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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-01-2025; 11-b - Chapel Hill Planning Commission 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 1, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 11-b SUBJECT: Chapel Hill Planning Commission DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Application of Member for Reappointment Applications of Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss and approve appointments to the Chapel Hill Planning Commission. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Planning Commission develops a comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and development of Chapel Hill. It reviews all plans for buildings, projects and facilities to be located within the Town's jurisdiction. It also formulates and recommends the adoption and amendment of ordinances. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appoints one (1) resident representing the Chapel Hill Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, as well as one (1) resident representing the Chapel Hill Extraterritorial Jurisdiction or the Joint Planning Area. Per North Carolina General Statute § 160D-307 and the Joint Planning Agreement, the Chapel Hill Town Council is able to make appointments to these seats if the BOCC does not do so within ninety (90) days of receiving a request from the Town of Chapel Hill. In January, Clerk's Office staff received a request from the Town of Chapel Hill to make appointments by April 6, 2025. Since the Chapel Hill Planning Commission is not an Orange County-created board or commission, it does not submit an Annual Work Plan. The Town of Chapel Hill does not make recommendations for appointments to this board. The following individual and positions are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Libby J. Chapel Hill First Full Term 06/30/2028 Thomas ETJ or JPA (reappointment) 2 BOCC Chapel Hill ETJ First Full Term 06/30/2028 Appointee If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals applicable to this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss and approve appointments to the Chapel Hill Planning Commission. 3 Chapel Hill Planning Commission Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on E.Strother Murray-ndinga Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Libby J.Thomas Member Female White 60+ Chapel Hill Matthew Montgomery Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill William Spang lApplicant IMale lWhite 60+ IChapel Hill Mike Zibaie jApplicant Imale 10ther 60+ IChapel Hill 4 Page 1 of 2 Libby J. Thomas Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Libby J. Thomas Name Called: Home Address: 1301 Arboretum Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27517 Phone: 919-923-0163 Email: libby_thomas@unc.edu Year of OC Residence: 1998 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Currently, I volunteer weekly with the North Carolina Botanical Garden (https-Hncbg.unc.edu/ ) and with the Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate Program for the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (https://www.chccs.org/brma)., but since I am retired, have the time to serve. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Planning Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a systems view of housing, transport, environment, equity, and economic well-being from my diverse academic background in business and the natural sciences, and as a transportation safety research professional. If I am selected to participate on the Planning Commission, I will bring systems thinking to bear as I assist the Town in review and revision of the Land Use Management Ordinance and review of other policies and development proposals. I agree with Chapel Hill that it is time to `hear' and act on recommendations from voices that have not traditionally been heard or well-represented in policy and decision-making. I have participated in a number of equity-focused trainings in my former position at UNC, and read widely on equity topics on my own, and will advocate for decisions to help foster a welcoming and diverse human community. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a strong interest in helping to create a vibrant community where low-and moderate- income people, as well as others living in the ETJs and the Town of Chapel Hill, can thrive in a healthy environment with adequate housing, access to parks, greenways, and natural areas, and safe and convenient means to walk, bike, and get around by transit. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a long-time resident of the ETJ, I bring the perspectives of a retiree who sees a lack of connection of neighborhoods in the ETJs (and also some in-town neighborhoods)to other parts of Chapel Hill and the UNC campus. I desire to see Chapel Hill knit our community together so 5 Page 2 of 2 Libby J. Thomas many more of us can choose to live within this larger(but not sprawling)community, and `afford' the time and safety to walk, bike, and use transit to accomplish our lives. This will enable these members of our larger community to contribute to the Town by enjoying the many economic, recreational, and social opportunities Chapel Hill has to offer. I value the richness of a diverse human community and seek ways to enhance and support this diversity and equitable access to housing, mobility, and our local riches. A healthy and connected natural landscape is also very important to me, and I believe, to our quality of life. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? None Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 2/28/2024 5:54:00 PM Date Printed: 2/29/2024 6 Page 1 of 2 Matthew Montgomery Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Matthew Montgomery Name Called: Home Address: 121 Woodward Way Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 561-239-9738 Email: Matthew@GroundStone.net Year of OC Residence: 2008 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: NAHB Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None to date Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Planning Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Current resident in the ETJ. Over 30 years experience in real estate development and General Contracting in Florida and NC. Familiar with all aspects of planning on and zoning. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Want to preserve the character of the rural buffer while valuing the interests of the land owners and local community. The ETJ provides a great opportunity to leverage the local resources such as UNC, the farming community, and local organizations, with the common goal of showcasing a sustainable approach to place-making and land planning. Both ecologically and financially for the community. Being a resident in the ETJ with a 13+ acre farm, I want to preserve the character of the ETJ . I understand the challenges of balancing the rights of the land owners, the desires of the residents in the ETJ, the interests of the broader community, and the financial impacts. Having spent over 30 years in the development industry, I have the experience and knowledge of all the various interests in the community. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Over 30 years experience in a wide variety of place making and real estate development. Projects ranging from affordable housing, CRA programs, Facilities for the Arts and Eduction, Independent living for adults with disables, Homes with the Gary Sinese foundation. In addition have developed and built over 1,500 homes, condos and apartments over the years. My entire career has involved working with people from all parts of society. 7 Page 2 of 2 Matthew Montgomery Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 2/29/2024 10:16:30 AM Date Printed: 2/29/2024 8 Page 1 of 1 William Spang Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. William Spang Name Called: Home Address: 1441 Gray Bluff Trail Chapel Hill NC 27517-9126 Phone: 919-452-9567 Email: spangdevco@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1986 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: None, currently Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Planning Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have spent my entire career in real estate financing and development. Until my recent, partial retirement, I developed residential subdivisions in Orange, Wake and Durham counties for 30 years. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I maintain an active interest in Chapel Hill's development and I now have the time to contribute to the Town's progress. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Every property I have developed had first to be evaluated for its location, capabilities, municipal planning and potential. I can bring that same experience to the Planning Commission. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 4/5/2023 12:10:55 PM Date Printed: 2/5/2024 9 Page 1 of 1 Mike Zibaie Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Mike Zibaie Name Called: Home Address: 11 South Circle Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-368-6203 Email: zibaie@yahoo.com Year of OC Residence: 2016 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: Other Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I was the president of a non-profit organization, Iranian Cultural Society of NC (ICSNC) and now a volunteer to work on a $4M project in Durham as part of the ICSNC. I recently retired after working 40 years at IBM. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Chapel Hill Planning Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board My experience is mostly planning, designing and solving large complex issues via collecting facts and quantifying the data. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Give back. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Good question. My goal is public service and my business background may help with view points. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 2/28/2024 3:09:39 PM Date Printed: 2/29/2024 10 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Chapel Hill Planning Commission Meeting Times: 7:00 pm First and third Tuesday of every month except July Contact Person:Brenton Hodge Meeting Place: Chapel Hill Town Council Contact Phone: 919-969-5055 Positions: 2 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: The Board of Commissioners appoints citizens two positions on this board(JPA and ETJ). The board develops a comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and development of Chapel Hill.It reviews all plans for buildings,projects and facilities to be located within the Town's jurisdiction.It also formulates and recommends the adoption and amendment of ordinances. E. Strother Murray-ndinga 1 First Appointed: 05/10/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 05/10/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: ETJ-Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: B.O.C.C.Appointee Number of Terms: 1 Libby J. Thomas 2 First Appointed: 03/19/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: ETJ or JPA Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: B.O.C.C.Appointee Number of Terns: Thursday,March 13,2025 Page 1 11 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Brenton Hodge Chapel Hill Planning Commission Contact Phone: 919-969-5055 Mr. Matthew Montgomery Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 02/29/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Also Serves On: Mr. William Spang Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 04/05/2023 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Also Serves On: Mr. Mike Zibaie Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 02/28/2024 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Also Serves On: Thursday,March 13,2025 Page 1 of 1