Holly Springs Town Council Minutes

 

Regular Meeting

Feb. 21, 2006

 

The Holly Springs Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, in the Council Chambers of Holly Springs Town Hall, 128 S. Main Street.  Mayor Dick Sears presided, calling the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  A quorum was established as the mayor and all five council members were present as the meeting opened.  A quorum of the Planning Board also was established as seven members were in attendance. 

 

Council Members Present:  Councilmen Vinnie DeBenedetto, Parrish Womble, Chet VanFossen, Peter Atwell and Hank Dickson and Mayor Sears.

 

Council Members Absent:  None.

 

Planning Board Members Present:  Matt Johnson, Joe Signoretti, Joe Fanjoy, Tim Sack, Raymond Cordon, Deidre Brice and Glen Myrto.

 

Staff Members Present: Carl Dean, town manager; Charles Simmons, assistant town manager; John Schifano, town attorney; Joni Powell, town clerk (recording the minutes); Gina Bobber, director of planning and zoning; Jeff Jones, planner II; Scott Hammerbacher, planner I; Kendra Stephenson, senior engineer; Stephanie Sudano, director of engineering; Daniel Weeks, project analyst; Cecil Parker, chief of public safety; Mark Andrews, public information officer; Drew Holland, finance director; Elizabeth Goodson, development review engineer; Heather Keefer, environmental inspector; and Len Bradley, director of parks and recreation.

 

2 and 3.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Horace Ferguson of Holly Springs Methodist Church.

 

4.  Agenda Adjustment:  The February 21, 2006 meeting agenda was adopted with changes, if any, as listed below.                                  

            Motion By:  Dickson

            Second By:  Atwell

Vote: Unanimous

            Items Added to the Agenda:  Resolution 06-08 exempting the Comprehensive Plan Update and Parks Master Plan project from the requirements of G.S. 143-64.31 so that the town can ask for pricing from the consultants was added to the Consent Agenda as item 10h; A contract with Progress Energy for the relocation of utility poles related to the Avent Ferry Road widening project was added to New Business as 7e.

            Agenda Items Removed:  None.

            Other Changes:  None.

 

5.  Holly Springs High School Mascot and Colors – Mr. Luther Johnson Jr., principal of Holly Springs High School, introduced the school’s administrative team and announced the chosen school colors and mascot.  Mr. Johnson said that the Holly Springs High School will open in the fall to rising freshmen and sophomores.

            Following introductions of the HSHS administrative team, Mr. Johnson announced the school colors for HSHS.  A citizen and student selection committee considered the following school color choices:  cranberry, Vegas gold (old gold) and white; royal purple, old gold and white, which were the colors of historic Holly Springs School; and holly green, old gold and white.  The following school mascots were considered:  the Eagles, the Hawks and the Tigers.

Mr. Johnson announced that the committee selected for the official school colors royal purple, Vegas gold and white (to the delight of alumni of Holly Springs School).  He announced the school mascot that was chosen:  The Hawks.

Mr. Johnson then presented to Mayor Sears and the citizens of Holly Springs an illustration of the Holly Springs High School logo, featuring a soaring golden hawk.

            Action:  None.

 

6a.  Public Hearing:  Twelve Oaks PUD Amendment 03-PUD-01-A01 – Mr. Jones explained to the Council that developers of the Twelve Oaks Planned Unit Development are proposing three major amendments to the PUD plan, which require a joint public hearing before the Council and Planning Board, then Planning Board review and recommendation and then Council consideration.

            Mr. Jones said the developer is requesting to reduce the required setbacks, add additional permitted uses that were previously subject to special exception permit requirements, and possibly delete open space.

            Mr. Jones said the Twelve Oaks PUD amendment comprises of three major amendments that are deemed significant to require a public hearing.  The First proposal is to decrease the setback for single family residential lots within the PUD.  The prior setbacks for the PUD were set at:

 

Lot Size

Width

Depth

Front Yard

Side Yard

Rear Yard

Corner Yard

4,000 Sq. Ft.

40’

100’

10’ – 20’

10*

20’

15’

7,000 Sq. Ft.

55’

100’

20’

15’**

20’

15’

10,000 Sq. Ft.

80’

100’

25’

20’**

25’

20’

15,000 Sq. Ft.

80’

120’

25’

10’

25’

20’

                                                                                                ** = Aggregate (Minimum 5’)

                                                                                                * = Aggregate (Minimum 0’)

 

The proposed setbacks are: (changes in underlined italics)

 

Lot Size

Width

Depth

Front Yard*

Side Yard

Rear Yard

Corner Yard

4,000 Sq. Ft.

40’

100’

20’

0’ (10’ aggregate)

20’

15’

7,000 Sq. Ft.

55’

100’

20’

3’ (10’ aggregate)

20’

15’

10,000 Sq. Ft.

80’

100’

25’

3’ (10’ aggregate)

25’

20’

15,000 Sq. Ft.

80’

120’

25’

10’

25’

20’

* All lots that incorporate alleys in the rear of the lot may reduce the front setback to 10’

 

            Second, Mr. Jones explained, the proposed amendment modifies certain uses, which previously were special exception uses, to become permitted by right.  Those uses are utility substations and temporary uses.  Again, those uses would be allowed by right if this amendment is approved, Mr. Jones stressed.

            He added that the third change would be the addition of a note that states open space shown as “park area” in the northeast corner may be used as golf course if needed by the developer.  The developer set aside 235 acres, or 30.1%, in the original approved document, in both public and private open space.  The possible reduction of 16.8 acres of open space would leave approximately 218 acres, or 28.3% and well above the 10% of open space required.

 

            A Planned Unit Development District is utilized to create a unified development and set forth a unique set of zoning regulations for the development; therefore, a detailed site plan is not provided, only the dimensional and “zoning” standards for each area, Mr. Jones said.

            A PUD, he added, is required to include:

§         perimeter boundary and topographical survey

§         on-site soils analysis/map

§         slope analysis map

§         existing hydrology map

§         existing vegetation and site features map

§         a master land-use plan;

§         vehicular and pedestrian circulation plan;

§         utilities plan;

§         storm drainage plan;

§         buffers, open space, and recreational facilities plan;

§         phasing plan that specifies the anticipated schedule for completion of the project;

§         detailed district criteria;

§         and draft covenants to create a homeowners association for the maintenance of all privately owned common areas and recreational facilities.

 

            In closing, Mr. Jones pointed out that approval of the Planned Unit Development District does not grant approval for construction or development of the property.  Once the master plan for the Planned Unit Development is approved, the developer will be required to submit detailed subdivision plans and development plans as development occurs to ensure compliance with the approved PUD Master Plan and other adopted Town Ordinances and Policies.

            With that explanation completed, Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept input.  The following comments were recorded:

            Van Crandall, 4813 Salem Ridge Road – Mr. Crandall said he had no comments directly related to the proposed PUD amendments, but did have questions about the development’s proposed use of reclaimed water from the town’s wastewater treatment plant for golf course irrigation.  Mr. Crandall asked if and why reclaimed water is being planned for this project and not others.  He also asked the following questions related to the reclaimed water system that is being planned:  Is the developer paying for infrastructure on-site?  Is the developer paying for off-site infrastructure?  What is the cost to the town?  What percentage of infrastructure is to be paid by the town?  Is Twelve Oaks the only development that is going to use reuse water?  Will the town be requiring it for other developments?  Will electric pumps be used to pump the water?  How much is it going to cost to run the pumps?  How was this amount calculated?  If no future projects will be required to use the system, how can the town justify providing reuse system for just this project?

            Tom McKay of McKay & Associates, Inc., 1086 Classic Road, Apex – Mr. McKay explained to the Council that the proposed changes to the PUD are due to changes in the market.  He explained that zero lot line homes, for instance, are very popular with buyers seeking low-maintenance luxury homes.  He said the changes being proposed may seem to increase the density of the project, but the plan actually reduces the original number of units from 1,800 to 1,400 homes.

            Mr. McKay then addressed some of the questions Mr. Crandall had about the reuse system.  He explained that he and his company were asked by the town to consider a pilot program that would us reclaimed water to irrigate the development’s golf course.

            He added that when he saw the town’s commitment to reuse water, the developers were happy to put in the infrastructure and take all the reclaimed water possible.  He said he would be willing to talk to other developers to encourage them to take advantage of what is available as well.

There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed.

Action:  The Council approved a motion to forward Planned Unit Development application 03-PUD-01-A01 for Twelve Oaks PUD to the Planning Board for further review and recommendation.

Motion By:  Atwell

Second By:  Womble

Vote:  Unanimous

 

6b.  Public Hearing:  Bridgewater Recreation Center, 05-SEU-11 – Mr. Hammerbacher explained that the applicant is requesting for approval of Special Exception Use application 05-SEU-11 for Bridgewater Recreation Center for a recreational center.  He said the proposed plan includes a 1,500-square-foot outdoor swimming pool and an approximately 900-square-foot recreation building that would house male and female restrooms, a vending area, and a covered patio and pump room.

            Mr. Hammerbacher said the 3,500 square-foot outdoor pool area would be surrounded by a six-foot-high square aluminum tube fence that would be accessed from the recreation building.  He said the proposed recreation site is located on 1.1 acres of the 101.65-acre development.  He added that a condition of the Town Council’s approval for the Bridgewater development plan states, “Amenity site, as committed to by the developer, must be completed and operating once 40% of the CO’s have been issued.”

            Mr. Hammerbacher said both staff and the Planning Board recommend approval with conditions.

            Councilman DeBenedetto asked how the number of parking spaces were calculated because he thought there should be 22 spaces and not 18 as shown on the plan.

            Mr. Hammerbacher explained that the number of parking spaces was derived from using the square footage of the swimming pool itself and not other structures (pump house, restrooms, etc.) at the center since those structures would not generate vehicle traffic. 

With that explanation completed, Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept sworn testimony and qualified evidence.  Under oath administered by the Town Clerk, the following provided testimony to be recorded:  None.

There being no testimony, the public hearing was closed.

            Action #1:  The Council approved a motion to make and accept the following findings of fact to be recorded in the minutes for Special Exception Use Petition 05-SEU-11 for Bridgewater Recreation Center as submitted by Forest Hills Development, LLC, Project Number 552-05, dated Revised November 1, 2005.

a.                   The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards, convenience or general welfare;

b.                   The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the adjacent area;

c.                   The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district, land uses authorized therein, and the Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan;

d.                   The proposed use shall conform to all development standards of the applicable district (unless a waiver of such development standards is requested as part of the special exception use petition and approved as set forth above, in which case the proposed use shall conform to the terms and conditions of such waiver).

e.                   Access drives or driveways are or will be sufficient in size and properly located to: ensure automotive and pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow as set forth in Section 7.09 – Pedestrian Circulation and Vehicular Area Design; and, control and access in case of fire or other emergency;

f.                     Off-street parking areas, off-street loading areas, trash enclosures, trash pick-up and removal, and other service areas are located so as to be safe, convenient, allow for access in case of emergency, and to minimize economic, glare, odor, and other impacts on adjoining properties and properties in the general neighborhood;

g.                   The lot, building or structure proposed for the use has adequate restroom facilities, cooking facilities, safety equipment (smoke alarms, floatation devices, etc.), or any other service or equipment necessary to provide for the needs of those persons whom may work at, visit or own property nearby to the proposed use;

h.                   Utilities, schools, fire, police and other necessary public and private facilities and services will be adequate to handle the needs of the proposed use;

i.                     The location and arrangement of the use on the site, screening, buffering, landscaping, and pedestrian ways harmonize with adjoining properties and the general area and minimize adverse impacts; and,

j.                     The type, size, and intensity of the proposed use (including but not limited to such considerations as the hours of operation and numbers of people who are likely to utilize or be attracted to the use) will not have significant adverse impacts on adjoining properties or the neighborhood.

Motion by:  Atwell

Second By:  Dickson

Vote:  Unanimous

A copy of Special Exception Use application 05-SEU-11 entered into the record by the applicant and addressing the findings of facts is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

Action #2:  Having made findings of fact that the project meets the requirements to be granted a Special Exception Use, the Council approved a motion to approve Special Exception Use Petition #05-SEU-11 for Bridgewater Recreation Center as submitted by Forest Hills Development, LLC, Project Number 552-05, dated Revised November 1, 2005, with the following three (3) conditions:

  1. A UDO Permit for Sign Installation shall be obtained from the Department of Planning & Zoning prior to the installation of any signage, temporary or permanent.
  2. Fee-in-lieu of pump station upgrade will be required.
  3. The following items will need to be submitted with 1st construction drawing submittal:

a.       A drainage area map and supporting calculations.

b.       Field survey of jurisdictional features.

Motion by:  Atwell

Second By:  Dickson

Vote:  Unanimous

 

6c.  Public Hearing:  Growth Plan Amendment, 06-GPA-01, Donald Prince Property –  Mr. Jones explained that the applicant is requesting that his 2.35-acre tract, which is located on Garage Lane outside the town limits, but newly assigned to Holly Springs extraterritorial jurisdiction, be rezoned from R-30 Residential to CB: Community Business.

            Mr. Jones said that when the new ETJ area was taken into the Town’s jurisdiction on Jan. 17, all properties, including this one, were zoned R-30, residential.  He said the property previously was in Wake County’s jurisdiction and was zoned HC: Highway Commercial.  He explained that the town indicated to the affected property owners in the new ETJ area that, with proof of a higher-intensity zoning by Wake County, the town would support a rezoning petition to zone their properties to match their prior zoning with Wake County.  He said that this is the only application the Town received.

            Mr. Jones said that according to the Unified Development Ordinance, petitioners requesting a rezoning that would be at odds with the existing Comprehensive Growth Plan, as is the case with this petition, must also apply for a Growth Plan Amendment.  He said in requesting that his property be rezoned, the petitioner has complied with this UDO requirement, but staff and the Planning Board do not support and do not recommend that the town’s Comprehensive Growth Plan, which designates the future land use designation of this property as medium-density residential, be amended.

Mr. Jones said both staff and the Planning Board recommend denial for the proposed growth plan amendment and recommend approval for the zoning map change. 

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

There being no testimony, the public hearing was closed.

            Action #1:  The Council approved a motion to deny Ten-Year Comprehensive Growth Pan Amendment 06-GPA-01 to change the future land use designation of 2.35 acres of Wake County Pin(s) 0648-72-5355 from Medium-Density to Commercial as submitted by Donald Prince as a requirement of the UDO.

Motion By:  Atwell

Second By:  Dickson

Vote:  Unanimous

 

            Mayor Sears opened the public hearing to accept input on the proposed Zone Map Change Petition 06-REZ-02 to change the zoning of 2.35 acres on Garage Lane from R-30:Residential to CB: Community Business.  The following comments were recorded:  None.

There being no testimony, the public hearing was closed.

            Action #2:  The Council approved a motion to adopt the following statement of compatibility:  The application is not fully consistent with all of the objectives and policies for growth and development in the Holly Springs Ten Year Comprehensive Plan; but the request is reasonable and in the public interest because the applicant has an existing business that prior to being brought into the Town’s planning jurisdiction was zoned by Wake County as Highway Commercial and the zone map change will allow the applicant to continue to operate his business legally.

Motion By:  Dickson

Second By:  Atwell

Vote:  Unanimous

 

            Action #3:  The Council approved a motion to approve a Zone Map Change 06-REZ-02 to change the zoning of 2.35 acres of Wake County Pin(s) 0648-72-5355 from R-30: Residential to CB: Community Business as submitted by Donald Prince.

Motion By:  Atwell

Second By:  Womble

Vote:  Unanimous

 

6d.  Public Hearing:  Annexation Ordinance A06-01, Thomas and Utley Heirs  -  Mr. Jones explained that the Town has received a petition for voluntary annexation filed by the Thomas and Utley Heirs, requesting annexation of 54.669 acres located south of Grigsby Avenue and west of the Somerset Farms subdivision.  He said the petition meets all the statutory requirements for annexation.

            He further explained that the public hearing originally was scheduled and opened on Jan. 17 and was continued to Feb. 7 at the request of the applicant and further continued to Feb. 21 while the engineering department finalized details with the applicant. 

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

There being no testimony, the public hearing was closed.

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to adopt Annexation Ordinance A06-01 annexing 54.669 acres owned by Thomas and Utley heirs, and more particularly described as Wake County PINS: 0658.10-46-4724, 0658.10-36-5904, 0658.10-35-5764, and 0658.10-36-8871, into the corporate limits of the Town of Holly Springs.

Motion By:  Womble

Second By:  Dickson

Vote:  Unanimous

         A copy of Annexation Ordinance A06-01 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

7a.  Somerset Stream, 05-MAS-06Mr. Hammerbacher said the town had received subdivision plan application 05-MAS-06 for Somerset Stream subdivision, that proposes 122 residential lots on a 53-acre site.  He said the average lot size would be 12,630 square feet and the lot sizes ranges from 10,000 square feet to 24,856 square feet for the largest lot.  He said that eight acres of the 53-acre development would be utilized as open space, which includes public greenways and a small 14,000 square-foot private park.  

Mr. Hammerbacher said that the plan proposes access for 13 lots through the Somerset Farm subdivision, and the remaining 109 lots would be accessed from Grigsby Avenue.

            He said the applicant also is requesting an exception to the Town’s Engineering Design and Construction Standards to allow the length of a dead-end road to exceed the maximum 1,000 feet allowed.

Mr. Hammerbacher said both staff and the Planning Board recommend approval with conditions.

Mayor Sears allowed Somerset Farms resident Katherine Hagan to speak.  She said she is concerned because connectivity between her subdivision and the proposed subdivision is not there.  She said adding the burden of 13 additional homes to roads in her subdivision with no other options for access was a concern to her.  She said she would prefer that the town allow a stream crossing to provide additional egress from Somerset Farm.

Ms. Sudano explained that permitting of stream crossings with the state is difficult, and the town is planning a more advantageous stream crossing than this one would be as shown on the adopted Thoroughfare Plan.

Councilmen asked the applicant why two cul-de-sacs – one extending longer than the allowed maximum of 1,000 feet – were not looped together as one roadway.

Engineer Sean Dolle, representing the developer, explained that the two cul-de-sacs were not drawn as a continuous loop because of topography.  He said Somerset Stream was to be a custom home subdivision that will take advantage of natural topography and the intent is to preserve the drawn and trees that lie between the bulbs of the cul-de-sacs.

            Action #1:  The Council approved a motion to approve an exception to the Regulations of Engineering Design and Construction Standards Section 3.02-E in association with Preliminary Plan #05-MAS-06 for Somerset Stream, to allow the length of a dead end road to exceed the maximum 1,000 feet as submitted by Jones, Cnossen & Dolle Engineering, PLLC, Project #0570, dated Revised November 7, 2005.

            Motion By:  Atwell

            Second By:  VanFossen

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

            Action #2:  The Council approved a motion to approve, with the exclusion of the lots shown on the Somerset Farms side of the stream and inclusive of the greenway illustrated on preliminary plan #05-MAS-06 for Somerset Stream as submitted by Jones, Cnossen & Dolle Engineering, PLLC, Project #0570, dated revised November 7, 2005, with the following six (7) conditions and :

1.       A UDO permit for sign installation in addition to all other applicable permits will need to be secured prior to any sign installation.

2.       The development of this project is dependent upon the developer securing public access to Grigsby Avenue.

3.       Sewer for this project will need to be provided via a gravity outfall extending from the existing Somerset pump station downstream to tie to existing gravity sewer.  A developer agreement has been discussed, which would address such project.  Tentatively this includes the developer constructing the outfall and receiving some credits against sewer fees.  The developer has also requested that the agreement include assistance with offsite ROW acquisition to Grigsby Avenue.  All terms of the developer agreement are subject to approval by the Town Council. 

4.       Prior to Final Plat, the following must be completed:

a.       Payment of fees-in-lieu of land dedication in the amount of $874/unit.

b.       The Bass Lake buffer must be recorded as a conservation easement.

5.       The following items are to be included with 1st construction drawing submittal (later in the approval process):

a.       Fee-in-lieu of pump station upgrade will be required for this project.

b.       Provide a drainage area map and supporting calculations.

c.       All environmental permits for the entire project will be required.

d.       Provide a signed USACE wetlands map.

e.       Field location of the force main will be required.

f.         Graphically show minimum finished floor elevations for lots adjacent to stream and flood plain.

g.       Verify that sanitary sewer stub and easement locations are at an appropriate location to serve the entire piece of upstream property and at a depth suitable to go under the creek bed to achieve this. 

h.       The Town is currently doing a basin wide flood study of this area.  A specific flood study for this project will not be required; however the developer will be responsible for reimbursing the Town for a portion of the study.  Once the flood study is complete the following items will need to be addressed with the construction drawings

                                                               i.      The 100 year flood plain elevation will need to be shown on the plans

                                                             ii.      The development must comply with the Town’s flood plain ordinance

                                                            iii.      Show and label backwater easements (to be recorded) at stream crossings and storm drainage inlets; provide 100 year calculations accordingly.

i.  The greenway trail will have to be constructed of an appropriate material to be located in the Bass Lake Buffer and will only be allowed along the sewer easement for areas that are within the buffer.  (Paved greenway trails can not be in Bass Lake Buffer.)  The greenway/utility easement for this area will need to be a 30’ easement to allow for both the greenway and sanitary sewer line.  A permit will be required for stream crossing.  Please provide detail for greenway/pedestrian bridge.

6.       Prior to construction drawing approval, the sanitary sewer outfall must be designed to reduce impacts to the Bass Lake Buffer to the maximum extent practicable.  If the design can not fully reduce impacts to the buffer additional open space adjacent to the buffer must be recorded as a conservation easement to provide mitigation for buffer impacts.  This must be approved by the Town Council through the Riparian Buffer Modification & Wavier procedure.

7.       Revised plans showing the exclusion of the lots on the Somerset Farms side of the stream be submitted for administrative review within two weeks.

            Motion By:  Atwell

            Second By:  Womble

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

7b.  Mabe Drive Closure Request – Ms. Sudano said several months ago the Town started receiving complaints from the residents of Autumn Park subdivision soon after the completion and opening of a new public section of Mabe Drive.  She said staff has received a letter from residents of Autumn Park PUD requesting that Mabe Drive be closed as a through-street connecting the two subdivisions. 

Ms. Sudano said that it is the engineering staff’s recommendation that the Town leave this roadway interconnection open – closing such interconnections establishes a precedent that is not preferable.  She said that public works and public safety’s staff recommendation also are to leave this roadway open for access so that patrols and emergency vehicle access are not impeded.  She added that it is public utility’s staff recommendation also to leave the roadway open so that a second access is available for access to public infrastructure (pump station). 

There was much discussion between the Council and residents of Autumn Park.  The residents maintain closure of this public street would eliminate the noise and other negative impacts of vehicles traveling through Autumn Park via Mabe Drive.

Councilman Atwell summarized that all the problems reported by residents really have nothing to do with whether the road is opened or closed.  Litter, loud noise, obscenities, four-wheelers etc. are offenses that would not solved by closing the road.  He added that speeding is a problem in every neighborhood, and the solution is not closing streets.

He stressed that the Council was interested in solving the problems experienced by residents, but that closing a public street is not the solution.

Direction to staff:  Council directed staff to not pursue the process of closing Mabe Drive; however, the Council directed the public safety department to increase patrols and use the speed trailer to encourage motorists to check their speeds.  The Council also asked residents to call the police department to report other offensive activity as it occurs so that this kind of activity may be curtailed.

 

7c.  Avent Ferry Road Widening Project – Ms. Stephenson explained to the Town Council that the original design service contracts for Avent Ferry Road were broken into two contracts – one for Ramey Kemp (Cass Holt/Avent Ferry Road realignment) and one for Kimley-Horn (third lane from bypass to Autumn Park).  She said both contracts include the necessary work for the completion of right of way plats for the proposed road improvements. 

She explained that the Council was being asked to enter supplemental contracts for a second phase of contract services so that an exact number of right of way plats could be determined from the completed design.

            Ms. Stephenson said the supplemental agreement for Kimley-Horn in the amount of $37,000 includes right of way plat completion; additional design services to revise the plans from the original full improvements (less improvements connected with the proposed South Park development because the developer is not willing to commit funds at this time); and signal modification at the intersection of the NC 55 Bypass and across the Stephens property, changing it to serve a 3-lane section under the existing signal.

            She said the supplemental for Ramey Kemp in the amount of $18,748.35 includes the right of way plat completion and the investigation for the Cass Holt cross section to reduce the right of way impacts.

Action:  The Council approved a motion to award supplemental contracts to Ramey Kemp and Kimley-Horn for necessary work for the completion of right of way plats related to Avent Ferry Road and Cass Holt Road improvements in the total amount of $55,748.35, and to adopt related budget amendments.  

            Motion By:  Womble

            Second By:  VanFossen

            Vote:  Unanimous

Copies of the contracts and budget amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

7d.  Mobile Stage – Mr. Dean explained that during the past year, Parks and Recreation staff and management have kicked around the idea of the town’s building or buying its own mobile trailer stage, rather than continuing to rent the Fuquay-Varina Parks and Recreation stage for events.

Mr. Dean said that staff would like to investigate and obtain prices for constructing a portable trailer stage in-house.

            Councilman VanFossen said he would like to see the stage constructed by the time the next Rockin’ at the Crossings is held later this spring. 

Direction:  The Council gave direction to town staff to research the cost; the availability of funds and the ability to construct the vehicle in-house within the desired timeframe.

 

7e.  Progress Energy Utility Pole Relocation – Mr. Schifano explained that the town had received just prior to the town council meeting, a proposal in the amount of $17,000 from Progress Energy for the relocation of utility poles for the Avent Ferry Road widening project.

            In order for the project to stay on a fast track for completion by the time Holly Springs High School opens in August 2006, the relocation of poles must be completed by the electric company.

            Action:  The Council approved a motion to enter into a utility pole relocation contract with Progress Energy, subject to the middle paragraph option’s being the operative language as opposed to the last, in the amount of $17,000 for the movement of utility poles impacted by the Avent Ferry Road widening project.

            Motion By: Atwell

            Second By: Womble

            Vote:  Unanimous; however, both Councilman Atwell and VanFossen went on record as voting for the motion, but expressing their mutual feeling that the town should not have to pay the $17,000 price tag because the town is widening a primary evacuation route from the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant owned by Progress Energy.

            A copy of the relocation agreement is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

 

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

      8a.  Minutes - The Council approved the minutes of the board’s regular meeting held on Feb. 7, 2006.

      8b.  Budget Amendment Report – The Council received a report of budget amendments #65 through #75 approved by the town manager.  A copy of the budget report is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      8c.  Budget Amendment, $2,425 – The Council adopted an amendment to the FY 2005-06 budget in the amount of $2,425 to accept insurance proceeds for repair of vehicles.   A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      8d.  Budget Amendment, $300,000 – The Council adopted amendments to the FY 2005-06 in the amount of $300,000 from Waste Water Reserves to reestablish the project fund for the Regional Wastewater Project.  A copy of the budget amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

      8e.  Budget Amendment $20,000 – The Council adopted amendments to the FY 2005-06 budget in the amount of $20,000 to restore the Bass Lake Park trail.  A copy of the budget amendments are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

      8f.  Flint Point Lane and Blue Fin Way Contract Change Order – The Council approved a Flint Point Lane and Blue Fin Way construction contract change order (No. 2) in the amount of $25,938 and adopted the related budget amendment.  A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

      8g.  FY 2006-07 Budget Public Hearing, March 7, 2006 – The Council set a public hearing for March 7, 2006 to give citizens an opportunity to make suggestions for the FY 2006-07 budget.

     8h.  Resolution 06-08 – The Council adopted Resolution 06-08 exempting the Comprehensive Plan Update and Parks Master Plan project from the requirements of G.S. 143-64.31 so that the town can ask for pricing from the consultants.  A copy of Resolution 06-08 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

 

9.  Public Comment: At this time, an opportunity was provided for members of the audience who had registered to speak to address the Council on any variety of topics not listed on the night’s agenda.  None.

           

10.  Other Business:  Councilman Atwell commended Public Works Director Luncie McNeil, Mr. Schifano and Mr. Queen for getting a roadside pile of asphalt debris cleaned up.

                       

11.  Manager’s Report:   Mr. Dean asked for a volunteer from the Council to serve on the town’s stakeholder committee for a pedestrian planning project.  Councilman DeBenedetto volunteered.

            Councilman Womble reported that property owners along Bass lake Road have agreed to provide sidewalk easements.

            Councilman VanFossen asked about status of crosswalk across Bass Lake Road from Salem Ridge to Bass Lake Road.  Ms. Sudano explained the difficulties in that the roadway is a state-maintained road, and that NCDOT has refused permission to install a crosswalk because the traffic speed posted for the roadway would not meet DOT’s standards for a crosswalk.  She added that the town’s persistent requests to have the speed limit lowered so that Bass Lake Road would qualify for a crosswalk in this section also have been denied by NCDOT.

            Council members suggested that the town paint the crosswalk anyway.

            Ms. Sudano pointed out that the town would have to obtain an encroachment agreement from NCDOT, which was not likely.  She pointed out that the town would have some legal liability if it were to install the crosswalk without DOT’s permission or knowledge.

            Councilman Atwell asked about reducing the speed limit on Avent Ferry Road.   Ms. Sudano said Avent Ferry Road is another roadway on which the town has requested unsuccessfully that NCDOT lower the speed limit.

            The Council suggested that staff take a stack of requests (including Bass Lake Road and Avent Ferry Road) for speed limit reductions beyond DOT administration to the Board of Transportation.

 

12.  Closed Session:  The Council approved a motion to enter into Closed Session, pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to discuss with the town attorney particulars involving the matter of New Hill Community vs Western Wake Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant partners. (In Closed Session, the Council also discussed a matter of economic development, pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5).)

            Motion By:  Atwell

            Second By:  Womble

            Vote:  Unanimous

 

General Account of Closed Session – Feb. 21, 2006

            In Closed Session, the town manager updated Council members on a proposed economic development prospect, and the town attorney updated the Council on matters related to the New Hill Community Association lawsuit.  The Council also discussed the legal requirements of annexation, should residents of the New Hill area request voluntary annexation.

 

-- End General Account

The Council approved a motion to return to Open Session.  The motion was made by Councilman Atwell, seconded by Councilman VanFossen and carried unanimously.

 

12.  Adjournment:  There being no further business for the evening, the Feb. 21, 2006, meeting of the Holly Springs Town Council was adjourned following a motion by Councilman Atwell, a second by Councilman VanFossen and a unanimous vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, March 7, 2006.

           

 

 

_________________________________

Joni S. Powell, CMC, Town Clerk

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