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Archive Index DATE: December 7, 2004 PRESENT: Anne Bigelow, Richard Bird, Frank Chut, Jerry Gaudet, Cynthia Jones, Tom Hauck, Edith Lange, Al Lebeau, Maggie Frantz ABSENT: Steve Bodner GUESTS: Drew Bratton, Marilyn Band, Joyce Berg, Maggie Gaudet, Dorothy Lebeau, Sara Bird, Bob Oram, Dale M. Smith, Martin Spritzer, Marilyn Koplik, Bob Flower, Joanne Flower, Jim Granger, Bill Hansen, Jim Pomroy, Jacques Besseyre, Vincent Collura, Henry Castner, MaryLou Einloth, Ed Beach, Dorothy Crouchley, Bert Crouchley, Reece Jones, Beverly Ann D’Aguanni, Ford Heath, Evy Barrow, Frances S. Sherwin, Sallie Comey, Bob Comey, Robert Lovelace, Elizabeth Lovelace, Bill Sommers, Steve Fairchild, Bob DeVido APPROVED: January 4, 2005 President Jerry Gaudet called the meeting to order at 7: 05 p.m. ANINC (ANnexationINCorporation) Committee Jerry Gaudet introduced the above committee: Bill Sommers, Bob DeVido, Steve Fairchild, Jerry Gaudet, Bob Goetz, Tom Hauck, Marilyn Koplik, Bob Steen and John Wait. He discussed Bill Sommers’, Committee Chairman, experience and qualifications which include, but are not limited to serving as City Manager of Englewood, NJ; Commissioner, Dept. of Public Works, City of Cambridge, MA; Management consultant for the City of Boston, MA and work in several European countries. Bill has also written over 70 papers on all aspects of local government operations, management and administration. The purpose of this committee is to understand, assess and recommend the type of governance of our community and how best to receive services. The committee has done a lot of work already and is working deliberately and thoroughly. Maps were shown of Chatham County, Carrboro, and Pittsboro. An draft outline of the study was distributed to all in attendance and is Attachment A at the conclusion of these minutes. The three alternatives in the study will include (a) stay as is, (b) annexation, and (c) incorporation. The report will provide information, pros and cons, and recommendations. The final report will be discussed at an FHA town meeting on March 17, 2005, time and location to be announced. Annexation can occur in 3 ways: (1) decreed by NC State Legislature; (2) voluntary and (2) involuntary. Incorporation can only be done by the NC State Legislature and there is a list of criteria that must be met. The details of annexation and incorporation will be in the 3/05 report. Many in the audience expressed their appreciation for the time and results of the committee to date. Jerry Gaudet noted that at some point the FHA would need to spend money on this topic to proceed. There were many questions of those in attendance: (note: one or two key words in each question are bolded for ease of reading) Francis Sherwin #698. Q: If we decided to incorporate, would services be brought in in stages? A: Yes, . based on the covenants of each part of our community. Drew Bratton #18 Caswell. Q: Given the inevitability of Briar Chapel, if they incorporate first, how would that impact us? A: that comparison will be shown in the final report. Sally Bird #1069. Q: If we incorporate, would the incorporation boundaries be the same as Fearrington’s boundaries today? A: That would be decided at a later date, but would probably be determined by more reasonable parameters. Example: to Jack Bennett Road (example only). Dale Smith #104. Q: If we incorporated, could services currently provided by the county; i.e., police, fire, etc. continue to be provided from the county? Yes, but perhaps not at the same rate. The incorporation plan must show current services and how they will be provided after incorporation. Marilyn Band #657. Q: What are the advantages of incorporation vs annexation by ceding autonomy, increases taxes, 1 mile buffer in encroachments. This was discussed 10 years ago. A: Tonight’s discussion is not the report. Pros and cons will be covered in the March report. The current threat of annexation is not great. Martin Spritzer #595E. Q:If you can fill in all the facts in the outline, you will have done a magnificent service. What is the voting procedure for incorporation? A: 15% of the incorporated registered voters at the time of request. The legislature can request a referendum: 51% of registered voters in the incorporated area. Evy Barrow #682. Bermuda Run annexed commercial part right next to them. Vince Collura #674. Q: How long does the incorporation process take? A: as long as a year. Dale Smith #104. Q: Should one of nearby communities make a decision that they want to annex us, would that prohibit us from incorporation? A: Yes. Avoiding annexation is not a valid reason for incorporation. Henry Castner #164. Q: Briar Chapel is only the potential threat in long run to incorporate and annex us. Because they would have to meet the same requirements we would, what defines contiguousness? A: They don’t have enough contiguousness to annex us. Grounds and Facilities Steve Bodner has resigned. Ron Boyington will replace Steve. Outgoing Board members Tom Hauck thanked the retiring board members for their service to the Fearrington community during 2004 and they were given a round of applause. Approval of Minutes The November board minutes were approved as posted. Treasurer’s Report (Attachment B) Frank Chut reported the Gathering Place revenue will surpass budget by 20%. Our insurance bill for next year is under budget. We will be able to provide $7, 000 to $8,000 to reserves. It was moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted, and the motion was carried. Committee Reports County Liaison – Al Lebeau (Attachment C). Al highlighted several items from his full report. The Chatham County Board of Education has requested the NC General Assembly to enact legislation which would add two seats to the current 5 member board. A bond issue of $100 million may be requested for Board of Education projects. Two proposed developments are in the works: River Oaks near 64 bypass & 15-501 and Williams Pond near Bynum. The Chief District Court Judge is urging the County Commissioners to begin process to construct a new county judicial center. Financial Officer – Richard Bird. 2005 FHA dues statements were mailed 12/8. Gathering Place and FHA Office – Edith Lange. 52 reservaions for December. The mirror was replaced in the Women’s rest room. A suggestion was made by a group using the GP to install a dishwasher. This has been asked several times and the facility is not to be used as an industrial kitchen; there is not enough hot water to accommodate one. Adjournment With no addition resident input, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be on Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Maggie Frantz, Secretary |
