Auditor Interview
Monday afternoon I was interviewed by a representative of auditor Cherry Bekaert as part of our annual auditing process. The interview was mostly questions about any possible wrongdoing with finances which of course there are none. The interview was very brief.
EDC Applications
Later Monday I met with Jack Smith and staff to discuss Economic Development Committee Applications to decide on who to interview. Council member Smith will be doing the interviews. Out of the dozens of applicants we will be able to only choose two.
Agenda Prep
Monday I asked council members if they had questions or concerns about the upcoming council meeting agenda. Questions were mostly on the Green Level rezoning proposal that was on the agenda for discussion. Comments included the lack of bike/ped, compliance with the Special Planning Area, and transition to neighboring homes.
Town Manager One-On-One
Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Our conversation included council actions, financing capital projects, PFAS, and the Downtown Cary Park.
Cary #2 for Best Places to Live
Tuesday I was notified that Cary was ranked #2 best place to live in the nation by Livability. The ranking was done earlier in the year. Some of the compliments include:
“Cary is a growing town that is attracting residents with its central location, good schools and flourishing research and technology sector. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes Cary as a bicycle-friendly community, and residents have access to multiple parks and walking trails. More than two-thirds of adults have a college degree, and the town is less than 15 minutes from major universities like Duke, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina. …
it’s one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its central location and its reputation for quality public schools, safe streets, a lively arts scene, dynamic restaurants (more than 200 and growing!) and a robust job market. …
Cary is affordable, boasting the amenities of a much larger city but with a lower price tag. The charming neighborhoods are certainly a draw, as are the greenways and parks, arts venues, breweries, and exciting sporting events. Baseball fans love to watch teams at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, and professional soccer fans delight to see the North Carolina Football Club and the North Carolina Courage soccer players take the field. And speaking of visual treats, shows and festivals at the Koka Booth Amphitheater, next to Symphony Lake, are a must-do on the weekends.”
They scored Cary’s quality of life as 874 out of 1000 possible points and said Cary ranked highest for health, education and economy. You can read the entire story here.
Cary Matters Taping
Tuesday I taped an episode of Cary Matters with council member Bush. In this episode we talked about updates to the Cary Community Plan. The initial draft was posted for public review from January 23rd to March 31st. The final draft will be available for public review this fall in advance of the formal public hearing process.
CAMPO
Wednesday afternoon I attended a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board. In the meeting we approved the fiscal year 2026 program and agreed to pause any changes to the program for a year.
In a separate item it was announced that federal and state funds were shifted. This allowed an additional Cary project, the intersection at I40 and Cary Town Boulevard to be funded. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half.
Cary #3 Best Real Estate Market in US
Wednesday WalletHub named Cary as the #3 best real estate market in the nation. You can read the details here. They noted that Cary was #5 best in affordability and economic environment.
Dorcas Interview
Thursday I did an interview about Dorcas and a possible merger that would expand their services. Of course, I had nothing but positive things to say about Dorcas. We are blessed to have them in our community working to support those in need. Cary continues to partner with Dorcas in several ways including funding programs to help with utility bills and housing.
Council Work Session
Thursday evening the council held a work session on future capital projects.
Cary is moving into a more conservative mode for capital projects due to the uncertainty of inflation. Here are some of the take aways from this work session:
- What are capital projects? Facilities, Vehicles, Street, Waterlines/Sewer lines, IT. Our smallest project is a restroom maintenance project. Our largest project is Water Plant Expansion. (Ready for closeout.) Our oldest project is for Sanitation Truck Replacement. Our newest project is the Walnut Street Road Diet. (Initial Phase complete.)
- Projects included in the Capital Budget are typically assets a value of more than $25,000 and a useful life of over three years.
- Capital projects will be put in one of five categories: research, planning, design, implementation, and completion.
- In the coming months council will decide what capital projects to put on hold. Those will likely be in the research and planning phases.
- There are 581 active capital projects.
- There is $1.264 billion budgeted (over years) for capital projects. Actual expenditure to date is $707 million.
- Construction costs have skyrocketed. For example:
- Rebar: $52 per 100 pounds in 2019, $119.76 in 2024.
- Ductile Iron Pipe: $32.36/foot in 2019, $36.00/foot in 2024.
- Asphalt: $428.05 in 2019, $550 in 2024.
- Concrete 5000 psi: $150.45 in 2019, $215.00 in 2024.
- Formal bid awards for capital projects last year: 50% over projected bid estimates, 6 projects required re-bid.
- Street resurfacing with milling: $12.25/sq yd in 2019, $16.85/sq yd in 2024.
- Sidewalk construction: $20/linear foot in 2019, $60/linear foot in 2024.
- 8-inch water line pipe: $85.50/foot in 2019, $189.50/foot in 2024
- 8-inch sewer line pipe: $175.00/foot in 2019, $310.00/foot in 2024
- Sanitation truck with side arm: $299,317 in 2019 $416,496 in 2024
- Projects in planning that may be held:
- Pedestrian bridge over NC Hwy 55
- Pedestrian tunnel under O’Kelly Chapel
- Tunnel/bridge at Maynard to Godbold Park
We will begin capital project evaluation and prioritization at our next quarterly meeting on November 7th.
Council Meeting
Thursday night the Cary Council held their last regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The agenda included a special welcome, five consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item. The rezoning proposal for 22-REZ-06 Green Level at Mills Farm Road was pulled from the agenda by the applicant.
The meeting opened with a welcome from John Webster, our official town crier, from Markham, Canada. Mr. Webster was dressed in attire from the 1800s and announced Lazy Daze after a loud bell ringing. This was his 20th year announcing Lazy Daze. He also presented gifts from Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti.
Public Speaks Out was dominated by speakers asking the town to take over funding for maintenance and improvements of a private street that would cost $1.2 million.
The public hearing was a rezoning proposal on Piney Plains at Stephens Road with a preliminary development plan (PDP) that proposed a maximum of 370 multi-family dwellings and 16 townhouses with a maximum building height of 75 feet. There were dozens of speakers with neighboring property owners adamantly against the proposal and several Habitat supporters in favor of the proposal. Council members expressed several concerns including transition and building height. This will come back to council in a few months for a vote.
The discussion item that passed an ordinance allowing plurality elections in Cary was passed unanimously. This will change Cary elections to be held in November without a runoff and the top vote getter being declared the winner instead of having to have 50% + 1 of the vote. This change was done to reduce confusion (since all other municipalities have November elections), and cost (it cost Cary approximately $1 million for our runoffs).
The council meeting lasted about two hours and forty-five minutes.
Lazy Daze
Saturday morning, I kicked off the 48th Lazy Daze with council member Michelle Craig.
After opening remarks, I awarded Jerry Miller the Mayor’s Star Medallion. He is the first person to receive this award which is Cary’s highest honor. The award was created in 2023 to recognize individuals who embody inspiration, beauty, perseverance, innovation, and courage through their contributions or achievements in Cary. Jerry Miller is an ideal recipient of the Cary Mayor’s Star Medallion due to his profound impact on the community through art and culture. As the founder of the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, he has fostered a strong sense of community in Cary, drawing thousands to the town each year. His dedication to capturing and celebrating North Carolina’s landmarks through his artwork has not only put Cary on the map but also enriched the town’s cultural heritage. His lifelong commitment to Cary’s growth and his artistic contributions exemplify the values of inspiration, beauty, perseverance, and innovation that the Mayor’s Star Medallion honors.
Before the Cary Town Crier, John Webster from Markham, Canada officially opened Lazy Daze with a proclamation and bell ringing I recognized him with a special engraved bell commemorating his 20th year. Over the years he has truly enriched our community, bringing history and tradition to life at countless events. His presence, along with his wife Mary, has made our festivals and ceremonies more vibrant and memorable. We are deeply grateful for the strong connections he has help build between Cary and Markham, and we thank him for his outstanding service and commitment.
Lazy Daze had over 60,000 visitors on Saturday and Sunday and is our biggest event of the year. Thanks to all staff and volunteers who made it possible.
Hometown Spirit Award
Cary is seeking nominations for the Town’s Hometown Spirit Award. Given annually since 2009, the award recognizes a citizen who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting, and carrying out positive and quantifiable small-town community values and traits.
“I have been fortunate enough to have met and worked with Cary citizens from many races, religions, political affiliations, and beliefs as I have interviewed them to document Cary’s history,” shared Peggy Van Scoyoc, 2023 Hometown Spirit Award winner. “All of our narrators have told us their stories and memories about how Cary became Cary from the very beginning. Sharing their memories, and those of their ancestors, friends and neighbors, they have contributed to preserving our past and emerging history. Then, through the explosive growth of Cary over the past five decades, with all the newcomers from around the country and the world, has come the opportunity to evolve an inclusive culture to what it is today, making Cary a unique and very special place to live.”
Cary citizens can submit nominations August 23-September 20, 2024, using an official nomination form available online. Questions regarding nominations can be directed to 311.
Cary citizens ages 21 and older are eligible for the award. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and integrity and be respected by their peers. In addition, nominees should exhibit some of the following traits: helps out neighbors and fellow Cary citizens; demonstrates hospitality; promotes and preserves traditional American pastimes; shows a concern for preservation and works to preserve traditions and the small-town atmosphere in the community; promotes a sense of community in their neighborhood and all of Cary; demonstrates patriotism through promotion and preservation of the country’s symbols and dedication to the U.S. military, past and present; and serves the community through business.
On November 18, 2024, the three finalists will be recognized at a reception in their honor where the 2024 award recipient will be announced by Mayor Weinbrecht.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
I hope you enjoy this week’s report and the first Lazy Daze weekend without extreme heat in quite some time.
Sean
Council Celebrates Housing Developers and Nonprofits
On Wednesday, Councilmember Lori Bush delivered remarks and joined Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal, along with staff, for breakfast at Cary Founded. The event celebrated partner nonprofits and developers working in the housing sector. Earlier this year, Cary Town Council approved housing awards totaling over $7.2 million for these organizations. These funds will support the construction of 226 new affordable housing units and the preservation of 29 existing affordable homes. Additionally, the funds will help maintain housing stability and build organizational capacity within Cary nonprofits focused on housing and community development. For a full list of awards, recipients, and projects, visit housing.carync.gov. Rooted in Partnerships and a People First approach, this investment will further the goals of the Cary Housing Plan and the Imagine Cary Community Plan, ensuring all Cary citizens can enjoy the high quality of life Cary has to offer.
2024 GRCVB Annual Meeting
On Aug. 22, Councilmember Jack Smith and Cary staff attended the 2024 Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Annual Meeting in Downtown Raleigh. We learned that Wake County set a record last year with 18.5 million total visitors, making it a standout destination. Notably, WakeMed Soccer Park ranked as the 4th most popular spot. Several Cary events were also highlighted during the ceremony, including the NCAA men’s and women’s College Cups in December and The Soccer Tournament next summer. We’re grateful for the inspiring work the GRCVB does to promote our area to visitors.
2024 Duke School of Public Policy – International Visit
On Aug. 13, ten international officials visited Town Hall to learn about Cary’s public outreach, transparency, and financial management. Their visit was part of the Duke School of Public Policy’s program on Fiscal Decentralization and Local Government Financial Management. High-ranking officials from Africa and Asia are attending Duke’s three-week summer program, which focuses on transferring control from central governments to local officials. This marks the 20th year that Dr. Roy Kelly has brought his students to Cary.
During the visit, the officials toured the Council Chambers, heard from Allison Hutchins about Cary’s government and culture, and engaged in discussions with finance leaders Kimberly Branch, Liam Brailey, intern Neal Duncan, and retired CFO Karen Mills.
Road Closures for Meridian East Chatham Construction
Starting August 26, contractors working on the Meridian East Chatham Development will begin the next phase of construction for water and sewer lines on Hunter Street, in partnership with Cary to enhance the surrounding infrastructure. This phase will include a full closure of Hunter Street between Waldo Street and East Chatham Street, as well as a daytime closure of the Hunter Street and Waldo Street intersection.
Hunter Street will be closed to traffic from August 26 to November 8. The intersection of Hunter and Waldo Streets will be closed on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from August 26 to September 6. Detours will be in place. This construction will be coordinated with the ongoing waterline installation on East Chatham Street.
Kit Creek Watermain Connection Project Begins
Construction has begun on the Kit Creek Water Main Connection Project. Sanford Contractors, Inc. is installing 4,000 feet of 12-inch water main, including a crossing of NC 885. Located in northwest Cary, this project will enhance the water system by providing a back feed to both Biogen and nearly 800 homes in the Kitts Creek subdivision. The project aims to improve resiliency and increase capacity in the area. Construction is expected to be completed by next summer.
Celebrating 10 Years
Join us in celebrating 10 years of excellence at the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) as we mark this significant milestone. Since its start-up on August 11, 2014, the facility has been dedicated to innovative wastewater treatment and biosolids management, supporting environmental sustainability and public health in our region. Its achievements in advanced technologies and effective nutrient removal set a high standard in the industry. The Western Wake Regional WRF also highlights a successful partnership with the Town of Apex, demonstrating the strength of our community and stakeholder relationships. Here’s to many more years of success!
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, August 26
6:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, August 28
6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A cut-and-paste email urging me to condemn violent against Bangladeshi Hindus (It has been my practice to not get involved in issues outside our core services. Making a statement on one of these international, national, state, etc. issues will open the door to getting involved in all kinds of issues that we have no authority over. In addition, it usually accomplishes very little, makes someone feel good, and makes others feel bad. The result is usually divisive. That is not the purpose of this council. So, I will not be making a statement.).
- Dozens of complaints about rezoning case 19-REZ-25 at Piney Plains and Stephens Road.
- A complaint about the Carpenter Village Greenway connector.
- A complaint about the property tax rate.
- A complaint about enforcement of Cary’s stormwater ordinance.
- A thank you for the Cary Tennis Classic.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, HRID interviews, and the beginning of the Labor Day holiday.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. 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@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
Harold's Blog 