SUMMARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1998, 7 P.M.

 

Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.  Council Members in attendance were Julie Andresen (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Lee Pavăo and Edith Wiggins.   Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Housing Director Tina Vaughn, Finance Director James Baker, Planning Director Roger Waldon and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

 

There were no ceremonies or hearings.

 

Item 3  Petitions

 

Mayor Waldorf noted that the Town of Carrboro was seeking the Council’s cooperation regarding programming for at-risk youth.  Council Member Foy noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission might provide assistance in this endeavor.  Council Member Pavăo suggested that the petition be referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for the development of follow-up recommendations to the Council.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO REFER THE PETITION REGARDING POSSIBLE JOINT PROGRAMMING FOR AT-RISK YOUTH TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Noting that Council Member Andresen was running a few minutes late this evening, Mayor Waldorf said that the Council could consider a petition submitted by Council Member Andresen

expressing the Council’s opposition to a portion of the proposed Eno Drive.  

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 0.1, WITH COPIES OF THE RESOLUTION TO BE FORWARDED TO THE CITY OF DURHAM, DURHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).

 

Alan Rimer presented a petition urging the Council to proceed with an update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan as quickly as possible.  Mr. Rimer requested that the Council refer his petition to Town staff this evening.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI MOVED THAT MR. RIMER’S PETITION BE RECEIVED AND REFERRED TO STAFF FOR A FOLLOW-UP REPORT AT THE COUNCIL’S MAY 26TH BUSINESS MEETING.

 

Noting the importance of examining all proposals, particularly regarding factual and statistical information, Council Member Brown suggested that the Council not identify a specific follow-up date.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS SECONDED COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI’S MOTION.

 

Council Member Brown proposed a friendly amendment to receive and refer Mr. Rimer’s petition, with a follow-up report being made at an appropriate time.  Council Member Foy suggested that staff could report back to the Council on Mr. Rimer’s petition and a petition by Council Members Andresen, Brown and Foy regarding the Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Horton said that staff could develop a number of resolutions regarding the Comprehensive Plan for the Council’s consideration.

 

Suggesting the possibility of subsuming Mr. Rimer’s suggestions into the process, Council Member Andresen said that the Council also needed to work on the Comprehensive Plan matter.  Mayor Waldorf suggested that the Council receive a follow-up report from staff on ways to proceed.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN OFFERED A SUBSTITUTE MOTION TO RECEIVE AND REFER MR. RIMER’S PETITION AND THE PETITION PRESENTED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS ANDRESEN, FOY AND HERSELF THIS EVENING, REGARDING THE TOWN’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

 

THE MOTIONER AND SECONDER CONCURRED WITH THE PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE MOTION.

 

Council Member Pavăo inquired whether or not it was correct that the Council would report back to the Council on this matter on May 26th.    Mr. Horton said this was correct.

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Council Member Andresen presented a petition regarding the draft zoning proposal for the Horace Williams tract.  Mr. Horton stated that this item was scheduled for the Council’s June 8th meeting for follow-up discussion.   Council Member Andresen inquired whether or not there would be sufficient time to incorporate any possible changes by the Council following the June 8th meeting.   Noting that it would be very difficult to incorporate any changes in such a short time frame, Mr. Horton suggested that the Council discuss the Horace Williams zoning proposal at its May 26th meeting.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, FOR THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT ZONING PROPOSAL FOR THE HORACE WILLIAMS TRACT AT THE MAY 26TH MEETING, INCLUDING A COMPARISON OF THE PROPOSAL WITH THE COUNCIL’S ORIGINAL GOALS.

 

Council Member Evans suggested the possibility of the Council having a work session on May 26th to discuss the Horace Williams tract.  Council Member Andresen said that she concurred with having a work session, possibly beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Mayor Waldorf suggested having a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, FOR THE COUNCIL TO HOLD A WORK SESSION BEGINNING AT 5:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 26TH, TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT HORACE WILLIAMS ZONING PROPOSAL AND RELATED COUNCIL GOALS.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Noting that the deadline for submitting bills during the current legislative was May 20th and that non-building uses were not covered for performance zoning, Council Member Andresen suggested that Council Member Capowski, Mayor Waldorf and herself meet with University officials some time before the Council’s May 11th meeting.   Council Member Capowski inquired about the implications of non-building uses not being covered in performance zones.   Mr. Karpinos said that the current zoning did not apply to areas not having buildings.  He said the question before the Council was whether or not to include such a proposal in the Town’s legislative request.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, THAT A MEETING BE ARRANGED WITH UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS ZONING FOR PROPOSED NON-BUILDING USES.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Council Member Andresen requested that the consent agenda item regarding a proposed joint meeting with Orange County Commissioners be removed for discussion later in the meeting.

 

Council Member Evans petitioned the Council to request that Town staff work with local newspapers and the cable television service provider to ensure that Town taxpayers in Durham County had improved access to Town information and meetings.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO REFER THE MATTER TO TOWN STAFF.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Item 4.1a   Consent Agenda

 

Council Member Andresen requested that the adoption of minutes of previous meetings  be deferred to allow Council Members in order to review them in greater detail.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA, EXCEPTING ITEM A.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

(98-4-27/R-1.1)

 

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.         Minutes of March 2, 11, 18, and 24, 1998.

b.         Response to the Denton petition regarding Booker Creek drainage concerns (R-2).

c.         Reduction in force in the Housing Department (O-0.1).

d.         Response to Winding Ridge parking restrictions petition (O-1).

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER TO STUDY THE COLONY WOODS DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND DETERMINE THE TYPE AND EXTENT OF IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY TO MITIGATE FLOODING PROBLEMS AT 509 COLONY WOODS DRIVE.  (98-4-27/R-2)

 

WHEREAS, the Council has received a petition regarding flooding problems at 509 Colony Woods Drive; and

 

WHEREAS, the petition notes that flooding periodically occurs beneath the living area of the residence at 509 Colony Woods Drive; and

 

WHEREAS, the enlargement and other improvement of the drainage system downstream from 509 Colony Woods Drive could mitigate said flooding; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town has a general responsibility to maintain its drainage facilities and the authority to assess benefited properties for a portion of the cost of improvements to said drainage facilities.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council directs the Manager to study the Colony Woods drainage system and determine the type and extent of improvements necessary to mitigate flooding at 509 Colony Woods Drive.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if drainage improvements are necessary only at and under Colony Woods Drive the Manager is directed to negotiate with the owner(s) of 509 Colony Woods Drive to try to work out an equitable cost sharing arrangement with the Town for said drainage improvements and to report back to the Council with the results of such negotiations.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, failing to successfully negotiate a cost sharing agreement, the  Manager is authorized to develop a plan for assessing benefited property owners for a portion of the cost of all necessary drainage improvements and to present the plan to the Council for approval.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND PAY PLAN DATED  OCTOBER 1, 1997  (98-4-27/O-0.1)

 

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL AS FOLLOWS:

 

Section I

 

That the Council hereby amends the “Ordinance Establishing a Position Classification and Pay Plan and Longevity Plan for Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill and Bonds of Officials beginning October 1, 1997 (97-6-23/0-7)” as follows:

 

In Section III, grade 16 delete Building Rehabilitation Technician.

 

In Section IV, part C, in the Housing Department delete the line

 

                                                Full-time                       Part-time                     

 

                                                No.      Hrs.                  No.      Hrs.                  Grade No.

 

Building Rehabilitation     1        37.5                   -           -                           16

Technician

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES

(98-4-27/O-1)

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of Chapel Hill:

 

SECTION I

 

That section 21-27.8 of the Town code of Ordinances, “No parking anytime except by residential permit.” Is amended by inserting the following therein, in appropriate alphabetical order:

 

STREET                      SIDE                FROM                                     TO

 

Bolinwood                    North               The centerline of                       A point 160 feet east of

Drive                                                    Airport Road (NC 86)              the centerline of Whistling

                                                Tree Court

 

Mullin Court                 Both                 Bolinwood Drive                      End

 

Song Bird Lane            Both                 Bolinwood Drive                      End

 

Whistling Tree  Both                 Bolinwood Drive                      End

 Court

 

SECTION II

 

This ordinance shall become effective June 1, 1998.

 

SECTION III

 

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

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 4.2 b  Information Reports

 

Council Member Capowski requested that item a be removed for discussion later in the meeting.  Mayor Waldorf commended the Town’s Finance staff on the occasion of receiving a Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Officers Finance Association.

 

Item 5  Boards and Commissions

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO NOMINATE ALL THREE APPLICANTS FOR FUTURE APPOINTMENT CONSIDERATION TO THE OWASA BOARD OF TRUSTEES.  THE MOTION WAS ADOTPED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Council Members Andresen and Capowski said it would be desirable to have additional applicants for the OWASA Board and the Planning Board.

 

Council Member Bateman requested that the Mayor’s Office coordinate with Town staff to forward letters to persons not selected for appointment to boards and commissions.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BATEMAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, FOR UNSUCCESSFUL BOARD AND COMMISSION APPLICANTS TO RECEIVE LETTERS OF NOTIFICATION.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, THAT COUNCIL MEMBER BATEMAN BE APPOINTED TO SERVE AS THE COUNCIL’S LIAISON/REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LAND TRUST IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Item 6  Status Report by Land Trust Implementation Task Force

 

Land Trust Implementation Task Force Facilitator Mark Chilton said that the Task Force was seeking the Council’s guidance on whether to focus the Task Force’s energies on new construction, existing houses or a combination of the two.  Mr. Chilton also presented an overview of land trust models and their basic operating procedures.

 

Council Member Evans inquired whether Durham or Raleigh had any existing land trust programs.  Mr. Chilton said that Durham had a relatively unique land trust program, owned and operated by residents of one or two neighborhoods.  Council Member Evans suggested the possibility of having a county-wide or regional land trust program.  She also inquired whether or not it would be permissible to collect property taxes on the land trust.  Mr. Chilton said that the Task Force had requested an opinion from the Orange County attorney on this matter.

 

Council Member Andresen inquired what enticements might attract potential home buyers to use a land trust program.  Mr. Chilton said that the program would seek to help persons who had their homes as their sole primary investment.  He also said that the principal focus of the program was for housing to remain affordable in the future, with resale levels capped.  Council Member Andresen inquired about the possibility of the Orange Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) being the lease holder for the program’s homes.  Noting that OCHC was also a developer, Mr. Chilton said that this dual role could present potential problems in the future.

 

Council Member Foy said it was his understanding that individual owned their homes, while the trust owned the land on which the homes were situated.  Mr. Chilton said this was correct.   Council Member Foy urged the Task Force to focus its energies on the housing aspect of its charge.  He also emphasized the importance of the Council’s continued involvement in affordable housing efforts and programs, rather than place a high degree of reliance on efforts by Orange County.    Mr. Chilton said the program’s future would be dependent on the source of land and financial donations.

 

Council Member Brown noted that Scarlette Drive had been proposed as a possibility for a land trust project.  Mr. Chilton said he thought that this possible project was a good idea.  Council Member Brown said it was vital to keep housing affordable over a long period of time.   Mr. Chilton noted that existing state laws made it difficult to control future of land by means other than mortgages or land trusts.  Council Member Brown inquired about the role of Durham’s City government relative to land trusts.  Mr. Chilton said that the City’s role was limited to program funding.  Mr. Chilton said that the Task Force hoped to have a successful model land trust program in a local area such as Scarlette Drive.

 

Council Member Capowski asked whether or not the Town was permitted to spend Housing and Urban Development funds on affordable housing projects outside of the Town’s limits.  Mr. Horton said this was permissible so long as the projects served low and moderate income persons.

 

Council Member Capowski asked how a land trust could be used to make existing housing more affordable.  Mr. Chilton said that the land trust could buy existing houses, subsidize them and then buy and resell only the house and not the land.

 

Mayor Waldorf asked whether or not the Task Force had asked the University to participate with the Task Force’s efforts.  Mr. Chilton said that there had been some discussion with University officials about possible participation.  Mayor Waldorf inquired about next steps in the process following the Council’s possible adoption of the resolution before them this evening.  Mr. Chilton said that at its next meeting the Task Force would settle on a basic resale formula and discuss the Scarlette Drive site as a possible location for a land trust.  He also said that the Task Force hoped to report back to the Council prior to the Council’s summer break.

 

Council Member Bateman noted that Durham’s Land Trust Program had included participation by Duke University.  Mayor Waldorf inquired whether the Task Force wished to work directly with the University to secure its possible participation.    Mr. Chilton said he believed that a letter from the Mayor and Council to senior University officials would be very helpful.   Mayor Waldorf suggested that the Task Force discuss the content of the letter to the University.

 

Council Member Foy proposed amending the first paragraph of the proposed resolution to emphasize the Town’s and Carrboro’s efforts to ensure affordable housing.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 3.1 AS AMENDED.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION CLARIFYING THE CHARGE OF THE LAND TRUST IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE AND MODIFYING ITS MEMBERSHIP

(98-4-27/R-3.1)

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the charge of the Chapel Hill Land Trust Implementation Task Force be amended to include the following guidelines:

 

(1)  The land trust should be County-wide, with an emphasis placed on providing affordable housing opportunities in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

(2)  A citizen advisory committee should oversee development of the land trust, identify potential housing units, develop opportunities and conduct outreach and marketing to educate the community about the land trust model.

(3)  A local government should hold the long term ground leases and administer the resale of land trust homes.  These ground leases will allow permanent control over the resale price.

(4)  The land trust should not be a real estate developer, but rather should work with the existing non-profit housing developers.

(5)  The land trust would use a combination of new construction and acquisition of existing housing.

(6)  The land trust should serve people at or below 80% of the area median income.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is now composed of the following:

 

Susan Levy

Mark Chilton

Richard Summers

Josh Gurlitz

James Pike

Myles Presler

Alison Weiner

Robert Dowling

The Hon. Michael R. Nelson

Shirley Marshall

Sonia Garrison

Curt Coomes

Mary Tippens

Jamie Rohe

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 7  Presentation of Recommended Budget and Capital Improvements Program

 

Mr. Horton presented a brief overview of the budget, including summary highlights of each fund, including changes in revenues, capital equipment and staffing.   He noted that Town staff was in process of preparing budget working papers for the Council’s May 4th and May 20th budget work sessions.   Council Member Bateman inquired about the status of the Council’s request for a staff report about the costs of  providing sewer service to all in-Town neighborhoods.   Mr. Horton said that staff had prepared a budget working paper for Council discussion.

 

Council Member Capowski requested that staff draft a working paper regarding the nature of Powell Bill funds and the types of improvements they were used to fund.

 

Council Member Andresen commended the Town Manager and Finance Director for making it much easier to make line item comparisons between the proposed budget and prior years.   Council Member Andresen requested information about what personnel costs would be for paying for a possible downturn in future grants funding.

 

Item 8  Community Development Grant Funds

 

Mr. Horton presented a brief overview of the five community development related items before the Council this evening.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 4. 

 

Council Member Evans inquired about the possibility of using funds to pay for staffing of facilities for the Midnight Basketball Program.  Ms. Berndt said that this would be permissible, noting that funding needed to be tied to a specific identifiable program.

 

Dave Buchholz, representing the Good Work program, expressed concern that this small business development program was not recommended for continued funding by the Town.  Mr. Buchholz said that although the local Good Work Program had not had a lot of time in which to establish a track record in the Town, it had established a good track record in Durham.  He urged the Council to provide continued program funding.

 

Noting her familiarity with the success of many of Good Works programs in other communities, including long-term mentoring projects, Council Member Evans said she would like to support the program’s funding request.  She asked whether or not the local Good Works program had made a funding request to Orange County.  Stating that the greatest demand for Good Works services was in urbanized areas, Mr. Buchholz said that no such funding requested had been initiated.  Stating that it took time to establish a program and related trust levels, Council Member Evans said she hoped that the Council could find a way to fund the program, at least partially.

 

Mr. Buchholz said that Good Works was a six year old comprehensive business training program principally designed to provide peer support to small business owners.  He stated that Good Works had a very good record of nurturing small businesses. 

 

Mr. Horton stated that the program was not recommended for funding because nothing significant had been accomplished by Good Works when the program was initially evaluated by Town staff.  Mr. Horton said that Town staff could identify funding from other programs, if the Council directed.  Mayor Waldorf inquired about the possibility of having a mid-year budget amendment for the Good Works Program.   Mr. Horton said that this was one possibility.  He also expressed concern that the Good Works program appeared to be expending all of its Town funding within a six, rather than a twelve-month period.

 

Council Member Foy inquired why Good Works was requesting $47,000 in funding, when it had received $38,000 in funding from the Town in December, 1997.  Mr. Buchholz said that the funds were used for a variety of program expenses to provide direct services to Town residents.  Council Member Bateman asked whether or not funds unexpended at June 30th carried over to the next fiscal year.  Mr. Horton said this was correct.  Council Member Evans inquired about the feasibility of the Town delaying any new funding for the Good Works program until the program opened its new offices in the Town.  Mr. Buchholz said this was agreeable.  He estimated that approximately $1,500 of the $38,000 of Town funding would not be spent by June 30th.

 

Mr. Horton said that Town staff had confidence in the Good Work program and that the program was a good idea.  He suggested the possibility of providing the Good Work program with $10,000 in interim funding, pending receipt of a status report on the activities of the Good Works program.  Council Member Evans suggested reducing funding for the neighborhood refurbishing program by $10,000 and designating these funds for the Good Works program.  Council Member Wiggins asked why the $10,000 should be taken from the refurbishing program.  Mr. Horton said based on experience it was fairly likely that all of the refurbishing funds would not be expended.  Expressing the importance of proceeding with the refurbishing program as expeditiously as possible, Council Member Wiggins said she would nonetheless support the proposed motion.  Council Member Capowski expressed his concurrence with Council Member Wiggins’ observations.  Mayor Waldorf said that funds appropriated for neighborhood revitalization had been substantially unspent in the past.  Council Member Andresen expressed her concurrence.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 4, AS AMENDED, WITH $10,000 TO BE DIRECTED TO THE GOOD WORKS PROGRAM AND $10,000 TO BE DEDUCTED FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A 1998 - 99 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM PLAN (98-4-27/R-4)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill held two public hearings to receive ideas from citizens about how Community Development Block Grant Funds could be spent in 1998 - 99;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the Town’s allocation of $431,000 of Community Development Block Grant Funds and $48,000 of Community Development Program Income, the Town Council approves the following 1998 - 99 Community Development Block Grant Program Plan:

 

Public Housing Renovations

Craig / Gomains                                                            $150,000

Refurbishing Program                                                    $120,000

Neighborhood Revitalization

(Pine Knolls or Northside)                                            $127,000

Community Services (YMCA After School Program)    $  10,000

Good Works Program                                                              $  10,000

Administration                                                              $  62,000

            Total                                                                            $479,000

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council adopts the revised Three-Year Community Development plan as follows:

 

 

Activity

Revised

1996 - 97

Revised

1997 - 98

Proposed

1998 - 99

Rehabilitation of Public Housing

$341,000

$278,000

$270,000

Property Acquisition (Habitat)

Neighborhood Revitalization

 

$82,280

$ 87,500  

$45,000

-

$127,000

Development Costs

-

$40,000

-

Job Training

-

$38,000

$10,000

Community Services

$30,000

$30,000

$10,000

Site Improvements

$23,770

 -

-

Public Improvements

$  5,000

$ 10,000

-

Administration

$53,000

$ 57,808

$ 62,000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

$535,050

$586,308

$479,000

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the one-year Community Development Plan to be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan developed with Orange County, Hillsborough and Carrboro for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 15, 1998.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Home Program

 

Long Range Planning Coordinator Chris Berndt  noted that there had been two Council public hearings regarding the proposed use of  HOME Program funds.  Council Member Andresen inquired why Orange County would receive program administration funds.  Ms. Berndt said that Orange County had agreed to be the lead local agency for coordination of the HOME program.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 5.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE 1998 - 99 HOME PROGRAM (98-4-27/R-5)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill held two public hearings to receive citizens comments and proposals regarding the use of $403,00 of federal HOME funds and $90,675 of local matching funds for a total of $493,675;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council approves the following activities to be carried out by the members of the Orange County HOME Consortium for 1998 - 99:

 

Activity                                     Amount

Neighborhood Revitalization                 $210,000

Comprehensive Rehabilitation   $180,375

New Construction                                $  63,000

Administration                          $  40,300

Total                                                    $493,675

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chapel Hill Town Council recommends that $150,000 of the funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization activity be reserved for activities in the Northside community; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes this plan to be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan developed with Orange County, Hillsborough and Carrboro for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 15, 1998. 

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Public Housing Renovations

 

Housing Director Tina Vaughn said that total available funding of $534,000 was anticipated for the Town’s 1998-1999 Comprehensive Grant program.   She noted that the proposed plan had been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Housing and Community Development Board.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 6.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 7.

 

Council Member Foy inquired whether or not the projected renovation cost of $27,000 per unit was reasonable.  Noting that the per unit renovation cost might actually be somewhat higher, Mr. Horton said that the cost of renovation was less than building new units.  Council Member Foy inquired about the size of an average unit.  Ms. Vaughn said that average unit was comprised of three bedrooms and approximately nine hundred square feet.  Council Member Andresen inquired about the age of units in the Craig-Gomains community.  Ms. Vaughn said that the units were thirty-one years old and that there had been no intensive renovations to the units during this time. 

 

RESOLUTION 6 WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

 

Mr. Horton said that Housing staff had outlined a five-year plan for the specific use of program funds.  Council Member Andresen requested additional information regarding professional fees and the resident activities reserve accounts.   Mr. Horton said that the professional fees item was used to pay for the services of architects, engineers and others, while uses of the resident activity were tied to federal guidelines.

 

RESOLUTION 7 WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

 

Consolidated Plan

 

Ms. Berndt said that the applications before the Council this evening comprised the Town’s actual application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 8.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE 1998 - 99 ANNUAL UPDATE TO THE 1995 - 2000 CONSOLIDATED PLAN (98-4-27/R-8)

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to submit the 1998 - 99 Annual Update to the 1995 - 2000 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 1998 - 99 Community Development Program and the 1998 - 99 HOME Program; including all understandings, assurances, and certifications required therein, for a program of $479,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds and $493,675 of federal HOME Program funds by May 15, 1998.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Manager is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the Town to act in connection with submittal of a Consolidated Plan to provide such additional information as may be required.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 9   School District Request for Expedited Review

 

Mr. Horton said Town staff believed that the request for expedited review was justified based on existing criteria.  Council Member Andresen inquired where the proposed addition would be constructed.  Ms. Berndt said the addition would be located between the existing Estes Elementary School and the Phillips Middle School.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 9.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION DIRECTING EXPEDITED PROCESSING IN THE REVIEW OF THE CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS’ SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR RENOVATIONS AND EXPANSION OF THE ESTES HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (98-4-27/R-9)

 

WHEREAS, the Town Council has received a petition from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for expedited review of its application for a Special Use Permit to perform renovations and a 3,500 square foot expansion of the Estes Hills Elementary School; and

 

WHEREAS, the application is for a public project; and

 

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill community is in need of additional classroom space;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Town Manager is directed to expedite processing of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ application for a Special Use Permit for renovations and expansion of the Estes Hills Elementary School, in a manner that will speed review without sacrificing breadth or depth of analysis.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 10  Duke Energy Right-of-Way Relocation

 

Council Member Capowski said although it was obviously much more expensive to locate these existing electrical lines underground, the Council should keep an open mind about the negative visual impacts of electrical lines.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 10.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN TO EXECUTE A RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION FOR RELOCATION OF ELECTRIC LINES AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC FACILITIES ON TOWN-OWNED LAND WEST OF U.S. 15-501 AND NORTH OF CULBRETH ROAD (98-4-27/R-10)

 

WHEREAS, widening of the U.S. 15-501 bridge over Morgan Creek will require relocation of certain Duke Energy Corporation facilities on Town-owned land west of U.S. 15-501 and north of Culbreth Road; and

 

WHEREAS, Duke Energy Corporation has identified approximately 1.45 acres of new right-of-way easement necessary for relocation of said facilities on Town-owned land; and

 

WHEREAS, Duke Energy Corporation agrees to abandon approximately 1.36 acres of existing right-of-way easement which would  become unnecessary as a result of said facility relocations; and

 

WHEREAS, Duke Energy Corporation agrees to work with the Town to replant the above referenced abandoned right-of-way easement area;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to execute a right-of-way easement agreement with Duke Energy Corporation for relocation of electric lines and associated electric facilities on Town-owned land west of U.S. 15-501  and north of Culbreth Road.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 11  Report by Human Services Advisory Board

 

Human Services Advisory Board member Michael Owen said that the Board was in  the process of reviewing human service agency funding requests.  He stated that the Board recommended that the Council have a long-term goal of earmarking one percent of Town tax revenues for human services.  Mr. Owen said that the Board was recommending that the Council set aside an additional $10,000, for  a total of $177,500 in Town human services funding for 1998-1999.

 

Council Member Andresen said she thought that the Council should take action on putting all human services funding requests, including JOCCA, the Senior Center and other requests, into the same funding pool.  Council Member Capowski said he would be open to setting aside more than one percent of Town tax revenues if all funding requests went before the Human Services Board.  Mayor Waldorf asked whether or not it was correct that the Human Services Board would be making a follow-up report to the Council in the fall.  Mr. Owen said this was correct.  Noting that there were other unfunded requests such as a request for $15,000 from the YMCA, Mayor Waldorf said she was not ready to commit to setting aside an additional $10,000 for human services funding.

 

Item 12  Provision of Bus Service to Southern Orange Human Services Center

 

Mr. Horton noted that there was a provision in the existing transit memorandum of understanding stating that the entity requesting new service would pay the full cost of the new service during the first year.  Mr. Godding reviewed the Council’s options regarding the provision of  bus service to the Southern Orange Human Services Center.  Stating that Orange County had initiated the request for additional service, Council Member Evans inquired whether or not County officials had been contacted about funding possibilities.  Mr. Godding said that there had been no formal contact in this regard.  He added that Orange County purchased more than $5,000 in bus passes and tickets from the Town on an annual basis.  Council Member Evans inquired about the extent of reserves in the Town’s Transportation Fund.  Mr. Godding said that reserves were approximately eight percent in the Transportation Fund.

 

Council Member Foy inquired about the extent of the estimated local share of costs for the first three years of service.  Mr. Godding said that this would depend upon the extent of State funding for transit programs.

 

Council Member Capowski inquired whether or not there was any summary of where potential clients of the Human Services Center resided  and the times of day during which these clients would be traveling to the center.  Mr. Godding said that there were no such summaries available.  Council Member Capowski inquired whether or not staff could roughly estimate the extent of use of the proposed service.  Mr. Horton said although this was not possible, Mr. Godding was proposing the most flexible option for the Council’s consideration.  Council Member Bateman said that it would be desirable to provide bus service to the Rogers Road area during the next fiscal year.

 

Council Member Foy said he might be willing to support option one if it cost the Town less than the projected annual cost of  $162,000.  Mayor Waldorf inquired about the funding percentages for the Town, Carrboro and Orange County.  Mr. Godding said that for the current and next fiscal year, the relevant percentages were 46% for the Town, 41% for the University and 13% for the Town of Carrboro.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 11A AS AMENDED, WITH A MID-AUGUST START DATE FOR THE NEW ROUTE AND FOR TOWN COSTS NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.

 

Council Member Evans said the proposed route would provide a degree of service to residents of the Rogers Road area.

 

Expressing concern that buses on the proposed route might be running empty or nearly empty, Council Member Capowski said he was willing to take a risk on the route given Council Member Foy’s proposed financial contingency.

 

Mayor Waldorf said she thought that the staff’s recommendation, as amended by the Council, was a good one. 

 

RESOLUTION 11A, AS AMENDED, WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE TO THE SOUTHERN ORANGE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES CENTER (98-4-27/R-11a)

 

WHEREAS, the Southern Orange County Human Services Center has been constructed on Homestead Road in the town of Chapel Hill; and

 

WHEREAS, Orange County staff has requested that fixed route bus service be extended to this new facility; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill as follows;

 

That the Manager is authorized to implement fixed route transit service as follows:

 

Starting date: mid-August

 

Route Option:  #1

 

Route Description: A new cross-town route connecting Elliott Road, University Mall, the Chapel Hill Library, the Southern Orange County Human Services Center, Chapel Hill High and Seawell Schools and Downtown Carrboro.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Town funding for this project shall not exceed $25,000.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 13  Setting Public Hearing on Proposed 2025 Regional Transportation Program

 

Senior Transportation Planner David Bonk said that staff was proposing that the Council hold a public hearing regarding the draft 2025 Regional Transportation Program on May 13th.  Council Member Andresen inquired how the Town determined whether or not the plan was in conformity with existing federal guidelines.  Mr. Bonk said that the Town worked in conjunction with the other local governments within the region to ensure that the plan was below Environmental Protection Agency thresholds.  Council Member Evans commended Town staff for doing a good job of locating park and ride lots along entryway corridors into the Town.  Council Member Capowski said he was pleased that the word “maintenance” was included in items one and two of the proposed priority list.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 12.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE DRAFT 2025 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO URBAN AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND CALLING A PUBLIC FORUM FOR MAY 13, 1998 (98-4-27/R-12)

 

WHEREAS, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Urban Area must prepare a 2025 Regional Transportation Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, the draft Transportation Advisory Committee has issued draft 2025 Goals and Objectives for comment;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council receives the draft 2025 Goals and Objectives and calls a public forum for May 13, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 306 N. Columbia Street, to receive comments from interested citizens.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this item is referred to the Town’s Transportation Board and Planning Board for review and comment.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

Item 14a  Discussion Regarding Merit Pay

 

Council Member Andresen said she and Council Members Foy and Brown had met to discuss a review of  the Town’s existing compensation system.  She said that these Council Members felt that the pay system should be easy to understand, cost of living raises each year for satisfactory performance and an award system to be designed by the Town Manager and approved by the Council.  Council Member Foy said that the Council had received materials from a Transportation Department employee expressing concern about the complexity of the existing evaluation system in this department. 

 

Council Member Brown said that it was important for the Council to make changes to the Town’s pay system without the need for the services of a consultant.  She suggested that the Town get away from a merit system and use a bonus or award system in its place.  Mr. Horton stated that the Council had asked Town staff to seek proposals from consultants.  He added that two consultant proposals were offered for the Council’s consideration in the materials for Wednesday evening’s budget work session.  Council Member Pavăo said that he did not want to put aside the possibility of working with a consultant in reviewing the Town’s compensation system.  Council Member Wiggins said whether a consultant or staff revised the plan, she supported the guiding principles outlined by Council Members Andresen, Brown and Foy, especially the second guiding principle.

 

Item 14b  Scheduling Joint Meeting with Orange County Commissioners

 

Mr. Horton said that the Orange County Commissioners were proposing a meeting date of May 7th.  Council Members Andresen and Brown said that this would present them with scheduling conflicts.  Mr. Horton said that a hearing date after May 7th might necessitate changes regarding the effective annexation date, including the need to resend notices.

 

Council Member Foy inquired whether or not it would be possible for the Town to request enabling legislation, even without benefit of a joint meeting. Mr. Horton said that this was possible.  Council Member Wiggins said she thought that no Council action was contemplated until the Council had heard the concerns of the Orange County Board of Commissioners.  Council Member Foy said he believed that the County Commissioners wanted to talk about joint planning efforts.  Council Member Andresen suggested that Town staff investigate alternative meeting times and dates.  Council Member Bateman suggested meeting when the greatest possible percentage of  parties could meet.  Council Member Andresen suggested meeting on May 7th at either 7:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.  She also suggested that the County Commissioners consider preparing any questions prior to such a meeting.

 

Council Member Andresen suggested that the minutes on the consent agenda be considered at the Council’s May 11th meeting, to allow Council Members to full review all of the copious minute documents.  There was Council concurrence for the minutes to be carried over to the May 11th meeting.

 

Item 4.2a   Report on Scope of Meadowmont Future Traffic Impacts

 

Council Member Capowski said that Oakwood and Rogerson Drives appeared to meet the criteria for traffic impacts.  Mr. Small said that Oakwood and Rogerson Drives were considered to be local streets, rather than primary traffic conveyors.

 

Council Member Andresen said it seemed that the Town could get more information about the scope of potential future Meadowmont traffic impacts in concert with the development of new criteria.   Stating that it was important for staff to receive the Council’s input on how to proceed, Mr. Horton said staff could develop new criteria if the Council wished.

 

Council Member Evans stated that a great deal of traffic along the NC 54 east entranceway corridor originated in Chatham County.

 

Council Member Andresen said she was requesting calculations regarding potential future traffic backups and other related problems.  Council Member Foy concurred that the Council needed to know the potential traffic impacts of future planned developments.  Mr. Horton said that Town staff hoped to complete work on a traffic impact status report prior to the Council’s summer break in July.

 

Stating that the Town did its own traffic studies at one time, Council Member Andresen suggested that the Town could consider paying for traffic improvements at the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and NC 54.

 

Council Member Capowski said that the Meadowmont applicant had stated that several intersections along NC 54 would experience traffic congestion in the future.  Mr. Horton said that staff would be pleased to provide a follow-up report to the Council in the future.  Council Member Brown said she hoped that this item could be at the front end of a future agenda.

 

Council Member Andresen said she would put a follow-up item on this matter on a future Council agenda.  Council Member Foy said that he would be willing to assist Council Member Andresen in preparing a future agenda item.

 

Council Member Evans urged the Council to follow the Attorneys’ guidance in this matter.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO,  FOR THE COUNCIL TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND PERSONNEL MATTERS.  THE  MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

The regular meeting concluded at 10:45 p.m.

 

Summary of Closed Session

 

The closed session came to order at 10:48 p.m., with Mayor Waldorf presiding and Council Members Julie Andresen, Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Lee Pavăo and Edith Wiggins in attendance.  Also in attendance were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Fire Chief Dan Jones,  Town Clerk Peter Richardson and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

 

Acquisition of Site for Town Fire Station Number Five

 

Fire Chief Dan Jones presented a brief overview of possible sites for a fifth Town fire station.  He noted that a preliminary sales agreement for the purchase of 9.5 acres along Bennett Road,  at a cost of  $195,000, had been signed by the Town and property owner.   Noting that the fire station would require 2 ˝ to 3 acres, Chief Jones said that balance of the site could be set aside as open space.  Chief Jones and Mr. Horton responded to Council questions regarding the specific site and the desirability of using the balance of the property as open space.

 

The Council unanimously agreed to reconvene in open session.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 14, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE 9.5 ACRES OF LAND.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF 9.69 ACRES OF LAND THE INTERSECTION OF U.S. 15-501 AND BENNETT ROAD (98-4-27/R-14)

 

WHEREAAS, the Council has reviewed the terms of the proposed contract for the purchase of a tract of land at the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and Bennett Road and finds that the purchase of this tract for public purposes is in the best interests of the Town and that the proposed contract is reasonable.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby approves and authorizes the purchase of 9.69 acres at the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and Bennett Road (Tax Map Reference 7.126.A.4H) for the negotiated price of $191,500;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that approximately 3 acres will be used for a fire station and the remaining 6.69 acres as park/open space land, with the funding for said purchase to come from the fire station and open space bond funds based on this division of proposed uses;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is directed to take all necessary steps to complete the purchase of this property in accordance with the proposed contract.

 

This the 27th day of April, 1998.

 

The Council reconvened in closed session.

 

Mr. Horton requested the Council’s guidance on a personnel-related matter.  The Council directed the Manager to take no follow-up action on this matter at this time.

 

The closed session concluded at 11:13 p.m.