Wendell News Outlet

When a new residential or commercial development is built, there's additional need for water and sewer. Over time, building new water capacity costs money, and a lot of it. Who should pay for that? According to Raleigh City Councilor Russ Stephenson, 96% of the cost of new water and sewer infrastructure for Raleigh is being paid by existing raterpayers. That's us. Most Wake cities charge a few thousand dollars in water and sewer fees on new development -- but not Raleigh. Stephenson is proposing that Raleigh begin charging a water and sewer "utility fee."

He's also proposing that Raleigh's Public Utility (affecting the 7 towns it supplies water to) provide fincancial incentives for water conservation to property owners and homebuilders. These incentives could be built into a new tiered rate structure for water fees. Bottom line: INCENTIVES encourage action, and Raleigh's Public Utility is the only one in the Triangle that does not offer water conservation incentives. These proposals make sense to WakeUP Wake County.

Meanwhile: Don't forget to SIGN WakeUP's online PETITION asking the Raleigh City Council to take wise action to plan for long-term water supply needs (for all the towns of Eastern Wake). Click here to sign the petition.

SAVE THE DATE: Transit forum June 26, 7-9:30 pm

TRANSIT: Is Wake County Ready for It? A public forum on the future of transit in Wake County & the Triangle Thursday, June 26, 2008, 7 - 9:30 pm (register 6:30 pm) NCSU McKimmon Center - Admission: Free Hosted by the following Community Partners: WakeUP Wake County, Downtown Housing Improvement Corp., NC Conservation Network, Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association, Sierra Club Capital Group, Society for Environmental Professionals, Women in Transportation Seminar - NC Triangle Chapter Forum highlights: Keynote speaker: Carol Coletta, CEO, CEO's for Cities and host of NPR syndicated program, "Smart Cities," and national urbanism expert. She'll speak on: "By choice or by chance. How can transit help us plan for a future of growth?" Discussion by community business leaders on how transit can provide economic opportunities for Wake County Learn about new proposal for Triangle regional transit NC Gubernatorial Candidates invited to present views on transit The purpose of the forum is to discuss the opportunities and potential of transit in Wake County and the Triangle. Please come learn, ask questions and participate in the community discussion! Register to attend forum (requested but not required): at www.wakeupwakecounty.com

We NEED your support -- please send in your $25 today!

WakeUP Wake County is growing -- we have over 500 supporters! The work we are doing -- to promote good growth planning and how to pay for it -- is expanding too. We need each of you to help support this organization financially to help sustain our efforts. Please contribute your first annual membership dues of just $25 today. If you like what you see WakeUP doing, please consider making a donation of $35, $50 or $100. These funds will help us secure greater, sustaining funds from foundations this year. Thank you for your support!!

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

May 30, 2008

ITEM 1. EASTERN REGIONAL CENTER HEALTH FORUM THIS SATURDAY – MAY 31^ST FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 2:00 P.M.

Rep. Linda Coleman and the Eastern Regional Center (along with multiple partners, including the Town of Wendell) will hold a public health forum / health fair on Saturday, May 31^st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center and Park. The forum is for residents of Wendell, Knightdale and Zebulon.

In addition to the logistical support of the Town of Wendell Recreation Department, the Wendell Police Department will also participate in this effort by administering child safety seat checks and providing a demonstration that will show the effects of alcohol on driving. (The department has borrowed a golf cart from the Garner Police Department that drivers can use with goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol on one’s vision.)

Everyone is encouraged to attend. If you do not have any other plans, please try to support this effort.

ITEM 2. TOWN HALL DAY – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4^TH

The NC League of Municipalities Town Hall Day is next week – on Wednesday, June 4^th. Mayor Broadwell, Commissioner Connolly, Commissioner Hinnant, Manager Bone and Planning Director Piner will be attending. There will be a legislative briefing by the NCLM, and then we will try to talk with our legislators about municipal issues in the Legislature.

ITEM 3. ETJ EXPANSION AUTHORITY REQUEST HITS A ROAD BLOCK

The manager spoke with Rep. Linda Coleman today concerning the town’s request for legislative authority to recognize more than one mile of extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). As you are aware, this request is a local bill request (i.e., for the Town of Wendell only). In a short session (as it is this year), only non-controversial local bills are allowed. To be considered non-controversial, all nine representatives and four senators from Wake County would have to support the request; unfortunately, there is opposition to the request from Republican legislators from Wake County, particularly Rep. Nelson Dollar of Cary.

It appears that the town may not be successful in its legislative request this year; however, local bills do not have to be non-controversial in long session years (as with next year). The board may wish to begin thinking about how it would like to proceed in regards to this issue. Will the board want to wait until next year to try again in the long session? Or, will the board want to proceed with expansion of the town’s ETJ and recognize a full mile of ETJ (as measured with current boundary limits, after taking into consideration boundary extensions from recent annexations)?

ITEM 4. PROPOSED BUDGET ONLINE

The 2008-09 Proposed Budget is online. Click here to check it out.

ITEM 5. NEW PLANNING STAFF

Planning Director Teresa Piner has hired Mary Kate Wise as the town’s new Planning Technician. Mary Kate, who started her position this week, is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University. She is from Knightdale and attended East Wake High School. She previously had an internship with the Town of Cary Planning Department.

ITEM 6. DONATION OF GRADING WORK FOR NEW T-BALL FIELDS

Johnny Ammons has donated his time, equipment and staff time this week for grading work on the town’s new t-ball fields. Some pictures of the work are attached. I am sure you will want to thank him for his generosity when you see him.

ITEM 7. SOLID WASTE NEWS

During this week of May 26^th, three significant events occurred for the collective benefit of all Wake County citizens:

· the new East Wake Transfer Station opened;

· all residential waste in Wake County was directed to the South Wake Landfill; and

· North Wake Landfill received its last load of waste, and the closure process will now begin to convert that to a legacy facility.

ITEM 8. WRAListens TOUR HEADED OUR WAY

The WRAListens tour is heading to Northeastern Wake County. WRAListens is a 30-minute public affairs program that allows viewers to hear about issues facing local communities. Former WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy hosts the show and moderates the discussion. WRAL plans to tape the show on Wednesday, June 18th from noon until 2:00pm. A production site for the taping has not yet been identified.

ITEM 9. OTHER:

A. Triangle J COG Director Dee Freeman announced this week that he plans to retire on January 1, 2009 after 36 years of public service as a city manager and regional council director. Freeman will have completed 8½ years as Triangle J’s executive director at the time of his retirement.

B. The $38,400 check from the Wake County Clerk of Courts (to make amends for court fees owed through June 2007) was received this week.

C. The next community forum about the plans for Lake Myra Park (concerning programming and visioning) will be held on Thursday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.

D. The town auditors will be in the office on June 19^th to do some preliminary work on the 2007-08 Audit.

E. In case you get questions from residents about utility work in the area, Bellsouth is planning to begin the installation of telephone cable lines to the Brighton Subdivision from Marshburn Road.

F. The portion of Martin Pond Road that closed on April 14^th for the Wendell Falls construction is scheduled to re-open around the middle of August.

ITEM 10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

05/31 10am - 2pm East Wake Public Health Forum @ Wendell Community Center

06/02 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

06/04 NCLM Town Hall Day @ NC Legislature

06/09 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
(including, potentially, adoption of the FY 2008-09 Budget)

06/12 7:00 p.m. Community Forum about Lake Myra County Park @ Wendell Community Center

06/16 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

06/23 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/04 (Wed.) July 4th holiday – Town offices closed

07/07 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

Have a nice Memorial Day Weekend.

May 23, 2008

ITEM 1. TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR MEMORIAL DAY

All town facilities will be closed on Monday, May 26^th for Memorial Day.

ITEM 2. PROPOSED BUDGET PRESENTATION

As you are aware, the proposed budget will be presented at the meeting on Tuesday, May 27^th.

On the same day that the budget is presented to the governing body, the budget officer shall file a copy of it in the office of the clerk for public inspection and schedule a public hearing.

The public hearing was originally scheduled for the board of commissioners work session on Tuesday, May 27, 2008; however, due to the fact that the manager’s budget presentation was delayed to the May 27^th meeting, the manager is asking for the board to establish a public hearing on the budget on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. This is being requested so that the public will have time to review the proposed budget prior to the public hearing.

NCGS 159-13 specifies that not earlier than 10 days after the budget is presented to the governing body and not later than July 1^st, the governing body shall adopt a budget ordinance. The board may consider adoption of the budget after the public hearing of the June 9^th meeting.

The Proposed Budget will be passed-out at the May 27^th meeting but has not substantially changed from the draft discussed at the May 14^th budget work session.

ITEM 2. UTILITY FRANCHISE AUDIT RESULTS

As was previously communicated with the board, the manager and finance director met on Wednesday with the Bob Segal about the town’s Utility Franchise audit, and we received some great news! The town should net an additional $55,000 in additional revenue next year as a result of the utility franchise audit. We should then receive about another $11,800 in year 2, $11,800 in year 3, and $23,600 each year thereafter. We should receive the first installment of additional revenue (net of about $43,000) in September. The auditors found a net increase of 501 customers accounts for which the town was not previously receiving credit for.

ITEM 3. POLICE CHIEF ADVERTISEMENT POSTED

In compliance with Article IV, Section 3 of the town’s personnel policy, the upcoming Police Chief vacancy has been publicized through the town’s normal means for advertising positions. Applications are due by June 20^th to ensure consideration.

ITEM 4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

· STATUS OF ANNEXATION MORATORIUM – The House Select Committee approved the moratorium concept on Monday, May 19^th. Mayor Harold Broadwell attended the meeting. The proposal will now be considered by the House Finance Committee. If given a favorable report by that committee, it will be sent to House Judiciary II Committee.

House and Senate GOP leaders held a news conference on Tuesday, May 20^th to promote the moratorium idea.

· GANG LEGISLATION – With a coalition of mayors and police chiefs urging action on gangs, the state Senate on Wednesday, May 21^st overwhelmingly approved two bills to provide tougher penalties for gang activity and money for prevention and intervention programs. The two votes, both 47-0, moved North Carolina closer to joining a majority of states that have laws dealing specifically with gangs. Senators made no mention of the potential effect the legislation would have on an overcrowded prison system. Anti-gang legislation has become a big issue this year, largely because of two high-profile killings that so far have not been confirmed as gang-related. Eve Carson, UNC-Chapel Hill's student body president, and Abhijit Mahato, a Duke University graduate student, were shot in separate incidents. Click here to read the N&O story.

· BILL WITH POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON FUNDING FOR EWTV – House Bill 2342 could be a problem for EWTV. An identical Senate bill was also introduced. Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon all claim 3 PEG channels each based on our cable franchise, which allows three channels each. The money can now be spent on any one of the three we claim. If HB 2342 passes, the money has to be spent equally on the channels we claim. Since we claim EWTV, Raleigh channel 10 and 18, two-thirds of the money would go to Raleigh. The thought is we, and everyone else, will only claim the number actually operated, lowering the total number of shares. EWTV would claim 3 (instead of 9). Since there would be fewer shares to split the state pot of funds, the revenue per share should go up. But we are unsure the effect of the reduction of shares would have on the overall PEG channel revenue that the towns receive.

ITEM 5. OTHER:

A. McDonald’s is now planning to close on June 22^nd. They have some plan additions and revisions to do before they get ready to close.

B. Rep. Linda Coleman and the Eastern Regional Center (along with multiple partners, including the Town of Wendell) will hold a public health forum / health fair on Saturday, May 31^st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center and Park. A copy of a flyer for this event is attached.

C. The next community forum about the plans for Lake Myra Park (concerning programming and visioning) will be held on Thursday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.

D. The portion of Martin Pond Road that closed on April 14^th for the Wendell Falls construction is scheduled to re-open around the middle of August.

ITEM 6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

05/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Committee Meeting @ Town Hall
(Special Called Meeting will also be held to make advisory board appointments and to present the proposed budget)

05/31 10am - 2pm East Wake Public Health Forum @ Wendell Community Center

06/02 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

06/04 NCLM Town Hall Day @ NC Legislature

06/09 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
(including, potentially, public hearing and adoption of the FY 2008-09 Budget)

06/12 7:00 p.m. Community Forum about Lake Myra County Park @ Wendell Community Center

06/16 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall

06/23 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

07/04 (Wed.) July 4th holiday – Town offices closed

07/07 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall

07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

Posted: Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 at http://www.ncspin.com/

What do you do when your personal expenses increase significantly faster than your income? You can turn to credit cards to offset the costs but most money managers will tell you the most sensible way is to reduce your expenses.

If that is what you and I should do, why doesn’t this same logic apply to government? Whether you call it a slowdown or a recession the economy is not exactly robust and growing. Unemployment numbers are up, retail sales are lethargic, and real estate is depressed. We are facing the very real prospect of $4 per gallon gas. Summer vacation plans are being scaled back to pay for higher grocery bills. On the other side of the ledger, however, wage increases do not come close to keeping up with escalating costs.

City and county governments, like you and me, feel those same increases. Only they have a magic wand they can wave to balance the ledger. They can raise our taxes. Wake County is talking about a 15 percent increase in property taxes for the year starting July 1. The City of Raleigh is also considering tax increases, as are other local governments across the state.

I can feel their pain but it appears obvious they cannot feel mine. Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones may be one notable exception. Despite the pressures on the county’s budget Jones says this is the wrong time to raise taxes. Administrators will have to find solutions through greater efficiencies and spending reductions.

I am not one to oppose any and all tax increases, but this is not the right year for tax increases. Ask Governor Easley. His proposals for increased taxes on cigarettes and beer was declared “dead on arrival” at the legislature.

Property valuations in Wake County have just increased dramatically due to the recent revaluation and residents are expecting that taxes will be adjusted so as to be revenue neutral. Residents will be keeping a close watch on their tax bills this year. They will also be watching who votes for tax increases.

Tom Campbell
http://www.ncspin.com/

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

May 16, 2008

ITEM 1. ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATIONS

A couple of more advisory board applications have trickled-in, but we still need more applications, particularly for the ETJ representatives on the Planning Board and for members of the Tree Board and Board of Adjustments. Please actively recruit individuals to apply for these boards.

ITEM 2. FIRE DISTRICT NEWS

A May 13^th News & Observer article reports that Wake's 19 rural fire districts are pushing for steep increases to the county's fire tax to support hiring more full-time firefighters. The Wake County Fire Commission, which is responsible for providing fire service to unincorporated areas of the county and some small municipalities, voted unanimously last week to ask commissioner to boost the fire tax 31 percent next year and 73 percent by 2015.

The article further reports that County Manager David Cooke he agrees Wake needs more full-time firefighters, but he said taxpayers don't need to bear the full burden. “Cooke said millions in costs could be saved by closing fire stations now ‘embedded’ in growing cities and consolidating rural fire districts, thereby saving money on administrative costs.”

Click here to read the article.

ITEM 3. RECYCLING CART DELIVERY / BIN PICK-UP

The staff of Wendell and Zebulon have been working together to prepare for the change in recycling service – from bins to carts. A flier about the switch will be placed in Raleigh water bills, and an ad will be placed in the Eastern Wake News.

The new 48-gallon carts are expected to be delivered by June 27^th. The carts will look very similar to the current solid waste carts, only smaller. The new cart will allow you to recycle a greater quantity of materials. The lid will prevent materials from littering the streets on windy days. Customers are asked to place their bins by the curb on the last scheduled pickup day in June.

Waste Industries is expected to use an area at Wendell Park as a staging area for the bin pick-up and cart delivery.

ITEM 4. GROWTH TASK FORCE APPOINTMENTS

The board is reminded that it needs to appoint two of its own to the Wake County Growth Task Force. A third member should be appointed as an alternate. The initial meeting of the task force is scheduled for May 22^nd, and it is hoped that the task force will complete its work by December 2008.

ITEM 5. OTHER:

A. The June 19^th Planning Board agenda is at the end of the Friday Memo.

B. McDonald’s is scheduled to close on the 19^th of May. Demolition is scheduled to begin on the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

C. It is the understanding of Planning Department staff that El Fagon no longer has plans to open a restaurant in Wendell.

D. El Cerro Grande is still proceeding slowly with plans to open a restaurant at the former “Meeting Place”. Some issues were recently worked-out with the Fire Marshal.

E. Dr. Tim Poirier of Knightdale will be opening a satellite optometrist office in the Knott Square development in a few months.

F. During the last revaluation in 2000, the Town of Wendell increased the tax rate 5-cents from the revenue-neutral rate to help pay for the community center.

G. Rep. Linda Coleman and the Eastern Regional Center (along with multiple partners, including the Town of Wendell) will hold a public health forum / health fair on Saturday, May 31^st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center and Park. A copy of a flyer for this event is attached.

H. Mayor Broadwell, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Connolly, Manager David Bone and Planning Director Teresa Piner plan to represent the town at the NCLM Town Hall Day on June 4^th.

I. The next community forum about the plans for Lake Myra Park (concerning programming and visioning) will be held on Thursday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.

J. The portion of Martin Pond Road that closed on April 14^th for the Wendell Falls construction is scheduled to re-open around the middle of August.

ITEM 6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION
05/19 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
05/26 Memorial Day – Town offices closed
05/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Committee Meeting @ Town Hall
(Special Called Meeting will also be held to make advisory board appointments and for public hearing on the proposed FY 2008-09 Budget)
05/31 10:00am - 2:00pm East Wake Public Health Forum @ Wendell Community Center
06/02 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
06/04 NCLM Town Hall Day @ NC Legislature Building
06/09 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
06/12 7:00 p.m. Proposed Lake Myra County Park Public Forum @ Wendell Community Center
06/16 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
06/23 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
07/04 (Wed.) July 4th holiday – Town offices closed
07/07 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
07/13 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall

It's raining again -- what a relief. But we all know that now is the time for Raleigh to act to ensure that we have enough drinking water for the long run. Since Raleigh's Public Utility controls the water for all the towns in Eastern Wake County, we need to send a message for action to Raleigh! WakeUP recommends the creation of a Water Stewardship Advisory Board that would advise Raleigh and our public utility on steps needed to ensure long-term water supply, including conservation.

Here's what YOU can do to help:

Sign WakeUP's online petition asking the Raleigh City Council to take wise action to plan for long-term water supply needs. Click here to sign the petition.

You sign it, and we'll deliver it to the Raleigh City Council. That's all you need to do. Please forward this email to a friend who is concerned about water!

Also, check out this week's N&O editorial calling on Raleigh to move quickly on a tiered conservation water rate structure. "cities [should] stay in the leadership role in urging water conservation...they should be looking toward steps that would make conservation the standard practice instead of an emergency response when drought applies its painful grip." Click here to read it all.

Transfer Tax referendum fails in Orange County

Despite the growing need to pay for schools, parks etc. in local communities, another referendum to permit a tax on real estate transfers failed on election day in Orange County. Perhaps the $200,000 spent by the realtor lobby prevented citizens from truly understanding how growth could be paying for the costs of growth. Check out WakeUP member Linda McCarley's letter-to-the-editor that lays the facts on line... What ads don't say. "The defeat Tuesday of a 0.4 percent land transfer tax in Orange County is another example of the rich manipulating the public. The ad campaign (of over $200,000 from N.C. real estate interests) said there is a better way to pay for schools and parks. But what way? The ever-popular remedy of increasing property taxes (the only real home tax)? More sales tax? A quarter-cent sales tax is not enough to pay for what is needed, and sales tax revenue doesn't keep up with growth. But the ads don't say that. Most real estate transfers are on commercial or raw land -- not homes. In most cases, a transfer tax on a private home is passed on to the buyer. So the tax is paid in a 15- or 30-year mortgage. Where's the pain? Or (gasp!) the homeowner asks the Realtor to take a lower fee to compensate. But the ads don't say that. Realtors and developers keep profiting from growth, while we taxpayers pick up the bill. Too bad citizens believe everything they see on TV. And too bad citizens and government officials don't have the bucks to go on TV and say the things that the ads don't say."

It's just $25 -- please send in your 2008 Membership Dues!

WakeUP Wake County is growing -- we have over 500 supporters! The work we are doing -- to promote good growth planning and how to pay for it -- is expanding too. We need each of you to help support this organization financially to help sustain our efforts. Please go to WakeUP's website and contribute your first annual dues of just $25 today. If you like what you see WakeUP doing, please consider making a donation of $35, $50 or $100. These funds will help us secure greater, sustaining funds from foundations this year. Thank you for your support!!

Mark your calendars and plan to attend if you can.

May 14:
The Wendell Town Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Called meeting at 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in the courtroom of the Wendell Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to have a general discussion about budgetary items, including the draft 2008-2009 budget.

May 19:
The Wendell Planning Board will have their monthly meeting on Monday, May 19 at the Wendell Town Hall at 6pm.

May 27:
The Wendell Board of Commissioners will have their regularly scheduled monthly work session meeting on Tuesday, May 27 at Town Hall at 7pm. Note date change due to Monday being Memorial Day.
The agenda should be posted on the town web site a few days before the meeting.

Please plan to attend if you can.

Subject: Upcoming Little River Reservoir Proposed Rezoning Public Meetings - Wake County Planning Board & BOC

Little River Workgroup Participants:

The Wake County Planning Board will meet to consider a recommendation for two (2) of the Little River Reservior Water Supply Watershed proposed implementation actions on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:30 p.m. Wake County Courthouse, Room 700.

The two ILA-related zoning items under consideration:

ZP-865-08: Rezoning R-80W properties to R-120W (minimum lot size 3 acres for a dwelling)

ZP-866-08: Application of some modified standards of the Water Supply Watershed Overlay District (WSOD) to the R-40W and proposed R-120W zoning districts (among the modifications - ILA provisions pertaining to land use, municipal water and sewer, impervious surface standards)

County staff has targeted Monday, June 16, 2008 as the date the Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing [same meeting place as the Planning Board - start time 2pm] on the set of Little River-related items:

Wake County Land Use Plan Amendments

Wake County Ordinance Amendments

Proposed Rezoning & Overlay District

The BOC will consider the ILA at that meeting as well.

You are welcome and encouraged to attend both the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners meetings.

Sharon Peterson, Long Range Planning Administrator

Wake County Planning Department

(919) 856-6325

(919) 856-6184 [fax]

sharon.peterson@co.wake.nc.us

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

May 9, 2008

ITEM 1. ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATIONS

A couple of more advisory board applications have trickled-in, but we still need more applications, particularly for the ETJ representatives on the Planning Board and for members of the Tree Board and Board of Adjustments. Please actively recruit individuals to apply for these boards.

ITEM 2. MEETING HELD ABOUT POSSIBLE TTA BUS SERVICE IN EASTERN WAKE COUNTY

The manager attended a meeting today (Friday, May 9^th) concerning possible bus service in eastern Wake County. The meeting involved representatives of the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) and the three towns of Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon.

Most of the discussion centered on the possibility of an express bus route from Zebulon, Wendell and Knightdale going to Raleigh, with stops at WakeMed, downtown and (possibly) NCSU. It was stated that the bus service could be running in as soon as 18 months.

There was also some discussion of a local circulator route to serve local needs in individual towns or all three towns, combined. The circulator route would likely be considered after the express route.

If the three towns decide to endorse the idea of the express route, TTA plans to apply for grant funds to purchase buses for the route. A resolution about this matter may be on a board agenda in the next couple of months.

ITEM 3. NCLM TOWN HALL DAY

Because of the annexation issue, our ETJ extension request and various other issues, commissioners may wish to attend the NC League of Municipalities Town Hall Day. Registration is due in the NCLM office by May 16^th, so staff is asking the board to let us know by the May 12^th meeting if you would like for us to register you for the event. The cost of the event is $40 per person.

The schedule for Town Hall Day has changed this year. In the past, the NCLM has had a bbq lunch for us to share with legislators. This year, there will be a reception for legislators from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Quorum Center (across from the NCLM offices). The change in the schedule was made to allow for more time with legislators. We are encouraged to meet with them for lunch or dinner or anytime in between.

The NCLM will also have two briefings about various municipal issues before the legislature. These briefings will be at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Again, please let us know by May 12^th if you would like to attend this event.

ITEM 4. GROWTH TASK FORCE APPOINTMENTS

The board is reminded that it needs to appoint two of its own to the Wake County Growth Task Force. A third member should be appointed as an alternate. The initial meeting of the task force is scheduled for May 22^nd, and it is hoped that the task force will complete its work by December 2008.

ITEM 5. OTHER:

A. The applicants have asked for a delay the rezoning AND annexation request for the Anderson Property. This item should be removed from Monday’s agenda.

B. Public Works Supervisor Kenny Goad is scheduled to return to work on Monday.

C. McDonald’s is scheduled to close on the 19^th of May. Demolition is scheduled to begin on the Tuesday after Memorial Day.

D. Rep. Linda Coleman and the Eastern Regional Center (along with multiple partners, including the Town of Wendell) will hold a public health forum / health fair on Saturday, May 31^st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center and Park. A copy of a flyer for this event is attached.

E. The next community forum about the plans for Lake Myra Park (concerning programming and visioning) will be held on Thursday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.

ITEM 6. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION
05/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
05/14 1:00 p.m. Wendell Chamber Golf Tournament @ Wendell CC
05/19 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
05/26 Memorial Day – Town offices closed
05/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Committee @ Town Hall
05/31 East Wake Public Health Forum @ Community Center
06/02 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
06/04 NCLM Town Hall Day @ NC Legislature
06/09 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
06/12 7:00 p.m. Proposed Lake Myra County Park Public Forum @ Community Center

Board of Commissioners Friday Update

May 2, 2008

ITEM 1. TIME OF POLICE CHIEF FOCUS GROUP MOVED-UP / BUDGET WORK SESSION TO BE HELD AFTER POLICE CHIEF FOCUS GROUP

In order to accommodate a rescheduling of a budget work session, the focus group with the mayor and commissioners (to get input about the desired traits, skills and abilities desired in a new police chief) has been moved up to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8^th. The focus group will take about 45 minutes, and then the board and staff will work on the budget.

ITEM 2. MEETING ABOUT LAKE MYRA PARK HELD

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008 a Lake Myra Park workshop was held in the Wendell Community Center. The Wendell community was well represented with more than 40 in attendance. Mayor Broadwell, Commissioner Baynes and Planning Director Teresa Piner attended the event. Leigh Ann Cienek with the Triangle Land Conservancy was also present.

A large contingent was on hand in support of equestrian opportunities inside the park, while others expressed more diverse interest throughout the park such as kayaking, hiking, environmental education opportunities and preservation.

The evening began with open remarks by Eric Staehle, RLA Project Manager with Wake County Facilities Design & Construction. Chris Snow, Director of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space then gave a synopsis of the county park system and made comparisons of the future Lake Myra Park to Blue Jay Point in regard to environmental education opportunities.

Ms. Hatchell, President of Susan Hatchell and Associates informed those present about her firm and the types of projects which they have worked on in the past. She discussed the information which she and her office had gathered on the site, in regard to open areas and the existence of different tree stands on the east side of Lake Myra as well as the 90 acres which the county purchased on the west side of Lake Myra.

Ms. Hatchell informed those present that her firm intents to clear and grade as little of the property as possible. The majority of the greenways and trails will follow the sewer easements which have been cleared and graded. Cleared areas or fields will be looked at for the placement of buildings and parking. Ms. Hatchell also discussed the importance of the citizen survey brochure.

Click here for more information. This website contains Ms. Hatchell’s presentation made at the Wendell Community Center as well as a link to the citizen survey.

The next community forum (concerning programming and visioning) will be held on Thursday, June 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.

ITEM 3. FOCUS GROUP MEETING ABOUT NEW POLICE CHIEF HELD WITH PUBLIC

On May 1^st, the manager held a focus meeting with the public about traits, skills and abilities desired in a new police chief. There was limited attendance at the meeting, but there was good discussion and input received at the meeting.

ITEM 4. ETJ EXPANSION REQUEST PRESENTATION TO LEGISLATORS

The mayor presented the town’s ETJ extension request to the full Wake County Legislative delegation on Monday, April 28^th. Click here to view a copy of a report from WRAL about this meeting.

A lot of the discussion at the meeting concerned the method of school board election. Click here to view a WRAL video report of the discussion about this issue at the meeting.

ITEM 5. ANNEXATION MATTER

As the board is aware, The NC House Select Committee on Annexation voted on April 23^rd to recommend a moratorium on all city-initiated annexations, including all those currently pending, and all satellite annexations, including pending ones. The moratorium, if adopted by the General Assembly, would remain in place until June 30, 2009. Satellite annexations, done at the request of the property owners, also would be covered by the moratorium.

Staff is working a resolution against the moratorium for the board to consider at its May 12^th meeting.

The House Select Committee will meet again on May 14, the day after the legislative session begins, and NCLM staff members expect the actual moratorium bill to be presented at that meeting. The bill then would have to be introduced into the General Assembly and pass both the House and Senate.

Members of the House Select Committee are as follows:

· Rep.Bruce Goforth, co-chair

· Rep. Paul Luebke, co-chair

· Rep. Larry R. Brown

· Rep. Nelson Dollar

· Rep. Earl Jones

· Rep. Louis M. Pate Jr.

· Rep. Edgar V. Starnes

· Rep. Fred F. Steen II

· Rep. Russell E. Tucker

· Rep. Trudi Walend

· Douglas Aitken, Moore County

· Judith W. Wegner, Orange Co., UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law

ITEM 6. NCLM TOWN HALL DAY

Because of the annexation issue, our ETJ extension request and various other issues, commissioners may wish to attend the NC League of Municipalities Town Hall Day. Registration is due in the NCLM office by May 16^th, so staff is asking the board to let us know by the May 12^th meeting if you would like for us to register you for the event. The cost of the event is $40 per person.

The schedule for Town Hall Day has changed this year. In the past, the NCLM has had a bbq lunch for us to share with legislators. This year, there will be a reception for legislators from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Quorum Center (across from the NCLM offices). The change in the schedule was made to allow for more time with legislators. We are encouraged to meet with them for lunch or dinner or anytime in between.

The NCLM will also have two briefings about various municipal issues before the legislature. These briefings will be at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Again, please let us know by May 12^th if you would like to attend this event.

ITEM 7. DROUGHT UPDATE

Eastern and central North Carolina continued to experience relief from the drought over the past week, with conditions taking a big turn for the better in Wake County.

The weekly report by the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies Wake as being in "moderate" drought, the least intense of four categories of drought. But a map accompanying the report shows most of Wake as being only "abnormally dry," thanks to recent rainfall.

Conservation measures and recent rains have helped replenish reservoirs in the central and eastern parts of the state. But the National Weather Service also pointed out that well levels and streamflows remain low, reflecting below normal groundwater conditions.

Altogether, just over half of the state remains in drought.

Click here to read a News and Observer article. Also, you can view the US Drought Monitor map for North Carolina by clicking here.

The water level at Falls Lake is about 253.00 feet. On April 8^th, it was listed at 252.51 feet. The lake, when the water supply pool is full, is 251.5 ft MSL. Click here to get updates on the lake level.

ITEM 8. UPDATE ON HUGH YOUNG ENFORCEMENT

The Planning Department has received a letter from Hugh Young and his daughter, Kay Beazley, (dated April 26) asking for more time to remove the cars from their business located on Wendell Boulevard. Planner Stacy Griffin visited with them week before last, and they had made substantial progress in removing the cars from the back lot. Mr. Young stated that he has not been released by his doctor to work full days yet and that due to that, he is requesting more time to get the cars removed. Staff is working with them on this and will continue to check back with Mr. Young and Ms. Beazley.

ITEM 9. OTHER:

A. The UDO meeting scheduled for Monday, May 5^th has been cancelled.

B. Rep. Linda Coleman and the Eastern Regional Center (along with multiple partners, including the Town of Wendell) will hold a public health forum / health fair on Saturday, May 31^st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center and Park.

ITEM 10. UPCOMING EVENTS:

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

05/08 6:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting to Give Input about Desired Traits and Skills for a New Police Chief / Budget Work Session @ Town Hall
05/12 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
05/14 1:00 p.m. Wendell Chamber Golf Tournament @ Wendell Country Club
05/19 7:00 p.m. Planning Board Meeting @ Town Hall
05/26 Memorial Day – Town offices closed
05/27 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Committee @ Town Hall
05/31 East Wake Public Health Forum @ Wendell Community Center
06/02 6:00 p.m. UDO Meeting @ Town Hall
06/04 NCLM Town Hall Day @ NC Legislature
06/09 7:00 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting @ Town Hall
06/12 7:00 p.m. East Wake Public Health Forum @ Wendell Community Center