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.
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).
Town Manager Ted Voorhees presented the recommended budget via a pre-recorded video. Key points:
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.
Thank you. I'm just going out. I'm going at that tourist. We're live. Guys. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the May 6th meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. We are pleased to have you join us. This evening we have two items on our agenda for discussion or action. And I will note for everyone that in a response to a suggestion from staff, we have flipped the two items. As a result, um, our first item will be a public hearing regarding a drainage easement closure at 1301 Fordham Boulevard, which is expected to be relatively short. And our second item is the presentation of the FY twenty twenty-six twenty-seven managers recommended budget. Um to get us started, we have um proclamations. So council members will be bringing the AAPI proclamation to our next meeting. Um this evening, we're pleased to announce National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. Um, for that announcement, we invite our guardians of the hill to join catch up Councilmember Nollert up front. That means all y'all back there. All y'all. Um thanks for being here tonight, everybody. Appreciate it. If y'all want to call come all behind here, and then you'll be on TV. Good evening, everyone. Tonight we recognize National Police Week observed May 10th through 16th, and honor the dedication of the Chapel Hill Police Department. We also pause to remember the officers nationwide who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and express our gratitude to the families who support those who serve. Our officers and professional staff serve with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of everyone in our community. So tonight, in making this proclamation, we invite everyone to join us in honoring and supporting our law enforcement personnel for their continued service to Chapel Hill. Thank you very much. Council members, if we can take a group picture. Before we move on, we also want to share that May 3rd to 9th is professional municipal clerks week and invite town clerk Brittany Hunt and members of her team up for a round of applause and thanks. Come on. That's all we do. I'll get you with the flags. That's a good look. All right. Great. Thank you. Oh, I know. Um clerks, uh, their work keeps our local government transparent, accessible, and accountable, um, ensuring public records are maintained, meetings are run smoothly, and residents stay informed and engaged. Um, as one of the oldest public positions, the office of the municipal clerk is foundational to the continuity of local government, providing the structure and institutional knowledge that helps our community function effectively day in and day out. So thank you both very much. And please say thank you to the rest of the team. Um we are postponing Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but I believe it's coming to our next meeting, and we are excited to do that. Um next, we have announcements. Um, tonight I have just a couple of quick reminders for everyone. Um, first, it's small business week in here in Chapel Hill. Um, our small businesses are really important to our town. Uh, they create jobs, they strengthen our community, and they help Chapel Hill feel and be special. Um, to help them thrive, we encourage everyone as you plan weekend activities, getting out and about to show some love to your favorite local businesses or to try out a new one. Um, also, May is bike month in Chapel Hill, and there are many, many fun activities coming up. Um, this Friday, May 8th, we'll be hosting a bike-themed movie and campfire treats at the community center.