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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - November 12, 2025

Meeting Portal — Wednesday, November 12, 2025

BodyChapel Hill, North Carolina

SessionMeeting Portal

DateWednesday, November 12, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:19:26

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

1:21

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the November twelfth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council.

1:29

As a heads up to the clerk, uh, Mayor Pro Tem, Amy Ryan, and Councilmember Adam Searing are unable to attend this evening.

1:38

Um, we have seven items on our agenda for discussion.

1:42

We will begin by considering options for an open council seat.

1:46

Um, our second and third items are topics that were pulled from the previous consent agenda to allow for clarification and further discussion.

1:54

Um, one is regarding changes to the council procedure manual, and the other concerns funding for a stream restoration project in the Glen Lennox neighborhood.

2:04

In order, the remaining topics include opening a public hearing on federal CDBG funding, um, an application for modification of an existing approval at one forty-six Stancil Drive, um a special use permit application for seven twenty seventeen twenty-one East Franklin, and a concept plan review for the UNC faculty club.

2:25

Uh, council will also be making appointments to the community design commission tonight, and I will read those names at the end of the meeting.

2:32

So, council, we have a lot of work before us tonight, and I urge all of us to be succinct with our comments.

2:38

Um to get things started.

2:41

Uh, we'll be recognizing Chapel Hill's twenty twenty-five Cal Horton Award recipient.

2:48

Uh, for our audience, the W.

2:50

Calvin Horton Service Award is Chapel Hill's highest employee honor, recognizing town staff with at least ten years of service who exemplify responsibility, equity, and teamwork.

3:03

Recipients are nominated by their peers.

3:06

This year's Cal Horton Award recipient is Dale May from the town's public works department.

3:13

Dale, would you please join me up front?

3:38

Today, we proudly recognize Dale May as the recipient of the Cal Horton Service Award.

3:45

With twenty four years of dedicated service, Dale has been a cornerstone of our traffic division.

3:52

He is known for his unwavering reliability, deep institutional knowledge, and exceptional work ethic.

4:01

Dale takes great pride in supporting community events from hanging banners for special occasions to stepping in to help with access issues.

4:22

Always willing to share his knowledge and collaborate across departments.

5:08

Thank you.

5:26

Okay.

5:27

That brings us to announcements.

5:29

I have a couple of quick things to share.

5:32

First, congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected council members, Louie Rivers, Wes McMahon, Camille Barry, and Paris Miller Fushi.

5:41

On December 3rd, they will be sworn into office.

5:44

Second, we want to say thank you to the Chapel Hill community for stepping up to help your neighbors impacted by suspension of SNAP benefits and other hurdles.

5:55

As always happens in difficult times, members of our community have been pitching in a lot.

6:02

As we all know, SNAP benefits are just one piece of the puzzle for folks who are struggling in our community.

6:08

So even if those are restored, we will continue to need to keep up the good work.

6:14

Third, we incorporate encourage people to mark their calendars for the parks and recreation listening session on November 20th at the Seymour Center from 6 15 to 7 30.

6:25

This is a chance to share your thoughts on town parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces as we create a parks master plan for the future.

6:34

Last but certainly not least, council meets again on November 19th, and the holiday parade is set for Saturday, December 6th.

6:43

Council members, does anyone else have something to share?

6:46

Councilmember Miller Fushi.

6:49

Good evening, everyone.

6:50

I just wanted to let everyone know that the town of Chapel Hill and alongside Northside Elementary School, we will be having a safe route to school, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day this coming Friday.

7:04

It will start at 7 a.m.

7:06

And we will walk from Hargrave Center to Northside Elementary.

7:12

So please join us on Friday morning at 7 a.m.

7:15

And don't forget to wear purple.

7:17

Thank you.

7:19

Thank you.

7:22

All right.

7:22

Next up, we invite members of the public to comment on items not on the printed agenda.

7:28

For members of the public wishing to speak, please sign up with the town clerk in the front of chambers.

7:36

And if you are here to speak on a specific item, there will be a presentation on the item, followed by council clarifying questions and then public comment.

7:45

To help keep things running smoothly, Councilmember Barry will call two names at a time.

7:50

The first person should come to the podium.

7:52

The second person is on deck right in the front.

7:56

And if you're seated in the middle of a row or near the back of the chambers, please come on up.

8:00

Finally, public input is really important to us.

8:03

So I want to remind our audience that we want everyone to be heard and feel comfortable when they're at the podium, so please refrain from commenting or clapping.

8:13

Colleagues, Mr.

8:14

Nishimoto has brought a group of students to speak.

8:17

Typically, we try to limit the number of speakers on one topic during public comment to three.

8:23

However, at his request, there will be six speakers each speaking for two minutes.

8:29

So with that.

8:32

First, we have Tim Cruthers and then Emily Bergwanath.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Land Use Management█████████████████17%

Affordable Housing█████████████████17%

Environmental Protection█████████████13%

Infrastructure Management███████████11%

Water And Wastewater Management██████████10%

Procedural███████7%

Zoning Regulations██████6%

Public Engagement█████5%

Technology and Innovation█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Chapel Hill Town Council met on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. Mayor Jessica Anderson presided. Six council members were present (Berry, Miller-Foushee, Nollert, McCullough, Sharp, and Anderson), with Mayor pro tem Ryan and Council Member Searing absent. The meeting included public comments, consent agenda approval, discussion of several items, and appointments.

Consent Calendar

Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items without discussion:
1. Human Services Funding Reallocation
2. FY2026 Percent for Art Projects and Repairs ($62,000 for on-site projects, $19,000 for Bolin Creek Greenway repairs)
3. Franchise Agreement with PSNC Energy for natural gas utility services
4. Continuation of legislative hearing for 860 Weaver Dairy Road to January 28, 2026
5. Amendment to 2025 Fall Council Meeting Calendar (added special meetings on Nov 1, 7, 21, and Dec 10)
6. 2026 Council Meeting Schedule
7. Approval of October 8 and 22, 2025 Business Meeting Minutes

Public Comments & Testimony

Tim Crothers and Emily Baragwanath (via her daughter) raised concerns about a proposed supermarket in the Glen Lennox development, arguing that Grubb Properties violated the spirit of the original development agreement. They urged the Council to stop the project, citing environmental impacts and broken promises regarding affordable housing. The matter was received and filed.
Craig Nishimoto and six members of the Tiger Roots Green Collective (Marcus Neulander, Max Chen, Ellis Cundiff, Thomas Bart, Theodore Hess, Walter Nugent) presented evidence of tree protection ordinance violations at the Hillmont development (146 Stancell Drive). They documented silt fencing trenched through the root zones of rare and specimen trees, causing damage and tree falls. Town Manager Voorhees acknowledged the damage but stated that no technical violations had occurred under current permitting; he outlined potential procedural and policy improvements. The matter was received and filed.

Discussion Items

Town Council Vacancy Application Review (Item 8): Mayor Anderson reviewed the vacancy process following Council Member Stegman's resignation. Ten applications were received, but no nominations were made. The item was continued to the November 19, 2025 meeting.
Council Procedures Manual Amendment (Item 9): Mayor Anderson shared comments from Mayor pro tem Ryan, who pulled the item to ensure transparency. Town Manager Voorhees agreed to implement a publicly accessible tracking system and post updated procedures online. The Council adopted Resolution R-4 unanimously (6-0).
Glen Lennox Neighborhood Stream Restoration Project Funding (Item 10): Engineer Robert Gehris presented a proposal to apply for a state Water Resources Development Grant to restore approximately 500 feet of concrete-lined channel in Glen Lennox. The project is not mandated by the development agreement. Council members expressed enthusiasm and called for a town-wide stream restoration program, citing Carrboro's cost-share model. The Council adopted Resolution R-5 unanimously (6-0).
Public Hearing: Housing and Community Development Needs Assessment for CDBG (Item 11): Funding Programs Coordinator Melissa Peters presented the first of two required hearings for the FY2026-2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan. The town expects approximately $424,000 in federal funds. Public input will inform priorities for social services, affordable housing, and community development. No action was taken; the hearing was received and filed.
Modification to Conditional Zoning for 146 Stancell Drive (Hillmont) (Item 12): Applicant Adam Golden (Northwood Raven) requested a modification to reduce the number of affordable housing units from 43 to 20, accompanied by a $1.15 million voluntary contribution to the town's Affordable Housing Fund. The contribution would be made within 30 days of final approval. Staff noted that the $1.15 million could fund approximately 48 units via a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project. Council members discussed trade-offs, with some preferring to preserve on-site units. The hearing was continued to November 19, 2025 by unanimous vote (6-0).
Special Use Permit Modification for 1721 E. Franklin Street (Item 13): Attorney Tom Johnson, representing Network Towers, presented a request for a 195-foot (199-foot with lightning rod) non-concealed telecommunications monopole tower. The applicant sought modifications to reduce tree canopy from 30% to 25%, substitute a 7-foot fence for a 10-foot planted buffer, allow off-site parking, and exceed the standard 120-foot height limit. Appraiser Michael Berkowitz testified that the tower would maintain or enhance property values. The Council approved Resolution R-6 unanimously (6-0), accepting the modifications.
Concept Plan Review: UNC Faculty Club at 1 Alice Ingram Drive (Item 14): Travis Blake presented a concept plan for future improvements, including a new gymnasium/activity center, parking reconfiguration, and increased impervious surface allowance. The facility's membership is capped at 1,100 families. Council members provided feedback on environmental sustainability, solar energy, stormwater compliance, and bike/pedestrian access. The Council adopted Resolution R-7 unanimously (6-0) to transmit comments.

Appointments

Community Design Commission: The Council appointed Kimberly Andrews, John Biggs, and Rachel Oommen to fill three vacant seats.

Key Outcomes

All votes on consent, discussion items, and resolutions were unanimous (6-0 or 7-0).
The Council authorized the town to apply for a Water Resources Development Grant for the Glen Lennox stream restoration.
The Council approved updates to the Council Procedures Manual, removing outdated petition language and evaluation procedures for Town Manager and Town Attorney.
The Council continued the Hillmont affordable housing modification hearing to November 19, 2025, with discussion on potential adjustments to the number of units and contribution amount.
The Council approved a special use permit modification for a 195-foot telecommunications tower at 1721 E. Franklin Street, with four modifications to LUMO standards.
The Council transmitted comments on the UNC Faculty Club concept plan, emphasizing environmental sustainability and stormwater management.
The meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the November twelfth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. As a heads up to the clerk, uh, Mayor Pro Tem, Amy Ryan, and Councilmember Adam Searing are unable to attend this evening. Um, we have seven items on our agenda for discussion. We will begin by considering options for an open council seat. Um, our second and third items are topics that were pulled from the previous consent agenda to allow for clarification and further discussion. Um, one is regarding changes to the council procedure manual, and the other concerns funding for a stream restoration project in the Glen Lennox neighborhood. In order, the remaining topics include opening a public hearing on federal CDBG funding, um, an application for modification of an existing approval at one forty-six Stancil Drive, um a special use permit application for seven twenty seventeen twenty-one East Franklin, and a concept plan review for the UNC faculty club. Uh, council will also be making appointments to the community design commission tonight, and I will read those names at the end of the meeting. So, council, we have a lot of work before us tonight, and I urge all of us to be succinct with our comments. Um to get things started. Uh, we'll be recognizing Chapel Hill's twenty twenty-five Cal Horton Award recipient. Uh, for our audience, the W. Calvin Horton Service Award is Chapel Hill's highest employee honor, recognizing town staff with at least ten years of service who exemplify responsibility, equity, and teamwork. Recipients are nominated by their peers. This year's Cal Horton Award recipient is Dale May from the town's public works department. Dale, would you please join me up front? Today, we proudly recognize Dale May as the recipient of the Cal Horton Service Award. With twenty four years of dedicated service, Dale has been a cornerstone of our traffic division. He is known for his unwavering reliability, deep institutional knowledge, and exceptional work ethic. Dale takes great pride in supporting community events from hanging banners for special occasions to stepping in to help with access issues. Always willing to share his knowledge and collaborate across departments. Thank you. Okay. That brings us to announcements. I have a couple of quick things to share. First, congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected council members, Louie Rivers, Wes McMahon, Camille Barry, and Paris Miller Fushi. On December 3rd, they will be sworn into office. Second, we want to say thank you to the Chapel Hill community for stepping up to help your neighbors impacted by suspension of SNAP benefits and other hurdles. As always happens in difficult times, members of our community have been pitching in a lot. As we all know, SNAP benefits are just one piece of the puzzle for folks who are struggling in our community. So even if those are restored, we will continue to need to keep up the good work. Third, we incorporate encourage people to mark their calendars for the parks and recreation listening session on November 20th at the Seymour Center from 6 15 to 7 30. This is a chance to share your thoughts on town parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces as we create a parks master plan for the future. Last but certainly not least, council meets again on November 19th, and the holiday parade is set for Saturday, December 6th. Council members, does anyone else have something to share? Councilmember Miller Fushi. Good evening, everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that the town of Chapel Hill and alongside Northside Elementary School, we will be having a safe route to school, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day this coming Friday. It will start at 7 a.m. And we will walk from Hargrave Center to Northside Elementary. So please join us on Friday morning at 7 a.m. And don't forget to wear purple. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next up, we invite members of the public to comment on items not on the printed agenda. For members of the public wishing to speak, please sign up with the town clerk in the front of chambers. And if you are here to speak on a specific item, there will be a presentation on the item, followed by council clarifying questions and then public comment. To help keep things running smoothly, Councilmember Barry will call two names at a time. The first person should come to the podium.

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