March 2013

150 Copies of The New Jim Crow To Go Into NC Prisons

From The Internationalist Prison Books Collective

The New Press just donated 150 copies of the excellent book The New Jim Crow to us to be sent to North Carolina prisoners. This comes right on the heels of NCPLS successfully challenging the ban by the North Carolina Dept. of Corrections on The New Jim Crow as a violation of the First Amendment. This donation is a huge help for us at the Prison Books Collective and the populations we send books to. There is a great need inside prisons to understand the roots and nature of the prison-industrial complex. We want to publicly thank The New Press for publishing this important book and making it available to NC prisoners.

State Reps. Insko, Foushee introduce to bill to fill vacant aldermen seats by appointment

Thank you for epic community service, Chad Johnston

Chad Johnston is the director of Chapel Hill's grassroots public access station The People's Channel. Not many people truly know the scope of the contributions he has made toward democratizing media both in Orange County and in Orange County. Sadly he's leaving us to run a station in a bigger community. The Independent Weekly has a wonderful cover story about him this week, and the public is invited to a potluck to say farewell to Chad tonight at the TPC studio on Elliot Road. If you can't attend in person, you can watch it live on TV!

I highly recommend reading the Indy article which gives a sense of how Chad has gone to bat to protect community media at the state level, as well as the thankless work of building and sustaining capacity for grassroots voices to be heard both in Orange and Durham Counties.

Pease calls on Del Snow to resign from Planning Board

As reported by the Herald Sun, Chapel Hill Town Council Member Gene Pease has written Planning Board Chair Del Snow asking her to resign from the Planning Board. In his letter, which can be downloaded from the Town's email archive, he launches a blistering attack on the "responsible growth" advocates in the community, calling them against any growth whatsoever. Interesting, to say the least.

Food truck rodeo to benefit IFC Community House

Want to see food trucks in downtown CH? Want to eat good food while contributing to the IFC's Community House? Come enjoy 5 food trucks in the parking lot at 300 E Rosemary St on Sunday April 28th 4-8pm.

Date:

Sunday, April 28, 2013 - 4:00pm to 8:00pm

Location:

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 E. Rosemary St, Chapel Hill

More Information:

http://tinyurl.com/htlcrodeo

Events

The Smart Math of Mixed-Use Development with Joe Minicozzi

Found on Facebook:

With tighter budgets & environmental costs, US cities have accepted that the status quo of development will no longer work. When trying to convey that info using math, cities get lost in the numbers.

Using simple math and creative visual aids, Joe Minicozzi specializes in explaining the true costs and benefits of development choices. He will share how these tools can help cities overcome misconceptions about efficient urban development and make wise investments.

Laern more: https://planning.unc.edu/Smartmath

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/430119583743052/

Date:

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Location:

Koury Auditorium, UNC Campus

More Information:

https://planning.unc.edu/Smartmath

Government

Hillsborough Town Board Regular Meeting

Full packet at http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/content/town-board-regular-meeting-43

These two items look interesting:

F. Consider Approval of an Interlocal Agreement Between the Town of Hillsborough and the City of Durham Regarding the Disposition of Municipal Solid Waste Generated in in Hillsborough at the Durham Transfer Station

G. Consider changing the title of the visitor's center from "Hillsborough/Orange County Visitors Center" to "Hillsborough Visitors Center"

AUDIENCE COMMENTS REGARDING MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
AGENDA CHANGES & AGENDA APPROVAL

INTERVIEWS
A. Interview James Czar for in town vacancy on the Planning Board

APPOINTMENTS
A. Appoint James Czar for a three-year term on the Hillsborough Planning Board

with the term to expire February 28, 2016

PRESENTATIONS

A. Oath Of Office re-affirmation for Police Officer Michael Toellen

COMMITTEE REPORTS (Critical) REPORT FROM THE TOWN MANAGER DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA

Consider approval of the Minutes of the January 17, 2013 Joint Public Hearing; the January 28, 2013 Monthly Workshop, and the Minutes of the January 28, 2013 Monthly Workshop Closed Session

Consideration of Town Code Amendment to Chapter 4 Personnel, Section 4-23 Sick Leave to reflect the accrual changes that result from the change in number of hours in a 28 day pay cycle for law enforcement employees

Consider Project Ordinance and Establishment of Capital Project Fund: Riverwalk - CMAQ

Attachment 4.A

Attachment 5.A

Attachment 8 Attachment 9.A Attachment 9.B Attachment 9.C

Consideration of a consistency finding and an ordinance to amend Section 4.3.1.2 of the Unified Development Ordinance to specify that Neighborhood Business Special Use district is available in the Historic Overlay District

Consider Approval of a Proclamation proclaiming March 11-17, 2013 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

Consider Request for Town Sponsorship of "Hog Day" May 17th and 18th, 2013

Consideration of an Ordinance to amend Town Code Chapter 4 Personnel, Section

4-21 Holidays

Consideration of Application to the Local Government Commission for

Installment Financing of Riverwalk Phase II

Consideration of Budget Amendments

11. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA

Consideration of a resolution adopting the Future Land Use Plan for Hillsborough (map and brief document) as a component of the comprehensive plan

Discussion of potential restrictions on the 4.73 acres given to the Town by Colliers International to allow the previous owner to benefit from tax credits on the gift

Consideration of SUP modification request from UNC Hospitals to install a sign along the front retaining wall of the hospital site

Consideration of an ordinance annexing 0.08 acres on the north side of Orange Grove Road (A portion of OC PIN 9863-59-0494)

Consideration of a consistency statement and ordinance to zone the 0.08 acres on the north side of Orange Grove Road Multi-Family (A portion of OC PIN 9863- 59-0494)

Consider Approval of an Interlocal Agreement Between the Town of Hillsborough and the City of Durham Regarding the Disposition of Municipal Solid Waste Generated in in Hillsborough at the Durham Transfer Station

Consider changing the title of the visitor's center from "Hillsborough/Orange County Visitors Center" to "Hillsborough Visitors Center"

Consider Award of Lake Ben Johnston Dredging Construction Contract

Consider Approval of Engineering Contract for Waterstone Elevated Water Tank

Project

Discussion of potential request for economic incentives for approved Bellevue

Mill renovation project

CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session as authorized by North Carolina General Statute Section 143-318.11 (a)(3) regarding update on Legal Matter involving Taylor-Hall under Attorney-Client Privilege

Closed Session as authorized by North Carolina General Statute Section 143-318.11 (a)(6) regarding a Personnel Matter

ADJOURN

Attachment 9.D

Attachment 9.E

Attachment 9.F Attachment 9.G

Attachment 9.H Attachment 9.I

Attachment 10.A Attachment 10.B Attachment 10.C Attachment 10.D Attachment 10.E

Attachment 10.F

Attachment 10.G

Attachment 10.H Attachment 10.I

Attachment 10.J

Date:

Monday, March 11, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Town Barn, Hillsborough

More Information:

http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/content/town-board-regular-meeting-43

It's time to give your input in shaping Chapel Hill's budget priorities.

Town seeking your input about the "Central West Focus Area." This this quick survey now.

Commuting and Chapel Hill

Promoting Entrepreneurship

North Carolina could do a lot more to promote new businesses. Here's just a quick list.

A Community Conversation- Affordable Housing & Transit-Oriented Development

Triangle Transit and local governments have heard from residents and community groups that it is important to make sure that housing opportunities for residents at many different income levels exist in neighborhoods along the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (DOLRT) corridor.

We have heard this concern and will be hosting a Community Conversation with local urban planning researchers and staff from the NC Justice Center about Transit-Oriented Development and Affordable Housing on Friday, March 15^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Durham City Hall Committee Room.

The event will include about 45-60 minutes of presentations of recent research on affordable housing and transit, followed by 90 minutes for community members to ask questions, make comments, and have a broad discussion on this topic.

City of Durham and Town of Chapel Hill staff will be available to contribute to discussions of specific issues in each community.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Key Event Details:

WHAT: A Community Conversation- Affordable Housing & Transit-Oriented Development

WHERE: Durham City Hall Committee Room, 2^nd Floor. 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC

WHEN: March 15^th, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

ACCESS: City Hall is located two blocks north of the intersection of Main St and Mangum St. The area can be best reached by bus using the DATA 2,3,9, and 16 routes, as well as the Bull City Connector. Durham Station is about a 10 minute walk away. Parking is available in the Chapel Hill St Deck directly across the street from City Hall.

Date:

Friday, March 15, 2013 - 10:00am to 12:30pm

Location:

101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC

Growth & Development

Protect & Serve

Many of us were very disturbed by the Yates Building incident in Chapel Hill last year and wondered how the police were trained to deal with public events and demonstrations. How do the police do arrests? What crime and other public safety issues do we have in Chapel Hill? Well, here's a chance for you to find out how our officers are trained and what they do.

For the last year I've been working with the Community Policing Advisory Committee and the Chapel Hill Police Department to dramatically revamp its Citizen's Police Academy. The new Academy will give participants an inside look at the police department and its work. You'll get to operate a simulator and see what it's like to respond to a domestic call that turns violent, sit in a squad car, watch the SERT and K9 teams in action, and talk to the Chief of Police about tough issues. Along the way you'll learn about the Department's work, how you can help make a safer community and much more. Participation will involve attending one evening session on April 24 or 25 as well as an afternoon session on Sun. April 28.

College Democrats of America Google+ Hangout with Councilman Storrow

Ever thought about what you're going to do after graduation? What will your democratic activist look like after College Democrats? Join College Democrats of America for a discussion with former College Democrat chapter president turned Town Council member in Chapel Hill, NC.

Lee Storrow graduated in May 2011 and was elected to Chapel Hill Town Council in November 2011. He is currently the managing director of a statewide non-profit in North Carolina in addition to active in local, state, and national politics and non-profit work. For more information on Lee, check out CDA's most recent #CDALeads blog on him: http://collegedems.com/blog/2013/03/cdaleads-from-collegedems-to-town-council

Lee will discuss his path to public service, obstacles faced, and advice for current College Democrats looking to break into public service or non-profit leadership post-graduation.

Join us Thursday, March 14th at 10pm EST! We will be using Google + Hangout to run the webinar. RSVP below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nt4B3VOJRBu-w5vaPUQ99xdIKM3iVDE9bo9lOurZABE/viewform

Date:

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - 9:00pm

Location:

Google+

Democracy & Open Government

New, big CHPL almost ready

The library will be closing today to move back into their building which has been renovated and greatly expanded. Are you excited?

Chapel Hill Public LIbrary Expansion Project from Town of Chapel Hill, NC on Vimeo.

County poised to privatize our innovative recycling program?

As Terri Buckner describes in her commentary in yesterday's Chapel Hill News, we could be seeing the end, as we know it, of our very successful recycling program in Orange County.

Some will say that since the county has already privatized recycling in the urban areas, this proposed expansion to county residents should not create any concerns. But if all recycling in Orange County is privatized, the current system is effectually dead, including all the outreach and education, the goodwill recycling and composting at public events like Hog Day, the dedicated staff constantly seeking new markets, and the service to both school systems that has always been handled by the county. In other words, we'll be left with the same kind of recycling program that everyone else in the state has.
In 1997 as part of the state's required plan, we adopted a goal of 61 percent waste reduction. We're just a smidgeon away from achieving that goal (59 percent). We've accomplished something amazing, something worth fighting to protect.

Election Day, no really

If you live in Carrboro, you will be selecting your newest member of the Board of Aldermen today. Now, it's true you only have one option, but it's a really good one!

For the rest of us, there's not much to do but speculate about the turnout and celebrate Damon's victory. How many voters do you think will cast ballots today?

Orange County Ranks As The Second Healthiest County In The State (Again)

A WRAL report on a recent study out of the University of Wisconsin has Wake County as the healthiest county in the state.

Orange County placed a respectable second overall with first place finishes in the categories of health behaviors, clinical care, and social and economic factors and second place finishes in morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, our overall score was depressed by an eighth-place finish in physical environment. I guess we know where we have our work cut out for us.

The Orange County scores are at: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/north-carolina/2013/orange/county/outcomes/overall/snapshot/by-rank

Chapel Hill Town Council Business Meeting

Opening

Petitions from the Public
Petitions will not be acted upon at the time they are presented. It shall take a unanimous vote of the Council members present for a petition to be acted upon immediately upon its presentation. After receiving a petition, the Council shall, by simple motion, dispose of it as follows: consideration at a future regular meeting of the Council; or referral to another board or committee for study and report; or referral to the Town Manager for investigation and report; or receive for information. (Receiving does not imply approval, agreement, or consent.)

Announcements by Council members

Consent
Items of a routine nature will be placed on the Consent Agenda to be voted on in a block. Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda by request of the Mayor or any Council Member.

Approve all Consent Agenda Items. (R-1)

Approve Budget Amendment to Adjust Various Fund Budgets. (R-2)(O-1)

Adopt Minutes for the June 11 and September 27, 2012 and February 2, 2013 Meetings. (R-3)

Information
These items are reports or information for the Council.

Report on Traffic Calming Policy and Procedures.

Discussion

Consider Land Use Management Ordinance Text Amendments - Commercial Centers, Commercial Ground Signs, Movable Signs (Sandwich Boards), and Wall Signs. (R-4)(O-2)(O-3)(O-4)

PRESENTER: Gene Poveromo, Development Manager

Introduction and revised recommendations by the Manager
Comments and questions from the Mayor and Town Council
Motion to adjourn Public Hearing
Motion to adopt the Resolution of Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan
Motion to enact ordinance to amend definition of commercial signs
Motion to enact ordinance to amend commercial ground sign heights
Motion to enact ordinance to amend removable, changeable signs

RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Council adopt the Resolution and enact Ordinances A, B, and C.

Presentation: Chapel Hill Transit Pay for Park and Ride. (R-5)

PRESENTER: Brian Litchfield, Interim Transit Director

RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Council receive this presentation and adopt the resolution amending the user fee policies and schedules, effective August 15, 2013, to include a rate structure for park and ride lots managed and operated by Chapel Hill Transit.

Consider Council Committee on Boards and Commissions' Recommendation to Extend Advisory Board Appointments. (R-6)

PRESENTER: Gene Pease, Council Member

RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Council adopt the resolution.

Appointments

Adopt a Resolution to Appoint Council Liaisons to Several Boards. (R-7)

Reserved for Discussion of Consent Agenda Items if Necessary

REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PROPERTY ACQUISITION, PERSONNEL, AND LITIGATION MATTERS

Date:

Monday, March 25, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Council chambers

Chapel Hill Town Council

Orange Politics Open Editors Meeting

Date:

Sunday, April 21, 2013 - 10:00am to 12:00pm

Location:

Cafe Driade

Chapel Hill Town Council Business Meeting

Date:

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Council Chambers

Chapel Hill Town Council

Chapel Hill Town Council Public Hearing

Date:

Sunday, April 14, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Council Chambers

Chapel Hill Town Council

Chapel Hill Town Council Business Meeting

Date:

Monday, April 22, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Council Chambers

Chapel Hill Town Council

Chapel Hill Town Council Work Session

Date:

Monday, April 29, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location:

TBD

Chapel Hill Town Council

Park and Ride Fees: Disincentivizing Transit Use?

Tonight, the Chapel Hill Town Council is expected to enact fees on users of their park and ride lots. This fee is in response to UNC’s decision to start charging at their own park and ride lots. Leaving Town-owned park and ride lots free would create a traffic nightmare, so the Town is trying to start their own permit program. I’m sure that the extra revenue that will be generated from this fee is also a consideration, especially in a tight budget year.

While most people (75% by CHT estimates) who use the park and ride lots are affiliated with UNC, there is a sizable minority who do not use the park and ride to travel to campus. UNC students and employees will pay for their permit through UNC (because of taxing and payroll deduction issues), and that money will then be given to the Town. Non-affiliated users will purchase their permits directly from the Town. The resolution being considered tonight sets the fee at $250/year, or about $1/weekday.

I understand the importance of implementing the fee, but there are two major issues that have not been addressed:

OWASA Regular Board Meeting

I apologize for the formatting, but this is how OWASA does it. See complete agenda at http://www.owasa.org/client_resources/about/agendas/2013/03-28-13%20agenda.pdf

Announcements
1. Announcements by the Chair
A. Any Board member who knows of a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest with respect to any item on the agenda tonight is asked to disclose the same at this time.
B. April 11, 2013 Board of Director's Meeting is Cancelled; the Board will hold a Strategic Planning Work Session on April 11, 2013 at 5:30 PM at the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant
C. Chapel Hill Town Council's OWASA Committee and the Chapel Hill Appointees to the OWASA Board will meet Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 8:00 AM in the OWASA Boardroom
2. Announcements by Board Members
A. Update on the March 28, 2013 Finance Committee Meeting (John Young)
B. Natural Resources and Technical Systems Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 5:00 PM in the OWASA Boardroom (Terri Buckner)
3. Announcements by Staff
Petitions and Requests
1. Public
2. Board
3. Staff
CONSENT AGENDA
Action
1. Approval of the Minutes of the February 28, 2013 Meeting of the Board of Directors (Andrea Orbich)
2. Approval of the Minutes of the February 28, 2013 Closed Session of the Board of Directors for the Purpose of Discussing a Personnel Matter (Gordon Merklein)
REGULAR AGENDA
Information and Reports
3. Update on Asset Management (Mary Darr)
Discussion
4. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Process (John Young/Stephen Winters) Summary of Board Meeting
Action Items
5. Executive Director will summarize the key action items from the Board meeting and note significant items for discussion and/or action expected at the next Board meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
6. The Board will Convene in a Closed Session for the Purpose of Discussing a Personnel Matter (Gordon Merklein)

Date:

Thursday, March 28, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Council Chambers at Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill

More Information:

http://www.owasa.org/about/board-meetings.aspx

County Commissioners, Hillsborough Town Board, Orange Schools, and public to discuss use of the Whitted Building

This should be pretty interesting:

A BOCC meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. to jointly meet with the Town of Hillsborough, Town residents, Cultural Community representatives, and Orange County Schools members regarding the potential uses for the Whitted space. This meeting will be held at the at the Whitted facility, 300 West Tryon St. in Hillsborough.

The Orange County Cultural Center has been lobbying for a couple of years to use the Whitted Building as a home for performances and cultral arrts. Learn more about their vision at http://orangepolitics.org/2012/09/a-cultural-center-for-orange and http://orangecountyculturalcenter.org .

Date:

Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location:

Whitted building, 300 West Tryon St., Hillsborough

Orange County

Finally, an opportunity to give money to County Government!

Orange County's new Community Giving Fund isn't what it sounds like. You might think a "community giving fund" would give to the community. Which would make sense. Instead people are supposed to donate toward the same County government to which we already pay property, sales, vehicle taxes as well as other fees. Do other governmental bodies solicit donations in this way? What if donors' priorities don't match those of the commissioners or the staff?

Can I donate to support the recycling program that Manager Clifton is trying to cancel, or toward a walkable library in Carrboro? Or perhaps we could take up a collection to hire some qualified planning staff for the County.

Transit sales tax in Durham/Orange effective April 1

The 1/2% transit sales tax in Durham and Orange Counties taxes becomes effective Monday April 1, so if you are imbibing out past midnight on Sunday, tip your glass to regional transit.

The $7 county vehicle registration fee for transit takes effect a bit later, July 1 in Orange and September 1 in Durham. The $3 TTA Durham/Orange regional fee surcharge is still plodding through the approval process.

Carrboro Board of Alderfolks Regular Meeting

SWEARING IN OF ALDERMAN
REQUESTS FROM VISITORS AND SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR
RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
CONSENT AGENDA
- Watch and Hear Agenda Item (0hrs 0min - Windows Media Video^TM format)
- Watch and Hear Agenda Item (0hrs 0min - RealPlayer^TM format)
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Continuation of the Public Hearing: Review Of The Shelton Station Conditional Use Permit
  - Additional Agenda Item Attachment
  - Watch and Hear Agenda Item (0hrs 0min - Windows Media Video^TM format)
  - Watch and Hear Agenda Item (0hrs 0min - RealPlayer^TM format)
MATTERS BY TOWN CLERK
MATTERS BY TOWN MANAGER
MATTERS BY TOWN ATTORNEY
MATTERS BY BOARD MEMBERS

Date:

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - 7:30pm

Location:

Carrboro Town Hall

Carrboro Board of Aldermen

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