US Open Trip, Council Work Session, and Council Meeting

Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one meeting. Our topics of discussion included the budget, debt, providing information to council candidates and council, Diwali, and council – staff relationships.

Cary Tennis Classic Board in New York

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I joined most of the members of the Cary Tennis Classic board in a trip to the US Open in New York. We were treated to great tennis and even access to the President’s box. It was a great time, especially if you are a tennis fanatic like me.

Council Work Session

On Thursday evening the council held a work session to review the meeting schedule, discuss the residential lighting, receive an update on the open space plan, and hear announcements from the town manager.

In the residential lighting discussion, the staff talked about issues between residents and the issues between residential and commercial lighting. They plan to bring a proposal that would measure maximum illumination values at the property line. A potential ordinance could be crafted similar to ordinances already in place by other municipalities.

The staff is currently working on the Cary Open Space Plan. The plan defines open space as both public and private lands with shared responsibilities and opportunities and will strengthen and support existing Cary plans and additional efforts. The staff presented existing open space at developed parks, significant sites, cultural landscapes, green corridors, lowlands and uplands. Five goals and thirteen objectives were presented to develop interconnected network through Cary. The five goals of the plan are:

  • Protect open spaces for future generations
  • Support health connected ecosystems
  • Manage open spaces for ecological health and resilience
  • Grow nature-based experiences
  • Continue to support the role that open space plays in Cary’s unique sense of place

The plan will be finalized in the coming months, and council will vote on the plan in 2026.

The manager presented an update on sales tax in his segment of the meeting. Sales tax makes up 20% of the town’s revenue:

  • May Sales Tax Receipts are down 0.1% Year over Year
  • April Sales Tax Receipts were up from last year
  • May Sales Tax Receipts are down 2.02% Month over Month
  • FY2025 growth rate of 1.1% over FY2024 = $571,619
  • ($370,115) below FY2025 budget at this point

All signs point to our revenue being basically flat again for this fiscal year.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of August. The agenda included a recognition of a gift, eight consent items, six public hearings, and one discussion item.

The Shane Pegram Family Foundation reached out to Cary staff earlier this year regarding adonation focused on playground renovation. The Pegrams are long-time Cary residents with an interest in using their foundation to support inclusivity at the playgrounds they visit and love. Davis Drive Park’s playground renovation planning was already in progress as part of Cary’s larger routine capital maintenance efforts. After discussing this location with the foundation, it was determined that the Davis Drive Park playground, due to its size, topography, and position on staff’s maintenance plan, aligns well with the donor’s desire to provide an inclusive play experience for all abilities. The $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation fully funds the Davis Drive Park playground renovation and will bring accessibility amenities to this much-loved playground. The council approved this unanimously. We are so blessed to have this philanthropic gift. I just wish there was more of it in Cary.

All consent items were approved unanimously. An item on Cary Policy changes was pulled by Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson to help describe why policies were changed. The council also gave direction that further explanation should be given regarding these types of changes. Other consent items included an annexation at 227 and 309 Barbee Road, a rezoning to allow fourteen single family homes at 227 and 309 Barbee Road, a technical correction in rezoning for 200 Glendon Way, a bid rejection because of cost for the Optimist Farm Road Water Main Extension and Holly Springs Interconnection Project, an agreement with Verizon Wireless to maintain its equipment on the Ridgeview Water Tank, and a $4 million bid award for the water main replacement project including pavement replacement on Kildaire Farm Road.

The first two public hearings were for the annexation and rezoning proposal for 606 and 694 Pittard Sears Road. This drew complaints from nearby residents that the density and lot size didn’t fit with surrounding properties. These proposals will come back to council in a few months after a review and recommendation from the Planning and Zoning board.

The third public hearing was for the annexation of an assemblage of properties on Yates Store Road. This had no speakers and will pair up with the rezoning request going through the process. It will come back to council with the rezoning request for a vote in the future.

The fourth and fifth public hearings were for the annexation and rezoning proposal on White Oak Road with 4.33 acres. This proposes detached dwellings at a maximum density of 1.5 dwelling units per acre. This will come back to council in a few months for a vote.

The sixth public hearing was for the extension of the 2019 bond orders. In 2019, Cary voters approved $225 million in general obligation bonds to fund long-term projects that benefit both current and future residents. To date, the full amount has not been borrowed due to factors such as project costs and potential tax impacts. The authority to borrow the remaining funds is set to expire in October 2026. Following discussion, the Council approved a three-year extension, allowing but not requiring the Town to borrow the remaining $100 million as originally authorized. Of that amount, $78 million is planned for transportation projects and $22 million for parks. Some transportation projects are already underway and have been funded with cash, meaning the Town will reimburse itself once the bonds are issued. Issuing bonds at the end of projects helps minimize the impact on taxes.

The discussion item was for the use of General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes. General Obligation (GO) bonds are typically issued for the full cost of a project. If bonds are sold at the beginning of a project, the Town starts paying interest on funds that may not be used immediately. To avoid unnecessary interest costs, it’s more efficient to wait until the end of a project to sell the bonds. In the meantime, projects can be funded using cash or through Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) short-term, low-interest loans. BANs carry lower interest rates than GO bonds, helping to reduce borrowing costs and keep taxes low. The Council unanimously approved the issuance of $50 million in BANs.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

Hello, Cary friends and neighbors! As one of your at-large representatives, I’m thrilled to connect with you and offer a look at what your Council has been up to this week in our vibrant town. For nearly 30 years, I’ve watched Cary grow from a place of promise into a thriving community that still feels like home. It’s this unique blend of progress and heart that makes our town so special, and it’s a privilege to be part of the team shaping its next chapter.

Cary’s strength isn’t built at Town Hall alone — it’s a collective effort. It comes from neighbors, staff, and leaders who share a vision for an inclusive, innovative, and connected community. Every conversation I have with you, whether at a community event or one of my many walks with my dog, reinforces the trust you’ve placed in us.

In this newsletter, we aim to pull back the curtain on how your Town Council is working for you. Below, you’ll find a few highlights from the past week, showcasing how we’ve been engaging with our community, celebrating milestones, and tackling important issues. I invite you to read on, get involved, and help us continue to build a community we can all be proud to call home.

Carissa Kohn-Johnson

At-Large Council Member

Courtyards at West Cary

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended a neighborhood meeting at the Courtyards at West Cary to hear community priorities and share town updates.

Milkshakes With the Mayor

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht joined residents at Glenaire for the Milkshakes with the Mayor event, a casual gathering to connect, answer questions, and enjoy a sweet treat together. 

Fly Away Home

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson, serving as the Public Art Advisory Board council liaison, participated in the Fly Away Home sculpture trimming, celebrating the ongoing care and creativity behind Cary’s public art.

GRCVB Awards Ceremony

Councilmember Jack Smith attended the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Meeting at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, where Cary received the Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award for Downtown Cary Park, recognized for its innovative design and national acclaim. 

Town Crier Reception

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith attended a reception at The Mayton Inn to welcome Town Crier John Webster and his wife, Mary. Hosted by Cary’s Sister Cities Executive Board, the event highlighted the Town’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international friendships and cultural exchange.

Women’s Equality Day

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Women’s Equality Day celebration, joining local leaders to mark the historic significance of the day and highlight ongoing efforts toward gender equity. 

Vibha DreamMile

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson participated in the Vibha DreamMile event at Bond Park, while Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the medal ceremony to present awards. The annual fundraiser supports Vibha’s vision of ensuring high-quality public education for every child.

Lazy Daze Opening Ceremony

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Michelle Craig took part in the opening ceremonies of the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, celebrating Cary’s largest annual cultural event with artists, performers, and thousands of visitors. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Sarika Bansal joined the festivities throughout the weekend.

Pakistan Independence Day

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Pakistan Independence Day Celebration in Preston Village.

Old Wake Rivalry Game

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmember Craig cheered on Cary High School at the Old Wake Rivalry Game against Apex. The historic football matchup, dating back to 1925, marked its centennial year. Go Imps! 

Council Members’ Schedule

Throughout the year, the Mayor and Council participate in various events, ceremonies, and activities. To see where Councilmembers will be this week, view the official schedule here.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

Thank you for your thoughtful engagement during last night’s work session on residential lighting, open space planning, and sales tax revenue. Your continued leadership and collaborative approach to these important community issues strengthen our ability to navigate both opportunities and challenges together.
As we discussed, our sales tax performance shows a mixed picture – while we’re seeing positive year-over-year growth of 1.1% for FY 2025 totaling $571,619, we remain $370,115 below our budgeted projections at this point. The sales tax trends data offers additional context for our ongoing financial discussions, and I look forward to our continued work together as we monitor these patterns and plan accordingly.
A quick reminder, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Enjoy your weekend.  

Sean

Council Joint Meeting with Holly Springs August 26th

Slides presented at the joint meeting can be found here. 

Shading the Future Grant Award

This week, Cary accepted a $25,000 grant award from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the ‘Shading the Future: Trees for Energy Savings and Community Resiliency’ pilot initiative. This effort is designed to enhance the community’s climate resiliency through the strategic planting of 200 trees in targeted areas with lower urban tree canopy coverage and higher average surface temperature. By leveraging existing community partnerships, staff will inform and engage citizens in areas of consideration throughout the pilot.

Cary’s New Vision Zero Webpage

This week staff published a new Cary webpage dedicated to sharing information about Town Council’s recent adoption of Vision Zero. Available at www.carync.gov/visionzero, the webpage highlights Cary’s on-going efforts to improve multimodal infrastructure, and how existing programs support the principles of Vision Zero. Staff will continue to integrate Vision Zero concepts into existing programs while progressing towards a unifying definition of the goals and priorities for a Vision Zero strategy that aligns with Cary’s values, policies, and actions.

Changes to Aquastar Usage Alerts

Aquastar, our long-time wireless water meter system, no longer has the capability to send usage text messages to customers. However, text message was the only one communication method to receive this usage information. Customers still have an option to receive usage alerts by email. Customers can access the online portal at carync.gov/digipay to view account details and modify or create usage alerts.  

Annual Water System Performance Report

Cary has issued its annual wastewater report, which summarizes the outstanding performance of its collection and treatment system that supports Cary, Morrisville, Wake RTP, and RDU Airport. The report provides quick facts, descriptions of our treatment facilities, system metrics, and tips to keep the system working smoothly and the environment free from sewer spills. In FY 2025 Cary had no reportable sewer overflows, an outstanding achievement. Visit carync.gov/wastewaterreport to view the report online.

Old Apex Water Main Construction Update

Construction of the new 24-inch water main along Old Apex Rd. has steadily progressed through the summer. More than half of the roughly 8,000 linear feet of new water main has been installed. Earlier this week, a new traffic pattern was installed at the intersection of Old Apex Rd. and W. Chatham St. This traffic shift is expected to remain in place for two months to allow for the safe installation of a water main across W. Chatham St. The installation will occur by trenchless methods allowing two-way traffic to be maintained on both Old Apex Rd. and W. Chatham St. The project remains on track for completion in fall 2026.

Black Creek Greenway Update: Phase One Opens Today

Progress continues on the Black Creek Greenway Renovation project. Phase One (W. Dynasty Dr. to Livingstone Dr.) is complete and opens today, just in time for the Labor Day holiday. Phase Two (Livingstone Dr. to just north of Weston Pkwy) will begin after Labor Day. This section of the greenway will close for construction, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

Staff Presents at Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference

On Wednesday, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Parker presented on first responder vehicle options at the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference in Winston-Salem. Chief Parker shared Cary’s implementation of idle-reduction technology (IRT) across Fire’s fleet vehicles. He emphasized its benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and decreased environmental impact, all without compromising emergency readiness.

Urban Water Consortium Quarterly Meeting

The Urban Water Consortium (UWC) represents a unique collaboration of twelve of the largest water utilities across North Carolina partnering with the academic community to advance water research priorities. Cary has been a founding member since UWC’s inception in 1985 and benefits from contributing to this long-standing forum to learn and share among water managers from the most populated areas of the state. The Urban Water Consortium held its quarterly meeting on Tuesday at Orange Water & Sewer Authority. The meeting included an in-depth discussion of emerging water contaminants and a tour of the water treatment facility.

Centennial Football Celebration: Cary HS vs. Apex HS

On Saturday, Cary, National Amateur Sports, and the Wake County Public School System partnered to host the historic 100th anniversary football game between Cary High School and Apex High School at WakeMed Soccer Park. The celebration drew more than 2,200 fans and alumni from both communities, with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmember Michelle Craig, and Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert in attendance. The event gave student athletes a memorable opportunity to compete in a premier stadium environment, complete with amenities far beyond those of their traditional home fields.

Lazy Daze 2025 Recap

Lazy Daze 2025 welcomed an estimated 55,000 attendees to Downtown Cary, energized by perfect weather and a weekend full of art, music, and community spirit. The festival kicked off with Demo Daze, featuring 11 live artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. New this year was the Inclusive Artist Market, spotlighting artists with disabilities, alongside returning favorites like the Kid Collectors Market, Chalk Walk, and Kid Daze. Entertainment included performances from Squonk, four live stages, and 25 diverse food trucks, while the Hype Daze initiative connected festivalgoers with downtown businesses offering themed specials. With support from over 300 volunteers and Town departments, Lazy Daze 2025 was a major success as Cary looks ahead to its 50th anniversary celebration in 2026.

CaryLIVE with Squirrel Nut Zippers

CaryLIVE! with the Squirrel Nut Zippers drew its largest audience yet on Saturday evening, with over 4,000 people gathering in Downtown Cary just down the street from Lazy Daze. Many festivalgoers stuck around to enjoy the free concert, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere. The night was made even more special with a mini reunion as founding member Katharine Whalen opened the show with her Jazz Squad and later joined the Squirrel Nut Zippers on stage for a few songs. With record attendance, unforgettable performances, and the perfect continuation of a day filled with community celebration, this CaryLIVE! concert was a tremendous success.

Important Dates

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 2
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, September 3
12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, September 3
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18th. Here are the candidates for Cary Council (Incumbents are denoted with I):

  • At-Large: Carissa Johnson (I), Marjorie Eastman
  • District A: Jennifer Robinson (I), Brittany Richards
  • District C: Renee Miller, Bella Huang

Elections are on November 4th.

To find out more about the Candidates view the Cary Candidate Forum here.

Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027

Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.

As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.

In the coming months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.

Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.

Mayor’s Mailbox

  • A complaint about finding parking in the library deck during Lazy Daze.
  • A thank-you for supporting Cary at the Cary-Apex 100-year anniversary football game.
  • A complaint that the USTA and Western Wake are taking tennis courts at “peak times”.
  • A compliment about Lazy Daze and the Downtown Cary Park.
  • A complaint about the median placement on North Harrison at Montibello Drive.
  • A complaint about the dog park at the Downtown Cary Park.
  • A complaint that Cary needs to get a YMCA discount for Marigold Apartments (we don’t have that authority).

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a virtual visit to Turner Creek Elementary, a Human Relations Inclusion Diversity Advisory Board meeting, a ribbon cutting for Art Swarm, an appreciation reception for the Cary Tennis Classic sponsors, a Triangle Community Coalition Coffee Chat, a North Carolina Metro Mayors meeting, and the Rock Your Word event at Fenton.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 7th, 2025. 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.