Agenda - 11-05-2013 - 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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On October 23, 2013 the Town of Carrboro responded to the letter in an email from the Carrboro Town Manager and Planning Director. (Attachment 1). Among the items noted in the response: A) 1128 Hillsborough Road, Shetley property. The Board of Aldermen has not taken an official position on the land swap, but is not inclined to support such an action. Further consideration and inquiry will be necessary. (See Attachment A within Attachment 1 - October 23, 2013 David Andrews letter.) The Board may recall that staff feels that development of the Shetley property without a proper land swap agreement with Carrboro and the MLK Park is not feasible. B) 401 Fidelity Street, Town of Carrboro cemetery property. There is significant exposed weathered rock crowning in the center of the most logical building site for a potential library structure and associated parking, indicating sizable potential subterranean rock formations. County staff requested a legal opinion from Carrboro with regard to associated liabilities involving development adjacent to a cemetery- specifically related to the County's interest in rock blasting that is probable should this property be chosen for library development. The Town Attorney provided an opinion. (See Attachment E within Attachment 1 - 10/23/13 David Andrews letter) There are strong concerns from Orange County staff that probable blasting adjacent to a cemetery exposes the County to significant liabilities that will not only drive up the cost of the project, but may cause concerns with residents and stakeholders in Orange County. County staffs' experience is that rock blasting and removal adds significant cost to a project ranging from a 5 -15% increase of a project's overall cost. Potential liability costs associated with disturbing existing cemetery burial plots adjacent to the building site through a probable rock blasting process are incalculable. C) 120 Brewer Lane, the Butler property. Carrboro staff will provide requested information on the existing permit limits as requested. (See Attachment F within Attachment 1 - 10/23/13 David Andrews Letter) FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the discussion of the library siting efforts. There are sufficient funds available for the in -depth study of the original two properties recommended (401 Fidelity Street and 1128 Hillsborough Street) as well as for the 120 Brewer Lane property. Each in -depth study is estimated to cost $10,000 to $15,000. Up to this point, staff has not yet engaged in any professional services agreements. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Interim Manager recommends that the Board: 1) Receive and discuss the letters from the Town of Carrboro; 2) Eliminate 1128 Hillsborough Road and 401 Fidelity Street from further consideration for a Southern Branch Library; and 3) Direct staff to conduct further Phase 1 Site Criteria Analysis for 120 Brewer Lane and provide follow -up information to the Board. If the Board does direct staff to move forward with the analysis of 120 Brewer Lane as noted in #3 above, staff will report back to the Board at its January 23, 2014 regular meeting. Following the completion of due diligence and reporting back to the Board, staff recommends moving to the "Public Phase" of the library siting process, including the Board conducting a public hearing on the library siting efforts.