District D Runoff
Monday I met with one of the candidates for the District D runoff.
Over the weekend I met with both candidates and had my picture taken with each. While I only endorse incumbents, I very much appreciate and support people participating in the democratic process and running for local office.
As Mayor my goal has always been and will continue to be, to work for the best for ALL citizens of Cary, regardless of their party affiliation. For me, the nightmare scenario would be for Cary to be in divisive gridlock like the state and national governments.
In this election cycle I have submitted supportive statements to candidates upon request that are true. As District D faces a run-off, I have made this final statement which reflects what I believe is in the best interest of Cary and true about Ms. Bansal:
“District D is the fastest growing district in Cary, and it is important to have a representative that understands people’s needs come before any political party’s agenda. Sarika Bansal understands that growing responsibly, being safe, protecting the environment, and planning for our future should always be our path forward. As an Indian American woman, she knows that our community’s strength is anchored by embracing our diversity and that partisan politics would only divide and weaken our community. With Sarika on council Cary will continue to be one of the strongest communities in the nation.”
Due to continued personal, and sometimes rude criticism of my attempt to help all candidates, I will no longer submit statements to candidates in this runoff. All of this has been hurtful to me and my family. Enough already!
Town Manager One-On-One
Monday afternoon I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We talked about the recent elections, how to communicate with my existing and future colleagues, and the upcoming quarterly meeting.
Mayors Association Meeting
Monday night I participated in a meeting of the Wake County Mayors. Mayors present were from Cary, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon. Most of our discussion was about upcoming elections and future municipal bonds. Our meeting lasted about two hours.
CAMPO
Wednesday the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board met virtually. This board’s purpose is to coordinate transportation planning in Wake County and portions of Franklin, Granville, Johnston, and Harnett counties. This agenda included three consent items, two public hearings, and three discussion items.
The board unanimously approved Amendment #1 to FY2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which determines the priority of projects in our region. This continues to be adjusted since the state’s funding is inadequate.
The Prioritization 7.0 Modal Candidate Project Lists were also unanimously approved allowing staff to maximize coordination with Division Engineers. This action could result in alternate projects being submitted with Chair approval.
A Wake Transit Baseline Revenue Assessment Funding Agreement with GoTriangle was approved. As a result, CAMPO, as one of the Lead Agencies for the Wake Transit Program, will use a consultant from the OnCall consultant list for Wake Transit to conduct a Baseline Revenue Assessment, which will result in the development of a Wake Transit Baseline Policy to serve as a guide for Wake Transit decision-making. GoTriangle has agreed to participate in the funding of this project through the Funding Agreement, with CAMPO and GoTriangle each committing $30,000 towards the $60,000 project cost.
NC Metro Mayors
Friday the North Carolina Metro Mayors met to hear a legislative summary. The following is a summary from KTS Strategies:
Redistricting
The General Assembly released their proposed maps of the new state House, Senate, and U.S. Congressional districts on Wednesday. The General Assembly is required to draw new legislative and congressional maps every 10 years in North Carolina based on new data from the U.S. Census. The Senate released two different versions of the congressional map that will determine the makeup of North Carolina’s 14-seat delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House and Senate Redistricting Committees held public discussion-only meetings Thursday to review the maps and announced they will take final votes on them next week. If approved by the legislature, the redistricting legislation would not be subject to signature or veto by the Governor. The official maps will be used for the 2024 election cycle.
Governor Cooper Lawsuits
Governor Roy Cooper has filed two lawsuits against North Carolina Republican legislative leaders in response to recent legislation passed by the General Assembly that shifts power away from the executive branch.
On October 10th, Governor Cooper filed a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court to challenge provisions set forth in S512, now Session Law 2023-136. This legislation would change the composition and appointments structure of several state governing boards and commissions, resulting in less positions that will be appointed by the Governor. The lawsuit also challenges a provision in H488, now Session Law 2023-108, that reorganizes the North Carolina Building Code Council to create a Residential Code Council. You can view the Governor’s statement here.
On October 17th, Governor Cooper filed another suit in Wake County Superior Court to challenge provisions in S749, now Session Law 2023-139. This legislation would increase the number of members on the State Board of Elections from five to eight and decrease the number of members on each of the 100 county boards of elections from five to four. There would be an even partisan split on each of the boards, and all appointments would be made by the General Assembly instead of the Governor. View the Governor’s statement here.
The session laws referenced above were all vetoed by Governor Cooper, but each of these vetoes were overridden by the General Assembly this year. Governor Cooper claims the basis for the lawsuits are that these provisions violate the separation of powers established in the North Carolina Constitution.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
This quarter’s All Hands meeting held on Wednesday was devoted to helping our colleagues understand the significance of the Downtown Cary Park. We are now less than 30 days from the ribbon-cutting.
We talked about how this park “came to be” and its larger purpose of actualizing Imagine Cary and spurring economic development. We talked about the amount of preparation that’s occurred as well as the changes and challenges it will bring to downtown – known and unknown. Finally, I shared my belief that patience, learning, and thinking before acting would be critical to our success.
I look forward to bringing you into this discussion, Council, at our work session on Tuesday.
Sean
Hum Sub Diwali 2023
Close to 10,000 people attended Hum Sub Diwali at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on October 14. The event featured local cultural groups performing dances, a drum flash mob, performance by Canadian artist Abby V, handicrafts booths, Indian food, an exhibition on weddings from around India, and fireworks. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Ryan Eades, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Lori Bush along with Cary staff Shivani Tripathi, Matt Pentz, Luana Deans, Sarah Braman, Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos, and Chelsea Stern, participated in the Celebrity Dance.
2023 SAS Championships Highlights
Last week, many of us enjoyed activities surrounding the SAS Championship and we have Ted Boyd, Director of Economic Development, to thank for it. Each year the economic event attracts people to Cary to enjoy Women’s Day, Food Truck Friday, a 5K through Prestonwood Country Club, a HBCU Invitational and of course the 3-day golf championship. Rashonda Harris, Cary’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, presented the opening “THINK” session during Women’s Day. She delivered a power talk on embracing individuality and being your authentic self. Thank you to all the staff and community volunteers that came together to contribute to a successful SAS Championship week.
South Walker Street Repaving
Starting October 23, contractors will begin the repaving of South Walker Street from Fairview Road to Waldo Street. East Park Street from S Walker to Mayton View Lane will also be repaved as part of this work. Work hours are planned for 8 am to 5 pm and it is expected to take 2-3 weeks. Construction will be completed with a single lane closure and flagging operation and is being coordinated with the window replacement at One Walker-One Walnut. As part of this project, the all way stop at South Walker and East Park Streets will be installed permanently. Repaving of South Walker Street and East Park Street will provide new pavement, pavement markings, and safety improvements in advance of the Downtown Cary Park opening.
Continued Maintenance at the Downtown Library Parking Deck
As we continue maintenance on the library parking deck next week, be aware that the week of October 22 – 25 the parking deck will be closed nightly from 7 pm to 7 am. The overnight closures are necessary to allow contractors to refurbish level P2 with additional caulk, epoxy and seal joints. Know that the parking deck will be accessible form 7 am to 7 pm. Appropriate signage will be placed around the deck to let visitors know of closure patterns, and staff has and will continue to meet with surrounding tenants/users as maintenance continues on this and other levels in advance of the Downtown Cary Park opening.
Commit to Climate Actions
Continuing the momentum of the Count Me in Cary campaign, the Environmental Advisory Board’s annual work plan meeting was dedicated to co-creating stewardship strategies for a sustainable future. New and returning board members explored the impacts of climate change, identified challenges and opportunities, and suggested solutions to tackle in the upcoming year. Opening statements from Town Manager Sean R. Stegall, Councilmember and Board Liaison Jack Smith, and newly re-elected Councilmember Lori Bush, highlighted the value of innovative planning and community collaboration so that together we can build a more resilient Cary.
2023 Imagine a Day Without Water Campaign
On Thursday Cary joined water utilities, communities, and organizations across the country in the ninth annual Imagine a Day Without Water #ValueWater campaign. Staff participated in the on-line event by following social media and forums focused on education of the value of water, and advocacy for investment in our nation’s water systems. Public health, manufacturing, power production, and economic vitality are just a few of the areas water impacts our daily lives. Cary’s consistent community engagement, strategic planning, and financial performance demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a sustainable water future.
4 Way Stop Plan Implemented
Following months of collaboration with NCDOT and the neighborhood of Upchurch Farms, a project to install an all-way stop, featuring enhanced pedestrian crossings, flashing LED stop signs, and new lane configurations is complete. Staff will continue to monitor safety and operations to determine the effectiveness of this treatment for consideration at similar intersections.
Asphalt Rejuvenation
Starting October 23 contractors will begin asphalt rejuvenation on various Cary streets. Asphalt rejuvenation is one of our pavement preservation tools that is applied to newly paved streets. Like adding lotion to your skin, rejuvenation adds oils and other materials back to asphalt that is lost during initial installation and weathering, extending the life of the pavement. Door hangers will be placed at residences directly adjacent to treatment areas and also communicated via Nextdoor. Work is expected to take 2 weeks to complete. For more information contact 311 or visit the project webpage.
Transportation Working Group Walking Tour
The Transportation Working Group (TWG) was led by staff on a walking tour of Academy Street. TWG members were guided along Academy Street and asked to identify opportunities to improve mobility. Stopping at several key locations to discuss their observations and ask questions of staff, the group walked from Town Hall down to Dry Avenue and noted items that either create barriers to mobility or could be improved to increase mobility.
2023 IACP Conference
This week, a cross-departmental delegation of diverse thinkers and subject matter experts traveled to San Diego for the 2023 International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference. Lead by Chief Sult, the group of sworn and civilian staff from the Police Department, Fire Department, and Information Technology joined more than 16,000 public safety professionals from across the globe to learn about new techniques and emerging technologies.
Police Department Hosts NOBLE Chapter Meeting
On Wednesday, the Cary Police Department hosted the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Eastern North Carolina Chapter, Region 3 quarterly meeting. During their meeting, the group discussed volunteer opportunities, individual agency priorities and trainings, and enjoyed fellowship with one another over lunch. Cary’s NOBLE members include Kat Christian, Rob Carey, Michael Wood, Ed Ross, Jessica Rowsey, Lekisha Branch, and Travis Gresham. A special thank you to Kat Christian, who serves as the Chapter’s Interim Secretary, for facilitating Cary’s serving as host.
Competitions Galore
Three major sports competitions were held in Cary over the last two weeks. This past weekend Cary hosted the 2023 NC State Senior Games Pickleball Tournament, the Great American Cross Country Festival, and Women’s All American Tennis Championship. The Senior Games, held at Cary Tennis Park, saw an impressive turnout of 776 senior athletes from across North Carolina, spanning ages from 50 to 89. The Cary Tennis Park was also host to the Women’s All-American Championship that featured the top NCAA Women’s Division 1 Collegiate tennis players. Mary Stonia from Texas A & M took home the women’s singles trophy. The Great American Cross Country Festival held at WakeMed attracted over 8,000 athletes from 20 states with HBCUs, high schoolers, and middles schools running the course.
Growing Cary’s Urban Forest
Cary’s urban canopy grew by 1,000 new native trees thanks to the 2023 Fall My Tree, Our Tree giveaway campaign. From towering oaks to shrubs for songbirds, community members came to collect free trees from Town Hall campus last Saturday. These healthy and happy trees will be planted on private properties across the community through this innovative environmental initiative. Additional tree education classes and events are scheduled throughout the winter and spring of 2024 to help homeowners assess tree health, select tree types, and stay connected to Cary’s Urban Forestry programs.
Cary’s 14th Annual Fall Liter Sweep
On Saturday, 120 Spruce volunteers collected 1,905 pounds of litter at our 2023 fall cleanup. In support of our community’s environmental health and our region’s waterways, a collective 240 hours were spent canvassing Cary for litter. Volunteers were encouraged to continue their efforts by checking out a Spruce Litter Sweep Supply Kit to perform an independent project in their neighborhood or signing up for our Adopt a Spot program to care-take a trail or greenway that they frequent.
Nick Yates Selected to Board of Directors for NCSPSA
Nick Yates, Deputy Town Attorney, was selected to the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Police and Sheriffs’ Attorneys (NCAPSA). NCAPSA assists and supports attorneys representing law enforcement agencies in North Carolina with a mission of Administration of Justice, Professionalism, Legal Education, Law Enforcement Training, Community Engagement, and Advocacy.
Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
The Neighborhood Meeting will be held virtually on WebEx from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The following case will be discussed on November 1, 2023:
23-REZ-16 South Hills Apartments @ Weston
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, October 23
6:30 p.m.
Council Meeting (work session)
Tuesday, October 24
5:15 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, October 25
6:00 p.m.
Council Meeting
Thursday, October 26
6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A question about the District D runoff.
- A complaint about the intersection at Highway 55 and Morrisville Parkway.
- A request to speak at a retirement community.
- Complaints about crosswalks at Cary Elementary.
- Sustainable proposals from Eight Graders.
- Requests for additional security at an Indian-American community event due to heightened threats internationally.
- A request for proclamation for Cary Band Day.
- Several congratulations for being re-elected.
- A request for traffic signal installation on McCrimmon Parkway (NCDOT approves traffic signals but Cary helps collect data).
- A complaint about missing trees in a buffer.
Next Week
Next week’s activities staff meetings, a council work session, a manager-mayor workshop, the last regularly scheduled council meeting of October, and a Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 29th, 2023. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
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