News and Notes #2017-003
February 27, 2017
Updates/Items of Interest:
Utility/Contractor Work in Residential Communities: Town Council frequently gets phone calls from
residents concerned about utility contractors (Google, ATT, Duke Energy and others) working in their
neighborhoods , either in the rights of way or on their property. Typically, the phone calls occur when the
contractors have damaged property or left the area in an unsatisfactory manner. Questions often arise regarding
whether the town has provided permission to contractors to be on the property, or residents do not want to
provide access. The answers to these questions vary depending on the circumstances.
If contractors are working in public rights-of-way, contractors are supposed to notify the town they are working
the area. However, for private roads, contractors do not have to seek permission from the town to work in the
area – they work directly with the property owner. Often, that is an HOA, and we would not be aware of that
activity. This is particularly the case in Kits Creek with alleyways. Additionally, private easements often exist
on private property that authorize work without official notice to a property owner. In other words, there is no
one answer to this question that you can offer callers asking about these issues.
Staff is happy to assist residents with complaints/concerns. The best guidance you can provide anyone who calls
you is to contact Vinod Korategere, our Projects Coordinator, so that he can directly speak with the resident and
gather the specific information needed to determine how to assist the caller. Please provide Vinod’s contact
information to any callers – his office phone # is (919) 463-6147 and e-mail is
[email protected]. Please also encourage callers to get the name of the
contractor/construction crew name rather than assume it is Google or ATT so we can better track down what
work is being performed. We will also continue to evaluate other mechanisms we can employ to provide this
information to residents.
Parkside Elementary School (E-50): Wake County Public Schools staff and its design firm held an
information meeting about the school on February 16 at Cedar Fork Elementary School. About 25 non-staff
people attended the meeting. Construction is slated to begin in May 2018 and be ready for students in fall 2019.
The preliminary plan includes proposed road improvements at both Little Drive (RTP) for bus ingress and egress
and construction of turn lanes on Parkside Valley Drive to car pool traffic entrance into the school. Car pool
traffic would exit on Little Drive.
The road improvements prompted the most discussion by the group, particularly related to the need to cut
through existing medians on Parkside Valley Drive. WCPSS and transportation design representatives listened
to the concerns and answered questions. They indicated they would consider this input as they continue to
design the school.
Roadway/infrastructure improvements on Parkside Valley Drive would require town construction drawing
approval. If the improvements proposed meet acceptable engineering standards (ours default to NCDOT’s
standards where silent, which is likely what will control here given the turn lanes that will be required) we would
not have the ability to alter or deny the application. This project would require an administrative review by town
staff and not require Town Council approval. Town staff does plan to keep Town Council updated on this project.
Mailing Address Change: Effective February 20, staff will be transitioning the Town mail delivery from our
PO Box (PO Box 166) to the street address (100 Town Hall Drive). Public Information Office prepared an internal
notification plan to inform staff, residents, vendors and everyone conducting business with the Town.
100 Town Hall Drive | PO Box 166 | Morrisville, NC 27560 | P: 919.463.6200 | F: 919.481.2907 | t ownofmorrisville.org
Notification tools include inserts in invoices, social media posts, website posts and newsletter updates. The Town
PO Box will officially close on March 31, after which the post office will forward any mail sent to that address
until September 30.
Show Your Love For Morrisville: We are encouraging residents, businesses and employees to show their
love for Morrisville with a social media promotion. There are three steps to participate and win a prize.
1. Find the new logo somewhere around town, or pick up a magnet from a town facility or the Chamber of
Commerce.
2. Take a creative picture of the logo or magnet.
3. Post the picture to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – being sure to tag the Town and use the hashtag
#LiveWellMorrisville.
Up to 100 prizes are available for participants. The contest will run through the month of February. Council
members can support this promotion by helping distribute magnets to residents. A promotional flyer is attached
for your information.
Logo Trademarking: Several Council members have asked about trademarking our new logo. Our research
indicates you cannot register a state or municipal “flag or coat of arms or other insignia” in North Carolina.
(Trademark Act Sec. 80-2.3. https://www.sosnc.gov/trademrk/TMAct.aspx.) The state trademark office did
previously register logo government seals and logos until about three years ago, but they no longer do so
because it conflicts with federal law. Those that were registered previously will not be renewed when/if they
apply for renewal.
Community Coffee with a Cop: On January 25th Morrisville Police hosted the first on site community coffee
event, which was held at the Luther Green Community Center and it, was a huge success. Approximately twenty
residents attended the event.
Town Hall Day: Town Hall Day is Wednesday, March 29. Please let Erin know if you plan to attend the day
and evening reception as registration is required for both. Please respond to Erin no later than Wednesday,
March 15.
Teen Morrisville 101: Registration is now open for the 2017 session of Teen Morrisville 101. The classes will
be held on Wednesdays from April 19 - May 10, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The format will be similar
to last year’s class, and Council is welcome to attend any session. Any high school student who is interested in
applying can do so now until April 7 at www.townofmorrisville.org/teenmsv101.
Bike Rodeo: The Morrisville Fire department will host the annual Bike Rodeo on Saturday April 8, 2017 from
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with a rain date of April 15, 2017. During the event, fire staff will be offering bike safety
techniques to the participants (toddlers to age 18) and completing safety checks on their bicycles. The event is
limited to 80 participants. The rodeo will be held at Morrisville Fire/Rescue Station One at 200 Town Hall Drive.
CERT Training: The annual CERT training classes are scheduled at Morrisville Fire Station One on April 27
– April 30. Classes provide basic medical care, hazard identification, responder safety, and lite rescue training.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Town website for more information and registration forms.
Morrisville Fire and Rescue Open House: Mark your calendar for May 6, 2017 for the annual Morrisville
Fire/Rescue Open House. More details will follow in next couple of weeks.
Fire Department ISO Inspection: Due to the transition to a new fire chief, the fire protection survey
scheduled for June 2017 has been postponed until 2018.
ReadyWake Notification Update: Wake County has implemented a new emergency notification system,
ReadyWake Alerts. Anyone who was signed up for the county’s old system must re-register at
www.readywake.com to continue receiving alerts. We will be sharing the information provided in Wake
County’s press release in our newsletter, on the website, email notifications and social media to help get the
word out to residents to encourage them to register. Wake County has also conducted robocalls to those
currently signed up for the previous system to ask them to re-register with the system.
RDU Vision 2040 Update: The joint PAC/ TAC meeting scheduled for February 27, 2017 regarding RDU’s
Vision 2040 master planning process has been postponed. The purpose of the meeting was to share the findings
of our financial and implementation analyses with Ricondo & Associates on the airport master plan. As the
RDU team continues to review the plans, they feel further evaluation of the projects and their associated cost is
merited before they finalize the financial and implementation plans. We will keep you posted and let you know
when we re-schedule the TAC/PAC meeting.
Koppers - Superfund Site: The EPA has announced a 5-year review for the Koppers Co., Inc. Superfund Site.
If you have questions about the Site or the Five-Year Review process are invited to an Availability Session on
March 7, 2017. It will be held at the Luther Green Community Center at Shiloh Park, located at 922 Church Street
in Morrisville, North Carolina, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Work Item Updates/Preview:
Legislative Updates: Town Council received a high-level legislative Administrative Report at the Feb. 14
meeting, noting a bi-weekly update they will be receiving going forward. The updates will contain engagement
initiatives, activities staff has participated in or feels may be helpful to council, upcoming activities (planned,
dates, times, added to the Town Council calendar as well), important communication to be highlighted and
anything notable involving the Town and delegation. A monthly update has been developed for the local and
federal delegations as well and will be sent out beginning Feb. 27.
Park Bathroom Security: The bathrooms at Morrisville Community Park, Cedar Fork District Park and
Northwest Park have had magnetic lock timer systems installed. The second bathroom at Morrisville
Community Park will have the system installed before the end of the February. Locks for the three remaining
park bathrooms located at Shiloh Park, Church Street Park and the Indian Creek trailhead have been ordered.
Branding: Vehicle decals have been installed on all Town vehicles. The February Connection Newsletter
featured a new design to reflect the new brand and highlighted the brand rollout. Staff kicked off a new social
media promotion to continue brand outreach and are receiving positive feedback and we continue to receive
submissions from staff and the community. We will continue our brand outreach at some of our upcoming events
this spring/summer.
Fire Station No. 2: Public Works has awarded the contract for the kitchen renovation work, which includes
new countertops and cabinets. Construction is expected to start in late February with construction completion
anticipated by mid-March.
Fleet Telemetrics: The installation of Telematics into the non-emergency vehicles is complete. Database
configuration is in progress and will be completed before the end February and fully functional.
FY17 Street Paving Project: Asphalt resurfacing on Perimeter Park Drive (NC54 to Watkins Road) is
expected to start in late March and be completed by April 30.
Green Drive and Fairview Avenue Stormwater Project: The consultant, Draper Aden Associates, will
begin the fieldwork and data collection by the end of February.
Historic Christian Church: Staff reports that a majority of the echo has been removed using eight sounddeadening wall tiles. Four more tiles will be installed to complete the project. Target for completion is by the
end of February.
MAFC Stream Stabilization: The consultant has started working on the design. Staff anticipates the plans
being substantially complete by April.
Inspections Department Activity:
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Lake Crabtree Apts. Nearing completion of the third floor framing and one more floor to go.
Days Inn on Airport Blvd fire damage repairs have begun.
The 40/540 office building is almost complete and will be seeking a certificate of occupancy by the first
week in March.
The Sorrel Apts. continue with 50 percent of the underground plumbing installed and paving will begin
soon.
Wake Tech. is starting the interior work, as the main frame of the building is now complete.
Police Department Renovation: Town Staff has approved the final design plans. The project is scheduled
for bid at the end of February with a bid opening in late March.
Police In-Car Camera System: The in-car camera systems test and evaluation phase ended on February 20.
Staff will compile all relevant testing information (to include video, officer testimonials) prior to vendor selection.
Public Works Accreditation: The Public Works Accreditation Team reports that the self-assessment of
policies, procedures and practices are on schedule. This evaluation is providing a thorough departmental
evaluation of current management and operations policies, documentation of practices and procedures is 80%
complete. The self-assessment phase will be complete by the end of May 2017.
Employee Spotlight:
Please join Planning staff in congratulating Kari Grace on her recent promotion to Planner II. Kari’s superior
knowledge of the Town’s Codes and processes, her strong work ethic and excellent customer service attitude put
her at the top of the list of candidates applying for the position. We are excited to have Kari move into this new
position and look forward to her having a long career in Morrisville. Congratulations Kari!
Chief Andrews and staff received two new officers in January. Officer Olga Nozhechkina and Officer Jeffrey Frey.
Officer Nozhechkina, previously employed with Durham Police Department and Officer Frey joins us from
Norlina Police Department. Welcome Officer Nozhechkina and Officer Frey to Morrisville.
Congratulations to Officers Joseph Calzaretta and Adrian Barsotti for being selected as Guardian of the Month
for November. Also, congratulations to Sergeant Tracy Skeeter, Detective Angie Mullis, Detective Jason Miller,
and Detective Gustave Ellerbe for being selected as Guardian of the Month for December.
Calendar Reminders/Meeting Opportunities:
March 6, 2017
Wake County Delegation Breakfast Meeting
8:00 am
Town Council Chambers
March 6-10, 2017
Spring Bulk Pick-Up
Curbside Service
Morrisville Residents
March 29, 2017
Town Hall Day
NC General Assembly
Raleigh, NC
April 03, 2017
Morrisville Chamber Spring Golf Classic
Prestonwood Country Club
8:00 a.m. Registration
April 5, 2017
TCC Coffee Chat
7:30 am
Town Council Chambers
April 08, 2017
Easter Egg Hunt
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Morrisville Community Park
Bike Rodeo
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Rain Date April 15, 2017)
Fire Station #1
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES/KEY WORK ITEM UPDATES
Date: February 27, 2017
Church Street Park:
Lead Staff: Jerry Allen/Mike Wright
Repair of the stormwater devices is expected to begin in March. The Stormwater department will manage the
project and will take place in the spring when conditions are better for sod installation. Staff is working on a bid
specification package for the field lighting project. This work will need to be coordinated with the installation of
the irrigation system in the spring so turf repairs can take place in the summer.
Crabtree/Hatcher Creek Greenway:
Lead Staff: Jerry Allen/Mike Wright
The Town has received concurrence from North Carolina Department of Transportation to enter into a contract
with Sepi Engineering for CEI services. The contracts are finalized and work is estimated to begin at the end of
February.
Morrisville Aquatics Fitness Center:
Lead Staff: Matt Leaver/Mike Wright
The Town received six qualification submittals from design firms for the project. A staff committee reviewed the
documents and a firm was selected for an interview. We are continuing the assessment process and will be
bringing a recommendation to Council once that is complete.
Northwest Park:
Lead Staff: Jerry Allen/Mike Wright
The restrooms experienced some vandalism in recent weeks. We have now installed magnetic locks on the doors
that are controlled by a timer to close the restrooms at night. The Town has also observed several cars being
parked in the evenings and overnight when the park is closed. The police department has sent letters to the
vehicle owners informing them that the park is only open during daylight hours and parking at night violates a
Town ordinance. Signs will also be installed to help inform users of the park hours. The landscaping contractor
has continued to replace trees on the site as weather allows. The final contract payment is still on hold until the
landscaping is complete.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update:
Lead Staff: Jerry Allen
The Town received five proposals from perspective consultants. A staff committee reviewed the submittals and
sent follow up questions to several firms. The committee will be reviewing this information and continuing the
selection process with the goal of recommending a contractor in February.
Enterprise Software Project:
Lead Staff: Nancy Emslie/Dan B.
Staff has developed a peer city and vendor comparative matrix. The matrix compares preliminary information
on approximately eight different enterprise solutions with reference information from other municipal units
indicating level of recommendation and alignment to assessed needs. Staff is currently analyzing collected data
while assessing the viability of existing investments. Workflow mapping will wrap-up by the end of the week,
documenting critical processes for development review, key financial functions, and GIS. Next steps will be to
develop evaluation criteria based on needs and critical workflow alignment in drafting a RFP .
Farmers Market / Rex Grant:
A comprehensive update is planned for a March 28, 2017 work session.
Lead Staff: Ben Howell
Google/AT&T Fiber:
Lead Staff: Mike Wright
Google is finishing up in Preston Grande. They have installed all of the mainline and are finalizing the
restoration. No update for AT&T.
Historic Church Parking Lot:
An administrative update is scheduled for March 28, 2017.
Strategic Planning RFQ:
This item will be included in the FY 2018 proposed operating budget.
Lead Staff: Rich Cappola
Lead Staff: Todd Wright
Town Center/Library:
Lead Staff: Todd Wright/Rich Cappola
 Carolina Street Realignment
o Kimley-Horn has received the preliminary survey information and is proceeding to functional
design.
 Stormwater Control Measure design
o Withers & Ravenel has been collecting survey data and performing preliminary
calculations. Concept design should be ready by early March.
 Gas Line Relocation
o PSNC has informed staff that they anticipate being able to move their project timeline
forward. Additional conversations and coordination are needed, but it is likely they will have the
line relocated by the end of the calendar year.
Website Redesign:
Lead Staff: Stephanie Smith
We received six proposals for our website redesign, which have been reviewed by an internal staff committee
representing a cross section of employees in the organization. We have narrowed down the submissions to three
website providers, and will be conducting interviews and demos over the next couple of weeks. A briefing item
with a recommendation for website provider is scheduled for Town Council meeting on March 14.
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS/ROAD & SIDEWALK PROJECT UPDATES
Date: February 27, 2017
Church Street CDBG Sidewalk Project (Wake County): The project is under construction, with a
portion of the new curb-and-gutter and sidewalk in place.
Morrisville Carpenter Road: Design continues to advance. Staff is waiting on conceptual design from Duke
Energy to better understand the impacts of burying the power lines. Once received, the consultant will evaluate
and provide staff with impacts to the roadway design, easement needs, and cost.
Morrisville Carpenter Road and Davis Drive Street Lights: Phase I installation is scheduled to begin
around the 3rd week in March. Tree trimming for the Phase I work is estimated to start in the next couple of
weeks. Phase II, Food Lion has agreed to the easements and their attorneys are finalizing the agreement. CVS
have acknowledged receipt of the easement agreements and are currently reviewing them.
Morrisville Carpenter Road LAPP Application: LAPP Funding was approved.
McCrimmon Parkway Extension Phase 1: Grading and storm drain installation work continues. The new
road section is at rough grade where it ties into the old section by Perimeter Park Drive. Duke Energy is currently
relocating the utility poles located on NC54.
McCrimmon Parkway Extension Phase 2: Staff met with Carolina Land Acquisitions to inititate the
negotiation with the property owners to obtain the needed right-of-way and easements. Currently, 95% of the
plans were submitted to NCDOT and the Town for review.
NC54 & Cary Parkway Sidewalk (NCDOT funded): Staff has received bids for the Cary Parkway sidewalk,
and the apparent low bid was within the budget. Staff is in the process of finalizing the construction contract to
bring forward to Council for approval.
RTP-Davis Drive Multi-Use Path Connection to Parkside Valley Drive: No update since last edition.
Town Center Walking Loop Sidewalk (LAPP Project): Staff opened the construction bids for the project
on February 7. The apparent low bid was under the latest Engineer’s Cost Estimate, but was over the original
project budget. Staff has requested and received approval from CAMPO for additional funding (at a 50% federal
funds/50% local match) to cover the additional construction and construction administration costs. Staff will be
bringing a Supplemental Agreement and the construction contract to Council on February 28. Construction is
expected to start after April 1.
Transportation Plan Update: Staff has scheduled a pre-meeting open house and Council update at the
February 28, Town Council meeting, at which time the Existing Conditions Report and the public input will be
presented.
Wake Transit Plan: No update since last edition.