Morrisville Town Council
Business Meeting
September 27, 2016, 6:30 P.M.
1. Call to order
Mayor Stohlman called the Briefing Meeting of the Town Council to order at 6:30 p.m. Also present at
the meeting were Mayor Pro Tem Rao, Council Members Cawley, Garimella, Johnson, Schlink, ScrogginsJohnson, and Attorney Frank Gray. Present staff included Todd Wright/Assistant Town Manager, Jeanne
Hooks/Assistant to the Town Manager, Jerry Allen/Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director,
Cliff Cates/Acting Fire Chief, Nancy Emslie/Finance Director, J.R. Ruppe/Acting Inspections Director, Blake
Mills/Public Works Director, Rich Cappola/Engineering Director, Courtney Tanner/Planning Director,
Benjamin Howell/Senior Planner - Transportation, Dan Band/Planner, Stephanie Smith/PIO, and Erin L.
Hudson/Town Clerk.
2. Invocation by Council Member TJ Cawley
Council Member Cawley provided the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Everyone stood in participation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Adoption of Agenda
No conflicts with the agenda were noted.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rao made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Johnson
seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
5. Approval of Minutes
 August 8, 2016 Work Session
MOTION: Council Member Cawley made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member ScrogginsJohnson seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
 August 9, 2016 Briefing Meeting
MOTION: Council Member Cawley made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member ScrogginsJohnson seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
 August 23, 2016 Business Meeting
MOTION: Council Member Scroggins-Johnson made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member
Garimella seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
6. Presentations
 New Employee Introductions:
o Marty Saunders, Planning Technician
Benjamin Howell, Senior Planner – Transportation, noted that Ms. Saunders is filling the front
office position, has previous planning experience, and also formerly owned her own
contracting business.
o Ryan Vinson, Cedar Fork Community Center Supervisor
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o
o
Jerry Allen, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director, noted that Mr. Vinson grew
up in Wake County, attended NC State University, and worked part-time in recreation in high
school. He previously worked in Raleigh and Rolesville and is pursuing a Master’s degree in
Parks and Recreation at NC State University.
Matthew Martin, Aquatics Aide
Mr. Allen noted that Mr. Martin grew up in Durham and attended Limestone College. He
currently attends Vance Granville Community College part-time.
Kelley O’Malley, Cedar Fork Center Aide II
Mr. Allen noted that Ms. O’Malley graduated in December from UNC Greensboro with a
Parks and Recreation Management degree.
7. For the Good of the Order
 Manager and Staff Comments
Mr. Allen indicated that Crabtree Hatcher Creek Greenway bids were received on Thursday and were
well above the current project budget. Staff consulted area resources and the response confirmed
those bids were not unexpected. CAMPO is willing to research available funding resources to assist
with the overage of up to $500,000-800,000 noted in the bids received. Council was asked to provide
direction on the CAMPO pursuit of available resources. Staff noted that the bids are good for 60 days
and will be providing a briefing update in October.
Council Member Schlink asked if there was an opportunity to revise the scope of the project to reduce
overall costs. Staff responded that if the project scope is modified, it would have to be resubmitted
to NCDOT for approval and additional funding approval, so scope changes may not be feasible. All
options will be provided in the briefing.
Mayor Stohlman asked if the project included the connection to Town Hall Drive over the TTA
property which staff indicated it did not.
Council provided consensus for staff to move forward with CAMPO funding research.

Administrative Report
o Space Needs Report
Todd Wright, Assistant Town Manager, provided an overview of staff’s evaluation of
additional space needs that could be incorporated into Town Council’s discussion of the
library and/or demonstration project. Staff has reviewed space needs and identified meeting
space and classroom space as specific needs. An inventory of existing spaces and associated
sizes were included in the report.
Council Member Garimella asked specific questions related to structure and staff responded
those decisions could be defined during the visioning process and a space would co-exist
within the library space. He questioned the footprint of the space and the cost of a proposed
structure.
Council Member Johnson noted that she would only encourage staff to move forward with
the visioning process if funds are available to expand the potential library space. She
expressed concern that the last few projects have come in overbid and she would like to see
those and other projects on the priority list be completed first. She suggested using the Town
Center demonstration project as leverage noting that DFI can advocate for the Town as a
tenant.
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Mayor Pro Tem Rao expressed concern in investing funds in the visioning process and
questioned where the allocation would come from to complete the visioning or a future
buildout. He also does not want to see the site selection process for the library become
slowed.
Council Member Scroggins-Johnson noted that the regional library has a room that can be
rented by non-profits, but the proposed library site does not offer a classroom. If Council
determines we need space, an option is to add a classroom to the library as an asset, and
that the library assist with funding and operations, as it would be part of their building.
Council Member Cawley noted that it was important to move forward with the visioning
process as the Town Center would provide a gathering area for residents within the
downtown area. He further noted if the library space was augmented, the community center
within the town core could be adjusted. Opportunity and time is being lost because hard
decisions are not being made for fear of cost overruns. A community center anchor on one
end of the downtown center shows the Town’s commitment and investment to future
private partners. He felt a commitment to the visioning process would show we are willing
to invest in the Town Center as well.
Council Member Schlink indicated there were other low-cost options available and
encouraged staff to pursue those first. The Historic Christian Church is available for meeting
space or perhaps additional classrooms could be added to Cedar Fork Community Center.
He preferred not to delay the library process. He encouraged staff to consult Wake County
to determine if a small area could be set aside within its proposed structure for
classroom/meeting space. He felt the demonstration project space would work, and
questioned whether there would ever be a 40,000 square foot community center. He wants
to fast track the library now.
Mayor Stohlman encouraged staff to leverage current resources on hand and to jump start
the downtown development with construction of the library. He did not support funding the
visioning process but did support moving forward with the library concept and focusing on
completion of other projects already in the works.
Town Council reached a general consensus to request that staff discuss the addition or
repurposing of some space to be used for classrooms or meetings within the library that
could be used and operated by them but available to the Town for use and rental.
Staff responded that they will be meeting with Wake County representatives and DFI this week and can follow
up on Council’s questions related to meeting room/space design.
 Council Comments
Council Member Schlink asked if other locations could be considered for the bike rodeo, perhaps along
greenways, or near larger neighborhoods. He expressed thanks to MFD and CFD for their response and
mutual aid during a recent lightning strike.
Council Member Scroggins-Johnson indicated that November 8 is a scheduled Town Council meeting as
well as general election night. She proposed that the Town Council meeting be scheduled on an alternate
day to allow everyone to participate in both the Town Council meeting and with election activities.
General discussion about the request followed.
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Council Member Garimella shared appreciation to Breckenridge for the response to a lighting strike there
during the storm and anticipation about the upcoming Northwest Park Ribbon cutting. Mr. Allen
reported on very minor damage to the park from the storm.
Mayor Pro Tem Rao expressed thanks to a member of the Kitts Creek Community for organizing a
community forum on schools. He also noted that Secretary Tennyson will be visiting Town Hall on
October 20 to discuss transportation and information will be provided as details are completed.
Mayor Stohlman mentioned two closures affecting areas of Cary Parkway and asked staff for clarification.
Mr. Howell responded that one side of the road will be shut down at a time during the month of October.
Staff has not been informed of the exact date, but the closure will take place over a weekend. Mayor
Stohlman also noted that Sheldon Drive near Cary is being shut down for additional water line
installation, which will be a potential two-week closure.
MOTION: Council Member Scroggins-Johnson made a motion to move the November 8 meeting to
Monday, November 7. Council Member Schlink seconded the motion. Council Members Cawley and
Johnson voted in opposition. The motion carried five to two.
8. Public Address
Patty Cheng, 304 Millet Drive, shared her views related to the proposed Electoral Residency District
Geographic Realignment options. Morrisville has seen dynamic growth over a short period of time, and
equitable district representation is the goal. Each option shows at least one district with no
representation on town council. She expressed support for the 10% option.
9. Action Items
2016-057
Resolution of Intent to Close a Portion of Wilson Road
*Public Hearing scheduled after action date per N.C.G.S. § 160A-299
Dan Band, Planner, indicated that with the meeting date change, staff will need to amend the public
hearing date to November 7.
MOTION: Council Member Johnson made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-057A with a Public
Hearing date for November 7. Council Member Garimella seconded the motion that carried
unanimously.
2016-068
Resolution Endorsing the Wake County Transit Plan
Mayor Stohlman noted that the Wake County Transit representatives were scheduled to attend the
October 11 meeting and the adopted resolution could be presented at that time.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rao made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-068. Council Member
Scroggins-Johnson seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
2016-070
Resolution Approving Additional Funding for Church Street CDBG Sidewalk Project
Mr. Howell indicated that staff has partnered with Wake County to use CDBG funds to construct
sidewalks and bids that were received came in high. There are few options to adjust the scope of the
project. Staff estimates $154,000 in additional funding is needed and requests to appropriate these funds
from the Sidewalk Construction Budget. The total project cost would be $600,000-700,000 and the Town
share is approximately 40%.
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MOTION: Council Member Schlink made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-070. Council Member
Johnson seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
10. Items with No Update
2016-050
Resolution Approving an Electoral Residency District Geographic Realignment Map
2016-052
Resolution Considering Appointment of Advisory Board and Committee Members
Mayor Pro Tem Rao mentioned the option of term limits to allow new and interested advisory board and
committee members the opportunity to serve, given the sheer number of applications that have been
recently received.
Recess- 7:42 p.m.
Reconvene- 7:52 p.m.
11. Work Session
Branding Implementation Plan Update
Presentation
Stephanie Smith, PIO, indicated to Council that staff has completed a brand inventory, reviewed the
request for department specific logos, prioritized items for design and rollout, and official rollout of the
brand standards and rules for logo use. Staff recommends an initial internal rollout for staff prior to a
public rollout.
Mayor Stohlman asked that staff be sensitive during the public rollout at the annual tree lighting and not
to overshadow it with an ad pitch for the new logo.
Decision #1 Business Card/Letterhead Options
Ms. Smith indicated that staff cards will contain the logo design, while council will have the option to
choose the logo or seal. Letterhead from staff will contain the logo design as well, and council will have
the option for the logo or seal for correspondence. Council will be provided a package of materials with
business cards, thank you cards, letterhead, etc. once complete design decisions are made.
Council Members were asked to weigh in on the business card design regarding horizontal or vertical
orientation and any items they wished to be considered.
Council Member Scroggins-Johnson favored the vertical design but noted that consideration would have
to be made for anyone with a longer name.
By majority, Council favored the vertical-oriented cards.
Letterhead
Staff reviewed various letterhead layout options.
Council Member Garimella requested to see an option with the seal located top center.
The majority of council expressed a preference for address placement along the bottom of the document.
Decision #2 Flagpole Banners
Staff noted the age of current banners and the general need for replacement, in addition to incorporating
the new brand. There would be a consolidated placement plan, with the use of graphic banners, and
professional photos incorporated in the photographic banners with the new brand.
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Discussion ensued and council members discussed the use of both styles of banner, or beginning with
logo banners and incorporating graphic banners at a later time. There was also a recommendation to
increase the font size of “Live connected. Live well.” and the ensure all flags are facing the correct way.
By majority, Council directed staff to begin with placing logo banners then expanding with photo options.
Decision #3 Signage
Staff noted the desire to begin with amenity signage, given the appropriate direction from council, to
ensure consistency moving forward. Various staff groups have worked together to ensure space will be
available at the corner of Town Hall Drive and Morrisville-Carpenter Road with improvements that are
being made, to allow for placement of the first sign there.
Mayor Stohlman and Council Member Scroggins-Johnson expressed a preference for low-tech signage,
rather than an electronic sign.
Council Member Cawley noted that Cary Academy has a versatile, technologically advanced sign and
requested that staff provide examples of electronic signs currently in use.
Council Member Garimella expressed concern that landscapers may damage the sign in the proposed
location and future maintenance needs.
Council Member Schlink asked what content would be included on the sign, as well as what other towns
may be using.
Council Member Johnson asked if council could make site visits to view examples and see the options
available.
Mayor Stohlman asked if there could be more distance between the logo and the message portion of the
sign.
Staff will bring back additional sign options at a later time.
Multi-Family Dwellings
Courtney Tanner, Planning Director, indicated that it is legally mandated that staff cannot distinguish
between owner- or renter- occupied dwellings. She reviewed the approval process and noted that staff
is not proposing changes to any current processes. Staff provided maps for council outlining zoning
districts and multi-family development. Staff also outlined a potential raw estimation of the impact on
schools as related to multifamily development.
Council Member Garimella requested raw data related to the number of students in multi-family
developments to assist in determining the impact on area schools. Staff noted the request has been
made multiple times to Wake County but has not been shared as of yet and is classified sensitive. If
information is requested by zip code, it would be collated with surrounding jurisdictions not specifically
applicable to Morrisville.
Mayor Stohlman indicated staff’s focus should be whether or not steps need to be taken as related to
the ordinance to prohibit related development.
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Council Member Schlink noted that within Neighborhood Activity Centers (NAC), certain uses could be
limited to encourage desired development. Staff noted a similar restriction was in place previously, but
noted that requiring a percentage mix of residential and commercial development only works in certain
areas. If council desires to restrict certain types of development in the NAC, they would have to amend
the UDO, then the Town will be faced with creating some legal nonconforming uses, i.e. Grace Park. Staff
can review the classification of NAC, noting potential limitations and outline any pros and cons related
to amending.
Council Member Johnson asked that staff ensure that development coming forward is viable in the
market. The original review of NAC several years ago included some citizen feedback and design
considerations. She expressed concern with including development percentage restrictions and
reminded council that Morrisville is less than 10 square miles and has limited room to grow.
Mayor Stohlman indicated this topic may be better suited for discussion at retreat, as some council
members have philosophical differences related to development.
Council Member Cawley requested to know the student impact of a 200-unit multi-family building over
the same acreage as a 22-unit single-family development.
12. Announcements
Next Meetings
October 11, 2016
October 25, 2016
Upcoming Events
September 30, 2016
Briefing Meeting
Business Meeting
Movies in the Park “The Jungle Book”
Morrisville Community Park
5: 30 – 10:00 p.m.
October 1, 2016
Northwest Park Ribbon Cutting
10:00 a.m.
October 6, 2016
Transportation Plan Update Open House
Council Chambers
5:00- 7:00 p.m.
October 8, 2016
Fire Safety Event
Target Parking Lot, Park West Shopping Center
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 15, 2016
Fall Litter Sweep
Town Hall
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
October 22, 2016
Bike with an Officer Event
Police Station Parking Lot
260 Town Hall Drive
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
October 29, 2016
Trick-or-Treat the Trail/Trunk or Treat with MPD and MFD
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Morrisville Community Park Fields
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
For a full listing of events, please see the Town Calendar at www.townofmorrisville.org.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rao made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Council Member ScrogginsJohnson seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Mayor Stohlman adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
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