1 00:01:33,970 --> 00:01:49,650 On behalf of the entire town council, thank you for joining us. The council holds business meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of most months, and public hearings on the third monday. Public comment, always welcome at these meetings, giving you a chance to provide input on council decisions. 2 00:01:50,450 --> 00:02:01,110 In addition, the council holds a monthly work session at the Chapel Hill Public Library that is also open to the public. Please check the council calendar on our website for the most up-to-date schedule. 3 00:02:01,110 --> 00:02:04,990 Much about work is driven by a Chapel Hill 2020 plan. 4 00:02:05,290 --> 00:02:12,570 Our communities' comprehensive plan developed from the good ideas and input of thousands of residents and communities stakeholders like you. 5 00:02:13,470 --> 00:02:19,710 Our town council goals stand from the themes of that 2020 plan, themes like creative place for everyone, 6 00:02:20,050 --> 00:02:24,210 that we advance through policies and initiatives that promote social economic diversity, 7 00:02:24,690 --> 00:02:30,290 help integrate UNC students into our community and advance the interests of citizens of all ages. 8 00:02:30,290 --> 00:02:36,010 We support community prosperity with the focus on economic development strategies that enhance 9 00:02:36,010 --> 00:02:38,070 the town's open-to-business initiative. 10 00:02:38,530 --> 00:02:43,130 Open-to-business is successful programs are aimed at growing a vibrant business community 11 00:02:43,130 --> 00:02:47,550 and nurturing the increasing number of entrepreneurs and start-up companies who call 12 00:02:47,550 --> 00:02:48,070 step-by-home. 13 00:02:49,170 --> 00:02:53,390 And in keeping with the town's commitment to a sustainable future, we strive to facilitate 14 00:02:53,390 --> 00:02:59,110 getting around by providing a well-connected transportation network that allows people to get 15 00:02:59,110 --> 00:03:01,210 need to go conveniently and safely. 16 00:03:01,710 --> 00:03:04,650 One of they choose to walk, bike, ride, a fair-free, 17 00:03:04,830 --> 00:03:06,410 chapel hotel, transit bus or drive. 18 00:03:06,990 --> 00:03:11,510 To develop good places in new spaces means that we are strategically investing in downtown 19 00:03:11,510 --> 00:03:16,730 with improvements to Rosemary Street, creative art offerings and options to make parking easier 20 00:03:16,730 --> 00:03:17,570 and more convenient. 21 00:03:18,290 --> 00:03:22,530 And of course, at the heart of all our decisions to our deep commitment to nurturing 22 00:03:22,530 --> 00:03:27,710 our community and strengthening town-gown relations through close collaboration with the University 23 00:03:27,710 --> 00:03:30,390 North Carolina and UNC Health Care Systems. 24 00:03:31,250 --> 00:03:36,350 We welcome your input on how we can ensure that Chapel Hill is a place for everyone, and 25 00:03:36,350 --> 00:03:38,790 we encourage you to be active in town government. 26 00:03:39,590 --> 00:03:43,850 The town website has all the information you need about how to view the meeting's live 27 00:03:43,850 --> 00:03:48,430 on TV or the internet and links are subscribed to our weekly e-newsletter. 28 00:03:48,870 --> 00:03:50,270 Thank you for joining us. 29 00:03:50,470 --> 00:03:53,890 Working together, we can transform ideas into action. 30 00:04:14,740 --> 00:04:23,540 Good evening. Good evening and welcome to the December 5th Chapel Hill Town Council meeting. 31 00:04:24,460 --> 00:04:31,720 We have a couple of special events tonight. We're going to start off with our wonderful pack here. 32 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:38,880 We have Pack 39 from Chapel Hill and they usually meet at the University United Methodist Church 33 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:41,660 and they are going to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 34 00:04:41,940 --> 00:04:44,680 So could we all please stand while they lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 35 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:45,520 Thank you. 36 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:55,700 Okay, the flag is over here. 37 00:04:56,780 --> 00:04:57,840 Why are you guys here? 38 00:04:58,020 --> 00:04:58,520 There we go. 39 00:04:59,120 --> 00:04:59,960 All right, can you guys start? 40 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:24,700 Thank you all for leading us in that. We appreciate you being here and learning about town government. It's awesome. 41 00:05:25,700 --> 00:05:33,400 Okay, I welcome out to all of you in the audience that are joining us here tonight and out to all those who are viewing us from TV land. 42 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:37,660 I have several announcements to get us started off with. 43 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:43,400 But the first one is I'm going to ask Brenton Hodg to come down here, please. Come on down, Brenton. 44 00:05:43,900 --> 00:05:48,660 I don't know if I know the council knows who Brenton is, but we'll get him down here. 45 00:05:49,500 --> 00:06:01,560 Bretton is one of our security guards who takes very good care of us and we are very excited to say that he is graduating this semester from NC Central and we're very proud of him. 46 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:03,580 He studies and works very hard. 47 00:06:07,380 --> 00:06:11,660 You don't usually get to be in the meeting, so I thought we'd bring you in and say congratulations. 48 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:18,920 We're very, very proud of you and you have done an just an exemplary job of making sure we stay safe and we're supposed to be. 49 00:06:18,920 --> 00:06:23,120 and taking care of people who come in and out of our meetings. Thank you so much for all 50 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:24,820 your congratulations again. 51 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:39,560 Okay. This morning, several of us were at the BORCH event. A BORCH is a wonderful 52 00:06:39,560 --> 00:06:46,160 community organization founded by volunteers. It was the Anniversary 7th year anniversary 53 00:06:46,160 --> 00:06:51,260 of this wonderful organization that collects groceries from around our community, 54 00:06:51,260 --> 00:06:57,000 sorts them and helps deliver them to our neighbors and families who need a little extra to get by. 55 00:06:57,500 --> 00:07:04,060 They also have this wonderful book that was written by children for children called planting hope. 56 00:07:04,500 --> 00:07:09,420 It is on sale over at Weaver Street and on the porch website. If you'd like to get there, 57 00:07:09,740 --> 00:07:14,980 it's beautifully illustrated. They did a lot of work with fabrics and colors. The story is 58 00:07:14,980 --> 00:07:19,680 amazing about planting the seed of hope and I don't want to give the story away. So I'll let you get 59 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:26,880 and read it. But hope blossomed. And it's a wonderful book and all the proceeds go to help out 60 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:32,240 porch. So thank you to them for being very involved in our community and being part of the 61 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:34,220 wonderful community that tries to help everyone. 62 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:42,940 Let's see. We'll go to there's a meeting this Tuesday 63 00:07:42,940 --> 00:07:48,760 night tomorrow night over in the Hargraze Community Center about the Amnesty station concept plan. 64 00:07:48,760 --> 00:07:51,600 It's a community-wide meeting, everyone's welcome to attend. 65 00:07:51,760 --> 00:07:53,920 I know there will be some council members there. 66 00:07:54,860 --> 00:07:58,880 I will not be able to attend because I will be in coming back from Washington where I'm 67 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:03,420 speaking about our food for the summer program in front of a national audience about summer 68 00:08:03,420 --> 00:08:08,240 feeding food programs across our country, which is very exciting, especially if it helps feed 69 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:08,940 more kids. 70 00:08:09,860 --> 00:08:14,760 We have to holiday parade this Saturday at 10 a.m. downtown Chapel Hill. 71 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:20,700 Look for the bus notices of rerouting of traffic and buses, but it's a wonderful celebration. 72 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:27,760 We welcome all of us to come out and celebrate the holiday season and it's a wonderful parade to be part of that. 73 00:08:29,480 --> 00:08:31,120 I just an update for those of you. 74 00:08:31,260 --> 00:08:41,040 We have pulled item number nine on our agenda, the library, internet policy, our wonderful library services director is out ill 75 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:45,840 and she will come back and do this presentation for us in January so that item has been pulled 76 00:08:45,840 --> 00:08:46,920 for this evening. 77 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:53,940 And update, almost all of us have done our racial equity training by the end of the year, 78 00:08:54,040 --> 00:08:55,680 the goal you aspire to reach for. 79 00:08:55,800 --> 00:09:00,380 We have one more to finish up the class, and that's scheduled for January, so congratulations 80 00:09:00,380 --> 00:09:03,840 and good work council, and thank you for encouraging us to do that. 81 00:09:04,900 --> 00:09:08,560 And Roger did his as well, so a lot of people have done their racial equity training. 82 00:09:09,380 --> 00:09:13,080 We have some great parking initiatives going on right now. 83 00:09:13,500 --> 00:09:19,100 It is to encourage more customers and patrons and visitors and whoever to come down town. 84 00:09:19,220 --> 00:09:24,020 We have free parking on Saturdays and Sundays downtown for the month of December. 85 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:30,600 And we have also created 24 new parking, hourly parking places behind the courtyard area. 86 00:09:30,980 --> 00:09:35,400 You access that offer over some street so look for that and we have created some more spaces 87 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:41,480 and we're continuing to create more spaces to help people have find a place to park and have a 88 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:48,700 good experience downtown. So that's out there. We've had a lot of interest in our tree situation. 89 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:56,040 I encourage people to go to our website. We are working on a tree replacement program. We have a lot 90 00:09:56,040 --> 00:09:59,380 trees out there that have had some health issues and the 91 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:05,540 A, just some of them, and we're working with each one, please know that we have staff on hand that 92 00:10:05,540 --> 00:10:10,400 evaluates each individual tree in the situation in the needs, and it is our intent to replace 93 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:19,380 trees and keep that tree canopy that we all love downtown and around the town. I think that's 94 00:10:19,800 --> 00:10:25,140 it for right now. We have several things on our agenda this evening, and then the council takes 95 00:10:25,140 --> 00:10:32,640 break from meetings until January 9th. So please be aware of that. Okay, so we will start with 96 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:38,560 petitions from the public and know we have at least one person ready to sign up. Peggy or you 97 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:40,720 coming up to show your petition. 98 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:49,840 And again we're asking everyone. We're asking anyone who wants to 99 00:10:49,840 --> 00:10:55,660 speak to come sign up with our clerk and we ask you to hit the timer for us. For your three minutes 100 00:10:55,660 --> 00:10:57,900 over here when you're ready to start. 101 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:00,940 I'm supposed to push the green button for us. 102 00:11:01,740 --> 00:11:01,960 There you go. 103 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:02,900 Okay, better start. 104 00:11:03,260 --> 00:11:03,440 Okay. 105 00:11:03,540 --> 00:11:04,500 Where we plugged in, ran. 106 00:11:04,660 --> 00:11:05,260 There we go. 107 00:11:06,460 --> 00:11:18,300 I'm making remarks for a Proclamation and Resolution and the Proclamation is not at all controversial. 108 00:11:18,780 --> 00:11:24,920 I hope the resolution may take the members time to consider. 109 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:35,140 I request Pam Haminger to make a proclamation as she did last year for the annual reading 110 00:11:35,140 --> 00:11:40,820 of the Bill of Rights at noon Thursday, December 15th, peace and justice plaza. 111 00:11:41,060 --> 00:11:46,320 This event is sponsored by the Orange County Bill of Rights Defense Committee and Orange 112 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:47,540 County Peace Coalition. 113 00:11:47,980 --> 00:11:53,840 We invite the council and the public to participate in reading the ten amendments added 114 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:59,300 to the Constitution before ratification by the states in 1791. 115 00:11:59,980 --> 00:12:08,860 Former North Carolina State Senator Eleanor Canaryard will make some remarks on freedom 116 00:12:08,860 --> 00:12:16,440 of speech, first amendment, regarding freedom of speech, as I said. 117 00:12:16,820 --> 00:12:23,380 The Green News will also sing appropriate to these difficult times and in keeping with a 118 00:12:23,380 --> 00:12:34,280 I am requesting the Chapel Hill Town Council to consider passing a resolution and support of the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry and Torture. 119 00:12:34,560 --> 00:12:48,700 Related to freedom from unusual punishment, actually touching amendments 4 5 6 7 and especially 8 as well as international treaties. 120 00:12:48,700 --> 00:13:09,400 I sent the mayor and the Council copies of the Resolution to be sent into the Carberal, Alderman and Orange County Commissioners also and put some copies on the back table if people wish to take those resolutions that I put there. 121 00:13:09,840 --> 00:13:18,120 I believe the resolution and support of the North Carolina Commission of Enquiry and Torture is an appropriate civil rights matter 122 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:20,420 to address on Bill of Rights Day. 123 00:13:20,980 --> 00:13:26,780 Deborah Weissman, the UNC professor, who has vetted this resolution, thanks to Council 124 00:13:26,780 --> 00:13:33,840 for considering this important matter as we turn our attention to President Elect, who has 125 00:13:33,840 --> 00:13:36,500 voiced support for torture. 126 00:13:37,300 --> 00:13:39,640 I don't know how much time I have. 127 00:13:39,820 --> 00:13:45,120 I don't have enough time to read the resolution, but the resolution has been given to all 128 00:13:45,120 --> 00:13:54,400 council members and it's on the back table and I hope that Chapel Hill can take a stand on this 129 00:13:54,400 --> 00:14:02,740 resolution to support a North Carolina Commission of inquiry and torture. There's enough evidence 130 00:14:02,740 --> 00:14:11,640 and I presented more evidence to some of you about this. Thank you. Can you hit the off button 131 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:18,660 of course the red button. There you go. I'm trying. Thank you and I will be there and I'm sure 132 00:14:18,660 --> 00:14:23,620 other council members will attend as well to do the read the bill of rights. Just to let council 133 00:14:23,620 --> 00:14:29,500 know I also reached out to Mayor LaValle about both topics. We're going to do a joint bill of 134 00:14:29,500 --> 00:14:33,740 rights reading together and work that allowed and I reached out to her about this torture resolution 135 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:40,480 and our attorney, they both are want a little more time to look into this. So if council is willing, 136 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:45,880 we'd like to refer this back to our attorney to give us more information and verification of 137 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:49,180 all these things, then we could bring it back for January. 138 00:14:49,500 --> 00:14:53,700 We received and refer it to our staff, particularly the attorney, so that we can consider it 139 00:14:53,700 --> 00:14:54,900 for the next meeting in January. 140 00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:56,040 A second. 141 00:14:56,380 --> 00:14:59,380 It's been moved by Ms. Green, second of my Ms. Bell, any discussion? 142 00:15:00,370 --> 00:15:07,370 All those in favor, please say aye. Any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. Motion is unanimous. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. 143 00:15:07,550 --> 00:15:15,730 And we will be there for the bill of rights reading, and we will coordinate with Carbro and our attorney and get back to you on the resolution. 144 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:23,620 Okay, the county commission. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Any more petitions from the public? 145 00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:28,780 On items not on any comments on items not on the printed agenda. 146 00:15:29,820 --> 00:15:34,620 Okay, any announcements by Council members, Mr. Harrison? 147 00:15:36,140 --> 00:15:37,700 Well, this is not exactly an announcement. 148 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:40,040 It's a personal statement. 149 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:46,140 My mother passed away 22nd of November right before Thanksgiving. 150 00:15:47,960 --> 00:15:52,520 And I'm mentioned her to the general audience because she paid attention to this Council, 151 00:15:53,420 --> 00:15:58,140 not just because of me, but because she was interested in American politics as an immigrant. 152 00:15:58,140 --> 00:16:07,000 But 77 years ago, she came over to being exchange student at Furman University in Greenville, 153 00:16:07,040 --> 00:16:07,620 South Carolina. 154 00:16:07,820 --> 00:16:15,720 She went from right next to Paris in a city that was socialist, if not more, to Greenville, 155 00:16:15,880 --> 00:16:21,740 South Carolina, got her degree in political science at Furman University, and went to Duke 156 00:16:21,740 --> 00:16:26,340 University for graduate school because Carolina didn't offer anything, the Methodist clergy 157 00:16:26,340 --> 00:16:33,040 daughters, Duke did. That's why she ended up at Duke and they made her, Duke does things 158 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:41,460 to their students. They made her be a French major, master's thesis, and to teach French. 159 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:47,840 So she started teaching French in 1940 and kept it up either paid or is a volunteer into this 160 00:16:47,840 --> 00:16:49,640 century, so into seven decades. 161 00:16:51,780 --> 00:16:55,240 And she had a strong interest in this council not just because 162 00:16:55,240 --> 00:17:06,360 because of American politics, because she could interview me about the council, and, you know, she was my mother and a teacher, and she knew how to get the answers out of you. 163 00:17:06,780 --> 00:17:17,220 So, she knew a lot more about this council than anybody that age, certainly outside of Chapel Hill, of Carverro, and certainly more than anyone in the state of South Carolina by a lot. 164 00:17:18,460 --> 00:17:22,760 And she also knew, well, she knew about George, because George goes to France every so often, 165 00:17:22,940 --> 00:17:24,360 so I have to tell her about that. 166 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:30,120 But she had two different people who said in the same language to me, she had a great run, 167 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:38,440 a good run, and she was a friend of mine wrote, old friend of mine, and you were for many 168 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:38,980 years. 169 00:17:39,940 --> 00:17:44,080 She said, oh, Adam, so sorry, the world already seems less civilized. 170 00:17:44,940 --> 00:17:52,800 She was a classy woman and I hope I got some of her good traits but thanks to colleagues 171 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:59,960 particularly for sending condolences and I'm glad that she's an immigrant got 172 00:17:59,960 --> 00:18:04,900 welcome by America, took her a few hours to get to the country the first time but that happens 173 00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:12,240 to folks and I think that America is a place that she will be welcoming to immigrants as this table 174 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:14,460 when those who married immigrants, this table. 175 00:18:16,160 --> 00:18:21,120 And as I said, as a sister, I'm glad she was our mother. 176 00:18:21,280 --> 00:18:22,760 We were very lucky in that regard. 177 00:18:23,840 --> 00:18:24,600 Well, thank you. 178 00:18:25,020 --> 00:18:25,440 Thank you. 179 00:18:25,540 --> 00:18:27,660 We do offer you and your family condolences. 180 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:29,700 Mr. Santhiolo? 181 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:34,700 It's best I can tell the weather Saturday for the Christmas parade 182 00:18:34,700 --> 00:18:38,780 is probably going to be in the height 30s at the time of the parade. 183 00:18:39,380 --> 00:18:46,000 In the visitor's bureau is going to be open and they're going to have cookies in one drink so people need to warm up. 184 00:18:47,020 --> 00:18:55,520 I think it'd be a great time if you haven't visited the visitor's bureau just to go in and see all the information they have and I think they'd be happy to welcome anyway. 185 00:18:56,140 --> 00:18:59,460 So bundle up and come get warm cocoa and cookies. 186 00:19:00,060 --> 00:19:00,700 Any other announcements? 187 00:19:03,540 --> 00:19:04,580 Okay, thank you. 188 00:19:05,140 --> 00:19:07,940 That brings us to the consent agenda. 189 00:19:07,940 --> 00:19:16,870 How, say we, it's been moved by Mr. Parker and second by Ms. Bell, any discussion about 190 00:19:16,870 --> 00:19:17,790 the consent agenda? 191 00:19:19,410 --> 00:19:23,490 All those in favor, please say aye, any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. 192 00:19:23,710 --> 00:19:24,810 Motion is unanimous. 193 00:19:24,810 --> 00:19:25,850 Thank you. 194 00:19:26,390 --> 00:19:32,130 You have an information item in your packet about the upcoming public hearing items and the 195 00:19:32,130 --> 00:19:39,390 petition status list, and just to mention, usually we roll out the petitions that have been 196 00:19:39,390 --> 00:19:43,870 available to be seen online, but they go into a different file further down so that only 197 00:19:43,870 --> 00:19:48,030 the active petitions will show up at the end of each season as we call it here. 198 00:19:48,430 --> 00:19:53,370 All right, that brings us to our first item on the discussion agenda to consider the proposed 199 00:19:53,370 --> 00:19:57,090 town acquisition of the American Legion property. 200 00:19:58,610 --> 00:19:59,950 Manager Stance will take us away. 201 00:20:01,660 --> 00:20:11,280 So, my name is Roger Stancele. I'm the town manager and I have a ten-slide presentation which 202 00:20:11,280 --> 00:20:18,220 would take about eight or ten minutes about the acquisition of the American Legion property. The 203 00:20:18,220 --> 00:20:31,520 seems like a great opportunity to accomplish something that could be beneficial and meet the 204 00:20:31,520 --> 00:20:40,620 proposal is as shown on this slide, is a purchase price of $7.9 million for the 35 acres 205 00:20:41,060 --> 00:20:47,140 of the American Legion property. It is the agreement proposes an installment purchase plan 206 00:20:47,140 --> 00:20:54,640 of three payments. So let me may say this again later, but let me also explain now 207 00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:59,180 the thinking behind those three payments. The first payment is for $3.6 million. 208 00:20:59,940 --> 00:21:06,340 The thinking behind that being the first payment is you are setting a target of 22 percent 209 00:21:06,340 --> 00:21:12,540 of your as your fund balance target. And in past years when you have had fund balance 210 00:21:12,540 --> 00:21:18,860 that went over that amount you would use it for dedicated capital purposes one time expenditures. 211 00:21:19,680 --> 00:21:26,320 So most recently you have used it to pay for the Rogers Road sewer construction and for 212 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:27,800 meeting your OPEB liability. 213 00:21:28,520 --> 00:21:33,840 Later tonight we have a Rogers Road Agreement proposed for you to consider and that payment 214 00:21:33,840 --> 00:21:36,040 would be rolled into your annual budget. 215 00:21:36,880 --> 00:21:41,760 And based on your conversation in last year's budget you have now included an OPEB payment 216 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:43,160 in your annual operating budget. 217 00:21:43,400 --> 00:21:49,700 So those needs no longer exist for funds that are over your target for your fund balance. 218 00:21:49,840 --> 00:21:54,780 So it's $3.6 million that we would be coming to you to recommend for capital expenditure 219 00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:57,840 or one time expended to or not an operating expended to it. 220 00:21:58,360 --> 00:22:04,700 So we use that as the first payment because all it takes to appropriate that money is 221 00:22:04,700 --> 00:22:05,780 an action by you. 222 00:22:05,980 --> 00:22:12,060 A vote by the council can appropriate that fund balance and make that $3.6 million available. 223 00:22:12,500 --> 00:22:16,240 Then there is of course the balance which we split into two payments. 224 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:22,100 One do a year from closing and the second do two years from closing. 225 00:22:23,020 --> 00:22:30,220 My thinking was that that would give you a year to do some planning for that property, to decide 226 00:22:30,220 --> 00:22:36,120 how you want to use that property, to consider other partnerships and potential buyers, 227 00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:42,080 for portion of that property to meet other interests of the council, other goals of the council, 228 00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:50,880 especially the front part as it fronts on Legion Road, before you have to make a decision about where you get that money from. 229 00:22:50,880 --> 00:23:00,020 So, that money could come from a purchase by the front part of the property from somebody who wants to do something that's consistent with the council of goals. 230 00:23:00,620 --> 00:23:09,880 It could come from re-shuffling your priorities. There were funds approved in the bond referendum for parks and recreation land acquisition. 231 00:23:10,280 --> 00:23:18,280 You could reshuffle your priorities. You have the capacity to do that just spreading out how you spend your money. 232 00:23:19,460 --> 00:23:26,540 Then the American Legion, if this proposal is approved by you and by them, would want to go 233 00:23:26,540 --> 00:23:30,720 out by their replacement property, begin to plan for it, and build a place where they 234 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:31,320 could move. 235 00:23:31,940 --> 00:23:36,660 So in our conversations with them, we figured that it's likely to take about three years 236 00:23:36,660 --> 00:23:40,600 for them to find the land by it, do the planning, build something. 237 00:23:41,660 --> 00:23:48,320 So, we, the proposal is that we, or the agreement that we have negotiated is to, they 238 00:23:48,320 --> 00:23:53,780 would continue to use the two buildings on the site for their purposes as they have been 239 00:23:53,780 --> 00:23:59,520 using it, including the land right around those buildings so that people could, if you've 240 00:23:59,520 --> 00:24:04,260 been to one of their events, or people were cooking out, or the antique show people were 241 00:24:04,260 --> 00:24:08,960 out in the areas, so they would use that land around the building as they have in the past. 242 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:17,700 And we would immediately begin a strategic and master planning process to develop how the town wants to use all of that property. 243 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:24,600 I'm sure that a great portion of it would be used for an extension of the park that faces on Ephesus Road. 244 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:28,440 But there are other uses that you could possibly consider for the balance of the property. 245 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:34,380 So we begin that master planning process, we'd engage with the schools to make sure that the 246 00:24:34,380 --> 00:24:39,820 park property was developed consistent with their plans and take that time to figure out 247 00:24:39,820 --> 00:24:41,740 how the rest of the property would be used. 248 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:47,340 So the action that we're recommending tonight is that you approve resolution R8, which 249 00:24:47,340 --> 00:24:52,840 would authorize the town manager to execute the agreement for purchase, and to enact a budget 250 00:24:52,840 --> 00:24:59,280 budget ordinance is O3 and O4 which would appropriate the money for the first payment. 251 00:25:01,320 --> 00:25:14,940 Here's some kind of background aware how we got to where we are now. In 2005, the American Legion executed a letter of right of first refusal to the town if they ever decided to sell the property. 252 00:25:15,720 --> 00:25:30,640 In 2015, the American Legion offered the town the ability to buy that property for $9 million. The offer was declined because the town did not have access to the funds to purchase the property at the town. 253 00:25:31,380 --> 00:25:37,400 If you remember that was before the bond referendum, we didn't have available the funds that are in 254 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:43,680 excess of your fund balance target and so it would have just been difficult for the town 255 00:25:43,680 --> 00:25:49,340 to be able to purchase that property and only had a limited amount of time in order to consider 256 00:25:49,340 --> 00:25:57,000 that offer. Again, in 2016 you closed the fiscal year with $3.6 million over your target 257 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:02,660 fund balance and the voters approved a bond referendum which includes about eight million or 258 00:26:02,660 --> 00:26:06,700 includes eight million dollars of authorized parks and recreation bonds. 259 00:26:07,860 --> 00:26:13,820 In October, the Council authorized and considered a new offer by the American Legion, 260 00:26:14,300 --> 00:26:19,160 an authorized town manager to negotiate with the Legion in order to come up with an agreement 261 00:26:19,160 --> 00:26:21,220 that might be acceptable to everybody. 262 00:26:22,300 --> 00:26:26,780 In November and a closed session, the Council tentatively agreed to the terms of acquisition 263 00:26:26,780 --> 00:26:32,580 that we're talking about tonight and tonight we're recommending that you officially authorize 264 00:26:32,580 --> 00:26:40,140 need to execute the agreement to purchase contract. Again, this is the purchase structure 265 00:26:40,140 --> 00:26:49,120 $7.9 million in total cost, $3.6 million a front with about $50,000 in closing costs, 266 00:26:49,420 --> 00:26:55,000 and then $2.15 million in one year increments, two more payments. 267 00:26:56,400 --> 00:27:00,800 Again, the least structure would be that the American Legion would continue to occupy the 268 00:27:00,800 --> 00:27:05,380 clubhouse, which is a little arm, let's see if I can find 269 00:27:07,710 --> 00:27:10,670 the clubhouse, the American 270 00:27:10,670 --> 00:27:12,610 Legion clubhouse is right here. 271 00:27:13,390 --> 00:27:15,970 The dance studio is right here. 272 00:27:16,250 --> 00:27:21,230 So this would allow them to continue to use the clubhouse and the dance studio in the way 273 00:27:21,230 --> 00:27:25,390 they have been using it since they've been on this property. 274 00:27:25,390 --> 00:27:32,050 And if you agree to this proposal tonight, the contract would be submitted to the American 275 00:27:32,050 --> 00:27:36,290 Legion membership in mid-December for their consideration and approval. 276 00:27:38,690 --> 00:27:41,970 The purchase price rationale for the $7.9 million. 277 00:27:42,850 --> 00:27:48,950 We had an appraisal of the town had an appraisal done in 2015 and the appraisal indicated 278 00:27:48,950 --> 00:27:54,990 a value for the property with no entitlement at about $4.8 million and a value of about 279 00:27:54,990 --> 00:28:01,650 $10.3 million if it were approved and entitled for a project similar to what Woodfield had proposed. 280 00:28:02,790 --> 00:28:12,470 We also have other property sales in the area, which would basically justify the price that we are proposing. 281 00:28:13,230 --> 00:28:23,230 And under the current zoning, by right, they could develop or someone could develop a 144 unit subdivision on that property. 282 00:28:23,230 --> 00:28:31,010 And an estimate of value from several commercial developers would be about 50,000, 50 to 60,000 dollars per unit, 283 00:28:31,590 --> 00:28:34,730 which would put us right about this price that we're talking about. 284 00:28:34,850 --> 00:28:39,910 So that's how we established a reasonable price for this piece of property. 285 00:28:41,010 --> 00:28:42,310 Potential future use. 286 00:28:42,470 --> 00:28:48,290 Obviously there's an assumption that the part would be expanded up to some portion of the property. 287 00:28:48,290 --> 00:29:00,590 It could also be used for other uses including community civic space, and you've had a number of conversations and proposals about people who might want to partner with the town and developing the park. 288 00:29:01,110 --> 00:29:08,230 There could also be, oh, there is interest in commercial office non-residential use on the front part of the property. 289 00:29:08,750 --> 00:29:14,170 And a potential for cost recovery if the council is willing to sell some of the property for that particular use. 290 00:29:14,170 --> 00:29:27,590 Again, we would initiate a strategic master planning process, hopefully accomplish that within the next five or six months for the Council to be able to make a decision about how you want to use all of the property. 291 00:29:28,610 --> 00:29:39,890 So again, our staff recommendation is that you approve the resolution of our eight authorizing the execution of the contract and approve the budget ordinances, which appropriate the funds for the first payment. 292 00:29:41,300 --> 00:29:47,020 Thank you. Are there clarifying questions? Mr. Sancio. 293 00:29:48,820 --> 00:29:55,700 Roger, my understanding of the leases, the town will be responsible for the upkeep of the grounds and stuff like that. 294 00:29:55,700 --> 00:29:59,960 has the staff looked at the site and considered. 295 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:11,780 Under any safety issues regarding upon the two issues, I would raise the dam, whether the dam is injured. 296 00:30:12,700 --> 00:30:24,580 Engineers have certified the dam as structurally sound. But more importantly, perhaps if the town is mowing it and everything, and it's town property, is there any concern? 297 00:30:24,580 --> 00:30:29,920 to say a small child could wander into the pond or something like that, how would we treat 298 00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:33,420 the pond in terms of regarding safety of citizens? 299 00:30:34,500 --> 00:30:39,620 Well, part of the due diligence would of course be the safety of the pond as a structure 300 00:30:39,620 --> 00:30:45,360 and the dam as a structure, as well as doing a phase one environmental assessment to ensure 301 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:50,520 there are no environmental hazards on the property if we were to acquire it. 302 00:30:50,520 --> 00:30:56,720 The pond has been there for a long time as it is it's still would not be 303 00:30:57,260 --> 00:31:05,580 It would be encouraged to be used as it is now until something further develops. So wouldn't be a wide open park space 304 00:31:06,740 --> 00:31:09,780 That we would be encouraging people to come 305 00:31:09,780 --> 00:31:16,580 Be around the pond, but it would be the town's liability issue now. That's that's a little different than the current situation 306 00:31:16,580 --> 00:31:24,260 Right, we would we can have our risk manager review that make recommendation about out-of-protect the town's interest in that regard. 307 00:31:24,300 --> 00:31:26,320 Thank you. 308 00:31:26,580 --> 00:31:29,200 Any other clarifying questions before we hear from the public? 309 00:31:29,540 --> 00:31:39,260 So it's and to build on that as far as the building then we aren't responsible for any maintenance and repair and upkeep on that. 310 00:31:39,340 --> 00:31:43,620 The maintenance and upkeep of the building both buildings remains with the American Legion. 311 00:31:45,040 --> 00:31:51,200 Okay. Do we have members, if we have members of the public wishing to speak? Again, a reminder, 312 00:31:51,520 --> 00:31:55,520 we'll have you come up. I'll call the first name followed by the second name. If you'll get ready, 313 00:31:55,620 --> 00:32:00,600 if you're the second name to come up, we ask everyone, you get three minutes to speak to us. 314 00:32:00,660 --> 00:32:05,800 We ask you to press the green button as you start, and then it'll run through and you can see the clock running, 315 00:32:05,960 --> 00:32:09,700 and then you'll press the red button when you're finished. I appreciate it. All right. 316 00:32:11,060 --> 00:32:14,600 So I have Lou Brown followed by Andrew Ross. 317 00:32:19,980 --> 00:32:20,340 Good evening. 318 00:32:20,520 --> 00:32:22,000 I'm Lou Brown from the Meadows. 319 00:32:22,120 --> 00:32:23,340 I've spoken to you several times. 320 00:32:23,380 --> 00:32:25,500 If you'll speak into the microphone, thank you. 321 00:32:25,620 --> 00:32:27,400 I'm Lou Brown from the Meadows. 322 00:32:27,780 --> 00:32:29,500 I've spoken to you several times for all this issue. 323 00:32:30,080 --> 00:32:34,240 And I felt obligated to be here tonight to congratulate the Council and the manager 324 00:32:34,240 --> 00:32:37,780 and the staff and the Legion for working out this agreement. 325 00:32:40,020 --> 00:32:42,380 I also particularly want to thank the Council for listening 326 00:32:42,380 --> 00:32:48,320 to the public, all of us who have come and spoken with concerns in support of or concerns 327 00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:54,520 about this agreement. Thank you for listening. We really appreciate that. We wish to 328 00:32:54,520 --> 00:32:58,860 lead in well and we hope that they will be able to use a process from this sale to continue 329 00:32:58,860 --> 00:33:06,440 their great work. And finally, next to us, I'd say this process and your decision says a lot 330 00:33:06,440 --> 00:33:08,740 about who we are as a community. 331 00:33:09,940 --> 00:33:14,580 Finally, we, the local citizens in there would like to be included 332 00:33:14,580 --> 00:33:17,080 in this planning process that managed your stance 333 00:33:17,080 --> 00:33:18,600 to outline as you move forward. 334 00:33:19,080 --> 00:33:19,960 Thank you very much. 335 00:33:20,480 --> 00:33:22,540 Thank you. You pressed the red button for us, please. 336 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:24,100 Thank you. 337 00:33:24,240 --> 00:33:25,080 I'll get better this. 338 00:33:25,180 --> 00:33:26,360 Where are we all learning? 339 00:33:26,880 --> 00:33:29,220 Andrew Ross followed by Diane Willis. 340 00:33:32,040 --> 00:33:34,300 I think Mike's going to join in Kate as well. 341 00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:36,420 If you'll press the button for us there, yes. 342 00:33:36,420 --> 00:33:37,340 Thank you. 343 00:33:38,280 --> 00:33:40,500 Good evening, how was everyone tonight? 344 00:33:42,340 --> 00:33:45,580 Let me start to introduce myself and I'll introduce the two behind me. 345 00:33:45,780 --> 00:33:47,140 My name is Andrew Ross. 346 00:33:47,640 --> 00:33:53,100 I'm this my third year on the as a community representative on the board for the Chapel of Farmers Market. 347 00:33:53,780 --> 00:33:57,260 This is my second opportunity to meet some of you and speak. 348 00:33:57,480 --> 00:33:58,660 And I appreciate the opportunity. 349 00:33:59,540 --> 00:34:03,760 I like to first sit my condolences Mr. Harrison and the loss of your mom. 350 00:34:03,760 --> 00:34:08,560 of course, I already hear that. Again, this is my third year on the board as a community 351 00:34:08,560 --> 00:34:13,700 rep. Mike Dupree is a, he's a vendor at the market. It's been there a long time. Almost 352 00:34:13,700 --> 00:34:19,100 since the beginning. And Kate Underhill is one of our wonderful market managers. And we're 353 00:34:19,100 --> 00:34:24,060 here tonight just to support your efforts to acquire the American Legion property. We think 354 00:34:24,060 --> 00:34:30,860 this is a great set for Chapel Hill. We also, I really appreciate, as a stakeholder in Chapel 355 00:34:30,860 --> 00:34:33,960 being updated on what actually is happening around Chapel Hill. 356 00:34:33,980 --> 00:34:35,400 It's nice to be included. 357 00:34:35,900 --> 00:34:39,900 I think I sent an email months and months ago about having interest in the American Legion 358 00:34:39,900 --> 00:34:40,280 property. 359 00:34:40,480 --> 00:34:42,880 It was nice to receive information about what was going on. 360 00:34:43,300 --> 00:34:45,000 I really appreciate the transparency. 361 00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:51,740 Again, we just want to really express the poor for the person to that American Legion property. 362 00:34:52,360 --> 00:34:56,640 And we ask that as the planning process proceeds that you consider the needs of the 363 00:34:56,640 --> 00:34:59,960 Chapel Hill farmer's market as you decide what you would like to do with it. 364 00:35:00,820 --> 00:35:01,340 I 365 00:35:03,420 --> 00:35:31,820 would like to, I think it's important that we reiterate that we are very happy with where we are, if you all are not familiar with our current location. We are located at university place. We've got a good relationship with the management there. We're very happy there. Our one outstanding concern is that there's new opportunity really for any sort of infrastructure development there on our end. There are farmers, markets that are successful, that have infrastructure, there are farmers, markets that are successful, that do not. 366 00:35:31,820 --> 00:35:37,340 We believe that having some sort of permanent structure is vital to the growth of the 367 00:35:37,340 --> 00:35:40,480 chapel of farmers market and there is a possibility that the American Legion could partner 368 00:35:40,480 --> 00:35:41,020 with us. 369 00:35:41,060 --> 00:35:46,840 The American Legion property could partner with us to look into that. 370 00:35:48,270 --> 00:35:51,790 Is there anything either one else for like that? 371 00:35:52,270 --> 00:35:57,830 That's it, just to support this effort and to continue to think about what our long-term 372 00:35:57,830 --> 00:35:58,630 needs are. 373 00:35:58,630 --> 00:36:00,150 I wanted some of you visit the market. 374 00:36:00,230 --> 00:36:05,170 I see some of your faces and we've had meetings about it and I've had emails with Mr. 375 00:36:05,290 --> 00:36:05,730 Stancele. 376 00:36:05,790 --> 00:36:09,190 This will be the first time we're seeing each other face to face, but I appreciate all 377 00:36:09,190 --> 00:36:09,910 your support. 378 00:36:10,710 --> 00:36:10,930 Thank you. 379 00:36:11,070 --> 00:36:12,110 You've pressed the red button for it. 380 00:36:12,250 --> 00:36:13,370 Thank you, Mr. Us. 381 00:36:14,150 --> 00:36:16,350 Diane Willis, followed by Amber Sheer, 382 00:36:23,790 --> 00:36:26,150 Mayor Heminger, members of the Council. 383 00:36:27,590 --> 00:36:27,870 Sorry. 384 00:36:28,770 --> 00:36:30,510 Mayor Heminger, members of the Council. 385 00:36:30,850 --> 00:36:31,650 Thank you. 386 00:36:31,650 --> 00:36:32,250 Thank you. 387 00:36:32,450 --> 00:36:33,170 Thank you. 388 00:36:33,170 --> 00:36:45,770 For listening to the citizens of Chapel Hill who told you we wanted a much-needed community park on at least a portion of the American Legion property as opposed to more luxury apartments. 389 00:36:46,610 --> 00:36:52,670 Though quite a few folks could not be here this evening due to the scheduling conflict with the important county commissioners meeting. 390 00:36:53,310 --> 00:37:13,110 I believe I speak for many when I say we are thrilled that the Legion responded to community concerns and offered the town a second chance to purchase their land and that you did the hard work of negotiating the sale such that it will be a win-win for both the town and the Legion. 391 00:37:13,110 --> 00:37:29,990 The town badly needs a community park for Eastern Chapel Hill and the Legion land with its RCD and modest network of existing trails, citizen-built trails, is a perfect site for such a park, especially since it abuts the small emphasis park. 392 00:37:29,990 --> 00:37:36,450 Combining the two areas into one larger part will be a boon to everyone who desires green space, 393 00:37:36,730 --> 00:37:44,370 woodsy walking trails, natural habitat, a buffer from density, and recreational areas, such as 394 00:37:44,370 --> 00:37:49,650 decent tennis courts, pickleball courts, and perhaps a pool or other indoor facilities. 395 00:37:50,430 --> 00:37:57,570 We residents of Connie Woods remind you, as further planning progresses, not to make new vehicular road 396 00:37:57,570 --> 00:38:00,050 connections to fountain ridge and feral roads. 397 00:38:01,190 --> 00:38:05,510 If eventually the town were to sell a portion of the land close to Legion Road for commercial 398 00:38:05,510 --> 00:38:11,390 or office development, that could mesh with the attractive brick office buildings across 399 00:38:11,390 --> 00:38:12,050 the street. 400 00:38:12,930 --> 00:38:17,490 Perhaps provides structured parking for the whole site and provide income to the town while 401 00:38:17,490 --> 00:38:21,990 allowing the bulk of the open and beautiful wooded areas to be parkland. 402 00:38:22,750 --> 00:38:27,370 This is an opportunity for the town to be proactive in what it wants for that front portion 403 00:38:27,370 --> 00:38:33,070 the site, as well as for the park. While we understand that the town has expressed interest 404 00:38:33,070 --> 00:38:37,910 in selling that northwest portion of the site for commercial development to help finance 405 00:38:37,910 --> 00:38:43,910 the purchase, now would be a good time to vigorously pursue other funding options such as 406 00:38:43,910 --> 00:38:49,850 government conservation grants or private donations that would maximize the amount of acreage 407 00:38:49,850 --> 00:38:56,810 that remains public park land and would afford the town latitude and choosing what kind of 408 00:38:56,810 --> 00:39:00,290 development to put on that portion of the property that might be sold. 409 00:39:01,270 --> 00:39:07,210 It certainly has taken much thoughtful reflection on your parts to realize what is best 410 00:39:07,210 --> 00:39:11,050 for the town and its citizens with respect to the Legion property. 411 00:39:11,910 --> 00:39:18,170 I applaud your considerable efforts and am anticipating your positive vote to buy the Legion 412 00:39:18,170 --> 00:39:18,710 property. 413 00:39:19,050 --> 00:39:19,970 Many thanks. 414 00:39:20,490 --> 00:39:20,810 Thank you. 415 00:39:20,950 --> 00:39:22,190 You press the red button for us. 416 00:39:22,270 --> 00:39:23,210 Thank you. 417 00:39:23,210 --> 00:39:28,130 And, for sure, followed by, and I, is Alan Huff, is that right? 418 00:39:28,610 --> 00:39:31,430 And there's a green button, right? Green button, you take a green button. 419 00:39:31,970 --> 00:39:37,790 Okay, thank you very much. I just, I'm here mainly to reiterate what Diane said. 420 00:39:38,710 --> 00:39:43,790 I've sent y'all emails on Saturday, saying basically the same thing. 421 00:39:44,170 --> 00:39:52,330 So, I do thank you very much. So, a long time Chapel Hill resident, when I grew up using that as a place where we would do things even in high school. 422 00:39:52,330 --> 00:39:58,430 So, um, anyway, thank you and I, and I, and I do applaud your efforts. Thanks. Thanks. 423 00:39:58,530 --> 00:39:59,790 Thanks, press me. Press the red button. 424 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:09,320 Yes. Alan Huff, is that right? Here we go. Couldn't read your first name on here. Come on up. 425 00:40:09,980 --> 00:40:12,460 Hit the green button. Here you go. 426 00:40:14,340 --> 00:40:20,420 Hi. My name is Alan Huff. I have lived near the legion property for several years. 427 00:40:20,820 --> 00:40:25,380 And I think that it could be a valuable area for people who live near the property. 428 00:40:26,800 --> 00:40:29,600 Please vote to buy the land for later use. 429 00:40:29,840 --> 00:40:34,380 It would be better to have a person to give the land to develop for us. 430 00:40:39,100 --> 00:40:40,240 Okay, thank you. 431 00:40:40,960 --> 00:40:41,960 Press the red button. 432 00:40:43,540 --> 00:40:44,360 Got it? 433 00:40:44,540 --> 00:40:45,140 Thank you. 434 00:40:45,180 --> 00:40:46,200 Thank you for your comments. 435 00:40:47,120 --> 00:40:49,160 We have anyone else wishing to speak? 436 00:40:50,740 --> 00:40:51,980 I saw Ms. Kane get up at the right. 437 00:40:52,220 --> 00:40:52,980 Lynn Kane. 438 00:40:55,920 --> 00:40:58,100 Anyone else wishing to speak please sign up? 439 00:40:59,120 --> 00:41:00,240 Thank you. 440 00:41:07,450 --> 00:41:09,030 Press the green one. 441 00:41:10,390 --> 00:41:11,310 There you go. 442 00:41:11,590 --> 00:41:11,730 Okay. 443 00:41:12,590 --> 00:41:13,130 Good evening. 444 00:41:13,430 --> 00:41:14,130 I'm Lynn Kane. 445 00:41:14,150 --> 00:41:24,170 I hope you recall my previous comments about a butters like me suffering with mosquito infestations from the unnecessary man-made pond on the American Legion land. 446 00:41:24,530 --> 00:41:29,270 Today I want to make you aware of the frequent robberies or break-ins that occurred our homes, 447 00:41:29,270 --> 00:41:34,710 budding the woods edging the region land. About 10 days ago a car was stolen from a home 448 00:41:34,710 --> 00:41:40,150 two doors from mine and a car at the next house was rifle through. About five years ago the 449 00:41:40,150 --> 00:41:45,750 former owner of the house next door to me was broken into. For to six years ago the fourth house 450 00:41:45,750 --> 00:41:51,430 from mine on lock circle was broken into. The husband happened to return before five and found his 451 00:41:51,430 --> 00:41:58,470 and his wife's computers on the floor and heard people running off into the woods. And owner saw 452 00:41:58,470 --> 00:42:02,970 someone with a gun in the woods behind his house on Legion Road, I know a lot of 453 00:42:02,970 --> 00:42:07,990 circle part of me. Within the last five years, my house has been robbed. The Legion 454 00:42:07,990 --> 00:42:13,490 Land has a similar problem like Ram's Plaza about 15 years ago when nothing was open 455 00:42:13,490 --> 00:42:19,850 after 10 pm, no eyes on the street. And business owners told me there they all are broken 456 00:42:19,850 --> 00:42:26,650 into every year. Legion Land is mostly unoccupied. If the Legion posts six accepts the towns 457 00:42:26,650 --> 00:42:33,110 offered a purchase. A botters and the town need offices, residents, and businesses there, 458 00:42:33,350 --> 00:42:40,370 not a park, acknowledge the expansion of the EFSA's park, as we would feel had suggested 459 00:42:40,370 --> 00:42:45,390 as well. But not a park, especially since Chapel Hill cannot sufficiently maintain the parks 460 00:42:45,390 --> 00:42:51,090 we have. Post-6 deserves to sell their property at their own discretion to accommodate our 461 00:42:51,090 --> 00:42:56,050 increasing veterans. And Chapel Hill must continue to expand our business revenue 462 00:42:56,050 --> 00:43:05,210 To maintain our town properties many perhaps do not realize that the need for revenue and eyes on the street is the full bottom line 463 00:43:05,210 --> 00:43:08,910 So thank you to consider this as you go ahead with this project 464 00:43:09,850 --> 00:43:13,910 Thank you. Is there anyone else wishing to speak come sign up with our curler can 465 00:43:29,720 --> 00:43:31,780 You come up and to sell us your name. 466 00:43:35,100 --> 00:43:40,580 Hi. My name is Pam Torn. You'll press the green button. No, you're good 467 00:43:40,580 --> 00:43:44,460 My name is Pam Tim and I have spoken here before. 468 00:43:45,140 --> 00:43:50,260 I'm very excited about the thought that we will have part in the area. 469 00:43:50,640 --> 00:43:52,620 I live less than three tenths of a mile. 470 00:43:52,960 --> 00:43:54,420 I live in the colony Lake residents. 471 00:43:55,340 --> 00:43:58,300 I have been broken into three times in the past five years. 472 00:43:58,940 --> 00:44:04,600 However, I do not support the previous person's kind of a summarization of what is needed. 473 00:44:04,600 --> 00:44:11,720 I think in any area we're in density is increased and right now we have next to the 474 00:44:11,720 --> 00:44:18,640 cemetery, pardonments being vote, on Legion Road, we have businesses, we have friends 475 00:44:18,640 --> 00:44:27,140 Plaza, I know that in any kind of development and with the emphasis whole extension, that 476 00:44:27,140 --> 00:44:29,100 is always had to be looked into. 477 00:44:29,100 --> 00:44:31,760 I'm myself at a range of the police, 478 00:44:31,860 --> 00:44:34,900 Chapel Hill Police within the past five years, 479 00:44:35,000 --> 00:44:38,640 and meeting at the library to talk about the density issue, 480 00:44:38,920 --> 00:44:42,420 and to talk about how we have to unite our communities, 481 00:44:42,420 --> 00:44:44,140 that are especially within ten minutes, 482 00:44:44,440 --> 00:44:45,900 walking distance of one another, 483 00:44:46,440 --> 00:44:48,100 comedy works, comedy works, 484 00:44:48,660 --> 00:44:50,900 picker works, all of these places 485 00:44:50,900 --> 00:44:53,420 on your American Legion property. 486 00:44:54,440 --> 00:44:57,400 I don't feel it, so a major issue, 487 00:44:57,400 --> 00:44:59,800 I do think it's something that needs to be looked into. 488 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:20,540 As you develop, you increase density, and you have to think about those things. But I really look forward to seeing development of the work and aging property hopefully if this goes through to be part space. I'm a former teacher, 23 years. I taught it emphasis on military school for November of years. So I look forward to it. 489 00:45:21,040 --> 00:45:27,560 Thank you. Can we have another person willing to speak? Do you want to come up? Are you speaking? 490 00:45:37,440 --> 00:45:39,040 Ellie, can I share your comments? 491 00:45:39,760 --> 00:45:40,380 All right. 492 00:45:41,360 --> 00:45:42,580 Ellie's being a little shy over here. 493 00:45:42,740 --> 00:45:43,480 This is Ellie to a verse. 494 00:45:43,620 --> 00:45:44,320 She's nine. 495 00:45:45,040 --> 00:45:47,580 She likes to hike, and would like to have this land 496 00:45:47,580 --> 00:45:49,740 because she thinks it's a good idea for a park. 497 00:45:49,940 --> 00:45:50,420 Is that right? 498 00:45:51,140 --> 00:45:52,220 Thank you for your comments. 499 00:45:52,520 --> 00:45:53,280 Thank you. 500 00:45:53,700 --> 00:45:54,000 All right. 501 00:45:54,220 --> 00:45:55,880 Anyone else wishing to speak? 502 00:45:57,180 --> 00:45:58,560 Council members, comments. 503 00:45:59,520 --> 00:46:00,220 Mr. Barker. 504 00:46:03,950 --> 00:46:04,330 Two things. 505 00:46:04,610 --> 00:46:08,510 First, I want to, I'm certainly on behalf of myself 506 00:46:08,510 --> 00:46:10,350 and I suspect many of my colleagues. 507 00:46:10,750 --> 00:46:14,170 Thank both Roger and Ralph for all the hard work 508 00:46:14,170 --> 00:46:17,050 and their staff put into making this happen. 509 00:46:17,270 --> 00:46:18,210 It wasn't easy. 510 00:46:18,710 --> 00:46:19,690 It took a lot of work. 511 00:46:19,690 --> 00:46:20,970 It took a lot of perseverance. 512 00:46:21,910 --> 00:46:24,130 And I, for one, appreciate it. 513 00:46:24,190 --> 00:46:26,870 I also want to thank Mayor Heminger, who also 514 00:46:26,870 --> 00:46:29,210 put a lot of time and effort into this. 515 00:46:29,290 --> 00:46:31,310 And I think it would be remiss if we didn't 516 00:46:31,310 --> 00:46:32,470 acknowledge our efforts. 517 00:46:34,250 --> 00:46:43,290 I think that this, a number of us have been asked on our return from Boulder, what we learned 518 00:46:43,290 --> 00:46:48,490 and how we might use it in Chapel Hill, and one of the things I learned in Boulder was 519 00:46:48,490 --> 00:46:54,330 the importance of thinking for our head and buying land and doing land banking so that 520 00:46:54,330 --> 00:46:56,770 a town can meet its goals. 521 00:46:57,290 --> 00:47:02,030 And I think this in part certainly influenced me in this decision and perhaps some of 522 00:47:02,030 --> 00:47:09,250 colleagues I won't speak for them. So I think this for me was a tangible outcome of the time that 523 00:47:09,250 --> 00:47:14,750 at least I spent in Boulder learning how they do things there. I am really excited that we're able 524 00:47:14,750 --> 00:47:22,630 to do this. I think it's an opportunity for us as a town to control our destiny and rather than 525 00:47:22,630 --> 00:47:29,130 always reacting to someone else's proposals for us now to sort of literally put our money where 526 00:47:29,130 --> 00:47:38,030 mouths are, and go and come up with a plan that for this land that will need the needs 527 00:47:38,030 --> 00:47:46,530 of the residents of Chapel Hill, writ large. As the manager alluded to, we want to see 528 00:47:46,530 --> 00:47:53,330 a mix of uses on this site, or we suspect we do, and we want to engage in a planning process 529 00:47:53,330 --> 00:48:00,130 over the next however long. So hopefully sooner rather than later. In that regard, I'd like to 530 00:48:00,130 --> 00:48:05,590 add a couple of them, a friendly, so to speak, amendment to the resolution before us tonight. 531 00:48:06,510 --> 00:48:13,890 That just memorializes some of the things we talked about. Ralph has a copy and can put it up on the screen. 532 00:48:14,350 --> 00:48:19,530 I have hard copies here that I can, that I'd like to distribute to my colleagues up here at the 533 00:48:21,830 --> 00:48:24,510 And then people will bear with me. 534 00:48:24,690 --> 00:48:26,770 I will read it unless people want to read it themselves. 535 00:48:27,550 --> 00:48:29,570 Yeah, you're a little far away from Mike. 536 00:48:30,410 --> 00:48:31,850 Some of the problems I really have. 537 00:48:32,050 --> 00:48:34,470 Would you be willing to let people read this over and make their comments? 538 00:48:34,630 --> 00:48:36,170 And we can come back to the resolutions. 539 00:48:36,410 --> 00:48:36,590 Sure. 540 00:48:36,630 --> 00:48:36,710 Sure. 541 00:48:36,750 --> 00:48:38,170 Because we can hear other comments. 542 00:48:38,430 --> 00:48:40,370 And then we can decide that we can do. 543 00:48:41,670 --> 00:48:42,870 It's on the screen. 544 00:48:43,570 --> 00:48:43,850 Yeah. 545 00:48:45,570 --> 00:48:47,430 So it gives people a chance and we'll come back. 546 00:48:47,430 --> 00:48:47,590 Sure. 547 00:48:47,590 --> 00:48:49,830 Yeah, somebody's voting on at this point. 548 00:48:49,970 --> 00:48:51,770 Yeah, just to read it over and then we'll come back. 549 00:48:51,770 --> 00:48:53,390 I'll come back to you for the resolution. 550 00:48:53,770 --> 00:48:54,250 Okay, fine. 551 00:48:54,630 --> 00:48:58,290 So, but again, I'm just really excited about this. 552 00:48:58,370 --> 00:49:04,290 I think it's an opportunity for the town and I'm really glad 553 00:49:04,290 --> 00:49:05,870 that we're able to do this. 554 00:49:06,050 --> 00:49:06,310 Great. 555 00:49:06,630 --> 00:49:07,310 Other comments? 556 00:49:09,700 --> 00:49:10,120 Ms. Anderson? 557 00:49:16,350 --> 00:49:21,450 I'd also like to thank Mayor Heminger for all the hours as well 558 00:49:21,450 --> 00:49:23,750 as the town manager in the town attorney and the staff. 559 00:49:23,750 --> 00:49:25,890 I would just echo what Michael said. 560 00:49:25,950 --> 00:49:30,090 I know this has been a lot of work for all parties involved. 561 00:49:30,230 --> 00:49:32,550 I'd also like to thank the public for coming out 562 00:49:32,550 --> 00:49:35,910 and for engaging with us and giving your ideas 563 00:49:36,410 --> 00:49:37,930 and helping us through, I think, 564 00:49:38,090 --> 00:49:40,990 what was kind of a tough decision for folks. 565 00:49:41,770 --> 00:49:43,530 And I'm really excited about the opportunity. 566 00:49:43,850 --> 00:49:44,670 I think it's wonderful. 567 00:49:45,390 --> 00:49:49,050 I do also, I would really like to stress 568 00:49:49,050 --> 00:49:51,010 that I think it's important that we do 569 00:49:51,910 --> 00:49:59,950 That planning process and really think carefully about what we want there that we don't just, you know, I think it makes sense to sell off the front to pay for the back. 570 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:13,880 But I really want us to be thoughtful and deliberative about what we decide goes there. And I think there's going to be more opportunity for us to work as a community and figuring out what that looks like. 571 00:50:13,880 --> 00:50:17,880 So I'm really excited and I just want to thank everybody again for all the hard work. 572 00:50:19,120 --> 00:50:19,940 Mr. Seancella? 573 00:50:20,800 --> 00:50:23,860 Yeah, I want to thank everyone that's been thank all right. 574 00:50:23,940 --> 00:50:29,100 But I also want to thank Diane Willis who took me on a wonderful walk of the property. 575 00:50:29,480 --> 00:50:34,720 I guess a month or two ago was a nice day and it was a good day for walking. 576 00:50:36,440 --> 00:50:42,680 I think only with somebody who knows the property could you really understand what was there and what's worth preserving. 577 00:50:44,140 --> 00:50:46,580 So I thank her for that. 578 00:50:48,180 --> 00:50:51,140 I think that this is a great opportunity for the town. 579 00:50:51,320 --> 00:50:53,520 I'm glad that we had a good year last year. 580 00:50:53,660 --> 00:50:56,900 I had an access in the fund balance so that we could do it. 581 00:50:58,360 --> 00:51:04,060 And I look forward to the planning process to see how we can make this work. 582 00:51:04,400 --> 00:51:08,440 Not only with some potential commercial that might bring some revenue, 583 00:51:08,660 --> 00:51:11,860 but also with some of the civic uses that people have talked about. 584 00:51:12,480 --> 00:51:16,020 So I think it'll be a win-win for everyone, so thank you. 585 00:51:17,380 --> 00:51:19,700 I'm going to just add one comment and then I'll come to you. 586 00:51:19,700 --> 00:51:24,520 I want to say, and all the thank yous, a really big thank you goes for the Legion community as 587 00:51:24,520 --> 00:51:24,700 well. 588 00:51:24,840 --> 00:51:29,540 They have been wonderful community partners willing to open up, rethink, re-look, and have 589 00:51:29,540 --> 00:51:30,380 discussion with us. 590 00:51:30,640 --> 00:51:34,400 And I don't want you to think that we're not very, very grateful that you are willing 591 00:51:34,400 --> 00:51:36,420 to come back to the table and talk with us. 592 00:51:36,780 --> 00:51:39,480 So make sure that got out there and make sure you heard that message. 593 00:51:39,840 --> 00:51:40,440 Miss Oates. 594 00:51:41,340 --> 00:51:46,640 It was basically what I was going to say and also to thank, to thank you for your patients 595 00:51:46,640 --> 00:51:51,280 and perseverance and the staff and the community for being involved as well. 596 00:51:51,640 --> 00:51:55,360 And I would like to encourage the community to stay involved as we go through the planning 597 00:51:56,520 --> 00:51:57,080 process. 598 00:51:57,600 --> 00:51:58,180 Ms. Palmer? 599 00:52:01,080 --> 00:52:09,320 We have all received a lot of emails and, unlike the comments tonight, there have been 600 00:52:09,320 --> 00:52:16,760 some people that have emailed the council and said we oppose this or we have problems with 601 00:52:16,760 --> 00:52:22,520 that and one of the issues that has been brought up is it took us years and a lot of work 602 00:52:22,520 --> 00:52:31,740 to find half a million dollars to put sewers in the Rogers Road community how come we can 603 00:52:31,740 --> 00:52:42,080 overnight, find $7.9 million, so, and I think it's a legitimate question, and I answered that 604 00:52:42,080 --> 00:52:47,860 online, and it's public record because it's a part of the council email exchanges, 605 00:52:48,940 --> 00:52:55,200 but I, and I think that's a shameful thing that happened in the past and just because 606 00:52:55,200 --> 00:52:59,260 we did wrong in the past, doesn't mean we have to continue to make bad decisions. 607 00:53:00,880 --> 00:53:07,880 So, I see public space well used as also being an issue of social justice. 608 00:53:09,380 --> 00:53:18,460 So I just like Mr. Parker said that land banking is important to fulfill the town's 609 00:53:18,460 --> 00:53:19,540 mission and purposes. 610 00:53:20,500 --> 00:53:27,180 So I want to be really careful and I hope of course that we can sell part of this and that 611 00:53:27,180 --> 00:53:31,720 there will be investors that will do some of the good things that we need in our community 612 00:53:31,720 --> 00:53:37,880 like office space, so I am hopeful that we will recoup some of the money, 613 00:53:42,370 --> 00:53:43,710 I am the liaison 614 00:53:43,710 --> 00:53:48,730 the council to the Parks and Rec Commission, and I tell you every time I cross paths with 615 00:53:48,730 --> 00:53:53,570 one of the members, they kind of shake me and say you are working hard to get that, we are 616 00:53:53,570 --> 00:54:02,330 expand the park, right? So there is a huge need in our community for recreational space, 617 00:54:02,850 --> 00:54:15,150 particularly for young people and for young adults that healthy activities that contribute 618 00:54:15,150 --> 00:54:21,330 to their wellbeing, their emotional and physical health, including dancing, including 619 00:54:23,150 --> 00:54:32,170 And I have this vision of this facility that can support an indoor farmer's market and convert 620 00:54:32,170 --> 00:54:38,030 into a dance hall for our Friday night groups that have been asking us. 621 00:54:38,770 --> 00:54:48,110 So I think this is an investment if we commit to work with Parks and Rec and with all community 622 00:54:49,170 --> 00:54:53,790 partners and all the different people, the volleyball leagues and all the people that 623 00:54:53,790 --> 00:54:59,050 have come here and make sure that it's accessible. 624 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:29,560 And we can have tutoring space and teen events. So I am hoping that the community will see this as an opportunity, you know, and an affordable housing in part of it. So I hope that the community sees this as an investment and that the people that are questioning, you know, this is because some wealthy people in the community are a little pissed at the council that then we find the money. 625 00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:55,220 And I don't think, at least from my vote, I'm saying I hope that this will make life better for all members of the community, including the hundreds of public housing and affordable housing residents of their area that will be moving in in the next couple of years. 626 00:55:55,220 --> 00:56:05,160 So I see these as an opportunity for us to do a very good thing and hopefully we will recover some of this investment. 627 00:56:05,740 --> 00:56:07,660 Ms. Green. 628 00:56:08,780 --> 00:56:15,500 Excuse me. I too want to thank everyone including Diane for taking me on a fun and informative walk at the property. 629 00:56:15,880 --> 00:56:23,640 It was good really to see and I agree with George. You really can't see what's going on there unless somebody shows you otherwise you might miss a trailer. 630 00:56:23,640 --> 00:56:27,940 Maybe you want to miss a trail, because some of the trails are not that accessible right now. 631 00:56:28,960 --> 00:56:33,140 I appreciate all of the thoughtful planning and discussions that have gone into this. 632 00:56:33,960 --> 00:56:38,180 I'm going to just reiterate what the manager said at the beginning, and said this Council is in a very different position. 633 00:56:38,540 --> 00:56:45,840 Now, then we were last December when we had a very limited time window and no funds to really make a decision like this. 634 00:56:46,020 --> 00:56:52,000 I think it is a very appropriate place for some open space in a park and that part of town, 635 00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:56,960 particularly to serve the growing population that we will see with the efforts for the development 636 00:56:56,960 --> 00:57:03,440 and already are seeing with the DHSC project. It's going to be a really welcome addition to the 637 00:57:03,440 --> 00:57:07,220 tale and I look forward to the planning process. Ms. Bell. 638 00:57:11,720 --> 00:57:13,860 So I like Michael Parker did take 639 00:57:13,860 --> 00:57:21,380 away the lesson from Boulder of how important investing in your community is even if you don't know 640 00:57:21,380 --> 00:57:23,420 what the in-product is going to look like. 641 00:57:23,880 --> 00:57:26,820 And so at this point, I am willing to support this investment. 642 00:57:27,220 --> 00:57:30,960 But I will not know the true worth of this choice 643 00:57:30,960 --> 00:57:35,700 until we actually do go through the master planning process. 644 00:57:36,840 --> 00:57:40,960 I am an agreement with what folks are saying 645 00:57:40,960 --> 00:57:44,060 about there is going to be a need for additional green space. 646 00:57:44,340 --> 00:57:45,880 There's already been identified as a need. 647 00:57:46,120 --> 00:57:48,780 And then we are made a commitment to increasing the density 648 00:57:48,780 --> 00:57:50,060 and nexus for the area. 649 00:57:50,060 --> 00:57:59,040 and so it makes sense, but I also am not committing in this vote that there will not be 650 00:57:59,040 --> 00:58:04,180 density on this piece of property, that there will not be connections to other properties, 651 00:58:05,300 --> 00:58:12,420 that there won't be other uses on this property. I'm not saying that there will be, but 652 00:58:12,420 --> 00:58:19,760 I wanted to be really, really clear that I am not voting to create a space where there is 653 00:58:19,760 --> 00:58:21,620 going to be a park in only a park. 654 00:58:21,940 --> 00:58:23,960 I really look forward to the master planning process. 655 00:58:24,400 --> 00:58:26,620 And I hope that we as a town can be proud 656 00:58:26,620 --> 00:58:28,280 of what comes out of that, 657 00:58:28,540 --> 00:58:30,440 because I think folks have worked really, really hard 658 00:58:30,440 --> 00:58:35,320 to make this opportunity of this land available. 659 00:58:35,760 --> 00:58:40,640 I really appreciate Allegeneres sticking with us. 660 00:58:41,280 --> 00:58:44,060 I apologize for it being such a long process 661 00:58:44,060 --> 00:58:47,480 because in the end, I feel like you kind of 662 00:58:47,480 --> 00:58:52,420 more the the brunt of us kind of figured all out. So I appreciate you sticking with us. 663 00:58:53,980 --> 00:59:00,400 I appreciate you leaving us this amazing tribute to your being here and being willing to 664 00:59:00,400 --> 00:59:06,800 share it with us and hope you will feel willing to allow us to visit you in your new facilities 665 00:59:06,800 --> 00:59:14,980 once you get there. We promise to bring gifts. So again, I'm just this is a, I had to make a decision 666 00:59:14,980 --> 00:59:22,560 about what's a vote for this recommendation or not vote for it because I do have some reservations 667 00:59:22,560 --> 00:59:27,880 about this particular process but also the process that we've gone through. 668 00:59:28,020 --> 00:59:34,660 I've been on the council for I think seven years now and I have never seen this town scramble 669 00:59:35,240 --> 00:59:42,540 and makes something happen as quickly that causes this much money ever that you know I don't 670 00:59:42,540 --> 00:59:45,620 I understand the question about Rogers' road, 671 00:59:45,740 --> 00:59:47,620 but I understand the question about other things 672 00:59:47,620 --> 00:59:50,600 that we have identified as priorities in this town 673 00:59:50,600 --> 00:59:54,320 that we let flounder until we come up with a plan. 674 00:59:55,280 --> 00:59:57,320 So in this moment, we're where we are saying 675 00:59:57,320 --> 00:59:59,960 that we can have actions without a plan. 676 01:00:00,500 --> 01:00:09,740 We can make actions with the hope of creating a plan that will have good outcomes. I hope that we see this as a model that we continue to use. 677 01:00:10,140 --> 01:00:22,220 That we can make an investment with the idea that at some point we will figure out how to make it come to fruition as opposed to what we have done in the past, which is wait for there to be a plan. 678 01:00:22,220 --> 01:00:29,700 If it's important enough to do for part space, then I think it's important enough to do for supporting our youth, 679 01:00:30,040 --> 01:00:38,220 it's important enough to do for affordable housing, it's important enough to do for other infrastructures that we've decided that we want to happen. 680 01:00:39,120 --> 01:00:49,160 And so it is with those thoughts that I will join, I think, all of my fellow council members in the affirmative vote for this. 681 01:00:49,160 --> 01:00:57,240 But as there is like this entire public record thing and if someone's really interested 15 years from now and wonders what all went down in this room 682 01:00:57,240 --> 01:00:59,980 I do want it on the record that it is with reservation 683 01:01:00,780 --> 01:01:04,160 That I come to being able to support this 684 01:01:05,400 --> 01:01:06,000 Mr. Harrison 685 01:01:06,000 --> 01:01:06,900 Yeah 686 01:01:07,660 --> 01:01:10,460 Ralph, can you put up my next resolution again? 687 01:01:10,460 --> 01:01:11,260 It disappeared 688 01:01:11,940 --> 01:01:12,420 Yeah 689 01:01:13,460 --> 01:01:14,280 Thank you 690 01:01:14,280 --> 01:01:14,660 Yes 691 01:01:14,660 --> 01:01:17,460 Thank you, the additional to that to the language you have on your right 692 01:01:17,460 --> 01:01:21,940 And anyway, there were a lot of things around it. 693 01:01:22,060 --> 01:01:27,360 I did want to thank the American Legion for hanging in there first for your service to 694 01:01:27,360 --> 01:01:32,820 the country that my mother adopted, appreciated your service there. 695 01:01:33,340 --> 01:01:39,420 And for the years of providing affordable meeting space, I associate your building with happy 696 01:01:39,420 --> 01:01:46,140 weddings and concerts and such, and we could have that same use again here. 697 01:01:46,140 --> 01:01:54,300 And also thanks just now to Michael for the resolution and to Donna for the important 698 01:01:54,300 --> 01:02:01,080 caution that she has expressed, folks need to be aware that we don't intend for the whole 699 01:02:01,080 --> 01:02:05,780 property to be a park, a lot of it doesn't work real well for a park. 700 01:02:06,440 --> 01:02:14,420 And I've been passing through the American Legion property for years very quickly, not stopping 701 01:02:14,420 --> 01:02:21,160 as a bicyclist, because it was a way to get from Fster's Church Road to Legion Road. 702 01:02:21,940 --> 01:02:27,500 Just bicycle locally, I do things, useful things on a bike. 703 01:02:29,260 --> 01:02:35,640 So it was somewhere I had seen a lot, but I'd say until this all started in 2015, 704 01:02:35,880 --> 01:02:37,000 hadn't seen it very well. 705 01:02:37,000 --> 01:02:46,660 Michael, and I took a walking tour, hiking tour really last March, and concluded with what he has in this resolution. 706 01:02:47,720 --> 01:02:56,400 I use a mix of purposes, mix of purposes, both public and private, and we would develop principles for it as a council. 707 01:02:57,120 --> 01:03:08,720 So people do need to be aware that I certainly stand the what I said in the original process in 2015 that has a 708 01:03:08,720 --> 01:03:17,220 I had to be a botanist of planning colleges that my evaluation was the most largest and most significant intact 709 01:03:17,220 --> 01:03:19,400 upland forest in Houston, Chapel Hill. 710 01:03:19,940 --> 01:03:20,180 It is. 711 01:03:20,480 --> 01:03:25,700 It's a big piece of woods combined with what's on that property and with what's on the 712 01:03:25,700 --> 01:03:28,560 school property and the particularly the town park property. 713 01:03:29,500 --> 01:03:36,160 It has, as Diane Willis said, a nice set of volunteer built trails, well designed, built 714 01:03:36,160 --> 01:03:42,760 for free with apparently historically permission of the Legion to do and I'd like to retain 715 01:03:42,760 --> 01:03:44,040 as much of that as I can. 716 01:03:44,040 --> 01:03:47,460 So anyway, I speak in support of this. 717 01:03:47,760 --> 01:03:56,120 Thank also Diane and some friends for a tour later in the year that didn't change my mind on anything that I thought we ought to proceed with this. 718 01:03:56,600 --> 01:04:05,480 But again, as Donna has said, if we can do this this quickly, there are other things we can do quickly as well, they're also important. 719 01:04:06,140 --> 01:04:15,060 So I will happily go to the support of this and want to thank all the folks who pull me into it so rapidly in 2015, it was never a bad moment. 720 01:04:15,780 --> 01:04:16,480 Thank you. 721 01:04:17,620 --> 01:04:21,620 I'll just add my comments as well. Echo a lot of things that have been said here tonight. 722 01:04:22,900 --> 01:04:28,660 And a special thanks to Roger and Ralph and staff for going in and really trying to make this work. 723 01:04:28,780 --> 01:04:30,720 And for the Legion group for being willing to listen. 724 01:04:31,240 --> 01:04:34,480 And for the community for coming out and telling us what they'd like to see. 725 01:04:34,480 --> 01:04:40,780 Um, I think it ended up, I'm hopeful that everyone feels like this is a win-win for this particular situation. 726 01:04:41,120 --> 01:04:42,640 I know it, new, quickly. 727 01:04:43,800 --> 01:04:49,240 Um, I also want to reaffirm Councilmember Palmer that I am determined to continue forward with the Rogers Road. 728 01:04:49,480 --> 01:04:53,960 Suer project, I explained to the individual who wrote us about that, and I'm passionate about that. 729 01:04:54,100 --> 01:04:55,460 We're going to make that happen. 730 01:04:56,700 --> 01:04:59,720 Um, it's long overdue. I've been very involved in that. 731 01:04:59,820 --> 01:04:59,960 I hear that. 732 01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:14,260 Here the concerns we have a lot of things we can be doing. I've hopeful been working towards the goal of that, that we bring in those balance of tax revenue dollars to help us do. The things that are important to our community. 733 01:05:16,700 --> 01:05:25,500 I just want to say I learned a lot from bolder ship too, which was inspired by the land banking that you can plan your own destiny. And it also gives us the chance to think big. 734 01:05:25,500 --> 01:05:30,620 We have an opportunity here to plan, we have time, we have the energy, we have the opportunity 735 01:05:30,620 --> 01:05:35,980 to dream big, think big, look at our needs, figure out what that means, and move forward 736 01:05:35,980 --> 01:05:37,080 with the planning process. 737 01:05:37,320 --> 01:05:39,180 And it's a really, it's an important process. 738 01:05:41,260 --> 01:05:44,680 I just, I really am thrilled about this opportunity and it was all about timing. 739 01:05:45,340 --> 01:05:47,060 It was very much about timing. 740 01:05:47,980 --> 01:05:51,400 We also have opportunities to partner with other groups on this particular property. 741 01:05:51,400 --> 01:05:54,940 We've had many groups of protests, both private and non-profit. 742 01:05:55,120 --> 01:05:55,920 There's lots I said. 743 01:05:55,960 --> 01:05:58,080 We can drink big, we can figure it out. 744 01:05:58,360 --> 01:06:00,540 And I'll be sad actually to see the leech and group 745 01:06:00,540 --> 01:06:02,300 move out of the Chapel Hill neighborhood. 746 01:06:02,660 --> 01:06:05,060 You have been here a long time, and we've appreciated 747 01:06:05,060 --> 01:06:07,320 your service, and I agree with Mr. Harrison, 748 01:06:07,460 --> 01:06:09,680 associate you with big events happening there, 749 01:06:10,140 --> 01:06:12,180 and that you've opened your land up for people 750 01:06:12,180 --> 01:06:14,300 to use the pond, walk around, do things. 751 01:06:14,620 --> 01:06:16,320 You have been a wonderful community partner. 752 01:06:17,040 --> 01:06:20,940 And I wish you very, very well, and your journey 753 01:06:20,940 --> 01:06:24,780 to find a new space that works well and creates a space that works for you in today's world. 754 01:06:25,820 --> 01:06:33,700 So, we have a resolution from a modified resolution and a men did, sorry, I'm just very excited 755 01:06:33,700 --> 01:06:34,460 about this this evening. 756 01:06:37,460 --> 01:06:40,840 So, do you want to explain to us what you added on here now, so I just want to make sure 757 01:06:40,840 --> 01:06:44,180 I've got in the comments and I want to tell us what you're doing with that. 758 01:06:44,500 --> 01:06:50,060 Yes, I think that is part of our discussion that went on both in our closed session as you 759 01:06:50,060 --> 01:06:56,220 heard tonight and going back to the work session, we had back in March, there has been 760 01:06:56,220 --> 01:07:00,940 I think a pretty consistent desire on the part of the council that this land being used 761 01:07:00,940 --> 01:07:06,660 for a mix of purposes, although there has never been clearly a great deal of clarity 762 01:07:06,660 --> 01:07:09,520 as what that mix would be, but that mix would be. 763 01:07:09,580 --> 01:07:15,840 And I felt that it would be helpful to embody in the resolution rather than just in the 764 01:07:15,840 --> 01:07:22,400 presentation, that number one we want to do, and mix of uses, consistent with the principles 765 01:07:22,400 --> 01:07:28,460 that the town approved, that the council approved back in June, and that also the very, you know, 766 01:07:28,660 --> 01:07:33,440 formally direct the town manager, not that he really needs our direction for this one, 767 01:07:34,440 --> 01:07:40,320 to move ahead as quickly as possible, getting the planning process underway so that we can start 768 01:07:40,320 --> 01:07:48,100 getting some clarity and to the mayor's point, have our big plans, Daniel Burnham said, 769 01:07:48,400 --> 01:07:54,600 make no plans, make no small plans. So that's the what's behind this resolution. I hope 770 01:07:55,260 --> 01:08:00,580 one of my council members will second it and then we will then be able to abode it in the affirmative. 771 01:08:03,750 --> 01:08:10,510 So Mr. Parker is making the motion for a prepping resolution R8 and O3 and O4 to be 772 01:08:10,510 --> 01:08:12,950 them all together just R8 with the amended. 773 01:08:13,610 --> 01:08:16,190 Yeah, R8 has revised by this and. 774 01:08:16,190 --> 01:08:16,470 Okay. 775 01:08:16,590 --> 01:08:17,330 So one at a time. 776 01:08:17,550 --> 01:08:18,730 So are you making the motion Mr. Parker? 777 01:08:19,030 --> 01:08:19,070 Yes. 778 01:08:19,070 --> 01:08:19,830 R8 revised. 779 01:08:19,830 --> 01:08:20,130 Yes. 780 01:08:20,690 --> 01:08:22,070 Ms. Palmer is seconding. 781 01:08:22,190 --> 01:08:23,070 R8 revised. 782 01:08:23,770 --> 01:08:24,490 Any comments? 783 01:08:25,290 --> 01:08:26,470 Ms. Oates. 784 01:08:27,410 --> 01:08:32,650 So I have a clarifying comment when you say the as outlined in the report to council, you mean 785 01:08:32,650 --> 01:08:41,850 the presentation tonight okay. I would respectfully ask that you withdraw this at least the 786 01:08:41,850 --> 01:08:51,690 first paragraph. We've had such a long process and I think a very exciting resolution 787 01:08:51,690 --> 01:08:59,550 to this and we've all had a chance to talk about and bring in the public getting involved 788 01:08:59,550 --> 01:09:09,290 in all of this, and what, I'm not sure what that first paragraph says that it's not already 789 01:09:09,290 --> 01:09:16,310 in the whereas that talks about the, or I'll can you bring it back out for us? 790 01:09:17,190 --> 01:09:22,130 The opportunities for potential different uses for parts of the property, which will provide 791 01:09:22,130 --> 01:09:26,890 benefits to the town and the residences, so that's, the answer to that is what's in 792 01:09:26,890 --> 01:09:44,730 whereas it's not binding, it is the only part of the resolution that is actually binding is that which says be it resolved so that's why I felt it was important to take what was already in the resolution and in the intent and make sure that it was embodied in what the Council actually approved. 793 01:09:44,730 --> 01:09:52,170 Then I think that's that's why I would I would respectfully act to ask the two of us for all that because we've we've talked in 794 01:09:53,190 --> 01:09:57,930 In various council meetings about no surprises and I 795 01:09:57,930 --> 01:09:59,950 Checked my email this afternoon. I didn't see it 796 01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:27,060 Anything about this as of this afternoon. So this kind of got put on us as a surprise. I would, I'm not comfortable with that. We have it really. I'm not, I'm not certain what you're thinking of in that first paragraph. So I'm not sure that I want to say, I'm affirming something that you believe, but I don't know what it is. 797 01:10:28,000 --> 01:10:32,120 I'm very much in favor of the town acquiring this property. 798 01:10:33,460 --> 01:10:38,780 I'm just this paragraph in here thrown in at the last minute when I don't really know what you mean. 799 01:10:38,900 --> 01:10:42,480 I don't know that I can affirm that. 800 01:10:42,500 --> 01:10:42,940 Okay. 801 01:10:44,460 --> 01:10:45,640 Okay, Mr. Sancello. 802 01:10:47,340 --> 01:10:49,020 I do support the addition. 803 01:10:49,540 --> 01:10:55,280 I think this goes back to some of the things that occurred in our closed sessions 804 01:10:55,280 --> 01:11:02,680 that some of us had some concerns how we were going to pay for this that we had a good year 805 01:11:02,680 --> 01:11:08,100 last year and because of that we were able to come up with the down payment but we have another 806 01:11:08,100 --> 01:11:14,520 $4.3 million that we have to come up with in the next two years and I think none of us know 807 01:11:14,520 --> 01:11:23,740 for sure were the economies going. We have had some down years in the town 2008 and several years 808 01:11:23,740 --> 01:11:30,740 after we're very down years, and so we want to make sure that it's understood by the citizens, 809 01:11:30,820 --> 01:11:38,220 and I think that was Michael's intent, that the likelihood that this could all be park is 810 01:11:38,220 --> 01:11:46,400 not very high because that would require us to find another 4.3 million that we don't know 811 01:11:46,400 --> 01:11:53,280 where it's going to come from. So all of us are not all of us, but certain of us in the close 812 01:11:53,280 --> 01:11:59,180 sessions when this was moving forward always said, you know, we need to keep the option available 813 01:11:59,180 --> 01:12:04,440 to generate some revenue that would help pay that additional 4.3 million. 814 01:12:05,280 --> 01:12:11,360 And so that's where I think Michael is coming from and I certainly support that because 815 01:12:11,360 --> 01:12:17,180 and I hope the citizens understand that we don't know where the 4.3 million is going to come from. 816 01:12:17,180 --> 01:12:20,080 We can raise it, no problem. 817 01:12:20,140 --> 01:12:26,240 We can raise taxes that would be about six cents on the tax rate, which would raise that, 818 01:12:26,320 --> 01:12:29,240 but I don't think anybody here actually wants to see it. 819 01:12:29,240 --> 01:12:34,200 So we just want to keep the option open that we might be able to generate some revenue 820 01:12:34,200 --> 01:12:37,660 to help pay for the additional 4.3 million that we need. 821 01:12:38,100 --> 01:12:43,580 And I think most of us feel that anything that would happen would probably be a long 822 01:12:43,580 --> 01:12:52,380 region road, would still retain a lot of the area for Parkland, but we need to have everyone 823 01:12:52,380 --> 01:12:58,760 understand that we want to going forward, we want the option to be able to at least generate 824 01:12:58,760 --> 01:13:02,840 some revenue that will help pay you for the rest of the acquisition. 825 01:13:03,900 --> 01:13:12,700 So I support, I know you're rolling your eyes, but this is really important to me. 826 01:13:12,700 --> 01:13:20,380 What about if we took that whereas in the resolution as it stands and put that, is your 827 01:13:20,380 --> 01:13:23,200 be resolved rather than what you put down? 828 01:13:23,520 --> 01:13:29,180 I know we did get at least one letter from a concerned citizen about how we were going to 829 01:13:29,180 --> 01:13:34,260 use this property and I responded that all we were voting on tonight was whether we were 830 01:13:34,260 --> 01:13:35,420 going to purchase the property. 831 01:13:36,340 --> 01:13:42,540 And because that was my understanding, I didn't think that we were voting tonight and how 832 01:13:42,540 --> 01:13:50,020 we were going to use it, that whereas talks about using this in the best interest of the 833 01:13:50,020 --> 01:13:56,220 community, we're all on record now as saying that we need a way to pay for this. 834 01:13:56,660 --> 01:14:04,680 But the idea that we're taking something that was said in close session and perhaps wasn't unanimous 835 01:14:05,420 --> 01:14:11,380 and putting that in the resolution without any discussion, without any warning, really to 836 01:14:11,380 --> 01:14:20,600 your fellow colleagues here. It just it doesn't sit right with me. Ms. Palmer. I support this 837 01:14:22,340 --> 01:14:30,680 addition and I think it reflects the discussions of the council. I don't think that it's a good 838 01:14:30,680 --> 01:14:37,240 idea to say, but I understand what we were talking about when we did our retreat about trying to 839 01:14:37,240 --> 01:14:44,140 not spring pick things on each other without warning and giving people time to think through 840 01:14:44,140 --> 01:14:51,420 things, but this is not a surprise. This is putting into words something that was a concerned 841 01:14:51,420 --> 01:14:59,960 expressed and discussed very thoroughly that I think has been verbalized by several members. 842 01:15:00,620 --> 01:15:08,640 And I really appreciate Mr. Parker taking the time and putting it together, because this was one of the things 843 01:15:08,640 --> 01:15:14,500 is Mr. Chancellor said that was kind of a problem for some of us to move forward. 844 01:15:16,360 --> 01:15:21,360 So I would, I don't know if it's appropriate to move. 845 01:15:21,440 --> 01:15:22,540 I can call the question. 846 01:15:23,500 --> 01:15:26,160 No, it's to call the question call the question. 847 01:15:26,340 --> 01:15:35,160 To call the question at this time, and see if we can vote and find how many people are ready for it. 848 01:15:35,440 --> 01:15:37,880 I think over done with comments, we don't need to 849 01:15:41,590 --> 01:15:41,970 write. 850 01:15:43,550 --> 01:15:47,070 I would say I hear your concerns, the 851 01:15:49,410 --> 01:15:50,090 questions they call. 852 01:15:50,130 --> 01:15:54,870 The questions been called, and I hear the concerns, and we're going to go ahead and move 853 01:15:54,870 --> 01:15:55,830 for with our vote. 854 01:15:57,410 --> 01:16:01,090 So, the vote is on the amended R8. 855 01:16:01,930 --> 01:16:03,550 All those in favor please say aye. 856 01:16:04,290 --> 01:16:06,090 Any opposed please raise your hand, nay. 857 01:16:06,890 --> 01:16:09,050 The motion passes 8 to 1. 858 01:16:09,630 --> 01:16:10,690 Thank you for that. 859 01:16:12,230 --> 01:16:15,170 All right, and then we need to enact the budget ordinance 860 01:16:15,170 --> 01:16:16,730 in order to have the funding to do so. 861 01:16:18,030 --> 01:16:19,330 Is there a motion move? 862 01:16:19,390 --> 01:16:20,510 Oh, 3 and 0 for. 863 01:16:20,730 --> 01:16:24,510 It's been moved by Ms. Anderson and seconded by Michael Parker. 864 01:16:24,510 --> 01:16:29,870 Mr. Parker, to enact the budget ordinance, are there comments about that? 865 01:16:30,970 --> 01:16:32,990 Both of them, O3 and O4. 866 01:16:34,230 --> 01:16:36,470 All right, all those in favor of say aye. 867 01:16:37,270 --> 01:16:39,190 Any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. 868 01:16:40,230 --> 01:16:41,510 Motion is unanimous. 869 01:16:41,710 --> 01:16:42,530 Thank you. 870 01:16:44,620 --> 01:16:44,940 Congratulations. 871 01:16:45,620 --> 01:16:46,460 Very excited. 872 01:16:46,800 --> 01:16:47,120 Thank you. 873 01:16:47,220 --> 01:16:48,360 You don't have to come to any more meetings. 874 01:16:49,700 --> 01:16:52,460 Would you like us to come to your meeting on the 15? 875 01:16:56,500 --> 01:17:17,860 Thank you. Thank you. Thank everyone for as we work through this process. And I'm really, really thrilled with the outcome. And again, thank you Mr. Manager and Mr. Attorney for helping guide us and sticking with this. All right. That brings us to our next item. 876 01:17:17,860 --> 01:17:32,260 Consider, consider the land use management ordinance, text amendment, proposed changes to section 5.14 signs, and section 3.11.4.4, the emphasis for them district sign standards. 877 01:17:33,200 --> 01:17:35,320 That was a mouthful. All right, Mr. Paul. 878 01:17:35,640 --> 01:17:35,660 I 879 01:17:42,700 --> 01:17:44,440 lost my guess. 880 01:17:45,880 --> 01:17:46,520 Good 881 01:17:50,550 --> 01:17:58,910 evening, Madam Mayor and Council members. My name is Jean Poveramo. I am the development manager in the planning and sustainability department. 882 01:18:00,250 --> 01:18:07,850 Tonight's item is a continuation of the November 11th public hearing on proposed text amendments to the town sign ordinance. 883 01:18:08,890 --> 01:18:13,050 My presentation consists of 12 slides and should last about seven minutes. 884 01:18:13,830 --> 01:18:16,230 That's a conclusion of my presentation. 885 01:18:16,490 --> 01:18:21,510 The Council has the opportunity to ask questions of staff or offer comments. 886 01:18:23,080 --> 01:18:26,780 staff is asking Council to act on this item tonight. 887 01:18:27,660 --> 01:18:31,500 We have several applicants that are anticipating Council action tonight. 888 01:18:32,260 --> 01:18:35,100 And these applicants are hoping that the staff can process their sign 889 01:18:35,100 --> 01:18:39,940 applications based on staff based on tonight's action by the Council. 890 01:18:42,460 --> 01:18:47,860 So tonight's decision points are for the Council to continue or close the public hearing. 891 01:18:49,100 --> 01:18:51,840 To adopt or deny resolution R9, 892 01:18:51,840 --> 01:19:00,140 finding consistency with the comprehensive plan, and to enact or deny ordinance 05 893 01:19:00,140 --> 01:19:01,840 amending the sign regulations. 894 01:19:04,290 --> 01:19:06,930 Our recommendation is that upon completing your 895 01:19:06,930 --> 01:19:13,050 discussion, the Council closed the public hearing, adopt resolution R9, and enact 896 01:19:13,050 --> 01:19:14,350 ordinance 05. 897 01:19:18,190 --> 01:19:22,050 So during the November 11th hearing, four key considerations were 898 01:19:22,050 --> 01:19:28,370 discussed, they include allowing commercial center signs in the Ephesus Forum District, adjusting 899 01:19:28,370 --> 01:19:35,550 street frontage standards for commercial center signs, wall sign allocation limits. 900 01:19:36,670 --> 01:19:43,310 I will discuss these three items shortly, and a fourth item mentioned on November 11th, 901 01:19:43,430 --> 01:19:48,950 concerned comparing sign standards for Glen Lennox, Obey Creek, and Careway Village 902 01:19:48,950 --> 01:19:50,950 to the current sign regulations. 903 01:19:52,250 --> 01:19:55,350 Staff will present this information at a future work session 904 01:19:55,350 --> 01:19:58,230 when we return to discuss other sign topics. 905 01:20:00,370 --> 01:20:08,910 So, now let me go over to three key considerations. The first one I will discuss involves commercial center signs in Ephesus 4th of. 906 01:20:10,130 --> 01:20:20,790 The Planning Commission did not believe that commercial center ground signs, and these are the signs that are around 12 to 14 feet in height, were appropriate for the Ephesus 4th of District. 907 01:20:20,790 --> 01:20:29,050 The planning commission believe these taller types of ground signs were primarily designed for higher speed road roadways 908 01:20:29,050 --> 01:20:34,950 and recommended limiting these signs to the Type-C frontage streets in Ephesus for them. 909 01:20:36,840 --> 01:20:47,280 So this map identifies the two Type-C street segments in the Ephesus for them district that would allow commercial center ground signs as recommended by the planning commission. 910 01:20:48,580 --> 01:20:57,900 So there's one segment here on Fordham, and then the other C section is the extension of 911 01:20:59,240 --> 01:21:04,800 there's extension of a road that's proposed behind the days in, I'm sorry, the holiday 912 01:21:04,800 --> 01:21:05,420 in. 913 01:21:09,520 --> 01:21:14,280 Staff is recommending that commercial center signs be allowed in Ephesus Fordham and that 914 01:21:14,280 --> 01:21:17,960 they follow the same standards that apply elsewhere in the community. 915 01:21:17,960 --> 01:21:27,220 For example, commercial center signs are permitted on roadways today that have speed limits of 35 or 45 miles per hour. 916 01:21:28,640 --> 01:21:35,840 This map identifies the street segments in Ephesus Fortem, which speed limits of 35 or 45 miles per hour. 917 01:21:36,120 --> 01:21:37,760 They include Franklin Street, 918 01:21:42,340 --> 01:21:43,400 Fortem Boulevard, 919 01:21:47,260 --> 01:21:52,520 Ephesus Church Road, and there's also Elliott Road. 920 01:21:57,000 --> 01:22:01,780 The red dots identified commercial centers where such signs would be permitted. 921 01:22:03,540 --> 01:22:16,780 So commercial centers in Ephesus Fortem include Rams Plaza, East Gate, Village Plaza, Mark Properties, the Galleria, and the Vacuum Cleaner Hospital. 922 01:22:16,780 --> 01:22:24,860 All of those shopping centers, except the vacuum cleaner hospital, and village Plaza have commercial 923 01:22:24,860 --> 01:22:25,900 center signs. 924 01:22:26,360 --> 01:22:31,480 There is a commercial center sign currently at Ram's Plaza, and there's also one from 925 01:22:31,480 --> 01:22:36,680 Mark Properties in the Galleria, and Eastgate has applied for a commercial center sign. 926 01:22:36,780 --> 01:22:41,100 And that's the commercial center sign application we are currently reviewing. 927 01:22:41,100 --> 01:22:42,020 The 928 01:22:45,090 --> 01:22:50,830 staff believes these commercial center signs are appropriate in the Ephesus Fordon district for a few reasons. 929 01:22:51,630 --> 01:22:58,010 For example, as Ephesus Fordon district begins to redevelop from the commercial base of older shopping centers 930 01:22:58,010 --> 01:23:07,930 to development envisioned by the Fordon base district, there still remains a desire by existing business owners in Ephesus Fordon for this type of signage. 931 01:23:08,710 --> 01:23:13,790 In fact, as I said, staff has an application pending from a business owner in Ephesus 932 01:23:13,790 --> 01:23:19,490 Fordham and anticipating tonight's enactment of the sign ordinance that will allow these 933 01:23:19,490 --> 01:23:20,990 signs in Ephesus Fordham. 934 01:23:22,230 --> 01:23:26,450 We also believe prohibiting these signs would place some of the older commercial centers 935 01:23:26,450 --> 01:23:31,590 in the district at a disadvantage in comparison to the rest of the community. 936 01:23:34,620 --> 01:23:39,480 So the second key consideration I want to talk about tonight is a topic presented to the 937 01:23:39,480 --> 01:23:42,540 Council by the owner of the vacuum cleaner hospital. 938 01:23:43,380 --> 01:23:47,540 This side is located on Elliott Road between the Galleria. 939 01:23:48,680 --> 01:23:49,480 Here's the Galleria. 940 01:23:49,680 --> 01:23:57,860 Elliott roads at the bottom of the picture and extraordinary ventures, which is off the page to this side. 941 01:24:00,440 --> 01:24:07,500 The owner of the vacuum cleaner hospital informed the council that the current minimum watch street frontage of 100 feet. 942 01:24:09,100 --> 01:24:14,640 prohibits his business and others in his commercial center from installing a commercial sign. 943 01:24:15,840 --> 01:24:20,900 So this yellow line identifies the property line between the commercial center. 944 01:24:21,200 --> 01:24:25,560 So here's the commercial area. As these two buildings with several businesses. 945 01:24:26,540 --> 01:24:32,500 And our current standard for a commercial center sign states that you must have at least 100 feet 946 01:24:32,500 --> 01:24:38,480 of road frontage in order to put up one of these commercial signs. This particular lot does not have 947 01:24:38,480 --> 01:24:45,340 hundred feet of road frontage. So what we're recommending and the revised ordinance 948 01:24:46,600 --> 01:24:53,040 immense, immense, the street frontage standard, and what it states is that the standard 949 01:24:53,040 --> 01:24:59,860 in order to put up a commercial center sign would require that shopping area, not a lot. 950 01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:09,660 Have a minimum of 100 feet a street frontage. So, combining the frontages of the two lots, equals is greater than 100 feet. 951 01:25:10,420 --> 01:25:15,100 This amendment, as proposed tonight, would allow Mr. Proctor to install the commercial center sign. 952 01:25:17,690 --> 01:25:26,010 So, the final key consideration on note involves reconsidering the standard to calculate the maximum area permitted for wall signage. 953 01:25:26,870 --> 01:25:30,410 The current formula is 5% of the building's facade area. 954 01:25:30,410 --> 01:25:35,710 Council members expressed the concern that this formula, although appropriate for buildings 955 01:25:35,710 --> 01:25:41,050 four stories or less, may not be appropriate for buildings taller than four stories. 956 01:25:42,130 --> 01:25:47,270 We believe it is reasonable to limit wall sign area to 5% of the first four stories 957 01:25:47,270 --> 01:25:50,890 of a building's facade, regardless of the number of stories. 958 01:25:51,590 --> 01:25:54,350 We have included the standard and revised ordinance. 959 01:25:54,350 --> 01:26:01,530 So, when in this image, in this image here, this line is stopping at the fourth story. 960 01:26:02,010 --> 01:26:10,950 So, what is being proposed is that this facade of the building below the red line would be used to calculate the allowed sign area. 961 01:26:11,290 --> 01:26:16,550 Currently, you would be able to go all the way up to the roof line and include this entire facade. 962 01:26:17,070 --> 01:26:20,450 So, we're recommending that for all buildings regardless of the height, 963 01:26:20,450 --> 01:26:29,390 You're only using the first four floors to calculate the sign area, and that's based on 5% of that facade. 964 01:26:32,100 --> 01:26:37,340 So, in closing, our recommendation is for the council of the whole, is for the council of close to public hearing, 965 01:26:37,720 --> 01:26:41,840 adopt the resolution of consistency and enact ordinance 05. 966 01:26:41,920 --> 01:26:44,700 I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have. 967 01:26:45,600 --> 01:26:47,540 Thank you. Are there clarifying questions? 968 01:26:48,740 --> 01:26:49,160 Mr. Pucker. 969 01:26:49,160 --> 01:26:55,920 You know, just at a curiosity, you said East Gate is asking for a commercial center sign. 970 01:26:56,640 --> 01:27:01,440 Is that, where will that go on Franklin or on Fordham or on both? 971 01:27:02,440 --> 01:27:06,380 I'm fairly certain they're proposing to put one on Fordham. 972 01:27:06,920 --> 01:27:11,160 I haven't seen the application directly, so I don't know if they're also proposing one on Franklin. 973 01:27:14,580 --> 01:27:17,720 Okay, are there members of the public wishing to make comments? 974 01:27:18,480 --> 01:27:19,780 Please sign up with our clerk. 975 01:27:19,780 --> 01:27:21,140 I see her coming forward. 976 01:27:22,240 --> 01:27:25,260 I'm taking it that Christmas month is going to speak to us. 977 01:27:29,550 --> 01:27:29,970 Okay. 978 01:27:30,690 --> 01:27:34,230 If anyone else is wishing to speak, please come sign up with our clerk and welcome. 979 01:27:37,690 --> 01:27:43,850 Mayor, having our emergency town council last time I was before you, I came here in support of small business Saturday. 980 01:27:44,730 --> 01:27:50,310 And gave each of you bags and you heard from small business owners about how important it is to support them. 981 01:27:50,910 --> 01:27:56,510 In your bags, I don't know if you checked, but there was a older report commissioned by the town that talked about 982 01:27:56,510 --> 01:28:02,910 barriers to small business and signage was one of them and having appropriate signage. You as a 983 01:28:03,430 --> 01:28:09,230 council and certainly town staff have made huge strides and we are excited about all these changes 984 01:28:09,230 --> 01:28:16,950 and definitely support the staff's recommendation tonight. I really appreciate also you a 985 01:28:16,950 --> 01:28:22,710 commenting emphasis for them business vacuum cleaner hospital and it shows maybe some need for 986 01:28:22,710 --> 01:28:25,230 to accommodate their needs. 987 01:28:25,670 --> 01:28:26,950 We support staff recommendations. 988 01:28:27,330 --> 01:28:29,770 We hope that you will enact them tonight. 989 01:28:29,910 --> 01:28:31,690 And please let me know if I can be a resource. 990 01:28:32,050 --> 01:28:35,770 Again, of special thanks to Jean Poveromo for all his work on this. 991 01:28:35,990 --> 01:28:39,870 And particularly accommodating the needs and desires of small business owners. 992 01:28:41,550 --> 01:28:41,870 Yes, yes. 993 01:28:42,850 --> 01:28:51,870 Chris, can you tell me if you support the recommendation, including the 5% of the four stories? 994 01:28:51,870 --> 01:28:59,990 My understanding, I don't know if it accommodates Carolina Square and have reached out to Jeff 995 01:28:59,990 --> 01:29:01,010 Ferman with him. 996 01:29:01,710 --> 01:29:09,370 And I know that Jean has worked considerably with Jeff Ferman, and he said that the proposed sign 997 01:29:09,370 --> 01:29:12,190 Act Killer Square is within this range. 998 01:29:12,430 --> 01:29:17,870 But I think as we grow and as we grow with with taller buildings, it might be worth 999 01:29:17,870 --> 01:29:21,030 re-examining whether we want to limit it to those four stories. 1000 01:29:22,630 --> 01:29:30,950 And I would like to know if there is any flexibility or a, I think I remember that the 1001 01:29:30,950 --> 01:29:37,310 recommendation included something like 10%, 15% flexibility, right? 1002 01:29:37,830 --> 01:29:44,510 So that there was some discretion for to accommodate a particular type of facade or something. 1003 01:29:45,130 --> 01:29:45,870 Is that? 1004 01:29:45,870 --> 01:29:52,350 Yes, that is stolen that is still on the proposed ordinance and to answer your first question 1005 01:29:53,190 --> 01:29:58,930 This change with respect to the facade does not impact Carolina Square at all 1006 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:02,000 Can you put the off button for us there? 1007 01:30:02,880 --> 01:30:03,060 Thank you. 1008 01:30:03,060 --> 01:30:03,700 Got the red button? 1009 01:30:04,020 --> 01:30:04,120 Yeah. 1010 01:30:04,420 --> 01:30:05,580 Thank you. 1011 01:30:05,640 --> 01:30:06,720 Sorry, I should say the red red. 1012 01:30:07,080 --> 01:30:07,780 Thank you, Kristen. 1013 01:30:09,680 --> 01:30:10,100 All right. 1014 01:30:10,740 --> 01:30:13,080 Is anyone else from the public wishing to speak on this item? 1015 01:30:13,640 --> 01:30:14,200 So I had sign up. 1016 01:30:14,500 --> 01:30:15,040 Okay, Mr. Parker. 1017 01:30:15,880 --> 01:30:16,080 Yeah. 1018 01:30:16,560 --> 01:30:22,200 I just want sort of actually represent the views of the planning commission a little bit here. 1019 01:30:23,080 --> 01:30:29,840 And I think now, based on your presentation, Jean, I sort of understand the competing needs, 1020 01:30:29,840 --> 01:30:31,500 both of which I think have some validity. 1021 01:30:32,780 --> 01:30:34,980 So I think the planning commission is concerned 1022 01:30:34,980 --> 01:30:38,580 that when Ephesus Fordham is rebuilt, for example. 1023 01:30:39,200 --> 01:30:41,360 And let's say we have the A frontages, 1024 01:30:41,560 --> 01:30:43,320 which have relatively, you know, 1025 01:30:43,600 --> 01:30:46,160 I think it's a total of 16 feet or 18 feet 1026 01:30:46,160 --> 01:30:48,200 from curb to building facade, 1027 01:30:48,920 --> 01:30:52,280 that putting a sign such as, 1028 01:30:52,380 --> 01:30:55,560 let's say university square a university places sign, 1029 01:30:55,940 --> 01:30:59,000 on that sidewalk would be pretty extrusive. 1030 01:30:59,000 --> 01:31:01,200 And I think that's their concern. 1031 01:31:02,520 --> 01:31:05,500 And on the other hand, I also understand now 1032 01:31:05,500 --> 01:31:10,100 that where we still have some of these older shopping centers, 1033 01:31:10,240 --> 01:31:14,980 Ramsplows, E-Scape, which have yet to be redeveloped 1034 01:31:14,980 --> 01:31:19,900 and are still in the traditional suburban shopping center mode, 1035 01:31:21,040 --> 01:31:23,500 a commercial center sign seems entirely appropriate. 1036 01:31:24,340 --> 01:31:26,940 So I guess my question is, 1037 01:31:26,940 --> 01:31:51,820 Should there be some discrimination between signs that are allowed for existing properties versus signs that are allowed after properties are redeveloped and we now have the A, B frontages, because I can understand their perspective that one of these commercial center signs probably would look out of play as much out of place 1038 01:31:51,820 --> 01:31:58,900 Let's say on an a-frontage sidewalk as it would on the middle of Franklin Street 1039 01:31:58,900 --> 01:32:03,520 On the other hand when you get to and we now have two types of B frontages, right? 1040 01:32:03,580 --> 01:32:08,700 We have two frontages that have two rows of parking which is still a similar suburban environment 1041 01:32:08,700 --> 01:32:16,400 And then you have the B frontages that only have one row of parking and so it seems to me that a commercial center sign on a 1042 01:32:16,400 --> 01:32:23,180 to row B frontage, probably doesn't seem in Congress, but as you start getting to these narrower 1043 01:32:23,180 --> 01:32:32,160 frontages, I am concerned that these, what are potentially rather large signs, not only look 1044 01:32:32,160 --> 01:32:37,140 weird, but they effectively block the sidewalk. And so I was wondering, I want to get your thoughts on 1045 01:32:37,760 --> 01:32:38,320 So, 1046 01:32:40,380 --> 01:32:41,400 thanks for the question. 1047 01:32:42,980 --> 01:32:45,380 We're expecting a few things to happen. 1048 01:32:46,860 --> 01:32:50,680 So, one thing that we're expecting to happen on South, 1049 01:32:51,060 --> 01:32:55,480 on South Elliott Road currently there's a speed limit of 35 miles an hour. 1050 01:32:56,100 --> 01:32:58,980 We're anticipating as that develops and as you get more buildings, 1051 01:32:59,200 --> 01:33:02,140 if it develops and you have more buildings coming closer to the street 1052 01:33:02,140 --> 01:33:04,820 and you have more pedestrian activity, 1053 01:33:04,820 --> 01:33:07,460 But the speed limit will probably be changed. 1054 01:33:07,680 --> 01:33:11,260 You'll probably see a speed limit that's something less than 35 miles an hour. 1055 01:33:11,940 --> 01:33:18,500 So at that point, the larger commercial signs would become non-conforming, and at that point 1056 01:33:18,500 --> 01:33:23,340 the town can determine if they're still an appropriate sign for that street frontage. 1057 01:33:24,340 --> 01:33:33,280 We're also anticipating there's a new building in between whole foods and the mark property. 1058 01:33:34,260 --> 01:33:40,920 We're expecting buildings of that scale and mass would not put up a sign like a commercial 1059 01:33:40,920 --> 01:33:42,500 sign because it would be out of place. 1060 01:33:42,980 --> 01:33:50,980 So we're expecting that development naturally would occur in that the larger signs with 1061 01:33:50,980 --> 01:33:56,780 the larger buildings would not fit in with the character and we're expecting that even though 1062 01:33:56,780 --> 01:34:02,760 the larger signs would be allowed that the larger buildings would not come in and propose 1063 01:34:02,760 --> 01:34:05,180 the larger commercial science? 1064 01:34:09,390 --> 01:34:13,070 They would not be allowed to block the sidewalk. Correct. Correct. 1065 01:34:15,770 --> 01:34:22,610 Because the ordinance requires a certain amount of unobstructed. Right, so there'd be a cleared space also. 1066 01:34:23,350 --> 01:34:25,930 That would be required. I don't know if I answered your questions. 1067 01:34:28,710 --> 01:34:34,350 Well, I guess it answers my question. I guess my question back if you will 1068 01:34:34,350 --> 01:34:41,590 is that I'm always concerned or often concerned when we say we expect something to have. 1069 01:34:42,910 --> 01:34:48,650 We hope something will happen and hope is not always a good strategy. 1070 01:34:50,350 --> 01:34:58,550 So I'm wondering if there is in some way perhaps of building these expectations into the code 1071 01:34:58,550 --> 01:34:59,950 so that we're doing more than hope. 1072 01:35:06,440 --> 01:35:24,460 So, I actually am in support of the staff's recommendation as someone who has been to what we're describing as what we want to have as something denser and more pedestrian oriented, even though we're admitting this is still a suburban space. 1073 01:35:25,040 --> 01:35:50,980 You still need really good way finding, and I've spent a lot of time standing in what looks like a courtyard, which isn't attached to, and sort of, you know, my GPS saying, you're at that place, and I can't find it, because for some reason the sign is so far above my head, I can't see it, or it's on the, somehow that somebody else's sign has covered it fine and it's on the other facade. 1074 01:35:50,980 --> 01:35:58,660 And so I am, because of that experience and because of what were all the changes that are going 1075 01:35:58,660 --> 01:36:05,720 down in that area, I feel like, um, airing on the side of allowing people to figure out 1076 01:36:05,720 --> 01:36:16,660 how to get around, um, feels more comfortable to me, um, and I think kind of what you're 1077 01:36:17,520 --> 01:36:32,440 And I think it is something that we have experienced mostly and my question, my question was the question about the signage on the medical buildings on Timberline and MLK. 1078 01:36:32,500 --> 01:36:33,200 We have a crossing. 1079 01:36:33,460 --> 01:36:35,020 We have a crossing as I was called. 1080 01:36:36,260 --> 01:36:45,920 So during that conversation with another one of my council members, I expressed the fact that sometimes we all fall prey to preciousness here in Chapel Hill. 1081 01:36:45,920 --> 01:36:54,200 And this idea that, you know, we control the aesthetics of everything and sometimes I think 1082 01:36:54,200 --> 01:36:59,480 function just, the whole biz is that whoever's building there, the aesthetics is important to 1083 01:36:59,480 --> 01:37:09,260 them too. That having it look jumbled or confusing would only confuse their clientele also. 1084 01:37:09,260 --> 01:37:27,320 And so I'm leaning towards allowing within these parameters the market to do what it does in favor of it being easy for people to find figure out where they're going to go things are getting more and more complicated. 1085 01:37:28,740 --> 01:37:35,580 you know, we have an altar down there now. I only knew that because I was driving 1086 01:37:35,580 --> 01:37:43,980 by the sign and it was there but it's in the center of a commercial center. So, yeah, 1087 01:37:44,180 --> 01:37:49,480 I've said enough. I'm supportive of anything that supports people being able to 1088 01:37:49,480 --> 01:37:52,560 figure out where they're going and I think that this is one of the things we can use. 1089 01:37:53,120 --> 01:37:57,180 It's tricky because we're in a place where the market is changing, it's going from 1090 01:37:57,180 --> 01:38:04,360 redevelopment from an old suburban style to a more dense development. So it's kind of a tricky 1091 01:38:04,360 --> 01:38:05,060 balance. 1092 01:38:07,140 --> 01:38:11,920 I believe we are looking at design standards for this district. So the way finding 1093 01:38:11,920 --> 01:38:17,700 and what you're talking about, there may be an opportunity to do something with the design standards 1094 01:38:17,700 --> 01:38:26,220 to kind of address the concerns I'm hearing. I would hope not to hold up tonight's action because 1095 01:38:26,220 --> 01:38:33,300 of that topic, but I think there's an opportunity to address it with the design standards 1096 01:38:33,300 --> 01:38:40,040 and when we come back at a workshop, work session with additional information on other 1097 01:38:40,700 --> 01:38:41,260 signage. 1098 01:38:42,840 --> 01:38:43,620 Mr. Santhiola? 1099 01:38:43,800 --> 01:38:43,980 Yeah. 1100 01:38:44,520 --> 01:38:50,300 I think Donna said a lot of what I want to say, but I support the staff's recommendation at this 1101 01:38:50,300 --> 01:38:57,160 point in time. I think not only the council, but the community has voiced support for trying 1102 01:38:57,160 --> 01:39:02,840 to retain as many small businesses as we can. And I can't think of much the, I mean, 1103 01:39:02,840 --> 01:39:08,660 I think signage is so critical to these small businesses. I mean, especially if you have 1104 01:39:08,660 --> 01:39:12,920 new people come to the community, they look something up online, they're trying to figure out, 1105 01:39:12,960 --> 01:39:18,620 okay, where is that now? It says it's on L.A. Robo, we're on, I mean, you know, you're in a car, 1106 01:39:18,620 --> 01:39:23,580 you're driving, you're trying to figure out, okay, you know, I don't want to drive past and then 1107 01:39:23,580 --> 01:39:29,600 I'm going to have to turn around. I think signage is really critical to the small businesses and I can 1108 01:39:29,600 --> 01:39:35,620 see the point that, you know, this is going to change over time and as it becomes more walkable, 1109 01:39:35,740 --> 01:39:41,280 it's going to change. But I think for the moment what we have for the most part are small businesses 1110 01:39:41,280 --> 01:39:47,120 and they need to sign it and I think staff will continue to work to look at how this is going to 1111 01:39:47,120 --> 01:39:54,260 to evolve, either with the design standards or some modifications to the science regulations. 1112 01:39:54,580 --> 01:39:59,900 But I think for the moment, what we have a lot of in this community, our small businesses. 1113 01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:11,260 This is the need as much help as they can get. And so I think moving forward with this now is what I would prefer to do. And so I'm comfortable with the staff's recommendation. Mr. Harrison. 1114 01:40:13,600 --> 01:40:23,600 Gene, that's, I was, the map one was looking good, but that's also good. Those are all, I believe I'm correct, grandfathered signs under this, right? They've already been, you know. 1115 01:40:23,600 --> 01:40:31,920 These were permitted prior to the Ephesus forum district for the district being enacted right off the 1116 01:40:31,920 --> 01:40:38,300 sign regions we did in the last few years though right yes this would have could have that big okay and I 1117 01:40:38,300 --> 01:40:45,820 sent it an email about what seemed to be a store of one store sign in Rans Plaza which I guess is a 1118 01:40:45,820 --> 01:40:51,320 commercial ground site is a CVS sign which didn't appear to be on our front edge like when you're 1119 01:40:52,260 --> 01:40:56,040 If you want to look at signs sitting on the top level, buses are a really good place to 1120 01:40:56,040 --> 01:40:59,860 look at good look at signs, particularly with my spouse looking for signs at the same 1121 01:40:59,860 --> 01:41:04,200 time as I was, we found everything you could see when you're stopped at SSR's Road 1122 01:41:04,200 --> 01:41:07,960 Enforcement, so at least one of those. 1123 01:41:10,260 --> 01:41:15,840 But as Michael said, hope is not a great strategy in terms of how things are going to come 1124 01:41:15,840 --> 01:41:16,940 out, didn't work with the election. 1125 01:41:18,820 --> 01:41:26,460 So, I am concerned, I mean, we're reasonably predicting that because we own Elliott Road, 1126 01:41:26,660 --> 01:41:28,160 we can lower the speed limit to 25. 1127 01:41:30,280 --> 01:41:37,280 We could also, if somehow we came up with the funds by the short stretch of FSA's church road, 1128 01:41:37,700 --> 01:41:42,260 the single back to, I mean, basically would traffic a stop most of the time and that would 1129 01:41:42,260 --> 01:41:48,520 be a 25-hour speed limit as well. I think people ought to be going 25 there anyway. 1130 01:41:50,320 --> 01:41:56,820 So if you switch back to the speed limit sign, basically the state roads in there would be 1131 01:41:56,820 --> 01:42:05,380 where you could put commercial center signs. All those, I mean, assume you're the six dots 1132 01:42:06,440 --> 01:42:09,460 where we're talking about having them. It could be another center in there at some point. 1133 01:42:09,460 --> 01:42:22,760 The dots are identifying the existing commercial centers that meet the minimum standard of being 8,000 square feet, and having a mix of retail and office. 1134 01:42:23,200 --> 01:42:24,820 So right now that's happening. 1135 01:42:24,820 --> 01:42:25,000 That's happening. 1136 01:42:25,000 --> 01:42:25,760 Right now, certainly. 1137 01:42:26,180 --> 01:42:32,660 In Ephesus, these are the only developments that could have a commercial in some of our centers. 1138 01:42:33,220 --> 01:42:37,440 Yeah, the only one to do not have one is the vacuum cleaner hospital. 1139 01:42:38,380 --> 01:42:41,500 Bill, it goes Plaza and East Gate. 1140 01:42:43,760 --> 01:42:45,600 The three in the image I have here, 1141 01:42:45,620 --> 01:42:48,320 these are the three existing signs in the district. 1142 01:42:49,220 --> 01:42:51,520 Well, so it's a little more than hope 1143 01:42:51,520 --> 01:42:54,760 that that's the limit of how many brown signs we have. 1144 01:42:55,280 --> 01:42:56,200 I guess. 1145 01:42:57,140 --> 01:42:57,520 Right. 1146 01:42:57,940 --> 01:42:58,420 Okay. 1147 01:42:58,720 --> 01:43:00,500 That's, I wanted to make sure of that. 1148 01:43:00,800 --> 01:43:01,420 Okay. Thank you. 1149 01:43:01,560 --> 01:43:02,480 Ms. Ots. 1150 01:43:04,150 --> 01:43:06,750 You're talking about a 14-foot wall, 1151 01:43:06,750 --> 01:43:13,650 though of science. I think there's there's way finding and there's there's hiding 1152 01:43:13,650 --> 01:43:20,290 businesses on the on the on the sea frontages then yes a 12 to 14 foot tall 1153 01:43:20,290 --> 01:43:26,190 sign would be appropriate but the idea is that on the A and B frontages those are 1154 01:43:26,190 --> 01:43:30,830 going to be roads where the traffic is moving slower so that as you're driving 1155 01:43:30,830 --> 01:43:36,050 by you'll be able to see the sign on the building and be able to find it. I think 1156 01:43:36,050 --> 01:43:42,530 One of the things that the planning department understands is that we're hiring a, we've 1157 01:43:42,530 --> 01:43:49,950 hired a designer to help us come up with this idea of a walkable, shopable, different sort 1158 01:43:49,950 --> 01:43:57,290 of commercial area than what you would find in that stretch of 15501 near New Hope Commons. 1159 01:43:58,130 --> 01:44:03,370 And for that, if that's what we do end up with, then on, on, for the Boulevard, we could 1160 01:44:03,370 --> 01:44:10,710 have those kind of signs. But when you turn off into the shopping, the walkable parts, you 1161 01:44:10,710 --> 01:44:17,330 would not want a 12 to 14-foot wall of signs. And I certainly can understand the planning 1162 01:44:17,330 --> 01:44:19,450 commissions thinking on that. 1163 01:44:24,450 --> 01:44:24,730 Ms. Green? 1164 01:44:26,450 --> 01:44:28,890 I'll support the staff's recommendation. I'd like to move. 1165 01:44:29,410 --> 01:44:29,550 I haven't. 1166 01:44:29,730 --> 01:44:37,990 I just want to say I'm really, really supportive of small businesses, especially, and 1167 01:44:37,990 --> 01:44:42,350 And as we are changing and developing, I think it's really crucial with all the construction 1168 01:44:42,350 --> 01:44:46,950 going on, with all the different angles that are going on now, especially in this district, 1169 01:44:47,150 --> 01:44:52,690 that we have ability for businesses to have the signs that people are getting used to seeing. 1170 01:44:53,350 --> 01:44:59,970 I think I find that safer to have those grounds support sign. 1171 01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:12,080 All the business is listed. I find it safer to look at that and look for where I'm going, whether I'm driving or walking. I know that they're in there somewhere. That gives me a sense of feeling. I think a lot of customers feel the same way. 1172 01:45:12,200 --> 01:45:19,320 And that's why businesses like to congregate them on signs like that. And I think they can be done so far. The ones that are out there have been done in very good manner. 1173 01:45:19,960 --> 01:45:29,360 And they've been informative and helpful. I love the idea of moving towards consistency with the emphasis for the district and the rest of town. It makes it easier to navigate our system. 1174 01:45:29,360 --> 01:45:38,840 when you're applying for signs to know how to work the process, and trying to think we're 1175 01:45:38,840 --> 01:45:43,960 able to get the, sorry, looking for that, less confusing, and I like them at I level, 1176 01:45:43,980 --> 01:45:47,880 most of these tend to be at that I level as you're driving and looking around as far as, 1177 01:45:47,900 --> 01:45:52,580 and then that brings you away, in my opinion, from all the businesses having competing, competing 1178 01:45:52,580 --> 01:45:57,580 signs in their front windows and front business displays, it's there, it's work and it's 1179 01:45:57,580 --> 01:46:06,900 So I do understand some of the concerns, but I also think in this time of growth and change we need to do things that help our businesses stay in business and be more productive. 1180 01:46:07,940 --> 01:46:12,480 So I support the staff's recommendation as well, but I will move to Ms. Green now. 1181 01:46:12,740 --> 01:46:16,600 I'd like to move R2, which is the resolution of consistency with the comprehensive plan. 1182 01:46:18,520 --> 01:46:31,820 are nine, which one are two aren't we moving our nine. We have to close the public hearing and move. Is that right? Can we do it all in one? Okay. So you are. 1183 01:46:31,820 --> 01:46:39,100 Ms. Green is motioning to close the public hearing and adopt resolution of consistency our nine and enact the ordinance. 1184 01:46:40,080 --> 01:46:46,260 Okay, and just check in. Okay, so close the public hearing and adopt the resolution of R9 is there a second to that motion 1185 01:46:46,260 --> 01:46:49,200 like muffled through. All right. 1186 01:46:50,240 --> 01:46:53,200 Ms. Green, Ms. Palmer. Okay. Any more comments? 1187 01:46:54,060 --> 01:46:54,820 Ms. Oates. 1188 01:46:56,000 --> 01:47:04,100 We had a, I attended a lecture last week from an urban designer and he was talking about how the, 1189 01:47:04,100 --> 01:47:11,100 But the signs on the individual businesses can be considered art, public art, and he gave 1190 01:47:11,100 --> 01:47:13,240 some good examples of that. 1191 01:47:13,720 --> 01:47:16,260 So I think that's something too I'd like to see. 1192 01:47:16,380 --> 01:47:18,900 I'd like to encourage in our businesses. 1193 01:47:19,800 --> 01:47:22,200 I don't see it as looking cluttered. 1194 01:47:22,360 --> 01:47:26,360 I see it as offering some visual interest. 1195 01:47:29,000 --> 01:47:29,640 Any other comments? 1196 01:47:30,000 --> 01:47:30,280 All right. 1197 01:47:30,280 --> 01:47:35,160 All those in favor, please say aye, any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. 1198 01:47:36,220 --> 01:47:40,420 Motion is unanimous, so now we enact the ordinance that, or is it enacted? 1199 01:47:42,850 --> 01:47:45,730 We've got to move the ordinance. Well, he flipped over. Put it back for us. 1200 01:47:48,420 --> 01:47:50,000 Is there a motion? Ms. Green? 1201 01:47:50,840 --> 01:47:55,180 Sure. I'm moved of five, which is an ordinance enacting a land use management ordinance. 1202 01:47:55,260 --> 01:48:00,560 Text amendment to section five, point four, signs and section three, 11, four, four, 1203 01:48:00,560 --> 01:48:04,100 on standards, this section 311, and this is Ford and Form District. 1204 01:48:04,480 --> 01:48:04,700 Second. 1205 01:48:05,340 --> 01:48:08,740 Move by Ms. Greene, seconded by my Mr. Parker, any discussion? 1206 01:48:10,060 --> 01:48:13,700 I will just say thank you to the staff and everyone who's wondering if you're hard on this 1207 01:48:13,700 --> 01:48:17,840 and trying to promote our businesses and signage and making a consistent, I think it's important. 1208 01:48:18,840 --> 01:48:20,280 All those in favor, please say aye. 1209 01:48:20,340 --> 01:48:20,660 Aye. 1210 01:48:20,920 --> 01:48:22,700 Any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. 1211 01:48:22,980 --> 01:48:24,100 Motion is unanimous. 1212 01:48:24,200 --> 01:48:24,600 Thank you. 1213 01:48:24,940 --> 01:48:26,380 Thank you. 1214 01:48:26,380 --> 01:48:26,960 All right. 1215 01:48:28,020 --> 01:48:42,620 We are moving the library internet policy to our meeting in January, so that brings us to item number 11 to open the public hearing for the issuance of two-thirds bond to fund the purchase of public safety equipment. 1216 01:48:46,480 --> 01:48:47,440 Mr. Pinoyer. 1217 01:48:47,520 --> 01:48:49,800 Good evening, Ken Finoyer, Director of Business Management. 1218 01:48:52,650 --> 01:48:58,050 This item is the public hearing and adoption of a bond order for proposed two-thirds bonds. 1219 01:48:58,550 --> 01:49:03,710 Also, with the adoption of a resolution of proving a publication of notice of bond order adoption, 1220 01:49:04,730 --> 01:49:06,210 I have six slides. 1221 01:49:06,430 --> 01:49:07,810 It should take me about five minutes. 1222 01:49:09,330 --> 01:49:13,510 The approval schedule for the two-thirds bonds included a preliminary resolution 1223 01:49:13,510 --> 01:49:18,490 adopted by Council October 26th, and also an introduction of the bond order 1224 01:49:18,490 --> 01:49:21,050 and setting of the public hearing on November 7th. 1225 01:49:21,730 --> 01:49:26,370 Tonight is the public hearing adoption of the bond order and adoption of a resolution 1226 01:49:26,370 --> 01:49:32,250 authorizing publication of adoption of bond order notice. 1227 01:49:33,970 --> 01:49:38,570 On January 3, we're expecting the LGC, the local government commission to approve the 1228 01:49:38,570 --> 01:49:45,490 issuance of the bonds, and we will be coming back to Council January 9 for an issuance 1229 01:49:45,490 --> 01:49:51,390 resolution for both the two-thirds bonds and also for referendum bonds. 1230 01:49:51,390 --> 01:49:58,050 Local Government Commission will conduct the sale as a competitive sale on January 31st, 1231 01:49:58,650 --> 01:49:59,950 and we are expecting closing of the box. 1232 01:50:03,120 --> 01:50:20,260 Two-thirds bonds are general obligation bonds that can be issued without a vote of the public. They can be issued basically in an amount equal to two-thirds of the reduction of general obligation outstanding principle from the previous year. 1233 01:50:20,260 --> 01:50:29,700 So for as an example, if the town paid down $3 million of general obligation bond principle in 2016, 1234 01:50:30,560 --> 01:50:37,820 it could then be eligible to issue up to $2 million of general obligation to third bonds in 2017. 1235 01:50:38,640 --> 01:50:48,760 The actual amounts for us in 2016 was a reduction of principle of $2,190,000, which makes us eligible to issue 1236 01:50:48,760 --> 01:50:53,760 2,000 bonds in the amount of $1,460,000 for fiscal year. 1237 01:50:55,600 --> 01:51:07,020 Our intended use of those bonds is to buy a fire ladder truck for $1,348,000, and also emergency radio equipment for $1,012,000. 1238 01:51:07,020 --> 01:51:17,860 We're planning on doing a 10-year financing which will give us debt service payments of approximately 160 to 180 thousand dollars per year depending on the final interest rate. 1239 01:51:20,170 --> 01:51:21,730 In November of 2007, 1240 01:51:24,010 --> 01:51:29,810 2015, the voters approved $40.3 million of referendum bonds. 1241 01:51:29,810 --> 01:51:38,890 We're also planning to concurrently issue $9 million of those referendum bonds with our two-thirds bonds in January. 1242 01:51:39,910 --> 01:51:48,510 So altogether, the two-thirds bonds plus the January issuance of referendum bonds equals $10.46 million that we are currently planning. 1243 01:51:50,470 --> 01:51:56,710 The next steps in this process are basically tonight's holding of a public hearing on the proposed two-thirds bonds, 1244 01:51:56,710 --> 01:52:04,710 adoption of the bond order are 12 and also adoption of the resolution approving the bond order adoption notice 1245 01:52:04,710 --> 01:52:06,610 which is our 13. 1246 01:52:08,920 --> 01:52:10,740 Thank you. Any clarifying questions? 1247 01:52:12,760 --> 01:52:15,800 Any members of the public wishing to speak on this item? 1248 01:52:18,920 --> 01:52:19,900 Any comments from Council? 1249 01:52:23,520 --> 01:52:23,800 Yes. 1250 01:52:24,820 --> 01:52:30,340 I know I asked this before but can you tell me why they're called two third bonds again? Yes. 1251 01:52:30,340 --> 01:52:38,560 They're called two-thirds bonds because the issuance limitation is two-thirds of the reduction 1252 01:52:38,560 --> 01:52:41,920 of principle for general obligations in the previous year. 1253 01:52:42,060 --> 01:52:47,560 So if you paid down three million last year, you can then issue an additional two million 1254 01:52:47,560 --> 01:52:48,560 in the current year. 1255 01:52:48,700 --> 01:52:53,860 So that's two-thirds of what you're spending down, you can then restore as new bonds. 1256 01:52:53,860 --> 01:52:56,440 Thank you. Mr. Harrison. 1257 01:52:58,120 --> 01:53:00,160 Not a concern, but just to to the public. 1258 01:53:01,200 --> 01:53:02,840 When we pay our Chapel Hill taxes, 1259 01:53:03,120 --> 01:53:04,920 we pay into a debt management fund, 1260 01:53:04,920 --> 01:53:07,600 which was set up at a decade ago, 1261 01:53:07,760 --> 01:53:08,820 about when Roger got here. 1262 01:53:09,200 --> 01:53:11,880 And this is a really great example of why we have that fund, 1263 01:53:11,900 --> 01:53:13,900 and why we spend summer with taxes on it. 1264 01:53:14,560 --> 01:53:15,960 It makes this possible. 1265 01:53:16,780 --> 01:53:17,840 If you possible otherwise, 1266 01:53:18,060 --> 01:53:19,140 it would be a lot harder. 1267 01:53:20,200 --> 01:53:21,480 Thank you, Mr. C. O'Brien. 1268 01:53:21,480 --> 01:53:25,900 can is the 9 million in the general obligation bonds that most of 1269 01:53:25,900 --> 01:53:27,700 we could issue at this point. 1270 01:53:29,300 --> 01:53:35,780 That number is based on our estimate of cash flow over the next 12 to 18 months. 1271 01:53:36,340 --> 01:53:41,860 So that represents what we believe we can reasonably spend within the next 12 to 18 months. 1272 01:53:42,080 --> 01:53:46,560 A lot of the projects are in the initial phases where we're doing pre-construction, 1273 01:53:46,560 --> 01:53:54,100 design and acquisition. So the cost tend to ramp up a little bit more slowly. So that should 1274 01:53:54,640 --> 01:53:59,460 last us at least for 12 months and then we'll probably have another issuance about 12 months 1275 01:53:59,460 --> 01:54:07,200 from this. And is that there are 12 month limit between G.O. bonds that you have a way at least 12 1276 01:54:07,200 --> 01:54:12,900 months before you go back again. Actually, no, there isn't that just is kind of a convenient 1277 01:54:12,900 --> 01:54:19,100 space of time for us to get a lot of these projects that we're currently working on ahead 1278 01:54:19,100 --> 01:54:23,940 of steam so that we're actually spending money and we're getting to a point where we have 1279 01:54:23,940 --> 01:54:28,620 some degree of certainty about the feasibility of the projects and also the cost of the projects. 1280 01:54:29,120 --> 01:54:35,460 And I presume that we're looking at the interest rates carefully with a little nervousness. 1281 01:54:35,800 --> 01:54:42,880 Yes, as a matter of fact I look at them this week and they have bumped up in the last 1282 01:54:42,880 --> 01:54:50,660 month we are still six if you look at the 10 year triple A municipal bond we are still six 1283 01:54:50,660 --> 01:54:57,460 basis points lower than we were one year ago so in the big picture we are still in a good place 1284 01:54:57,460 --> 01:54:59,960 however relative to a month ago we're considerably high. 1285 01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:04,000 Because we hit kind of a trough in that last few months. 1286 01:55:04,580 --> 01:55:05,300 Miss Anderson? 1287 01:55:08,510 --> 01:55:15,470 Just from my own curiosity. So, is this usually how we buy fire trough? 1288 01:55:15,970 --> 01:55:19,030 What do we usually do this for? 1289 01:55:19,530 --> 01:55:22,810 This is kind of an opportunity that came up. 1290 01:55:22,950 --> 01:55:28,130 This particular trough has had some serious service and maintenance issues. 1291 01:55:28,130 --> 01:55:32,710 So it's a matter of timing, and the two-thirds bonds being available at this time. 1292 01:55:33,670 --> 01:55:37,970 Normally, we've done a number of financing methods. 1293 01:55:38,310 --> 01:55:41,130 We either do an installment financing for a truck. 1294 01:55:41,770 --> 01:55:46,750 This gives us an opportunity to use two-thirds general obligation bonds, which are generally lower cost. 1295 01:55:47,210 --> 01:55:52,310 So the timing to happen to be right in terms of our needs meets our capacity to do the two-thirds. 1296 01:55:52,310 --> 01:55:58,110 And do we have a sense, is this kind of an anomaly that this truck is being a pain? 1297 01:55:58,650 --> 01:56:03,690 Or do we have a sense that this is going to come again in another year or two years? 1298 01:56:04,250 --> 01:56:14,690 I think that this particular vehicle has had issues over its, I think, eight years plus life span. 1299 01:56:15,050 --> 01:56:18,890 And it's spent about 20% of his time being repaired. 1300 01:56:18,890 --> 01:56:27,110 And I think it's also a function of the fact that it does get used a bit, so yeah, we are, 1301 01:56:27,130 --> 01:56:34,290 the fire department is taking measures to make sure that their next purchase is something 1302 01:56:34,290 --> 01:56:35,490 a little bit more robust. 1303 01:56:37,210 --> 01:56:38,170 Thank you. 1304 01:56:38,410 --> 01:56:38,650 Okay. 1305 01:56:39,630 --> 01:56:40,150 Is there a motion? 1306 01:56:43,570 --> 01:56:43,910 Is there a motion? 1307 01:56:44,630 --> 01:56:45,110 Is there a motion? 1308 01:56:45,710 --> 01:56:46,990 Are 12 and are 13? 1309 01:56:47,630 --> 01:56:47,830 Oh. 1310 01:56:48,590 --> 01:56:49,450 I move our 12? 1311 01:56:49,450 --> 01:56:53,690 on the audience in the audience we want to make sure we 1312 01:56:53,690 --> 01:56:59,850 okay so there's a motion to move our 12 by Mr. Parker second by Ms. Palmer any more discussion 1313 01:56:59,850 --> 01:57:05,790 all in favor please say aye I any opposed please raise your hand nay motion passes 1314 01:57:05,790 --> 01:57:14,630 Mr. Parker I move our 13 Ms. Palmer a second then move by Mr. Parker and second by Ms. Palmer 1315 01:57:14,630 --> 01:57:21,150 like the Parker Palmer combination there. Any more discussion or questions? I will say thank you for 1316 01:57:21,150 --> 01:57:26,070 working this all out for us and for explaining it to us and getting us in this wonderful position. 1317 01:57:27,010 --> 01:57:33,290 All in favor, please say aye. Any opposed, please raise your hand, nay. Motion is unanimous. Thank you very much. 1318 01:57:33,530 --> 01:57:40,430 I feel safe for already. Thank you, Mr. Bond attorney. That brings us to our next item on the agenda. 1319 01:57:41,290 --> 01:57:46,190 We've just authorized the town manager to execute historic Rogers Road neighborhood sewer 1320 01:57:46,190 --> 01:57:52,130 project interlocal agreement with Orange County and we have a revised resolution 1321 01:57:53,030 --> 01:57:55,030 in the blue folder, 1322 01:57:57,240 --> 01:58:00,980 so even with a part of the file, I think that's what we got. 1323 01:58:04,640 --> 01:58:11,960 So this is another historic decision tonight and Chapel Hill is the first jurisdiction 1324 01:58:11,960 --> 01:58:14,620 to consider this agreement. 1325 01:58:16,720 --> 01:58:26,360 This is a map of the Rogers Road area, which I'm sure you're 1326 01:58:26,360 --> 01:58:31,940 all familiar with. It is northwest area of the town outside the city limits, but within 1327 01:58:31,940 --> 01:58:35,540 the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. 1328 01:58:37,740 --> 01:58:41,040 Highlighted here and the lighter color are 1329 01:58:41,040 --> 01:58:48,260 86 heritage lots that were identified by the Rogers Road Task Force and showing the proposed 1330 01:58:48,260 --> 01:58:49,660 sewer lines in red. 1331 01:58:50,480 --> 01:58:59,060 There are 19,000 linear feet of sewer, 3.5 miles of main line, 68% of this area is within the 1332 01:58:59,060 --> 01:59:01,260 Chapel Hill extra territory of jurisdiction. 1333 01:59:01,260 --> 01:59:12,050 The green lots are what we have come to know as passerby lots in order to serve the 86 1334 01:59:12,050 --> 01:59:12,730 lots. 1335 01:59:13,210 --> 01:59:16,530 We have to pass through these to get there. 1336 01:59:16,930 --> 01:59:23,050 These lots will be served with a stub out and when these lots develop, those owners will 1337 01:59:23,050 --> 01:59:28,550 pay for their sewer service, unlike the 86 slots in the historic Rogers Road area. 1338 01:59:29,830 --> 01:59:42,150 Here are the calls that are outlined and shown in the proposed agreement, including everything from the community center to planning and outreach that the Jackson Center helped us with. 1339 01:59:42,490 --> 01:59:50,690 The engineering and design acquiring the easements and now the Biggie sewer construction, so you had previously approved all the other calls. 1340 01:59:50,690 --> 01:59:59,510 This just wraps it all up into one document and Chapel Hill share of this amount is $3.1 million. 1341 02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:15,860 The county will pay for this by borrowing the money, and we will pay it back over 20 years, and as I indicated earlier, then that $158,000 per year would be wrapped into your annual operating budget. 1342 02:00:17,040 --> 02:00:28,520 So this shows the procedures that Chapel Hill Carver and Orange County would pay the percentages of 43% each for Orange County and Chapel Hill and 14% for Carver. 1343 02:00:28,980 --> 02:00:45,840 There are multiple ways that you could think about trying to divide up these costs, but all of the discussions so far have landed on this particular percentage, which is based on the 1972 landfill agreement that created the landfill, which is part of what we're trying to correct. 1344 02:00:45,840 --> 02:00:49,500 the issues surrounding that location of that landfill. 1345 02:00:51,320 --> 02:00:56,660 So here is kind of a history of where the issue has been in 1972. 1346 02:00:56,820 --> 02:00:59,160 The landfill was cited on Ubank's road. 1347 02:00:59,800 --> 02:01:04,660 In 2000, Orange County spent about $600 and $75,000 in 1348 02:01:04,660 --> 02:01:07,040 installing water lines in the area. 1349 02:01:07,780 --> 02:01:10,020 And people have signed up for that water service. 1350 02:01:10,020 --> 02:01:18,280 There was then a task force created in 2013 that consisted of two county commissioners, 1351 02:01:18,620 --> 02:01:22,220 two alderman, two council members, and two representatives of Rina. 1352 02:01:23,040 --> 02:01:28,340 And they met for about a year and a half, and the governing bodies and tasks the managers 1353 02:01:28,340 --> 02:01:30,640 to find a way to install the sewer. 1354 02:01:31,420 --> 02:01:37,160 One of the exciting things that come out of the engagement process with the community is 1355 02:01:37,160 --> 02:01:41,980 discussion about community first planning and resigning a community that will 1356 02:01:41,980 --> 02:01:46,880 happen in this area that meets some of the interests and needs expressed by 1357 02:01:46,880 --> 02:01:52,140 the people who live there. So that report is attached as a copy is an attachment 1358 02:01:52,140 --> 02:01:57,040 to your item tonight and we'll make a presentation of that report in the spring of 1359 02:01:57,040 --> 02:02:04,080 next year. So tonight you are considering a resolution to authorize the town manager 1360 02:02:04,080 --> 02:02:09,200 to execute an interlocal agreement, and then Carboro and Orange County would follow and 1361 02:02:09,200 --> 02:02:12,340 construction could begin in June of 2017. 1362 02:02:13,660 --> 02:02:19,240 So the recommendation is the adoption of the revised resolution R14 in the blue folder, 1363 02:02:19,400 --> 02:02:21,160 which authorizes that execution. 1364 02:02:22,060 --> 02:02:27,120 And why it's different is that this could be there be a 2-party agreement between the town 1365 02:02:27,120 --> 02:02:31,140 and the county, or 3-party agreement between the town, the county, and Carboro. 1366 02:02:31,140 --> 02:02:37,880 All the provisions would be the same in terms of outlining the town to call us and how we would pay it back. 1367 02:02:38,140 --> 02:02:43,280 This resolution would authorize me to execute an agreement whether it's a two-party or three-party. 1368 02:02:44,220 --> 02:02:48,280 So we're not holding up moving forward with a construction of the sewer line. 1369 02:02:50,550 --> 02:02:52,370 Thank you. Any clarifying questions? 1370 02:02:54,850 --> 02:02:56,850 We have members of the public wishing to speak. 1371 02:02:58,270 --> 02:02:59,630 Does anyone signed up to speak? 1372 02:03:00,950 --> 02:03:06,210 Well, I'm going to start by making a statement that I'm very excited and very pleased that 1373 02:03:06,210 --> 02:03:11,370 our town is moving forward to correct something that was promised many many years ago 1374 02:03:11,370 --> 02:03:14,910 and I'm very, very pleased we've found a way to do it and that we're moving forward. 1375 02:03:18,650 --> 02:03:18,710 Yeah. 1376 02:03:19,930 --> 02:03:23,270 So, are there any discussion points or can we move this motion? 1377 02:03:26,630 --> 02:03:27,470 I move off 14. 1378 02:03:27,790 --> 02:03:29,130 Move by Mr. Parker. 1379 02:03:29,410 --> 02:03:30,250 Mr. Seale. 1380 02:03:30,770 --> 02:03:31,630 Mr. Seale. 1381 02:03:31,630 --> 02:03:32,070 Mr. Seale. 1382 02:03:32,350 --> 02:03:39,350 is seconding it? Okay, move by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Sanciano, any more comments other than yes. 1383 02:03:40,670 --> 02:03:47,010 All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed, please raise your hand, nay? Motion is overwhelmingly 1384 02:03:47,010 --> 02:03:49,030 unanimous. Thank you very much. 1385 02:03:51,340 --> 02:03:56,520 All right. That brings us to the end of our agenda for this evening. So 1386 02:03:56,520 --> 02:04:02,820 wishing everyone a happy holiday season, we will be back January 9 for our next council meeting. 1387 02:04:02,820 --> 02:04:09,840 There's other individual meetings going on with all your committees and assignments, but this is the end of 2016. 1388 02:04:11,520 --> 02:04:14,960 So, with that being said, meeting is adjourned. Thank you.