Information Services Advisory Board
July 7, 2005
Temporary Council Chambers
Herbert C. Young Community Center
104 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, North Carolina
1. Call to Order
Chair Jo Rathgeber called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Introduction of Members
Present: Jamie Cuticchia, Donna Bravo, Dean Smith, Mark Evangelista, Jo Rathgeber, John Fitzpatrick, and Angel Wright-Feldman
Absent: Steve Del Verde, Lee Douglas, Dayna Guzik
Town Attorney Chris Simpson, Deputy Town Clerk Karen Gray, and staff members Susan Moran and Teri Peralta were also present.
Milli Hayman of the N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Air Quality Division, was also present.
3. Approval of Minutes
The board unanimously approved the June 2, 2005, minutes as presented.
4. Old/New Business
a. Boards and Commissions Ethics Policy
Karen Gray explained that an Ethics Policy has been adopted by Cary Town Council. The Council felt something similar should be implemented by boards and commission members as well. Ms. Gray reviewed the Guidelines and asked that they be signed and returned to her office by July 23.
Ms. Gray introduced Town Attorney Chris Simpson, who explained that because Boards and Commission members serve in an advisory position, rather than a decision making capacity, it was more appropriate to provide a set of guidelines designed both to raise consciousness levels of Board members to potential ethical issues that might arise and to make clear the Council’s expectations of Board members. Ms. Simpson stated that members would be required to sign this document at time of appointment, and then on an annual basis. She noted that the guidelines would be available for review on the Town’s website, and will be included in the next printed copy of the volunteers’ handbook.
Ms. Simpson stated that these guidelines are designed to ensure that public officials remain independent, impartial, and responsible to people, that decisions and policy be made through proper channels and that the public office not be used for personal gain so that the public can have confidence in the integrity of its government. She noted that the guidelines will help members in making decisions in situations where there may be a potential conflict, or the potential for the appearance of a conflict.
Ms. Simpson indicated that violation of these guidelines is grounds for removal, but assured the Board that they were not brought about due to any issues or improper actions on the Board’s account. They are strictly designed to enhance the stature of the Town of Cary.
Before Ms. Simpson opened the floor for questions, she suggested two reference tools: Ethics, Conflicts, and Offices – A Guide for Local Officials, and Ethics in Public Life, both by A. Fleming Bell, II. She indicated that these are available at the Institute of Government, and could also be made available through the Town Attorney’s office if there is enough interest.
Ms. Wright-Feldman asked what the current policy is regarding communicating with the media. Ms. Moran responded that the Town offers comprehensive media relations training to any employees who may be in a position to communicate with the media. She expressed the importance of sharing accurate, timely information with the citizens of Cary.
Ms. Moran reminded the Board that currently only three individuals are authorized to initiate contact with the media–the Town Manager, the Assistant Town Manager, and the Public Information Officer–but that the media is welcome to initiate contact with anyone at any time. She noted that should the Board members be contacted by the media, it would be best to touch base with her to be sure the information getting out to the media is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
Ms. Rathgeber reminded the Board that there is more information regarding communication with the media on pages 31-2 of the booklet Working with the Town of Cary.
Ms. Gray reminded the Board to return the signed copies of Ethics Guidelines to her at the end of the meeting, if possible, and indicated that any members absent would be contacted by the Town Clerk’s office.
b. Air Quality Coalition
Millie Hayman, N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Air Quality Division, was invited to speak regarding air quality communication issues. Her purpose was to: express the goals of the program, discuss how they impact the Town of Cary, and determine how Cary might be able to disseminate air quality information to the public.
Ms. Hayman stated that her organization has major informational programs in effect in Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Triad areas. She noted that the Air Quality Forecast has been part of their program since 1988, and that their major outreach tools have been television, radio, and other air quality coalition partners, such as the Town of Cary. She indicated that employees could be made more aware of the air quality via email and signs at exits.
Ms. Hayman then discussed the importance of awareness of ground-level ozone. She explained that it is caused by manmade chemical reactions, such as fuel consumption and gasoline emissions. She went on to state that ground-level ozone is especially dangerous in the summertime because it is intensified by heat and sunlight. Ms. Hayman noted that ozone is a strong respiratory irritant that can send children and adults to the hospital emergency department with a severe asthma attack. She also stated that increased ozone is linked to increased hospital visits in general, and that children who are continually exposed to it receive a chronic, cumulative effect which can result in reduced lung function as adults.
Ms. Hayman then discussed Federal regulations, stating that we have to be “in containment” by 2009 and maintain compliance for 20 years. In order to reach these goals, she stressed the need to involve everyone. She noted that while the Raleigh area leads legislation such as the Clean Smokestacks Mandate of 2003, the number of drivers is increasing at a faster rate than can be accounted for by population growth alone.
After listing a number of public outreach tools and activities that have been helpful so far, such as television public service announcements, tools to help teachers educate children, public fairs and festivals, Ms. Hayman asked the Board for their involvement in getting these resources to the public. She suggested showing ads on Cary’s public access channel, offering video programs to teachers, including utility bill inserts, stating that her organization would help coordinate the development and design of any of these tools.
After viewing the advertisements already playing on television, the floor was opened to questions and suggestions. The following issues were noted and suggestions made:
º Use of space on the Public Access channel and on the Town’s website home page indicating the ozone color index.
º Announce ozone levels/air quality data on information signs along interstates, similar to signs indicating construction delays. Use of unique messages will help keep drivers alert as well.
º Utilizing space on Google web search tool for services such as Find-a-Ride to hook up on real-time basis for car pooling. Some cities, such as Atlanta, have already adopted this type of program. Ms. Hagment responded that North Carolina has a “Share the Ride” program, but it does not have a real-time option. She will look into what Atlanta uses.
º It was noted that the greatest amount of emissions come from cold engine starts, yet the way shopping centers are constructed encourages people to drive from shop to shop. It might be advantageous to construct malls and shopping areas in a more centralized manner, resulting in less heat loss in winter and less energy consumption in summer. Ms. Hayman responded that those kinds of decisions are made on a municipal level, rather than a state level.
º Utility bill inserts could be used to promote air quality and natural resource conservation, C-Tran schedule, and a number of other services. Ms. Hayman also suggested offering incentives such as reduced rates on public transportation on Code Orange and Code Red days; Ms. Moran commented that C-Tran is currently a door-to-door service, but future route have been approved which could include such incentives, and Cary will be coordinating with TTA regarding Ride Share programs. She stated that a major marketing campaign is planned.
º Commuter lanes, (HOV lanes) were discussed. They seem to work well for large cities such as DC, Norfolk, etc., but it was also noted that Cary and Raleigh do not currently have additional lanes that can be restricted for carpool use only. Others commented that in some places a lane is designated for one direction in morning traffic, then the other direction of travel in evening rush hour. In other places it was rescinded shortly after it was established. Ms. Moran then noted that these questions were being put to an environmental specialist, but should be the concern of NCDOT. The Board felt that perhaps Ms. Hayman’s organization could serve as an advocate.
º Being aware of what the ozone index is forecasted to be would give people a chance to make changes in their arrangements for the next day – errands, packing lunch, etc. Making the Air Quality Index available at a glance on the access channel and/or website seems like a worthwhile idea. A discussion ensued regarding automatic feed hookups. Ms. Moran explained that the Town is not currently in a position to redesign the website for this. However, for the time being we can add Air Quality Index alerts to our media alert system. Ms. Hayman suggested simply a red, orange or yellow dot on the home page linked to the Air Quality Index website could be a place to start.
º A natural resources link on the Town’s website was suggested, showing bicycle routes, TTA and C-Tran routes and contact information. Ms. Moran noted that most of that information is on the website, but perhaps repackaging it could make it more effective.
5. Comments
a. Statement of Findings
The group received a briefing from Town Attorney, and Deputy Town Clerk regarding the Ethics Guidelines. Everyone present turned in their signed copies to the Deputy Town Clerk.
The Board then moved on to a business presentation from Milli Hayman from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Air Quality Division, and a number of ideas were discussed regarding options the Town has for educating the public on air quality awareness.
b. Citizen comments
There were no citizen comments turned in for discussion.
c. Member comments
Ms. Rathgeber stated that at the last meeting, Mr. Stice spoke to the Board and offered to give a tour of the Technical Services Department as part of the November session. She explained that, if Mr. Stice was available, it might be beneficial for the tour be moved up to the September session. It was noted that Mr. Stice would be contacted regarding this change.
Mr. Fitzpatrick suggested that a “printable version” option be added to the Town’s website.
Mr. Cuticchia noted that the BUD insert article regarding curbside pick-up was a bit ambiguous and wondered if a clarification might be in order as the program unfolds.
Ms. Bravo inquired as to the status of Wi-Fi. Ms. Rathgeber indicated that it had been put before the EDC, but she was not expecting an answer anytime soon. The group discussed what further action could be taken. It was decided that Ms. Rathgeber would represent the group and bring the question up to Ms. Robinson.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
The next meeting of the ISAB will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. in the Temporary Council Chambers, Herb Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Avenue.
For questions about these minutes, please contact Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, at (919) 460-4951 or susan.moran@townofcary.org. Visit our Web site at www.townofcary.org for more detailed information about each item in the minutes.
The Town of Cary is committed to providing all citizens with the opportunity to participate fully in the public meeting process. Any person with a disability who needs an auxiliary aid or service in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Town Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The e-mail address is sue.rowland@townofcary.org; the phone number is (919) 469-4011; the TDD number is (919) 469-4012.