HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19760113~ 5~
The Chairman stated that she had received a Memorandum from
Mayor West of Carrboro, and the Mayor from Chapel Hill concerning the
Orange Water-Sewer Authority.
Discussion ensued and the Board stated that the consensus of the
opinions of the Board was to retain the current members on the Orange
[dater-Sewer Authority.
The Board adjourned to go into Executive Session for the purpose
of discussing cases pending before the State Property Tax Commission.
Executive Session
There being no further business to come before the Board, the
meeting was adjourned..
~..~o~aC~ ~a~t-
Flora R. Garrett, Chairman.
Betty June Hayes, Clerk
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
January 13, 1976
The• Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session
on Tuesday, January 13, 1976, at 7:30 p.m., in the Commissioners'
Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough.
Members present were Chairman Flora Garrett, Commissioners Norman
Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman Walker and Richard Whitted.
Others present were S. M. Gattis, County Administrator; Neal
Evans, Fiscal Officer; Steve Bernholz, County Attorney; and Betty June
Hayes, Clerk to the Board.
Chairman Garrett opened the meeting with a brief review of the
past year's accomplishments and goals for the coming year.
"I would like to open the meeting tonight with some reflections
on last year's accomplishments and some goals for the coming year.
We all need to take a look at ourselves occasionally and see where
we are. This past year saw the undertaking of what I would call
long range planning _ you can't touch the results today, but
work is underway in several areas and is including a great number of
citizens in the planning process.
1) Recreation: We have in the last year hired a director,
had a successful summer program and undertaken many innovative
activities for the total County. We have recently appointed a
Recreation Advisory Committee to assist in Recreation planning.
2) Parks: The Eno State Park has generated considerable dis-
cussion, so the Eno River Task Force way appointed to discuss
the State Eno River Park and to advise the Commissioners of
the County's role concerning the Eno River. The Task Force is
also considering the State's offer of land across Hwy. #70 from
the Park. This committee will be reporting in the near future.
3) Health: Health care is a major concern of our citizens.
The need for a clean and healthy environment and access to
adequate health care were the reasons for a Health Care Task
Force being appointed. This group has been inventorying avail-
able services now and had a lively day-long conference on
January 10th putting together what has been learned and what
else must be done before making their report to the Commissioners
this Spring.
4). Energy Conservation Task Force: The Task Force was estab-
lished demonstrating the Board's commitment to be energy
effective and efficient. This Task Force has issued a prelimin-
ary report to the Board and it certainly has already helped
the Board in its awareness.
5) We call it another Task Farce, but indeed the Board
168
determined that a dialogue was needed between the Towns and the
County concerning ways we can all work together in recreation,
in library, and in other community needs. How can we be effect-
ual and make the best use of taxpayers' monty?
6) Durham Technical Institute asked for a committee of citizens
to determine ways technical schools could provide additional
services to the community. This Task Force made several recom-
mendations to the Commissioners and a needs survey is underway
at this point in Northern Orange.
7) And, of course, Land Use Planning: We cannot see the results
today, but the Commissieners have~met with the Towns, our
Planning Boards and a highly successful Growth Options Conference
was held this Fall to talk about what we all want for a County
and how we wish it to grow. Action is underway to achieve thaw
ends.
Now the Board didn't have to involve so many Task Forces and citizens
in its total planning efforts and we don't have to do many of the
things undertaken, but the quality of,life and the dedication and
commitment to people in the County are important and some weighty
questions are being addressed.
The Board has achieved a number of goals this year and again
many of these were with the help of citizens participation.
1) Sedimentation and Erosion Odinance
2) A Fire Commission was established - meaning lower insurance
rates for many.
3) A Youth Council is actively working and members have been
sent to various State Conference and they are all hard at work.
They plan tc report tonight.
4) An E.M.S. Communication System has been designed under the
supervision of our E.M.S. Council and what a tremendous help
to our citizens that will be with a foreseeable goal of 911
emergency numbers. Our support for Rescue Squads has continued.
5) We have acquired Northside School for Mental Health
Activities, land for a County Garage and the Old Grady Brown
School for a 'who knows what all'.
6) In water-sewer planning, we have helped create the Orange
Water-Sewer Authority.
7) In HumaB Services, we have participated for the first time
this year in
a. Nutrition Programs (3 sites) Chapel Hill,
Hillsborough and Cedar Grove
b. (2) 4-H Aides
C. R.S.V.P.
d. Title XX (Council on Aging; Legal Aid; Day Care;
CRIB, and supported many agencies in our budget.
e. Funding Support to fix up Cedar Grove School:
Day Care, Head Start, Senior Citizens, Recreation
- all are using the facility.
,:. 8) Bicentennial Commission - We have been designated a
Bicentennial County and many programs are planned to reflect
our rich heritage.
9) Tremendous undertaking with Space Studies: Hope to see
new jail, better Court Facilities, Office Space.
10) Community Development; An opportunity to improve living
conditions, particularly areas with known problems such as
inadequate sewage facilities, water problems and substandard
housing. A committee of citizens worked with target areas
and Carrboro was awarded funds for a water line and a housing
component.
Out Task Force is presently assessing needs in a joint effort
with the Planning Staff and an opportunity exists this year for
funding. We have been awarded with our municipalities units
under the existing housing progxam of Section 8 of Community
Development Act.
11) Land Use - The County was awarded a 7D1 Planning Grant in
order to establish a comprehensive planning program including a
land-use plan, needs assessment and program budgeting. The
Staff is planning a land classification system approach to land
planning that will be based on citizen involvement and planned
growth.
X59
12) The Board has shown concern and a commitment to the
employees with a program to go on the State System, plus a
planned undertaking of written personal policies and a clearer
line of organization.
13) A 201 Study is underway and this year should see the final
wastewater treatment plans for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and
Hillsborough areas. 208 in cooperation with the Counties of
Region J should give us a better insight into the problems of
storm water run-off, agricultural uses near streams and other
off-point sources of discharge into our streams.
14) The Board showed concern for its views of citizen partici-
pation with its appointment of Mae McLendon to the Board of
Social Services and its refusal to be swayed from a well justi-
fied appointment.
There are many items and accomplishments that could be added, from
financial planning to a better animal facility, but those enumerated
show that goals have been set and certain policies have been establ-
ished that show a desire for a total human service program; for a
sensible use of the land and stre~.ms coupled with an orderly growth
system for a prudent, conscientious use of the tax dollar.
Citizens, not task forces, are the name of the game. Though "the
buck stops here at this table" a broad perspective and varying points
of views are the tools for wise decision making."
Chairman Garrett asked if there were any comments to the Statement
she had presented. All members of the Board agreed with the presented
Statement of the Chairman.
The Chairman added that she felt the Board should continue with the
same policy as had been previously assumed which is:
" I believe as we have been in the past, we should continue to be
in the future. The policy of the Board is to hear citizens and
staff on a regular and frequent basis. The Board should never be
too busy to ask questions and carry on discussions, if necessary,
in the desire to be fully informed. As Chairman, I believe that
informal procedure is most desirable, but rules and procedures
may be helpful in seeing that all persons who appear before the
Board of Commissioners are heard. We exist only to serve and if
it takes long and frequent meeting to hear opinions and to make
intelligent decisions, then that is part of our job."
Commissioners Whitted and Gustaveson complimented the Chairman
on her statement and all the Commissioners stated that they were in
complete accord with the statement. -
The Chairman asked if there were any other comments regarding the
Board's policy?
The Chairman referred to Item #1 on the Agenda: Report from the
Orange County Youth Council by David Lutz.
David Lutz was recognized by Mrs. Garrett. Mr. Lutz stated that
the Orange County Youth council had between.25 and 30 active members.
He said that the organization was formulated in September when it met
with young people from throughout the County. The Organization had
since elected officers, adopted by-laws, and planned projects. The
Youth Council will send a representative to a Youth Conference in
Raleigh in March..
One of the problems cited by the Youth Council is the lack of
participation from the Youth in the Southern part of the County.
The Chairman referred to Item #2 on the Agenda: Mr. Ed Griffin,
Coordinator, Triangle J Criminal Justice Commission, will discuss the
County's participation in this Commission.
Chairman Garrett stated that Commissioner Jan Pinney and Sheriff
Knight were Orange County's representatives to the Triangle J Criminal
Justice Commission. She recognized Mr. Griffin, who filed with the
Board a report of the Commission's services. He reviewed with the
Board the report and a summary of passible projects which can be funded
through grant applications. He explained that all monies were dispersed
through Raleigh, that the Counties submitted applications for the monies
and after the applications are reviewed in Raleigh by the Governor's Law
and Order Commission, the counties are notified as to whether or not the
~~o
applications are approved or disapproved. He stated that this is a
handicap as far as the planning process is concern.
He informed the Board that the State Master Plan proposed communica-
tion equiptment which was earmarked for Orange County, however, the
County must apply and provide matching funds for the proposed grant.
Discussion ensued between the Board, Sheriff Itnight, and Mr.
Griffin concerning problems dealing with the State Law and Order
Commission in relation to local County needs.
Further discussion ensued regarding Orange County dues to the
TRiangel J Criminal Justice Commission which amounted to $1,326.00.
The Board agreed to wait until the Financial Report has been re-
viewed before submitting the dues.
Mr. Griffin offered his and his staff's assistnace in preparing
and submitting grant applications.
a
Chairman Garrett referred to Item #3 on the Agenda: Report from
Honorable A. $. Coleman, Jr., County Attorney, relatibe to legal
avenues open to alter the present extra territorial zoning juris-
diction of the Town of Chapel Hill.
Steve Bernholz, County Attorney, stated that his presenta-
tion.was not in compliance with the questions as stated on the Agenda,
but did pertain to Extraterritorial Zoning Jurisdiction. He painted
out that the present state of law with respect to the town of Chapel
Hi11 to expand its extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction is as out-
lined in General Stature 160A--360, which is the controlling law.
He presented the following statement regarding Extraterritorial
Zoning Jurisdiction:
"The power of Narth Carolina cities to extend their zoning
jurisdiction beyond their city limits is governed by N. C.
Gen. Stat. 160A-360.
The statute permits any city to extend its zoning jurisdiction
one mile beyond its city limits. A city with a population of
between 10,000 and 25,000 is permitted to extend its zoning
jurisdiction two miles beyond its city limits if it obtains
the consent of the County Commissioners. Similiarly, a city
with a population of more than 25,000 may extend its zoning
jurisdiction three miles beyond its corporate limits if it
obtains the consent of the County Commissioners. However, a
city may not under any circumstances extend its zoning juris-
diction beyond its corporate limits without the consent of the
Commissioners of the surrounding County if the County has
adopted an'd is enforcing a Zoning Ordinance and a set of sub-
division regulations and is enforcing the State Building Code.
As a. procedural matter, a city must always adopt an Ordinance
extending its zoning jurisdiction, and it must file a map or
word description specifying the area included in its Ordinance
with the Office of the Register of Deeds. Tf a city fails to
adopt an Ordinance extending its zoning authority beyond the
city limits or if the city fails to obtain the consent of the
County Commissioners, in those situations where their consent
is necessary, the County retains zoning jurisdiction up to the
city limits.
Tf the County surrenders jurisdiction over a particular area
to a city, any person who had acquired any rights prior to
v the surrender under any permit or certificate issued by the
County retains those rights even though the permit or certi-
ficate violates a City Ordinance or regulation."
Mr. Bernholz added that if the Town of Chapel Hill seeks to
expand its planning jurisdiction within its 3 miles-:as allowed by
the General Statutes, they must have the Counties' permission.
Ervin Dobson, Planning Director, informed the Board that the
Town of Chapel Hill could go for an amendment by the Legislatux'e
to increase the extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction or rescind
their local act and come under the general act which would allow
them to go 3 miles with the County Commissioners permission.
x`71
The Chairman recognized Ken Vickers who read the following peti-
tion signed by 121 people:
"We, the undersigned residents or property owners within the
Southern section of the County Zoning, petition the Orange
County Board of Commissioners to retain our current zoning
status with the county due to our agricultural density. Inas-
much as the Chapel Hill Planning Board seems to be concerned
with growth, we are concerned with retaining our rural setting.
Growth in our area has come chiefly from within i.e., family
relations. In view of the fact that this would also be con-
trolled by representatives for whom we have voting privileges,
we further submit this petition on principles."
Messrs. Frank Sparrow and Henry Whitfield spoke in opposition to
the Town of Chapel Hill extending its extraterritorial jurisdiction
into their area.
Discussion continued regarding the coordination o~ information for
a free flow of data.
Chris Edwards, Assistant Planning Officer, stated that the County
Planning Board shared information with the Chanel Hill Planning Board,
however, there was not a free flow of data from the Chapel Hill Board
and that he felt it was currently a one--way street in that his depart-
ment had to "dig" for any information they wanted or needed.
Discussion ensued. It was agreed that the Board would take no
action an the matter until a formal request was received from the Town
of Chapel Hill.
The Chairman referred to Item #5 on the Agenda: Commissioner
Pinney will report results of discussion he has had with the Mayor
of Hillsborough concerning the Town's Community Development plans.
Commissioner Pinney stated that he had talked with Mayor Cates.
The Town of Hillsborough plans to install its water lines into West
Hillsborough, Fairview and North Fairview, in that order, and that
they plan to annex West Hillsborough just as soon as the lines were
completed. He pointed out that the work would be done by Town crews
and Manpower help and that the areas that would be served would de-
pend upon the cost that would be incurred in putting in the lines
as no one knows what would be encountered as the work progressed.
Chairman Garrett inquired if there were those present, who were
not listed on the Agenda, who desired to speak with the Board?
No one came forth.
The Chairman then stated that she had requested that the Board
go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel
matter.
Upon motion of Commissioner Whitted, seconded by Commissioner
Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the Board go into Executive
Session.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the
meeting was adjourned. `
Flora R. Garrett, Chairman
Betty ~'une Hayes, Clerk