TOWN OF DUCK
TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MID-MONTH MEETING
February 21, 2007
The Town Council for the Town of Duck convened at the Duck Municipal Offices at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2007.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Neil Morrison; Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Thibodeau; Councilor Nancy Caviness; Councilor Denver Lindley, Jr.; and Councilor Bart Smith.
Council Members ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Manager and Town Clerk Christopher J. Layton, Director of Community Development Suzanne Cotellessa; Town Attorney Donald I. McRee, Jr.; Police Chief Dale Hamilton; Fire Chief Donna Black; Public Relations Coordinator Kathy McCullough-Testa; and Zoning Administrator Sandy Cady.
OTHERS ABSENT: Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec.
Mayor Morrison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Morrison asked Jia Fitzgerald – niece of Mayor Pro Tempore Monica Thibodeau – to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Morrison led the moment of silence.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 07-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF DUCK, NORTH CAROLINA, REGARDING THE GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC MUSEUM
Mayor Morrison stated that the chairman of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum had requested the Town to consider adopting a resolution supporting the placement of the museum into the State Museum System as a regional history museum. He stated that during the past year, the Dare County Board of Commissioners and the Dare County Tourism Board each contributed $70,000 to the museum to help them eliminate their debts so they could be considered for entry into the State Museum System. He thought it was a worthwhile institution. He opened the floor for discussion by Council.
Councilor Caviness stated that the issue was passed at the last Tourism Board Director’s meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau stated she was in favor of the resolution.
Councilor Lindley stated he was in favor of the resolution.
Mayor Morrison moved to adopt Resolution 07-01 as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION ON TOWN HALL/COMMUNITY FACILITY CONCEPTS
Mayor Morrison stated that Chris Dewitt from VHB and Barry Moss of Tymoff and Moss would be leading the discussion. He stated that the discussion would include an overview of the preliminary conceptual drawings of the facility. He stated that the majority of the time would be spent discussing likes and dislikes of the features of the proposed building with the consultants as well as providing them with information to help develop additional concepts for future deliberations. He stated that those that have attended the meetings in the past were aware that Council welcomed opinions and comments from the public.
Chris Dewitt of Vanasse Hangen and Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) was recognized to speak. Mr. Dewitt stated he wanted to have an open discussion regarding the Town Hall. He stated that initial concepts were presented at the Retreat to begin discussions regarding the design of the structure. He stated that there was initial feedback at the Retreat but wanted to have more of a brainstorming session focused on stylistic parameters, architectural detail designs and likes and dislikes. He stated that certain building usage questions will affect the design and style of the building. He stated that Barry Moss would be give a brief presentation to show examples of architectural details, similar and dissimilar types of buildings, with the idea being to set the context for the types of input and details needed. He stated that Mr. Moss had an additional presentation on environment design and green building practices that may be appropriate for the structure. After the presentations, the floor would be opened up for the brainstorming session to receive feedback.
Barry Moss of Tymoff and Moss Architects was recognized to speak. Mr. Moss gave a short presentation on the preliminary conceptual drawings to Council and the audience. Mr. Moss asked for comments and suggestions from the audience.
Sam Taylor of 111 Skimmer Way was recognized to speak. Mr. Taylor pointed out that most buildings are built on pilings. He stated that he wasn’t sure what the code was for pilings. Town Manager Layton stated it would depend on where the building is located on a site. He stated that where the Herron Restaurant was located was out of a flood zone. Mr. Taylor thought the building could have pilings to add some charm to it as well as giving the building parking underneath it.
Ben Vorndran of 125C Jaycrest Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Vorndran thought the building could have a courtyard with a view of the sound. He suggested having the parking lot at the south end of the property instead of the west.
An anonymous person was recognized to speak. The gentleman stated that he was struck by thinking about the Town being coastal and pointed out that Duck is not the California coast.
Barry Moss pointed out some details of North Carolina coastal features, such as shutters to shade windows.
John Wander of 119 Sandcastle Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Wander thought that an open porch look would take away the commercial feel of the building.
Ben Vorndran stated that he loved the idea of the building have the green design. He thought it would bring money back to the Town as over time it pays for itself.
Howard Neren of 110 Ships Wheel Court was recognized to speak. Mr. Neren thought that pictures of unique architecture would have been nice to see instead of just examples of architecture that blends in with the environment. He thought the building should be unique something that would stand out.
Director of Community Development Suzanne Cotellessa was recognized to speak. Director Cotellessa thought the audience was trying to define “duckness”.
Barry Moss pointed out that having a courtyard would be a unique feature as no one in the area has that specific feature. An anonymous person pointed out that the Town of Nags Head has that feature.
Barry Moss asked what everyone thought of the scale of the building of the Town of Nags Head. Town Manager Layton thought it was big and a box.
Jon Britt of 1308 Duck Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Britt felt the building had a commercial feel to it.
Mayor Morrison thought the lighting was not good and was too dark.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau thought it was cut up.
Councilor Lindley felt the proposed building could be opened up to view the sound.
Mark Copeland of 239 Hillcrest Drive in Southern Shores was recognized to speak. Mr. Copeland asked if the building could be pushed more toward to the sound. Mr. Moss stated it could.
Amy Beres of 146 Dune Road was recognized to speak. Ms. Beres asked if the building would be considered a safe haven during hurricanes. Town Manager Layton stated that ideally it would operate as an emergency operation center in an emergency. Ms. Beres felt it was important. She asked if the Town was considering using the building as a safe haven. Town Manager Layton stated that it would be designed to withstand more than a Category 3 hurricane.
Ron Forlano of 1378 Duck Road was recognized to speak. Mr. Forlano stated that a few weeks ago, Council was presented with two (2) plans showing different square footage for buildings. He pointed out that only one (1) plan was shown tonight. Barry Moss stated that there was an 11,000 square foot concept that included the Police Department and an 8,500 square foot concept that did not include the Police Department. He stated that the concept shown was the one that excluded the Police Department as there was some reluctance from the public to see the Police Department at the facility. He clarified that it would still be up for consideration. Mayor Morrison pointed out that Council had not discussed the issue yet, but would welcome input. Mr. Forlano felt that all the public safety departments – Police, Fire and possibly Ocean Rescue – should be kept together in one facility. He thought it would create a symbiotic relationship by working in one structure. He thought the money saved by not having the Police Department in the Town Hall could be applied to restructuring the current Fire Department. He thought the meeting room could be converted into an all-purpose room to be used for community activities, parties and have it look out toward the sound.
Eileen Neren of 110 Ships Wheel Court was recognized to speak. Ms. Neren thought that a benefit of a smaller building would be more space for the park.
John Wander stated that the Town needs a good place for the Police Department even if it costs more for the work that needs to be done on the Fire Department. He felt the Police Department should be kept in the Public Safety building.
Sam Taylor stated that he had mentioned at the Retreat that the meeting room should have high ceilings. He stated that there seemed to be a great deal of charm to having the meeting room available for all types of events in Town. He stated that he liked the room to be open visually to the balance of the park. Town Manager Layton clarified that Mr. Taylor was suggesting a view of the sound as well as the green space. Mr. Taylor agreed. He suggested having tall doors opening out to the park.
Town Manager Layton stated he liked the concept of the porch on the building. He felt it connected the building together.
Mayor Morrison thought all of the comments so far were excellent. He stated that a good example was the Town of Kill Devil Hills’ meeting room as it has a view of the Wright Brothers Memorial. He thought it was important for the Town to do something similar.
Ben Vorndran stated that a lot of meeting rooms do not have any character to it. He suggested a wooden truss system.
Councilor Smith stated that the concept shows a driveway separating the building and the green space. Town Manager Layton stated that they have been coming up with new concepts for the Municipal Property Committee. Councilor Smith felt the driveway should be moved to the north side. Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau agreed. She felt there should be more green area around the building. Chris Dewitt pointed out that there is a constraint to moving things north as there are wetlands in that area.
John Fricker of 105 Carrol Drive was recognized to speak. Mr. Fricker stated that the wildlife center in Corolla has their parking on the east side of the property so there are no obstructed views of the sound. Barry Moss stated that the center has a drop-off point in front of the nature center with the parking removed. Mr. Fricker suggested rotating the building so all the views of the sound would be toward the south. Mr. Moss asked if the best views were to the west or south. Mr. Fricker suggested that both be used, achieving a southwest view.
Director Cotellessa stated that a lot of the coastal buildings do not have asphalt shingle roofs. She pointed out that they have metal or cedar roofs.
Barry Moss stated that at the Retreat it was suggested that the building be more coastal in the architecture. He asked if there were buildings that epitomized the coastal expression. Jon Britt suggested Old Nags Head style. Councilor Smith suggested having a modern combination. He suggested the life saving station style, but with a lower roof pitch.
Barry Moss stated that he had tried in one concept to make the two (2) story building look like a one (1) story building. He stated that higher roof pitch allows more usable space on the second floor.
Georgia Finch of 136 Mallard Court was recognized to speak. Ms. Finch wondered if the Town was opposed to putting the building on pilings so parking could be underneath. She thought by having the parking under the building, it could eliminate one of the parking lots.
Director Cotellessa stated that once the building is on pilings, vertical expressions come into play. She stated that she thought it was interesting that some two (2) story buildings have a second level porch to break up the look of the second story.
Kathy McCullough-Testa was recognized to speak. Ms. McCullough-Testa felt the porches would make the building look inviting.
John Fricker felt that having parking under the building, would constantly remind him of Timbuck II in Corolla and Scarborough Lane in Duck. He stated he would not want parking under the building.
Ben Vorndran suggested a split level building. He suggested changing the elevation of the building to the south.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau agreed with Mr. Vorndran’s comments. She felt it would be functional to have the parking under the building. Barry Moss stated that the building could be split.
Councilor Caviness stated that she would like to see the entire first floor of the building be used for the public.
Amy Beres stated that she liked the office space on the second floor as the Town employees have a need for privacy.
Jon Britt stated that the building would resemble more of a community building if the offices were on the second floor. He thought it would be helpful to have the offices on the second floor.
Councilor Caviness felt it was important for the building to have interior public space that is currently unavailable presently.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested making the kitchen a little larger. Mayor Morrison agreed, especially if the Town would be having events in the building.
Mayor Morrison asked if two (2) stairways would be required. Barry Moss stated it would but if the second floor was small enough, only one (1) stairway would be required. The question was posed as to if the stairway could be outside the building. Mr. Moss stated it could be as long as it has a roof over it so rain could not blow on it. Director Cotellessa stated that there are a few building codes to deal with – the code for public meeting space and office space. She stated that it would have to be taken into consideration.
Town Manager Layton stated that the use of the building would be based upon policy that Council would adopt. He stated that the question would be how to monitor the public use of the building, especially after hours use.
Director Cotellessa stated that several people had mentioned whether there would be flexibility in the meeting space and how to divide the room for more than one meeting. Barry Moss stated that it could be divided in half. Town Manager Layton wondered how difficult it would be to divide the room where discussions would not bleed into one another.
Councilor Smith pointed out that First Flight High School has tiered seating in their auditorium. He wondered if a flat floor that would be used for other functions could be sacrificed for tiered seating for presentations. Barry Moss stated that some places have a flat floor that can sink down or rise. He stated that the floor could have a small slope to it or be flat and there could be a removable stage. Councilor Smith felt the room would need to be defined as to what purpose it needs to serve.
Ron Forlano asked what the size of the room would be. Barry Moss thought it would be approximately 1,484 square feet. Town Manager Layton stated it would be approximately the same size as the Swan Heron Room at the Sanderling Inn.
Ron Forlano stated he would like to see the building not be built on pilings. He pointed out that during a storm in 1994; all of the village area of Duck was under water. He felt it was something to think about if the meeting room would be on the ground level. Director Cotellessa stated that a crawl space could be constructed. Mr. Forlano thought that would be a good idea.
Councilor Lindley felt the building should be simple, unobtrusive and fit with the landscaping. He felt that the building would epitomize what Duck is.
John Fricker felt the Town could have a striking building without it being grandiose. Barry Moss agreed. He felt the building should be a memorable one.
Howard Neren asked what the budget constraints would be. He stated that a green building was discussed earlier and if Council goes in that direction, it will have impacts on design and cost. He asked if Council was serious about a green building. Barry Moss stated that it would be expensive to have a green building. Town Manager Layton stated that the gravel pave in the park was a good example of using green features. He agreed it was expensive but that there was a value statement made at the beginning of the project that justified the extra cost because of what it would accomplish – a pervious surface that acts as an impervious one. He stated that it was to be used as a demonstration of a technique that can be used.
Director Cotellessa didn’t think that the building would need to be a certified green one but that the Town could aim to set a positive example.
Mayor Pro Tempore Thibodeau suggested using a cistern for water conservation.
Director Cotellessa stated that the biggest comments that the Town has received recently was that the Duck Village Outfitters building was considered “duckness” to the public.
Councilor Caviness felt it would be important to have maximum flexibility for the upstairs space of the building. Town Manager Layton stated that flexibility has been discussed as well as trying to build in multi-use spaces to serve as storage and having existing space if a new office is needed.
Mayor Morrison asked if special supports would need to be in place to support filing cabinets in some of the rooms. Barry Moss stated they would be needed.
Councilor Smith suggested making the second level porch a screened one.
Town Manager Layton stated that Barry Moss would not be sent away and asked to come back with one building concept. He stated that this is the beginning of many meetings and the first part of the process. He stated that Council will discuss the issue again and figure out the next step. He expected that there would be much iteration to reflect the ideas and suggestions from the meeting.
Councilor Caviness pointed out that when the Town was discussing the park property, Mr. Moss had come up with five (5) initial concepts. She thought that was a great way to do things.
Town Manager Layton stated that as the concepts develop, staff will get items online so the public can provide input. Councilor Caviness felt it would be helpful if people could go online and submit feedback.
Mayor Morrison thanked Chris Dewitt and Barry Moss for their presentations. He thanked the audience for attending the meeting as well.
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Morrison moved to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
The time was 8:48 p.m.
____________________________
/s/ Christopher J. Layton, Town Clerk
Approved: ______________________
_______________________________
/s/ Neil Morrison, Mayor