sidewalks.

 

Council Member Andresen concurred with Council Member Wiggins’ observation that citizen requests should be used as a criteria for establishing priorities.

 

Mayor Waldorf inquired whether or not it was correct that there would be no additional funding for sidewalks if the proposed resolution were adopted this evening.  Mr. Horton said that this was correct, unless the Council wished to allocate additional funds.

 

Noting that the Council would be holding a public hearing on the proposed budget on Wednesday evening, Council Member Brown suggested that it would be a good idea for the Council to wait to hear from the public on the  matter.  Mayor Waldorf inquired why the matter was before the Council this evening, rather than sometime in the future.  Mr. Horton said that the Council had requested staff follow-up as soon as possible.

 

Council Member Chilton suggested that the Council approve the sidewalk projects for Piney Mountain Road., Weaver Dairy Road and Rosemary Street, since the Council had previously committed to these projects.  He suggested that the Council consider the remaining projects on the basis of citizen comments and staff information.

 

Council Member Brown inquired about the nature of the Willow Drive project.  Mr. Horton said that portions of Willow Drive had been temporarily repaired so that busses could use the street.  He stated that staff was attempting to coordinate all the work in the area in order to

minimize disruption and expenses.

 

Council Member Capowski urged the Council to make bicycle paths on major thoroughfares a priority issue.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 16.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THAT TOWN FUNDS BE USED TO CONSTRUCT WEAVER DAIRY ROAD, PINEY MOUNTAIN ROAD, WILLOW DRIVE, AND PORTIONS OF ROSEMARY STREET SIDEWALK PROJECTS (97-5-12/R-16)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has proposed $50,000 in the Capital Improvements Program for pedestrian projects in the 1997-98 fiscal year; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has proposed $200,000 in 1996 Bond funds to be used for sidewalk and bicycle projects during the next two fiscal years;

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has reviewed projects for possible use of these funds.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that 1997-98 Capital Improvements Program funds and the first allocation of 1996 Bond funds be used to construct the following pedestrian sidewalk projects:

 

·        Weaver Dairy Road, sidewalk between Chesley development and Mayberry Court.

 

·        Piney Mountain Road, sidewalk between Louis Armstrong Court and Emily Road;

 

·        Willow Drive, sidewalk between Fordham Boulevard and bridge;

 

·        Portions of Rosemary Street, sidewalk between Merritt Mill Road and Henderson Street;

 

And to design:

 

·        High School Road, sidewalk between Homestead Road and Seawell School Road.

 

This the 12th  day of May, 1997.

 

Mayor Waldorf inquired whether or not it was correct that funding for a sidewalk on Weaver Dairy Road to Sedgefield Drive had been approved.  Mr. Horton said that money for this project had been reallocated based on the Council’s guidance and the staff’s ranking system.

 

Council Member Wiggins reiterated her desire to see more Council input in the sidewalk ranking system in future budget discussions.

 

Item 10  Transit Overlay Zones

 

Mr.  Horton said he recommended that the Council allocate $8,000 to proceed with the development of transit overlay zones as recommended by the Transportation Board.

 

Triangle Transit Authority Board Member Rachel Willis reported that the Triangle Railfest held on April 15th in Carrboro had been an unqualified success, with 1,800 people riding an experimental train during a four hour period.  Stating that the viability of a light rail system was largely tied to higher densities being concentrated near rail centers, Ms. Willis urged the Council to move ahead with the adoption of transit overlay zones.

 

Transportation Board Member Ruby Sinreich expressed her concurrence with Ms. Willis’ remarks.  Stating that community education would continue relative to reducing the use of single-occupant vehicles, Ms. Sinreich asked the Council to adopt the resolution before them this evening.

 

Transportation Board Member Michelle Minstrel said that there were two ways to change personal habits, one of which was to change the structure so that the particular habit, of necessity, changed.  She stated that the first structural change the Council could make would be to cluster commercial development in order to encourage pedestrian and bicycle use.

 

Ms. Minstrel also said that putting a parking lot between streets and sidewalks meant that pedestrians walking along the sidewalk were not as likely to go into these businesses.  Ms. Minstrel also expressed her support of mixed-use zoning since it would permit citizens to handle a number of matters in one place, rather than driving to different parts of the Town.

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 17.

 

Responding to Ms. Willis’ earlier remarks, Council Member Capowski said that having higher densities around node did not always prevent urban sprawl.  Referencing Ms. Minstrel’s remarks, Council Member Capowski said there was a need for a structural change such as upzoning in the Town Center area and downzoning of peripheral areas.

 

Responding to Mayor Waldorf’s concern about rising densities, Council Member Franck said he did not see that overall densities were rising.  He stated that through careful lowering of some densities and raising of others, the overall density would remain about the same.

 

Mayor Pro-tem Brown stated that whatever was done needed to be done in conjunction with the Triangle Transit Authority.

 

Council Member Andresen said although she generally supported the concept of transit overlay zones, she also believed that there were a few pitfalls. Council Member Andresen questioned the feasibility of new rails and pointed out that the only rails in existence now traveled to Virginia rather than the Research Triangle Park.   Council Member Andresen also said it was important to carefully examine policies such as locating buildings next to roadways.  Council Member Andresen the Council could proceed with transit overlay zones on a pilot project basis, making adjustments in the future, as needed.

 

RESOLUTION 17 WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF A TRANSIT CORRIDOR OVERLAY ZONE DISTRICT (97-5-12/R-17)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill has a goal in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan of developing a comprehensive transportation system that will enhance the mobility of all citizens by offering a variety of transportation options and reducing dependence on the automobile;

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to prepare a draft Transit Corridor Overlay Zoning District proposal, for submission to the Town Council by November, 1997.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997

 

Council Member Andresen inquired about the possibility of the Council receiving a follow-up report on the matter by September, using the services of a summer intern in the Planning Department.  Mr. Horton said he recommended that a professional transit planner prepare the report, with the report coming back to the Council by November.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 5.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1996” (5-12-97/O-5)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Budget ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 1996” as duly adopted on June 10, 1996 be and the same is hereby amended as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

                                                            Center                                                                          Revised

APPROPRIATIONS                          Budget               Increase                 Decrease                Budget

 

GENERAL FUND

  Non-Departmental

     Contingency                                      8,419                                                  8,400                       19

 

  Planning                                           762,228                  8,400                                              770,628

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Item 11  Establishment of Charge for Sustainability Task Force

 

Cal Horton briefly introduced the item to say that there were many options and those options were stated in the resolution.

 

Council Member Brown requested that the Council authorize Council Member Pavao and herself to develop a charge for a task force on sustainability matters.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS PAVAO AND BROWN TO DEVELOP AND BRING BACK TO THE COUNCIL A PROPOSED CHARGE FOR A COMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY  MATTERS.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Item 12 Transit Funding

 

Council Member Brown said that the resolution before the Council would support the ISTEA Act allowing for local governments to have more flexibility regarding spending and control at the local level to transit projects.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 18. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LETTER TO THE NORTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND SENATORS REGARDING FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION (97-5-12/R-18)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council:

 

1.      supports the proposed Highway Trust Fund Fairness Act, which would reduce the inequity between donor and donee states in distribution of federal gasoline taxes and reauthorize the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA).

 

2.      opposes the proposal to allow State governments to unilaterally transfer 50% of ISTEA funds from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQC) and Enhancement  programs to other ISTEA programs such as highway construction.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council approves the following letter to be provided to the NC Congressional delegation and Senators under the names of each of the Council Members who vote to approve this resolution.

 

This the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

Mayor Waldorf noted that she would be sending a copy of the letter to all the Mayors of the transit cities and would also bring it to the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 14th.

 

Council Member Franck suggested that all Council Members sign the letter.

 

Item 4n   Letter from Bruce Ballentine

 

Council Member Andresen said that she was concerned about this particular item due to the staff review which stated that there were many departures from ordinance standards and other unusual circumstances.  Mr. Horton noted that the proposed resolution would direct the Manager and Town staff to evaluate the proposal and identify conflicts with existing ordinances.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 10.3.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON THE POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE NEEDED TO ACCOMMODATE A POTENTIAL SUBDIVISION  (97-5-12/R-10.3)

 

WHEREAS, Bruce Ballentine has suggested exploring the possibility of allowing an exception to the subdivision regulations to permit subdivision of the Nunn tract; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council wishes to know what amendments to the subdivision ordinance would be needed to accommodate a subdivision of the Nunn tract, and what the broader implications of such changes would be,

 

NOW, THREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Manager is authorized to explore the amendments that might be needed to accommodate a subdivision of the 10 acre Nunn property.

 

This is the 12th day of May, 1997.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CHILTON MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCK, FOR THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION MATTERS.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

A copy of the public report from the closed session is attached.

 

The meeting concluded at 10:08 p.m.