The Town Council will address a proposal today to change how applications are reviewed under Cary's Citizen Issue Review Commission, or CIRC, a board tasked with helping residents propose projects or policies that would improve the town.

A governing policy known simply as "policy 157" routes applications directly to the town manager, who is supposed to determine eligibility of the submission. The requested change would route applications instead to the CIRC staff liaison - currently deputy public information officer Deanna Boone - who would determine eligibility based on the criteria of the current policy. The CIRC staff liaison would provide a recommendation to accompany each application received and forward to CIRC.

Formed in May 2008, the review commission is the brainchild of Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, who proposed the group's formation as one of his goals for his first 100 days in office.

CIRC established a process for Cary residents to petition the town to authorize an ad hoc advisory group to study, develop and recommend improvements on a topic that is under the town's authority. The purpose of this process is to expand citizen involvement in local government.

The review process has seen multiple revisions.

In the beginning, for example, the commission itself had the authority to move or kill an application from a group of residents wishing to pursue further study of a specific issue.

If the seven-member board felt that an idea merited a second look, it could call on the Town Council to sanction an advisory group.

If not, CIRC could deny the application. Those affected by the board's decision would have at least two opportunities to appeal it - once within 90 days of CIRC's initial ruling and 180 days from the date of a second denial.

The current policy adds a layer of bureaucracy to the process by having the town's staff look over the applications first. The proposed amendment would maintain that extra step but take it out of the town manager's hands.

Also up for discussion at tonight's council meeting:

Cameron Pond: Town Council will consider directing staff to compile information on impacts of the future Interstate 540 turnpike on the Cameron Pond neighborhood. Council members are seeking information about a possible tree buffer, visual wall and noise wall that could minimize negative effects of the new roadway.

Economic Incentives: Council may vote to enter into a $60,000 economic development incentive contract with a company considering a move to Cary. Under the proposed contract, the town will make a cash grant with job count payback provisions if certain thresholds are not met. The company was not identified.

The Town Council meeting will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall, located at 316 N. Academy St.