TOWN OF DUCK
TOWN COUNCIL
RETREAT
January 18, 2006
The Town Council for the Town of Duck convened at the Sanderling Inn at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2006.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Neil Morrison; Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Thibodeau; Councilor Nancy Caviness; Councilor Denver Lindley, Jr.; and Councilor Bart Smith.
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Manager and Town Clerk Christopher J. Layton, Planning Director Suzanne Cotellessa; Police Chief Dale Hamilton; Fire Chief John Mascaro; Town Attorney Donald I. McRee, Jr.; and Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec.
ABSENT: None.
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. He welcomed all to the retreat and stated there will be a full agenda to get through. He stated that the meeting will be informal with members of the audience invited to participate by raising their hands when they wish to speak.
PLANNING ISSUES
Overview of Nonconforming Property Issues
Planning Director Suzanne Cotellessa was recognized to speak. Planning Director Cotellessa stated that the issues were brought forward from a variety of sources – Council members, Planning Board members as well as staff members. The issues are seen on a daily basis as a building is reviewed.
Types of Nonconformities
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that people use the term “nonconforming” and “grandfathered” as structures that have been around a long time. She stated that something that is grandfathered is a structure that was legal when it was built, but later on the rules may have changed so it would not be allowed to be built by the new rules. However it would be allowed to continue and be maintained. She went on to discuss various types of nonconformities to Council and the audience, such as setbacks, lot coverage, height, and floodplain development.
Effects of Nonconformities
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that nonconforming properties were discussed a while back when new rules were to be passed. She stated that grandfathering provides a useful life of a previously approved structure and would be allowed to remain as long as it is maintained. It also supports repair and maintenance of older structures as people want to keep them. Once it falls into a state of disrepair, where more than fifty (50) percent of the value of the structure would be spent to fix the structure, it cannot be done. The structure would have to be rebuilt to be in conformance with the current regulations.
Town Manager Layton stated he would like Council to focus on the idea that nonconformities will not always be nonconforming. He pointed out that Council ultimately establishes rules and regulations and has the responsibility of developing the vision of the Town. When it comes to nonconformities, the more that the nonconformities are allowed to exist, the less likely the vision will be able to be guided.
Councilor Smith asked if the discussion was regarding nonconformities that are legal or not legal. He asked if the rules and regulations are in place, the structure is built and is nonconforming to the rules, would it be nonconforming because something had changed. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that it would be because the rules had changed. Town Manager Layton stated that it would apply in some cases. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that the rules have changed since 1982 and then in 2002 it could be argued that the rules were tightened up when Zoning was revamped. Councilor Smith stated he did not understand how the structures would become less nonconforming over time. Town Manager Layton stated that inevitably a remodel job would come in, making the structure required to meet current standards, so the structure would then be less nonconforming. He stated that the more the Town does not require citizens to bring their properties up to current code, the less likely the Town will see their vision.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if a homeowner has to repair more than fifty percent (50%) of the structure, would they not be allowed to do so. Planning Director Cotellessa stated it would be the value of the structure, not of the land. She stated that no matter what repair is being done, it would affect the existing parking.
Councilor Caviness asked if there is a common problem the Town is seeing with commercial structures. Planning Director Cotellessa thought that a lot of the properties in the Village Commercial District would not meet current code standards, which is why Council passed the Village Commercial Development Option regulations.
Ed Janicki of 252 Woodland Drive was recognized to speak. Mr. Janicki asked if the fifty percent rule also applied to building codes. Building Inspector Mike Goodwin was recognized to speak. Building Inspector Goodwin stated the building codes used to have references to the fifty percent rule (50%), but it was taken out.
Accommodation of Nonconformities
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that Council and the Planning Board had discussions on accommodating the number of nonconforming properties in Duck and what is important to the community. She went on to review code language for allowing additions to nonconforming buildings and vertical additions of nonconforming buildings with Council and the audience.
Town Manager Layton stated that the idea behind the additions is that the homeowner is not increasing the nonconformity. Planning Director Cotellessa agreed and stated that the homeowner is not making it any more nonconforming than what it was. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if it would apply if a homeowner had a setback issue in the rear of the property and would be adding to the front, but wouldn’t be adding a bedroom or if they were adding a bedroom, would the parking have to come into compliance. Planning Director Cotellessa stated she was correct. She stated that in most of the remodels, other than putting in a pool in a rear yard, the parking had to be brought into compliance.
Planning Director Cotellessa reviewed rebuilding of single family structures previously approved and language to grandfather dwellings for regulatory and insurance purposes with Council and the audience.
Zoning Issues (for possible referral to Planning Board)
Event Houses
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that she has received numerous complaints in regard to event houses. There have been noise complaints from weddings in the larger homes. She stated that complaints mostly come in during the Fall and Winter months. She stated that traffic up and down NC 12 during a wedding event can be bad, causing complaints, especially when the guests park in parking lots for commercial businesses. She pointed out that parking is not permitted on NC 12, nor on the side streets in Town. She stated that the event houses have septic designed for 12 people and during a wedding or party, approximately 150 people will be using it. She stated that some of the houses hold corporate meetings instead of weddings. She stated that some houses have events every weekend, which causes issues. She stated that some houses are listed as event houses in the real estate listings. She pointed out that no other jurisdiction on the Outer Banks deal directly with these issues. She stated that if Council wished to send these issues to the Planning Board, it would be appropriate.
Town Manager Layton stated that event houses have continually come up as complaints. He stated that one citizen in particular complains regularly about one large house and the noise level. He stated that the complaints are usually noise or parking in nature. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked how the complaints are handled when they come in. Town Manager Layton stated that nothing can be done for a noise complaint after the fact as the complaints come in a day or so after the event. He stated that unless it’s a safety issue, the Town will not interfere. He stated that due to no policy being in place, staff has to do a lot of work to figure out which direction to go. He asked Council what their goal would be in regard to the regulation of the event houses.
Mayor Morrison pointed out that there are economic benefits to having the event houses because Duck is a resort community.
Councilor Lindley suggested coming up with a formal complaint procedure with a hearing. He felt it would put a damper on excessive noise. He stated that the people that live here and those that come for quiet time are entitled to the peace and quiet they expect. Town Manager Layton asked what the outcome would be if someone came in with a formal complaint. Councilor Lindley stated that a fine could be levied or the case is dismissed.
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that those that write in the home’s guest book that they had a miserable time would not be ones to register a formal complaint. She stated that a person that lives next to the house in question may register a complaint.
Town Manager Layton pointed out that some of the larger homes are advertised as event houses. He stated that the Town would see the same complaints over and over with the event houses, just not from the same people.
Councilor Smith stated that he liked the idea of having a permit process for the event houses. He felt that people could deal with excessive noise for one night, but should not be subjected to the noise for an entire week.
Police Chief Dale Hamilton was recognized to speak. Police Chief Hamilton stated the primary issue for the police is the complaint process. He stated that complaints come in after the fact – usually as a written letter – so the police cannot do anything about it.
Councilor Caviness stated that she consistently hears from people that they know the majority of the homes are rentals, but that they are advertised as event houses. She stated she also hears complaints on the parking for the event houses as people are instructed to park at a commercial parking lot.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that her business has instituted a policy with homeowners for event houses that parking will need to be addressed. She stated that they cap their attendance at a home for safety reasons as well as charge extra for having additional people staying at the home. She stated that she didn’t mind having the Town institute a permitting process for having a celebration at an event house.
Ron Forlano of 1378 Duck Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano stated that he is very sensitive to all of the issues that have been discussed in regard to event houses. He stated that he had put a lot of thought into the house he has in the Saltaire subdivision as well as being accommodating to the adjacent property owners. He went on to discuss everything he has in place with his house and how he handles parking and noise complaints at his home to Council and the audience. He ended his discussion by suggesting the Town come up with ordinances to control the issues with event houses in Duck.
Mayor Morrison felt that the meeting was going towards requiring CUPs for advertised event houses. He suggested referring it to the Planning Board.
Liz Turner of Sun Realty was recognized to speak. Ms. Turner suggested having a session with the property owners in the area as well as the realtors in regard to handling event houses.
Planning Director Cotellessa suggested putting the event houses issue on the Planning Board agenda and sending a notice to all property management companies as to what will be discussed so they can interact with the Planning Board. Police Chief Hamilton asked that he be invited to the meetings as well.
Howard Neren of 110 Ships Wheel Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Neren asked about “ad-hoc” homes. He stated that these homes are not advertised as event houses, but host events with large crowds. He asked if this issue would be addressed or if it would be a noise issue. Town Manager Layton thought that every home has the potential to become a large event house. He stated that the noise ordinance is designed to take care of the noise issue.
Fire Chief John Mascaro was recognized to speak. Fire Chief Mascaro felt that the event homes should have a plan in case of a fire – such as sprinklers, smoke detectors and a visible escape plan. Town Manager Layton stated that because they are single family houses, the State Building Code does not allow the Town to treat them differently. Building Inspector Goodwin agreed.
Gene Schwarz of 103 Quail Way was recognized to speak. Mr. Schwarz asked Council to proceed cautiously with the issue of event houses. He felt the Town should be very careful with how tourists are treated.
Planning Director Cotellessa stated that the key will be to devise a process to deal with the impacts of the uses as well as working with the property managers.
John Wander of 119 Sandcastle Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Wander pointed out that twenty-five (25) people can fit into a six (6) bedroom home. He felt it was a difficult issue to control. He suggested working with the Health Department as it recommends how many people are allowed to stay in the houses. He stated he wasn’t sure how to handle the overload in the rental homes.
Mayor Morrison suggested that Council think about the discussion and at the February 1, 2006 meeting, consider referring the issue to the Planning Board.
Mayor Morrison called for a ten (10) minute break. The time was 10:35 a.m.
House Size
Mayor Morrison reconvened the meeting.
Planning Director Cotellessa reviewed house size with Council and the audience. She touched on consistency with adjacent properties, single family residential versus commercial uses and house size in Duck being larger than other municipalities. She also presented photographs of some of the larger homes in Duck.
Lot Coverage
Planning Director Cotellessa reviewed lot coverage with Council and the audience. She discussed the purposes for lot coverage regulation and exclusions of semi pervious site elements that have increased house size. She stated that the Planning Board would like some direction on how to proceed with these issues.
Town Manager Layton suggested that Council formally request that the Planning Board look at these issues as well.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if lot coverage has changed since the Town took over from Dare County. Planning Director Cotellessa stated that the number has not changed, but what is included has changed. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau pointed out that small changes can have large effects, such as concrete versus pavers. She commended the Planning Board for their work on making changes and being willing to evolve the goals of the Town. She stated that she is concerned about having too many restrictions on property owners and didn’t want the Town to over-regulate.
Councilor Smith pointed out that when the issue of house size comes up, property rights are brought up as well. He stated that the adjacent property owners have just as many rights as the larger house owner. He stated that by limiting the larger homes, an environment is created that is more visually controlled to the community that he felt enhances the value of the property.
Town Manager Layton stated that the Town has to balance property rights with the vision of the Town to come to a consensus. He stated that Council and the Planning Board have to struggle with these issues.
Councilor Lindley stated that he is convinced that if the Town ignores the comments of people calling the Town a “quaint village” in return for bringing in more people and money, it will eventually destroy the monetary value of the Town. He agreed with Town Manager Layton that Council and the Planning Board have to balance the issues.
Ed Janicki was recognized to speak. Mr. Janicki stated that the Town of Southern Shores is looking to consider forty percent (40%) lot coverage and not count decks as lot coverage. He stated they are doing this to give the homeowners some relief in regard to their driveways.
Mayor Morrison stated that when the Zoning Ordinance was first redone after incorporation, a lot of input was received from the builders. He stated they used a 15,000 square foot lot as an example and had the builders tell the Town that they would have a hard time building a six (6) bedroom house on the lot. To try to accommodate the builders, the Town made the decks not count as lot coverage as well as pervious driveways. He stated that this is not working and the Town needs to keep reinventing the Zoning Ordinance and make adjustments. He stated that this is another issue that will need to be referred to the Planning Board.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested giving the Planning Board some direction as to what the Town is trying to promote.
Mayor Morrison stated that the discussion on the issue would end and the agenda would be adjusted to accommodate Ben Cahoon for his presentation on the Town’s public safety building.
PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES
Other Issues
Town Manager Layton stated that two (2) presentations were to take the meeting through lunch. Ben Cahoon would do a presentation on the public safety building and Chris Dewitt would do one on the NC 12 stormwater study. He stated that after the second presentation, Council could decide to finish the previous issues or move forward with the other topics. He stated that if time runs out, the intent will be to pick up the missed issues at the February 15, 2006 mid-month meeting, so nothing would be left out of discussions.
Public Safety Building Improvements
Ben Cahoon of Cahoon and Kasten Architects was recognized to speak. Mr. Cahoon gave a short presentation on the new Town of Duck Public Safety building to Council and the audience.
Police Chief Hamilton stated that the open space on the second floor will have work stations for the police officers. He stated that the evidence room, his office and the Lieutenant’s office would remain on the first floor.
Councilor Caviness asked if there have been any thought in accommodating ocean rescue personnel at the Public Safety building. Mr. Cahoon stated that there had not been any communication regarding ocean rescue personnel. Fire Chief Mascaro stated he had spoken to Mirek Dabrowski and let him know that he and his lifeguards would be able to use the space to park their ATVs, have access to the day room, showers and kitchen facilities. He stated that they were not given a set office in the building due to them being a contracted service. Town Manager Layton stated that one of the goals was to have ocean rescue to work out of the Public Safety building. He stated that Mr. Dabrowski presently keeps the majority of his equipment at Barrier Island Station. He felt that there will be enough space at the Public Safety building to meet Mr. Dabrowski’s long term needs.
Ben Cahoon reviewed the costs associated with the Public Safety building improvements, touching on costs for an elevator, engineering fees and storm resistance upgrades.
John Wander was recognized to speak. Mr. Wander asked if the storm resistance upgrades are done, what would be done. Mr. Cahoon stated that it would involve getting into the attic and putting in additional connectors on the roof tie downs, tying the roof plates and top of the wall plates into the wall studs and stiffening the higher walls against wind load by introducing steel column structures. Mr. Wander asked what hurricane category it would protect the building against. Mr. Cahoon stated it would protect against a category 3 and possibly a category 4 hurricane.
Town Manager Layton pointed out that the report is the result of a study that the Town had authorized last Spring. He stated that the next step will be to design the building and that would encompass getting approval from the Corps of Engineers.
Ron Forlano was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano asked if the term of usability of the space has been estimated and if there is an alternative to add space further down the line. Town Manager Layton stated that the Corps of Engineers have told the Town that there won’t be an issue if the building is broadened to include other things besides public safety. He stated that if the footprint is not expanded, additional space should not be a problem. He anticipated that the building should accommodate the Town’s needs for the next ten (10) years.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if citizens would still be able to vote at the Fire Department. Rick Fagersten of 101 Dune Road and the Duck Volunteer Fire Department was recognized to speak. Mr. Fagersten stated that the first three (3) bay areas would be made available for election purposes.
Mayor Morrison thanked Mr. Cahoon for his time.
Mayor Morrison called for a fifteen (15) minute break to get lunch. The time was 12:10 p.m.
NC 12 Stormwater Study
Mayor Morrison reconvened the meeting.
Chris Dewitt of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. was recognized to speak. Mr. Dewitt gave a presentation on the NC 12 stormwater study to Council and the audience.
Councilor Caviness asked if Mr. Dewitt had spoken to the Department of Transportation regarding the Sound Sea Village subdivision area. Mr. Dewitt stated he had not.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if the Tuckahoe subdivision takes out their curbs and puts in infiltration systems, would it change how much water heads toward NC 12 during a storm event. Mr. Dewitt stated that anything could be done, such as a designing a system that would catch all of the water before it gets to NC 12. He stated that they have tried to strike a balance and the solution VHB proposed would take the water in a two (2) year storm event and almost all of the water in a five (5) year storm event. He stated that under most of the rain events, it would eliminate close to forty percent (40%) of the problem.
Town Manager Layton stated that pumping to the sound or the ocean would be the only efficient way to get rid of all of the water at the Tuckahoe subdivision entrance.
John Wander was recognized to speak. Mr. Wander asked if the decision to pump was made, would the Town have environmental approval to pump the water to the sound. Town Manager Layton stated that he did not believe the Town could get the approval for pumping to the sound or the ocean.
Ron Forlano was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano stated that Marlin Drive has assessed all homeowners one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and has negotiated with RPC for sixty-five thousand dollars ($65,000.00) for roadway improvements. He wondered if it would be wise to get to the trouble spots before the Department of Transportation resurfaces the road. Planning Director Cotellessa pointed out that when roads are resurfaced, curbs will appear. Mr. Forlano stated that Marlin Drive will be removing the existing curbs. Town Manager Layton stated the Town can make contact with the Saltaire Homeowners Association president to start discussions with them.
Rick Fagersten was recognized to speak. Mr. Fagersten stated that the only place impervious concrete would work is in a spot where water settles. Otherwise, the water will just run to a lower spot. He stated that water doesn’t soak into his gravel driveway, but runs to the street. Mr. Dewitt stated that impervious concrete will work better at a lower spot, but it does prevent some of the sheet flow of water.
Gene Schwarz was recognized to speak. Mr. Schwarz asked who was responsible for maintaining the system in the Sanderling subdivision. Town Manager Layton stated he would have to research it but suspected it was a Sanderling system and would be speaking to Sanderling to make the improvements.
Mayor Morrison thanked Chris Dewitt for his time.
Police Department Issues
Police Recruitment/Retention
Police Chief Dale Hamilton was recognized to speak. Police Chief Hamilton gave a presentation on police recruiting efforts and retention to Council and the audience.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked what kind of turnover is being experienced at the police department. Police Chief Hamilton stated that the turnover has been minimal in that the department still has four (4) of the original six (6) officers and has even added an officer. He stated that one (1) position has been turned over three (3) times.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked how many officers are on duty at any particular time. Police Chief Hamilton stated that for the most part there are two (2) but there could be three or four (3-4) on duty at any time.
Town Manager Layton asked how many officers the towns of Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores have. Police Chief Hamilton stated that Southern Shores has ten (10) officers and Kitty Hawk has seventeen (17) or eighteen (18) officers.
Councilor Smith asked how the cost of living is affecting officer retention. Police Chief Hamilton stated that it is not hurting the police department, even though two (2) officers live in Manns Harbor.
Updated Pay and Classification Plan
Police Chief Hamilton gave a short presentation on the updated pay and classification plan to Council and the audience.
Councilor Smith asked how the police arrived at the five percent (5%) increase for salary. Police Chief Hamilton stated that 5% is the typical step up after the successful completion of a six (6) month mandatory probationary period.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if each police officer will receive a yearly cost of living increase. Town Manager Layton stated she was correct. He stated that they would receive either a cost of living increase or a merit increase.
Councilor Smith asked how many sergeants have their EMT certification. Police Chief Hamilton stated that the department is split with the qualifications. He stated that Sergeant Jeff Ackerman has his EMT certification and Sergeant Kevin Moye has his Advanced Law Enforcement certification. He stated that the requirement is to get the EMT certification and then their Advanced Law Enforcement certification.
Councilor Lindley asked if the Town paid for Sergeant Ackerman’s training. Police Chief Hamilton stated that he was correct.
Mayor Morrison asked how many officers have the General Law Enforcement certification. Police Chief Hamilton stated that all of his officers have the degree as it is a requirement for employment.
Councilor Caviness asked if half or all of the officers become EMT certified, are there plans for the EMT certified officers to become Rescue 11 operations for the Town. Police Chief Hamilton stated that the police department has not gotten to that point. Town Manager Layton stated that the intent is not to make them public safety officers.
Traffic
Police Chief Hamilton gave a short presentation on traffic issues to Council and the audience.
Ron Forlano was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano pointed out that the traffic issue related to deliveries to commercial developments should not be limited to just new stores. He felt that there should be a timeframe that trucks can make their deliveries.
Multi-Use Path Safety
Police Chief Hamilton gave a short presentation on the multi-use path safety to Council and the audience.
Councilor Smith felt that a speed limit on the bike path would be a good idea as some cyclists ride very fast on the path.
Councilor Caviness stated that when the Trail was first opened, there were guidelines distributed to people. She suggested developing a new set of use guidelines for the Trail for the Town’s website and the AM radio station.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated that if a speed limit is put on the Trail, how would the police know if someone is speeding. Police Chief Hamilton stated that the officers could use radar to clock the speed of a cyclist. He stated that signs with speed limits would have to be put up on the Trail.
Donna Black of 111 Scarborough Lane was recognized to speak. Ms. Black pointed out that most cyclists have speedometers on their bicycles and know how fast they are going.
Mayor Morrison thanked Police Chief Hamilton for his presentations.
Mayor Morrison called for a five (5) minute break. The time was 2:00 p.m.
Mayor Morrison reconvened the meeting.
Sharon Haggett of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Wilmington was recognized to speak. Ms. Haggett gave a presentation on beach nourishment to Council and the audience.
Councilor Lindley asked what the difference was between a dune and a berm. Ms. Haggett stated that the dune is the raised portion and the berm is the flat portion in front of the dune.
Councilor Smith asked how many beaches have requested renourishment in the past twenty (20) years. Ms. Haggett stated that she didn’t have the exact number at this time. However, there has been a significant increase in emergency funding for beach renourishment in south Florida.
John Wander was recognized to speak. Mr. Wander asked if a cost benefit analysis was used for sections of the beach that would qualify for the dune and the berm. Ms. Haggett stated he was correct.
Mayor Morrison thanked Ms. Haggett for her time.
PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES (CONTINUED)
Fire Department Issues
Fire Department Recruitment/Retention
Fire Chief John Mascaro was recognized to speak. Fire Chief Mascaro gave a short presentation on recruitment and retention to Council and the audience.
Town Manager Layton asked how many firefighters have expressed an interest in going to EMT school. Fire Chief Mascaro stated that approximately six (6) have expressed interest in going.
Town Manager Layton asked what type of incentive would be used to encourage the firefighters to become EMTs. Fire Chief Mascaro stated that everyone wants to move up in the department with the goal to be full-time. He stated he could offer them the differing levels to achieve and would encourage them to attend EMT school.
Councilor Caviness asked if the fire department is experiencing the same problems the police are experiencing with recruitment. Fire Chief Mascaro stated they are.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if there were more fire calls in season as opposed to off season. Fire Chief Mascaro stated that in 2005, in seven (7) months over ¾ of the amount of calls were run. He stated that in season is the busiest time for the fire department.
Seasonal/Long Term EMT/Fire Fighter Issues
Fire Chief John Mascaro gave a short presentation on seasonal and long term EMT issues as well as fire fighter issues with Council and the audience.
Mayor Morrison thanked Fire Chief Mascaro for his presentations.
Mayor Morrison called for a five (5) minute break. The time was 4:15 p.m.
BUDGET ISSUES
Mayor Morrison reconvened the meeting.
Municipal Property Master Plan
Chris Dewitt of VHB, Inc. was recognized to speak. Mr. Dewitt gave a short presentation on the Municipal Property Master Plan to Council and the audience.
Councilor Caviness asked how long the construction of the canoe/kayak launch will take. Town Manager Layton stated it would not be known until it’s bidded out. Councilor Caviness asked if it would be in the Fall. Chris Dewitt stated that it was possible.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau asked if it could be envisioned to allow the public to wander on the property as it stands today. Town Manager Layton stated that once construction starts, no one will be allowed on the property.
Budget Overview & Financial Forecast
Town Manager Chris Layton was recognized to speak. Town Manager Layton gave a short presentation on the budget overview and financial forecast to Council and the audience.
Councilor Smith asked if Town Manager Layton sees the Town’s fund balance continuing to grow in the $300-$400 range. Town Manager Layton stated that it would depend on the percentage growth in real estate. Expecting it to grow with the capital items included would be aggressive.
Capital Improvements Program
Overview
Town Manager Layton gave a presentation on the Capital Improvement Program for the Town to Council and the audience, explaining how the CIP process works.
Priorities
Town Manager Layton discussed the priorities process of the CIP with Council and the audience.
Councilor Caviness asked if a mid-month meeting would be needed to work on the CIP items. Town Manager Layton stated that Council could have a work session and suggested finishing up the Retreat agenda at the February mid-month meeting and then concentrating on the CIP priority items at the March mid-month meeting.
Councilor Smith asked if specific items will be created due to what’s in the CIP. Town Manager Layton stated that there will be.
Mayor Morrison stated that all items on the agenda that were not covered at the Retreat, would be tabled until the February 15, 2006 mid-month meeting.
Mayor Morrison thanked Council for their participation in the Retreat.
Mayor Morrison moved to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0. The time was 5:50 p.m.
____________________________
/s/ Christopher J. Layton, Town Clerk
Approved: ______________________
_______________________________
/s/ Neil Morrison, Mayor