News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(November 6, 2023) 

Here's what's new in Carrboro:  Tuesday is Election Day - get out and vote! A special ceremony commemorating Veterans Day is set for Friday. Feel free to Leave the Leaves; lighten up for your early morning or late day bike ride, run or walk; and get your tickets for the Carrboro Film Festival. Find all the details here ...

Get out and vote!

Tomorrow, Nov. 7, is election day! 

To find all of your voting information in one place, use the voter search tool powered by the North Carolina State Board of Elections at https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/

Voters will be asked to show a photo ID when they check in to vote.

Town Council Update 

Meeting agendas and updates are issued from the Town Clerk’s Office. To receive these by email or text, sign up for Carrboro Town News at https://www.carrboronc.gov/list.aspx 

Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views, and questions at Council@carrboronc.gov

Coming Up

The Carrboro Town Council will hold a Council Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The agenda is available at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ 

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ OR Cable TV 18 (in Carrboro). 

Meeting Recap 
 The Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and took the following actions:

• Passed a resolution recognizing Town Clerk Wesley Barker
• Passed a resolution Honoring Braxton Foushee
• Passed a resolution for Operation Green Light for Veterans
• Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract to Triangle Grading & Paving to modify the three sections of the center median on Jones Ferry Road and to adopt a project ordinance.
• Approved an amendment to the Capital Project Ordinance for Bike Loop Detector Project to increase funding so this project can advance to bidding for construction.
• Approved a clarification on the intent not to develop the designated greenspace of the Westwood Cemetery.
• Approved a request for an extension of the date when a Special Use Permit-A would otherwise expire for Lloyd Farm, Phase1.
• Held a public hearing to consider a text amendment to the Land Use Ordinance regarding residential density in Planned Unity Developments (PUDs) and adopted the amended ordinance.
• Held a public hearing to consider text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance that would modify residential parking requirements and adopted the amended ordinance.
• Held two closed sessions in compliance with NC General Statutes 143-318.11(A)(3) and 143-318.11(A)(6).

Watch the meeting at  https://www.youtube.com/live/gZo6iVN9l-A?si=T9ivSn9LvaqLNe5i

Town Council 
The Town Council, which is the legislative and policy-making body for Carrboro, comprises Mayor Damon Seils, Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Romaine, Council Member Barbara Foushee, Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Council Member Danny Nowell, Council Member Eliazar Posada, and Council Member Sammy Slade. More information is available at https://www.carrboronc.gov/248/Town-Council

Arche McAdoo retires from Carrboro

Finance Director Arche McAdoo says he will miss his role of advising departments on general operations and financial matters, and the small town vibe of Carrboro – but after 13 years with the Town, and a long career of working with public and nonprofit agencies, he is looking forward to retirement.

“In a small town like Carrboro, you do not have the staff and resources of larger jurisdictions, but you have many of the same organizational challenges,” McAdoo said. “This requires leaders to roll up their sleeves and get involved with all aspects of day-to-day management. To be effective, no task is too small or too large for your involvement.”

A native of Orange County, McAdoo graduated from Central High School, the Black high school in Hillsborough under the old dual-school system, which closed in 1968 after full desegregation of County school system. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a research emphasis from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., and a master’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Prior to Carrboro, he worked for City of Durham as a deputy finance officer.  Throughout his career he has held a number of senior level financial management positions, including at the Baltimore City Solicitor’s Office, North Carolina Biotechnology Center at Research Triangle Park, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute at College Park, and Bowie State University.  Additionally, he was part of the initial team that implemented North Carolina’s Community Development Block Grant Program for non-entitlement cities, implemented employment and training programs in Oregon, and was on loan to the U.S. Department of Labor to development national regulations for the reauthorized Comprehensive Employment and Training Act programs.

Recent accomplishments include leading development of the Town’s spending plan for $6.75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. He arranged the financing for the $42 million development under construction at 203 S. Greensboro St. that will house a new Orange County library and other civic activities. He also led efforts to automate financial processes for Carrboro to streamline and improve Town operations. Under his leadership, the Town’s Annual Budget Report and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report have been regularly recognized with awards of excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

Arche, we wish you a wonderful retirement! Congratulations! 

Lighten Up, Carrboro

Wednesday, Nov. 8 is the annual Lighten Up Event in partnership with Chapel Hill and UNC-Chapel Hill. The Town will be tabling at the end of the Libba Cotten Bikeway near Roberson Street from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Lighten Up is a safety-focused event that equips current commuters and recreative cyclists and pedestrians with lights and reflective safety gear as a part of our Transportation Demand Management program. Town staff will be distributing lights and slap bracelets and will have information for pedestrians and cyclists for traffic and crosswalk safety.  

Carrboro Town Council passes resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans

The Carrboro Town Council has passed a resolution for Nov. 6-12 to be a time to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service.

The people of Carrboro respect, admire and appreciate the individuals who selflessly have served the United States of America in the Armed Forces by placing themselves in challenging or perilous situations. The contributions and sacrifices of those individuals who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and ways of life that we enjoy in our local communities.

Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative to support veterans and raise awareness about the challenges many veterans face in accessing benefits and services.

In observance of Operation Green Light, the Town of Carrboro will be displaying green lights on Carrboro Town Hall. The Town Council encourages residents to participate by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from Nov. 6-12.

The Town of Carrboro seeks to join other communities through Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the plight of veterans across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country.

Read the full resolution here.

Employees gather for Richard White 

The Town of Carrboro extends its gratitude and very best wishes to Town Manager Richard J. White III on his career journey ahead! 

2nd Friday ArtWalk is on for Nov. 10

The 2nd Friday Art Walk around downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill returns this month on Friday, Nov. 10.

The second Friday of every month through November, rain or shine, Downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill will showcase The Carrboro-Chapel Hill 2nd Friday Art Walk. 

Explore art galleries, artist studios, shops and restaurants. There will also be live music, performances, spoken word poetry and more. Venues are generally open late afternoon and evening hours. 

Learn more about the participating venues and their exhibitions at https://www.carrboronc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2566

Veterans Day ceremony to be held at Orange County Veterans Memorial site on Friday, Nov. 10

A special ceremony commemorating Veterans Day will be held at the Orange County Veterans Memorial on Friday, Nov. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. The memorial is on the campus of Orange County Southern Human Services at 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill.

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee will speak at the ceremony, and Dr. Mark Clodfelter will be the guest speaker. He is Professor Emeritus at the National War College, a tribute he earned for his decades long service to Professional Military Education. 

A former Air Force officer who was a ground radar officer by trade, Clodfelter served radar tours at Myrtle Beach and South Korea and spent the remainder of his career in military academia. 

He taught at the Air Force Academy and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a BS from the US Air Force Academy, an MA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Ph.D. from UNC.

Orange County Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Rep. Renee Price (D-Orange) and Jeff McNeill, Orange County’s Veteran’s Service Officer, will also speak. Orange County Sheriff’s Office will provide the Color Guard.

Learn more about the Veterans Memorial at ocveteransmemorial.com

Learn to Ride with PZI

On Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department will be supporting a community bicycling “Learn to Ride” event at South Green, 501 S Greensboro St. 

In partnership with local bike shops, Chapel Hill Transit, and BikeCarrboro, PZI staff will be distributing helmets and lights, while other volunteers host a bicycle petting zoo, a traffic garden for kids, help fix bikes at a fix-it station, and set up a Bike on Bus relay challenge. 

This event aims to connect current residents who do not have a bike to resources that can help them try out a variety of bikes (e-bikes, cargo bikes, commuter bikes, etc.) and make an informed decision if, and when, they purchase a bike. This event is also part of our Transportation Demand Management program. 

Carrboro Film Fest Celebrates Southern Cinema

CARRBORO, N.C. -- The Carrboro Film Fest marks its 18th year this Nov. 17-19 with screenings of 2023’s films at The ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St.

55 films. 9 screenings. 3 days. 1 venue.  Festival passes are only $50 now through Oct. 27. Tickets for individual screenings on sale Oct. 28.  

Carrboro Film Fest embraces its identity as a Southern institution and presents exclusively Southern films in a non-competitive setting.

Every year the fest leans into its mission to showcase the best, new Southern Films, and this year will be no different. Filmgoers can expect full-length films, Q&As with directors and actors after the screenings, and short films clustered around various themes which celebrate and interrogate Southern identity and culture.  

Carrboro has always been a little different. In Carrboro, Southern hospitality means everyone is welcome, and the folks here are curious about the world, engaged in their community, and lovers of the arts. That’s why our town is a great place for a film festival.

The Carrboro Film Fest has an established history as a dynamic event that brings filmmakers and audiences together for a heartfelt celebration of independent cinema.

Carrboro Film Fest is made possible with support from the Town of Carrboro and the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority.

Check for the festival schedule and ticket information at https://www.carrborofilm.org/events

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade set for December 9

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade route begins at 140 West Plaza, travels along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, proceeds to Main Street in Carrboro, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall.  

This year’s theme will be “Walkin’ in a winter wonderland” to feature modes of travel like walking, biking, and rollerblading. Earlier this year, the parade’s planning team made the decision to remove motor vehicles from the 2023 Community Holiday Parade for the safety of both participants and spectators. This decision also demonstrates Chapel Hill and Carrboro’s commitment to environmental sustainability.  

Participant registration for the parade is open through Sunday, Nov. 12. Parade participants are encouraged to decorate with a winter theme and should plan to entertain or engage spectators. Organizations with diverse cultural and faith traditions are encouraged to apply at https://www.chapelhillarts.org/parade-participant-application/ 

“We're lucky to have such a diverse array of community groups and organizations here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro,” said Community Arts & Culture Interim Director Meeghan Rosen. “They're what make the holiday parade such a fun, festive and uniquely local event. We're looking forward to this year's parade!” 

Attendees should arrive early to secure their spots and explore the area’s restaurants and shops after the parade ends. To see local offerings, visit https://downtownchapelhill.com/ and https://visitcarrboro.com/. ;

Parking will be available at 140 West and other lots downtown. Learn more about parking in Chapel Hill at ?parkonthehill.com? and parking in Carrboro at? https://www.carrboronc.gov/2774/Downtown-Parking

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is planned and organized by the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro; Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture;  Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources; and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.  

To learn more, visit? https://www.chapelhillarts.org/calendar/chapel-hill-carrboro-holiday-parade/ 

Avoid collisions with deer 

Drivers should remain vigilant on the roads to avoid deer-vehicle collisions, especially between September and December. Deer movement increases dramatically during this time, and limited lighting makes it more difficult for drivers to see them on or near roads.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Unit, about 7 percent of all vehicle crashes in the state involve animal strikes.

Orange County had a total of 706 animal crashes from 2018-2020. These collisions with deer resulted in 33 injuries and a total of $2.2 million in damages reported. More data from around the state is available at https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/driving-safety/Pages/deer-collisions.aspx ;

Safety Advice

Below are important tips from the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding animal (usually deer) crashes: 

• Always maintain a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others, especially at night. If the vehicle ahead of you hits a deer, you could also become involved in the crash. 
• Slow down in areas posted with deer crossing signs and in heavily wooded areas, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
• Most deer-vehicle crashes occur where deer are more likely to travel, near bridges or overpasses, railroad tracks, streams and ditches.
• Drive with high beams on when possible and watch for deer eyes reflecting in the headlights. 
• Deer often travel in small herds so if you see one deer near a road be alert for others.
• If you see deer near a road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast
• Do not swerve to avoid a collision. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause a more serious crash.

If your vehicle does strike a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can be dangerous or further injure itself. Get your vehicle off the road, if possible, and call 911.

Put your ideas into action! 
Apply to serve the Town of Carrboro

The Town of Carrboro is seeking volunteers to provide a fresh perspective on important local issues.

Carrboro local government has various advisory boards and commissions that advise the Town Council on a wide range of issues. We are currently looking to fill vacancies!

When you serve, you become an advocate for the Town of Carrboro, provide feedback to the Council, and help strengthen the community with your unique perspective. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people as you put your ideas into action.

Learn more about the openings available.