On April 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Chapel Hill Town Council convened in the Council Chamber. The meeting featured three proclamations, a public hearing on proposed charter amendments, updates on the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and planning for the Southern Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), discussion of a proposed OWASA reimbursement policy, and action to join a national opioid settlement. The council also approved a consent agenda and entered closed session. The meeting adjourned at 10:52 PM.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Council Member Ryan, second by Council Member Miller-Foushee). Items included:
Charter Amendments Public Hearing (Item 7): Eight speakers addressed the council. Key positions:
OWASA Reimbursement Policy (Item 9): Ian Scott (Chamber of Commerce) spoke in support, stating the policy could catalyze development, reduce infrastructure barriers, and advance economic goals. He encouraged council to authorize mayor to transmit comments.
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the April twenty ninth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. We are glad to have you join us. Do you hear a strange noise? I hear a strange noise. It does sound the last time. Everything's fine. It's the it's the Yule log. Oh, we go. No, it's the laptop. You all tried to blame Melissa. Okay. Thank you. Uh, we are glad to have you join us. Um, we this evening we have five items on our agenda for discussion. Um, the first is a public hearing on proposed town charter amendments for council size and the mayor's term. Um that will be followed by an update on the twenty the twenty fifty-five Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Um, our third item is an update regarding planning for the Southern Air Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. Ooh, I didn't get that mouthful out. I really tried. The Southern Extraterritorial Jurisdiction or ETJ. Fourth will be to discuss an Awasa reimbursement policy. And our final item is a discussion about the participation about participation in the national opioid settlement. Um council members immediately following, we will have a closed session. Um, okay. Um joining us for this announcement tonight, we have Nate Holmes from Chapel Hill Transit, um, who is leading the town's transportation demand management program, and also in the audience are members of Shift Chapel Hill Carborough. So would you all please join Councilmember Rivers up front for that announcement? Uh huh. Oh, the mask and the glasses. The worst combination of the people. Guided by our plans for a more connected and accessible community. In celebration of the power enjoy a bike in our community, the town council is proud to proclaim my May twenty twenty twenty-six as bike month in Chapel Hill. And we invite everyone to put on your helmet, please put on your helmet, and join us for bike and roll the school day on May 6th. And bike to work week, May eleventh through May 17th. And we encourage everyone to ride more and drive less this year and to wear a helmet. Okay, let's go. Oh, here. Definitely. Don't be leaving smart. Oh. Hold on one second. Thank you. All right. Next up, our second announcement is for Small Business Week, which will be shared by Councilmember Sharp. For this one, we invite David Putnam from Economic Development, along with representatives of our local business community, Ole Maz Jewelers, Growler Girls, and Launch Inc. If you can join Councilmember Sharp up front. Sure, I have to hear. Here in Chapel Hill, small businesses are a cornerstone of our local economy, creating jobs, driving growth, and enriching the character of our community. Small businesses also serve as gathering places, foster innovation, and help create the unique, welcoming sense of community that defines Chapel Hill. In celebration of their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, we are pleased to proclaim May 3rd through 9th, 2026, the small business week, and to encourage everyone to shop small and support local businesses during that week and year round. Thank you.