HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-16-2009 - 4aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 16, 2009
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: MINUTES
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Baker, 245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as
listed below:
May 5, 2009
BOCC Regular meeting
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
1 DRAFT
2
3 MINUTES
4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 REGULAR MEETING
6 May 5, 2009
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 5,
11 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
12
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Valerie P. Foushee, and Commissioners
14 Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Pam Hemminger, Mike Nelson, Bernadette Pelissier, and Steve
15 Yuhasz
16 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
17 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
18 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, Assistant County
19 Managers Willie Best and Gwen Harvey, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker (All other staff
20 members will be identified appropriately below)
21
22 NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT
23 AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
24
25 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
26 Chair Foushee went over, the items at the County Commissioners' places:
27 - Reference sheet for item 3-b (mauve), Presentation by EDC Chair Anita Badrock on
28 the Economic Development Commissioner's White Paper on Developing a Solar
29 Cluster in Orange County.
30 - Reference sheet for item 4-k (purple), Consolidated Housing Plan Annual
31 Update/HOME Program
32 - Change for item 4-u (blue), Changes in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2009
33 - Reference sheet for item 6-a (yellow), Orange County Library North Carolina Room
34 (Local History Collection)
35 - Floor plan for proposed library
36 - New item 3-c (pink), Proclamation Recognizing Clerk to the Board Donna Baker and
37 Declaring May 3 through May 9, 2009as "County Clerks Week" in Orange County
38 - Memo from Commissioner Gordon regarding item 4-p, Approval of FY 2009-19
39 Recommended County Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
40
41 PUBLIC CHARGE
42
43 The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
44
45 2. Public Comments
46 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
47 Nerys Levy. read a prepared statement:
48 "My name is Nerys Levy. I am a member of the 2000, 2004, and 2007 Orange County
49 Library Task Forces and a Friend of the Carrboro Branch Library where, as a working artist, I
50 run that facility's Library Arts Program. I am here to object to the proposed closure of the
2
1 Carrboro Branch Library located in the McDougle Schools Media Center. Fifteen years ago
2 when the Carrboro Branch library opened in the McDougle Middle School in Carrboro, it was
3 brought to the Friend's attention that only 2% of school-aged children ever went into an art
4 gallery. With that in mind and the fact that the Carrboro Branch Library was to be situated in a
5 school media center, the Carrboro Branch Library Arts Program was launched.
6 Over the past fifteen years and using the walls of the Media center/Carrboro Branch
7 library as an art gallery, the Friends have staged over eighty exhibitions all benefitting the
8 community at large not to mention close to 200,000 McDougle Schools' (middle and
9 elementary) students, staff and faculty. This artist run program has shown the work of over
10 1,000 artists, trained curators and launched careers. All the artists have given their time and
11 work freely at an "in kind" cost of over two million dollars. The program has won state awards
12 and was first runner up in the nation for a Friends of USA Libraries award for the best small
13 library program in the nation. The standards of the Program's work is high and exhibitions
14 range from themed shows, such as our current series, "Global Perspectives" to issue exhibits
15 such as "Natural Balance," our 2006 exhibit on obesity and public health. Now we are being
16 told that all this does not count. The proposal is that the art program, library with its 22,000
17 books and 16 computers are to be done away with, the collection dismantled and the librarian
18 moved to Hillsborough. So the Carrboro Branch Library serving a catchment area of 35,000 will
19 no longer exist to serve the citizens of South west Orange County and all of the County's arts
20 community.
21 If the library closes no one will see our fall 2009 exhibition on climate change and polar
22 scenery, a collaborative effort which you will soon be told about. Neither will the community see
23 our proposed exhibition in the Spring of 2010 on Mayan culture which impinges on the cultural
24 roots of many of our library patrons. And if the Library is to close, how are we to proceed with
25 our Annual School of Library Science Scholarship which the Friends fund each year for a needy
26 student intern? We should be interviewing now but we have no clue as to our fate.
27 Last Sunday, May 3, was Carrboro Day celebrating the Town's diverse community. At
28 the Friends book sale, anxious residents, on learning of the proposed closure of the Carrboro
29 Branch Library, lined up for four hours and at times, five deep, to sign this petition which I am
30 about to hand to you. None of them as taxpayers had been told officially that their library was
31 threatened by closure. People working at the library cannot tell them -and had they not
32 attended Carrboro Day they would have possibly turned up at the Carrboro Branch Library one
33 day to find it gone. These petition signatures represent their concern, outrage, and love for the
34 library. You will see lots of children's signatures -they asked to sign the petition too. And how
35 will people in Cedar Grove learn that their library is to be done away with? How have they been
36 told - or have they?
37 You have a difficult job and I appreciate your great dilemma, but we are talking about
38 people's lives here, people without computers and without home libraries who are underserved
39 by inadequate evening bus routes to libraries even here in south Orange. We owe all taxpayers
40 a service that keeps them connected to the world and enriches their minds and lives. We also
41 owe them a continuous service. Let us all try to help each other with some creative thinking. If
42 you close the Carrboro Branch Library now for $37,000, it will cost you hundreds of thousands
43 of dollars to restart a comparable facility. The collection and art gallery will be gone, the
44 goodwill will be gone -and the Friends will be gone. How will you proceed with a support
45 system for the south west Orange regional branch library whose CIP you are consenting to
46 tonight if there is a disconnect? Please think about this seriously in terms of acost-benefit
47 analysis and not as a simple. line item in a 2009 budget."
48 Carolyn White is the middle school librarian at McDougle and said that she has watched
49 the library grow and she is here in opposition to the closing of the Carrboro branch library. She
50 said they are in the process of an art display in the library and it is like having an art museum in
1 their library. The art show is tied to the middle school science class and they are asking the
2 County Commissioners to look at other ways to save money rather than close this branch
3 library.
4 Lucian Mascerella spoke about the public records law and how the legislature is trying to
5 make the process more open. He said that people have forgotten who is in charge of the
6 County and that is the public. In his attempt to get public records in Orange County, he has
7 realized that staff does not know the public records law, what a public record custodian is, what
8 their job is, and what to do when they do not comply with the law. He said that if a public
9 servant is incorrect then they should face punishment.
10
11 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
12 (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda
13 below.)
14
15 3. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
16 a. Award to Orange County for Best Community Paper Recycling Program
17 The Board accepted the 2009 award given to Orange County by the American Forest
18 and Paper Association (AF&PA) for best community paper recycling program, along with a
19 check for $2,000.
20 Blair Pollock introduced Susan Albritton from Sunoco to give the award. She was here
21 on behalf of the AF&PA. She said that paper recycling has reached a record high and nearly
22 60% of paper used in the U. S. was recovered. She said that Orange County is the recipient of
23 the Best Community Paper Recycling Program. She presented this award to Blair Pollock and
24 Rob Taylor.
25 Chair Foushee said that the Board was proud of the staff and the residents for this
26 award.
27 Blair Pollock and Rob Taylor added their appreciation to the Board and the public.
28
29 b. Presentation by EDC Chair Anita Badrock on the Economic Development
30 Commission's White Parser on Developina a Solar Cluster in Orange County
31 The Board received information on the development of a solar cluster in Orange County
32 in preparation for moving ahead with investigating the need for incentives and appropriate
33 infrastructure build out in the Mebane (Buckhorn Village) economic development district.
34 Anita Badrock presented a letter to the Board:
35
36 Esteemed members of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners:
37
38 The Orange County Economic Development Commission would like to present to the Board of
39 County Commissioners a white paper entitled "Development of a Solar Cluster in Orange
40 County'. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) formally requests the Board's support
41 in the advancement of a renewable energy solar cluster in the county. The EDC fully supports
42 this proposed initiative for the following reasons:
43
44 OThe proposed strategy is in compliance with the Economic Development Element of the 2030
45 Orange County Comprehensive Plan, which calls for 'Viable and sustainable economic
46 development that contributes to both property and sales tax revenues, and enhances high-
47 quality employment opportunities for County residents." (Section 3.5 of Comprehensive Plan);
48
4
1 Just this week, UNC-Chapel Hill announced that it received a 17.5 million dollar grant to
2 develop solar fuels from next-generation photovoltaic technology, which would provide a
3 foundation for the development of this solar cluster;
4
5 Renewable energy has significant economic growth potential and is consistent with the values
6 and goals of Orange County residents for sustainable, green initiatives;
7
8 oData support future job growth of up to 440,000 jobs by 2016 in this sector nationwide;
9
10 OTo develop the workforce needed for this sector, asolar-focused curriculum is already
11 planned for the Fall Semester of 2009 at the Orange County Campus of Durham Technical
12 Community College (DTCC);
13
14 OJobs created in the energy sector tend to be higher paying than retail, and provide stable jobs
15 for people throughout a range of educational attainment;
16
17 oThe transportation location of Orange County (at the intersection of both a major east-west
18 and anorth-south highway) is ideal to attract and facilitate growth in this sector. The potential
19 supply chain to support this industry is already fairly well developed along the I-85 corridor;
20
21 oDevelopment of this industry would allow us to reap the benefits of our proximate intellectual
22 environment, such as research universities and Research Triangle Park;
23
24 The current federal stimulus funding supports significant growth in the solar industry;
25
26 State legislation requires that energy companies in North Carolina obtain 12.5 % of their
27 energy portfolio from renewable energy production (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
28 Portfolio Standard or RPS); and
29
30 DA growing energy demand suggests that additional sources of energy will be required in the
31 future; given the regulatory hurdles of traditional energy sources (coal and nuclear, specifically),
32 renewable energy supply will need to meet this demand.
33
34 A recent article in the Triangle Business Journal has already brought several inquiries to
35 Economic Development staff about Orange County's solar focus. The current impediment to
36 moving ahead in talking with interested parties remains the short comings in assets available to
37 market Orange County as an expansion venue to manufacturing and research and
38 development operations.
39
40 We, as the advisory board to the EDC, enthusiastically support an effort to position Orange
41 County as a leading hub for solar growth in North Carolina, the Southeast, and the United
42 States. However, we must move in a timely manner to leverage the assets already available,
43 such as the DTCC curriculum and the UNC grant, and to effectively compete in the marketplace
44 for this type of industry. We recommend that appropriate action be taken now to develop the
45 tools necessary to make Orange County the preferred location for this sector's development.
46 These steps may include:
47
48 oDecide if incentives will be utilized to recruit potential solar businesses, and if so, what type,
49 and take immediate action to assure their availability;
50
5
1 OEnsure the Economic Development District (EDD) infrastructure is in place to support growth
2 of this sector;
3
4 oContinue supporting DTCC in development of asolar-focused curriculum based on the
5 Orange County DTCC campus;
6
7 DEnsure that government officials publicly communicate their support for development of a
8 solar cluster; and
9
10 oSupport solar businesses located in Orange County by utilizing their services as possible in
11 government operations.
12
13 Thank you for your consideration.
14 Sincerely,
15 Anita Badrock
16 Chair, Economic Development Commission
17 Commissioner Gordon said she understood that Carrboro Alderman Randee Haven-
18 O'Donnell, a member of the Economic Development Commission, had proposed the idea of the
19 solar cluster. Anita Badrock agreed and acknowledged her contributions.
20
21 Commissioner Nelson thanked in particular new staff member Dottie Schmitt, who wrote
22 the report. He asked about the next steps. Anita Badrock said that the next step would be to
23 instruct the Economic Development staff on what questions the Board has and how the County
24 Commissioners would like the staff to move forward.
25 Commissioner Pelissier said that she was pleased to see this report and it does meet
26 the goals of the revised comprehensive plan. She said that in the report, a lot of companies
27 that are related to solar power are smaller companies. She asked about the inquiries from
28 companies and if they are willing to move to Orange County.
29 Economic Development Director Brad Broadwell said that smaller firms in the RTP have
30 inquired as well as companies in other areas of the country.
31 Commissioner Jacobs said that this report is a good start. He suggested mentioning the
32 locations on page nine. He said that this area is pretty much equidistant to the Triad as to RTP.
33 He made reference to page two of the report where it talks about, "a vocal community that
34 desires to preserve the County's rural character," and he said that this comes across as a
35 handicap, and he does not see it as a handicap. He suggested rewording this. He agreed with
36 Commissioner Nelson about having more clarity on the next steps
37 Commissioner Yuhasz suggested that one way to show support for this proposal is to
38 act on suggestions that come forward from the EDC on this issue. He encouraged the EDC to
39 bring back suggestions so that the Board can show its support.
40 Chair Foushee said that the staff will come back with suggestions.
41
42 c. Proclamation Recognizing Clerk to the Board Donna Baker and Declaring
43 Mav 3 through Mav 9, 2009 as "County Clerks Week" in Orange County
44 The Board considered a proclamation expressing the Orange County Board of
45 Commissioners' appreciation to Clerk to the Board Donna Baker for her service to Orange
46 County and to declare May 3 through May 9, 2009 as "County Clerks week" in Orange County.
47 Chair Foushee said that this was for all of the Clerks in the Clerk's Office. She said that
48 the Board was very grateful for the service that it receives from all of the members of the Clerk's
49 Office, including David Hunt, Evelyn Cecil, Angela Rockett-Thompson, and Jeannette Jones.
50 She asked them all to stand.
6
1 Commissioner Jacobs read the proclamation.
2
3 PROCLAMATION
4 COUNTY CLERKS WEK
5 MAY 3 THROUGH MAY 9, 2009
6
7 WHEREAS, The Office of the County Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government
8 exists throughout the world; and
9
10 WHEREAS, The Office of the County Clerk is the oldest among public servants; and
11
12 WHEREAS, The Office of the County Clerk provides the professional link between the
13 residents, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels; and
14
15 WHEREAS, County Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality,
16 rendering equal service to all; and
17
18 WHEREAS, The County Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local
19 government and community; and
20
21 WHEREAS, County Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the
22 Office of the County Clerk by serving countless hours beyond the normal business day working
23 a multitude of night and weekend meetings; and
24
25 WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the
26 County Clerk;
27
28 NOW, THEREFORE, We, The Orange County Board of Commissioners do recognize the week
29 of May 3 through May 9, 2009 as County Clerks Week and further extend appreciation to our
30 County Clerk, Donna Baker, and to all County Clerks for the vital services they perform and
31 their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
32
33 This, the 5'h day of May, 2009.
34
35 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Chair Foushee to approve
36 the proclamation.
37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
38
39
40 4. Consent Agenda
41 A motion was made by Commissioner Pellisier, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
42 approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below:
43
44 a. Minutes
45 The Board approved the minutes from March 3, 30, April 13, 14 and 16, 2009 as submitted by
46 the Clerk to the Board.
47 b. Appointments -None
48
49 c. Reappointment of Tax Assessor
7
1 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
2 consideration.
3 d. Reappointment of Tax Collector
4 The Board reappointed Jo Roberson as Orange County Tax Collector for afour-year term
5 effective July 1, 2009.
6 e. National Historic Preservation Month
7 The Board approved the proclamation, which is incorporated by reference, designating the
8 month of May as National Historic Preservation Month with the theme, "This Place Matters'; and
9 extended an invitation to the public to participate in the upcoming events.
10 f. Proclamation Recognizing Children's Mental Health Awareness Dav
11 The Board approved a proclamation, which is incorporated by reference, recognizing May 7,
12 2009 as Children's Mental Health Awareness Day in Orange County and authorized the Chair to
13 sign.
14 g_ National Travel and Tourism Week
15 The Board approved a proclamation, which is incorporated by reference, recognizing the week
16 of May 9 through 17, 2009 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Orange County and
17 authorized the Chair to sign.
18 h. Older Americans Month Proclamation
19 The Board approved a proclamation, which is incorporated by reference, designating the month
20 of May as Older Americans Month as a time to honor older citizens for their contributions to
21 society and to Orange County and authorized the Chair to sign the proclamation.
22 i_ Lease Approval: Efland Rescue Building
23 The Board approved a $1 per term lease for the Efland Rescue Building, Efland, NC for use by
24 the Emergency Services Department from May 6, 2009 through May 5, 2019 and authorized
25 the Chair to sign.
26 L Child Support Attorney Contract
27 The Board approved a contract with Coleman, Gledhill, Hargrave and Peek to provide legal
28 representation for Child Support Enforcement and authorized the Chair to sign.
29 k. Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update/HOME Program
30 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
31 consideration.
32 I. Adoption/Incorporation of OWASA's Proposed Revisions to its Water Conservation
33 Standards in the Section of Orange County's Water Conservation Ordinance
34 Affecting the OWASA Service Area
35 The Board approved the revisions to the County's Water Conservation Ordinance and directed
36 staff to incorporate those changes into the ordinance.
37 m. Schools Adeauate Public Facilities Ordinance -Approval and Certification of Annual
38 2009 Report
39 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
40 consideration.
41 n. Census 2010 Complete Count Committee
42 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
43 consideration.
44 0. Eno River Farmers' Market License Agreement Approval and Appropriation to the
45 Eno River Farmers' Market. Inc.
46 The Board approved: 1) a License Agreement between the County and the Eno River Farmers'
47 Market, Inc., anon-profit corporation; 2) the waiver of the annual license fee of one dollar per
48 year for the initial three-year term; and 3) a one-time appropriation of $5,000 to the Eno River
49 Farmers' Market, Inc. for the initial cost of a Market Manager.
50 p: Approval of FY 2009-19 Recommended County Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
8
1 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
2 consideration.
3 g Resolution Opposing House Bill 1252 and Senate Bill 1004
4 The Board approved a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, opposing House Bill 1252
5 and Senate Bill 1004 and any other similar legislation, authorized the Chair to sign the
6 resolution, and directed the Clerk to the Board to forward the signed resolution to Orange
7 County's legislative delegation and members of the House Public Utilities Committee of the
8 North Carolina General Assembly.
9 r. Resolution Supporting the Orange Countv ABC Board's Operation of ABC Stores and
10 Opposing "Agency Stores"
11 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
12 consideration.
13 s. Professional Services Agreement for Hyconeechee Regional Library System
14 ~ Executive Director
15 The Board approved a proposed agreement between the Hyconeechee Regional Library
16 System and Orange County to provide the professional services of the Orange County Library
17 Services Director to the Hyconeechee Regional Library System and authorized the Chair to
18 sign.
19 t. Amendment to Aareement for Countv Manager Search
20 The Board approved a proposed amendment to an Agreement between The Mercer Group, Inc.
21 and Orange County to conduct an Executive Search for the County Manager position.
22 u. Changes in BOCC Reaular Meetina Schedule for 2009
23 The Board amended its regular meeting calendar for 2009 by:
24 - Adding a work session (solid waste issues-towns to be invited) on Thursday, May
25 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill;
26 - Adding a meeting (closed session) on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Central
27 Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough (prior to the 7:00 p.m. BOCC Budget Public
28 Hearing)
29
30 VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
31
32 ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
33
34 c. Reappointment of Tax Assessor
35 The Board considered reappointing John Smith, Jr. as Orange County Tax Assessor for
36 a four-year term effective July 1, 2009.
37
38 A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to make the
39 reappointment for two years rather than four years, in order to allow a future three-year
40 reappointment to expire in the year following a reassessment rather than in the year of the
41 assessment.
42
43
44 VOTE: Ayes, 6; No, 1 (Commissioner Nelson)
45
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
48 approve directing the Manager to bring back to the Board in February 2010 a report back on the
49 results of the informal appeals, the appeals to the Board of Equalization and Review, and an
50 analysis of the sales that occurred in 2009 as compared to the assessed values in 2009.
9
1 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2
3
4
5 k. Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update/HOME Program
6 The Board considered adopting housing resolutions and authorizing the Manager to
7 implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC.
8 Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that there is a revised
9 abstract and resolution for this item because when the 2009-2010 HOME Program was
10 developed, the federal budget did not get passed, so there were not final allocation numbers.
11 The final numbers for 2009 were received yesterday. The resolution has these changes in the
12 numbers:
13 - Increase in allocation for Orange Community Housing and Land Trust to $139,033
14 - Increase in allocation for Habitat for Humanity's Phoenix Place project to $250,000.
15
16 A motion was made by Chair Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to adopt a
17 resolution approving the 2009 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual update; adopt a resolution
18 approving the proposed HOME Program Activities for 2009-2010; and authorize the Manager to
19 implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC including the ability to execute
20 agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after consultation with the County Attorney.
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 m. Schools Adeauate Public Facilities Ordinance -Approval and Certification of
24 Annual 2009 Report
25 The Board considered approving the 2009 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
26 Technical Advisory Committee Report and certifying portions of the Report as listed.
27 Commissioner Gordon made reference to the multi-colored sheets, Attachment II.C.4,
28 and said that 2010-11 is the year that Elementary School #11 was supposed to come on line.
29 Elementary School #10 is starting to exceed capacity. She said that the SAPFO was entered
30 into by a partnership with the Towns, the school boards, and the County Commissioners. The
31 County Commissioners have not made any decisions on changing this, so the Commissioners
32 should comply with the ordinance.
33 Commissioner Nelson said that at the last joint meeting with the school boards, the
34 County Commissioners did not get the budget information until they showed up at the meeting.
35 He said that one of the school boards submitted its budget two weeks in advance. He wants to
36 direct staff clearly and specifically to make sure the County Commissioners get information for a
37 meeting in time to digest the information.
38 A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
39 approve the 2009 SAPFOTAC Annual Report and certify those aspects of the Report in the
40 summary table, which is incorporated by reference.
41
42 A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
43 that staff be directed to ensure that the County Commissioners receive pertinent materials for
44 meetings at least 24 hours prior to those meetings, and ideally a week before those meetings.
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 n. Census 2010 Complete Count Committee
48 The Board considered approving the creation of a Complete Count Committee and
49 approving a partnership resolution to promote the 2010 Census to ensure that every resident in
50 the County is counted and authorizing the Chair to sign.
10
1 Commissioner Jacobs said that he had asked the Manager to send the list from 1999
2 and the list had not even been updated and there are a number of new entities that should be
3 added. He suggested pulling this item and asking staff to update it appropriately. He said that
4 one person from UNC is not enough.
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
6 table this item pending updates, corrections, and possible expansions of the Census 2010
7 Complete Count Committee.
8
9 Laura Blackmon asked that if anyone else has suggestions for members to please
10 forward to staff.
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 ~ Approval of FY 2009-19 Recommended County Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
14 The Board considered approval of the FY 2009-19 County Capital Investment Plan
15 (CIP).
16 Commissioner Gordon made reference to her memo with a proposed motion on it from
17 her. This is the suggested motion. She has talked with Donna Coffey about this, who
18 concurred with the motion.
19 Commissioner Hemminger said that there were some concerns about school projects
20 not on the list and she wants to make it clear that these are County projects only and this does
21 not include the school projects. Commissioner Gordon suggested adding "only" to the end of
22 the first sentence, which should be clearer.
23 A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
24 approve the summary of the FY 2009-19 County Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for County
25 Capital Projects only, with the following revisions: (1) Change two of the individual project titles
26 to reflect the BOCC decision made at a previous meeting, as follows: "Lands Legacy/Reserve
27 for Future Land Purchases" and "Lands Legacy/Mountains to Sea Trail" and (2) Change the title
28 of the summary document to reflect the action being taken, as follows: "Summary -County
29 Capital Investment Plan for County Capital Projects Only."
30 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
31
32 PUBLIC COMMENT:
33 Nerys Levy said that she is happy that the library is in the CIP.
34
35 r. Resolution Supporting the Orange County ABC Board's Operation of ABC Stores
36 and Opposing "Agency Stores"
37 The Board considered approval of a resolution requested by the Orange County ABC
38 Board supporting the Orange County ABC Board's operation of ABC stores and opposing
39 "Agency Stores" and authorizing the Chair to sign.
40 Commissioner Nelson said that he wanted to vote against this and he does not support
41 this position.
42 Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to hear from Dan Sykes from the ABC
43 Board.
44 Dan Sykes spoke about the Board's position.
45 Commissioner Hemminger said that the last time she attended the ABC Board meeting
46 they talked about the safety issues and training that goes into the agency stores versus
47 privatized stores. She said that the agency stores bring revenues into the district and these
48 would be lost in the privatization.
49 Commissioner Pelissier said that she had no idea what this item meant and she asked
50 about the revenues via ABC stores and Dan Sykes said that the ABC Board gives the general
11
1 fund $400,000 consistently and also gives to the schools in the county and promotes the drug
2 and alcohol coalition with the Towns and County. The ABC Board also provides for alcohol law
3 enforcement.
4 Commissioner Yuhasz said that he thought that this bill was suggesting that local ABC
5 stores could contract with private entities and Dan Sykes said that it would authorize the ABC
6 Board to do that but other sections of the bill would allow private stores.
7 Commissioner Yuhasz said that it seems like this is a suggestion that the local boards
8 have to do their job or let someone else do it. It seems that this is not something that he should
9 be opposed to. He clarified that he is not suggesting that the ABC Board is doing anything but
10 exemplary work.
11 Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like data on how the State distributes hard
12 liquor. He would also like to encourage someone that is an advocate of this proposal to talk
13 with Orange County's ABC Board and then the ABC Board could come back and report that to
14 the Board of County Commissioners.
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Gordon
16 to approve the resolution as shown below, authorize the Chair to sign it, and direct the Clerk to
17 the board to forward the signed resolution to the Orange County ABC Board.
18
19 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ORANGE COUNTY ABC BOARD'S OPERATION OF ABC
20 STORES AND OPPOSING "AGENCY STORES"
21
22 WHEREAS, the people of Orange County voted to permit the sale of spirituous liquor through
23 the establishment of the Orange County ABC Board, which is a part of the North Carolina's
24 control system for the sale of spirituous liquors; and
25
26 WHEREAS, Senate Bill 839/House Bill 768 (Modernization of the ABC System) would permit
27 agency stores for the sale of spirits where ABC stores are authorized but not in operation and
28 require an ABC board to contract with an agency store; and
29
30 WHEREAS, an "agency store" is a private retail seller like a grocery store, pharmacy or
31 convenience store and the people of Orange County did not vote to allow spirits to be sold in
32 such private off-premise retail establishments; and
33
34 WHEREAS, the State does not appropriate funds for the operation of the ABC Commission or
35 its warehouse, which are funded by spirits sales, or for local ABC Boards; and
36
37 WHEREAS, Orange County desires to retain North Carolina's control system over the sales of
38 spirits and to continue to make spirits available to its residents only through its ABC stores; and
39
40 WHEREAS, it is a local decision to establish and operate an ABC store and any decision not to
41 open an ABC Store should be made by the local ABC Board, not the State of North Carolina;
42
43 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners,
44 desire to maintain the operation of the County's ABC stores through the control system and
45 oppose agency stores.
46
47 This, the 5th day of May 2009.
48
49 VOTE: Ayes, 5; Nays, 2 (Commissioner Yuhasz and Commissioner Nelson)
50
12
1
2 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Chair Foushee to have the ABC
3 Board do an investigation, for the purpose of prompting input from proponents of agency stores
4 and additional discussion by the ABC Board and work with ABC Board to develop afollow-up
5 report including information on other states' frameworks/systems, to provide a report to the
6 BOCC at their June 16th meeting,
7
8
9 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10
11 5. Public Hearings
12 a. Public Hearing and A_nplication for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
13 Transit Funds
14 The Board held a required public hearing and considered approval of submitting an
15 application for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for rural transit projects and
16 authorizing the Chair to sign.
17 Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore introduced this item. The goal of this act
18 is to preserve and create jobs. The Federal Transit Administration has awarded North Carolina
19 $33.05 million for transportation for non-urbanized areas. All awards are fora 22-month period
20 and must be spent. There is no local match. This means that the money must be spent by
21 June 30, 2011. The application for funds is due to NCDOT no later than May 18, 2009. The
22 following requests will be made to NCDOT for funds to Orange County:
23
24 A. Rollina Stock: Replace eight vehicles in the transit fleet that are no longer in service
25 or require high maintenance costs. Requested amount: $1,517,600
26 B. Associated Capital: Purchase shop equipment and spare vehicle parts to provide
27 safe/faster maintenance of vehicles. Purchase four bike racks for public transit
28 vehicles. Promote alternative transportation by providing bike riders a safe storage
29 on public transit vehicles. Requested amount: $69,890
30 C. Facilitv Improvement: Install steps and hand rails at the Transportation vehicle
31 parking lot. Allow safe access for all employees to the vehicles. Requested
32 amount: $8,500
33 D. Facilitv Construction: Purchase a bus stop shelter to be located in the Hillsborough
34 downtown area. Requested amount: $6,750
35 E. Advanced Technology: Purchase transportation scheduling software that will
36 interface with Chapel Hill Transit software system. Future coordination between EZ
37 Rider and Orange Bus will be possible with this application. Requested amount:
38 $65,000
39 F. Preventative Maintenance: Request funds to assist with the maintenance of the
40 transit fleet. These funds would reduce the amount of funding Orange County
41 needs to ensure a safe and reliable transit fleet. Requested amount: $98,522
42 G. Mobility Management: Hire atime-limited (22 months) staff person to enhance and
43 market public transit in Orange County. This position would- coordinate
44 transportation services with Human Service organizations, operate transportation
45 brokerages to coordinate service providers, support local and state partnerships,
46 provide travel/trip training, and short term management for implementing
47 coordinated services. Requested amount: $94,400
48
49
13
1 In answer to a question by Commissioner Pelissier, AI Terry said that he has already
2 presented this application to DOT and it goes to the State Board of Transportation on May 8,
3 2009.
4 Commissioner Jacobs made reference to item D and asked if only one shelter was
5 needed. Jerry Passmore said that he was working with the Town on this and only one shelter in
6 downtown was wanted.
7 Commissioner Jacobs said that there is a park and ride lot in northern Hillsborough and
8 there is no bus shelter. He suggested having another shelter.
9 Commissioner Yuhasz verified that the language was clear that the time-limited
10 position would not be retained.
11 Commissioner Gordon verified that there is no limit on the amount of money the
12 County can request. She said that there are some concerns about where the park and ride lot
13 is going to be in Hillsborough. There is a tentative arrangement at the Maxway center. She
14 said that one or two more bus stop shelters would be favorable.
15 Jerry Passmore said that he could add two more shelters to this list and AI Terry said
16 that he would add this tomorrow.
17 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
18 authorize the Chair to sign the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to submit the
19 application and to accept the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds if approved, with
20 the stipulation that two more bus shelters in the Hillsborough area be added and that
21 alternative-fueled vehicles be suggested.
22 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
23
24 6. Regular Agenda
25 a. Orange County Library North Carolina Room (Local History Collection)
26 The Board received an Executive Report on the Local History Collection currently
27 located in the North Carolina Room of the Whitted Library to illustrate the future placement of a
28 core collection in the new library facility on West Margaret Lane, to begin a dialogue on how
29 best to use money left to the Library from Miss Rebecca Wall to sustain a core collection, and
30 to initiate the formal process for naming a meeting room in the new library for Miss Wall.
31 Library Services Director Lucinda Munger made a presentation and read a prepared
32 statement.
33
34 Good Evening,
35
36 I am Lucinda Munger, Orange County Library Director.
37
38 Thank you for allowing me to report on the North Carolina collection, its possible location within
39 the new library on West Margaret Lane, and the proposed disposition of the bequest of Ms.
40 Rebecca Wall.
41
42 Beginning this past January my primary responsibility has been to proceed with an orderly
43 transition from the current facility to the new library on West Margaret Lane. Of special concern
44 to us, and many others, has been the NC Room History Room collection, where we have
45 worked with specialists from the State Archives, genealogist from the NC State Library, the
46 curator of the NC Room UNC Wilson Library, plus consulted with other area public libraries with
47 local history collections.
48
49 Throughout the entire process the goals for the collection have been:
50
14
1 Maintain public accessibility
2 Best preservation and protection for the long-term sustainability of the collection.
3
4 After this long and thorough evaluation process, the findings and conclusions including specific
5 steps are outlined in more detail with support documentation, in the Executive Report. These
6 include:
7
8 Assign to the State Archives those original documents that have been stored away and
9 unavailable for public access due to age and deteriorating condition. These items include
10 sheriff's records, trial court records, justice dockets, and execution dockets from the 1700
11 and 1800's. These types of documents are routinely housed & preserved at the NC
12 Archives.
13 Offer at the new library facility on W. Margaret Lane a focused or "core collection" of local
14 histories and genealogy documents guided by recommendations of the state genealogist
15 and other local history librarians that reflect historical Orange County and its origins. This
16 constitutes about 90% of the current collection.
17
18 This collection can be maintained under current preservation practices and will be located in
19 the new facility on the 2"d floor near the reference collection and staff. This will provide for
20 an enhanced experience for the patrons since staff will be available at all times to answer
21 questions and monitor collection use. The microfilm, vertical file and NC periodicals will also
22 be on the same floor near the collection.
23
24 The picture of the Confederate Triad will be insured for $1000 and will also be housed in the
25 new library.
26
27 The library proposes using the interest from the Wall bequest to provide for support for the
28 collection, especially in the areas of acquisition of new/additional materials and if need be the
29 preservation of older items. It would also provide additional staff training in historical
30 collections, provide funds for matching grants in order to provide on-going programming
31 honoring Miss Wall and serving as a stimulus for economic tourism development. Examples,
32 of special programming would be research symposiums, history related lectures, exhibits, and
33 an award honoring scholarly research or preservation projects. Additional donations could be
34 solicited to create a `living legacy.'
35
36 In fulfilling Ms. Wall's bequest the library would:
37
38 Dedicate the large meeting room on the main floor in Rebecca Wall's honor, this naming
39 process to be presented at the next board meeting
40 Display in the meeting room the portrait of Thomas Ruffin's law office, painted on a tray
41 by Miss Wall.
42
43 The letter written by Mr. Gledhill to the library indicated that we would be using the funds in
44 accordance with Ms. Wall's will.
45
46 The Board could further explore the development of a Heritage Center with community assets
47 from the library, Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and its other supporting organizations, such
48 as, the Burwell School and the Hillsborough Museum. These future discussions, which I have
49 already begun with Ms. Elizabeth Reed, who is here this evening about convening a workgroup
15
1 on a Heritage Center, including potential partners that can evaluate the scope, administration,
2 collection and public participation of a proposed Heritage Center. This type of Center could be
3 utilized for tourism and Economic Development for Orange County and continue to enhance the
4 important historical position of Hillsborough, NC.
5
6 At this point I will be more than happy to answer any questions the Board may have.
7
8
9 Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to enter her memo for this item into the
10 record.
11
12 MEMORANDUM
13
14 To: BOCC and Manager
15 From: Alice Gordon
16 Re: Orange County Library Services and Facilities
17 Date: April 24, 2009
18
19 Over the last few years there have been several Library Services Task Force (LSTF) reports.
20 The ones I am referencing in this memorandum were produced in 2001, 2004, and 2007. At a
21 recent commissioners meeting, the Board had questions about those reports and related issues
22 about library services. In this memorandum I have summarized some of the essential points
23 from the reports, and provided comments about next steps. My sources include the task force
24 reports as well as agenda materials and minutes of commissioner meetings.
25
26 A. 2001 Task Force
27
28 The 2001 task force report was a 52 page document that provided an extensive compilation of
29 services and facilities, and the LSTF recommendations.
30
31 B. 2004 Task Force
32
33 The 2004 task force was charged with reviewing the 2001 LSTF report and making
34 recommendations to improve library services/facilities in Orange County specifically related to
35 the expansion of the central (main) library in Hillsborough and the branch library in Carrboro.
36
37 The task force made a number of recommendations, including one to establish a Southwest
38 Orange County regional branch library located in Carrboro that would combine the services of
39 the McDougle Middle Branch Library and the Cybrary. Also included was a Heritage Center
40 and it was stated that, if the site for the new Central Library was in downtown Hillsborough, it
41 was "recommended that the Heritage Center be housed in that library." A further
42 recommendation was the recognition of the Chapel Hill Public Library "as a significant partner in
43 the provision of library services to the County."
44
45 C. 2007 Task Force
46
47 The 2007 task force was charged with reviewing previous reports, including the 19 page
48 2004 LSTF report, as part of their overall charge.
49
50 1. At the December 3, 2007 meeting of the commissioners, the task force presented two
16
1 components related to the charge given to them. Included were library service standards for
2 Orange County, and capital and operational budget requests.
3
4 2. The task force made another presentation to the commissioners at a meeting in May 2008.
5 Among other things the presentation included the Executive Summary outlining the LSTF
6 recommendations. Also stated were three principles that were the basis of their
7 recommendations for library service in Orange County: (a) a regional approach, (b)
8 collaborative county-wide planning, (c) a 3-5 year plan to address immediate needs.
9
10 According to the minutes of the May 20, 2008 commissioners meeting, the Manager was asked
11 during the discussion "about the next steps since the Board is accepting this report and not
12 .adopting it. Laura Blackmon said that for a report like this, it is important for the Board of
13 County Commissioners to discuss it at a work session along with the financial implications.
14 This issue will come back to the Board in the fall."
15
16 The minutes show that the commissioners unanimously adopted a motion "to accept the Library
17 Services Standards and Facilities Needs Matrix developed by the 2007 Library Services Task
18 Force; and direct County and Library management to begin discussions for greater
19 collaboration with the Town of Chapel Hill."
20
21 D. Next Steps
22
23 1. Facilities
24
25 In the County CIP there is about $3 million budgeted over ten years for library services in
26 Orange County. The commissioners will need to decide for what purpose that money will be
27 used, and the priority order in which the facilities recommended by the task force might be
28 established. The 2007 LSTF report recommends both the construction of the Southwest
29 Orange Library and the establishment of the Heritage Center as next steps. A related decision
30 is whether the County should sell the county-owned building at 129 East King Street in
31 Hillsborough (4000 square feet, conditioned space, and 2000 square feet, warehouse) or use it
32 for the Heritage Center which is proposed to house historical and genealogical documents.
33
34 Soon the commissioners will also be reviewing the plans for the new Main Library in
35 Hillsborough. The first plans for the new library did not include space for moving the North
36 Carolina Room (local history collection) from the current library to the new library. After
37 questions about excluding the collection were raised, the possibility of housing around half of
38 the.North Carolina Room in the new library is now being considered by the staff and the
39 commissioners. It is my understanding that on May 5 the commissioners will be reviewing the
40 floor plans for the new library and receiving information on the Orange County Library NC
41 Room/ Heritage Center.
42
43 2. Operations
44
45 Also flowing from the LSTF reports is an operational question concerning how the regional
46 approach to providing library facilities, recommended by the LSTF, is to be discussed with the
47 Town of Chapel Hill and others. In the future there is the potential to explore the interoperability
48 among all Orange County libraries and to study the costs and benefits of implementing a
49 county-wide, jointly operated technical support system.
50
17
1 The pressing and immediate concern, however, is the 2009-2010 budget. At our April 16, 2009
2 meeting, the commissioners discussed the operational costs of library facilities and potential
3 cuts, and whether to close the branch libraries at McDougle Middle School and Cedar Grove.
4 We requested the library usage figures for all of the county libraries. Also raised was the
5 question of whether to continue the funding for the Chapel Hill Public Library and how to pursue
6 a conversation about that topic with elected officials in Chapel Hill.
7
8 We will have to resolve many of these issues as budget deliberations proceed and as we
9 discuss on May 5 the plans for the new library being constructed in downtown Hillsborough.
10
11
12
13 Commissioner Gordon said that these are tight budget times and she is glad to hear that
14 about 90% of the North Carolina Room will be housed in the new library.
15 Commissioner Gordon said that she cannot understand how the decision was made that
16 this room would not be in the new library and who made that decision. Laura Blackmon said
17 that in the will, it was pretty clearly understood that the will did not say it had to be in the library.
18 She said that it was always assumed that the reference materials in the North Carolina Room
19 would go into the library. The Heritage Center is not part of the library. The immediate decision
20 is that the North Carolina Room collection will go into the library and the Heritage Center will be
21 brought back in August.
22 Commissioner Gordon said that she wants to make sure that the N.C. Room is
23 adequately housed in the library. She said that she did notice that a great deal of the library is
24 for the 18 and under age group.
25 Commissioner Nelson thanked Lucinda Munger for an exceptionally well written and
26 clear report. He asked when the Heritage Center would come back to the Board for discussion.
27 Laura Blackmon said that it would be brought back to the first work session in August and then
28 to the AOG meeting in September.
29 Commissioner Nelson said that it is important to have this discussion sooner rather than
30 later. He is interested in disposing of property the County does not need.
31
32 PUBLIC COMMENT:
33 Bill Reid lives in Hillsborough and he thanked the Board for approving his point of view.
34 He said that the County needs a Heritage Center and it is a great investment.
35 Elizabeth Read is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. She
36 urged the County Commissioners to resist settling for anything less than what is in Rebecca
37 Wall's room. She said that what is proposed does not constitute a history room.
38 Richard Ellington lives in Carrboro and said that he applauds this study and he
39 encourages the County Commissioners to maintain the status quo with the libraries, which are
40 public classrooms for the County. He said that a Heritage Center is needed and this has been
41 ignored during the good times and now the bad times. They need to start planning now for this.
42 He suggested looking at this as only an interim solution in the North Carolina Room.
43 Darcy B. Croft is the Executive Director of the Orange County Historical Museum. She
44 reiterated Ms. Read's suggestions, especially the work group suggested by Ms. Munger. She
45 said that a Heritage Center will reflect positively on Orange County as a whole.
46
47 Commissioner Jacobs said that this conversation was picked up on April 7t" about
48 divestiture of properties and developing a work group to discuss the Heritage Center. He
49 suggested that Lucinda Munger come back with a charge for this new task force at the next
18
1 meeting. He suggested holding off on spending any money until there is a better idea as to
2 what should be done with Ms. Wall's funds.
3 Commissioner Jacobs said that he wanted to refer to an email sent by Ms. Tullos in
4 response to Commissioner Cordon's email that two of the three library task forces did
5 recommend a separate Heritage Center.
6 Laura Blackmon asked for a motion to set up a task force.
7 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
8 approve setting up a task force to evaluate the scope, the administration, the collection, and the
9 public participation of a proposed Heritage Center.
10 Lucinda Munger asked to add the Historic Preservation Commission to the work group.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14 Commissioner Gordon said that she thinks the reason there has been so much trouble
15 and confusion with the new library and the North Carolina Room is because of the way the
16 County Campus was approved. The County Campus and Library proposal was only available
17 to the public for one week and there was such a quick vote. She said that there was not a very
18 transparent process.
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
21 to receive the Executive Report on the Local History Collection currently housed in the North
22 Carolina Room of the Whiffed Library; authorize staff to transfer those items that require
23 archival storage to the North Carolina State Archives in accordance with the procedure outlined
24 in the Executive Report; approve recommendation by staff to relocate a "core collection" (the
25 remaining materials and bulk of the Collection) to the new library facility on West Margaret
26 Lane; approve using the Rebecca Wall bequest in support of the "core collection" as described
27 in the agenda abstract; initiate the process of formally naming the meeting room in the new
28 library facility for Rebecca Wall in accordance to the Orange County Property Naming Policy
29 adopted on March 3, 2009; agree to explore the proposed Heritage Center concept at a future
30 date; and agree to use the work session on August 20th to deal primarily with Library Services.
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 Commissioner Jacobs said that it is untrue that there was not a public process.
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Chair Foushee to bring
35 back a report on what the process was for the County Campus and Library, including a
36 chronology.
37 VOTE: Ayes, 6; No, 1 (Commissioner Nelson - He said that this is a battle from the past)
38
39 b. Reorganization of Asset Acquisition, Development and Manaaement
40 Functions
41 The Board considered approving the Manager's recommendations for reorganization of
42 County departments whose function encompasses the acquisition, management, and care of
43 County assets.
44 Laura Blackmon said that the County Commissioners have seen this before and
45 reviewed the departments that would come under the Purchasing and Central Services
46 Director. The working title of the department is Asset Management and Purchasing
47 Department. Purchasing and Central Services would be combined with Engineering and Public
48 Works. The consolidation would be effective July 1, 2009.
49 The proposed responsibilities of the department would include:
50 - Acquisition and tracking of assets
19
1 - Assessment, development, and coordination of capital projects the County
2 undertakes, including parks
3 - Development and care of County facilities, including grounds
4 - Assessment and care of vehicles and equipment
5 - Care and protection of all County assets through development of effective risk
6 management strategies and insurance
7 - Proper disposal of County assets at the end of their usable life
8 - Engineering and project support for Efland Sewer
9
10
11 Commissioner Pelissier asked about the reorganization with one department head and
12 what happens to the other department heads with regards to status and salary. She also said
13 that not having a formal organization chart can create anxiety with staff.
14 Laura Blackmon said that most of the roles that change are not going to be in the
15 grounds and fleet management, but more in the professional areas. This topic has been
16 discussed with staff for months. There would still be the individual functions, but in a more
17 interconnected and efficient way.
18 Commissioner Yuhasz thanked the Manager for looking for ways to reorganize and be
19 efficient and he asked that she continue to look for ways that the County can be more efficient.
20 Commissioner Hemminger said that she supports the more streamlined approach but
21 the timing is not good with an Interim Manager coming on.
22 Laura Blackmon said that these departments would all be moving in the new building
23 except for Public Works in the summer. She said that one reason she is keeping Purchasing
24 separate from Financial Services is that you do not want the same department purchasing as is
25 paying for items.
26 Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the work session in February 2009 and he still
27 thinks that Transportation needs to be with Public Works. He said that though they will be in an
28 interim era, he would like the Manager to look at reorganizing the County more -such as small
29 departments, early retirement, etc. He would welcome more aggressive and creative thought
30 before the Manager leaves. Chair Foushee agreed.
31 Commissioner Nelson said that over time he has grown more comfortable with the
32 proposal but Commissioner Hemminger had strong arguments about the timing. He said that
33 he worries about an interim person coming on and dealing with this. He said that he does
34 appreciate the efforts put into this.
35 Commissioner Pelissier agreed and suggested that the Board approve this and then
36 defer the enactment until the permanent Manager comes on board.
37 Commissioner Gordon said that she is concerned about the timing too and there is no
38 formal organizational chart. She said that it would be better if there was an overall plan for
39 reorganization. She agreed with approving in concept and letting the new Manager review it.
40 She would like a more formal organizational chart with the job descriptions fleshed out.
41 Commissioner Nelson asked the Manager about the timing issue and asked if she had
42 any suggestions on how to structure this timing wise.
43 Laura Blackmon said that the people in these departments were ready to move forward
44 in February. She said that the reason she did not bring forward job descriptions is that some of
45 the positions would evolve. She said that she could bring an organizational chart of the existing
46 positions.
47 Commissioner Pelissier said that the whole focus is what kind of efficiencies the County
48 will have in the long-term. She thinks that there should be an assessment of the reorganization
49 on a timeline and it should be checked regularly.
20 '~~
1 Commissioner Yuhasz asked if the departments could be integrated by July 1St and
2 Laura Blackmon said that she thought so.
3 A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
4 approve the reorganization as presented.
5 VOTE: Ayes, 5; Nays, 2 (Commissioner Hemminger and Commissioner Gordon)
6
7 Commissioner Nelson said that it will be imperative that the County Commissioners ask
8 questions of the Interim Manager about their reorganizational experience.
9
10
11 7. Resorts
12 a. Domestic Violence: A Background Report on Question of Need for a
13 Shelter in Oranae County
14 The Board received a background report on the incidence and alternatives to persons
15 experiencing domestic violence in Orange County along with a proposal for helping to facilitate
16 a community response.
17 Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey said that it was a year ago that the Board was
18 approached by advocates who saw a need for a domestic violence shelter in Orange County.
19 The Board asked the staff to come back with some information about what the Board could do
20 regarding this. She made reference to the memo from Human Rights and Relations, which
21 provided an overview of what has been happening in Orange County about domestic violence.
22 There was a proposal embedded in the abstract from the Commission for Women.
23 Human Rights and Relations Director Shoshannah Sayers said that this is a growing
24 problem and most of her statistics came from the Family Violence Prevention Center. She
25 reviewed her memo.
26
27 PUBLIC COMMENT:
28 Shannon Jackson read a prepared statement.
29 "Hello and good evening County Commissioners. On behalf of the Orange County
30 Commission for Women, I am speaking on the issue of obtaining a Domestic Violence Shelter
31 in Orange County.
32 Last year we came before the Board with the Family Violence Prevention Center to shed
33 light and awareness on the issue of domestic violence and the need for a shelter. Since that
34 time, the Commission for Women has met to discuss the issue with Representative Verla Insko
35 and Senator Ellie Kinnaird, both of whom have expressed their support for the establishment of
36 a Domestic Violence shelter in Orange County.
37 Additionally, at a recent Commission for Women retreat, the Commission set as one of its
38 goals, the development of a partnership with local organizations such as the Family Violence
39 Prevention Center, The Women's Center, The Orange County Rape Crisis Center, The Inter-
40 Faith Council, The Carolina Women's Center and other organizations that need to be involved
41 in the conversation about the Domestic Violence shelter. Our first step is educating ourselves
42 more about domestic violence. We are having Domestic Violence training conducted by the
43 Family Violence Prevention Center at our June 11 meeting, and we have invited members of
44 the Human Relations Commission to join us for that training and we would like to invite all of
45 you -members of the Board as well. From there, our next step is a face to face meeting with
46 all the stakeholders.
47 Building a Task Force with local organizations and existing resources will make it
48 possible to identify the gaps in more detail as well as identify the resources that each
49 organization provides so that there is no overlapping of resources in the community. We will
21
1 then be able to make a more informed recommendation on possible solutions to the issue of a
2 Domestic Violence Shelter.
3 It is important to have the Board of County Commissioners' support for this issue so that
4 we can move forward with viable backing from County Government officials. We can seek
5 assistance from UNC, Federal Government, State, etc., but it would be hard to move forward
6 without an official stamp of approval from the Orange County Commissioners. I would like to
7 quote Rita Anita Linger, Director of the North Carolina Coalition for Domestic Violence: `The
8 need for a shelter in Orange County is at the critical stages now. The coalition works with
9 shelter programs that are full with no room in the surrounding counties and women find
10 themselves sleeping in the streets in harm's way within Orange County. I am constantly
11 hearing from victims and programs who can't accommodate Orange County residents into their
12 shelters because they are at capacity.'
13 We all know that we are facing challenging economic times. In some ways, however,
14 that is even more reason to move forward with a Domestic Violence shelter in Orange County -
15 economic hardship is one of the many issues that victims of domestic violence face and can
16 also be the cause of Domestic Violence. Without sufficient income of their own or a safe place
17 to go, so many women are likely to stay with their abuser and have no other choice but to have
18 their children live in environments of domestic violence as well.
19 Please consider moving forward on this issue and help us find a solution for a Domestic
20 Violence Shelter in Orange County, and show that this County is truly one of the most
21 "progressive" counties in North Carolina.
22 Thank you for your time and consideration."
23
24 Beverly Kennedy, Executive Director of the Family Violence Prevention Center, said that
25 there is definitely a need for a domestic violent shelter in Orange County. She said that she
26 spent five years as the Director of a battered women's shelter in Massachusetts. She said that
27 it is imperative that a study group be commissioned to discuss all of the considerations of
28 having a shelter. She said that shelters must have mental health services and substance abuse
29 services.
30 Kelly Eubanks was from the N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She said that this
31 coalition provides support services to all domestic violence programs in the State. She read a
32 letter from the Executive Director of the N. C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The letter
33 reiterated the need for a shelter in Orange County.
34
35 Commissioner Nelson asked Beverly Kennedy about the non-profit versus for-profit.
36 Beverly Kennedy expressed that it will take the whole community working together to build a
37 shelter.
38 Commissioner Pelissier asked about what has been done in neighboring counties. Gwen
39 Harvey said that the shelters in other counties are run by non-profits.
40 Chair Foushee said that not having a shelter in Orange County has been along-standing
41 problem. The shelter in Durham was run by anon-profit.
42 Commissioner Yuhasz made reference to the letter from 1999 about the three buildings
43 that were built and are still under the control of the Inter-Faith Council. He said that the third
44 building was specifically supposed to be used a domestic violence shelter. He asked what it is
45 being used for now. Gwen Harvey said that it is incorporated as part of Project HomeStart. It is
46 not a domestic violence shelter, but it would serve women that were victims of domestic
47 violence. It is not portrayed as a domestic violence shelter.
48 Hudson Fuller said that she was the Domestic Violence Coordinator for Orange County in
49 1995. She is also one of the founders of the Family Violence Prevention Center. She said that
50 the IFC does not have the expertise to run a domestic violence shelter and the knowledge about
22
1 the security that needs to be in place. She said that the Coalition for Battered Women was
2 never able to bring forth what was acceptable to the County Attorney in terms of liability to open
3 a shelter. She said that IFC has always been very willing to house battered women, but it is
4 transitional housing and it is a known location. There is not enough security there for battered
5 women. She said that whatever was agreed upon with the Coalition for Battered Women is not
6 valid because the organization does not exist anymore. The Family Violence Prevention Center
7 was aoff-shoot of the Coalition for Battered Women.
8 Commissioner Jacobs asked what the stakeholders were asking the Board to do exactly.
9 Shannon Jackson said that they need resources to generate a more detailed report.
10 They would like the Board of County Commissioners to get behind them on this. The
11 stakeholders need to get together.
12 A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to
13 direct staff, along with the Commission for Women, to facilitate the startup of a work group on
14 this matter; that the seed money in the amount of $1,200 be used to facilitate the work of this
15 group; and that a charge be brought back to the Board of County Commissioners as soon as
16 possible.
17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
18
19 b. Emergency Services Annual Report: Performance Update and Recommendations
20 for Continuous Improvement
21 The Board received a report of changes made within the Emergency Services
22 Department to improve performance and enhance safety throughout Orange County along with
23 projected costs to support and sustain continuous improvement.
24 Emergency Services Director Frank Montes de Oca made a PowerPoint presentation,
25 which is given below.
26
27 A Year in Review
28 A Presentation to the Board of Orange County Commissioners Highlighting the
29 Accomplishments and Immediate Challenges Facing Orange County Emergency
30 Services
31
32 Reflecting on Achievements
33
34 A Dedicated Staff
35 -Taking on New Responsibilities
36 -Developing New Leadership Skills
37 -Planning for Future Community Needs
38 -Creating Succession Planning
39 -Addressing Partner Needs
40
41 Facility Upgrades
42 -New 911 Communications Center
43 -Enhanced Emergency Operations Center
44 -Updated Department Headquarters
45 -Efland Rescue Station/EMS Station 4
46 -County Warehouse
47
48 Operationallmprovements
49 -IRV to Traditional EMS Delivery System
23
1 -Countywide EMS Training Program
2 -800 MHz System Cutovers
3 -Safety Monitoring of Radio Traffic
4 -Customer-Focused Planning
5
6 Project Successes
7 -VIPER Radio System
8 -Address Mapping Updates
9 -Special Operations Teams
10 -CAMETS
11 -Community EMS Station Location Plan
12
13
14 A Changing Community
15 - Increases in overall population
16 - Growth in traditionally rural areas
17 - Increases in chronic disease
18 - Population is aging
19
20 Increasing Demand
21 Total incidents requiring 9-1-1 dispatch in Orange County:
22 - 2000 - 143,948
23 - 2004 -160,014
24 - 2008 -165,400
25 - Percentage growth from 2000-2008 - 76%
26 - Percentage growth from 2008-2009 - 26%
27
28 Below the Bar
29 Paramedic response goal - 12 minutes
30 Current paramedic response time - 17 minutes
31 The number of times in 2008 that the community called 9-1-1 for an ambulance and none was
32 available - 235
33
34 Where We Need to Be
35 Provide the highest standard of care and customer service when citizens and visitors call 9-1-1.
36
37 EMS Objective
38 - 12-minute Paramedic response time
39 - Outstanding Medical Care
40
41 Communications Objective
42 - 00:00:45 Dispatch Time
43 - Full operational safety monitoring to citizens and responders
44
45 How Do We Get There
46 An Integrated Approach:
47 Operations Staff.•
48 - Increased Field Staff
49 - Increased Ambulances
50 - Increased Communicators
24
1
2 Support Staff.•
3 - Quality Assurance
4 - EMS Support Staff
5 - Disaster Planner/Logistician
6
7 Equipment and Tech:
8 - Three Ambulances
9 - Radio System Upgrades
10 - Training
11 - Community EMS Facilities
12 -
13 Resources in Action
14 Add Ops Staff, Add Equipment, Support Staff = 12 minutes
15
16 Without More Resources
17 No Ops Staff, No Equipment, No Support Staff = 17+ minutes
18
19
20 EMS Staffing/Resource Models
21 •24/72 (Current)
22 -24 hours on/72 hours off
23 -On-Call Consistently Needed
24 -Reduces Available Units
25 -Maintains High Response Times
26
27 •24/48 KD (Kelly Day)
28 -On 24 hours/Off 48
29 -Off Every 5th Shift
30 -Decreases Staff Recovery Time
31 -Increases Resource Availability
32 -Reduces OT
33 -Requires More Staffing
34 -Costs More
35
36 •24/72 PL (Peak Load)
37 -Hybrid of Current Model
38 -Allows Staffing When/Where Needed
39 -Allows Staff Recovery
40 -Allows Appropriate Supervision
41 -Up to 2 More Units Without Added Cost
42 -Could Reduce OT Costs
43
44 In Closing
45 Goal: Care for and serve the community. Without these resources.....
46 - Longer EMS response times
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- More calls with no resources
- Poor patient outcomes
- Loss of public confidence
- Continued drop in morale
- Reduced field unit safety monitoring
- Increased injuries and workers comp
- Increased overtime
- Increased sick time
- Continued employee turnover
Commissioner Gordon asked Frank Montes de Oca to put the North Chatham stations
on the map that he presented. Even though they are not in Orange County, they serve the
citizens of Orange County.
8. Board Comments -DEFERRED
9. County Manaaer's Report-DEFERRED
10. Appointments-NONE
11. Information Items
• Update on 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan and Conformity Analysis and
Determination Report
12. Closed Session-NONE
13. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to adjourn the meeting at 10:39 PM.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Valerie Foushee, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CMC
Clerk to the Board