Public Meetings - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Chapel Hill Historic District Commission met on June 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in RM 110 of the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with acknowledgments of Pride Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month, roll call, and approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Key actions included votes on demolition and new construction certificates of appropriateness, a candidate interview, and scheduling of a special meeting for written decisions. Consent Calendar - 403 McCauley Street and 209 N. Boundary Street written decision correction: Approved unanimously. The consent items included a written decision correction for 403 McCauley Street (changing a measurement from four feet to four inches) and a resolution correcting a scrivener's error in the 209 N. Boundary Street written decision. Public Comments & Testimony - 111 Ridge Lane: Neighbor Peggy Britt (723 Gimghoul) expressed full support for the demolition and redevelopment, noting the existing house has chronic flooding and that neighbors support a thriving new home for the next century. - No public comments were made for the other agenda items. Discussion Items - 111 Ridge Lane – Demolition Request [26-0184]: Applicant Ben Johnson (Will Johnson Building Company) and homeowner Nancy Smith requested a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to demolish the existing non-contributing pyramidal cottage (built late 1920s) at 111 Ridge Lane in the Gimghoul Historic District. The applicant argued the house has severe structural issues (foundation cracks, water intrusion, mold), is not architecturally significant per HPO records, and cannot be feasibly renovated or added onto. They intend to build a new single-family home with a context-sensitive design, but only the demolition COA was before the commission that evening. Commissioners debated the risks of separating demolition from the new construction COA, with some (Vice-Chair Daniels and Commissioner Gurlitz) expressing concern about setting a precedent and the potential for an untethered future build if circumstances change. Others (Chair Tise and Commissioners Connolly and Moore) found the demolition justified based on the evidence, and noted state law permits only a 365-day delay, not denial. The applicant agreed to submit the new construction COA for the August 11, 2026 meeting to allow the commission to consider both together. - 214 McCauley Street – New Construction COA [26-0185]: Applicant proposed a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a detached garage at 214 McCauley Street in the McCauley Historic District. The ADU is designed to match the scale and materials of the existing house, sited behind it to minimize streetscape impact. Commissioners had questions about the visible height of the ADU, parking arrangements, and tree canopy preservation. Staff confirmed the proposal complies with LUMO and design standards. The commission found the application not incongruous with the district's character. - 118 Mallette Street – Amendment for Garage [26-0186]: Applicant Jim Spencer (JSA Architects) and homeowners Brian and Carol Davis sought a COA amendment for a new garage at 118 Mallette Street, after the existing deteriorated garage was inadvertently demolished during construction of a previously approved rear addition. The proposed garage is slightly larger than the original, placed farther from the property line to address drainage issues, and designed to be compatible with the historic district's secondary structures. The commission found the application not incongruous. - Candidate Interview [26-0187]: The commission interviewed Sandra (full name not given) to fill a vacancy. Chair Tise and Commissioner Connolly reported a positive Zoom interview, noting her interest in historic preservation and readiness for the commitment. The commission unanimously voted to recommend forwarding her application to the Town Council for appointment. - Design Standards Discussion [26-0188]: This agenda item was listed but not discussed during the meeting. Key Outcomes - 111 Ridge Lane: Motion to continue the application to August 11, 2026, failed (2-3: Ayes – Daniels, Gurlitz; Nays – Tise, Connolly, Moore). Motion to approve the demolition COA (finding not incongruous) carried (3-2: Ayes – Tise, Connolly, Moore; Nays – Daniels, Gurlitz). The applicant committed to submitting the new construction COA for the August meeting. - 214 McCauley Street: Motion to approve the COA (not incongruous) passed unanimously. - 118 Mallette Street: Motion to approve the amendment (not incongruous) passed unanimously. - Candidate Interview: Motion to recommend forwarding the application to the Town Council passed unanimously. - Special Meeting: Scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM (virtual) to vote on written decisions for the approved applications.

The Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment met on June 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM to consider a dimensional variance request for 700 Bolinwood Drive and to address board membership changes. The board unanimously approved the variance and recommended several reappointments and appointments to fill vacancies. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0). - Approval of Minutes: Approved the draft minutes from the October 2, 2025, meeting unanimously (6-0). Discussion Items - Dimensional Variance for 700 Bolinwood Drive: Ryan Alston, representing property owner Stratford Investments LLC, requested an 18-foot variance from the 24-foot street setback to allow a 24-by-36-foot leasing office at the Stratford Hills apartment complex. The site is heavily constrained by a Resource Conservation District (RCD), 100-year floodplain, and intermittent/perennial streams. The applicant argued that the strict application of the setback would create an unnecessary hardship, as the buildable envelope is crushed by these constraints and the existing 1972 development. The board asked questions about alternative sites, parking, and flood risk. Board members expressed satisfaction that all four statutory findings for a variance were met: unnecessary hardship, conditions unique to the property, hardship not self-created, and consistency with the regulation's spirit. The board closed the evidentiary hearing and deliberated, with members noting the thorough presentation and the applicant's due diligence. - Membership Updates: Staff outlined several vacancies and expiring terms. Dr. Thomas Wortman's term ends June 30, 2026, and he is eligible for reappointment. David Nahm's partial alternate term also ends, and he is eligible for a full term. Alternate member Joseph Weiner is eligible for reassignment to the regular seat vacated by Judith Miller (who left for OWASA). The board discussed filling alternate seats, with seven applications received. After deliberation, the board recommended reappointing Dr. Wortman to a regular seat, reassigning Mr. Weiner to a regular seat, and reappointing Mr. Nahm as a full alternate. For the vacant alternate seat, the board nominated Randy Herman and voted to recommend his appointment to town council. A second alternate seat, reserved for an ETJ resident, was tabled pending contact with applicant Julia Chamberlain. Key Outcomes - Dimensional Variance Approved: The board voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution A, granting the requested 18-foot variance for the leasing office at 700 Bolinwood Drive. The variance leaves 6 feet between the building and the right-of-way and does not encroach on protected resources. - Membership Recommendations: The board voted 6-0 to recommend to town council: (1) reappointment of Dr. Wortman to a regular seat; (2) reassignment of Joseph Weiner from alternate to regular seat; (3) reappointment of David Nahm to a full alternate term. The board separately voted 6-0 to recommend Randy Herman for appointment as an alternate. The second alternate slot was tabled pending further contact with Julia Chamberlain. - Next Steps: Staff will draft a written decision for the variance and explore scheduling a special meeting before the next regular meeting on September 3, 2026, to expedite final approval.

The Chapel Hill Community Design Commission met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:32 PM via virtual webinar. Chair Heather Washburn presided. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda and a detailed review of the West Rosemary Hotel elevation changes. Hillmont Development was moved to the consent agenda and approved. Consent Calendar - Eastgate Shopping Center (26-0175): Approved. The proposal requested a modification to an existing Certificate of Appropriateness to add flood gates and raise the masonry foundation to mitigate flooding. - Hillmont Development (26-0177): Approved after being moved from New Business. The project had updated elevations for final plan review; no final action was required, but the commission provided feedback and approved. Discussion Items - West Rosemary Hotel (26-0176): Dan Jewell (Thomas & Hutton) and Gail Wallace (Clarendon Properties) presented modified elevations for the hotel at Rosemary and Columbia Streets. Changes included eliminating one level of parking, adding guest rooms, and introducing a third brick color. Commissioners asked about brick color, materials, landscape, and design compatibility with the historic town hall. Commissioners John Biggs and Heather Washburn suggested adding a cornice or banding to improve human scale and tie the building to the historic context. The commission voted unanimously to approve the elevations with continued consideration of the comments made. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - West Rosemary Hotel: Approved (5-0) with a motion to approve and request the applicants to consider the commission’s comments on detailing and human-scale elements. - Announcements: New members Kelly Mills and Rachel Tushabi appointed by Town Council, terms starting July 1. Next meeting scheduled for June 23, 2026, which will include a discussion of officer elections.

The Chapel Hill Town Council met on May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM (adjourned at 9:25 PM) in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with proclamations, public comments, and a consent agenda, followed by discussions on the FY 2026-27 budget, a climate action plan update, a project incentive agreement, and a zoning modification. Final actions included approvals of the incentive agreement and zoning modification, along with appointments to the Community Design Commission. Proclamations - National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026) – Recognized the Public Works team for essential services. - Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month (May 2026) – Celebrated contributions of AAPI communities. - Affordable Housing Month (May 2026) – Reaffirmed commitment to affordable housing. - Community Home Trust Day (June 15, 2026) – Celebrated 35th anniversary and 300 permanently affordable homes. - Historic Preservation Month (May 2026) – Highlighted preservation of architectural and cultural heritage. Announcements by Council Members - Mayor Anderson noted Heat Awareness Week, upcoming Memorial Day events, and the next regular meeting on June 10, 2026. - Council Member McMahon requested a council work session to discuss high-level options for achieving LUMO priorities; after debate, the manager indicated the topic is scheduled for June 17. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Marakatos – Thanked the Town for supporting community media (The People’s Channel) and emphasized its importance. - PJ Miller – Community Home Trust homeowner, expressed appreciation for affordable homeownership stability. - Bridgit Adamou (President, Community Home Trust Board) – Highlighted 35-year milestone and 300 permanently affordable homes. - Tom Jepsen (Chapel Hill Historical Society) – Urged inclusion of historic preservation in funding priorities. - Brieann Mendez – Emphasized critical role of affordable rental housing for seniors on fixed incomes. - Talib Madyun – Spoke about The People’s Channel’s media training and urged continued support. - Linda Fajardo – Described how Community Home Trust provided stability as a single mother and educator. - Dennis Dowdy (The People’s Channel) – Requested operational support amid declining external funding. - George Barrett (Marion Cheek Jackson Center / Orange County Affordable Housing Coalition) – Urged continued prioritization of affordable housing funding. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously by a motion from Council Member Ryan, seconded by Council Member Miller-Foushee. - Item 4: 2026-2027 HOME Investment Partnerships Program Annual Plan (adopted R-1). - Item 5: Past Work Session Minutes (Oct 2012, Nov 2013, Jan 2014, Mar 2014, May 2014). - Item 6: 2025 Closed Session Minutes (12 meetings). - Item 7: April 29 and May 6, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. Discussion: FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget Business Management Director Amy Oland presented the $169.7 million recommended budget (3.4% increase over prior year) with no property tax increase (rate remains $0.50 per $100 valuation). Key highlights: - Workforce investments: 4% market pay increase, 0.75% retirement increase, rising medical costs. - Three new positions: Fleet Technician, Library Experiences Associate, Destination Coordinator. - Enterprise funds: Transit (-1%), Parking (-1%), Housing (+4%), Stormwater (+23% due to an $8.79/ERU increase for an inventory mapping project, $17/year average household). - Late notification from Orange County proposing to eliminate $621,323 annual library funding over two years. Staff analyzing options including non-resident fees or service-hour reductions. - Council discussion: Manager Voorhees said hiring for the library position will pause until county funding is clearer; the Destination Coordinator may also be paused. Several council members emphasized prioritizing part-time staff and service hours over new hires. Council also discussed advocacy with county commissioners. - Outcome: Public hearing opened and closed by unanimous vote. No budget adoption; final vote scheduled for June 10, 2026. Discussion: Climate Action Plan Update Community Sustainability Manager John Richardson presented the five-year update framework, noting it is a refinement, not a rewrite. Engagement planned May-July (IAP2 consult model), data analysis Aug-Oct. Core priority areas: buildings & energy, transportation & land use, waste & natural resources, climate resiliency. Council provided guidance: - Requests for metrics on tree canopy, stormwater, and natural area preservation to inform zoning decisions. - Emphasis on resilience alongside mitigation; youth engagement (youth council, schools); volunteer partnerships (Sierra Club, service clubs, congregations). - Interest in modeling emissions impacts of greenway buildout and transit investments. - Need for clear, realistic engagement questions and high-level messaging before public outreach. - Outcome: Received and filed. Staff will incorporate council direction. Public Hearing & Action: Project Stark Tower Incentive Agreement Economic Development Director David Putnam presented the proposal for Blue Sky Robotics (headquarters at 136 East Rosemary Street). - Project: 152 new jobs at average wage $77,000; $1.5 million in personal property investment over five years. - Incentive package: Up to $261,000 parking credits and $57,000 cash grant, both performance-based over five years (total $318,000). - Estimated positive net revenue of $2 million over a decade. - Council questions confirmed accountability provisions; no risk if company fails to meet targets. - Outcome: Public hearing opened and closed unanimously. Resolution R-2 authorizing the Town Manager to sign the agreement passed unanimously (9-0). Zoning Atlas Amendment: Conditional Zoning Modification for 11 White Oak Drive Senior Planner Charnika Harrell introduced applicant Bryan Harris (Dwell Design Studio). Request to modify a previously approved conditional zoning (CZD 20-204-6) to allow sloped roof segments to exceed the 62-foot height limit by 4-7 feet (due to a discrepancy between Town LUMO and State Building Code height calculation methods). No change in massing, setbacks, units, or shadow impacts. Community Design Commission responded favorably. - Council debate: Some members supported articulation; others concerned about precedent and past public concerns about height on White Oak Drive. Mayor pro tem Berry voted no, citing community input. - Outcome: Public hearing closed unanimously. Resolution R-3 (finding consistency & reasonableness) adopted 8-1 (Berry nay). Ordinance O-1 (approving modification) adopted 8-1 (Berry nay). Appointments - Council appointed Kelly E. Mills and Racheal Tushabe to the Community Design Commission for terms beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Closed Session - Council entered closed session under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) at 8:51 PM. Adjourned at 9:25 PM.

The Chapel Hill Planning Commission met virtually on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The commission approved previous meeting minutes, reviewed a conditional zoning application for a church property at 1651 Old Lystra Road, received an update on the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) revision process, and discussed recommendations for new commission member appointments. All six members were present. Consent Calendar - Approved the draft December 2, 2025, minutes (6-0). - Approved the draft April 21, 2026, minutes (5-0-1, with Elizabeth Losos abstaining). Discussion Items Conditional Zoning Application – 1651 Old Lystra Road - Applicant: Holy Trinity Anglican Church (represented by Nick Robinson, vestry member; Diane Martin, vestry member; rector David Hyman; and Jeremy Anderson of Thomas & Hutton). - Proposal: Rezone approximately 12 acres from R-LD1 (Residential Low Density 1) to R-4 (Residential 4) Conditional Zoning to build a permanent church sanctuary (maximum 300 seats, 11,200 sq. ft. first phase), two future single-family residential lots for sale, and potential tiny homes for unhoused individuals in a third phase. - Staff Recommendation: Approve the rezoning. - Key Discussion Points: - Commissioner Geoffrey Green raised concerns about unclear modifications to regulations in the draft ordinance, noting that the bicycle parking requirement was adjusted to a minimum of eight spaces but not fully documented. He also questioned the lack of a height limit for future single-family lots (R-4 allows up to 60 feet) and recommended a 35-foot limit to match the surrounding R-LD1 district. - Commissioner Green and Elizabeth Losos requested that the term "tiny homes" be formally defined to ensure clarity. - Commissioner Libby Thomas expressed concern about the loss of mature trees (the site is a dry oak woodland with high natural inventory) and the large parking lot. She asked about permeable paving and stormwater management. Staff noted the applicant has already reduced parking near Wave Road to preserve trees. - The applicant stated they have conducted soil/perk tests, are working with an affordable housing partner for tiny homes, and plan to retain as many trees as possible. LUMO Update – Discussion of Upcoming Meetings and PC Review - Staff planner Taz Lagoo presented the timeline for the new Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). - Key Milestones: - Council alignment memo to be released before the June 16-17 work sessions. - First public draft expected by late June or early July 2026. - Summer: Staff office hours for council and planning commission; public open houses; user testing with stakeholders (e.g., Affordable Housing Coalition, Home Builders Association). - Fall: Planning commission work sessions and public hearings; council legislative process. - Council’s five overarching goals for the new LUMO: User-Friendliness, Housing Diversity & Supply, Economic Development & Land Use, Built Environment & Public Realm, and Environment & Resilience. - Commissioner Green emphasized the need for meaningful public participation in hearings (e.g., larger venues). - Commissioner Libby Thomas questioned whether the goals were ranked; staff responded they were not. Planning Commission Applications – New Member Recommendations - The commission discussed applications for three open seats (including one vacancy since December 2025 and two seats held by outgoing members). - After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to recommend the following candidates (in alphabetical order) for council consideration: 1. Julia Chamberlin 2. Geoffrey Green (reappointment) 3. Mark Hainline 4. Peter Maniloff 5. Leif Rasmussen 6. Strother Murray-ndinga 7. Eric Valera Key Outcomes - Vote on Conditional Zoning: The commission voted 5-1 (Libby Thomas dissenting) to recommend approval of the rezoning at 1651 Old Lystra Road to the Town Council and Orange County Board of Commissioners, with four conditions: 1. Establish a maximum height of 35 feet for the two single-family lots along Old Lystra Road. 2. Define "tiny homes" in the district-specific plan or ordinance. 3. Update the modifications-to-regulations section to clearly list all LUMO modifications. 4. Minimize tree canopy loss (especially large trees) and address stormwater impacts/risks from the parking lot and any trails. - The next meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026, focused on LUMO review. - The commission also encouraged the applicant to consider natural-surface trails and permeable pavement where feasible.

The Debt Program Board met on May 18, 2026, to discuss funding updates and review seven applications for financial assistance. The board approved funding for several applicants, denied others, and postponed one case. Key discussions included changes in municipal funding sources. Discussion Items - Funding Update: The board learned that Carborough may discontinue its funding for the program in the next budget cycle, potentially affecting staff (Savannah) and coverage for Carborough residents. Chapel Hill remains committed to its $20,000 annual contribution. The county is considering a $6,000 budget recommendation to support the program, but coverage for Carborough residents under county funds is uncertain. - Application Reviews: - George Fowler: Approved $416 for two civil revocation fees and two alcohol assessments from Chapel Hill funds. - Solomon: Denied due to pending cases and failure to follow up on guidance; may reapply after resolving cases. - James Smith: Approved $516 for five alcohol assessments only; other fees to be handled in court. - Ben Flagg: Approved $1,114 from Orange County funds for four cases, with the $216 Halifax County payment conditioned on his awareness of pleading guilty. - Jaden Lee Leek: Approved $836 from Orange County funds for Guilford and Montgomery County fees, with application to be reconsidered in June after Wake County hearing. - Anthony Parrish: Approved for alcohol assessment and civil revocation fee from Chapel Hill funds. - Keith Shepard: Denied due to no longer residing in Orange County after completing treatment program. - Peter Fleming: Postponed to June meeting to clarify residency status. Key Outcomes - Approved funding for five applicants with specific amounts and conditions. - Denied two applications (Solomon and Keith Shepard). - Postponed one application (Peter Fleming) pending residency verification. - Next meeting scheduled for June 15, 2026, with no conflicts noted.

The Town Council held a work session on May 13, 2026, to review the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget totaling $169.7 million, with no proposed increase in the property tax rate. The manager presented investments in employee compensation, affordable housing, climate action, and infrastructure, while council discussed fiscal sustainability, library funding challenges, and strategic priorities. The council also entered a closed session. Discussion Items - Budget Overview: Town Manager Ted Voorhees presented the $169.7 million budget, including $100 million general fund, with no property tax increase. Key investments include a 4% market pay increase, three new positions (library experience assistant, fleet technician, and economic development), and continued funding for affordable housing, climate action, and greenways. The five-year fiscal sustainability plan targets investments in facilities, streets, fleet, and fire capital. - Library Funding: Library and Community Arts & Culture Director Atlas Logan discussed the potential reduction in Orange County's $620,000 contribution. Options to address the gap include charging out-of-area library card fees ($65/year), increasing service fees, reducing collection budgets, and laying off part-time staff (20-26 positions), which would reduce weekend and evening hours. Council members expressed strong opposition to the proposed cuts and emphasized advocacy with the county. - Stormwater Fee Increase: The budget includes a 23% increase in the stormwater fund, with an $8.798 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) fee increase. For an average household (2 ERUs), the annual fee would rise from approximately $82 to $100. - Employee Compensation and Positions: Council discussed the three new positions. The fleet technician position was broadly supported. The library position was discussed in context of potential county funding cuts, with some council members suggesting holding off on hiring. The economic development position (destination coordinator) sparked debate about the need for a clear strategy and ROI analysis before hiring. - Revenue Estimates: Council questioned the methodology for sales tax projections, noting past discrepancies. Staff acknowledged the difficulty in forecasting, especially after the revaluation. - Capital Planning: Council requested more information on unfunded capital needs and the five-year debt outlook, particularly for facilities like the police headquarters and parks administration. - Communication and Engagement: Council emphasized the need for better public communication about budget trade-offs, service reductions, and the rationale behind financial decisions. Earlier community engagement was suggested. Key Outcomes - The council expressed general support for the recommended budget direction but requested additional information on the economic development position's strategic goals and ROI. - The library funding contingency plan was discussed, with council preferring to advocate for continued county funding before implementing service cuts. Staff will proceed with the budget assuming county revenue continues and will deploy phased alternatives if needed. - The council agreed to keep the June 3, 2027 work session as a potential additional meeting, releasing the May 27 session. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 20, 2026. - A motion to enter closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-138.11(a)(5) was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.

The Chapel Hill Historic District Commission met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chamber (RM 110) of Town Hall (405 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Chair Don Tise presided with Vice-Chair Brian Daniels, Josh Gurlitz, and Laura Moore present; Glenn Connolly was absent. Staff liaisons Charnika Harrell and Anna Scott Myers, along with Commission Counsel Kevin Hornik, were also present. The meeting began with a roll call and an acknowledgement of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and National Historical Preservation Month. The agenda was amended by unanimous vote to add the written decision for 308 W. Cameron Avenue as a consent item and to add discussions on recruitment, levels of review, and public charge revisions. Consent Calendar - April 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes – Approved unanimously (motion by Vice-Chair Daniels, seconded by Gurlitz). - Administrative COA Approval Report and Maintenance Memos as of 04.27.2026 – Received as information. - 208 Glandon Drive, 209 N. Boundary Street, and 308 W. Cameron Avenue – The commission unanimously approved the written decisions for these three properties (motion by Gurlitz, seconded by Moore). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda item. Discussion Items - 403 McCauley Street – Solar Panel COA (New Business) – Property owner Kelley McChesney presented plans for flush-mounted, matte black solar panels on the rear roof slopes, not visible from McCauley Street. She cited compliance with the commission’s design standards for solar panels and provided examples from other properties. Commissioner Gurlitz praised the thorough application. The commission unanimously found the proposal not incongruous with the special character of the historic district (motion by Vice-Chair Daniels, seconded by Moore). A written decision will be prepared for the next meeting. - Recruitment Efforts – With Commissioner Gurlitz’s term ending over the summer, leaving only four members, the commission discussed strategies to attract new applicants. Ideas included reaching out to applicants not seated on other boards, contacting former commission members, and soliciting recommendations from Town Council liaisons. The commission unanimously agreed to form a sub-committee (Vice-Chair Daniels and Commissioner Connolly) to interview candidates and make appointment recommendations to the Town Council. - Public Charge Revisions – Following a recent special meeting where attorneys presented architectural arguments, the commission discussed clarifying the public charge to distinguish between factual evidence (which non-attorney professionals may present) and legal advice/arguments (which attorneys provide). Counsel Kevin Hornik suggested edits could be made to the speaker guidelines, the secretary’s preamble, and the commission’s rules of procedure, and that future board trainings could address this issue. No formal vote was taken; staff will prepare revisions for future consideration. - Design Standards – Levels of Review – Staff presented a draft revision of the levels of review table, including a clean version and a markup version. The commission discussed specific items: whether storm windows/doors should remain staff-approved (commission expressed concern and will revisit), and whether staff could approve steps with handrails beyond three risers (commission was open to increasing the number). Members also discussed reprinting the design standards in a three-ring binder format for easier updates. No decision was made; the discussion will continue at the June meeting. - Education and Outreach – The commission reviewed the 2025-2034 State Preservation Plan’s executive summary and goals. Staff proposed creating a resource guide (“complementary to character” examples) by conducting photo walks of successful historic district projects. Commissioners supported the idea and will participate in field trips (properly noticed) to identify examples. The project will be pursued once the commission is back to full capacity. - Summer Break and Scheduling – The commission discussed taking a recess in July 2026 to accommodate staff vacations and commissioner absences. To avoid delaying applicants, a special virtual meeting may be held in June to formally approve written decisions from the June hearing. No formal motion was made; flexibility remains to adjust as needed. Key Outcomes - Votes: All motions carried unanimously (4-0). - Approvals: April minutes; consent items for 208 Glandon Drive, 209 N. Boundary Street, and 308 W. Cameron Avenue; and COA for 403 McCauley Street (solar panels). - Subcommittee Formed: Vice-Chair Daniels and Commissioner Connolly will interview recruitment candidates. - Next Steps: Staff to prepare revisions to public charge language; design standards levels of review discussion to continue in June; education outreach resource guide to be developed; special June virtual meeting to be scheduled for written decisions; July meeting tentatively cancelled. - Next Meeting: June 9, 2026.

The Town Council met on May 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time) in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, announcements, a public hearing on a drainage easement closure, and the presentation of the FY 2026-27 Manager's Recommended Budget. The order of discussion items was flipped from the printed agenda: the public hearing (Item 7) was heard first, followed by the budget presentation (Item 6). The meeting concluded with a closed session and adjournment at 8:35 PM. Proclamations & Announcements - Proclamation: National Police Week – Council proclaimed May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Council Member Nollert presented the proclamation to the Guardians of the Hill, expressing appreciation for officers and their families. - AAPI Month Proclamation – Deferred to a later meeting. - Municipal Clerk's Week – Mayor Anderson recognized May 3–9, 2026, as Professional Municipal Clerk's Week, thanking the Clerk's Office for ensuring government transparency and continuity. - Announcements – Mayor Anderson highlighted Small Business Week, Bike Month activities (bike-themed movie night May 8, Bike to Work Week May 11–17, Roll Fest May 16), and upcoming budget meetings (May 13 work session, May 20 public hearing). Council Member Rivers delivered prepared remarks expressing concern about proposed Charter amendments (council size and mayor's term), emphasizing rising costs, the need for responsive government, and the importance of community engagement in addressing fiscal challenges. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (motion by Mayor pro tem Berry, seconded by Council Member Sharp): - Resolution R-1 approving the Interim Town Attorney employment contract for James Baker. - Meeting minutes for April 8, 15, and 16, 2026. - 2013 work session minutes (March 6, September 11, October 23). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Drainage Easement Closure at 1301 Fordham Blvd (Item 7) Engineer III Robert Gehris presented the request to close a public drainage easement (approx. 95 ft by 14 ft) at 1301 Fordham Blvd, now the site of the Atlas Blue Hill apartments. The easement, acquired in 2015, once contained a pipe that drained Ephesus Church Road into a ditch along Fordham Blvd. The pipe was removed during redevelopment (approved in 2021), and the area is now occupied by the building. Staff recommended closing the easement after determining no remaining public need; NCDOT and OWASA had no interest. Council members asked about past flooding at the intersection (notably during a severe storm in 2025) and current stormwater management. Mr. Gehris explained that drainage is now handled via the NCDOT roadside ditch and that the easement vacation was part of the 2021 development approvals. The Council unanimously: - Opened the public hearing (motion by Council Member Ryan, seconded by Council Member Nollert). - Closed the public hearing (motion by Council Member Miller-Foushee, seconded by Council Member McCullough). - Adopted Resolution R-2 approving the closure (motion by Council Member Ryan, seconded by Mayor pro tem Berry). Presentation of the FY 2026-27 Manager’s Recommended Budget (Item 6) Town Manager Ted Voorhees presented the recommended budget via a pre-recorded video. Key points: - No tax increase – Property tax rate held at $0.50 per $100 valuation. - Total budget: $169.7 million (3.4% increase over FY2025-26). General fund: $100 million; enterprise funds, debt fund, CIP, and other funds: $69.7 million. - Revenue: Property tax revenue expected to increase 6.9% (+$3.5 million for general fund, +$1 million for debt service/transit) due to fewer appeals. Sales tax collections currently 5% above projections, with an anticipated 3% increase next year. - Strategic investments aligned with Council priorities: complete community (LUMO rewrite, greenway feasibility study, economic development along BRT route), environmental resiliency (climate action plan update, fleet electrification, stormwater master plan), housing (nearly $0.03 of tax rate dedicated to affordable housing), and organizational/fiscal sustainability. - Employee compensation: 4% market pay increase, mandatory state retirement increases, 10% medical insurance cost increase. Three new positions: fleet technician, library experiences assistant, destination coordinator. - Inflationary pressures: Examples cited: basketball cost rose from $59 to $99 since 2022; CO2 for pools doubled; road salt up 38% in four years; hardware costs up 32% with potential doubling by fall. An additional $544,000 allocated to cover rising operational costs. - Capital and sustainability: $250,000 additional for facility needs (HVAC, roofs, repairs); $250,000 more for street resurfacing (2–3 additional streets); six additional vehicle replacements beyond the 17 already planned; fire capital funding doubled from $500,000 to $1 million. - Enterprise funds: Transit fund decreases slightly; parking fund decreases 1% (balanced by debt service transfer); public housing increases 4%; stormwater fund increases 23% (including a fee adjustment for system mapping and critical infrastructure). Council members discussed the importance of public engagement, especially given the prior year's tax increase and ongoing county/school budget concerns. Specific ideas included: informal community conversations at libraries, adding to existing events (e.g., Chinese school), coffees with council, and a town talk letter. Manager Voorhees confirmed an engagement plan is already underway and would incorporate suggestions. Council members also requested accurate information about county funding for the library. The budget process will continue with a work session on May 13 and a public hearing on May 20. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. - Drainage Easement Closure – Resolution R-2 adopted unanimously after public hearing. - Budget Presentation – Received; the budget process moves to work sessions and public hearings. No vote taken. - Closed Session – Council entered closed session at 7:01 PM under NCGS §143-318.11(a)(6) (legal matters) and adjourned at 8:35 PM. Vote Tallies - All votes during the meeting were unanimous (9-0).