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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19741202427 Discussion ensued concerning the budget and budget request of the Mental Health Center. Chairman Walker referred to Item #7 on the Agenda: (Consideration of a proposed Ordinance regulating development on Jots of less than 4D,OOD square feet in size,) The Board reviewed a proposed Ordinance that had been drawn by the County Attorney. Discussion ensued. No.action was taken on the matter, Chairman walker referred to Item #9 on the Agenda: (Consideration of the request of Central Bankshares that Orange County eithAr°exercise its rights ar~quired under a certain indenture or sign a waiver of these rights in order that the property might be disposed of.) The County Administrator explained that the Industrial Development Committee in orange County had Belt with Valley Forge Corporation and had secured approval for the issuance of tax exempt bonds to be issued by the Corporation. He stated that the Corporation was now in bankruptcy and that the county was being requested to wave any rights that would have occurred to the County be virture of the agreement that was made by the Industrial Development Committee in Orange County and the Va1Jey Forge Corporation. Discussion ensued. The Register of Deeds requested the Board to bring Orange County under G.S. 47-30(b). She explained that this would allow the Register of Deeds Office to remain under the uniform map law but would Further permit the office to return the original plat to the designated parties. The Register of Deeds stated that her motive being the lack of space to house the current plats. Upon motion of Commissioner .Richard E, Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Melvin Whitfield it was moved and adopted the Register of Deeds be authorized to act under the authority contained in G.S. 40-37(b). upon motion of Melvin Whitfield, seconded by Commissioner Flora Garrett, it was moved and adopted that the monies that had been appropriated to the Consumers Utility corporation be transferred from a line item budget appropriation and be placed in the Contingency Fund of the County, There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned. ~~~ ~~ Orman Walker, Chairman Betty June Hayes, Clerk Items Filed: Ordinance relating to Public Recreation and Parks Letter from John Temple (concerning Task Force on Sedimentation) Petition on the Dog pound Resolution (Raleigh-Durham Airport) Materials concerning Work Activity Center Approved: THE MINUTES OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS December 2, 1474 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 2, 197c), at 10 a~:m, in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough, N. C. Members Present: Norman Walker, chairman, commissioners Flora Garrett, $enry S. Walker, Melvin Whitfield, and Richard E, Whitted, Members Absent: None. Chairman Walker referred the Board to Item #1 on the Agenda: (Approval of the minutes far the November meetings.) Chairman Walker inquired if all members had reviewed the copies of the minutes of the November meetings. 4~~ The Board approved the minutes of the November meetings. Chairman Walker referred the Hoard to Item #2 of the Agenda: (MS. Beverly Kawalic,.Chapel Hi11 League of Women Voters to read a letter from the League.) Ms. Beverly Kawalic read the following letter addressed to Henry 5. Walker: The members of the League of Women Voters of Chapel Hill aze proud to join with so many others in the community in honoring you as you complete twenty years on the Orange County Hoazd of Commissianers. It is indeed a remarkable achievement. Over that time you have gained a reputation for being thoughtful and fair, .responsible and responsive in the judgements of the people. Your long tenure is, in fact, sure indication that the voters feel i you have been listening. We congratulate you and want you to know ~_ that your contribution is recognized and appreciated. The League of Women Voters is committed to the cause of good government and we believe that this is possible only through the :.. informed and active participation of citizens. We can think of no Finer example of what is meant by that statement than your many years of service as a county commissioner. Chairman Walker referred the Boazd to Item #3 of the Agenda: (Adoption of Resolution of Appreciation for the service of Melvin Whitfield:) Chairman Norman Walker in behalf of the Board presented the following Resolution to Commissioner Melvin Whitfield: WHEREAS, Melvin Whitfield was appointed tp,the Board of Commissioners of Orange,County the 13th day of September, 1973 and WHEREAS, Melvin Whitfield has since the 13th day of September, 1973, served the citizens of Orange County with great distinction, giving freely and unselfishly of his time and energy and has through his foresight and leadership helped promote many progressive changes in Orange County Government. -...--, - NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners action through its members, Flora Garrett, Norman Walker, Henry Walker, and Richard Whined now takes this means of expressing to Melvin Whitfield its sincere appreciation for his able leadership - in helping find the way towazds better government in Orange County and to wish for him and his family every happiness in the ~ years ahead. '~ Let a copy of this Resolution be presented to the said Melvin Whitfield, a copy sent to the press, and let it be spread upon the minutes of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, this the second day of December, 1974. Chairman Walker referred the Board to Item #4 of the Agenda: (Adoption of Resolution of Appreciation for Henry 5. Walker.) Chairman Walker in behalf of the Hoazd presented the following Resolution to Commissioner Henry 5. Walker. WHEREAS, Henry S. Walker was nominated by the voters of Orange County to the Orange County Boazd of Commissioners in the Democratic Primary of May, 1954, and WHEREAS, Henry 5. Walker was elected by the voters of Orange County to the orange County Boazd of Commissioners in the General Election of November, 1954, and WHEREAS, Henry 5. Walker has since December, 1954 with great distinction served the citizens o£ Orange County as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, giving freely and unselfishly, of his time and energy and through his foresight and leadership help promote many progressive changes in the operation of Orange County Government, and WHEREAS, Henry S. Walker having served .twenty yeazs in the office of County Commissioner of Orange County did not seek i renomination to this office in the Democratic Primary of 1974. NOW, HE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Baazd of Commissianers acting through its members, Elora Garrett, Norman Walker, Richard Whined and Melvin Whitfield now take this means of expressing to :-:. Henry S, walker its sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for his faithful service and it wishes him and his family every happiness in the yeazs ahead. 429 Let a copy of this Resolutipn be presented to the said Henry S. Walker, a copy sent to the press, and let it be spread upon the minutes of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, this the second day of December, 1974. There being no further business to come before the Board of Commissioners the Board recessed in order that the oath of office might be administered to the duly elected County Commissioners. Chairman walker referred the Board to Item #5 of the Agenda: (Swearing in of newly elected County Commissioners.) ~ The Clerk of Court administered the oath of office to Norman Walker, Norm Gustaveson and Jan Pinney. The new Commissioners took their seats as members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Walker referred the Boazd to Item #6 of the Agenda: (Convening and Election of Chairman of "New Board of Commissioners".) Chairman Walker stated that this is the time for the election of the Chairman of the Board. The County Administrator had ballots prepared and the Clerk distributed the ballots to each Board member. The Clerk then collected the ballots and announced that Commissioner Flora Gazrett had been elected Chairman of the Board. chairman Garrett then assumed the conducting of the meeting. She announced that the election of the Vice-Chairman would be the next order of business. The County Administrator had ballots propazed and the Clerk distributed the ballots to each Board member. The Clerk then collected the ballots and announced that Commissioner Richard E, whitted had been elected as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Chairman Garrett stated that this was the time for the Board to reorganize and that the Board should consider the appointment .of County Administrator, a Clerk to the Board, and a County Attorney. Commissioner Norman walker called for a point of order and stated that the matter of reoganization had not been included on the Agenda, and he objected to the procedure. He stated that the full consent of the entire Board of Commissioners was needed if the Board deviated fxom the prepared Agenda. Chairman Flora Garrett stated that the new Board had the right to organize as it sees fit. Commissioner Walker moved that 5. M. Gattis be appointed as County Administrator, Betty June xayes be appointed as Clerk to the Board, and Lucius M. Cheshire be appointed as county Attorney. This motion died for lack of a second. Upon motion of commissioner Richard Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Normc Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that S. M. Gattis be reappointed as County Manager . Upan motion of Commissioner Richard Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Norm Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted, that Betty .June Hayes, Register of Deeds, be reappointed as Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Upon motion of Commissioner Richard Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Norm Gustaveson it was moved that the law firm of Winston, Coleman, & Bernhalz be appointed as County Attorneys. Commissioner walker spoke in opposition to the appointment of another law firm as County Attorney. Chairman Garrett called for the vote. " Commissioners Flora Garrett, Norm Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, and Rlchazd Whitted voted aye. commissioner Norman Walker voted nay. Chairman Flora Garrett stated that she felt the Board should consider the rules they wished to operate under and that she had conferred rslth the Institute of Government and she had been advised that the Board could operate without having the motions of a member seconded. - She requested that the Board decide which rules they wished to adopt. She asked, "Do we need a second to the motion?" Commissioner Norman Walker stated that he wanted to continue the seconding of motions. Commissioner Norm Gustaveson stated that he felt the lack of a second to a motion was appropriately moved and that changes in the. Agenda should be unaminous. It ~ was agreed that any 'items appearing en the Agenda must be filed by the close of the working day, on Wednesday before the first Monday's meeting, or on Wednesday prior to the third Tuesday's meeting. ~~~ Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved and unaminously adopted that the rules under which the Boazd had previously operated for the past two (2) years would be the rules that would be adepted by this Board. Chairman Flora Garrett referred to Item #7 on the Agenda: (Report Ms. Flora Garrett, concerning the Manpower Program,) Chairman Garrett reported to the Hoazd her conference with Mr. Berini. She stated that the Manpower program was enceuntering difficulties in placing the unemployed persons and this agency was wondering i.f the County could assist in this matter. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Walker presented a letter that dealt with the. hiring of the handicapped, Said letter requested the County to conduct a survey of the employees in order to determine how many handicapped persona were being employed. The County Administrator was requested to answer the letter after the survey had been conducted. Chairman Flora Garrett referred the Board to Item #e on the Agenda: (Reconsideration of proposed County Recreation Ordinance.) Chairman Flora Garrett recognized Ann Haznes, a•member of the County Recreational Study committee, Ms. Barnes stated she had no comments to make concerning the proposed Ordinance, however, she would be glad to discuss it with the Hoazd at a later time if the Board desired to pursue the matter. Discussion ensued. Chairman Flora Gazrett recognized A, B. Coleman, Jr, and advised him of the appointment of the firm, Winston, Coleman, and Hernholz as County Attorneys, She stated that the Board wanted to know when a time could be scheluded for a meeting between the Boazd and the law firm. Commissioner Richard Whitted stated that he felt a work session would be the appropriate time for a discussion on the matter. Items 9 and 10 were deferred. The Board agreed to hear the presentation of riorvthy Allison. Ms. Allison made inquiry concerning the maintenance of 5R 1378, She stated that a. portion of this road had been ditched, however the ditching stops near the beginning of the road and the residents who lived further down the road were experiencing a run-off of the water due to the fact that the ditches were closed. The clerk was instructed to write S, H. Jones, District Engineer, about sR 1378. The Clerk stated the Betsy Farrington of SR 1945 was requesting the Board to request that the Hoard of. Transportation grant at least a 30-day delay tv the residents of her area as they were trying to secure the needed Right of Way for SR 1945. Upon motion of Commissioner Norman walker, seconded by Commissioner Jan Pinney, it was moved and unaminously adapted, that the Clerk write to the Board of Transportation requesting them not to delete from the prior list SR 1945 as the citizens are hopeful of securing the needed Right of Way for this road. Chairman Flora Garrett referred the Board to Item #9 on the Agenda: (Peazson Stewazt to report on what has happened in the Nutrition Program during the calendar year 1974 and to inquire about County participation during the year 1975.) Peazson Stewart, of the Triangle J Council of Governments, stated that the Nutrition Program could be instituted for the County on a matching basics with ten percent (10~) funding from the County, and ninety percent (90%) funding from the Federal Fund. Mr, Stewart reviewed the current program that was being sponsored by the Orange Presbytery during the year of 1974. He stated that the Triangle J Council of Governments had been advised that the Presbytery would no longer participate in the program, therefore, he was requesting the County to consider the funding of the Nutrition Program in the forthcoming 1975-1976 Budget year. Gertrude Willis spoke in favor of the program's activities and the benefits derived by ,the Senior citizens. Mx. Stewart stated that the funds most be appropriated prior to January 1st in order that the proper Governmental Agencies might be notified of Orange County's intention to participate in the Nurition program. He stated that there was strong sentiments for the establishment of a center in Cedar Grove, The Board went on record as favoring the continuation of the Nutrition Program for Orange County and strong sentiments were expessed for the establishments of a center in Cedar Grove. `~ J~ Upon motion of commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Whitted, it was moved and adopted, that the County fund the Nutrition Program in the arnvunt of $1,484 and the the money for this program be taken from the Contingency Fund. The Board inquired of Mr. Stewart what progress was being made towards the plan for making application under the Community Development Act. Mr. Stewart zeplied that he could give a more efficient answer if he could come back to the Hoard in two (2) weeks. He stated that the sta#f assistant was being given two (2) local governmental units who wished to apply for monies under the act and that he would know more about what would be needed after some experience had been gained. Chairman Garrett referred to Item 10 on the Agenda: (Edward Johnson to discuss possible advance of funds to the Prange Grove Rural Fire District.) Edward Johnson, President of the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department, stated that his department had gotten themselves into somewhat of a financial predicament in that the loan application to the Farmers Home Administration would not be forthcoming until sometime after the first of the year. The Fire Department had proceeded to construct a building and purchase equipment and monies were nbt now available to meet the obligations that'had been incurred. He stated that the tax levy for the Fire District had been estimated at $16,D00, that $8,000 had been received by the Fire District, however, based on the current need of his District he was requesting that an additional $8,000 be appropriated in order that the Fire District might meet some of its financial obligations. The County Administrator advised the Board that the tax levy for the Fire District would raise approximately $15,000, as;the anticipated uncollected taxes would amount to a deficit in the Orange Grove Fire District of about $1,000. Discussion ensued. The County Attorney stated he would seek a ruling on the matter. The Soard agreed to hear a presentation from Gary Sykes. Mr. Sykes stated that he had nine (9) tax statements for property that is located within the Orange Grove Fire District and that in his mind only one of the statements were relative to his position that the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department could not assist him if afire was to occur, xe asked "Should 1 be taxed a special fire tax on my vacant land that cannot be served by this Fire Department?" Discussion ensued. Chairman Garrett advised Mr. Sykes that the General Statutes made no exceptions. The County Administrator advised the Board that the County was bringing Tax Foreclosure Suits against certain individuals. A suit had been instituted against George and Margaret Ballentine and that the property had been sold at the courthouse door, however, no one appeared to bid on the property. The County, therefore, bought the property and the Sallentines had tendered the needed funds for the payment of their taxes and were now requesting Orange county to assign their bid an the property to them. Mr. Gattis stated that he saw no reason the County could not assign its bid to George and Margaret Ballentine and that he recommended the Board authorize the Sid Assignment. Upon motion of commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Whitted, it was moved and adopted that Orange County assign its bid of $1,246.28 on the property of George and Margaret Salentine to Margaret Ballentine. The Board reconvened after lunch. Chairman Garrett, CpmAlissioner Norm Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, and Richard E. Whitted were present. Commissioner Norman Walker was not present for that afternoon session. A. B. Coleman, Jr., County Attorney, advised the Board as to the procedure that would be nessary for the County to allocate the requested funds to the Orange Grove Fire District. Chairman Garrett read the following Resolution: HE IT RESOLVED that the Orange county Hoard of Commissioners authorize the county Administrator to pay to the Orange County Fire District the sum of $6,500.00 which sum is payment in advance of a portion of the appropriation heretofore made. Such payment to be made under expressed consitions that repayment of the same be made to the county upon collection of the tax levy for the fiscal year of 1974-1975, if need. Upon motion of Commissioner Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the Resolution as read by Chairman Garrett be approved. Chairman Garrett referred to Item #12 on the Agenda: (Consideration of County releasing its option to acquire under section 411, bf a certain Indenture of Trust issued by Valley Forge Corporation.) '~~~ The County Administrator reviewed the background informat~,on relative to the tax free bonds that had been issued by Valley Forge Corporation. Discussion ensued. Chairman Garrett recognized Bill Lawa, Assistant Tax Supervisor, and Archie Kelly, Tax Appraiser. They advised the Board that three (3) parcels of real i estate had been discovered after the Board had adjourned as a Board of Equalization and Review. It came to the attention of the Tax Supervisor that three (3) parcels of land were grossly under appraised at the time of re-valuation, and the Board of Commissioners has the right to re-value the parcels. The three (3) parcels of land consist of: Mary Lindsay's 209 acre tract in Chapel Hill Township, the land lies - immediately across the road from the University Airport. This land was appraised at 5515.00 per acre, the adjoining property is valued at $5,000 per acre. It was suggested that $5,000 for 100 acres and $2,000 for 95 acres and $9,000 for 14 acres. 5816,00 as opposed to $226,400. W. C. Coker Estate was appraised at 5194,500. 2.5 acres on Hillsborough St., in Chapel Hill Township, at 510,800 an acre.. The remainder at 55,000 an acre. Total change was from S71,400 to $236,600.00. Order of Gimghoul - Gimghpul Drive - which consist of 29..20 acres, appraised at $130,500, should be appraised at $356,800.00. Discussion ensued, no action was taken on this matter. Chairman Garrett inquired of the Board if there was any item that the othex members wished to bring before the Board. Commissioner Jan Pinney presented the following: "APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION December 2, 1974 The Honorable Board of County commissioners Orange County, North Carolina Gentlemen: The undersigned request that property located on Tax Map #18, Lot #6-A, which is presently in a General Industrial. District be rezoned to a Residential District for the following reasons: To protect and preserve the general character of the neighboxhood and area within the tract of land is located." Commissioner Pinney requested that the other Commissioners join him in the petitioning for a zoning change on the land designated as Tax Map #18, Lot #6A. Discussion ensued. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the Board join Commissioner Pinney in petitioning for a zoning change and reclassification on the property designated as Tax Map #18, Lot #6A. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissipner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that S. M. Gattis be appointed as the county Zoning Officer. Discussion ensued on the legal procedures that would be zequired in this matter. It was agreed that no special Public Hearing would.be scheduled on the matter and that it would be placed 'on the Agenda for the Public Hearing on Feburary 24, 1975. There being no further business to come before the Hoard. The meeting was adjourned to meet again on Thursday, December 12, 1974, at 8 p.m. in the Commissioners Room and on Monday, December 16th, a 7 p.m. in the Commissioners RoCm in the Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Flora Garrett, Chairman Betty June Hayes, Clerk r X33 Items .Filed: Letter from League of Women Resolution for Melvin Whitfield. Resolution for Henry 5. Walker. Letters concerning handicapped Assignment of Hid Resolution concerning Fire District. Zoning Application Title ViI - 1975 Approved THE MINUTES OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSION$RS December 12, 1974 The Orange County Hoard of Commissioners met'..in adjourned session on Thursday, December 12, 1974, at B P.M. in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough, N. C. Members Present: -Chairman, Flora Gazrett, Commissioners, Norm Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman Walker, and Richard E. Whitted. Members Absent: None. Steve Bernholz and A. B. Coleman, Jr., of the Law Firm of Winston, Coleman, and Bernholz, were present. 5. M. Gattis, County Administrator, and Betty June Hayes, Clerk were also present. This meeting was held for the purpose of defining the duties and establishing the guidelines by the soazd for the County Attorney, the County Administrator and the Clerk to the Baazd. Chairman Gazrett recognized the County Attorney. Discussion ensued on the retainer fee of the County Attorney, the Agency of County Government that would have access to the services of the County Attorney and the Board preceded to define the areas of responsibility that the Law Firm of Winston, Coleman, & Bernholz would have to the County. Mr. Coleman Advised the Board that he and Mr. Cheshire had agreed that Mr. Cheshire would proceed with the litigations and other legal matters that he had undertaken in behalf of the County. The Board stated that they wanted the Attorney to be present at all meetings unless otherwise specified by the Board that there was no need For the presence of the Attorney'. Further discussion ensued. The Board agreed that since it was now passed 10 o~clock that they would defer their planned discussion with the County Administrator and the Clerk and that they would pursue the matter at some other time. The Board decided to pursue the matter of the purchase of the water system form the University of North Carolina. Discussion ensued. It was agreed that a committee would be appointed to talk with the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill about the proposed purchase. Chairman Flora Gazrett and Commissioner San Pinney were appointed, by the Board, as members of the Committee that would pursue the matter with the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel xill. There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned to meet again on Monday, December 16, 1974, at 8 P.M. in the Commissioners Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Cazolina. Flora Gazrett, Chairman Betty June xayes, Clerk ~ Items filed: None. Approved: