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Town Council 2023-2024 Retreat Summary
PURPOSE: This item is to provide a summary of matters discussed during the Carrboro Town Council 2023-2024 retreat that took place February 3, 2024. Important topics of discussion include council priorities for the LUO rewrite, the FY24-25 budget, and council norms.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Town Managers Office
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Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Marie Parker, Assistant Town Manager, mparker@carrboronc.gov, (919) 918-7315
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X__ Race/Equity __X__ Climate __X__ Comprehensive Plan ____Other
Council Direction Statement
The Town Council discussed major themes of racial equity, climate, and dedication to the Comprehensive Plan in conversations regarding the Land Use Ordinance, the FY24-25 budget, and their operating norms.
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Information
INFORMATION: The 2023-2024 Town Council retreat took place on February 3rd, 2024. During the retreat, Council discussed three major agenda items which included council priorities for the LUO rewrite, council priorities for the FY24-25 budget, and council norms. The summary report (attached) includes additional information on matters discussed.
In discussion of the LUO rewrite, Council prioritized the following goals for the rewrite: clarity, affordability, reducing the burden on those doing business with Carrboro, diversifying commercial-use in Carrboro, accessibility, racial equity, environmental protection, aligning LUO vision to the Comprehensive Plan, along with others.
Priorities identified for the FY 24-25 town budget included moving forward with the LUO rewrite, addressing compensation for the recruitment and retention of staff, and prioritizing the environment through stormwater infrastructure improvements and other means of environmental protections. Long-term budget priorities for the council focused on racial equity, creating a town conducive to multi-modal connectivity, and housing.
The Town Council worked together to create a set of six norms that would be used to aid in conducting effective and respectful business by Council. The six norms are “We will focus on policy outcomes and function as a team. We demonstrate mutual respect. We are action oriented. We are collective, collaborative problem-solvers. We use open communication. We assume good faith.”
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: This item has no fiscal impact. Direction by Council on these matters will be accounted for in the FY24-25 budget.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Town Council affirm recommendations made in the retreat during the Council business meeting.
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