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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 197509115B Discussion followed. Chairman Garrett called for the vote. Voting nay were Commissioners Garrett, Gustaveson and Whitted. Voting aye were Commissioners Pinney and Walker. The motion was declared failed. Commissioner Walker made a motion that the Board request the - Attorney General's office to designate and advise the Orange County Social Services Board in matters relating to the appointment of.Ms. McLendon. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pinney. Commissioners Gustaveson then moved that the Commissioners table the matter until the members of the Board had received all correspon- dente from the Attorney General's office. Commissioner Whitted seconded the motion. Chairman Garrett called for the vote. Commissioners Garrett, Gustaveson, Pinney and Whitted voted aye. Commissioner Walker voted nay. Chairman Garrett declared the motion passed. The Board decided tc meet again on September 11, 1975, to finish items on the Agenda not completed at this meeting. The County Attorney was requested to report to the Board at this time regarding his findings of the McLendon matter. ~ ~ The Board was then adjourned. ~j - ~~'b, l~ . ~- Flora R. Garrett, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Acting Clerk ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMP4ISSIONERS September 11, 1975 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in adjourned session on Thursday, September 11, 1975, at 7:30 p.m., in the Commissioners' Room, at the Courthouse in Hillsborough, N. C. Members present were Commissioners Flora Garrett. Norm Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman,Walker and Richard E. Whitted. Members absent were nor_e. _ S. ri. Gattis, County Manager; Neal Evans, Fiscal Officer; A. B. Coleman, Jr.,County Attorney; and .Agatha Johnson, Acting Clerk, were also present. Chairman Garrett referred to ztem #1 on the Agenda- (Recognition of persons present and not on the Agenda desiring to speak with the Board.) Since no one came Earth to speak, Chairman Garrett referred to Ttem # 2 on the Agenda: (2.linutes of prior Meetings). 59 The Board agreed to defer action on the Minutes until the September 16th meeting. Chairman Garrett referred to Item # 3-A on the Agenda: (The Jcint Orange-Chatham Emergency Medical Services Council has asked the County to add to its payroll one keypunch machine operator at an annual salary of $6,456. The Council will reimburse the County quarterly for the salary of this position plus social security and hospital insurance. The Memorandum of August 21st to you explains this request in more detail.) Upon motion of Commissioner Jan Pinney, seconded.,by Commissioner Norm Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the County add to its - payroll one keypunch machine operator at an annual salary of $6,456.00 to be reimbursed quarterly by the point Orange-Chatham Emergency Medical Services Council. (The Board is requested to designate from what area of. the Budget this appropriation is to come.) Item #3-B was then referred to by the Chairman. (The Orange Soil Conservation District has asked the County to transfer to the County payroll the District's only employee, Ms. Jeanette Wagner. Funds appro- priated to the District by the County would be transferred back to off- set the cost of this position, $6,420. plus social security.) Discussion ensued. It was stated that Ms. Wagner had been employed by the Orange Soil Conservation District for sixteen years. Upon motion of Commissioner Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Gustave- son, it was moved that the Board approve Orange Soil Conservation District's request to transfer to the County payroll Ms. Jeanette Wagner at the salary of $6,420. plus Social Security. Commissioner Walker stated that he would like to amend Commissioner Whitted's motion to read that Ms. Wagner should be reclassified and be placed in a proper classification. Chairman Garrett stated that she agreed with Commissioner Walker's amendment and requested the County Manager to investigate and find the proper classification for this employee. Chairman Garrett called for the vote. All members of the Board voted aye. Chairman Garrett declared the motion passed. Chairman Garrett referred to Item #4 on the Agenda: (Edward N. Mann, Jr., Treasurer, "Growth Options for Orange County", has submitted a re- quest for an appropriation of $500.00 to partially fund the conference to be held at Camp New Hope an September 26, 27, and 28th. Discussion ensued. The Board had been informed by a letter from Carl Shy that the meeting place had been changed from Camp New Hope to Stanford Junior. High. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved and adopted that the Board approve the request of "Growth Options for Orange County" and that the appropriation of $500.00 be taken from the Contingency Fund. o. Chairman Garrett referred to Item #11 on the Agenda: (Social Services Director: A. The State has approved a change in boarding home rates. lmplementation of this rate change will cost the County about $5,400. Alternatives are (1) Authorize the Social Services Department to implement the new rates knowing that additional local funds will have to be provided later in the year; (2) Negotiate with home operators for a lower rate than that approved by the State; (3) Drop out of the program entirely. Chairman Garrett recognized .Tom Ward, Social Service Director'. Mr. Ward stated that the Legislature had approved this action when they last met. That implementation of this change would provide the boarding home operators an increase of $30.00 per month. He informed the Board that citizens receiving this care were listed a.n three classifi- cations: (1) Ambulatory; (2) Semi-ambulatory; and (3) Invalid. Mr. Ward stated that he had not received this mandate in sufficient time to include it in the 1975-1976 budget. He discussed with the Board the alternatives ~V listed in the Agenda. Commissioner Walkez moved that the board authozize the Social 5ervices Department to implement the new rite and that the $5,400.00 be taken from the Contingency Fund. Commissioner. T.~Thitted seconded the motion. Vote: Aye 5; Nay 0. Chairman Garrett declared the motion passed. Mr. Ward referred to Item #11-B on the Agnnda: (The Social. 'Services Board has approved the Welfare Director's request for eight additional employees. Mr. Ward informed the Board that the request Maas far one additional Typist II position with an annual salary of $6,500.; one additional Supervisory position wtih an annual salary o.f $12.,000.; six Social Worker I positions with an annual salary rate of $8,500.; and two Social Worker I~ positions with an annual salary rate of $10,200. Mr. Ward stated further that the Social Services Depart$4n00w0ouf_orre ui quire $4,000• for travel; $x,000- for Social Security; q p- ment; and 53,500. for Retirement. Of the monies required by the Social 5ervices Department, the County's share would be $27,000.00 based on annual figures far these requested positions. Mr. Ward added that additional space was vitally needed. That staff was having to double up which cut down on efficienty. He recommended the renovation of the upstairs of the Social Services Building. Mr. Ward spoke of the Adoption Service under Title XX. He stated that all monies foz work performed by the Adoption Service was not covered under Title XX. Seventy-five percent was provided through Matching Funds and the County vaould need to provide $5,000. 2t is a mandate under S'^ate Law that the Social Services Pepart~nent provide an .Adoption Service and the Department currently has 85 cases of adoption. Mr. ~Iard spoke of the Chore Service which must be added. to the Administrative Budget. He stated that seventy-five percent of Matching Funds for this service would come from Title XX, but the County's cost would be $5,000. since Chore Service would fall in the Administrative Budget. Mrs. Garrett inquired of Mr. Ward regarding the Court Order Alexandar VS Hill received from Meck.enburg County. She asY.ed if the Social Services Department was prepared to comply with the Court Order. Mr. Ward replied that in the past the Social Services Department had worked by appointments and clients were usually seen within one week. However, if there is an emergency, the clients will be seen as soon as possible. Mr. Ward then asked members of this staff to speak to the issue of the need of additional staff. Mrs. Marilyn Tyroler stated that the Social Services Department realized that this was a sensitive area in the County's Budget this year, however, it was not possible to continue in the present state. Mrs. Tyroler spoke of the heavy caseload workersvere required to under- take. She stated that the recommended load for a worker was 35 cases, however, some of the workers had as many as 110 cases. She spoke of the work required of caseFtorkers. She 'stated that a~warker must work with foster homes, schools, hospitals,- the Courts, Mental_ Health Clinic, as well as with the parents of the abused and neglected children. She spoke of the attempts case workers must make to educate the Community of the Department's services and needs. Mrs. Tyroler stated that case- workers were required to be on call for a full 24 hour period and that most case workers were working 60 hours per week. Sarah West stated that the services which are provided by the local Social Services Department are mandated by State law and must be performed. John Hughes spoke of the "feeling of dedication". He said that he felt more like a policeman than a Social Worker because there was not enough time to work out the problems and in a few weeks the problems would reoccur. He stated that his professional training was not being put to use. 61 Chairman Garrett stated that she felt it important that someone work with the parents of abused and neglected children. Mrs. Tyroler replied that Social Services tries to assist parents and works with them through. Mental Health and CRIB. Commissioner Gustaveson inquired if the Staff present worked in all areas of Social Services or just in the Protective Services Division? He inquired of the increase in referrals recently. Mr. Ward replied that the public was more aware and willing to report child abuse and neglect. Social Services workers in the Public Schools had increased the load. Mrs. Tyroler stated that in five months there were 75 referrals in the Chapel Hi11-Carrboro School System. Ms. Deanne Bullard spoke of the need for additional staff for Adult Services.. She stated that this Department needed two case workers and one part time supervisor. Mr. Ward informed the Board of a new "Protective Service Law" which now covers people 18 years and over instead of 60 years and over. Mr. Barbara Faust stated that she "hoped the Commissioners would come up with the money - the Workers are overworked." Mrs. Garrett inquired of the Fiscal Officer of the status of the Contingency Fund. Mx. Evans estimated that approximately $75,000. was available, however, the Board could not be sure of what they would run into this year. Mr. Evans reminded the Board of the U.N.C. Tax issue. Commissioner Pinney admonished the Board that "we are only two months into this year's budget and we have already spent $25,000. from the Contin- gency Fund and there is no way to get more money." Discussion ensued between the Fiscal Officer, the County Manager, and membezs of the Board regarding the passible shift in surplus funds from one area to another. Chairman Garrett inquired of Mr. Ward if the Social Service Depart- ment would wait a couple of weeks? Mr. Ward stated "if we wait we cannot get new staff started by October 1, 1975." Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he felt the Board needed a clearer picture of the Budget. That he is generally in favor of additional staff if we can find the money. He requested the Board to wait and look at figures. Commissioner Whitted stated that he was not sure two weeks would made a difference, that the Contingency Fund was not going to change in two weeks. Mrs. Garrett inquired of the unappropriated surplus from the 1975- 1976 Budget. a The Fiscal gfficer stated that it was between the $15,000 and $20,000. range. Commissioner walker stated that he had opposed the request for additional staff at the Social Services Beard meeting, however, he would not fight against the request now that the Social Services Department was confronting the Commissioners. He stated further that he did nod see how the Board could make a decision tonight. Chairman Garrett stated that it was the consensus of the Board to delay any action on the matter until the Audit report was received. However, she felt the Board would react favorably.. The item would be added to the Agenda again. Ttem #11-C Child Support Enforcement - s2 The United States Congress by Public Law 93-647 and the North Carolina General Assembly by House Bill No. 11--5 have enacted laws to insure parental support of children. House Bi11 Number 1105 re- quired the Board of Commissioners in the several counties to designate a representative to administer all child support matters. The Social Services Director recommends the Beard of County Commis- sioners designate the Aepartment of Human Resources Region III Division of Social Services Staff as its child support representative. Mr. Ward reviewed the Title IV-D (Child Support Enforcement) of the -- Social Security Act. He stated that the North Carolina Law was a back up of the Federal Law and that 40 counties in the State have reported a designating officer and in two of the 40 counties the Social Services Department was not named to administer the program. lair. Ward stated that he was not asking for this program. The cost to the County would be 35~ of the Matching Funds to implement the program with the ~5~ coming back to the County without any restricted use. Discussion ensued regarding STate Law and out-of State Law relative to the garnishing of wages. Commissioner Whitted stated that he.~believed the garnishing of wages was the backbone of the program. Mr. Ward introduced Vic Synor from the Department of Hurian Resources, Division of Social Services. Mr. Synor presented background to the new Title TV-D.program and answered questions presented by members of the Board. xe stated that the program would not be a drain on local Social Services Departments. That seventy-five percent of the cost was pro- vided by Federal Funds. He stated that County Commissioners have the power and duty to designate whoever they wish as the IV-D agent. He added that this was "an effort to reverse the trend of more and more parents not being responsible to their obligation to their children, to keep children off the Welfare roll." 2'he question of whether or not the North Carolina IV-D agent could request the garnishing of out-of-state wages was discussed. Mr. Synor stated that this was a reciprocal agreement between all states through the Social Services Offices. Commissioner Gustaveson inr,uired if the County woul~? be checked periodically? Mr. Synor replied that the Department of Human Resources would work closely with the local designated officer. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved that the County_Attorney's firm of Winston, Coleman and Bernholz be dsignated as the IV-D Agency for the Child Support Enforce- : ment Program. The Acting Clerk was instructed to telephone the Office of Mr. Wight, Division of Social Services in Raleigh, and inform the division of the appointment. A letter was to be sent as a follow-up. Chairman Garrett referred to Item X10 on the Agenda: (~:rs. Rabin Andrews: To request the Board of County Commissioners' approvals of an " application to designate Orange County a Bicentennial Community.) Mrs. Andrews reviewed with the Commissioners the activities the .Bicentennial Steering Committee have planned. She stated tha•c the plans are within three area, (1) Hertiage of which Mrs. Claire 3nstram is the Chairperson; (2) Festival of which Dr. Elizabeth Daniels and Dr. Ronald Witt are Co-chairpersons; and (3) Horizar_s of which Nirs. Van Kenyon is the Chairperson. l,2rs. Andrews spoke of the Carrboro l~~ill which the Bicentennial Committee were hopeful of purchasing and renovating into a rnuseum, art gallery and library. s3 Upon motion of 'Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Whitted, it was moved and adopted that the County Commissioners approve the Bicentennial County Designation Application. Chairman Garrett referred tD Item # 6 on the Agenda: (The Staff has discussed with three consultants proposals to conduct a facilities study designed to determine how best to•use the buildings we own and how much additional space we might need in the foreseeable future. In two`of these conferences the consultants suggested the possibility of a more ex- tensive study that would result in recommendations concerning: A. Organization structure and administrative systems and -. procedures. B. Cost effectiveness of current data processing services. C. The potential for increased overhead cost reimbursements. D. Potential for intergovernmental cooperation between the County and the Towns within the County. QUESTION: Will the Board of Commissioners meet with these consult- ants and hear their proposals? If so, when? Discussion ensued between members of the Board and the County Manager as to whether or not to ask the consultant to come at 9:00 p..m. at a later meeting, which would give the Commissioners from 7:30 p.m. until 9:D0 p.m. to talk among themselves. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he did not believe this would be sufficient time for an in-dept discussion, that another time might be better. Commissioner Whitted stated that he felt the Board should decide among themselves as to what they wanted and use Commissioner Gustaveson's three-point feasibility suggestion as a starter. Commissioner Pinney stated that he felt it was essential that the Board start moving on the Old Grady Brown School Building and he re- minded the Board that the insurance an the Grady Brown Building expired October 1, 1975. Commissioner Whitted inquired of Mr. Pinney as to how do we deter- mine what to use Grady Brown Buildings for? Commissioner Pinney replied that it was necessary to do the basic things first such as wiring, heating, and plumbing. Commissioner Walker stated that he agreed with Commissioner Pinney and that the Gym is being vandalized. Chairman Garrett stated that she believed the Recreation Department could be moved into the Gym, but that the Board should not move on the other Buildings at .Grady Brown School. Commissioner Walker requested that the Board not bring the consult- ants in the same night they discuss using the Grady Brown Buildings. Chairman Garrett declared that she was in favor of Commissioner Walker suggestion. The Board agreed that Tuesday, September 23, 1975, would be tentatively set for the meeting to discuss Item #6 on the Agenda. The Chairman then moved to Item # 11-D on the Agenda: The Attorney General has advised the State Department of Social Services (The Orange County Board of Social Services) that the Orange County Board of Social Services should: 1. Request the Orange County Commissioners to make a new appoint- ment to the Gounty Board of Social Services to take the place of Ms. Mae McLendon; or (2) Request the Orange County Board of Commis- sioners appropriate funds tc hire private counsel to represent the Orange County Board of Social Services in any matters relating to the appointment of Ms. Mae McLendon to the Orange County Board of Social Services; or (3) Request the Attorney General to designate someone 64 on his staff to advise and represent the Orange County Board of Social Services in any matter relating to the appointment of Ms. Mae McLendon to the Orange County Board of Social Services. F]o!rmissioner T.ti'alker inquired if the members of the Berard has received the requested correspondence from the Attorney General's Office. The reply was "yes" and Commissioner Gustaveson stated that there was no direct request from the Attorney General according to the letter he. had received. Commissioner Walker replied that from a conversation with Ms. Allred he was under the assumption that all the directives would be '- included in the Attorney General's letter. Commissioner Walker made the motion that the item be removed from the table and then moved that the Board respect the County Social Services' position to ask the County Commissioners for legal counsel. Commissioner Pinney seconded this motion. Chairman Garrettt called for the vote. Voting aye were Commissioner Pinney and Walker. Voting nay were Commissioners Garrett, Gustaveson, and Whitted. The Chairman declared the motion failed. The County Attorney stated that his Chapel Hill office was doing research into the matter and that this research would be finished next week. He presented the statement which had been requested by Commis- . sinner S~lalker pertaining to the cost oz legal counsel in this matter. He stated that for work completed until the September 2, 1575 meeting, his statement was $325.00 which includes the day in Raleigh. The Chairman referred to Item ;~ 7-A: (Reports from the County Manager regarding Animal Pound site.) The County Manager stated that discussions were still underway and in another month he should have mote information to present to the Board. Item 7--B, Personnel Study: ^'ir. Gattis stated that he had talked with the people from the State and he planned to go to Raleigh next week to discuss this item. He will report to the Board his findings. Chairman Garrett referred to Item ;,'•9 on the Agenda: (Mr. Dobson of the District Health Department has repeated his request to the Board Chairman that the County adapt ar. Ordinance restricting development on parcels of land of less than 40,000 square feet. Does the Berard wish to take any action on this matter at this time? It was stated that the Ordinance was drafted last November, 197~k. The County Planning Department has requested that the Ordinance include "Lots of Record". The County Attorney was requested to redraft the Ordinance and comply with the Planning Department's request. Chairman Garrett referred to Item m8: (Sediment Control Ordinance The Committee developing a possible County-wide Sediment Control.Ordin- ance has drafted a proposed Ordinance.) 1resentedaatdatscheduledoPublic would adapt thY proposed Ordinance to be p Hearing an Tuesday, October 21, 1975. Chairman Garrett inquired if there was any other business to come before the Board? Commissioner Whitted stated that there had recently been an accident at the intersection o.f St. Mary's Road and Crawford Road and that in the area there were no speed limit signs; na proper lane designation or road division lines and installation off` adequate road signs for curves and the like was needed. The Clerk was instructed to write the Department of Highway and Safety regarding this matter. 65 Commissioner G'ustaveson moved that the meeting adjour`n~ Flora R. Garrett, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Acting Clerk MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 16, 1975. The Orange County Board of 'Commissioners met on Tuesday, September 16, 1975, at 7:30 p.m., in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough, N. C. Members present were: Commissioners Flora Garrett, ,Ian Pinney, Norman Walker, Norman Gustaveson and Richard E. Whitted. Members absent: None. Others present were 5. M. Gattis, County Administrator, Neal Evans, Fiscal Officer; A. B. Coleman, Jr., County Attorney; and Betty June Hayes. Clerk. Chairman Garrett referred to Item # 1 on the Agenda: (Recognition of persons present and not on this agenda desiring to speak with the B.aard). Commissioner Walker suggested that the Board move the meeting to the Superior Courtoom due to the fact so many persons could not get into the Commissioners' Room. Chairman Garrett stated that there were certain Items on the Agenda that should be heard prior to Item # 13. Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved that the meeting be moved to the Superior Courtroom so that all citizens present could participate in the open meeting and that cer- tain items be moved up on the Agenda so that they could be heard. Chairman Garrett called for the vote an the motion. All members of the Board voted aye. Chairman Garrett referred to Item #5 on the Agenda: (Resolution approving Cane Creek Fire District - Mr. Edward Johnson, President, Orange Grove volunteer Fire Company is present to answer questions con- cerning the proposal of the fire company). Mr. Johnson presented the following resolution: "BE IT RESOLVED that Orange County Board of Commissioner on September 16, 1975, at a regularly scheduled meeting, unanimously approved map and boundary description which follows: Such boundary description and map are far Cane Creek Fire District, an area served by the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Company of Orange County and wholly included within the boundaries of Orange Grove Fire District (established by election held May 7, 1974). Beginning at point (1) on Buckhorn Road (1114), l.7 miles -.,. north of its intersection with SR 1125; thense southeasterly to point (2) on SR 1125,1.7 miles northeast of its intersection with Buckhorn Road (1114); thence easterly to point (3) on SR 1126, 1.4 miles northwest of its intersection with SR 1006; thence southeasterly to point (4) on SR 1006, 0.2 mile northeast of its intersection SR 1128; thence southerly to point (5) on SR 1128, 0.2 mile southeast of its intersection with SR 1006; Thence southeasterly to point (6) at the intersection of SR 1127 and SR 1128, excluding property on SR 1128 between this and the preceding point; thence southeasterly to point (7) on SR 1115, 1.4 miles east of its intersection with SR 1102; thence southeasterly to point (8) on SR 1113, D.4 mile northeast of its intersection with