SUMMARY MINUTES OF A PUBLIC FORUM ON THE
2000-2001 BUDGET, THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2000, AT 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Rosemary Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Council members present were: Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Lee Pavăo, Bill Strom, Jim Ward and Edith Wiggins.
Staff members present were: Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Lowenthal and Florentine Miller, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Finance Director Jim Baker, Planning Director Roger Waldon, Police Major Gregg Jarvies, Planners Loryn Barnes and Claudia Paine, Housing Director Tina Vaughn, Public Works Director Bruce Heflin, Transportation Director Bob Godding, Urban Forester Curtis Brooks, and Town Clerk Joyce Smith.
Mr. Horton noted that there were a variety of topics available for public comment. He said that the main topic was the development of the annual budget for services and general operations. He added that an important part of that budget is the Capital Improvements Program for small items for the next five years.
Mr. Horton described the Community Development Grant program as an annual program funded by the federal government. He said that the Town receives a Comprehensive Grant to improve public housing units and a Home Grant for improved and affordable housing. Mr. Horton also noted that transportation grants reduce the cost of maintaining the transit system.
Mr. Horton stated that the Town Council had established the non-residential taxes for the downtown area and had the opportunity each year to review that. He added that the Council also has the opportunity at this time of year to consider legislative proposals.
Mr. Horton noted that this was the beginning of the budget process and explained that there would be a forum on March 29 and a formal public hearing on the budget proposal on May 10, 2000.
Ms. Kelly Welch, Executive Director of Community Cuisine, requested funding from the Community Development Block Grant for Community Cuisine’s adult culinary and job-training program. She noted that this was a pivotal year for Community Cuisine and said that obtaining secure funding would be essential to developing a strong organization.
Ivy Wingate, Director of Development of the YMCA, noted that the Council had supported the YMCA’s after school programs at both South Estes Drive and the Pine Knolls neighborhood for the past five years. She explained that the program has served forty-nine low-income children, but that they would like to increase the number at the Pine Knolls site.
Ms. Wingate stated that when renovations on the building they are currently using are complete, the YMCA may be charged rent. If that happens, she said, they would move to Lincoln Center near the Pine Knolls neighborhood and would need help from the Town with that rent. She thanked the Council for its support over the past five years and requested a slight increase this year to cover rent.
Peg Rees, President of the Mason Farm Neighborhood Association, requested sidewalks on Mason Farm Road. She pointed out that a recent petition included signatures from citizens in neighborhoods surrounding Mason Farm Road as well as from Mason Farm residents. Ms. Rees noted that there were no crosswalks or traffic calming devices on Mason Farm Road. She requested crosswalks and a “stop for pedestrians” signs, and asked that sidewalks be built in the near future. Ms. Rees also read a letter from Peter Gayek in support of sidewalks in the area.
Council Member Foy asked if there was a process for building sidewalks, similar to the one for having a road paved, whereby citizens can institute a petition and seek to be assessed. Mr. Horton replied that there was a similar provision, which had not been recently invoked. He agreed to report back to the Council regarding that, and added that a neighborhood that was willing to make a partial payment could raise their issue above some others on the priority list.
Richard Wolfandem stated that he had been knocked off his bicycle twice in the past thirty years on Mason Farm Road—even before the traffic “really began to move.” He requested a good pedestrian bike path, a crossing, and some device to stop speeding drivers.
Kimberly Brewer, a Purefoy Road resident, expressed strong support for the petition regarding Mason Farm Road and noted that Purefoy Road’s traffic problems have not yet been resolved. She said that the Purefoy neighborhood would be coming to the Council in the near future with their suggestions.
Maxecine Mitchell, Director of Community Building at EmPOWERment, Inc., presented a petition on behalf of EmPOWERment, Inc., the Northside Community, the Pine Knolls community, and the Homeowners and Homebuyers Club of EmPOWERment, Inc. She asked the Council to continue providing support to families buying their first homes.
Ms. Mitchell stated that EmPOWERment had built 22 homes and has nine under development. She made three requests from the HOME and the Community Development Block Grant programs:
1. To reallocated funds approved last year to support the purchase of a four-unit apartment complex on Knoll Street in Chapel Hill. Ms. Mitchell explained that the negotiations to purchase units in Northside and Carr Court had fallen through. She asked the Council to reallocate $100,000 of HOME Funds and $15,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to purchase property in Pine Knolls instead.
2. To allocate $250,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to preserve local neighborhoods and to expand affordable housing opportunities in Northside and Pine Knolls.
3. To allocate $200,000 in HOME Funds to develop affordable housing in Carrboro and Orange County.
Robert Dowling, of Orange Community Housing Corporation, asked the Town to again allocate $69,000 for this year’s general operations, as it has over the past three fiscal years. He noted that this amount would not include the $8,000 allocated for Land Trust activities in the current fiscal year. Mr. Dowling explained that the Land Trust Board has been examining its staffing requirements and may need additional resources.
Mr. Dowling also asked for a $5,000 subsidy per unit for 32 units at Meadowmont Townhomes. He requested $160,000 from Community Development Block Grant funds and $160,000 from HOME funds. Mr. Dowling pointed out that OCHC already had requested $450,000 from Orange County bond money.
Mayor Waldorf read a letter from Mr. Wiley Shearin asking if it would be possible to do a walkway path along Estes Drive connecting the sidewalk on Sewell School Road to Airport Road.
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO RECEIVE AND REFER COMMENTS TO THE MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE JANUARY 24, 2000
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL,
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2000 AT 7:25 P.M.
Item 5 - Information Reports
Council Member Strom removed 5b. Items 5a and 5c were received by consensus.
Item 6 - Response to Triangle Land Conservancy Petition
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO, TO DEFER DISCUSSION TO THE FEBRUARY 7, 2000 MEETING ON THE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Item 8 - Presentation of Human Services Advisory Board’s Annual Report
Mayor Waldorf explained that the chairman of the Human Services Advisory Board had requested that this be deferred to February 14th, and she had agreed to do so.
Item 9a - Presentation of Chapel Hill Transit 25th Anniversary
Review Committee Final Report
Transportation Board Chairman Ken Robinson commented that during the recent snowstorm Chapel Hill’s streets were clearer than those of surrounding towns. He expressed gratitude to the Manager and staff for that
Regarding the 25-year review, Mr. Robinson listed all of the groups and departments who had helped with the report and outlined the process, which began in 1998. He said noted that 70% of the ridership responded to a survey and that the results showed that Chapel Hill Transit provides the services that Chapel Hill residents want. Mr. Robinson remarked that Chapel Hill’s transit system is different from those of surrounding towns, in that it has less service in the evening and during weekends. He pointed out, though, that Chapel Hill’s schedule serves the needs of the community.
Mr. Robinson mentioned areas for improvement:
· reduce the amount of long-term parking available around town and on campus so that more people will ride the bus;
· expand information to the community via a website; and
· monitor development of new technology, such as a display at bus stops giving information about bus schedules and routes.
Mr. Robinson noted that there should be more information available for new community members. He suggested advertising the transit system in more creative and less expensive ways, such as educating grade school and middle school students about it and encouraging university students to use it.
Mr. Robinson also recommended better promotion of information about ozone alert days, perhaps via news broadcasts. He suggested promoting “transit friendly land use development,” and encouraged making sure that new construction is convenient to bus routes. He said that the Committee had discussed servicing areas near Town limits so that people there would become transit riders even though they don’t pay for the system through taxes.
Mr. Robinson suggested finding ways to encourage more people to use buses during the day, such as possibly setting up more flexible service schedules. He said the Committee would like to continue coordination with Durham Area Transit Authority and Triangle Transit Authority to make sure that Chapel Hill routes coordinate with them. Mr. Robinson said that the Committee also would like to consider one or more new transit centers, and they want to start thinking about creative ways of raising funds other than federal funding.
Mr. Robinbson reported that the study found that people are most interested in the morning and afternoon commute, and want the system to serve major employment areas. He said that the transit system had done an excellent job of meeting service standards and schedules, with minimum amounts of breakdowns. Mr. Robinson stated that they had done a fine job of serving disabled persons, and providing clean, safe buses at reasonable fares.
Mr. Robinson reported that the Committee had recommended maintaining autonomy of the Chapel Hill Transit separate and distinct from Triangle Transit Authority and Durham Area Transit Authority. He asked the Council to study the data and forward it to the Comprehensive Plan Work Group. He concluded that Chapel Hill Transit had done and continues to do a fine job of serving the community.
Item 9b -Resolution Thanking the Committee and Referring the Report
to the Manager for Follow-up (R-7)
Council Member Bateman stated that the demographic information in the report was impressive. She commented that the written information given to the public could use some editing for clarity.
Mr. Robinson acknowledged that the transit guide is confusing, but noted that the transit system itself is confusing. He added, though, that the Committee intends to clarify the guide. Council Member Bateman offered to pass on her recommended revisions.
Council Member Bateman added that she was pleased to see the report included a plan to increase pedestrian access to transit stops, since there were many transit stops on the wrong side of the roads. Mr. Robinson agreed that there are areas like that, such as Airport Road, and commented that this was why he had recommended more integrated planning.
Council Member Foy asked if the report had been formally presented to Carrboro and UNC. Mr. Robinson replied that it had not, and offered to do that. Council Member Foy asked whether there would be sufficient ridership to justify running buses on weekends. Mr. Robinson replied that there would not. He pointed out that Chapel Hill’s riders basically only go into Town and back home again. Council Member Foy asked Mr. Robinson to clarify his remarks about parking. Mr. Robinson explained that cutting back on long-term parking would cause people to take buses “happily.”
Council Member Wiggins recalled that twenty-five years ago people had argued that buses would destroy the character of the community. She said her hope is that people 25 years from now will see this Town Council as having been visionary and conscious of the needs of people in the future.
Council Member Evans asked if the Committee had discussed using Chapel Hill buses to transport school children. Mr. Robinson said that the Committee had tried to discourage the new middle school from building a parking lot for that reason. He added that the Committee is strongly in favor of serving the schools that way, adding that it would free school buses from having to wait around for extracurricular activities to end.
Mayor Waldorf asked if the Committee had discussed meshing schedules or doubling up with school buses. Mr. Robinson replied that they had not done so in detail but had discussed it during the demise of the cross-Town connector. He said they had looked at ideas for sharing between school and city buses and had realized that mornings and afternoon are not a good match. Mr. Robinson emphasized, though, that having a transit system that could serve the schools in the late afternoon would give children more flexibility, independence, and a sense of responsibility.
Council Member Wiggins noted that some people who are dependent on buses also depend on taxis when buses are not running. She pointed out that taxis are expensive and expressed the hope that smaller buses would be able to pick up those who use taxis to get to work. Mr. Robinson replied that the Shared Ride Service transports citizens to a place that is more than a quarter of a mile from a bus stop.
Mayor Waldorf suggested establishing ridership goals and having “bus only,” or “bus favored,” lanes in certain corridors at certain times. She added that the Council, staff and Planning Board should begin thinking about such things. Mr. Robinson noted that preemptive signaling (where the bus driver can turn the light green) is a technology innovation that is getting closer all the time.
Mayor Waldorf suggested that the Town develop an action plan now and start talking with the NC Department of Transportation, rather than waiting until they absolutely need to. She asked if there were more special event opportunities for Chapel Hill Transit (such as the Tarheel Express) for attracting non-daily riders and introducing people to the system. Mr. Robinson replied that the Tarheel Express buses are usually full, and agreed with Mayor Waldorf’s suggestion to find more special event opportunities.
Mayor Waldorf summarized that it had been generally agreed upon to amend Resolution 7 by writing a letter to Carrboro asking that a presentation be scheduled and that the Council take it to the next Coordination and Consultation Committee meeting. Council Member Foy asked that the Manager’s recommendations take into account the response from Carrboro.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED MY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO, TO ADOPT R-7, AS AMENDED. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE FINAL REPORT OF THE CHAPEL HILL TRANSIT 25TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW COMMITTEE AND REFERRING THE REPORT TO THE TOWN MANAGER FOR A FOLLOW-UP REPORT (2000-01-31/R-7)
WHEREAS, the Town Council established the Chapel Hill Transit 25th Anniversary Review Committee to prepare an assessment of the Chapel Hill Transit system; and
WHEREAS, the 25th Anniversary Review Committee has completed its work and submitted a Final Report to the Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council receives the 25th Anniversary Committee’s Final Report and refers the Final Report to the Town Manager for evaluation and a follow-up report.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the Mayor to request by letter that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen schedule a presentation of the Final Report to its Board.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council requests the Mayor to present the Final Report at the Coordination and Consultation Committee scheduled for February 16, 2000.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council expresses its thanks to the 25th Anniversary Review Committee for its work.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Item 11 - Plans for Extending Services to Proposed Annexation Areas (R-9) (R-10)
Planning Director Roger Waldon explained that two areas (along Irwin Road and the Faculty Farm) were ready to be annexed by the Town. He said that the staff had prepared the required reports and asked the Council to approve them so that they could be made available for a public meeting on March 1st and a public hearing at the end of June.
Council Member Bill Strom, referring to the total estimated cost of the annexation area on Table One of the Appendix, asked if the staff had looked at the total cost when these houses join the service pool. Mr. Horton replied that they had only measured direct additional marginal cost. He added that they measured the direct cost against the actual revenue to determine whether they would be able to take in the additional area and pay the bills.
Council Member Strom said that he would have added the houses to the entire budget and then divided it. For example, he said, he would have divided the total library budget over the total amount of houses rather then having it appear that the annexed houses do not affect the library budget. Mr. Horton agreed to do that, noting that it would not increase the actual cost that the Town would bear. Mr. Strom replied that it might give a more accurate reflection of what it costs to service residences in Town.
Council Member Wiggins noted that it would cost less for the residents who already are in Town because it would be spread out among more people. Mr. Horton agreed that the unit cost would go down.
Council Member Bateman asked why the Town wanted to annex the Faculty Farm. Mr. Horton replied it was in order to have ordinance control over a property that it does not now have ordinance control over.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, TO ADOPT R-9. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
AREA 1
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REPORT WITH PLANS FOR EXTENDING MAJOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO AN ANNEXATION AREA IN ACCORD WITH G.S. 160A-47 (2000-01-31/R-9)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council approves the annexation plan for extending and financing services to that certain proposed annexation Area 1 (Map 1 - Englewood Subdivision Area) as described in the Council’s Resolution (2000-01-10/R-3); which plan was submitted to the Council by the Manager on January 24, 2000, and a copy of which plan shall be retained with the records of this meeting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council directs the Manager to make the report available for public inspection at least 30 days before the public information meeting in accordance with State law.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO, TO ADOPT R-10. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REPORT WITH PLANS FOR EXTENDING MAJOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO AN ANNEXATION AREA IN ACCORD WITH G.S. 160A-47 (2000-01-31/R-10)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council approves the annexation plan for extending and financing services to that certain proposed annexation Area 2 (Map 1 - UNC Staff/Faculty Club) as described in the Council’s Resolution (2000-01-10/R-4); which plan was submitted to the Council by the Manager on January 24, 2000, and a copy of which plan shall be retained with the records of this meeting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council directs the Manager to make the report available for public inspection at least 30 days before the public information meeting in accordance with State law.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Item 12 - Report on Police Building Renovations (R-11)
Police Major Gregg Jarvies explained that Resolution 11 would authorize the Manager to proceed with implementation of Phase One of the architect’s report regarding renovations of the Police building on Airport Road.
Lucien Roughton, the architect contracted to design the renovation, stated that the goals of the project might have surpassed what the Town had allocated for funds. Because of this, his firm had decided to do a preliminary assessment to examine the feasibility of the project. Mr. Roughton explained that the preliminary assessment looks at programming to determine the functional needs of the Police Department, evaluates the condition of the building, and compares those two needs to cost.
Mr. Roughton said that his firm had developed a program of space usage and had created a document that projects how much space the Police Department will need over the next twenty-five years. He also said that they had uncovered many functional problems with the building:
· a leak of security in the sensitive non-public areas;
· narrow corridors which make it difficult to supervise suspects;
· little storage; and
· an insufficient interview room.
Mr. Roughton pointed out that some areas in the building were too large for the needs. He added that there is a lack of safety for the 24-hour receptionist.
Mr. Roughton reported that his firm and the engineering firm had found a leaking wall, leaking ceiling, badly damaged interior finishes, old plumbing fixtures, little hot water, old and inefficient roof-top air conditioning units (six of nine were twenty years old) complicated by bad placement and ducts that do not allow them to utilize what heating and cooling they have. Mr. Roughton displayed slides showing leaks in the roof, walls and ceilings. He also indicated that the corridors were too narrow.
Mr. Roughton said that the $620,000 that had been allocated would protect the asset by water-proofing the north wall, putting on a new roof, adding at least six new air conditioning units, reworking some of the ducts, replacing the water heating system, and making some basic cosmetic improvements. He remarked that this would protect the asset, but would not answer any of the programming issues that he had mentioned. He noted this plan was called Phase One.
With more money, Mr. Roughton said, the Town could gut the interior of the building and reconfigure it to accommodate a space that would allow them to work more efficiently. He added that they could upgrade the fire alarm system, add parking lot security, and improve the pavement. He noted this plan was called Phase Two.
To do both Phases One and Two at the same time would cost about $3.5-million, Mr. Roughton said. He predicted that needs would require about 10,000 square feet of additional space in about ten years and that this would cost about $1.5-million. He said that a tailor-made brand new building of 31,000 square feet on a different site that would last 40-50 years would cost about $5.5-million.
Council Member Foy asked if the replacement of the roof and the HVAC system is designed to alleviate the problem and, if so, how would it do that. Mr. Roughton replied that the membrane itself had deteriorated over the entire roof, especially on the lower level where sediment has been able to accrue and dry out. He explained that this had lead to leaks around the roof curbs where the air conditioning units sit. Water had seeped in through cracks, entered the duct system, and migrated around the building, he said.
Mr. Roughton explained that there are much better roofing systems available now than there were twenty years ago. He added that new HVAC units could be put in the same places, but more securely, and this would solve the leakage problem.
Council Member Bateman asked why locks couldn’t be put on doors to strengthen security. Mr. Roughton replied that they could, but added that doing so would impede flow and slow down employees’ ability to move around in their own space. He added that the greater security problem was that suspects could walk right out the back from the lobby. Mr. Horton interjected that there had not been any incidents of people stealing Police Department files but there had been incidents of alleged perpetrators and victims encountering each other, sometimes creating difficulties.
Council Member Strom asked why the plan in Phase Two was to gut the building rather than replace the roof units along with replacing the ductwork as they design the system. Mr. Roughton replied that if you have to take the units off to replace the roof you may as well throw them away. He added that since three units were fairly new it might be better to fix the curb and set them back down.
Council Member Strom asked if the Town had patched the roof over the years. Mr. Horton replied that the Town had spent countless hours trying to patch leaks. Mr. Roughton remarked that the HVAC units contribute to the disintegration of the building. He noted that it had even lead to erosion under the slab on the ground floor.
Council Member Foy asked if the Town could do only the top three repairs listed and address only the immediate maintenance of asset, which is subtotaled at $287,000. Mr. Roughton agreed that they could.
Council Member Brown asked Mr. Roughton if he had taken the Energy Ordinance into consideration when analyzing the building. He replied that he had, but had concluded that there was not enough money in the budget to go into sophisticated energy-saving techniques.
Mayor pro tem Pavăo asked about the cost of the project. Mr. Horton stated that the staff had estimated that it would take not only the $287,000 but also the $192,000 to make a complete project out of this. When the fees and contingencies are added in, he said, the recommended $600,000 is about exhausted.
Mayor Waldorf expressed confusion, saying she had thought the staff was recommending spending $600,000 to preserve the physical asset and keep the building functional. She commented that this was not what she was hearing from Mr. Roughton, and asked for clarification. Mr. Horton recommended delaying the process because, based on an earlier conversation with Mr. Roughton, he had a different understanding of what some of the data meant.
Council Member Foy suggested that, given the volatility of the status of the building, the staff determine the “bare bones option.” Council Member Ward suggested that the figures that come back from the staff include using some of the recently purchased HVAC units. Mayor Waldorf asked Mr. Horton if he felt it was best to defer the item to February 14, and Mr. Horton agreed.
Council Member Wiggins stressed that the work environment is as important as the building and argued that any “bare bones” solution should keep employees’ health, safety and morale in mind. Mr. Horton replied that he had thought that was what he was presenting, but Mr. Roughton’s report had confused him. He said that he would like to clear this up with Mr. Roughton.
Council Member Foy expressed concern about the future uses of the building, such as the Interfaith Council’s request to use that space. He said that he was looking at the building as a Town asset and wondered what the timing of the investment should be. Council Member Foy suggested that the staff bring it back on March 6th, rather February 14th, and attempt to have a more comprehensive discussion.
Mr. Horton pointed out that the sale of bonds for this project would soon take place. He cautioned that it might be awkward to go forward with the sale of the bonds and then decide not to use the funds. Mr. Horton added that he believed the Council would find that spending $600,000 is justified when the staff comes back with a clear presentation on February 14th.
Mayor pro tem Pavăo pointed out that the Council must protect the building so that it can serve as a more functional workplace for the people who are there. He stated that he did not see the Council not spending the money on protecting that asset.
Council Member Strom agreed that everyone wanted to protect the asset, but suggested that the $600,000 “goes significantly beyond that.”
Council Member Brown proposed having the Manager bring back several items, which the Council had previously requested, to address future public facility needs. Referring to her memo of January 24th, she asked that the Council schedule a work session at the earliest possible date to begin to begin to look at currently owned properties where appraisals would be needed. Council Member Brown asked the staff to look at the Police building in the context of all of the Town’s municipal building stock and determine what the future needs are and how the whole fits together.
Mayor Waldorf asked the Manager how Council Member Brown’s request would differ from the decision the Council made at its planning retreat to have a more extensive fifteen-year Capital Improvements Program. Mr. Horton said that the main difference is that he would not be able to bring such a proposal in such a short period of time with reasonable options. Mr. Horton emphasized it would be a large task to put together options that are realistic and have some costs and schedules attached to them. He stressed that the staff could do a better job of this after the budget had been completed.
Mayor Waldorf again asked how this was different from the longer-range and more extensive Capital Improvements Program that the Council and staff had agreed upon at their retreat. Mr. Horton replied that the sorts of things mentioned here were the kinds of things that would need to be done to develop not just the Capital Improvements Program, but a detailed plan for how to proceed on all of these projects. He noted that simply deciding, for example, on what kinds of buildings the Town would need for the next 15-25 years would mean involving the community and advisory boards in the process, which would take several months.
Council Member Brown pointed out that she was asking the staff to “begin” the process, since these needs should be addressed in a comprehensive fashion. Mr. Horton advised against waiting to decide on the Police building and other more immediate issues until the Comprehensive Plan has been completed.
Council Member Bateman said that she was comfortable making a decision on the Police building. She also agreed that the more comprehensive plan should come back when the staff is ready. Council Member Brown responded that her proposal had not recommended against doing something to protect the Police building.
Mayor Waldorf said that the process and examination that Council Member Brown had suggested could be part of the decision the Council made at the retreat to have a more extensive and longer-range Capital Improvements Program. She suggested that the staff combine those two objectives when doing the final report. Mr. Horton expressed willingness to include a proposal on how to proceed. He said that his only difficulty had been with the short time limit. Council Member Brown offered to delete “next regular meeting” from her proposal.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO, TO REFER R-11 TO THE MANAGER, ALONG WITH MEMO FROM COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO COME BACK ON FEBRUARY 14TH, AND TO INCORPORATE COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN’S PROPOSAL INTO THE CAPITAL IMPROVMENTS PROGRAM ACTION PLAN. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Item 13 - Potential Property Relocation of Municipal Operations Functions (R-12)
Public Works Director Bruce Heflin asked for approval to proceed with some preliminary site analysis of properties that could one day become new municipal operations facilities. He explained that the current lease on their 25 acres on the Horace Wiliams site expires on December 31, 2006, and said this compels them to begin thinking about alternative sites.
Mr. Heflin noted that there were problems associated with staying where they are. He said that there were also problems with leaving the site, such as the lack of land to fulfill their size and use requirements. Mr. Heflin stated that the most suitable piece of land is on Eubanks Road east of the current landfill site.
Mr. Heflin stated that a detailed site analysis would have to be performed to determine if that site is appropriate. He explained that Resolution 12 asks for permission to continue that preliminary analysis.
Council Member Evans asked if the staff had discussed doing this jointly with Carrboro and Orange County and also if they had considered the 60-acre tract which is slated for a materials recovery facility. Mr. Heflin replied that the Carrboro Public Works director had indicated that they wanted property toward the center of Carrboro. Mr. Horton added that there were only a few vehicles operating at this end of Orange County. He added that the Town would notify the County if the Council authorized the staff to go ahead with this analysis.
Council Member Foy recalled that the Council had expressed the goal of keeping its municipal buildings downtown. He expressed support for the proposal, but cautioned against going too far and putting the Police Station and other municipal buildings in that area. Mayor Waldorf noted that R-12 only authorizes the staff to look for land.
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED. SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO ADOPT R-12. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO DEVELOP A SITE ANALYSIS OF PROPERTIES NORTH OF EUBANKS ROAD AND WITHIN THE TOWN’S PLANNING JURISDICTION TO DETERMINE THEIR SUITABILITY FOR POSSIBLE MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS FUNCTIONS (2000-01-31/R-12)
WHEREAS, the current lease for the Municipal Operations Facility site expires on December 31, 2006; and
WHEREAS, there may be a need to relocate
some or all municipal operations functions; and
WHEREAS, information currently available suggests that the most suitable site may be in the area north of Eubanks Road and within the Town’s planning jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, additional information is needed to determine if the above area includes a suitable site;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to develop a site analysis of properties north of Eubanks Road and within the Town’s planning jurisdiction to determine their suitability for possible municipal operations functions and, if a suitable site is found, report back to the Council prior to initiating a development feasibility study.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Item 14 - Report on NC 86 Landscape Improvements (R-13)
Urban Forester Curtis Brooks stated that the Council is being asked to provide $50,000 to match funds from NC Department of Transportation for supplemental planting along the newly widened 1.5-mile section of NC 86 from Homestead Road to Weaver Dairy Road. He noted that there was $50,000 available in the construction budget.
Council Member Ward commented that much of the landscaping described in Resolution 13 is “pretty generic.” He requested that the process include a requirement that plantings be non-invasive exotics that are native to the southeast United States. He stated that the Department of Transportation had been amenable to his idea when they landscaped roads near the Botanical Garden.
Mr. Brooks said that they intended to go through the same process as they had with Fordham Boulevard—that is, consult with the Appearance Commission and possibly the Community Design Commission. He said that they did not intend to use invasive exotics.
Council Member Ward stressed that he would like to see plants placed there that are unique to North Carolina and Chapel Hill, rather than those that are seen everywhere. Council Member Evans suggested that Council Member Ward work with Mr. Brooks and Council Member Ward replied that he would like to do so.
Council Member Wiggins asked Mr. Horton if approval of the resolution as worded would mean that he would expect the Council to approve the new laborer position at budget time. Mr. Horton replied that there would be maintenance costs because the State would not maintain the landscaping.
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT R-13. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO UTILIZE $50,000 in THE TOWN’S AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE for landscape improvements to the recently completed NC Highway 86 road widening project between Homestead Road and Eubanks Road AND INSTRUCTING THE TOWN MANAGER TO PROPOSE A MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS DURING UPCOMING BUDGET DELIBERATIONS
(2000-01-31/r-13)
WHEREAS, NC Highway 86 serves as the “northern gateway,” the main route into Chapel Hill from the north; and
WHEREAS, it is reasonable and appropriate to address aesthetic as well as functional aspects of the roadside landscape; and
WHEREAS, in 1988 the Town Council adopted a master landscape plan for its entranceway corridors that encourages funding of landscape improvements along major entranceways; and
WHEREAS, $50,000 is available in the Town’s fund balance; and
WHEREAS, a commitment by the Town to supplement the NCDOT landscape budget by $50,000 is needed to assure a matching NCDOT contribution of $50,000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to utilize $50,000 in the Town’s available fund balance for landscape improvements to the recently completed NC Highway 86 road widening project and instructs the Town Manager to propose a maintenance plan for these improvements during upcoming budget deliberations.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Council Member Bateman requested that the landscaping take safety into consideration by not obstructing the view coming out of side streets. Mayor Waldorf responded that she had not given up on trying to get a light signal at Stateside Drive. She explained that the Department of Transportation had been scheduled to take a look at that intersection, but had been prevented from doing so by the recent snowstorm. Council Member Bateman said that if given a choice, residents of that area would rather have the money spent on safety.
Council Member Brown asked the staff to look into low maintenance plantings. Mr. Horton pointed out that they still will have to mow the grass. He noted that the Town could seek bids on contracting maintenance out. Council Members generally expressed support for that idea.
Item 15 - Adoption of Order Regarding Time Warner Cable FCC Filings (R-14)
Mayor Waldorf asked if there was any public comment regarding this item. There was none.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO, TO ADOPT R-14. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL TO EXECUTE AN ORDER ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN APPROVING A BASIC SERVICE TIER RATE FOR CHAPEL HILL CABLE TELEVISION SUBSCRIBERS (2000-01-31/R-14)
WHEREAS, the Town Council as received a report from the Town’s Cable Television Consultant reviewing Time Warner Cable’s FCC 1240 filing and supporting documentation; and,
WHEREAS, upon such review the consultant has advised the Town that the data submitted by the cable operator is free of material misstatements and provides a reasonable basis for approval of the proposed rate adjustment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the council of the town of Chapel Hill that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute, on behalf of the Town, the attached order approving new basic service tier rates for the calendar year 2000 for Chapel Hill Cable Television subscribers.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Item 16 - Amending Council’s Meeting Calendar (R-15)
Mayor Waldorf explained that this item was to add a meeting on February 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Carrboro Town Hall. The meeting would be a question and answer session on the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance proposals.
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, TO ADOPT R-15. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
(2000-1-31/R-15)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby amends its meeting calendar to include a meeting on February 24, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the Carrboro Town Hall to hear a presentation by Craig Benedict regarding Adequate Public Facilities.
This the 31st day of January, 2000.
Item 17 - Petitions
Item 17a. By the Mayor and Council Members
Mayor Waldorf petitioned the Council to consider passing a resolution stating its strong preference that any rezoning application involving a residential zoning designation include an affordable housing component. She also suggested that the resolution create a maximum level of permitted parking not to exceed 110% of the minimum currently in the ordinance. Mayor Waldorf requested that the Council endorse these concepts and refer them to the staff for rewording and refinement.
Council Member Evans pointed out that the Planning Board had recently received a large packet of information on the parking issue. She said that the issue is much more complex than she had thought and suggested that the staff provide Council members with that information before they categorically decide to reduce the allowable level of parking.
Council Member Foy asked it there would still be a minimum required. Mayor Waldorf explained that they would be setting the maximum and eliminating the minimum.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO, TO REFER THE PETITION TO THE MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Item 12 - Report on Police Building Renovations (R-11) - Continued
Finance Director Jim Baker explained that the date of the bond sale for the Police building had been postponed to February 15th. He added that it would not be wise to change the dollar figure on the official schedule without consulting with the Bond Council. Mr. Baker added that he was not sure the Council could do that without starting over and revising two resolutions that had already been adopted.
Council Member Brown asked if there was a particular time during which the funds from the bond sale must be used. Mr. Baker explained that if the proceeds from the bond sale are spent within a two-year period they are not subject to arbitrage regulations. He said that arbitrage regulations could mean that part of the interest would have to be rebated to the federal government.
Mayor Waldorf replied that in view of what Mr. Baker had just explained the Council should defer the item to February 14th, rather than March 6th. Mr. Horton and several Council Members agreed.
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO DEFER R-11 UNTIL FEBRUARY 14, 2000. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
MAYOR PRO TEM PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION, AS AUTHORIZED BY N.C. GENERAL STATUTE SECTION 143-318. 11 (A) (5), TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY ALONG TANYARD BRANCH GREENWAY, INCLUDING SOME OR ALL OF THE LAND IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP #7.94B, PARCELS 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6A, 7, 8, AND 9. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.