Holly Springs Town Council Minutes

Regular Meeting

March 18, 2008

The Holly Springs Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in the Council Chambers of Holly Springs Town Hall, 128 S. Main Street. Mayor Dick Sears presided, calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established as the mayor and four council members were present as the meeting opened.

Council Members Present: Councilmen Parrish Womble, Chet VanFossen, Tim Sack and Hank Dickson and Mayor Sears.

Council Members Absent: Councilman Vinnie DeBenedetto (arrived at 7:30 p.m.)

Staff Members Present: Carl Dean, town manager; Chuck Simmons, assistant town manager; John Schifano, town attorney; Joni Powell, town clerk (recording the minutes); Jeff Jones, senior planner; Mark Zawadski, planner I; Alison Huffman, planner I; Stephanie Sudano, director of engineering; Elizabeth Goodson, development review engineer; Len Bradley, parks and recreation director; Daniel Weeks, project analyst; Eric Tayler, IT manager; John Herring, police chief; Police Lt. Anthony Revels; Police Lt. Robbie Parrish, a number of police officers; Cecil Parker, fire chief; Drew Holland, finance director; Heather Keefer, environmental specialist; Amy Moore, interim director of water quality; Donald Briscar, cultural center manager; and Mark Andrews, public information officer.

2 and 3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Ross Carter, pastor of Sunrise Methodist Church.

4. Agenda Adjustment: The March 18, 2008 meeting agenda was adopted with changes, if any, as listed below.

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Dickson

Vote: Unanimous

Items Added to the Agenda: None.

Items Removed from the Agenda: None.

Consent Agenda Items Moved to New Business: None.

Other Changes: None.

5. 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. The following input was recorded:

Pete Esperson, 125 Creek Vista Drive – Mr. Esperson questioned the billing rates proposed by Davis Martin Powell for establishment of the town’s reclaimed water project. He said he felt the rates were high, but he supports the reclaimed water project.

Bob Barch, 125 Flatrock Lane – Mr. Barch addressed the Council, telling them about a culvert running from the schools through Sunset Ridge and Holly Park to Bass Lake. He reported that a child over the weekend wandered into the culvert and had to be rescued. He asked the Council for help in solving the problem before there is a tragedy. Mayor Sears asked the engineering department to assist the Sunset Ridge Homeowners Association with this situation.

6a. Make-a-Wish Foundation Donation – Police Lieutenant Revels, representing individual Holly Springs police officers, telecommunicators, and animal control officers, presented a donation of a child’s power wheels Gator as part of the HSPD’s monthly community service project. Lt. Revels explained that the individual officers pool their own funds together each month to complete a service project.

Presenting a John Deere hat to Brent Lutz, a young man from Holly springs whose wish was fulfilled by the Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina, Lt. Revels said that the Gator will be donated in Brent’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which will auction it off at its annual Wish Ball in April.

Action: None.

6b. Irish-American Heritage Month – Councilman Dickson presented a proclamation proclaiming March as Irish-American Month to honor the contributions of Irish Americans to the nation, the State of North Carolina and to Holly Springs.

Irish-Americans were among the first settlers in this country and, in particular, in North Carolina. Councilman Dickson presented the proclamation to Kaitlyn Cartwright of Holly Springs, who recently was named Raleigh’s Irish Rose.

Action: None.

7a. Holly Grove Middle School Citizens Comments – Mayor Sears explained that at the last Town Council meeting a group of citizens were present at the March 4 public hearing for the middle school special exception use, but did not realize they were to sign up to be heard. He said that a group of citizens living in the Autumn Park PUD would like to address the Council to put on record some of their concerns about the Wake County Public School System complex nearby containing Holly Springs High School, Holly Grove Elementary and soon-to-be Holly Grove Middle School.

The following comments were entered into the record:

Brenda Helen Young, 134 Cline Falls Drive -- Ms. Young said she is adamant that a middle school not be built behind her home. She said she is already having problems with noise and lights from the high school. She asked if the school would be three stories tall; she asked if there would be a berm or landscape barrier between her property and the middle school; and she also asked if the school would have any negative impact on her property value.

Kristen Fienberg, 110 Cline Falls Drive – Ms. Fienberg asked that a buffer area be placed between the school property and the neighboring residential area where she lives. She also questioned the need for lighted fields, particularly since residents had been told earlier by WCPSS officials that the fields would not be lighted.

Jeff Destefano, 138 Cline Falls Drive – Mr. DeStefano added that residents have a problem with traffic lining up on Cline Falls Drive instead of at the school to pick up children after school. He said that, instead of going through the pick-up lane at school, motorists are driving onto Cline Falls Drive and parking at the end of the street to pick up children, who are cutting across the school grounds and then through some residents’ yards to get to their parents’ cars.

Mr. DeStefano added the he also is concerned about the lights and noise already generated by the schools, which will be increased with the addition of a middle school. He asked if buffer materials could be left natural and augmented by opaque buffering. He stressed that he would like to see the natural growth retained.

Lori DeStefano, 203 Cline Falls Drive – Ms. DeStefano said she is concerned about traffic. She said there is a huge increase in traffic on Avent Ferry Road, and the road is not adequate for that much added traffic. She also noted concerns with the extension of Heritage Point; however, Ms. Stephenson of the engineering department explained that Heritage Point would not be extended because it was planned to be extended before the school system purchased the property to which it stubs. Now, she said, there is no reason to extend Heritage Point.

Jack Colern, 148 Cline Falls Drive – Mr. Colern said he had similar concerns, especially the lighting of the middle school athletic fields. He said he understands the Town is requiring this (because of a joint use agreement for facilities). He said he is still concerned about students walking through yards and the problem created by drop-off and pick-up traffic that doesn’t use the school driveways as they should.

Theresa Aloise, 142 Cline Falls Drive – Ms. Aloise repeated some of the same concerns about traffic on Avent Ferry Road; drop-off and pick-up traffic on Cline Falls Drive; the athletic field lighting; and property values. She suggested that parents pick up their children in front of the school instead of on their street and that WCPSS put a fence barrier between the subdivision and the school property.

Staci Cecil, 215 Cline Falls Drive – Ms. Cecil asked the Mayor to come out and see some of the problems for himself. She said she is concerned about traffic, speeding, and ultimately, the safety of children.

Mayor Sears said he would forward all concerns to Wake County Public School System and request that changes be made in the approved site plan to accommodate some of the concerns broached by residents.

Councilman VanFossen suggested the Town institute a No Parking zone on Cline Falls Drive, like what was done on Cayman Avenue when a similar situation developed near Holly Springs Elementary School.

Ms. Stephenson reported that staff would recommend “No Parking” on the west side of Cline Falls Drive and to complete a pedestrian access that is in the works. She also reported that staff had met with WCPSS officials, who agreed to add a chainlink fence around the property.

Mr. Jones of the planning department addressed the concerns about trees. He reported that some of the trees are going to have to be taken down for construction; however, he added that the school system is going to keep as many trees as possible.

Action: Mayor Sears will forward the spoken comments and written comments received via email on the subject to WCPSS officials, and No Parking zones will be established for Cline Falls Drive.

8a. Public Hearing: FY 2008-09 Budget – Mr. Dean said the public has been invited via the Town’s Web site and local media to provide comments on the Town’s FY 2008-09 budget. He said that community service agencies, which in the past have applied for community agency grant funding, have been especially invited to either address the Council or to provide written funding requests as well as citizens to provide input as to what they feel are important programs, facilities or services.

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

Dr. Billy Dunlap, representing Hospice of Wake County – Dr. Dunlap formally requested $50,000 from the Town, to be paid to Hospice over five years in the amount of $10,000 each year to help build an in-patient facility. He explained that, so far, 10 of the 12 municipalities in Wake County have committed to the project.

He said the hope is to break ground on the facility in June 2008. It will hold a 26,000 sq. ft. office and 20-patient in-patient care rooms.

David Crabtree – Mr. Crabtree, a Hospice board member, spoke in support of Hospice. He stressed that Hospice of Wake County, serves the entire county, including Holly Springs. He asked that the Council give their request favorable consideration.

Laeron Roberts – Mr. Roberts addressed the Council on behalf of the Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry, which serves Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs. He explained that the Pantry provides food on an emergency-basis, not generally on a continuing basis. The facility is open two days a week and handed out 4,278 boxes of food in 2007. He reported that 1,060 boxes of food were distributed to Holly Springs residents. He added that 11,530 people benefited from the Pantry last year. He asked for the Council to consider grant funding in the amount of $500.

Kevin Adams – Mr. Adams provided the following written comments via email to the Town Clerk’s office. He could not be present for the actual hearing. He wrote:

“Unable to attend the meeting to provide input and ideas, I would like to take advantage of this form of communication. I would like to see

1) More police officers, detectives and new police cars
2) Better and improved signs at all town boundaries.
3) Life-size statues of our town’s historic figures. (There are) lots of great locations to place these.
4) Fourthy of July fireworks
5) A Holly Springs Mardi Gras parade / festival.
6) Continued expansion and repairs to the Hunt Center
7) New cardio equipment for the Hunt Center Gym
8) Move the "Rockin’ at the Crossings" to the band shell at Womble Park. (nicer, cleaner, and the heat won't bounce off the pavement)

9) Second police station
10) Plan for the growth of a third fire station or greatly expand again the Avent Ferry Road station.
11) Better availability of tennis programs  -- week nights at the high school
12) Outdoor skating rink at Womble Park during the winter
13) A town swimming pool and water park (ha - love this idea given the drought!)
14) Improved lighting and road markings on some of the darker roads

What a great town!! Thanks for this opportunity.”

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

Action: None.

8b. Public Hearing: Rezoning Petition 08-REZ-01 – Mr. Jones said the Town has received an application for the rezoning of three parcels containing approximately 2.28 acres along Holly Springs Road just north of the Sunset Commons Shopping Center from R-20 to LB Local Business.

He said the current zoning of R-20 represents a residential zoning, which is not in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan nor the Northeast Gateway Plan for this area. The proposed LB: Local Business designation would allow for commercial development such as the Sunset Commons Shopping Center or smaller commercial establishments within the same area as the requested zone map change.

Councilmen DeBenedetto and Womble asked some questions about access. Mr. Jones said issues such as access would be addressed at the development plan stage.

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

There being no input, the public hearing was closed.

Action #1: The Council approved a motion to accept the following statement as true: “The requested zone map change from R-20 to LB is consistent with the Vision Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan since the Future Land Use Plan Map indicates this property as a Mixed Use within the Northeast Gateway Plan.”

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous.

Action #2: The Council approved a motion to adopt Rezoning Ordinance R08-03 to approve Zone Map Change Petition #08-REZ-01 to change the zoning of 2.28 acres of Wake County PIN(s) # 0669-08-4669, 0669-08-6724, and 0669-08-6860 from R-20: Residential to LB: Local Business as submitted by Jim Ta of Ta Properties, LLC.

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous.

8c. Public Hearing: Ordinance 08-03 (08-UDO-02) Off-street Parking Regulations – Mr. Jones explained that last year, the Town Council adopted a Unified Development Ordinance amendment to 7.04 Off-Street Parking Regulations and more particularly to the Multi-family Dwellings parking regulation. The amendment actually required less parking than what was previously required. The current requirement requires two parking spaces for every unit, plus 5% of the total required parking spaces for guest parking.

He said the change that is being requested in Ordinance 08-03 is to increase the required guest parking from five (5) percent of the total required parking to ten (10) percent of the total required for guest parking. Also, staff has added a provision that all guest parking must be available to all residents of the subdivision and must be evenly distributed throughout the subdivision area.

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

There being no input, the public hearing was closed.

Action #1: The Council approved a motion to accept the following statements as true: “The requested UDO Text Amendment is consistent with the Vision Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan Objectives for Future Land Use since the proposed modification to the Off Street Parking regulations creates regulations to promote pedestrian friendly neighborhoods by providing smaller, managed parking areas within multifamily developments.”

Motion By: Dickson

Second By: DeBenedetto

Vote: Unanimous.

Action #2: The Council approved a motion to adopt Ordinance #08-03 to approve and enact Unified Development Ordinance Amendment #08-UDO-02 to modify the text of UDO Section 7.04 Off-Street Parking Regulations.

Motion By: Dickson

Second By: Sack

Vote: Unanimous.

A copy of Ordinance 8-03 (08-UDO-02) is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

8d. Public Hearing: Ordinance 08-04 (08-UDO-03) Section 3.07, General Regulations for Commercial/Mixed-Use Districts – Mr. Zawadski said staff requests that the Council amend the Unified Development Ordinance (08-UDO-03) Section 3.07, General Regulations for Commercial/Mix-Use Districts. He said that staff suggests removing the bail-out lane requirements for drive-through facilities to help ensure that developments are designed with the best possible site layout and the least amount of impervious surface. He said staff is concerned that the current requirements limit the parking lot and building layout and create unnecessary impervious surface.

Mr. Zawadski said the current ordinance requires a 12-foot bail-out lane to be provided for the entire length of the 10-foot drive-through lane. This requirement forces buildings to be placed in the center of the lot and the parking around the perimeter. This type of layout conflicts with design goals of the Town that include encouraging buildings to be closer to the street, reducing the visibility of parking lots, and reducing impervious surface.

He said research was completed to find out if other municipalities required bail-out lanes, and the conclusion was that bail-out lane requirements are very uncommon. The following proposal has been reviewed by the Technical Review Committee and Planning Board, both of which have made favorable recommendations to the Town Council.

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

There being no input, the public hearing was closed.

Action #1: The Council approved a motion to accept the following statements as true: “The requested UDO Text Amendment is consistent with the Vision Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan. The proposed modifications to Section 3.07 General Regulations for Commercial/Mixed-Use Districts create development regulations that are in keeping with the Town’s Future Land Use, Community Character and Natural Resources Objectives.”

Motion By: VanFossen

Second By: DeBenedetto

Vote: Unanimous.

Action #2: The Council approved a motion to adopt Ordinance 08-04 to approve and enact Unified Development Ordinance Amendment #08-UDO-03 to modify the text of UDO Section 3.07 General Regulations for Commercial/Mixed-Use Districts as submitted by the Town of Holly Springs.

Motion By: VanFossen

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous.

A copy of Ordinance 8-04 (08-UDO-03) is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

9. Consent Agenda: Councilman Womble asked for assurance sake if the longevity pay date change would adversely affect any employees. Mr. Dean said that it would not.

There was discussion about an amendment requested and made to the fee schedule.

The Council approved all items on the Consent Agenda following a motion by Councilman Sack, a second by Councilman Womble and a unanimous vote. The following actions were affected:

9a. Minutes - The Council approved the minutes of the Council’s regular meeting held on Jan. 15, 2008.

9b. Budget Report – The Council received a report of monthly amendments to the FY 2007-08 budget approved by the town manager. A copy of the budget amendment report is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

9c. Resolution 08-08 – The Council adopted Resolution 08-08, declaring certain personal property to be surplus to the needs of the Town and authorizing the town manager to dispose of said property. A copy of Resolution 08-08 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

9d. Resolution 08-09 - The Council adopted Resolution 08-09, directing the town clerk to investigate the sufficiency of annexation petition A08-01 and setting a public hearing for Tuesday, April 1, 2008. A copy of Resolution 08-09 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

9e. Town’s Personnel Policy Amendment – The Council adopted an amendment to the Town’s Personnel Policy to change the date on which longevity is paid to eligible employees.

9f. Fee Schedule Amendment - The Council approved to amend Fee Sheet 7019 to add fees for stormwater review and for reclaimed water extensions. A copy of Fee Sheet 7019 amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

9g. Lawn Care Service Contract – The Council approved to enter a renewable contract with Spence Lawn Services for the maintenance of the Town Cemetery grounds and Crosspoint Circle.

9h. Budget Amendment, $43,000 – The Council adopted an amendment to the FY 2007-08 budget in the amount of $43,000 to fund the Percentage Performers line item through the end of the year. A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

9i. Budget Amendment, $6,645 – The Council adopted an amendment to the FY 2007-08 budget in the amount of $6,645 to receive insurance proceeds for vehicle maintenance. A copy of the budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

9j. Resolution 08-10 – The Council adopted Resolution 08-10 approving and enacting amendments to the Development Procedures Manual regarding NPDES petition processing. A copy of Resolution 08-10 and manual amendment are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

9k. Forest Springs Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement and Budget Amendment – The Council adopted amendments to the FY 2007-08 budget totaling $545,275 and amendments to the existing Forest Springs Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement to provide reimbursements for upsized infrastructure that would meet town objectives for that area. Copies of the budget amendments and Forest Springs Infrastructure Reimbursement agreement amendment are incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

10a. Capital Area Preservation – Ms. Powell said the Town has been approached by the Capital Area Preservation Society about possible participation in the publication of a coffee table type history book on Raleigh and Wake County. The first section in the attractive hard-cover book will feature history of this area. For a cost, individual municipalities, organizations and businesses within Raleigh and Wake County can appear in the profile section of the book.

She said the profile section is what pays for the book in addition to copy sales. The project would provide the Town with anywhere from 1 to 4 pages in the book.

Masonic Lodge No. 1115 also has been approached and would be interested in paying perhaps a small portion in order to “piggy back” on the Town’s profile, if the Town participates.

She said the company publishing the book is offering a discount and – for a 2-page package -- would accept payment with 10% down at signing the contract and payment of the balance on July 1 in the next budget year.

She said the cost of a 2-page spread would be $3,350 (discounted from $4,950), payable $350 upon signing and $3,000 in the next budget.

During discussion, Ms. Powell pointed out that her office staff currently is working on a historical photograph collection to be published in book form by Arcadia Press. The book, to be titled “Images of America – Holly Springs, North Carolina,” will be expressly dedicated to the Town of Holly Springs history and at no cost to the Town.

Action: The Council approved a motion to not enter a contract with Capital Area Preservation, Inc. since the Town already has its own dedicated project at no cost.

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous.

10b. Holly Springs Baptist Church Parking Lot Construction – Ms. Stephenson said that staff completed an in-house design for the Holly Springs Baptist Church parking lot located across from Town Hall. Under a joint use agreement, the Town is building the parking lot, and the church has provided the land under lease agreement.

The parking lot will provide approximately 30 parking spaces, and constructed is expected to be a 45-day project.

She said bids were informally solicited, and staff recommends that the Council award the work to the lowest responsible bidder, Naron Construction, in the amount of $97,000, inclusive of contingency.

Action: The Council approved a motion to award the contract for construction of a public parking lot on leased property at Holly Springs Baptist Church to Naron Construction in the amount of $97,000, inclusive of contingency.

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Womble

Vote: Unanimous.

A copy of the Naron Construction contract is on file in the Town Clerk’s office and Department of Engineering.

10c. Sunset Lake and Optimist Road Traffic Signal – Ms. Stephenson said staff has completed a design and coordination with NCDOT on a traffic signal to be located at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Optimist Farm Road.

She said bids were informally solicited, and staff recommends that the Council award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, Watson Electric, in the amount of $52,000, inclusive of contingency.

She said the work would provide a wood pole signal with completion of installation within 60 days. She added that the wooden pole would be in place until such time as Sunset Lake Commons develops that corner and installs a mast arm pole.

Action: The Council approved a motion to award the contract for installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Optimist Farm Road to Watson Electrical in the amount of $52,000, inclusive of contingency.

Motion By: Womble

Second By: DeBenedetto

Vote: Unanimous.

A copy of the Watson Electrical contract is on file in the Town Clerk’s office and Department of Engineering.

10d. Town’s Reclaimed Water Program - Ms. Sudano said the Town is preparing to advertise for bids a project to install a new reclaimed water system later this month, and to begin the construction process immediately thereafter. There is a need for development of a comprehensive reclaimed water program including: a new reclaimed water ordinance, amendments to the existing cross connection ordinance, new policies and procedures for implementation and for operations and maintenance of both the new reclaimed distribution and bulk systems, Town permitting of individual users (single family, industrial, and bulk), user agreements for industrial and bulk users, fee structure, rates, and securing state approval of all of the above.

Ms. Sudano said Davis Martin Powell has submitted a proposal for this work. The work is proposed under an amendment to an existing contract with DMP, the engineers who have worked with the Town staff (Engineering, Public Utility, Public Works, and Finance Departments) throughout the design and advertisement of both the reclaimed infrastructure and wastewater treatment plant projects. This firm is most familiar with existing processes, procedures, and staff responsibilities and will therefore be able to most efficiently and expeditiously (with minimal staff time) prepare the reclaimed program as described above, and secure approval from the state for same, she added.

Action: The Council approved a motion to enter into a professional services agreement with Davis Martin Powell in the amount of $68,200, inclusive of a 10% contingency, to develop the Town’s Reclaimed Water Program.

Motion By: Sack

Second By: Dickson

Vote: Unanimous.

A copy of the Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates, Inc. agreement is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages.

11. Other Business:

Resolution 08-11 – Councilman Dickson introduced a resolution that would state that the Council urges State Legislation to convert the Wake County Public School System Board of Education to an at-large electoral system.

Councilman Womble expressed concern that smaller towns would loose representation, and he also noted that candidates would have to campaign countywide.

Councilman Dickson explained that the resolution notes that candidates would have to live in an electoral district representing Holly Springs but would be voted on by all Wake County. He said that this is the same system used to elect the Wake County Board of Commissioners. He also noted that school children in Holly Springs attend many different schools.

The problem, he said, is that a student may have an issue at a particular school, like West Lake, but the school board representative of that school is not that child’s resident school board member, Horace Tart of Fuquay-Varina. Too many times, he said, a parent has an issue at a particular school, but the school board member responds that he or she can’t help because he or she is not that family’s school board member.

Action: The Council approved a motion to adopt Resolution 08-11 urging State Legislation to convert the Wake County Public School System Board of Education to an at-large electoral system.

Motion By: Dickson

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Resolution 08-11 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

Councilman Womble asked police, public works and engineering staff about property at the end of Third Street. He said there is a problem in this location with people hanging out, loitering and allegedly selling illegal drugs. He suggested that the Council designate this area a No Parking zone and that police patrols be focused on this area.

Action: The Council approved a motion to ordain a No Parking zone at the end of Third Street, on both sides of the street.

Motion By: Womble

Second By: VanFossen

Vote: Unanimous

A copy of Ordinance 08-06 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page.

Councilman Womble and Sack asked if the following issues in Town could be addressed by staff:

Public Works / Police Department – The Council approved a motion to enact an ordinance designating the end of Third Street at the United Church of Christ as a “No Parking” zone. Councilman Womble reported that this strip of property has become an area where young people hang out, and he suspects there is drug activity. Council would like to call this to the attention of the Police Department. Public Works is asked to install the signs, which can be legally enforced with adoption of the No Parking ordinance.

Public Works -- The Norris property on Blalock Street needs to be trimmed because bushes are blocking the vision of motorists turning onto West Holly Springs Road.

Public Works -- Some sort of barrier should be installed on the town’s property at the east edge of the Post Office parking lot to prevent motorists from accidentally driving into the detention pond.

Management / Legal / P&R -- Interest in purchasing the Adams house on Hwy. 55 was expressed by Councilman Womble. He suggested that the Town could use it as a historical museum and a park destination with the pecan orchard. Is it for sale? How much? Funding?

Public Works / Engineering -- He also asked that cross walks be installed at various locations on Hwy. 55/Main Street, like at Town Hall. He also mentioned the Holly Springs Road intersection, but discussion indicated that the traffic signals there were equipped to let pedestrians cross, and crosswalks might not be needed.

Engineering / DOT -- Can something be done about the road grade at the intersection of G.B. Alford and Ralph Stephens Road? Cars in traffic coming from Ralph Stephens Road to cross G.B. Alford hit bottom on either side of G.B. Alford.

Engineering -- Look into the confusing traffic pattern at McDonald’s. Engineering is looking into it.

Management / Finance / P&R -- He stressed his interest in the Town’s purchasing land for parks. He said he understood the difficulty in banking land for schools, but he feels land for parks can be identified and purchased. Mr. Dean said this would be looking into this further when the Town gets its bearings on a bond referendum to fund park improvements, new park land and open space. In the meantime, the Council did not have any objections to scouting land parcels.

Management -- He asked the Town Manager to conduct a study on carpooling, which led into a discussion of available (and not available) bus transit in Holly Springs. From conversations I’ve had with Councilman Womble outside the meeting setting, I believe what he may have been referring to was Town employees... and fleet cars instead of home fleet cars.

Parks and Recreation -- Councilman Sack asked if the Parks and Recreation Department could look into using the P&R buses once or twice a month for a regular WalMart Day and a Library Day with free transportation offered for seniors. The TRACS bus system was mentioned, but Councilman Sack said he was thinking more in mind of a specialized trip just to WalMart for everyone who wanted to go on a particular day and particular time for an hour or two and then a similar day for the library.

12. Manager’s Report: Mr. Dean reported on a very busy weekend. He reminded the Council of an upcoming regular meeting of the Planning Board at which they are asked to attend. A quorum of the Council may be present at this meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 in the Holleman Room.

He also reminded them of a meeting with the School Board on March 26; of an economic development department event on April 8 at Devil’s Ridge; and a Growth Forum on April 17 at the cultural center.

Mr. Holland addressed a concern Councilman Sack had about a news article about New Jersey bonds that had not been picked up. Mr. Holland said he had checked with the Local Government Commission and confirmed that North Carolina is a Triple A state, but most New Jersey towns may not be that high of a rating. He said he he nor the LGC had concerns that this would happen in Holly Springs.

Mr. Dean then reported that Stinson Avenue now is completed and goes all the way through to Bass Lake Road. He told the Council a ribbon cutting would be held on March 25 to celebrate the completion of the project.

13. Closed Session: None.

14. Adjournment: There being no further business for the evening, the March 18, 2008, meeting of the Holly Springs Town Council was adjourned following a motion by Councilman Sack, a second by Councilman VanFossen and a unanimous vote.

Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

_________________________________

Joni Powell, CMC, Town Clerk

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