Town of Holly Springs

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

 

MINUTES

 

The Holly Springs Town Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 in the Council Chambers of Holly Springs Town Hall, 128 S. Main Street.  Mayor Dick Sears presided, calling the meeting to order at 7 p.m.  A quorum was established as the mayor and three board members were present as the meeting opened. 

 

Board Members Present:  Commissioners Parrish Womble, Chet VanFossen and Peter Atwell and Mayor Sears.

 

Board Members Absent: Commissioners Mike Taylor and Hank Dickson.  Commissioner Dickson arrived at 7:40 p.m.

 

Staff Members Present: Carl Dean, town manager; John Schifano, town attorney; Joni Powell, town clerk (recording the minutes); Tamara Ward, public information officer; Larry Boykin, assistant finance director; David Smith, parks and recreation department athletic director; Scott Barnard, Bass Lake Park manager; Gina Bobber, director of planning and zoning; Alysia Bailey, senior planner; Kendra Thompson, town engineer; and Stephanie Sudano, director of engineering.

 

2 and 3.  The pledge of allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Otis Byrd, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Holly Springs.

 

At this time, Mayor Sears called for a change in the agenda so that a six-minute promotional video of the Town of Holly Springs could be played for the audience.  The video, produced by Pat Summerall Productions, lauds the town’s efforts at attracting industry and businesses while maintaining a small-town family-friendly community.

 

4.  Agenda Adjustment:   The May 18, 2004 meeting agenda was adopted with changes, if any, as listed below.                          

Motion By: VanFossen

Second By: Atwell

Vote: Unanimous.

Items Added to the Agenda: Consideration of entering into a contract with Tetra Tech Inc. for a water quality modeling analysis of Utley Creek in an amount not to exceed $25,000 was added under New Business as Item 10f.; consideration of Resolution 04-26 authorizing condemnation to acquire certain property owned by Franklin D. and Eleanor B. Hart in connection with the Holly Springs Road fire station project was added under New Business as Item 10g.; consideration of Resolution 04-27 authorizing condemnation to acquire certain property owned by Tri-South Development Inc. in connection with the Holly Springs Road and Sunset Lake Road intersection project was added under New Business as Item 10h.


(The original motion included Items No. 10f. and 10 g.  Commissioner VanFossen amended his motion to include also Item 10h.  Commissioner Atwell seconded the amended motion.)

Consent Agenda Items Removed: None.

Other Changes: None.

 

5.  Holly Springs Sting Soccer Team - Athletic Director David Smith presented certificates of achievement to the Holly Springs Sting, U12 boys soccer team.  The team went 5‑0‑2 this spring to have the best record in the Carolina Recreation Alliance.  Mr. Smith noted that the Carolina Recreation Alliance involves teams from Sanford, Clayton, East Wake, Fuquay and Holly Springs.  He said the Holly Springs Stings’ coach is Shawn Enright along with assistant coaches Tim Becker and Anthony DiBona.  The players are Dylan Enright, Nicky DiBona, Eric Becker, Nick Binz, Nick Guarino, William Oakley, Lee Chapman, Pierce Conway, Dominique Sharpe, Jordan Sharpe, Seth Braun, Nick Schilling, Collin Fieghery, Robert Holden and Brandon Nolan. 

            Action: None.

 

6a.  Veteran Freedom Park, Resolution 04-25 -- Roger Hamry, representative of the Veterans Freedom Park Foundation, addressed the board with a presentation about the Veterans Freedom Park, which will be located on an 11‑acre parcel of land one mile south of I‑40 at the intersection of North Harrison Avenue and Cary Parkway.  He said the park will be dedicated to honor those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.  He said the Veterans Freedom Park Foundation has received over $2.2 million in in‑kind contributions and has been authorized to receive $200,000 in public funding since its inception in October 22, 2003.

Mr. Hamry asked the Board to consider endorsing the Veteran Freedom Park by adopting Resolution 04-25, a resolution lending moral support to the effort.  He noted that the group would apply later for a grant from the Town in the amount of $6,520 ‑‑ $10 for each of the 652 veterans recorded as living in Holly Springs during the 2000 Census.    

Action: The Board approved a motion to adopt Resolution 04-25 endorsing and supporting the memorial efforts of the Veterans Freedom Park.

Motion By: Womble

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Resolution 04-25 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

 

6b.  Assets Build Character Grant – Applicant Ms. Doares was not present, and the Board decided to table discussion until such time as she is present. 

Action: The Board approved a motion to defer action on this item until June 1, 2004.

Motion By: Womble

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

 


7a.  Public Hearing: Zoning Petition 04-REZ-05 - Ms. Bailey explained that the Town has received a petition for a zoning map change for 7.56 acres located at 4217 Optimist Farm Road from R:30: Residential district to PUD: Sunset Oaks Planned United Development.  She said the proposed rezoning is surrounded on the north, south, and west sides by land that is currently designated as a part of the Sunset Oaks PUD, which makes the request compatible with the surrounding zoning.

She noted that the staff and planning board had reviewed the application and recommend approval.

With that explanation completed, Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept input.  The following comments were recorded: None.

There being no comments, the public hearing was closed.

Action: The Board approved a motion to approve Zoning Petition #04‑REZ‑05 to rezone 7.56 acres located at 4217 Optimist Farm Road from R‑30: Residential to PUD: Sunset Oaks PUD as submitted by Tony M. Tate, Landscape Architecture, PA.

Motion By: Atwell       

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous

 

7b.  Public Hearing: Annexation Petition A04-06 - Ms. Bailey explained that the Town has received a petition from Lattie F. and Renee Floyd for voluntary annexation of land containing 20.73 acres located along Sunset Lake Road and referenced as Newbury subdivision.  Ms. Bailey said that the petition meets all the statutory requirements for annexation.

With that explanation completed, Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept input.  The following comments were recorded: None.

There being no comments, the public hearing was closed.

Action: The Board approved a motion to adopt Annexation Ordinance A04-06 to annex  20.73 acres owned by Lattie F. and Renee Floyd located along Sunset Lake Road, and more particularly described as Wake Count Pin: 0750-04-61-2716.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Ordinance A04-06 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

8.  Consent Agenda:  All items on the Consent Agenda were approved following a motion by Commissioner Atwell, a second by Commissioner Womble and a unanimous vote.  The following actions were affected:

8a.  Ordinance 04-06 - Ordinance 04‑06, amending the Town's Charter to adopt the town council membership structure style for the governing body, was adopted.   A copy of Ordinance 04-06 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

8b.  Budget Amendments, $20,000 - Amendments to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Fund in the amount of $20,000 were adopted to cover legal fees associated with the Joel Williams settlement.   A copy of the budget amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

8c. Budget Amendment, $40,000 - The Board adopted an amendment to the FY 2003-04 budget in the amount of $40,000 to cover the Joel Williams settlement.   A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

8d.  Minutes - Minutes of the Board’s regular meetings held on April 20 and May 4, 2004, were approved.

 


9.  Sunset Oaks PUD Amendment, 02-PUD-02-A02 - Ms. Bailey said the town has received a request to amend the Sunset Oaks Planned Unit Development (PUD) to add approximately 7.5 acres of land to the existing approved 328‑acre development.  She said the maximum number of allowable units is being modified from 1163 to 1194; however, the number of proposed units would remain 850. The additional land has been designated as Phase 12 and is proposed to be developed under the PUD's regulations, which include a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet, she said.

Ms. Bailey said that a joint public hearing with the Planning Board was held on April 20, and the Planning Board reviewed the proposal at its April 27 meeting.  She said staff’s recommendation is different from the Planning Board; however, both staff and the planning board recommend approval with conditions.

She reported that the Planning Board recommended an additional condition that landscape beds around ground signs shall be arranged so as not to interfere with sign illumination.

At this time (7:40 p.m.), Commissioner Dickson arrived.

Action: The Board approved a motion to approve Planned Unit Development Amendment 02-PUD-02-A02 for Sunset Oaks PUD as submitted by Bryan Properties, Project Number olivesp, dated Revised 04/15/04 with the following three (3) conditions:

1.  All conditions of original Sunset Oaks PUD approval shall still apply to the amended plans.

2.  A UDO Permit for Sign Installation shall be obtained from the Department of Planning & Zoning prior to the installation of any signage, temporary (including temporary signs erected before and during the construction phase) or permanent.

3.  Landscape beds around ground signs shall be arranged so as not to interfere with sign illumination.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

 

10a.  Sunset Oaks Phase 12, 04-MAS-05 - Ms. Bailey said the Town has received a preliminary plan for Sunset Oaks Phase 12 that proposes to develop 18 lots on 7.56 acres.  She said the plan indicates a minimum lot size of 11,577 square feet and complies with the PUD regulations, which stipulate a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet.

Ms. Bailey said that the proposed density is 2.38 units per acre.  In addition, the PUD regulations call for an opaque 25-foot undisturbed thoroughfare buffer provided along Optimist Farm Road and a semi‑opaque 25-foot undisturbed buffer along the perimeter of the property.

From engineering notes, Ms. Bailey said a road widening fee‑in‑lieu would be required for Optimist Farm Road, and the plan provides interconnection at two different phases of the Sunset Oaks development.   She said in phase 1, the site crosses a stream with a 100-year flood elevation and would require a flood study to be submitted to the town.  She said also in phase 1 the existing pond may be filled and would require documentation from the appropriate agencies prior to filling.

From parks and recreation review notes, Ms. Bailey said the plan is proposing a public greenway corridor located along Rocky Branch in previous phases of the Sunset Oaks PUD.

Action: The Board approved a motion to approve Preliminary Plan 04-MAS-05 for Sunset Oaks Phase 12 as submitted by Tony M. Tate Landscape Architecture, dated revised April 5, 2004 with the following one (1) condition:

1.  The following items are to be included on 1st submittal of construction drawings (later in the approval process):


* Documentation of ability to fill pond

* Flood study for stream crossing into phase 1.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous

 

10b.  Credit Card Payments Proposals - Mr. Boykin addressed the board, explaining that, at the request of the Board, Town management, and the residents, staff has reviewed products offered by various financial institutions which would provide the Town with the ability to accept credit cards as a mode of payment.

He said there are two types of prevailing products available:  1) electronic payment providers and 2) merchant accounts.

Mr. Boykin said the electronic payment providers are full electronic payment collection services such as Official Payment Corporation.  He said these entities establish websites where consumers can pay bills by credit card over the phone or via a website for a fee that would be directly charged to the customer’s credit card bill.  He noted that the Town would not process any credit card payments but would only confirm payment received, usually with 48 hours.  For a $60 transaction, a resident would be charged about $5.

Most banking institutions provide merchant accounts, where their clients are provided with the necessary hardware to process transactions on site and via telephone, Mr. Boykin said.  The merchant account also would allow customers to pay the Town via the internet.

The banking institution charges the client (i.e. Town) for each credit card transaction processed.  He said the bank fees charged are used to pay the credit card company (Mastercard, Visa, etc.) and cover the bank's charges and profit.

Mr. Boykin reported that Suntrust and CCB offered identical rates, which also were the lowest.   Based on interviews, he added, staff felt CCB offered the best opportunities, having waived all set up and monthly statement fees. The only fees the Town would incur would be the purchase of the credit card processing equipment and the transaction fees.

Mr. Boykin pointed out there would be a cost to the Town for accepting credit cards.  Neighboring towns report paying credit card fees of $800 to $1,200 monthly.  The fees, Mr. Boykin said, would be impacted by (1) how many residents pay by credit card, (2) credit card rate increases, and (3) fees/bills which the Town permits customers to pay by credit card.

He said that the town initially plans to accept credit card payments on site and via the telephone and eventually to accept credit card payments via the internet.   He said the benefits for accepting credit cards would include the town’s receiving fewer delinquent water bill payments, and also the risk of nonpayment would shift from the Town to the credit card company, and staff expects the dollar volume of bad checks to decrease as well. 

He said that this service would improve cash collections and interest income, and residents will be pleased that the Town will have a credit card payment option available for certain types of payments.

Mr. Boykin said he recommends the town provide a credit card payment option as a means of payment for its high-volume low-dollar fees and charges, contracting with CCB.

Commissioners suggested that the town offer customers the opportunity to offer blanket authorizations for regular monthly payments.

Action: The Board approved a motion to authorize the Town Manager and finance department staff to proceed with an agreement with CCB for credit card payment services.

Motion By: Atwell


Second By: Dickson

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of the proposal tabulation sheet is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

 

10c.  Parks and Recreation Policy, Procedures, and Fees Manual Amendment - Bass Lake Park Manager Mr. Barnard addressed the Board, recommending revisions of the Holly Springs Parks and Recreation Policy, Procedures and Fees manual to include Bass Lake Visitor Center regulations and policies.  Mr. Barnard reviewed the regulations of the park, the operational hours, fishing requirements, the prohibited activities, smoking areas, pet lease law requirements and personal watercraft regulations.  He explained to the Board the boat and facility rental requirements and fee schedules and the capacity of the conference room and the deck areas.   In addition, available for citizens are equipment rentals and meeting room set-up and break-down services.

The consensus of the Board was that the Town should not institute a town fishing license program and that this reference should be removed from the manual.  Commissioners felt it was not right to charge residents for fishing in the town park.

Commissioner Atwell suggested an ordinance change to allow alcohol on park property, particularly for wedding receptions, etc.  If this ordinance change is made, then fees and rules would be added to the policy manual to address alcohol use.

Action: The Board approved a motion to approve amendments to the Holly Springs Parks and Recreation Policy, Procedures, and Fees Manual to include the regulations of the Bass Lake Visitors Center as presented. 

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Dickson

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of the Parks and Recreation Policy, Procedures, and Fees Manual amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

10d.  Joint Planning Board Meeting - Ms. Bobber said the planning board has requested the Town Board set a time and date for a special meeting in joint session with the planning board.  She said the purpose of the meeting would be to discuss planning goals, objectives and preferences from the perspective of the Town Board. We are not sure what will be accomplished but we just like to meet.  Proposed date Wednesday, June 16, 2004 or June 23, 2004 at 6:00 PM.

 

10e.  2004 Sidewalk Capital Improvement Plan - Ms. Stephenson said that, following the winter Town Board retreat, staff compiled a 2004 Sidewalk Capital Improvement Plan which includes a map of the project limits, a brief description of each segment, and a preliminary cost estimate for construction. She said staff recommends the Town Board discuss the different projects and come up with a prioritization of the list.

There was discussion about the ranking of the projects.

Action: By consensus and compromise, board members agreed on the following 1-13 ranking of the proposed sidewalk projects for the 2004 Sidewalk Capital Improvement Plan, with 1 as the highest priority:  See following page of minutes for table.

 

 

 

 

2004 Sidewalk Capital Improvement Project Priority List

 

Rank

Project Name

Map Ref.

Improvements

Project Length

Estimated Cost*

Description of Work

1

Holly Springs Road 4

6

Main Street to west of Cayman Ave.

600’

$240,000

Construct sidewalk, road widening and curb and gutter on one side.  ROW acquisition will be necessary.  Project will complete the link of existing sidewalk.

2

Holly Springs Road 1

3

Bass Lake Road to Grassy Meadow Road

800’

$336,000

Construct sidewalk, road widening and curb and gutter.  ROW acquisition necessary.  Project will complete the link of existing sidewalk

3

Avent Ferry Road

1

Ballentine to Town Hall

200’

$52,000

Street widening, sidewalk and on-street angled parking.  ROW in place.

4

Bass Lake Road 1b

2

Earp Street to Bass Lake Park

7,200’

$900,000

Secure sidewalk easement to place alternate material sidewalk or greenway behind ditch along roadway

5

Town Hall/Womble Park

10

Main Street to Stinson

1,700’

$178,500

Construct sidewalk along non-curb and guttered roadway and acquisition of sidewalk easement

6

Ballentine Street

11

Bottle Neck Trail to Bypass

1,700’

$85,000

Construct sidewalk along existing shoulder.  Sidewalk easement is not required.

7

Main Street 1

7

Wendy’s to Oak Hall

1,000’

$420,000

Construct sidewalk, road widening and curb and gutter on one side.  ROW acquisition will be necessary.

8

Main Street 2

8

Ballentine to Maple

2,300’

$575,000

Construct sidewalk, road widening and curb and gutter on one side.  ROW acquisition will be necessary.

9

Stinson Ave.

9

Noonday Court to Lacombe Court

640’

$57,000

Construct sidewalk and acquisition of sidewalk easement.  This project will complete the link of existing sidewalk.

10

Holly Springs Road 2

4

Linksland Drive to Sunset Lake Road

4,700’

$752,000

Construct sidewalk or greenway along this non-curb and guttered roadway.  Since this section of road will have to be significantly realigned, the best option for pedestrian access at this time is a greenway constructed off the existing ROW on a sidewalk easement.

11

Holly Springs Road 3

5

Main Street to Bypass

3,800’

$608,000

Construct sidewalk or greenway along this non-curb and guttered roadway.  The most cost-effective option for this section is a greenway of alternate materials behind existing ditch in a sidewalk easement.  Considerable clearing and grading may be necessary.

12

Cayman Ave.

13

Guadalupe to Sonic

470’

$119,350

Construct sidewalk and pedestrian bridge crossing a very large culvert.  Acquisition of sidewalk easement necessary.

13

Sunset Lake Road

12

Stephenson Road south to Brackenridge Pointe

12,500’

$2,000,000

Construct sidewalk or greenway along this non-curb and guttered roadway.  The most cost-effective option for this section is a greenway of alternate materials behind existing ditch in a sidewalk easement.  Considerable clearing and grading may be necessary.

* = Cost estimates do not include utility relocations

 

10f.  Tetra Tech contract -- Mr. Dean explained that staff has been exploring wastewater treatment options.  As part of the option to seek State approval for additional flow into Utley Creek, modeling of the creek needs to be done.  Analysis might prove that Utley Creek can easily handle more flow, which might result in the town’s getting permission for plant expansion.  The need is critical, Mr. Dean said, adding that the regional option is becoming more and more expensive.

Action: The Board approved a motion to enter into a contract with Tetra Tech Inc. at a cost not to exceed $25,000 for a water quality modeling analysis of Utley Creek.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of the Tetra Tech contract is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

10g.  Resolution 04-26 – Mr. Schifano explained that the Town is attempting to obtain access road right of way from property owners Franklin D. and Eleanor B. Hart in connection with the Holly Springs Road fire station project.  He said if negotiations are unsuccessful, he would like authorization to proceed with condemnation, if necessary.

Action: The Board approved a motion adopting Resolution 04-26, a condemnation resolution authorizing the condemnation of certain property owned by Franklin D. and Eleanor B. Hart in connection with the Holly Springs Road fire station project.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Dickson

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Resolution 04-26 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

10h.  Resolution 04-27 – Mr. Schifano explained that the Town is attempting to obtain road right of way from property owner Tri-South Development Inc. in connection with the Holly Springs Road and Sunset Lake Road intersection project.  He said if negotiations are unsuccessful, he would like authorization to proceed with condemnation, if necessary.

Action: The Board approved a motion adopting Resolution 04-27, a condemnation resolution authorizing the condemnation of certain property owned by Tri-South Development Inc.  in connection with the Holly Springs Road and Sunset Lake Road intersection project.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Dickson


Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Resolution 04-27 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

11.  Public Comment: At this time, an opportunity was provided for members of the audience who had registered to speak to address the Board on any variety of topics not listed on the night’s agenda.  The following citizens were heard: None.

 

12.  Other Business: Commissioner Womble noted that lawn maintenance and property upkeep is not adequate at the town cemetery.  Mr. Dean said he would address this with staff as well as having a fence erected at the private gravesite in Womble Park.

Commissioner Womble asked about the schedule for the paving of Estes Lane.  Ms. Thompson noted that the project would be advertised in July with completion before the fall.

Commissioner Womble asked about the paving of streets in the Fair Share area.  Ms. Thompson explained the process for the Town’s assumption of private streets.

 

13.  Manager’s Report – Mr. Dean reminded the Board of Town Hall Day at the North Carolina General Assembly; he also noted that co-workers of a Holly Springs fireman are holding a benefit spaghetti dinner for his family as he undergoes cancer treatment.

 

14.  Closed Session: The Board approved a motion to enter into Closed Session, pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(6), to discuss with the Town Manager a personnel matter.

Motion By: Atwell

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous

 

General Account of Closed Session – May 18, 2004

In Closed Session Mr. Dean explained that the Town’s management team is interviewing each member of the Department of Public Safety to gather information and suggestions about how to improve those operations.

-- End General Account

 

The Board returned to Open Session following a motion by Commissioner Dickson, a second by Commissioner Atwell and a unanimous vote.

 

15.  Adjournment:  There being no further business for the evening, the May 18, 2004, meeting of the Holly Springs Town Board of Commissioners was adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Dickson, a second by Commissioner Womble and a unanimous vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, June 1, 2004.

 

 

 

                                                                 

_________________________________

Joni Powell, CMC

Town Clerk

Addendum pages as referenced in these minutes follow and are a part of the official record.