Author: haroldweinbrechttownofcaryorg

This was a slow week for me as mayor since I had three birthdays and an anniversary.

Cary 101 Reception

Wednesday I joined the council for a reception to meet the Cary 101 students. Cary 101 is a “citizen’s college” that provides the community with a behind-the-scenes look at municipal government structure, culture, and decision-making. Through discussion and hands-on activities, students obtain greater awareness of Cary’s planning and operations. It is my hope that these students will become Cary Ambassadors once they graduate.

Council Candidate Meeting

Wednesday evening I briefly met with two candidates for Cary Council. My practice is to endorse incumbents while offering advice and information to anyone who asks.

Sports Alliance Event

Thursday I joined a few dozen people at a Sports Alliance luncheon. Ted Reese, President of TTS, talked about Collegiate and Professional Tennis Tournaments, programming, and facility upgrades around the Cary Tennis Park. The audience was mostly made up of business leaders with a vested interest in tourism dollars.

Global Horizons Event

Thursday night I attended an event for Global Horizons focusing on the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The featured speaker was Dean Nancy Messonnier. I had the joy of talking with her and hearing about her time at the CDC, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. If you remember she was one of the first warning of a pandemic early on in 2021. Trump replaced her but she was proven correct. We also talked about how the CDC’s work before the pandemic allowed for the quick creation of vaccines. What an amazing person and I am glad she is the dean at Gillings. There were several other amazing doctors (PhDs and MDs) at the event and it was a joy to talk to them all.

NC Metro Mayors

The North Carolina Metro Mayors met virtually Friday to hear of legislative actions. Here is a summary of actions from KTS Strategies:

Lumbee Recognition

In conjunction with the inaugural Lumbee Day at the North Carolina General Assembly, hosted by the KTS Strategies team, the NC House passed HR499, Support Lumbee Fairness Act. The resolution requests Congress to grant the “benefits, privileges, and immunities that accompany” federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe. In February, bills identical to House Resolution 499 were introduced by Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd in the U.S. Senate and by a group of bi-partisan members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Lumbee Tribe has been formally recognized in North Carolina since 1885 and has fought for full Federal recognition for over a century. Legislation passed by Congress in 1956 recognized the Tribe, but denied benefits that every other federally recognized Tribe receives. North Carolina House Representative Jarrod Lowery (R-Robeson), a member of the Tribe, spoke in support of the measure and called on his fellow members to support the resolution.

School Choice

On Wednesday, House and Senate leaders held a press conference announcing companion bills S406/H823, Choose Your School, Choose Your Future Act. The legislation would expand access to the Opportunity Scholarship Program to all North Carolina families. Grant amounts would be based on household income. It would also eliminate any requirement for recipients to have previously attended public schools. S406 received a favorable report from the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The House bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee next Tuesday. Both bills are co-sponsored by all Republican members of each chamber.

Mental Health Initiative

This week, House members announced a bi-partisan plan to overhaul the State’s mental health system. H855, Strengthening Care for Families and Children, lays out a plan to invest $1 billion of the $1.75 billion bonus the state will receive from the American Rescue Plan for expanding Medicaid. The plan would invest significant dollars to three key areas:

• $225 million to improve access to behavioral health services.
• $200M to building a statewide behavioral health crisis system; and
• $50M for tele-health programs and a centralized bed registry.

The legislature passed Medicaid expansion last month. Implementation is contingent upon passage of the State budget.

Town Manager’s Report

Shelley’s Message

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to attend the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 2023 Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado along with Town Manager Sean R. Stegall and Business Services Manager Bryan Hayes. It was nice to reconnect and strengthen relationships with leaders and business owners within Wake County while observing the business market and community of Denver.
I was especially impressed with their Union Station, which is their version of a multi-modal center. The Union Station serves as a great example of a multi-modal hub with train and bus connections surrounded by residential and commercial properties and amenities.
I’m looking forward to seeing several of you at next week’s Cary Chamber of Commerce Inter-City trip to Tampa, Florida. I’m hopeful that we can explore best practices as it relates to the areas that are most important to us.
Thankfully, the weather should be clear tomorrow just in time for Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival at Bond Park!
Enjoy your weekend.
Shelley

Cary Matters

Last week, Mayor Pro Tem Don Frantz and Council Member Lori Bush filmed a Cary Matters segment covering Year of the Trail and Bike Month events in May. Be on the lookout for this production which will be released in early May.

Pinwheel Planting

On Monday, Council Member Carissa Kohn-Johnson participated in a pinwheel planting ceremony at First Baptist Church in Downtown Cary for Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the ceremony, she read the Mayor’s Proclamation. Other speakers included Cary Police Lieutenant Ashlee Dean, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina President and CEO Sharon Hirsch, Wake County Health and Human Services Program Manager Jason Mahoney, and Cary Police Detective Rebecca Platz.

Cary Participates in NC State Energy Conference

Staff participated in a unique networking opportunity at the North Carolina State Energy Conference held in Raleigh this week. The event hosted forums that connected participants with technical innovations and highlighted industry opportunities to help move North Carolina’s regional energy economy forward. Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar served as a panelist on a forum focused on municipal environmental opportunities, fostering an innovation culture, and building energy stakeholder relationships. Chapel Hill-based Spotlight Solar displayed an innovative stand-alone, no grid connection required, solar shelter that was a hit among participants. A key objective of Spotlight Solar is to provide a variety of publicly visible and attractive solar structures that engage citizens and complement stewardship initiatives that are otherwise out of view.

2023 Cary 101 Program Underway

The Cary 101 program kicked off last week for a group of 20 citizens who are excited to learn about Cary’s projects, programs, and services. In addition to hands-on activities, facility tours, and presentations, this year’s participants enjoyed meeting with Cary Council members on Wednesday. This event included a unique view of the Downtown Park from The Walker Apartment’s Sky Lounge. Participants will continue attending sessions over the next several weeks before graduating at the end of May.

Fire Participants in Nuclear Plant Emergency Exercise

Fire staff participated in the annual Harris Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Exercise, which is graded by FEMA. Fire’s role was to set up the Apex municipality Area Command Post and Staging Area at Cary Station 5 and provide logistical support for site access, radiological monitoring, and route alerting simulation. The Area Command Post and Staging Areas were run concurrently with FEMA evaluations conducted at Wake County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Joint Information Center (JIC), and a forward Area Command Post near the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Initial feedback from FEMA evaluators at the Area Command Post was positive. FEMA will issue a final report next month.

Duke University Student Presents Project Findings

Will Hager, a Master of Public Policy student at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, selected Cary as the client for his final thesis. This week, he visited Town Hall to present his findings to Cary staff. His report titled “Governing a Boomburb: Guiding Cary’s Growth into the Future” analyzes trends and challenges among five rapidly growing communities, or “Boomburbs,” including Cary. Robert Lang and Jennifer LeFurgy characterize “Boomburbs” as suburbs with a population of over 100,000 people, a double-digit growth rate for multiple consecutive decades, and not the largest community in the metropolitan area. Will’s full report  includes policy recommendations for Cary to consider moving forward.

West Point Leadership Program Graduates

Sergeant Titus Moore and Corporal David Jones recently graduated from the West Point Leadership Program (WPLP). The WPLP is a 102-hour program through Methodist University, with a goal “to inspire police leaders to develop an informed, systematic, and dynamic approach to leading in police organizations.” The program adapts a military leadership course at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. The course examines and integrates leadership in organizations from four perspectives: the individual, the group, the leader, and the organization.

Cary Launches Shape the Crepe Campaign at Earth Day Celebration 2023

No matter the tree species, pruning in the urban/suburban landscape is an important part of maintaining tree and canopy health. Unfortunately, topping Crepe Myrtles has become so commonplace that people and some landscapers have come to believe it’s the right thing to do. To help debunk that myth and support a healthy urban forest, Cary is launching a multi-year Shape the Crepe campaign Saturday at the tree booth along Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze. Over several years, staff will reach out to stakeholders, including the landscape community, to join us in conversation and practice to stop the chop and Shape the Crepe instead.  

ACC Tennis Championships at Cary Tennis Park

The Atlantic Coast Conference Tennis Championships were held this past weekend, April 19 – 23, at Cary Tennis Park. The NC State Wolfpack upset the top-ranked University of North Carolina Tarheels in the Women’s Final. This was the Wolfpack Women’s’ first ACC Championship title. In the Men’s Final, the top-seeded Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Duke Blue Devils for their 3rd straight ACC Championship. More than 3,000 spectators were in attendance, with ticket sales almost doubled from the last time ACCs were hosted in 2019. The new collegiate seating was a big hit with spectators and teams! The ACC Tennis Championships will be back at Cary Tennis Park in 2024.

Children’s Day Festival of Cary 2023

Approximately 2,000 people attended Cary’s Children’s Day Festival last Saturday. After years in Bond Park, the festival moved to the Town Hall campus and, ultimately, Kay Yow Court at Herb Young Community Center due to the weather. Council Member Ryan Eades presented the mayor’s proclamation. Other activities included music and dance performances by more than 100 children, craft activities, food trucks, and booths from community organizations. The annual event celebrates the importance of children, sharing with them the cultures and traditions of their neighbors. Children’s Day Festival is led by the American-Turkish Association of North Carolina, sponsored by Cary Sister Cities, and hosted by Cary.

Coffee, Cops, and Conversation

On Tuesday, staff from the police department held another successful community engagement event of Coffee, Cops & Conversations. We are thankful for our community partnership with Esteamed Coffee, located on South Academy Street, and their hospitality in hosting the event. It was a great day of fellowship, and the next event is scheduled for May 9.

Upcoming Closure of West Park Street

Beginning on Monday, the Annual Water Main Replacement project contractor, Carolina Civilworks, will place barricades on W. Park St. between Academy St. and Harrison Ave. in preparation of upcoming construction. At the same time, Northview Partners, working on behalf of First Baptist Church, will place barricades at the existing exit onto W. Park St. for coordinated paving and construction of the southernmost church parking lot to minimize disruption to residents and visitors. W. Park St. will be closed to through traffic, and on-street parking will not be available. The road closure is expected to last approximately 4 months. Additional updates will be provided as we move forward with other phases of the planned water main replacement project.

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Rec & Cultural Resources
Monday May 1
at 5:15 p.m. 

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday May 1
at 6:00 p.m.

Human Rel. Inclusion & Diversity
Tuesday May 2
at 6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday May 3
at 2:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday May 3
at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about affordable housing for veterans
• A complaint about the Kanoy Rezoning Proposal 22-REZ-13
• Several complaints about NCDOT proposal for the 401 Bypass
• A complaint about a civil disturbance
• A complaint about Google Fiber damage
• A thank you for my blog (You’re Welcome!)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, an intercity visit to Tampa, and Fest in the West.

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

Town Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly meeting. Topics included South Hills redevelopment, the downtown park, and meeting with leaders in Wake County.

Youth Villages

Tuesday morning I joined council members Johnson and Bush at the Youth Villages’ Growing Strong Breakfast. We heard how important it is to help youth that turn 18 and are suddenly out of Foster Care. They find themselves discarding, living alone without support, resources, or guidance of a stable family or network of caring adults. Youth Villages help these youth. If you would like to find our more visit http://YouthVillages.org .

Kingwood Elementary Earth Day Fair

Tuesday evening I attended an Earth Day Fair at Kingswood Elementary in downtown Cary. Kingswood is a STEM school that uses Montessori techniques. The event was well attended with hundreds of people visiting all kinds of booths. I picked up a longleaf pine sapling which I later planted in my yard. Toward the end of my visit, I read a proclamation to the crowd with the help of the junior green team. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to future visits which will include the installation of a solar panel.

South Hills Project Page Goes Live

The project page for the South Hills Development went “live” on Cary’s website at the following link https://www.carync.gov/projects-initiatives/cary-community-plan/south-hills-development. The following is part of the press release from the developer:

A New Vision for South Hills

South Hills was once home to Cary’s first shopping center, a favorite family-friendly mall that helped propel the town’s growth in the mid-20th century. Today, the future of South Hills is being reimagined as a cultivated urban experience. A thoughtfully planned, walkable community with abundant community gathering spaces, pedestrian pathways, and convenient access to local greenway trails. South Hills promises to become a landmark destination for Cary and Triangle residents and visitors alike.

The vision: A vibrant, urban district that hosts concerts, sports tournaments, festivals, and special events year-round. Pedestrian and bicycle-oriented “living streets” lined with bustling coffee shops, local cafés and boutiques, and lively restaurants that serve as a social space to connect and engage. A unique blend of residences, offices, and hospitality that are seamlessly integrated to provide energy and activity throughout the day and night.

The Cary community and sports recreation center will serve as an anchor in the South Hills District.

Project Highlights

The South Hills District includes 44+ acres.

• Urban experience, easily walkable, pedestrian-friendly
• Mix of retail, food + beverage, residential, office, hospitality,
• athletic, and event spaces

Developed by The South Hills Development Company, a joint venture of LODEN Properties and Northpond Partners. Partners include Perkins + Will (planning and architecture), McAdams (civil engineering), Kimley-Horn (traffic engineering), Morningstar Law Group (legal), Redgate (construction management) and Site Collaborative (development management).

CAMPO

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board held in their new offices at Fenton of Cary. The agenda included two consent items and five items for discussion. All the discussion items were informational and did not require a vote. Staff reports of the informational items can be found here. The presentation on the STIP (2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program) had significance for Cary. The Trinity Road Grade Separation which was removed has been put back in the STIP. This is crucial as Wake Med Soccer, and Fenton, continue to grow since it will allow access to Chapel Hill Road and I-40.

Cary Chamber Elected Officials Reception

Wednesday night I attended an elected official’s reception held by the Cary Chamber at the Umstead Hotel. I was joined by all the council members. Here is a portion of the remarks I spoke from:

“… I am proud to say that the partnerships we have between federal, state, and local elected officials and our Chamber are very strong and are vital to the success of our community. They enable us to provide the services and programs that our residents need and deserve.

Together, we have been able to invest in our infrastructure, improve public safety, and create new opportunities for economic growth. We have leveraged federal and state funding to build and improve our environment, housing, and transit. Together, we have created a version of Cary that shows a commitment to the environment while welcoming and supporting our business community.

As we move forward, we must continue to build upon our success by being creative, innovative, and inspirational in our efforts to support our economy, our citizens, and each other. …”

Attending the event were elected officials on the state level and local level. It was a great time to build relationships that will benefit Cary in the future.

North Fulton County Georgia Regional Chamber Visit

Thursday morning I participated in a panel discussion for a delegation from North Fulton County Georgia who were visiting Cary as part of an intercity visit. The panel included Cary Economic Development Director Ted Boyd, Cary Chief Development Officer Scot Berry, Cary developer Jordan Gussenhoven, and the President of MacKenan Property Group Kyle Greer. The delegation from Georgia included several chamber and business leaders in addition to elected officials and three mayors. The mayors included Jim Gilvin of Alpharetta, Peyton Jamison of Milton, and John Bradberry of Johns Creek. Their interests included:

• How has Cary grown and changed over the years? What were some of the large milestones or catalytic projects or policy changes that spurred this growth?
• What processes were helpful when the city was mapping out its vision and focus for growth and redevelopment and comprehensive planning? When did that take place? Who was involved? What did the process look like?
• What does your approach to public-private partnership look like across the city?
• What are the city’s biggest opportunities and challenges right now?
• How are you currently supporting the workforce development and talent attraction needs of your businesses and largest employers? What are your plans for growing and sustaining this in the future? What are your biggest needs/gaps and how are you addressing those?
• What are the largest and most influential industries in Cary? How have they grown and changed over the years? What type of public and private support has gone into cultivating those industries?
• How is Cary approaching diversity and inclusion?
• How much discussion is happening in Cary about affordable housing? What conversations or initiatives may be in the works around this topic?
• What are your key economic development priorities in the coming decade?

We spent about 30 to 45 minutes answering these questions as well as a few more before they headed out for a tour of Cary parks and other facilities including Booth Amphitheater, USA Baseball, Cary Tennis Park, WakeMed Soccer, and Fenton.

Indian Ambassador Visit

Thursday night I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Frantz, council member Johnson, and council member Eades at an event celebrating 50 years of business by Singh Development which was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. To have the Indian Ambassador visit Cary was very special and we were honored by his visit. The event included remarks by Sing Development, the Indian Ambassador, Morrisville representatives, and me. I presented the Indian Ambassador with a gift which had our new logo engraved on it. The event lasted about three hours.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors for a legislative summary. The following is a summary from KTS Strategies:

Bill Filing Deadlines

The House bill filing deadline for any bill without a finance or appropriations provision was this Tuesday, April 18. To date, 840 bills have been filed. Finance- and appropriations-related bills must be filed in the House by next Tuesday, April 25. The Senate bill filing deadline was April 4. The Senate has filed 745 bills. Exceptions to bill filing deadlines include Constitutional amendments, redistricting, election laws, nominations and appointments, and adjournment resolutions.

Over the next two weeks, we will see a large volume of bills passing through the House and Senate to meet this session’s May 4 crossover deadline. Crossover is the date by which a bill must pass its chamber of origin to remain eligible for consideration for the remainder of the biennial session. Exemptions to the crossover deadline are the same as the exceptions for the bill filing deadline. Bills with a finance or appropriations provision are also not subject to the crossover deadline.

Women’s Sports Bills

This week, the North Carolina House and Senate considered companion bills H574/S631, Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Both bills would prohibit biological males from competing on female sports teams. The Senate version of the bill would apply only to middle and high schools. The House version also includes colleges.

The House bill was approved by the Judiciary and Rules Committees before being heard on the House floor Wednesday. H574 passed on the floor with a vote of 73-39, with three Democrats voting in favor. The Senate bill was approved by the Education and Rules Committees and heard on the Senate floor Thursday.  After two tabled amendments, the bill passed along party lines (29-18).

NC Farm Act

S582, North Carolina Farm Act of 2023, was heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee this week. This is the legislature’s annual bill that generally makes various changes to laws pertaining to agriculture, forestry, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This year’s bill includes provisions that would allow income from the sale of honey to be considered gross income, create a Class 3 misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an animal waste spill, prohibit the use of an unmanned aircraft near a forest fire, and clarify the definition of wetlands. The bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

ACC Tennis Championships

Sunday I attended the women’s ACC Championships which were held at the Cary Tennis Park. I joined a large crowd in watching two of the best teams in the country battle it out.

In the end, NC State beat Carolina 4-1 for the ACC title. I was especially impressed with the #1 singles match where NC State’s Diana Shnaider beat previously undefeated, and number 1 nationally ranked player, Fiona Crawley in straight sets. BTW Shnaider is no slouch. She is currently ranked #88 in the world and made it to the third round of the Australian Open before losing a close three set match to the #6 seed. Needless to say, I witnessed two great players today.

I am so proud that Cary hosted the ACC men’s and women’s tennis championships and I hope to see many more in the future. It is our goal to grow this sports venue as well as the other sports venues in Cary.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

We couldn’t have more perfect weather than this for Appreciate the Best, which is being held today at USA Baseball. I appreciate the Council’s continued support of events like this that foster fellowship and fun – two important aspects of our culture and creating the local government that doesn’t exist.
Tomorrow, several of us will begin our trip to Denver for the Raleigh Chamber’s Inter-City Visit, and since there’s no Council meeting next week, the next time I will see most of you in person will be the following week in Tampa with the Cary Chamber.
Have a good weekend. 
Sean

Indian Ambassador to the United States Visits Cary

Last night many on Town Council and from staff attended a reception honoring the Indian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Mr. Sandhu offered comments about the Indian Diaspora with the audience, made up of representatives from local municipalities. The evening included a gift from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, and the attendees enjoyed an evening celebrating cultural diversity in Cary and the surrounding area. 

Year of the Trail at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

On Saturday, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson, North Carolina State Representative Julie von Haefen, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, and Council Members Lori Bush and Ryan Eades gathered at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve to celebrate NC’s Year of The Trail in 2023 and the completed updates to the Swift Creek Loop Trail boardwalk. North Carolina’s Year of the Trail in 2023 celebrates North Carolina’s thousands of miles of stunning trails, greenways, and blueways. Cary is taking this opportunity to celebrate its 90+ miles of greenways and trails.

Mayor Presents Earth Day Proclamation at Kingswood Elementary

On Tuesday, Mayor Weinbrecht presented the Earth Day Proclamation to the Junior Green Team at Kingswood Elementary School. Kingswood held its annual Earth Day fair that included vendors, food trucks, and activities. Cary It Green also participated as a vendor and handed out material related to the Count Me In Cary initiative.

First Climate Advisory Stakeholder Meeting

On Wednesday, a diverse group of more than 40 staff and citizen stakeholders gathered to participate in the first Climate Advisory Stakeholder meeting as Cary advances towards creating a community-wide Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy . The meeting began with an overview of the signs and predicted impacts of climate change in Cary and transitioned into an interactive presentation about existing conditions, possible pathways, and Cary’s desire to be a national leader in creating a sustainable and resilient community. Breakout groups then discussed and listed opportunities, barriers, and equity considerations to lay the foundation for next steps in creating potential strategies that reflect the future Cary wants to see. 

Volunteer Advisory Board Staff Liaison Meeting

On Monday, Sean Stegall spoke at the monthly Volunteer Advisory Board Staff Liaisons meeting. He thanked staff liaisons for their commitment to the boards, appreciation of our volunteers, and how the boards support the overall structure of our government. Organized by the clerk’s office, Cary staff liaisons meet monthly to cover logistic updates, upcoming advisory volunteer meeting topics, and professional development opportunities for liaisons.

Cary Speaker Series with Marshall Brain

The IT Department launched a Speaker Series highlighting local tech entrepreneurs who are disrupting the IT industry and inspiring us to think differently. On Thursday, our inaugural guest, Marshall Brain, Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program at NC State and founder of HowStuffWorks.com, spoke with staff about the importance of identifying gaps and opportunities in the market and creating solutions to address them — often in a way that disrupts traditional business models and ways of thinking. Brain is a well-known public speaker and the author of over a dozen books on various topics.

Meter Replacement Operation Completed

The supply chain for new water meters continues to be challenging, especially for the type of smart water meters required for Cary’s Automated Meter Infrastructure systems. After receiving a new shipment of smart water meters, staff planned and implemented a special operation on April 15 to replace 137 previous-generation meters. In a coordinated effort by staff from multiple departments, including Utilities, Public Works, and Finance, staff installed, programmed, and synchronized the new meters with the appropriate billing cycle in one day.

Duke Energy Lights

North Carolina Football Club and North Carolina Courage fans have a new and exciting way to access WakeMed Soccer Park Stadium. With the opening of nearby Fenton, fans can walk to and from restaurants and bars before and after events at the stadium. Fenton built a new greenway connection that connects to the soccer park. New lights added to a portion of the cross-country trail is a great addition to fans’ game day experiences.

Taste of China

Last weekend, the Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina hosted its Taste of China Food & Culture Festival in downtown Cary. Thousands turned out for this inaugural event in Cary, sampling cuisine from more than 45 food vendors and enjoying the various performances and cultural activities. Joining Council Members Lori Bush, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Ryan Eades in attendance were more than a dozen other elected officials from the State and Wake County, including Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and NC Representative Ya Liu. The seed for this event was planted early in Ya Liu’s tenure on Cary’s Council in February 2020. After delays due to the pandemic and then a hurricane last fall, we were thrilled to finallysee this event spring to life in downtown Cary.

Housing Conditions

Linked here, please find recent history of affordable housing conditions offered by development. This was a conversation at the most recent Council meeting.

CASSI Open Data Portal Launched

To help better understand how the CASSI Autonomous Shuttle has been operating, survey and operational data were collected by NCDOT and Cary staff over the past several weeks. Data Scientists have crunched the numbers, created graphs and tables, and put them all on display for staff to use. The CASSI Open Data Portal is now live. The portal can be used to find data on popular ridership days or how often and where the shuttle has to disengage its autonomous features. You can find that and more here.

Triangle’s Got Talent 2023

Triangle’s Got Talent returned in 2023 with 14 performances that showcased local teens singing, dancing, jamming, and more at The Cary Theater on April 16. Hosted by the Executive Board of Cary Teen Council, Triangle’s Got Talent recognizes teens in the arts, with all proceeds donated to a local charity group. Last hosted in April 2019, the main event returned, and the beneficiary in 2023 was Read and Feed.

107 East Chatham Street Restaurant

Development plans were submitted for the second round of review for 107 East Chatham Street, currently Gurkan’s Auto Repair. The plans propose expanding the existing building and converting it into a restaurant with outdoor seating. Streetscape improvements will also be included along East Chatham Street from The Center Shopping Center to the corner of Academy Street and from Academy Street to Cedar Street. 

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting

The Neighborhood Meeting will be held virtually on WebEx from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The following cases will be discussed on May 3.

• 22-REZ-18 Trinity Road Townhouses
• 23-REZ-04 Wheatsbury Drive

For more information and to register, visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday April 24
at 6:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday April 26
at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about Lake Crabtree Pipeline construction
• A complaint about side street parking when downtown holds an event
• A complaint about the rezoning proposal 22-REZ-13
• A thank you for helping with issues related to Google Fiber installation
• A request to help homeless veterans
• A request to support rezoning proposal 22-REZ-06
• Several cut-and-paste requests to pass an inclusion and equality ordinance (we did that last summer)
• A complaint to the town staff notifying someone about state public records laws allowing information: “I see how proud gleeful and triumphant you are to work for a backward S### H### of a place in a state where the government is always right and the citizens always wrong. Where you get to squeeze the citizen and expose the person to the wrath of your political friends. …”
• A request to vote against the US 401 Corridor Preferred Route

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary 101 reception, a candidate meeting, a sports alliance meeting, a Global Horizons event, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting. The week has fewer meetings and events than normal because of three family birthdays and my anniversary.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 30^th, 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.

Meeting Prep

Monday, in preparation for the Thursday council meeting, I contacted council members to hear of questions or concerns about the agenda. There was only one question, and it was about the Land Development Ordinance Amendments.

Atlantic Tire Championships Board

Monday night I met with the Atlantic Tire Tennis Championships board. Topics included Cary Tennis Park improvements and the potential for additional professional tournaments. Our meeting lasted about two and a half hours.

Earmarks for Cary

Tuesday I was notified by Congressman Nickel that he had a $5 million dollar submittal for Walnut Street Stormwater Management. We believe there is a good chance those federal funds will come to Cary.

NC Senator Gale Adcock

Tuesday evening I met with NC Senator Gale Adcock who served on the Cary council for years and was previously our Mayor Pro-Tem. It was great catching up with a good friend. We talked about everything from our private lives to local elections.

Wynston Ridge Homeowners Association Meeting

Tuesday night I gave a development update and answered questions at the Wynston Ridge HOA annual meeting. Since this subdivision is located near the Crossroads area, most of my comments and most of the questions were about that area.

Farmington Woods IB/PYP Magnet Elementary Birthday

Thursday afternoon I taped a brief message congratulating Farmington Woods Elementary for 20 years as an authorized IB/PYP World School. The IB stands for International Baccalaureate which means it offers a continuum of international education through four challenging, high quality educational programs to students aged 3 to 19. The PYP stands for Primary Years Programme. The IB/PYP program for children aged 3 – 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding.

Le Touquet Students Reception

Thursday before the council meeting several council members and staff greeted students from our sister city in Le Touquet, France. I talked to the chaperones, students, and host families during this time. Before leaving for the council chambers, we all posed for a picture. Once at the council chambers we posed for another picture presenting a gift to the delegation.

Council Meeting

The council meeting included six consent items, four public hearings, and no discussion items. Other than the consent items, no council decisions were made. Most of discussion at the meeting was on the public hearing for 21-REZ-12 which is a mixed use called Viridis at the Green Level Destination Center. The applicant proposes to build a mixed-use development to include up to 1,500 multifamily units, commercial and office uses. If approved this would be across the street from the proposed 500-bed hospital. Nearby residents expressed concerns about traffic and having to cross a four-lane busy road to get their mail. The council discussion included mostly positive comments about the green space, EV charging stations, and other environmentally friendly conditions.  

NC Metro Mayors

Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors. Here is a summary of that meeting from the executive director:

General Update: 

• It was a quiet week at the General Assembly as both chambers were on spring break.
• A large number of bills are being filed as the bill filing deadlines approach.  The Senate bill filing deadline has already passed (last Tuesday).  Below are the remaining deadlines for the House. 
• It is important to keep in mind that due to the fast-approaching deadlines, many bills that you see filed are not in their final form and more work will be done.
• The crossover deadline is May 4.  This is the date that any bill that does not include a finance or appropriations provision must pass through its chamber of origin in order to be considered for the 2024 session.

Transportation

NC TEN S354

• This bill would do the following:
  • Increase the electrical vehicle fee from $140.25 to $180 and add a new $90 registration fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles
  • Eliminate the vehicle purchase tax cap for commercial Class A and Class B vehicles (would be taxed at the standard 3 percent Highway Use tax). 
  • Impose a per ride tax of $.50 on transportation network companies (Uber/Lyft)
  • Increase the cap on the number of potential toll road projects from 3 to 6 toll projects  
• The bill was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and received a favorable report and was referred to Senate Finance.
• Stakeholder conversations are still ongoing – especially in regard to the tax cap provision as the trucking industry have expressed serious concerns on the impact on smaller trucking firms paying a much larger fee on the trucks that generally cost around $150,000. 
• The total estimated revenue from all the current provisions would be $70 million/year.

STIP Grant Anticipation Notes S637

• This bill would create a mechanism for you to use your borrowing capacity to move a project up in the STIP.
• Encourage your finance and transportation staff to look at this bill and give their feedback.

Public Safety

Civilian Traffic Investigators – S251 and House Bill H140

• Two of our cities already have this authority (Wilmington and Fayetteville) and it has been very successful.
• It is heavily supported by the Police Chiefs Association, and we are hopeful it will move forward.
• Our concern for progress remains on the Senate side.  Please continue to tell your House and Senate delegation about the importance of this tool for cities.

Economic Development

Noting of note this week

Local Revenues/Local Control- LAND USE and HOUSING Bills

The legislature has become keenly interested in affordable housing. But, a number of bills that have been introduced appear more focused on targeting the municipal role in zoning, planning and permitting processes and local authority in general rather than the myriad of challenges associated with affordability.  Some of the bills are plainly pre-empting local tools and processes, and most of the bills will not actually make progress on the wide spectrum of affordable housing needs in NC.  Metro Mayors Coalition member cities have a history of investing resources and seeking creative solutions, with many cities making increasing strides over the last few years. It is frustrating to those of us working on legislative and policy issues that there has not been a more collaboration around most of the bills introduced on this topic. We are now working in support of the NCLM’s coordinated efforts to educate and work diligently with legislators to improve legislation that has been filed.  Please continue to reach out to your delegation about these bills and voice concern, pointing to your own efforts already in place in your city.

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis S317

Land Use Clarification and Changes S675

are linked here  and attached.

Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units H409 / S374

NC Housing Choice Incentive H294

Regulation of Short-Term Rentals S667

Year of the Trail

Saturday morning I joined council members Ryan Eades and Lori Bush at the Year of the Trail celebration. In attendance were NC DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson and Representative Julie von Haefen who provided comments. In my remarks I made the following statements:

“Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve was purchased by the State in the 1970s, and continues to provide education and volunteer opportunities, almost every day.”

“It is estimated that around 55,000 hours of volunteer hours have been given to trail maintenance and other improvement projects since programming started in 1993. And each year, the number grows substantially.”

“The Year of the Trail demonstrates our commitment to promoting healthy and active lifestyles and fostering a sense of community and connectivity among our residents. Our trails have become an integral part of Cary’s identity through the support of our citizens, staff, and council.”

After remarks all in attendance gathered for a photo. This was followed by a walk along the trail.

First Responders Banquet at VFW Post 7383

Saturday night I joined council member Jack Smith at the First Responders Banquet at VFW Post 7383. In addition to a great meal, we were treated to hearing stories about great first responders. The recipients for the firefighter award and the police officer award were from Cary. In attendance were the Cary fire chief and several firefighters, the Cary police chief and several police officers, NC Highway patrol, EMS, and other first responders from surrounding jurisdictions. A big thank you to VFW Post 7383 for celebrating these heroes.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Once again I get to be amazed by my colleagues and what we accomplish together with your support, Council.
This time it’s being recognized with the IDC Smart Cities North America Award’s for our LoRa network – a wireless communication protocol optimized for long-range, low-power Internet of Things applications.
Awards like these bring special, high-profile attention to our efforts, which is appreciated and deserved.
At the same time, I want to recognize our “everyday heroes” in 911 during this National 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Day-in and day-out, they report for work in one of the most stressful environments that exist, knowing full well that each time the phone rings, they may be the difference between life and death, literally. For context, their phones ring about 700 times each day.
In appreciation,
Sean

Cary Sister City Visit From Le Touquet, France

At Thursday’s Council meeting, Council welcomed nine culinary students and their chaperones from Cary’s Sister City, Le Touquet, France. The students spent the afternoon touring Town Hall campus and enjoyed a reception at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center before attending the meeting. The students visited as part of a cultural/culinary exchange with Cary Sister Cities and Wake Tech. They will spend five weeks working and learning at the Umstead, Maximillian’s, Academy Street Bistro, and Hank’s Downtown Dive. The Cary Sister Cities organization was also recognized for its 35th anniversary during the meeting. 

Cary Hosts the North Carolina Leadership Forum

On Tuesday, Cary hosted the Duke North Carolina Leadership Forum at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. The NC Leadership Forum provides an opportunity for civic, business, and political leaders from across North Carolina to discuss issues central to the future of our state. With a cohort including Council Member Lori Bush, we are proud to have Cary representation in this statewide convening. During their time in Cary, Director of Housing and Community Partnerships, Morgan Mansa presented on Cary’s unique approach to housing affordability and the Cary Housing Plan. The group also toured Cary sites related to this topic and the robust economic growth in Cary.

Senior Advisory Board – Transportation Updates and Q&A with Staff

Transportation staff presented to the Senior Advisory Board and Council Liaison Carissa Johnson, providing updates on various street, sidewalk, bike, greenway, and transit projects. The board was particularly interested in the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project from Raleigh to downtown Cary, CASSI, the autonomous vehicle pilot circulating in Bond Park, sidewalk projects  that fill in existing gaps, and  future greenways, including Higgins IV greenway and the Walnut Creek greenway to South Hills. GoCary staff also demonstrated how a transit rider in a wheelchair boards a GoCary bus. Staff regularly hears that residents of all ages want transportation choices and making those connections across modes is a priority and supports the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan.

Cary Supports Green Transportation Demo Days

This week Cary supported the NC Clean Energy Technology Center with their annual demonstration days in Garner and Jacksonville. The Clean Transportation Demonstration Days give government entities across North Carolina information and experience with clean transportation technologies. Staff attended various educational and product training sessions on electrification, infrastructure, and alternative fuels. Cary supported both events by providing our Ford Lightning, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Model Y PD. Cary staff from Fleet Management and the Police Department were present to provide riding opportunities and share insight on the operation and capabilities of the electric vehicles and how other agencies may implement some in their fleets.

2023 Street Improvements Project Update

Construction of the 2023 Street Improvements project is scheduled to begin the week of April 17. This project includes 19 miles of Cary streets to be repaved or patched. Crews will take 3-4 weeks to make concrete repairs, including upgrading ADA curb ramps and replacing damaged curb and gutter. Street repaving is expected to begin in mid-May, and the project is scheduled to be completed by winter.

Downtown Cary Park Tours

This week the Downtown Cary Park team were busy providing tours of the construction project. The Cary Legal Department hosted their counterparts from Apex to share lessons learned from development, from property acquisition to design and construction. Then Assistant Town Manager Shelley Curran hosted partners from the City of Raleigh and Dix Park Conservancy. The last group was the Future Master Firefighters group. Joy and the team did a great job providing wonderful tours and the visitors were very impressed with the project. 

Design Coordination with Cary Elementary

A meeting with Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS), Cary, and Cary’s design consultant Exult was held on April 12 to continue coordination efforts as the design phase for Higgins Phase IV continues. WCPSS was receptive to design concepts, including arborist recommendations on preserving mature-growth trees along the corridor and how this project will help promote healthy and active lifestyles by encouraging children to walk and bike to school. Topics of discussion included:

• Design considerations along the school property
• Right of way impacts and acquisition approach
• Schedule including Federal grant milestones

Introducing Cary’s New EAP Provider

Human Resources launched a new employee assistance program (EAP) this week featuring our exciting, accessible, modern provider: BHS. Featuring confidential, no-cost services for eligible employees and their immediate household members BHS encompasses all dimensions of well-being to help employees address personal and professional challenges through a robust offering of skill-building resources that support mental, emotional, intellectual, social, and financial well-being. Employees joined the conversation throughout the week by attending ‘pop-ups’ at various Cary locations, where representatives from BHS and Cary’s Total Employee Health team answered questions, showcased the many programs, services, and tools now available, and shared some goodies and giveaways.

Wastewater Nutrient Removal 2022

Cary’s North and South Cary Water Reclamation Facilities are among the best-performing wastewater plants for their size and scale among the Neuse River Compliance Association (NRCA). In 2022 Cary treated more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater and achieved 97 percent nitrogen removal through biological nutrient reduction without supplemental chemicals. This high level of performance recovered approximately 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen from Cary’s wastewater, keeping it out of the Neuse River basin and meeting Cary’s commitment and the NRCA’s mission of protecting the Neuse River and Estuary.

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents The Hundred Dresses

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre hosted its first mainstage theatre production since 2019. Twenty-Two participants aged 9-16 acted and worked behind the scenes to tell the story based on bullying, acting as a bystander, and the repercussions of these acts in 1930s small-town America. The performances on March 31-April 2 at the Cary Arts Center drew in 322 total audience members.

First Bike Plan Focus Group Meeting

We are excited to share that the first Bike Plan Focus Group meeting for Cary was held on Monday. The citizen group will assist with input on developing Cary’s upcoming Bike Plan and champion community engagement and advocacy efforts. Their insights will help create a safe, convenient, and enjoyable multimodal network that benefits all community members. During the meeting, the group discussed the project schedule, network analysis and development, project scope, and upcoming engagement opportunities for the community. The information shared at the meeting is available on the Bike Cary project page.

Easter Egg Hunts

Marla Dorrel Park, Alston Ridge Middle School, and WakeMed Cross Country Course became the sites of Easter Egg hunts for over 500 children. Children could visit with the Easter Bunny, Katal Dragon, Disney characters, and other entertainers while waiting for the egg hunt to begin. The partnership between Marla Dorrel, Kids Together Board members, 20 Teen Council volunteers, PRCR and Public Works made these events successful for kids of all abilities.

Upcoming Meetings

Athletic Committee
Monday
April 17
 6:00 p.m.

National Preservation Month of HPC
Monday
April 17
7:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory
Wednesday
April 19
6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday
April 20
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about a rezoning proposal for multi-family on Green Level West Road.
• A complaint about storm runoff from a development site in MacGregor
• A complaint about police not enforcing expired license plates (not true)
• A complaint that the town should have quite zones near the rail tracks
• A complaint that the town is doing nothing about homelessness (not true)
• A complaint that the town is not redacting personal information from public records

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Youth Villages Breakfast event, an Earth Day celebration at Kingswood Elementary, a meeting of the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s) Executive Board, a Cary Chamber Elected Officials Dinner, welcoming remarks for North Fulton County Georgia Regional Chamber, a joint meeting with Cary and Morrisville’s councils, a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors, and the ACC tennis championships at Cary Tennis Park.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 23^rd, 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.

Texas Trip

Monday I joined others on a trip to visit community centers and venues in Texas where we were hosted by architects and consultants. The purpose of the trip was to see pros and cons of how others have done a combined community centers with senior centers and to look at centers that had competition spaces. This will help as we begin the concept-to-design of Mills Park and The Centre at South Hills.

The first visit was to the Rec of Grapevine which had a total size of over 114,000 square feet and included a water feature. Personally, I considered this a baseline center. That is, Cary would have had better finishes and probably more amenities and programming. The big positive for this center was the integration of the senior center with the rest of the facility. While the seniors had their own entrance and space, they could easily be part of the rest of the center if they desired. The biggest negative for me was the small, programed spaces and the walk/run path that was 1/8 of a mile. There were other cons, especially with the water feature. The entire water feature was one body of water making it too hot for lane swimmers or too cold for the recreational part of the pool. In addition, maintenance of the pool was a big expense.

The second visit was to the MARQ of Southlake. This had an 84,000 square foot center, called the Champions Club, and a 22,000 square foot senior center, called Legends Hall. This facility also had a water feature, and the pros and cons of that feature were like the Rec of Grapevine. The champions club portion had several types of rooms for programming and for rentals. Programming seemed to be strong, but the amount of exercise equipment seemed to be small. The Legends Club had high end finishings that made it look like a country club. In addition, it was only connected to community center portion by one door and a set of steps which made it feel exclusive. The two centers didn’t seem to have any mixing of people, which seemed an intentional part of the design.

The third visit was to the Lewisville Thrive which was about 80,000 square feet with a water feature. This facility did a much better job with the programming rooms and the water feature. It still lacked a good walking/running trail. The biggest pro to me was how they used the outdoor space which included a little amphitheater.

The fourth facility visited was the Stephen Terrell Recreation Center which was still under construction. The center is going to be 149,000 square feet and will not include a water feature. It will include several indoor full-length basketball courts which could flex into a huge event space. Its walking/running trail was significantly better than the others and included multiple levels and even steps for those who wanted to integrate that into their walk/run routine. This facility also had integration to a huge outdoors space. The surprise part of the visit to this facility was that it was being built for $54 million. It would cost twice that if it were built here.

On the way to our fifth facility we toured the Edge Skate Park. This was a big skate park that is used for parties and other events in addition to skating. Something to think about when we consider changes to our skate park.

Our last visit was to the Epic in Grand Prairie. It was a massive space which included a water feature even though it was adjacent to a water park. It had features you don’t normally see in a community center such as a theater. Its exercise space was significant and there were plenty of rooms for rental and programming. The walking/running trail was also significant and multi-level. One big positive for this center was the adjacent outdoor space which was programmed as well as the indoor space. We also toured the adjacent water park which reminded me a little of a small indoor Emerald Point.

The trip was successful in the sense that it gave us information on what works well and what doesn’t work so well in a community and senior center. I had several great discussions with our Parks Director and our Director of Special Venues. One interesting note was that all the facilities talked about the lack of staffing. I look forward to the next phase of concept-to-design for both of Mills Park and the Centre.

Augusta Trip

Wednesday and Thursday I traveled to and from Augusta, Georgia to watch the Masters Golf tournament. I worked at the tournament for 39 years until they retired me in 2017. This was my first visit back. It was a beautiful day with the temperature on the warm side. The course and the golf were amazing as always. I enjoyed visiting and hope I get the chance in the coming years.

Legislative Summary

The North Carolina Metro Mayors did not meet this week due to the holiday weekend. However a weekly summary was provided by KTS Strategies:

Legislative Spring BreakDue to the NC General Assembly’s spring break next week, (April 10-14) you will not receive a legislative update next Friday. Our weekly newsletter will resume Friday, April 21. 

House Passes Budget

This week, the House completed their work on the biennial budget proposal. The proposal received approval from the House Finance and Pensions Committees before heading to the House floor.  After consideration of nearly 30 amendments over the two-day vote, it passed third reading Thursday morning with a vote of 78-38. Ten Democrats voted in favor. The $29.7 billion spending plan includes the following highlights: 

• 10.2 percent average teacher pay raise over two years;
• 11 percent Highway Patrol pay raise over two years;
• 7.5 percent state employee pay raise;
• Personal income tax rate cut to 4.5 percent; and 
• $1 billon for transportation needs.

 
The Senate will now begin work on their budget proposal. Once passed, the two chambers will meet in a conference committee to negotiate a final version. The goal is to have a budget in place before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. 

Party Switch

On Wednesday, Democratic Representative Tricia Cotham announced she was switching her affiliation to the Republican Party.  Rep. Cotham represents House District 112 in Mecklenburg County.  During the press conference House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) stated, “Even when I was in the minority, and Rep. Cotham was in the majority, she was always one of the most bipartisan members who would work with us a great deal.” The switch means that Republicans now officially hold a supermajority in both chambers. Here are links to the official statements from the NCGOP and NCDP. 

Boards and Commissions Appointments

Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), Senate Rules Chair Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick), and Senator Warren Daniel (R-Burke) S512, Greater Accountability for Boards/Commissions was filed in the Senate this week. The bill would amend the composition and appointments of the nine following Boards and Commissions: 

• The Utilities Commission
• The Economic Investment Committee
• The Environmental Management Commission
• The Commission for Public Health
• The Board of Transportation
• The Coastal Resources Commission
• The Wildlife Resources Commission
• The N.C. Railroad Board of Directors
• The UNC Health Care Board of Directors

 
It would generally reduce the number of gubernatorial appointees and allow for appointments by the State Treasurer and Commissioner of Agriculture for certain commissions. S512 was approved by the Senate Judiciary and Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. It passed third reading on the Senate floor along party lines (29-18) and will now head to the House for consideration.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A request to play exhibition tennis in Senior Appreciation Day.
• A request to pass a non-discrimination ordinance (we did that last summer).
• A request to speak as a panel member of a discussion.
• A complaint about construction runoff in MacGregor.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting of the Atlantic Tire Championship board, a meeting with NC Senator Adcock, a meeting with a business owner, the first regularly scheduled council meeting of April, the Year of the Trails event, and the First Responders banquet.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 16^th, 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.

Templeton State of Cary Address

Wednesday morning I presented the State of Cary address to the residents of Templeton of Cary. It was very much like the presentation I gave at the beginning of the year with a few updates. After the presentation there were about a half dozen questions and comments including one about pedestrian access to Waverly Place.

Candidates for Office

When it comes to Cary elections, my practice is to endorse incumbents and to help all candidates.

Wednesday evening, I met with a representative of a candidate planning to run for office. We talked about potential strengths and weaknesses of her candidate.

Thursday evening I met with Sarika Bansal who has declared her intention to run for the District D seat held by Ryan Eades. We talked about several issues including what she thought was important for District D.

Acting as Frank Page

Thursday night I was asked to portray Frank Page, Cary’s Founder, as part of an information meeting for the Friends of the Page Walker. Here is the speech I gave as Frank Page:

“Good Evening, Fellow Cary Residents!

As you may know, I am Allison Francis Page, Founder of Cary and Your First Mayor.  But you can call me Frank. I built this hotel in 1868 –even before we officially became a Town in 1871. I thought it would help put our little Town on the map.  And it did – despite I didn’t allow alcohol, card playing, or dancing on site. 

In fact, I founded Cary on 4 basic principles:

1. God is our Leader.
2. Education is Paramount.
3. Entrepreneurship is Fundamental.
4. Alcohol is the devil. 

Yes. I founded Cary as a “dry town”. I named it after not me, but Samuel Fenton Cary, the greatest Prohibitionist speaker of my time, who likely never stepped foot here.  I even declared in our incorporation papers that no alcohol would be legal in Cary for 1000 years.  So, clearly, we need to talk.

But not tonight.  Tonight is about you and your critical involvement in the Town we love.  Even if you don’t love our Town now, your involvement can help change that.  So I appreciate you being here, regardless, as civic engagement is the cornerstone of our democracy.

When I founded Cary in 1871, our population was about 150 souls. We didn’t even reach 1,000 people until the 1930s! I’ve watched us grow to over 182,000 people today, making us the second largest small town in America.  I always believed in Cary – even after I left here to go on to found Aberdeen in Moore County – but I’m not sure I ever saw that coming.  After all, Aberdeen’s population is only just over 9,000 today!

Clearly, we have something special here in Cary that we have to grow and preserve.  It starts with our history – the people and places that came before.  I’m heartened to see my original Cary Academy, then Cary High School, the first public high school in North Carolina and the first desegregated high school in Wake County, still sitting in its current form at the end of Academy Street.  I love that my hotel still stands. I understand that the Nancy Jones house and the Ivey-Ellington house also remain, although they don’t seem to be located where I remember them…no matter. I appreciate that there are enough historical structures that we could create a designated Historical Downtown District for Cary. 

But history is more than our buildings, as time and growth march on. It’s also our stories, our adventures, our struggles, our resilience to persevere.  These memories—this kind of history—only endure if they are placed in the hearts and minds of others. I ask you to commit yourself to all aspects of our history. So we know our history, but more importantly, Cary residents – new and long-term – truly know our Cary, love our Cary, take care of our Cary — like they would family.  And hopefully, by providing the sense of place that only history can provide, they see themselves as part of our family, and our future. 

Well, “Cary-on” with your event – (my wife, Kate, told me to put this in the speech, she has the sense of humor between us.  And a much better delivery, I’m sure).  I won’t bother smelling your liquid refreshment and just assume the best in you, that they are spirit-free. 

Thank you for being here tonight for Cary.”

I had a blast portraying Frank Page. Maybe I will do it again one day.

NC Metro Mayors Call

I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors on Friday where we talked about legislative actions. Here is a summary of legislative actions from KTS Strategies:

House Budget Released

The House released their biennial budget proposal on Wednesday. Some of the highlights of the $29.7 billion spending plan include:

• Average teacher pay raise of 10 percent over two years;
• State employee pay raise of 7.5 percent over two years;
• Individual income tax rate reduction to 4.5 percent in 2024 (a year earlier than planned) and franchise tax rate reduction;
• $1 billion for transportation needs; and
• $1 billion for water and sewer infrastructure.

The bill was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday after consideration of nearly 50 amendments. The proposal will be heard in the remaining committees and on the House floor next week.

Sports Betting

H347, Sports Wagering, passed the House this week. The bill would authorize, regulate, and tax sports betting in North Carolina. The Lottery Commission would be responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to 10 to 12 sports wagering operators. A 14 percent privilege tax would be levied on each operator. A portion of tax revenues would be distributed to DHHS for problem gambling, the NC Department of Parks and Recreation for grants to benefit youth sports, certain universities to support collegiate athletic departments, and the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council for grants for sports team travel assistance.

Multiple floor amendments were offered that would have removed college and amateur sports, increased licensing fees, and prevented family members of participants from placing bets on those events. All amendments failed. The bill passed third reading on the floor Wednesday with a vote of 64-45. It will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Veto Override Vote

Last Friday, Governor Cooper vetoed S41, Guarantee 2^nd Amendment Freedom and Protections. The bill would remove the requirement to obtain a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff’s office prior to the purchase or receipt of a pistol. Criminal background checks would still be required prior to purchase of a pistol from a federally licensed dealer. The bill would also authorize concealed carry for certain law enforcement facility employees and authorize carrying a handgun in a place of religious worship that is also educational property under certain conditions. Additionally, it would create a statewide firearm safe storage awareness initiative to educate the public about safe firearm storage, facilitate the distribution of gun locks, and provide local communities with a toolkit to launch local firearm safe storage initiatives.

This week, the NC General Assembly held votes to override the Governor’s veto. A three-fifths majority vote of all members present is necessary for a successful override vote.  Both chambers successfully voted to override the veto along party lines. The final vote was 30-19 in the Senate and 71-46 in the House. The bill is now Session Law 2023-8.

While there are several bills working their way through the legislature. SB 317 is very concerning to municipalities. Here is the NC League of Municipalities summary of that bill:

As discussed in the March 17 Legislative Bulletin, SB 317 Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis would establish a statewide mandate to allow “workforce housing developments” not subject to local planning and zoning regulations. It has been proposed as a solution to improve housing affordability.

Local officials from around the state have carefully gone through the bill’s provisions and given this legislation careful consideration. They express many concerns, including those listed below. The legislation does not represent the kind of comprehensive solution that will make housing more affordable.

Cities and towns are sharing that:

• The housing affordability crisis in North Carolina is being driven by many factors, including decades of job relocations to metropolitan areas and rising land costs. The cost of land is a major factor in dictating development types, housing size, price points and project financing. By ignoring these issues, the policy changes in this bill are unlikely to substantially affect housing affordability.
• The legislation fails to address these underlying causes of rising housing costs. It instead focuses on pre-emption of local planning, which cities use to ensure safe, well-designed neighborhoods that do not overwhelm roads or other infrastructure, or damage adjacent development.
• Municipal officials share state policymakers’ concerns about housing affordability. That concern is seen in an NCLM legislative goal seeking more resources for affordable housing, in municipalities approval of housing bonds, and in cities’ approval of more density by right, where appropriate.   
• The crisis is complex. Incentives-based approaches that do not undermine local planning will prove more realistic in creating additional workforce and middle housing. This kind of cooperative approach, in which density reforms go hand-in-hand with incentives to help offset development costs, ensures that appropriate development occurs and actually benefits homeowners and renters in the intended income range.
• Providing developments with blanket exemptions from land-use planning rules has the potential to create a number of damaging effects. These local rules go beyond the protection of adjacent homeowners. They also protect areas around military bases, airports and farms. They help avoid financial losses in flood plains and sensitive coastal areas. They prevent clear-cutting that can lead to downslope erosion.

Let legislators know that North Carolina needs a comprehensive approach to housing affordability, one that will actually result in lower costs for workforce and middle housing. SB 317 may be well-intentioned but will not achieve that goal. Also please utilize this joint report with the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, Local Governments Responding: The Housing Crisis in North Carolina, which provides a detailed look at what is happening related to housing in the fastest growing communities of North Carolina.   

Taking away local control is never a good thing. In this case, it would allow developers to ignore local land use plans and do pretty much anything they would like. On top of that, it is bad policy to create a one-size-fits-all solution to a difficult problem.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

On Wednesday, I met with my Cary colleagues for our quarterly All Hands. During this time, we took a deep dive into our recent Council-Staff Retreat, covering topics like what the retreat is (and isn’t) and the experiences of new and more seasoned participants. Staff also received an abbreviated version of Ted Boyd’s retreat presentation regarding our vision for Downtown redevelopment north of the railroad tracks. Our staff are such great champions of Imagine Cary, and I always enjoy having time to slow down and get on the balcony with them.
Please note, there won’t be a Council Weekly Report distributed next week. The next report will be shared on April 14.
Have a great weekend.
Sean

2023 Veterans Benefit Live Event

Herbert C. Young Community Center served as the site of the Veteran Benefits Live event last week. As a result of great partnerships among several organizations, more than 1,000 veterans received benefits assistance.

South Walker Street Sidewalk Construction

Construction on a new sidewalk along South Walker Street, between East Park Street and the First United Methodist Church parking lot, is scheduled to start on April 3. This sidewalk project was funded by the annual sidewalk improvement program and will complete the last remaining gap of sidewalk along South Walker Street. Staff have been collaborating with Downtown Park construction to have it built before the opening of the park. The road will remain open during construction; however, a daily lane closure will be necessary to safely complete the work. Construction is expected to be complete by early summer.

Kildaire Farm Road Construction Update

The Kildare Farm Road Improvements Project is on schedule to be completed this summer, including road work beginning in May. In advance of beginning road work, all overhead utilities will be converted to underground. This week, AT&T completed converting their facilities and next week Cary is scheduled to complete converting its facilities. Cary will be making provisions in advance of temporarily losing fiber connectivity to some fire stations, the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility and several traffic signals. Spectrum has been working over the past several weeks in anticipation of planned temporary outages for several thousand customers. Next week, Spectrum will be sending outage notifications to residential and commercial customers as they complete converting their facilities to underground in April.  

Transportation Grant Funding

Cary has applied for and been awarded federal grant funding for several transportation-related projects. NCDOT oversees these projects under the Locally Administered Project Program (LAPP) to ensure design, right of way, and construction activities meet stringent federal requirements. Many of Cary’s federal grant projects are approaching the construction phase and staff have recently received NCDOT concurrence on consultant selections to provide construction engineering and inspection services. for:

• Crabtree Creek Greenway (Crossing under Weston Parkway)
• Higgins Greenway Phase III (Union Street to Kildaire Farm Road)
• Crabtree Creek Greenway (Bond Park to High House Road)
• Black Creek Greenway Renovation (Old Reedy Creek Road to Dynasty Drive)
• Cary Parkway Sidewalk including a pedestrian bridge over Black Creek
• Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening (NC55 to NC540)

In addition, Cary was recently awarded $1.9 million in federal grant funding for Higgins Greenway Phase IV, which will extend into downtown. Design concepts have been developed in coordination with the Transportation Working Group and Greenway Committee, including enhancements consistent with the Cary Community Plan and Council priorities. Preliminary plans are anticipated to be shared with the public this summer.

Award Winning Pilot

Staff participated in the Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) annual conference focused on conserving resources and advancing waste reduction and recycling throughout the Carolinas. Waste Strategy and Community Impact Consultant Srijana Guilford presented Cary’s food waste drop-off and partnership with Toward Zero Waste as a municipal service model. Cary was also honored to receive a CRA Recycling Award for the pilot, recognizing it as an impactful and innovative project that successfully addresses current waste diversion challenges and demonstrates creative promotions and education.

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Rec, ​​​​​​​& Cultural Resources
Monday
April 3 
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory
Monday
April 3
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday
April 3
6:30 p.m.

Human Rel, Inclusion, & Diversity
Tuesday
April 4
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about a homeless encampment on state property.
• A request to accelerate the widening of Morrisville-Carpenter and Carpenter Fire Stations roads.
• Kudos to Cary Police officers helping with road races.
• A request to make sure residents and businesses of properties at East Chatham and SE Maynard “get a fair deal.” (We have no authority to get involved in real estate deals between a property owner and a buyer).
• A request to start a public transit committee.
• A request to pass a non-discrimination ordinance (We did last June).

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a trip to Texas, a trip to Augusta, and a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 9^th, 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.

Meeting with Historian

Monday afternoon I met with a historian who talked about citizen interest in Cary’s history. We discussed opportunities for the town to be involved in special historical specific events. I encouraged a conversation with the Parks Director before continuing.

Council Meeting Prep

Later Monday I contacted council members to hear of any questions or concerns about Thursday’s agenda. One council member expressed a concern about the lack of affordable housing in a proposal. Another council member had questions about the amendments to the Land Development Ordinance.

Later in the day I met with the Mayor Pro-Tem and staff to review the agenda items.

Town Manager One-On-One

Monday evening I met briefly with the town manager and Mayor Pro-Tem. We discussed the Environmental Advisory Board, the upcoming work session, and a few other topics.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I joined a meeting of the Wake County Mayors. Attending were mayors from Cary, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon. The meeting started with speakers who are our appointees to the Centennial Authority. They mostly talked about of the expansion of RBC arena and surrounding properties. There are plans to make it a destination center with restaurants, retail, etc., in addition to the venue. The cost may reach $250 million which will be funded by bonds. The bonds will be paid for with hotel, meal, and occupancy tax monies.

The remainder of the meeting was a roundtable discussion on a variety of topics including bills in the legislature that could be harmful to our communities. The meeting concluded after a little over two hours.

EDC Workshop

Tuesday I joined staff and members of EDC (Economic Development Committee) in a work session to explore how we could better utilize our committee members. Our current committee includes prominent business leaders with decades of experience. After several exercises and discussions, the consensus was that committee members needed to be involved more in the early part of the development cycle. They believe they could provide feedback on the economic impact of a proposal. The ideas will be fleshed out by staff and brought back to the committee at our next meeting in June.

Council Work Session

Wednesday the council held a work session to cover topics that were planned for the annual retreat last month. Topics included Greenways and E-Bikes, capital projects, and housing. Here are some points made in the work session:

E-Bikes

• All of our greenways are designed for bicycles.
• 800 citizens were surveyed about e-bikes, 50% excited, 20% comfortable.
• Surrounding communities don’t enforce e-bike use on greenways.
• The council should expect an ordinance amendment on e-bikes in April.
• Cameras will be installed at trailheads.
• Staff will develop greenway safety and etiquette educational campaign and install additional speed limit signage along the greenways. 
• The e-bikes program will expire in 18 months and will be re-evaluated.

Capital Projects

• Downtown Cary Park is 83% completed and will be finished this year.
• Higgins Greenway phase III will begin construction this year and will have 12-foot-wide paths.
• Intersection improvements at Kildaire and Walnut will realign lanes on Kildaire and should be finished in the coming months.
• The Ivey-Ellington will be refurbished and will house staff offices. We may build a tabletop deck (2 levels) on the old parking lot site. The rest of the site will remain open.
• 2019 bonds are being implemented with several more parks and transportation projects left on the bonds.
• There are 41 funded sidewalk projects totaling 10.4 miles, 14 supported by ARPA funds, and 6 supported by 2019 bonds.
• Parks projects Dunham, Annie Jones, Penny Road, are completed or should be completed this year.
• Cary Parkway Pedestrian bridge will start construction this year and will be completed in 2025/2026.
• Crabtree Creek Trail and Weston Parkway tunnel will start construction this year and be completed late next year.
• Carpenter Fire Station Road widening will start construction this year and be completed in 2025.
• Carpenter Fire Station Road Park and McCrimmon Park will be completed this year.

Housing

• $5 million budgeted for this year for affordable housing. FY 2024, which starts July 1, will be about the same.
• $1.15 million from operations and $3.85 million from capital.
• One penny on our tax rate is about $3.7 million which exceeds recommendations from special interest groups for affordable housing.

Joint CAMPO and DCHC MPO Commuter Rail Committee Meeting

Thursday I was part of a meeting at CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) headquarters in Fenton of Cary. It was a joint meeting between a CAMPO subcommittee and a DCHC (Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro) subcommittee to discuss commuter rail’s phase one beginning and destination.  The CAMPO subcommittee was made up of CAMPO officers, CAMPO staff, Wake Forest Mayor Jones, Raleigh Council member Branch, Mayor Weinbrecht from Cary, Mayor Marshburn from Garner, Mayor Cawley from Morrisville, Wake County Commissioner Evans, and GoTriangle Board member Hutchinson. The DCHC subcommittee was made up of Chair Weaver, Orange County Commissioner Greene, Durham Council member Cabellero, Carrboro Commissioner Seils, Durham County Commissioner Jacobs, and GoTriangle member Parker. The discussion focused on the termination of phase one of the commuter rail route which begins in Garner. Options were RTP, Ellis Road, or further. After a lengthy discussion the DCHC representatives said they needed more time and information to make a choice. Since there is no federal funding for phase one I estimate that the realization of this route is at least ten years out. The meeting concluded after a couple of hours.

Toni Dezomits Reception

Before the council meeting on Thursday the staff and council held a reception for outgoing Public Safety Director Toni Dezomits who is retiring in April. She is a beloved member that will be sorely missed. Some of the things I noted about her in a proclamation include:

• 27 years of public service, 25 in Cary.
• 1989-1997, serving our country bravely and honorably in the United States Army including in Operation Desert Storm.
• Served first as a Sergeant, followed by her appointment as a District Lieutenant, a District and Professional Standards Captain, an Assistant Chief of Professional Standards, and our Police Chief before transitioning to her current role as Director of Public Safety in 2021.
• Always deeply committed to Cary’s organizational value of ‘people first’’
• Toni adaptively grew along with Cary as it evolved from a thriving community of 46,000 when she began her career here to a maturing community of more than 182,000 citizens today, perhaps best exemplified through her collaboration in the introduction of Geo Policing which enables officers to partner with citizens and become experts on the needs, issues, and concerns of the people within their district.
• Toni’s high standards for both integrity and ethical policing made her excel in her job, it was her shining kindness toward everyone she encountered that made her a very special kind of colleague and friend, most especially among her peers in the department director group who cherish her with the highest regard.
• Toni will enjoy her retirement from the vast responsibilities inherent in her business role, to enjoy her partnership with wife Hilary and three beloved dogs while continuing to serve as a volunteer and foster home for Chihuahua rescue while also embracing her love for the outdoors, mountain biking, and enhancing her self-taught guitar skills along with all the other freedoms and adventures that retirement brings.

Wishing you the best in retirement Toni! We will miss you!

Council Meeting

Thursday the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of the month.

The meeting included recognition of Toni Dezomits, two consent items, two public hearings, and one discussion item. The public hearing on Carpenter Fire Station at Highcroft PDD drew more than a dozen speakers in opposition. The second public hearing was for an annexation on Green Level West Road associated with rezoning 22-REZ-26 and had no speakers. Our discussion item was for the Fire Station 4 Renovation Bid Award which  was unanimously approved. The council meeting concluded after about two hours.

NC Metro Mayors

The North Carolina Metro Mayors met virtually Friday morning to hear and discuss legislative actions. Here is a summary of legislative actions from KTS Strategies:

House Budget

House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) confirmed the House budget will be released to the public next Wednesday, March 29. The proposal will have its first committee hearings following its release. The House is on track to have their budget passed by the first week of April. This is one of the quickest budget timelines we have seen in recent memory. The Senate plans to have their version passed in May. The two chambers will then negotiate in a conference committee until a final compromise has been reached. The goal is to have a budget completed before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Sports Betting

This week, the House considered H347, Sports Wagering. The bill would authorize, regulate, and tax sports betting in North Carolina. The Lottery Commission would be responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to 10 to 12 sports wagering operators. A 14 percent privilege tax would be levied on each operator. A portion of tax revenues would be distributed to DHHS for problem gambling, the NC Department of Parks and Recreation for grants to benefit youth sports, certain universities to support collegiate athletic departments, and the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council for grants for sports team travel assistance.

The bill passed the House Commerce, Finance, and Judiciary Committees this week. It will be heard in the House Rules Committee next Tuesday before heading to the floor for consideration.

Medicaid Expansion

The legislature gave final approval to Medicaid expansion this week. H76, Access to Healthcare Options, was heard on the House floor Wednesday and Thursday for concurrence votes. The bill passed on third reading with a vote of 87-24. It will now head to Governor Cooper for approval. Expansion would not be enacted immediately upon signature. It is contingent upon passage of this year’s state budget.

Session Laws

Governor Cooper allowed two bills to become law without his signature. S53, Hotel Safety Issues, would clarify that accommodations provided by inns, hotels, motels, or similar lodgings for less than 90 consecutive days do not create a tenancy. H40, Prevent Civil Rioting and Disorder, would increase the penalties for rioting or inciting rioting that causes damage to property, serious bodily injury, or death. It would also increase the penalty for certain assaults on emergency personnel. Both issues were passed by the legislature last year, but ultimately vetoed by the Governor. They are now Session Law 2023-5 and Session Law 2023-6 respectively.

NC Courage Kicks Off Season

Saturday I attended the first NC Courage match of the year. Cary’s NC Courage kicked off their 2023 season in style with a 1-0 victory over Kansas City. This was the team that beat them in the semi-finals last year. In attendance was a board member from the USA Soccer Federation and several other dignitaries. I had the opportunity to briefly meet a few. It was a good time and I wish our Courage the best.

Wake County Mayors Association Hockey Outing

Sunday I joined other Wake County Mayors at the PNC arena for our annual hockey outing. We were treated to a hockey match between the two best teams in the NHL. It was Whaler night which is a throwback night to the predecessor to the Carolina Hurricanes. That is, they used to be the Hartford Whalers. I had my picture made with Plunky the Whale which was their mascot in Hartford. The match was a good one that ended up in a shootout. Unfortunately, the Canes did not win the shootout. It was a great game, and we had a lot of fun. Thanks to the Centennial Authority for hosting us..

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

On Tuesday, we had an incredible half-day workshop with Council’s Economic Development Committee focused on how the Town can better leverage the talents, skills, experience, and energy of each member in our work to keep Cary at the top of the arc from an economic development lens. The session was facilitated by Foutainworks and included topics such as the elements of inspiring communities, corridor redevelopment, development recommendations, and potential structural changes to the committee’s meetings and schedule.
This was a significant time commitment by all who attended, and I believe that it will result in substantive impacts by the committee in the months and years to come.
I want to thank Ted Boyd, Kerry Harville, and Sarah Schubert for their work in making the workshop everything I hoped it would be and more.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Annual Joint Meeting with Morrisville

On April 20, we will be hosting our annual joint meeting/social with Morrisville. Morrisville Town Manager Martha Paige and I have discussed keeping the meeting focused on fellowship. With that said, if there is a particular topic or two that you would like to more formally discuss for inclusion on the agenda, please let me know by April 7.

Celebrating Trees at Arbor Day

Cary celebrated its commitment to urban forests at Arbor Day. Approximately 800 guests took part in commemorating Cary’s 40th consecutive designation as a Tree City USA community from the Arbor Day Foundation. Mayor Pro Tem Don Frantz and Council Members Ryan Eades and Carissa Kohn-Johnson honored Hometown Spirit Award winners with Arbor Day trees via a brief ceremony that was paired with tree sapling giveaways from the Ask and Arborist booth. The event was rich with environmental engagement thanks to community partner groups who helped host 24 education stations covering topics such as proper tree planting techniques, composting, native plants, and climate action. Live bird demos with a professional falconer, the chance to contribute to a tree-themed public art mural, and locally sourced food were big hits as community members enjoyed the free festivities.

Public Safety Director Toni Dezomits Retires

On Thursday, staff and community members celebrated the retirement of Public Safety Director Toni Dezomits. Toni has served the Cary community with distinction for over 25 years, and we wish her all the best!

Supporting Pollinators and Honeybees in 2023

Expanding on the success of beekeeping at South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF), staff launched a nine-month trial period to keep honeybees at some fire stations. Staff and citizen beekeepers are working together to understand the importance and nature of bees and other pollinators, why they need our help, and how they contribute to healthy and connected ecosystems. 

2022 Asset Management Report

The 2022 Annual Asset Management Report  is complete, providing a dashboard view of the current state of Cary’s linear assets. The report tracks assets added through capital and development initiatives and helps verify the achievement of key performance targets. Over the past year, the focus has remained on GIS improvements, maintaining buried linear infrastructure, and continuing work on risk-based capital planning. One of the highlights of the report is the continued high level of sewer main rehabilitation, with significant progress along the Black Creek and Lake Crabtree corridors.

Staff Experiences More AV Tech With NC A&T

With CASSI off and running in Bond Park, staff had an opportunity to experience more autonomous driving with the students and faculty at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. As a member of North Carolina’s Future of Autonomous Vehicles (FAV) Committee, Traffic Engineer David Spencer joined other committee members to hear from Dr. Ali Karimoddini and his students about the impressive work and achievements of the Autonomous Cooperative Control of Emergent Systems of Systems (ACCESS) Laboratory. NC A&T’s ACCESS Lab has developed a rural testing track in Brown Summit, where they test a developing fleet of autonomous shuttles and vehicles for operations in a rural environment. The ACCESS Lab will move on to test their vehicles in an urban environment by providing a connection from the NC A&T campus to downtown Greensboro, featuring a one-mile loop that connects restaurants and shops. This experience was valuable as staff further understood the capabilities of various AV technology and how it could be applied in a wide range of applications.

Sensors Along Davis Drive

Cary has partnered with NC State University to study the viability and impact of road treatments as a possible tool to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Weather permitting, NC State University will place temperature, air, and light sensors at three intersections along Davis Drive next week. The sensors are attached to poles within the right-of-way and will not encumber traffic. They are expected to be in place for a week and deployed quarterly to continue gathering seasonal data on the eco-friendly road maintenance treatment.

2023 Annual Controlled Burn

The annual controlled burn was conducted at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve on Wednesday. The burn was conducted by the NC State Parks in partnership with Cary’s Fire Department and preserve staff. These burns are completed to reduce the potential for fire and to protect adjacent neighborhoods as well as improve wildlife habitat.

Speaking with Real Estate Professionals About Utility Infrastructure

Utilities Director Jamie Revels was invited to speak with a group of real estate professionals with the local Cary/Morrisville Berkshire Hathaway York Simpson Underwood office about utility infrastructure and water supply earlier this week. This was a great opportunity to share information about Cary’s utility services and how infrastructure is master planned to serve both current and long-term needs for overall utility service area including, Cary, Morrisville, Wake RTP and RDU Airport.

My Tree, Our Tree

Now in its third year, Saturday’s My Tree, Our Tree campaign sent 600 native trees into the community for citizens to plant on private property. With the enthusiastic and unabated demand, staff are increasing the number of trees that will be offered in the fall, developing a new registration process, and redesigning logistics to keep the momentum going. 

Growing Gardens at Good Hope Farm

More than 100 volunteers planted native wildflowers and grasses this spring that will support pollinators this summer at Cary’s newest ecosystem restoration site. Through partnerships with local experts and the generous efforts of volunteers, including college students from the University of Georgia who joined us for their Alternative Spring Break Service Project, these sites are building valuable wildlife corridors for birds, bees, and butterflies in our community and beyond.

Counting Down to Count You In

In addition to Arbor Day festivities, this week featured the soft launch of Count me in, Cary! Stewardship Strategies for a Sustainable Future. Staff, consultants, and volunteers continue to elevate efforts that will culminate and be ready to fly at Cary’s Spring Daze Earth Day celebration and beyond. Keep an eye out as the coming six months will feature topics to learn about and engage with including: Community Resilience, Energy, Water Infrastructure, Transportation and Mobility, Solid Waste, and Natural Resources.

Cary Chamber Business Expo

Staff from Planning and Development Services joined more than 70 businesses at the Cary Chamber’s 2023 Business Expo. The Expo is always a great opportunity to talk with other businesses and citizens about the development process and all the exciting projects shaping Cary. 

Upcoming Meetings

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, March 27
at 6:30 p.m.

Preservation Month Committee of HPC
Monday, March 27
at 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning
Wednesday, March 29
at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A comment about my grammar in last week’s post.
• A complaint about a staff member at a committee meeting.
• A complaint about homeless people on state property.
• An invitation to see Biden coming to Durham next week.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a State of Cary address at the Templeton, meeting with citizens and candidates, participating in a history event, and a North Carolina Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 2^nd, 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.

Town Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager briefly to go over a few items. Topics included the CASSI pilot at Bond Park that was partially funded by NCDOT, and a potential new pickleball center at the Cary Tennis Park.

S-Line

Monday I watched a taped presentation of the S Line. ​The S-Line is a freight rail line, owned by CSX, that connects Richmond, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida. A portion of the former Seaboard Air Railroad mainline, North Carolina and Virginia are purchasing the right of way for the S-line between Petersburg, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina, to grow freight and passenger rail services.

The S Line was originally designated in 1992. Interest and funding lagged for years. Now there is a renewed effort by the FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) to create a high-speed rail with speeds of 110 mph from Raleigh to Washington, D.C. In 2020 funds were granted to begin the purchase of the corridor. In 2022 funds were granted for surveys and mobility hubs. The criteria for additional funding would require commitments to build transit-oriented development along the routes. A $220 million Siemens facility to build the latest version of commuter trains will be in Lexington.

ATC Board Meeting

Monday night I participated in a two-hour meeting of the Atlantic Tire Championships Board. We talked about the future expansion of the Cary Tennis Park for about an hour. The remainder of the time was spent discussing items related to this year’s tournament.

CASSI

Tuesday morning I was joined by council member Eades for the official opening of the CASSI (Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation) pilot at Bond Park that will run through June 2^nd. I provided remarks in addition to NC Secretary of Transportation Boyette and a representative of BEEP who built and maintains the vehicle. My remarks included the following:

“… groundbreaking project is poised to revolutionize the way we think about transportation and technology.

… CASSI is a powerful symbol of our commitment to a greener, cleaner future. By using electric power, CASSI will reduce our city’s carbon footprint and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. This is a critical goal, and I am proud that our city is leading the way in this effort.

… Today we may view this vehicle as unique and unusual. By the time my one-year-old grandson is my age he may view steering wheels and people driving cars as unique and unusual. …”

The event was attended by dozens of people including Cary staff who worked hard to make this a reality. Also attended were others who helped get this pilot going. WRAL and CBS17 covered the event.

Youth Leadership

Later Tuesday I provided remarks to several dozen young men and women participating in the Cary Chambers Youth Leadership Day. My remarks included the type of governments in various states (Dillons versus Home Rule), the types of council structures (strong mayor versus council-manager), various leadership styles, and the type of decisions we make in Cary. Afterwards, I answered a few questions, took a group picture, and several selfies.

CAMPO

The meeting included six consent items, one public hearing, and three discussion items. One consent item included a DCHC MPO (Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization) MPO project swap with CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) which will fund and advance four projects including the Trinity Road Railroad Grade Separation project in Cary. The consent items were approved unanimously.

Amendment #11 to the Fiscal Year 2020-2029 Transportation Improvement Program was approved pending no negative comments.

The meeting also included presentations on the 2025-2025 Wake Bus Plan, the draft Fiscal Year 2024 Wake Transit Work Plan, and an update on the Rapid Bus Extension Major Investment Study.

The meeting concluded after about an hour.

Wake County Sheriff

Thursday morning I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Wake County Sheriff, Willie Rowe, for about half an hour. We pledged to build stronger relationships and communications between our organizations. We discussed our thoughts on the future and the challenges we will face. I look forward to working with Sheriff Rowe.

State of Cary – Glenaire

Thursday afternoon I presented an updated version of the State of Cary address to about 100 residents of the Glenaire retirement community. After the presentation Mayor Pro-Tem Frantz, who is also their district representative, joined me at the podium to answer questions. Several concerns were expressed including crossing Cornwall Road to the new buildings and the closing of department stores in Cary such as Belk at the old Cary Town Center.

Cary Matters with Ryan Eades

Thursday evening I joined our newest council member, Ryan Eades, in the April taping of Cary Matters. We used the episode to introduce Ryan to the public and talk about the Count Me in, Cary campaign. It was a long episode, and we did two entire takes followed by additional takes of certain segments.

County Me in, Cary

This is our campaign to “explore the impacts of a changing climate, identify challenges and opportunities, and implement solutions that work for us.” Over the coming months, we are assessing potential initiatives and our community’s contribution to climate change and the environment. There are six surveys that focus on a variety of topics that will be available from now through the end of summer. Your feedback will help create strategies for action. So please take the surveys.

North Carolina Metro Mayors

Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors. Here is a summary of legislative actions for this week from KTS Strategies:

Governor’s Budget Proposal

Governor Cooper released his recommended biennial budget for FY 2023-2025 on Wednesday. The proposal includes an average 18 percent teacher raise over the biennium, maintains the corporate tax rate at 2.5 percent, and implements an 8 percent raise for all state employees over the biennium. The plan would also allocate over $1 billion for mental health, $1.5 billion in new funding for childcare and early childhood education needs, and $6.8 billion in reserves.

House and Senate leadership characterized the Governor’s proposal as “reckless.”  As part of his full response, House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) stated, “Governor Cooper’s budget proposal takes the same reckless approach to spending that his fellow Democrats have taken in Washington. Unfortunately, this kind of runaway spending has resulted in a failing economy that has left millions of Americans behind.” You can read Senator Berger’s statement on the budget proposal here.

The Governor’s proposed budget is the first official step in the state budget process. The legislature alternates in which chamber the budget starts every biennium. This year, the House will begin the process. The House has already been working on their proposal and plans to have their version passed in early April. The Senate will then pass their version (likely in May) and the two chambers will negotiate in a conference committee until a final compromise has been reached. The goal is to have a budget completed before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Opioid Epidemic

This week, the Senate considered S189, Fentanyl Drug Offenses and Related Changes. The bill would increase the fines for trafficking heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil from a baseline of $50,000 to $500,0000. It would also provide limited criminal immunity to someone who possesses less than one gram of any controlled substance if the person is seeking medical assistance for an overdose and establish a new Task Force on Enforcement of Fentanyl and Heroin Drug Violations. S189 passed unanimously on the Senate floor Tuesday. This bill is one of many that have been filed so far this year related to the opioid epidemic. We anticipate additional measures to address the crisis to be considered this session.

Gun Legislation

This week, the House considered S41, Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections. This bill would remove the requirement to obtain a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff’s office prior to the purchase or receipt of a pistol. Criminal background checks would still be required prior to purchase of a pistol from a federally licensed dealer. The bill would also authorize concealed carry for certain law enforcement facility employees and authorize carrying a handgun in a place of religious worship that is also educational property under certain conditions. Additionally, it would create a statewide firearm safe storage awareness initiative to educate the public about safe firearm storage, facilitate the distribution of gun locks, and provide local communities with a toolkit to launch local firearm safe storage initiatives.

The bill moved through the House Judiciary and Rules Committees this week. On Wednesday, it passed on the House floor (70-44) with three Democrats voting in favor. It will now head to the Governor for consideration.  We anticipate the Governor to veto the bill.

The meeting concluded in half an hour.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I remain present with the knowledge that I first became known to Cary from my work developing Elgin’s 311 with Dan Ault. So it was great for both Dan and me to see all of the activities this week marking National 311 Day in Cary.
311 Assistant Director Carolyn Roman shared important reminders with staff about how everyone plays an impactful role in helping the Town deliver great customer service to our citizens. For the public, Carolyn and Citizen Advocate Sammy Campbell joined other staff at the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Day to talk about 311 as a service and how to use it to connect with Town Hall.
As construction wraps up in the new 311 Center, look for opportunities later this spring to visit the new space, listen in on calls, and meet our citizen advocates, who are illustrated above by one of our very talented citizen advocates, Bailie Pickering!
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!
Sean

First Director Development Dialogue of 2023

On Monday, our directors gathered for the first in-person Director Development Dialogue of 2023. The dialogue focused on nuanced, challenging situations of leadership, with a particular emphasis on how to engage in difficult conversations with each other and teams. Through a combination of large and small group discussions, the group explored lessons learned from difficult conversations in the past, what can be done to make difficult conversations more productive, and how to navigate conflict and disagreement while preserving and even strengthening relationships. 

Youth Leadership Cary

On Tuesday, 40 high school juniors participating in the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Cary program, spent the day with Cary staff to learn about local government and potential career paths.

Hum Sub Basant Bahar

On Sunday, the Cary Arts Center came alive with Hum Sub’s annual Basant Bahar celebration. The focus of Basant Bahar is showcasing classical Indian traditions in music and dance. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert, and Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley, along with several Council members attended this year’s event. More than 200 performers demonstrated their unique and artistic talents for over 400 patrons who attended. Hum Sub partners with Cary to bring Diwali to Koka Booth Amphitheater each fall and Basant Bahar to the Cary Arts Center each spring. 

Top Local Government Police Negotiators

Cary’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) competed in the 2023 Blue Ridge Negotiator’s Challenge hosted by the North Carolina Justice Academy. They competed against crisis negotiation teams from 14 agencies from across the country. The CNT earned 1st place for a municipality, and 3rd place recognition overall – behind two federal agencies. Teams were judged on several topics including active listening, team communication, structured brainstorming, intelligence and information management and documentation, risk assessments, and the managing of demands and deadlines.

Repair Café Spring 2023

Cary hosted the Repair Café last Saturday at Herb Young Community Center. The focus of this event is to divert materials from the landfill by repairing them for reuse by our citizens. Local “fix-it coaches” utilized their skills by providing repair service for various items that were brought in for service. Overall, 54 items were repaired with a successful repair rate of 70%.

American Public Works Association-NC Conference

Srijana Guilford, Waste Strategy and Community Impact Consultant, presented how Cary embraces technology to enhance communication and engagement with the community at the American Public Works Association-NC annual conference. This event brings together the NC Chapter divisions of Leadership & Management, Facilities & Grounds, Equipment Services, Solid Waste, Stormwater Management, and Streets for training sessions focused on technology, leadership, and career development in Public Works.

2023 Summer Camp Registration

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Summer Camp registration opened for Cary residents on Monday. Residents responded in force with almost 5,000 registrations processed, ensuring summer camp fun. This year’s registration numbers saw a 55% increase compared to last year. While the overwhelming response to camps was gratifying, it came with challenges. At times, the registration system was not able to keep up with the demand. Staff is working with citizens whose registrations did not process properly, doing whatever feasible to provide a fun summer.

Carpenter Fire Station Road Bridge Pedestrian Fencing Complete

In response to safety concerns a father brought to staff’s attention regarding his son, Cary and NCDOT have worked together to install pedestrian fencing across the Carpenter Fire Station Road bridge over NC540. In addition to helping make the bridge safer for all users, staff was also able to learn more about this family and provide additional resources and opportunities through Cary’s Share and Care Program. 

RFQ Consultant Selection: Wake BRT Western Corridor Station Area Planning

Cary and Raleigh are actively preparing for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor that will connect the two downtown areas. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a grant to support Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning work in the station areas along this corridor. A request for qualifications (RFQ) to select a consultant to lead this effort, released in early 2023, resulted in the selection of Skidmore Owings and Merrill to support this work. Raleigh Council will consider the authorization to negotiate contracts at their March 21 Council Meeting. No action is needed from the Cary Council at this time. If you have any questions, direct them to Transit Director Kelly Blazey.

Cary Compost Classes

Interest in composting in Cary continues to grow. More than 200 Cary residents participated in the biannual Compost Giveaway Workshops at Good Hope Farm. Along with instructions on how to start backyard composting, guests received bags of finished compost, guidebooks, and tips for growing greener gardens. Participants toured Good Hope Farm and learned firsthand how compost is a fundamental aspect of regenerative agriculture. Participants were able to see how the scraps they take to the Drop-off Food Waste Recycling program can become part of the soil at Good Hope Farm.

Upcoming Meetings

Economic Development Committee
Tuesday
March 21 at 12:00 p.m.

Council Meeting Work Session Wednesday  March 22 at 5:30 p.m. Cultural Arts Committee Wednesday March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Council Meeting Thursday March 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A comment about the Repair Café
• A question on who’s Cary’s Public Transit Planner
• A complaint about getting a permit
• A complaint and more than a dozen questions about a 2021 Mask Up Cary Campaign
• A complaint that GoCary would be more efficient if it were door-to-door
• A complaint about pan handling in Cary
• A complaint that someone was smoking in a park
• A compliment of the State of Cary address at Glenaire

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting with a local artist, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, an Economic Development workshop, a council work session, a joint CAMPO & DCHC MPO meeting about commuter rail, the last regularly scheduled council meeting of March, a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors, a celebration recognizing 30 years of Cary Sister Cities, and a Wake County Mayors Association outing.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 26^th, 2023. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communications with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact council members to hear of concerns or questions about Thursday’s meeting agenda. The only questions were related to the road renaming discussion for Green Level West Road.

Later Monday I met with management and directors to go over the agenda. Based on the items, it appeared the meeting would be short.

Town Manager One-On-One

My last meeting Monday was with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We had a quick debrief of the recent council-staff retreat. We also talked about the upcoming work session on March 22^nd when we will discuss affordable housing and the E-Bike pilot.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Task Force Meeting

Tuesday evening I attended a meeting of the Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Task Force. The meeting started with a discussion on pride month and what could be done to help inform the LGBTQ+ community of safe places.

The task force spent the remainder of the meeting providing ideas for the definition of their three pillars: Access, Public Safety, and Relationships & Community Engagement.

As the liaison, I provided information on current activities within the town such as Cary 101, Basant Bahar, and CASSI at Bond Park. Our meeting concluded after about an hour and forty minutes.

Council Meeting

Thursday the council held its first regularly scheduled council meeting of March. The agenda included a presentation, six consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

The meeting started with a presentation from the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) team who are graduates of the Citizen Police Academy. They assist police in several activities including public events, child safety seat installations, clerical duties, service staffing, promoting community watch, and more. The save us thousands of dollars every year with their valuable services. They presented a check representing the dollar amount saved by their work which was well over $100,000. Thank you CAP team!

The public hearing was for the annexation of a 32.92-acre parcel located in the southwest quadrant of the Mills Road and Green Level Church Road intersection and of an adjoining 6.01-acre parcel located at 7824-7828 Emery Gayle Lane. Since the properties were in our ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction), the rezonings (21-REZ-07 and 21-REZ-19) were approved without the need for an annexation which is usually prior. The approval of this annexation was unanimous.

The discussion item was whether or not to direct staff to start a process of renaming Green Level West Road to High House. The renaming would be from Highway 55 to Green Level Church Road. The council asked the staff to begin this process which will include an investigation, public hearings, and more.

The council meeting concluded in less than an hour.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday morning I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors where we discussed legislative actions. Here is a summary of legislative actions for the week from KTS Strategies:

Budget Update

On Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) announced an agreement on total spending for the 2023-2024 state budget. Leadership has agreed to a 6.5 percent increase in the first year and 3.75 percent in the second year. Based on last year’s spending numbers, this is an approximate $2.8 billion increase. This year’s budget process will begin in the House. The current goal is for the House to have their version of the budget completed by the first week of April. The Senate will then complete their version before the two chambers negotiate in a conference committee to finalize the final proposal. The goal is to have a budget completed before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. 

State of the State

Governor Cooper delivered his State of the State address on Monday night. The Governor acknowledged the State’s great economic success and commended the bipartisan accomplishments of state leadership, including an agreement on Medicaid expansion. He also voiced the need for the General Assembly to invest in childhood education based on the still ongoing Leandro case and urged against more corporate tax cuts. Governor Cooper also announced a comprehensive behavioral health plan that was officially released on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson delivered the Republican response. Lt. Governor Robinson touted the accomplishments of the NC General Assembly under Republican leadership. He also emphasized the importance of the state’s workforce, education, and law enforcement. His full response can be viewed here.

Medicaid Expansion

The legislature’s Medicaid expansion deal was presented to the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday. The Senate gutted and amended the original House plan (H76, Access to Healthcare Options). The bill would do the following:

• Provide Medicaid coverage through NC Health Works to adults aged 18-64 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level;
• Enact various workforce development measures to promote employment among Medicaid enrollees; 
• Remove the following from certificate of need review:
  • Psychiatric beds and facilities;
  • Chemical dependency treatment beds and facilities;
  • Replacement equipment up to $3 million, indexed to inflation;
  • Aggregate total of $3 million for all the equipment at a diagnostic center that individually exceeds $10,000; 
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment services to children under age 21 at home health agencies in compliance with federal law.
• Exempt ambulatory surgical centers and MRI machines in counties with a population greater than 125,000 from certificate of need review.

The Medicaid expansion provision would be contingent on passage of the state budget. The bill was approved by the Senate Health and Finance Committees this week. We anticipate the bill to pass in both chambers next week.

WRAL Interview on LBGTQ+ Crime

Friday afternoon I was interviewed by WRAL about vandalization and stealing of LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter flags on Greenwood Forest Baptist Church property. I expressed disappointment that this happened in Cary since we are such a loving and caring community that embraces everyone. I also let them know that we will not tolerate these crimes and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted. I added that even though are welcoming community we are looking for ways to improve with our Human Relations, Inclusion, Diversity task force which meets monthly.

White Oak Community Center Visit

Friday evening I joined Council member Johnson, Council member Bush, Assistant Town Manager Widmar, and Housing and CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Manager Mansa in a visit to the White Oak Foundation center. We heard about all the programs and all the great achievements they have made to the citizens in our community including a day care which is under construction. In addition we listened to a proposal about affordable housing units for purchase that they plan to build in the future. Within the next year they plan to build 30 townhomes. Afterwards, they plan to build age restricted multi-family units. We talked about possible ways to partner to add affordable housing in this area. It is a blessing that we have the White Oak Foundation in Cary.

Basant Bahar

Sunday afternoon I provided welcoming remarks at the Basant Bahar celebration at the Cary Arts Center. Mayor Cawley from Morrisville and Mayor Gilbert from Apex were in attendance along with Cary Mayor Pro-Tem Frantz, council member Eades, council member Johnson, and council member Bush. We were first treated to classical Indian music supported by the Cary Concert singers. That was followed by a clap/stomp routine which combined classical Indian dancers along with Hip Hop type dancers. The following hours of music and dance were just as amazing. We are blessed to have such diversity in our community.

NCDOT Offramp Proposal

NCDOT is proposing a Crossroads Junction interchange project (I-40/I-440/US 1/US 64 interchange) project. You can view the three alternatives at https://publicinput.com/40-440-us1-interchange . This project is not currently in NCDOT’s 10-year work plan, called the STIP (State Transportation Improvement Plan). However, the STIP is updated every two years. The current draft 2024 – 2033 STIP, which is out for review, adds this project with a schedule design to build beginning in 2026. Residents of Wellington are upset that proposals have a removal of the sound wall protecting their neighborhood. There is a public meeting on March 14, from 4-7 pm, at Hope Community Church in Raleigh located on 821 Buck Jones Road. Cary staff will be present at this meeting and will comment on the noise wall. I would encourage citizens that are concerned about the NCDOT proposal to attend this meeting or make comments at https://publicinput.com/40-440-us1-interchange.

Soliciting in Cary

This week I was asked if No Soliciting signs are enforceable. Here is how the police chief responded:

“… Cary PD cannot enforce a no solicitation sign. Nor can we really enforce an HOA neighborhood no trespassing sign. However, we can enforce properly posted no trespassing signs on individual property. Enforcement can also occur if an individual has been personally warned prior and returns or refuses to leave your property after first being warned. …”

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

On Monday, I joined Council Member Ryan Eades, Shelley Curran, Jerry Jensen, and Nicole Coughlin for a ride on the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) at Bond Park. The official ribbon cutting for the shuttle service is on Tuesday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m., at the Cary Senior Center, and we look forward to learning from riders about their experience during the pilot. 
Have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Sean 

More Teslas on the Streets of Cary

Last week six Tesla model 3’s arrived in Cary. The additions to Cary’s electric fleet will be used by the Police and Utilities departments, and one will be available as a loner vehicle in the staff fleet pool. These will hit the streets of Cary in the next few weeks.

March Into Earth Day with Environmental Events

The Cary community is encouraged to grow green this spring through the March Into Earth Day campaign. Dozens of environmental events, celebrations, and workshops are taking place now through the end of April – when we celebrate Earth Day at Spring Daze in Bond Park. Participants can sign up for free compost, learn about backyard gardening, ask an arborist about tree care, and more through diverse opportunities designed to support Cary’s commitment to protecting our land, air, and water. The complete lineup of activities will be promoted through social media, printed materials, and the one-stop-shop webpage at www.carync.gov/green. 

2022 Annual Biosolids Report

Cary’s Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF) utilize thermal drying at both the South Cary and Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facilities for managing and treating biosolids, a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment. Cary produces EPA-Certified, Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids by recovering valuable nutrients from the wastewater for beneficial reuse in a natural fertilizer and soil amendment product. In 2022, the North Cary and South Cary WRF together produced 3,825 dry tons and the Western Wake Regional WRF produced 2,697 dry tons of biosolids. Cary’s high-quality dried biosolids, known as Enviro-Gems are marketed to a vendor for use in the agribusiness industry. Read the entire 2022 Annual Biosolids Report  here.

Transit Signal Priority Pilot Underway for GoCary Buses

Cary’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) and GoCary are piloting Transit Signal Priority (TSP) on GoCary’s Route 5 along Kildaire Farm Road. Five GoCary buses have been outfitted and testing was completed this week. TSP adjusts the signals to prioritize GoCary buses when they are running late. TSP can be a powerful tool to improve reliability and travel time for riders. Riders regularly transfer buses at the Cary Depot. If a bus is more than 5 minutes late, riders could miss their transfer and have to wait an additional half hour. During the pilot, when a bus is running behind schedule, the traffic signals in the direction of travel adjust to change the light to green or hold the light green within set limits. This pilot is part of Cary’s Connected Vehicle project and Smart Cities initiative. Thank you to Transportation, GoCary and Public Works staff who have been collaborating on this system.

Bid Advertisement: FY23 Traffic Calming – Multiple Locations

Traffic engineering staff recently advertised to solicit contractor bids for the installation of new speed humps in several locations around Cary. A continuation of the FY23 traffic calming capital improvements, these devices are highly anticipated by the residents of the Picardy Pointe, Belmont and Brookstone subdivisions. Upon completion of the informal bid process and successful contractor selection later this month, work is anticipated to begin this Spring. 

North Carolina GIS Conference 2023

Since 1987, the NC Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Conference  has brought together professionals and academia to share in their experiences and learn about current trends and technologies affecting the GIS community. The conference is consistently one of the largest state GIS conferences in the nation. This year Transportation Engineer Amir Nezarati and Civil Designer Coray Davis were selected to present with Benesch on Cary’s Street Improvements Project. The 2023 conference was held in Winston-Salem, and the presentation focused on efforts to utilize GIS field collection programs for increased efficiency with GIS Technology to assist in analysis and decision making within our street improvement process. These systems are critical in maintaining quality roads for Cary citizens.

Public Meeting Hosted by NCDOT on March 14

NCDOT plans to redesign the I-40/I-440 and US 1/US 64 interchange and add additional lanes on I-40 between the interchange and Lake Wheeler Road to improve safety and traffic flow. For simplicity staff refers to NCDOT’s project as Crossroads Junction as this is the major crossroads of two interstate highways. This project is anticipated to begin construction in 2025.

Citizens can review NCDOT’s preferred design concept, ask questions and provide feedback online or in-person at the March 14 public meeting. The meeting is set for March 14 from 4-7 pm at Hope Community Church, 821 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh. If you cannot attend in-person, project information including, maps and a question/comment form are currently posted online at www.publicinput.com/40-440-us1-interchange.

It’s A Wrap

The relocation of the historic Ivey-Ellington House was a success! If you walk downtown this weekend, you will notice a new colorful fence wrap around the house. Featuring new Cary colors and architectural details of the house, this wrap will be recycled into tote bags once the project is complete. The site will remain active throughout the rehabilitation process, which is expected to begin in the coming months.

Other Municipalities Seek Assistance for Public Art Programs

Recently, our own Denise Dickens provided an overview of Cary’s Public Art Program to the Sanford City Council during their February retreat held in Cary. She has also been sharing information regarding the Public Art Program with the Director of Planning in Burgaw and Morrisville’s Planning Department.

It is exciting to see other cities in North Carolina looking to Cary as a model and great example of a Public Art Program that is integrating the thinking of artists into the design and creative placemaking of spaces Cary residents live, work and play!

Landscaping Installation

NCDOT and Cary are installing landscaping at the NC540 and Morrisville Parkway Interchange this spring. Over 450 trees will be installed in the roundabouts and medians on Morrisville Parkway as well as the loops and ramps leading from NC540 to Morrisville Parkway.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – March 29, 2023

The Neighborhood Meeting will be held virtually on WebEx from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on March 29, 2023. The following case will be discussed:

• 23-REZ-01 O’Kelly Mixed Use @ NC 55

For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

National Preservation Month Committee of HPC
Monday
March 13 at 7:00 p.m.

CASSI First Ride Event
Tuesday
March 14
9:00 a.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday
March 14
6:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday 
March 15
6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday
March 16
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A comment about the first phase of future commuter rail
• A concern that the land, which includes a mobile home park, near Chatham and Maynard is being sold and that sale would eliminate affordable housing
• A request to have a legacy bench installed at the lake next to Booth Amphitheater
• A complaint about ticket fees at Koka Booth
• A concern about future interchange improvements at US1 by NCDOT
• A question about soliciting in Cary
• A complaint that someone was smoking in a park

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, an Atlantic Tire Championships Board meeting, the CASSI Ribbon Cutting, a Youth Leadership talk, A CAMPO Executive Board meeting, a meeting with the Wake County Sheriff, a State of Cary address at Glenaire, a taping of Cary Matters, and a meeting of the North Carolina Metro mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 19^th, 2023. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communications with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

CAMPO Commuter Rail Subcommittee

Tuesday I participated in a subcommittee meeting of Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board to discuss the future commuter rail in this area. Three phases of commuter rail were presented to the committee with the Central phase, Garner to RTP, being the highest priority.

Due to the lack of density and other criteria, the commuter rail project didn’t qualify for federal funds. Part of the job of the committee is to make recommendations on how to proceed without those funds. It is believed that by the time the second phase is ready to be implemented we will qualify for federal funding.

The committee expressed interest in meeting with a similar subcommittee from the Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC) before the end of the month to discuss their possible participation.

A recommendation on how to proceed will be made to CAMPO by GoTriangle on March 29^th.

Economic Development Committee

Wednesday I participated in a meeting of the Economic Development Committee. The meeting started with a quarterly summary of activity from the President of the Cary Chamber. Here are a few points from that report:

• Deutsche Bank will be adding 100 jobs with more to come.
• Greenberg Gibbons Properties is targeting June of this year to begin grading on a 15-acre site for industrial/flex space in west Cary.
• Another large tract of 142 acres, which will have 700,000 square feet of flex/industrial space is expected to have approvals by late summer.
• Class A office is slow. There has been interest in the 15,000 to 25,000 square foot range. Downtown, Fenton, and Regency can accommodate those space needs.

The town’s report was presented by the Chief Strategy Officer. She noted that new EPA requirements for water will include new rules and standards which Cary already meets.

The Economic Development Director and a consultant representative gave a preview of the half day workshop to be held on March 21^st.

This was followed by a concept presentation of what town hall campus could look like if redeveloped. An RFQ (Request for Quote) will go out in about a month for the town hall campus.

The next Economic Development Committee, outside the upcoming workshop, will be on June 7^th.  

Heart of Cary Presentation

On Thursday morning I presented a slightly modified version of the State of Cary address. I added slides about the potential redevelopment of town hall campus, the Walnut Creek greenway, the Ivey Ellington House, and the Kildaire Farm Road visioning. The event was held at the Cary Chamber offices and there were about three dozen in attendance including NC State Senator Gale Adcock, Mayor Pro-Tem Don Frantz, and council member Ryan Eades. The presentation took about 40 minutes.

North Carolina Metro Mayors

Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors. The following is a legislative summary for this week from KTS Strategies:

State of the State

Governor Cooper will deliver his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Monday, March 6 at 7:00 PM. This speech is delivered every two years and has historically been a time for the Governor to express the types of legislation he would like to see passed and give insight to some of his potential budget proposals. There will be a Republican rebuttal following the speech. This year, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson will give the Republican response.

Medicaid Expansion

On Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) held a joint press conference announcing an agreement on Medicaid expansion. Specific language has not been released, but legislation is expected to be filed soon. Senator Berger said the legislature “will move with all deliberate speed to move this forward.” The compromise will include a partial repeal of the Certificate of Need laws. While Governor Cooper was not included in the House and Senate negotiations, he issued a statement commending the hard work, but would like the plan to start immediately. Legislative leadership’s implementation timeline would be contingent on passage of the state budget. The goal is for a budget to passed by June 30.

Medical Marijuana

S3, NC Compassionate Care Act, received final approval from the Senate this week. The bill would legalize medical marijuana for qualified patients with a debilitating medical condition and create a Medical Cannabis Production Commission to oversee medical cannabis supplier licenses. Each supplier would be required to operate at least one medical cannabis center in a Tier 1 County. S3 passed third reading on the Senate floor with a vote of 36-10. It is unclear if there is enough support in the House to pass the legislation.

Official State Cookie

North Carolina may soon have an official state cookie. H89 would adopt the Moravian cookie as the official state cookie. The bill would also adopt the Moravian star as the official state star. The bill passed unanimously on the House floor Wednesday. It will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” – Frederick R. Barnard
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Annual Change in Water Disinfection is Underway

The Cary/Apex Water Treatment facility began its annual disinfection process change on Wednesday. During this period, the facility switches from the standard mixture of chlorine and ammonia for disinfection to free chlorine. Water line flushing to cleanse the system has also begun. During this time, you may see Cary staff flushing hydrants, which is a normal part of the process. This change, which will continue until April 15, is in accordance with state and federal recommendations and is part of our normal water system maintenance process. During the switchover period, residents and customers may notice a minor increase in chlorine odor and temporary discoloration of water due to nearby hydrant flushing. These changes will be temporary and are a normal part of the process.

EPA Expected to Announce Proposed PFAS Regulations

As first reported at the November Quarterly Meeting, staff is closely following updates and information expected from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to announce proposed per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations for drinking water. PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used for consumer product applications such as waterproof and stainproof fabrics, nonstick cookware, some food packaging materials, and fire suppression foams. PFAS related substances are quite prevalent in a wide range of consumer products and have been detected in our water supply from Jordan Lake. The announcement from EPA to set targets for a maximum contaminant level or MCL is expected soon. The process of establishing an effective regulation for PFAS is expected to take 3 to 5 years.

Cary and Apex have invested in PFAS removal systems and technology at our Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility and we are continuing to study and pilot test even more sophisticated water treatment technologies with our partners. While the anticipated regulations are expected to be very restrictive, Cary’s water system is well prepared to meet this challenge and has been successfully treating for the reduction of PFAS from our drinking water for several years. More detailed information is available at our web page by following key word search, “PFAS.”
In addition, this email from Utilities Director Jamie Revels, provides additional context.

2023 Cary 101 Applications Open

Cary 101 will return for another year of engaging presentations and hands-on activities this spring. The six-week long program serves as an opportunity for citizens to increase their understanding of local government and spur even greater community involvement. Selected participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at Cary’s culture, departments, and operations before graduation in May. Applications are open now through March 15. For more information and to apply, visit www.carync.gov/cary101.

Wake Transit Plan Updates Available for Comment

Wake Transit has two new draft plans ready for public review and comment. The FY24 Draft Work Plan covers investments for the next fiscal year, including:

• Continued funding for GoCary Route 7, and Sunday service, and expanded midday service on all GoCary routes
• Capital funding for bus stop improvements
• Funding for the construction of GoCary’s new Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility (BOMF)
  • The FY2025-30 Draft Bus Plan Update includes new investments in fixed route services through the end of the decade, including:
• All-day local service between Apex and Cary starting in FY25
• A new GoCary route serving Maynard Rd., Chapel Hill Rd., and parts of Eastern Cary, with connecting service to GoRaleigh, GoTriangle, and the NC State Wolfline near the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh
• Additional funding for bus stop improvements and enhanced transfer points between services

Review and comment on both plans here. Comments are accepted through March 22.

Community Centers Information Gathering Update

In December, Cary kicked off an online convenience survey that closed on February 28. During this time, approximately 3,800 participants responded, weighing in on programming and other desires for both proposed community centers. Our consultant teams will review and report findings in the coming months. To wrap up this phase, staff attended the recent Teen Council Meeting with 250 teens in attendance who took the survey and participated in a dot exercise. The next step includes developing scenarios based on the feedback provided.

Spring My Tree, Our Tree Registration Sparks a Burst of Activity

Citizen enthusiasm for the My Tree, Our Tree campaign continues to grow. Within an hour of registration opening Tuesday morning, eager citizens reserved all 500 trees. Staff identified issues that overwhelmed the registration system and are working to resolve them by the fall giveaway. We look forward to March 18, when participants will pick up their American Elm, Little Gem Magnolia, Dogwood, or Beautyberry to enhance the beauty of their yard and contribute to the community’s tree canopy and environmental health. 

9-1-1 Goes to Washington

Emergency Communications Shift Supervisor Jeremy Schwartzman joined hundreds of 9-1-1 professionals and other government leaders in our nation’s capital to address today’s most pressing 9-1-1 and emergency communications issues. This annual event through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) is the only event that addresses policy challenges facing 9-1-1 centers nationwide through dialogue with elected and appointed officials in Washington, DC.

Fire Personnel Attend CPSE Excellence Conference

At the 2023 Excellence conference, sponsored by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), Assistant Fire Chief Matt Jacoby presented a talk titled, Credentialing Process Explained. This presentation walked interested fire service personnel through preparing their application for professional credentialing. Battalion Chief Alicia Dismuke, Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Tatum, and Business Specialist Bonnie McDonald also attended, where they participated in sessions on accreditation, credentialing, leadership, and changes and opportunities in the fire service.

Black History Month Recap

The month of February was filled with programs highlighting the varied contributions of African Americans to the culture and intellectual vibrancy of our community and nation. Adopting the theme of “Unsung Titans of the ’70s & ’80s”; programs took a fun trip back in time to see how some of these artists influenced our culture. A series of films at The Cary Theater highlighted the work of black artists in cinema, and the Page-Walker hosted an exhibition of celebrated African American artist Eric McRay. The Cary Youth Theater created a student-authored show entitled “Celebrating Our Heroes”; and Pure Life Theater Company introduced their upcoming production of “The Face of Emmet Till”. The contributions of Black athletes were highlighted in the final weekend with a focus on martial arts. The Cary Theater hosted a premiere screening of the documentary “Grandmaster: The Vic Moore Story” with a Q&A with the filmmaker and 4x Karate Champion and subject of the film Victor Moore.

On February 22, the Cary Senior Center hosted “Taste of Black History” luncheon. “A Taste of Black History” merged pieces of African American history along with some African American inspired cuisine and staple menu items. With over 60 people in attendance, we discussed the background of some of our favorite foods and enjoyed some traditional soul food items while also being challenged with trivia that focused on modern day contributions of African Americans. 

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Rec, & Cultural Resources
Monday March 6
at 5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board 
Monday, March 6
at 6:00 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion & Diversity
Tuesday, March 7
at 6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, March 8
at 6:30 p.m.

Council Meeting
Thursday March 9
at 6:30 p.m.

Soliciting in Cary

This week I received a complaint about soliciting in Cary. The request was to create ordinances to prevent soliciting. Here is the response from the town attorney:

“… Cary does have an ordinance regulating soliciting.  You can find it here:  https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cary/latest/cary_nc/0-0-0-62603#JD_20-3; and the Police Department has some information on this on the Town’s website:  https://www.carync.gov/services-publications/police/faq-5367 

As a brief summary, people who are selling things door-to-door in Cary should obtain a permit from the Town through the Police Department.  Cary does not regulate the circulation of petitions, expression of political or religious views, or solicitations by charitable or nonprofit organizations, and does not require a permit for those activities.

If you or your neighbors have concerns about solicitors, I would suggest calling the Police Department non-emergency number (unless there is a true emergency where immediate response is needed). The non-emergency number is (919) 469-4012.  They would be happy to talk to you. 

Citizens who have concerns or ideas for the Town are always welcome to email the Mayor and council, as you did, and also to come to a Council meeting and provide public comments. Instructions for that are here: https://www.carync.gov/connect-engage/transparency/public-hearings/public-speaks-out …”

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint soliciting in Cary
• A complaint about not being able to get a tree on line with My Tree, Our Tree program
• A complaint about the Kanoy Property proposal
• A complaint about police and the need for police reform

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Task Force meeting, a meeting with the Sheriff, the first regularly scheduled council meeting of March, a meeting about the White Oak Community Center, a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors, and speaking at Basant Bahar.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 12^th, 2023. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communications with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Ivey-Ellington House Move

Monday morning I joined dozens of people to watch the move of the Ivey-Ellington house to its new location on the old library site. I had the honor of meeting and talking with members of the Ivey family who were attending the move.

While the move took about four hours, I was only able to watch the move for two. During that time, it went from its starting location at 204 Academy Street (moved there on February 17^th from Chatham) to its new location at 308 Academy Street. The move was a success with no loss of trees or damage to the house.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I hosted a meeting of the Wake County Mayors in Fenton. Attending were mayors from Apex, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wendell, and Zebulon. We were given a tour of Fenton by the General Manager which was followed by dinner at Colletta’s. Our monthly roundtable discussion included whether or not we provided an annual address, and if we were having an annual retreat. All municipalities in Wake County have had or will be having an annual retreat. This is not necessarily the case for some municipalities in North Carolina. Our meeting, including the tour, lasted about three hours.

Town Manager One-On-One

Tuesday morning the town manager and I reviewed the items for the annual staff-council meeting (retreat). Even though we were meeting for two days it was hard to imagine we would complete the agenda.

NCLM Town and State Dinner

Wednesday I joined council member Johnson in attending the 5^th Annual North Carolina League of Municipalities Town and State Dinner at the Raleigh Convention Center. There was about an hour for mingling where I had the opportunity to meet and talk with other mayors and elected officials from across the state. During dinner I was honored to sit with such great legislators as Dan Blue. It is my hope that one day the legislature will figure out how to work as one united body with a common goal rather than a group divided by partisan politics.

TCC Mayors Panel

Thursday Morning, I joined Mayor O’Neal of Durham and Mayor Gilbert of Apex for a panel discussion hosted by Triangle Community Coalition in Brier Creek. Most of the questions were focused on Economic Development and impacts on Economic Development. Mayor O’Neal talked about homelessness, crime, and a variety of other issues that aren’t as severe in Cary and Apex as they are in Durham. While our issues and priorities may be different, it is very important for all communities to work together and listen to each other’s issues. In an effort to build and strengthen relationships with our neighboring municipalities, Cary’s council will be meeting with councils from Apex and Morrisville in the upcoming weeks.

NC Metro Mayors

The North Carolina Metro Mayors met on Friday morning to hear about legislative actions. Here is a summary of legislative actions by KTS Strategies:

Medial Marijuana

S3, NC Compassionate Care Act, passed the Senate Judiciary and Senate Finance Committees this week. The bill would legalize medical marijuana for qualified patients with a debilitating medical condition. Several amendments were offered and approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee. To increase access in rural areas, one amendment would require each supplier to operate at least one medical cannabis center in a Tier 1 County. It also directs the Medical Cannabis Production Commission to consider priority to suppliers committed to ensuring equitable distribution of medical cannabis centers. The bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee. We anticipate the bill to be heard on the Senate floor next week.

Gun Legislation

The House passed two pieces of legislation related to firearms – H50, Pistol Purchase Permit Repeal and H72, Firearm Safe Storage Awareness Initiative. H50 would remove the requirement to obtain a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff’s office prior to the purchase or receipt of a pistol. Criminal background checks would still be required prior to purchase of a pistol from a federally licensed dealer. The bill passed along party lines (67-48).

H72 directs the Department of Public Safety, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Wildlife Resources Commission to work collaboratively to create a two-year firearm safety program. The goal of the program would be to educate the public on safe storage of firearms and to facilitate the distribution of gun locks. The bill passed on Wednesday with a vote of 111-4.

Last week, the Senate passed S41, Guarantee 2^nd Amendment Freedom and Protections. This bill includes the pistol purchase permit repeal language and firearm safe storage awareness initiative the House passed. Additionally, S41 would authorize concealed carry for certain law enforcement facility employees and authorize carrying a handgun in a place of religious worship that is also educational property under certain conditions. The bill passed along party lines (29-19).

Council-Staff Retreat

On Thursday the council traveled to Wilmington for two days of meetings with staff. Six members of council met Thursday night for dinner in which we were not allowed to talk about Cary business. We spent the time learning about each other’s backgrounds and families.

The retreat started Friday morning with a reflection on our shared successes. This was followed by an icebreaker and manager’s vision for the retreat.

Our featured speaker for the morning session was former Raleigh City Manager Ruffin Hall. His talk was an insight into North Carolina Local Governments, their governmental issues, and organizational issues.

The afternoon session began with the Council’s role in intergovernmental relations. This discussion focused on good governance, partnerships, and building relationships with legislators and other municipalities.

The last session on Friday was a prioritizing exercise for six major upcoming projects without considering funding. We prioritized, discussed, and then re-prioritized.

The future Walnut Street greenway and linear park from downtown to Fenton and beyond received the highest votes, followed by the Mills Park Community Center,

the Cary Tennis Park expansion, the Centre at South Hills, the Earnest Jones property, and the Wake Med Soccer Park. This prioritization exercise was not a decision on what would happen first but to gage interest of council members about projects.

Saturday started with a group picture. Afterwards we heard from our keynote speaker, Joe Watson, whose business is to advise and coach senior leaders in the areas of leadership, relationship building, and credibility strengthening. His presentation included lots of Q&A and discussion.

The next session was on council policy and the several segments on the future.

Under future impacts things like land availability, new tax base, changing preferences, technical problems, and adaptive challenges will have more of an influence on our future decisions.

We discussed our ever-evolving plans. Current plans under revision include our sustainability and climate plan, the open space master plan, the urban forestry master plan, and our solid waste master plan. One interesting point made in this discussion was that 10% to 15% of all Cary incorporated land is under town control. Next we discussed the Engage Plan which includes the historic preservation plan, the bike plan, and the parks, recreation, and cultural resources plan. And all plans impact the Imagine Cary 2.0 which is also being revised.

Recycling and curbside pickup was discussed next. Council had a strong desire to have curbside pickup for compost materials, so staff agreed to implement a pilot program. The council also expressed a desire to have textiles picked up curbside. Staff mentioned that running two pilots at one time would be confusing so that will be delayed for a while.

Current infrastructure priorities were presented to council to make sure priorities haven’t changed. It was pointed out that infrastructure means everything that is a service. One new service will include CASSI which is an autonomous vehicle that will operate in Bond Park.

The afternoon session on the last day was Designing a Community for the Future. First we talked about “newish” projects which included the Graffiti Bar, the WalkUp Bar, the RBF Champaign Bar, the Ivey-Ellington House move for the future Jordan mixed use, the Meridian, the future Meridian at Hunter Street, the future Rogers Parking Deck which will be next to The Rogers, the proposed NW Cary development at O’Kelly Chapel Road, and the South Hills development with the Centre. Next, we talked about visions for Kildaire Farm Road which are being planned. This is important because Kildaire Farm redevelopment should fit into an overall plan rather than being piece meal.

The last session of the retreat was Looking Ahead. In our first discussion it was pointed out that town hall’s campus has many old buildings, is not meeting the citizens’ demands, and is underutilized land. We were shown a vision of one developer that used the land for a mixed use and included a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to Cedar Street. At the recommendation of staff, council unanimously approved a motion to issue a RFQ (Request for Quote) next month for town hall campus.

Our last discussion was about a parking deck next to the Rogers development. We were shown a concept of how the deck might look. After much discussion, Council unanimously approved a motion to appropriate money so that the developers of the Rogers could build the parking deck. The deck will be designed with aesthetics in mind.

While we covered a LOT of information in the two days of the retreat we didn’t get to everything on the agenda. We will discuss the remaining items at a work session on March 22^nd.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about the safety at the intersection of Waldo Rood and Davis Drive.
• A complaint about “kids revving cars” at a Bojangles and a Sheets near Tryon Road.
• A complaint about Google Fiber contractors digging up yards.
• Kudos to our Cary Police for how they handled the standoff even though it ended with a tragic death.
• A complaint about not being able to get a conference room in Cary libraries.
• A request to have a miniature golf course downtown.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a CAMPO Commuter Rail Subcommittee meeting, an Economic Development Committee meeting, a presentation to the Heart of Cary Association, and a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 5^th, 2023. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communications with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.