SUMMARY MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING FOR DEVELOPER INTERVIEWS

OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2005

 

Mayor Kevin Foy called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.

 

Council members present were Sally Greene, Ed Harrison, Cam Hill, Mark Kleinschmidt, Bill Strom, Dorothy Verkerk, Jim Ward and Mayor pro tem Edith Wiggins.

 

Staff members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Deputy Town Manager Florentine Miller, Assistant Town Manager Bruce Heflin, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Senior Long Range Planner Chris Berndt, Senior Planner Phil Hervey, and Acting Town Clerk Sandy Cook.

 

The consultant, John Stainback, stated that they would rank each proposal and tally up the points for a recommendation to the Council on June 2nd.  The Council could take action on June 15th if desired.

 

Council Member Hill asked about the misconception on the parking bond.

 

Mr. Stainback responded that the revenue replacement did not impact the proposal.

 

Council Member Strom asked Mr. Horton about the design elements and contract negotiations.

 

Mr. Horton said that negotiations would come first, usually with Council involvement.  He added that the Council would recruit and appoint members to work out the process in negotiation about development so that the Council would have an involvement in the design process.

 

Council Member Strom asked Mr. Horton about citizen input.

 

Mr. Horton stated that discussions on this topic would be in open session and go through proper channels of the public hearing process for citizen input.

 

Council Member Ward expressed concern on the underground parking on Lot 5 due to the rock that was located there and if it would be appropriate to invest more money into soil borings.

 

Mr. Horton replied that double the number of borings were done the first time and that both teams and their data assumptions were included in the report. 

 

Mayor Foy stated that retaining the land was part of the Council’s goals.

 

Mr. Horton stated that the staff would work with Mr. Stainback on how proposals are met or not met in the Council Goals.

 

Council Member Hill left at 1:00 p.m.

 

Council Member Strom stated he appreciated Ram Development’s consideration for openness to work with businesses and offer affordable business rentals.

 

Mr. Stainback stated that he would report back to the Council on June 2nd and they may consider taking action at their June 15th meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.