SUMMARY MINUTES OF A BUSINESS MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 21, 2001, AT 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Rosemary Waldorf called the meeting to order t 7:00 p.m.
Council members present were Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Bill Strom, and Edith Wiggins. Mayor pro tem Lee Pavão was absent, excused.
Staff members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Assistant to the Manger Bill Stockard, Finance Director Jim Baker, Assistant Finance Director Kay Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Kathryn Spatz, Police Chief Gregg Jarvies, Planning Director Roger Waldon, Engineering Director George Small, and Acting Town Clerk Toni Pendergraph.
Item #1 - Ceremonies: Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
for Town of Chapel Hill's 1999-2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Mayor Waldorf presented the Certificate of Achievement to Finance Director James M. Baker and Assistant Finance Director Kay Johnson. She noted that the Certificate of Achievement was the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Mayor Waldorf announced that the Town had also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 1999-2000, adding that only 37 of North Carolina's 627 units of government had received both the Certificate of Achievement and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Ms. Johnson said that this award could not have been accomplished without the fine work of those in the Finance Department. She expressed gratitude for their contributions.
Item #3 - Petitions by Citizens and Announcements by Council Members
3a.1. John Covach, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission on Funding for Special Populations Recreation Specialist Position.
Mr. Covach reported that the Commission had voted unanimously at its May 16th meeting to reaffirm its strong support for funding a Special Populations Recreation Specialist. He said that there was an urgent need to fill the position at least on a part-time basis.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO RECEIVE AND REFER THE PETITION. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
3a.2. John Covach, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission on Representation on the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee.
Mr. Covach proposed that Beth Huskamp, Commission Vice Chair, replace Al Mebane, who had recently passed away. Mayor Waldorf suggested that the Council appoint Ms. Huskamp.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO APPOINT BETH HUSKAMP AS CHAIR OF THE CONCEPTUAL PLAN COMMITTEE. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
3a.3. John Covach, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission on Potential for Roller Hockey at Southern Community Park.
Mr. Covach, noting that tennis courts can easily be converted to roller hockey rinks, suggested making roller hockey rinks available as part of the Southern Community Park. He noted that the Commission had endorsed making that a planning priority for that park.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED TO RECEIVE AND REFER THE PETITION TO THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PARK COMMITTEE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS.
Council Member Strom said that he wanted a chance to discuss the "pay for play" component further.
Council Member Bateman noted that the motion was only to pass the report on to the Southern Community Park Committee without making a statement about its merits one way or the other.
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
3.b. Petitions by Citizens on Items on the Agenda
Ann Hill read a request from her and her neighbors for a moratorium on construction approvals in the Erwin Road/I-40/Dobbins Road area until current projects have been completed. She asked the Town to investigate the impact of construction on traffic flow and the preservation of the watershed in the area. Ms. Hill also asked the Town to make sure that the schools can be adequately accommodated, and to establish a small area plan that would include citizen input.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO RECEIVE AND REFER THE PETITION TO THE MANAGER AND STAFF. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
3.c. Announcements by Council Members.
Mayor Waldorf explained that Mayor pro tem Lee Pavão was absent because he had broken his ankle.
Council Member Strom reported that the Bond Needs Task Force had finished voting and would have one more meeting on May 30th. He said that they would recommend a bond to the County Commissioners in the $80-$85 million range and were trying to see if Orange County could "do some certificates of participation for some part" in an attempt to keep it at the $80 million level. Council Member Strom noted that school requests would be well funded and the aquatics center would be fully funded ($3.5 million). He added that the Town is slated to get $2 million on the bond for the Southern Community Park, $1 million for greenways ($750,00 for Carrboro, $250,000 for Smith Middle School field lighting, and $50,000 for a Town gym site). Council Member Strom also said that there would be a recommendation for about $4-1/2 million for additional open space purchases by the County Commissioners.
Mayor Waldorf asked if the Council needed to do anything else now. Council Member Strom replied that they should wait until May 30th to see what the final recommendations will be to the Commissioners, and then let the Commissioners know officially that the Town supports the work of the Bond Needs Task Force.
Mayor Waldorf reported that School Board Chairman Nick Didow had organized a meeting of School Board, Town and County representatives to discuss the Meadowmont School site. She explained that a fairly detailed report of that meeting was being written and would be sent to Council members. Mayor Waldorf said that the Council probably would see a couple of alternative sites at the June 11th Council meeting. She praised the general tenor and substance of the meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT R-1. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (2001-05-21/R-1)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts the following resolutions and ordinances as submitted by the Town Manager in regard to the following:
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a. |
Adoption of Minutes of March 28, April 4, 9, and 18, 2001. |
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b. |
Nominations to the Board of Adjustment, Community Design Commission, Greenways Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission (R-2). |
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c. |
Budget Ordinance Amendments for Parks and Recreation Capital Project Funds – Southern Community Park (O-1). |
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d. |
Consideration of Ordinance Granting Leave and Service Credits for Employees Who Serve as Apprentices (O-2). |
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e. |
Request for Sewer Easement Along New Fire Station Site (R-2.1). |
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f. |
Request to Close Clyde Road Right-of-way (R-2.2). |
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
A RESOLUTION NOMINATING APPLICANTS TO VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (2001-05-21/R-2)
WHEREAS, the applications for service on an advisory board or commission or other committees listed below have been received; and
WHEREAS, the applicants have been determined by the Town Clerk to be eligible to serve;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the following names are placed in nomination to serve on an advisory board or commission:
David Lincoln
Stephen Manton
Delilah Snow
Richard Williams
Richard Barrett
Arthelia Hampton
Richard Loeber
Stephen Manton
Polly Van de Velde
Richard Williams
Bill Bracey
Peter Calingaert
Coalter Lathrop
Ann-Christin Pautz
Barry Starrfield
Kenneth Sugioka
Betsey Bancroft Wu
James M. Bullock
Margaret W. Rich
Parks and Recreation Commission
Robert Broad
Steve Dobbins
Romeo “Chip” Fontaine
Hazel Kiser
Pete Schwartz
Mitch Strobin
Kenneth Sugioka
Terri Tyson
Malcolm White
Steve Dobbins
Frederic Schroeder, Jr.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CAPITAL PROJECTS ORDINANCE FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS (2001-05-21/O-1)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, that the capital projects ordinance for various capital projects funded from a variety of sources is hereby amended as follows:
The capital projects as authorized by the Town Council includes various capital projects funded from grants, the Capital Improvements Program funds, and other miscellaneous sources of revenue for a variety of projects extending beyond one fiscal year.
The Manager of the Town of Chapel Hill is hereby directed to proceed with implementation of these projects within terms of funds appropriated here.
Revenues anticipated to be available to the Town to complete the project are as follows:
Current BudgetRevised Budget
Adopt-A-Trail Grant 35,000 35,000
Clean Water Management Grant 200,000 200,000
Chapel Hill-Carrboro School - 148,059
Metropolitan Planning Grant 79,000 79,000
State Bicycle/Pedestrian Grant 300,000 300,000
Pritchard Park Gift 100,193 100,193
Pritchard Park Interest & Rental Income 63,807 63,807
Donations 2,000 2,000
Orange County Bond Funds 105,000 205,000
Transfer from CIP Fund 346,549 346,549
Transfer from General Fund 25,000 25,000
Interest Earnings 88,156 88,156
N.C. Transportation Grant 212,865 212,865
OWASA Reimbursement 42,931 42,931
Pedestrian Signal Reimbursement 5,000 5,000
Total 1,605,501 1,853,560
SECTION IV
Current BudgetRevised Budget
Booker Creek Linear Park 20,000 20,000
Dry Creek Trail 270,800 270,800
Lower Booker Creek Trail 651,749 651,749
Pritchard Park 164,000 164,000
Southern Community Park 105,000 205,000
Willow Drive Bridge 343,952 343,952
Hargraves 50,000 50,000
Scroggs School Athletic Fields - 148,059
Total 1,605,501 1,853,560
SECTION V
The Manager is directed to report annually on the financial status of the project in an informational section to be included in the Annual Budget, and shall keep the Council informed of any unusual occurrences.
SECTION VI
Copies of this projects ordinance shall be entered into the Minutes of the Council and copies shall be filed within 5 days of adoption with the Manager, Finance Director and Town Clerk.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14-58 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL (2001-05-21/O-2)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill, as follows:
Section 1. Article VII, Section 14-58, Personnel Rules and Regulations, Code of Ordinances of the Town of Chapel Hill is hereby rewritten to read as follows:
"Sec. 14-58 Eligibility.
Employees of the Town shall be eligible for various benefits, as specified in this Article or in policies developed by the Manager. (When used in this article, references to the terms “families or families”, “spouse” or “dependent” also include the domestic partners of Town employees and the dependents of domestic partners, as defined in Chapter 1 of the Town Code. For purpose of this section, domestic partners must provide documents demonstrating established financial and legal ties, such as a joint mortgage, health care power of attorney, beneficiary of will or insurance policies, or other similar financial and/or legal relationships.)
An employee who has completed a formal apprentice program with the Town and then served one year as a full-time employee in a position for which the apprentice program provided training will be credited with service time for the period of the apprentice program, as specified in policies developed by the Manager.
Section 2: This ordinance is effective upon adoption.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A UTILITY EASEMENT FOR OWASA ALONG THE US-15-501 EDGE OF THE SOUTHERN FIRE STATION LOT (2001-05-21/R-2.1)
WHEREAS, the Town has received an offer from Capkov Ventures, Inc. to cooperate in the provision of sewer service to both the fire station and the 33 acres directly to the south of the station lot; and
WHEREAS, Capkov Ventures has offered to contribute $10,000 to the Town for the reforestation of a buffer between the fire station and the road;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Town Manager is authorized to enter into a contract with Capkov Ventures, Inc., regarding the timing of their sewer construction and the configuration of the manhole, accepting $10,000 from Capkov Ventures, Inc., and Capkov’s platting a utility easement for OWASA across the US 15-501 frontage of the site of Fire Station #5.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the granting to OWASA, upon execution of the contract mentioned above and implementation of the work contemplated by the contract, of a utility easement across said frontage as requested by Capkov Ventures, Inc.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
A RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF A SECTION OF THE CLYDE ROAD (STATE ROAD 1726) RIGHT OF WAY (2001-05-21/R-2.2)
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby declares it’s intent to consider closing a 1300 foot by 30-foot section of the Clyde Road right-of-way as shown on Orange County Tax Map 7.19, and calls a public hearing at 7:00 pm Monday, June 18, 2001, in the Council Chamber at Town Hall, 306 N. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina to receive public comments on the proposed closing of said right-of-way.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is hereby directed to arrange publication, posting, and mailing of notices of the hearing as required by law.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
Council Member Kevin Foy suggested deferring 5a, Report on Financing of Improvements in Downtown Monrovia, California, since it had been Mayor pro tem Pavão's request and he was absent. Town Manager Cal Horton noted that he had reviewed 5a with Mayor pro tem Pavão. Mayor Waldorf suggested asking Mayor pro tem Pavão if he would like to discuss it. Council members agreed.
Item #6 - Report on Coolidge Street/South Columbia Intersection
Engineering Director George Small reviewed the petition from Joe Capowski to close the eastern end of Coolidge Street at its connection with South Columbia Street. He said that the staff had sent out another petition with an alternative to make the street one way westbound rather than closing it, and that there had been no consensus in the petitions for any of the actions. Mr. Small reported that the staff then redesigned the survey and sent it out again. It came back with a similar mixed reaction and no clear decision, he said, but that making it a one-way street showed the highest number of votes for first and second choice. Mr. Small said that there were no significant safety issues and that there was not a strong enough feeling for any one of the three options. He recommended leaving it as it is even though any of the options would work.
Martin Feinstein, a Coolidge Street resident who had requested changing the intersection, thanked the Town for responding. He disagreed with the staff's conclusions, however, especially the assertion that the intersection is safe. Mr. Feinstein stated that the street "is an accident waiting to happen." He also objected to the conclusion that there was no consensus, pointing out that 66% of those who responded said they wanted some kind of a change.
Council Member Brown asked Mr. Feinstein if making the street one way westbound was an acceptable alternative. Mr. Feinstein replied that it was not his choice but would mitigate some of the safety concerns that he has.
Council Member Evans explained that she had consistently opposed one-way roads because it pushes cars from one road to another and restricts mobility in the area. She predicted that endorsing this would lead to other neighborhoods asking for one-way roads and some maybe asking to have gates put up at the entrance to their neighborhoods. Council Member Evans suggested waiting until the improvements on South Columbia are underway before analyzing the safety of that intersection.
Council Member Brown asked Mr. Small about the schedule for South Columbia improvements and for the areas designated for left turn intersections. Mr. Small replied that the South Columbia project was scheduled to begin right-of-way acquisitions in 2003 and construction in 2005. Mr. Horton interjected that the NCDOT had sent a letter to the Council noting that the University had requested a change in that configuration. He added that the wording of the letter lead him to believe that scheduling might be delayed until the difference between the Town's and the University's desires had been resolved.
Mayor Waldorf agreed that the letter implied that, but added that federal law states that all parties are obligated to follow the TIP unless they make the proper amendments.
Council Member Brown asked Mr. Small if Coolidge Street was a left turn lane as it is presently configured. Mr. Small replied that it was.
Mayor Waldorf pointed out that an Engineering Department memo had indicated that there would at least be site improvements at the Coolidge Street intersection. Mr. Small noted that the site improvements would clear out some of the problems that people were experiencing.
Council Member Foy asked Mr. Small if the improvements proposed in the TIP would create sufficient sight distance to pull out from Coolidge Street and also widen lanes. Mr. Small replied that sight distance would be improved primarily for those leaving Coolidge Street and entering South Columbia Street. He added that some road widening would be done there to create a left turn lane for people turning onto South Columbia Street.
Council Member Strom asked if Council actions could be easily reversed when the NCDOT made those improvements. Mr. Small stated that NCDOT was "fairly ambivalent" about what the Town does. Council Member Foy recommended waiting to make changes at that time if the need is still there.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL MAKE NO CHANGE AT THIS TIME.
Council Member Wiggins stated that she preferred to make improvements that could later be eliminated if the perceived or actual safety factor is no longer an issue.
Council Member Foy said that he did not feel strongly about this, but wanted to move things along.
Council Member Wiggins noted that she did not feel comfortable with how soon this was scheduled to take place given that the University has challenged those improvements.
Mayor Waldorf pointed out that the TIP is a program, not a proposal. She said that getting in the way of the program would have to be an up-front decision.
Council Member Foy suggested that Council Member Wiggins offer an amendment to his motion to make the street one way.
Council Member Wiggins suggested adding "until the improvements on Columbia, and then the town will review it."
Council Member Foy offered to withdraw his motion, and Council Member Brown offered to make the motion that Council Member Wiggins had proposed.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY WITHDREW HIS MOTION.
COUNCIL MEMBER STROM MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL MAKE COOLIDGE STREET ONE-WAY BY ADOPTING O-3a. COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN SECONDED THE MOTION.
Council Member Ward pointed out that while it is technically feasible to change an action it is not always easy to change something that has been done for a community. He suggested that Council members not deceive themselves about the ease with which they could change this back again. Mayor Waldorf agreed.
Council Member Evans repeated that this was the wrong approach. Council Members Evans and Ward warned that it would lead to others to want similar consideration and treatment. Council Member Wiggins replied that such requests are decided on a case-by-case basis. She said that she was not concerned about it setting a precedent.
THE MOTION FAILED WITH A VOTE OF 4-4, WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS STROM, BROWN, FOY AND WIGGINS VOTING AYE, AND BATEMAN, WALDORF, EVANS AND WARD VOTING NAY.
Council members agreed to reconsider this item on June 11, 2001.
Item #7 - Consideration of a Resolution Endorsing Regional Transportation
Mayor Waldorf explained that she had represented Chapel Hill on the Metropolitan Planning Organization for five years. She noted that transportation planning for the region is not as well coordinated as it ought to be and said that the region has needs that go beyond its resources. Mayor Waldorf pointed out that new and additional sources of revenue would be required if the region is to move forward. She added that plans need to be more multi-modal and less road-focused.
Mayor Waldorf commented on air quality problems and said that she suspects the public believes that someone was taking care of that. It is her opinion, she remarked, that no one was taking care of it and that transportation problems were getting worse. She added that not enough steps were being taken to remedy those problems and that steps will not be taken unless dramatic changes occur in the pace at which the region does things, the way in which it does things, and the resources available. Mayor Waldorf stressed that the General Assembly needs to be more responsive to the transportation problems, particularly transit needs, of urban areas.
Mayor Waldorf explained that the region’s mayors had pulled all of the plans for the Triangle Area together to be analyzed as a whole. She explained that this document was a statement of the problem, region-wide, and a compilation of all existing publicly adopted plans and studies. Mayor Waldorf said that the document asks what the region could do if it were not fiscally constrained. She pointed out that it quantifies the cost of what is needed, argues for a more multi-modal approach, and proposes that the private sector contribute more toward transportation improvement. Mayor Waldorf stressed that it was not a blueprint that anyone could count on or a proposal for any particular revenue source, and it is not comprehensive on all subjects.
Mayor Waldorf explained that they were not able to reach consensus on the issue of land use and did not want to tread on the Smart Growth Commission's territory. She discussed the surface street recommendation and noted that Orange County's plan differs from those of Wake and Durham Counties in that it does not ask for any new arterials or collectors. With regard to surface streets, she said, the document recognizes local prerogatives. Mayor Waldorf said that the mayors wanted to engage people in the discussion and to raise consciousness about what is needed in the area of multi-modal transportation improvements. She asked for the Council's support of the resolution.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED R-4. COUNCIL MEMBER WARD SECONDED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN PROPOSED A FRIENDLY MENDMENT TO ADD A FIFTH WHEREAS (BETWEEN THE FOURTH AND THE PRESENT FIFTH): "WHEREAS, THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY IS TO STATE THE PROBLEM, IT IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION." THE MOVER AND SECONDER, ACCEPTED THAT AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.
Council Member Strom offered another whereas ("and whereas Chapel Hill has historically opposed the expansion of regressive taxes, such as the sales tax, and prefers to fund transportation through more direct and progressive forms of taxation and fees") because he was concerned about the use of the sales tax regionally. Mayor Waldorf asked to hold the motion until after citizens had spoken.
Cyndy Risku said that her questions had been answered by Mayor Waldorf's presentation. She did ask, however, if endorsing the resolution would mean actually putting something into play. Mayor Waldorf replied that it does not put anything into play. Ms. Risku said that she previously had concerns but now thought that a coordinated effort was a step in the right direction. Mayor Waldorf pointed out that if anything ever does get put into motion it will happen very slowly. Ms. Risku replied that things move slowly in Chapel Hill "until they hit the front burner and then they move at a very high speed."
Nancy Woods, representing the Orange County Greens, pointed out that the sales tax would be a burden on the poor. She criticized the emphasis on more roads right away rather than considering other modalities that would be less harmful to the environment. Ms. Woods expressed hope that these concerns would be addressed.
Ruby Sinreich described the plan as a step in the right direction. She emphasized that Chapel Hill should push its own perspective, even on issues such as more roads in Cary since that will affect Chapel Hill. She praised the effort to be multi-modal, the focus on regional cooperation, and noted that looking at land use is one of the most important things the region can do. Ms. Sinreich recommended institutionalizing this and incorporating more citizen involvement. Mayor Waldorf pointed out that the mayors would be glad to make a presentation to any group. She added that anyone concerned about land use issues should speak with representatives of the General Assembly.
Mayor Waldorf asked Council Member Strom to restate his proposed amendment.
COUNCIL MEMBER STROM PROPOSED A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: “WHEREAS, CHAPEL HILL HAS HISTORICALLY OPPOSED THE EXPANSION OF REGRESSIVE TAXES, SUCH AS THE SALES TAX, AND PREFERS TO FUND TRANSPORTATION THROUGH MORE DIRECT AND PROGRESSIVE FORMS OF TAXATION AND FEES."
Mayor Waldorf raised the question of whether or not Chapel Hill had, in fact, historically opposed expansion of the sales tax.
Council Member Evans said that the Town had historically put most of the cost on property taxes rather than sales tax. She commented that it was important to include the whole menu of ways in which money can be raised regardless of Chapel Hill's preferences. Council Member Evans noted that there would be plenty of time for the Town to express its preferences. She recommended not trying to mold this to Chapel Hill right now but to be regional and cooperative.
COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN SUGGESTED ADDING "NOR ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PARTICULAR FINANCING STRATEGY" TO HER AMENDMENT TO SATISFY COUNCIL MEMBER STROM’S SUGGESTIONS. COUNCIL MEMBER STROM ACCEPTED THAT, AS DID COUNCIL MEMBERS EVANS AND WARD. COUNCIL MEMBER STROM WITHDREW HIS MOTION.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO ADOPT R-4 AS AMENDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN TO ADD AFTER THE FOURTH BULLET: "WHEREAS, THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY IS TO STATE THE PROBLEM, IT IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION NOR ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PARTICULAR FINANCING STRATEGY." THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY FOR THE RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION OF NORTH CAROLINA (2001-05-21/R-4)
WHEREAS, the Mayors of Chapel Hill, Cary, Durham and Raleigh have met and developed a Regional Transportation Strategy for the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina; and,
WHEREAS, the Strategy outlines the long-term, multi-modal transportation needs of the region, quantifies those needs, and identifies several potential sources of revenue; and,
WHEREAS, the Strategy's proposal for surface streets includes proposed new surface streets for Wake and Durham counties but none for Orange County; and,
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Town Council places higher priority on transit, managed lanes and bicycle and pedestrian improvements than on roadway improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Council has received public comment on the Strategy at business meetings on May 7 and May 21; and
WHEREAS, the main purpose of the regional transportation study is to state the problem and is not to be considered as a blueprint for action nor endorsement of any particular financing strategy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby endorses the Regional Transportation Strategy for the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina.
This the 21st of May, 2001.
of Several Special Use Permit Applications
Mr. Horton stated that the essence of the staff's written report is that it would be impossible to put these items forward for a June, July or August hearing because of the volume of work and number of priority items that the Council had given them. He pointed out that the Council could change the staff's priorities but cautioned that doing so probably would mean delaying work on the Development Ordinance and the UNC discussions.
Council Member Evans inquired about the urgency of moving forward with the Development Ordinance at this time. Mr. Horton pointed out that it was the Council, not the staff, who had determined the urgency. He added, though, that there is an advantage to continuing once momentum has been created.
Josh Gurlitz noted that three projects, which had been though the department head review and had been resubmitted in late March and April, had not been scheduled for public hearing because several matters of importance to the community had emerged. He expressed concern that the Development Ordinance and the UNC discussions would not be resolved soon and that consideration of private sector projects would continue to be postponed. Mr. Gurlitz asked the Council to give him their assurance that these other proposals would get a timely hearing in the fall.
Jim Baker, regarding the 501 Eastowne Drive Special Use Permit (SUP), explained that he understood the Manager's difficulty in trying to get everything done. Mr. Baker said that Ron Strom had asked him to convey to the Council that delaying his Airport Drive Office Building Rezoning and SUP Modification would severely impact the schedule for his other projects. Mr. Baker added that a delay in his project would create financial hardship for him, change the character of tenants who were lined up to go in and cannot, and increase risk by making the project speculative. He commented that "just out of fairness" the applicants should have an opportunity to be heard before November.
Mayor Waldorf asked the staff if there was any way to have a public hearing on these projects in September. Mr. Waldon outlined the Council's tentative agenda for September, which included the final draft and public hearing on the Development Ordinance and the development plan from the University for its main campus. Mayor Waldorf acknowledged that the Town must keep its commitment to the University. Noting that the issue was one of staff time, she inquired about delaying the Development Ordinance until October. Mr. Horton pointed out that the problem with September was that the University would be submitting the largest development plan that has ever been submitted in the history of the community. He added that the Council would expect the staff to do a careful review of that, which they would not be able to do if they were distracted.
Council Member Brown asked if the SUP applications could be considered in October. Mr. Horton replied that they could be considered in November. Council Member Foy asked if considering them separately would allow one of them to make it through the process. Mr. Horton replied that the hotel project was the one likely to be the most controversial. He added that the least controversial probably would be the Eastowne building.
Council Member Wiggins inquired about the schedule that the Town promises when it receives the application fees. Mr. Horton explained that the staff tells applicants that it will take 10 to 12 months to go through the ordinary process, but they make no guarantees.
Council Member Wiggins asked where these applications were on the schedule. Mr. Waldon replied that that the application acceptance dates had been January, March, and March. Council Member Wiggins asked if the staff had promised these applicants a June hearing. Mr. Waldon replied that he had told the Eastowne applicant in January that a June hearing was possible. He stressed, though, that the staff never gives applicants a guarantee.
Council Member Wiggins wondered if the Town was obligated to expedite these applications since the fees were so high. She added, though, that she accepted the Manager's recommendation if he felt this was as much as the staff could handle.
Council Member Ward suggested that the Council help the staff find a way to move these along rather than merely shutting off the review process.
Mayor Waldorf said that she was generally in agreement with that, but repeated her insistence that the Town should stick with the schedule it has with the University. Mayor Waldorf again raised the question of whether it was essential to stay with the schedule on the Development Ordinance.
Council Member Strom asked Mr. Horton to comment on one of his written options, which was to hear this in August. Mr. Horton pointed out that this was one of four parts, which included scaling back on the work with the University and delaying revisions to the Development Ordinance. Mr. Horton predicted that the hotel building would be controversial, and repeated that the Eastowne project would be the most logical if the Council wanted to move forward on one of the three.
Council Member Bateman remarked that she respected the staff for acknowledging their limits.
Council Member Evans said that it might be valuable for the Town Council to have one or two work sessions on the draft Development Ordinance before bringing it to a public hearing. She added that dealing with it at the same time they are dealing with the University's development plan might be too much for the Council as well. Mr. Horton noted that the staff would still have to do the work to prepare the ordinance.
Council Member Brown asked if some guarantee could be given to these three developers that they would be in the public process this fall. Mr. Horton replied that the staff had learned never to make guarantees. Council Member Brown asked if they could be given hope then. Mr. Horton replied that if the Council instructed us to give them hope, we would do that.
Mayor Waldorf said that the sense of the discussion was that the Council was truly sorry that this had turned out the way it had, but they have to carry through with the important obligations that are upon them and to which they are committed. She noted that there might be some play with the Development Ordinance, but emphasized that the Council must rely on its staff to tell them what can be done. Mr. Horton added that the Council had set the schedule on the Development Ordinance the way it had so that this Town Council could complete it.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE NO ACTION AT THIS TIME. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
Council Member Wiggins requested that the Manager and staff develop a plan so that all other work will not have to stop while they work on the UNC application and the revision to the Development Ordinance. Mr. Horton agreed to do that. He said that he was committed to doing all he could to move these three projects through the development process.
Assistant Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal commented that this item represents one of the reasons why "it's fine to live in a university town." She introduced Community Development Planner Loryn Barnes to make the report.
Ms. Barnes thanked students from UNC's Department of City and Regional Planning (DCRP) and Dr. Bill Rohe for his guidance throughout the project. She then introduced Selina Hines to present the report on the first part of the project.
Community Liaison Selina Hines noted that the title of the project was "A New Approach to Development Recommendations for Resident-driven Community Building in the Sykes Street Area." She explained that it had developed as a result of concern over public safety and improved housing conditions. Ms. Hines noted that Orange Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) had proposed to the Council that it develop a comprehensive action strategy which would be a partnership between community organizations, neighborhood residents, Town Council, and the University's DCRP.
Ms. Hines named the streets that make up the study area's boundaries: McMasters, Mitchell, Whitaker, Nunn, Roberson and Graham. She noted that this was the first study that had targeted Sykes Street as well as the western part of the Northside Community. Ms. Hines explained that the area is predominantly African-American, the median income is $15,000/year, and the majority of the properties are rental. Ms. Hines noted that organizing residents is vital and is the underlying theme of all their presentations.
Kelley Cochran explained that recommendations would focus in three specific areas: crime, infrastructure, and housing. She said that crime—specifically, drug activity, loitering and arguing in the neighborhood—was the primary concern identified by residents surveyed. Ms. Cochran added that violent crime, break-ins, and property offenses seemed to be far less common. She noted that 61% of those surveyed said that the police were doing a good job. Ms. Cochran noted, however, that most people were not involved in crime prevention efforts and that only about half were aware of the community-policing program and/or neighborhood watch within the study area. Ms. Cochran said this was a "primary concern" since the loitering and people who do not live in the study area were conducting much of the drug activity.
Ms. Cochran reported that criminals come back into the area despite police efforts. She said that the way to change that was to change the neighborhood atmosphere, which would require a great deal of cooperation from the residents. Ms. Cochran recommended looking at an environmental design program that would include fencing, landscaping, lighting and other techniques to make specific problem areas of the neighborhood less conducive to illegal activity.
Ms. Cochran explained that the rest of the recommendations focused on relationship building. Specifically, she said, they recommend that the police implement a bike patrol this summer and that block-by-block meetings be held to bring residents together. She also suggested that a safe path program be instituted whereby residents could have their houses designated as safe havens for children who feel uncomfortable walking through the neighborhood.
Ms. Cochran recommended building sidewalks, which would improve appearance and increase general safety. She suggested that the intersection between Sykes, Nunn, Whitaker and North Graham be improved. She asked that the Town Council approve the Greenway proposal for this year's Capital Improvements Program, explaining that it includes money that would be spent on the Tanyard Branch Greenway on the eastern border of the neighborhood. Even though housing was not identified as a major concern in the survey, Ms. Cochran said it was critical to begin talking about it because of the housing pressures facing Northside as a whole. She added that they had begun a dialogue with EmPOWERment and OCHC about preserving affordability and instituting a homebuyer education campaign.
Ms. Cochran urged caution on future plans to purchase homes in the study area while the larger community dialogue is going on. She explained that the dialogue with the community would bring information that will be helpful to the Council on preserving rental options. Noting that the Land Trust has great potential as an affordable housing tool, she stressed that the Sykes Street area needs more time and more information to decide whether the Land Trust is the right model for their community. Ms. Cochran said that it was extremely important to follow through on this report and to allow residents to have a voice in what happens in this community.
Ruby Sinreich expressed support for the report's emphasis on the need for sidewalks. She suggested including Sunset, Graham and Roberson Streets in that as well. Ms. Sinreich agreed that increasing community involvement is the way to address the crime issues in the neighborhood. She said that she had always wondered why police officers do not patrol the area on foot. Ms. Sinreich praised the infrastructure suggestions as well as the idea of a Bolin Creek cleanup.
Council Member Brown asked for more details on how students would be involved in the community. Planner Devon Idstrom explained that the largest recommendation in terms of housing was to begin a community-wide dialog on preserving affordable housing options in the community. She said that the Northside community had agreed to help and that EmPOWERment and OCHC would be part of the effort as well, but that students can provide legwork on necessary research and give day-to-day assistance, such as helping to organize meetings and to engage residents.
Council Member Bateman noted the irony that as crime decreases the area will be susceptible to gentrification and a possible lack of affordable units. She asked for an elaboration on that. Ms. Idstrom noted that the other side of Northside was facing increasing student rentals and conversion of homes to student rental units. She noted that as the police work in the Sykes area to clean out loitering and drug activity and enhance the quality of life it will become much more attractive. Ms. Idstrom pointed out that this opens the door for the large number of private rental units to be converted into student rather than multi-family rentals.
Council Member Foy asked the planners to elaborate on the environmental design concept that they discuss in their report. Planner Deepthi Jain replied that the concept was being used nationwide. She explained that it means using plants, lighting, fencing, trees, and other types of natural barriers to deter crime. Ms. Jain referred to the problem of loitering and drug use at the Graham/Whitaker intersection, where there is a vacant lot and at least one vacant house. She said that environmental design would replace that vacant lot with a community garden, for example, and create natural barriers so that people could not cut through other people's lots.
Council Member Ward said that he had been surprised by the suggestion to use the Land Trust with caution. He asked if there were reasons other than the desire to involve citizens more. Ms. Idstrom explained that the concept of a Land Trust is difficult even for planning students to understand. She said that they would like to present all of the options to the community, which has not even begun to discuss how they want to preserve their housing stock or what they want their area to look like in 20 years.
Ms. Idstrom noted that the Land Trust presents the risk of displacing some of the lower income rental households in the community. She said that planners want to caution against moving too swiftly before plans are laid so that the community can decide for itself what it wants to look like. Ms. Jain added that the community really needs to be organized and that this must be an internal choice made by them if the model is to be truly successful.
Council Member Wiggins inquired about the status of the summer internship. She asked if the Council or staff needed to do anything about that. Ms. Barnes explained that the intern would work with her.
Council Member Wiggins ascertained that this would be a Council decision and asked when it might come before the Council. Ms. Loewenthal said that it would come in June, or possibly at the May 30th budget work session.
Council Member Evans, noting that people in this community had never before asked for sidewalks, praised the group for bringing this forward.
Council Member Bateman inquired about the status of the purchase of the vacant house on Sykes Street. Ms. Barnes replied that the Town had purchased the house in November and that it was under renovation by EmPOWERment.
Mark Chilton, representing EmPOWERment, explained that the plan was to offer the house for sale, but he pointed out that the Town could do whatever it wanted with the house. Mr. Chilton added that this and another house down the block would both be "extremely affordable" when completed.
Council Member Bateman asked Mr. Chilton whether EmPOWERment has rental units as well. He replied that it does, adding that there were some vacancies at the moment.
Mayor Waldorf thanked the planners, EmPOWERment, OCHC, the Chapel Hill Police Department, and everyone else who had worked on the project, which she described as a real cooperative effort.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER STROM, TO ADOPT R-5. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNAIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO DR. WILLIAM ROHE, KELLY COCHRAN, CHRIS ESTES, SELINA HINES, DEVON IDSTROM, AND DEEPTHI JAIN OF THE UNC CHAPEL HILL DEPARTMENT OF CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING (2001-05-21/R-5)
WHEREAS,on January 8, 2001, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Town to participate in a process to develop an action strategy for the Sykes Street area of the Northside neighborhood; and
WHEREAS,Dr. William Rohe organized a class of UNC Chapel Hill Department of City and Regional Planning Master’s students to work on the Sykes Street Action Strategy during the Spring 2001 semester;
WHEREAS,under Dr. Rohe’s direction, the students surveyed the residents of the Sykes Street area, organized community meetings, met with stakeholders, and developed an Action Strategy that includes recommendations to improve the quality of life in the Northside neighborhood;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill expresses its appreciation to Dr. William Rohe, Kelly Cochran, Chris Estes, Selina Hines, Devon Idstrom, and Deepthi Jain, for their assistance and leadership with the development of the Sykes Street Action Strategy.
This the 21st day of May, 2001.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, THAT THE COUNCIL RECEIVE THE REPORT AND REFER IT TO THE MANAGER WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN TO THE COUNCIL WITH A FOLLOW-UP REPORT IN THE FALL. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
Town Landscape Architect Curtis Brooks explained that the Town was scheduled to begin work on streetscape projects on June 3rd. He said they would be working on a large section from Franklin Street to Rosemary Street on the east side, and then a smaller section at the intersection of Franklin and Henderson Streets. Mr. Brooks said that the section on Columbia Street would involve replacing some of the trees with others in raised planters at 40-foot intervals along the sidewalk. He added that they would move the bus stop down the block where it would be safer. Mr. Brooks also proposed coming back with an ordinance that would unify the aesthetics of the newspaper racks in a modular set that the Town would purchase.
Council Member Evans expressed delight over the newspaper racks but suggested purchasing those with rounded tops so that people would not dump things on top of them.
Council Member Ward wondered if it would be better to remove all of the maples rather than just the four failing ones. Mr. Brooks replied that it would be nicer to transition the change rather than replacing all of the trees at once.
Council Member Brown asked if there were many newspapers thrown away that could be recycled if a recycling bin were placed nearby. Mr. Brooks replied that there can be servicing problems with approach because vendors sometimes put their leftover papers in the recycling bin rather than taking them to be recycled elsewhere. He agreed, though, to discuss this with the newspaper vendors.
Item #11 - Appointments
11a. Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission. The Council appointed Colleen Black-Semelka, Romeo Fontaine, Bibb Latané, Jean Parish and Andrew Ross.
|
Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission |
Council Members |
||||||||||
Applicants |
Waldorf |
Bateman |
Brown |
Evans |
Foy |
Pavão |
Strom |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
|
|
Colleen Black-Semelka |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Romeo Fontaine |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
7 |
|||
|
Bibb Latané |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Jean Parish |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Andrew Ross |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
11b. Historic District Commission. The Council appointed Chris Belcher and Margaret Rich.
|
Historic District Commission |
Council Members |
||||||||||
Applicants |
Waldorf |
Bateman |
Brown |
Evans |
Foy |
Pavão |
Strom |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
|
|
Richard Barrett |
|||||||||||
|
Chris Belcher |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
James Bullock |
|||||||||||
|
R. Branson Hobbs |
|||||||||||
|
Margaret Rich |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
11c. Library Board of Trustees. The Council appointed Kerry Clark, Betsey Bancroft Wu, and Virginia Young,
|
Library Board of Trustees |
Council Members |
||||||||||
Applicants |
Waldorf |
Bateman |
Brown |
Evans |
Foy |
Pavão |
Strom |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
|
|
James Bullock |
X |
1 |
|||||||||
|
Cary Clark |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
5 |
|||||
|
Norman Fieleke |
|||||||||||
|
Betsey Bancroft Wu |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
6 |
||||
|
Virginia Young |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
7 |
|||
11d. Orange Water and Sewer Authority. The Council appointed Peter Gordon, Penny Rich, Alan Rimer, and Judith Weseman.
|
Orange Water and Sewer Authority |
Council Members |
||||||||||
Applicants |
Waldorf |
Bateman |
Brown |
Evans |
Foy |
Pavão |
Strom |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
|
|
Lee Culpepper |
X |
X |
2 |
||||||||
|
Norman Fitzgerald |
X |
1 |
|||||||||
|
Peter Gordon |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
6 |
||||
|
Penny Rich |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
5 |
|||||
|
Alan Rimer |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
6 |
||||
|
Bruce Tucker |
|||||||||||
|
Judith Weseman |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
7 |
|||
11e. Planning Board. No majority votes were received; no appointment was made.
11f. Transportation Board. The Council appointed Steve Dobbins, Arthelia Hampton, Loren Hintz, Coalter Lathrop, David Lincoln, and Fred Shroeder.
|
Transportation Board |
Council Members |
||||||||||
Applicants |
Waldorf |
Bateman |
Brown |
Evans |
Foy |
Pavão |
Strom |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
|
|
Steve Dobbins |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Arthelia Hampton |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Loren Hintz |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Coalter Lathrop |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
David Lincoln |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
|
Frederic Schroeder |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
||
Item #12 - Petitions
1. Letter of Thanks to Chancellor Moeser regarding the Chapel Hill Flying Club. Mayor Waldorf asked Council Members to endorse the letter.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOY MOVED SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS, TO APPROVE THE MAYOR'S LETTER TO CHANCELLOR MOESER REGARDING THE CHAPEL HILL FLYING CLUB. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.