The Chapel Hill Town Council held a regular meeting on January 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with a proclamation declaring January 2026 as Mentor Month in Chapel Hill, recognizing local mentoring programs. Mayor Jessica Anderson made announcements regarding winter weather preparedness, the People's Academy (March 3, 2026), the appointment of new Town Attorney Nick Yates, and an International Holocaust Remembrance Day program on January 27, 2026. The Council approved a consent agenda that included several routine items plus three additions: the Town Attorney's employment contract, a postponement of the 860 Weaver Dairy Road hearing, and the purchase of six Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for MLK Jr. Blvd and Estes Drive. Two public comments were heard regarding the Glen Lennox development. The Council then held a public hearing and approved amendments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program plans, and after discussion, approved an omnibus text amendment to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) with amendments. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
The consent agenda was approved by a unanimous vote on a motion by Council Member Ryan, seconded by Mayor pro tem Berry.
Good evening, everyone. Welcome. Welcome. My assistant is here. Welcome to the January 21st meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. This is Council's first regular meeting of this session, and we are glad to have you join us. I am still confused that everyone is in different seats, but I will figure it out. This evening we have two items on our agenda for discussion or action. Up first, we will hold a public hearing regarding the 2025-26 community block grant funding program. And second, we'll consider action on amendments to the town's land use management ordinance. Along the way tonight, there are a couple of changes to our work that I want to note at the outset. Earlier this week, we received a request from the developer to postpone next week's hearing on the proposed project at 860 Weaver Dairy Road. With that postponement, only one discussion item would have remained on next week's agenda to make the best use of everyone's time and resources. Scheduled for January 28th. And there are a number of moving pieces. So we will have to vote on consent as amended. Others will be moved back to February. And number four, we will also vote on consent to postpone the 860 Weaver Dairy item to the February 25th regular meeting. And for anyone who may arrive or tune in later. Council members, are there any questions on that? Okay. So to get us started this evening, we have a proclamation to announce for National Mentoring Month. From our audience tonight, I'd like to invite Lori Clark. Did I see Lori? Oh, there you are. I'm glad you're here. Good evening, everyone. So tonight it gives us pleasure to recognize National Mentoring Month and to promote the powerful role mentoring plays in strengthening individuals and communities of all ages. Quality mentoring encourages healthy connections, as you can see, emotional well-being, and personal and professional growth. Studies show that young people with mentors are more likely to succeed in school, avoid risky behaviors, and pursue college or career goals. Here in Chapel Hill programs, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Triangle, the Blue Ribbon Mentor Advocate Program, and Volunteers for Youth help build meaningful relationships that open doors, build confidence, and provide lasting support for youth and adults alike. We are grateful to the leadership of these programs and to the volunteer mentors who show up consistently and make a real difference in the lives of others. In recognition of their impact, the Chapel Hill Town Council proclaims January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and invites caring adults to get involved. And may I see by a show of hands who is or has been a mentor in this room? Awesome. Awesome. Thank you for what you do. And those of you who haven't had that wonderful experience, go ahead and raise your hand to one of these groups or someone that you know, or in your own workplace. Thank you so much. Thank you. Don't escape yet. There's a picture. Council, would you like to get up there for the picture? Okay. Councilmember Rivers said yes, so let's go. So I'm gonna have you all step up. Well, can you say oh, there you go. There we go. Looking good. All right.