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Home My Public Portal About09-27-21 Work Session 101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES | 1 of 5 Minutes BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Remote work session 7 p.m. Sept. 27, 2021 Virtual meeting via YouTube Live Town of Hillsborough YouTube channel Present: Mayor Jenn Weaver and commissioners Mark Bell, Robb English, Kathleen Ferguson, Matt Hughes, and Evelyn Lloyd Staff: Human Resources Director Haley Bizzell, Planning and Economic Development Manager Shannan Campbell, Administrative Services Director Jen Della Valle, Police Chief Duane Hampton, Assistant Town Manager and Community Services Director Margaret Hauth, Town Attorney Bob Hornik, Town Clerk and Human Resources Technician Sarah Kimrey, Finance Director Tiffany Long, Town Manager Eric Peterson, Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz and Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood 1. Opening of the work session Mayor Jenn Weaver called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Town Clerk and Human Resources Technician Sarah Kimrey called the roll and confirmed the presence of a quorum. 2. Agenda changes and approval Addition to consent agenda ― capital project ordinance amendment related to connectivity. Motion: Commissioner Kathleen Ferguson moved to approve the amended agenda. Commissioner Evelyn Lloyd seconded. Kimrey called the roll for voting. Vote: 5-0. Ayes: Commissioners Mark Bell, Robb English, Ferguson, Matt Hughes and Lloyd. Nays: None. 3. Items for decision ― consent agenda A. Miscellaneous budget amendments and transfers B. Proclamation – 2021 Diaper Need Awareness Week C. Capital project ordinance amendment – connectivity (added item) Motion: Ferguson moved to approve all items on the consent agenda. Lloyd seconded. Kimrey called the roll for voting. Vote: 5-0. Ayes: Bell, English, Ferguson, Hughes and Lloyd. Nays: None. 4. In-depth discussion and topics A. Review and discuss transportation priorities Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 1 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES | 2 of 5 Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood reviewed that the goals for the work session were for the board to: • Choose a preferred alternative for the N.C. 86 Connector Project. • Prioritize the feasibility studies. • Review and prioritize other roadway and bike/ped projects. Trueblood summarized the studies, discussions and opportunities for input that have taken place thus far. She reviewed the N.C. 86 Connector Study, which was completed in July 2021. See the agenda packet for the full report. Regarding the N.C. 86 Connector Study, Trueblood said the alternatives provide an opportunity to build a greenway but do not change the road’s capacity much because the congestion at South Churton Street and U.S. 70A is determined by what happens north of Hillsborough, downtown and along South Churton Street. At peak travel times, traffic is congested near the bridge over the river downtown. The timing of the traffic lights along Churton Street benefits the north-south movements and causes congestion on east-west routes. She noted there is space for a roundabout at South Churton and U.S. 70A but the flow of a roundabout may not work with the traffic signal at Nash and Kollock Street. The roundabout would require further study. Alternatives 1A and 1B, which would be a new connector road from Orange Grove Road Extension to Valley Forge Road, would have two 11-foot travel lanes, a 10-foot bikeway on one side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the other side. Both alternatives include a roundabout at U.S. 70A but do not depend on it. Alternative 1A would have a traditional traffic signal at N.C. 86 and Alternative 1B would have a roundabout. At some point, a section of U.S. 70A would be removed. Most residents approve this except DR Horton, which is the developer building in the Collins Ridge community. This alternative does have impact to existing commercial properties. The estimated cost for either of these alternatives is $16.6 million to $17.6 million. Alternative 2 involves improving U.S. 70A with 11-foot travel lanes, landscaping and a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of the road. There would be no bike lanes on the road and no separate greenways. There would be impacts to adjacent properties. There would be jurisdictional and engineering challenges. There is a narrow right of way and topographic constraints. Residents on this road see a pedestrian benefit of having a sidewalk. Commercial property owners favor this option because it has less impact. The estimated cost for this alternative is $4 million. Trueblood noted there is the option of doing nothing. She said in focus groups, everyone recognizes the benefit of an east-west connector and traffic congestion at South Churton Street and U.S. 70A causes concern at peak times. Many people stated a clear need for traffic capacity through through town that this project does not address. Some Tuscarora Drive residents supported building a new road and others did not because they worry that adding a new road will bring about more new development. Staff recommends moving forward with a new connector. Staff is not asking the board to choose between Alternative 1A and 1B at this meeting. Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 2 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES | 3 of 5 Hughes asked if there are other ways besides widening South Churton Street to improve north – south traffic flow. Trueblood said this board decided years ago against a bypass. There may be options for other road connections but those connections are mostly outside the town’s jurisdiction, so it is important to coordinate with Orange County when the county works on improving the commute of those who live in northern Orange County. Ferguson wondered if it is possible for the future pedestrian bridge over I-85 to include lanes for vehicles. Trueblood said it could but the town prefers a pedestrian-oriented bridge. Adding vehicles to that bridge would not eliminate downtown traffic. Weaver checked whether it is truly possible to get approval for a bridge and bike/ped greenway over the railroad. Trueblood said N.C. Railroad has been involved in the feasibility study but has not granted final approvals. It’s important that this bridge is considered as the railroad is realigned. She added that the right people communicated with one another for the feasibility study. Weaver asked if removing the section of U.S. 70A where it currently joins South Churton Street would be far in the future. Trueblood said it would be and added that it is a possible future improvement if things become so critical that it is necessary to do so from a public safety standpoint. It cannot be done without significant impacts. She sees that as a future discussion. Bell asked how a connector would be paid for. Assistant Town Manager and Community Services Director Margaret Hauth said the town would submit the project as a state road project and the state usually covers the building of state roads 100%. The town may need to participate for bike/ped costs. Hughes said he was glad that N.C. Railroad participated in the focus groups, and he asked if Norfolk-Southern would mind. Trueblood said N.C. Railroad shared how Norfolk-Southern would be involved. Norfolk-Southern would not want a building project to slow down the operations of freight trains. N.C. Railroad manages the three-party encroachment agreements. Norfolk-Southern wouldn’t be involved unless there is a question of operations and insurance and liability. Ferguson asked if this project would score well. Hauth said there is no way to know at this preliminary stage. She added the state is not releasing funds for Strategic Transportation Prioritization (SPOT) projects for the next two years. English expressed support for Alternatives 1A or 1B and thinks Collins Ridge residents would appreciate having another way to reach their neighborhood. He thinks it’s important to encourage bike/ped use. Planning and Economic Development Manager Shannan Campbell shared her thoughts. She had been asked to share earlier in the discussion but connection difficulties had prevented her from responding. She said it Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 3 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES | 4 of 5 would be great to provide Collins Ridge another egress. Also, Alternatives 1A and 1B would increase the visibility of the planned train station and would encourage transit-oriented development around the train station. The roundabout closer to Elizabeth Brady Road would take away some very developable property. Regarding the traffic bottleneck downtown, this won’t solve it but having more ways to move around town would help. She would want to work on informing the public of alternate routes. She thinks there is an education component. Trueblood reviewed staff recommendations: • Delay the planned parking study. • Conduct a greenway feasibility study in Fiscal Year 2023. • Conduct a Churton Street Feasibility Study in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Trueblood suggested that a feasibility study of South Churton Street led by the town would likely result in a project the town likes better than the project the state proposed. Ferguson supports not doing the parking study and said she is happy that staff is looking at greenway options. She asked how other pedestrian bridges over the Durham Freeway and I-40 have been funded. Hauth said those are part of the American Tobacco Trail, which is a regional greenway and as such competes for state funding. This one is only in Hillsborough so it will not compete for that kind of funding. Ferguson supports staff recommendations. English, Bell and Hughes expressed support for staff recommendations. Trueblood shared the roadway projects chart and went through it project by project. She noted the upcoming wastewater treatment system expenses shared with the board in the last work session would need to be taken into consideration when considering roadway projects. In a brief discussion of other projects, English added that he would like a traffic light at Old N.C. 86 and Lafayette Drive and Cates Creek Parkway to be part of the eventual South Churton Street widening. This would allow residents in the Cornwallis Hills neighborhood to safely walk or ride a bike to Cates Creek Park. Weaver suggested using a racial equity toolkit to look at other projects. Hughes said sidewalks to both high schools was still something he would like to see built. He recognizes that both high schools are outside town limits. Trueblood noted the areas of focus of the board seem to align with areas of focus of staff. Staff did not request formal action. B. Budget amendment for Water Treatment Plant filters repair and rebuild Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz reported that one filter definitely needed a complete rebuild and two other filters may need a complete rebuild, too. The wait for vendors and parts is long. She’s confident that Filter 1 can be repaired and rebuilt and filters 2 and 3 can be evaluated and fixed by the end of the fiscal year. Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 4 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES | 5 of 5 Lloyd said it would be great to rebuild all three filters if the town can afford it and find someone to do it. Strandwitz said a capable contractor is lined up for the job. Motion: Hughes moved to approve the grant project ordinance and budget amendment to allocate a portion of the town’s direct receipt of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $556,500 toward these repairs. Lloyd seconded. Kimrey called the roll for voting. Vote: 5-0. Ayes: Bell, English, Ferguson, Hughes and Lloyd. Nays: None. 5. Other business There was none. 6. Committee updates and reports Board members gave updates on the committees and boards on which they serve. 7. Adjournment Motion: Lloyd moved to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. English seconded. Kimrey called the roll for voting. Vote: 5-0. Ayes: Bell, English, Ferguson, Hughes and Lloyd. Nays: None. Respectfully submitted, Sarah Kimrey Town Clerk Staff support to the Board of Commissioners Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 5 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BUDGET CHANGES REPORT TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH FY 2021-2022 DATES: 09/27/2021 TO 09/27/2021 REFERENCE NUMBER DATE BUDGET CHANGE BUDGET ORIGINAL BUDGET AMENDEDCHANGE USER 10-00-9990-5300-000 CONTINGENCY 09/27/2021 400,000.00 -16,200.00To cover vaccine bonus 24015 235,900.00EBRADFORD 10-10-4200-5300-581 RECOGNITION PAY 09/27/2021 0.00 16,200.00To cover vaccine bonus 24014 16,200.00EBRADFORD 10-30-5600-5300-110 TELEPHONE/INTERNET 09/27/2021 1,448.00 140.00To cover overage 24010 1,588.00EBRADFORD 10-30-5600-5300-455 C.S./ENGINEERING 09/27/2021 35,038.00 38,000.00To move Engeering exp to correct acct 24012 73,038.00EBRADFORD 10-30-5600-5300-570 MISCELLANEOUS 09/27/2021 1,000.00 -140.00To cover overage 24011 860.00EBRADFORD 10-30-5600-5700-729 CAPITAL - INFRASTRUCTURE 09/27/2021 205,000.00 -38,000.00To move Engeering exp to correct acct 24013 167,000.00EBRADFORD 30-80-7220-5300-581 RECOGNITION PAY 09/27/2021 0.00 5,700.00To cover vaccine bonus 24016 5,700.00EBRADFORD 30-80-9990-5300-000 CONTINGENCY 09/27/2021 400,000.00 -5,700.00To cover vaccine bonus 24018 358,434.00EBRADFORD 35-30-5900-5300-570 MISCELLANEOUS 09/27/2021 11,187.00 -900.00To cover vaccine bonus 24019 10,287.00EBRADFORD 35-30-5900-5300-581 RECOGNITION PAY 09/27/2021 0.00 900.00To cover vaccine bonus 24017 900.00EBRADFORD 0.00 EBRADFORD 2:11:08PM09/21/2021 fl142r03 Page 1 of 1 GF - Contingency Administration Streets Streets Streets Streets Utilities Administration W&S Contingency Stormwater Stormwater APPROVED: 5/0 DATE: 9/27/21 VERIFIED: ___________________________________ Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 6 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BUDGET CHANGES REPORT TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH FY 2021-2022 DATES: 09/28/2021 TO 09/28/2021 REFERENCE NUMBER DATE BUDGET CHANGE BUDGET ORIGINAL BUDGET AMENDEDCHANGE USER 30-80-7220-5300-455 C.S./ENGINEERING 09/28/2021 27,500.00 85,000.00To cover BRIC funding consultant 24022 129,500.00EBRADFORD 30-80-9990-5300-000 CONTINGENCY 09/28/2021 400,000.00 -85,000.00To cover BRIC funding consultant 24023 273,434.00EBRADFORD 0.00 EBRADFORD 1:48:38PM09/22/2021 fl142r03 Page 1 of 1 Utilities Admin. W&S Contingency Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 7 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 8 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 9 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 ORDINANCE Capital Project Amendment Connectivity The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners ordains that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby amended: Section 1. Revenues anticipated to be available to the town to complete the project are hereby amended as follows. Current Budget +/- Amended Budget Connectivity $52,500 $20,000 $72,500 Section 2. Amounts appropriated for the capital project are hereby amended as follows. Current Budget +/- Amended Budget Connectivity $52,500 $20,000 $72,500 Section 3. Copies of this ordinance should be furnished to the clerk, budget officer and finance officer to be kept on file by them for their direction in carrying out this project. The foregoing ordinance having been submitted to a vote, received the following vote and was duly adopted this 27th day of September in 2021. Ayes: Noes: Absent or excused: __________________________________________________________ Jenn Weaver, Mayor Attest: Sarah E. Kimrey, Town Clerk 5 0 0 Ordinance #20210927-3.C Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 10 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BUDGET CHANGES REPORT TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH FY 2021-2022 DATES: 09/27/2021 TO 09/27/2021 REFERENCE NUMBER DATE BUDGET CHANGE BUDGET ORIGINAL BUDGET AMENDEDCHANGE USER 60-03-3870-3870-402 TRANSFER FROM GF-CONNECTIVITY 09/27/2021 44,500.00 20,000.00To adj proj budget per FY22 budget 24030 64,500.00EBRADFORD 60-03-6300-5700-728 CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE 09/27/2021 52,500.00 20,000.00To adj proj budget per FY22 budget 24031 72,500.00EBRADFORD 40,000.00 EBRADFORD 11:08:01AM09/27/2021 fl142r03 Page 1 of 1 APPROVED: 5/0 DATE: 9/27/21 VERIFIED: ___________________________________ Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 11 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN – WATER TREATMENT PLANT FILTERS REPAIR/REBUILD BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina, that, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 159-13.2, the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1: The project authorized by this ordinance is to repair and/or rebuild the water treatment plant filters. Section 2: The officers of this governmental unit are hereby directed to proceed with this grant project within the guidelines set by the budget contained herein. Section 3: The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project: American Rescue Plan $556,500 TOTAL $556,500 Section 4: The following amounts are available for expenditure for the project: Water Treatment Filter Repair/Rebuild $556,500 TOTAL $556,500 Section 5: This ordinance shall be amended in any manner so long as it continues to fulfill the requirements of G.S. 159-13.2 and other applicable laws. Section 6: Copies of this ordinance should be furnished to the Clerk, Budget Officer and Finance Officer to be kept on file by them for their direction in carrying out this project. Adopted this 27th day of September, 2021. _____________________________ Jenn Weaver, Mayor Attest: ______________________________ Sarah Kimrey, Town Clerk Ordinance #20210927-4.B Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 12 of 13 Oct. 11 2021 BUDGET CHANGES REPORT TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH FY 2021-2022 DATES: 09/27/2021 TO 09/27/2021 REFERENCE NUMBER DATE BUDGET CHANGE BUDGET ORIGINAL BUDGET AMENDEDCHANGE USER 77-25-3001-3310-007 GRANT - ARPA - WTP FILTERS REPAIR 09/27/2021 0.00 556,500.00To establish project 24026 556,500.00EBRADFORD 77-25-3001-5700-771 ARPA - WTP FILTERS - MAINT. - EQUIP 09/27/2021 0.00 556,500.00To establish project 24027 556,500.00EBRADFORD 1,113,000.00 EBRADFORD 2:14:25PM09/22/2021 fl142r03 Page 1 of 1 ARPA Fund ARPA Fund APPROVED: 5/0 DATE: 9/27/21 VERIFIED: ___________________________________ Sept. 27, 2021 Board of Commissioners Work Session Approved: ____________________ Page 13 of 13 Oct. 11 2021