SUMMARY MINUTES OF A BUDGET WORK SESSION

OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2004

 

Mayor pro tem Edith Wiggins called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

 

Council members present were Sally Greene, Ed Harrison, Mark Kleinschmidt, Bill Strom, Dorothy Verkerk, and Jim Ward.

 

Mayor Kevin Foy was absent, excused.  Council Member Cam Hill was absent, excused.

 

Council Member Jim Ward arrived at 4:05 p.m.  Council Member Sally Greene arrived at 4:10 p.m.  Council Member Ed Harrison arrived at 4:22 p.m.

 

Staff members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Deputy Town Manager Florentine Miller, Assistant Town Manager Bruce Heflin, Library Director Kathy Thompson, Housing Director Tina Vaughn, Acting Finance Director Jeanne Erwin, Senior Development Coordinator J. B. Culpepper, Senior Long Range Planning Coordinator Chris Berndt, Principal Long Range Planner Gordon Sutherland, Senior Planner Kay Pearlstein, and Town Clerk Joyce Smith.

 

Mr. Horton explained that the primary purpose of this session was to give Council members an opportunity to hear directly from its advisory boards.  Mayor pro tem Wiggins announced that Mayor Kevin Foy was attending a mandatory faculty meeting at North Carolina Central University.  She also said that Council Member Hill was at a new Council members' orientation, and Council Members Ward, Greene and Harrison would arrive soon.

 

                                            Item 1 - Library Board of Trustees

 

Chair Bob Schreiber introduced Board Members Betsy Wu, Bill Holton, Virginia Young and Margaret Siefert.  He outlined the Board's accomplishments for 2004, which he described as a "year of action."  Mr. Schreiber remarked that the Library Board could proceed with confidence due to a large voter turnout and approval of the Public Library bond.  He pointed out that the Library Master Plan included a Five Year Services Plan, a Library Building Program, and an Information Technology Plan. 

 

Mr. Schreiber noted that the Public Library leads North Carolina in per capita circulation and spends almost 29% less than the State's average circulation cost.  Patronage continues to increase by 2%-4% annually, he said, and in 2003-2004, the Library completed and adopted primary planning, and received approval of the bond.  Mr. Schreiber described plans to expand the Library's public computer facility and improve its automation system by April 2004.

 

Mr. Schreiber listed the Library's challenges as too little space, too few books, outdated technology, and too few staff.  He recommended adding three technology employees, an automated checkout/inventory system, and other technologies as outlined in the Master Plan.  Mr. Schreiber proposed a schedule for expansion, with architectural and engineering work in 2004-06, construction in 2006-07, and a one-time collection expansion in 2007-08.  He listed various funding sources.  These included the annual budget, bond funds, Library Gift Funds, and private donations.  Mr. Schreiber concluded that the present was an opportune time for the Public Library and thanked the Council members for all their support.

 

Vice Chair Bill Holton emphasized that the expansion plan had been pared down to its bare minimum.  He pointed out the difficulty of getting a seat, or a computer terminal, at the Library during popular times.   The Board's requested improvements really were requirements because the Library is so heavily used, Mr. Holton said.

 

Board Member Virginia Young, a Library volunteer for 30 years, expressed hope that the Council would begin funding the expansion in the near future, thus building on the momentum created by those who had helped get the bond approved.  She noted that her term on the Board would expire in 2006, and would like to see the expansion begun by that time.

 

Board Member Betsy Wu pointed out that the children's section of the library was often overcrowded.  She added that her own child frequently had asked when the Library would be enlarged.  Ms. Wu told Council members that she was proud to live in a Town that supported its public library as Chapel Hill does.  

 

Mr. Schreiber reminded Council members that the Library Board typically makes a presentation and asks for support from Orange County in the spring of each year.  They do so in the Council's name, he explained, and he verified with Council members that the Board should do so again in 2004.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins ascertained that the Library had received an increase in Orange County funding two years ago, but had not received an increase last year.   Mr. Schreiber pointed out that Orange County had itself suffered a decrease in funding last year.  He expressed gratitude that Orange County had not decreased its funding to the Chapel Hill Public Library.

 

Council Member Strom mentioned that the Council had discussed a timing schedule for bond sales.  He asked Mr. Horton if the Library architectural and engineering work, which the Board had wanted to begin in 2004-05, would be funded by some part of a bond sale.  Mr. Horton pointed out that the Council had agreed to determine a mix of bonds and an issuance schedule.  Mayor Foy had instructed him to propose a budget work session during which the Council could undertake that work, he said.  Mr. Horton stated that the staff had also tentatively included an item in the budget that would allow the Council to issue $4 million of bonds, at the minimum.  This could include funds to get the Public Library project moving, he said.  Mr. Horton cautioned against having a bond issue so small that it would make administrative costs excessive.

 

Council Member Strom remarked that some entity should engage with the engineer or architect as the program becomes defined.  He asked the Town Manager how the Town had done that in the past.  Mr. Horton replied that a basic Library building program had already been developed.  If the Council followed its normal process, then the next step would be to advertise membership on a special committee to plan and guide development of the new Library, he said.  Mr. Horton added that there would have to be a selection process for an architectural engineer.  The Council had established policies for that, he said, adding that there were some ordinance issues that needed to be met as well.  Mr. Horton described the process as a long and complicated one.  But the Town has had a good experience with this kind of work, he said, adding that some of it could be done without funds.

 

Council Member Verkerk asked whether Library staff members would be retrained to handle technological functions.  Mr. Schreiber replied that those displaced by technology could be used in other ways, and through attrition.  But the technology positions were functionally different, he said.

 

Council Member Ward asked how completing the library by 2007 would affect the schedule and taxes.  Mr. Horton replied that the staff could take any date the Council wished, estimate a schedule to meet that deadline, and give the costs.  The staff expected to be challenged by whatever schedule the Council develops because the Town "has many irons in the fire at the Council's direction," Mr. Horton said.

 

Council Member Greene agreed with Ms. Wu that Chapel Hill's citizens were fortunate to live in a community that values its Library so highly.  She thanked Library Board members for that, noting that the success of the bond was due in part to their ability to translate need into language and data that people could understand.  There is much momentum for this now, said Council Member Greene, and she urged the Town to move forward "with all deliberate speed and then some."

 

Council Member Ward asked how the Library Board's request for three additional technology employees would fit into the staff's vision for the Town's Information Technology Plan.  Mr. Horton agreed to bring information back on that.  Mr. Schreiber explained that the Library really had no technology staff and that others had been pressed into doing that work since there is so much technology there that the public uses.

 

Council Member Ward wondered if those technical employees would be part of the Town's Information Technology Department or part of the Library.  Mr. Horton replied that the Town probably would always have some information technology and communication specialists at the Library for specialized daily functions.  He predicted that the Town would have technical staff at the Police and Public Works Departments as well.  It was almost essential now for departments of a certain size to have that sort of hands-on support, Mr. Horton explained.  He agreed to comment further on that issue as the Town moves through the budget process. 

 

Item 2 - Housing and Community Development Advisory Board

 

While the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board members were coming forward, Council Member Strom explained that he and Council Member Harrison had been at a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting that day and had learned that an important TAC meeting would conflict with one of the Council's budget works sessions on March 31, 2004.  They and Mayor Foy were obligated to attend the TAC meeting, he explained, and Mr. Horton offered to bring back alternate work session dates for the Council's consideration.  Council Member Verkerk commented on a new sidewalk being built along U.S. 15-501, and Mr. Horton pointed out that a new guard rail on Elliott Road was part of the same project.

 

Housing and Community Development Advisory Board Chair Tracy Dudley put forth a personal request on behalf of public housing residents.  She asked Council members to look into the Parks and Recreation Department's fee schedule, which had been changed from a sliding scale to a three-tier approach.  Ms. Dudley said that people who fall between those absolute tiers had not been able to receive a reduction in their fees.  For example, her own yearly income had been $200 dollars too high for the 50% fee reduction, which would have saved her $300, she explained.  Ms. Dudley pointed out that $300 is a lot of extra money to have to pay for a necessity such as summer camp for kids.  She asked Council members to entertain her request at this or the next budget session.

 

Ms. Dudley described the average cost of building a house in Orange County as "huge," and urged Council members to move forward with as many proposals as possible to provide affordable housing.  Those will be necessary options for many who want to continue living in Chapel Hill, she said.

 

Ms. Dudley explained that Loryn Barnes, of the Town Planning Department, had agreed to provide the Board with as much information as possible to help them understand issues facing the Town.  That way, she stated, Board members will be more informed before giving their opinions to the Council.

 

Ms. Dudley noted that the Board was one member short.  She noted the requirement that the additional member be a resident of public housing, but asked for permission to open that seat to a resident at large.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins asked if there was a tenants association that might be useful.  Housing Director Tina Vaughn replied that the newest Board member had come through the Residents Council.

 

Council Member Kleinschmidt asked if Ms. Dudley was requesting that the resident at large position be made permanent.  Ms. Dudley pointed out that opening it up would not close it to residents of public housing.

 

Council Member Greene wondered how the Board might shift that position back to a housing resident at some point.  She asked how long the spot had been vacant.  Ms. Dudley replied that it had never been filled during her four-year term and that there had been up to three vacancies during those four years.  Council Member Greene asked if there was another community in Chapel Hill that the Board could pull from that had similar interests.  Ms. Dudley remarked that interest in serving on the Advisory Board wanes with the decrease in community development issues.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins pointed out that this was true of anyone serving on any board.  Unless it is a meaningful experience it is hard to stick with it, she said.  Mayor pro tem Wiggins pointed out that the community development initiative and having more contact with the Planning Department might lead to more interest.  Board members will be more likely to feel that their opinion is important, she pointed out.

 

Council Member Kleinschmidt cautioned against foreclosing an opportunity in the future to have a member of the housing community on the Board.  He asked if that requirement could be shifted to the next vacancy rather than eliminated.  Mr. Horton replied that the staff could devise language that would allow a reasonable period of perhaps 90 days to recruit a Public Housing resident.  After that, the Board could include a resident at large with the understanding that the next vacancy would be offered only to a Public Housing Resident, Mr. Horton said.  He pointed out, though, that HUD was interested in having a good representation of residents on the Board.  The Town might have to go out and "beat the bushes" to find one who will serve, he said.

 

Council Member Ward expressed support for that proposal, but noted that the Town might also have to think of ways to get more Public Housing resident involvement.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins asked Mr. Horton if the Council should raise the three-tier fee schedule issue with the Parks and Recreation Commission or with the Parks and Recreation Department.  Mr. Horton replied that is should be addressed to both, and pointed out that the Town Council would be asked to vote on the fee schedule.  Mayor pro tem Wiggins ascertained that the Manager would alert the Parks and Recreation Department that the Council would be asking about the fee schedule.

 

Council Member Strom asked Ms. Vaughn to comment on the "flat rent option" that the Council had instituted.  Ms. Vaughn replied that there had been about five participants when it first started two years ago.  There were ten now, she said.

 

Council Member Ward asked if it would be valuable to have an Affordable Housing resident on the Board.  Ms. Dudley expressed support for that idea, noting that such a person would understand the issues and provide better input, and would benefit from what s/he learned.  Council Member Ward determined that the staff could fashion language for that if those are the Council's objectives.  Mr. Horton explained that the staff could work with the Housing Department and the Town Clerk's Office to help the Board figure out how to approach a specific audience of potential members.

 

Council Member Ward expressed a preference for working in that direction rather than trying to find a member at large.  Mr. Horton offered to bring back an agenda item that offers options for the Council's consideration.

 

Council Member Greene proposed determining how long the Board was willing to wait to target a housing resident rather than having a member at large.  Mr. Horton replied that it was the Town’s procedure to work with the Board and bring back their comments and recommendations along with those from the staff.

 

Item 3 - Historic District Commission

 

Historic District Commission (HDC) Chair Terri Swanson thanked Council members for making plans to renovate the old Town Hall, for putting a new roof on the Chapel Hill Museum, and for providing ongoing funds for maintenance of the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery.  She requested that the Town continue to provide funds for maintaining and upgrading gravel sidewalks in the historic districts and for addressing neighborhood needs for curb and gutter.  Pedestrian level lighting was an ongoing issue, she said.  Ms. Swanson also asked the Town Council to consider placing utilities underground in the historic districts.

 

Ms. Swanson expressed disappointment about the "inappropriate" poles that hold the new historic district entrance signs.  She asked the Town Council to continue providing $1,000 per year for mediation with property owners seeking demolition in the districts.  Ms. Swanson also requested help in developing a Commission website that would include current applications.  This would pay for itself because staff members would not have to spend so much time answering questions about rules and such, she pointed out.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins verified that a Commission website would be among the family of websites sponsored by the Town.  She ascertained that Ms. Swanson had been asked to serve on the task force that was renovating the Old Cemetery.

 

Council Member Kleinschmidt expressed surprise that people could buy property in an historic district without realtors having told them there would be rules.

 

Council Member Greene remarked that those rules were more like zoning than deed restrictions.  Realtors just don't tell people, she said, but Ms. Swanson pointed out that a resident saying that s/he had not been told does not necessarily mean that was the case.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins pointed out that living in an historic district adds value to a home, and that realtors probably do tell buyers about that.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins inquired about the "inappropriate" pole problem, and Mr. Horton suggested that Ms. Swanson furnish the staff with specifications on the kinds of poles the Commission wants.  The street sign poles might be more costly, he said, but added that the staff would address the cost implications.  Ms. Swanson clarified, however, that the Commission was only requesting improving the poles for 10-11 neighborhood identification signs.  Mr. Horton replied that there should be no problem then, adding that the staff would be glad to consider whatever specification the Commission wanted.

 

Council Member Harrison asked what the Commission's reaction had been to a request from Clay Hammer for landmark designations.  Ms. Swanson replied that the Commission had concluded there was no need for landmark designations on top of historic district designations and the zoning.  They understood that landmark designations were placed on properties that were threatened by encroaching development, she said, and they felt there was no need in Chapel Hill to add this layer of restrictions.  Also, Ms. Swanson continue, it might be difficult for the Commission to decide which properties would have landmark designations since whole communities are viewed as historic.  It might mean "going down a slippery slope," she remarked.

 

With regard to the LUMO changes, Ms. Swanson repeated her request of earlier in the month that all proposals for minor subdivisions in the historic district come before the Historic District Commission for approval.  The Commission would like to be able to grant a variance for rebuilding accessory structures that become destroyed, or even to build a new structure if it is appropriate for the lot, she said.  Ms. Swanson commented that many of these small buildings are what give historic districts their charm.  She also requested that there be a soil stabilization plan included in demolition plans for buildings or houses, acknowledging that this might have to go through the State legislature.  Ms. Swanson also expressed concern about neglect and wondered if the Town could nudge some historic district property owners to improve their houses. 

 

Mr. Horton asked Senior Development Coordinator J. B. Culpepper to comment on the issue of replacement of structures because his recollection differed from that of Ms. Swanson, he said.  Ms. Culpepper explained that replacing a nonconforming structure was permitted under LUMO.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins pointed out that a request for a variance to expand or move a structure would go to the Historic District Commission as well as other boards.  Mr. Horton suggested asking the Town Attorney whether or not the Town would need new legislation for some of the Commission’s proposals.  He pointed out that the Council would meet with its legislative delegation on February 20, 2004.  The staff could provide the Council with a list of legislation that might be responsive to these proposals, Mr. Horton said. 

 

Council Member Greene verified that the Commission was asking for the option to grant a new building close to the property line.  This would be quite a departure from other neighborhoods where people cannot get permission to have a structure too close to the right-of-way on the grounds that it is inappropriate on the street, she said.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins suggesting moving Item 6, Presentation by the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission, to another day's agenda because only four Council members would be available at 6:30 p.m. to participate in that discussion.  Mr. Horton offered to reschedule it for Wednesday, February 18, at 8:30 p.m.

 

Item 4 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

 

Gordon Sutherland, Town liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Board, introduced Board members Kate Millard, Jed Dube, Nick Lurie, and Heidi Perry.  Chair Nick Lurie told the Council that the Board had been making a lot of progress.  It had five new members and had been meeting twice rather than once a month to work on the Pedestrian Action Plan, he said.  Mr. Lurie noted that the Board had also revised the Town's Bicycle Facilities Policy.

 

Mr. Lurie referred to the overwhelming community support during the recent bond referendum for more bicycle and pedestrian facilities, particularly sidewalks.  So the Board had outlined their recommendations for how to start spending those funds in their memo to the Mayor and Town Council, he said.  In addition to financial support, the Board asked for administrative support because the cooperation of people like Town Traffic Engineer Kumar Neppalli is what makes this start to happen, he said.  Mr. Lurie reported that the Board was very excited about what they were doing, adding that they welcomed feedback on how they might better serve the Council and make Chapel Hill a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly place.

 

Council Member Harrison commended the Board and Mr. Sutherland for answering the Council's call to do a Bicycle Master Plan, for getting five new members, and for highlighting the need for more administrative and political support.  He noted that the Transportation Advocacy Committee was a strong advocate for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.  Council Member Harrison pointed out that Town Engineer Kumar Neppalli was too busy to give the kind of administrative support the Board needed, stressing that it was not an issue of Mr. Neppalli not wanting to provide it.  He thanked Board members for the maps they had provided and said that this kind of detailed, intense planning should help Chapel Hill in the criteria system that the MPO is using for projects.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins asked Mr. Horton to repeat what he had said to the Library Board earlier in the meeting about finding a Council work session during budget considerations to develop a schedule for issuing bonds.  Mr. Horton explained that he expected the Council to come to a conclusion about a basic issuance schedule before the end of this year's budget process.

 

In response to an inquiry from Council Member Strom, Board Member Jed Dube described an ongoing need for a coordinator position to consolidate information for the Board.  Having such an employee would allow them to get much more accomplished during meetings, he said, adding that this need will continue at least until the end of the Action Plan development process.  Mr. Lurie added that Mr. Sutherland had been required to spend substantially more time than he officially should on bicycle and pedestrian issues.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins asked Mr. Horton to explain the difference between a coordinator's duties and what Assistant Town Manager Bruce Heflin would be doing.  Mr. Horton explained that Mr. Heflin, as the new project manager, would manage all capital improvements.

 

Board Member Heidi Perry asked if Mr. Heflin would be responsible for finding matching grant funds.  Mr. Horton replied that finding matching funds would be the responsibility of the Finance Director and the Town Manager.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins noted that the third page of the Board's handout contained a request for clarification about whether costs for curb and gutter were included in the cost for construction of new sidewalks.  Mr. Horton replied that it would depend on the nature of the project.  If it were essential to build curb and gutter in order to get a sidewalk, he said, then it would count as part of the project cost.  Mr. Horton added that structures that were required to make a sidewalk feasible, such as pedestrian bridges, headwalls and guardrails, must also be counted as part of the cost.  Mr. Lurie asked what if a guardrail, for example, improves the safety of a road.  Mr. Horton pointed out that the Town does not typically build roads.  Those are usually built by private developers or by the State, he said, but the Council must find the funds to build sidewalks which are separate from curb and gutter.

 

Council Member Ward asked where the money for South Columbia Street sidewalks would come from.  Mr. Horton could not recall whether the State had agreed to pay for that or not.  But he would find funds in the CIP if the Town was required to build them, he said.  Council Member Ward ascertained that the Council had reserved funds for a portion of the sidewalk work on Weaver Dairy Road.  Mr. Horton did not know if there were enough reserved funds to pay for all that the State would expect.  The staff would work with the Council to make sure there is money available for that through the Capital Improvement Fund, he explained.

 

Council Member Ward expressed full support for the expeditious use of the bond funding that citizens had overwhelmingly supported.  He hoped that this transportation option would be as important as the fare free bus system, he said.  Council Member Harrison explained that the MPO would hire a bike and pedestrian planner and that half of that person's time should be spent outside Durham helping the local governments, such as Chapel Hill, that are paying for the position.  He did not mean to detract from the need for a full time staff position, he said, but wanted the Board to know that he and Council Members Strom and Mayor Foy would keep pushing for the planner to render service to Chapel Hill.  Council Member Harrison explained that he had understood that the new person would be responsible for finding State funding options.

 

Item 5 - Planning Board

 

Chair Tim Dempsey told Council members that the Planning Board was feeling impatient over the length of time it had taken since the passage of LUMO to look at things that need to be adjusted.  These include OI-4, how developers are trying to do payment-in-lieu instead of affordable housing, and the parking study, to name a few.  Mr. Dempsey noted a January 13, 2003 memo from the Board about how the Transportation Management Plans were not having much, if any, impact.  He suggested that the Council prioritize staff time to get the LUMO to the point where it fulfills the intent of its design.  Mr. Dempsey also asked that the revised Design Manual be sent to the Board before the Council approves it.

 

Board Member Nancy Milio underscored the Board's recommendation to make affordable housing a higher priority this year.  She praised the Council for what it already had done on behalf of affordable housing and proposed that they implement ideas from a November work session.  These include improving incentives, providing flexibility in the funding and capacity building for non-profit providers of affordable housing, simplifying and expediting funding application procedures, examining the feasibility of inclusionary zoning, and moving the housing agenda forward.  Ms. Milio recommended that the Council explore an area-wide strategy to expand and speed up the development of affordable homes and rentals for a wide range of income groups, especially those below the 50% median area income.

 

Board Member Donna Bell discussed implementation of bond money and recommended giving green spaces and pedestrian ways priority, even if doing so meant that the Town Library would be delayed for a couple of years.  There was momentum for creating a community of walkers and bikers, and creating and connecting green spaces was very important at this juncture, Ms. Bell said.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins ascertained that Ms. Bell was making this recommendation on behalf of the entire Planning Board.  She then asked Mr. Horton to again repeat his statement about how the Council would serve as a Committee of the Whole to decide on possible schedules and a mix of items for issuing bonds.  Mr. Horton explained that the Mayor had instructed him to figure out a work session for the Council during this year's budget deliberations.  He would do that, he said, and the Council would have an opportunity to consider a schedule and a mix of bond issuance as part of this year's budget deliberations.  Ms. Bell stated that she would come back and make her recommendation again at that time.

 

Board Member Thatcher Freund stated that the Planning Board would like to have some review of the priorities.  He was particularly interested in how the Council might spend its open space money, he said.  Mr. Freund suggested that the Council might be able to work out a compromise with the Homebuilders Association in the next year or two that would allow the County to buy conservation easements at one tenth of the price of open space in Chapel Hill.

 

Board Member Rebecca Boyles discussed a Board recommendation to consider updating the Transportation model with regard to the federal air quality standard.  She was interested in the kind of data upgrading the model could provide for planning and development in the future, she said.  Ms. Boyles pointed out that such data could provide an incentive for the Town and University to work together on increasing public transportation.  It could also provide information on air quality, the location of park and ride lots, and what kinds of facilities could be located Downtown, she said.  Ms. Boyles pointed out that allowing an extra lane on a road might lead to an unintended use of that area.  She suggested investigating a more sophisticated model that could give information such as whether or not installing extra bus service, sidewalks, or bike paths would lead to economic development in an area.

 

Council Member Strom comment on Ms. Boyles's "astute observation," adding that Council members were aware that the model did not provide the fine grain needed to look at certain things.  They shared the frustrations that she had articulated, he said.  Council Member Strom explained that this had been discussed in great detail at two consecutive Metropolitan Planning Organization meetings, and stressed that it was a high priority for that group.

 

Council Member Kleinschmidt noted that the Planning Board had not touched on some items in their memo, such as the Town's website problems.  He suggested that Council members refer that to the Technology Committee when they come before the Council.

 

Council Member Harrison spoke in favor of spending open space money earlier rather than later.  He agreed with Mr. Freund that the Homebuilders Association had been dominating the NC General Assembly, and he described it as the most powerful lobby the State has ever seen.   Council Member Harrison commented that the Homebuilders Association really do not care what Orange County thinks.  His philosophy as a member of the Committee of the Whole, he stated, was that the Town needed to spend open space money when it is needed within the Town limits right now.  With respect to Ms. Boyles's presentation, Council Member Harrison proposed that Town Transportation Planner David Bonk inform the Council on what the prospects were for upgrading the model.  He also expressed appreciation to the Planning Board for their clear approach to establishing parking standards.

 

Council Member Greene stated that, when she was a Planning Board member, she had never been able to figure out how the Transportation Management Plans matched what the Town was trying to.  She expressed support for taking a close look at that.  Council Member Greene also suggested that the Council allow the Planning Board to review the Design Manual.

 

Council Member Strom agreed that it would be helpful to have the Planning Board review and comment on the Design Manual.

 

Council Member Strom thanked the Board for their support of affordable housing.  He expressed hope that the Revolving Acquisition Fund and the Trust Fund might be changed in a way that would better support the community non-profits that have been struggling to come up with resources to perform very difficult tasks.  Mayor pro tem Wiggins told Ms. Milio that the Council had been including affordable rentals more in their discussions about affordable housing.

 

Mr. Freund proposed that the Town begin discussions with UNC about whether it might be possible to reconfigure the plan for Carolina North so that the growth starts at the rail line rather than at Airport Road.  He proposed that many problems might be solved if that were done.

 

Mayor pro tem Wiggins and Mr. Horton pointed out that the Council would hold a public forum on March 1^st to receive comment from citizens on the Horace Williams Citizens Committee report.

 

Mr. Dempsey noted that a state-of-the-art, functioning, Town website would achieve many of the objectives of the Neighborhood Advocacy Program.

 

Board Member Ruby Sinreich stated that the main problem with the website had been with the Town's internet service provider.

 

Council Member Kleinschmidt suggested that the Town advertise its website in the newspaper every week.  Ms. Sinreich suggested that the website be redesigned so that it provides the most current information.  The Technology Committee probably was engaged in figuring out what people need from the site, how to easily give it to them, and how to make the pages friendlier, Ms. Sinreich said.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that the Planning Board supported and encouraged everything and anything the Town could do for stormwater management, stormwater regulations, and stormwater utility.   Ms. Milio suggested that the Council "present a model of pedestrian safety" around Town Hall and the fire station.  She described that corner as one of the most dangerous places in Town for pedestrians and drivers.  Since there is no traffic control there, people race through rather than yielding, Ms. Milio said.

 

Item 6 - Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission

 

COUNCIL MEMBERS AGREED BY CONSENSUS TO DELAY PRESENTATION BY THE CHAPEL HILL PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION TO FEBRUARY 18, 2004 AT 8:30 P.M.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.