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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19770223i(~0 The fifth priority is work on the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Officer stated that the Land Classification System still needed to be developed. Much of this work will be that of the Planning Board, and the Advisory Councils, as well as the amended Zoning Ordinance. The last priority is the identification of environmentally critical areas in the County. Discussion ensued concerning the establishing of the Advisory Councils in the townships. Some questions asked were (1) how many people should serve from each township? The answer was that the representatives may vary. The number of members should be a recommendation from the Planning Board. (2) Are those appointed to the Advisory Countils to be experts or general representatives of the population? The answer was that the representatives should be those who will provide input and who are awaxe of the problems in their specific area. Col. Breeze asked how the composition of the Planning Board was decided upon. The Chairman replied that a representative was appointed from each township, and more were appointed from the two townships where zoning already exist. Pat Crawford asked about the terms of the members to the Planning Board. The Chairman stated that the members of the Planning Board would draw far the terms at their first meeting. Chris Edwards, Planning Assistant, stated that the new Planning Board would want to create Bylaws and elect officers. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the six objectives, which the Planning Director had pointed out, involved a major task which would require an enormous amount of work. He stated that when zoning is extended to Bingham, Cheeks and Hillsborough Townships, this would bring about a larger amount of plats to be approved. The Board of Commissioners hoped that some of the administrative procedures, which took up time at the Commissioners' meetings, would be worked out at the Planning Board level. Commissioner Gustaveson briefly reviewed a draft of the amended Sub- division Regulations, pointing out specific areas which had been changed or added. The Chairman again express his appreciation to the Planning Board for attending this meeting and for their .willingness to serve the County in this capacity. ~.~ %~ ~ ~ i r C ~ ~I,i`1~ ' ~ l ~ d Richar E. Whitted, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Clerk ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FEBRUARY 23, 1977 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, February 23, 1977, at 7:00 p.m., in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough. Present were Chairman Richard Whitted, Commissioner Norman Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, and Donald Willhoit. Absent was Commissioner Norman Walker. Others persent were S. M. Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans, Finance Director, Agatha Johnson, Clerk, and Joe Massif, Architect responsible for the design of old Grady Brown Buildings. y~i The Chairman stated that the purpose of the meeting was to talk about mutual concerns of the Library Board and the Board of Commissionrs relative to new space far the library. He understood that the Library Board had new information to share with the Commissioners and new points to raise concerning the library. Mr. Whitted recognized A. T. Davison, Chairman of the Confederate Library Board. Others from the Library Board present were Lloyd Osterman, Director of the Hyconeechee Regional Library, Bonnie Davis, Cecil Sanford, Francis B. deFriess, Catherine Seelye, and Virginia Warren. Mr. Davison stated that the Library Board had some reservations about moving to the Grady Browm complex and felt that these reservations needed to be aired. He stated that the feelings of the Library Board was that _ while the square footage of the Grady Brown area barely, basically, sati- sfied the projection, which were made based on the Orange County Growth Options Conference, the Library Board still felt the footage was inade- quate because of the building, the surroundings, and the other occupants in the building. These factors would present an atmosphere that is not the atmosphere for the setting of a library. He stated that a library should be a place of welcome and one which encouraged people to come in and utilize the facility. He stated that a library in the middle of governmental operations would be a very poor choice under any circum- stances. Mr. Davison stated that he now understood that other agencies within the County were in need of additional space at the Grady Brown Complex and that the space which was set aside for the library could be used for these agencies. Mr. Davison concluded that the Library Board felt they would be better off in the long run to stay in the present occupied building for a period of at least 5 years and during that time make a strong effort to locate monies from any source (private or federal) and build at the end of that period, a library that answers the true use and atmosphere a library should have. The Library Board does not feel that the Grady Brown School complex will be a first class facility for the next 40 years, which is the time frame the Library Board is faced with. He added that once a library is placed at a particular location, it stays there for centuries. Bonnie Davis stated that she agreed with Mr. Davison's comments and strongly suggest that this part of the County have a first class facility in terms of a library. She stated that a library of this type would do a great deal toward the culture enrichment for the population in this part of the County. That this could be an adult learning center with many activities going on at the same times. The public would soon look the library as a real learning center, especially for adults. Commissioner Gustaveson asked to be brought up to date in terms of footage required. Mr. Davison stated that the Library Board first asked far 12,000 square feet of space, however, after further studies, the Board realized that 16,000 square feet of library oriented space will be needed, which is an estimate based on a population figure of 60,000 for the next 20 years. If population continues to grow as it has in the last 6 years, then the 16,000 square feet is a conservative estimate. Mr. Davison spoke of guidelines which had been received from the American Library Association. Populations of from 25,000 to 50,000, the book collection should be 50,000 volumes plus 2 books per capita. A significant figure of the guidelines was the space estimate of .6 square foot per capita. He added that the number of the present books at the library is between 23,000 adn 24,000. The library staff has limited the purchase of new books. Commissioner Willhoit asked if the figure of square footage per capita applied to libraries which have active bookmobiles? Mr. Davison replied, "yes, for a total library operation." Commissioner Gustaveson asked what percentage of circulation came through the bookmobile. Mr. Osterman replied that about 45,000 per year pf book circulation, not units of service, about 40 percent of bookmobile circulation. He added that what the library could do and what they are doing now, are two different things, based on a lack of facilities. 1('~ Mr. Davison stated.•that.the° library served approximately 12,000 people in a six month period. He spoke of what the Library Board felt a library should be. He mentioned the need of space fox meetings to accomodate up to 150 people. He stated that this would augment the library's usefulness to the County tremendously. Most libraries which are built under modern circumstances are going to provide a total learning center, available for use 54 to 60 hours a week. Ms. Seelye stated that the most one could seat in the present library was 1S people, and based on the present population of 49,000 they should be able to seat 75 people. Commissioner Gustaveson asked Mr. Nassif of the available space for the library at the Grady Brown complex. Mr. Nassif stated that the entire second floor had been assigned to the library which was 12,000 plus square footage. Chairman Whitted summarized by stating that the Library Board was saying they prefrred to stay where they presently are, even if it is aor a period of five years, and meanwhile, work at obtaining funds for construction of a new facility. Commissioner Gustaveson asked of the status of the present library building, assuming the library stayed there. Mr. Davison stated that there were alternatives, in case the library was requested to move. One alternative, which the Board is, actively pur- suing, is the opening of a branch in Carrboro. The liblary has been offered space in the new mall in Carrboro. This space will be larger than what is now available in Hillsborough. Discussion ensued concerning the use of the Grady Brown space for the Mental Health Center. Mr. Nassif stated that Mental Health originally requested 1500 square feet, however, since other programs had been added to the agency, approxi- _ mately 7,000 square feet would be needed, and if the administrative staff moved to Brady Brown from Chapel Hill, he would estimate the need for at least 10,000 square feet. - Chairman Whitted stated that all the space at Grady Brown would be used, regardless of whether the library went there ar not, and that all the monies would be used as well. He stated that the planning procedures of the bond issue for the shcools, were based on certain ideas developed by the Board of Commissioners. The intention was to put the capital money into renovating Grady Brown, which would be the capital expenditure for the County for the next year, before additional shcool buildings would be needed. He added that we are still talking about renovating 57,000 square feet of space at Grady Brown, and all the money will be used, whether the library goes there nr not. He added that he felt sure the Library Board had taken this into consideration. Mr. Davison reminded-the Board that several years ago, $SD,000 was set aside for the T,ib~ary's future use. Mr. Whitted stated that he knew there was $50,000 set aside in the Building Fund, but he did not know it was "earmarked." Mr. Osterman stated that this Board of Commissioners should think of Orange County for future years, that the Library Board could not and should not accomobate themselves to something that is not representatives of Orange County, and Grady Brown does net represent Orange•County. He added that if the Library Board could find some source of monies, the Board would come at the Commissioners with an urgent plea to dig deep and find -- monies far construction. Ms. Seelye asked if the Commissioners were aware of the plight of the Library Board in the lack of proper facilities. She stated that the Board felt this program was as important to the citizens as Mental Health, Social Services, and Recreation. Commissioner Willhoit stated that he had not seen any statistics in writing about the library needs. He asked for an evaluation by the Library Board, with long range plans. Mr. Willhoit added that he did not see the need for a branch Library in Carrboro. That it seemed more logical to support the Chapel. Hill ibrary as a facility for the'ai.tizens of the sv.s of the County, and to supplement the Chapel Hill library with a bookmobile. Mr. Osterman stated that the Chapel Hill library was an overused facility and there was difficulty in finding parking space in Chapel Hill. He stated that before Commissioner Willhoit came on th Soard of Cammis- sianers, the Library Board justified the need for a new library, and there was much support for a new library. He added that he just did not feel it was necessary for the Library Board to do this all over again. Commissioner Willhoit stated that when he came on the Board of Commissioners he was presented with a document which proposed a means to meet the library's needs. That all he had heard tonight was dis- cussion that this proposal of Mr. Nassif was not adequate. He stated that he had no information regarding the source of the figures quoted (two books per capita or for the figure of .6 square foot per capita). He added that if the Library Berard was trying to convince him of the need, he would like to see something in black and white. • Mr. Davison stated that he would see that this information is pro- vided to Commissioner Willhoit. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he felt the Board had responded to the Library Board's concerns which were express aver the years. This was the reason for the facility study and the long range program. The library is a component part of all this, and the County was trying to utilize in the best possible way the scarce resources which are available. He stated, that the library's close proximity to the Recreatien Department could became a place where people could .come for a variety of recreation, not just in the sense of basketball, etc., but could be an ideal situation, for these two facilities to coordinate, cooperate and co-sponsor programs. The third element, Mr. Gustaveson spoke of concerning the library was the possible extension to the back of the main floor level to handle future programs for the library. Chairman Whitted asked what is the cost other libraries are being built at this time. Discussion ensued concerning the cost per square foot, for building a library within the next five years. Mr. Nassif stated that a fair estimate would be about $40.00 per square foot. Cost could be estimated as between 1.1 and 1.7 million dollars. Mr. Whitted pointed out some of the considerations discussed when the decision was made to renovate the Grady Brown. One issue was the economic consideration of how much resources were available and how much could be committed to capital expansion in the County. He stated that the study Mr. Nassif presented to the Board put the Commissioners in a range where they felt a lot could be accomplished within a short period of time, based on the original projection of construction of a new jail, providing space for the library and relieving the overcrowdedness in the Courthouse. He stated that he still felt this was the plan to accomplish all of this. If there are overriding considerations that makes it impassible for the library to use the Grady Brown, there is no need to have a facility which cannot be used. The Chairman added that he was not convinced that the library at Grady Brown would not be an inviting facility. He added that he would hate to spend monies and not have a first rate facility. Discussion ensued concerning a possible bond issue in the next three to five years for the construction of a library. - Mr. Davison stated that he was still in fear and trembling of the move to Grady Brown, that he would prefer, if possible, to foresee within a five year period a move toward a more adequate building. That the Library Board would much prefer to stay where they are. He added that if the Board foresaw no possiblity of providing the Library"s physical need within this five year period, then the Library will be forced to move to the Grady Brown Complex. He emphasized again that the Library Board did not feel this was an adeugate facility, and that it did not meet the needs of Orange County citizens. Mr. Nassif informed the Board that he was getting behind an the design of Grady Brown, due to the Library decision which had to be settled and the Health Department matter that had just recently been ~®~ settled. Mr. Nassif was still unclear of whom he should talk with at the Health Department concerning preliminary plans. He was requested to meet with senior staff employees of the Department and attempt to work out some interim plans.: Commissioner Willhoit suggested that the architect talk with people from the School of Public Health concerning the basic needs of a Health Department. Mr. Nassif stated that if the Library did not go into Grady Brown, he would have to take another look at the building, particularly the Social Services Department. (Commissioner Willhoit left the meeting at this paint.) Commissoner Gustaveson pointed out that Grady Brown was still in the design stages, and that the Library Board should meet with the architect and attempt to work together in the design plans of the space _ at Grady Browri. He spoke further of the possible design of the court- yard being a cultural square. He stated that this area had many possi- bilities and that many of the problems which had been mentioned could be licked. He added that he was concerned about additional library services and programs being ready in two years instead of operating under the present constrains for seven to ten years. Mz. Gustaveson added that the County still had a portion of the proposal to implement which is not in- cluded in the current funding operation. He spoke of the needs of the schools within the next three to four years, as well as other programs which will be emerging: He re-emphasized his feelings that to wait and hope for a bond issue to build a new structure was a great risk. Mr. Sanford stated that there were risks both ways and he felt the risk of holding out a few more years was the better way. Chairman Whitted summarized that the Library Board feels they should wait and remain in the present structure, with the hopes that a new facility will be provided in the future. Commissioner Pinney stated that he would like to wait before making a final decision to hear from Mental Health. Commissioner Gustaveson suggested that the Library Board, Mr. Nassif, and members of the Board of Commissioners tour the Grady Hrown complex on Friday, February 25, 1977, The time of 3:30 p.m., was scheduled for this tour. /' The meeting was then adjourned. ~ ,- ~ 7 ~ / L ~ ~, Richard E. Whitted, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Clerk ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FEBRUARY 28, 1977 The Orange County Hoard of Commissioners met on Monday, February 28, 1977, for the regular quarterly scheduled public hearing on planning matters with the Planning Board and Staff. The meeting began at 7:30 p.m., in the Superior Courtroom of the Courthouse in Hillsborough. Commissioners present were Chairman Richard Whitted, Norman Walker, Norman Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, and Donald Willhoit. Planning Board members present were Chairman Charles Johnston, Dr. Robert Boner, Marilyn Riddle, Jean Anderson, Pat Crawford, Hazel Lansford, Col. William Breeze, Lindsey Efland, Andrew Dobelstein, Art Cleary, and Paul Gates. Others present were $. M. Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans, Finance Director, Jeffrey Gledhill,. County Attorney, Ervin Dobson,Planning Director, Hal Minis, and Chris Edwards, members of the Planning Staff, and Agatha Johnson, Clerk. Chairman Richard Whitted called the meeting to order and announced