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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19750923~aS t~IPIUTnS September 23, 1975 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 23, 1975, at 7:30 p.m., in the Com•nissioners' Room at the Courthouse in Iillsborough, T_•I. C. AYembers present: Chairman Flora Garrett, Com*:-issioners ^Ioz'::tan Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, ;Dorman [Valker, and Richard ~'?bitted. tdembers absent: =done. Others present were S. r2. Gattis, County Administrator; `deal vans, Fiscal Officer; A. B. Coleman, Jr., County Attorney; and Agatha Johnson, Acting Clerk. Chairman Garrett referred to Item ;"1 on the Agenda: Approval of a resolution defining the area to be included in the Hillsborough 201 Study and naming of the lead project agency. ter. tSark Burnham will review this procedure with the Board of Commissioners. Chairman Garrett recognized Mark Burnham of Triangle J Council of Govern.•nents and _T7r. Burnham presented the following resolution to the Board. "WIIERI;AS, Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough are mutually interested in orderly extension of utilities in the northern areas of Orange County; and WHEREAS, to initiate and accomplish a 201 Facility Plan for the Hillsborough area following state and federal guidelines, there need be established a definite study area'for said study and also a lead governmental agency for the project; =40W, TI3I;REFORE, BE TT RESOLVEp and agreed upon that the lead project agency be the Totan of ~Iillsborough and the study area boundaries be those described later in this resolution and indicated on a map attached herewith. This is a joint resolution of Orange County and the Town of Iillsborough and the approval of each of these parties is cor_- tingent upon the approval of the other. Project boundaries to be submitted to the State of 1`Iorth Carolina for approval are as follows: Follow ?V. Boundary-T~illsb. E. Boundary-Iiillsb. SR 1555 (NE SR 1554 (S) SR1D02 (:IE) Longitude 79003' Straight Line (S?V) O'_~ANGE COUNTY BOARI) OF COMPSISSIO:dER5 FROM Twsp. (E) 59.Boundary-TIi11sb.Twsp. Twsp. (S) ::d.Boundary-Hillsb."_'wsp. E .Boundary-Hillsb . Tcasp . SR 1555 SR1554 SR 1002 Int. Long 79°03',(I-85 S.Boundary-Hillsb. Twsp.(W) :4.BOUndary-Hillsb. Twsp. (rd) Interstate #85. SZ 1144 SR 1114 5R 1310 SR 1306 ;V.Boundazy-Hillsb. Twsp. SR 1009 S.Boundary-Hi1lsb.i'wsp. W.Boundary-fillsb.Twso. T-85 SR 1144 SR 1114 SR 1310 SR 1306 TO E.Boundary-Iiills. Twsp. SR 1555 SR 1554 SR 1D02 Longitude 79003' T_nterstate #85 Int.S.Boundary-Iiills. Twsp./SR1009 s7.Boundary-Iiills. Twsp. Td.Boundary-Hills. Twsp SR 1144 SR 1114(Cheeds Cross Roads) _ SR 1310 SR 1305 Ia. Boundary-i3i1 is . T;asp . Point of Beginning The above resolution was adopted by the County of Orange on this the 23 day of September, 1975." ~~ Mr. Burnham stated that before the study could begin, a lead agency must be designed, the area to be studied must be defined and who the State deals with must be stipulated. He remarked that during various discussions he had senced that Hillsborough should be designated as the lead agency and he believed the County would agree. Hillsborough would extend its area as shown on the attached map. Mr. Burnham informed the Board that an identical resolution would be prepared for each governng body. Commissioner Gustaveson inquired if the engineering problem has been settled and Mr. Burnham replied that an engineer had been selected. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Whiffed, it was moved that the Joint Resolution Establishing the Study Area and the Lead Agency for the Iillsborough Area 201 Facility Plan be adopted naming Hillsborough as the designated lead agency and the area to studied as shown on the attached map. The Chairman referred to Item #3 on the Agenda_ Mr. Mark Burnham will present the Communit;n Development Plan developed by the Orange County Community Development Task Force. This plan needs the Board's approval. Mr. Burnham presented updated copies of the two Alternative sheets previously distributed and an updated application. He stated that the Task Force on Community Development had met and revised Alternative Sheets 1 and 2 and that the monies were balanced as reflected on the new sheet. He emphasised the Housing Rehabilitation Program and stated that the Carrboro area would receive about one_fourth of the rehabilita- tion monies and the County would receive the remainder. Mr. Burnham informed the Board that the deadline was September 30, 1975, as the application must be in Greensboro by that date. Chairman Garrett inquired about the work-crews which were started in January of 1975. The County Manager stated that the work-crews were hired through Emergency Jobs and were funded through June 30, 1976. Commissioner Pinney inquired why the Title XX figure on the third sheet of Alternates had changed from $24,000. to $25,000. Mr. Burnham stated that the Task Force had added the additional $1,000. He stated further that the appointed Task Force was a very able committee. Commissioner Walker stated that his problem was that he felt the monies were being spread too thin. He considered the waste water treat- ment as the number one problem and that Hillsborough could put the money to better use since Hillsborough already had it's structure. Mr. Burnham replied that there was validity far Hillsborough, however, other areas in the Triangle area are in greater need than .Hillsborough. He suggested following the recommendation which the Task Force had prepared in their original report and concentrate on Rehabilitation of Housing. Mr. whited stated that he could not see how Orange County could not endorse the application because of areas in the County which needed help. Commissioner Gustaveson moved that the Soard accept the recommendation of the TAsk Force and approve the application. Commissioner Whitted seconded the motion. The Chairman called for the vote. Commissioners Garrett, Gustaveson, Pinney and Whitted voted aye. Commissioner Walker voted nay. The motion was declared passed. ~~ Mr. Burnham presented a resolution to be approved by the Board and signed by the Chairman declaring that the Board of Commissioners have endorse the application of the Community Development Plan. "WHEREAS, The County of Orange is intensely interested in making itself an excellent place for living and working for all its citizens and consequently is anxious to work for the removal of all factors that make the accomplishment of such a goal difficult, including any causes and evidences of blight and deterioration; and WHEREAS, The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 through its Community Development section offers incentives to local - governments to develop plans and programs for blight elimination and prevention; and WHEREAS, The County of Orange agrees that there is a need to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan and program between local governments in Orange County in order to meet the needs of low and moderate income citizens and to address the problems of deteriorating neighborhoods in the most effective manner; and WHEREAS, The Orange County Application for Community Development funding specifies first year activities for such a plan and a program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County of Orange has formally adopted the Orange County Community Development'Application and its contents therein and the county will work jointly with the Town of Carrboro to implement the proposed program activities contained in the Application and accomplish a OrangeCounty Community Development Program. This the 23 day of September, 1975. Moved by Commissioner Norman Gustaveson Seconded by Commissioner Richard whitted." The Board adopted the Resolution presented by Mr. Burnham. The County Attorney was requested to review the Assurances attached to the Resolution. Chairman Garrett referred to Item # 2 on the Agenda: A plat of the Poplar Ridge Subdivision has been approved by the County Planning Board. That Board also recommended certain variances concerning stree width and paving. Honorable Dalton H. Loftin, representing the property owner wishes to request the County Commissioners consider the plat at this time. The County Attorney and the County Zoning Officer will comment on the variance issue if the Board so desires. Chris Edwards, Assistant Planning Director, stated that the property is located in Eno Township, South of Highway #70. The first half was developed before the Zoning Ordinance came into effect and Phase II of the subdivision is to continue as the previously developed phase. One of the variances requested is the extension of Oak Lane (Cul-de-sac). The cul-de-sac would be longer than the Ordinance specifies. The second variance was the creating of a private road to maintain the character of the subdivision. The Restrictive Covenants statesthat this road will never be State maintained and that the propezt~ owners will maintain the road on a pro-rata basis. Chairman Garrett stated that she was afraid that if the aoard granted these variances, they would be starting something that cannot be stopped. Dalton H. Loftin zeplied that he had spoken with Phil Green at the - Institute of Government and Mr. Green informed him that this was frequ- ently done across the State. Commissioner Pinney stated that he could not see how a local Board could grant a variance to a State regulation. It was pointed out that the granting of a variance to a private road is not granting a variance to a State regulation. The County Attorney remarked that he agreed with Mr. Coffin's state- ment that this is done quite frequently, however, Mr. Pinney was presenting a strong point. The County Attorney stated that he was not able to say either way. ~8 Commissioner Walker moved that the Board approve the plat with the variances as presented by the Assistant Planning Director. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson. Voting aye were Commissioners Garrett, Gustaveson, Walker and Whiffed. Voting nay was Commissioner Pinney. The Chairman declared the motion passed Chairman Garrett referred to ztem #4 on the Agenda: Adoption of a resolution requesting the Orange County Board of Education to convey the Old Grady Brown School site to Orange County. The County Attorney stated that he had talked with Mr. George Williams, Superintendent o~ the Orange County Schools, regarding the County Board acquiring the Old Grady Brown School property. Mr. Williams desires a document from the County requesting the transfer of the property; what portion is to be transferred; and the intended use of the property. The County Attorney was requested to prepare such a resolution stating the portions to be transferred including the property "across the street"; and the intended use of the property. The Chairman referred to Item #6 on the Agenda: Board of Commissioners discussion of consultants proposals. Mrs. Garrett referred to the three proposals the Consultants had prepared. She asked for discussion from members of the Board as to what the Board wanted from the Consultants. Commissioner Walker stated that he felt all the .Consultants will tell us is what we want to hear and if the Board knows what they want than the Board could do it themselves. That a study will take from 4 to 6 months. Commissioner Pinney presented to the Board photographs of the Old Grady Brown School buildings and stated that the gymnasium and buildings were being vandalized and that the Board could not wait four to six months to move. Chairman Garrett stated that she felt the Recreation Department could be moved into the gymnasium but she did not feel the County should spend money on the other buildings unti the Board knew what they were doing and why. She stated that the County should have planned use of the Grady Brown buildings. Commissioner Gustaveson spoke of the immediate needs of the County which now exist - jail, Chapel Hill office space, Court needs. He asked "haw serious are these needs"? He.then spoke of the space needs within the next ten years. The growth and development of new services that County Government would be engaged in the future. He inquired "what kind of space needs will be needed in ten years?" Commissioner Gustaveson stated further that he felt the board needed someone to look at the growth and development of the next decade, some kind of engineering and architectual space analysis. Commissioner Pinney reminded the Board that the Old Grady Brown buildings had 62,000 square feet of space not including the gym. Chairman Garrett stated that the cost of renovation was important. Commissioner Whitted agreed with Commissioner Gustavesan's long term view, however, he felt the immediate thing to leak at was the pre- sent heating system at the Old Grady Brown School. Could it be used to get the Recreation Department into the gym as soon as possible? He stated further, that he felt a study should be done of the passible uses of Grady Brawn School. The immediate thing that should be done is the transfer of the property. '79 Chairman Garrett asked the Board to talk about the Management portion of the study. Commissioner Whitted stated that he thought the Management portion would be separate from the Facility Study. Commissioner Gustaveson stated he would like to speak to the Facility Study as he did not want the County to invest money in the renovating of Grady Brown School properties unless it could be deter- mined that this investment would serve the needs of County Government for a reasonable period of time. Commissioner Walker referred to Commissioner Pinney's plan. He stated that he felt the plan was worthy of discussion and that depart- ments such as the Agriculture Department should have all their services together as the plan illustrates. xe felt Mr. Pinney's plan could be improved as it was not the most ideal plan. Chairman Garrett referred to Item #7 on the Agenda: Review of the proposals with the Consultants. Chairman Garrett introduced Mr. Carl G. Johnson of Carl G. Johnson and Associates of Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Johnson spoke of his work through-out the United States and the qualification of his team of seven principals plus an analysis staff. He stated that the approach and philosoph taken in his consultant work was the concept of a disciplinary approach to the problem solving situa- tion. That the fundamental base on which any space or building program to be developed is a projection of the levels of needs for operational service for a limit time and how these needs conform to trends of the County. Mr. Johnson stated that the end product of the Consultant's work will be the development of criteria for requirements of County functions and department function; and a long range space and building program intended to accommodate County needs. A question and answer period ensued. Chairman Garrett inquired about a Personnel Ordinance. Mr. Johnson stated that the study would include a Personnel Ordinance. Commissioner Pinney inquired if the Board needed to tell the Consult- ant what they wanted? Mr. Johnson replied: "Not necessarily, we will tell you what you need and are going to require and report to you what the alternatives are. You must make the policy decisions." Mr. Johnson replied in answer to Chairman Garrett's question that the study would include a School System projection as well as a study of the Board of Commissioners; how it functions as a Board. He reierated that his organization would look at all departments of the County. At the Grady Brown School, they would decide what area to use for what purpose and for how long and also consider the parking situation. Chairman Garrett introduced Joseph Nassif, An Architect from Chapel Hill. Mr. Nassif stated that the proposal he~had presented is basically. his thoughts about space analysis studies and then asked the Board for questions. Chairman Garrett inquired of Mr. Nassif regarding the time required for a space study. Mr. Nassif replied that the time factor would depend on the number of departments to be interviewed as the interviewing would take about eight hours for each department head. Mrs. Garrett spoke of the problems the County was encountering in space requirements for various departments. She said, "We have the Grady xrown School, but how do we solve our problem?" 8~ Mr. Nassif stated that he though it a waste to regard old buildings as obsolete, that old structures have a proper place with the community. He referred to a study of Heat Lost Factors in School Buildings across Orange County and stated that the Old Grady Brown building's heating system was erne of the best. He did not want to make a positive state- ment regarding Old Grady Brown, however, it was a good physical facility and would be difficult to replace. Iie stated that he could project the cost of renovation of the buildings, however, it would be only an estimate. Mr. Nassif informed the Board that Chapel Hill is contemplating addition office space and have the land available. He proposed for the County and municipalities to share in the large facility, thus solving the space need for County offices in Chapel Hill. Mrs. Garrett recognized and introduced Barry Mundt, Hilliard Eure, and Manual Elkaurie, representatives of Peat, Marwick and Mitchell of Atlanta, Georgia. Barry Mundt, spokesman, stated that the approach their team employed is to analysis the scope and objective of bath the Facility Planning Study acid the Management Audit and why these two fit together. Mr. Mundt stated that in a previous meeting it was revealed to him that the Board-is looking for answers to four major questions. 1) Where should various County employees be located and how do they relate to each other in terms of space; 2) How can better use be made of existing facilities; 3) What is the County's policy with respect to space allocation and facility development; 4) What are the alter- natives.for planning future needs. Mr. Mundt stated that these are the items addressed in our proposal. For the Facilitiy Space Study each department head must be interviewed to determine their space needs in the future and basically the Management Audit would require the same procedure. Mr. Mundt stated that five years is the maximum tc be consider in a space allocation study. The cost estimate, based on scope and objective mentioned earlier, is reviewed in the proposal. Mr. Mundt stated that he would leave with the Financial Officer a draft of the recent Audit and will meet with the Audit Committee at a later date. The Board of Commissioners heard the Resolution prepared by the County Attorney relative to the transfer of the Grady Brown Property. "The Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby, through formal resolution, request that the Orange County Board of Education, by means of proper conveyance, transfer all of its right, title and interest in and to all the properties real with improvements thereupon situate, known as the Grady Brawn School Property located in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The Orange~County Board of Commissioners does hereby state that its present intention is to use all of said properties for public purposes, including, but not limited to public offices, public recreation, and public parking. These and such other public uses after due consideration and study may be implemented. This the 23rd day of September, 1975" Upon motion af.Ccmmissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Whitted, it was m~~ved and adopted that the Board approve the Resolution as present- ed by the County Attorney. __ The County Attorney ;.s to report on the status of the Grady Brown School property title at the October 7th meeting. The Berard adjourned to meet in Executive Session to consider Item # 8 on the Agenda. \~a. ~. Flora R. Garrett, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Acting Clerk