Chapel Hill Review

The Chapel Hill Town Council convened on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Chapel Hill Town Hall. The comprehensive agenda is available on the Town's website. The meeting was marked by several key highlights.

Firstly, the Council declared May as Historic Preservation Month in Chapel Hill. This proclamation was read by Council Member Theodore Nollert and accepted by Josh Gurlitz on behalf of the Historic District Commission. The Council paid tribute to the Indigenous stewards of our land and those who constructed our historic buildings and structures. They also recognized the importance of historic preservation in maintaining the architectural uniqueness of the Town and appreciated community members dedicated to promoting our historic buildings and structures.

Secondly, May 19 – 25, 2024, was announced as Public Works Week in Chapel Hill by the Council. The proclamation was read by Council Member Miller-Foushee and accepted by Public Works Director Lance Norris on behalf of the Town’s Public Works team. The Council acknowledged and celebrated the crucial role that Public Works professionals play in enhancing life quality in Chapel Hill and making our community more sustainable, resilient, and healthy.

Thirdly, Police Week in Chapel Hill was proclaimed to be from May 12-18, 2024, with May 15, 2024, being Police Officers Memorial Day. Mayor Jess Anderson read this proclamation which was accepted by Chief Celisa Lehew and Captain Todd Harris on behalf of the Guardians of the Hill. The council lauded their department's national reputation for progressive policing which includes victim-focused investigations, community-centered services, and a co-responder model for crisis intervention.

Town Manager Chris Blue presented a summary of his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 during a public hearing. Aaron Nelson from Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill provided information about property taxes' impact on local businesses. After receiving public comments during this hearing session, it was closed with plans to consider adopting the Manager’s Recommended Budget on June 5.

The Council also authorized staff to proceed with installment financing for three projects following a presentation from Business Management Director Amy Oland. The projects include $12.5 million funding for the Rosemary Parking Deck, $2.3 million for a ladder fire truck purchase, and $1.7 million for the upfit of a leased space for the Police Station.

Additionally, after another presentation from Amy Oland, the Council unanimously voted to adopt a Resolution of Intent to proceed with a General Obligation Bond Referendum in November 2024 amounting to $44 million.

Lastly, an update was presented by the Town’s Planning Department staff on rewriting our Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). The topics discussed included administrative approval of some development applications and a more streamlined conditional zoning process.