CONTNUATION OF A REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
FROM JANUARY 27, 2003
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2003 AT 8:05 P.M.
Mayor Kevin Foy called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.
Council members present were Flicka Bateman, Pat Evans, Mark Kleinschmidt, Bill Strom, Dorothy Verkerk, Edith Wiggins and Jim Ward.
Council Member Ed Harrison was absent, excused.
Item 10 - 2004-2010 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan
Mr. Horton pointed out that it was unusual to come before the Council and recommend changes for projects at this stage of the process. He introduced Transportation Planner David Bonk to explain why the staff felt compelled to do so tonight.
Mr. Bonk reviewed the history of the Town's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and showed Council members a diagram indicating where the Town is in the process. He explained that the staff had taken the State's draft Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) as a starting point and had released it to the public for comment. The Town had held a hearing on January 18, 2003, Mr. Bonk stated, and the period of public comment would close on January 31st. He said that that tonight's Council comments would go to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), which would review it in February. Mr. Bonk explained that negotiations would then begin between the State and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to develop a final TIP.
Mr. Bonk noted that some things had changed since the Town adopted its priority list. Due to free bus service, he noted as an example, demand for service had increased and the Town had retained 13 buses that it had planned to discontinue. Mr. Bonk explained that the Town needs to buy 13 more buses simply to maintain the current level of service to the public. Also, he said, the University had confirmed in November 2001 that they would not renew the Town's lease for the maintenance facility on the Horace Williams property. Mr. Bonk estimated that the cost of replacing that facility would be about $15 million. He presented various funding options, including federal and State sources and looking at reallocating a portion or all of the roadway project funds toward transit projects.
Mr. Bonk explained that an upgrade to the Town's signal system had also taken a higher priority since the Town first developed its priority list. He reported that the system had some operational difficulties and needs upgrading. This would be funded through the State TIP process, he said, adding that the first step in that process would be a feasibility study.
Mr. Bonk noted that the staff memo contained a list of projects that were listed in the current and draft TIP as funded projects. He noted that the Seawall School bicycle project was a new proposal and that there was no funding associated with it. He also noted that a couple of projects in the current TIP were slated for right-of-way purchase in this fiscal year. These include the South Columbia Street project, the superstreet at Erwin Road and Highway 15-501, and the Homestead Road project. Mr. Bonk said that he did not know why the first two had not begun. He warned that there would be additional costs to the Town if these projects were to run over into the next fiscal year. He added that there should be additional funding for greenway projects, given the need and the priority these have on all lists.
Referring to a chart on pages 64 and 65 of the agenda materials, Mr. Bonk showed that Orange County was receiving only 70 cents per capita in the TIP, compared to an average of either a $1.58 or $.99 for the region, depending on the scenario. He pointed out that Guilford Country receives $2.21 in one scenario and $1.27 in the other. Mr. Bonk commented that some of the Town's needs could be met if the funding per capita for Orange County were closer to the average. He recommended trying to equalize that through negotiations with the State.
Regarding the Direct Allocation Program, Mr. Bonk explained that there was about a million dollars less than the Town had anticipated because of change in the population of urban areas in the State. The program has a deficit rather than its previous surplus, he said, so projects will have to be cut. Mr. Bonk recommended that the TAC focus available funding on projects that traditionally have not received funds through the TIP. He noted that all of his recommendations were included in Resolution R-13, which the Manager had recommended for adoption.
Mayor Foy inquired about doing an analysis of what the Town would be able to afford if its funding were equitable. He remarked that Orange County was being "squeezed" and argued that it should not agree to drop any projects since it could afford all of them if it were receiving funding at the average level. Mayor Foy stated that none of the Town's projects should be put off. Mr. Bonk agreed, and urged the Council to make those decisions before negotiations with the State begin in February. He noted that the final version of the TIP must be done in June so that it can take effect on October 1st.
Mr. Bonk also recommended that the scope of work for the Weaver Dairy Road project, as the Council has adopted and approved it, be reflected in the TIP. He noted that it would cost about $7.7 million, which is less than the $10 million that had been programmed. So there might be an opportunity to allocate some of those funds to another project, he said.
Mayor Foy pointed out that those $3 million or so could go toward the signal upgrade, or the planned superstreet. Mr. Horton added funds could also go to the transit facility development or the buses.
Mayor Foy stated that the Town was reprioritizing based on a change in circumstances. Even though the other projects were important, he said, the Town should not lose sight of South Columbia Street and risk being double-charged for it. Mayor Foy noted that many expect the superstreet to be built and that projects are counting on it. Also, he said, everybody wants a resolution of Weaver Dairy Road, and that might free up $3 million. In addition, Mayor Foy said, if the County were getting equitable funding Chapel Hill might be able to have all of this. He urged Council members not to drop things for which it should be advocating.
Mr. Bonk stated that the resolution before the Council gives all the flexibility that Mayor Foy wanted to have. He noted that it requests that direction be given to the TAC, who will then negotiate. Mr. Bonk suggested that Mayor Foy participate in those negotiations. Mayor Foy stated that he wanted six highest priorities listed, not just three. If he becomes the Council's delegate to the TAC, he said, he wants to be able to say that all six are the Council's priorities. Mayor Foy emphasized that we do not want to lose South Columbia Street just because we need a transit facility.
Mayor pro tem Evans stated that there were nine priorities, not just six. Mayor Foy replied that he was willing to drop Homestead Road, Estes Drive and Seawall School Road.
Council Member Strom expressed support for Mayor Foy's approach. The Town has been consistently under-funded, he said, adding that it was essential to complete the Council's highest priorities while this Council is in office. Council Member Strom suggested altering the language in the proposed resolution to indicate strong Council support for all six projects. He also suggested adding clarification in the resolution that the Town was unhappy with the level of funding for Orange County. Council Member Strom asked Mr. Horton and Mr. Bonk if that approach would be effective. Mr. Horton replied that it would put the Town far in the right direction. If Homestead Road and Estes Drive are taken off and Weaver Dairy is reconfigured, Mr. Horton said, then that would yield about $15.5 million. Then, he continued, with the combination of federal and State funding, the Town could begin to think about how to pay for the new transit facility. Mr. Horton stated that the Town might be able to come up with all of the funding it needs, pay for the additional buses, and begin to address the signal system. He expressed support for Mayor Foy's recommendation to make six highest priorities, and advised Council members to move in that direction.
Council Member Verkerk determined that even after the 13 buses have been replaced the Town will need additional buses. She wondered if it might be worth asking for more than they expect to get. Mr. Horton advised against that, even though it often works in other processes.
Council Member Verkerk asked if the Town should ask for a transit center as well. Mr. Horton recommended focusing on the transit replacement facility and then coming back another year to request the center. Mr. Horton noted that it was due to the Transportation Department maintenance staff's diligent work that the Town had been able to extend the life of the buses.
Council Member Wiggins pointed out that bullet #6 in the materials included things that the Council wanted to move on right now because they involve the 2003 fiscal year.
Mayor Foy suggested saying that the Town wants to start the Columbia Street and the superstreet projects now, even though these are part of the 2002-2008 TIP. He recommended not prioritizing them, since the Town had already done that. Mayor Foy emphasized it was important is just get them done. He recommended then making the other three the priorities for 2004-2010.
Mr. Horton advised Council members to request that Weaver Dairy Road be a priority because the present delay might indicate that the State is moving it on the schedule.
Mayor Foy summarized that the Council wanted to structure the resolution to get the three items done that had been priorities for 2002-2008 and also give priorities for 2004-2010. In addition, he said, the Council wants the $10 million or more that it will be saving to be used for the Town.
COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT R-13 AS AMENDED.
Council Member Ward asked who would do the negotiating. Mr. Horton replied that the Transportation Advisory Committee would negotiate with the State and that the Mayor and alternates would negotiate on behalf of the Council with the TAC. Council Member Ward asked what reason he had to believe that distribution would be more equitable and that the projects would not be delayed into the next fiscal year. Mr. Horton replied that sending a unified TAC to the State would make a difference.
Council Member Ward wondered if the University could be involved regarding South Columbia Street, and suggested asking for their cooperation. Mayor Foy replied that he would again discuss that with the University. But, he added, since the State, the TAC and the Town are in agreement, funding should proceed.
Mayor Foy explained that the University had not been willing in the past to change its position on South Columbia Street. He added that he would be glad to continue that conversation, though, if that is what the Council wants. Council Member Ward described the University's position on South Columbia Street as "disappointing, to say the least."
Council Member Verkerk noted that the construction on Highway I-85 through Guilford County, which had been going on for several years, was coming to a close. Mayor Foy pointed out that Guilford County would continue to receive $1.26 per capita even after that I-85 money has gone. Mr. Horton commented that there was an error in the graph, but agreed that the proportion was what was significant, not the specific dollar amount.
Council Member Strom inquired about potential sources of funding for Newstart and other job programs. Mr. Bonk replied that the first step would be to do a major investment study. Council Member Strom asked if Mr. Bonk would be thinking about how to get this process going for next year. Mr. Bonk replied that most of the money in the foreseeable future would have been allocated, and anything added would have to take advantage of any additional funding.
Council Member Ward asked when the Council would know the outcome of the negotiations. Mr. Bonk replied that the first meeting would be in February. He warned, though, that it would be difficult to boost Orange County because it will disappoint another area. Mr. Horton remarked that it was feasible to make adjustments with projects aimed at one's own community and that it was important to begin the discussion of equity.
Mayor pro tem Evans asked how the equity issue would be balanced within Orange County. Mr. Bonk replied that there would have to be negotiations regarding that.
Council Member Wiggins restated her motion that was seconded by Mayor pro tem Evans.
COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT R-13 AS AMENDED TO INCLUDE COMPLETING THE THREE PROJECTS THAT WERE PRIORITIES IN 2002-2008, GIVING THE THREE PRIORITIES FOR 2004-2010, USING THE SAVED $10 MILLION OR MORE FOR THE TOWN, AND MAKING DISTRIBUTION TO ORANGE COUNTY MORE EQUITABLE. THE MOTI0N WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING THE DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REVISING THE DRAFT 2004-2010 METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (2003-01-29/R-13)
WHEREAS, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Transportation Advisory Committee has released a draft 2004-2010 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Advisory Committee has request public comment on the draft Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has reviewed the draft Program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council recommends that the draft 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement Program be revised to include the following:
o Begin right of way purchase within the 2003 fiscal year for both the South Columbia Street and Erwin/US 15-501 Superstreet projects
o Revise the scope for the Weaver Dairy Road project to include the enhanced three lane cross section requested by the Council
o Superstreet project
This the 29th day of January, 2003.
Council Member Wiggins asked if new legislation would assist with the equity issue. Mr. Horton replied that legislation might be introduced again to change the boundaries of the so-called Metropolitan Planning Organization areas. He and Mr. Bonk agreed that, if that occurs, the equity issue might come up at the same time.
Mayor Foy remarked that this could present a host of new problems.
Council Member Ward asked if the legislative delegation might help with equity within Division #7. Mr. Horton replied that it would be worth discussing with them at the scheduled legislative breakfast.
Mayor Foy offered to bring this information to the Town's Transportation Boards’ attention. He asked Council members if they wanted him to talk with UNC Chancellor Moeser again regarding South Columbia Street. Council Member Ward suggested incorporating that into the discussion of Division #7.
Item 11 - Proposed Capital Improvements Projects
Mr. Horton explained that the revised proposal was based on Council's discussion at the recent Planning Session. He noted that Council members had emphasized issues that were most critical and which would contribute to improved public safety or protection of the Town's investment in public facilities.
Mayor Foy noted that enacting Ordinance O-3 would allocate $300,000 for Capital Improvements projects, as itemized on pages 1 and 2 of the materials.
Council Member Bateman asked how many ramps $25,000 would provide. Mr. Horton replied that it would depend on where they were and if they would require considerable relocation of facilities. If it is simple, he said, it would be about $1,000.
Mayor pro tem Evans noted that the Town had been building ramps for years and was requiring that every new development install them themselves. She asked when the Town would reach a point where it has caught up. Mr. Horton offered to bring back that information.
Council Member Ward asked if the Fire Department's burn training tower was still a useful facility now that it was enclosed by residential land uses, which raises air quality issues. Mr. Horton replied that he did not think this would limit its usefulness because the material used does not generate a lot of dense smoke, even though it generates some fumes. Council Member Ward inquired about moving that to the new public works facility, but Mr. Horton pointed out that there were neighborhoods around that as well. Council Member Ward asked for information regarding the concerns of those who live near the present facility.
Council Member Wiggins asked what a slip line concrete pipe was and where it was located on Piney Mountain Road. Assistant Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal described its location and explained that it was a method that enabled pipe repair without having to dig up the road. Mr. Horton added that it was a process of forcing concrete into a form that has been placed inside the original pipe. This slightly narrows the working pipe, he said, but it keeps it from having to be demolished. Council Member Wiggins commented that OWASA had done some work in that area and had not left the road as they found it. Mr. Horton offered to follow up on that.
COUNCIL MEMBER BATEMAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KLEINSCHMIDT, TO ENACT O-3. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND "THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2002” (2003-01-29/O-3)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Budget Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2002" as duly adopted on July 26, 2002, be and the same is hereby amended as follows:
|
ARTICLE I |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
APPROPRIATIONS |
Current Budget |
Increase |
Decrease |
Revised Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GENERAL FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Departmental |
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer to Capital Improvements Fund |
408,000 |
300,000 |
|
708,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND |
995,080 |
300,000 |
|
1,295,080 |
|
ARTICLE II |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REVENUES |
Current Budget |
Increase |
Decrease |
Revised Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GENERAL FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State-Shared Revenues |
9,189,000 |
300,000 |
|
9,489,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND |
995,080 |
300,000 |
|
1,295,080 |
This the 29th day of January, 2003.
Item 12 - Appointments:
a. Horace Williams Citizens Committee.
|
|
Council Members |
|||||||||||
Horace Williams Citizens Committee |
Foy |
Bateman |
Evans |
Harrison |
Kleinschmidt |
Strom |
Verkerk |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
||
|
Applicants with Special Expertise |
|
|||||||||||
|
Henry Branson, III |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
3 |
||
|
Barbara Driscoll |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
3 |
||
|
Randy Kabrick |
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
X |
3 |
||
|
||||||||||||
Since the Council's vote was another three-way tie, Mayor Foy suggested leaving the committee at eight members. Council Member Ward proposed appointing all three.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM EVANS, TO APPOINT ALL THREE NOMINEES TO THE HORACE WILLIAMS CITIZENS COMMITTEE. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED (5-3), WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS KLEINSCHMIDT, STROM AND FOY VOTING NAY.
Henry Branson, III, Barbara Driscoll, and Randy Kabrick were appointed to the Horace Williams Citizens Committee.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER KLEINSCHMIDT, TO ADOPT R-14, APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS KLEINSCHMIDT, EVANS AND STROM TO BE THE COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVES TO THE HORACE WILLIAMS CITIZENS COMMITTEE, AS DISCUSSED AT THE PLANNING RETREAT. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING THREE COUNCIL MEMBERS AS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE HORACE WILLIAMS CITIZENS COMMITTEE (2003-01-29/R-14)
WHEREAS, the Council at its October 7, 2002 meeting established the Horace Williams Citizens Committee; and
WHEREAS, the membership of the Horace Williams Citizens Committee was to include two representatives of the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Council at its January 17 Planning Session indicated its desire to increase Council representation to three, bringing the total membership to 20;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council revises the composition of this Committee to include three members of the Council, increasing the total Committee membership to 20, and appoints Mayor pro tem Evans and Council Members Kleinschmidt and Strom as the Council’s representatives to the Horace Williams Citizens Committee.
This the 29th day of January, 2003.
b. Town Operations Center Design Review Committee. Mayor Foy suggested continuing to solicit applications. He also recommended that Council members appoint themselves to the Committee.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AGREED BY CONSENSUS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE TOWN OPERATIONS CENTER DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE.
c. Transportation Board. Council members appointed Clinton Hicks.
|
|
Council Members |
|||||||||||
Transportation Board |
Foy |
Bateman |
Evans |
Harrison |
Kleinschmidt |
Strom |
Verkerk |
Ward |
Wiggins |
TOTAL |
||
|
Marie Eldridge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Clinton Hicks |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
6 |
||
|
Leslie Johns |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
R. L. Juliano |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
||
|
Gary Kayye |
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
1 |
||
|
Jessica Kem |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Christine Khoury |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Christopher Rogers |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
1 |
||
|
||||||||||||
Item 13 - Petitions
In anticipation of the Council's discussion on duplexes, Council Member Bateman asked the Police Department for a matrix outlining Police responses to neighborhood complaints about noise, parking, and garbage. She requested that it include how many calls Police received within a certain time period and what its response had been.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.